A Grateful Life

When I think of all that I am grateful for (and it's a lot!!), my mind always reverts to those who do not have what I have.

I am thankful for beautiful autumn decorations (which, sadly, I have to soon replace with others), but millions do not even have a house to live in, far less adorn with appealing decor.

I am thankful for the ability to sew attractive dresses for my sisters and I, while multitudes clothe themselves in rags.

I am thankful for a day to play games with my family...this Thanksgiving season, widows and orphans have felt the reality of being alone in the world.

And mostly, I am grateful for the mercy and forgiveness of my beautiful Savior. Millions have not had the opportunity to experience the Word of Life.

I have to admit when I think of those who do not enjoy the blessings of food to eat each day or a place to shelter them from the cold winds, no faces come to mind. I have not been among these people...perhaps to my shame. But I do know people who do not experience the joy and peace of Jesus. Several faces come to my mind, faces without hope who do not have the light of true love in their eyes. Is this because we do not go to them and embody Christ before their eyes? Is it because we avoid contact with them, thinking we are better than they?

I am a member of the body of Christ. Christ came to seek and save that which was lost. He had compassion on the multitudes. He had compassion on me. So now I have a responsibility.

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." 2 Cor. 8:9

Strength for the day

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lam. 3:22-23


I looked up these verses this morning before reading a passage in Hebrews. Incredible! Are His mercies great enough to sustain me through the day? Absoulutely! He knows everything I will face today, but more than that, He has faced such things Himself.

Hebrews 3:14-16 says:

"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then [because of this] draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

The message I find in these verses is: Take courage!

A Winter Wonderland

Honestly, I forgot.

Something in me was almost dreading winter and the first layer of snow, but this morning when I went out for a walk I realized I had forgotten.

I forgot how crisp and clean, how joyful is the air when the first snow is on the ground...and how amazing is the world when the sky is blue with frothy white clouds and the sun is shining on the frosty white fields. I forgot how delightfully crunchy is the sound of powdery snow crunching under my winter boots.


I forgot, and I'm glad I forgot. I'm glad, because I love the wave of childlike wonder and delight that sweeps through me every time I rediscover a new season.

God of the seasons...Your imagination is too wonderful for me! :-)

Free in Christ

The following quote was written by Anna over at Hope Road:

The gospel is the greatest news only if...
sin is our greatest problem
and God is our greatest need.

When I am not rejoicing in the gospel, I am failing to see...
sin as my greatest problem
and God as my greatest joy.

Sometimes I feel trapped by my circumstances. The truth is that through Christ's agony and victory, He has set me free from the law of sin and death. No, I am not trapped. Whatever outward circumstances I may find myself in, my spirit is free in Christ.

Thank you, Anna, for your beautiful and convicting words!

Emily's Song

Emily, my darling sister who just turned 6, is sitting on the steps playing church with her dolly. Her song, original with her:



God loves the whole world,
But not all of the world loves God.
I love God
And I love people
Love, love love them
I love them all the time.

When I'm working,
When I'm reading,
Whatever I'm doing,
I love them all the time.

"Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." -Jesus (Matthew 19:14)