New Things

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 92: Today, I am grateful for the chance to do new things.

Technology changes so fast. It can be amazing, exhausting, and frustrating. Still, it is the gift of "new things" that gives us a chance to stretch, learn, and grow. 

New things can be uncomfortable at first, but like new shoes, it takes time to break them in. Some will be new favorites over time. 

"Look at you doing that thing you once thought you couldn't do." -Eliza Todd

When our hearts need encouragement, we can remember we are all works in progress. We are still being molded by the Master Potter's hand. 

Time, relationships, practice, instruction and prayer all are part of the journey. Be patient. Be kind to yourself and others. Do not forget to enjoy the journey. 

This is one of my life scriptures:

"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." -Isaiah 43:19

I am not particularly brave by nature. I like the safe route. I pack extras, "just in case." When I risk a step outside of my comfort zone, there is often exhilaration and delight. I am reminded that the author of fear and lies is the enemy of our souls and the father of the "I can'ts." 

Try something new this week. It is good for the soul. 

 Today, I am grateful for the chance to do new things.

The Art of Pottery

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 91: Today, I am grateful for the art of pottery.

Our school mascot is the "Morton Potters." I thought it odd when we came nearly 40 years ago, but I have come to love it. Shaping lives is what schools and communities do. (The name came from the "Morton Pottery", a local business that was important to the community.) 

The Love of my Life has been watching a series, "The Great Pottery Throw Down." The competition is fun to watch. Each artist has a unique style and vision. The comradery between the artists is special. Clay can be finicky and the best plans can go awry. Still, they keep trying. 

There is an element of understanding that whatever they envision and intend, the kiln makes the magic and breaks hearts. Some pieces do not survive the heat. Some things come out better than expected. I can see why those who are called to the kiln find it rewarding. 

My dear friend and artist, Brittany Du Pont, always reminds me that until the clay has been fired... it can be reworked and saved. Some clay is harder to work with than others, but with patience and determination, it can bring beautiful outcomes, much like her work with Jr. High students discovering their art. 

I love this scripture:

"And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Sometimes, we are a mess. There are times we seem impossible to shape, mold, and save. Sometimes, great patience is required of the Master Potter. I keep going back to this thought, "The opposite of impatience is surrender." 

I am so grateful for the Master Potter who uses every experience to help shape us. He sees our potential and longs for us to discover it, too. 

Today, I am grateful for the art of pottery.

Prophecy

 Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 90: Today, I am grateful for prophecy. 

The word "prediction" tells us something might happen. Prophecy tells us that something will happen. People are quick to point to prophecies that "did not come true" in the Bible. The difference is the response of the people of God. 

"But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all." -Isaiah 53:5-6

What a powerful prediction from approximately 700 years before Jesus was crucified! Can it be a coincidence that it was as if a poet stood at the cross trying to take it all in 700 years before the actual suffering of Christ. 

God predicted judgment on Nineveh, but... much to Jonah's dismay, the people recognized God meant business and they repented. Jonah did not have to work that hard, and truth, he was disappointed in the outcome. He did not like the Ninevites, but God's mercy is real when hearts change. Perhaps the bigger footnote should be the power of God's word to change hearts and lives. For Nineveh, it meant hope, life, renewal, and making a change. 

About 5 years ago, while excavating the sight of Sodom and Gomorrah, curious archeological evidence was discovered. There are videos all over YouTube from the first discovery to when they began to dig deeper. The people did not heed God's warning and He did what he said he would do. 

The Bible describes burning sulfur and fire raining down from the sky which permanently destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24). Predictions may or may not come true. Prophecy is so much more. There are false prophets too. 

Isaiah 53:5-6 gave us the "what to watch for" when determining if Jesus was the Messiah the people longed to see. They were so busy with their own political scene, building wealth and affluence, and grasping for power, they miss it! 

Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 are easy to read prophecy. Those passages powerfully point to the truth of God's Word.

I am grateful for prophecy and Biblical Archeology. Some people need "the science."  Jesus said, "The rocks will cry out" in Luke 19:40. The evidence is in the archeology... and the stone that rolled away.

I find it fascinating. The response of the people still is in play. 

Today, I am grateful for prophecy. 

Reminders "To Be"

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 89: Today, I am grateful for reminders "to be."

It is easy to get caught up in chaos. Romans 12:12 is like a balm to my soul. 

"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying."

It is good guidance for daily living in good times and in hard times. The spring flowers in this pot made me smile. I love the Gerbera daisy! The sister my brother chose for me loves them, too. They are so happy and encouraging. 

I think loving daisies is one of the reasons I have become obsessed with my zinnias. It all began with shared seeds from my life-long friend, Roxanne. Flowers are not instant. Seeds require hope and patience. 

When we are faithful to tend the seed with the most basic needs... the miracle happens. How a seed that is hard and lifeless becomes a beautiful flower, tree, or food will always be a mystery to me. 

To be a seed is  simply "to be." To be planted, growing, and strengthened by the struggle to survive, which in gardening terms is called pruning. Even in the painful places, were are reminded "to be." Especially in the trials. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders "to be."

Books Can Take Us Everywhere

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 86: Today, I am grateful books can take us everywhere.

This is true for boys, too. Those who love books, have access to books, and actually read them can travel to far-away places... including space. I love books.   

Our little Clifton Library next to the Grocery store was one of my favorite places during my childhood. I can still recall the smell. Some of the books were old and probably donated. Small towns are resourceful. 

Mama Ina Mae would let me check out the maximum number of books. I would ready them as fast as I could and check out another stack. Reading time was a special time. I would sneak-read late into the night when the book was good.

Aunt Judy Hanson is my Godmother. She shared her books with me in my teen years. It is a special memory I have from growing up with her. The first time I heard the name Chase was in a book she gave me. 

My dear friend, Susie, introduces me to JD Robb's "In Death" mystery series that is set in the future. They travel "off planet" and have an "auto chef" in the house that cooks any time of day. I never thought I would like it but I do. Strong characters that you feel like you "know" are my favorite. Susie has kept me reading, and I truly appreciate the many places she has taken me, simply by sharing her books.    

Our church library has a wonderful collection of Christian fiction. Dee Henderson is my favorite.  

The book I love best is my Bible. It is timeless and a treasure. Family Bibles can take us back in time with the family history recorded in the front of the Bible. I love this verse from John:

"Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written." -John 21:25

Reading can take us anywhere. 

Today, I am grateful books can take us everywhere.

Clear Wording

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 86: Today, I am grateful for clear wording.

Have you ever read a passage or directions for a "simple" DIY assembly and realize that you have no clue what the directions are saying? It happens to most of us. "Some assembly required" can be terrifying. I like clear instructions and a clear path. 

This verse struck me for the many clear, commanding words.   

"And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."-Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT

And you must...with all...all...and all. It is quite clear. There is no reason to question the instruction. Our God does not stutter. 

Today, I am grateful for  clear wording. 

Chihuly Glass

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 85: Today, I am grateful for Dale Chihuly glass.

It is no secret, I love glass. I think it goes back to Grandma Marge Lindgren's love of cut glass. It was gorgeous and looked rich, but it was no great loss if something was broken. Grandma was determined to teach us all manners and grace, but with kindness and love. 

Dad and Uncle Mel did not always appreciate her desire to set a beautiful table for the holidays or special guests. In their home, a special guest was anyone who came for a meal. Her love of glass was contagious. 

Stained glass, sea glass, and glass blown pumpkins all require sand taking on heat to create something new and beautiful. 

My first taste of Dale Chihuly glass was on the Disney Wonder ship. The chandeliers looked much like the one in this picture. Glass is tougher than it looks. It needs respect and care, and this particular piece is safer hung high in a grand foyer, but it is surprisingly strong.

I love the whimsy and wildness in his designs. They look like they belong under the sea or on another planet. They are out of this word! His use of color is stunning. I wonder if he is as surprised at the end of each sculpture as those who enjoy viewing it? There is planning and then there is the magic of sand and heat coming together. 

We are going to blow some glass with Glass Girl (a glass artist in Morton) soon with our family. It was a Christmas gift for Randy, but it will be an adventure for all of us.  She specializes in glass pumpkins, but has many other beautiful pieces. 

God created man in his image. His creativity is boundless. We all have a spark of art in us that can be buried and ignored or uncovered and celebrated. A natural gift that is practiced and honed results in beautiful art. 

"“Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen. Construct everything that the Lord has commanded." -Exodus 35:10

Do not hide your talent. Do not neglect your spark. Celebrate the gift of art, glass, and glass artists. 

Today, I am grateful for Dale Chihuly glass.