Plenty of Books to Read

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 313: Today, I am grateful for plenty of books to read.

I love to read. I always have at least one audiobook going. I have used e-readers. Still, a book in the hand is special. The feel of the pages and the smell of a real book is hard to beat. 

It is a great  day to show your local library some love. Check out a book in a new genre or pick up a new title from the shelf. 

This is a verse that has always fascinated me:

"Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written." - John 21:25

Imagine books stuffed with miracles and recorded interactions and miracles!  

Today, I am grateful for plenty of books to read.

Dancing Leaves

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 312: Today, I am grateful for dancing leaves.

"Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing in the wind." 

I have been in the woods when the autumn leaves are falling. They dance on the wind as they fall. They spin, twirl, and nearly pirouette. 

As the forest delights in nature's ballet, there is the knowledge that the next act is winter. Therefore, we must be intentional when we pause to take it all in. 

Fall is fabulous. 

Today, I am grateful for dancing leaves.

Wisdom and Discernment

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 311: Today, I am grateful God grants wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 

I was just talking with a friend about this verse:

"He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars." -Daniel 2:21

Wisdom comes from God. Discernment comes to those who seek His face. 

As always... this daily post is for gratitude. Election seasons can be divisive and emotional. I love reminders to lead with love in all things. Let us love our neighbors well... all of them. 

Our God is sovereign and trustworthy.

"God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth." -Ephesians 1:9-10

Let our words be gentle and full of grace. 

Today, I am grateful God grants wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 

  

A Word Spoken At The Right Time

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 310: Today, I am grateful for a word spoken at the right time. 

This scripture stood out to me today. The image feels like fall. The scripture speaks truth. 

"Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket." - Proverbs 25:11

The right word at the right time can make all the difference. There are times we simply need a little affirmation. Encouragement and kindness can change our days. 

There are times we need a little nudge, too. Again, the right word at the right time. 

Sometimes, our tongues need to be checked and controlled. If it is not beneficial or helpful, is it necessary? Oh, the tongue is a powerful weapon. 

 "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." -Ephesians 4:29

There are always opportunities to use our words for good. 

Today, I am grateful for a word spoken at the right time.

Baptisms

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 309- Today, I am grateful for baptisms. 

We had five who made decisions to be baptized today. The oldest were in high school. It was beautiful to read their testimonies in the bulletin and to hear a little about how they are growing, going, and and living out their faith. 

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” *-Matthew 28:19-20

One step at a time. One day at a time. 

Today, I am grateful for baptisms. 

Clean Hot Water

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 308- Today, I am grateful for clean, hot water.

Clean water is a life saver. Hot water is a game changer. Clean, hot water provides us with necessities and luxuries, too. 

A hot shower and a warm beverage are part of my morning rituals each day. They feel like a necessity, but they are... in truth a luxury. 

Yes, we need safe, clean water. Heating it can help us sanitize everything from silverware to medical instruments. Now, there are fancier ways to get surgical tools ready, but it is good to remember the power of boiling water. 

After a storm or tornado takes out the power, we are quickly reduced to more primitive ways of living. It is always humbling to realize how much we depend on modern conveniences. It is good to practice and prepare for those times. Access to fresh clean water is the difference between life and death. A way to heat that water can be a game changer, too. 

North Carolina and the other states impacted by recent hurricanes know far too well the difference clean, hot water can make. First responders barely slept. Many volunteer citizens organized, donated, and delivered much needed items. Clean drinking water was key to survival. A way to heat clean water would seem almost miraculous. Imagine the joy found in a hot shower, a hot bowl of soup, or a hot cup of coffee! 

This passage came to mind. It is from a letter to the early church in Laodicea. It was a warning sent in love, meant as a wake up call. God knows our hearts. 

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked." -Revelation 3:15-17

We do not want to be lukewarm. 

Today, I am grateful for clean, hot water.

Soup Season

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 307 - Today, I am grateful for soup season. 

Soup season is upon us and I love it. As the days cool down and the nights get cold, there is nothing like a hot bowl of soup to warm us from the inside out. 

Most soups require more time than talent or fancy ingredients. Most cultures and regions have favorites. To me, a pot of soup feels like a welcome home. 

"Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" -Hebrews 13:2

Hospitality is one way we can show love.

Feel free to share a favorite soup recipe in the comments. 

Today, I am grateful for soup season.