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.