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.

Redefining Privilege

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 84: Today, I am grateful we can redefine privilege.

One of my favorite devotional books had a recent reading on Heaven's currency. It was an interesting way of reframing many scriptures I have read and heard hundreds of times. I found some notes in my Bible that brought it all together. Funny how that happens, right? 

Materialism is a disease of the rich and the poor. The rich spend all of their time managing their wealth. It sucks up time and energy. For the poor, chasing wealth demands time, energy, and the temptation to take shortcuts. The thing you love most will direct your life.

"God Our Provider" is one of my favorite names for God.  Jehovah Jireh rolls off the tongue almost musically. The God of the Universe longs for us to realize that He will provide all of our needs. Like manna, water, and quail in the forty years in the desert... he provided enough every single day. 

He wants us to be good and honest stewards with the wealth we have. Dad always said you cannot outgive God. I know he was right. God's blessings are often not monetary, although faithful stewardship is often blessed. 

My devotion reminded me that Heaven's currency is saved souls. Our families, friends, and strangers we encounter are the only thing we can take to Heaven. In this world full of advertising and AI directed advertisements, it is easy to be misguided. Privilege on earth is fleeting. Financial planning is not perfect. 

Jesus encouraged believers to go and share the Good News. He recommended traveling light. The early disciples were welcomed in the homes of strangers, but brothers and sisters in Christ. Others offered hope to non-believers and were offered food and lodging. Some exchanged the Gospel for a meal. Some risks landed them in jail... where they continued to share Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. 

"For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him." -Philippians 1:29

The world defines privilege as wealth and power. The weak, sick, and poor often know the rich miss. Trust in gold leads to anxiety. Trust in Jesus leads to peace. Many who go to the poorest places with the gospel as their currency find their hearts call them back to serve again. There is a richness that comes from pouring out our lives in acts of service and meeting needs when we see them. 

No one likes suffering. I love comfort, too, Yet, it is in times of suffering, sickness, loss, and uncertainty that we begin to understand that "you can't take it with you." Paul, Silas, Peter, and so many others in the early church until today have found prison a ripe mission field. 

Dad loved going to jail with Bibles as a Gideon. We joke that he had a captive audience. I think it was one of his greatest joys in life. One of those jail ministry encounters led to a relationship that lasted a life-time for our family. It eventually resulted in case law that helps abused and battered women. 

That is Heaven's currency. That is redefining privilege. How will we spend this one day we have today? 

"Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. -C.T. Studd

Today, I am grateful we can redefine privilege.

Confession

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 84: Today, I am grateful for confession.

Confession makes the heart grow lighter. The burden is removed. The funny thing is that God is omniscient. We do not have to confess our sins for him to know them. Confession unburdens our hearts. The price of our sin is already paid in full. 

Children can be a beautiful example of confession. When they do something they know they should not do, it grows bigger and bigger until they clean their hearts through the act of confession. 

For Adam and Eve, the result of disobedience cost them their garden home. They hid from God. Was shame or fear felt first? I suspect shame. He only gave them one restriction in the entire garden. Just one. 

The enemy of our souls deceived them. They were embarrassed for the first time when God called them by name. They tasted shame. Disobedience had a price. 

 “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” -Genesis 3:11

Adam and Eve delivered their excuses. Excuses did not change the reality of their sin. 

God felt the weight of their sin, too. He wanted them to choose Him and love Him, not by command... but  by choice. Freewill was His gift. With that gift,  they showed pride and arrogance. God is truth, mercy, and justice. He had warned them of the consequences. 

I am still in awe of a God who does not write us off when we fail. He gave us a way to reconcile. Reconciliation and forgiveness can be a foundation for stronger relationships. From hurt, to healing, and in hope, we have the opportunity to lighten our load when we confess our sins to Him. 

 "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." 1 John 1:9

Do not neglect the gift of humble confession to a mighty God who desires a restored relationship with us. He made a way. He became the way. 

"Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." -John 14:6

Today, I am grateful for confession.

The Central Message

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 83: Today, I am grateful for the central message.     

I am not a math girl, but I am completely enthralled with hidden messages, mysteries, history, and  archeology. 

I have always been curious about numbers in the Bible. Biblical numerology is the study of numbers in the Bible as part of the mystery and the message. Seven, three, four, and forty seem to be significant. 

This "Did You Know That?" was intriguing to me. What message is in the middle of the Bible? 

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord  than to trust in people." -Psalm 118:8

Lies and deception are everywhere and easily spread. Some come disguised as truth. A reminder to take our refuge in God is key. Putting our faith in any human is a perfect recipe for disaster. A reminder to look to God is a flawless "central message." 

God really hates deception. He can see our thoughts and knows our hearts and loves us anyway. Humans, too often, have our own agendas. God is always truthful and trustworthy. Satan twists the truth and whispers for us to twist it, too. No lie is little. Each one makes our souls a little heavier. These are the burdens we were never meant to carry. 

A central message at the core of the Bible is a reminder to trust and take refuge in the Lord. He is our Creator, Sustainer, Shelter, Rescuer, Shepherd, Healer, Friend, Savior, and King. He is trustworthy. We humans are all sinful, but he still hears our cries for help when we seek His face. Keep seeking. Keep holding on the the message at the core of His Word:

One more time:

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord  than to trust in people." -Psalm 118:8

That verse is worth marking in your Bible! It is like that first coffee of the day. It is necessary, comforting, and wonderful. 

Today, I am grateful for the central message.     

 

Patient Endurance

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 82: Today, I am grateful for patient endurance. 

Waiting can be tough. Most of us do not enjoy it. It requires training and practice. It is so easy to ride the "complain train" or attempt to rush God. Good luck with that. It is wasted energy.

 "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -James 1:12

Testing and temptations come and go. We continue to study Esther in Sunday School. Her life is always inspiring. I've read it so many times, but it is always fresh and new.

 Orphaned at a young age and taken into her uncle's home, Esther chose respect and gratitude. She did not whine or complain. She listened and learned from Mordecai. She walked closely to God with big faith. She chose patience when many would have rushed in. She allowed God the time to work things out to His Glory and for the good of their people. 

She prayed and fasted. Then, she called all of the Jews of Susa to fast for her before she went to the king. She risked her life to save her people. 

"Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” -Esther 4:16

She showed impressive courage in the face of difficult consequences. She put faith over fear. 

"Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." - Hebrews 10:36

I think the opposite of impatience might be surrender. Letting go and letting God take the wheel. 

Today, I am grateful for patient endurance. 

The Winds and Waves Obey Him

   

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 81: Today, I am grateful the winds and waves obey Him. 

What a weather week we have had. I think we had all four seasons. The winds blow the leftover fall debris. The snow blanketed the ground on Thursday. It was 70 degrees on Tuesday. And spring-like weather was all in-between. Tornadoes touched down in neighboring communities. What a week. 

It is good to be reminded who is in control. 

Jesus slept in the boat while a storm brewed. The disciples were freaking out and woke him from his nap. He had been performing miracles for days. His human body was exhausted. They woke him up to do something. 

He did.

"The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. Even the winds and waves obey him!” -Matthew 8:27

After traveling with Jesus and watching miracle after miracle, they did not fully understand. He was, indeed, God incarnate. 

Too often, I fear I am like that, too. I get anxious and forget I have Jesus in my boat. 

Today, I am grateful the winds and waves obey Him. 

              

Deep Roots by a Stream

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 80: Today, I am grateful for deep roots by a stream.

Deep ditches and little creeks make me think of home. They grew cattails and wildflowers every spring and summer. The trees by the creek grew strong and lived long with no touch of human hands. 

The land was wild in places and sustained by the water. Where there is water, there is life. 

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit." -Jeremiah 17:7-8

Where we plant roots matters, but where we put our faith and trust matters more. There will be rain, snow, and drought. Sometimes we get them all in less than 24 hours. 

Plant deep roots in the Living Water and rest. 

Today, I am grateful for deep roots by a stream.

March

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 79: Today, I am grateful March is not mad.

We had tornado warnings and severe storms  yesterday. Today, there is snow on the ground. My heart needed this today"

"Never mind March, we know you are not mad. You're just blowing winter away to get the world ready for April and May." 

Reframing is powerful in any situation. From nearby twisters to snow in less than 12 hours... that is March in the Midwest. I think it is part of what has made the people resilient. 

April and May will bring plantings, rain, green grass, and showers to produce the flowers. March weather... "this, too, shall pass."

"fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him." -Psalm 148:8

Do your job, March. We will try to be patient. 

Today, I am grateful March is not mad.

Doors

 Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 78: Today, I am grateful for doors. 

We recently replaced our front door. It felt like a big decision at the time because it is costly enough that you do not want to repeat the purchase often. Doors greet our neighbors, friends, and delivery drivers. Doors keep us safe and the elements out. 

The old saying says, "When God closes a door, he opens a window." It is so true, but doors are easier. When He swings the door wide open the message is clear. When He slams the door shut, there is no doubt that the answer is "No!", "Wait.", or "Not yet." 

A door can hold mystery. What is on the side? 

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."- Revelation 3:20

The promise of a King invites us to be part of the family. It is the best of invitations, but it comes with an R.S.V.P.  For those who confess, believe, and receive... death becomes a door to an amazing forever. 

Today, I am grateful for doors. 

Nothing Wasted

     

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 76: Today, I am grateful nothing is wasted.

Dad and Mama hated waste. Dad and Mama hated waste. Dad was born in the 1930's. Mama during WW2. Dad's parents were first generation Americans, born to Swedish and German immigrants. Mama was the oldest of seven (and then ten). They both knew hard times. They both shared what they had generously. They taught me that when things do not go as I hoped and prayed, that does not mean they went wrong. 

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." -Romans 15:13      

We cannot see the big picture from where we sit. They taught me to trust that God is still the Creator of the universe. They taught me about heaven's greatest gift, Jesus. They looked for the Holy Spirit to be our comforter, counselor, and friend. 

Today's trials are really a training grounds for tomorrow's victories. 

Today, I am grateful nothing is wasted.                                                      

Irish Blessings and Lana

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 76: Today, I am grateful for Irish Blessings... and Lana.

We met at Susie Rosenboom's Birthday party. It was such a fun day. We were in Kindergarten and I remember having the best day. Lana moved to Clifton by second grade and our friendship continues after all these years making her my oldest girlfriend. 

Every season in life has been shared in one way or another. It had been more than five decades of friendship.  

She is older than me which was not as much fun when we were waiting to legally drive. We landed in Morton together as newlyweds and made some great friends in that season. There is nothing like shared history to make friendships sweet. Her sister was the same age as my sister. I have some sweet memories of the four of us playing together. 

She was probably my first friend who encouraged me to write as a child. Whatever I wrote, she loved it. It made an impact on me. When they lived abroad... we wrote so many letters in the days before email. I still have mine and I treasure them. 

Today is a milestone birthday for her! Happy St. Patrick's Day Birthday, Lana Kay! I love you forever. You are always my heart. 

May God hold you always in the palm of his hand. You are one of a kind. I adore you. Forever.

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." -Ephesians 2:10

Today, I am grateful for Irish Blessings... and Lana.

Purpose

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 75: Today, I am grateful for a purpose.

Between Nehemiah and Job in the Bible is the Book of Esther. Head to your favorite Bible search resource and search for "God" or "Lord." Look for Esther. It is not there. I did the search. It is not there. It was hard for me to comprehend that a book so filled with God's provision does not even mention Him.

We are studying Esther right now in Sunday School. It has been quite interesting. It is one of my favorite books because of the reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, even when everything seems to be going wrong. It was a reminder that power, intrigue, and evil in the heart of humans is not anything new. It is a book of courage and laying down your life to save others. Esther... orphaned young and raised by her uncle Mordecai... found herself in the palace of a Persian king and chosen to be Queen. 

God was faithful, even when his people were not. Esther was born a few generations after Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego. Descendants of Nebuchadnezzar were still in the palace. Time goes by and people forget history. They say that history is typically written by the winners. It might change the narrative. 

The Bible is different. It records the good, the bad, the ugly, and the extraordinary.  Dirty laundry is often aired. Moses had his great moments of leadership and times he really messed up. It is recorded. David's faithfulness and his sin are both recorded. Peter's denial of Christ is recorded. The biggest struggles of the early church was often the bickering and disagreements within the church, not the people trying to kill them for sharing the good news of Jesus. The funny thing is, when people were trying to kill them, they stopped thinking about their differences and came together. 

Yes, humans are complicated. Made in the image of God with free will is what makes humans different from the rest of creation. The free will that was given as a gift in hopes of a true friendship. When you can command the universe, what else is there? God created us for a relationship with Him. We have to choose him or reject him. We can run, but we cannot hide. It is the one decision that changes all of the others. The eternal soul has a destination that comes from a one major life choice. 

"But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”" -Joshua 24:15

The ultimate question is, "Who do you serve?" Esther made her decision. Her bold faith and courage saved her people. She was young, but her trust in God was big. Not because she had an easy life. She had loss, grief, and tough times. Still, she knew the intimacy of a relationship with the God of the Universe. She knew He was the One True God. She knew that men and women can be evil. She knew men and women who worshiped God with their whole hearts. 

If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” -Esther 4:14

One of my forever favorite songs is "Born for This" by Mandisa. I do not believe it was on the radio often, but it is still my favorite. It is about Esther. She may have not understood all of the pieces of the puzzle, but trusted God. She stepped out in courage and saved her people. 

Esther always inspires me. 

Today, I am grateful for a purpose.

Harmony

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 74: Today, I am grateful for harmony.

The Annual Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale did not disappoint. The food was fabulous. Best pancake and sausage breakfast of the year. The sausage is the best and the volunteers today knocked it out of the park. 

This passage speaks to the feel of the day:

"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." -Romans 12:16

We live about 30 miles from the Interstate Center in Bloomington, IL, where the sale is held each year. There is always much to see, including the famous quilt sale. There is so much diversity in the patterns and how they were made. Quilting is a practical art. Beautiful and useful. I have a double-wedding ring quilt that is a family hand-me-down that is a treasure. Quilts literally wrap us in love and memories. I love how the many different colors come together in harmony. 

The volunteer hours before the sale happens are countless. I cannot even begin to imagine how many hours the actual committee puts in each year. Randy, Chase, Walker, and Ryan said the supply truck was loaded faster than it has ever been loaded on Thursday night. 

Part of the harmony in the sale comes from the many volunteers who come from many different denominations and congregations. They are there to raise money for disaster relief, feeding the hungry, providing for those at home and abroad who need help and hope. The local sale has raised a total of $8,731,758.00 over the past 66 years. It is always exciting to hear the updated totals each year. 

Running into a special childhood friend from Cullom was so much fun. I was hoping she would be there now that she has returned to Illinois. She and her husband did not disappoint. 

I was surprised to see a young man raised in our church (and an ONU Grad) came with his beautiful wife to act as one of the auctioneers. Sam always thought it was fascinating as a child to listen to the auctioneers at the Relief Sale each year. As an adult, he learned the art of being an auctioneer. (I guess you have to do something after you finish your Ph.D., but still love learning.) I am so glad he did. It added to the fun of the day. He did an impressive job! I never realized until today how much the auctioneer's song connected me to a part of the "music" of my childhood. 

The sound of the auctioneer combined with the other sounds of the sale combined in harmony as families spent time together, brothers and sisters in Christ served together, and raised money to help those in need. They did good. They shared with others. Giving changes lives. Serving together deepens relationships. It was very good. 

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."- Hebrews 13:16

Today, I am grateful for harmony.

Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 73: Today, I am grateful for the Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale.

The Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale happens today (3/14) and tomorrow (3/15) and the Interstate Center in Bloomington. It is appropriate that it is "pie day" because there will be many pies served, usually including shoo-fly, strawberry, and rhubarb. 3.14 pieces might not be enough, so buy the pie!

Tiny little bags of pfeffernusse(peppernuts) will delight all ages. When our sons were little, they rolled ropes of pfeffernusse as part of a service night activity at church. Teaching the young the old food traditions is important in any family... including church families.  

My first pfeffernusse came from Mama Hilda Knief, the pastor's wife at the Chebanse Lutheran Church back home. She was the mother of one of my best friends, Kristin. I loved hearing her talk about food traditions in her family. She was a master of doing much with little. Hospitality was certainly one of her gifts. I always think of her when I see pfeffernusse. 

Quilts warm the toes and warm the hearts. Real homemade quilts from local churches and some from Amish country, too. They are works of art. 

Many local churches join in the labor of love. The money raised goes where it is needed, including right here in the USA. Relief buckets go where people have disasters and the most basic needs have not been met. Both Chase, Walker, and Emma served with youth. Chase and Emma after hurricane Katrina, and Walker went to Appalachia. I am grateful for the youth leaders who courageously went with them. They are experiences you never forget. You see things you have not seen before. Suffering is not lack of wi-fi or on cell phone connection. 

Love is an action verb. In a time of activism, it is action that changes lives. For 67 years, the Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale has been raising funds to provide basic human needs when people are hurting, including the gospel. 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Our daughter-in-love's family started the sale. This will be the first year without "Papa" Herb. I am so grateful for the many ways he showed us all how to serve. Herb, Darlene ,Don, and Ruthie Roth lived for the sale and worked on it all year long. A life of service is a life well lived. 

Today, I am grateful for the Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale.

Answer the Call

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 72: Today, I am grateful for those who answer the call.

My Grandma Marge Lindgren gave me "God Calling" as a teen. It was the best little devotional book. Each entry was short, but deeply thought out. It was like having an encouraging conversation with God. I have always wondered if it was the inspiration for Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling." 

It was originally written in the 1930s in England by two anonymous women known only as The Two Listeners.  "God Calling" is still viewed as one of the best-selling devotionals ever written. It taught me how to be in conversation daily with a God who loves us and seeks us out. 

Sadly, He might have a hard time getting our attention. The testimonies of people who hear the call openly admit it was in seasons of hard time. It is easy to be too busy to hear the call. It is equally easy to ignore it. Simply not answer. Pain has a ringtone that is hard to ignore. 

Equally inspiring are those who are running after God, and still find hard times, suffering, disappointments, and devastation. They have their hard moments, but continue to seek the heart of Christ. Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Elliot, Job, and so many more. Imagine their most intimate conversations with God. 

There is something special about those who experience seasons of suffering and come out on the other side with their arms raised in praise. So many who have faced cancer and come out in a deeper relationship with Jesus in their healing or in their unusual peace when faced with the knowledge that their healing will be in Heaven... completely renewed and restored.     

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28

Listen for Him. Answer the call in hard times and celebrations, too. I always love the road sign that said, 

"Loved the wedding. Invite me to the marriage." -God

It felt like a text message from Heaven every time I saw it. It reminded me to keep my focus on Him in all things. Especially, the daily and the ordinary moments where the extraordinary is seeded and takes root. 

Today, I am grateful for those who answer the call.                              

A Good Book

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 71: Today, I am grateful for a good book.

“A sure sign of a good book is that you like it more the older you get.” -Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742–1799) 

As a child, a favorite reward was a trip to the library. I would check out the maximum allowed and stay up late, under the covers, with a flashlight when I could. Sometimes, I was caught or April tattled. She liked to talk more than she liked to read, and we shared a room until we were in 5th and 7th grades. (Now that she is gone, I think talking may have been the better choice.) I love books! 

For my 6th birthday, Mama found an old Nancy Drew book. I was in heaven! It was "The Secret of the Wooden Lady." It sparked my love of mysteries and suspense. I learned about ships in that particular book. "The Mystery of the Glowing Eye " was full of Egyptian history. Our family visit to The Field Museum for the King Tutankhamen exhibit was at about the same time. Books and life can intersect. I still love history and archeology. 

I was just reading an article about the benefits of a book in the hand over a book on a screen. Pixels are not the same as words on a paper page. They need batteries and they go dead. I prefer a book in hand for my best reading, but an e-reader never gets too heavy. 

My favorite book is the Bible. It was Abraham Lincoln's favorite, too. It is full of everything from mystery and suspense, excellent business advice and relationship guidance. It would be my "one book" if I could only have one. I would struggle to determine a favorite translation. 

"The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd[a] drives the sheep. But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty." -Ecclesiastes 12:11-13

This passage holds great advice. We can love books, but we need to choose them wisely. We should always love God first and people more. 

Today, I am grateful for a good book.

Reminders to "Be Present"

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 70: Today, I am grateful for reminders to be present.

One of my "one little word" selections was the word "present." It was a good year of reflecting on what it means to be present in a world that is growing increasingly disconnected and disengaged. 

We were not designed for isolation; we were created for relationships. 

"Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God." -Jim Elliot

He believed it. He prayed it. He died, but his death produced a harvest of souls over time. What Satan intended for evil... and evil had its moment... was redeemed. 

If you do not know the stories of the five missionaries who died January 8,1956 in Ecuador, it is worth looking them up. Jim's wife, Elizabeth, returned to Ecuador to continue the ministry. That is trusting the heart of God when nothing makes sense. Jim, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian gave their lives as a living sacrifice, they were not taken. 

During this season of Lent, we think about the sacrifice Jesus made so that we "would not be burned." For the five missionaries, heaven came swiftly and unexpectedly at the end of a spear. It did not make sense, but in time the gospel took root and grew. They could have used the weapons they carried. They chose to emulate Christ in the most pure sacrifice. They lay down their lives to rescue the perishing. They trusted God's plan. Their deaths were not in vain. 

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."-Isaiah 43:2

Our God is present in our joys and in our sorrow. We are to be present in our daily walk with Christ and with each other. 

Wherever you are, be all there. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to be present.

Gokotta

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 69: Today, I am grateful for "gokotta."

There are some words that have not English translation. We can learn so much from other cultures and languages. It is one of the reasons I love using blueletterbible.org for Bible study. It allows me a look into the original Hebrew and Greek when something is confusing. 

Today is the first Monday of Daylight Savings Time and I learned a new Swedish word that made me pause and look for gratitude. 

Gokotta: to wake up early in the morning with the purpose of going outside to hear the first birds sing.

It is always a rough morning. Losing an hour is never my favorite weekend of the year. Even when we plan ahead, our bodies take time to adjust. The thought of eagerly awaiting the first birdsong makes me smile. I love hearing the birds sing in the morning. 

"Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches." Psalm 104:12

This morning came too early, but the first birdsong of the day is still magical and moving. Nature certainly cries out in worship. Wishing you a "gokotta" morning soon. 

Today, I am grateful for "gokotta"