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.