One By One

1116.  A next-day appointment with the specialist

1117.  Being awakened at 5:56 a.m. with an excited whisper..."Mom!!!"

1118.  Holding her hand as we tiptoe downstairs to look out the window

1119.  Snow on the valley floor!

1120.  Going back to bed knowing we can sleep in (no school!)

1121.  The kids' "No School Because of Snow" dance!

1122.  Hot chocolate with extra marshmallows

1123.  Eaves lined with icicles

1124.  Choosing just the right Christmas tree

1125.  Watching the children decorate the tree

1126.  Going outside in sub-zero weather, just to feel what that is like!

1127.  A toasty warm house to retreat to!!!

1128.  That our pipes didn't freeze

1129.  Beautiful sunsets several days in a row

1130.  Walking together in the snow

One by One

1101.  Discipleship night with my daughter

1102.  Hearing my husband create new pieces

1103.  Getting in and out of the after-hours clinic so fast

1104.  Laughter around the dinner table

1105.  Her recent interest in cooking

1106.  Her willing compliance with activity restrictions due to her concussion

1107.  The two hot side dishes she made for Thanksgiving

1108.  Thanksgiving 2013

1109.  My new counter top roaster oven

1110.  That she still catches frogs...

1111.  ...and names them (Phineas)...

1112.  ...and then releases them

1113.  Slow but steady recovery from her concussion

1114.  Coffee and a recipe exchange with my friend

1115.  Peppermint Mocha scented candles

On the Journey

During the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I always enjoy the traditional decorations that appear, whether it be in the community or in my daughter’s backpack in the form of a craft project.  The cornucopia reminds me of the abundant blessings in my life, both tangible and intangible.  I live in a free country, there is food in the pantry, a roof over my head, and I am in good health.  The turkey, the main centerpiece of the meal, reminds me of the blessing of fellowship.  I’m thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life, both family and friends, that live with me, laugh and cry with me, and pray with me.

It would be challenging to get through a Thanksgiving season without giving pause to remember the pilgrims and the history of how our great nation was formed.  I listened to a pod cast series by Matt Hannan this summer on the Songs of Ascent.  The Songs of Ascent are Psalm 120 through Psalm 134.  These songs were sung on mandatory pilgrimages to Jerusalem each year.  As the travelers walked toward Jerusalem, they would sing songs to the Lord and remember that He delivered them from Egypt, led them through the wilderness to the Promised Land, and dwelt with them in the Tabernacle.

Pastor Hannan mentioned something that I want to share, as it seems appropriate today.  There is a marked difference between a journey and a trip. 

A pilgrim takes a journey directed by God. 
A journey is done with others, and develops character. 
There is no intent of turning back.

A tourist takes a trip, which is designed by himself. 
A trip usually is done alone and for the purpose of increasing comfort. 
The traveler intends to return home.

The pilgrims who came to America were on a journey.  They sought to remove themselves from the control of the king of England to serve and worship the one, true King in freedom.  History has countless stories of how this journey developed character.  While the road to freedom was brutal at times, and even fatal for some, it was something that they were committed to and had no intention of returning from whence they came.  With the hardships came immense blessings, and the Lord was with them through it all.

Where are you in your walk of faith?  Do you consider your walk with the Lord through the lens of a pilgrim or a tourist?  Do you see the Christian life as a journey or a trip?  Jesus said in Mark 8:34, “And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”  Jesus calls us to journey with Him (directed by God).  A life in Christ will develop character.  Upon salvation, we become a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17).  Our old sinful ways should be left behind as we pursue righteousness and His will for our lives.  As the old hymn says, if we have decided to follow Jesus, there is no turning back. 

On this blessed Thanksgiving day, let us remember that we are aliens in a foreign land, journeying toward our eternal home.  We need to be about the business of our Father in heaven.  Connect with fellow travelers, pray with them, encourage them, give thanks for them!

One By One

1076.  A principal with an open door policy

1077.  That she stood strong in the face of a threat because she knew the truth and wasn't afraid

1078.  Family portraits under an old oak tree

1079.  Playful puppies in the pet shop window

1080.  Cotton clouds stretched low across the foothills

1081.  Having peace about a hard decision

1082.  A sunny afternoon at the pumpkin patch

1083.  Tromping through the corn maze

1084.  Hay rides

1085.  A big hug from my friend Jacque at Mercy Found Me

1086.  Safe landing in Greenville, SC

1087.  Discovering I was the hotel's "Guest of the Day"

1088.  When he texts me to let me know he's praying for me

1089.  Allume 2013

1090.  Receiving a long awaited answer to prayer...

1091.  ...and the answer was more than I asked for

1092.  Family Fun Night at church

1093.  A flock of wild turkeys

1094.  Speckled feathers

1095.  Watching my son earn his black belt in Taekwondo

1096.  That he avoided serious injury during the four hour test

1097.  Celebratory dinners with the whole family, including grandparents!!

1098.  How my brother makes me laugh

1099.  Maple bars

1100.  Little girls holding hands in a prayer circle   

"Go and do the same"

Last spring as I approached the school one afternoon to pick up my children, I noticed a lot of commotion going on near the fence.  In addition to the normal congestion of cars and minivans, I had to navigate around a large semi that had an animal carrier attached.  After parking the car, I got out to see what was going on.  A group of 20 children had gathered at the fence to watch the farmer unload his sheep into the pasture that sits right next to the school property.  A ramp extended from the trailer into the pasture, and I began to watch as the sheep were unloaded.  One by one, the sheep descended the ramp and entered the pasture.  What was so delightful was how the sheep descended the ramp!  Some sheep walked, some trotted, and some literally bounded down the ramp and leaped into the field!  The children had their noses pressed to the fence and squealed with delight as each sheep entered the pasture in its own unique way.

And then there was a pause in the action.  We all turned and looked to see what the hold up was.  Slowly and carefully, the next sheep navigated down the ramp and eased into the field.  This sheep was different.  It was caked in mud and filth, its wool was heavily matted, and its left front leg was shorter than the others and dangled uselessly.  Except for a few compassionate “awwwws” from some children, most of the crowd just watched in silence as the sheep limped along.  Quickly, all eyes were back on the trailer and the squeals of glee started up again as another sheep leaped and bounded into the sunshine.

I couldn’t help but think how this was a picture of what often occurs within the body of believers.  We are all sheep who have been saved by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and experience freedom in Him.  He has given each one of us a unique personality, and gifted us according to His will and plan for our lives.  Each one of us is special and valued in His eyes.  Life is not always popsicles and puppy dogs.  Scripture tells us to expect trials and tribulation in this life (John 16:33, James 1:2)  Sometimes the battle rages, and it feels like trench warfare…dirty, messy, painful, crippling.  As I watched that mangy, crippled sheep hobble along, it was the silence in the group that struck me.  There were a few compassionate “awws,” but mostly everyone just observed in an uncomfortable silence.  All eyes were eager to get back to the next cute, prancing sheep coming down the chute, and the lame one was quickly forgotten.

How often do we treat battle-weary believers this same way?  We see them struggling, but it makes us feel uncomfortable.  We hesitate to engage for a number of reasons…we don’t know what to do/say, it may require our time, or we just assume that someone else is helping them.  Sometimes it is hard to spot them.  The mangy sheep had no ability to hide or cover its reality, but people tend to put on their Tony the Tiger masks and say that “life is grrrrreat!”  The Lord doesn’t expect us to fix the problem, but He does call us to be people of compassion, comfort, and encouragement.

“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)

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

In Luke 10:30-35, we find the story of the good Samaritan.  A man was been beaten and left for dead in the road, and both a priest and Levite saw him, but passed by on the other side.  The Samaritan felt compassion.  He went to him, dressed and bound his wounds, took him to an inn, and took care of him.  Jesus asked which man in the story proved to be a neighbor.  Luke 10:37 says, “The one who showed mercy toward him.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.” 

When we encounter a fellow believer who is struggling in the trenches that trials often bring, we need to engage…encourage them with Scripture, drop them a note, treat them to coffee or a meal, pray with them, be an armor-bearer.  Remember how it felt when someone did this for you in the midst of a trial, and extend that to others.  You may not be able to solve the problem, but you can be a Samaritan in their life at a time when they need it most.

One By One

1052.  Seeing improvement and confidence in how she handles a horse

1053.  Singing camp songs together in Subway

1054.  That she made fresh squeezed lemonade...

1055.  ...and it was pretty good!

1056.  Seeing her hair in pigtails

1057.  When her friend said that we were an "awesome family."

1058.  First day of school 2013

1059.  Pictures on the porch

1060.  When she listed me as one of her heroes

1061.  "Up" and hot chocolate with the kids

1062.  A husband who has integrity

1063.  Walking the loop with my friend, M

1064.  The wonderful meal P made for me when I was sick

1065.  My pastor who is faithful in his study and teaching of the Word

1066.  When people operate in their gifts to bless others

1067.  Birthday, 2013

1068.  Birthday dinner with my parents

1069.  That our old house sold quickly and without incident

1070.  Attending a Precept Bible Study on a weekly basis

1071.  Phone conversations with my brother

1072.  Listening to my son's monologue for drama class

1073.  His maturity in being able to accept constructive criticism

1074.  When he received positive feedback from his teacher and peers for his performance

1075.  A warm, dry home on blustery nights

He Picked You!

Michael!  Robert!  Chris!  John!  Nancy!  Jamie!  Debbie!  Melinda!  Heidi!  Julie.

The classic schoolyard pick.  Whether we were picked first or last, I’m sure we all remember this ritual that unfolded on the playground.  As a rule, I was always last, or among the last to be picked, and more often than not, my name was accompanied with a sigh of resignation.  Admittedly, I wasn't the most coordinated child.  Any game that had the word “ball” in it, and required accuracy in kicking, hitting, or throwing the ball, was not my forte.  Nevertheless, it didn't ease the sting of being “picked” last.

Several weeks ago, I picked up my daughter from school and noted the downcast expression on her face as she climbed into the car.  After gentle prodding, I discovered that there had been a schoolyard pick that day during recess, and she was chosen last.  I had compassion for her, because I knew exactly how that felt.

I tried to reassure her, and realized in the process that there are truths that we as Christians need to be reminded of from time to time.

He knew you before you knew Him
“For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb.  I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from Thee, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.  Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.”  (Psalm 139:13-16)

He picked you before you picked Him
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8)

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-6)

God looks at our hearts
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’”  (1 Sam 16:7b)

We are equal in Christ
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.”  (Romans 8:16-17)

He loves you!
“The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”  (Jeremiah 31:3)

He picked you!

One by One

(These are gifts that I recorded during the summer while I took a break from blogging.  I'm listing more than usual in an attempt to get caught up to date!)

1026.  Bumpy truck rides up a mountain

1027.  Mining for quartz crystal

1028.  The deep, earthy red color of jasper

1029.  Arriving home after four plane rides and 15 hours in the airport system

1030.  Friends who helped us pack and move...

1031.  ...and did so with cheerful hearts...

1032.  ...that made the process joyful and fun!

1033.  Our new home

1034.  Discovering that we had already met our neighbors through a mutual acquaintance

1035.  Three different families who warmly welcomed us to the neighborhood

1036.  Potlucks in the park on a warm summer evening

1037.  Visiting our friends in Washington

1038.  My new rice cooker

1039.  That my daughter curled up next to me in bed while I listened to a podcast on Psalm 120

1040.  Moonlit wheat fields

1041.  Learning about the Psalms of Ascent

1042.  Her excitement over decorating her new clubhouse

1043.  Eating dinner on the patio

1044.  Watching the sun set with friends

1045.  Slices of cold, crisp watermelon

1046.  that he packed for camp by himself...

1047.  ...and did a great job!

1048.  Sending care packages

1049.  That the old house went to "pending" status

1050.  Running into friends at the coast...

1051.  ...and being treated to a lovely dinner overlooking the ocean (even if it was fogged in!)

Five Minute Friday: Truth

There is a song called “Words” by Hawk Nelson that plays frequently on the radio right now.  The words in the chorus are:

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don’t wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

If I had a theme song for my blog, or even my life for that matter, I think this might be it! 

There is a phrase in carpentry called “true up” which means to make something even, symmetrical, or to bring it into alignment.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)
He has given us the Spirit of truth, who promises to guide us in all truth (John 16:13)
His word is truth! (John 17:17)

Not only does Jesus set the example, He helps us “true up” to Him through the Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit!  What a marvelous gift!  My goal in life is to be aligned with Christ, and my prayer is that my life (words and actions) will point others toward the truth.

For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
Praise the Lord!  (Psalm 117:2)


            

One By One

Up until I now, I have been counting His gifts and blessings under the title "One Thousand Gifts."  I am continuing to count, and will post a list each Monday under the new title "One by One."  I chose this title based on the chorus of the old hymn "Count Your Blessings."

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

1001.  Sunsets over the Rocky Mountains

1002.  Wild rabbits nibbling grass

1003.  A sunny day at the zoo

1004.  Learning how tea is processed and packaged

1005.  Meadows full of wildflowers

1006.  Gelato

1007.  Playing miniature golf with the kids

1008.  The beautiful photo he was given

1009.  One dozen red roses

1010.  Browsing at the bookstore

1011.  A fun day at Waterworld

1012.  His calming and reassuring voice on the other end of the line

1013.  Safe arrival home after a drama-filled day of travel

1014.  Getting lost in a good book

1015.  The balloon animal my son made for me

1016.  The drone of bumblebees...

1017.  ...in a patch of lavendar

1018.  Singing about His grace

1019.  Keys to the new house

1020.  Thunderheads against a coral sky

1021.  Inchworms

1022.  Colorful crepe myrtle trees

1023.  Meeting a lovely young couple...

1024.  ...and their families...

1025.  ...and being a guest at their wedding

Five Minute Friday: Grace

I love the feeling that grace produces.  Whether it’s the librarian waiving an overdue fee or a dear friend extending grace for something that you said or did that was hurtful, grace produces a response from the heart.  It has nuances of forgiveness, release, relief, peace, joy, love. 

Hebrews 13:9 says that it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace…in other words, grace is food for the heart.  We eat food every day because it is necessary for the overall growth and health of our bodies.  2 Peter 3:18 instructs us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The more we know of the Lord and begin to understand the depths of the riches of His grace, the more spiritual fruit we produce…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Grace creates an environment in the heart where growth can occur, and as we grow in our knowledge of the Lord and experience His grace, we should be extending it to those around us.  Every time we extend grace to someone , we are pointing them to the cross. 

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us.” (Ephesians 1:7-8, NASB)

How different the world would be if we lavished grace on others, the way He has lavished grace on us.


            

Five Minute Friday: Laundry

Ah, Mt. Washmore.  I climb this mountain on a weekly basis! 

I don’t mind doing laundry, as it tells its own unique story of my family, one week at a time, year after year.  I miss the days of onesies, teeny tiny socks, small striped shirts, and footed pajamas…evidence of the two precious gifts God has given to me.  As I washed away spaghetti stains, I was thankful that we had food to eat (still am!).  Grass stains were evidence of outdoor play and fun times as a family.  Soon, pink leotards and white taekwondo pants found their way into the mix.  My children are growing and becoming the people God created them to be.  As I stand and fold, I pray for them and wonder what God has in store for their lives.  I pull my husband's dress shirts and slacks out of the dryer, and am thankful for how hard he works to provide for us.  Over the years, God has brought him back to us from every concert tour, safe and sound.  I never take that for granted.  Every now and then, I’ll pull his pants out and a blue sequin will be stuck to them, and it makes me smile.  My daughter is entering her pre-teen years and currently loves “bling” on her clothes.  I sense a new “chapter” starting…

Yes, laundry tells the story of family…we live and move and tumble through this life…

Together.


            

One Thousand Gifts

Today is a mile marker in the practice of counting His blessings!  Today is the day that I post my thousandth gift.  Life has been busy lately and I am well past one thousand in my journal, but I wanted to separate this gift out and take a moment to reflect on the journey so far.

As I look back through the pages and pages of counting,

I see an interesting mix of the "every day" things of life like 
#77   Windshield wipers 
#114  A reliable car
#159  Clean drinking water
#352  Fresh blackberries
#506  Iced coffee
#919  Blankets tucked in

I see pauses to marvel at His glorious creation
#1  My son's eyes pausing to look up and gaze at the night sky
#111  How she gets distracted by a V of geese when raking the leaves and races across the yard, staring at the sky, arms flapping
#273  The way prairie grass changes color in the sunlight
#399  Fourteen geese in a row, gliding with the current
#602  Watching waves build and crest
#819  Sandpipers scurrying along sea foam

I also see gifts that show His ever-faithful presence on our journey toward eternity
#142  Hearing my father read Luke 2
#151  Hearing her sing praise songs when she's supposed to be brushing her teeth
#228  How hard they work to memorize Scripture
#311  His grace on the hard days
#330  Prayer warriors
#444  Talking about the Lord while we picked (strawberries)
#509  That my son chose Philippians 4:13 as his life verse
#562  Nathan's baptism
#617  That she was a peacemaker on the playground

Somewhere in the mid-900's, I stopped putting the numbers on each line of my journal.  Knowing that I was approaching 1000, I wanted to do everything I could to keep that gift a surprise.  As the days and weeks went by and I continued to count, I wondered...what would it be?  Would it be an "every day" gift?  Would it be one that caught a glimpse of eternity?  To my delight, it ended up being both in one!  So without further delay...

1000.  Standing next to him in worship, harmonizing together

The Lord has blessed me with an amazing husband.  First and foremost, he loves the Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength.  He works so hard to care for our family, and is a wonderful father to our children.  The Lord has blessed his gifting in music, and turned that into a full time ministry that our whole family can be a part of.  I look back over twenty four years of marriage (#987) and am so thankful for how He has knit us together.  I love to stand next to him in church on a weekly basis and sing with him, and I look forward to singing with him throughout eternity, when we praise our Lord and King together!

If you have enjoyed this journey with me, I invite you to stay tuned!  I am still counting, but will change the title of my weekly entries.  His mercies are new every morning, and His blessings are abundant!

One Thousand Gifts

It is amazing to me how quickly time flies.  I can't believe that my last post was near the end of May.  My summer was full of travel and moving into a new home.  Now the school year is in full swing, with a demanding schedule, and I am struggling to find time to write.  Through all of this though, I have continued to count.  I am well past 1000 (!), but have a plan on how I want to present them in this space.  Here are the final gifts leading up to 1000...

987.  Twenty four wonderful years of marriage

988.  His safe return from Arizona

989.  Watching children play "Telephone"...

990.  ...and giggle at the results

991.  The last day of school

992.  How well she recited her lines at the year-end program

993.  R.T. -- proud Marine, awesome principal, passionate man of God

994.  His wise advice to parents that he shared in his retirement speech

995.  The arrival of summer weather

996.  Beautiful dance recital costumes

997.  Tractors rumbling in the orchard

998.  Swinging with her in the park

999.  Listening to her giggle with a friend on Skype

One Thousand Gifts

Life has been very hectic lately, and I have had to take a break from blogging.  I have done my best to continue to count over the past month!  This is longer than my normal entries...so thankful for His gifts...

926.  Longer daylight hours

927.  Study guides

928.  Gifted instructors...

929.  ..who love their job...

930.  ...and make class fun

931.  Test results that come back benign

932.  Decluttering

933.  Packing tape

934.  My son's perseverance with a piano piece he is struggling with

935.  The joy on her face when she dances

936.  That the rain held off during her outdoor performance

937.   Friends who love and support our children

938.  Two geese safely herding about 20 baby goslings across the highway

939.  Monster cookies

940.  That he passed his piano piece!

941.  Finding local companies that have integrity and a strong work ethic

942.  People who work quickly to right a wrong

943.  Discovering a new chocolate factory

944.  Touring the factory

945.  Learning that their chocolate is organic, fair trade, and non GMO

946.  All the chocolate samples we could eat!

947.  Getting a hug from a cousin I haven't seen in a few years

948.  When He meets our needs before we ask

949.  Friends who are sensitive to the Spirit and respond to His prompts

950.  Driving through Snoqualmie Pass

951.  State of the art concert venues

952.  Getting a hug from another cousin I hadn't seen in at least 10 years!

953.  Spending a day playing board games with friends

954.  Homemade vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries

955.  That he got an emergency chiropractic appointment

956.  Seeing how our friends' children have grown and matured

957.  Learning to play Carcassonne

958.  Sitting by the fire pit on a cool spring night

959.  Ooey gooey s'mores

960.  Learning all kinds of tips and tricks from my sweet friend

961.  Visiting Shoshone Falls

962.  Hiking near the Falls

963.  A beautiful ham dinner (complete with dessert!) with our friends

964.  Listening to the kids play flashlight tag

965.  Random, quirky markets in the middle of nowhere

966.  Stopping to pray

967.  Discovering a new flavor of tea

968.  Listening to thunder rumble outside while he plays the piano

969.  Cookies for Mother's Day

970.  Her wonderful homemade card complete with rainbows and a sweet message

971.  Mother's Day brunch with friends

972.  Watching base jumpers in the Snake River Canyon

973.  Roadrunners

974.  Arriving home to a clean house

975.  Friends who drove a half hour to meet us at the ER...

976.  ...just to give us a hug and be supportive

977.  His successful CD release concert

978.  Two well-deserved standing ovations

979.  Post-concert feedback that told him how much the night ministered to others

980.  The homemade dinner my parents brought to help ease us into another busy week

981.  The dental tool my daughter's hygienist gave me to help care for her teeth

982.  My beautiful mom, so full of grace and so understanding and quick to forgive...

983.  ...when I felt forgiveness was needed, she insisted it wasn't, but gave it anyway

984.  Coffee with my sweet friend Becky

985.  That my children love simple dinners like soup and salad

986.  Tech savvy friends who helped me find lost data on my phone

Five Minute Friday: Here

Come here.
Go there.

Two common phrases we hear often. 

What struck me about today’s word is the nearness of here.

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

James 4:8a says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Jesus calls us to Himself.  He wants a personal relationship with each one of His children…one that is close and intimate.  That can only happen when we come to Him and draw near.  How often does He call for me to come near, because I am “over there,” metaphorically speaking?  I am so thankful for His patience with me, a sheep who is prone to wander.

Can you hear Him calling?
Come to Me…
Draw near…
Here.


            

One Thousand Gifts

911.  Soft pink petals

912.  The framed bird's nest she gave me

913.  Watching him lead 16 other children in warm ups

914.  The confident smile he flashed me as he jogged past

915.  Seeing him teach with patience

916.  Seeing her canter on a horse for the first time

917.  Her beaming face as she slowed the horse to a stop

918.  Bird nests revisited each year

919.  Blankets tucked in

920.  Curling her hair

921.  Flowering hedges

922.  Tea with my friends

923.  Winning second place for table decor

924.  Heart to heart talks

925.  Diagnostic technology

Five Minute Friday: After

It’s often the time “after” that serves as the best teacher in life.

In 1 Samuel 7:12, it says that after the men of Israel defeated the Philistines, “Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Years ago, I began a personal collection of “Ebenezer stones”…a bent nail, a hospital bracelet, a plastic snowflake, etc.  These mementos serve as markers along my road of faith.  They remind me of lessons my heavenly Father has taught me, and times when I look back and take comfort in knowing that He was there, helping and guiding me.

The second stanza in the old hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” reads:

Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

When I look at my life, whether traveling through valleys or resting on mountaintops, I can say with confidence, “thus far the Lord has helped me,” and I look forward to the time after this present journey...my arrival home to be with Him forever.

            

One Thousand Gifts

 
866.  Hands lifted in praise

867.  Learning about missionary work in Malaysia

868.  That my children were inspired by the Malaysia presentation to consider mission work

869.  Whistling tea pots

870.  Playing SkipBo with friends

871.  Antique beds

872.  Bradford pear trees in bloom

873.  Pussy willow trees

874.  Historic town squares

875.  Our friend graciously offering to pick up dinner for our children while we were prepping for a concert

876.  Oatmeal raisin cookies

877.  Handwritten memories that touch the heart

878.  Surprise discounts

879.  Sea dragons at the Aquarium

880.  Trying new foods in a different region of the country

881.  Seeing an underground waterfall

882.  Tour guides with a sense of humor

883.  Dry snow that swirls and twirls in the chilly air

884.  Hot coffee on a cold hike

885.  Sweet tea

886.  Free laundry detergent at the hotel

887. The preservation of history through diaries and letters

888.  Coke floats

889.  The nice man with the telescope...

890.  ...who let us see a baby eaglet in its nest...

891.  ...while the beautiful and protective mama eagle looked on

892.  That she loves to name all of the animals she encounters

893.  The imaginative names she comes up with

894.  Spice cake with creamy frosting

895.  Morning sun streaming in the window

896.  How easily they meet and befriend other children

897.  The gracious welcome we received into their homes

898.  Hearing their giggles upstairs

899.  Sweet, endearing little puppy faces

900.  Boys watching basketball on tv

901.  Hearing their running commentary on the game

902.  Those who are willing to listen

903.  Late morning flights

904.  Moving walkways when you are laden with luggage

905.  When all the checked bags arrive

906.  Walking in the front door

907.  The smell of home

908.  Fuzzy bathrobes...

909.  ...familiar coffee...

910.  ...the comforts of home

Five Minute Friday: Broken

She thought she had all the facts.  (She didn't.)
Based on incomplete information, she jumped to several incorrect conclusions.

There she stood, in the dark, at the end of my driveway....a total stranger screaming hurtful words--words that were unprovoked, unmerited, and untrue.

And there I stood by the front door, my children at my side...
Confused. Shattered. Broken.

Her words, bitter and sharp, slashed a groove across my heart and mind, like the stylus of a record player across an old vinyl record.  The memory of that scene replays in my mind like a broken record, stuck and skipping.  In my flesh, the pain and sadness mingles with rage at the injustice of what happened and the emotional scar it left behind.

Today is Good Friday.  As I contemplate what Christ did for me, I am reminded that He is my personal savior.  Isaiah described Him as a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  He understands what it is like to have venomous and untrue insults hurled at Him.  Rather than rage at the injustice though, He responded with

Silence (Isaiah 53:7)
and
Love (Romans 5:8)

Oh to be more like Him...
my Father.
my Savior.


            

Five Minute Friday: Remember

The brain, and its ability to remember, is a gift from the Lord.

Memory:  At the age of seven, I played Marta in a local high school's stage performance of the Sound of Music.  After the bows at the final show, I remember walking back stage and seeing my father standing at the top of the stairs with a huge bouquet of red carnations, just for me.

Gift:  Love

Memory:  Summer visits to my grandparents' farm in northern Idaho.  Feeling the radiating heat of the sun on my face, the smell of hay fields, and hearing the buzz of grasshoppers.

Gift:  Joy

Memory:  Spending a long weekend in a ski lodge in Whistler, B.C.  We were there prior to the opening of ski season, so the resort was deserted.  I sat in a chair by the crackling fire for hours, reading and watching the snow gently fall.

Gift:  Peace

Memories are powerful.  I listed three good memories, but I also have memories of times and events that taught me valuable lessons in life...teachable moments that convicted and instructed.  The ability to remember is a gift from the Lord that can teach willing and humble hearts more about who He is, and who we are to be in Him.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."  (John 14:26, NASB)


            

One Thousand Gifts

841.  The plaintive bleating of a flock of lambs

842.  Shoebox dioramas

843.  That my hand is only sprained and bruised, but no broken bones

844.  Helping my husband on a project and gaining a new understanding and appreciation for how hard he works

845.  Free espresso as part of a local bank promotion

846.  Fragrant flowers

847.  Daffodils trumpeting the arrival of spring

848.  A chorus of croaking frogs at twilight

849.  Watching sheep be unloaded from a big semi truck

850.  Standing among 20 children, noses pressed to the fence, watching the sheep be unloaded

851.  Watching the sheep literally jump and leap down the ramp into the pasture

852.  Children squealing with delight when a sheep would leap down the ramp

853.  That my son did an excellent job helping me grocery shop...

854.  ...and did so with a happy heart

855.  Sitting on the front porch at daybreak

856.  Hearing the fluttering wings of two ducks as they flew overhead

857.  Birds singing to their Creator

858.  The long, slow, rhythmic croak of a frog

859.  Rest

860.  The look of confidence in her eyes when she told me she got 100% on her spelling test

861.  Ice cream cake

862.  Old movies that make you laugh

863.  My daughter being selected for the Wall of Honor at school

864.  How much she admires her brother

865.  A new yummy quiche recipe

Five Minute Friday: Rest

A lot can happen in five minutes.

I did something I never do, and took a few moments to sit on the front porch this morning and listen to the neighborhood wake up.

In that time, I:
* heard five different types of birds singing to their Creator
* heard the long, slow, repetitious croak of a frog
* heard the wings flutter from two ducks that flew overhead
* heard the street lamp click off for the day
* heard a dog bark
* felt the cool morning breeze on my face
* saw a flock of birds forming a V
* noticed that the neighbor’s tree is beginning to bloom

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Weary and heavy laden? Yep, that’s me!  He knows that I have been struggling with my health.  He knows that I am entering a crazy, hectic weekend.  He knows my mind is a blur with details.  He knows that I need

Rest.

As I thought about that verse, the word that stuck out was “give.”  In order to be given something, we have to receive it. I’m so glad I took the time to receive His gift this morning.

          

One Thousand Gifts

[Life has been busy and I have gotten behind on posting, but I'm still counting!]

826.  Homemade valentines

827.  Listening to her chatter while we made valentines

828.  Googly eyes

829.  Cupcake liners

830.  Sunny vacation days

831.  Chocolates on the pillow

832.  Family pictures with Mickey Mouse

833.  Fireworks over Disneyland

834.  Making our flight connection

835.  Ibuprofen

836.  When the doctor's office calls back in a timely manner

837.  Making brownies for him and his classmates

838.  His 13th birthday

839.  Being okay with realizing I'm now the mom of a teenager!  (lol)

840.  Lively discussion in a Bible study

Five Minute Friday: Beloved

Beloved.

A person who is greatly loved; dear to the heart.

As I was putting laundry away the other day, I noticed the current state of my children’s closets.  Clothes hanging precariously by one shoulder off of hangers, clothes that are too small or don’t fit are shoved in the back, toys tossed in a jumbled pile on the bottom shelf, random candy wrappers on the floor.

Scripture tells me that I’m my beloved’s and He is mine.  (Song of Solomon 6:3) 
It is easy to accept that He is mine.
I have gratefully accepted His sacrifice for me.
I love Him.
He is perfect…holy…worthy…Love.

I’m not.
He can see into the closet of my mind.  He sees thoughts and ragged emotions hanging on precariously by a thread.  He sees the struggle with thoughts and tendencies that don’t fit that of a child of God, and should have been discarded long ago.

Scripture tells me that He loves me.
And not only am I loved, I am “so loved.”  (John 3:16)

I am His daughter who is greatly loved; dear to His heart.

Beloved.

          

One Thousand Gifts

811.  Reading on the plane

812.  Flight attendants with a sense of humor

813.  Fragrant orange trees

814.  Seeing him honored and appreciated by his peers for all of the hard work he has done over the years

815.  Hanging out with an amazing group of artists

816.  Talking late into the night

817.  Finding her "I love you" note in my suitcase!

818.  Listening to his music while driving along the ocean

819.  Sandpipers scurrying along the sea foam

820.  Pelicans flying low, wing tips skimming the water

821.  Dinner with a view of the ocean

822.  Birds' nests perched high in barren branches

823.  Thermometers

824.  Flexible straws

825.  When he notices the little things

Five Minute Friday: Bare

I travel through quite a bit of countryside to take my children to school each day.  Each season offers a beauty of its own.  During the winter months, as I cross the river, I enjoy looking at a certain bank of trees with their barren branches scribbling at the sky.  Unmasked of their leaves, I see several birds’ nests nestled high in their branches.  The nests seem so exposed and vulnerable in the bare landscape, and yet their height speaks of security and they are snug and secure in the arms of the tree.

These nests remind me that the Lord lifts us high, and we are secure and safe in His arms.  Each nest represents a home, life, a haven of rest.  Sometimes in the winter seasons of life, we feel vulnerable…exposed...bare to the world.  The “leaf cover” of happy times and good things are stripped away, and we sometimes plod through the trial in silent pain.  We tend to wear masks when we are hurting, and shy away from baring ourselves to one another, for fear of seeming weak or vulnerable.  It’s hard to admit your struggle, when everyone around you seems so “leafy.”

During the summer months, when the trees are lush and green, and the nests are hidden from view, I’m sure those birds are aware that there are other nests in the near vicinity.  As believers, we need to be aware of those around us and reach out.  Do you know a friend who is in a winter season?  Can you see their nest?

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

          

Five Minute Friday: Afraid

I struggle with fear. 

One thing I have learned during my battle with it, is that it is insidious and relentless. 
It steals my joy.
It clouds my thoughts. 
It’s exhausting.

I know what Scripture says about fear.  I know that He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.  I need to stop looking at the waves crashing around me and walk in faith.

The battle rages on.  I wrestle with what I know versus what I feel.  Too often, I give my feelings the upper hand, and I find myself afraid…again.  My mind reels, my feet begin to sink.  I reach for His hand once again and cling to His words.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God [is] with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, NKJV)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:7, NASB)

“In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.  What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11, NASB)


          

One Thousand Gifts

796.  White boards

797.  Baked French Toast

798.  Fresh veggies in the grocery cart

799.  Kids willing to try something new

800.  Crossword puzzles

801.  Helping him study for a history test

802.  Cleaning the classroom

803.  The smell and sound of popcorn popping

804.  Reading Scripture over the phone

805.  Phone calls home

806.  When she shares her dreams from the night before

807.  That her art supplies are never far from reach

808.  Paper towels

809.  Normal test results

810.  Brainstorming with my Mom

One Thousand Gifts

781.  How a mug of hot tea warms cold hands

782.  Hearing her sing softly to herself

783.  That she wants to volunteer in the Toddler Room at church

784.  That the teachers welcomed her help!

785.  Prayer warriors who faithfully pray

786.  Pinewood derby cars

787.  Coming up with a successful "Plan B" when others were depending on me

788.  Bible studies that challenge and encourage

789.  Shopping with gift cards

790.  A guest artist at church whose words touched hearts

791.  The smell of her fresh, clean hair

792.  Hearing clothes tumble in the dryer

793.  The great strides she has made in math

794.  Encouraging updates from their piano teacher

795.  Nighttime routines

Five Minute Friday: Dive

Last month I watched the movie U-571.  During one scene, the Americans have commandeered a crippled German U-boat (submarine), but encounter a German destroyer before they are ready to fight.  They take out the destroyer’s communication tower and then proceed to dive below the surface to escape.

Just yesterday, I brought lunch to a friend who has broken her foot and needs a little extra help these days.  As we sat at the counter munching our salads, the conversation turned toward spiritual warfare.  We both commented that we had noticed a marked increase in the spiritual warfare among the circle of people that we both know.  She expressed her frustration at being unable to help others because she must remain flat on her back in the house all day.  She also mentioned, that because of her current isolation, she has focused on praying for others.

We need to remember that we are at war with a destroyer.  It takes teamwork to operate a submarine.  One man can’t do it all.  Ministry should be marked by action, and even if we “take a hit” and are stuck on the couch, we can still pray for others, as my friend is doing.  God’s power, resources, wisdom and love are as vast and deep as the ocean (and beyond). 

Be in the Word. 
Fall on your knees.

Flip the switch.
Sound the alarm.
Dive!  Dive!  Dive!!


          

One Word: Cultivate

As the end of 2012 approached, I began to pray and ask the Lord if He had a word for me for 2013.  The first time I heard it was in a sermon.  In the days that followed, it was placed before my eyes or ears a few more times, helping to confirm in my heart and mind that this was what He had for me. 

The word is:  Cultivate

As I began to ponder this word, I decided to look it up in the dictionary.  I knew what it meant, but sometimes words can have multiple meanings or nuances that may not immediately come to mind.  There were six different definitions, but three in particular stood out to me, and I noticed an overarching theme of relationships.

Personal

Definition 1: to improve and prepare (land), as by plowing and fertilizing, for raising crops

First and foremost, I need to deepen my walk with the Lord.  I need to be improving and preparing my heart for Him on a daily basis.  Just as garden soil needs to be fertilized, tilled, and weeded, I need to be doing the same with my heart.    It is my desire to dig deeper into the Word, and allow that process to reveal those “weeds” in my heart and life that need to be removed.  The whole point of cultivating land is to raise a crop.  I am excited to learn what He wants to raise within me this year, and am anxious for new growth.  (Psalm 37:3)

Parental

Definition 2: To nurture; foster

As a parent, I am reminded of my constant need for Him to help me shepherd my little flock of two.  I need to provide nourishing food (the Word), gather them when I sense them straying, carry them when they are weary or struggling, and gently lead them.  (Isaiah 40:11)

Friendships

Definition 3:  To seek the acquaintance or good will of; make friends with

It will be my goal to really invest in friendships.  My desire is that I will be able to take what I learn in my personal walk, and use it to encourage and minister to others.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Verse of the Year:
Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.  (Psalm 37:3, NASB)

This year’s word is full of action, and will require diligence.  I am excited to “dig in,” and look forward to new growth in all areas of my life!

One Thousand Gifts

 
766.  Her hair in ringlets

767.  Dinner at Panera Bread (first time!)

768.  Frosting cookies together

769.  Waxed paper

770.  The shooting and explosion sounds boys make while playing together

771.  A freshly tuned piano

772.  Free time to read

773.  New cookie sheets

774.  That the flat tire occurred a half mile from the tire center

775.  Having time to prepare nutritious meals

776.  Frost-crusted trees

777.  The pale blue light of a winter morning

778.  Old barns in the morning mist

779.  Her sweet confession

780.  How she whispers to her new doll

Five Minute Friday: Opportunity

There is a quote by Thomas A. Edison that says, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”**

A life of faith isn’t promised to be puppies and ice cream cones all the time.  It takes work.  It means seizing each moment and making it count for the kingdom.  The proverbs warn us against laziness.  Jesus instructs us to serve.  2 Corinthians 10:5 exhorts us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  We face a multitude of kingdom-related opportunities each and every day in our hearts and minds.  How many do we miss or overlook because they aren’t “dressed” in a way that we are expecting, or because we are unwilling or unable to make the effort that is sometimes required? 

I am reminded today to live intentionally, with renewed energy and focus on investing in eternal rewards.  In doing this, I will have the opportunity to meet with Him in my work, my relationships, and in my heart.

“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”  (Galatians 6:9-10, NASB)

******
**Quote Citation: Thomas A. Edison. BrainyQuote.com, Xplore Inc, 2013. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasaed104931.html, accessed January 4, 2013.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/citation/quotes/quotes/t/thomasaed104931.html#3rbuilstCxmB32zT.99

          

From the Beginning

“But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year.”  (Deut. 11:11-12, NASB)

This was the text for today’s devotional in Streams in the Desert.  I’ll be honest…this is by far my least favorite time of year.  While others appear excited at the opportunity for a fresh start, I am still trying to emotionally process the year I just completed.  While others have newfound energy to set and embark on new and noble goals, I struggle with lethargy and a general lack of enthusiasm for anything. 

I feel like Eeyore in a crowd of Tiggers.

This morning’s passage encouraged me, though.  Whether viewed within the grander scope of one’s life, or within a narrower focus of the upcoming year, I can be assured that there will be hills and valleys, trials and triumphs. 

The land (my life, this year) is something that God cares for.  He sees it, has plans for it, and wishes for me to possess it. 

He does not intend for me to navigate through it in my own strength (impossible), but in His. 

His mercies are new every morning
His resources are limitless
His grace is sufficient
His power is made perfect in my weakness.

I am comforted and encouraged at the reminder that His eyes are always on me, from the beginning even to the end…