Winter Birds Singing

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 35: Today, I am grateful for the winter bird's singing. 

Yesterday the morning was bright and as I walked from the parking lot into the office, the birds were singing for joy. 

Winter birds intrigue me. Somehow, they survive the winter's deepest cold temperatures and winds. I am still thinking about it this morning. Their chorus was loud. (Sorry, Jeanne, I hope they didn't wake you too early.) It was like a hallelujah. 

Amy Grant has an old song that is called "Better than a Hallelujah" that I really like. Perhaps, our sincere gut response to whatever is going on in our lives is better than a hallelujah. Be it tears, fear, exhaustion, wonder... or the birds singing loud and strong.

Some days are hard. Some days the sun is shining and the air feels warm. 

As I went to find the verse I had in mind, it was a day when my verse of the day was perfect. It always feels Heaven sent when that happens. 

"He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety." -Psalm 18:2

Keep on singing. It might not change the circumstance, but it changes us. Listen for the birds and smile. 

Today, I am grateful for the winter bird's singing. 

My Randy

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 34: Today, I am grateful for my Randy.

Some people's birth changes everything. It really is kind of amazing. If he tells the story, just surviving childhood with a pack of older siblings was his first big adventure in life. Now, his brothers and sisters might tell it differently. I love when they come together to share stories and memories. I wish he could see them more often. 

I love that he loves my family, too. I think that makes a difference. I always smile when he is teasing one of my aunts or cousins. When I see him engaged in conversation with my brother, Jennifer, Ciara, Cody, Kenzie, or Steven it melts my heart. Love is a choice far more than a feeling. 

I think being a Dad is the role that surprised him the most. He loves being a father... and father-in-love. I am pretty sure it is his favorite. 

He is gentle with my heart. He takes care of widows and orphans. He is compassionate toward fur-babies and wild creatures.  He is humble and kind. He makes me laugh... daily. 

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." -1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Happy Birthday, Randy. I hope your day is special in every way. 

Today, I am grateful for my Randy.

Home's Winter Comforts

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 33: Today, I am grateful for home's winter comforts. 

I love being home. I always have. I do not get bored. It takes me about two weeks before I am stir crazy. The only thing better than being home is being home with family and friends. Winter provides more opportunities than the warmer months to gather for the moments memories are made of. 

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food, and warmth from the touch of a friendly hand. And, for a talk beside the fire. It is the time for home." -Edith Sitwell

We have had a fire this weekend, comfort food, and a baked breakfast pastry. These are winter things. Some we will not do in the spring. 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

There is a peace in winter (after the holidays) that other seasons do not have. The earth rests, and we need rest, too. Home is my favorite place to rest. 

Today, I am grateful for home's winter comforts.

God Sees Us Differently

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 32: Today, I am grateful God sees us differently.     

We had a wonderful message from Judges 6 today. Gideon's story has a special place in my heart. It has always been one of my favorites. When I am uncertain of what to do, I find that "putting out a fleece" is a great way to ask for guidance.   

A big part of Gideon's calling relied on him being able to see past the man in the mirror and into the heart of a God who does not call us without providing a way. His strength... not ours... is the game changer.   

"The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”" -Judges 6:14

We can go in the strength we have when God is sending us. 

When we are overwhelmed by the assignment ahead, he goes before us, beside us, and carries us. He sees a "mighty warrior" where we see someone not strong enough, gifted enough, or experienced enough for the task. 

Whatever the week brings, we do not go alone into the unknown. We are treasured children of the most High King. 

Today, I am grateful God sees us differently. 

Refocus

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 31: Today, I am grateful we can refocus. 

"Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack so we can see the blessings we possess."-Max Lucado

Refocusing our eyes takes a little effort. We must be intentional when we shift a mindset. Many find it easier to look down than up, but if you are looking down, you miss some of the good stuff. 

What do we lack? There is a vast difference between want and need, yet the lines blur  when we live with abundance. 

I know that many are suffering as this winter storm has brutalized areas that do not usually receive harsh winter weather. Many are without electricity and their homes are not built for hard winters, neither are their wardrobes. 

There are, also, reports of ordinary people doing what they can to help those around them. They are kind, good, and compassionate people who step-up to feed, clothe, shelter, and care for those in need. Helping others is a way to refocus. 

"They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor." -Psalm 112:9

To share freely and give generously is good instruction. 

Today, I am grateful we can refocus. 

Favorite Cups

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 30: Today, I am grateful for my favorite cups. 

The cup you drink from matters. We all have favorite cups. Some are special because they are gifts from people we love. They are a part of a relationship and/or a memory. 

When Mama died, one of my cousins presented a tea basket of comfort and joy. Mama and her Dad (Uncle Lee) loved drinking tea together and talking about the Bible. Every time I use that large, big handled teacup. I think of here, the sentiment, and them sipping tea in Heaven in the presence of their Lord. Yes, one teacup has that kind of power. (Love you, Angie.)

I love any cup that allows me to grip with three or four fingers. For me, it adds to the pleasure. Weird? Maybe, but try it. Genetic gifted me with Grandma Mable's large hands. A dainty handle has never been my comfort. A large handle means I can easily wrap my hands around the warm cup in the morning. 

I've recently discovered Polish Pottery and there are some soup cups with the coolest large loop handles. They look more like a ladle than a bowl. It is art and practical... if a little on the pricey side. 

My tall, pink Longaberger mug is a favorite. It keeps me praying for those waking the path with breast cancer. My Sister-in-Love, Jennifer, hooked me on that mug and forgave me when I accidently broke one of hers. Thank goodness E-bay has everything to replace hers... and one for me, too.  

My little brother, Matt, picked up a large hot pink water water cup in St. Thomas that makes me smile every time I see it. The man has been surrounded by women for most of his life. It holds equal parts of fun memories and water. No one steals his cup. 

The Love of My Life took a liking to a special elephant cup that was gifted to me by my scrapbooking friend, Kathy. We met through an online group, but the friendship is real. When she learned Randy would steal my cup, she sent him a lion mug that is identical, except the image. My elephant says "One step at a time" and his lion says "It's hard being king." We had the best time when she came for a real life visit. We think of her almost daily. 

The cup you drink from matters. 

This post made me think of the time Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before he was taken to be crucified. 

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” -Luke 22:42

Not every cup is a favorite. Some have a purpose. Some contain what is necessary and not what is desired. 

Today, I am grateful for my favorite cups. 

The Three G's

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 29: Today, I am grateful for the three G's.

"Begin each day with God, grace, and gratitude." -image from Comfort & Joy 

I love alliteration! This caught my eye. God, grace, and gratitude are a perfect way to start any day. There are so many ways to do that very thing, and it does not need to take much time. It is soul fuel... not just soul food. 

How we start the day matters. It sets a tone for the day. For me, it is my favorite time of day, but I know others were designed to start a little slower. 

Mama Ina Mae was a big believer and an example of starting the day off on the right foot. I do not recall her ever being grumpy in the morning. She had a daily job to do... a family to feed, a husband in a hurry, and children to get out the door for school. 

I think of her example of an ample supply of God, grace, and gratitude. This summation of life's meaning and purpose come from Paul:

"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." -Acts 20:24

His prayer life was constant. Paul had met Jesus, tasted grace, and it changed him. He found ways to be grateful in all things. As a child, reading Acts used to scare me and make me sad. I missed the many good things packed in the pages. Bad things happened to people who were sharing love and hope, but they could not really lose. They knew the truth of the Good News. They were truly free. 

God, grace, and gratitude are a great way to get out the gate. 

Today, I am grateful for the three G's.