Things That are Pure

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 132: Today, I am grateful for things that are pure.

Happy Mother's Day! I decided to spend another day reflecting on Philippians 4:8.

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." -Philippians 4:8 

Not many things are pure. The scriptures are clear and we know it if we look in the mirror... "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." It is why we need a Savior. 

Still, a mother's love for their children is pretty special. It is fierce, protective, and pretty close to pure. 

Today, I am grateful for things that are pure.

Things That Are Lovely

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 131: Today, I am grateful for things that are lovely. 

It is not the most common word in the New Testament. The Greek word is "prosphilēs" and translates as "acceptable" or "lovely." 

I find I am drawn to the word. Not everything has to be big and grandiose. Some things are perfect by simply being "lovely." 

The first cup of coffee, tea, or cacao in the morning. That is lovely. The scent of fresh cut grass is lovely, too. Closing your eyes and lifting your face to the sun on a cool spring day is absolutely lovely. 

I find there is a calmness associated with things that are lovely. These are good things to think on. . 

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." -Philippians 4:8

Today, I am grateful for things that are lovely. 

Soft Strength

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 130: Today, I am grateful for soft strength.

"How strange that the grass is all the remains standing after the storm," said the Boy.
"Sometimes being soft is strong," said the Rabbit.

These words speak to my heart as I think about Mother's Day. If you still have her here, hug your Mama well. 

I can't help but think about one of my best friends, DeAnn, who joined Jesus last fall. She is having a heavenly reunion with her own mother... who was also named "Ina" ... this Mother's Day. Their joy is full, but the grief here is fresh and deep. 

DeAnn, like my own Mama,  didn't just mother her own children, she mothered anyone who needed a little extra dose of tender-loving care sprinkled with common sense. When a person was weary, DeAnn was the best of companions. Yes, she and my Mama were more alike than I ever realized until sitting down to write this post. 28 years of friendship was wonderful, but not long enough. 

Mama and DeAnn were both great examples of "soft strength." When their children were faced with broken hearts, their hearts broke, too. Still, they would keep it together and remain calm and strong on the outside. 

They knew that to love deeply would require opening themselves up to the joys and the sorrows of living. They loved deeply anyway. Their soft strength recognized weariness in their world and they would offer to share the load.  

Then I think about Jesus, who exemplified soft being strong. By his stripes, we are healed. 

"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:2

Today, I am grateful for soft strength.

Evidence of Value

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 129: Today, I am grateful for evidence of value.

Any item of value is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

"Consider how precious a soul must be, when both God and the devil are after it." -Charles Spurgeon 

Ponder that for a minute or two. How exciting... and humbling it is... at the same time. 

We love to watch "Antiques Roadshow." One man's junk is another man's treasure" is the old saying. What might seem really ugly and worthless to one person, is another person's long searched for treasure. The value of art is subjective. So is the worth of a gemstone, precious metal, and even antique tractors and toys. 

Then I thought about this verse:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

How do you measure the worth of a soul? It is a priceless treasure sought after for eternity. 

Today, I am grateful for evidence of value.

Reminders to Press On

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 128: Today, I am grateful for reminders to press on.

Some days are long. We all grow weary at times. We all need a little encouragement and reminders to press on. 

" So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." -Galatians 6:9 NLT

Keep doing what is good. Keep doing what is kind. Keep doing what is helpful. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to press on.

Size Checks

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 127: Today, I am grateful for size checks.

"Stop making what people did to you bigger than what Jesus did for you." -Christine Caine

Christine and her husband, Nick, fight human trafficking through their organization, A21. Helping victims find help, hope, and restoration is their mission. They have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in this world.

It is not the size of your problem that matters, it is the size of your God.

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." - James 5:16

Earnest prayers have great power.

Today, I am grateful for size checks.

Bee- Loved

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 124: Today, I am grateful for bees.

Bees are amazing little workers. They work all day collecting what they need. In the process, they transfer the pollen that leads to fertilization. Over 100 crops... including our bee-loving and bee-loved pumpkins... rely on bees. 

I try to have plants that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Nature is a symphony. 

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." - Proverbs 16:24

Simple post today. 

 Today, I am grateful for bees.