Memory

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 309: Today, I am grateful for the ability to remember.
(Text my journal prompt #7: For what memory are you grateful?)

So many face memory loss with aging and diseases such a Alzheimer's, Huntington's and other diseases with dementia.  Our memories are what help us write our story and know what was important. The one grace is that with some diseases, the earliest memories fade the slowest. A loved one may not remember even a few hours ago, but have clear childhood memories. That is a sweet gift.

Memories carry us through tough days. They remind us that every trial has a beginning and an end. Every day has a sun-up and a sun-down. (The sun will be up a little sooner on daylight savings time.) Memory is the balm to a grieving soul and the source of reunion conversations. For me, recollections of my sons days in elementary school still seem so rich and clear, but here they are men. I don't even know many of the teachers in a building I was once a regular volunteer. Memories are sweet. Sometimes bittersweet as time flies faster as we grow a little older. 

Memories of childhood gatherings with family mean so much. We savored every minute of cousin time. The fun was endless until we collapsed in exhaustion. Thanksgiving has become a favorite holiday. It is a family reunion and a time to make a few more memories. 

I am still thinking about a scripture from the weekend. After Jesus had heard that his cousin John the Baptist was beheaded, he feed the multitude... but then... sent his disciples away so he could find some solitude to pray, rest, restore and I am sure... reflect on the memories of growing up with John. The man, his message and the disciple who baptized him,as an example and beginning that tradition of public expression of faith in Christ. How full of memories his heart must have been. I know he wept, but he chose a private place to be with the Father in prayer. So many memories were with him in his sorrow to fill his cup with gratitude for the life and times they shared. 

Memories are a rich part of the fiber of our lives, lest we forget who we really are. 

Earworm is singing "Hello, my name is child of the one true king."... a favorite by Matthew West. 

Today, I am grateful for the ability to remember. 

Nature sings

Hyacinth Bean Vine

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 308: Today, I am grateful for native plants and nature's ability to reseed and bring life, season after season.

(Text my journal prompt #6: What in nature are you grateful for?)

A friend shared hyacinth bean vine seed pods a few years ago. The bean pods were collected from a plant and planted the next spring. In our climate, I am not sure the seed would survive the winter, but with the most simple of gardening efforts, we can collect the pods...plant and enjoy the vine the next year. 

It is stunning. In some climates, it will reseed itself, wherever the pods fall.  It is a showy and beautiful vine with purple flowers and equally beautiful bean pods.It makes me smile. This year, my little neighbor girl helped me plant. We waited and watched it grow.

The miracle of Mount St. Helen comes to mind, too. I remember when the volcano erupted in May 18, 1980, pouring life ending hot lava for miles and miles over what was once a lush and beautiful mountainous landscape. Scientist were confident the mountain would never recover in my life time. Science was wrong. 

Image of Mount St. Helens 25 years after eruption.

In Luke 19:39-40, Jesus warns that if we fail to acknowledge and praise Him -the rocks will cry out. 

"And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” 

The earth is full of his majesty. Some feel closest to God in communion with nature, even more than in a church sancutary.This does not mean we can ignore community worship, for it is a key part of growing in faith. 

Still, in the Bible... and often today... people go to the wilderness to avoid distractions... to pray... and to focus on God's direction. They go to nature to seek His will and get a glimpse of his face in the landscape. They go to pause and listen for his voice. It is a place without distraction or cell phones. It is an amphitheater of his glory. In nature... we can breathe.

Surrounded by a vibrant show of life, the rocks cry out,. Think of the Grand Canyon or Mount St. Helens. Life survives and thrives in the most unusual places but because of his glorious design and the delicate balance he created. 

How grateful I am that nature must sing his praise. Nature must respond with awe, gratitude and splendor in the presence of a Holy God. God designed nature to be magnificent. Much of it looks like a miracle to me, but it is by divine design. When he chooses, he can act outside the boundaries he created. 

We can plant a seed, but he makes it grow. Many seeds will grow without our attention... by design. Some people say we are never closer to God than in a garden. For some, gardens are their art.For them, that is true. 

I stick the the simple bean pods and enjoy all of nature that sings his praises. 

Earworm is singing "Joy to the World's" chorus: "Let heaven and nature sing, Let Heaven and nature sing."

Today, I am grateful for native plants and nature's ability to reseed and bring life, season after season.

A Loved One's Voice

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 307: Today, I am grateful for the sound of a loved ones voice.

I have favorite voices. James Earl Jones is one of them. He is not a "loved one" but I love his voice. I have always adored the voice of BJ Thomas. 

Families can share likeness in voice. My Dad and Uncle Mel have similar voices.  Chase and Randy sound identical, too.(This has led to a few embarrassing moments) My Sister-In-Love Lola sounds like Mom Smith.  And, I've been told that April and I sounded much alike. 

Perhaps, until a loved one is gone, we take it for granted the sound of their voice. 

In this day of texting... phone calls are more rare. We connect with a few words or sentences. Or, something like "Skype" takes us face to face. Thank you technology for that gift..  The sound of a loved ones voice is always the preference. Seeing facial expressions to add to the emotions. 

The sound of a loved one's voice is precious. It is a pick me up on a bad day. Comfort in a storm. Increased laughter in a joyful moment. Hope when you want to give up. Encouragement when there is doubt. There is nothing like it! 

I love the story of Peter and the boys out in a boat in a storm... on the rough waters.  Scared and feeling alone, although they were many seasoned fisherman. Perhaps, that increased their fear. Knowledge of the beastly waves and what they could do to one tiny boat. Even the experienced feel out of their depths at times. 

Jesus had paused and taken some time to pray and restore himself, after the news his cousin,John the Baptist,  was executed for his message. John died because of him before he died for John. John's voice must have been on his mind.  Their childhood days of play. Trips to the temple with family. So many memories... recent and past. Life long friendships are rich. I imagine John had a bass or baritone voice. No one knows for sure. But, Jesus knew his voice and vice versa. Oh the sorrow of the moment... even in the pure knowledge of the reunion in heaven. 

Finally, Jesus was ready to reunite with them in the boat. He took obvious route... walking on the water. Okay... not so obvious, but it did make an impact on all of them. 

Faith was increased. Evidence of Christ's power displayed (they knew of Jonah) but to see and experience the power of the Son of God over a storm was breathtaking. 

 "But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” - Matthew 14:27-29

Jesus calling out. The call demands a choice. The voice of reason speaks clearly:

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” -Hebrews 3:13-15

Jesus says: Take heart. Don't be afraid. Come to me. Don't close your ears and  harden your hearts. Open them. See his goodness.  Hear of the faithful, goodness of our Lord in every trial and celebration. Not for just this day, but for all of our days. Until, the final trumpet sounds and we hear his voice. Do you hear what I hear?

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." -John 10:27

Today, I am grateful for the sound of a loved ones voice.

Salsa Fresca

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 306: Today, I am grateful for fresh salsa!  (the textmyjournal.com prompt for today is "What food are you grateful for?")

I have a homemade salsa recipe. It is more pico de gallo or salsa fresca ...but in the late 80's we did not know the difference in the Midwest... and the clipped magazine recipe labeled it fresh salsa. 

I have memories of making it with different friends ever the years in both of the houses we made homes. We chopped together and laughed together. We cried over onions and wept jalepeno tears (buy rubber gloves), We have shared ingredients and taste tests. Susie's husband puts in a "salsa garden" many years to make the peppers accessible.  

My neighbor and friend, Susie, has made it so often that she has mastered it. Her sister, Millie, often joins her. They do let me add secret "pow" at the end if I am around and it makes me feel a part of the process. This salsa recipe is full of fresh ingredients and 25 years of memories. Teri, Robin, Stephanie and Susie have been partners in preparation and enjoyed the fruit of the labor with family and friends. 

In this season, it is easy to forget that shared meals are special not for the actual foods ... but for the fact that the meal brings us together. Many hands make light work and increased joy. 

We know so much abundance in this country, but the first Thanksgiving grew out of remembrance of a time when there was not really enough. The pilgrims and native Americans did not have a Kroger or Walmart in the neighborhood. They had to more carefully plan their "enough" to get through. They lived off the land, what they could grow and forage for in season. 

There is a special kind of love expressed when food is shared in need or in love. It fills the gratitude cup like nothing else.

Sharing means more when there is no abundance. For me, these past years would have had no fresh salsa if Susie was not so generous to share. 

These past years, manna has been a fascination. For the 40 years wandering in the wilderness... they were given manna enough for each day. No more and no less. If they tried to store it for abundance, it spoiled. I find that interesting. Jesus taught us to pray: 

"Give us this day our daily bread." - Matthew 6:11 & Luke 11:3 

"Give us this day (one at a time) our daily bread (enough for today)." The word we translate as "daily" is only used in these parallel verses. No other place is this exact word found in all of scripture. If our abundance decreases our need for him... the blessing is not a blessing, but a roadblock to relationship. 

Our God grants us so much abundance. Do I let it get in the way of my need for him daily? 

The morning of the Seventh game of the World Series... my drive time song was "10,000 Reasons". I wondered if that meant a difficult day ahead, as it sometimes does.  Not this time. The Holy Spirit whispered that in joy and in sorrow there are still 10,000 reason for our hearts to sing. This time... the end of the day was abundant, overwhelming, tears of joy. But... that joy came after 108 years of waiting until next year. 

"Dear Lord, give us this day our daily bread. Let all that you grant satisfy our souls. Let us be grateful in abundance and content in the circumstances we wouldn't choose. Let us learn to trust you more.When you pour out abundance in our lives... show us your face and bring us closer to you as we learn to share and give. May your Spirit guide and direct our paths. May the glory always point to you as we seek to know you more. In Jesus, we find new life and give you the glory.  -amen

Today, I am grateful for fresh salsa... friendships grown in kitchens and our daily bread!

True Blue Cubs

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 305: Today, I am grateful for True Cubbie Blue! (the textmyjournal.com prompt for today is "What color are you grateful for?") 

True Blue: An expression that means completely faithful and loyal to a person or an idea. 

What a perfectly chosen color for the Chicago Cubs!  108 years in between World Series TItles... the big WIN... and still, the fans are as true blue as they can be. 

Has any other team in baseball history had that kind of fan base and loyalty?  Teams move between cities. As long as there is a Cubs franchise - any wise owner will respect the importance of home to the team... and the fans who pay to see them. Fans who could not get game tickets flew into Chicago just to be in Wrigleyville if history unfurled - knowing the series was finishing in Cleveland. Today.. a team of heroes is heading home! The celebration could be as early as Friday, according to reports. 

Did you know that Cubs fans are known to outnumber the home team in nearby stadiums? It looked to be close in numbers last night. Fans on both sides sitting together... nicely... all holding their breath and breathing when they could. 

The Coaches on both teams were amazing. The level of respect between players and leadership was talked about like no other. This year has been game changing. This year will be unforgettable.

Ricketts, Epstein and Maddon... all spoke of the fierce and excellent opponents. Terry Francona spoke with such heart about his team and his opponents. Players didn't bulk or question officials. Replays were for getting the right call.They all played good ball. Honest ball. Hard ball. Miserable rain delayed ball. Every minute was nail-biting baseball. Every minute... there character displayed all around "the house". 

Two teams. One goal. As Francona said, "Somebody was going to win and somebody had to lose." The game could have gone the other way at any minute. 

The true blue respect for senior players on the team. Baseball... 39 is not a senior citizen... but the respect for David Ross and the older players was tangible.  I loved watching Anthony Rizzo side up to David Ross when things got tense. The depth of emotion... excitement, nerves and gratitude. The boys in their 30's showed leadership and the boys in their 20's showed calm and professionalism well beyond their years. 

I am grateful Ben Zobrist was true to ONU...wore the KC Royal (a shade of blue) for some great experiences and, now, is in Cubbie Blue at home. I read that he thought he would major in ministry. God clearly directed his path to baseball. He had a plan. God gave him a platform. Love it!

"To everything there is a season..." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Sometimes there are 108 years of waiting. That is 68 years longer than Moses and the Israelite's spent in the desert. 

I could go on and on - but I won't. What a moment to experience. Do we record the win as 11/02 or 11/03? It doesn't really matter. 

Be patient with the Cubs fans around you.  We were up way to late - but it was worth it. 

Fellow Cubs fans - remember we are tired. No hasty today when exhausted and emotions are still high. Be nice ( I will be working on this myself).

For our friends in other countries... last night is a snapshot of who we are as citizens. We are brothers and sisters, three generations of family fanship, educators, comedians, actors, musicians, physicians, childcare professionals and so much more. Judge us by our baseball and not our politics. 

One thing I know for sure... in 2016... anything can happen!

Today, I am grateful for True Cubbie Blue!

Technology Take Me To the Game

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 304: Today, I am grateful for the technology that takes us to the best seats in the house for special events. 

The World Series happens during harvest. Some people work second shift jobs. Others have children who need them everywhere but at a ball game on a week night.  

Technology takes us to great seats, tapes things so we don't miss a thing and allows us watch it over and over. What a wonderful world this is, for all the benefits of technology.

I am one who is quick to lament the things technology has robbed us from experiencing. Face to face conversations (or even the phone) has been replaced by emails and texting. Leaving a phone message is as strange to a child today as reading an analog clock. We have lost things, but today, I am celebrating the gifts. 

Tonight is a night of wonder and dreams come true. Tonight... Baseball's best include to teams who have been had trials and disappointments. One of them will win. (I do want it to be the Cubbies.) But,win or lose... Cub Fans will still be Cub fans in the morning. It is not unusual for Cubs fans to outnumber the home team. Fans everywhere around the world will take their seat in front of the TV, computer or iPad through technology. 

Technology will take us there. We will be a part of the experience! We can join in the singing of the national anthem with respect,..we stand and sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at the 7th inning stretch. Cubs fans... if the boys in blue, red and white play the better game (and I hope they do)...  We will shed tears of pure joy and relief as we sing "Go, Cubs, Go" like never before in our lifetime. After a World Series big "W"! 

Again... both teams have good men, great coaches. Both have come so far. We don't have to sit around a radio or read it in the paper. Technology takes us there with replays. 

Faith is defined in scripture as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I imagine there are men of faith on both teams. I hope character shows and is rewarded. 

Every man on the field to night is living out their "field of dreams". Jason Kipnis and Zac McAllister are home grown but Indians tonight. The Cubs... how fun it is to go from "Try Not to Suck" to Game Seven of the World Series 2016? Crazy fun! 

The news is reporting last night as "The Cubs force 7th Game of the Series". Listening to Kris Bryant said it well. "It's good baseball." The excitement is tangible. Not "forcing" a 7th game. Grateful!  Truly grateful. 

May the world judge us by our baseball and not our politics.

"Thank you Lord for good baseball in this crazy election year. We are grateful you look at our hearts... and humbled that you love us where were are, but long to bring us closer to you." - Amen

Today, I am grateful for the technology that takes us to the best seats in the house for special events.

Missed Opportunity

Image credit to textmyjournal.com

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 303: Today, I am grateful for a missed opportunity. 

November 2012 was a rough month. I totally missed the "Post one thing you are grateful for every day or November. Jill has just had the news of her cancer recurrence. Uncle Lee was in the final days of Huntington's Disease. Typical holiday chaos. So much was going on. I missed the simple "Grateful November" challenge.

So... I decided mid-November that I would do it in January 2013. One simple thing. Anyone can do that, right?

January came and went. The days of January started with a simple gratitude and my coffee.  I discovered myself focusing on the daily decision of what I would choose to be grateful for on that day. One little thing.  It became my starting point. It felt good. 

I decided to try "one more month". And, February led into March and April.  It was good stuff.  Gratitude was changing me. Then, Dad died suddenly in April. Gratitude became a source of strength. Focusing on the gifts of each day and not the struggle and the loss. Then, there was a tragic death in the family in June - a son/grandson of cousins and aunts and uncles. My brother's best friend and business partner in a harvest accident in October 2013. Mom's loneliness. Jill's cancer struggles growing. 

Still, I continued posting a gratitude each day.  Frankly, I was afraid to stop. 

Gratitude swept me to the throne of His grace. It mattered. It brought strength. I felt His love more deeply as gratitude became a habit. His word began to fill my head as I found little things to be grateful for each day.  

Here we are.  Anyone want to join the challenge, just for November?  Here are 30 ideas to get you started. Keep it online or in a handwritten journal. It can be anything. If you are pondering a 365 journey - you have time to get a journal. 


My rules for 365 Days of Gratitude are that I can repeat something once a year. Some gratitudes should be repeated... like hot water, clean water and coffee.  I can be thankful for the same "thing" in a different way. We can be grateful for anything we experience with our senses. Hearing, tasting, smelling, feeling and what we see. 

You can make your own rules. 

Daily gratitude has changed me...not God as he does not change. It opened up different parts of my heart to God's blessing on the smallest parts of my life.  It has been a source of strength, courage, and vision. The joy is real. 

I love this scripture!  Verses 11 and 12 are what give verse 13 the oomph to give us over the hump of the tough spots. 

 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:11-13

He is our enough. In Him, peace is found and his strength is sufficient. 

I so glad I missed that 2012 November Gratitude challenge. It planted a seed and my Lord knew I needed in more in 2013. 

Today, I am grateful for a missed opportunity.