One Thousand Gifts

751.  Making Christmas goodies with my daughter

752.  The sound of gently falling snow

753.  The fresh air that snow brings

754.  The excitement that snow brings

755.  Watching her make a snowman in her flannel pj's and winter coat

756.  Cinnamon crumb cake

757.  Breakfast with a friend

758.  A beautiful new necklace

759.  Success after multiple failed attempts

760.  The whole team together on one stage

761.  The joy that making music brings

762.  Cookie cutters

763.  The sweet smell of sugar cookies

764.  Step stools

765.  Velvet Christmas dresses with pretty bows

One Thousand Gifts

736.  My son on tiptoes, able to reach the top of the tree for the first time

737.  A gently placed star

738.  Live chamber music...

739.  ...performed in a candlelit church

740.  Classical music

741.  Warm marionberry pie a la mode

742.  How light she is on her feet

743.  Little feet in pink ballet slippers...

744.  ...up on tiptoes

745.  Live gospel music in the mall

746.  Cable knit sweaters

747.  Christmas musicals

748.  Sweet little angel costumes

749.  Hot wassail

750.  Blustery nights

One Thousand Gifts

721.  A lost dog that was found!

722.  Free dental work

723.  A new piano for the church

724.  Volunteering in the classroom

725.  Christmas Light parades

726.  Ear muffs

727.  That the rain started after the parade

728.  That the ink stain came out of my favorite jeans

729.  Hunting for the perfect tree

730.  Jingle bells on trotting horses

731.  Singing carols in a barn

732.  Bleating sheep

733.  Seeing a live nativity scene

734.  How well she sang her two solos at the Christmas concert

735.  Her sweet voice, strong and clear

One Thousand Gifts

706.  Playing "Slug Bug" with the kids

707.  Wool coats

708.  Fresh insight into an ongoing struggle

709.  Fleece

710.  Moonlit trees

711.  Two new friends

712.  Visiting a bakery I've always been curious about

713.  Christmas shopping in a barn

714.  Pumpkin Pie Blizzards

715.  Receiving an explanation for an answer that was given over a year ago

716.  Successful fundraisers

717.  Two homemade dinners from my mom so I don't have to cook much this week

718.  Listening to the kids decide where the Christmas decor should go

719.  My husband stringing lights

720.  First Sunday in the new sanctuary

Effective Prayer

Scripture tells us in James 1 to expect trials, and we have all experienced them.  Trials tend to drive us to our knees a little faster and more often, than when life is rosy.  Not only do we seek God for comfort, wisdom and direction, but we often ask others to come alongside and pray with us. 

In 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4, Paul indicates that he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the faith of the people as they encounter inevitable trials.  The last five verses of chapter three read as follows:

“For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?  Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”  (1 Thess. 3:9-13, NASB; highlighted text added)

In this passage, Paul is expressing his deep desire to connect in person with the Thessalonians so that he can continue to encourage and strengthen them in their faith.  I highlighted the phrases above because it occurred to me that these could also be specific ways in which we can strengthen our skills as prayer warriors.  I know from experience how much I covet and appreciate the prayers of others when I am in the midst of a difficult trial. 

How would it affect your outlook on trials if you knew others were praying for you in the following ways? 

1.  Their prayers were fervent and ongoing.
2.  They prayed for the specifics of your trial.
3.  They prayed for the strengthening of your faith through the trial.
4.  They prayed that your love for others would be increased.
5.  They prayed that you would be unblamable in holiness before God.

What an encouragement that would be!

Are you willing to get on your knees and be that kind of prayer warrior for others?

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20, NASB)

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.  The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”  (James 5:16, NASB)

One Thousand Gifts

691.  Her cavity-free dentist appointment

692.  His safe return from Texas

693.  How excited the kids were to see their first complete rainbow (normally, we only get to see one end or the other, but rarely the entire arch!)

694.  The colorful produce at the supermarket

695.  Two great parent-teacher conferences

696.  Working together with my husband to get a shipment out

697.  Surprise birthday cake

698.  Finding my wedding ring

699.  A successful first attempt at a floral arrangement

700.  Having friends over for Thanksgiving

701.  Leftovers

702.  The whole family gathered around the piano in praise and worship

703.  A break from our busy schedule

704.  Finding the lost disc of pictures

705.  A brass band in the courtyard on a cold winter night

To Be Thankful

My husband recently returned from a two week concert tour to Texas.  When he’s gone, I tend to run things “quick and easy” around the house, especially when it comes to cooking for myself and the kids.  Last week, when my son asked what was for dinner and I told him, he said, “Okay, even though it isn’t my favorite meal.”  He ate the food without complaint, and as I cleared the plates, he said, “Thanks, Mom.”  I was so thankful for his mature response, and it got me thinking about some of the elements that are involved in being thankful.

To be thankful is to recognize our dependence upon the Lord, and our need for His provision.  In Genesis 22, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son.  As he walked toward Mt. Moriah, Isaac asked him where the lamb was for the burnt offering.  Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:8, NASB) God provided His Son, the perfect Lamb, for our primary need of salvation.  He also provides for our daily needs.  Oh to have our walk with the Lord be like Abraham’s, marked with unwavering confidence in knowing that He will provide for our every need.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.”  (Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB)

To be thankful is to be obedient.  God provided manna in the desert.  I think back to when my kids were young, and they would look at their plate with a wrinkled nose and the classic “Ewwww” look on their face and say, “What is it?”  I would tell them what it was, and that they needed to eat it because it was good for them.  Sometimes we encounter things in life that we don’t recognize or that seem distasteful to us.  We must cultivate a thankful heart, and receive what the Lord provides for us each day.  God instructed the Israelites to gather only what was needed for that day, except when preparing for the Sabbath.  If they tried to take too much (disobedience), it would rot.  It is important to meet with, and receive from the Lord daily.

“In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end.”  (Deuteronomy 8:16, NASB)

To be thankful is to be humble.  In order to recognize our dependence upon the Lord and be obedient in our daily walk, we must have a spirit of humility. 

“But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6, NASB)

When we partake of what He provides with a thankful heart, we are strengthened and we grow in our faith and knowledge of Him.

“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”  (1 Peter 5:10, NASB)

So today, as the house begins to wake up and the bustle of preparing a meal and greeting guests begins, I am reflecting, with thanksgiving, not only on the Lord as my Savior, but as my Provider and Sustainer.

“The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.  The eyes of all look to Thee, and Thou dost give them their food in due time.  Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing.  The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds.  The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.”  (Psalm 145:14-18, NASB)

One Thousand Gifts

676.  When he switched to classical music in the car

677.  Remembering that when my daughter was little, she used to refer to classical music as "the long music"

678.  Completing a big project for my husband

679.  That my son told me it wasn't his favorite dinner, but he ate it without complaint and said thank you

680.  When friends offer to help

681.  Chocolate truffles

682.  How hard they studied for the big test

683.  How well they did on the big test!

684.  Buying a new book directly from the author

685.  Relaxing on the couch with a cup of coffee

686.  Pillow fights

687.  Taking communion

688.  A great conversation with my daughter

689.  Yahtzee with friends

690.  Constructive feedback

Five Minute Friday: Stay

“Please sit down and eat!”

I probably say this to my daughter at least four or five times during a family meal.  She has a large amount of energy and often has a hard time staying put long enough to eat a meal.  Sometimes her excuses for leaving the table are good…she has to go to the bathroom, she takes the last napkin and needs to refill the napkin holder, or she wants another glass of milk.  Sometimes the excuses are a bit on the flimsy side…she wants to see what the cat is doing, or she realizes that she has lost something and wants to go look for it.  All of the ups and downs drive me crazy!

And then I realize that I’m just like her when I sit down to eat of my daily Bread.  I cringe when I think of how often I sit down to spend time with the Lord, but my mind is all over the place.  I fight thoughts of menu planning, schedule coordination, responding to the beep of the dryer, etc.  The list of distractions is endless.  The pace of life is crazy and hectic, and it is so easy for the insanity to creep into my quiet time with the Lord.  Oh how I need to learn to...

Stay.
“The wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”  (Isaiah 26:3, KJV)


          

One Thousand Gifts

661.  Meeting Danielle at Blessings For Mom

662. A quick trip to Chocolate World

663.  Chocolate cupcakes with fluffy pink frosting

664.  Leaving town before the hurricane hit

665.  Arriving home to hugs and kisses

666.  Fall-colored leaves reflected in the birdbath

667.  The soft orange light of sunrise on autumn treetops

668.  My patient and loving husband

669.  That I can go to him for Godly counsel

670.  Lawns carpeted with green-gold leaves

671.  Staying home on a Friday night

672.  Chips and queso

673.  Getting the playroom cleaned out and organized

674.  Glowing candles

675.  My pastor and his wife

Five Minute Friday: Quiet

In July, 2006 I went on a missions trip with a team from my church to Lima, Peru. 

I prepared financially.
I prepared my travel documents.
I prepared my heart for service.

What I wasn’t prepared for when I got there was the noise.

It was jarring and abrasive.

It. Was. Constant.

Horns blaring, brakes screeching, delivery trucks backing up, buses squealing…

Dogs barking on roof tops…

Eventually I got used to it and began to tune it out.

Shortly after I got home, my family went on a trip to Eastern Oregon.  At one point, we stopped on the side of the road and I got out and snapped this picture.

As I stood there, taking in this amazing scene of blue sky and golden wheat fields, I suddenly realized how quiet it was.  There wasn’t even a breeze that day.  I couldn’t hear the wheat rustling, bees or grasshoppers buzzing…just silence.

And in that quiet moment, I thought of the following verse…

“Be still, and know that I [am] God.”  (Psalm 46:10a, KJV)

Whether we find ourselves in the din of the city, or the quiet serenity of a wheat field, we need to remember to seek quiet time with the Lord.  He will meet you where you are, and you will be blessed.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Prov. 3:6, NASB)

         

Towering Trials

Last July, our family took a vacation to North and South Dakota.  We took a day trip over the border into Wyoming to hike around Devil’s Tower National Monument.  The circumference of the base is about a mile long.  The trail was relatively flat and we had bottles of water, so it seemed like it would be an easy hike.

It wasn’t.

At the beginning of the hike, I had energy and was enjoying the scenery.  After about a quarter of a mile, the heat began to get to me.  I was thankful for the water I had, and began to seek shady spots to rest in.  I heartily welcomed the occasional cool breeze.  As we moved around the tower, I took note of how the scenery changed as we viewed it from different angles.  By the time I reached the halfway point, I was no longer enjoying myself.  The experience had been reduced to trudging along the trail, placing one foot in front of the other.  I began to realize that I did not have enough water and began to ration it to try and make it last.  I ran out.  By the time we completed the circuit, I was very dehydrated.  My world was spinning and I was unable to walk a straight line.  I had to walk along side my son with my hand on his shoulder to help steady myself.

As I reflect on that day, it occurs to me that I tend to have a similar experience when I encounter trials.  I start out with energy, knowing that the Lord is with me.  As the heat intensifies though, my spirits begin to flag.  I trudge along, viewing the trial from every possible angle.  I feel weak and miserable.  While my Living Water can never run out and there is always an abundant supply available, I forget to drink.  I feel spiritually parched and stagger out of the other end, disoriented and disheartened.  I am thankful for those friends and family who come alongside, and support me in prayer.

Jesus is my strength and source of life.  Not only does He lead me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, but He also guides and sustains me through the valleys.

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1, NASB)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NASB)

One Thousand Gifts

646.  That she was in the right place at the right time

647.  Her tight hug...

648.  ...and prayer over me

649.  His safe return from Boston

650.  His tight hug

651.  Smooth passage through rush hour

652.  That the words of a friend and sister in the Lord I haven't connected with in 20 years, were perfectly timed and truly blessed me

653.  Ephesians 3:20

654.  Her loving and expert care of my children for an afternoon

655.  The sustaining strength of the Lord

656.  The courage He gives to push through and press on

657.  Realizing that His gifts are often more abundant and easier to recognize on the hard days

658.  Reading an entire book on the flight across the country

659.  That the hotel vending machine had Tylenol

660.  Getting to know my friend Sharon at Hiking Toward Home

Five Minute Friday: Roots

Roots.
Growing, branching
Reaching for water
Planted in rich soil
Life.

When my children were born, I was still using film in my camera.   Today’s prompt reminded me of a photo that I took when my son was about three or four.  My Dad was helping him plant his first garden.  In the photo, it shows my Dad’s hand holding several seeds, and my son’s little hand reaching to take a seed and plant it in the little hole that they had carved out in the soil.  I love this photo because even though it is just a picture of two hands, it represents learning, generations, life…roots.   I was blessed to be raised in a loving Christian home.  My parents taught me about Jesus and I learned to love Him from a very young age.  They lived their lives rooted in the Word, and taught me to do the same.  I am now doing my best to pass that on to my children, and am thankful for those times when my parents coming alongside me and help plant the truth of Christ in the hearts of my children.

Those two hands represent the growing and branching of our family, as we journey together toward our eternal home.  Together, we reach for the Living Water, and plant His Word in our hearts. 

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”  (Colossians 2:6-7, NASB)


       

Upon this Rock

Two summers ago I was hiking in the Snake River Canyon in southern Idaho when I came upon this rock.  It reminded me of the story in Exodus 17 where the Israelites are complaining because they are thirsty.  God instructs Moses to strike the rock with his staff, and water pours forth.  We see a similar scene again in Numbers 20 where the people are complaining of thirst.  God instructs Moses to speak to the rock, but he strikes it twice.  Numbers 20:11 says, “Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank.”  Even though Moses did not follow God’s instruction (for which he paid a heavy price), scripture says that water came forth abundantly and all of the people and their beasts drank.  Can you picture that?  That would have been enough water to meet the needs of a million people plus their animals!

Jesus is both the Living Water as well as the rock or cornerstone upon which the church is built.  1 Peter 2:4-6 says, “And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  For this is contained in scripture: ‘Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him shall not be disappointed.”

Did you notice in that passage that as followers of Christ, we are living stones being built up in Him?  As I read this passage, I am reminded that not only am I to be growing in the Lord, but my life needs to reflect that foundation upon which everything rests.  When people see into the cracks of my life, do they see Jesus?  Through word and deed, I need to be pouring forth His love to those around me, and leading others to the Living Water that is abundant and will never disappoint.

One Thousand Gifts

631.  Luke 18:1

632.  Romans 8:26

633.  Watching the Spirit knit my day together

634.  When my friend offered us a meal to save me an extra trip home

635.  When my daughter thanked me for being "the best mom ever."

636.  That her old boots still fit

637.  Her excitement for the Pumpkin Patch field trip

638.  A safe trip over the mountain

639.  Quality time with a close friend

640.  The flicker of firelight

641.  Listening to and being blessed by a mission team's presentation of their trip to India and Thailand

642.  Fall foliage in the mountains

643.  Snow that doesn't stick!

644.  Learning that chewable ginger tablets cures her car sickness

645.  A safe and uneventful return home from Bend

One Thousand Gifts

616.  Hot showers

617.  That she was a peacemaker on the playground

618.  His "I love you" texts

619.  Excellent report cards

620.  Going to bed early

621.  Faithful prayer warriors

622.  The soft coo of a mourning dove

623.  Same day appointment with the chiropractor

624.  A hug from her teacher

625.  Sharing in the joy of a friend's new granddaughter

626.  Crisp October mornings

627.  A celebratory dinner

628.  The earthy smell of a horse stable

629.  Watching my son persevere

630.  Working together with my son as a team

Five Minute Friday: Race

Feeling your heart race.
Watching clouds race across the sky.
Race for a cause (ie. Race for the Cure).
Rat race.
Race against time.

It’s amazing how many phrases in our language include the word race.  The world is always in a hurry, and the march of time is relentless.  Most days of the week, I am constantly on the go.  There are places to go, appointments to keep, details swirling in my mind, the crush of laundry, the pile of dishes, and I just want it to

STOP!

While important, all of those things are temporal and temporary. 

I need to remember that I’m really only running one race that is of eternal value. 

“And I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it.  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.”  (1 Corinthians 9:23-24, NASB)

…and what is the prize?

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14, NASB)


       

One Thousand Gifts

601.  Waffles with fresh strawberries piled high

602.  Watching a seal play in the surf

603.  Watching waves build and crest

604.  Her first phone call to a friend

605.  Having ingredients on hand

606.  When she comforted a child who was crying on the playground

607.  Reading children's books out loud to a captivated child

608.  That he took the kids to school and let me sleep in

609.  That my son can fix broken toilets

610.  Shimmering rainbows in sprinkler spray

611.  Flannel sheets, warm and cozy

612.  Lemon drops

613.  The sweet note that she left on the principal's desk at school

614.  A new camera

615.  Home grown melons

One Thousand Gifts

586.  Hearing his fingers tap on the keys

587.  Dew drops on a fallen leaf

588.  That he thanked me for taking him to the doctor

589.  Her awesome teachers

590.  The fluffy ringed tails of four raccoons (even though they scared me to death!)

591.  The way they help each other with spelling tests

592.  When the Spirit confirms

593.  Finding a chore system that works!

594.  The sound of gravel crunching under foot

595.  Dew-laden spider webs

596.  The twitter of birds at dawn

597.  Warm sand between the toes

598.  A clear head in a dangerous situation

599.  The Lord's protection

600.  A nice young man willing to help me with my car trouble.

Five Minute Friday: Grasp

Grasp.
Grip.

These two words are quite similar in meaning, and yet grasp seems to have a hint of desperation behind it.

Grasping at straws.
Grasping for answers.

Jacob wrestled with God.  He grasped and grappled, and wouldn’t let go until he had received a blessing.  I think of the many times that I wrestle with God, grasping for answers or direction, earnestly desiring a blessing.  My mind and prayers flail, and I feel like things are reeling out of control.  It is when I finally come to the end of myself and stop, that I finally realize (again) that I have been in His hands the whole time. 

His grip is strong …sure  …secure.

If only I can grasp this truth, and hold on to it!

“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”  (John 10:29, NASB)


       

Reconciliation

I hate to be late.

Just this past Monday, I took my son to the doctor, and I arrived….late.  This wasn’t my first visit to that clinic, and I knew exactly how long it should take to get there from my house.  I even planned five minutes of “padding” to allow for traffic, in case that was a factor.  What should have taken me 25 minutes, somehow took me 35 minutes.  I checked my cell phone, and the time matched the clock at the doctor’s office.  The time discrepancy was unsettling, and I felt a strong urge to figure out what had happened.  The only thing that made sense to me was that my clock at home (my starting point) must have been off.

“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.”  (Colossians 1:19-20, NASB)

As I read this passage in my devotions this morning, it was the word “reconcile” that popped out at me.  The dictionary defines reconcile as a verb which means “to settle or resolve” or “to make compatible or consistent.”  We usually hear the word within the context of a discrepancy in data or a broken relationship.  Sometimes I think it is perhaps too easy to forget about the gravity of sin and how it impacts the relationship between God and man.  God is holy and sin cannot be in His presence.  Sin means “missing the mark” with God.  The book of Romans tells us that the wages of sin is death.  The only way that a sinner can be reconciled to God is through personal acceptance of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. 

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.  Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”  (2 Corinthians 5:18-20, NASB)

The doctor’s office was ready for me when I arrived.  The appointment had been set a week in advance, and the file had been pulled and was waiting for processing.  The agreement was that they would see me at the appointed time, based on their clock, not mine.  It was my job to be there, according to their standard.

God, through Christ’s death on the cross, has reconciled all things to Himself.  He has completed the work and is ready and waiting to meet us, right where we are, and transform our lives.  Jesus says in John 14:6 says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”  It is our job to accept this gift of reconciliation that He has given according to His grace and mercy.  If we do not, we will not have peace and will have missed the mark.

One Thousand Gifts

571.  My birthday - 2012

572.  My daughter bringing me breakfast in bed

573.  His sweet birthday email

574.  Birthday greetings from friends on voicemail

575.  The beautiful bouquet of flowers he had delivered

576.  Blow drying her hair

577.  His safe return from Omaha

578.  Clean carpets

579.  The way the sunlight makes flowers glow from the inside out

580.  Transitioning trees

581.  The curled petals of a pink rose

582.  The smell of brownies in the oven

583.  The way steam wisps and curls from a warm mug

584.  Quilts, time-worn with love

585.  Cold, crisp, crunchy grapes

Five Minute Friday: Wide

There’s something about standing at the wide expanse of the ocean with the waves roaring and pounding toward the shore, that serves as a reminder to me of how mighty God is.  “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance And the hills in a pair of scales?”  (Isaiah 40:12, NASB) The same God that can hold the oceans in the hollow of His hand, formed me and loves me. 

I marvel at His power.

Sin places a wide chasm between God and man.  

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10, NASB). 

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor power, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8:38-39, NASB)

I marvel at His all-consuming love.

I love this picture.  The simplicity of wide open space is freeing to the mind.  There is room and space to breathe and reflect.  My Savior died on a tree so that I might live to righteousness.  “And He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24, NASB).

I marvel at His matchless grace and mercy.


     

Encouragement

I love this time of year.  Every morning, several flocks of geese fly over my home.  I love looking up into the blue September sky and watching them form v’s.  I enjoy listening to the crescendo of honks, evidence that they are coming long before I can see them.  As they soar overhead, the cacophony is music to my ears.

Geese honk for a number of reasons, according to http://www.knowswhy.com/why-do-geese-honk/.  Honks can serve as greetings, warnings, or a sign of contentment.  In the article it says that they honk to help locate each other in a large flock, reassure if a family member is in the area, to point to a good feeding or landing area, and to alert flock members of the presence of predators and enemies.

I see a marvelous parallel between how geese behave and how believers in the body of Christ should behave.  When observing a flock of geese soaring overhead, there appears to be a sense of fellowship and togetherness among its members.  In my devotions this morning, I read Colossians 1:9-10 (NASB) which says, “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” 

As believers, we need to be praying for spiritual wisdom and understanding not only for ourselves, but for fellow believers.  As we travel together on this side of eternity, we need to be lifting and encouraging others and praying for their spiritual growth.  According to this passage, we need to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.  This will equip and enable us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, which will bear much fruit, which will further increase our knowledge of Him!

 

As more flocks fly overhead in the coming days, I will be reminded to reach out to others and try to offer reassurance and encouragement, or perhaps say a prayer for someone who is going through a trial, that He would increase their spiritual understanding and wisdom.

“Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NASB)

“If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”  (Philippians 2:1-4, NASB) 

One Thousand Gifts

556.  Taking pictures on the front porch

557.  Warm September mornings

558.  His safe return from Seattle

559.  Jet boat rides on a sunny day

560.  Cliff swallow nests

561.  My son's decision to be baptized

562.  Nathan's baptism

563.  Celebratory dinners

564.  The beautiful new dress that her Grandma sewed for her

565.  The awesome wooden lock box his Grandpa made for him

566.  His safe arrival in Omaha

567.  Helping her with homework

568.  Watching him compete and perform well

569.  My son's awesome coach

570.  An excellent sermon

Five Minute Friday: Focus

Imagine taking a walk in the woods.  Your feet shuffle through crispy leaves that have fallen from the trees, and the air is cool and crisp.  As you round a corner in the trail you hear a waterfall.  As you near the waterfall, you notice wildflowers growing near the base.  You kneel down and take a picture of this beautiful serene setting.  Everything in the photo - water, flowers, trees - is well defined.  The camera was set to auto focus.

Imagine the same scene again.  As you snap a second picture, you zoom in on a small patch of wildflowers.  The petals flash vibrant shades of yellow and magenta.  The pistil and stamen of each flower is well defined.  The waterfall and trees in the background are still visible and recognizable, but a bit blurry.  This time, the camera was set to “manual focus.”

Sometimes (more often than I’d like to admit), I think my spiritual eyes are stuck on auto focus.  I see all of my cares and concerns at once, and they all seem so well defined.  I know that the Lord is with me in the midst of it all, but sometimes I have a hard time seeing Him and just don’t know where to begin.

I know from experience though, that when I switch to “manual” and focus on Him, the problems seem to blur into the background, and He provides clarity and direction, one step at a time.

     

One Thousand Gifts

541. His safe arrival in Seattle

542. Pep talks

543. The earnest look in her eyes

544. Clean, clear water from the faucet

545. Her imaginative mind

 546. Seeing (and hearing) a huge flock of geese fly past my bedroom window

547. That they waited so patiently in the long line at the post office

548. Surprise lunch dates

549. Blue herons

550. Watching a white heron glide low over sparkling water

551. When he got his sister a cup of water because she was thirsty

552. When my son walked past me and gave me a couple of pats on the back, just because

553. When they hear a favorite praise song in the car and ask me to "crank it up!"

554. That Parent Orientation night began with prayer and scripture reading

 555. Their first day of school

Five Minute Friday: Graceful

Today’s word made me think of this picture from my daughter’s dance recital this year.

  Strong.  Confident.  Poised.  Beautiful.  Graceful.

                                             …and then there is what I did about 10 days ago.

I have been taking a self-defense class for the past two years.  Normally I am fairly well-spoken and choose my words carefully.  That day in class, I was so focused on the new skill I was trying to learn that I blurted out a question to my instructor, but the words came out sounding more like a demand than a question.  He gave me a quizzical look, and then answered my question.

As soon as the words were out there, I wanted to scoop them back into my mouth and have a “do over.”  It bothered me the rest of the class.  I kept thinking, “Maybe it didn’t sound as demanding as I thought it did.  Maybe he didn’t notice.”  But by the time I left the building and got to my car, it was still bothering me and I felt the need to apologize for being disrespectful.  On my way back into the building, I tripped over the curb.  It wasn’t just a stumble and lurch, it was a full blown face plant in the grass.  It happened so quickly, that I never even had a chance to catch myself.  I rolled with the fall and my purse flipped upside down and the contents went flying.  I was covered in grass, had grass stains on my knees, had a 2x2 inch scrape on my ankle that was bleeding profusely, and blood stains on my uniform.  As I was putting the last of the loose change, mints, and pens back in my purse, my instructor came out and asked if I was okay.  I assured him that I was.  I apologized to him for my words in class, and he graciously said that no apology was needed.  It wasn’t one of my most graceful moments.

This incident reminded me that my Father in heaven is “grace-full.”

When the words come out wrong…
He is full of grace

When we fall flat on our face…
He is full of grace

When we admit we are wrong and seek forgiveness…
He is full of grace

Thankful.

[Note:  I did exceed the time limit on this a little bit, but I wanted to finish my train of thought!]

     

A New Chapter

I've been a mom for 12 years, but today marked a new chapter in my life. 

Today was the first day that I dropped both children off at school.  They are attending a small, private Christian school in the country.  My son attended the school last year and had a wonderful year.  Over the course of the year, we saw his faith strengthen and grow.  They are in a solid, safe, and loving place where they will receive an excellent education, not only in the standard subjects, but in their faith as well.

The morning went smoothly.  They got dressed in the outfits they had selected the night before, ate a nutritious breakfast and even humored me with some "first day of school" pictures on the front porch.  We even left the house at our targeted time (yeah for small victories!).  Once we arrived at the school, my son gave me a quick wave and a "Bye, Mom!" and I helped my daughter get settled in her classroom.

After I left the school, I stopped at the Starbucks in Safeway to get my favorite drink.  I sat there and enjoyed it...for about 20 minutes...which I never do.  I realized that I wasn't ready to go home to an empty house quite yet.  I texted my friend and told her I was feeling a bit strange and unsettled.  She responded immediately and encouraged me to read Psalm 104, which I did. 

After my coffee was mostly gone, I bought some nectarines and a kitchen scrubby (more delay tactics!) and then headed home. 

As I see one chapter closing, and a new one opening today, I'm feeling a little wistful.  I will take my friend's advice and meditate on Psalm 104:33-34.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
Let my meditation be pleasing to Him;
As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord.

One Thousand Gifts

526.  A new roof

527.  Our new piano teacher

528.  When the kids sat quietly through the meeting

529.  Finding a cute apron on sale

530.  Helping my friend pick out fabric for a project

531.  Getting recipes sorted and organized

532.  Airing out the house

533.  Fresh summer breezes

534.  Finding a Starburst on my laptop (gift from my daughter)

535.  Klondike bars

536.  Skipping down the street with my daughter

537.  Blue moons!

538.  Enjoying dessert with friends

539.  That he values my opinion as a musician

540.  New coats for the children

Five Minute Friday: Change

I’m the proverbial old dog.

I don’t like new tricks.

I resist change…and I like it that way…

...except I’m reminded that I need to be changing

Every. Day.

Psalm 51:10  “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Isaiah 64:8  “But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father, We are the clay, and Thou our potter; And all of us are the work of Thy hand.”

Not only do I need to be constantly desiring change, I need to allow the change to happen so that I can become more like my Father in heaven…

…who does not change.

Hebrews 13:8  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.”


     

One Thousand Gifts

511.  Seeing her sit tall and confident in the saddle

512.  Seeing him reconnect with buddies at summer camp

513.  The smell of a charcoal fire on the beach

514.  Warm marionberry muffins

515.  Belly laughs

516.  Watching my son walk slowly through the tomato patch with his Grandpa -- listening, learning, asking questions

517.  Ripe yellow plums on the tree

518.  That the kids made some new friends in the neighborhood

519.  Garden parties

520.  Laughing with the neighbors

521.  Bright pink fuschia plants

522.  Stargazing with friends

523.  Telescopes

524.  Seeing Saturn through a telescope (so cool!)

525.  A lovely afternoon at the lake, listening to the water lap at the shore and watching the kids play

Five Minute Friday: Join

Whenever I hear the word join, the blinking yellow light goes off in my head…you know, like in one of those WWII submarine movies where the sub goes on high alert, yellow lights are blinking, and you hear the “bwoop, bwoop, bwoop” siren in the background? 

I have been blessed by “joining,” and I have been burned, badly burned by “joining.”

If you ask my parents, I feel confident they would tell you I was a pretty good kid growing up.  I certainly wasn’t perfect, but by and large I was obedient, a good student, and hung with a good group of kids.  There was one instance in high school though, where I got caught up in the moment with the wrong crowd doing something that we shouldn’t have been doing.  The consequences were pretty severe.  It was a powerful lesson to learn early in life, and while I still cringe when I think about what happened, I’m thankful for the experience. 

I see the “blinking yellow light” in my head like a traffic signal.  Whenever I’m in the car and approach an intersection with a blinking yellow light, I slow down and pause to assess my surroundings before proceeding through.  Whether it is in relationships or use of time, I have learned the importance of using caution before joining.  When presented with an opportunity to join people or a group or organization, I have learned that if I pause and allow the Holy Spirit to speak and shed His light on the decision before me, blessings follow.

   

One Thousand Gifts

496.  The sweet smell of hay

497.  Reviewing my grocery list and discovering that "a pony" had been added in my nine year old's best handwriting

498.  The subtle sweetness of a juicy pear

499.  Reading Anne of Green Gables to my daughter at bedtime

500.  Hearing her ask for "just one more chapter!"

501.  Fields full of golden hay windrows

502.  Exercising with my son

503.  Giving my desk area a makeover

504.  Going to the movies

505.  Her letter from summer camp

506.  Iced coffee

507.  Getting caught up on paperwork

508.  The quirky things our cat does that make us laugh

509.  That my son chose Philippians 4:13 as his life verse

510.  How excited she was to show us what she had learned at horse camp

Five Minute Friday: Connect

The house has been quiet this week.  We dropped my daughter off at summer camp on Monday.  She was looking forward to a week of spending time caring for and riding horses.  As the days progressed, I had a gnawing feeling of uneasiness.  It was hard, and a bit strange, not to know how she was doing.  Was she happy?  Was she taking good care of herself?  What was she eating?  Was she having fun?

Yesterday I went to the mailbox and my heart leapt for joy when I saw a letter from her tucked in with the bills.  I came in the front door and announced that we had received a letter from Noelle!  My husband and son stopped what they were doing and met me at the door.  I opened the letter and we all stood together as I read it aloud. 

As I read her precious words, I saw her personality shine through.  She wrote about the horses, zip lining, Bible studies, and making s’mores around the campfire.  My heart just soared!  I knew and was assured that she was safe and having a great time!

There is joy in connection.

This week’s experience reminded me that I am away from my eternal home right now.  While my Father knows where I am and what I’m feeling, He still delights in receiving “letters” through prayer.  Time and again in Scripture, the Lord indicates that He wants us to come to Him and share what is on our hearts.  He loves and cares for each one of His precious children, and wants to connect.

   

Book Review: Bonhoeffer

It isn’t very often when I get pockets of time to read a book, so when those moments do roll around, I savor them.  I recently finished a fantastic book called Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas.  I found it informative, edifying, encouraging, and as an added bonus, it was a real page-turner!  I simply couldn’t put it down.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a young theologian with a deep and abiding faith in the Lord.  He lived in Germany during both world wars.  He became a spy and was involved in a plot to kill Hitler during World War II.  What I encountered in this book that I have never read anywhere else is a history of what was going on in the church (both German and worldwide) during this time in history. 

There are many lessons that I took away from the book, many of which I already knew but served as excellent reminders.  I will share three here:

Know what you stand for - In the early 1900's, the church in Germany was strongly connected with the government.  The Kaiser was the authority of both church and state.  When Germany was defeated in World War I, things began to fall apart.  Kaiser Wilhelm was forced to abdicate, and the country was plunged into revolution and chaos.  The church began to flounder and succumb to outside influences and doctrines.  At all times, but especially during times of turmoil and crisis, it is important for God’s people to remain rooted in the Word.  We must know what it says and allow it to speak to and through our hearts.

Stand for what you believe in - During his rise to power, Hitler introduced National Socialism into the picture.  The lines between true faith and faith as a part of nationalism began to blur.  Bonhoeffer joined with other theologians to write what is known as the Bethel Confession.  The purpose of the Confession was to clearly spell out the basics of the true and historic Christian faith.  His draft was sent to other theologians for comments and feedback.  “By the time they were through, every bright line was blurred; every sharp edge of difference filed down; and every point blunted.  Bonhoeffer was so horrified that he refused to work on the final draft.  When it was completed, he refused to sign it.  As would happen so often in the future, he was deeply disappointed in the inability of his fellow Christians to take a definite stand.  They always erred on the side of conceding too much, of trying too hard to ingratiate themselves with their opponents.”  (p. 185).  Time and time again throughout this book, the point was made that Dietrich never saw his life as his own.  He surrendered and completely submitted every aspect of his life (and even his death) to the Lord.  Our lives are not our own.  We must be willing to take a clear and definite stand, regardless of the personal cost. 

Remain focused - Bonhoeffer was often frustrated with his peers.  They were more focused on defeating the enemy in front of them, rather than on what God’s will was for them in the situation.  “While Hildebrandt, Niemoller, and Jacobi were thinking about how to defeat Muller, Bonhoeffer was thinking about God’s highest call, about the call of discipleship and its cost.  He was thinking about Jeremiah and about God’s call to partake in suffering, even unto death.  Bonhoeffer was working it out in his head at the same time that he was thinking about what the next move should be with Heckel and the church struggle.  He was thinking about the deep call of Christ, which was not about winning, but about submission to God, wherever that might lead.”  (p. 196)

There are many powerful lessons to be pondered and learned in this engaging book.  It was inspiring to read about the life of an individual who completely submitted and surrendered his life to God, and made it his only goal to live in full obedience to his Creator, even at the cost of his life.  After finishing the book, I immediately ordered The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and I'm looking forward to reading it!

I give this book 5 stars and two thumbs up…a must read!

One Thousand Gifts

481.  The majestic scenery at Badlands National Park

482.  Taking pictures of spectacular clouds at sunset

483.  Watching a wild rabbit hop through the golden prairie grass

484.  Safe passage through a lightning storm

485.  Acres and acres of corn growing in neat rows

486.  A group of old farmers chatting over coffee in a country diner

487.  The smell of a room full of old books

488.  Tall reeds and cattails in a marsh

489.  Hay rolls dotting the fields

490.  Free guest laundry facilities at the hotel

491.  A field of sunflowers

492.  Wildlife parks

493.  Watching cute bear cubs play and climb trees

494.  Reading a book that is edifying, encouraging, and a real page turner

495.  That my friend stayed up until 12:30 a.m. to make sure that my family got home safely

Five Minute Friday: Here

I remember participating in roll call every day in grade school.  The bell would ring and we would scramble to our desks.  The teacher would take out the record book and began to call down the list of my classmates.  I kind of enjoyed waiting for my name to be called and having a chance to say, “Here!”  Inevitably at some point, a wisecracker in the back of the room would respond with “Not Here!” which always earned him a few giggles.  The teacher never looked amused.

Today’s word brought two men in Scripture to mind -- Samuel and Isaiah.  When Samuel was young, the Lord called his name and he responded with “Here I am,” and ran to Eli.  Eli instructed him to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”  Not only did Samuel learn to recognize the Lord’s voice, he listened to it.  In Isaiah, the Lord asks, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” and Isaiah responds, “Here am I.  Send me!”  Isaiah was ready and willing to serve.

I looked up those two passages before I began today’s five minutes because I wanted to make sure I was quoting Scripture accurately.  In I Samuel 3:19 it says, “Thus Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fail.”  What an encouragement to be reminded today that when I respond “Here!” to the Lord with a  ready and willing heart, my faith will grow and He will be here with me!


   

One Thousand Gifts

466.  Sun hats

467.  Seeing something new in a familiar Scripture

468.  Teaching my daughter how to look at sewing patterns, read the back, and find the fabric

469.  That his computer died when it did, giving us time to deal with it

470.  That the computer was still under warranty

471.  That no critical data or family photos were lost

472.  Wild sunflowers on the side of the road

473.  Deer grazing in a meadow of yellow wildflowers

474.  Attending the evening lighting ceremony at Mt. Rushmore

475.  Singing the national anthem

476.  Seeing veterans fold the flag

477.  Watching prairie dogs poke their heads out of their holes

478.  Ice cold cream soda after a long, hot hike

479.  Going on cave tours and seeing evidence of God in creation underground!

480.  The random way in which family jokes get started

Beyond

It has been a while since I have participated in the Five Minute Fridays over at The Gypsy Mama.  This past Friday’s word caught my eye because it was such a unique word, and it immediately evoked a memory from my early days of motherhood.  Even though it is Monday, I’d still like to participate, so here goes…

Beyond

When my children were infants, I worked very hard to get them on a schedule.  Every now and then, due to illness or life circumstances, the schedule would get interrupted.  They would either not nap long enough in the afternoon, or skip the afternoon nap altogether.  If they had a short nap, by around 3pm they would get to the point where they were beyond their ability to cope, and get fussy.  I could usually distract them with a toy or taking them out in the stroller for some fresh air.  On those days when the nap just didn’t happen, by early evening they would get to the stage that I termed “beyond, beyond.”  They were inconsolable no matter what I tried to do.  On those occasions, I discovered that the only way to calm them down was to sit in the rocking chair, place their little heads on my chest near my heart and rock, and rock, and rock.

Life has its ups and downs, and sometimes we may feel as if we reach a point where we are beyond our ability to cope.  Then there are those trials in life that are excruciating, whether due to length of time or intensity of the situation.  It is very easy to feel overwhelmed, and like we are “beyond, beyond” our ability to cope.  What a great reminder that if we draw close to the heart of our Father during difficult times, we will find Him there…

…even in the “beyond, beyond.”

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen."  (Ephesians 3:20-21)

   

One Thousand Gifts

451.  Finding the camera

452.  Hearing the kids talk about their "dream car" in the back seat

453.  Mosquito repellent

454.  A surprise night in a cabin in the woods

455.  Spending time at the lake

456.  The rhythmic lap of water against the shore

457.  That my son saw a need for firewood and spent four hours cutting up a small log with a hand saw

458.  A perfectly toasted marshmallow

459.  S'mores by the campfire

460.  The freedom America enjoys

461.  Watching him wave to me from the parade

462.  Watching her dance and write her name with a sparkler

463.  Seeing fireworks explode against the backdrop of a golden moon

464.  Going out for breakfast

465.  Quirky cafes

One Thousand Gifts

436.  Holding her while she cries

437.  That she scooted her plate and chair a little closer to mine, and started a conversation about something on her mind

438.  Frozen yogurt with fresh, seasonal fruit on top

439.  A long, leisurely lunch with a friend

440.  Walking in the rain

441.  Playing Imaginiff with the family

442.  The earthy smell of a strawberry field

443.  Picking strawberries with my daughter and one of my dearest friends

444.  Talking about the Lord while we picked berries

445.  Hearing my daughter yell "Jackpot!" every time she found a big cluster of bright red berries on a bush

446.  Yummy ice cream after working in the sun for so long

447.  Getting all of the dirt and strawberry stains out of her new shorts

448.  Listening to sermons while I washed and prepped the berries for the freezer

449.  That she stood next to me for an hour and patiently handed me berries while she watched and learned what I was doing

450.  Putting 13 quarts of berries into the freezer

One Thousand Gifts

421.  The convenience of email

422.  That the gas leak in the range was a quick fix

423.  Dinner and a concert with my husband

424.  Exploring the possibility of a new creative project

425.  Mud pie for dessert

426.  Getting paperwork filled out on time

427.  Getting the kids and their friends together for one last play date before their friends moved away.

428.  Working on a decorating project with my Mom

429.  Staying up late and talking with my Mom

430.  My parents!

431.  Celebrating my parents' 50th wedding anniversary

432.  Seeing God's hand move in so many details to make a beautiful day

433.  The joy on my son's face when my Dad let him drive the riding mower for the first time

434.  Sitting in a greenhouse and listening to the deafening roar of a sudden hail storm

435.  Having so many friends and family who volunteered to help make the celebration a joyous occasion

One Thousand Gifts

406.  Watching the children play beautifully at their piano recital

407.  Celebrating her ninth birthday

408.  The house filled with her sweet, giggling friends

409.  Birthday sleepovers

410.  Fresh fruit smoothies

411.  Writing notes of encouragement

412.  Successful fundraisers

413.  Finding cute shoes on sale

414.  How excited my son is to be part of the ministry team for the July 4th outreach

415.  Watching him learn how to make balloon animals

416.  Reconnecting with an old friend

417.  Finding out that my friend moved back to Oregon (the last time we spoke, she was living in Louisiana!)

418.  Having time to clean my desk

419.  That my son wants to practice the piano during the summer

420.  The sound of lawn sprinklers on a warm spring evening

One Thousand Gifts

391.  Making a big pot of turkey noodle soup

392.  Bright orange flowers in the backyard

393.  Watching him act in a leading role of the school play

394.  Graduation ceremonies that honor God

395.  Hills carpeted in stately evergreens

396.  Roads lined with brilliant golden scotchbroom

397.  The smell of fresh cut grass

398.  Garage sale treasures

399.  Fourteen geese in a row, gliding with the current

400.  How her golden hair flows when she dances

401.  Seeing the fog roll in

402.  Peaches and cream taffy

403.  A successful experience taking her first State test for homeschool

404.  A picnic on the beach

405.  Watching her hunt for seashells

One Thousand Gifts

376.  My chiropractor

377.  An injury that will heal

378.  The sound of coffee percolating

379.  A clean kitchen

380.  Hail bouncing on the lawn like popcorn

381.  My husband's safe return home

382.  Having dinner together as a family after weeks of being on the go

383.  Warm pajamas, fresh out of the dryer

384.  Moments of inspiration

385.  That she pretends to have her stuffed animals bungee jump off the upper landing

386.  That his teacher was good-natured and forgiving when I called to confess that I had accidentally thrown away his homework

387.  Having time to read a book

388.  Celebrating 23 years of marriage to my best friend

389.  Impromptu barbeques

390.  Sitting around the table, chatting and laughing with friends

One Thousand Gifts

361.  Listening to the distinctive bark of a sea lion

362.  Laughing until my stomach hurts!

363.  Fuzzy bathrobes

364.  Receiving surprise gifts from a friend

365.  Visiting with friends we haven't seen in a long time

366.  Hearing him talk so excitedly about his first time riding quads with his friend

367.  The kind of friends he chooses to hang out with

368.  The sweet "I love you" note (with pictures!) that she slipped me during church on Mother's Day

369.  How cute she looked in her costume for the play

370.  Watching a friend stand tall in her faith during a difficult situation

371.  Ice cream parties in the park!

372.  Restful weekends

373.  When a friend comes right over to fix a leaking sink

374.  A brand new faucet!

375.  Underground parking on a rainy day

Barn Quilt Tour

On a recent trip through western Iowa, my family spent a leisurely morning driving on a self-guided Barn Quilt tour.  Anyone who owns a barn and wishes to participate can create a square wooden quilt pattern, and then place it on a side of a barn that is visible from the road.  Visitors are encouraged to drive past the barns, take pictures, and enjoy “piecing together” a lovely patchwork quilt as they meander through the Iowa countryside. 

The quilt square at our first stop was entitled “Windmill.” 

We were lucky enough to drive past this farm while the owner was outside working.  He explained that the reason why they chose to call it “Windmill” was because they were the last farm in the county to pump water by windmill.  He also explained the reason behind the colors.  Red represented the fact that they were a century farm and stood for generational blood.  Yellow represented the harvest, green represented the fields, and blue stood for the sky.  Knowing the story behind the design of the pattern really made the quilt square come alive.  I hoped that we would encounter more farm owners who could share about their pattern, but we didn’t see anyone else. 

The quality of the pictures is not always great because we did not feel free to go on the property, and had to take pictures from a great distance most of the time.  Here are some of my favorites:

Crown of Thorns

Liberty Star

Iowa Star

Psalm 23


I’m not much of a quilter, but I admire people who have the skill and passion to create them.  I love to watch how they carefully select colors, choose patterns, and piece everything together.  Quilting is not a “random” activity.  There may be free flowing topstitching involved, but from what I have observed, there is a lot of planning and careful attention to detail that goes into creating and constructing these beautiful blankets.

Based on my encounter with the first farmer, there is probably a wonderful story behind each quilt square that we found.  I began to think about what sort of colors and pattern I would choose if I were to create a quilt square.  I thought about Romans 12:2 which says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)  The Lord wants us to live intentional lives that are patterned after Him.  Perhaps God views each of His precious children as a special and unique “square” in the blanket of His sovereign design.  When we live according to His commands and serve within the body of Christ, we come alongside others and are pieced together to create a picture of love that provides warmth and beauty to the world around us.