Being Still - Knowing God - Giving Thanks

I recently traveled to England with seven family members.  The time away restored my soul.  The combination of a slower pace and attuned ear resulted in a depth of stillness that I do not experience often enough.  Trust and thankfulness flowed from this stillness.

Be still and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations.  I will be exalted in the earth!  Psalm 46:10

The end of May echoed the beginning: counting gifts given freely by the Exalted One.

Numbering the gifts and giving thanks day by day for:

#961 - #1027

May 21
scrubbing floors; gathering clothes to give away; packing for two in one suitcase; grace for flight challenges; safe drive to the airport; yielding to rest

May 22
luggage glitch - clarity reached; pleasant car ride; beautiful accomodations for eight; strolling city streets; sitting in the park with Mom; history framed on walls

May 23
safe arrival of three; glimpse of the Queen; walking on ancient floors; religious freedom; eying London; reading her story; long-distance greetings

May 24
sights and sounds of Piccadilly Circus; tea and biscuits with new friend; hearing the voice of the Prince; family walk; children jumping rope; public transportation

May 25
verdant Kent countryside; Canterbury; napping in the people-mover; lovely dining hall; walking through disappointment; dreamy bed linens

May 26
Merton tour; rain-facilitated rest; multi-colored hues in courtyard garden; cooking with Sis; witnessing legacy; reading Digging to America

May 27
flying pigs; lunch with colleagues; climbing narrow stairs to the rooftop; late night van ride; grace for flexibility; reading 1611 King James Bible under glass

May 28
moments to connect; solemn and special graduation ceremony; her beautiful, bountiful hair; doorways and hope; pub dinner to celebrate

May 29
worshipping with believers in a foreign land; garden walk; packing for home; contemplating wells - old and new; resolve to write; agreeing in prayer; ginger cookies

May 30
raindrops and farewells; giving way; 31 years of team work; wise, adventurous husband; airport shopping; conversation in flight

May 31
slow pace; grocery shopping; sharing life stories; cooking dinner at home; listening to Mama; parking lot chat

Consider joining the Gratitude Community in counting gifts and giving thanks!

Christmas Presence

The Faith Barista post on gift giving at Christmas struck a chord with me - especially the suggestion to consider an individual's love language when choosing a gift.  In  recent years, after "missing the gift mark" at times, I spend more time thinking about giving gifts that resonate with the receiver.

Last week was a busy week of Christmas gift-giving from me to others.  The gifts were as different as the person to whom they were given, but they had a common theme.  I gave the gift of presence - spending time with my mother; going out to dinner with my husband and a dear couple we have not spent much time with; meeting my friend for dinner to celebrate her birthday; praying with another friend...

I shopped for gifts from stores for other family and friends.  My children still receive from me an ornament that tells the story of an aspect of their lives in the current year. One friend enjoys gifts from World Vision or other life-giving gifts, so that is what I give to her.

I am not at all original in my desire to share my presence with friends, loved ones, and even strangers during the Christmas season.

God gave the gift of Immanuel - God with Us.  His presence continues to give...

"A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master." Luke 2





Love Calling

Being a mother is a gift I cherish.  The memories are still fresh as I recalled the moments when I first saw my children.  Now they are adults, still bringing joyful surprises on Mother's Day.  I squealed with delight when my young adults (who live far away) coordinated a call so that I could speak with them at the same time, despite the challenge of different time zones!  How delightful to experience the privilege of parenting.

I join the  gratitude community today as I continue counting 1000 gifts.  Today, I am grateful for:

#242  the love of my Lord, who taught/teaches me how to love

#243  my beloved husband whose love, wisdom, and commitment multiplied over the years

#244  my children, each one a gift from the Lord

#245  my mother, the one left motherless at such a young age, yet cared for and nurtured by God's hands extended

#246  my mother-in-love, living to give

#247  my true love's laughter, complete with twinkling eyes

#248  a weekend of connecting with Jesus and with 44 lively youth at concerts

#249  facilitating conversations of mother journeys at a middle school  mother/daughter gathering

#250  dear friends who provided the container of support for one another over the years

#251  family - Lord, you grafted me into your family and you gave me family; I am yours!

I Cannot Rush Resurrection

The past week has been one of the most upside down, inside out, perplexing times I have experienced this year.  News from several fronts heralded:

"this is worse than you thought"

"she died on Tuesday morning"

"the opposite of what you've prayed for arrived"

"he died today"

"how much more can he take"

"energy to press forward diminishes moment by moment"

But then, rising from the depths of my spirit, in a crescendo that burst through my discouragement and sadness came the truth:
The Lord never leaves me; His mercy endures forever; He is good and He does good.