Today's Strength

Year 6-Day 17: Today, I am grateful for today's strength.

These past few year, "The Lord's Prayer has become a bit of on obsession with me. When you consider it was given as a model... a pattern... an example of how to prayer it becomes very precious and powerful. 

It is isn't long or fancy. It is simple and power packed. Today, as I read this Max Lucado quote, "Give us this day, our daily bread." popped into my mind. Here is the quote:

"The key is this: meet today's problems with today's strength. Don't start tackling tomorrow's problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow's strength yet. You simply have enough for today." -Max Lucado

"Give us this day, our daily bread." God provided daily bread in the form of manna for forty years in the wilderness to the Israelites with Moses as their leader. In fact, they were not allowed to keep any manna overnight. If they saved it, it would spoil before morning. God wanted them to trust his provision daily. Jesus echoes God's desire for us to lay our needs at his feet daily in the Lord's prayer when the disciples asked, "How shall we pray?" or asked "Teach us to pray."

Powerful and present... that is our Lord... when we invite him near. In our own strength, we crumble. In his strength, we get through and press on. His strength is always enough when we invite him to be our source of peace and our guide. 

Jesus reminds us to not worry or fret about tomorrow, the weather or what we will wear. He provides. Worry zaps our strength and sows doubt. 

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"-Matthew 6:25-27 

When anxiety causes us to doubt if we are strong enough to face whatever trial is in the way, whatever tough thing that must be done or the unexpected grief... remember that His strength is enough. Cast out fear with trust. Don't tackle tomorrow until tomorrow and never tackle it alone. Trust His hand and his heart for your "daily bread". 

Today, I am grateful for today's strength... by His provision.

Hygge (“HUE-gah”)

Image by Jo Kneale from Pinterest. howtohyggethebritishway.com 

Year 6-Day 16: Today, I am grateful for the Danish art of living hyggely. 

There is nothing like stumbling onto something that strikes a perfect chord in your heart. That was how I felt when I discovered this image from Jo Kneale. She wrote "How to Hygge The British Way". (Check her out at the website or look for her book.)

The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “HUE-gah”) is a way of living, creating and intentionally planning to make this year better than the previous one.  There are many ways to describe hygge. In a nutshell, it simply the Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures. Friends. Family. Graciousness.

My one little word for the year is savor. Hygge is savoring life in every season, but it is not accidental. Intentionally living to be completely present in the present moment.

Put away the cell phones and enjoy the company. Leave fairy lights up in unexpected places to continue winter's sparkle after the holiday. Looking outside to take in a moment of the snow sparkling like diamonds, likely a result of the bitter temperatures. Carefully choosing soft, warm bamboo socks or Cuddle Duds to keep the toes toasty. 

Hygge is about creating the cozy, happy, relaxed, comforting and comfortable feelings alone and in groups. 

I started a journey through the New Testament chronologically this January. It will take us a year. We are in the early chapters of the gospel when Jesus was beginning his ministry. 

He was very intentional. There were times he moved in small intimate groups. Other times he spoke to the crowds. He made time for individual relationships.  He carved out intentional quiet time... to pray, seek guidance and prepare for whatever came next... even if he had to sneak away to do it.  He made time alone  a priority. He always came back from "the wilderness" restored and with a renewed sense of purpose. It was a habit he formed as a child:

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel. -Luke 1:80

Intentional living with warmth, grace, and sparkle. It is making a life through simple, purposeful living. Carpe diem! Seize the day! 

Joshua spoke well about intentional living. 

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” -Joshua 24:15

To serve our God well, we must get to know him. We must spend good time alone with Him and then intentionally live in the world, looking for his lead and listening to his Spirit. 

Hygge is a concept of purposefully living better... and it perfectly compliments each one of us attempting to live out "The Great Commision". 

Today, I am grateful for the Danish art of living hyggely. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Year 6-Day 15: Today, I am grateful for  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

January 15th  is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. What a brilliant man of passion who did his best to bring about peaceful change. His quotes are powerful. He knew the Word of God, he studied human behavior and educated himself as to how to best lead our country toward racial equality. 

"I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The content of our character... who were are in the dark and when no one is looking... should be how we are judged. He carefully wrote speeches that would bring people together behind that cause. I wonder how he would see us today. 

If you are new to daily gratitude, no politics. It is too decisive and that is not the purpose of this daily post. Dr. King's life is one to remember for all the good he did and the changes he sought to inspire.

I wonder, if he were alive today, how would he see what we see? How he would feel about the media and the social media? I'm not really looking for answers, but my opinion is that he would be horrified that words can be so carelessly puked out with no return address. As a great orator and a man of prayer, he wrote and rewrote... and then at times, let the Spirit lead. Opinions are so often fueled by feelings. Feelings can be unreliable. Dr. King tried to look beyond the current situation of his day to dream of ways to make real changes in his community and the nation. 

My personal favorite quote from MLK is this: 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

I am reminded of this scripture passage :

"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” -1Samuel 16:7

The world can't always see our motivation, but God does. Dr. King wanted his children to have a better America. Don't we all? A land where character and education opens the doors for all capable, qualified and willing to work to reach the goal. 

We all come from different ethnic backgrounds in this great melting pot. Our food culture is a glorious example of the good things we hold on to as we melt together. 

Jesus reminds us again and again that we must love our neighbors. Even those different from us. 

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  -Luke 10:25-29

Jesus went on to tell the parable of the "Good Samaritan" to  a crowd who found it difficult to believe anyone from Samaria could be good. Yet, he was the only one willing to take his time to stop and help a man who had been robbed, beaten and left for dead. The priest and the Levite passed by, ignoring the man's plight. The Samaritan man tended his wounds and transported him to Jericho, paid for his stay in the inn and promised to return to make sure the innkeeper had enough to cover the wounded man's stay. 

Character is who we are in the dark. It is who we are when someone different from us is in need. It is speaking love instead of fueling discord. It listens to the stories of those from different places and spaces so that understanding grows. It is taking a stand against injustice or lending a helping hand. 

In the end... love always wins. 

Today, I am grateful for  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The Ancient Path

Pinterest Image: Artist unnamed 

Year 6-Day 14: Today, I am grateful for the ancient path.

There is something about taking an ancient path that touches us in a soul deep way. 

One of my first memorable experiences was as a child visiting Abraham Lincoln's New Salem, as it was reconstructed. Imagining the children in the school house or the fire at the inn where one could take a meal and rest in warmth, it was a step back in time. I relish history, so it was one of my favorite childhood memories. 

There is something special about walking an ancient path. 

I saw this image on Pinterest. The artist was not named. I have never had this verse jump out at me before like it did today. 

I was just thinking about the "Songs of Ascent" that Jewish pilgrims would sing on road as they made their way to Jerusalem for Jewish festivals. Some say that the priests would also sing these scriptures as they made their way up the temple steps to worship. They are Psalms 120-134. King David is credited with four of the Psalms(122, 124, 131, 133),one to Solomon (127), while the remaining ten are anonymous. Collectively they are beautiful. Psalm 121 is shows up in praise, worship and contemporary songs today. 

Shoulders by For King and Country is one of those songs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfiYWaeAcRw 

When this world takes a toll on our souls, our help comes from the Lord. His Word is living, sharp and true. This scripture reminds us to look to the ancient way. His way. 

Thus says the Lord:“Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths,where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ -Jeremiah 6:16

We live in a world of messages that say, "Me, me, me" but our hearts long for a relationship with "The Great I AM."  He is the "Thee, thee, thee" that give us peace and strength, wherever the path may lead. 

He is not outdated. His way isn't always popular, but it always good. Even when days are hard and we grow weary. We can rest in Him.  He never, ever changes. 

Today, I am grateful for the ancient path.

Happy Accidents

Year 6-Day 13: Today, I am grateful for "Happy Accidents". 

Randy felt bad because it was a new flour sack towel. 

They are my favorites in the kitchen because they are 100% lint free. They are perfect for glasses I hand wash and everything else. 

He accidently bumped the Scentsy warmer and red wax splattered, with some landing on the new towel. It was really no big deal. It was just a towel. 

When the towel was washed dried, as I was folding it I noticed that the wax stain was in the shape of a perfect, pudgy little heart. I could not have planned that way if I had tried. So, I grabbed the permanent markers and added an outline and some embellishment. 

Sometimes accidents happen and things must be thrown away. Sometimes, happy little accidents happen reminding us not to miss the sweet, serendipitous moments in life. 

There are no mistakes, just happy accidents. -Bob Ross

I think artist, Bob Ross, got it right. 

How many times do I get so caught in the fretting that I forget to look for the reason to smile.How many heart shaped stains do I miss in my hurry? 

I am reminded of Jesus example.He didn't seem to ever be in much of a hurry, yet his timing was always perfect. I am pretty sure I need to slow down and pay closer attention to His lead. I could not find the word "accident" or even "inadvertently" anywhere in the Bible. Perhaps my little happy accidents are truly "God Winks". He is good. 

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" -Matthew 7:11 

When we walk in relationship with him, we begin to see his generosity unfold. Our vision clears so that we can see the heart beyond the stain.

Today, I am grateful for "Happy Accidents". 

Beautiful Reminders

Year 6-Day 12: Today, I am grateful for beautiful reminders.

This image is from Pinterest. It captures a bit of winter's magic. My eye goes to the kiss of winter sun and the reflection in the water. 

Isn't it amazing that we can all look at the same thing, but we see with different eyes? Today, I am reminded that an attitude adjustment changes everything.

"Ugh! Laundry piles!" means I have more than plenty to wear. 

"Toilets to scrub." means I live in a time of indoor plumbing and it works. 

"I can't find my keys, again." means I have a car to drive.

"The heat bill is high." means I have heat.

"I have to go to work." means I have a job. 

Little tasks that are repetitive and tedious are often overlooked reminders that our blessings are abundant and full. 

It is always a good day to pause and give thanks for the beautiful reminders of the abundance around us. Even in the coldest month of the year, our blessing cup if full. 

Some have more. Some have less. There is great joy that comes from learning to be content. Paul's letter to the Philippians has one of my favorite verses. 

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:11-13

When we choose to view what is given as enough. "Give us this day our daily bread." is how Jesus taught us to pray. 

There are so many beautiful reminders of our daily bread surrounding us every day. Gas in the fuel tank. Bread in the cupboard. Milk in the fridge. Shoes at the back door. A coat to ward off the cold. Chocolate for the soul. 

Today, I will not let my heart long for spring. I will savor the winter's pause and give thanks for the beautiful reminders of the not just the plenty, but the abundance. 

Today, I am grateful for beautiful reminders.

Giggles

Year 6-Day 11: Today, I am grateful for glorious giggles. 

When was the last time something made you giggle? The word alone makes me smile as it rolls off the tongue. 

A giggle is not full blown belly laughter, but more of a tickle. Giggles are good, except when you get them at times you are supposed to be quiet. Giggles are problematic at times, because they can be unexpected at inappropriate moments... but they still feel really good. 

The image is from my favorite artist, Mary Engelbreit. She has truly captured the irrepressible giggle. 

Children have the unfettered ability to let a tiny giggle grow in to a full blown belly laugh. As adults, we delight in watching and listening. If we are brave enough to let down our serious grown up walls... they can pull us into their merry moment and change our day.

Oh, the giggle is a glorious thing. 

When life is absurd, embrace the giggle. In Genesis 21, Abraham is 100 years old when his wife, Sarah, who is also old, gives birth to Isaac. The son they were promised by God many years before. It must have seemed that God had forgotten his promise, but he didn't. So, instead of doing senior citizen things... they were doing new parent things. Can you even imagine? Here is Sarah's moment taken right from the scripture:

Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” -Genesis 21:5-6

Women today can have babies in their 40s, and some perhaps at 50, but it is not the norm. Babies exhaust parents in their 20s and 30s.  Imagine it in the senior years. 

Abraham and Sarah surely experienced great joy, maybe some tears... and the giggles as the reality set in that God did not forget his promise. He simply did things in his time. They were having a baby while their peers were bouncing grandchildren on their knees. 

We were designed with a funny bone. Exercising it is good for the soul, the blood pressure and everything else. 

Today, I am grateful for glorious giggles.