A Little Clearing

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 54: Today, I am grateful for a little clearing. 

"Sometimes, the path that will bring you the most joy requires some clearing."

Said another way, the most joyful outcome might require a little work. When presented with easy or a little work, which do we choose? When the answer is "a little work" it often means we have a vision of the outcome that requires some input. We are willing to clear the path. 

What path do we have to clear today? Preparation for the job makes a difference. Do we have the right tools for the job? Many are excited to clear their garden beds to make room for the spring plantings. They need a little clearing. 

Today is day 6 of lent. Lent is a way of preparing our hearts for the biggest celebration of our faith. How do we prepare? This scripture provides a great instruction. 

 "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." -James 4:7

We can clear our hearts of pride. We can stand firm and safe behind the armor of God. We put some work into clearing the path of anything that gets in the way of our relationship with Him and with others. 

Today, I am grateful for a little clearing. 

Watch & Pray

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 53: Today, I am grateful for reminders to watch and pray. 

If you live or work with military people or first responders, situational awareness is something you hear often. Self-defense classes talk about it, because some situations can be avoided or prevented simply by being in tune with our surroundings. Situational awareness can save lives. 

At our house if we say "bunny" or "squirrel", Daisy Mae completely loses her mind as she waits to be let outside to chase a backyard nemesis. She may not see other dangers or things to avoid because she is hyper-focused on the critter in the backyard. She is not paying any attention to our commands at that moment. 

Are we so different? Probably not. Matthew 26:41 was today's verse for lent. Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane with the disciples. He knows Judas has sold him out for 30 pieces of silver. He knows of Peter's potential for knee-jerk reactions. He knows the cross is before him, unless the Father changes the game plan at the last minute. 

He goes out to find his friends sleeping after he told them to keep watch. Sleeping! They are clueless, not understanding the things he has said to them. They will understand, but at that moment they are not particularly supportive... or even awake. He told them:  

"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” -Matthew 26:41

Judas arrives with the posse. Jesus heals it. The infamous "Judas Kiss" was bestowed upon Jesus to signal him out as the one to arrest. Peter grabs a sword and cuts of a high priest's slave's ear. Jesus heals the ear. Oh, what a night!

When we watch and pray, we stay out of trouble. 

Do we fall asleep in prayer? I confess, I have. Mostly at night when I wake up with something on my heart. I call it the night shift. I do occasionally fall asleep before the "amen." It gives me some compassion for the disciples who had been well fed and had a little wine with dinner. 

This world is full of distractions and things that become idols. Other things consume us, stealing our time, energy, and resources. When we don't know what to do... watch and pray.

Today, I am grateful for reminders to watch and pray. 

The Bread of Life

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 52: Today, I am grateful for the Bread of Life.

I have continued to read the 40 days of Lent passages. This one is one that always takes my breath away for many reasons. Most do not say, "Suffering? Sign me up!". Yet, Jesus was not unaware of the price he would pay. He knew the scriptures. He knew the cost of obedience. He chose the nails. 

"But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." -Isaiah 53:5

Love kept him on the cross. Not nails. Mama Ina Mae used to love the song, "He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels" because of the deep truth. He could have, but He didn't. 

With Mama on my mind, the words in the scripture caught my eye. Did the recipe for our salvation carry the echoes of a basic bread recipe. 

 

Then, I consulted Goggle for a basic bread recipe. Here is the answer:

To create a delicious loaf of bread, follow these essential steps:

Whip: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let it sit until frothy.

Beat: Mix in flour and salt, then beat the dough until smooth.

Crush: Knead the dough on a floured surface until elastic and smooth.

Pierce: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and pierce to release air.

Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Shape: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a pan.

Second Rise: Allow the shaped dough to rise again until puffy.

Bake: Preheat the oven and bake until golden brown and hollow-sounding.

Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your freshly baked bread!

How do we make bread? Before grocery stores, wheat had to be CRUSHED into flour. We WHIP the warm water, yeast, and sugar until light and fluffy and WAIT. We MIX the ingredients. We BEAT the dough. We can CRUSH nuts or seeds to add more texture or flavor. We let is RISE. We PIERCE the dough to release air when rising. PUNCH DOWN and SHAPE and let it RISE again in the pan. PIERCE before baking to let the steam escape. We bake it until it sounds HOLLOW... or we could use the word EMPTY. Most bread recipes are clear about waiting to slice the bread. DO NOT TOUCH it with a knife until it has cooled. 

And... at the Passover, the instruction for the people was to NOT use the yeast. There was no time to waste when leaving Egypt with Moses. That bread didn't rise. Later, manna from God's hand sustained them in the desert. It arrived ready. But, the Bread of Life would rise again. 

Jesus was the lamb and the Bread of Life who would be beaten, whipped, crushed, pierced, and his torn dead body was wrapped in grave linens. There was the silence, the wait, and then he would rise again. Pierced, but perfect. 

Today, I am grateful for the Bread of Life.

2-21-26

From Google: 

To create a delicious loaf of bread, follow these essential steps:

Whip: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let it sit until frothy.

Beat: Mix in flour and salt, then beat the dough until smooth.

Crush: Knead the dough on a floured surface until elastic and smooth.

Pierce: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and pierce to release air.

Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Shape: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a pan.

Second Rise: Allow the shaped dough to rise again until puffy.

Bake: Preheat the oven and bake until golden brown and hollow-sounding.

Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your freshly baked bread!

Save for later-

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. . . . Now it seems to me obvious that He was neither a lunatic nor a fiend: and consequently, however strange or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that He was and is God. (CS Lewis) Mere Christianity, 55-56)

Renewal

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 51: Today, I am grateful for renewal.

David had messed up in a big way. How did the one who seemed so close and connected to God found himself in such a predicament? 

David sent a loyal soldier to the front line of war to cover his own sin. He had betrayed Uriah in more than one way. The first child David conceived with Bathsheba (while she was married to Uriah) did not live. He and Bathsheba tasted deep grief at the loss of the child. 

David prayed this prayer:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me." -Psalm 51:10

Our God longs to redeem and renew us. God answered David's prayer. There was no "undo," for his sins, but there was forgiveness. The legendary King Solomon would be born of their union. From brokenness and sorrow came a restoration to relationship with God and a new life was welcomed into the world.

Winter has returned to the Midwest. I am reminded that the earth is not done resting. The cluster of warmer days was refreshing, but winter is not over, yet. Spring is on the way, just about the time Easter arrives. 

Today, I am grateful for renewal.

Works of Heart

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 50: Today, I am grateful for works of heart.

This is from yesterday's passages for lent. Joel was a prophet to the people then and his writings still ring true. The tradition of the people was to but on sackcloth and ashes when they were repenting and confessing their sins and the troubles of their own making. It had been their way for a long time. God has seen it and seen them repent and then return to their old ways. 

This time he tells them to tear their hearts. We use the phrase broken-hearted quite often. It creates an image. God is instructing them to be brokenhearted over their poor decisions. He pleads with them to return to Him, while there is still time. 

"That is why the Lord says,
    “Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
    Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
    but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
    He is eager to relent and not punish." -Joel 2:12-13

This image of a broken heart with the butterflies emerging caught my eye. He trades our brokenness for freedom and beauty. Surrender is not to become a slave; there is freedom like no other in Him. Our hearts are lighter when our souls know true peace. It is a work of  heart.

Today, I am grateful for works of heart. 

Lent Begins

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 49: Today, I am grateful Lent begins. 

It is 40 Days until we celebrate Easter. Brothers and sisters who worship in the Catholic tradition will attend mass and receive the mark of the cross in ashes on their forehead. It is a physical act to declare something spiritual. Lent officially begins. 

Lent is for everyone. Forty days of focusing on the days before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Savior, our brother, and the one who purchased our sin debt and made it his own. We are free because of His decision to take our place... so that we might be rescued and restored. 

Knowledge of it all is quite humbling. The baby who was born in the little village that means "House of Bread" grew up to be broken for us. His purpose and the mission became clear. In the forty days before Easter, we remember the choice and the sacrifice. He stepped into our shoes and claimed victory for us. 

He trusted the Father's will, even when it was inconvenient. He understood better than our human minds can grasp the "big picture" of our redemption stories. Connected, but individual and personal, too. The scriptures are full of glimpses into His heart and love for all of us. One person's biggest trial may bring another to the foot of the cross for rebirth. 

Jesus allowed himself to be broken for us. He paid our sin debt in full! Cancelled. Paid in full in His blood. 

"But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” -Matthew 4:4

Forty days of focus on the One who made it all right as a gift. It was a promise fulfilled. 

Today, I am grateful Lent begins.

Semicolon

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 48: Today, I am grateful for the semicolon.

I had to laugh at the image. 

"Yes, a winky face is correct. But in ancient times, times, the semicolon was actually used to separate archaic written devices known as 'complete sentences.'"

I love a semicolon. It is a pause that indicates that the first one is complete, but the second one is connected. It can keep a sentence from being too long. It can add strength to a piece of writing without extra words. 

I giggled at the winky face. Still, I think we are missing something if we do not apply the semicolon when it is appropriate. 

The semicolon has become a popular tattoo for those have contemplated, overcome, and found their way past suicidal thoughts. It reminds them of the power of the pause. Whatever is overwhelming today is truly temporary or something that will become more manageable with time. 

Today is not forever; tomorrow is not promised. We truly only have this day. 

"He says, “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 (NIV)

Read it again. Pause. Pray. He has got this day. The good, the bad, the victorious, and the pause. Often it is in the semicolon moments that we learn to fully rely on His strength and grace for the day. 

Today, I am grateful for the semicolon.

Battle Ready

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 47: Today, I am grateful for reminders to be battle ready.

Scar is the villain in "The Lion King." He is jealous, a liar, and murderous. Still, I love the song, "Be Prepared." We all need reminders at times to be prepared. 

Knowing and trusting that God is on the throne does not excuse us from good effort preparations. We are  told not to worry. We are instructed to not be lazy or unprepared when a task or assignment is in front of us. 

This passage captured my heart today. I have many I care about preparing for or engaged in cancer battles. Others are dealing with other struggles and seasons of grief. We are instructed to prepare for the day, but to remember that the victory belongs to Him. 

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord." -Proverbs 21:31

Lent starts this week. How quickly we move from Christmas to Easter! Jesus's time of ministry is estimated to be about three years. That must have felt short, too. These 40 days will fly by swiftly, and we will once again be at the foot of the cross. For some, it is a time of remembering and gratitude. For others, it will be a time of decision-making. Christmas was about the gift. Easter is a gift that requires a choice and response.  

Then, as now, the world was full of trouble and political unrest. History always seems to repeat itself in one way or another. Illness, financial struggles, evil, and other trials can create a sense of fear and unrest. Prayer is not a last resort defensive move, it is the first line of offense. 

Are we battle ready? Is the horse prepared? The victory is the Lord's, but we are required to show up prepared for the day. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to be battle ready.

(image from Pinterest, source unknown)

Who Wrote the Book of Love?

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 46: Today, I am grateful for "The Book of Love." 

The Monotones sang "Who Wrote the Book of Love?" It is from before I was born... more than a decade... but it is a great song. I am glad I grew up hearing it as an "oldies."  

It was the song that Earworm started singing this morning as I read these words:

"This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." -1 John 4:10

Now, your Earworm is singing it, too. 

Real love. True love. Forever love. Soul mates. These terms are familiar and show up on everything from Valentines to candy hearts. 

Love is the intentional decision to seek only good for another imperfect person. It is a choice every day. Now, some are easier to love than others, but we are called to choose love, like God chose us. God sent his perfect son into a messed up world. They were killing babies, capturing kingdoms, and even those on the same side often disagreed. It was a harsh and unwelcoming place. 

Lent begins this week. We are reminded of the ultimate example of love. A perfect sacrifice to purchase our sin debt so we might enter eternity with Him. Excellent deal for us, right? 

"The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins." -Romans 8:3

Set free. Sin free. Loved.

Today, I am grateful for "The Book of Love." 

Love Wins

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 45: Today, I am grateful love wins.  

Love has so many seasons, facets, and chapters. From new romances to 70th Anniversaries, love can take on many faces and fill many spaces in our heart. 

This scripture is another way for reminding us that because God loved us first, forgiving the worst in each of us, we can love each other with grace and forgiveness. We will spend a lifetime learning about and practicing "perfect love." We will not always get it right, but we can keep trying. 

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” -John 13:34-35

Each time we choose love, we provide evidence of His work in our lives and in our hearts. It does not mean we always have to get our way, nor do we always need to give in. It means there is give, take, and a balance in love that reflects Christ's work in our hearts. 

Love big. Love hard. Love softly. Love tenaciously. Love with mercy and grace. Love never fails. Love always wins.

Today, I am grateful love wins.

Connectedness

 Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 44: Today, I am grateful for connectedness.

We were designed to be in relationships. Solitary confinement has long been a punishment for prisoners. Friendship, marriage, and being part of any team are examples of connectedness that make the human experience better. 

Growing up with a small town being the nearest town, I remember the sense of connectedness. People knew each other. There was history between people. It was not perfect. Some did not get along, but mostly it was good. 

People took care of each other. If you had a loss, meals showed up. If you were ill, there was help. If you were facing hunger, someone had "extra" to share. It was real and it was good. It was connectedness. 

Nature experiences connectedness too, by God's design. I think about the war on dandelions, but bees and other creatures benefit from them, and they provide a source of food and healing. It is the bees that help pollinate the pumpkins before the harvest and so many other things. 

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." -John Muir

Symbiosis in nature is not uncommon. Peonies need ants to bloom. Cattle can graze on a field, but then sheep can follow and dig deeper for more food. The Nile crocodile allows the Egyptian plover (bird) to clean its teeth and does not eat the bird. Food for the bird and flossing for the crocodile. Nature is connected and so are we.  

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

Today, I am grateful for connectedness.

The Important

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 43: Today, I am grateful for the important. 

"I want to do important work," I said. "Then smile at people you meet and play with dogs and tuck a blanket around someone who falls asleep." she said. "That's not what I meant I said." "Of course you did," she said. "You just had a smaller idea of important." 

I love this quote. It is so easy to focus on what we cannot do, do not have time to do, or we simply forget that small things are important, too. Whatever our age, health, or season in life... there are small things we can do that qualify as important work. 

When we are tired, it is easy to wish away our current situation, whatever that may be. It is better to count the "important things"  in our current seasons. The decades fly by so fast. 

It is human nature to get a little bored with the mundane. What if focused more on living out the ordinary in our days more like art. Do we see art in our ordinary days? Perhaps it is time to look for it. 

There is art and love in that first cup of tea, coffee, or cacao. It might be in the cup it is offered or the love of the person who prepared it. The scents of our beloved morning beverages are like no other. The hands that prepare it do important work. 

Our love of coffee shops in the USA reflect our delight in someone else preparing the things we could make at home. Familiar faces, a smile, and a kind message written on the cup are worth the time and money to many. It is important work. It is a cup of kindness we can purchase.  

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23

We can pour love into cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping. The tall man at Kroger who helped me reach the too high items I need last weekend paused to ask if there was anything else I needed before he moved on. His smile was friendly and his kindness sincere. To me, it was important work. 

Wiping tears, changing diapers, washing dishes, sharing popcorn, and doing laundry are ordinary things we can do with love. They are important. 

Today, I am grateful for the important. 

Dark & Light

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 42: Today, I am grateful for the dark and the light. 

Og Mandino is one of my forever favorite authors. His writings have influenced my perspectives and approach to trials for nearly 40 years. It is hard to pick one favorite. The world mostly knows him for "The Greatest Salesman in the World." If you have not read it, it has very little to do with sales and much more to do with creating a life well lived. 

"The Mission" and "The Greatest Miracle in the World" are other favorites by the same author. They are quick reads and worth the time. We cannot always choose what happens to us. We can choose how we respond. 

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars." -Og Mandino

I love light. I love white walls, glass, and wide open spaces. I love the stars, too. 

A clear night sky is a tapestry of light as the stars shine bright. For thousands of years, stories have been born as human's watched the stars for entertainment, guidance, and beauty. One particular star was a birth announcement. 

This is one of my favorite passages:

"Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing." -Isaiah 40:26

He calls them by name, and not one is missing. He knows us by name, too. He is the light in our darkness, but when the darkness comes, take time to look at the stars. 

Today, I am grateful for the dark and the light. 

 

Insight

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 41: Today, I am grateful for insight. 

"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side;  my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." -Abraham Lincoln

Another Abraham Lincoln quote caught my eye. I love this image of the 16th president in prayer. He carried the weight of the country on his shoulders, but he did not carry it alone. 

He was mocked, called names, and underestimated. His demeanor was humble, so some thought him weak. His writings and records from those close to him remind us that he sought Godly insight. When he was weak, he knew His God would not abandon him. He hated division. He he had tasted deep grief. He did not want war. 

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

He knew that whatever the day might bring, he could cling to his True North. His greatest advisor met him in private, anytime of the day and night. Abe Lincoln was a man. He was not perfect, but he sought insight from the Word of God. He wanted to be on God's side. 

Today, I am grateful for insight. 

Love Grows

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 39: Today, I am grateful love that grows.

This is one of my favorite President Abraham Lincoln quotes.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." -Abraham Lincoln

We celebrate president's day next week. It was a painful time of division in our nation's history. Lincoln hated seeing brother against brother. He hated slavery. He hated seeing families with empty seats around the table.

He was a man who tasted loss at a young age and was deeply impacted by the griefs he carried. His mother, his first love, and the deaths of his sons.

Lincoln loved to read. Without many books available, he read the Bible many times in his youth. The words and knowledge of God's character was written on his heart. It made him entertaining at times in the courtroom. His wit was quick and his knowledge of the Word was deep.

Many books on Lincoln, including his own writings made a record of the weight of the power in his hands. At times, he was able to do the right thing even if it was unwelcome by many. Other times, he struggled to choose the lesser of two evils. He lived in the proverbial spot between the rock and a hard place.

Character is who you are when know one is looking. Loving our neighbor takes on many faces, but love is always the best choice. In love we learn to forgive and to appreciate our differences. In love we can press on when the weight is heavy because we can share the load.

"Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing." -2 Thessalonians 1:3

Keep loving.

Today, I am grateful love that grows.

The Flip-Side

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 39: Today, I am grateful for the flip-side.

Many years ago we did a program with the K-6th on Wednesday nights that I have never forgotten. I was not keen on the idea of a video each week, because we typically had used short dramas to teach the lesson, and the kids loved it.

I watched a video or two and was convinced. We spent the entire year teaching about how Jesus's upside down thinking. He flipped how people thought and lived. The lessons encouraged all of us to look beyond ourselves to see the needs around us.

The teachings of Jesus were about loving others, not self-improvement. Of course, living out his instructions quite often flips our way of thinking.

My friend, Sarah, just returned from a trip to Zimbabwe, Africa. I have not had a chance to see all of the pictures and hear the stories, but I know it was impactful beyond measure. She helped at an orphanage during their visit. They had a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Sarah is a nurse and she has a huge heart. I know it was hard for her to see the struggles and suffering that are a normal part of daily life in a place where they struggle to meet basic needs. I know she and Pastor Andrew made an impact in their time there.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike." -Matthew 5:43-45

It was Superbowl Sunday (#60). A time to come together with family and friends to enjoy football and food. Those who choose opposing jerseys are not really our enemies. They all enjoy football and the festivities that are a part of the evening. The winter Olympics are in progress, too. There was much to root for. Both had stories of players, coaches, and the history of the games. In both events, there are stories of athletes changing teams or changing countries in the case of the Olympics.

It is touching to hear the athlete's stories. Resilience and hard work are a common thread. A few make it to the podium. On the flip-side are those who work just as hard, who do not win. How they act when they are discouraged or defeated speaks volumes about their character and their purpose. Sometimes the greatest lessons come from the flip-side.

Today, I am grateful for the flip-side.

The Spot Where the Light Comes In

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 38: Today, I am grateful for the spot where the light comes in.

I like to think of it as my spot. Daisy Mae believes it is hers. We share. It is that chair by the bay window where the light comes in during the morning hours. We delight in it. We savor it. Occasionally, we share it. 

I was reminded today of the simple pleasure of gentle sunlight through a window. 

“Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” – Psalms 31:16

Short post today. There is a fire in the fireplace calling my name. My best guy and Daisy are waiting. 

Today, I am grateful for the spot where the light comes in.

Good Pursuits

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 37: Today, I am grateful for good pursuits.

I needed a field of tulips today. I hope you enjoy them, too. The days are getting longer and whatever the groundhog says, spring will arrive right on time. 

February is a short month, but there is always plenty going on. How will we fill our schedules and spend our time today?

This passage reminds me that it is important to choose good pursuits. Our input has an input on the outcome. Do we expect God to rescue us when we knowingly make unwise choices or pursue things that are offensive to His holiness?  He is faithful. He is just. He has a big picture that he invites us to join the family. 

"Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor." -Proverbs 21:21

There are many times there is no backspace or undo buttons. Choices have consequences. Who do we choose today? What is our heart's desire? What will we chase? Who will we chase? 

Today, I am grateful for good pursuits.

Gameball Run

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 36: Today, I am grateful for Gameball Run (Thursday). 

Today is the actual Gameball Run. It is so exciting to see the schools, students, families, teachers, and local businesses come together to support the Children's Hospital of IL. The Committee does an amazing job and the community comes together for a special event. 

The track isn't in any shape for running, so it is moved into the Potter Dome. Local Food Trucks will be on site with for treats. It is a true community event. 

There is nothing like a community united for a great cause. 

Today, I am grateful for Gameball Run. 

Winter Birds Singing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Randy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today, I am grateful for my Randy.

Home's Winter Comforts

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Sees Us Differently

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today, I am grateful God sees us differently.