Taste like Summer

Year 5 - Day 195: Today, I am grateful for things that taste like summer. 

Strawberry lemonade. Peach tea. Sweet corn. Watermelon and fresh tomatoes grown in the garden are the things that taste like summer. 

Randy and I we out and about the other night and I was taken be a familiar scent in the air. I looked at him and said, "It smells like sweet corn." Sure enough, the next day the word was out that sweet corn was ready for picking. 

I don't love the heat, but the crops need it to fully mature and I love things that taste like summer. Some of the heat's discomfort is necessary to fully develop the fullness of flavor... the goodness...  in summer crops. 

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! -Psalm 34:8

In this verse... tasting the goodness of the Lord comes from knowing him... running to him for refuge. God is good and somehow, we understand this better when we seek Him and put our trust in him in times of stress, difficulty and distress. 

His goodness is revealed so often through trials that come with living in a world where sin is honored, proclaimed as good and welcomed. In a culture that pushes the envelope and lives on the edge, He is peace, quiet and stillness. 

My first life verse: "Be still and know I am God." -Psalm 46:10

A refreshing strawberry lemonade while sitting on the front porch as the birds sing and the squirrels play is a snapshot of the best of summer. In the shade of the old elm tree, there is a unique peace that settles in and stays for awhile. 

Perhaps, it is a taste of heaven. 

Today, I am grateful for things that taste like summer.

Fearfully Wonderfully Made

Year 5 - Day 194: Today, I am grateful we are all "fearfully and wonderfully made". 

New babies always bring me to think on this verse:

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. -Psalm 139:14

The NLT translation uses the word "complex" instead of fearfully. 

Here it is from "The Voice":

"I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul. -Psalm 139:14

Now, I ask the big question, "Why do we try so hard to fit in when we were born to stand out?" The question is inspired by a Dr. Seuss quote. The image was on Pinterest with no artist credit. It had a statement attached. "I've never wanted to be in a gang. I want to be in this gang." I laughed out loud.

Look at the wonderfully woolly group in this pack. From llama to the feathery rooster, they are each unique and beautiful. They have complex designs and things that make them quirky in the animal kingdom. I am sure the animals delight our God. They delight us. 

We are his most unique creation, because we were created in His image.  When we embrace, relish and savor the differences between us, we are honoring the Father's masterpiece. Designed to be different. Created for community. 

The most beautiful places in the world are where cultures collide and reside together in harmony. There is so much we can learn from each other.

I have a weird quirk. Sometimes, my thoughts rhyme.  

When the heart of Jesus we choose to chase, 
Our fellow man we learn to embrace.
We love Christ best, 
When our comfort is stretched.
Our prayer ought to be 
"Don't make them like me, 
Make me like You 
So I can see them, too."

That sums it up in a nutshell. I have this short prayer that Andy Stanley taught. I wrote it in my bible: "Lord, help me to see what you see, and do what you want me to do." 

The next time I am challenged by differences in personalities or any other unique threads God designed into another human being, I need to remember that prayer. I need to teach it to those who have me as a part of their world. 

Embrace the quirks. 

Today, I am grateful we are all "fearfully and wonderfully made". 

Clutter Control

Year 5 - Day 193: Today, I am grateful for clutter control aides. 

Image from: The Seasoned Homemaker

I love containers, bags and storage systems. I long for a clutter free house, but haven't quite achieved it.  I am learning to break some old habits and learn some new. 

Today, I am continuing my list of things I want to accomplish this summer. Things I don't want to delay, as summer is ticking swiftly away. 

The goal of living more with less is not an instant fix. It requires letting go of things that are unused or rarely used and not refilling the space when it is empty. My biggest challenge is grocery. I fall into the "stock up and save" trap, but if I don't need it, it can be wasteful. 

I'm grateful for alphabetical order that helps me do a quick check of veggies (and cabinet spices on a good day) on the shelf. Plastic totes and storage room shelves make such a difference for organizing. 

I love that my Randy notices when I have taken on a "stuff" reducing project. I am glad he understands that my art supplies are precious. 

In the end, stuff is meaningless. It is how we lived, shared, offered hospitality and stretched what we do have that makes a life full. 

These words of Solomon have been swirling in my head after a fabulous evening that included the delightful Debbie Rudin. She mentioned this scripture in passing. I think I have neglected it because it feels shocking and is hard to explain. Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. (ESV)

Let's look at a few more translations: 

These are the words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” (NLT)

The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (NIV)

The Hebrew term hebel, translated vanity or vain, refers concretely to a “mist,” “vapor,” or “mere breath,” and metaphorically to something that is fleeting or elusive.

In other words, so much of what this world offers has very little eternal value. We work, we get stuff. We die. our children have no idea why we collected so much junk and rent a dumpster. 

I think King Solomon nailed it. I think he came to this conclusion after he was granted great wisdom that led to unequalled wealth and fame. 

His stuff didn't buy him happiness. Only when he was walking closely with God did he experience peace and joy. 

Our days were designed to be full of meaning in relationships. Back to my favorite capsule description of what God desires. "Love Him like crazy." and "Love our neighbors... all of them." That is what brings a life to fullness and adds the meaning. 

One quick note. I have smart friends. My friend Dana just shared this idea at the holidays regarding the challenges of kids not needing more stuff when the holidays roll around. They try to gift their children with "experiences". Experiences build relationships and memories and help youth explore what interests them. How smart is that? It is not meaningless. It will be a memory that lasts a lifetime. 

Today, is a good day to purge some stuff and rethink some clutter control. If it is shoved in the back of a cabinet, do I need it? Can I throw it out and make space for something on the counter I use all the time? Maybe. 

Today, I am grateful for clutter control aides. 

Ordinary Miracles

Year 5 - Day 192: Today, I am grateful for the blessing of ordinary miracles. 

Today I am full of wonder at "ordinary miracles". We are in a season of weddings... so many this summer, including our son. Today, we celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. How did that happen?

Marriage marks a beginning.  Learning to love each other, honor each other's needs and live a life as one forges something amazing out of two individual lives. Marriage is a perfect commitment between two imperfect people. The challenges that arise... when tended to in love,... forge the deep roots that allow a marriage to survive the strongest winds and storms. It grows sweeter over time. 

I can't even begin to express... yes,even with all these words of mine... how grateful I am for my Randy and our life together. We fit. We love our sons and each other... and this year we added a girl to our family! Randy and I are different, but shared values and faith have made choosing love every day more of a gift than an effort. A long, well seasoned marriage is an ordinary miracle. We must remember to treat it as a treasure.

Last night... kind of late... another ordinary miracle occurred. A new life took his first breath at 10:09 pm. Elias Jerald Leander met the world. His Grandpa Todd gets to celebrate his first grandbaby. And... Grandpa and Grandma Ullrich are excited to welcome a new grandson, too. Ryan and Anna had a long, long day... and probably a short night as the little guy adjusted to his new out of the womb life...but they are living on the adrenaline of this ordinary miracle and many prayers. God is so good. 

Science can explain the laws of attraction, pregnancy and process of childbirth, but these things still hold a holy mystery that points to our Creator. There is wonder in these moments that reminds us ordinary miracles occur every day. In these moments, we find ourselves on sacred ground. First breaths, soul breaths and souls joined as one. Ordinary miracles. 

In marriage and raising children, to come together as one, as God ordained, makes all the difference. 

 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

Back-to-back to conquer all that is ahead with the strength of a triple braided cord.  One plus one... plus God, it is a great way to take on any lifelong adventure. 

Some days we are in warrior mode, like Ryan and Anna welcoming new life. Some days, we are reminded that we have been blessed with so many days, like anniversaries. Each day is a gift. 

Today, I am grateful for the blessing of ordinary miracles.

Nature's Percussion Section

Year 5 - Day 191: Today, I am grateful for the blessing of rain and nature's percussion section.

It's been hot, so this rain is a blessing for a thirsty land. There is wonder in waking to thunder and the cadence of the rain. 

Typically, this time of year, things can get dry and we lose some of the green. This year, the highways and one lane roads all have wildflowers and prairie grasses growing wild and free. It is good.I want to remember to look at the green and give thanks for the blessings of the rains, that sometimes arrive with storms. 

This passage puts it so beautifully from Psalm 29:

God thunders across the waters, Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness— God, across the flood waters.God’s thunder tympanic, God’s thunder symphonic.

 God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!” Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. 

God makes his people strong.God gives his people peace. -Psalm 29:3,4, 9-11 (The Message)
Good morning Earworm. Today, he is singing the old traditional Doxology.

 "Praise God from whom all blessing's flow. Praise him all creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. -Amen.

Yes, the thunder brings me to attention and recognize his power. The rain reminds me of his gift of life that quenches our thirst for the meaningless things of the world. He is music.He is a wild dance. He is overwhelming and we fall to our knees. He is our peace. He is our contentment. He is life. He is the one our souls long to receive to fill any emptiness. 

Nature sings his song. His rains quenches our thirst. When we offer him reign in our lives, we find the most unique strength and peace. 

Today, I am grateful for the blessing of rain and nature's percussion section.

Deep Roots of Old Friends

Year 5 - Day 190: Today, I am grateful  for the deep roots of old friends. 

What a joy it is to reunite with old friends. Last night was one of those nights. Friends for a lifetime saw their second daughter married. For the guests at our table... it was a reunion of old friends.

What a delight to the soul to sit with old friends. The newest addition... now a friend for 27 years.  We first met her at the wedding of another couple at the table. Rich, deep and sweet moments of reminiscing and making new memories. Lives first woven together by geography, but real friendships grew sinking deep roots. 

Deep roots are a gift that we must work to establish for our children. There is a contentment in knowing we are connected and cared for beyond our own home and hearth.  

I am grateful to Ryan and Brittany for allowing us to be a part of their special day, and to Tom and Lana for hosting a beautiful wedding. It was a time of celebration. 

At our table, we applauded the new marriage and delighted in the seasoned marriages around the table. Old friends in marriages that have deepened and weathered over 25 - 30 years. Any way you mixed us up was a good mix. I am still smiling.

As we grow older, things become less meaningful and time with people you love becomes the best gift ever. I loved this quote after an evening with old friends:

 "and then she knew... that you could be homesick for people too."  

As we celebrated with the bride and groom, we thought about our marriages, too. One of my favorite parts was the speeches. So much love was poured into this new marriage. The parents of the bride just celebrated 30 years two weeks ago... and I cracked up at the father of the bride, Tom, referring to his wife as "Mrs. Frake". It was full of knowing her so well and feeling deep affection for the one he committed to 30 years ago. 

Marriage is good. Like a garden, it must be tended with love and devotion, but it is worth the time and tenderness. 

Marriage should be honored by all, - Hebrews 13:4a

A holy union and new covenant is a time of feast and celebration. This scripture finished by pointing out the holiness of the covenant of marriage and that it must be protected, honored and kept pure. Those who attend the wedding should make every effort to support the marriage, building it up and protecting it. 

God is serious about marriage. He loves when we celebrate his goodness to us. 

They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.-Psalm 145:7

Marriage is a perfect commitment to an imperfect person. We learn from each other, protect each other and forgive each other. That is what true love does. 

I wish Ryan and Brittany old friends with deep roots when they reach their 30 year mark. 
Their journey together has just begun. The friends of their youth... some will become friends for a lifetime. They will know the blessing of deep roots and old friends, too. 

Today, I am grateful  for the deep roots of old friends.

Look... and See

Year 5 - Day 189: Today, I am grateful for the reminder to look... and see.

I don't know where this image was taken, but I suspect the Grand Canyon. What a powerful message. 

One Minute is only 60 seconds. Pause and take in the beauty. 

Don't read.
Don't talk.
Put the camera down.
Put the phone down.
Just look... and see. 

There is wonder all around us. We are about the meet a new baby... if he ever decides it is time. Oh the wonder such a precious moment.

We have a new daughter through marriage with a birthday today. Yes... we have a girl!  We are tickled pink.

There is a new marriage about to be sealed in covenant with God before the day is complete. Back home, another bride is being celebrated by loved ones at a bridal shower. These are good days. 

We get so focused on the busy that we forget to really look... and truly see. When we take the time to look, we learn to really live.

I get wrapped up in human impatience and my own agenda. I hurry toward what comes next. I sometimes miss what is good right here and right now.  These moments... on this day... are wrapped in wonder. 

I am no different from the Israelites as they complained about everything not long after the Lord parted the Red Sea for their escape. They quickly forgot the miracles that unfolded before them as they made their exodus from Egypt, until a snake problem brought them back to a place of seeking God's face. 

The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. -Numbers 21:8-10

He longs for us to seek him in love... not just because there are snakes in our midst. 

This passage reminds me of "Look and Live", an old hymn I sang often growing up:

“Look and live,” my brother, live,
Look to Jesus now, and live;
’Tis recorded in His word, hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live.”

A recent message connected the dots between the Old and New Testament on a piece of a passage that once seemed random. The words are perfectly chosen to shine God's light through the Old Testament to illuminate the New Testament covenant. 

Pause. Look. Believe. Receive. Live. Take it all in and be filled with new hope. 

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." -John 3:14-15

"So the Son of Man must be lifted up... and everyone who believes may have eternal life in him."  The mystery of the moment was deeply woven into their Jewish history. Jesus was raised up on the cross for people to look and live or look, laugh and reject. 

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.-John 3:16-17

Eternity awaits. A choice is made. We simply need to believe and receive.  Look and live.
We must slow down and practice the pause. Easier said than done. 

Memories are made in the moments. Eternity is decided in a moment. Pause to participate in the wonder of it all. We can choose to look and live. 

Today, I am grateful for the reminder to look... and see... and live.