Day 366

I am grateful for God's provision all year long.

This blog was a project that seemed both attractive and challenging when it first occurred to me, motivated by Cake and my princess daughter-in-law. To name one thing I was grateful for every single day of one year seemed little compared to all that I am blessed with, all that I have been gifted and have received in extravagant abundance.

Lord, You have provided, guided, delivered, reminded, strengthened, deepened, broadened, and come alongside me every single second of every single day of this year. Every blessing that I know, every good and perfect gift, everything that I hold dear and of any degree of value came from You. You are Provider, Comforter, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby, Song, and Best Friend. You are always and only Good, Author of all that is of highest accord. This year and every year before and every one after are provided for by Your gracious hand. There are no greater thanks and worship I can offer here for Who You are and what You have done.

Thank You, Lord, for this encounter with You.

Day 365

I am grateful for order.

Order keeps me sane. It allows life to run smoothly. It provides predictability so that I don't have to modify, adapt, substitute, pinch hit, question, or panic.

It's ironic because I'm a pile person. I have to be intentional about keeping spaces tidy. When I get busy or lazy and surfaces become filled with loose ends and just "stuff", I get gritchy. Then I launch into nesting mode, and it's every man for himself.  We needed housesitters one weekend, and it was our youth pastor and his wife. She commented to Jylle afterward, "Your mom is so organized." My jaw dropped when Jylle told me. No one has ever accused me of that in my entire life, and it made me so happy.

Whether it's cupboards, shelves, drawers, nature, or life, I appreciate order. It makes the world go round in an organized way, and I am thankful.

Ours is a God of order. All of nature gives testimony to intelligent design. The seasons bring their own weather, and we know generally what to expect. Life is arranged according to a certain grid and for our benefit.  There are bunchloads of stuff that happen outside of that, but it's the ordinary, everyday, and expected that I am thankful for here.

Thank You, Lord, for order.

Day 364

I am grateful for humility.

"If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.” ~Mother Teresa

I am so drawn to the humble heart. One of the things I dearly love is discovering that someone did something without ever mentioning it. I also very much appreciate a straightforward "Thank you" after gratitude is expressed, even when it's not by me. This is one of the best definitions of humility:  A humble person isn't one who thinks less of himself. It's one who thinks of himself less. Humility is not putting yourself down. It's knowing who you are, Whose you are, and what that means. It comes from abiding in wisdom and grace.

The peacocks of the world can take it somewhere else. A humble heart is one of the most beautiful things in the universe.

Thank You, Lord, for humility.

Day 363

I am grateful for creativity.

Creating is one of the many wonderful attributes of God. We are made in His image, and we experience divine wonder and joy when we create something good.

Lydia knitted a cowl for me for Christmas in my favorite color, and it's beautiful, kind of like this one, but a design that's lacy and feminine. She included a pick so that it can be arranged around the neck and pinned in place.

Amy drew a copse of birch trees and lithographed it herself. She signed, numbered, and wrote out Proverbs 17:6 on them and gave one to each family or couple in her family and Ryan's for Christmas. They were sweetly wrapped in cardboard and jute. I wish I had a picture of it.

Jylle crochets hats and headbands like this one. She made a black headband with a gray flower on it for me, and it's so comfortable and warm. She has made hats for her brothers, friends, and herself that are cool and comfy.

I made Lydia an earring holder like the one below. I first saw one in  Amy's dorm room that she made herself. It's similar to this one, but the frame has sparklies in it and so does the lace. It was so fun to put together.

The majority of pins on Pinterest have creativity at their heart. Food, crafts, architecture, clothing, music, photography, gardening, and all combinations of everything come together at a site that screams Imaginative! Clever! I want that!  Those are some of the same exclamations I make when I witness God's creative genius.

Thank You, Lord, for creativity.

Day 362

I am grateful for homecomings.

Jylle came home for Christmas break on the 7th. Ryan and Amy arrived for a couple of days on the 18th, along with Brett and Lydia. My babies were all home! I love homecomings!

We were all together, the seven of us for less than 48 hours, but I savored every bit of it. I can't even count the number of times I breathed thanks for such precious time. With Brett scheduled to be deployed in Afghanistan this coming March, it was a week full of love, fun, and meaning. Brett was home!

The third annual Crae Bon Rye was a smash. Ryan buys a crab for everyone and some other kind of seafood, and enjoying them all together is his Christmas gift to us all. Brett and Lydia participated in the first one, so it was wonderful to be reunited for such a lavish event. Ryan was home!

Jylle lives at my dad's now and isn't in medical school, so her homecomings can be more frequent than the boys'. They're always sweet though, and I look forward to every one of them. She doesn't go back to school until the 7th, so I will have had her for a month. Jylle is home!

Over time, I hope Lydia and Amy will come to feel quite at home here. I know it can never be associated with their childhood, but with lots of love and memories, it is my dear wish.

Thank You, Lord, for homecomings.

Day 361

I am grateful for couple friends.

By that, I mean being able to enjoy a friendship with both the husband and the wife. We have, in alphabetical order, the Reinhardts (Barb and Dave), the Schaffers (Jim and Betsy), and the Timmermans (Mark and Tina).  Kev and I can have conversations with all six of these friends easily, and I truly appreciate that. There is a familiarity and ease with them that makes every get-together more like spending time with family. We all have similar values where faith and family means everything.

I wish I had a picture of all of them for this post, but the ones in my head will have to suffice. Friends are a treasure, and these are souls we cherish in that rich chest.

Thank You, Lord, for these couple friends.

Day 360

I am grateful for Christmas.

What a precious day. God dressed down and came to us in the most vulnerable form. He was born to die so that we could Live. The angels must have looked on in perplexity and wonder that their glorious, beautiful, all-good King traded His rightful throne and privilege for disgrace and murder. All for the most incredibly wonderful plan in the human timeline.

Love came down and stooped to save a wretch like me. I can barely stand the bewilderment of it. What a day. What a wonder. What a God.

Thank You, Lord, for Christmas Day.

Day 359

I am grateful for Christmas Eve.

I think this tradition began out of a need for simplicity and ease, but we do pizza and a movie on Christmas Eve. We used to attend a candlelight service first, but that's fallen by the wayside.

The tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve is one we follow from my childhood. I think my parents either felt sorry for us in our gigantic anticipation of presents, or they were just big kids themselves and thought it would be fun. Either way, it's one we conducted with our own family and continues to provide jolliness all around. The Christmas story from Luke 2, hot chocolate, one gift, and a blanket of contentment make up this day, and I am thoroughly joyful.

Thank You, Lord, for Christmas Eve.

Day 358

I am grateful for cures.

Brett & Lydia are here for Christmas break, and time with them has been absolutely heavenly. Our visits with them are seldom, so we relish what little time we get.

Things were going swimmingly when Lydia suddenly got sick. She got a sore throat, and then a migraine. Friends arrived with Musinex, and she was valiantly companionable, but that can only go so far when you're as sick as she was.

Today, she not only still had a sore throat, but had born a cough, chills, and a fever of 102 degrees. I would give my right arm for a cure for her. It is an ache of an altogether different kind to withstand the suffering of a child when I would eagerly take it myself if I only could...

Surely, there is some cure, but I don't know what it is. I would pay the ransom if there was only a deal. In the meantime, I pray fervently and praise the Name that is above all names... The One Who is the cure is our sure stay and standby in this trial.

Thank You, Lord, for Your sure cures.

Day 357

As much as I don't really like answering the phone, I admittedly prefer emails and Facebook messages. BUT--when it all comes down to it, I am encouraged, refreshed, and uplifted by a personal visit. At first, I scurry around trying to fix what I look like. Then, I fret about the amount of food on hand and if it's enough. Ryan prayed a simple prayer for me today, asking for there to be enough and even to multiply it miraculously if that was needed.

We just had two consecutive days of visits from precious friends involving hours of catching up that are beyond price.  Food, fun, fellowship, and fun--cannot beat that for Christmastime fare. We pick up right where we left off, and there is nothing like the meeting together of long-time friends who are more like family than chosen relations.

Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful, personal visits.

Day 356

I am grateful for grace.

Mercy is not receiving something bad that I deserve. Grace is receiving something good that I do not deserve. I feel like I'll be blown away by all the bad things I was spared and totaled by all the good things from a good God.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come.
T'was grace that brought me safe thus far
and grace will lead me Home.

When we've been here ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
then when we've first begun  

My mom would sing this around the house, and it was like spilling a blessing everywhere she walked. It felt as if angels listened with joy and an inability to relate, not being fallen creatures like us. The grace I experience every single day fills me with joy, praise, and humility.

Thank You, Lord, for Your amazing grace.

Day 355

I am grateful for spiritual gifts.

We are given at least one spiritual gift at salvation, and used in concert accordingly, it is the most beautiful symphony of the Body as we were designed to be. We were made to support one another, and the physical body is a decent vehicle to view this:  My feet take me to the fridge where I get food that my digestive system breaks down to power my feet to take me to the fridge... We carry out our roles according to function and makeup, and all is well.

A great need turns up in someone's life, and when the Body rallies around in provision and support, it's truly a lovely thing to behold. It gives me joy, and God gets praise. Teaching, encouragement, giving, administration, discernment, mercy, prophecy, and service are just a few gifts that have their part in the building up of the Body. They are all facets of God's nature that color and maintain healthy Body Life.

I used to feel shy about naming my gift until I realized that I wasn't shy talking about any other present I was given. Mine is encouragement, and there is nothing like operating it with the Spirit at the helm. It is the easiest, most delightful and novel thing in the world. He is Creator, Gifter, and Gift, and I am deeply grateful.

Thank You, Lord, for spiritual gifts.

Day 354

I am grateful for Heaven.

I never had any trouble believing in an afterlife. I took it as fact in childlike faith, and I still do. One of my favorite C. S. Lewis quotes is "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world." It makes marvelous sense.

 The book Heaven Is For Real is a wondrous account of a little boy's experience after having gone to Heaven during life-threatening surgery. I believe he really did. The picture of Jesus presented in the book brought tears to my eyes when I first saw it. Those eyes...

I gave Heaven a lot more first after losing Kev's dad, then after losing my mom. What an amazing world that Kingdom must be. No tears, no pain, no evil, only Goodness and Glory. I do not have the tools to imagine a place outside the constraints of time. All the ways I can think of for how life works there intimate some factor of time. How incredible it will be to see people I've missed, people I'd like to meet, and the most wonderful Person of all...

Thank You, Lord, for your Heaven.

Day 353

I am grateful for mercy.

This picture shows what it felt like to me the other day when I completely lost momentum going up the hill toward home after work. There wasn't that much snow, but it was heavy and slick. I even had Jylle's car because her tires are better than mine

At a dead stop with another 50 feet to go, I had no choice but back down. That put me in rear wheel drive, and when I tapped the break, I slid 90 degrees and faced the cliff. Cliff is too big a word because it would be downhill, but not the Grand Canyon. My front tire was a foot from the edge. I cranked the wheel as far to the right as I could, then let go and felt the car gently roll toward the center of the road. More fervent prayers were never sent up during and after such an occasion.

A car was waiting for me to steer clear, and I managed to dodge her, putt back down the road and attempt the back way. I was almost to the first dicey curve when I remembered there's not just one hill this route, there are three! "Jesus, Take the Wheel" was THE most appropriate song for this excursion, and it's basically what I prayed the entire time.Holy power and angels are what finally got me home, and I couldn't have been more grateful.

The next day, Jylle and I were in the truck, and I was nearing that near-fateful spot when I saw car lights from two vehicles, one of them blocking the road like I did, but facing the bank instead of the cliff. Even in 4WD, I slid at an angle toward the ditch. I did manage to swing around into a driveway and face downhill.Again with the holy power and angels!

I understand that mercy is not receiving something you deserve. I have said and done things for which I deserve more than diving over an embankment. For withholding those judgments and worse ones, I am deeply thankful.

Thank You, Lord, for mercy.

Day 352

I am grateful for stuff Kev makes.

I attach additional value to anything he makes. He is so talented and has such high standards for quality that I can always count on them being fine and lasting. There have been a couple times when he's brought something home, and I liked them right off the bat. Upon his announcing that a student made them, their sentimental value completely disappeared. It's got to be made by my guy for reals, not just the product of his supervision and instruction, as great as those things are.

We have furniture, frames, railings, and buildings all made by my loving husband. He has built big and little dreams with his own two hands and given thanks to God for the ability and provision. We pray for a whole lot more opportunities.

Thank You, Lord, for all the stuff Kev makes.

Day 351

I am grateful for Jane Austen.

I didn't read her classics until I was a young mom, but I fell in love with them like a lot of other girls. I love the era, the sense of propriety, and the depth of her characters.

The movies have been a source of entertainment for the most part as well. Of them all, I think “Sense and Sensibility” with Emma Thompson is my favorite, followed closely by “Emma” with Gwyneth Paltrow.

I wonder if she would be amazed at the lasting quality of her work. Book clubs bearing her name thrive around the world. Libraries and personal shelves house her novels with pride. She was only 41 when she died, but her writing still graces young and old alike. I honor her on this, her birthday.

Thank You, Lord, for Jane Austen.

Day 350

I am grateful for Christmas cards.

They usually mean annual updates from people we don’t get to hear from except at this time of year. I love the pictures, seeing the kids grow up. I love hearing about this last year’s adventures and what plans are for the next. It means keeping in touch as a tradition and an endeavor of the heart. Yes, it can be a lot of work, and I’ll be late sending our greetings this year, but if I don’t place it in bold, red, capital letters on my list of urgent to-do’s, there is no pressure, and I am left with it being my choice to send cards and pictures because I want to.

I am grateful for the effort others go to so that I can be apprised of the latest in their lives. I hope they are equally pleased with mine.

Thank You, Lord,  for Christmas cards.

Day 349

I am grateful for packages in the mail.

That means it’s Christmastime, time to send ‘em and time to get ‘em. Shopping online has made my life a whole lot easier, and with all the kids having an Amazon wish list, gift-giving has taken on a whole new easy.

I exchange an ornament every year with my friend, Anita, who lives in Arizona. I exchange a gift of some kind with my Kathy in California. The rest of the boxes are gifts arriving for friends and family, to be wrapped at a later date, which often means Christmas Eve. Good  stuff, all. I'm a grown-up, and I still light up when I see a parcel in my mailbox.

Thank You, Lord, for packages in the mail.

Day 348

I am grateful for Ya-Ya parties.

They’re usually at one of our homes, but this year’s Christmas party was different. We dolled up and went to The Davenport for lunch, bags of presents in hand to share once we were seated at table. Rosie had a test, so she couldn't join us. The original four of us were together again.

Cheryl, Glenice, and Tina looked fabulous in their dresses and skirts and black wool coats. On any other day, I would have sparkled in my jacket, scarf, boots, and jeans, but this day I felt thoroughly underdressed amongst present company. They looked classically lovely.

We are real, we lavish stories and compliments on one another, and we laugh a whole lot. Giving and receiving gifts only causes the fun factor to spike, speaking as one whose love language is gifts.J From Cheryl, we got an oven mitt and two matching kitchen towels. From Glenice, we got a custom sewn pillow case in our favorite colors and a blank journal. From Tina, we got a gift bag filled with a bag of sugared pecans, pumpkin butter, balsamic dressing, the cutest little salt and pepper shakers, and a knitted headband with a little flower on it made by her Natalie. From me, they got a pair of striped gloves and a lap warmer. It’s like a neck warmer, the kind usually made of flannel and filled with some kind of grain. Heat it in the microwave, and it stays warm for a good, long while. I wanted something that would cover my lap. Bonus:  I can sit on it if my car is cold.

We descended upon Rosie after she got home from school, and it was bliss being all together again. I missed last year’s Christmas party, which was at her house, so I felt like it kind of made up for it to be able to be there spontaneously. She was overwhelmed by the gifts and the magic of us being there. I nearly cried hugging her goodbye. We couldn't stay long because Glenice had to pick up her James at the bus station. Another one  home for the holidays…

This is already too long, but I couldn't help myself. I’m extremely grateful for these wonderful parties and these souls who love me not just in spite of my warts, but because of them. I encounter Jesus in them, which is the mightiest of all gifts.

Thank You, Lord, for Ya-Ya parties.

Day 347

I am grateful for snow-covered land.

When it snows here, it often feels like I'm inside some humongous snow globe, the owner of which is so gentle that I don't feel the tipping and resetting. Snow coats everything, and there's a stillness in the air unlike any other time. It really does feel like the earth is in some cryogenic still pause, its breathing slowed to the point of being indiscernible. There is a respite from all its abundant, autumnal production and a regeneration in anticipation of a new spring.

While I readily admit that I hate driving in it, it is a beauty I enjoy thoroughly from the comfort of my living room. When it gets deep enough, I can start snowshoeing again. A bonus is getting to see the tracks of the critters who don't get to sleep along with the earth in our winter wonderland.

Thank You, Lord, for this snow-covered land and Your care over it all.

Day 346

I am grateful for the Christmas story.

Every Christmas we have someone read the Christmas story as accounted for in the first part of the book of Luke, chapter two. It's the simplicity, humility, and commonness of the tale that grips me.

A husband whose wife does not carry his own son travels miles with them to his hometown because of bureaucratic demands. The only place he could acquire for them was the stable of an innkeeper, literally a hole in the wall--a cave. The Creator of the universe lies swaddled in strips of fabric, the same wrappings of the dead, an outright foreshadowing.

Jesus was born. To die. For me. So that I could ask Him one day to save me from a death I deserve in exchange for an eternally joyful life I certainly don't. What IS this love...? It is the story of the Ages, the climax of which all of history hinges. The Christmas story. His story. History.

Thank You, Lord, for this Story of all stories.

Day 345

I am grateful for Christmas trees.

It can tend to be lot of trouble given the right (or wrong) factors, but I always think it's worth it once it's cut, dragged home, defrosted, erected, and finally decorated. The ornaments have great sentimental value, and there are usually memories associated with each one. This will be the 52nd year I have been in a home with a Christmas tree, and I hope I'll enjoy many more.

This picture was taken at my parents' home. The tree came from our property, and it was one of the last real trees they had. It becomes more of an effort when you're older, and I understood their reluctance after all those years. For today, I'm grateful for the beauty, tradition, and fragrance of this annual decoration.

Bless my Jylle on this, her birthday, our family's official kickoff of the Christmas season.

Thank You, Lord, for Christmas trees.

Day 344

I am grateful for Christmas traditions.

Relying on traditions, on the familiarity of something done once a year, the comfort of anticipating an annual ritual, custom, or event is part of the magic of growing up in a stable family. Kev and I were both extremely blessed to come from such families and to raise our kids in the same way.

Some of our Advent practices include:

• A stocking for everyone
• Hiding a tiny, foil-wrapped Baby Jesus in one cinnamon roll, the recipient of which gets to put the real figurine in the manger, emphasizing the reason for the season.
• Opening one gift on Christmas Eve
• Having one person read the Christmas story in Luke 2
• Pizza and a movie after a candlelight service on Christmas Eve
• Enough pumpkin pie for dessert and breakfast

Family traditions provide a kind of stability as well as meaning and significance. What was passed on to me, I   added to and passed on to my kids, who in turn, will pass on to their kids to at least some degree. We look back and see the values we were taught and look with hope at future generations absorbing the same, and more.

Thank You, Lord, for Christmas traditions.

Day 343

I am grateful for Christmas goodies.

My sweet tooth has lost some muscle over the last two years, but making sweet treats at Christmastime is still as appetizing as ever. Fudge, cookies, bars, candy, cakes, breads, sweet rolls, and pies make me all warm inside. They conjure lovely childhood memories, recall the wonderful days when my kids were little and relished a serving plate piled high with tantalizing desserts, and serve still as an way to reach out to people we care about.

Some of our traditions include peanut blossoms, pfefferneuse, M&M cookies, butter shortbread, and the hands-down family favorite, cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. Everything is made from scratch, I use real butter in everything, and the secret ingredient that makes it taste good even if it turned out bit off--Love. <3 It's what Christmas is all about.

Thank You, Lord, for love on a plate.

Day 342

I am grateful for Christmas music.

Few things move us like music, and even fewer things launch me into a Christmas mood like the music of the season. I love that the carols, hymns, and songs that belong to this time of year fill radio air waves, church services, and my mp3 player.

Two of my favorite contemporary picks are "The Song of Christmas" by Newsong, and "Silver Starlight" by Cliff and Danielle Young. Two of my favorite carols are "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "O Come All Ye Faithful." A catchy albeit in-your-face song is "Christmas With a Capital C" by Go Fish that gets stuck in my head every time I hear it.

I loved being in the Christmas choir when I was in school. I only have what I call a shower voice, so being in a choir allowed me to sing without being noticeable. The music made me feel good, the choir made me feel proud, and the applause made me feel appreciated. I knew it was all win-win for everybody.

Thank You, Lord, for this wonderful genre of music.

Day 341

I am grateful for helpful employees.

"It's tough to find good help." That's a line I've heard all my life. Seems even truer today. There are scads of people who work for the paycheck and don't love their jobs. What's sad is when that is completely obvious.

There was a lady who works at a fabric store who answered all of my questions with patience and interest. She led me to the fabric I would need for my project, and as I don't sew for much beyond function, I don't know my way around fabrics or notions. When I told her I wanted four yards, she said there wasn't four yards in that bolt. When I saw how much two yards was, I realized that was more than enough. I apologized for not knowing the math, and she said, "There are much worse things. You're very pleasant. I'll take that any day."

What a lovely lady. She was not only helpful, she was gracious. While it's great to get help from someone knowledgeable, the great factor increases exponentially when a dose of grace, kindness, and encouragement are thrown in.

Thank You, Lord, for peppering my buying experiences with helpful, gracious souls.

Day 340

I am grateful for prophesying.

I don't mean predicting future events. What I mean is taking your lead from the Holy Spirit and speaking truth and wisdom into someone's life. It's not spooky or weird or voodoo.

The best display of this I have ever witnessed was by a guest speaker at youth group. One by one, he spoke to certain young people and declared specific things. To one girl, he said that dance would be one of her highest forms of worship. He asked, "Do you dance?" Totally surprised and taken aback by his laser accuracy, "She answered, "Yeeeeesss..." He went on a bit more about some other things that applied to her, again with pinpoint accuracy. That happened with about ten other people. It's not based on a hunch or logic or any other human reasoning. It's a work of the Spirit with the intention of building up and encouraging the Body. And I love it.

Thank You, Lord, for this empowering gift.

Day 339

I am grateful for alternative medicine.

All my life we relied on conventional medicine to address all of our health issues. If you have a headache, take a pill. If you have an infection, take a pill. Not until this year after feeling two hundred years old because of a high cholesterol medication did I seriously look into some other path.

A friend recommended her doctor, and going away from that first visit, I finally felt some hope, something I had lost within the bounds of the established medical community. A plaque on the wall is entitled, "Why I Am a Doctor of Chiropractic." The reason that just grabbed me was "Because I choose to care for the patient with the disease, not the disease." He said I'm a whole person, and the whole person needs to be addressed, not just an isolated part of the body. He has studied natural medicine for years, and I finally have someone who will champion my cause. He will take it personally if I don't get better.

It's been three months, and I feel so good. He said it would take about six months to get my numbers back to normal, and I'm right on track. Even beyond that, I feel cared about by everyone in his office. When his wife, who does the accounting, said, "Take care of yourself" after my second appointment, I got choked up. No one in the medical field has ever expressed that to me.

I got rear-ended last month, and he's been treating my neck and back for soreness and ache. This was my third appointment, and I'll probably only need one more. He has been gentle, thorough, encouraging, and professional, like receiving treatment from my brother. I feel safe and valued.

I brought them some pancit for lunch, the hallmark dish from the Philippines. My mom did that all the time, brought food to her health care providers. I wish she could have met these guys, but I'll try to live up to that thoughtful habit of hers. The people in this office make it easy.

Thank You, Lord, for this whole new world.

Day 338

I am grateful for pumpkin.

What a versatile piece of produce. From sweet to savory, it adds nutrition, moistness, color, and warmth to every dish.

Breads are my favorite use of this pureed goodness. Scones, muffins, loaves, and cookies are tops, and not much beats pumpkin pie a la mode. This is my favorite muffin recipe. They are moist and deluxe, and the recipe is very forgiving.


2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups peeled, cored and chopped apple
Baker's sugar, optional

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 18 muffin cups or use paper liners.
2.  In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, pumpkin, and oil. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture; stirring just to moisten. Fold in apples. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3.  Sprinkle with baker's sugar if desired.
4.  Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2012 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 12/5/2012

Thank You, Lord, for creating such a versatile, homey fruit.

Day 337

I am grateful for disappointments.

It has taken a lifetime to get to the point where I can say that and mean it. I remember thinking that there was something wrong with either that statement or the people who made it. No one should be grateful for that, even if it might be possible.

In the way that rain makes you appreciate sunshine, barren makes you glad for fertile, or din makes you yearn for silence, so disappointments heighten my appreciation for success, pleasure, and satisfaction. In realizing also that God is all about relationship, and His ways are not mine, I can encounter Him in need in a way that I can't when everything is going well. As I trust Him and know that I know that I know He is always and only good, He is expanded in my interior landscape, and He is honored by it. I may not experience the gratitude immediately yet, but it does come, and I am deeply thankful.

Thank You, Lord, that You allow disappointments in order to gift us a far greater joy.

Day 336

I am grateful for the Christmas season.

There are people who freak out about Christmas in the good way, who simply love being in the Christmas season and don't get people who actually wait until December to decorate. I'm somewhere between that and an atheist, so I'm a medium girl.

I love the anticipation of people opening presents, the smell of pumpkin, cinnamon, apple, and cranberry, the lights , tree, and evergreen boughs, and Christmas music. I love that we set aside an entire month to celebrate the greatest Gift on the human timeline, past and future. I appreciate store signs and stickers that say "Jesus is the Reason for the season." (I doubly appreciate it when they live like they truly believe that.)

It's the one season where we consider what we have been given, the empty chair at the table, how to make someone you love happy with a gift you put thought and heart into, and bake yummies for people we care about. I ponder the God-become-baby whose birth marked the earthly beginning of the Being Who created time, life, and all good and perfect gifts. God with skin on, His robe of knotted bandages that wrapped the newborn and the dead. His birth, my birth, His death, my death, His new life, my new life.

My Brett was born on this day 26 years ago. As I held him and tried to wrap my brain around what it would be like to give him to a world that would misunderstand,

Thank You, Lord, for the marvel, fun, and wonder of the Christmas season.

Day 335

I am grateful for light traffic.

Having been countrified for years now, I am spoiled by a complete lack of traffic lights for miles and miles. There are none in the closest town, and the next nearest has one. I find myself sighing when I have to wait at even that one.

Hitting one green light after another is like winning at a slot machine, or at least what I think it's like as I have never been to a gambling establishment. Bam, bam, bam, bam, bam, I WIN! A car way ahead of me and a car way behind me is what I consider light traffic. Okay, maybe a car or two in one direction or the other, but no more than that.

I got rear-ended two weeks ago, so I'm especially thankful when I encounter few cars on the road. I look at a week of body work and at least three chiropractor visits to get back to normal. The main city drag is just that, a drag to drive, which is where I got hit. Nobody likes traffic, much less heavy traffic, so while this may be a no-brainer thanks, it is sincere.

Thank You, Lord, for light traffic.

Day 334

I am grateful for C. S. Lewis.

More can be written about him than I have either the inclination nor entitlement to include here in my lowly (but grateful) blog world. I do want to celebrate his life, work, and theology on this, what would be his 114th birthday.

The Chronicles of Narnia series was introduced to me in college. I read one after the other voraciously and then read them all again. When I found out there was a prequel, I gobbled up The Hobbit in the same greedy manner.

Mere Christianity is a work it would take me a lifetime to process. For me, it is one of those heady, meaty, philosophical classics more easily understood by readers of a higher intellect than I will ever possess. I did attempt to finish it, however, and am happy to report my success in the matter.

On my mp3 player right now are three more of his fine books, The Problem of Pain, The Abolition of Man, and The Great Divorce. Looking forward to finishing Pain, and then addressing the remaining two as I have time in the car on one of my long drives into town.

Perelandra is the first in a strange little sci-fi trilogy. It's the only one of the three that I can recommend. Even then, keep your mind open and give your theology something to do in another room.

The movie, "Shadowlands" is a biographical account of his adult life, and I loved it. His relationship with Joy Gresham and resulting marriage are its main theme and very well done.

Great man, great work, great day.

Thank You, Lord, for this humble, remarkable soul.

Day 333

I am grateful for freedom.

There are so many things to be free from and free to do! Being the patriot that I am, the first thing that the word "freedom" brings to mind is our personal and individual freedoms, those inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The other thing is spiritual freedom. As believers, we are free from the law of sin and death. We not slaves to sin, but we're alive to God. I'm "free to live, free to give, free to be. I'm free to love You, Lord" as the lyrics go in "Holding Nothing Back" by Jesus Culture. I'm not only free from something--I'm free to do things that defy logic and human nature.

After a driver on a major highway here ventured back and forth across the median and into oncoming traffic, his vehicle hit a truck, killing the five children in it and critically injuring the father. That wiped out one woman's whole family. The response of the parents and grandparents? "We forgive him." One reported asked the grandfather, "How do you do something like that?" I'll never forget that grand man's response. "It's a decision you make long before it happens." Freedom in Christ allows a freedom that mighty to forgive a tragic, senseless collision. A curious world looks on and witnesses the impossible. We are free to live the eleventh commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Thank You, Lord, Your for sweet, glorious freedom.

Day 332

I am grateful for clear roads.

Roads that don't look like this.

I love the beauty of a snow covered landscape. I just hate driving in it, always have. I tend to future trip, which I know is worthless, but that's where I go when I start sliding around or fishtailing. I almost put the truck in the ditch a while ago on my way to pick up Kev from the church parking lot because he was sure the Malibu wouldn't make it up our road. Note to temporarily ditzy self:  Use 4WD in the snow!

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of clear roads.

Day 331

I am grateful for Lori.

She and I met when we moved across the road from her family. We were nine. My brother, Terry, had already met her and kept urging me to meet her as well, but I was shy and wouldn't do it. She came over one day and introduced herself, and the rest is history.

We have some silly memories, like marching with our arms around each other, chanting in unison, "I hate YOU! I hate YOU!" We have endearing memories, like when she called to tell me that if her baby was a girl, she wanted her middle name to be Cynthia.

She lives in Nevada and has for most of her life. I haven't seen her in years, but I know that if she were to walk in my house right now, we would pick up right where we left off, just like we always have. There is something about a childhood friend that just keeps you friends forever. It's like, "If she was my friend when I was a dumb little twit, she'll stay my friend until I die." I miss her and will love her always. Bless her on this, her birthday.

Thank You, Lord, for my Lori.

Day 330

I am grateful for the work of Brenè Brown.

Dr. Brown is a researcher in the fields of vulnerability and shame. I was compelled to listen to every word. The topics are novel to me, two things I have never dwelt on, but rather avoided considering altogether. 

This is an excerpt from one of her TED talks:

"If we’re going to find our way back to each other, vulnerability is going to be that path. And I know it’s seductive to stand outside the arena because I think I did it my whole life and think to myself, “I’m going to go in there when I’m bulletproof and when I’m perfect,” and that is seductive. But the truth is, that never happens, and even if you got as perfect as you could and as bulletproof as you could possibly muster, when you got in there, that’s not what we want to see. We want you to go in, we want to be with you and across from you, and we just want for ourselves and the people we care about and the people we work with, to dare greatly."

Daring Greatly is her newest book, and it hit number one on the New York Times bestseller list last month. I'm listening to her podcasts, working my way through from the oldest. Fascinating material and so far, worth the time.

Thank You, Lord, for this intriguing research.

Day 329

I am grateful for being able to stay at home.

I loved my job in human resources, and I was content with the job I had with an investment company, the last regular job I held. The privilege of being able to stay at home with my kids and be there for them after they were old enough to go to school is something I never took for granted. A lot of families just scrape by, and unemployment is not an option. We made sacrifices to live on one income, and we have never regretted it.

Now, in our empty nest home, I am still thankful for not having to get a job. I do sub in the school district once in a while, but pretty infrequently. Mostly, I hold down the fort and continue pretty much the same chores I had when the kids were here. We have a pretty conventional arrangement, me with household chores and Kev with outside ones, but it suits us, and we're happy with it.

Thank You, Lord, for this blessing.

Day 328

I am grateful for Amazon sales.

While I do like getting out there for Christmas shopping, I don't like to do it frequently, which is what I did for years. With the rise of the Internet, Black Friday sales at Amazon have saved me a lot of time and grief. I can't everything I'm looking for there, but the deals I have found have been appreciable. They're smart to provide a feature like a Wish List so I can check out my family's lists and know that I'm getting them something they actually want. Most of the time I even get free shipping. Maybe I caved, and maybe it's a bad thing for retailers, but in this economy, I need to stretch my dollar as badly as the next girl, and Amazon helps me do that. If it fits, wear it.

Thank You, Lord, for this convenient, economical option.

Day 327

I am grateful for Thanksgiving.

This is the only holiday without a secular twist. This day spotlights a virtue I've been trying to nurture all year with this blog. Gratitude enlarges you, takes you out beyond your own self, and envelops the recipient in honor and appreciation. Those are God things. When we are grateful, we express the heart of the Father for the Son, and the Son for the Father. It is an act of love and selflessness, and perhaps that is the reason a day dedicated to thankfulness can't be hijacked. Unlike Christmas, it was founded in this country, originating from hearts filled with gratitude for God, freedom, and friend.

Thank You, Lord, for this fabulous holiday.

Day 326

I am grateful for libraries.

Because of these marvelous institutions, I can test all kinds of media to see if :  1) I like them, or 2) I want to buy them. I feel fortunate to have three available to me. The largest is the one I wish I had easier access to, but unfortunately, it's the farthest distance.

It would be great to have a library in my own home, one kind of like this, but cuter. There's a small one in the bedroom reserved for the "friends" who have meant the most to me. It's a rather narrow and small bookcase, but it fits, and Kev made it when he was in middle school. It lived in his grandma's house until she moved into a nursing home. I'm glad it's still in the family.

Books, DVD's, CD's, magazines, computers, and helpful people who can point me toward the answer to almost any question--tax dollars at their best use!

Thank You, Lord, for this great privilege.

Day 325

I am grateful for Glenice.

From head to toe and inside to out, she is precious. She has the energy of three people, she is vivacious, honest, adventuresome, hard-working, generous, intelligent, kind, compassionate, and FUN. Just ask my Ryan.

We never know what to expect when Glenice is involved. She once came flying out of our hotel bathroom topless because someone kept knocking on it persistently. She dug an outhouse all by herself just in case Y2K caused big time problems. She's currently thinning their forest with only pruners and a hand saw. She quilts and sews to bless family and friends. Her cooking is deluxe and always makes me happy. She remembers little preferences, and that makes people feel special.

She has always been there for me, never said anything mean or snarky, laughed I when I laughed, and cried when I cried. She is love on wheels, and I will treasure this gift of a Ya-Ya for the rest of my life. Bless her on this, her birthday.

Thank You, Lord, for this incredible soul.

Day 324

I am grateful for The Lord of the Rings.

I know probably the least about this classic saga than anyone else who loves it. I read the books years ago, and then fell deeply in love with the epic tale all over again when the movies came out.

Julie and I went to see The Fellowship of the Ring, and we bawled at the end. We sat entwined in our seats while the theatre drained of viewers. She had just lost her husband in a car accident, and the story was a bitter analogy of her, as Frodo Baggins, setting out on a journey she never intended. As her Samwise Gamgee, I would never leave her side and adventure with her no matter what. The story is wide and deep and full of allegory and just some of THE best storytelling ever. Julie gifted our family with the extended box set of each film the Christmas after they each came out on DVD. They remain one of our family's very most favorites.

Thank You, Lord, for this tremendous story.

Day 323

I am grateful for art.

Like language, it provides a universe of space for the expression of beauty, wonder, emotion, issues, imagination, and perspective. Musical notes, paint,
the written word, sculpture, a camera lens, grid paper, and SO many more mediums that allow us to create without limit! A little tweaking can mean the difference between something good and something great, but it's all in the eyes of the beholder.

There are few things that are truly limitless. I believe that art originates from the nature of the Artist Ultimate who created the original Everything. It is part of who we are, being made in His image. Embedded in us is the desire to take some kind of something and create a work of art, and when we do, it's a pretty great thing.

Thank You, Lord, for art.

Day 322

I am grateful for free music downloads.

I like saving money as much as the next girl. That's why I was happy to find this website a few years ago. They change up their offerings about every month, and of the five or so available, there are usually one or two that worthy of uploading to one of my playlists. They're all Christian artists, but the songs are of every different style, so lots to choose from over the course of time.

Air1 also offers has a free song available for download on its website. It's only one, but it's usually something they play, so if you listen to that station, it's a tune you'll most likely recognize.

Thank You, Lord, for good, free music.

Day 321

I am grateful for the Grand Canyon.

It is a place that puts me into proper perspective. It is immense, I am small. The depth and width and enormity cause silence and a deep thoughtfulness. The fascinating beauty of this chasm sing a mighty chorus to the glory and majesty of the One whose imagination is wild and fantastic and who delights to delight us. This breathtaking creation elicits wonder and worship, pondering and praise, admiration and awe.

Thank You, Lord, for this incredible location.

Day 320

I am grateful for prayer.

To know that I have a direct line to God is awesome, and that's a word I never use except to describe Him. I don't have to wait in line, pick up the phone, fill out a form, or ask someone to give Him a message. Think the words, and bam, He hears them. He even knows them before I form them. Prayer is one of the most powerful forces in our arsenal, available to all for the intercession on behalf of ourselves and others.

I am a creature of bad habits, so I do most of the talking. It's easier to ask Him for all kinds of things than to sit and wait for Him to speak. But whose voice would I rather hear? If you have ever experienced that settling of His words in your mind, you know what I'm saying. You know that wasn't your imagination or genius. That was God. That was prayer. That was communion. I yield my spirit to His, and I have an open Heaven.

Thank You, Lord, for the power and pleasure of prayer.

Day 319

I am grateful for "The Princess Bride."

I loved everything about this movie the first time I ever saw it. I loved the actors, the plot, the humor, and the novelty. I don't usually like physical comedy, but I couldn't stop laughing after Buttercup falls haphazardly down the hillside. I appreciated how the tale is unpredictably interrupted by the little boy with questions or objections. I am probably familiar with lines from this movie more than all others combined:

Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die

Miracle Max:  Mostly dead is slightly alive. With all dead, well, with all dead there's usually only one thing you can do.
Inigo Montoya:  What's that?
Miracle Max:  Go through his clothes and look for loose change.

Vizzini:  No more rhymes now, I mean it!
Fezzik:  Anybody want a peanut?

"You mocked me once, never do it again! I died that day!"

"To the pain."

I had no idea until a few years ago that it's a nerd movie, a movie that nerds know and love. I don't know how I feel about that, but it's one of my favorites, and if that makes me a nerd, then so be it. There are worse things I could be.

Thank You, Lord, for this entertaining classic.

Day 318

I am grateful for police officers.

They protect us from criminals and are our first line of defense against illegal activity. Often the first responders to serious accidents and dangerous events, they put their lives on the line in an effort of justice to keep the good guys safe and the bad guys off the streets. It is the fifth most stressful job of 2012 according to CareerCast.

The dad of a young friend of mine was an undercover policeman for years. After the 911 attack, the FBI recruited him because of his expertise in gang warfare. He told Kev that if we really knew what goes on out there, we would never leave home. That statement alone made me thankful for the brave people who go into this kind of work with their eyes wide open.

Thank You, Lord, for law enforcement officers.

Day 317

I am grateful for veterans.

I love this meme. I subbed at the high school on Friday and was able to attend the Veteran's Day assembly. They take it seriously, and all the students are expected to behave respectfully, which they did. A young veteran was invited to speak. He served in Iraq where four of the guys from his squadron were killed by a mortar blast. He was involved in seeing that their remains were returned to the family after only 36 hours. He told them that if they forget everything else he said, to remember this one thing:  Freedom isn't free. These men were willing to give everything "so that you could be sitting here today, free." A twenty-one gun salute followed outside, after which the band played "Taps."

Let us give thanks corporately for the service and honor of all our American veterans. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave because of their faithful commitment, some to the end of their short lives.

Thank You, Lord, for all who served, and served well.

Day 316

I am grateful for firemen.

The husband of my dear friend Glenice is a fireman. My dear friend Cheryl has a son-in-law who is a fireman. They and their peers are men of character, intelligence, and courage who aren't afraid to work long and hard and sign off their lives if it comes to that. They are at the ready to save our lives, pets, possessions, and sense of security. Every single day. For a living.

Thank You, Lord, for these men and women of service.

Day 315

I am grateful for our deployed military men and women.

We are fortunate to live in a country with military personnel who are willing to put their lives on the line to defend not only our freedom, but the freedom of those who either cannot defend themselves or need help to get it done. I can only empathize with the loved ones left behind to the extent of my own experience apart from someone I love. The difference is that my loved one has not been stationed in a war zone. They have my deepest appreciation for their service—the ones deployed and the ones holding down the fort at home. They are brave, honorable, and deserving of our highest care and respect.

Thank You, Lord, for these military men and women and their families.

Day 314

I am grateful for our local organization that puts on clinics to spay and neuter cats for a nominal fee.

They also provide rabies shots if your cat needs one. Because of this service, hundreds of people have access to a reputable vet who will get the job done at an affordable rate. The numbers of irresponsible pet owners is depressing, but there would be so many more if not for these people. The last four digits are easy to remember too--"m-e-o-w." Cute, eh?

Thank You, Lord, for this generous organization.

Day 313

I am grateful for wildlife.

We are fortunate to live in an area where we see deer on a daily basis. The elk are much more elusive, but we still see them occasionally, which delights my Kevin. He saw a bear drinking from a creek alongside our road last month. We see coyotes too, but those are only nice to view through crosshairs. They're evil.

It's just nice to be looking out and seeing beautiful animals. I know I've made it clear that I thoroughly loathe when they eat my garden and flowers, it's true. The other nine months of the year they're sweet to have around.

Thank You, Lord, for the beauty of these woodland creatures.

Day 312

I am grateful for "Beauty and the Beast."

This was always one of my favorite fairy tales. I love that the protagonist is female, loves books, loves her daddy, and saves the life of an embittered creature. Disney did a beautiful job with this story, and the characters and music are delightful.

I also like that Belle is the daughter of a simple working class man. She possesses the heart and nature of true royalty though, and that's why I love her.

Thank You, Lord, for this lovely story.

Day 311

I am grateful for my cousin, Aida, and her husband, Steve.

She's always laughing and making others laugh. She is zany, kind, generous, thoughtful, and miles of fun. She loves to cook, so her home is always filled with all kinds of great things to eat. Holidays and parties send her to the moon, so she's in heaven whenever she can serve up heaps of food, all delicious because the main ingredient is love.

I have great memories of spending time with her in the Philippines when I was about seven or eight. She would come over, and we'd jump on the bed, sing-songing tunes from commercials. She would be my translator when we would visit family since I didn't know the language. If I told her I liked something of hers, she'd give it to me, so I had to learn how to compliment without triggering her generosity muscle.

Steve is one of the most hard-working conscientious, helpful human beings on the planet. He set things up for Aida's family to move to Texas and has been an all-around tremendous help. He laughs easily, and it's often at his own expense. He's also a terrific sport.

Austin is way too far from here. I miss you, my precious cousin. You and all your wonderful family. Come back soon, k? Bless her on this, her birthday.

Thank You, Lord, for my wunnerful Aida and Steve.

Day 310

I am grateful for no grudges.

Years ago, I started praying to be unoffendable. Offense is the bait of the enemy, and we bite so easily. We make it about the other person, when in reality, everything is vertical. She said something. It hurt. I want to hurt back. The fact is, He allowed it. Why? Ask Him. Seek His heart. Go after His word on it. There is blessing in the pain. I can actually thank Him for these intrusions when I see how much of Him I gained in the process.

She hurt me. You love her. She punched my heart. You love me. I'm crying. Hold me. I hate her. I forgive her with Your forgiveness. And I mean it.

Thank You for freedom from offense.

Day 309

I am grateful for the Boxster.

Brett is buying our Chevy pickup (not the diesel), and we're keeping his Porsche for the winter. He needs a car he can drive in  a Colorado winter. Ryan met him in Billings to exchange vehicles last month, and it just so happened that I needed to be out of the house four days in a row, so guess what funs I had! One of Kev's co-workers recognized me on the road and told him, "So your wife's having some fun these days." Yep.

It was sad that a friend scraped it with his pickup when I was at their house visiting, but their insurance company was prompt, and the bumper is fixed now. We feared the wrath of his wife at him, not the fact that he hit the car.

It'll have a safe home in the barn this winter once we find a car cover for it. I hope it's mouseproof. Yucky to think of them invading such a sweet ride. I've never enjoyed a car as much as I have this one. I washed it and vacuumed it out as soon as we got it. I wonder if I'll do something similar to Brett's children someday... ; )

Thank You, Lord, for this pretty little indulgence.

Day 308

I am grateful for our trip to Israel.

Hard to believe it's been three and a half years since we went to the Holy Land with a group from our church. It's the one place I've wanted to visit since I was little. Something went off inside me at the first announcement. Something like This is for you. And you're going to love it. I knew that funding was one obstacle, but the other, even more foreboding, was Kev. Turned out there were no obstacles at all. Bing, bang, bong--done!

Life-changing. Forever memorable. Instructive. Deep. Eye-opening. Impressive. Relevant. These are some of the words that come to mind when I look back at my time there. I walked where Jesus walked. I swam in the sea where Peter fished. I floated in the Dead Sea. I entered the gates of ancient Jerusalem, strolled around Masada, considered the walls of Jericho, had communion with brothers and sisters at the Garden Tomb, sang in a 2,000 year-old church, hugged a cook whose spirit told him I was a fellow believer, and even yelled at a Jewish boy who tried to spit on my shoes. (Not proud of that.) I filter much through changed lenses because of my encounter with Israel. I hope to go back someday with at least one of our kids. That would be momentous. Another good word.

Thank You, Lord, for this land and its people.

Day 307

I am grateful for classic jokes.

They are easy to understand, repeatable in mixed company, and they remind me of the simple joys of childhood. Each of my kids went through a stage where all they wanted to do was read joke books and tell them to anyone who'd listen. I witnessed their humor evolving. Today they all three make me laugh, and I admire their quick wit, which is often aimed at themselves.

Some jokes I've heard recently:

Q. How much did the pirate pay to have his ears pierced?
A. A buccaneer!

Q. What happens when you eat bullets?
A. Your hair grows out in bangs!

Q. How do spiders communicate?
A. Through the world wide web!

I know, cornball. What can I say...

Thank You, Lord, for classic jokes.