In the Morning Mercies

The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes were the colors streaking over the trees. The painted sky shows through the branches. Just last week the amber leaves fell, opening the confines of our yard and stretching out the view into the surrounding mountains.

I shifted toward the french doors to soak in the beauty of a new day. Mindful not to wake my husband I took in the moment of quiet thoughts letting them settle into my soul. This life, this simple life that I lead is just a series of little lives stacked up day on day on day. Some accomplishments are in the series, some are in the moments.

A sunrise is a moment. It's so easy to think that there will always be another sunrise but none will ever be the same. Even in the few short moments it took for me to grab my camera, the sun had shifted through different clouds changing the lights, the colors and brush strokes in the masterpiece.

As a writer, I find myself trying to formulate my moments into thoughts. I wait for those who will be awake with me to see the wonder of a new day. It's a challenge but some times the moment is my own. It is meant to be captured in my own heart, in my own mind as God whispers into my soul. He says, "Today is a new day all its own. Drink it up. Be refreshed, cleansed and renewed in my love".

Then He spoke this, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22,23 ESV)

We don't have to go looking for His mercies. He brings compassion every day. He is faithful to carry us through every difficult, painful as well as unspeakable circumstance we will ever face. His love never ceases to bring grace into our lives.

My prayer is that I'll remember to quietly wake to see it and thank Him daily.

Always,

Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Days 15 to 19 - Beautiful Busy Week

Day 15 ~ The Coffee Guy arrived home from his conference. He immediately began helping me pack for my trip the next morning. We chattered on about all of the amazing things God showed him. I am thankful he made it home safe.

Day 16 ~ After months of planning I rented a car and headed north towards Seattle and stayed with friends who always have room no matter what is going on in their lives. I was greeted by my friend's son who was packing to move with his wife and two kidlets to Arizona for a seasonal job. As usual, we stayed up late talking even though I had big plans for the next day.

I am thankful for the love and hospitality of friends.


Day 17 ~ Gina from Texas showed up and we drove north to meet some amazing women. These saints not only support their husbands in ministry but they all have beautiful gifts of service that they bless the world with every day.

We stopped at a delightful tea room where we took an hour or two to get to know each other in person. From there we went to the home of our sweet hostess Jada. She cooked authentic Cajun food as we took part in a video chat with friends from around the world.

The sad note of the day was the absence of our dear Sarah. She arranged this whole meeting but true to her character, stayed home to bless her ailing husband. She chose him and as she often does, she chose well but we missed her greatly.

I am thankful for the soul rest given by sharing your burdens with others.

Day 18 ~ We woke in the morning to the smell of good coffee. As we soaked in the slow morning, we gathered around bowls of fresh oatmeal piled with nuts and berries. Each of us drew in more beauty of each woman whose wisdom and strength are drawn from the same grace giving source.
Gina and I hugged our friends as we left for our adventure in Seattle.

We made our way to Pikes Place Market for a Sunday stroll. After lunch at Elephant & Castle (an English pub style restaurant) to pay homage to G's British husband, we walked back to the market to pick up some flowers, coffee and a few more snapshots.

That afternoon we parted company. I settled back in at my friend's quiet home as Gina made her way back to her sister's to prepare for her early morning flight the next day.

That night my friend and I watched a tearjerker movie as we sunk into her inviting couch. Again we stayed up late talking, listening and blessing the night with God's gift of lasting friendship.
I am thankful for stepping out of the everyday to find treasures in other corners of the world.

Day 19 ~ It was time to head home. After a delectable breakfast I bid my friend farewell, programmed Nigel (the British voice on my GPS) to make my way toward the interstate.
The six hour drive turned into eight through the driving rain that followed me the entire way. I pulled over to have lunch and relax a little before finishing the drive home. I listened to a couple of Mary DeMuth interviews to find encouragement as well.
Dinner was waiting with a lovely table setting. Sitting across from my husband was the most delightful moment of the day. He listened to my chattering as I unfolded the excitement of the weekend for him to share with me. He told me of his "daddy-daughter date night" that turned into a deep discussion with Ray about life, faith and love. My heart soared.

I am thankful for safety, provision and the gifts that my Creator pours into my soul.

I intend had hoped to catch up days 20 to 28 soon. Although I haven't posted everyday, I have been thankful every moment.

Always,


Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Day 14 - A Daily Savior

As a follower of Christ I firmly believe He came to give me salvation. I have no doubt about my eternal security and I am so very grateful.

Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Mark 10:10

That is what I am thankful for today. The full life He gives me daily. The intimacy in His Word that carries me when I doubt my worth. The joy in abiding in His love is made even richer when I remember what He has freed me from. The personal prison I once lived in is torn down and I am released to live a full life. He created me for a relationship with Him and when I seek that fully, I am content and my life is truly abundant. He saves me every day.

Always,


Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Day 13 - Days Like These

This isn't what I would call a bad day. It just isn't going as planned. I remember so many times thinking that in itself made it bad.

My perspective is changing. What use to strip my gears doesn't make as much of an impact as it did in the past. For this I am glad.

My daughter's car wouldn't start this morning so I took on the duties of getting her little sister ready for school. She texted me and thanked me for still loving her. In other words, "Thank you for not getting mad Mom." I'm sad that she expected me to be upset. I'm thankful that I didn't.

My coffee is sitting here, lukewarm and not as good as The Coffee Guy makes. (You didn't think his nickname was random did you?) He is out of town for a few days and I leave the morning after he gets back. I usually get it delivered to my bed so I can slowly wake up. Today it was reheated in the microwave.

So today I realized something, I have more strength than I know. I have been given the gift of knowing what I need instead of just what I want. This gift has made me even more grateful for getting needs met instead of expecting them. Philippians 4:19 tells me, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." 

Today I am learning more about what I need vs what I want Right now, I have everything I need. For that I am so very grateful.

Always,


Hope

PS Please visit my friend Tiffany here. She is a young mom whose dad has been battling cancer for the past three years. The end of his life on earth is in sight. She has temporarily moved back to our area with her four children to be with her parents at this time. She is a brilliant writer and thoughtful young woman. Today she shares why this is grateful for "this".

Thankfulness Journal - Day 12 - Laughter

This little girl doesn't speak but she laughs

She laughs a lot

Some people talk to much but don't laugh enough

Not this girl

Some would think that she has less to smile about

She smiles anyway

Last week she was very ill

The morning after she got sick I went in to check on her

I leaned into her bed, she looked up at me

Feverish, dehydrated, low energy

Laughing

Right now she is sitting in her rocking chair

Laughing

I am thankful for the gift of laughter and joy

Always,

Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Days 10 & 11 - Rest

The past two days have been set aside for rest. Yesterday I attended a one day Cleansing Stream retreat. This morning we attended church by way of the internet because The Princess wasn't 100% yet.
Since we are in the ministry, it was rest because we could just sit here on our comfy couch, worship and pray from here.
Next week, I will be joining some of my imaginary pastor wife friends for a long awaited meeting. We will be having a form of church on those days as well.

I love church

I love how God calls me to rest

I am thankful that He meets me right here

My friend Tiffany wrote this beautiful post on Sundays. You really should go by and read her beautiful words. She is walking in a dark valley of her life. You will find her writings raw and inspiring. You will find yourself thankful too.

Always,

Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Day 9 - The Gift of Prayer

The Princess fell ill yesterday after her school was closed for a possible Noro-virus outbreak. We rushed to the ER and texted friends when we got to the room. We posted on Facebook to other friends as well. We gave a quick synopsis and asked for prayer. Texts and messages flooded in showing support. It is a precious feeling to know that precious friends are taking your needs before the Creator of the Universe.

My own times of prayer feed my soul. It settles my heart to know I have a Savior who listens and takes my requests to the God of love. As my loving Father, He answers my petitions by giving me what is going to bless me the most. He knows the path that will cause me to grow closer to Him. I don't always understand but I trust His heart.

Always,


Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Day 8 - The Gift Of Adoption

Romans 8:15 "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"

Last year I wrote about "Gotcha Day". 

Thirteen years ago today, after several years of waiting, this beautiful girl was placed in our arms and burrowed herself into our hearts. She has brought this home the kind of joy that can only come from trusting an eternal Savior.

Photo Courtesy: Limelight Images

Very little has been easy but it has been worth every minute. It has given us a picture of our Father God's heart. The way He acts on our behalf. Takes care of every need. It isn't His will that we suffer but He knows that our health and maturity depends on it.

We didn't set out to adopt a child with special needs. No one who gives birth looks to have a child with a disability but we all love our children just the same. We fight for their care, we look our for their needs and we long to know what is going on inside of their minds.

Our God wants that for us. He wants to bless us with His presence. Trusting Him with our thoughts draws us closer to Him in faith. 

We love our Princess. She has brought maturity and faith into our lives. We have naturally drawn closer to our God. The Coffee Guy says "I know Jesus hears us when she is around!"

With her arrival has been laughter and tears but always,



Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Day 7 - God's Presence in My Life

Photo Credit: A Shared Lens 

Orange County California was an exciting place to grow up during the late 60s and early 70's. Everything around us was changing, even the way we did church.

I experienced firsthand the beginning of the Jesus movement. My parents were involved with teen ministry which meant I had the privilege of seeing it all up close. I grew up singing the songs that changed "church music". As a teen we would drive to Saturday night Maranatha concerts in Costa Mesa. Several years later my new husband and I attended both Downey and the original Calvary Chapel. We spent our first eighteen years of marriage attending or affiliated with them in some way or another. We even planted a church in a small community just east of here around 2001.

Pastor Chuck Smith and his wife Kay were well known for being committed to teaching God's Word. What helped it grow is that they loved people where they were at. In my early days of church it was unheard of for women to wear pants to church and men wearing jeans was just as frowned upon. Attending church down the freeway from Costa Mesa, it didn't take long for the influence to reach us. Eventually it led to women wearing pants in the evening services and in the hot summer you might even see some wearing shorts. Church gatherings became less about the clothing and more about making disciples.

When the new building in Costa Mesa opened, a few elders in the church became concerned about the carpet. This "all are welcome" approach brought scores of young people in from the streets, many barefoot which meant the carpet became filthy. Pastor Chuck came in one day to find a box of flip flops one of the elders had purchased by the door in the sanctuary to make sure that no one got the carpets dirty. Chuck was heard saying that he would yank up the carpets before he would tell people what to wear to church. As the story goes, the box of shoes disappeared before the next service started.

The popularity of the Christian faith, at that time in our history wasn't about telling people how to act.  Politics played no role in fact, it was about bringing a Savior to a hungry world. The message that changed lives spoke into brokenness and brought healing focused on the heart of a person. It brought hope to a world filled with turmoil, war and uncertainties. Hope didn't come from showing people where they were wrong. It grew out of leading people to what was good and pure and right.

I'm thankful for God's presence in my life every day. When our nation is divided, I find comfort in Him. When the storms rage around me, the Holy Spirit whisper to my heart, "Peace, be still".

Where do you go to experience God's presence in your life? Have you found a way to experience peace in the storm?

Always,

Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Day 6 - Technology

Recently I made mention that I wish I had more voice recordings of Ray when she was little. She had the sweetest Minnie Mouse voice.

Late last week I received a DVD in the mail from Daddio. He kept asking me to watch it and last night I finally popped it in to watch. Here is an excerpt:

In an earlier clip on this video you can see the case that held the Channel 2 News size video camera. We really have come so far.

This is a priceless memory for us. It isn't a birthday or holiday, it is an "in between" day.

I miss those days.

Always,


Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Day 5 - Do Overs

Lamentations:3

22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

Yesterday was a good day. It was just so very busy with church, serving lunch for a small army and then an evening prayer service for The Coffee Guy. Since Sunday nights means Once Upon A Time, it ended on a good note.

When I was a teenager I would spend several hours a day at the beach. I'd lay on a towel covering the sand while slathered with baby oil. One of favorite parts of those days was how I felt after a shower. Something about it made me feel brand new. I was always tired from the sun but refreshed, ready to take on the evening.

Sleeping does that to me now. All the grit and oil washed off, ready to feel fresh and start over. Anything that didn't go so well the day before is gone. It's a do over. I love do overs.

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow

is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” 

― L.M. Montgomery

Always,

Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Day 4 - Boring Stuff and In Betweens

Sitting on the couch last night, I leaned over and squeezed my beloved's hand. As he glanced my way I told him, "I like the in betweens." He smiled back "The in betweens?" he asked. "Yes, the times when we aren't doing anything but being with each other. The times where we aren't busy or doing something exciting...the in betweens."

It is so easy to get caught up in the doing of life that we forget the being. Our calendars are filled with events, meetings, school plays, sports, weddings, birthday parties and church. So often we wait until we are too tired to do anything else before taking the time to let God speak to our soul. Life gets so loud that we no longer hear the heart whispers of our Creator or those we love. We cram our lives so full that there is very little time for the "in betweens".

In the Disney movie UP! Mr. Fredrickson and Russell are in the rain forest after riding in a house lifted by thousands of colorful balloons. Listing the simple things the young boy had done with his father before he left, Russell says:

"That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff

is the stuff I remember the most."

Me too Russell, me too.

Always,

Hope

Thankfulness Journal - Day 2 - The Gift of Getting Lost

Just a few years after we moved from Southern California to our lovely rural town, I was asked if I wanted to drive to a city about an hour north of here to do some shopping. Accepting the invitation I offered to drive exclaiming "I've been lost there before!" Noting the fear on my friend's face I went on to explain. Since I've been lost there a few times, I now know my way around much better.

Those moments where my soul ached to find a way out of pain, confusion and loneliness in life are no different. Getting lost has taught me to navigate better through storms, one way streets and detours. It's also opened my eyes to things I wouldn't have seen if I had stayed on the mapped paths. His Word tells me, if I delight myself in Him, He will direct my paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Just like winding my ways through a once unfamiliar town, navigating through life is just as much about overcoming loss as it is being protected from it. None of us walk into anything hoping to be lost but once we are, isn't it nice to know there is someone who wants to help us find our way out?

I still get lost but am so very grateful for the lessons I learn when I allow Him to teach me on my way to being found.

Always,


Hope

Thankfulness Journal-Day 1-Love That Surrounds Me

I'm joining with others to post what I'm thankful for every day this month. Please join me in celebrating the gifts, blessings and beauty of this grace filled life.

While sitting here this afternoon, taking in the day and all that means, I heard something beautiful through the monitor from my youngest daughter's room. I heard the voice of love.

The Princess can take a great deal of care throughout the day. In order to avoid burnout she has been appointed an "In Home Support" worker. Ours is set up to come in twice a day. In the morning she arrives early, changes her diapers (sometimes sheets), sets up her feeding pump, cleans her and gets her ready for school. This includes brushing hair and teeth which at times is a bit like combat with flailing legs or arms to dodge.

In the afternoon, our support workers get her off the bus, set up her pump for afternoon feedings, wash laundry and tidy the work station. They usually put on a movie for her as well. Sometimes they fit a bath in and get her ready for bed.

The attendant of the day happens to be her big sister. Her amazing sister who went off, got married and doesn't live her anymore comes everyday and loves on her. I get to listen in on their conversations. To the casual observer they may be one sided but Ray understands her sister. Like what I hear about many sisters, they understand each other in ways that others won't.

So the happy "How was your day?" and "Oh my goodness, what are you doing with that on?" and the giggles that follow, fills me heart and brings me joy.

Most of all today, it makes me grateful for the unconventional way that God built our family. He took years of infertility, hospital stays, broken adoptions, typical parenting heartaches and has given us beauty in His own miraculous way. He has used every twist and turn to mold, shape and show us how much He adores us.

Always,


Hope

PS In this middle of this writing i heard a voice call up the stairs: "Mom, take a break. We want to show you something." She had pulled up YouTube on the television and they were watching one of our favorite shows, World of Color from Disneyland. Ray had promised her sister she could watch it when she was done with her after school feeding. I was happy to join them!