The Meaning in the Meantime

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 212:  Today, I am grateful for "The Meaning in the Meantime."

"God help me to see 
...the good in the 'not knowing'
...the joy in the 'in between' and
...the meaning in the 'meantime.'

This prayer is a perfect way to start or end the day. Every chapter in our story has unexpected twists, turns, and unknowns. It is easy to become frustrated. There is a song lyric that says, "God's still writing my story." 

There are times our hearts are wounded, weary, or completely broken. Many people report... and I have known this to be true... in the deepest, darkest disappointments and the loneliest trials, the Holy Spirit wraps us in His love and calms our fears. What the enemies flaming arrows seek to destroy, He protects. We may never know the reason for the trial, but we can find peace hiding behind the shield of His faithful companionship.

"It ain't over until it's over." is the old saying.  What feels like treading water is endurance building. When God seems far away, I always try to ask myself, "Who moved?" I know the answer. It wasn't Him. 

Breathe deep and seek the good in the not knowing when the knowing would be too much. Delight in the littlest joys in the "in between times." Look for the meaning in the waiting. It may be obvious or it may remain a mystery until we have a bird's eye view. In time, we gain perspective. 

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8-9

Today, I am grateful for "The Meaning in the Meantime."

Cloud Watching

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 211:  Today, I am grateful for cloud watching. 

It is one of summer's delights we leave behind when the season's change. 

I remember laying in the grass watching clouds morph into many different images. I grew up in a world with television. Many generations had only clouds as their moving pictures. 

This image of Curious George made me think "cloud watching." It is always better with a friend, a sibling, or a sweetheart. The heavens really are full of wonder. 

Does God reach out His powerful finger to draw cloud shapes to see if we notice? Is it His breath pushing them across the canvas of blues, yellows, reds, oranges, and grays? The sky is a picture show and the clouds take on ever changing roles in the story. 

Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars -Psalm 148:7-9

Take time to do some cloud watching this week. 

Today, I am grateful for cloud watching. 

Preserving Children

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 210:  Today, I am grateful for a recipe for preserving children. 

Summer is coming to a close for many as school resumes soon in our area (8/11 for teachers and 8/12 for students). Families are squeezing in the last opportunities for summer getaways. I saw this "recipe" and was reminded of what makes summer sweet.

No schedule to keep. Sunshine, blue skies, and dancing in warm summer rains. Bare feet on green grass. A "swimming hole" with or without chlorine. Playmates, animals, nature's obstacle course, flowers, and of course... ice cream. 

It sounds heavenly, right? It made me think of this verse:

"But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” -Matthew 19:14

Children do not hold back their enthusiasm. They are all in for any adventure. It is always better with friends. They are uninhibited in worship and at play. What a beautiful sight they must be from God's perspective. 

Today, I am grateful for a recipe for preserving children. 

Creating Community

 Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 209: Today, I am grateful for every opportunity to create community.

Today, I have the opportunity to be a part of a training that teaches communities how to respond effectively to a crisis. It is the second part of the training and I am excited to learn more. All parts of the community come together when there is a crisis. The training will teach us how to do it well.

We have seen so many natural disasters and acts of evil in recent years, it is always good to learn how to prepare for the worst, so we can give our best in troubled times.

This quote is thought proving and really quite powerful. It is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer who lived at the time of WW2 and played a role in trying to stop Hitler. He hated violence. From his observations, he determined this:

"People who love their dream of community will destroy community, but the people who love those around them will create community." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Our idea of community is not always what creates community... love does. Our dreams and misconceptions play a part.

"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” -Mark 12:30-31

This embraces caring for the sick, widows, and orphans, too. This message is always clear. What is not as clear is what the sick, widows, and orphans might look like.

Imprisoned or addicted parents can leave children without a parent present. Loss of a partner, a job, or a home can leave families struggling to make ends meet. Loss of health is humbling. It is not easy to ask for help. Still, in the trials of life, we create community.

Love well and community will appear. Share the Gospel with gentleness and respect, and lives change. His peace is unlike any other.

Today, I am grateful for every opportunity to create community.

God in the Wonder of the Ordinary

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 208: Today, I am grateful for reminders to look for God in the wonder of ordinary days.

The extra rains this summer mean the grass is still green and growing. The landscape is getting full and lush. There is so much to look at when we sit outside at the end of the day.

As the sun goes down and the day cools a bit, nature comes alive with scents and sounds.

A guest pastor shared this poem in the sermon today from Elizabeth Barrett Browning. I have no recollection of seeing it before. It resonated with me for many reasons. (Thanks, Pastor Dave.)

"Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God. And only he who sees takes off his shoes, the rest sit round and pluck blackberries."

Her language is delightful. Earth's "crammed" with Heaven. How do we miss it? Every bush "afire" with God! Our landscapes abound with shades of greens, pinks, purples, blues, yellows, oranges, and reds. Our pots "runneth over." Here is my favorite part:

"Only he who sees takes off his shoes." I love to be barefoot. Growing up with free feet and at "home on the range" (okay... farm), I cannot wait to lose my shoes at the end of each day.

There is nothing wrong with plucking the blackberries and tasting their sweetness, but do not forget "the Giver of All Good Things."

I love the chance to share one of my all-time, forever favorite passages:

“Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground." -Exodus 3:5

Do not miss the holy ground.

Today, I am grateful for reminders to look for God in the wonder of ordinary days.

Many Tiny Feathers

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 207:  Today, I am grateful for the many tiny feathers.

I saw this card and it caught my eye. I was not surprised. I love the artist, Leigh Standley, who is better known as Curly Girl. (Check her out at curlygirldesign.com)

Her whimsy captures my eye and my heart. In fact, I did not recognize this image at first, because her style is usually so colorful. Still the soft message was perfect. 

"It takes many tiny feathers to make a pair of wings. Keep going. Little things add up." -Leigh Standley, Curly Girl, artist

Have you ever considered how many feathers it takes to cover a wing? How many feathers are required to fly... and remember there must be a pair. How many feathers are required to go airborne? 

The little things really do add up. As we walk through this life, one little encouragement on top of another builds up courage and daring. 

The Love of My Life and I were recently watching tiny birds flying about. It was as if they were just learning to fly. There were some larger birds watching them closely. They darted about the air... at times without full control. They kept trying. At one point, several came together and flew with more control; they looked like a line of fighter pilots. Practice and persistence paid off. They did not quit. Together, they flew with more confidence. 

How many times do we forget that it takes many feathers to make a pair of wings. Then, it takes a pair of wings to fly. Once the wings are ready... it requires faith. 

"Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see." -Hebrews 11:1

Today, I am grateful for the many tiny feathers... and faith.

The Glory in a Rain Puddle

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 206:  Today, I am grateful for the glory in a rain puddle. 

Last night on the way home from work I saw something beautiful. After a huge downpour, the rain had stopped. There were puddles everywhere. I saw three children jumping, splashing, and dancing in the pooled water. 

They wore swimsuits. I wonder if their time at the pool had been interrupted. Their joy was tangible, and the urge to join them filled my heart. How many of us miss the chance to dance in the rain or in the puddles it leaves behind? 

Who are the people and the activities that delight and refresh your soul?" 

"so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company." -Romans 15:32

Today, I am grateful for the glory in a rain puddle. 

HVAC Technicians

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 205:  Today, I am grateful for HVAC technicians.  

The heat is dangerously high this week in central Illinois. Record breaking temperatures do not come every year. When they do, it is pretty uncomfortable. Many have air conditioning and places to find shade and fresh water. 

The relief from "outside" to "air conditioning" comfort is extreme this week. The air is heavy with humidity, too. These are the times people experience air conditioning problems. Overworked and old systems can give problems. 

The calls to the HVAC repair people are backing up. Service people are working overtime in the extreme heat and often in tiny, hot spaces. Be extra kind if you see them in your neighborhood. They are exhausted. They could use some random acts of kindness. 

This verse reminds me of the blessing of appropriate shelter in bad weather:

"There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain." -Isaiah 4:6

We are creatures who love comfort. On a day like today, air conditioning can be life-saving. I am very grateful for those who are out repairing broken units.

Today, I am grateful for HVAC technicians.  

Love Shows Up

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 204:  Today, I am grateful when love shows up. 

This week, there are youth on mission trips and others serving at church camps. There are volunteers helping at VBS events and others settling into skilled care for recovery from illness. 

There are children finding safety and hope in foster homes because someone showed their love as foster parents. There are neighbors helping neighbors... and strangers helping strangers. 

The way we treat widows, orphans, and the elderly are not suggestions. They are clear instructions. 

"Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18

Love shows up. 

It does not hold a sign or eloquently speak.  Love shows up.
It does not seek to impress with knowledge or wealth. Love shows up.
It steps into the gap where there is a need. Love shows up.
It takes a deep breath in forgiveness and begins again. Love shows up. 

It holds the hand of the weary, the sick, the lost, hopeless, and the broken. Love shows up.

A few weeks ago we left church to the song, "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love." I don't hear it often, but I smiled. It was a song Grandpa Lindgren and Grandma Marge chose for their wedding in 1970 or 71. I love a minor key and the words rang true. Their marriage was a beautiful example of choosing and walking in love after loss... hand in hand... with Christ as their shepherd.  That song always takes me back. 

Love is not always the easy choice, but it is always the best. 

Today, I am grateful when love shows up. 

Focused Tasks

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 203:  Today, I am grateful for focused tasks.      

Recent science says the brain cannot really multitask well and attempts to do so are exhausting. It is not my area of expertise, but I do know that focusing on one task at a time is not as overwhelming as trying to do eight things at once. 

Life is full of constant, ordinary interruptions. On good days, they all come together like a  choreographed dance. Other days, it looks more like break dancing... exhausting with no real plan at breakneck speeds. We just hang on until we can rest, restore, and try again. 

Focus and a framework in our days can be great tools. Task lists and calendars help order our days. Distractions interrupt. How do we fit love, peace, gentleness, and self control into our busy ordinary days? 

I loved this image from Speak Life from Toby Mac. 

"It's hard to cast stones if you are busy washing feet."

I love this! When we are intentional in "washing feet" we cannot throw stones. "Washing feet" is a humble service to those around us. We literally wash children's feet at the end of summer barefoot days. We wash our pets' feet when they get into mud or messes. You literally cannot do two things at one. 

Jesus took the servant's role when he insisted on washing his disciples feet. The job requires two hands and focus. It is impossible to wash feet and throw stones at the same time. He washed the feet of Peter and Judas knowing one would betray him and the other would deny. Still, He washed feet. 

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." -John 13:14

When focused on a loving task it may not change the situation, but it changes us. 

Today, I am grateful for focused tasks.      

Iced Tea

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 202:  Today, I am grateful for iced tea.           

I grew up with iced tea and lemonade on the table at every meal. Dad liked to mix them long before it was "cool." Mama preferred tea.       

I have a few favorite teas. No rule says I have to pick just one. "Passion" from Tazo is one of them. It is so flavorful and naturally sweet. I sometimes drink it after dinner or before bed. It is delicious iced.     

This week is heating up. Let's get prepared. Hydrate well. Water is best, but if you have trouble getting water down - choose a fun herbal tea and ice it. Some have health benefits, too.     

Clean water that is safe to drink is a blessing many live without. Do we pause to appreciate the gift?             

To be able to add a few tea bags to step up the flavor is a quick pick-me-up when the temperatures are on the rise. We have an abundance of good things to keep us hydrated.                               

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light." Psalm 36:7-9

We drink for life... we drink with delight... we find refuge in the shadow of his wings. 

Today, I am grateful for iced tea.                                                                                  

He Wept

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 202:  Today, I am grateful Jesus wept.

"He cried. He knew Lazarus was dead before he got the news. But still, he cried. He knew Lazarus would be alive again in moments. But still, he cried. He knew death here is not forever. He knew eternity and the kingdom better than anyone else could, yet he wept because this world is full of pain and regret...and loss... and depression... and devastation. He wept because knowing the end of the story doesn't mean you can't cry at the sad parts." -unknown

Wow! What a way to sum up the truth behind the tears and the true human experience of being Emmanuel, God with us... in the human experience. 

"Jesus wept." -John 11:35

It is a short verse with big truths. For those who struggle to memorize scripture, many start here. 

We recently looked at another short,  but powerful and complimentary verse (and a favorite of mine).

Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." 

Again, it points to the power of shared tears. In the moment, when it hurts the worst. 

After Jesus ate his last meal before his crucifixion, he anguished in prayer in the garden, as his friends took a nap. He begged the Father if there was another way, but the answer was "no." He was in anguish. His sweat was like blood droplets. Can we imagine the weight of it all? 

Judas had betrayed him and would commit suicide. Peter would deny him not once, but three times before dawn. The others would hide. Jesus knew heartbreak. Jesus knew pain and sorrow. He did not want the cross, but in obedience and love, he chose the La Via Dolorosa (the way of suffering).

God sent an angel to strengthen him. The Father did not ignore his request. He sent an angel. Human friends did not really show up. 

"saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." -Luke 22:43-44

He still weeps with us. He is still for us, not against us. We still betray and choose our own way. Ray Boltz once asked in a song lyric, "Does he still feel the nails, every time I fail?" Is the hammer in my hand with each denial and act of willful disobedience? 

His love and grace is so deep and wide. I am so weak at times. I am grateful he sent the Holy Spirit to reside in us. The Spirit whispers help, hope, and encouragement. 

Today, I am grateful Jesus weeps, for us and with us.

Gezellig

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 200:  Today, I am grateful for a new word... gezellig. 

For at least the past decade I have come to truly understand that despite big, beautiful, and abundant nouns, adjectives, and verbs in the English language, some languages have a better word that sums it all up in one word. 

The word "gezellig" is from Dutch culture. 

Gezellig (heh-sell-ick) adj: a feeling of warmth, comfort , and relaxation; a friendly ambiance and cozy atmosphere, pleasant togetherness. 

It describes a feeling, a place, or an experience. The "Cheers" theme song comes to mind. Having your name called out in welcome when you arrive is a gezellig greeting, but so much more. It appears to be more social than hygge, and like hygge it is hard to put into words. 

We can create a gezellig welcome in our homes and beyond its walls. 

When I think of the times Jesus was welcomed into the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, I think it was a gezellig experience. It seems as if they were generous in every way, so he could rest and restore. 

My Mama would have loved this word. Pleasant togetherness is a lovely way to be. Soup and chili feed a crowd. So does meatloaf and spaghetti. She made them all well before she was ill. It seems like part of creating a gezellig feeling, there must be a desire to serve or to make people feel welcome. 

Farmers gather at the grain elevators, gas stations, or local diners when they head into town for coffee and conversation. It is the country version of "Cheers", I suppose. 

Jesus spoke in parables about the importance of loving our neighbors and welcoming strangers. "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." -Matthew 25:35

Today, I am grateful for a new word... gezellig. 

Be Productive

 Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 199: Today, I am grateful we can be productive.  

Every day we can be productive. Good produce typically starts with good seed, good soil, the right amount of water and light. Then we need those who recognize a crop ready for harvest. Not too early and not too late. A good crop needs tending, sometimes daily. 

Not all are gardeners or farmers, but we can all be productive every day. We can plant seeds, grow giggles, and harvest love. What shall we plant today? 

"Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant."  -Galatians  6:7

Have a fantastic Friday! 

Today, I am grateful we can be productive.  

Caterpillars Become Butterflies

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 198: Today, I am grateful for caterpillars becoming butterflies.        

We have been trying to plant some butterfly, bee, and hummingbird friendly plants in recent years. Nature is fascinating. The story of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly never gets old. It is amazing every time. Talk about a transformation! 

The magnificent butterfly must first experience a very humble life. Some of these look very familiar. Some I have removed from garden plants in my childhood. Some cause havoc in the garden. Are they beautiful, ugly, or both at the same time?

They creep, they eat, and they wait until it is time to build their cocoon for the long sleep and the new life to come. Do the butterflies whisper to the caterpillars "it will all be worth it... just be patient?"

When Chase was little, he loved Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." He could pick Eric Carle books out long before he could read. The art called to him and the creativity of the books with rhythm, repetition, and rhyme.

I do not think caterpillars travel very far in a day's time. They have no idea that they will soon have wings to flit and fly. The new creation will come, but it takes time. The long, boring, and hungry days are part of the story. 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

The transformation is a miracle every time. 

Today, I am grateful for caterpillars becoming butterflies.   

 

Lemonade Stands

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 197: Today, I am grateful for lemonade stands. 

Youth tend to have big ideas and very little fear. They are passionate and willing to work, when an opportunity presents itself. As adults, it is easy to say "no" when they really need a "yes!" 

The St. Jude Telethon and run swiftly approaches. It is a cause that is very close to my heart. This time of year, there are always lemonade stands that pop up for St. Jude. What a beautiful way to teach compassion, refreshment, and generosity with some lemons, sugar, and water. 

Parents have to support them. Then they let them do the work. Customers are often generous. It is a boredom buster. They get to work with money, so they keep those math skills sharp over the summer days. 

"If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."  Romans 12:8

Look for the lemonade stands this summer. Encourage young entrepreneurs. Delight in a glass of lemonade. 

Today, I am grateful for lemonade stands. 

What We Drink

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 196: Today, I am grateful we can choose what we drink. 

"Whatever else you do, make time to drink in the things that lighten your heart - as in fill it with light, laughter, good books, deep weird conversations with friends that get you. Let that light shine all over the place. -Nana Hoffman

Choices are so powerful. The phrase "drink it in" is not as common as it used to be. It means to pause and observe. We can drink in the sight of mountains, stars, a bride finding the perfect wedding dress, or a soldier coming home. Some things are so special, we do not want to hurry. 

"My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!" -Psalm 108:1

Look for the wonder in your day. Drink it in. Let your heart find the lightness in chasing the light. 

Today, I am grateful we can choose what we drink. 

Limited Power

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 195: Today, I am grateful for limited power.

There is a popular song by Leanna Crawford that says "write scripture on your heart for when you need it." The same song states, "'cause anxiety hates Psalm 23. So just say it to yourself till  you believe it." It is a great song (Still Waters) and one of my current favorites. 

How often do I forget that my powers are limited, and thank God they are! I have tunnel vision too many times. My decisions have future impact on today, tomorrow, this week, and at times... eternity. I am grateful our God is not limited by these things. 

 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”-Jeremiah 29:11-14

This is a great scripture far beyond the popular verse 11. It defines the power in the relationship... when you pray and search wholeheartedly." How do we define "wholeheartedly?" In our imperfect choices, He is still faithful and seeking to restore our bodies, minds, and spirits. 

I love this quote from Lisa Bevere: "If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this; You my friend, are not that powerful." It makes me pause and it makes me smile. Look what he did with Rahab, Moses, Jonah, Matthew, Paul, a Roman Centurion, Ruth, and Naomi. 

There is a beauty in His redeeming love... and our own limited power. So often we choose flight over a humble return to seek forgiveness, a new heart, and a new beginning. 

Today, I am grateful for limited power.

Celebrations

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 194: Today, I am grateful for celebrations.

This week has been full of celebrations... some happy and some hard. We have had two birthdays, an anniversary, and mourning the death of a father with treasured neighbors. Celebrations matter. 

As I pondered the gratitude for today, I was reminded of one of my favorite verses. My dear sister in Christ, Donna Roth, and I grabbed on to it over the course of a Sunday School study we shared. 

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." -Romans 12:15

Do this... and you almost always "get it right." It is part of making our lives a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) because it shows how we spend our time. 

Savor the birthdays, anniversaries, life celebrations, and even a perfect temperature (like 75 degrees). Love the sick, hurting, dying, grieving, and broken. 

Live is about living and loving... one day at a time. 

Today, I am grateful for celebrations.

The Telltale Mirror

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 193: Today, I am grateful for the telltale mirror.

My one little word for this year is "reflect." It is perfect for this quote:

"This month, or more likely, this very day, we have failed to practice ourselves the kind of behavior we expect from other people." -C.S. Lewis

The mirror was well chosen for the scripture. Mirrors reflect. Sometimes we are pleased with what we see. Other times, we recognize a need for change. 

We are not perfect. We miss the mark sometimes... even when we are trying hard. The important thing is to not give up. Keep trying. 

"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person." -Proverbs 27:19

The real person... what does that mean? 

It is who we are in the dark. It is what we do when no one is watching. It is honesty, integrity, and so much more. How often do we fail to practice the kind of behavior we expect from others around us? Ouch! Right? 

Sometimes, before my feet hit the floor, the enemy whispers thoughts and tries to interrupt the new day. His goal is to destroy our relationship with God and with others. We were meant to live in love. We are told to love our neighbors... all of them. We are told to care for widows and orphans... do we do it? 

The mirror can let us know if we are reflecting the world... or the One. 

Today, I am grateful for the telltale mirror.

Redeeming Love

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 192: Today, I am grateful for redeeming love.

I think God gave us marriage to teach us the depth and breadth of real love. It isn't perfect, but it is good. 

Randy surprised me with this pink and orange pumpkin this morning. We both enjoy blown glass pumpkins, but pink and orange would not be his first choice. It, also, reflects our love of blown glass. 

As I was thinking about this post, I cannot help but reflect on the analogy that can be drawn to the art of blowing glass. 

Blown glass without a mold is hot, wild, and unexpected. They can both be that way. They both experience high heat and cool downs as part of the process and the experience. 

Both are stronger than they look, but can be shattered. Like blown glass, there are times you start over with persistence and hope. It can be more beautiful after the broken places are restored. There is prayer over both when things are growing, shaping, and evolving. Both are beautiful. 

I may ponder this analogy more, but I need to get the day started. Our first date was August 28, 1985, seems so long ago... and then again, it seems like yesterday. Marriage in 1987, two kids, four dogs, two houses, and so many perfect and imperfect moments. 

One thing I know for sure... love is sweeter as it ages if it is well tended. Holding hands and morning coffee (or cacao) are the best way to start the day. 

"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." -1Corinthians 4-7

I hope you find love in your day... in the perfect and the imperfect. 

Today, I am grateful for redeeming love and my Randy.

Let The Master Take Your Burden

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 191: Today, I am grateful we can let the Master take our burden. 

"As a camel kneels before his master to have him remove his burden at the end of the day, so kneel each night and let the Master take your burden." -Corrie ten Boom

What a great image and quote. I do not think I have seen this one and I love collecting wisdom from Corrie ten Boom. 

Camels are quite fascinating to me. They are so big, yet they can be so gentle, too. They have endured centuries in partnership with humans. They seem to build relationships with their masters. I imagine things go smoother when they work together. 

Well cared for animals, respect and care about their masters. We joke about who is in charge in our house. It might be Daisy Mae... the dog. 

Imagine a weary camel at the end of the day kneeling to have the day's burden removed. It must be a sweet relief. It makes me think of this passage"

"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

What rest do you long for today? What makes you weary?

Today, I am grateful we can let the Master take our burden.

Calm Spirits

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 190: Today, I am grateful for the calm spirits that accompany wisdom. 

There are so many times we feel surrounded and overwhelmed. Social media makes it worse. Listening to someone is more impactful and helpful than talking. In grief, someone's presence is more comforting than their words. I love words, but a calm presence is a gift. 

"A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered." -Proverbs 17:27

The phrase "with wisdom comes understanding" is familiar. I like the second part that indicates a by-product is an even-temper. Wise people tend to be calm. 

Today, my heart continues to break for the families in Texas who have lost family members, especially the children who kissed their children good-bye for a great week at camp. Each one replays the last conversations over and over. The last "I love you. See you soon." was only meant to be for a week.

Out of the stories come the efforts of camp counselors, parents, and first responders who literally "laid down their lives" to save and rescue the lost. When you hear them speak, many possess humility and a calm spirit.

Calm spirits can change outcomes. Calm spirits prevail in difficult times. Calm spirits lead, search, and rescue. Calm spirits sit quietly with broken hearts. Calm spirits look for solutions. Calm spirits are best fed by Godly wisdom. 

It is a good day to give thanks for calm spirits. They are often the world changers. 

Today, I am grateful for the calm spirits that accompany wisdom. 

Emma

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 189: Today, I am grateful for our Emma.

She changed our world with her birth. She has always been a light in our world. Her observations and views of the world... even as a child... were often witty and wise beyond her years at times. 

Emma was always on my "short list" of girls I would love to have as daughters. She loves books even more than I do. Her vocabulary is huge and always growing. She has her own unique sparkle. And as I always say... I held her first as I was about 4 weeks from delivering Chase when I held her for the first time. She was less than 24 hours old. What a miracle she was... and still is. 

Donna and I were trying to figure out babies at their first Pumpkin Festival. Donna had a whole month more of experience. We had Jill... the expert... to coach us, as Ryan was approaching his first birthday. How have thirty-four years gone by so quickly? 

She loves being a children's librarian. She lights up a room when she reads to the children. She loves adventures with our Chase and fills his days with a sweet partnership. I really could go on all day. One of my favorite years at VBS, she (and her sister, Leah) helped lead the worship and drama. Donna was in charge that year and the time together was so much fun. (Actually, I have quite a few pictures of Chase and Emma during VBS weeks with siblings Walker and Leah, too. I need to try and find them all. It would be a fun collage of images.) 

Not every Mother-in-Love gets the privilege of watching their Daughter-in-Love grow up. We will not take it for granted. To see this amazing woman in every season of her life has been a gift. We laugh when she laughs and we hurt when she hurts. Today, we are are blessed to celebrate her birth. We thank God for the gift of Emma and knowing her for all of her birthdays is such a bonus. 

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

I am grateful for the daughter Jeff and Donna raised for our son. They raised her in faith, light, truth, and love. They raised her on a farm to love the land. They showed her love for dogs, to appreciate nature, to seek Jesus, and of course... a passion for books. We had very similar childhoods in those aspects. Her roots have given her wings. 

Happy Birthday, Emma. 

Today, I am grateful for Emma.

Perfection

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 188: Today, I am grateful for His perfection in an imperfect world. 

Mornings, days, and weeks in our lives throw us some curveballs. Have you ever thought, "I never thought I would be here."? Most of us have. Health status changes, job changes, relationship changes, and other plot twists are a part of this life. 

We pray. We trust. At times, we endure the hard stuff clueless of any purpose in our pain. We live in a world that rejects His majesty. I always think of Job who was not spared suffering, but on the other side of the troubles he had a deeper relationship with his Lord. He discovered "the shield" and used it. It carried him through the darkest days of loss and suffering. His restoration was rich and full. 

"God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." -Psalm 18:30

Behind His shield there is rest. Let the sun rise with hope and anticipation. His Word is flawless. It does not fail. It lights our way home. 

Today, I am grateful for His perfection in an imperfect world. 

Touch the Hem

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 187: Today, I am grateful that we are able to "touch the hem." 

Do you ever need a little more "power?" My old mixer would grumble and drag. It simply no longer had the power to make my favorite oatmeal cookies (Grandma Guttendorf's Pride of Iowa). The kids gifted me with a beautiful red Kitchen Aid mixer and the "more power" is so much better, faster, and efficient. All I have to do is plug it in to turn it on. 

Power and patience are a great combination. The story of a suffering woman who knew that if she could simply touch Jesus's hem, she could and would be healed. Her faith was big, but she had to reach him. 

Imagine the crowds that gathered around Jesus. They followed him everywhere. It appears that Jesus would simply get up and go when he was finished. The disciples had to be ready to follow at any moment.

A ruler made his way to Jesus to beg him for a miracle. His daughter had died and he sought out Jesus to come and raise her from the dead. Jesus followed the man, but his journey was interrupted when he felt the power rush out of him. Someone had touched him. He felt the power leave him. 

The woman's courage was bigger than her fear at that moment. An unclean woman reaching out to touch a man was risky. She must have been exhausted from her illness, yet somehow she managed to reach him in time to touch his hem as he passed by. 

"And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” -Matthew 9:20-21

"Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse." -Mark 5:25-26

She was tired of bleeding. She had suffered at the hands of physicians. She was at the end of her proverbial rope... she was desperate. 

Jesus stopped abruptly and asked who had touched him. He knew, of course, but still He demanded her admission.

She confessed and asked Him for healing. 

"And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” -Mark 5:34

May we have the courage to reach out and "touch the hem" of His robe. May we have the desire to chase after him for the healing we need, whatever that may be. 

Today, I am grateful that we are able to "touch the hem."