A Holy Thing

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 151: Today, I am grateful for a reminder that appreciation is a holy thing. 

"I believe that appreciation is a holy thing - that when we look for what's best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we're doing what God does all the time." Fred Rogers 

Fred Rogers was a gift to all who come in contact with him in person or through "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. He was a game changer for the generation who grew up under his gentle guidance. He spoke Biblical truth in the most gentle of ways. He resisted hate and prejudice by actually walking in love. It is easy to talk about it, but he did it with Christ-like gentleness. 

When Mr. Roger's saw something we could do better, he created an episode that spoke to the problem.  My generation grew up craving his quiet demeanor. Even when there were fun cartoons, Mr. Rogers would draw us into his neighborhood. He taught through puppets, conversations, and the "Land of Make-believe." He looked for the good in people and found it.

There is a sweet story of a gorilla who loved to watch Mr. Rogers on T.V. When Fred went to meet the gorilla, he was embraced. I am sure the zoo keepers were nervous, but the magnificent animal simply wanted to be near him. It is a powerful video to watch. The hug is a holy appreciation.

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief." -1 Timothy 1:12-13

Paul wrote this letter. He had such passion for religion, but he missed Jesus. He persecuted his followers and cheered their deaths. Then Saul/Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Jesus saw his potential, not his current state. He appreciated his passion, but He need to get him traded to the Jesus team. Paul never forgot that Christ loved him at his worst. He was determined to live the rest of his life as a living sacrifice. Appreciation is a holy thing. 

Paul's new passion grew out of a holy appreciation for the Son of God who changed everything. 

Today, I am grateful for a reminder that appreciation is a holy thing.   

The Fourth Ape

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 150: Today, I am grateful for a reminder to check technology. 

"See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil." It is a saying we have heard many times. I love this updated version. It nails where we are in this season of society. 

"Finally the fourth ape! He is the sum of the first three: He sees nobody, hears nobody, and speaks to nobody."

Our school district has a podcast for parents and caregivers. It is called Care-U and you can find it on Apple or Spotify. This year's book study was "Anxious Generation." The impact continues to ripple. Our wonderful Morton Public Library has it in the audio version, too. It is a worthy summer read. It talks about many things... and it heavily addresses the dangers and health issues coming from modern technology. 

Most of us have a love/hate relationship with technology. We see the good. We see the evils. We cannot ignore the impact. Children struggle to play with toys that require imagination. They want their parents' phones. I love GPS, but most youth today cannot read and use a paper map. "Stop the insanity!" is a line from an old infomercial. (My Earworm often shouts that inside my head when things get crazy.)

Research is showing the negative impacts of screentime. Overprotecting our children in this modern world has become the norm. There are consequences.  When we visited our friends in town, we ran all over town. We found friends at the park or pool. We made friends we might not have talked to at school because they lived in the same neighborhood. Our relationships were more diverse because we knew our neighbors. Our parents let us climb trees, too. 

Because I am of the generation that "walked to school uphill both ways in 3 feet of snow" as the saying goes, our parents were not overly concerned with our discomfort. They called it character building. I did not like it as a child, but they were not wrong. We were loved children, but we were not the "center of the universe." God was. Technology was something we used, but it did not use us. 

As usual, if this resonates with you, collides with my new phone arriving today. I loathe learning a new phone. I rarely do it. But, this weekend I know it will take some of my time. I am as guilty as anyone of getting sucked into screens. I am trying to be more intentional. I am not a phone addict, but once I go down the rabbit hole, I can lose hours like everyone else. We must be intentional. 

As I prayed about a scripture for this post, here is what came to mind, "“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” -Ecclesiastes 1:2

King Solomon spoke those words after experiencing the gift of Godly wisdom. Wisdom leads to riches. The riches led to... nothing meaningful. The older I get, the more I understand what he said and felt. I have always been a relationship person, but relationships truly are what matter most. With God, with family, with friends, with neighbors, with strangers. 

Technology is a thief of relationships... except when it allows us quick and easy connections with far away loved ones.  Beware the fourth ape.

Today, I am grateful for a reminder to check technology. 

Batman T-Shirt Confidence

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 149: Today, I am grateful for Batman t-shirt confidence.   

This made me laugh and smile. Every day has its challenges. Some come with a warning and expectations. Others blindside us like the deer that hits your car... because we all know "hitting a deer" is a misnomer. We do not hit the deer, the deer hits us! 

"Whatever you are doing today, do it with the confidence of a four-year-old in a Batman T-shirt."

It creates an image in your mind, doesn't it. When my niece, Kenzie, was about four, I made her a "Super Kenzie" costume for her birthday. It was a pink cape that she wore well with confidence and delight. Her mother found her jumping off of a stool. She would repeat the jump and occasionally say, "I almost had it!" I love the story. We joke that Uncle Randy told her mother to advise her to "Climb a little higher!" Persistence! 

Things do not always work out. The "first time" is a trial and a trial. Yes, the word "trial" has two meanings here. Some trials are hard. Other trials let us try something to see if it works for us. Both are experiences. 

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19

Do that new thing! Have confidence in the God who parted the Red Seas, aided a little boy in defeating a giant man, protected 3 teen boys in a fiery furnace, and raised the dead. He will be with you, too. Always. Until the end. 

"Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Grab your hot pink cape or your Batman shirt and take on the day.  Grab a tiara or crown if it builds your courage. Remember who your Heavenly Father is. 

Today, I am grateful for Batman t-shirt confidence.                                     

Relationship Builders

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 148: Today, I am grateful for relationship builders. 

This is one of my favorite verses. It is easy to memorize and holds the secret to relationship building. When we talk about "love your neighbor as yourself" this is a perfect supporting verse. 

Celebrating alone is depressing. Mourning alone is the loneliest kind of loneliness. Seek out both. 

"Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." -Romans 12:15

This builds families or breaks the ties that binds. Laugh, celebrate, and cry together. Rich and full relationships do both.

When searching for a church, a neighborhood, or even a work environment, look for these qualities. Our little street only has six houses, so perhaps it is easier to build community... but we know quite a few of our neighbors on surrounding streets. 

Building community is intentional. Sharing our joys and sorrows creates a thread of companionship that satisfies something money cannot buy. It says you matter here. You belong. 

Evil destroys. Love builds. Hope and strength build when we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. 

Today, I am grateful for relationship builders. 

Finish the Task

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 147: Today, I am grateful for the times we complete the task. 

The end of a school year always brings the "once a year" tasks that must be completed while the countdown to the first day of school begins. Tasks are part of work. Completing them "for another year" always feels like a victory. Checklists are good. 

Our daily walk with Jesus is a little different. The work assigned is really pretty simple and repetitive but never boring. We are to focus on sharing the Good News of Jesus paying off our sin debt and God's grace poured out on us through His son. 

We are to love God with undivided hearts. We are to love others with the same wild abandon that He loves us. 

"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 

It really is profoundly simple but we spend a lifetime trying to "complete the task." Many today have physical trainers to improve wellness, strength, and overall health. Do we seek out spiritual trainers, too? 

Building patience. Practicing kindness. Speaking truth in love and not self-righteousness. Studying the guide book from Genesis to Revelation. Stay focused. These things will help us reach our goals. We are here for a reason. 

Today, I am grateful for the times we complete the task. 

Love Stories

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 146: Today, I am grateful for love stories.

"May your story together have more heroes than villains, more adventure than drama, and my love always, always wins." -Curly Girl, Leigh Standley

I love Leigh Standley's art. She uses my favorite colors, words, wit, and whimsy in her creations. The sprinkle of sassy makes me laugh. Her art is a constant reminder that life and love do not have to be perfect to be good. 

Today, we celebrate eight years of having a daughter to love in our family. In January, we welcomed another. We are grateful for these love stories that are woven into our family tree. 

True love is a daily decision to love an imperfect person completely, and for them to return that same intentional, unwavering love in return. 

Enduring love stories appear to shine, and they do... but there is an element of reflection that makes all the difference. Pouring out can be exhausting. We all need a recharge at times. Love stories that work reflect love through  simple acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, helpfulness, grace, forgiveness, humility, and intentionality. 

Some of the sweetest love stories begin as friendships. Other love stories sprout from seeds planted in the cracks of a broken heart. However they begin, each one is unique.  

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." -1 Corinthians 13:7

Today, I am grateful for love stories.

Memorial Day

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 145: Today, I am grateful for Memorial Day.

This verse always comes to mind on Memorial Day: 

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." -John 15:13

Our school District was a part of bringing together the remaining WWII Veterans on Memorial Day last year. It is incredible to hear them talk and share their stories. Freedom is not free. 

https://tcghs.org/historical-tidbits/events/2024-celebrating-the-last-of-the-greatest-generation/  This is not a video for young children. It is the memories of those who served. The District hosted the event for the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society and the Illinois. It received "The Best of Illinois" from the Illinois Historical Society, and was recognized in Springfield in late April. 

I am humbled by these men. Most were still boys when they were drafted or signed up to leave the comforts of home to fight and potentially give their lives if duty required the sacrifice. I think we cannot even begin to grasp the "hard times" they suffered. Letters were the primary communication with loved ones as they served in far away places. For the Navy men, communication was even more challenging. Facetime and video chats were science fiction. 

The scripture is a reminder of Jesus's love for us when we did not know him or love him. Memorial Day is a reminder of the many who served and gave all for their loved ones back home and to defend the freedoms that few countries have tasted. We take so much for granted, at least I know I do. 

When I think of Memorial Day, I think of the many who served in 1776, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.  We cannot forget the modern conflicts that have seen too many of our fathers, mothers, spouses, sons, daughters, siblings, and friends come home in a flag covered box. I am grateful for the pilots on those air planes who often recognize the soldier, the military escort, the families, and the ultimate sacrifice.  

Let us never become indifferent to the high price of freedom. Let us never forget that on a day we have off to cookout and fellowship with family and friends, some have an empty seat around the table. Let us never, ever forget. 

Today, I am grateful for Memorial Day.         

A Heartfelt Welcome

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 144: Today, I am grateful for a heartfelt welcome.    

It is good to be with people who want to be with you. I love this reminder of the invitation we have received from the King of Kings. 

“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

We had a stained glass window in the Congregational Church in Clifton. It was the Lindgren Family church and where Dad and Mama first understood the difference between "doing church" and finding a deep and abiding friendship with Jesus. Dad always pointed out that the stained glass version of the door had no knob on the outside. He always told me that we have to open our hearts from the inside. 

I had already decided on this image when I opened my verse for the day. It is the perfect complimentary scripture:

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ -Matthew 25:35-36 NLT

A heartfelt and warm welcome is the best kind. Today, we had the unique experience of taking a glassblowing class together... as a family. The first thing we felt upon arrival was a warm welcome. 

We have known the artist all of her life, but the boys and Emma had not seen her for quite some time. Amber is the newest member of our family and she did not know Molly at all. Molly and her Dad (also a part of our church family) made our family feel welcome in every way. They made sure we were comfortable and not thirsty. 

Everything we did in the class was new to us. The heartfelt welcome made us less nervous and more courageous to try something new. (I will share more about the day in another post when we have our finished pieces.) Never underestimate the power of a sincere welcome. 

Today, I am grateful for a heartfelt welcome.

School Summer Break

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 143: Today, I am grateful for the school summer break.

I no longer get a summer break, but I enjoyed almost a two month break for a decade. It was good.  Summer school vacation for our district. It is time to set the children (and their teachers) free.

Summer is good for the soul. I am excited about the many local festivals to come and the special events that require spring and summer temperatures. Starry summer nights, warm days, cool evening breezes and the flowers from seed are popping up.

In this high tech world, listen for the sounds of children playing outside. Natural vitamin D is good for the soul. Reading outside, playing ball, digging in the dirt, pool play, and walking the neighborhood with friends are still great ways to spend summer days. Mowing elderly neighbors' lawns is a great way to surprise someone with kindness. 

"You set the boundaries of the earth, and you made both summer and winter." -Psalm 74:17  

Enjoy the summer. Set some healthy boundaries to keep everyone safe, learning, and rested. Head to the Library to sign up for Summer Reading. 

Today, I am grateful for the school summer break.  

Seatherny

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 14: Today, I am grateful for seatherny. 

Seatherny (n.) – The serenity one feels when listening to the chirping of birds.

What a great word! Growing my vocabulary has been one of my favorite things since my 6th Grade teacher and nearly life long friend gave me my first thesaurus. A thesaurus is a magical book. For me, opening one up is as good as a trip to the proverbial candy store. 

We have had some rainy mornings this week. As I have been writing my daily gratitude, I have missed the morning birdsong. I miss the seatherny. It mixes perfectly with the Word, a tall glass of water, the dog, and the Love of my Life nearby. 

Simple delights are some of the best. I have been grateful for the birdsong, but not for the feeling created. Even simple the most simple points of gratitude have more if we dig a little deeper. 

"And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened." -Genesis 1:30

They sing because they can. They sing recognizing God's provision. They sing so that we may pause and listen. 

Today, I am grateful for seatherny.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Team Focus

 Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 141: Today, I am grateful for team focus.

It is the last week of school.

You can feel the focus and energy. Everyone is excited to get to the end of the year with a big home run. No sliding necessary! Run with purpose and confidence, knowing it is all good.

This is the power of team focus. You can sense it. Each one knows their role and what must be done. There is determination, tenacity, and a harmony that comes from being united with one purpose and one goal. United with a purpose and a goal. This verse captures the idea of team focus. 

"I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." -Corinthians 1:10

What did that mean? I am no theologian, but I understand and have witnessed division and clashes in groups of people who are supposed to be a team. I remember someone in Sunday School saying that "Satan does some of his best work in churches." A house divided cannot stand. 

Does that mean we will always agree? No. We all have the ability to think for ourselves if we choose to use it, but we must seek out the scriptures, too. The early church was fighting over some of the same things that causes churches to lose their harmony today. It is important to remember our focus. 

The purpose of the early church was to advance the Gospel. The survival of the Good News of the resurrection and the new covenant was in their hands and they were fighting over bacon and circumcision. They lost focus. They lost sight of the goal. They wanted what they wanted. How far could they push new personal freedoms? They became "me" focused and not "Thee" focused. Perhaps, we do that too. 

How often did they ask, "Does this new freedom make me hunger for a deeper relationship with Jesus?" Does it free me to spread the gospel to strangers? They lost their unity and harmony over legal disagreements and customs. Power hunger and self absorption can happen anywhere. The letters in the New Testament are full of them. 

When we unite for the purpose of sharing Jesus, everything changes.   

Today, I am grateful for team focus.

 

Words of Wisdom

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 140: Today, I am grateful for words of wisdom.

I love to collect quotes. I always have. I used to put them on the back of the bathroom stall doors when I was a Resident Assistant at Olivet. I enjoy matching the quote with a Bible verse. It was not hard. Wisdom comes from His word. The note cards made me smile and think the girls on my floor enjoyed them, too. 

Wise words are like a candle lit in a dark room combined with honey. They are sweet, illuminating, and they stick to us.  

"Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod." -Proverbs 10:13

Wisdom grows when we spend time in the right places. What we read and the people we hang out with matter. There are consequences for acting without thinking or seeking good guidance. It may not be an actual beating, but it is ample fodder for memes and funny t-shirts, cards or dish towels. 

Honestly, if we all read a little from Proverbs every day, we would be wiser. I had a friend who did that with his family as a devotional. It is a great idea!

Today, I am grateful for words of wisdom.

Not Always Obvious

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 139: Today, I am grateful for the reminder that not everything in God's plan is obvious.

There are times I forget when I am seeking guidance in prayer or waiting for an answer that God's plans are not always obvious. In truth, many things are unclear until many years later. He is always present, watching, and moving. 

"When God wanted David to be king, he did not give him a crown. He sent Goliath." 

Imagine the shock to everyone. His brothers were already soldiers. David seemed too young, too small, and inexperienced. Yet, God was with him. David knew it. He had been in dangerous spots before caring for sheep that got themselves into trouble with predators or by poor decisions. 

David knew how to use a slingshot and how to care for sheep. Still, God saw his heart. 

Man looks at how someone appears on the outside. But I look at what is in the heart. - 1 Samuel 16:7b

Oh, to be more like David. God saw his heart not his size. He was the one who, despite his youth and size, had a big faith. He knew God had the answer to his prayers in small battles. He did not doubt His presence in a big one. In fact, He counted on it. 

Oh, to be more like David when the giants come! I love the song that says, "Anxiety hates Psalm 23, so just say it to yourself 'til you believe it." by Leanna Crawford. It is a great soul song. We cannot see the future, but we can trust the one who holds it.  

The song is HERE.

Today, I am grateful for the reminder that not everything in God's plan is obvious.  

Taking Care of Each Other

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 138: Today, I am grateful for reminders to take care of each other.      

What is the work you love to do? What "work" recharges your soul. What do you do that recharges others? 

We live in a world that moves fast... even instantly at times. When I think of the volume of work printers had to do to get a newspaper out, I am in awe of all that they accomplished. 

We have computers with word processing programs and aides with spelling and even access to a Thesaurus. I am impatient with Grammarly but appreciate it at times. "Red line" checks have hurt my once excellent spelling skills. Writing is not as laborious as it used to be. 

Proofreaders and Editors helped make sure the intended point came across. They worked together to take care of each other to get to the product they desired... a well-written newspaper. Together is better.  

Our spiritual life is better together, too. When we live, laugh and love in community, we thrive. We need each other. We minister to each other in sad times, too. Let us not forget the happy tears. God has a way of working things out that we cannot always imagine in our present trials.   

Keep loving each other by choice. Yes, love is a decision every day. Feelings are deceptive and misguided at times.  Being present and connected keeps us grounded, safe, and growing. We do not want to become stale.                                                                                

"For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do." -Hebrews 6:10    

Love bears all things. All things are better with love. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to take care of each other.                                

Mistakes Do Not Define Us

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 137: Today, I am grateful mistakes do not define us. 

"You are going to make mistakes in life. It's what you do after the mistakes that counts." -Brandi Chastain

We all make mistakes. We hope they are not big ones. When it happens, we must remember that it is what we do after the mistake that defines us. Do we play the blame game? Or, do we look for the life lesson and teachable moment. 

"Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way." -James 3:2

Our tongues are hard to control. Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? These are good questions to ask before "sharing." At times, staying quiet is the best response. It can take time to think things all the way through. 

I am grateful mistakes do not define us. 

He Sings!

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 136: Today, I am grateful He sings! 

I love this verse. It was my verse of the day. 

Just yesterday, someone was singing contentedly in the halls at work. I smiled. Music is connected to the soul. Why leave the singing to the birds when God gave us the ability to join in the choir. He does not ask for perfection or great skill.  A joyful noise can be offered by anyone. 

Singing is one of my favorite forms of communication. We almost instinctively sing to babies, even those who do not think they can sing. 

The song of the morning includes birds and neighborhood noises. At Grandpa and Grandma Lindgren's house, there were chickens and cows, too. Nature does sing. 

Today, the ceiling fan hums above my head sweeping in the morning scents. Oh, Spring certainly has a song! 

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” -Zephaniah 3:17    

"He delights over us with singing" is in another translation. He adores us. Imagine that! If that does not put a song in our hearts, I do not know what will!

Today, I am grateful He sings!                                                                                                  

Leaves

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 135: Today, I am grateful for the leaves. 

I love spring green leaves. The tropical green with more yellow than blue in its hue. They are so lovely. They color the landscape fresh and new each spring. 

I noticed it this past weekend when Randy and I were driving I-74 between home and Peoria. The trees had countless shades of spring green coloring the roadside. He was driving, so I could enjoy taking it all in. 

"Fruit trees will grow all along this river and produce fresh fruit every month. The leaves will never dry out, because they will always have water from the stream that flows from the temple, and they will be used for healing people." -Ezekiel 47:12

Leaves help gather all that the plant needs from the sun. The photosynthesis that happens through the leaves feeds the plant. In some cases, for the fruit and flowers that will come. The Ezekiel scripture is found in Revelation, too. I love that it designates the leaves of the trees for healing. Ancient cultures have used plants as medicines for most (if not all) of history. 

We love hosta in our landscape wherever we have enough shade. There are so many different colored green leaves. Some are blue-green. Others are bright yellowish green. Every shade can be found in a hosta garden. 

As we anticipate the flowers we know will bloom soon, do not forget to take in the beauty of the leaves. 

Today, I am grateful for the leaves. 

Time Management

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 134: Today, I am grateful for reminders to use our time wisely.

In this era of so many modern conveniences, it is easy to lose time. We try to do more and chronically fill the empty spaces. In the empty spaces is where God often uses us best. 

This is a "preaching to the choir" moment and something I have certainly not perfected. Creating spaces and margins for the important relationships can quickly get consumed by the work of the day that needs to be done. 

"Teach us to use wisely all the time we have." -Psalm 90:12-(CEV)

How will we use this day? It is the only one we get. We are only given one at a time. 

Pause, pray, ponder His Word, listen, and make the most of this 24 hours. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to use our time wisely.

Life Goals

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 133: Today, I am grateful for life goals.  

This verse made me think "life goals."         

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." -Proverbs 31:25-26

What do you want to see in the mirror? These verses answer that question. They are packed full of the good stuff. Let's break it down.

She is clothed with strength and dignity. She does not need fashion instruction or to chase the latest trends. She knows her style and defines it. She does not see approval from others, but from the the God she loves and serves. 

She laughs without fear of the future. She knows that death is a door and a heavenly destination. She knows that her Lord will provide her needs for this day. She need not fear the future. It has enough trouble without inventing things in her head that will probably never happen. 

When she speaks means that sometimes she listens silently. She does not speak everything that runs through her head. She is intentional in her words and makes them count. 

Her words are wise, because she knows the Word. Proverbs, Psalms, Job, Esther, the Gospels, and all of the letters are full of wisdom. They are written on her heart and she is rooted in them. 

She gives instructions with kindness. She chooses kindness, not "I told you so." She does not hurry with instruction and is happy to repeat it and write it down. She writes in the margins of her Bible so her children and the next generation can know of her faith and her walk with the Lord. 

Yes, lifegoals abound in those two verses. I have work to do. 

Today, I am grateful for life goals.  

                                              

Family Time

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 132: Today, I am grateful for family time. 

Scheduling family time is always our favorite activity. They are my Mother's Day!  They make my heart sing more than they know. Love, laughter, and so much conversation always leaves me longing for "the next time" before we are done. They make it easy. 

I always feel loved and spoiled on Mother's Day, but the best part is simply being together. They are my heartbeat. 

It is always fun to hear them reminiscing about childhood memories. It fills our hearts to overflowing. Time goes so fast. 

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." -Psalm 127:3

Indeed, they are! They are the first true glimpse into how much God loves us. Deeply and forever. 

Today, I am grateful for family time. 

Mama

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 131: Today, I am grateful for Mama... and being a Mama. 

I am so grateful for the gift of my beautiful Mama. She was radiant inside and out. She loved us and she loved other people. Her light still shines.

The older I get, the more I wish I had asked and written down. 

The older I get, the more I wish she had taken more pictures. I love this one shared by my Cousin, Marj, Cousins Cheryl and Carol have shared some, too. This one is perfect. It is totally us!

The older I get, the more I understand how much she loved us and the deep pain of losing a child at any age is devastating. As our boys hit their 27th years, I wonder how she survived it. She endured... with grace. 

When she was alive, Matt and I would meet her for breakfast on Mother's Day. A rare treat for all of us to be together. I would get up early, drive, and return to church to lead the children in Mother's Day music in service. It was a crazy day... and then looked forward to the time with my own children. Crazy days... but good ones. 

I am so grateful for her faith that never wavered and enduring love. Heaven surely has a farm table and as my Randy always says... she could make the best breakfast! 

I am so grateful to get to share time with our sons and daughters-in-love today. They are our greatest gift... ever. I am grateful God gave me the best of Mama's and allowed me to be a mother. I do not take the blessing for granted. 

Today, I am grateful for Mama... and being a Mama. 

Planting Day

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 130: Today, I am grateful for planting day. 

I grew up with the steadfast rule of not planting flowers until Mother's Day. It has become our tradition. We have learned to buy a few things early, like my precious King Tut Papyrus and any fabulously bright flowers, because they sell out. They have been Randy's "babies" because when they are gone, they are gone. He suns them by day and brings them in for the night.

Along with King Tut, my favorite flowers in the yard are my zinnias that started with seeds shared by my lifelong friend, Roxanne. I smile every time I pull into the yard and think of her. The blooms are colorful, wild, and fabulous all summer long. 

I cannot forget a shout out to Jill Parod for sharing seeds from her Hyacinth Bean Vine many years ago. Her one envelope mix of wildflowers has offspring across our little neighborhood. (Now is the time to plant if anyone needs seeds... let me know.) That vine on our mailbox is another of my summer favorites that lasts into the fall. 

Planting is a time of dreaming, wishing, hoping, and praying. Every seed... to me... is a miracle. Something hard and dead can come to life with proper care, water, and a little sunshine. 

We, too, can come to life with proper care, His Living Water, nourishment from His Word, and a little Son-shine. He is the Master Gardener. He knows where we will flourish and bloom. Sometimes he moves us out of the easy and comfortable places so that we can grow stronger roots and produce more fruit. Pruning never feels good, but it brings a beautiful harvest. 

I love this promise:

" While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”-Genesis 8:22

Today, I am grateful for planting day. 

Ten Things

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 129: Today, I am grateful for ten things I learned. 

I saw this and smiled. It would apply to my Mama and my thrifty Grandmas. 

Ten Things I Learned From My Thrifty Mama & Grandmas:

*Cook from scratch.
*Never waste food.
*What is on the table matters less than who is around it.
*When things break, repair them.
*Think twice before buying something.

*If you buy, look for a bargain
*Buy quality things that last.
*Be creative with your outfits instead of buying more clothes.
*Don't complain - find a way.
*Find enough money for what is important to you.

We live in a time when we think doing without means not having the internet or access to our favorite shows instantly. This list reminded me of the things that are important and the things that last and make us last. 

I was thinking that on this Mother's Day Weekend, any Mother or Grandmother would love to know what things they have inspired, practiced, or taught. My Mama hit all ten. 

Wisdom takes time; true wisdom comes from God. 

"Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days." -Job 12:12

Today, I am grateful for ten things I learned. 

Mother's Womb

 Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 128: Today, I am grateful for the wonder of a mother's womb. 

I saw one of those "think about it" statements that has stuck with me. It adds to the wonder of a mother's womb. A baby girl is born with all of her eggs, so for the nine months a baby girl is in her mother's womb, her mother is also carrying her future grandchildren, too.  Incredible. 

 It was John the Baptist who first recognized Jesus. He "leapt in his mother, Elizabeth's womb, when Mary arrived pregnant at her door. Both women experienced the miracle of pregnancy and birth in the most unique way. Unexpected... miraculous... and "wonder"-ful. 

"You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,  as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. -Psalm 139:15

As a baby grows inside, the miracle never gets old. The womb provides a perfect place to grow, nourished and protected. I think the time in the womb builds a first time mother's confidence in God's design. Her love is fierce and protective long before she holds her baby in her arms. 

I found a fun clip on YouTube that I had to share. I hope you enjoy it. It is two babies talking about life after the womb. May the wonder of it all never cease to bring us a sense of awe and reverence. 

Today, I am grateful for the wonder of a mother's womb. 

He Waits

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 126: Today, I am grateful that He waits. 

Our perspective is sometimes skewed. Are we really waiting on God or is He waiting for us to catch up and "get with the program?"

"I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint." - Habakkuk 2:1 

We can learn much from Nehemiah. He was "cupbearer to the king" before God called him to a construction job leading a group of people who often complained more than they worked. Nehemiah did what God called him to do, even when it did not make sense. 

We cannot see the big picture. He does. The job we are called to do may be less prestigious and outside how we see ourselves, but it may be vital to the work of the Kingdom. We simply do not have "God goggles." We do not see as he sees. 

Embrace the day. Celebrate hands that are able to do the work before us. Don't fret about the assignment. Just do it! God is way ahead of us, but do not fret. He waits for us to catch up. 

Today, I am grateful that He waits. 

Birds Sing!

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 125: Today, I am grateful that birds sing!

(Jeanne Dicks... remember I love you... even when we disagree.)

Oh, how I love the sound of birds singing in the morning. I am delighted by the many different songs. None of them is the same. They sing at different pitch, tone, and rhythm. My friend, Brittany, has an App that helps her differentiate between the songs. What a great idea!

I have been grateful for the sound of birds singing in the morning, a true sign of Spring, but I have not been grateful for the miracle that our feathered friends open their mouths and a song comes out. It is no wonder that God delights in them. They are a miraculous creation in so many varieties. 

I was swept back to the book Grandma Marge gave me as a teen, "One Thousand Beautiful Things." It is full of quotes, poems, and short stories. I loaned it out in college, and it never returned. I pray that the one who has it loves it as much as I did. I truly hope they treasure it. As a very special gift, the Love of my Life found a copy. It is a true treasure. It is out of print, so someone had to be willing to part with it. It was there I first saw this quote:

"The bluebird does not sing because he has the answer, he sings because he has a song." -Anonymous

Birds sing because they can and... because they want to! Surely, it is the reason Jesus used them as an example of how not to worry. We do not speak cardinal, robin, or finch. We do not understand the songs of praise they belt out each day, but we recognize the wonder of it all. 

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?"  -Matthew 6:25-26 NLT

Today, I am grateful that birds sing!

Good Instructions

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 125: Today, I am grateful for good instructions. 

Good instructions are game changers. This passage is one of my favorite anti-anxiety verses. It does not simply say "don't worry." It provides instructions for managing the worry struggle. 

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

How to not worry?

• Pray about everything:(pause for that semicolon) Have you prayed about it with focus and tenacity? 
• Have you told God what you need, or think you need?
• Have you thanked him for all He has done thus far? (Gratitude crushes anxiety.)
• Do you invite His peace to be your peace? 

Believe me, I am still learning this lesson... daily at times. 

Today, I am grateful for good instructions.