Gratitude Day 227

Sat., Mar. 9, 2019

Deuteronomy 11:7 – Your own eyes witnessed each of these powerful acts the Lord performed.

Just a few random thoughts on this Saturday.

1. Every conversation in Wisconsin right now involves this topic: the weather. Most Wisconsinites are so over winter. We’re ready for spring, sunshine, less snow and less layers of clothes. On Friday, there was just a hint of something above single digits. After we finished backing the weekend food bags for school kids, a few of us stood outside and talked. Someone said it was 18 degrees. Let me just say: 18 degrees never felt so good. Later in the afternoon, I walked to the mailbox. And heard the sounds of dripping water from melting snow. I could barely believe my ears. Hubby Rick celebrated by washing both of our cars, which were covered in salt, dirt and grime. One of these days, maybe, just maybe, we’ll see grass again.

2. We’re attending a birthday party for a 7-year-old today. Part of the gift? This book. It’s about a tortoise who doesn’t like spring nor change. The illustrations are precious. Maybe, the book includes an appropriate attitude adjustment for those of us who are so over winter.

3. Lent 2019 is off and running. Each year, I like to pick a book and use as part of my daily devotion during Lent. This year, I am using this book by Paula Huston. Each day, she has a little devotion and an activity to help you move towards simplicity during the next 40 days. If you are looking for something to use this Lent, it’s not too late. (Remember: the 40 days of Lent don’t include Sundays. So, you can still get a Lenten devotional book, use it on Sundays and you’ll still complete it!) Here are a couple sentences from the book that struck home with me:

The desert Fathers and Mothers understood that clinging to possessions, no matter how precious or beautiful, is a form of servitude. We cannot move easily when we are burdened by the things, however lovely, we carry on our backs.

(Side note – I read this sentence AFTER I had posted today’s #4.)

4. 40 for 40 This Lent – I hope you will join me in finding an item each day that you no longer need or love, putting it in a box and then donating a box-full of items at the end of Lent. One person shared with me that she could do an 80 for 40 This Lent … and not even notice a difference in her house. My reply? Go for it! If you have a spouse, whether they participate or not, you can choose an item for them each day as well!

6. Who doesn’t love baby lambs? My sister Debbie’s family is nearing the end of lambing season. And they have a bunch of cuties. I’ll share more about them in a day or two. For now, enjoy this picture of their precious little bundles of joy. Seriously … after 30 seconds in a pen of baby lambs even in negative 15-degree weather, how can you not have a smile on your face?
7. “I’m powerful. I’m unshakeable.” The words rang through our car last night while driving home. Our youngest three grandkids were with us. They had requested that we listen to one of the old VBS CD’s I keep in the car. Each grandchild has their favorite song on this CD. Dylan’s happens to be a song that says, “You’re powerful. You’re unshakeable.” After the singers sang, “You’re powerful,” he echoed in his not-so-inside voice, “I’m powerful” and so on. His reaction to the song made my heart skip a beat. I’m not completely positive Dylan understood that it’s God who is being declared as powerful and unshakeable in this song. But the words struck home with him. No matter what is going on in your life right now, I pray that you see God as powerful and unshakeable. We may be challenged in our faith at times. This is OK. Even when we are trying to sort through something and make sense of it in our lives, our powerful and unshakeable God walks right beside us on this journey. For this, we have every reason to be grateful.

For a powerful and unshakeable God in my life, I am grateful.

O God – may we see you as powerful and unshakeable today. No matter how we muff up our lives, our churches and our communities and world, You still are You. May your power and presence comfort and give me peace today. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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