Quirky and Unique

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 141: Today, I am grateful for the quirky and unique. 

This was posted on Pinterest. It grabbed my attention for the art and then the heart as I read the quote. 

"Be the flawed, quirky, unique, beautiful, and magical person that you are." -Jennifer Lambein

Quirky and unique are beautiful and magical. It goes with Dr. Seuss's quote, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" We all have different likes, dislikes, favorites, and absolute "no's." Embrace them. 

Even identical twins have differences. A mother can identify them from their walk, posture, or the way they talk with their hands. We are all created uniquely in the image of God. 

Embrace the quirks. Celebrate the unique... like boutiques. Walk in the wonder for being an original. Being original helps us find our strengths and know our weaknesses. That is part of being a family, being in the body of Christ, and being a community member. 

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—  one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." -Ephesians 4:4-6

Embrace the quirky and unique today. Be patient with those who are different. Try to see with God goggles. Look on others with love. Be content when you look in the mirror.  

Today, I am grateful for the quirky and unique. 

Endurance and Encouragement

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 140: Today, I am grateful for endurance and encouragement.

Encouragement and endurance are present in relationships that grow in strength and last. People are complicated and relationships can be messy, but we can live together in harmony and unity. We can disagree and still love deeply. 

This year, we turn 250 as a country. It seems so long ago and it was in some way. In others, if you think about generations and how long they lived, our great-grandfathers great-grandfathers were the sons and daughters of the Revolution. They were born in or shortly after the war and the new beginnings of what we know of as the United States of America. King's Mountain, the Catawba River, and Lincolnton, N.C. was where they planted their dreams and were willing to die for them. 

There was much diversity in the ranks. The Bess (Bosch/Best) came from Germany and were among the first settlers in that area of North Carolina. Others came from Scotland, France, and other places. English became the common language. 

They came from different houses of worship, but they recognized God's presence in their daily lives. They respected the things that created a strong sense of morality. Most came for unsettled land and opportunities unavailable in their homelands. The weather could be unkind at times, but the mountains were beautiful. 

They were resilient people with working hands (the men and women) with determined spirits. Their differences were put aside when protecting their homes. Endurance and encouragement allowed them to come together in unity with harmony.  

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" -Romans 15:5-6

Together we are still better. Instead of worrying about what our brothers and sisters are getting "wrong," we might pray for wisdom and clarity in our own faith walks. "Create in me a clean heart," that seeks His face every day. To love generously and to encourage each other as we all read the Word together and let the Holy Spirit be our aide and our guide. 

Today, I am grateful for endurance and encouragement.

Wildflowers

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 139: Today, I am grateful for wildflowers.

Our zinnias are not wild. We plant them from harvested seeds and wait. I will never, ever get over the miracle or the wonder that from last  year's dead blooms comes this year's new life. 

Spiritually, I know that is at the core of what it means to be in a relationship with the living God of the universe, but the miracle of it all still amazes me. He brings dead things back to life. From what is spent out, tired, and seemingly dead comes rebirth. 

There are places where zinnias are wildflowers. We do not live in that zone. The cheerful wildflower is native to the United States and Mexico, where they still grow naturally in the wild, but not in central Illinois. The bright, colorful blooms make them a beloved favorite in our yard. It is so hard to wait for them to grow, but it is worth the wait. 

They bloom in 30, 60 , and 90 days from seed, depending on the variety. Even Mama had success with zinnias. Flowers were her gardening challenge. 

Easy to grow and wonderfully low-maintenance! Zinnias bring vibrant beauty and pollinator-friendly charm to any outdoor space. We love the crazy mix of colors. Ours are sprouting as I write. I check every day to see the progress. A bonus is that the hummingbirds seem to like the red ones. 

This scriptures uses "lilies" or "wildflowers," depending on the translations. We have daylilies in our yard. They do survive and thrive after our cold winters. In fact, planting them is a commitment. They are hearty and determined. They have a long blooming season, so we enjoy them. I think of them when I read this scripture: 

"Consider the lilies (wildflowers in some translations), how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." -Luke 12:27

Look for the new life that springs from seeds planted from blooms that die in the fall. Rebirth is always amazing. 

Today, I am grateful for wildflowers.

Advice from a Duck

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 138: Today, I am grateful for advice from a duck.  

Watching nature is a way to learn simple life lessons. This advice from a duck seemed perfect for the start of a new work week. 

*Dive into life.
*Enjoy a good swim
*Let troubles roll off your back
*Take time to preen
*Look beneath the surface
*Shake your tail feathers
*Don't quack up

Dive into the week one day at a time. If you cannot take a swim, take a walk. Enjoy a deep breath. Comb your hair. Change your perspective. Shake what bugs you. Laugh. 

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." – Psalm 118:24

May continues with its typical chaos. Do not forget to pause when needed. 

Today, I am grateful for advice from a duck.  

Graduations

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 138: Today, I am grateful for graduations. 

Graduation Day is a special event in a person's life. When my Grandparents and Great-Grandparents were young, making it to 8th grade was a big deal. The real work of keeping food on the table sometimes did not afford the luxury of a classroom education that extended to 8th grade and high school. 

That was the reality for several of my Grandparents and Great-Grandparents. On the Bess side, hardship when GG Albert Bess took ill and never recovered. 

Great-Great Grandpa Albert (William A.)Bess died at age 43, leaving behind Great-Great Grandma Adelia Ethel (Johnson) Bess, 36, with seven living children. Great-Grandpa Alva was almost nineteen and the oldest of the seven. The rest were girls ranging in age from 16 1/2 to 3.  

This is a verse he knew well:

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." -Psalm 119:105

The year was 1917. I cannot imagine the responsibility he must have felt. No wonder when he spoke of his sisters it almost held the warmth of a father. He graduated from big brother to something more. I know he traveled to find work where he could, as it was reported in the Lutesville, Mo, newspaper. 

GG Alva graduated from brother and son to husband when he married Great-Grandma Hulda. He was 24 years old and she was 18. Her family was in the Kankakee area and that is where they raised my Grandpa Vernon. Grandpa Alva graduated from husband to father... and then great-grandfather to many. Much of his family came north to the Kankakee area, but Lutesville and the Clubb Creek Church were always "home" in his heart. 

I remember a time when they moved to the Lutesville area (near Cape Girardeau) for a season. I remember the big Bess bunch converging upon the home where they lived with an elderly man who was blind. (I think we called him "Uncle Bob", not to be confused with Uncle Bobby Bess.) "Uncle Bob" was warm and welcoming to all of us. He had what I remember as a big home, and we filled it! It was a huge slumber party. The love, laughter, and fun overflowed. Uncle Bob loved to hear us sing "Jesus Loves Me." Great Grandpa & Great Grandma were caregivers... so the family went to them. I have a double-wedding ring quilt that ended up with my Mama when "Uncle Bob" graduated to heaven. It is a treasure in my home. 

My Great-Grandparents returned to Illinois and were surrounded by family for the rest of their  days. I remember their last chapter was spent in a lovely high rise facility for Seniors. It was perfect for them, but it was unsuitable for large family gatherings. The torch of hosting big family gatherings was passed on. In a sense, that was another graduation. 

If I had to sum up GG Alva in a sentence it would be this: "He was always grateful." GG Hulda was always welcoming. Grandpa Bess would give them 10 grandchildren. Seven sisters and three brothers at the final count. Twenty-three Grandchildren (plus 3 bonus that came with Uncle Dave Maisonneuve) and countless Great-Great Grandchildren. 

For many years, it was Mama Ina Mae and Aunt Judy who shared hosting the family at the holidays. Now, when gatherings happen in this season, it is the cousins taking the lead. Another generation of cooks graduated to making the plans, and washing the dishes. There is still laughter and plenty of noise in the kitchens and every other corner suitable for gathering.  

Life is full of chapters and moments. When one chapter ends, another begins. 

For our local MHS seniors, today is their day. Graduations matter. They are a beautiful reason to celebrate accomplishments, the journey, and the relationships made along the way. 

Today, I am grateful for graduations. 

Lullabies

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 136: Today, I am grateful for lullabies. 

There is something about humming and singing that calms an anxious or upset child. It is something woven into our cultures and our souls recognize the soothing melodies that whisper love and safety. They hold family history in the songs passed down from generation to generation. They are often a part of bedtime routines and midnight resets when a child wakes up in the middle of the night. 

This scripture reads like a lullaby from our Heavenly Father:

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." -Zephaniah 3:17

He quiets us with his love. 

It also says that he will exult us with loud singing. That part of the verse feels more celebratory. We are loved and He wants us to know it. He hears us in our distress and in our delights. 

I remember times when a lullaby started out louder to match the cries of an upset child, and then bringing down the volume as they quieted and returned to sleep. Oh, the sweet memories of that season. We were often exhausted, but there was nothing like it. 

Isn't it good to know His love is like that? It is like a lullaby. 

Today, I am grateful for lullabies. 

Put It Down

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 135: Today, I am grateful we can put yesterday down. 

"Yesterday it is heavy. Put it down." 

Great instruction that is small enough to write on a rock. The scripture includes several passages that remind us to leave yesterday behind. It is history with each sunset. 

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. -Isaiah 43:18-19

I think it is a plot from the enemy of our souls to keep reminding us of yesterday's failures and struggles. We learn more from our mistakes than we do from success. Success can lead to pride; failure leads to innovation. We don't want to aim for failure, but we do not want to be weighed down by it either. 

What can we do differently today? It is a lovely choice we get to make every morning. What things do we want to repeat because they worked? We can keep doing them. Yesterday's lessons are valuable, but they were never meant to weigh us down. 

Today, I am grateful we can put yesterday down. 

Elastic

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 134: Today, I am grateful for elastic. 

I do not think in all this time I have been grateful for elastic! How can I have missed this wonder of the sewing world and so much more? All of the celebrating that goes on in May often involves sweet treats and other caloric items. 

Elastic is equally helpful if we are losing weight in preparation for vacation, summer and swimsuit season. Honestly, it is the magical quality that lets us stretch and shrink and still be able to fit into our clothes that makes it truly a wonder in modern fashion. It allows us stretch for comfort when we need it to stretch. It pulls in items that would be too big, too. 

No zippers to snag in the wash. No buttons to lose in unknown places. It lasts well beyond the garment sometimes. Elastic is truly changes many of our days and we take it for granted. 

Whatever our day brings, elastic keeps us comfortable. Its flexibility provides self control, even when we do not. When we win at dieting, it adjusts. When we lose control it stretches. Oh, the very daily battle of self-control is real. 

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." -1 Timothy 1:7

His spirit of power, love, and self-control are accessible to us. Sometimes we use it. Sometimes we don't. It helps us stay calm, cool, and collected. It helps us be courageous. It helps us stretch. 

Today, I am grateful for elastic.

Sunrise on New Seasons

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 133: Today, I am grateful for sunrise on new seasons.  

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." -Proverbs 4:18 

New seasons is one of the rich delights of Midwest living. The scents of dawn in the spring floated through the window this morning as the sun peeked over the horizon to mark a new day about to begin. 

Our seasons are distinct. They are not hot and hotter. They are not cold and colder. Each one is full of special things that only come that season. Each one gives us a peek into the next before the change is made. Within the seasons, each sunrise marks a new day. 

Spring is in full glory and summer is around the corner. Seedlings are showing the promise of what is to come. The light of dawn breaks through each morning with new sprouts, new flower buds, and a hope that is renewed each morning. This year, we have actually had a Spring. We did not skip from cold to hot. 75 degrees is still my favorite. 

It is a day of celebrating our Morton 709 District retirees. Some have taught and served in support positions for more than 30 years. Others are in the 20 year zone. They will see the dawn of a new season when the school year ends. It will be a great afternoon with some special people. We will miss them but wish them well in their next chapter. 

Today, I am grateful for sunrise on new seasons. 

Reminders to Slow Down

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 132: Today, I am grateful for reminders to slow down.  

Me: "I'm so overwhelmed." 

Also me: "I want to expand the garden, get chickens, start beekeeping, bake my own bread, learn fermenting, grow cut flowers, and be completely self-sufficient."

One of the things that is promoted in the current age and celebrated is going faster and faster. There are some things a machine cannot do. It can be exhausting, stressful, and discouraging. 

This image made me laugh; then, it made me think. There is something in us that longs to grow, build, and create things that take time. Sustaining life happens with the humble labor of human hands. 

That labor is sometimes hard. When there is abundance you get to save it and share it. I find it interesting that the pickled things so many cultures have made staples of the local culture and diet are being affirmed as "good for the gut" in a season when so many suffer. It was adopted as a way to store food and eat through the winter. 

In the mayhem of May, the need to slow down rises. Plant the gardens and the crops, celebrate moms and graduates, attend weddings, anniversaries, and remember on Memorial Day. Some holidays are double-booked with other events. We crave porch and patio time. We long for simpler times. This scripture is easy to memorize and is the perfect mantra for May. 

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Slow down when you can. Keep a list for the "someday" things. On my list is making butter.  

Today, I am grateful for reminders to slow down.  

Tutus

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 131: Today, I am grateful for tutus. 

I saw this picture yesterday and it stuck with me. 

"Life would be better with more tutus."

What is the message in a tutu? It is light, whimsy, dances, and sometimes sparkles. As fashion cycles, there are times when crinolines are necessary to get the desired look. They are always in style in ballet and in the five and under crowd. 

Mama loved the fashions of the 1860's. I cannot imagine them every day, but fancy full skirts with crinolines are certainly grand when the time and place is right. They are great for dancing. 

"Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre." -Psalm 149:3

I think we can learn a lesson from the little ones who dress with no inhibitions. They wear what they want, when they want as they fill the days with play. The world needs less tablets and screens; it needs more tutus. It needs more of the thing that makes your soul sing and your feet feel lighter. 

Today, I am grateful for tutus. 

Mothers

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 130: Today, I am grateful for mothers. 

There is something special about a mother's love. It is equally gentle and fierce. 

I had no clue how much my Mama loved me until the moment my first born arrived. As long as his heart was beating in my womb, I could keep him safe. Then came the birth. Hard, but magical... and worth it. But the world was a dangerous place. Could we keep him safe, warm, and fed? 

When our second son arrive, there was no less amazement and wonder at it all. Another heartbeat that rang strong and true. Another miracle entrusted to imperfect parents. The love in our home increased as we watched Chase pouring his love into the mix for his new baby brother. When we told Chase a sibling was on the way, he requested a "brown sister." When a light skinned brother arrived, he was content with what God had sent. Walker was surrounded by love; it shaped him with deep empathy and compassion. To get to be their mother is one of the greatest gifts I have ever been granted. 

“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” – John 16:21 ESV

For the Aunts... by birth and through love... you matter. Whether you have given birth or not, you are often confidants and cushions when our children need them. You can, also, be accountability keepers we all need in our lives. You bless us when you love our children. 

For the Village Moms, who helped us raise our children when we were not looking, I am forever grateful. You wiped tears, bandaged boo-boos, and were there when we could not be present. You blessed us again and again. 

For the "work Moms" who encourage and teach, thank you. Two of mine literally taught me skills that I missed as the world evolved quickly around me. 

For the "Church Moms" who parented life stages before us and let us watch, you have no idea how many times  your voices still run through my head. You led by example from week to week.   

For my Grandmothers who raised my parents, your lives still echo in ours. Things we learned with you and from you are being passed on to the next generation. 

My Mother-in-Love, she raised the love of my life... and his siblings too. The Smith/Morgan/Ackerman family I married into values family, faith, and country, too. They always make me feel loved and one of the family. 

For my own Mama Ina Mae, I find it is hard to find the right words to write. She was truly one of the best humans I've ever known. Ever. She was creative and intelligent, but more importantly... she was wise and kind. She was warm, welcoming, and a wonderful cook. She loved music, dancing, and singing. Teaching music and Sunday School were two of her favorite earthly delights. 

When Grandpa Harry cut a chunk of his foot off (lawnmower) in his eighties, they told him that he would never walk again. Grandpa asked for a new doctor. Mama grabbed the aloe vera plant (Matt and Dad would eventually go buy it in bottles) and started dressing it twice a day. She taught me what to do so I could help. That foot healed. The foot grew skin and Grandpa returned to life with very little sign of the trauma in his walk. Mama loved fiercely and deeply. 

Getting to be a mother to girls came later. I prefer mother-in-love and daughter-in-love to the "in-law" versions. Like the boys, I love Emma and Amber equally and differently. Each one fits like a puzzle piece that was missing in our family. I am grateful for their mothers... the ones who helped shape them into the amazing women who love our sons.

Time together... it is my favorite. That was our day today. It was the best of Mother's Days. 

 Today, I am grateful for mothers.  

Fresh Plantings of Flowers and Veggies

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 129: Today, I am grateful for fresh plantings of flowers and veggies.

The Saturday before Mother's Day is when we put most of our flowers and veggies in the ground. It is usually a full day. We feel accomplished when we get it done. (If anyone knows The Love of my Life, he prefers projects that can be accomplished in a day, a weekend, or a week.) 

This image (and video on Facebook) is from last year. The salvia attracted the hummingbirds and we enjoyed many evenings watching for them to come. This year, the choices were very intentional for the hummingbirds, as we already have the butterflies and bees covered. 

The zinnias were planted around our "Grateful Girl" carved stump. (Love you, Roxanne.) Soon they will begin sprout. They are ridiculously easy and they make me so happy. 

The hyacinth bean vine did not make it in the ground today. I forgot to soak the seeds overnight (something I never did in the beginning, but I think it might speed the sprouting. And, there is still room for some potted or hanging flowers on the back patio. 

The veggies are tomatoes and peppers. They usually do well.   I would love to have zucchini, but I have never had a successful crop. 

"And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 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 1:11-12

Yes, it is very good. 

Today, I am grateful for fresh plantings of flowers and veggies.

A Good Recipe

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 128: Today, I am grateful for a good recipe. 

Who doesn't love a good recipe? Especially if it is simple and straightforward. The ones we can't mess up and can make from memory are often our favorites. Once the familiar recipe is committed to memory, it goes together instinctively. 

My verse today was this:

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." -Colossians 4:5-6

Colossians is a book full of instruction. It helps us see God more, live better, and love more.  

The recipe is excellent, tried, and true.

• Live wisely among non-believers, making the most of every opportunity.
• Let your conversations be full of grace, seasoned with salt.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your faith with clarity.
• Show kindness and respect in all interactions.
• Use your words to uplift and encourage others.
• Reflect Christ’s love in your daily conduct and speech.

Do these things as a testimony to the One who changed everything. His love, grace, and mercy are like the salt that is necessary for life and for making life "taste good." Not one part of the "recipe" is fancy. The very best recipes have all that we need on hand. 

Walk well. Live well. Laugh well. Act well. Speak well. Be Kind & Respectful. Love fiercely. 

Today, I am grateful for a good recipe. 

Guaranteed Giggles

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 127: Today, I am grateful for guaranteed giggles.

May is always one of the craziest months of the year. There is always a full calendar and a long list of things to accomplish. I have a friend who calls it "May"hem. I think it is a good description. 

In the crazy days ahead, do not forget to laugh. This image is one I think about often because it always makes me laugh. 

"My ducks are absolutely not in a row. I don't even know where some of them are... and I'm pretty sure one of them is a pigeon." 

It is the pigeon that cracks me up every time. Maybe it is because the "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" book comes to mind. Some seasons are not even controlled chaos, but we press on and get through them, one step at a time. Laughter helps. 

This scripture sums up May:

"There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."-Ecclesiastes 3:4 

There is a time for all of these things in May from Mother's Day through graduations, anniversaries, weddings, and Memorial Day. No wonder it goes so fast. 

Sometimes, a guaranteed laugh is the best way to start the day. 

Today, I am grateful for guaranteed giggles.

The Little Something Extras

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 126: Today, I am grateful for the little something extras.

"So many people need a hug, a forehead kiss, and a grilled cheese cut diagonal." 

This was on Pinterest. It made me smile. Oh the simple things that communicate warmth and caring. The first two are common acts of caring, but the last one was perfection. A grilled cheese cut diagonal is the extra step that makes it easier to eat. When the kids were little, flipping it to make it look like a butterfly was an easy way to serve it. 

What are the little something extras that cost nothing or next to nothing but show great love, compassion or kindness? 

"Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Cor 16:14

Today, I am grateful for the little something extras.

Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving.

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 125: Today, I am grateful for guidance "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving."

On my top ten list of books is "The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino. It is a short read and described as a parable by some. At the heart of it are the Ten Scrolls to Success. I would call few books outside of the Bible "life-changing" but that book is an exception. 

If you have not read it, grab it. I recommend taking a little time with it. Brew each chapter until it all makes sense. I need to re-read it, as it has been awhile. 

The last scroll aligns with this scripture passage well. It says "I will pray for guidance." 

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

To be prayerful and thankful in all things with supplication is the instruction. Supplication should not be deemed outdated and archaic. It is a practice that changes everything. Supplication is literally more begging than asking and it is paired with humility. Og Mandino sums it  up with "I will pray for guidance."

Thanksgiving is the bow on the offered prayer. A humble prayer offered with humility and thanksgiving stands out from the prayers that sound more like a letter to Santa than a request from the God of the Universe. Our souls long for the intimacy with our Lord that is unlocked when we kneel before him with humble prayers seeking His help and guidance with gratitude. 

Now, I am off to "Greet this day with love in my heart." (Scroll two is one of my favorites.) 

Today, I am grateful for guidance "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving."

Relationship Expectations

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 124: Today, I am grateful for relationship expectations. 

Part of choosing a spouse (or  a close friend) is knowing the relationship expectations. In dating, we learn if the relationship works. We all have our quirks, non-negotiables,  and priorities. In finding that person who is a good balance to our own quicks, but shares our same common priorities, we can work every day to honor and protect the relationship. They are the kind of relationships that last a lifetime. 

This scripture is a timeless reminder of who God is and his promise to those who seek His face. 

"if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." -2 Chronicles 7:14

The relationship has expectations. When we love someone deeply and truly, we work to change ways that are offensive and irritating to them. In a relationship with God, we must not forget who He is. He is still holy. 

Sin... especially the sin of arrogance, is like a peanut allergy. Dangerous and deadly. Areas must be scrubbed clean. His holiness cannot tolerate sin. It destroys our ability to be close to Him. 

To be in a constant relationship with someone who suffers a peanut allergy means we must change our grocery list and our diet. We have to change our cravings, too. As parents, we do it for our child out of fierce love and the need to protect. In relationships, we must decide what we can sacrifice to keep the person we love safe. It requires intentional decisions and changed behaviors. 

God sent his Son that we might be cleansed and healed, so that we can enter into His house and presence. We make changes out of love, not fear. He brings healing to our lives and wants to bring healing to our land. 

Today, I am grateful for relationship expectations. 

To Be

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 123: Today, I am grateful for reminders "to be."  

This was my verse of the day. 

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." -Romans 12:12

It landed on my soul like manna in the desert. That 40 years held a lot about learning to be content in your circumstances. The desert years were about learning trust, obedience, and patience. I, like the Israelites, often flunk the patience test. Never fear. There is always a "retake" test so that we can grow. 

In the morning worship we are currently studying Acts. That is a book I need to spend more time reading. It scared me as a kid. All I saw were the beatings and the hate for those who claimed victory through Jesus. I feared, as a child, that I could not withstand something so hard. 

As an adult, I see the miracles and the power of the Holy Spirit moving in every chapter. I see the community that insured those who were in prison, hungry, orphaned, or widowed were never alone. There was always enough. Perhaps not ample and plentiful, but there was enough. When the huge, heavy temple curtain ripped from the top down... think about that... everything changed. God's Spirit set free! 

 "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split." -Matthew 27:50-51a

We get "to be" in the presence of the Almighty God. Not just knowing he is omnipotent and omnipresent, but experiencing the daily ordinary walk with Him, or simply being in His presence. Remember when Moses asked God his name, so that he would be able to tell the Pharaoh (his Grandpa by adoption) who sent him? God replied, "Tell them "I AM" sent you. I AM is part of the "be" verbs. They are the first conjunctions we learn in any new language we are seeking to learn. 

The great "I AM" is living, moving, and present. Not past tense, but fully present. We get to celebrate in hope. We learn patience waiting on His direction. We can talk to Him constantly and he inhabits it. He left His Holy Spirit, so we would never BE alone. 

Hard times, bad days, and troubles are real. We are not exempt, but He never leaves or forsakes His children. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders "to be." 

To Be Heard

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 122: Today, I am grateful to be heard. 

Knowing we are heard is sometimes enough. We may not be able to change our situation, but we want to be heard and understood. We know that "according to His will" is not always in alignment with our desires. It is why Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy will be done." 

For me, there is a comfort in knowing the prayers of His children are heard. What we think we want may not be what is best for us now. He sees the whole puzzle put together while we live out our little chapters and ordinary days. 

I love to get down on the level of small children and watch their little minds work as they figure out the world. They do not miss a beat and they use the vocabulary they have. "A headache in my stomach" is one that comes to mind. Sometimes, understanding is limited by our language or our perspective.  

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." -1 John 5:14-15

To be heard, to be held, and to be loved. It is all a part of being "known."  

Today, I am grateful to be heard. 

Making the Best

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 121: Today, I am grateful we can "make the best" of everything. 

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything." -unknown

This is the power of reframing. It is not rose-colored glasses. It is more than optimism. It is evaluating, re-evaluation, and recognizing there is a "worse than" scenario for most tough times, trials, and struggles. It matters who you take along on the ride. 

If you plant ten seeds and only three flowers grow, you still have fresh flowers to enjoy. Not every investment has the intended and expected return. 

Corrie Ten Boom, Victor Frankl, and even excerpts from Anne Frank's diary remind us of the power of what we tell ourselves about a situation. In the early part of my life, the concentration camp survivors often hid the tattoos on their arms. For some, it was a shame they should have never carried. For others there was still fear. For some, it was the past they could not change but they hated the daily reminder on their wrist. Honestly, some things are too horrific to tell the story again and again. They made their best of the days they had left.  They are the stories that show the power of making the best of what you have. 

Faith, hope, and love are the game changer. Greet the day with those three ingredients and the day will go better. 

"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 

Today, I am grateful we can "make the best" of everything.