Keep On Keeping On

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 170: Today, I am grateful for the beauty in "keep on keeping on." 

Poetry has always been beautiful to me. This poem from Walt Whitman brought to mind the value and importance of "keep on keeping on." 

"The earth is rude, silent, incomprehensible at first; 
Be not discouraged - keep on-
there are divine things will envelop'd; 
I swear to you there are divine things more beautiful than words can tell."

It reminds me of the days of waiting for the ground to warm enough to sprout the seeds sleeping in a blanket of dirt. Just when you are about to give up, new life begins. Spring green is full of warmth. Beauty is all around us if we pause to take in the wonder. 

The enemy of our souls speaks lies and discouragement. It is easy to forget that divine and beautiful things appear in God's time, not ours. Our job is to keep on keeping on. Pops of beauty appear in unexpected places. We often miss them in our hurry to "get through" this day. Even in the "keep on keeping on" seasons, there is wonder to be enjoyed. 

"Do not grow weary in doing good; at the right time, you will reap a harvest if you do not give up." -Galatians 6:9

Today, I am grateful for the beauty in "keep on keeping on." 

Healing Things

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 169: Today, I am grateful for healing things. 

"We can't heal the world today, but we can begin with a voice of compassion, a heart of love, and an act of kindness." -Mary Davis

Mama Ina Mae always reminded us that healing takes time and patience. "Leave it alone" was often heard when we would mess with the typical wounds that happen when living wild and free. Scrapes, falls, and other small injuries occur when you are working or just having fun. 

100% aloe was her favorite wound care choice. From burns to growing new skin after Grandpa Harry lost a part of his foot under the lawnmower... aloe vera was her wound care solution. It always worked... to the surprise of the health care workers. Twice daily we dressed that foot. Matt remembers going with Dad to get the best brand of aloe vera... I think at the health food store. Grandma's aloe vera plants could not support the volume needed for twice daily care, but that is where we started. 

I am grateful for the lessons learned when we helped care for my grandparents, especially during those days when Grandma had Alzheimer's and Grandpa was recovering from that accident. I was caring for Grandma when Matt came in with Grandpa, his boot and foot partly missing. Matt was a kid and I was a teen. We had to problem-solve fast. There were no cell phones. No 911. Just quick thinking. And, although our hearts were racing, everyone tried to stay calm. Calm, gentleness, and compassion go a long way in a crisis and in the healing process. 

I recently used aloe vera for a burn from some boiling water. It still is a game changer. It is one of my favorite "healing things" to have on hand with the Watkins salve. I smile and think of Mama when I use them. 

The world is a mess. Aloe vera cannot heal all of the brokenness. It goes much deeper. Wounded souls take time to heal. A voice of compassion, a heart full of love, and acts of kindness can be like aloe vera on a wound. Healing sometimes requires that we do something different or "leave it alone" instead of picking at the wound. 

I am grateful for the Great Physician who gave us the "leaves of the trees for healing." He is the one who can restore our souls.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." -Psalm 147:3

Today, I am grateful for healing things. 

Quiet Blessings

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 168: Today, I am grateful for quiet blessings. 

There is nothing quite as peaceful as a favorite cup of a warm morning beverage accompanied by wildlife playing in the yard. Birds, squirrels, and bunnies abound on summer mornings. It is mostly quiet and definitely good for the soul. 

"Not every blessing is loud. Some arrive quietly, like birds at the feeder and peace settling into your soul."

Quiet blessings are the ones we forget to count. Our favorite people and fur babies around us add to the contentment. For those who are on summer break, there is an unhurriedness that is restorative. 

Other quiet blessings that come to mind are my large print Bibles and zooms on our screens and phones. Simple but game changers when we need them to be. 

Every day has moments that are simple, quiet, and very good. We are preparing for another round of storms here in "Heart of Illinois." It makes me more appreciative of the quiet blessings that surround us at the break of day. 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end;  they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22-23

Take in the calm before the storm, figuratively and literally. 

Today, I am grateful for quiet blessings. 

A Second Look

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 167: Today, I am grateful for a second look. 

This owl picture caught my eye. He is adorable. It reminded me of the power in perspective. Perspective is very much a part of daily life, including our faith journeys. 

This little owl reminds us that there are different ways to change what we see. Sometimes, it is as easy as changing the level from which we are taking in the view. Photography uses perspective all of the time, often achieving it by a twist of the camera. 

It is so easy to see things only from the spot that is familiar, comfortable, and easy. There are times we need to take another look. There is wisdom in looking from different angles and taking in different points of view. 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." -James 1:5

A second look from a different viewpoint can fill in the holes in understanding. It might mean refocusing. I could mean finding clarity. It might cause us to pause and be prayerful, asking God for wisdom, which is always a good idea. 

Today, I am grateful for a second look. 

From To Dos into Ta-Das

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 166: Today, I am grateful for when "to dos" turn into "ta-das."

Don't you love Monday morning ambitions? A great list of things you want to accomplish is good, but a done list is better. Some things take more time than others. Simple acts can be gratifying. Big ones take time and energy, but are worth taking to completion. 

Some things are never "done" for long like cleaning the house, but they are still good in the moment and for the few days the house feels truly clean. 

Savor the small moment of success and celebrate the big ones. 

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

You've got this! 

Today, I am grateful for when "to dos" turn into "ta-das."

Seers

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 165: Today, I am grateful for seers. 

"The man who has been taught by the Holy Spirit will be a seer rather than a scholar. The difference is that the scholar sees and the seer sees through; and that is a mighty difference indeed. " -A.W. Tozer

Knowledge and wisdom are two very different things. Wisdom does not come from knowing God's word, it comes from being in it. To read it and absorb it is different from simply knowing the words. Being filled with His Spirit so that we feel the tug when we veer off the ancient way. 

Setting our eye on Him helps us to set our "true North" making it harder to get lost. 

"Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’" -Jeremiah 6:16

Disobedience is a decision that impacts every decision after it. The enemy of our souls longs to create a sea of shame with waves of regret that swallow us up. His grace is deep; His love is as wide as the East is from the West. 

Seek and you will find. You are seen and known. 

Today, I am grateful for seers. 

So Much More..

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 164: Today, I am grateful for so much more.

This quote grabbed my heart today:

"If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a number of experiences that are not meant for you personally at all. They are designed to make you useful in His hands, and to enable you to understand what takes place in the lives of others" -Oswald Chambers

Even when life is hard, our God is still good. I see it at every twist and turn that comes our way. We live a part of His much bigger story. No piece of a puzzle is insignificant. Some days you might feel like another "blue" piece in a puzzle full of water or sky, but each one is still unique. Each one is important or something is missing. 

Our struggles may be key in someone else's story. We have all been moved by the actions or testimonies of others who stay firm in trials and troubles. Our God is still moving the pieces. Our stories are not over... even after we are gone. 

Then this was my verse of the day: 

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” -Luke 11:13

It is always good to be reminded of the goodness of God. He is so much more than we ever imagine Him to be. 

Today, I am grateful for so much more.

Protection in the Storm

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 163: Today, I am grateful for protection in the storm.

Walker and Amber were hit the hardest with roof and gutter damage, but never lost power. Chase and Emma lost power, but no known damage. Our little pocket of the neighborhood lost branches an small trees in places, but the worst missed us.

Our dear friend (who has been like family for 35 years) was caught in the mess on 74. She sheltered at the Goodfield, IL, gas station by Busy Corner, but felt winds she had never felt. She was heading West, so she saw the massive semi truck and trailer accident on 74E. Good Samaritans were trying to help those in the trucks. She and many others were praying for those inside awaiting rescue workers who were struggling to get there in the storm.

The Crandalls lost nearly all of their trees but God spared the house and cars. Seriously, it was as if angels put the trees down safely so the house and cars were spared.

Todd and Sarah had some fence damage. The Leanders are good. Ryan headed out to help a friend whose home was hit.

The huge trees uprooted are in Idlewood park where we spend many Thursdays in the summer enjoying concerts. Tonight was obviously cancelled. (Some of the trees pictured are there.)

I am sure we will hear more today, but we are grateful for protection in the storm. We will hear more today about their declared status. The best status of all is safe.

Today, I am grateful for protection in the storm.

Things We Can Count On

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 162: Today, I am grateful for things we can count on. 

Sunrise. Sunset. We can count on them. We can precisely predict them because we have a great God who weaves order into time by His design. 

There is still a unique beauty in these daily events that keep us coming back for more. We know they will happen and they still take our breath away. 

My daily verse was another life verse I have clung to at every sunrise and sunset. 

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” -Psalm 46:10

"Be still" is a command followed by a comma indicating a pause. 
"And know" means without the shadow of a doubt. 
"That I am" reminds me of God telling Moses "I AM" sent  you. 
"God" ... we are not to misuse his name. 
"I will" ... there is no question.
"Be exalted" ... there is no denying His majesty.
"Among the nations." indicates all of the people of the earth.
" I will" ... now and in the future.
"Be exalted" ... meaning He will be lifted up, praised, and worshiped.
"In the earth."  including the breadth and depth of nature. 

Let there be no doubt! Add it to the list of things we can count on. 

Today, I am grateful for things we can count on. 

Grace in Forgetfulness

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 161: Today, I am grateful for grace in forgetfulness. 

This sums up some days in a nutshell:

"I had a thought... and then I had another thought. They bounced off each other and now I can't find either one." 

There are days that thoughts seem to pop in and out without really landing. Moving from one thing to the next, but never really getting to finish anything because of a missing piece can make for long days. Then, you forget what you started out to do. 

Forgetfulness comes with being human and increases with age. It teaches us to be intentional with the things we want to remember. Memorizing scripture is a good exercise for our brains. It was easier when we were young, but it is a good practice at any age. It writes His Word on our hearts so it is always with us.  

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,"-Psalm 130:2 

We are constantly bombarded with messages from an increasing number of sources. I am grateful for those who grant me grace in the moments of forgetfulness, and I need to remember to do the same for those around me. 

Today, I am grateful for grace in forgetfulness. 

Simple Reminders

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 160: Today, I am grateful for simple reminders. 

I love reminders. I do not see them as nagging. I set many alarms throughout the week so that I remember important things from appointments to plugging in devices to recharge that I only use once a month. Reminders help us avoid embarrassment and negative outcomes. I have documents that are nothing but reminders. 

Post-it notes offer visual reminders. I put them on my phone, on my computer monitors, and in my lunch bag. There are days I hang my lunch bag on my door handle as a simple reminder to take it home. 

The kids gave me a jar of color-coded scriptures that are simple reminders from His Word when I need it most. I keep that little jar close at hand. It is full of simple reminders. 

A simple reminder can be a game changer. 

My daily verse is a simple reminder about a big picture. This was today's:

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." -Matthew 7:13-14

It reminds me that we do not serve Santa Claus. We serve a mighty, just, and holy God. His ways are not always easy, but they are good. The world is full of illness, loss, and seasons that are discouraging and hard. On occasion, an old familiar passage hits me in a new way. Today is one of those days. 

"For the gate is narrow"  ... narrow but not "too" narrow. Narrow enough to give clear guidance, but not too wide so we get lost. 

"and the way is hard" ... hard, but not "too hard." We can do it. The Holy Spirit guides us. Jesus is our advocate before the Father. The Father longs to comfort, shield, and protect the ones He loves. Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies. We need simple reminders. 

Today, I am grateful for simple reminders. 

Sure Footing

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 159: Today, I am grateful for sure footing. 

To stumble is not only embarrassing, it can lead to falls. What is humbling in youth can be dangerous to us as we age. 

Sure footing allows us to be confident at any age, from toddlers learning to walk to those who rely on a cane. The terrain does not have to be perfect to be "safe" if we have the right shoes or support. 

Falls happen when precautions are neglected or forgotten. Wise shoe choices make a difference, too. 

"God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places." -Habakkuk 3:19

When our steps are unsteady or unsure, we can lean into His strength. In fact, we do not have to wait until we are in trouble. It is preferable to let Him lead and not wait until we find ourselves in trouble or losing our balance. Our human nature is prone to fight for control of things that are truly out of our hands. We can choose the right shoes. 

His strength. His lead. His path. We can not be sure of the future, but we can be sure of His faithfulness on the journey. 

Today, I am grateful for sure footing. 

His Majesty

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 158: Today, I am grateful for reminders of His majesty. 

The miracle and wonder of creation are recognized in this passage:

"Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God." -Psalm 90:2

We are so easily caught up in the chaos of our busy days that it is easy to forget the miracle of it all. God's design is perfect. The placement of the Earth in her orbit around the sun is perfect. Just the right distance to sustain life as we know it. 

Our air was designed for our lungs... and our lungs for this air. We breathe in and breathe out effortlessly without giving it a second thought on most days. There are abundant blessings on the most ordinary days. 

The nests are bursting with new life. The squirrels are chattering up a storm. Bees are buzzing. Seedlings are sprouting. My zinnias are getting a little bigger. We have one green tomato on the vine. We had a little bit of rain and possibly more to come. His majestic design is good.  

Take it in. Take a picture. Savor the small delights. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders of His majesty. 

Tips On Loving Well

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 157: Today, I am grateful for tips on loving well. 

June is a popular month for weddings. After Memorial Day weekend is history, June provides popular wedding date options. 

I saw this image on Pinterest and thought it was a beautiful capture of ways to love well. The fact that they are rooted in scripture is perfect. 

Love has moments that sparkle and shine, but it endures in the daily decisions that say, "I choose you." on repeat... every single day. 

When I opened my "Scripture of the Day" it was the  perfect scripture to sum it all up. When we allow Christ to make His home in our hearts, it changes everything. 

"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." -Ephesians 3:17-19

Let your love be deeply rooted. 

Today, I am grateful for tips on loving well. 

The Power of Encouragement

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 155: Today, I am grateful for the power of encouragement. 

"Encouragement is oxygen for the soul." -John C. Maxwell

What a great quote. It holds a simple but deep truth about the power of encouragement. When someone wants to give up or quit, encouragement can recharge someone's emotional battery so they can press on and into the challenge.  

Encouragement must be sincere to make an impact. A good friend often says, "Muscle only grows in the presence of resistance." It can be exhausting and painful, but it is true. The push back can lead to re-evaluation and the "how might I do that better?" It is a good way to grow. 

The gardener evaluates the soil, the fertilizer, and the amount of watering when looking for the best harvest. Not every a plant has the same needs. My Sister-in-Love, Jennifer, always jokes about being plant hospice. There is only one to go but up in that scenario. The best success starts small and builds. 

The world is full of books on "self-talk." The problem with self-talk is that it is easy to lie to ourselves. An encouraging word from someone else is a game changer. We do not go from failure to success in a heartbeat. There is work in-between. Encouragers point out the growth in progress and celebrate the increments. It is honest.

Coaches do it when building winning teams. Talent is great, but growing together is where the magic happens. Seeing ways to build each other up instead of looking for a "superstar" makes a deep bench. 

 "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." -1 Thessalonians 5:11

Be honest. Be real. Don't miss an opportunity to build each other up. It will, in return, be oxygen for your own soul. 

Today, I am grateful for the power of encouragement. 

Summer Festivals

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 155: Today, I am grateful for summer festivals. 

There is one nearly every weekend. The Tremont Turkey Festival (June 11th -14th) is only a week away.

 Tremont, IL, reminds me of the community I grew up in. Small but mighty. Families are deeply rooted in the community. People come and stay. They festival is known for the turkey and the strawberry shortcake.  We always see friends working at the event. It has a craft/vendor fair, bed races, lemon shake-ups, and music. 

One of the best things is seeking the rich sense of community that abounds. In small towns, many are related. Others have generations of roots and memories. The summer festivals are a part of the heartbeat of the communities who come together every year to embrace summer. 

Turkeys, Strawberries (Elmwood this weekend), Hot Air Balloons (new in Pekin this year), and Washington, IL,  has already celebrated Good Neighbor Days. There is something for everyone. 

It is not a "festival" but Friday Night kicks off the "Groove in the Garden" Concert series at our Morton Public Library. One of our favorite bands is first up this year, "Cousin Eddie." It feels like a party every Friday at 6:30 P.M.. There is usually dancing and food trucks for dinner. 

The need to pause and celebrate is a part of being human. It is good for the soul. 

"So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them." -Nehemiah 8:12

Love the place where you live. Love your neighbors. Experience the joys of summer festivals. 

Today, I am grateful for community festivals. 

Summer Potato Salads

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 154: Today, I am grateful for summer potato salads. 

Summer picnics, church, and family gatherings are a showcase for potato salads. Everyone has a twist to the family recipe. Potatoes are inexpensive and a big batch does not break the grocery budget. Leftovers are welcome, but rare. (These recipes were posted on Pinterest.) The Spicy Potato Salad looks good to me. 

The recipe I long for is the one from the landmark Hofbrau House in Peoria, which is now closed. It was an authentic warm German Potato Salad. It was likely a recipe handed down through the generations. It was somehow light with vinegar, bacon, and green onion.

There is a special delight that comes from setting a table with ample choices, a variety of flavors and plenty to share. It is a rich part of our USA summer celebrations. Feeding our families, neighbors, and friends builds community. 

There was much hunger in the early days of this country. The land provided new challenges. Weather has always been a challenge to those who need to grow food. Any season of abundance was a blessing, but many times there was barely enough. Hunger was not a stranger. Learning to make a little into much was a challenge in many kitchens, but there was joy when it was accomplished. 

"Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor." -Proverbs 22:9

 Today, I am grateful for summer potato salads. 

Passwords Remembered

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 153: Today, I am grateful for passwords remembered.

Passwords are great, when we remember them. They are a part of safety in a digital world. They are a pain. The rules can be long. Then, you have to remember them. 

Password savers make me nervous. I do not like to use them on anything important, but they are required for so many things. It is the only way to get in. 

Passwords have become a daily part of life. We used to associate them with secret clubs or gatherings. Passwords have the power to unlock the places we want to enter from our banking to online shared interest groups. 

It made me think of this verse that is well worth remembering:

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans 10:9

It is the password that unlocks eternity, but it requires true confession and sincere belief. This is the other scripture that came to mind when I was thinking about passwords. Jesus was on the cross with a man to his left and a man to his right. 

"And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” -Luke 23:41-43

His first statement recognized his own sin; the second man recognized Jesus as Lord. He confessed, believed, and received. 

I hope you remember all of your passwords today. 

Today, I am grateful for passwords remembered.

Drink from your own well...

 Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 152: Today, I am grateful for reminders to "drink from your own well." 

One year I focused on "enough" as my one little word to ponder and pray on for 365 days. It worked its way into many gratitude posts. This verse is one I missed:

"Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well." -Proverbs 5:15

If you read the whole chapter, it is clearly focusing on the way adultery destroys far more than a marriage. It creates waves far beyond the house walls it tears down. 

Yet, there is a wisdom far greater. To be content with what you have is what makes a person truly rich. A bigger, grander home is not evidence of happiness. The proof is in the tabloids. 

To have people around a table that is rich with love, laughter, and conversation is the best kind of wealth. To have a common core that embraces faith adds strength to the family fabric that keeps us warm on a cold winter night and together in the darkest valleys of life's troubles. Caring for and drinking from your own well is a solid decision we all have to make daily. 

"Love generously" is a sign that hangs on our wall. It is a good daily reminder when I wake up every morning. If loving well makes a better life... it starts at home.

Today, I am grateful for reminders to "drink from your own well." 

An Old-Fashioned Book

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 151: Today, I am grateful for an old-fashioned book. 

I love to read. Wandering through a library or bookstore is a special way to spend leisure time. My Mama Ina Mae read slowly, but she retained what she read. She and Aunt Judy kept me in books for all of my childhood and youth. 

The Love of My Life gifted me with a book Grandma Marge originally gave me as a teen (it disappeared in college). It was full of quotes, poems and short stories. That book is always near when I am writing my gratitude posts. It is called "One Thousand Beautiful Things." 

I love an old fashioned book in my hands. It is easy on the eyes and you can see the progress as you turn each page. Some books, I am sad to finish because the characters have become friends. These days, I do appreciate larger fonts, that I know e-reader fans appreciate. 

As a huge fan of audiobooks, I count each book as "read." Still, my favorites I want to have in hardback, paper form. This morning, we had a power outage and I picked up a real book. A favorite that is now an "old friend." When the wi-fi goes down and the electricity is gone... a well lit window and a physical book are perfect companions.  

Books have always been collected, treasured, and shared. 

"When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments." -2 Timothy 4:13

Seriously... it is very much like some of the texts I have exchanged with my family and friends. 

Today, I am grateful for an old-fashioned book.

Flowers Along the Way

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 150: Today, I am grateful for flowers along the way.

This time of year, the purchased flowers have had a few weeks in the pots and are starting to fill out. The pops of color in other people's yards always make me smile. Flowers add so much color to our world. 

As you make your daily drive or walk to the ordinary places, don't forget to enjoy the flowers growing. As spring flowers turn into summer's blooms, there is a kaleidoscope of colors. 

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

It is very good!

Today, I am grateful for flowers along the way.

No Bake Cookies

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 149: Today, I am grateful for "No Bake Cookies."

If whimsy was a cookie, I think it might be a "No Bake Cookie." It has been a long day, so I am writing this post quite late. When pondering my post, this recipe came up. Oh, how we love this cookie.

I grew up with it. So did the love of my life. It is a fan favorite for many generations. No matter the weather, these are always a hit. As Americans, it holds many of our favorite ingredients including peanut butter and chocolate. The fact that they end up on wax paper to cool means a few disappear before they are ever put away. Does oatmeal make them a breakfast food? 

One time we made them with all of Randy's siblings at Lola's house. We had the best time. Some of life's best memories are made in the kitchen. 

Today, I am grateful for "No Bake Cookies."

Whimsy

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 148: Today, I am grateful for whimsy. 

The world needs more whimsy! The thought in this image is really talking about the whimsy that makes the difference in our days. 

"I cannot stress enough how important it is to do silly, frivolous things that serve no other purpose than making you happy." 

I love a rainbow of pen colors and a world filled with glitter, sparkle, and sunshine. Fresh flowers are good for the soul... and dandelions are the first flowers a child ever collects for a loved one. 

Wildflowers are full of wonder. They grow in unexpected places. They add color to the landscape. They are surprisingly resilient.

And... to top off my morning... one of my forever favorite verses was my verse of the day: 

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

It feels like a gift when a favorite verse pops up. Earworm is singing "You make me feel like dancing... I wanna dance the night away." (Leo Sayer- 1976) I guess it doesn't matter if it is morning. Plan for dancing in the kitchen (or work hallways), spin in sunshine, and invite others into the goodness so easily missed. 

Today, I am grateful for whimsy. 

Finished Courses

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 147: Today, I am grateful for finished courses. 

A finished course can refer to many things. A finished race, a finished academic class or grade level, or ending up where you want to be at the end of the road. 

In every endeavor, there is learning. Every course has its struggles and learning spots. From a 10K race to a trip across America on old Route 66. There are things to observe, learn, and when necessary... recalculate. 

Anyone else remember GPS practically shouting "recalculating" if you take a wrong turn or intentionally go off the instructed course. It could be annoying, but the goal was to keep us from getting lost. Sometimes there is joy in the unplanned and unexpected detours. Other times, we end up where we do not want to be. 

Luke reminds us in the Book of Acts to live our lives with real purpose and finish the course. Know what matters. There are times the detours bring important moments. Unexpected in our plan is not a surprise to the One who set the stars in the sky and the earth the perfect distance from the sun. 

How many times did Jesus connect with people in places that the disciples did not expect him to lead? Our God shows up in unexpected places on the course with strength, encouragement, hope, and purpose. 

Press on. Finish today's race with the confidence that He will provide a way. 

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." -Acts 20:24

Today, I am grateful for finished courses. 

Those Who Save the Day

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 146: Today, I am grateful for those who save the day.

They come with extra sunscreen, extra water, the safety pin, and the Tylenol. They have dental floss and rubber bands, too. They are always prepared. You know who they are. They are the ones who "save the day." 

"Let's Make a Deal" was a game show that used to see what women had in their purses as part of the game. It was a fun part of the show and reminded us of the crazy things that end up in a woman's purse because someone said, "Hold this." On occasion, those items come in handy. Other times, they get lost in the crooks and hidden pockets. Sometimes, they save the day. 

This verse reminds me of the One who really did save the day. Isaiah, Psalm, and other prophecies fulfilled beyond what would seem mathematically possible. Two thousand years later, the name of Jesus is still echoing into a world that is broken, lost, and very dark. It would have been easier to walk away when you have the ability to start again. Yet, the idea of a relationship chosen... not forced but by free will... it was different. His gift became our choice.  

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." -John 3:17

It is the choice that saves the day; it saves eternity. 

Today, I am grateful for those who save the day.

Remember and Honor

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 145: Today, I am grateful for a pause to remember and honor. 

There is something deeply humbling about the one who is not only willing to give their life for another human being, but then does. They did not know on a "last phone call" or the "I'll see you see you soon." would not be as they had anticipated. 

For the soldier, situational awareness can be the difference between life and death. Even then, the unexpected happens. It often comes with a choice. 

The phrase "no man left behind" is often associated with the U.S. Marines, but it really has roots that go all the way back to the Revolutionary War where everyone was considered important, including the musicians. There were no troops to spare. The Marines were the first to include it in 1889 landing party rules. It stated, “No man shall be left behind on account of darkness or the advanced hour of the night.”

A Great Jubilee Day, first held on Monday, May 26, 1783, in North Stratford, now Trumbull, Connecticut, commemorated the end of fighting in the American Revolutionary War. The Rev. James Beebe's son was a Captain with George Washington at Valley Forge. 

May 30, 1868, is the first record of a national "Memorial Day" declaration, but it was called "Decoration Day." The country was still united in name, but divided in the hearts of those who had lost so much and so much during the "The War Between the States" that we now call the Civil War. The South set their own days, as did many communities across the nation. It took 100 years for it to become Memorial Day as we know it today. 

"Decoration Day," the name "Memorial Day" was first used in 1882. It grew in popularity after World War II and was legally declared the official name by federal law in 1967. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the federal legislation that officially changed the holiday's name from Decoration Day to Memorial Day, cementing it as a national day of remembrance. 

It is a day to remember the lives, the loss, and the time it takes to heal after war. The empty seat at the table is real. It is a reminder that freedom is not free. 

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." -John 15:13

That is the ultimate in human love. 

Today, I am grateful for a pause to remember and honor.

Genuine Affection

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 144: Today, I am grateful for genuine affection. 

I am currently reading a series by Lynn H. Blackburn. It is the "Gossamer Falls" series. It is set in North Carolina. It is full of big families, humor, family feuds, and complicated relationships, because real life is messy. 

In the series, the patriarchs and matriarchs are respected. The long, deep, lasting relationships go back for generations. Genuine affection is present in how they "deal" with and protect one another. The men are faithful, fierce, and protective. The women are smart and strong. The southern sense of being good neighbors and hospitality runs through each story. Faith is a part of how they manage family, relationships, and community. I love good fiction with vibrant characters. 

This was my verse of the day:

"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." -Romans 12:10

In real life, genuine affection is a beautiful thing. It brings people together. It makes communities strong. We can have differences but still have a deep, genuine love for each other. Most families are an example of this every day. So are our work families, church families, and in our neighborhoods and communities. To take delight in honoring each other is to pour out genuine kindness and caring. 

Some of our most precious friendships grow out of ones that have a tenuous beginning. It is so easy to see our differences first, but when we are intentional about honoring each other with the same kind of grace we like to receive, genuine affection grows. 

Love big. Love genuinely and with humility. Savor the sweetness that grows from that kind of love. 

Today, I am grateful for genuine affection. 

Good Neighbor Days

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 143: Today, I am grateful for good neighbor days. 

One of the best parts of the warmer weather is seeing and talking to our neighbors. We have the best neighbors and neighborhood. We are a little community that watches out for each other. I can hardly believe we have been here for 30 years. I remember when we were "the young couple" in the neighborhood. 

It was one of those days where the reciprocity was tangible, even though it was unexpected. One shared a tool, another had a chance to play with the power washer to aid another, another shared sweet treats, and dear Mike has Daisy Mae perfectly spoiled with Milk Bones he shares with the dogs on each side of him and behind him. 

This scripture was my verse of the day:

"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." -Romans 15:2

I love that we take care of each other. We only have 7 driveways on our little bend in the road of our 1970's subdivision. We have plenty of space and we are often found in our front yards because that is where the people gather. We've watched the Lau children grow their entire lives (minus Marina's first six weeks). We've seen our neighbors' children grow up and build lives of their own. It is fun to see them when they visit. 

It is not the "in your business" kind of neighbors. It is the genuine caring that I know is not everywhere. You can buy a house, but a neighborhood is a gamble (unless you are Ackerman's and buy a house for the neighborhood and we are so glad they did!). 

My country roots mean that a "neighbor" can be anyone on your road for several miles. It is a part of country living that I missed. We were blessed to find a couple of special neighbors in Peoria that we still deeply treasure, but it was not how people lived. When we moved to our current home, we hit the jackpot. When I look at the houses now, people have come and stayed. 

There are often changes that come with different seasons of life, but our little bend in the road has been the same for well over a decade... and for most it is more than twenty years. For that, I am truly grateful. 

Today, I am grateful for good neighbor days.