Thankfulness 101

Gratitude takes three forms: a feeling in the heart, an expression in words, and a giving in return.

~ John Wanamaker ~

Connie was attending college in my sister’s hometown. When spring break came and Connie was unable to fly home to Montana to visit her family, Ray and Melodie quickly stepped in and opened their home for the week. Melodie is a hostess queen, and this week found her at her best. She designed each meal with the precision of a surgeon planning a delicate surgery. Along with cooking and baking, she used all her creative ideas for setting a beautiful table. Fresh flowers tucked in the napkin rings added elegance to one meal. Tiny flickering candles in salt dishes at every place setting seasoned another dining experience. Sparkling iced tea with mint leaves, cloth napkins folded like swans, and tiny hearts cut out of butter pats were only a few additional beautiful “blessings” she provided that week.

My namesake aka Pam

After the first couple meals, Ray noticed an obvious trend. Connie never said thank you—not for the beautifully set tables or for the delicious food. Determined to remind her that thanks were in order, Ray began an exaggerated plan of attack. “Thank you, Melodie, this is the best baked corn you’ve ever made.” “The table is beautiful, Melodie. I feel like we’re dining at the White House tonight.” On and on he praised without a single word of thanks from Connie. What DID happen was that two-year-old Pammy began lisping, “Tank-oo, mommy, thith ith good food!” and “I wike the pettie table.”

The Bible tells many wonderful stories of people who showed their gratitude by saying a simple “thank you.” David showed gratitude to his friend Jonathan’s memory by treating his son with kindness. Abigail showed gratitude to David in spite of her dysfunctional home life. Ruth thanked Boaz for allowing her to gather grain in his fields. And we all know how that turned out—she was rewarded with a
                                                                       husband!

Giving thanks—what makes it so difficult for some and easy for others? Thanksgiving is a learned virtue. Without using words, my mother trained me to show thankfulness. Handing out appreciation seemed as natural to her as breathing—wrapping up cinnamon rolls for a teacher who spent extra time to teach me a concept, penning a thank-you note to someone who had given an effective presentation, or using her china at an “everyday” meal for an “I’m grateful for you” statement. She may not have sat me down for a lesson on thanksgiving, but her expressions of thankfulness to others as a daily discipline taught me invaluable lessons.

G. B. Stern said, “Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” You may feel thankful, but unshared thankfulness is useless to others.

Here are some easy ways to get started “speaking” your thanks.

Under Granddad's name is Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.

1.  According to an old Chinese proverb, “When you eat bamboo shoots, remember who planted them.” The same goes for, “When you eat a great steak, remember who grilled it.” Scribble a note of thanks on a napkin and send it to the chef via your server.

1.  You may or may not agree with the current war, but remember the soldiers who risk their lives daily to preserve our peace and freedom. Operation Gratitude is a volunteer, non-profit organization that wishes to show our soldiers gratitude. Through letter-writing and care packages you can show your appreciation and gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. Military. There are so many ways available to give: financial, knitting and crocheting scarfs, recycling cell phones and ink cartridges, etc.

3.  When praising others, let’s not forget the importance of praising God. Mary is our example in showing gratitude to Him.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant" (Luke 1:46-48).

Saint Teresa of Avila said, “In all things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.”

Wonderful things transpire when we show gratitude to God. When Jehoshaphat heard that the people of Moab, Ammon, and a great multitude of others were coming to battle against Judah, he used praise as his weapon. Singers went before the army and praised him in the beauty of holiness. “Praise the Lord,” they sang. “Praise the Lord for His mercy endures forever.” What happened? Judah’s enemies killed each other!

Have you heard the proverb, “Little pitchers have big ears?” The listening ability of your children is off the charts—they understand far more than you give them credit for. You may be guilty of holding conversations that you wish they had not overheard. But when you hand out thanks—whether to the receptionist at the pediatric care center or to the woman who slices your lunch meat at the local deli—your children are listening and learning. Here are a few ways you can include them and help them grow into a grateful way of life:

1. Begin a Family Gratitude Journal or Online Blog

Charles E. Jefferson said, “Gratitude is born in the hearts of those who take time to count up past mercies.” Robert A. Emmons and Michael E. McCullough conducted three studies and found that the participants who kept a gratitude journal had greater emotional energy and subjective well being. Keeping a journal is simple. Choose a time, once a week, after dinner as “Gratitude Time.” A simple notebook will do. Allow the children to print “thank you” in colored markers all over the cover. Or go to www.dictionary.com and translate “thank you” into different languages to print on the cover. Record your family’s gratitude list in the notebook. Once a month go back and read through the lists.

2. Start Your Day with a Praise Verse

The Psalms are full of praises to God. Read one to your family at breakfast. You’ll be amazed how starting the day with thankfulness will bring joy and peace all day long. It’s hard to grumble over top of, “I love you, O Lord, my strength" (Psalm 18:1/NAB).  Write the day’s praise verse on an index card to carry with you throughout the day, or place it in a prominent place where you can see it as you perform the day’s duties.

3. Use “Gratitude Baskets” for Each Member of the Family

Hang a basket on the door of each family member’s bedroom. These baskets are to hold “thank you jots” of family gratitude. Did your son take time to play a game with his younger sister? Take time to jot a quick thank you and place it in his basket. Did your daughter bring you a bouquet of fallen leaves?  Put a “thank you jot” in her basket—even if someone has to help her read it. Don’t forget to hang a basket for Mom and Dad—your children will soon be filling it with thanks—and you’ll be training a new generation of grateful adults-to-be.

How will you keep your heart thankful in this ungrateful world? William Ward said, "God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?" A heart dries up without thankfulness soon becomes hard with selfishness. There is a remedy to a hard heart. Verbalize one thankful gift each day. Soon your heart will begin to swell like a hard sponge put in water.

Don't be afraid of using too much thankfulness -- the sponge of your heart holds plenty.  And if it runs over?  That's okay, too.  A heart running over with thanksgiving spills into the hearts of others -- Thankfulness begets thankfulness.

* * * * *

Saying Thanks with a Pumpkin Roll

Last night as I was drifting off to sleep, God showed me a friend I needed to thank. Carisa is so unselfish in her giving.  And she does it in a totally unassuming way.  I've often sat under her sheltering tree. Within seconds, I knew how I might be able to bless Carisa.  While I cook in a rather haphazard kind of way (dumping and adding pinches), Carisa cooks recipes she has improved upon until perfect -- a rather intimidating factor contributing to why her food always tastes better than mine. A
pumpkin roll is one thing she doesn't make, but her family loves, so it was an easy choice.

When God was speaking to me, I actually responded out loud to Him to keep myself accountable -- and to help me remember. I often forget what I'm thinking as I drift off to sleep.  I've written brilliant books in my mind but in the morning don't even recall the topic.  God made sure I wouldn't forget.  I dreamed about Carisa last night and it wasn't good.  While backing out of a parking space, I couldn't get my foot on the brake.  As I struggled, I backed over one of their brand new pups.  Carisa was standing by the door sobbing.  I went into her house, only to find her grandmother lying on the couch, sobbing.  It was so horrible; no wonder I woke up shaking.  I was so afraid I would re-dream it that I struggled to stay awake the remainder of the night. Sure wish I could figure out a better way to retain my midnight thoughts!

Pumpkin Roll Recipe

This recipe looks a lot harder than it actually is.  Don't be afraid to try it.  

Cake:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup pumpkin

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease and flour a 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Sprinkle towel with 1/4 cup powdered sugar.

2.  Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan.   

3.  Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel.  Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.

Filling:

6 ounces creamed cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

4 tbsp butter

1 tsp vanilla

1.  Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. 

2.  Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake.  

Icing:

1/4 cup brown sugar

4 tbsp butter

Powdered sugar to make icing consistency. 

Chopped pecans

1.  Combine sugar and brown sugar.  Slowly heat to boiling. Cool.

2.  Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.

3.  Pour over roll and sprinkle with pecans.

Linked to: 

Encouraging Words Wednesday

Women Living Well Wednesday
Thoughtful Thursday
Thought Provoking Thursday
I'm Lovin' It
Brag on God Friday

Worthy of My Lampstand

If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to put you under a bucket,
do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that you are set on a hilltop,
on a lamp stand - shine!   Keep open house; be generous with your lives.
By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God.
Matthew 5:15 (The Message)  

The lamp stand waits quietly in the darkness, surrounded by those who yearn for the light. The door squeaks open and a lamp enters, proudly believing he was chosen to shine. He knew his lamp was the latest in pottery -- shaped then glazed with an iridescent glow. But every time he tried to climb onto the stand, his shiny coat slid off. It wasn’t that this lamp was eager to shine God’s light; he merely wanted others to see how he shined. Pride has a slippery exterior, and many people believe they are exempt from service to others. They want others to see them, but have no love of Christ that draws the seeking to the Savior.

The door cracks open again while those surrounding the lamp stand become discouraged. “No one cares,” is whispered as a few sneak out the door. They seek a vice to drown their disappointment -- alcohol, drugs and eating disorders…

Back at the lamp stand the second lamp touches the shoulder of one nearby waiting. “Did you hear? Mr. Jones stole money from the church treasury.” Into the next ear he whispered, “Sally Sue is pregnant and not a husband in sight.” From ear to ear, the lamp whispers gossip that will wound and break hearts. Some true, some not, but each one unnecessary. The lamp decorated with happy hearts and smiling faces isn’t welcomed by the lamp stand.

 There’s still no light and the darkness thickens as the lamp slinks away to gather more juicy news. His lip curls in a sneer as he sees another lamp striding purposefully through the door. This lamp has scratches from those who rejected his light, mars from those who used his light to profit themselves, and cracks from others who told untrue stories about the purpose for which he shone his light.

As soon as this battle scarred lamp entered a room, a glow began weaving its way toward the lamp stand. “How will the lamp hold its oil?” the people asked each other. “The cracks will let the oil leak, and the light will go out.”

But no, he didn’t need oil in his lamp. He had within himself the one thing he needed to shine -- he had the love of Jesus. On the way to the lamp stand, the light spoke encouraging words to the tired, discouraged mother, patted a small, crying boy on the head, and made a rebellious teen laugh. These people lived in his community. Each one was important to the lamp. He climbed onto the lamp stand and began to glow. He had found his place--right where he was needed the most. 

Caffeine Jolt of Sheltering Light

When my husband was principal of a private school, early every morning he made routine rounds to the classrooms, praying for each student and teacher before the first bell sounded.. Awesome principal, right? Dedicated and sincere. But RB also carried the title of "Christian," and along with principal duties came the duty to let his light shine. And shine it did.

Each Friday morning, long before the students began to arrive, the city sanitation employees stopped by to empty the overflowing barrels of pencil stubs, scrap paper and lunch remnants. As the truck rattled onto the school parking lot, RB walked toward the truck with three coffee cups in one hand and a coffee pot in the other. On cool mornings the warm coffee was greeted with joy. On warm mornings the shot of caffeine was eagerly awaited. On frigid mornings, RB often invited the men into the school to warm up, and sometimes even shared a donut to accompany their coffee. Week after week, year after year, he served these men.

I would like to suggest that this act of service was as important to God as RB’s daily prayers for his teachers and students. The offer of coffee was a sacred light, a light worthy of a lamp stand.

Sheltering Light from a Riding Horse

My mother drove the several hundred miles from Pennsylvania to visit with me a few days. Like most mother and daughters, we love to shop together. On one of our treasured ventures, I dropped Mother off at the store’s door to save her a few steps. After parking, I entered the store in time to see my mother put a quarter in the slot of a horse a couple little boys had been trying to giddy up. As the horse began to gallop on its stand, child-like joy shone in the riders’ eyes -- a reflection, I would like to think, from a light worthy of a lamp stand.

Sheltering Light in the Hole of a Doughnut

He was “Grandpa” to many of us. Grandpa Arnold, though not a blood relative, loved people. Chocolate chip/pecan cookies were his specialty. His mantra was, “if one cup of chips or pecans makes them good, then two will make them better.” If he knew someone was going on a trip, he showed up at their door with a box of cookies just before departure time. A youth group meeting? Grandpa’s cookies were there. Many times when the automatic drawer of the bank drive-through extended toward the open car window, it returned with not only Grandpa’s monetary deposits, but also with a bag of yummy Magic Morning doughnuts. Is it any wonder these cashiers shared their prayer requests with him? They saw his light shining through the doughnut holes.

Invisible Lamps with God’s Light

It’s not the big, showy acts of love which have the brightest light. It’s the little everyday actions, performed unselfishly by invisible lamps and given without the need of acknowledgement, that radiate the greatest distance. It’s the illuminated, pure gifts given from a generous heart of gratitude and joy for the Savior who died for us. These sacred gifts can make you worthy of your lamp stand -- opening others to the Savior’s gift of salvation. That's the light that shelters!

Linked to:

Brag on God Friday

Imperfect Prose

Storm Praises

                                        When you cannot rejoice in feelings, 

            circumstances or condition, rejoice in the Lord.  

~A. B. Simpson

A white flash from the sky, a deafening clap then a roll of thunder.  Storms.  When I'm safe on the inside with a good book in my hand and a tall glass of iced tea beside me, I love them.  But what happens when the storms come to one’s heart?  The white flash of physical pain, the loud clap of a failed marriage or the rumbling roll of financial problems.  How do we face these storms?

Prepare:  Storms come to us all -- someone we love dies, physical suffering weakens us, jobs are lost, close friends betray us, investments fail.  We can prepare for such formidable storms by memorizing the promises of God.

I will never fail you, I will never abandon you.  Hebrews 13:5

So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:10

The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. Psalms 34:19

Pray:  When the storm clouds gather, we need to enter the Throne Room of our Heavenly Father through Jesus.  We come to God because 1) He's promised to be with us. and 2) By coming to Him we demonstrate faith in His promise.  Our faith pleases God.

Praise:  Even in the storm we can praise.  Praise isn't limited to being on top of the world.  When we praise, we concentrate on God, and our heart reflects the power of His love.  Reflect on God's character, and begin to praise Him for His attributes.  "I praise you for your omnipotence; I praise you for your faithfulness and for your justice..."  It’s futile to praise Him for his attributes and blame Him for our storms at the same time. 

Pay it forward:  God comforts us and wants us to use our experience to comfort and shelter others.  

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

For the last several days a friend and colleague of RB’s has been going through a storm. His son, a brittle diabetic (since age 5) and a freshman in college, is in the hospital with a liver three times what it should be and also an enlarged bladder. Quinton needs prayer and I'm asking for those who read this -- those who have been comforted by God, our Father -- to pray the doctor will find the cause quickly.

Whether we are in the storm or the storm is advancing on our friends, we can praise. These words below were written by Mark Hall of Casting Crowns.  In the storms of my life and through the ones in my friends, I will praise Him in the storm.

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day;
But once again, I say, Amen -- and it's still raining… 

As the thunder rolls,
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain, "I'm with you."
And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
And praise the God who gives and takes away.

          And I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands;
          For You are who You are, no matter where I am.
         And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand.
         You never left my side, and though my heart is torn,
          I will praise You in this storm.

                                                        ~Mark Hall

Update:  Good news!  Quinton is on rebound and is expected to do progressively better as he adjusts to several new meds.

Linked to:

Soli Deo Gloria

{Titus 2}sday

On Your Heart Tuesday

Encouraging Words Wednesday

Living Well Wednesday

Gratitude and Joy Intertwined

Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.  
~Karl Barth

RB replaced our totaled van with a car.  When pondering the pros and cons of our choice, I reminded him that we could hold hands riding in a car.  I'm not sure that it weighed in on the final decision, but it sure added to my delight in his choice.  When our fingers are intertwined, my heart is contented.

My RB and I -- we go together.  Like Salt and Pepper, Graham Crackers and Milk, Apple Pie and Cheese. Gratitude and Joy.  When we have a grateful heart, joy is always there, intertwined like RB's and my hands.

As I decorated the house for fall last week, the feeling returned -- the acute awareness that this time of year is for the grateful. Maybe because it's my favorite season.  I love stepping out my door, feeling the crisp cool air hit my face, and walking through the crunchy carpet of fallen leaves.  I'm always grateful when God changes the green clothing of the leafy trees into party dresses of reds, oranges and yellows.  The scents from the candles -- pumpkin, cider, cloves and cinnamon -- they all add to my love of fall.

My joy in fall is as deep as my gratitude.  They go hand in hand.  As the candle flames dance, so my heart dances when I begin to think how blessed I really am.

My dear love of thirty-nine years

My university girl and the gentle boy who makes her eyes sparkle
My dark-haired girl staying in Jesus' house
My beautiful firstborn and her dear husband
The super hero boy with his mommy's eyes
The little boy with big boy glasses and adorable freckles
The sweet girl with curls as bouncy as she is
The little one who keeps us smiling

These are mine to be thankful for.
Mine who turn my gratitude into joy.

My parents, who ride in their car, fingers intertwined
My sister, eternally cheerful, yet sorrowful
My brother, once younger, yet now seems older
His wife who makes him happy
And my dear sister-in-law enjoying California's sun

These, too, are mine to be thankful for.  Mine who turn my gratitude into joy.

My church with the Shepherd who leads us, and his lovely wife
My friends, my youthful ones who share my school memories
My friends, the Bedford ones -- those we worked with and the congregation
My friends, the new Muncie ones who welcomed and accepted
My friends, the little sister one and the creative one
My friends, the ones I visit in blog land

These, too, are mine to be thankful for.
Mine who turn my gratitude into joy.

I know that Gratitude and Joy are intertwined.  I've felt it, known it in the deepness of my heart.  Just as deeply sensed is my gratitude for my Heavenly Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit.  His blessings never cease!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

Refrain:

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Books for Sheltering

Wear the old hat and buy a new book.  ~Austin Phelps

Books.  I love them.  If you've been reading my blog for long you already know that fact about me. What many of you don't know -- and I suspect many of you will be shocked is that I own a Kindle.  I know it -- hard to believe, huh?

My shoulders are happy.  I've carried more books that I want to admit, often maxing out three library cards per trip.  And, I cannot take just one book with me, even if I'm only leaving for the day.  How can I possibly choose what I will want to read two hours down the road?  So, I may have a biography, a couple self-helps, a Christian-living and a fiction all jammed into my purse. Once I was at a volleyball tournament with my purse of books and a friendly gentleman came by and wanted to know what I was reading.  He glanced over, looked in my purse and said, "You have a whole library with you."  (Another supportive friend from our school, Scott, observed the scenario -- and is probably laughing out loud while reading this.)

Back to the Kindle, I can carry 350 books in a sweet package of 8.5 ounces.   I've been known to try turning the pages of my Kindle – imagine that!  It is hard, though, to keep from buying books. Purchasing an e-book isn't quite like choosing one for the cover, the deckle cut pages, or for decorative purposes.  But, since I still think a book is the best gift ever, I continue to get joy out of wandering through the bookstore.  And I can get away with buying books -- all I just have to say is, "It's a gift."  

A sweet friend, Susan, gave me a special book for my birthday.  It's the perfect book for those who blog.  I'm loving it.  50+ Favorite Bloggers, 50+ Favorite Recipes.  I promise you won't be sorry if you order it.  Part of its "specialness" is the fact that 100% of the proceeds go to the American Red Cross.

Books are a gift.  And while reading God's Word should be the first read of the day, God has helped writers to craft books filled with words to inspire, teach and guide us in our Christian walk.  We use our creativity with books on crafting, our culinary skills on cookbooks to shelter our family and others, and our "reading voice" on children's books to teach our children about life and God.  We shelter hurting friends with books of hope and ways to cope with pain.  Ask God to guide your printed page choice for those you want to bless.


Here are a few of my favorites coupled with an idea for gift giving.


For the child in your life:

Emilie Buchwald said, "Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." I still love picture books. This one will be released on the 30th of this month: The Barber Who Wanted to Pray. I've read many of Sprouls books and I can't wait to get my hands on this one, too.

This imaginative tale from R. C. Sproul, based on a true story, begins one evening with Mr. McFarland leading family devotions. When his daughter asks him how she should pray, Mr. McFarland shares a 500-year-old story about a barber and his famous customer.

Gift idea: Pair with Toy Shave Kit or a can of mild foam shaving cream for finger painting.


To Celebrate the Season:

A Pumpkin Prayer by Amy Parker

Colorful pumpkins, crunching leaves, crisp breezes-celebrate the abundance of the harvest season through charming illustrations and sweet rhymes that are perfect for young hearts.

Pair with pumpkin seeds.

Season of Thanksgiving: A Twenty-Five Day Celebration of Gratitude by Jeffrey C. Lilienthal  

Season of Thanksgiving is a 25-day interactive devotional book for families, couples, or singles with or without children. Each day contains a scripture reference, devotional vignette, discussion questions, optional children's activity, prayer, and action step. Season of Thanksgiving is designed to help individuals cultivate an attitude and lifestyle of thankfulness while deepening relationships with those both inside and outside the family.

Pair with a blooming mum or leaf cookie cutter set 


For the Craft-loving Friend

Embroidery with Ann Estelle & Friends by Mary Engelbreit

Use easy embroidery stitches on tea towels, a basket liner, and a baby blanket. Give extra depth to some of the designs--such as the tote bags and framed pieces--by adding appliques or colored markers. You'll also find instructions to sew two aprons and a curtain.

 Gift Idea: Pair with a handful of embroidery thread and a pack of embroidery needles.





For a Hurting Friend

One Year Book of Hope by Nancy Guthrie

Critically acclaimed author Nancy Guthrie offers insightful daily reflections based on the Word of God to comfort, encourage, and uplift those who are feeling the aches of life—whether it's because of everyday disappointments or deep losses. Through a year's worth of thoughtful entries, the reader will learn how much God longs to lift us up, carry us through in times of difficulty and uncertainty, and give us true, lasting joy.

 Gift Idea: Pair with Willow Tree -- Hope Figurine


For a Baker Friend

Cookies for Cancer by Gretchen Holt Witt

With experience, passion, heart, and great stories from bake sale hosts, this cookbook was created to inspire more bake sales as well as directly benefit this amazing charity. 100% of the author's proceeds and royalties will be donated to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for pediatric cancer research. The recipes include easy-to-prepare treats for cookies, brownies, bars, cupcakes, quick breads, and more. In addition, there are tips on starting your own bake sale and inspirational quotes and stories throughout the book. 

 Gift Idea: Pair with a bag of chocolate chips, dried cranberries or other ingredient needed for one of the recipes. Or, pair with a bright spatula or measuring spoons.


For Parents

The Hour the Matters Most: The Surprising Power of the Family Meal by Les and Leslie Parrott

An inspiring, practical book packed with everything you need to help you make the most of the dinnertime hour, The Hour That Matters Most includes

• never-before-published recipes 
• expert cooking tips and ideas 
• color photos of family-favorite meals 
• dozens of conversation starters to get your kids talking around the table 

Gift Idea: Pair with a spaghetti server or flower sack tea towel set

For a Friend Suffering with Chronic Pain

Coping with Chronic Illness by H. Norman Wright

Readers will benefit from realizing they are not alone even if others don’t understand what they are experiencing. They will also find

• helpful ideas for managing relationships with their doctors and their families
• insight into God’s perspective and caring for those who suffer
• practical ways to manage the stress, fear, and depression that often comes with chronic illness.

Gift Idea: Pair with a collapsible cup, pill box or make a rice bag.

* * * * *

Craft for a Book Loving Friend

How many times are you reading and want to jot down a quote? It happens to me. My sister shared this craft with me. It's quick and easy. 

                                                                                You need:

Scrapbook paper
Ribbon
Acrylic photo holder
Pen with clear barrel
Velcro
Sticky notes

1. Cut a piece of scrapbook paper the size of the frame.
2. Print a quote of your choice.
3. Glue the quote to the paper and slide in the frame.
4.Tie ribbon around the top.

5. Unscrew the top of the pen and slide a piece of paper inside.
6. Cut a velcro circle in half. Glue 1/2 on pen cap and 1/2 on frame.
7. Glue sticky notes to outside of frame.

Pair with 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics by Renovare 

There are books that should be shaping the church, our faith, and our engagement in the world. From timeless classics like The Imitation of Christ to unexpected selections like Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov and the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, 25 Books Every Christian Should Read provides historical background for each work and explains its importance for modern Christians, while including selected readings from every book to get you started.

Linked to:

Soli Deo Gloria 

Take a Look Tuesday

Get Your Craft On

Whatever Goes Wednesday

Is There Power in Prayer?

Our prayers lay the track down which God’s power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, his power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails. ~Watchman Nee

I'm teaching a senior adult class Sunday on the power of prayer.  Don't you love the Biblical story of Elijah praying fire down from Heaven?  Talk about powerful prayer!  The priests of Ba'al, nearly 1000 strong, prayed most of the day, begging their god to send fire from Heaven.  But a dead god cannot send fire and their sacrifice was unburned.  When it was Elijah's turn, he prayed only a few words to his God.  

O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be know this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Answer me, O Lord. Answer my water with your greater rains. Answer me, that this people may know that you are God.

The true God of the Heavens answered with fire.  It forked out of heaven in a direct route to the altar.  Why?  Because there is power in prayer.  Prayer to the true God.

Yes, I love this story.  But I'm such a practical person.  Sometimes I hate that.  I love to read about what God did -- but my heart keeps waiting for what He will do today. Can we have that same power in our prayers?

Let me tell you about Lorna's parents.  Lorna's brother was saved and was so enthralled with Jesus that he felt like the whole family should experience the blessing of salvation.  Her father was not interested. He was a farmer, and he worked in his fields on Sunday.  Unfortunately for the farmers, revivals usually happened right during fall harvest, and Lorna's dad had over 600 acres of crops to get in.  When James invited the family to attend revival, his father finally said he would go if...If...it rained (knowing full well that it would not, because there was no rain in the extended forecast). But James prayed, and on that first day of revival, it rained...and rained for ten days. There were three converts from James' family during that revival, and in Lorna's words, "Somehow, I never seem to mind the rain in the fall!"

Fast forward to Lorna and her husband, Ken's, first pastorate.  When they announced the end of their ministry, the treasurer decided to withhold several weeks' pay.  They had absolutely no food in the cupboards or the freezer.  Lorna's parents picked up the kids for the Easter weekend, just so they would not know how bad it was.  Praying for food, Ken and Lorna went home from church to a lunch of absolutely nothing.  They had snacked on ice cubes for dinner the night before and it looked as if that was about to happen again.  While seated at the table, they heard someone in the driveway.  When a horn tooted, Ken went out to investigate -- it was a lady from another church with an unopened canned ham.  "Our church has one too many," she told them.  They had ham on Easter after all.  Later that evening, Lorna felt compelled to check the back door of the church and there, nestled in the grass, was a five dollar bill.  Lorna told me, "Monday morning, I walked to the bread store and came home with a large sack of bread, buns and donuts for that five dollars.  We made that bread and ham last all week long, and it was the most delicious answer to prayer we ever had!"

Are you praising our God?  The ice cubes-turned-into-ham incident occurred several years ago.  Is there still power in prayer today?  More recently, Ken and Lorna's son began to have escalating problems with asthma.  A search for answers led to the discovery of mold in the walls of their home.  Without a choice they began looking for a new home. Did they pray? Oh yes.  And God directed them right to the perfect home -- not only for them, but for the horses they loved.  A big farmhouse kitchen, the bedrooms they needed and a small apartment in the back that would shelter many who needed a quiet retreat.  God didn't just provide
them a home -- He gave them a home designed for the whole family.

I'm so excited for Sunday to arrive.  So thrilled to retell Elijah's story.  And tears visit my eyes when I think of some of the "current" answers of powerful prayer I can share with the senior adults.  I hope I can encourage them to keep praying...there's still power in prayer.  Elijah's God is our God.  His miracles can be our miracles.  I intend to pray with Elijah, "Answer me, that this people may know that you are God."

Linked to:
Brag on God Friday

Thought Provoking Thursday

Thirsty for Comments Thursday

Thoughtful Thursday 

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Church Family Sheltering

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush

I am curious. Am I the only one who finds it cruel that the word “hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia” is defined as “the fear of long words”?  I trust you don’t suffer from “Xanthophobia:” The fear of the color yellow or the word yellow. At times I fear that I have acquired “Atychiphobia” (The fear of failure). “Can you really have a fear of a fear?” you may ask. Apparently so. Phobophobia. Thinking about this fear of failure brings me to the final phobia of my word study:  Scholionophobia. As I near a new chapter in my life, my fear of school intensifies with each day. September 6th I began my four year journey at Indiana Wesleyan University.

The weekend before my first day my precious church family held a party in my honor. Two special ladies decorated our educational facility in all things “IWU” and planned some of my favorite foods. I was overwhelmed with gratitude of the gift cards, personalized notebooks, coffee, mugs, book bags, money, and a very helpful-and-hilarious-mock “first-aid kit,” etc. -- all to help make my new experiences a smoother ride.

I don’t know if these wonderful people realize how much they sheltered me beyond their gifts, words of advice—both silly and wise, and pitch in dinner. For 10 years they have been preparing me for this time in my life. Day after day they lived their lives as Christ-like examples for me to follow and learn from. They have helped me grow in my relationship with my Heavenly Father by sheltering me with the love and guidance He illustrates to us. My prayer is that God will bless them for all the time invested in my life. Prayers were offered, smiles and hugs were shared at just the times I needed them most, and encouraging words were always ready to be whispered to me in hours of worry or discouragement.  When I consider all they have done for me, I am reminded of the lyrics: “Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am so glad you gave.”

* * * * *

College First Aid

WD40: To Loosen Brain Freeze
Chocolate: For extra dose of Vitamin C (chocolate)
Rope: For the times you need to tie a know at the end of a rope and HOLD ON!
Odor Stopping Insoles: For those classes that really stink
Balloons: For all the "hot air" blown around by those "windy" profs
Laffy Taffy: For when you just can't find anything to laugh about
Nuts and Bolts: When you feel like you're going Nuts and all you want to do is BOLT!
Large Clothespin: When you feel like your profs have hung you out to dry
Travel Toothbrush: When you are just scrapin' by, by the skin of your teeth
Fancy Toothpicks: Eyelid props for the "classy" Co-Ed
Acrylic Nails: For when you've worked your fingers to the bone
Sticky Tak: For the times you feel as if you're falling apart
Sandpaper: For when the goin' gets rough
Chill Tic Tacs: For when you need a breath of fresh air
Symphony Candy Bar: For when the iPod battery runs low
Ear Plugs: To filter "Dad-talk" on the 45 minute commute.

Linked to:

Spiritual Sunday