Day 121

I am grateful for the music of Jesus Culture.

There's worship music, and then there's the genre of worship music performed by groups like Jesus Culture. The melodies, lyrics, and leadership guide me into the sweet communion of His presence with joy, liberty, and praise on my lips and in my soul. They have some truly gifted worship leaders.

Bethel Live is their twin sister, their latest Loft Sessions being my current loop. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the groundbreaking work of Hillsong whose music changed the worship music scene altogether. Love these guys and their hearts. And their voices.

Thank You, Lord, for this truly wonder-full music.

Day 120

I am grateful for my hearing.

My mom's eardrums were blown out by a gigantic firecracker when a jilted airman threw it willy-nilly in anger and it landed right behind her when she was only 20. Four surgeries, one deaf ear, and a hearing aid later for the other one, she would bear this disability the rest of her life.

I witnessed the inconvenience and problems that arose from her deafness, her embarrassment when people spoke loudly instead of clearly. She encouraged us to always be grateful for good ears. And so I am.

Thank You, Lord, for being able to hear.

Day 119

I am grateful for Zeb.

Affectionately known as "my youngest son," he is Ryan's best friend. He has all the enthusiasm and energy of Richard Simmons, the golden heart of a prince, and the bearing of a young man who knows who he is and how to bear strength in humility.

When I first met him, he was about 14, and Ryan had dubbed him his pet freshman. He was like a large puppy on steroids, but dearly polite, and I sensed a measure of "unconfidence," which he did indeed outgrow, much to my joy.

He has grown exponentially on many levels since then, and on this, his 20th birthday, I celebrate the day he was born and the joy he brings merely by existing in my world. He makes me laugh, think, reflect, question, and want to be the very person God would have me to be. Happy birthday, Zebedee!

Thank You, Lord, for this treasure of a boy.

Day 118

I am grateful for old friendships.

There's nothing like a long-time friend. When we attended Fourth Memorial Church back in college, we did a lot of stuff with the same friends there. We've managed to stay in touch all these years, which is no minor feat nowadays. We've seen one another's marriages, children, graduations, anniversaries, vacations, birthdays, and illnesses. We have lost parents, pets, and hair, grown in girth, grace, and gratitude.

About two years ago we started getting together regularly, rotating homes. With older kids or empty nests, it's easier to fit into our schedules now. Funny how nothing has changed since those good ol' days--we still crack wise, eat well, catch up, and laugh a whole lot. When someone has known you your whole adult life, you can't be anything but real, and that is a major prize. We have had a great time for 30 years. May we enjoy another 30!

Thank You, Lord, for these dear friends. Truly we have no other like them.

Day 117

I am grateful for pie.

There's something completely satisfying about a good piece of pie. Comfort food. Fruit, cream, latticed, a la mode--it's all good.

Jylle wanted to make dinner the other night, and after a few minutes, called out to ask if chicken pot pie sounded good. It did, so she proceeded to make the BEST pot pie I have ever had. It was her maiden go at making pie crust, and using the recipe I've had for years, and again, made some of the best crust I have ever had. She was so happy!

Cyrus O'Leary's and Costco make some excellent storebought pie. French silk, Kahlua cream, and fresh strawberry are prizes of the former, with strawberry rhubarb and cheesecake stars of the latter (the only strawberry rhubarb pie I have ever liked).

Thank You, Lord, for this culinary luxury.

Day 116

I am grateful for a sense of humor.

Laughter is the best medicine. A cheerful heart does a body good. Laugh, and the world laughs with you. All truisms. I bless the soul who is able to eek a laugh out of me when I am cheerless and dreary. I love a good joke as much as the next girl, and I am grateful for the ministry of humor and tip my hat to this organization dedicated to the healing power of laughter.

Being able to laugh is an incredible gift. Being able to laugh at oneself is an altogether holy gift. I pray I will not grow too prideful to see that I am made in the image of God and that God has the most powerfully divine sense of humor.

Thank You, Lord, for the platypus, clean comedians, and clarifying moments to see humor in unexpected places.

Day 115

I am grateful for deer repellent.

Spring came late last year, so I planted later than usual. The deer are usually gone by the time the seedlings sprout, but their clocks were in time with nature, something I didn't realize. I was horrified when I saw my garden decimated. Sproutlings were uprooted and others so eaten down as to be unsalvageable. I had to start all over again.

I think deer are beautiful and love watching them. I just don't appreciate them annihilating all my hard-won efforts. I'm sure you understand.

I searched the Net for homemade deer repellent, and after trying a couple, found them to be a sure garden-saver. There are a hundred different recipes, and I find the one with water, egg, garlic, and dish soap to be the easiest, cheapest, and most effective. I also use it on my tulips, primroses, and sedum to my utter satisfaction. Take that, Bambi.


Thank You, Lord, for this most efficient concoction.

Day 114

I took this to show a friend a classic tuck.

I am grateful for hair.

Besides allowing for a million styles, it keeps my head warm. I first noticed this back when I was pregnant with Ryan. My hair started falling out in patches, a condition called alopecia areata. If left uncovered, I would feel a clingy cold against my scalp, definitely a first for me.

It would plague me randomly for the next ten years or so, and I would have to get creative sometimes. The most challenging was the one right at my bangs. I was in my early 30's when I created my first comb-over.

I was prayed over at a Bible study about ten years ago, and it's never come back. "If a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her," (1 Cor. 11:15 KJV). The need to color my hair, coupled with finding the first few white eyebrow hairs and eyelashes, I am more inclined now toward this verse, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life," (Prov. 16:31).

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of this covering.

Day 113

I am grateful for tadpoles.

Frogs are a wonder as they are, so gnarly, roguish, and bold in appearance. Morphing from egg to adult, they change quickly and noticeably, and they were always a favorite science project.

They seem a tiny cousin of the platypus with their awkward parts. I see them as busy little aberrations, completely unaware of the changes they're undergoing--or the interest they produce.

Thank You, Lord, for these funny little creatures.

Day 112

I am grateful for eggs.

They're versatile, tasty, and can be dolled up or served in their simplest form. They are a vital ingredient in desserts, sauces, salads, and breakfast dishes, and they serve a starring role all by themselves. Costco sells them at the best price, but the farm down the road sells the ones in this picture for $2/dozen--hours fresh from Rhode Island Reds and roaming free--the best.

Thank You, Lord, for ovo-jewels.

Day 111

I am grateful for ponds.

We have two seasonal ponds that just make me happy. They provide a change in the scenery that's serene and welcome. The largest one is fun for little ones to wade in because it's so shallow. We planted a willow right next to the smaller one, hoping all that water will give it a good start.

This pond is one I hike past on a neighbor's property. The sound of frogs in the evening can be so loud, but as they sense my approach and the rush of the dogs, they fall silent as one, as if flicked off by a switch. There are turtles in this one too, so that's fun. About once a year, one will randomly wander onto our property.

Thank You, Lord, for this beauty, temporary and appreciated.

Day 110

I am grateful for buttercups.

They sing out "SPRING!" to me. We have the kind that just grow in the wild. They're small, unobtrusive, plentiful, and their bright yellow is so cheering.

The local paper when I was growing up would give a cash prize to the child who found the first buttercup of spring. I think it got too competitive with parents "helping" their kids. I'm content to be lavished with them, our first spring flower to bid the season welcome.

Thank You, Lord, for these golden buds.

Day 109

I am grateful for fried chicken.

There are a handful of things I could eat more than once a week, and this is in the top three. Ever since I was little and my mom would pack fried chicken, pickles, rice, and noodles to chow down on at the drive-in, I have loved fried chicken. (Rice and noodles because it's just what we had, my mom being Filipino.) KFC is still one of my favorite places.

I used to wonder if somehow I had southern blood because I seem like anything that's fried. I finally figured out that the Philippines is plenty far south, and that must be it. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

Thank You, Lord, for hot, crispy fried chicken!

Day 108

I am grateful for my home.

When we first moved here, a friend said that one thing she makes a conscious effort to remember is that she lives in a beautiful place. It's easy to take for granted when you see it every day, so I took up her effort and give thanks for the mountains, valleys, hills, wild life, ponds, fields, and trees.

This is what I see when I finish my hike by coming back up the draw. Can't see the house in this, but the sky always holds a grandness as a backdrop for the barn and those gnarly choke cherry trees.

God did a magnificent job of creating this world in six days. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us. That's been 2,000 years. What must that place look like?!

Thank You, Lord, for the beautiful place I call home--and especially for the my real Home.

Day 107

I am grateful for LP's.

I'm at the tail end of the baby boomers, and we grew up with vinyl. While the quality of mp3's and CD's surpasses that of LP's, the memories and the music itself are happy-making.

My dad bought a device that allows me to convert vinyl recordings to mp3. So cool! I need about 100 more hours in a day to do all the converting I'd like to, but I've managed to complete about ten songs so far, some of which I've included in very plain videos to upload to youtube just because I couldn't find them on the 'Net. A couple of them are old-timey comedy numbers like this one called "Saint George and the Dragonet." Fun stuff.

Thank You, Lord, for the sweet memories and the sentiment.

Day 106

I am grateful for knives.

My mom loved knives. She had one in every room. Every room. She had such a dizzying assortment, from the little 2-inch cutie I keep in my coat sleeve pocket to the Negrito knife with its twists and barbs that Ryan now owns.

I'm sure I got my affinity for knives from my mom, but my taste is simple. My favorite is this little one from Cutco that Kev gifted to me about ten years ago. It's ergonomically perfect for my hand, and it never gets dull. It even accidentally went with me on four flights to and from Texas last summer buried at the bottom of a purse pocket. Oops.

While I don't have one in every room, I do keep one in my work coat pocket and my purse. They've come in handy a thousand times.

Thank You, Lord, for the beauty and purpose of this simple tool.

Day 105

I am grateful for tangerines.

Mandarin, Satsuma, Clementine--I love tangerines. Growing up, it was my favorite Lifesaver flavor. Bummer I haven't found them for years. The real thing's the best anyway though. Seedless and easy peel are the best, but if they're sweet I'll even endure seeds. My favorite little girl calls them "nuts," which are "gross."

Last Christmas season, I saw a cute idea that I thought I'd try. This is the video for a natural Clementine candle if you care to check it out. Kevin was on the phone with our Ryan when he walked into the kitchen and announced to him, "Your mother is trying to light a tangerine on fire!" It was true.

Thank You, Lord, for this lovely fruit.

Day 104

I am grateful for fun socks.

Such a majorly minor concern in terms of life, but they're colorful, novel, affordable, and cheery. I didn't realize how much I liked them until last year when I realized I kept gravitating to my favorite pair. A dear friend gave me a pair that look like red and black Mary Janes, complete with slip-proof soles. She doubled my favorites! I even got some compliments when I wore them at a family function in Canada this last February.

Thank You, Lord, for keeping my toes warm in a fun way!

Day 103

I am grateful for almond biscotti.

Not only is it a great treat with coffee or tea, but it's a cinch to make and makes a lovely gift. Yay for the Italians!

Here's a good recipe, just for funzies:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/4 c. sugar, divided

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/4 c. flour

2 tsp baking powder

Dash salt

1/2 cup chopped almonds

2 tsp milk

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and 1 cup sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture. Stir in almonds. Line a baking sheet with foil and grease foil. Divide dough in half; spread into two 12” x 3” rectangles on foil. Brush with milk and sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 300. Lift rectangles with foil onto wire rack; cool 15 minutes. Place on a cutting board; slice diagonally 1/2" thick. Place slices with cut side down on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 min. Turn cookies over; bake 10 min more. Turn oven off, leaving cookies in oven with door ajar to cool. Store in airtight container.

Thank You, Lord, for sweet treats!

Day 102

I am grateful for our wood stove.

There's nothing like wood heat to warm you to the core. It's messy, and it's laborious to gather, but we just keep at it in doable bits. We have all this wood, so it just makes sense. It keeps our electric bill reasonable, which is my favorite thing about it.

Warm, toasty, reasonable. All lovely adjectives.

Thank You, Lord, for this necessary luxury.

Day 101

I am grateful for Kev's dad.

He was a grand man with a generous, noble heart. His favorite way of cooking was to take us all out to eat. We still talk about some of the places we went and how novel and out of the box they were.

One of the first things he asked after meeting him for the first time was if I could sing. I said, "In the shower," and he said, "Let's hear." I declined, saying, "No, thank you," and he asked again. I just laughed.

He was raised by a single mother after his dad passed away when he was little. He worked hard, played hard, built the home we still visit to this day, survived his first wife, and married my mother-in-law when she was 39. He loved his aunts, was fiercely proud of his family, and left us a legacy of appreciation for higher education, musical talent, and relentless love.

We saw signs of a mental decline a few years before he actually had dementia, and it was Betty's fall and hospitalization that seemed to hasten it and the need to be placed in full-time care. I cherish the week I spent with her at a time when Dad could no longer communicate. On my last day there, I leaned my head against his and told him all the things I loved I was grateful for and loved about him. Mom watched on with tears streaming silently down her sweet face. He passed away quietly on this day nine years ago, leaving our world a bit dimmer for all of Heaven's gain.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Dad's life and godly influence on his family.

Day 100

I am grateful for the word "precious."

I reflected for some time on this 100th day. Our president is evaluated, and his accomplishments thus far are critiqued at 100 days into his administration.

This day's dedication seems fitting--not of anything I have done, but what has been done for me.

adjective

1.

of high price or great value; very valuable or costly.

2.

highly esteemed for some spiritual, nonmaterial, or moral quality.

3.

dear; beloved: a precious child.

I really dig that last one because that's what I am to Him. That's what I think of the ones I cherish. It's the nickname my mom gave Jyllea from the moment she was born. It fits perfectly those irreplaceable, priceless souls who are ours for only a short while. Life is hard, but God is precious.

Thank You, Lord, for manifesting the meaning of this word.

Day 99

I am grateful for Resurrection Morning!!!

A whole new life, a completely different Kingdom, all is forgiven, death has no sting, I will see my loved ones again one fine day, and all is well!!!

Thank You, Lord, for Your wild, radical, perfect plan!!! Thank You, thank You, thank You!!!

Day 98

I am grateful for good neighbors.

We've been blessed with ah-mazing neighbors in our life. Starting with the older couple next door when we were first married, Uncle John and Aunty Pearl when the boys were teeny, my friend Linda with a debilitating condition but a joyful heart when we moved back to this area, the Schaffers and Williams in Suncrest, my always-neighbor-of-the-heart Kim, to the people in the sunny yellow house we bought this property from--all have been true blessings.

It's not just getting along decently that makes for a good neighbor, although I'd take that for anything less. It's the open door and open heart that make for an approachable, available relationship. Yep, it's all about relationship, isn't it...

We have three neighbors around us now who allow us to hike and ride our horses on their property. I can borrow sugar from two, but I'm kind of afraid of the third. They're rich, aloof, and posted No Hunting signs facing our direction when they first bought their property. At least they're not mean. I'll take it.

Thank You, Lord, for fulfilling the prayer my mom prayed ever since we were married.

Day 97

I am grateful for cousins.

Aida (pronounced EYE-da) was my best friend when we lived in the Philippines. She's three years older, and did we have fun! She did my nails, gave me her clothes, we jumped on beds, and I adored her.

Zon (short for Corazon) is ten years younger than me. We didn't get to hang out because we moved back to the States. Her family eventually immigrated to the U.S. where she married. We call her my mom's clone because they have such similar natures.

These girls are like the sisters I never had. They are extremely generous, both in spirit and gifts. They loved my mom like they love their own mother. They love my dad, and they call and send cards and simply think of him. And that blesses me. They are golden-hearted, beautiful, and true. I love them and their families, and I miss them fiercely, especially at holidays.

Thank You, Lord, for these precious cousins-like-sisters.

Day 96

I am grateful for antiques.

This is not my dresser, but I have one similar to it. We bought it from a bed and breakfast we stayed at for our tenth anniversary. It was a gift to ourselves.

There is a mystery about antiques. I know almost nothing of the history of the ones we have. I find myself thinking If they could only talk...

I love the charm of a well-kept or refurbished antique, furniture, jewelry, or otherwise. It speaks of value, worth, cost, sentiment, heritage, history, and beauty.

Thank You, Lord, for the grace and charm of antiques.

Day 95

I am grateful for my favorite mugs.

Some people may have a favorite mug for a special reason. My reasons for keeping something and esteeming it are usually based on sentimentality and/or a certain beauty. Such is the case with these mugs.

All were gifts except two, which I bought with birthday money. Like friends, there is one for every mood and circumstance. Tea and coffee somehow taste even better steeped in one of these.

Thank You, Lord, for sweet, simple pleasures.

Day 94

I am grateful for Bob and Betty North.

Photo doesn't do them justice, but it's the only one I could find. This precious couple was always there for my folks. They had an incredibly impacting visitation ministry. They're the ones I called when my dad phoned with the news that he couldn't revive my mom. Bob was at the hospital before us. Betty had foot surgery the day before and was still falling as she learned to walk in her boot cast. She showed up shortly after we got to there.

They visited with us during Mom's surgeries and with her afterward. They prayed over and with them. They were two of Dad's first visitors after we lost Mom. They invited him over for dinners afterward. They simply cared, and that care was most memorable in its extreme kindness, come-alongside-ness, and sincerity.

Bob passed away on Saturday, March 24, only three weeks after an MRI revealed cancer throughout his body. His service was marked by a recurring theme in people's comments--Bob's goodness. Little girls grew up with him telling them they were pretty and that he loved them, but Jesus loved them more. Friends got choked up as they related personal stories, including the pastor. Bob laughed easily, gifting others by spreading it. He was generous on so many levels. While it's hard not to consider his Homegoing a loss, the greater tragedy would have been never to have known him.

Thank You, Lord, for your good and faithful servant. Carry Betty tenderly now as she walks this year of firsts without her best friend. xo

Day 93

I am grateful for Dove.


I grew up using Dove soap and have always loved the scent. I liked the commercials that showed cream being poured into what became the signature shape of their soap. When they branched out into other products, I became a fan of several of them because they work for me, I trust the brand, and I still like that fragrance.



When they began a campaign that encouraged women to love themselves as they are and spread the word that a size 12 is normal and healthy, I admired their efforts and applauded their message. We are beautiful as we are, women made in the image of God and loved--not in spite of our cracks, but because of them.

Thank You, Lord, for the message and the product.

Day 92

I am grateful for my Rae.

We met in high school, and I have loved her all these years. We had a lot in common. I had two brothers, she had two brothers. My dad was in the Air Force, her dad was in the Air Force. I was sweet, she was sweeter. It goes on.

After I've spent any time with her, I come away feeling dusted with magic, like angels sprinkled glittery blessings over me that will buoy me for days afterward. Her eyes sparkle when she smiles, her cuteness level is off the charts, and her integrity is only equaled by her humble servant's heart.

She has been an inspiration, encouragement, and even a lifeline. Her prayerful support the first year after losing my mom was truly a Godsend. She sent me a card on Mother's Day and another at the anniversary of her Homegoing. They were balm to a raw soul, and I want to be that for someone someday. Rae is as fine as He makes them. She probably has a fault somewhere. I just don't have a clue what it is for all the goodness she is to me.

Thank You, Lord, for my Rae Arlene.