I am grateful for moments when I have common sense, because so many people have none…ever.

I am grateful that my daughter questions and ponders and struggles to make decisions and seeks with all her heart. Her seeking is causing her to grow spiritually and emotionally.

I am grateful for summer wonderfulness: an ice cream sandwich. One of my most favorite things in the world. It can cure a hard day.

I am grateful for things only found in the summer: fireflies. Everyone should experience catching them on a warm evening, or at least watch their beauty just after the sun sets and just before the moon appears.

I am grateful for a few minutes on the phone with Anissa and Andrae this morning. I could listen to those little voices all day long.

I am grateful for the realization that my life has been fairly trauma/drama-free after reading the first of Cari’s file, and I am grateful that her story is breaking my heart before I ever meet her.

As I sat in the lobby at DCF (Division of Children and Families) this morning, I became very grateful for the lesson I am learning in real-time: that every face has a story, and I have no clue the hurt and the pain and the wounds that are behind the eyes, eyes that just need someone to care.

I like my routine. I like an egg every morning for breakfast. I like the same order at the same restaurants or fast food places. It’s a crunchy taco at Taco Bell. It’s a large iced tea, unsweet with five sugars please, at McDonald’s. It’s chicken with vegetables at Fortune Wok. It’s the same hairstyle, same shampoo, same makeup, same song, second verse. Day in, day out. Don’t make me try something new – I’m happy the way I am.

I am grateful for familiarity and routine, finding myself in a rut, because it is comfortable. It’s like being wrapped up in a warm blanket or like wearing my blue jeans on Friday. It feels good. It’s not comfortable to try something new – it’s scary. It’s nerve-wracking. My sister is so good at stepping out of the box and doing new things, trying new foods, making friends with people not like her or her upbringing. I am slowly learning to do this a little bit at a time.

I need to do better in this area with my relationships. I too often gravitate towards others who are just like me – we have things in common. But what do I learn? Nothing. It feels comfortable when they agree with me. They’re in my corner. But I gain absolutely nothing but a stronger defense and less understanding. I need to befriend others who have a different perspective. I need to prioritize understanding over defending.

I am grateful for a neighbor who is from Iran and has become a new friend. She is different than us. She reached out and we could have easily “put up a wall” but instead, we have learned her name, asked questions about her country and her travels. I am anxious to learn more. I am grateful that she is friendly and likes to talk.

I love this advice from one of my favorites, Jen Hatmaker: “Talk to someone who is older and wiser than you. Every year I get older, I become less of an ass. (horrors – she’s a pastor’s wife!) I will be a wonderful counselor in twenty years, for the love. We need mentors who know the value of compromise, humility, and compassion. The fervor of youth is a double-edged sword; it can be a mighty tool for the kingdom, but it can also wound and slice and destroy. Wisdom seeks out wisdom, not just affirmation.”  I LOVE THAT! And her quote makes me think of Aunt Patsy, Delores, Dad, Danny – people in my life who listen and are slow to speak. I have noticed that as I get older and experience more of life, I am tending to be slower to offer advice, but I listen more, love more, and realize how judgmental I was. Condemnation has no place in my heart, and if I am to step out of that comfort zone of familiarity and routine, I must crawl out from under my warm blanket, take off my Friday blue jeans, and wear something new…

More amazing advice from Jen: “In general, nurture some friendships that are way outside of your normal parameters. Someone from across the pond, across party lines, across town, across ethnicities, across ideologies, across age groups. This requires effort and time, but it will make you a more gentle, more informed human. I love my niche tribe, but there is more to humanity than us. I have a deep and varied friend roster, and I cannot even measure how much they’ve changed me. The diversity of ideas, experiences, and perspectives they have brought into my worldview has absolutely altered my trajectory. If all your friends are basically the same, you don’t even know what you don’t know. Southern Baptist pastor? Go make friends with a gay atheist. Then shut your mouth and do a lot of listening. Now we’re getting somewhere.”  Oh my goodness, I love this woman and her boldness to speak what I have felt for years!

And finally, if I really want to work on getting out of my rut in this new world I live in, I need to work on humility. I need to be a Delmar, a Sam. That means, again, humbly listen to others and do less talking. I need to decide that with every connection made, every face I look into, I can humbly learn something. There is a story behind those eyes. I am not always right. And if I AM right, I don’t need to act like it. I am at my worst when I am not humble. When I put myself in line with who God is, I am free to be just a forgiven sinner who doesn’t always have to be right. Or understood. Or popular. When I place myself on that pharisaical pedestal, I have a lot to defend and protect, but when I place God on His throne and step off of it, I am free to just be ordinary, love Jesus, and that allows me to love people and make them my priority.

And with that, happy Friday and weekend, friends. Do yourself a favor and have an ice cream sammich with a friend. I’ll have that piece ‘o pie AND the sammich.

I am grateful for opportunities. Opportunities to reach out and touch. Opportunities to make someone else smile. Opportunities to speak to a stranger who might need a kind word. Opportunities to be-friend a young girl who has had a rough life and no longer has family who wants her. Opportunities to send notes in the mail. Opportunities to buy diapers for a family who needs them. Opportunities to pay for the guy behind me. Opportunities to deliver cookies to a neighbor, just because. Opportunities to leave work and take a break in the middle of a day. Opportunities to share pictures of my grandchildren with others. Opportunities to spend time with my Dad.

I am grateful for a public restroom floor crawling with roly-polies today. It makes me grateful I work in the woods in the middle of a city.

I am grateful for good tires on the car.

I am grateful for this oppressive humidity, because it makes me appreciate when the air is dry and the heat is tolerable.

“Our stories affect one another whether we know it or not. Sometimes obedience isn’t for us at all, but for another. We don’t know how God holds the kingdom in balance or why he moves a chess piece at a crucial time; we might never see the results of his sovereignty… I might just be one shade of one color of one strand, but I’m a part of an elaborate tapestry that goes beyond my perception.” 
― Jen Hatmaker, 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

 

I am grateful that the Royals are in first place and are doing so well right now.

I am grateful for the time we were able to spend enjoying the bunnies in the yard. I am not so grateful for the neighbor’s cat. In a matter of hours, it was survival of the meanest.  

I am grateful for LED flashlights that we had to try and locate our furry friends and spot the predator lurking next door.

I am grateful for little squares of a milk chocolate Hershey bar. What a delicious, beautiful, simple gift that has been around for so many years and is still wonderful.

And I am grateful for my son-in-law’s newsletter from his Youth For Christ ministry. I am grateful for his ministry and his ability to write so well.

Funny words. My mom used funny words. I had forgotten them until last night during Bingo, when Beulah was clarifying how a particular game was to be played and said, “So it’s this line that goes cattywampus?”  Ahhhhh, yes, there’s my Mom. She is not here any longer, but she is. If only I could hear her trying to “find that doohickey” and when finally locating it, saying, “Well, I’ll be hornswoggled, that thing had me flabbergasted!” Or to listen to her tell one of the girls that the part in their hair is “cattywampus” or to ride in a car with her in the backseat when a sharp turn is made, only to hear her giggle as she slid into the unfortunate victim while saying, “Hold ‘er Knute, we’re headed for the pea patch!…” That would be heaven to my ears.

I am grateful for funny words that make me laugh and cry at the same time.

I am grateful for those automatic deodorizer spray thingys in public restrooms, especially the one in the first floor bathroom here in the building. Oh my goodness, can I move my desk in there?

I am grateful for the opportunities my little grandchildren have to experience new adventures. Last night, I received pictures of four-year-old Anissa conquering her first indoor rock climbing experience. Look at her! That’s MY GIRL!! I wish I could “squeeze her guts out!” as Mom would so lovingly say…

I am grateful for my car. It’s been in the shop for two days, and I have been privileged enough to drive a brand new loaner SUV in the meantime. When I got into my vehicle this morning, it was so much nicer. I am very blessed.

I am grateful to have seen independent little bunnies hopping in the yard last night. Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to leave them alone? I just want to hold that cuteness so much.

I am grateful to have been awakened at 2:30 this morning by what I believe to have been a spider on my arm, although I really have no idea since it was dark. But “Charlotte” allowed me the time to get up and spend some quiet time in the still of the night, listening to a soft symphony. And then I watched a pretty cool documentary about the Egyptian soccer team. And then I began praying for our pastors in Kentucky and Minnesota, Cari, our girls and their families, Adam, our Dads, and a young lady who faces months of recovery from an accident. And when I was ready to try sleeping again, God put this melody in my mind as a lullaby:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

And that’s no hullabaloo.

I am grateful for the very happy cardinal that sang to us on our walk this morning.

I am grateful for six growing bunnies who are now gaining independence.

I am grateful that tonight is Bingo night and I get to see my friends at The Gables.

I am grateful for a bed that is “made” every morning. Okay, looking at that, “made” is a very odd word. Where in the world did that phrase come from? Make a bed. Making a bed. We don’t make a bed every time we make the bed. We smooth out the sheets, adjust the covers, straighten the pillows, pull up the sheets. We don’t MAKE a bed. That was the privilege of the manufacturer. I’m done now. On to the next. (I’m still grateful that the bed is made every morning so that it is a beautiful spot to look at and rest our head when we retire each evening.)

I am grateful for the moments each day to play the piano. I am also grateful that those moments are in solitude because God doesn’t mind my mistakes.

I am grateful to finally have a picture of “Cari” in my head. I received my case yesterday, and I saw her “mug shot” that was taken when she was arrested. I’m officially on a case. I have two weeks to meet her and gather as much information as I can for my first report. I am excited and scared all at the same time. This girl will be forever in my life now, and she doesn’t even know it yet.

I am grateful for an inbox full of videos from Karissa, the latest of a squirmy, bath-loving granddaughter, and Karissa’s most recent solo at church.

I am grateful for a short email from Katrina.

I am grateful for the arrival of AC in the house. We made it to June 16, but Sam could see last night that I was kind of miserable in the humidity, so he shut the windows and broke down. Thank you, Sam. I will try to be a more enjoyable dinner companion tonight.

I am grateful for the opportunity to make a connection with a Hutchinson family who is unexpectedly stuck in KC because of a tragic accident that left their daughter seriously injured. I am grateful that my Dad asked us to visit the family at the hospital. 

I am grateful for my devotion this morning: 

Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don’t take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities – things that are beyond your control. Find freedom in by accepting the boundaries of your domain.

Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places. Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angels melodies of praise. Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing My children laugh. I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly.

Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather, take My yoke upon you and learn from Me. My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne.

 

 

I am grateful for people who make me laugh when I am determined to not smile.

I am grateful for a stomach ache from laughing so hard.

I am grateful for the silliness when I get so tickled at the most inappropriate time. I used to not be grateful AT ALL when my students did this in the middle of a song. Funny how it depends on your perspective…

I am grateful for random things and people that initiate laughter:  a former student Spencer Huiatt (hey, that rhymes), Deb‘s laugh, my favorite comedian John Pinette, watching Mandrae and Karissa’s “reality show,” Reilly’s squeal, Andrae’s eyebrows and shoes on the wrong feet, Anissa riding her bike really fast, Parker’s funny faces when taking selfies with my camera phone, Shirley’s deadpan responses to students in the CCHS library, my dad’s jokes, Modern Family episodes, little ones who say the funniest things while being so serious, Katrina’s “hullo” when she used to answer the phone, dogs who hang out of car windows or sit in the passenger seat like a human, Anjalie’s giggle, family reunion stories, listening to banter between Rachel and John, or Rachel and her dad, or Rachel and her mom, or Rachel and anyone, Sam’s redneck characters, Natia the Italian greyhound, funny people in WalMart or the grocery store who make me shake my head in disbelief, my boss when he is slightly inebriated from Friday wine, catty/flirty/crotchety Bingo-playing ladies who still act like they are in junior high, and Ginny’s “stink, stank, stunk” outbursts in the middle of a quiet workday.

I am grateful for yesterday’s scripture that was in my desk calendar from Michelle, another reminder and apparently a lesson I am still needing to learn, since Dwight’s email was also about this very topic:

Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow – perhaps it all will.  – Ecclesiastes 11:6 TLB

I am grateful for quiet time this morning, listening to the orchestra of rain and thunder – it was a wonderful wake-up.

I am grateful to have watched the rain from the front door and see earthworms creating a maze to walk through, all across the sidewalk.

I am grateful for soft classical music playing while we sat at the island eating Cream of Wheat in the early morning before heading out for work. I love this time of the day, and I am so grateful I no longer sleep it away.

I am grateful for Cream of Wheat.

I am grateful that Mary shared a saying with me this morning:  “Children are often spoiled because no one will spank Grandma.” I want to be that kind of Ama.

I am grateful to have had lunch with Joyce today at Frida’s. Yummmmmmm.

I am grateful to be privileged enough to spend an hour each week with a group of incredible people who fill a void in my life and allow me to remember Mom by playing Bingo. They all bring me so much joy…

I am grateful for a sauce pan that was Mom’s, and before that, it was Ruth’s. It’s the nicest sauce pan I have, and every time I use it, I think of these two women who had a huge impact on my life.

I am grateful for “our churches” in Munfordville, Adrian, Plymouth, Albert Lea, and Moorhead. And, of course, COR.

I am grateful for Geri. I have the best friends in the world.

Today’s desk calendar entry: “It is an awesome, challenging thought: The Lord comes to us in our friends. What we do and are to them is an expression of what we are to Him.” – Lloyd John Ogilvie

I am grateful for memories of Mom singing, “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I’m goin’ out to eat worms. Big, fat, juicy ones, little tiny, skinny ones, I’m goin’ out to eat worms…”

I am grateful that Karissa just sent these pictures to me:

I can just imagine how Anissa and Andrae would have loved singing the worm song with GG…

I am grateful that I will meet my CASA child next week. I am nervous and so excited to begin this new adventure.

I am grateful for the opportunity to meet new neighbors last night and share cookies with them after our walk.

I am grateful that I will be able to spend Father’s Day with my Dad.

And I am grateful for this song today (click on the title):

DO Something.

by Matthew West

I woke up this morning saw a world full of trouble now
Thought, how’d we ever get so far down, how’s it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven, I thought, “God, why don’t You do something?”
Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of people living in poverty
Children sold into slavery, the thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven, said, “God, why don’t You do something?”
He said, “I did, I created you.”

If not us, then who, if not me and you
Right now, it’s time for us to do something,
If not now, then when will we see an end to all this pain
It’s not enough to do nothing, it’s time for us to do something

I’m so tired of talking about how we are God’s hands and feet
But it’s easier to say than to be,
Live like angels of apathy who tell ourselves it’s alright, “Somebody else will do something.”
Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of life with no desire
I don’t want a flame, I want a fire.
I wanna be the one who stands up and says, “I’m gonna do something.”

My Aunt Patsy sent this to me last night, and it is too wonderful to keep to myself.  It’s a commercial from Thailand for life insurance. Take a few minutes and please watch.

Always be a little kinder than necessary.

Wow.

This video is a great way to start this day:

It’s Gonna Be a LOVELY DAY!

I am grateful for the pleasantness of morning sunshine on my face.

I am grateful for a restless night of sleep, thinking about and praying for Adam and wondering what he was experiencing on his first night in the Army.

I am grateful that Josephine and Violet and Mom taught great songs in Children’s Church, which makes me grateful for all kinds of “sunshine songs,” like:

1. Climb, climb up sunshine mountain, heavenly breezes blow; climb, climb up sunshine mountain, faces all aglow. Turn, turn your back on evil, look to God on high, climb, climb up sunshine mountain, you and I! 
2. Sunshine on my shoulders, makes me happy…
3. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine…
4. There is sunshine in my soul today, more glorious and bright. Than glows in any earthly sky, for Jesus is my Light! Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine…
5. Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, to shine for Him each day…
6. So let the sun shine in, face it with a grin, smilers never lose, and frowners never win…

I am grateful for shopping carts with good wheels.

I am grateful for free evenings with nothing to do but enjoy.

I am grateful to have had the most attendees ever at Bingo last night.

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others can’t keep it from themselves.

I am grateful for an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator again.

I am grateful for outdoor concerts, sitting on a blanket, and an absence of mosquitoes.

I am grateful for the spanking the Spurs gave to the Heat last night.

I am grateful for porch swings.

I am grateful for the warm, fuzzy feelings of seeing sprinkles on cookies and cupcakes and not having to save them for the children.

I am grateful for the smell of neighbors cooking out on the grill.

I am grateful for seedless watermelon.

I am grateful for happy memories of playing board games.

I am grateful for bug spray.

I am grateful for one of my favorites: confetti angel food cake with whipped topping.

I am grateful for memories of Mom’s fried chicken.

I am grateful for an email from my brother last night with loads of wisdom in it. He has so much on his plate but took the time to encourage me. And for that, I am very grateful.