A Touch

Year 6-Day 31:Today, I am grateful for a touch.


What an amazing thing is the human touch. It gives preemie babies strength to fight for their lives (fight little Remi... fight). Preemie twins are now placed together at times to help them encourage each other to fight and grow. An elderly person in the nursing home, given a baby doll to touch and hold, finds agitation slips away while rocking "their baby". Human touch is healing.

When we hurt. When we are scared. When we are sad. The right, compassionate touch fits the need. The hug or the arm around the shoulder... or holding a hand. Appropriate human touch is a beautiful thing. It helps us connect with others... deeply connect. 

Little children find courage at the touch of a parent's hand. God says there will be woe for those who fail to help the children and widows. Widows and orphans... they need loving touch. They need to know they are not alone. 

This is why the cause of human trafficking is so close to my heart. It encompasses so many of the widows and orphans that no one helped. They are victims pulled into the darkest side of this human existence. They are lost and wounded children of God. Again... touch should always be appropriate, safe, encouraging and compassionate. Those who are rescued and recovered have to relearn the joys and comfort of healthy human touch. 

I am studying in the gospels right now. The truth is, Jesus did not need to touch someone to heal them, but he often did. Some people found their faith in being able to physically touch him. He savored and celebrated those who took him at his word, and simply believed... as did the centurion who is one of my personal favorites. For most of us, touch makes all the difference. 

Jesus... in this scripture, sought to know a man's heart before he healed him. Actually, he knew the man's heart, but wanted him to speak it. Don't we all need to confess things out loud at times? This man was broken, lonely and desperate when he met Jesus. 

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion,[ Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”  Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.-Matthew 1:40-42

In an instant, everything changed. At the touch of the Master's hand... healing and restoration. Oh, what a day for that man!

Other scriptures tell us that Jesus felt the healing power leave him when someone touched him, even in passing. This happened to a woman who had been bleeding for many years. In Jewish culture, this made her about as "unclean" as a human could be. She, like the rest of the crowds, were pressing in to get a glimpse of Him or a touch. 

So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. ” -Matthew 9:19-22 

She trusted that with just a touch... her life would change. That is Jesus. That is grace. That is the power of a touch. 

Today, I am grateful for a touch.

Rough Waters

Year 6-Day 30:Today, I am grateful for what we learn from rough waters. 

This is an old quote. Very old. Still, the truth is as deep as the sea. I simply do not learn the things I need to learn in the times that the waters of life are smooth. 

Life is full of plot twists and unexpected turns. Things turn out different than we thought they would be... even if we do our best to follow the ancient path (I am loving that phrase... ancient path... from Jeremiah 6:6). The biggest surprise is that each wave that rocks our boat for the moment, we learn later is merely a training grown. 

What if the hardest thing you ever have to face is the first hard thing? 

Seriously... think about it. Rough seas and waves of trouble build our courage, our faith and our trust. Now, that doesn't mean we don't grow weary in troubled waters, but we grow, we stretch, we learn and we give into the "thy will be done" that doesn't always come easy when I have such great and well planned ideas as to how my life should unfold. 

I have so many blessings to count. I live in those blessings every single day. I try to give thanks for them, because I know how quickly things can change. I am often reminded that Job is a long book... one with an ending of blessings and abundance... but there are some rough chapters in the middle. 

Our God is faithful. Our God is good. He comes to us in the rough waters and longs for us to spend quite time with him on the smooth, open beautiful seas. When I learn to be grateful in the rough waters, it helps me truly savor the smooth seas. 

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here![a]”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. Matthew 14:27-27

Do I have the courage to get out of the boat...even though he reminds me that He is right here to help? It is a lesson I apparently need repeating with some regularity. He is faithful. 

Remember... Peter is the only one who got out of the boat. 

Today, I am grateful for what we learn from rough waters. 

Soundtrack of our Lives

Year 6-Day 29:Today, I am grateful for the music that makes the soundtrack of our lives.

Last night was the Grammy's. We did not watch as they go way to late for us. This morning, I took a quick peek at the winners. True confession... didn't know many of the songs except in the Christian Contemporary and Country categories... a few in pop/solo. Still, I am reminded that this is the music that makes up the soundtrack of our lives. 

I remember movies like Ghostbusters, Footloose, Pretty Woman and Karate Kid as much for their soundtracks as the movies themselves. Dirty Dancing and Grease... can sing along with them all. Music is from the soul. 

I have to keep this short this morning, so I want to challenge you to consider the music that makes the soundtrack of your life and make a quick list. I will make you smile.  

For a special group of Jr. High Students this weekend, it is the music of "Beauty and the Beast". For some Grammy winners - it will be "that song". For those who get engaged in the next few weeks around Valentine's Day... the song playing on the way home will be remembered. 

Music. It fills our lives, from soft drink commercials to hymns of worship. I keep a list of "Soul Songs"... I have since my sister died. They are the current songs that lift my spirits, make me smile or call forth the tears I need to cry. Yes... music matters. 

This scripture reminds me to remember who I am singing for with each break of day. 

"Listen, you kings! Pay attention, you mighty rulers! For I will sing to the Lord. I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel." -Judges 5:3

I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel. Love that! 

Zach Williams "Chain Breaker" has been a favorite of mine this year. Was thrilled to see it was honored. 

Today, I am grateful for the music that makes the soundtrack of our lives.

Light Always Wins

Year 6-Day 28:Today, I am grateful light always wins.

Light, glorious light. It lifts the spirits and makes the soul sing. It does. 

We have been been blessed with some sunny and warmer weather on this January weekend. The view outside looks nothing like January... and much more like March. This, too, shall pass, as winter still needs to do her quiet work, but for these sunny days, we will savor the light. 

My guys are science guys... and so is my new daughter.. I love to hear them in conversation and learn quite a bit from listening. Science is a reflection of our God who loves order, patterns and numbers... and then... there are times when we just have to wonder at his miracles. 

Light can be gentle or really bright. Children love a nightlight and adults who want to avoid stubbed toes benefit from them, too. Light cast out darkness. 

When you put light up against darkness... light always wins. Always. The darkness cannot consume it. That is no accident. It is by Divine Design. 

Pure light casts no shadow. Light a match and hold it up against a wall. The match itself will cast a shadow, but no the light. Try it. I promise. The flame will cast no shadow. The reason why flame often does not make shadow is because it itself is the source of light. Well... doesn't that have spiritual significance? 

In Matthew 4:15-16, Jesus is at the beginning of his ministry. John the Baptist has told the people that he is coming. And then, there he is. The now grown up odd little boy from Nazareth who is doing great things. Matthew references 

"In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River,in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” -Matthew 4:15-16. Isaiah 9:1-2

This is a verse rich in the promise of hope for the Gentiles... anyone not Jewish. Jesus is the light who has shined into the darkness.He will drive out death's shadow by casting his light. The Light of the World arrived in a strange package. A light in the starry sky appeared to honor and announce his birth. Those who sought him... found him. It was as true then. It is true now.

A month after Christmas... are we still seeking and chasing the star? 

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. -James 1:17

In life and in death... he never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He is the source. 

John the Baptist was cousin to Jesus and son of the priest, Zechariah, and his wife, Elizabeth. Zechariah was struck mute until the birth of John because he ticked off the angel Gabriel with his disbelief. (Note to self: don't irritate your angels.) When he could speak again, after the birth of John, he spoke this prophecy:

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,and to guide us to the path of peace.” -Luke 1:78-79 

It is not an accident that the song "Morning Has Broken" feels like a spiritual song. (Thank you Earworm for singing in my ear this sunny morning.)The morning light from heaven is about to break upon us with great promise and hope. 

This month has been a month of grief and sorrow in our own family, in our community, in our church family and beyond. But, His light casts out the shadow of death and wins. For those who know and trust him as Lord, there is peace. His precious light conquers the darkness.

Today, I am grateful light always wins.

The Litmus Test

Year 6-Day 27:Today, I am grateful for the litmus test.

What is a litmus test? Remember the science lab from school days. 

Litmus Test: a test for acidity or alkalinity using litmus; 

a decisively indicative test.

Because language evolves, the noun has come to mean more. It is now used in language to describe an action that calls someone out on where they stand or what they think. They must move or choose one response or another, giving a glimpse into their thoughts, beliefs and what they feel is right or wrong. 

I was studying Luke 6 today. That chapter is full of challenges. I need more than a day... or even a week to absorb all that it has to teach. Still, this scripture stood out. (The image here is from French Press Mornings.)


A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.-Luke 6:45

Yikes! Right? That wild little thing called the tongue is so hard to leash. Still, from it flows what is in our hearts. Again, yikes! It is the litmus test for that which fills our hearts. 

Perhaps, some find it easier than me. I like words. We are called to choose our words with love, kindness, forgiveness, praying for wisdom and with patience. Some days are harder than others. 

If at the end of the day, I had to sit with Jesus and playback each conversation... what would he hear. The truth is, he knows our minds and our hearts. Nothing we say or do is in secret. But the image of sitting with him and reviewing each day - yikes! 

Still, knowing this is true, it can lead us to better choices. 

Today, I am grateful for the litmus test.

Feed Fear or Faith

Year 6-Day 26:Today, I am grateful we can choose to feed fear or faith. 

"Feed your fears and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will starve." -Max Lucado

At the end of the week, I can always use a good Max Lucado quote. 

This quote immediately set my mind to thinking about an old fashioned scale. The kind of scale that you add and subtract to each side until it is balanced. 

Often, the thought of balanced scales is a considered positive. Not this time. We definitely want our faith side to be heavy. In fact, we want to be so loaded down with faith, that the scale is firmly tipped and weighed down by faith and fears are lifted away. Any way you slice it... fear is the opposite of faith. 

How many times do we hang out with a "balanced scale" of the two, cheating ourselves of the comfort of being anchored by faith? I know, I do. I speak "trust" but live "worry". It is all part of being human. Still, I cling to the promise of a God who knows the intimate details of our lives, and longs for us to trust him. Matthew 6:25-34 in the "The Message" brings it to life in today's language. Kind of long but good. 

“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds."

“Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." 

Yes... that was long, but my heart never ceases to need this reminder. I need the reminder that he savors attending to our tiniest needs and the details of our life when we fully tip our scale to faith. I know. I've been there. And, I've known what happens when in fear, I squeeze him out forcing things to be my way. His way is always better. 

Nothing like a little encouragement... and a little challenge... all rolled into one. He is the Lion of Judah... we can be fearless. As CS Lewis wrote, "He is not safe, but he is good."

Today, I am grateful we can choose to feed fear or faith.

Angry Words

Year 6-Day 25:Today, I am grateful we can choose our response to angry words. 

"People say a lot of things in anger. It is our choice whether or not to listen." -Mrs. Potts, Beauty and the Beast

It is musical weekend at MJHS. It is my favorite extra curricular event of the year because it involves so many students. Some, who may have never really spent any time together because they are in different grades, different music groups or different social circles. They talent is always beyond what we expect and the kids pour their hearts into the practice, sets, shows and performances. The teacher team is our Choir Director, a Special Ed teacher and a Language Arts teacher. The Art teacher helps with sets, too. What a team effort. If you are local... Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. A cheap date night. 

I love to look at quotes from the show the week prior. This one jumped out as a great one. It captures one of the great life lessons I learned a long time ago. Others cannot control my feelings... I choose the emotional response by what I tell myself in my head. Yes, words can hurt, but we don't have to own another's anger. Yes. Relationships can be complicated. 

Much of when time the Beast is raging... much of his conflict is internal. Belle didn't cause it. Neither did his faithful castle staff.  His own behaviors led to his imprisonment in a body that reflected the ugly in his heart. He was imprisoned in misery in his own castle. Mrs. Potts, the teapot, lends wisdom to the show. She mothers everyone. I adore her. 

Angry words can fly so fast. Especially when we are tired... physically or emotionally. We can't take them back and some of the damage goes deep. We can train ourselves to not instantly respond to them when they start flying from unexpected places at the strangest times. The castle staff remind the Beast over and over that he must not lose his temper if he is to win the heart of the smart, sweet, beautiful and wise Belle. Yes... her brain and her heart are what melted the Beast's gruff exterior to discover the prince inside. 

When pondering a scripture to connect, I am reminded of the one time Jesus exhibited anger. It was because of the desecration and the shame the people inside were bringing to God's house. It was intolerable in a place that should be treated as holy. Beyond that, he was usually on the receiving end of the anger. 

Like us, Jesus felt hurt when treated poorly. More of his displeasure came when those who were hurting or vulnerable were mistreated. He would not tolerate them being rejected, mistreated or written off because they were Gentile or without status. He was the greatest example of love changing everything. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.-Philippians 4:8 

As humans we get hurt. Some say that anger is always a secondary response... there must be some other emotion touched before anger rises. Most often it is fear or hurt. It can, also, be a result of insecurity or a sense of injustice. In the case of injustice, it can be motivating but we must be cautious as anger can quickly turn self-destructive. 

Whatever is true... check the facts. 
Whatever is honorable... do that!
Whatever is just... in the eyes of God.
Whatever is pure... protect it, seek it and rescue it. 
Whatever is lovely... enjoy it.
Whatever is commendable... note it.
If there is any excellence... celebrate it.
If there is anything worthy of praise... give thanks.
Think about these things... for these things are good. 

Angry words happen. Our response can be chosen. In the end, practicing self control and choosing love... that is the game changer. 

Today, I am grateful we can choose our response to angry words.