Mothers

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 130: Today, I am grateful for mothers. 

There is something special about a mother's love. It is equally gentle and fierce. 

I had no clue how much my Mama loved me until the moment my first born arrived. As long as his heart was beating in my womb, I could keep him safe. Then came the birth. Hard, but magical... and worth it. But the world was a dangerous place. Could we keep him safe, warm, and fed? 

When our second son arrive, there was no less amazement and wonder at it all. Another heartbeat that rang strong and true. Another miracle entrusted to imperfect parents. The love in our home increased as we watched Chase pouring his love into the mix for his new baby brother. When we told Chase a sibling was on the way, he requested a "brown sister." When a light skinned brother arrived, he was content with what God had sent. Walker was surrounded by love; it shaped him with deep empathy and compassion. To get to be their mother is one of the greatest gifts I have ever been granted. 

“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” – John 16:21 ESV

For the Aunts... by birth and through love... you matter. Whether you have given birth or not, you are often confidants and cushions when our children need them. You can, also, be accountability keepers we all need in our lives. You bless us when you love our children. 

For the Village Moms, who helped us raise our children when we were not looking, I am forever grateful. You wiped tears, bandaged boo-boos, and were there when we could not be present. You blessed us again and again. 

For the "work Moms" who encourage and teach, thank you. Two of mine literally taught me skills that I missed as the world evolved quickly around me. 

For the "Church Moms" who parented life stages before us and let us watch, you have no idea how many times  your voices still run through my head. You led by example from week to week.   

For my Grandmothers who raised my parents, your lives still echo in ours. Things we learned with you and from you are being passed on to the next generation. 

My Mother-in-Love, she raised the love of my life... and his siblings too. The Smith/Morgan/Ackerman family I married into values family, faith, and country, too. They always make me feel loved and one of the family. 

For my own Mama Ina Mae, I find it is hard to find the right words to write. She was truly one of the best humans I've ever known. Ever. She was creative and intelligent, but more importantly... she was wise and kind. She was warm, welcoming, and a wonderful cook. She loved music, dancing, and singing. Teaching music and Sunday School were two of her favorite earthly delights. 

When Grandpa Harry cut a chunk of his foot off (lawnmower) in his eighties, they told him that he would never walk again. Grandpa asked for a new doctor. Mama grabbed the aloe vera plant (Matt and Dad would eventually go buy it in bottles) and started dressing it twice a day. She taught me what to do so I could help. That foot healed. The foot grew skin and Grandpa returned to life with very little sign of the trauma in his walk. Mama loved fiercely and deeply. 

Getting to be a mother to girls came later. I prefer mother-in-love and daughter-in-love to the "in-law" versions. Like the boys, I love Emma and Amber equally and differently. Each one fits like a puzzle piece that was missing in our family. I am grateful for their mothers... the ones who helped shape them into the amazing women who love our sons.

Time together... it is my favorite. That was our day today. It was the best of Mother's Days. 

 Today, I am grateful for mothers.  

Fresh Plantings of Flowers and Veggies

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 129: Today, I am grateful for fresh plantings of flowers and veggies.

The Saturday before Mother's Day is when we put most of our flowers and veggies in the ground. It is usually a full day. We feel accomplished when we get it done. (If anyone knows The Love of my Life, he prefers projects that can be accomplished in a day, a weekend, or a week.) 

This image (and video on Facebook) is from last year. The salvia attracted the hummingbirds and we enjoyed many evenings watching for them to come. This year, the choices were very intentional for the hummingbirds, as we already have the butterflies and bees covered. 

The zinnias were planted around our "Grateful Girl" carved stump. (Love you, Roxanne.) Soon they will begin sprout. They are ridiculously easy and they make me so happy. 

The hyacinth bean vine did not make it in the ground today. I forgot to soak the seeds overnight (something I never did in the beginning, but I think it might speed the sprouting. And, there is still room for some potted or hanging flowers on the back patio. 

The veggies are tomatoes and peppers. They usually do well.   I would love to have zucchini, but I have never had a successful crop. 

"And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." -Genesis 1:11-12

Yes, it is very good. 

Today, I am grateful for fresh plantings of flowers and veggies.

A Good Recipe

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 128: Today, I am grateful for a good recipe. 

Who doesn't love a good recipe? Especially if it is simple and straightforward. The ones we can't mess up and can make from memory are often our favorites. Once the familiar recipe is committed to memory, it goes together instinctively. 

My verse today was this:

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." -Colossians 4:5-6

Colossians is a book full of instruction. It helps us see God more, live better, and love more.  

The recipe is excellent, tried, and true.

• Live wisely among non-believers, making the most of every opportunity.
• Let your conversations be full of grace, seasoned with salt.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your faith with clarity.
• Show kindness and respect in all interactions.
• Use your words to uplift and encourage others.
• Reflect Christ’s love in your daily conduct and speech.

Do these things as a testimony to the One who changed everything. His love, grace, and mercy are like the salt that is necessary for life and for making life "taste good." Not one part of the "recipe" is fancy. The very best recipes have all that we need on hand. 

Walk well. Live well. Laugh well. Act well. Speak well. Be Kind & Respectful. Love fiercely. 

Today, I am grateful for a good recipe. 

Guaranteed Giggles

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 127: Today, I am grateful for guaranteed giggles.

May is always one of the craziest months of the year. There is always a full calendar and a long list of things to accomplish. I have a friend who calls it "May"hem. I think it is a good description. 

In the crazy days ahead, do not forget to laugh. This image is one I think about often because it always makes me laugh. 

"My ducks are absolutely not in a row. I don't even know where some of them are... and I'm pretty sure one of them is a pigeon." 

It is the pigeon that cracks me up every time. Maybe it is because the "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" book comes to mind. Some seasons are not even controlled chaos, but we press on and get through them, one step at a time. Laughter helps. 

This scripture sums up May:

"There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."-Ecclesiastes 3:4 

There is a time for all of these things in May from Mother's Day through graduations, anniversaries, weddings, and Memorial Day. No wonder it goes so fast. 

Sometimes, a guaranteed laugh is the best way to start the day. 

Today, I am grateful for guaranteed giggles.

The Little Something Extras

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 126: Today, I am grateful for the little something extras.

"So many people need a hug, a forehead kiss, and a grilled cheese cut diagonal." 

This was on Pinterest. It made me smile. Oh the simple things that communicate warmth and caring. The first two are common acts of caring, but the last one was perfection. A grilled cheese cut diagonal is the extra step that makes it easier to eat. When the kids were little, flipping it to make it look like a butterfly was an easy way to serve it. 

What are the little something extras that cost nothing or next to nothing but show great love, compassion or kindness? 

"Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Cor 16:14

Today, I am grateful for the little something extras.

Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving.

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 125: Today, I am grateful for guidance "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving."

On my top ten list of books is "The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino. It is a short read and described as a parable by some. At the heart of it are the Ten Scrolls to Success. I would call few books outside of the Bible "life-changing" but that book is an exception. 

If you have not read it, grab it. I recommend taking a little time with it. Brew each chapter until it all makes sense. I need to re-read it, as it has been awhile. 

The last scroll aligns with this scripture passage well. It says "I will pray for guidance." 

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

To be prayerful and thankful in all things with supplication is the instruction. Supplication should not be deemed outdated and archaic. It is a practice that changes everything. Supplication is literally more begging than asking and it is paired with humility. Og Mandino sums it  up with "I will pray for guidance."

Thanksgiving is the bow on the offered prayer. A humble prayer offered with humility and thanksgiving stands out from the prayers that sound more like a letter to Santa than a request from the God of the Universe. Our souls long for the intimacy with our Lord that is unlocked when we kneel before him with humble prayers seeking His help and guidance with gratitude. 

Now, I am off to "Greet this day with love in my heart." (Scroll two is one of my favorites.) 

Today, I am grateful for guidance "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving."

Relationship Expectations

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 124: Today, I am grateful for relationship expectations. 

Part of choosing a spouse (or  a close friend) is knowing the relationship expectations. In dating, we learn if the relationship works. We all have our quirks, non-negotiables,  and priorities. In finding that person who is a good balance to our own quicks, but shares our same common priorities, we can work every day to honor and protect the relationship. They are the kind of relationships that last a lifetime. 

This scripture is a timeless reminder of who God is and his promise to those who seek His face. 

"if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." -2 Chronicles 7:14

The relationship has expectations. When we love someone deeply and truly, we work to change ways that are offensive and irritating to them. In a relationship with God, we must not forget who He is. He is still holy. 

Sin... especially the sin of arrogance, is like a peanut allergy. Dangerous and deadly. Areas must be scrubbed clean. His holiness cannot tolerate sin. It destroys our ability to be close to Him. 

To be in a constant relationship with someone who suffers a peanut allergy means we must change our grocery list and our diet. We have to change our cravings, too. As parents, we do it for our child out of fierce love and the need to protect. In relationships, we must decide what we can sacrifice to keep the person we love safe. It requires intentional decisions and changed behaviors. 

God sent his Son that we might be cleansed and healed, so that we can enter into His house and presence. We make changes out of love, not fear. He brings healing to our lives and wants to bring healing to our land. 

Today, I am grateful for relationship expectations.