Enjoying The Moments

Winter has come early. Last Friday it snowed, and today we have a coating of freezing rain. The school district wisely closed for the day because things are pretty slick out there. I still got up at my regular time of 5:30am because I enjoy my morning quiet, it is my time before the rest of my family begins to stir. 

I have my hot coffee (with dairy-free almond milk vanilla creamer). I have a load of laundry going, fed all the pets and let them out to take care of business. Now, I get to sit and just enjoy… for the moment.

The front window is covered in icy freezing rain so the world looks distorted as I gaze out onto the side yard. The smaller kitchen window, protected by the deck roof gives a better view. The sky is a cold gray, smoky smudges on the outside pallet. The wind gauge is quickly spinning around telling me the breeze is going to be cold this morning on my walk over to the barn. The grass looks crunchy coated in the coolness of ice. 

Thanksgiving is just a week away. Time is quickly slipping through the hourglass, and I don’t feel ready. I haven’t shopped for the big meal yet. (How long does a turkey have to thaw again?) Anyone that knows me, knows Christmas truly is my most wonderful time of the year. I love to decorate! With that said, I also love Thanksgiving. For me, it is a time to ponder and think about the year past and all the things big and small that I am thankful for. I don’t want to forget thankfulness….gratefulness….blessings in the midst of the frantic and hectic holiday season. 

So thankful for: 

*family *a loving husband that I genuinely enjoy hanging with *my young adult children–they are good kids *my grandchildren–there is nothing better than being a grandparent *a warm house that God blessed us with 9 years ago *Warm blankets *furry friends *a full refrigerator *hot drinks *colorful socks *a comfy bed *yummy dairy-free ice cream (it doesn’t matter how cold it is, ice cream always) *friends, old and new *plans with my peeps *Christmas shopping *my mom, who is my biggest encourager and without whom I would not be the woman I am today *my sister whose funny texts keep me laughing *my master’s degree *my students that make me smile, and their families that make me feel like part of the family *

My cup runneth over…

My Heart Is Full

Thanksgiving is this Thursday. I can feel time slowing down, even in the midst of meal prep, plans for Black Friday shopping, and the beginning of decorating for Christmas. Slowing down to the day of thanks.

A day set aside to be especially grateful for all our blessings.

Throughout the year, each day brings new gifts.

So many times, I take for granted all that I have. It is too easy to allow that to happen.

Stopping now, to write them down…..the gifts…each and every one.

My heart is full.

Thankful for: 

*a warm house

*a new puppy

*all my animals

*quilts

*hot cocoa on cold days

*a supportive husband

*new adventures

*a weekend away with my husband

*healthy children

*a son enjoying college

*watching a movie with my daughter

*time with the oldest

*all my needs taken care of, and most of my wants

*family time

*holidays

*love

Oh, That You Would Bless Me

I first heard of Jabez, well over a decade ago. Before the year 2000, I didn’t know who Jabez was, or how what he said was important. He was hidden away in the book of 1 Chronicles, his name and prayer, wedged in between family genealogy. Let’s face it, the who begat who is kind of dry reading. It wasn’t until Bruce Wilkenson wrote his book, The Prayer of Jabez, that this Bible character became real to me.

So, many weeks have come and gone. Time has passed. Yet, this man’s prayer has come back to me, over and over again through the years. In the midst of family ancestors, God saw fit to mention Jabez’s prayer to Him. Jabez wasn’t anyone that would be considered special. From what I understand, he was just an ordinary kind of a guy, just living his life. But, right there in 1 Chronicles 4:10, this is what is written, “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Some people think that Jabez should not have asked God to bless him, feeling that might be a bit selfish. I disagree. Scripture clearly states that God granted Jabez’s request. Why would God have allowed this short prayer, nestled into family ancestry, if He did not think it was worth reading? Small? Yes, but powerful. I think this tells us something about Jabez, but it also tells us something about God.

God loves us. He is Sovereign and He is Just, this is most definitely true, but doesn’t He enjoy hearing His children cry out to Him? Realizing that He is indeed the One who is in control? And with understanding know that all good things come from Him?

I believe that thanking God for all the ways that He chooses to bless, every single day, is music to His ears. The more ways our eyes are opened to all the daily gifts that God gives, the more we are blessed. There are times when I slow down and make the conscious decision to write out the blessings, and thank God. God knows me, intimately. He knows that He created me with a love and appreciation for the aesthetic. When I stop and notice the Queen Anne’s lace elegantly bowing to the wind in the pasture, and thank Him for it, when I see the morning dew sparkle like a million diamonds on the field of grass, when I walk down the driveway to get the mail and go through a cloud of dozens of yellow butterflies…….He has to smile. Some would chide me and say, “God is almighty, He doesn’t care about whether you like flowers and butterflies.”  I would reply, “I believe you are wrong.”

I Chronicles 16:34 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Colossians 3:17 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

James 1:17 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

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Today I am thankful for:

*friends that invite my family over for lunch* laughter and pizza*afternoon naps*safety in the storm*family*celebrating a friend’s birthday*flowers of the meadow*the smell of rain soaked soil*green grass everywhere*beautiful ruby throated hummingbirds*the hoot of the Great Horned Owl*muddy dogs*dirty dishes in the sink, eating well*bare feet on summer days*gray storm clouds*an unseasonably cool breeze*no humidity*errands completed*excitement over son going to college*growing up *growing in Him*fruit smoothies*sleepy heads* soft worn rugs*God and His Son, Jesus—for it is through them that all of these blessings are possible. Amen.

Be Thankful

My friend made me a beautiful burlap pendant banner with the words “Be Thankful” printed on it. I have it hanging above the large double windows in the kitchen. I see it all the time. Be thankful is in plain sight. A gentle reminder to appreciate all the blessings. I find if I concentrate on those things, the harder parts of life don’t hurt as much. Being thankful doesn’t mean that the hard, sharp things of life won’t happen, we all know they do…..but, if I practice my daily thanksgiving I will be better prepared for those difficulties of life.

Thankfulness is a discipline, just like daily exercise or practicing eating right is a discipline important for good health. Training my mind to see the blessings, gives me spiritual muscle that will keep me strong during the trials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for: 

*up early to see the beautiful full moon

*cold air outside and warm house inside

*dogs barking

*fresh eggs for breakfast

*sunshine streaming through the kitchen windows

*good music

*Shine FM

*friendship

*busy schedule

*good books

*smiles from my family

*laughter

*time to rest

*hot shower

*new baby llamas (cria) in the field across the road

 

Thankful Today

Deep sapphire blue sky, tinged with the beginning of morning.

Vivid pinks and indigo leak onto icy blue.

The shiver of a new day.

Honking… I hear them before I see them. The dots on the horizon take shape.

A “V” flying towards the winter lake across the road, a noisy family reunion.

Frosted grass, crunchy under my feet, looks like a million diamonds in the early morning sun.

A feast for the eyes before melting into a new day.

Thank you, Lord.

This is another Monday morning. Yet, not like any other.

Each day brings with it something new to be grateful for…

It is beautiful and I am thankful that I can experience it.

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Today I am thankful for:

* warm bed

* quilts

* brilliant sky

* frosted ground

* furry pets

* my husband’s help–I so appreciate it!

* laughing with him–sharing inside jokes.

* kiss from my son

* good kids

* Thanksgiving week

* blessed with a full table

* Hallmark Christmas movies

* music

 

Saying Grace

The world is soft gray, as the daylight winds down at only 3:30 in the afternoon.

Soft light filtering through the panes of glass.

Autumn clings, not yet ready to give up… winter only a short month away.

I gaze out my kitchen window. The fields surrounding my house are brown.

Dead or dying. Brittle.

Leafless trees…but, not lifeless.

I see their barren limbs silhouetted against the late November sky.

The air is crisp, and I breathe it in.

The faint smell of someone’s wood stove, working hard to shake the chill.

This time of the year is a favorite.

The world seems quieter at this time.

Thanksgiving, next week.  All the blessings acknowledged. Heads and hearts bowed.

Saying grace.

Needing grace.

Living grace.

Amazing grace.

 

Thanksgiving Is Always Giving Thanks

Am I the only one that is surprised that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK!!?? Where does the time go? I try to be prepared, but alas I AM NOT. Sigh

Thanksgiving

 

T-Today is a new chapter

 

H-Happiness is right in front of me.

 

A-Attitude is what makes it or breaks it

 

N-Near and Dear are my family

 

K-Kellogg’s Cornflakes because I need them to make my yummy, hash brown casserole

 

S-Savior that makes all else possible

 

G-Growing and Learning new things every day

 

I-Independence in the country I live in and as an individual

 

V-Visiting Family and Friends

 

I- Influence on the next generation

 

N-Night time sky filled with breath taking stars

 

G- Gobs of food and a full stomach

 

Plenty to be thankful for. Some stuff that even seems weird. All of us have things to be thankful for, it’s all a matter of perspective. Gratitude is all in how you look at it….or look for it.

 

Wishing you and those you love a very Happy Thanksgiving.

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Remember there really is so much to be thankful for. Big things. Small things…and all those things in between.

One Of Those Days

Do you ever have days when you wake up and you believe it is going to be a good day…and it turns out it isn’t? Today is one of those days for me. The kind of day where all the little nerve wracking things just add up to one big pain? I wanted to write my Multitudes on Mondays post this morning, I really did. Then life happened and I wasn’t feeling very thankful. To be completely honest, I was irritated (and rightly so) but, it put a damper on things. Once I had let myself go there……it was all over……like a downhill slide on a sled with greased runners.

I’m not feeling thankful. There I said it. I actually feel guilty for saying that. I guess it is just my day to be human, be real, be imperfect, me.

Okay, I am thankful about one thing. I’m thankful that God loves me, even when I feel unlovable. On days when my mood is darker than the storm clouds rolling in, He is there. He doesn’t leave me, even when I’m frustrated, irritated, and wishing I was sedated!

There is tomorrow.

2 Timothy 1:7  for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Monday (Photo credit: Eric M Martin)

 

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Jesus Messiah

The choir members voices rose, filling the sanctuary. I listened to the music, as it surrounded me with the reality of the words. They were singing one of my favorite songs. Every time I hear that song, I don’t know whether to jump out of my seat and raise my hands towards heaven, or fall to my knees in thankfulness.

The song is by Chris Tomlin, and is entitled, Jesus Messiah.

The chorus goes like this:

Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

As I get ready to begin my Christmas decorating, I am reminded that Jesus came to this earth as a baby. The Son of God humbled Himself to be Emmanuel, meaning “God with us“. He gave up his place in Heaven for the brokenness of humanity. For you and for me. I love this song because it reminds me that Jesus did not stay a baby. He grew up. He made a way for all of mankind. He is the bridge between God and us…and for that I am so very thankful.

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Today I am thankful for:

* the hard beating of geese wings

* frosty morning air

* Thanksgiving and thanksgiving

* making pumpkin rolls with my sister

* Christmas movies and tree decorating

* well wishes from friends

* good books

* Christmas music

* getting laundry done!

* not having to tutor until later in the day

* clean (or clean enough) house

* my husband

* singing along to Christmas songs…pretending I’m Mariah Carey (the girl has a set of lungs)

* Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life

* My Redeemer

* The Baby in the manger, Jesus of Nazareth, and God in the Flesh

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Do Not Be Afraid

It is difficult.

English: Trust in the Lord. with all thine heart, and lean not into thine own understanding. Pass under this sign whenever you enter St John’s Church Hall (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My husband tried to reassure me.

His words were true, and yet… the anxiousness was still there.

Why am I this way? I worry and am nervous… about the things that I cannot see…those things I don’t understand.

Lord, You tell me time and time again to trust You. How it must grieve You, during times, I don’t.

To believe Your promises. You are faithful. You know no other way to be.

Trust by faith and not by sight because…

don’t things often become blurred in this life, and can’t we all end up being visually impaired?

And isn’t it also true that when I can’t see into the future, I run to my Abba father?

I draw close to Him because He can see all things, and it is with Him that I am safe?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

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Today I am thankful for:

* a husband who wants me to talk with him

* laundry that needs to be done

* opportunity to positively change lives

* soft pillows and snuggly blankets

* the merging of pink and purple in the early morning sky

* creativity

* breath taking beauty

* Thanksgiving

* family

* things to look forward to

* joy in the midst

* second chances

* love, the greatest of these

* the ultimate destination

* Messiah

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