30 days of Thankfulness. The air was crisp and the sky so clear. A beautiful fall evening. We walked to see the Pumpkin Glow. For more than 25 years our neighbors have lovingly grown a sea of pumpkins. They carve and display them the night before and of Halloween. Neighbors come out, folks from all over walk to see the sight. It is the start of the season of gratitude. Gratitude- the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. "The quality of being thankful." "Gratitude turns what we have, into enough." The practice of gratitude helps us ... View Post
What About #GivingDecember? Day #30 of Thankfulness
Another month comes to a close. The 30 Days of Thankfulness making way for Advent. The lights are hung. The tree in. Christmas Carols play most of the day. The girls are busy making lists and thinking of gifts to give. There is so much wrapped in this season. I think back over this month of Gratitude. Each year I change. I lose sight of the good easily. This practice reaches down to my very core and spurs me on. The idea of Giving Tuesday seemed to appear. There wasn't much warning on my part. Yet, I am pleasantly surprised at the heart of people. Giving. The opportunities ... View Post
Giving Thanks for What the Almighty has Provided Day #24 of Thanksgiving
They came together. Two very different people groups. To celebrate the basic necessity of food. Giving thanks. . . to God; for the struggle, the abundance. There were no nationality lines drawn; they were transcended. The first Thanksgiving. May this day be about deep gratitude to God for his gracious provision. May we think on those today that walk in darkness. That live in fear. That have suffered much at the hands of a brutal government. May our thoughts remain focused on the One who will one day make all things right. Until that day, may we pray, go, serve, and be ... View Post
Did You Have the Best Day Ever? Day #16 of Thankfulness
It makes a difference. Choosing to have the best day ever. Things weren't perfect. But I worked to make them better. I prayed. I kept my mind focused on things eternal. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. A deep sense of peace filled my being. Because God honors our desire. He longs to walk the journey with us. The sun shone gloriously. On a mid November morning I hung laundry to dry (not freeze dry). Guests in the Guest House sent a message that they would like to make us dinner. Late in the afternoon the ... View Post
Musings About Sleep Day #7 of Thankfulness
I don't get up early to milk. As a matter of fact, my farmer prefers that I not be up at that hour. Really. I tried getting up with him and my father in law. I thought I would help. There came a time when they begged me not to help. I am one of those people that can not function with out sleep. Ask my college room mates. While everyone was gathering in the living room for LA Law. I was hopping into my nice, comfy bed. It is still my greatest desire all day; to head to bed. The earlier the better. There are some days that I bail. Yup. Bail on the day. Like, at 7:00. And I ... View Post
Rich Laughter at 3 a.m. Day #2 of Thankfulness
It's 3 a.m. The early morning sky brilliant. There is still a hush over the farmhouse as the youngest farm girls make their way down the stairs. One lingers at the coffee maker. So, like her mom. My farmer meets them at the door. Their day has begun. Together they will make memories, milk cows, and measure time in groups. Gratitude pours over my being. Gifts of daughters and their dad. A bond so rich and full. There are laughter and smiles. Stories to tell as they make their way in for breakfast. Hunger gnawing at their insides. The smell of bacon and potatoes ... View Post
