April 2, 2012: The Gift of Fortitude

3 gifts white:

• onions and garbanzo beans in the soup I made for dinner.  A new recipe I tried for Tuscan Vegetable Soup.  Chock-full of veggies of all colors, we rated it a 10.
• two little ceramic rabbits from my Grandma that I've had for many years.
• beautiful blossoms on our apple tree.  My husband cut most of the tree down but didn't quite finish the job yet.  That little stump of a tree blossomed anyway.  I guess it didn't know that it's destined for the trash heap. That's fortitude, beauty from ashes.

March 6, 2012: The Gift of Hope

a gift bent, a gift broken, a gift beautiful:

• God's ear to hear me when I pray.  I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.  Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. Psalm 17:6-7a
• the separation caused by sin. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. Ephesians 2:13-14
  
• the weather today.  Sunshine and warm temps. The hope of spring. 

February 26, 2012: Reflections of Love

3 gifts reflected:

• This bird loudly singing God's praises today reflected the Creator's glory and brought me joy.
• The vibrant beauty of flowers reflect God's love for us.  As I admired a bush covered with brilliantly colored fuchsia flowers, I thought about how God created so much beauty in the world, much of it with no other purpose than our enjoyment. 
• My husband's support of the ministry and volunteer work I love reflects his heart. He could pressure me to get a full-time job, but he values me and the passions God has given me.   As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19

January 30, 2012: He Makes All Things New

3 old things seen new:

• a friendship.  I had dinner with my dear friend Brenda tonight (actually I have 2 dear friends named Brenda).   She was one of my first friends at church, a gift from God when I really needed one.   An old friendship is made new again whenever we spend time together. She knows my heart and loves me anyway.
• the old old story.  I couldn't sleep last night and after laying in bed for a couple of hours, finally got up to read.  I finished in one hour a little book called "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger" (David Gregory) about a man who receives a dinner invitation from Jesus, the Gospel fresh and new.  It's a simple story, but it answers so many of the questions and doubts that many of us have.  He invites you too and has already picked up the tab!
• my Grandma's depression glass.  She was a farmer's wife and didn't own many fancy things, but I love this pink glassware that now has new life in my home.