100 Things I'm Thankful For Today

These curious days have given new realizations of how kind God has been to us in the past, how kind He is to us now, and how kind He will be to us in the future.



Today, I'm thankful for:

1. The privilege of decades spent gathering together with other believers for Bible study, worship, preaching, and prayer.
2. Delivery people
3. Another 60 degree April day
4. Bread only requires 3 main ingredients to bake
5. Grocery store stockers, clerks, and management
6. The medical training that has equipped people to understand much about how the human body works
7. God put an atmosphere around Earth. That is so amazing, when you take a look at the rest of our solar system...
8. 4 boys, all playing happily (for certain periods of time)
9. Isaiah 41:10
10. Cinnamon rolls
11. Tree trimming before the tree fell down
12. Podcasts
13. Hand soap. (And an easy improvisation when none was available at the store...) 
14. The IT department
15. Our house and yard
16. The postal service
17. Chemotherapy
18. Waste management systems
19. Flushing toilets (whether or not you have toilet paper, this is a big win)
20. The Bible in my own language
21. Kind friends
22. 3-day weekends
23. Vegetable seeds
24. A cloud of witnesses, all bearing truth to God's faithfulness to His promises and urging us to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel
25. Strollers
26. Cell phones
27. Marco Polo
28. Zoom
29. Google Hangouts
30. Knowing how to type on a keyboard
31. Crews that fill potholes
32. A solid roof
33. Online giving
34. A working microwave
35. A working oven
36. A working refrigerator
37. A working freezer and a working chest freezer
38. A working washer
39. A working dryer
40. A working bread machine
41. A working blender
42. Online piano lessons
43. My camera, which takes pictures even though my phone doesn't
44. A very comfortable mattress
45. No back pain
46. No headache
47. No food pain
48. No abdominal pain
49. No nausea
50. No coughing
51. No fever
52. No broken bones
53. Homemade syrup
54. Knowing that people are praying for us and care for us even though we can't see them in person
55. The library system
56. Possibly being able to get new books from the library
57. Pharmacies and pharmacists
58. A vacuum
59. Brown sugar. You can do so many wonderful things with brown sugar...
60. Heart-stirring music
61. Romans 8
62. The promise of resurrected bodies one day
63. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
64. Chicken marinades
65. Pastor Jason's Kids Corner and Don't Lose Heart sessions
66. Our garage
67. That He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
68. The opportunity to pray for hurting people and places even on the other side of the world
69. All the epistles that Paul wrote from prison
70. Our very fun egg drop
71. Our small group
72. Our extended family
73. Our church
74. Our co-workers
75. Our neighbors, whom we have gotten to connect with a little bit more in this season
76. Safe streets to walk
77. The new heavens and the new earth, where we will dwell with God forever, if we are part of His people
78. Repentance and forgiveness for sin, because Jesus already paid for it
79. Fresh enabling to walk in God's ways, because He has put His own Spirit within us to give us new desires and new capacity for growth in Christ-likeness
80. Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also bring it to pass
81. The mind's ability to learn new things
82. People who are good at fixing things
83. Fresh fruit and vegetables
84. Canned fruit and vegetables
85. Long shelf-life foods like flour, rice, and oats
86. Butter. Butter can make at least as many delicious things as brown sugar, maybe more, and when combined with brown sugar, it is very wonderful.
87. Siblings
88. All the #JesusChangedMyLife videos
89. Charles Simeon Trust workshops
90. Green growing things
91. Lilacs
92. All the boys' clothes that don't have holes in them
93. Kleenex
94. Glasses
95. Family pictures
96. Being able to remember things (sometimes)
97. Excellent literature
98. Food blogs
99. The rhythm of work and rest that God built into the world
100. Jesus lived a perfect life; He willingly died on the cross, not for anything wrong that He did but in order to pay the price for our sin. He was buried. They sealed the tomb, but they could not hold Him. He is risen!

The Boundless Freedom of Being Led by the Spirit

To the untrained eye, life right now bears some similarities to house arrest. Do your emotions resonate? Do you feel trapped in your own walls, perhaps chaffing at the "cell mates" who are always right beside you? Or maybe there is no one else there with you, and the silence itself feels oppressive.

In Bible study, we've been marinating in Galatians 5 and 6, and the gospel gong that resounds here is "freedom."

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

But this morning, what landed on me in a fresh way was this:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

I've wondered in the past, why this curious phrasing? Why is Paul bringing up how no law restricts the Spirit, rather than pointing to the positive "filling up" of the law, like he does in other places:

The whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)

Or

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2)?

I can't give a full answer, but one aspect that struck me this morning is this:

No external constraints steal our freedom to walk in the Spirit.

Right now, our movements are limited, our employment may be terminated or paused, our in-person fellowship in the body of Christ isn't possible in the traditional format, and we aren't really sure when any of that will change.

But none of that restricts the boundless freedom we have of being led by the Spirit of God and bearing the beautiful, life-giving fruit of communion with Jesus.

Paul himself knew something of house arrest and chains.

As we look back on that long, painful experience in his life, we can see what God produced through it ... countless disciples of Christ, large and priceless portions of the Scripture, and an example for us to emulate in our own walk of faith.

And maybe we can envision how our walking in the Spirit in these days of physical constraint might be used by God for eternal fruit "beyond all we ask or imagine."

May He grant us eyes of faith to see our true freedom and express it in love to others, whether we can reach out and touch them personally or whether we are asking God Himself to do so.

6 Years Old!

6 years old!

 

5 years old

(4 year blue chair picture ???)

3 years old

2 1/2 years old

2 years old

18 months old

1 year old

11 months old

10 months old

9 months old

 8 months old

7 months old

6 months old

5 months old

4 months old

3 months old

2 months old

1 month old

2 weeks old

Dear Josiah,

Happy 6 years, my big fellow! 

This is a most remarkable and unusual time. We are in the midst of a "shelter at home" order as a certain virus (COVID-19) touches lives and affects nations around the entire globe. Our birthday party plans are paused for a later time, when we can again gather with folks who don't live in our house, but we are still thrilled and grateful to celebrate 6 years of life that God has given you in our family!

Your smile continues to be such a bright, beautiful gift! Yesterday, you and all your brothers were laughing and laughing about Victor's little mix-up... Everyone was coming in for supper, and he ran inside first. He waited at the door, ready to swing it open and holler "Happy Birthday!" when you entered next. But, unbeknownst to him, Elliot took the lead, and when he opened the door with his birthday greeting, it wasn't you! But you fully appreciated the hilarity!

You are a strong, physical boy. You love to run on all fours, jump on the trampoline, bounce, roll, wrestle, and skip. You are quite a bike-rider, sometimes with training wheels but sometimes without!

Animals are your favorite part of God's creation. All you boys love watching Wild Kratts, but you also read many animals books intently, and you have an ever-growing cache of knowledge about many intricate details of the animal kingdom. You also love pretending to be animals (or imaginary combinations of animals), complete with very authentic animal noises.

You are growing in your ability to faithfully work on a hard project. Whether it is reading lessons in school, helping to clean the family room, or doing laundry, I love to see you taking God's help to persevere and overcome a challenge. May the Lord continue to give you courage and endurance to do what He gives you to do!

Although you are sometimes quiet and enjoy doing things on your own, you are also a good and kind friend. I notice that God has helped you be sensitive to what other people like to do, generous with toys or ideas, and gentle with those who are smaller than you. Those are wonderful qualities like Jesus!

You have a thoughtful mind and often put together thoughts and ideas from sermons at church or Bible stories. Normally each morning you and Victor will sit with Daddy on the couch, reading your own Bible story books while he reads his Bible. I pray that you continue a pattern of seeking God in the Word and in prayer each day of your life!

In our new homeschool co-op at CC, I've gotten to be the tutor in your class, and I love to see how you have grown in sharing interesting presentations each week with confidence, exploring different science experiments, and learning tons of other things! Science is one of your favorite subjects, and I pray your inquisitive mind continues to study God's astounding creation to see His handiwork and design in the years ahead.

These strange and challenging days are also giving us more opportunities to pray together, and I love to hear how you are thinking and bringing cares to God in prayer. Always remember that the circumstances of life, from tiny viruses to huge decisions, are utterly in God's hands, and He has a good purpose and design. He has already proved His love for us in the greatest possible way--by giving His own Son Jesus to cover over our sins so that we may be with Him forever! He will not fail to work for good in whatever else He brings into our story.

I am studying in Galatians now, and this verse has been like a defining vision for these days:

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. (Galatians 5:6)

To say that another way, when we trust in Jesus as our only hope for salvation, we are set free from trying to work hard (and always failing) to earn God's approval by what we do. Instead we have a secure identity as sons and heirs in God's family, and our new call is to express our faith in serving others through love. What we could never do on our own strength, God now provides from the inside out, by the gift of the Helper, His Holy Spirit, so that we actually can grow in Christ-likeness and love!

I pray that you find your security always in what Jesus did on your behalf, by dying on the cross for you, and that your great joy is walking in His Spirit and bearing the fruit of love each day.

You are my favorite 6-year-old, and I love you so much!

Momma

Josiah (3.30.20) 6 years old

1.       What is your favorite color? black

2.       What is your favorite toy? My dinosaur that I got from Grammy

3.       What is your favorite fruit? Crunchy apples

4.       What is your favorite video to watch? Wild Kratts

5.       What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Mom’s grilled cheese

6.       What is your favorite thing to wear? My birthday clothes that I got

7.       What is your favorite game? Outfoxed

8.       What is your favorite snack? Popcorn

9.       What is your favorite animal? horse

10.   What is your favorite song? Away in a Manger

11.   What is your favorite verse? Genesis 1:1

12.   What is your favorite book? The new dragon book I got

13.   Who is your best friend? Benaiah

14.   What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play animals

15.   What is your favorite drink? Root beer

16.   What do you like to sleep with at night? Bunny

17.   What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Eggs and bacon

18.   What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Mom’s pizza

19.   What do you want to be when you grow up? An animal scientist

20.   What was one of your favorite things that you did this year? Go to the zoo

21.   Where is your favorite place to go? To the zoo

Love by Listening and Learning

If you are like me, you are facing this Monday with a very perspective than last Monday.

COVID-19 has prompted calls for action that I have not previously experienced. We are walking a path we haven't walked before.

That said, here are two ideas that have been growing in my mind for what it looks like to "let all you do be done in love" in the midst of COVID-19.

First, listen to others.

My ideas of what this virus means have been changing. My personal risk (and my family's) is not high. But when I have heard the hearts of those who are in an extremely vulnerable position ... or are caring for those who are, my perspective on what it means to act in love have changed.

It has helped me ask this kind of question: "If I were the one caring for a child on immuno-suppression medication, how much would I want others to act with conservative, protective, proactive care within the community?"

Listening is also a way of caring for others in a season where some people are facing loneliness like never before. Asking for neighbors to reach out if they needed help or prayers has already created connections and shared stories that I didn't have before.

Second, be a learner.

Since much of what we are experiencing is new (new virus, new pandemic experience, new implications being realized each day), have the posture of a learner.

I'm not commending that you race to read all the panic-inducing updates on the spread of the virus.

Rather, listen to counsel. If your medical provider or government officials make a request or recommendation, take it to heart. If you see how your actions could be changed to be more protective of the vulnerable, make a change. Find trusted resources for wise action, and do not look out only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.

There are some heart-breaking stories of the dramatic and widespread consequences of just a single person failing to heed advice. This is a time for humble hearts. Let's be good learners.

1 Corinthians 16:14 calls us to "let all you do be done in love." May the Lord grant us that grace.

Meals with What You Have

Like many others, I am trying to serve others by sticking close to home these days. It is amazing to realize how many times I run to the store in a week!

In hopes of minimizing my own trips to the store, I'm brainstorming a list of easy, flexible meals that work with what you have on hand.

In case it's helpful:

• One of my favorite sites has a "Fridge Forage" post. Excellent ideas! 
• Scrambled eggs (or fried eggs, for half my family)
• French toast
• Simplest version: any kind of sliced bread, dip in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk (with cinnamon and vanilla is best). Grill until golden, flip and finish on the other side. Top as desired.
• PB&J
• Ever a classic (Try grilling it for a gooey twist. Or sub honey for jelly.)
• Pizza tortillas 
• Simplest version: tortillas with cheese and pepperoni ... if desired, add marinara sauce, other veggies/pizza toppings. Microwave or heat in a skillet.
• Ants on a log
• Simplest version: Celery with peanut butter  ... sub any other veggies, hummus, other nut butter or substitutes, make your own peanut butter, add raisins or craisins
• Yogurt (try homemade) 
• Soup
• Simplest version: saute carrots, onion, celery, and garlic (or whatever you have) in a little oil, add water and bouillon, any meats, veggies, pastas, rice, beans, etc. Tasty with 1 teaspoon oregano and basil.
• Supper on a slice
• Simplest version: slice a loaf of French bread in half, top with 1-1.5 pounds ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, etc). Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Top with shredded cheese and bake 5 min more. (Slightly dressed up version.) 
• Quesadillas
• Simplest version: tortillas with any kind of meat and cheese inside. Make them crispy in the oven with this recipe.  
• Fried rice
• Simplest: use cooked, cooled rice and add frozen veggies, meat, a bit of soy sauce, garlic powder ... if desired, add ginger, scramble in an egg, etc
• Stromboli
• Simplest version, make a simple pizza dough, fold it around meat and cheese. (Like this.)
• Beans and rice
• Try something like this. 
• Rice and Cheese Souffle
• Surprisingly easy, filling, and good. 
• Smoothies
• Simplest version: frozen bananas (or other fruit) with milk, juice, water, etc.
• If the only fruit you have is bananas, this or this is still really delicious.
• Pasta
• Simplest version: cook noodles per box. 
• Toppings: marinara sauce, olive oil or butter and garlic powder with Parmesan cheese, add meats, veggies, cheeses.

The Really Big Problem ... and the Greatest Rescue

There is a big story unfolding in these days, and we don't know all the chapters it will bring. But for all the seriousness and impact of COVID-19, a far greater story of peril, sacrificial love, and rescue surrounds it:

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die--but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

The problem: We are ungodly (all of us) and under a penalty of eternal death.

The risk: Not just unknown danger or potential hazards, but certain death on the part of the rescuer.

The motive: Love. Not our kind of love that settles on those who are lovable or already part of our people. This is love for the ugly, the enemy, the ones who have created the problem for themselves.

The rescue: God himself sent his own Son Jesus. He lived perfectly, keeping the standards that all of us have broken. He gave his life as a substitute payment for what we owe.

The offer: Receive him. Give up your way of trying to produce your own worth before God. Look only to Jesus for your perfect righteousness, your fully paid debt, and the resources to live in God's ways by God's own strength and Spirit.

It's an awesome story. Let's not forget it, no matter what unexpected twists come our way.

Faith Working Through Love ... and the Coronavirus

When a life of faith intersects with a big problem, like the coronavirus, what do we do?
Pray.
And what should we pray?
That God would just take it away?



If God can do far more abundantly beyond all we ask or imagine, I think He can do more than that.

So please, join me in praying, and may this list stir up your own heart for faith in ways that God might shine His grace in the midst of human struggle:

• Lord, may all your people be free of fear. Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
• Please give such an anchor of hope in the souls of your people that those around them would ask why they aren't panicking and freaking out like everyone else. But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. 1 Peter 3:15
• Grant for the physical protection and provision of our families. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
• Help us to look out for the needs of our neighbors, our co-workers, our brothers and sisters in Christ, those who are the most vulnerable, and anyone You may bring to our path. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:4-5
• Please let the hope of Jesus be shared with people who have no hope. May the gospel spread in this country and all around the world, as people find themselves aware of their neediness. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
• Lord, would You awaken hearts to receive Christ through faith; would You grant whole neighborhoods, cities, even nations to find new life in Jesus. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved). Ephesians 2:4-5
• Please stir your people to great generosity and freedom to love and serve others as a picture of Your free, joyful love to us. Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14, And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed. 2 Corinthians 9:8
• In Your mercy, please grant healing to those who are sick and wisdom to everyone who is making hard decisions. Would You show Your perfect provision, guidance, and support for each need. Therefore, humble yourselves under the might hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
•  Lord, give me greater faith, greater love, greater ability to reflect the beauty of Your Son, Jesus. Even today, may I point others to You. To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12