Lisa Notes: 1000 Gifts

Showing posts with label 1000 Gifts. Show all posts

Chosen to be loved—1,000 times over

How do you learn to love yourself more?
Maybe by learning how much somebody else loves you. . . .

I’ve been on this count-up—from 0 to 1,000—for awhile. Jot down three blessings from God a few days a week, no duplications, when I remember, and as time allows.

Sometimes big things (mission trips, anniversaries, tornadoes), but mainly small. Just ordinary things, in unexpected places, one situation at a time. Things that might go unnoticed otherwise.

But reminders that, yes, somebody besides me is loving me daily. More intricately than I can. More wisely than I can. More faithfully than I can.

When I arrived at blessing # 995 last week, I got nervous. Shouldn’t these final blessings count big? Important ones to tip me over to 1,000?

Instead, I just saw more little things. Like,

fresh blooms in the house (# 996)
a new box of hope for spring planting (# 997)
tickets for laughter at a comedy show (# 998)

But then came blessing # 1,000 . . .

finishing the count EXACTLY two years to the DAY that I started

Significant? Maybe not in the grand scheme of things. Not to anybody else.

But to me? It’s too coincidental not to count it as another gift from God. A final touch of whimsy, an exclamation point at the end to make me smile.

And to remind me how much I’m loved even in the details. All the way to 1,000.

Maybe these simple blessings are the ones that add up the most after all.

Yes, the Lord continues to give me big graces along the way, too, but he gives me little graces every day. Every single day.

I learn from that. Not that I’m so intrinsically lovable, but that he chooses to love me anyway. Over and over and over. That counts for a lot in my book.

* * *

Do you count blessings, too? What’s one you’ve received today?

More blessings to 1,000

When you look for gifts

Continuing my search for His gifts, and finding them...

3 ways you feel God’s love
   # 523 in a treasured hand-written letter from a precious sister in Christ
   # 524 being placed in Romans 8 early so I’d be firmly entrenched now
   # 525 each Run to Him chapter of the week being just the psalm I need!

3 gifts that were Plan B’s
   # 526 visiting a new church
   # 527 staying later at Jenna’s dance competition and unexpectedly getting to watch the teachers dance
   # 528 arriving in time for small group study when we didn’t think we could

3 gifts white
   # 529 my threadbare white turtleneck that still keeps me warm at home
   # 530 my Kindle cord for the access to info it brings me
   # 531 my El Salvador notebook that is keeping me organized

3 gifts that changed today
   # 532 the weather—started out cold but rose to the 60s
   # 533 instead of 5:30 singing (which I miss terribly!), getting to go to Selwyn’s class (which I loved tremendously!)
   # 534 switching Bibles for awhile to the Spanish/English Bible I just bought, “Dios Llega Al Hombre”

A gift nearly worn out; a gift new; a gift made-do
   # 535 Jeff still loving me even though I’m wearing him out with my emotions
   # 536 Romans 8 first-letter strips for my block in the teen room
   # 537 Jenna finding a perfect “new” dress for her formal at the thrift store for $6

3 gifts seen as reflections
   # 538 hearing enthusiasm from the teen girls reflect about their weekend retreat and the twelve spiritual disciplines
   # 539 seeing the love of Christ reflected through praise songs at The Light
   # 540 hearing Jeff read our wedding vows again from the copy he keeps in his wallet

* * *

Tomorrow, will you look for 3 gifts from the past—that help you trust the future?

Counting more blessings in triplet

FEBRUARY 6, Monday
3 gifts found outside
     # 502 buttercups blooming by the garage
     # 503 breaths full of crisp air as I walk out of the grocery store
     # 504 Kandie’s excitement every time she sees me, ready to sit still for petting as long as I will

FEBRUARY 7, Tuesday
3 gifts red
     # 505 marinara dipping sauce at Donato’s for my pepperoni stromboli
     # 506 red pillow on my bed that props up my books when I read
     # 507 my “Breathe” water bottle I keep in the bathroom

FEBRUARY 8, Wednesday
A gift broken; a gift fixed; a gift thrifted
     # 508 my church
     # 509 a quick-fix with a safety pin when a button popped off my shirt on the way to church
     # 510 hearing that The Saving Way’s blog was going live today (even though I couldn’t find it)

FEBRUARY 9, Thursday
Gifts that were surprises—unexpected grace!
     # 511 an understanding tone in a phone call I had been dreading
     # 512 being the unintended recipient of an e-mail that made me smile
     # 513 Jeff bringing home a pizza after I’d already eaten supper, but eating a piece anyway

FEBRUARY 10, Friday
3 times I heard laughter today
     # 514 me when I read about Carrie having to mix her pancake batter by hand—really—with her hand!
     # 515 Jenna and I as we read Patrick Mead’s tweets
     # 516 Jeff and I in bed laughing about The Love Boat (I loved it in my teens) and shows I never understood (Fantasy Island, Hogan’s Heroes)

FEBRUARY 11, Saturday
3 gifts found in working
     # 517 even though we can get on each other’s nerves, getting a lot accomplished when Jenna and I work on a project together; today, helping set up Liz’s kitchen from her move
     # 518 camaraderie of being in a house with multiple people to help one single mom and her kids
     # 519 satisfaction from at least making a small dent in a large task

FEBRUARY 12, Sunday
3 hard eucharisteos
     # 520 even though my family and I drove separately to church, I got to listen/sing to my favorite song 5 times in a row in the car without bothering anybody
     # 521 even though I wasn’t with my regular church family, I was super blessed to find God planting a message and prayer for me at another church
     # 522   even though the whole situation grieves me deeply, I appreciated that someone came to my house to personally explain and apologize for the way things quickly got messy

* * *

Want to count your own 3 gifts a day?
Ann suggests you look for these this week:

February 13, Monday: 3 gifts found behind a door today
February 14, Tuesday: 3 ways you feel the love of God
February 15, Wednesday: a gift in losing something, in finding something, in making something
February 16, Thursday: 3 gifts in shadows
February 17, Friday: 3 gifts found giving/serving
February 18, Saturday: 3 gifts on paper
February 19, Sunday: 3 gifts that were Plan B’s

Dare to find joy in February

It’s a shame, but sometimes counting your blessings can become mechanical. Family, health, home, etc.

A fresh approach to capturing three gifts a day in February is here: February’s Joy Dare. It takes the routine out of the numbering. (Thank you, Ann.)

I sought God in these ways. I found Him in many places.

He’s a delight to have along for a scavenger hunt. Come play with Him!

Continuing my count to 1,000 of gifts of grace...

FEBRUARY 1, Wednesday
Gifts at 11:30 a.m.; 2:30 p.m.; 6:30 p.m.
     # 487 Skyping with my niece Danielle in NY about matters great and small—important to us, to God
     # 488 ideas for a Salvadorian VBS popping into my head as I blow dry my hair
     # 489 finishing an hour of praise with my spiritual siblings

FEBRUARY 2, Thursday
Things overheard, all gifts
     #490 laughter between Jenna and Becca as they come home from Student Council
     #491 polite but authoritative talk from Jeff to a co-worker while I’m on on the phone waiting for him to finish
     #492 sweet interchanges between the post office worker and the lady in front of me, despite miscommunication over her stamps

FEBRUARY 3, Friday
Gifts found in writing
     #493 clarifying my thoughts about God as my shelter
     #494 preaching to myself as I word comments to others
     #495 community of replies leaving a trail for later

FEBRUARY 4, Saturday
Blessings when bent down
     #496 rubbing on my very favorite foot lotion to keep my barefooted heels soft
     #497 bending over my sick daughter in bed to put a cold washcloth on her forehead
     #498 unzipping my boots at the end of the day—freedom

FEBRUARY 5, Sunday
One gift stitched; one woven; one hammered
     #499 waking up on soft sheets at the Embassy Suites after a refreshing night of sleep (praise God!)
     #500 staying toasty on the ride home from Montgomery under my Amazing Grace blanket, a gift from Daddy’s funeral almost two years ago
     #501 propping my feet up on my new wooden foot stool from Jeff, watching the Giants win the Super Bowl (I hope—go Eli! Gotta stay true to my Ole Miss roots)

* * *

Care to join in the fun?
Find these gifts this week:

February 6, Monday: 3 gifts found outside
February 7, Tuesday: 3 gifts red
February 8, Wednesday: a gift broken, a gift fixed, a gift thrifted
February 9, Thursday: 3 gifts that were surprises—unexpected grace!
February 10, Friday: 3 times you heard laughter today
February 11, Saturday: 3 gifts found in working
February 12, Sunday: 3 hard eucharisteos

‘Twas the Day After Christmas

‘Twas the day after Christmas when all through our house
All were relaxing, even my spouse.
The gifts were all strewn on the floor everywhere,
With no signs of cleaning, not here or not there.

The children on laptops with games and new tunes
Were sprawled on the couches for all afternoon.
Hubby with TV and I with my book
Were happy and lazy, no cares how it looked.

When out of our blessings arose up a cry,
“You’ve been given so much; do you not wonder why?
Your presents are many, far more than deserved,
Enjoy them, but use them to love and to serve.

“Stay focused on Jesus to spread His good news;
You’ll stay fully blessed if His will you will choose.
Now glory to God in His heavenly heights,
And peace to you all and to all a good night!”
~ Lisa

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Counting at Christmas even more gifts of grace:

# 470—473
•    first Christmas with a son-in-law
•    girls who give and give and give what I like
•    having all my family at home together
•    a husband who meets and exceeds my needs

# 474—479
•    fun with my family, both in-laws and original
•    nieces with impressive skills and personalities
•    nephew with guitar gifts to anchor our singing, any key
•    nephew and wife sharing their sweet Alexander
•    two dirty Santa wins (a heater and a twist pillow!)
•    Uncle Bobby and Aunt LoNella among us

# 480—482
•    peaceful Christmas day
•    rip-roaring real fire in the fireplace
•    a clean kitchen again (ahhh)

# 483—486
•    a crack in the universe at just the right time
•    the Baby who birthed a whole new family
•    peace He brings to my world
•    glory of the Father through His Spirit in the Son

* * *

Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?

I got the Lowe’s gift card! Among many other things....

Arrogance strikes again

We are eating our biscuits at Hardee’s, chatting as sisters, aunts, in-laws.

When wham—it hits us out of nowhere.
Arrogance.

Looking out the window, we see the man. And we laugh.
Oh, part of us tries not to.
But not hard enough.

That hurts.
When will pride die?
I’m just another sinner in need of everyday grace.

The man doesn’t see us on the other side of the glass. He is cleaning out a taxi cab. His brown toupee falls several inches short of his aging gray hair sticking out boldly underneath. His clothes are ragged. His appearance screams homeless.

We try not to stare, but this is the cab driver? Really? Is he competent to get someone from point A to point B? Does the cab company have no regulations on whom they hire? We make a mental note never to call this one.

Oh, how my God delights in my need of Him.
I crave His forgiveness.
He gives it.

My middle-class American haughtiness is ugly. Sin always is.

Granted, this man looks far from professional, but who’s to say he’s not the most capable, friendliest cab driver in town? And even if he’s not, he doesn’t deserve a group of women snickering behind his back because he wears a bad toupee.

He’s made in the image of God just like I am.
He wants peace and joy and happiness just like I do.
He was died for on the cross just like I was.

Oh, Lord. When will I grow humble?
When will I see and pray, instead of see and snicker?
When will your grace for me run dry?

Never.
Never?
Never.

Not at home.
Not in suburbia.
Not at Hardee’s.

His grace exceeds my sin.
I never know when His grace is going to hit me.
But may I catch it every time. And be changed by it.

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Continuing my grace count to 1,000:

# 452—469
~ Grape jelly. Saturday mornings. Family that are friends.

~ Compassionate veterinarian. Our dog still alive. My husband back home.

~ Eye doctors. Eye drops. Good insurance.

~ Open mic night at church. Open hearts. Open prayers.

~ Cleared-up conversations. Plans a-go. God who answers.

~ Another chance.
~ Grace that never ends.
~ God who always forgives.

* * *

Grace in the details

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

I’d had a great Saturday, traveling to Mississippi to the Coleman family reunion. And now a great Sunday, traveling to Tennessee to see “Wicked” with Kay.

But by Sunday night, my body was tired. Sitting with the church gathered in Nashville, I simply wanted to close my eyes. Not out of boredom, but just to rest.

As the preacher was winding up his sermon, he said that many people know how to come to church, but not how to come to Jesus.

If we want rest, we need to come to Jesus for it.

So he suggested while we broke bread for the Lord’s Supper, talk to Jesus about that.

Come to him and rest.
Close our eyes and pray.

I smiled on the inside. God works in the details. He provided just the time I needed to socially-acceptably close my eyes, to rest in Jesus, to thank him for his faithfulness in giving me what I need, when I need it. For my good, for his glory.

Don’t just look for the Lord in the big things; he lives in the details, too.

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Counting more grace in the details on my way to 1,000...

# 436-451
~ a lovely ride to Mississippi with my brother Lane and s-i-l Bonnie
~ a big family that sings in 4-part harmony
~ visiting with the three remaining siblings of my grandfather (out of eight)
~ seeing my mom again when I looked at her brother and sister

~ relating more to the “older” cousins now that we’re all grown up
~ visiting with cousin Rita who I reconnected with at Stream a few years ago
~ re-meeting cousin Brenda who I’ve grown to love through her blog

~ walking through my other grandmother’s house again
~ sitting on some of the same furniture I remember as a little girl
~ laughing with my sister Sandy

~ distribution of God’s gifts in the arts
~ good vs evil stories throughout all cultures
~ college girls’ dorm rooms
~ a church in love with Jesus
~ missing roads here and there but always getting back on track

~ God who cares even more about my details than I do

* * *

What is it?

We pick up rules before we have a chance to question them.
~ ELLEN LANGER, Mindfulness

What is this? *

(a) wet/dry hand block sander
(b) cigarette roller
(c) miniature dog sled
(d) grill and bacon press

We called it the Liar's Game. An unusual object was placed in the front of the room. Four people would explain—confidently but contradictorily—what the object was and its use, only one of which was accurate. The crowd would vote on the correct use.

We didn't know we were practicing mindfulness.

Are you creative? Then you're also mindful. So says Ellen Langer in chapter 7—“Creative Uncertainty”—of Mindfulness.

Much of creativity is in asking questions, looking for new ways of doing things, finding unusual uses for usual objects, not automatically accepting the status quo.

When I travel, I pack clothespins. Not to hang up clothes (although occasionally I’ll drip-dry a swimsuit) but because I'll need to play “What is it?”.
• Curtains don’t meet to block out the light? The clothespin becomes a curtain-closer.
• Didn't eat all the popcorn? The clothespin becomes a bag clip.
• Got a buggy computer cord that has to be held just so (I hope this never happens to you)? The clothespin becomes a cord-holder.

I long to create. Because it's part of God in me. It's part of being made in his image. It's part of knowing him more, showing him more.

If I fail to exercise that part of me, I fail to be in touch with that part of God.
I want to touch all of God I can.

And I also want you to.
Because I can't see all aspects of God. Neither can you.

But we can see more of God together than we can see alone.

When Bach was asked how he found his melodies, he said, “The problem is not finding them, it's—when getting up in the morning and getting out of bed—not stepping on them.”

As God breathes creative expressions into your soul, nurture them; don’t smother them.

You may not create piano masterpieces or paint great works of art, but you can...
• approach scripture with an open mind.
• Or worship with a new mode of expression.
• Or see God in a place you’ve never seen him before.

Or write a blog post.

We can create.
We can be mindful.
We can share God.

* What was it?

(b) My grandfather’s Brown and Williamson Cigarette Roller

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Thanking God for his gifts of creative grace, # 419-435

~ a workable reading plan...authors I learn from
~ really enjoying book 3 of H.P.
~ time to write
~ yard sales...Krispy Kreme doughnuts
~ Thursday night piano playing...worship through fingers
~ short haircuts
~ invention of Skype...a niece in NY to Skype with
~ voices of Freely...Bethany Dillon...Shane and Shane
~ watching movies with Jenna...home alone with Jeff
~ the God who continues to create

* * *

Did you guess the object correctly?

How do you practice your creativity?

Join in the conversation at The High Calling on creative uncertainty.

What age is old?

We’re riding home from Gulf Shores, Alabama. My teen daughter and niece have already fallen asleep in the back seat of the car. At 11 a.m. In bright sunlight. In uncomfortable positions. With the radio on.

Me? I couldn’t even stay asleep last night. At 2 a.m. In a dark room. In a comfortable bed. With the soothing ocean outside.

Does that mean I’m old?

And does how I define ‘old’ determine how I’ll continue to age?

In chapter 6 of Mindfulness, author Ellen Langer suggests that,

The regular and “irreversible” cycles of aging that we witness in the later stages of human life may be a product of certain assumptions about how one is supposed to grow old.

If we didn’t feel compelled to carry out these limited mindsets, we might have a greater chance of replacing years of decline with years of growth and purpose.

So do we jinx ourselves into feeling older than our years because of our preconceived notions? And if so, what can we do about it?

Langer implies one way to age better is to retain responsibility and control over things we can.

Watching someone else do things that we used to do ourselves leads us to feel that we are now incapable of doing them.

This is true even when the only reason for our inaction is outside ourselves (institutional policy, for example).

Other things to do include:

reversing memory loss by increasing motivation to remember
fighting against stereotypical “doddering old fool” and “poor little old lady” imagery by valuing traits such as wisdom and maturity
stop confusing old age and poor health

I don’t know that any of those will help me sleep more like a teenager, but maybe they can help me appreciate that I don’t have to.

Growing older doesn’t have to mean growing worse. I know plenty of older people who remain active, purposed, and healthy.

And I still have decades to go before I catch up with them.

I’m glad I am the age I am. Just old enough.

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Thanking God for these gifts of grace, # 409-418

~ weekend trip to the beach...laughing with teenagers
~ sweet memories...good health
~ being older...but not being the oldest
~ sleeping beside my man...under the sound of the ocean
~ knowing where I'm going at my final age...and Who will meet me there

* * *

Do you feel younger or older than your age?

Join in the conversation at The High Calling on mindful aging.

A change of seasons

Has it been so long ago since 12 weeks of playing with God in the yard?

Winter turns into spring.
Spring turns into summer.
Summer has turned into fall.

What have I turned into?

Seeds grow shoots.
Shoots grow flowers.
Flowers a-plenty grow beauty.

What have I grown?

Frigid followed by mild.
Mild followed by hot.
Hot followed now by just right.

What follows for me?

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Counting graces after delighting with God in the autumn yard:

# 397—408
     ...sunflowers in full bloom
     ...less watering required
     ...cooler temperatures

     ...yellows
     ...greens
     ...pinks

     ...crunchy leaves
     ...blooming bougainvillea
     ...swingside views

     ...God who changes the seasons
     ...God who changes me
     ...God who stays the same

* * *

Linking with 1000 Gifts and Playdates at The Wellspring and one word at a time and On, In, and Around Mondays

Related:

What you can learn in the yard with God
5 To-Do’s from God in the Yard (read L. L. Barkat’s book!)

How have you changed since the beginning of the year?
What’s next for you this fall?

Why not? Abandon yourself to grace

In the Christian life all is of grace from the very beginning to the very end.

That is the message, that is the doctrine, that is the principle.
~ MARTYN LLOYD-JONES, Spiritual Depression

“Why not?”

Is that what joy is?
Abandon?
The “why not?” moments?

Letting go of false restraints that tie you earthbound
Throwing yourself into the true Known of the unknown
Saying “yes!” to His offers of grace.

That’s how I broke my arm.

It was the weekend of the worst ice storm in memory to hit north Alabama, February 1996.

Jeff had already been playing outside with our girls.
But not me.
I was warm and happy inside, only venturing out as official Icicle Photographer.

Until I decided...
“Why not? Why not pull the sled with Morgan? Wouldn’t that be fun?”

But upon barely clearing our front door, I slipped on ice.

And fell. Badly.

My left arm and wrist bones no longer aligned.
I felt no joy in abandon.
My “why not?” turned into “what was I thinking?”

Slowly, carefully, by the grace of God, Jeff drove over sheets of ice to the hospital a county away. I tried to be brave but I was scared.

Would I ever be able to use my left hand again?

My first broken bones, age 33.

But joy showed up.

When offers of grace came in recovery, I said, “Why not?”

It was in friends folding my towels.
It was in a husband washing my hair.
It was in my mom and mother-in-law making meals.

Joy was where it had always been—not in activities,
but in grace.

The Creator—who made ice and bones and doctors—unwrapped grace in gifts I wouldn’t have opened otherwise.

Abandoning myself to “Why not?” still doesn’t come naturally.
But joy is found there—in the abandon to Grace.

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

More graces to count...

# 388—396

...bones that healed...stories with happy endings
...memories of grace...grace to remember
...new used book in the mailbox...free samples sent to Kindle
...10 pages a day in Bonhoeffer...20 pages a day in Unbroken
...not living during World War 2

* * *

Saved from? Saved for?

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14

Are you saved?

From what?

Yesterday we remembered heroes who saved others from burning to death in the Twin Towers ten years ago, often at the expense of their own lives. First-responders and “ordinary” citizens were rescuers, deliverers.

They saved others.

I’ve been saved too. For a long time. By Christ.
From separation.
From hell.
From death.

But I still need saving.
Every day.
Not from eternal death—my deliverance in Christ is secure—but from myself.
Because every day, over and over, I still want to do things my way.

I am tempted to return to me when I feel offended/tired/depressed/angry/hopeless/bored,
but the Spirit delivers me back to the will of Christ.

I still need the Spirit—daily—to rescue me.
From me.

But I’m not just saved from something;
I’m saved for something—to glorify God.

I got the message twice yesterday with my church, once in Tom’s class and once in Allen’s sermon.

If you’ve been saved too, you’re still here for a purpose.
To live for Him, not you.
Let’s do it.

Let’s roll.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Saved to count more graces from another week...

# 373—387

...successful walk with Kandie...good shopping with Jenna
...friends who bring rain...a circle of sharing
...Mama safe with Jesus all year...friends who remember
...pictures of babies by my baby
...chocolate chip pie...library books
...Fridays...Saturdays

...the Spirit of freedom...the Spirit of grace
...daily rescues...eternal salvation

* * *

What you have been delivered from?

Delivered to?

19 little things (that are really big things!)

We all think big things are grand, but aren’t we just as pleased with the consistency of little things?

I stopped counting at 19 little things (I could go on and on) that make Jeff an incredible husband. No wonder I love this man!

Happy 19th Anniversary to my God-designed-just-for-me husband!

1. He is first to clean up the vomit when our kids get sick

2. He knows how to successfully work a grocery store list (plus surprise us with a few goodies not on the list)

3. He apologizes that he snores

4. He puts his dirty clothes in the hamper, including socks and underwear

5. He wants to kiss me the second he gets home from work

6. He remembers to open the dishwasher when it stops so the dishes can air-dry

7. He rubs my back almost every night AND says he could do it for hours on end

8. He gets a stain out of the carpet better than me (and with a lot less whining)

9. He donates almost all the bookshelf space to me

10. He wants to get in bed at the exact time I do every night

11. He carries my bags and books (and bags of books) whether they’re heavy or not

12. He always drives so I can read in the car

13. He calls his mom and dad several times a week because he wants to

14. He tells me I’m beautiful even when I know I’m not

15. He can cry when he’s deeply touched

16. He always smiles to friends and strangers at the front door of church

17. He ends every e-mail to me with “I love you!” (including the exclamation point!)

18. He knows how to say “I’m sorry”

19. He prays with me every night (our precious new habit since March)

I love you, Baby! Thanks for making it so easy to do.

* * *

# 354—372

And so I add 19 more gifts of grace from God to me. I have far more than I deserve, but it’s the way God is....

What little thing does someone (husband or otherwise) do for you that is really a big thing?

RELATED:

photo credits: Jenna (isn’t she good!)

Dance of the Daughter

On Saturday night Jenna and I did something we weren’t particularly looking forward to:

Attend a tea party.

But since it was with mothers and daughters of our church and since everybody would be wearing hats (such an unusual thing for all of us) and since we had something to share, we went.

And I’m glad we did.

We chose to retell the story of the woman who bled for twelve years (Luke 8:43-48). She is the only woman recorded in scripture whom Jesus calls Daughter.

I sought to capture in words the facts of the story through the eyes of the woman, and Jenna chose to capture them in movements.

Below is a video (apologies for the poor quality of my camera) of what we came up with.

Here’s what I hope you get from it:

Because the woman was desperate for help, she took a chance on Jesus. In reaching out to touch him, she was healed.

And she discovered she was...we are...his daughter.

I relate. You too?

Dance of the Daughter

For so long I have hurt.
Alone in my pain.
Shamed by my weakness.

Who can help me?
Why can’t anybody help me?

The crowd is thick today.
I should not be here.
I am not like these other women.
I do not belong.

But I see him. There he is!
He’s close. Is this my last chance for joy?

I need reach just a little closer…

And I’m doing it!

Brushing my fingers—for just one glorious moment—along the tip of his clothes.

And I feel it.

His power. I feel the change.
Can this be? Am I healed???

But he’s turning around. He knows.
He felt it too.
An unclean, crippled woman has touched him.

What have I done?
I have soiled the Holy One with my dirty hands.

“Who touched me?” he’s asking.

Do I answer? Do I dare?
Good—his friends are blaming the crowd.
I am safe.

But...he’s asking again.

And looking at me.
He knows what I’ve done.

I’m trembling.
The crowd is staring.
I must find voice.
I’ll plead: “Jesus. Jesus.”

And he’s not mad at me!
He’s calling me: Thugater. Thugater.

Daughter?

Daughter? Me, Jesus? Daughter?
One acceptable to God, under His special care?

He’s smiling. Yes, daughter.
His daughter.

I laugh.
I sing.
I dance.
I DANCE!

Jesus says, “Go in peace, Daughter.”

...

Daughters, go in peace. ... Will we?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Continuing my grace count to 1,000.

# 345—353

hats...bite-sized sandwiches...accessible AV friends...laughing with ladies...singing with friends...watching my daughter dance...being a daughter...knowing the Healer...going in peace

* * *

A night in Holland

Nobody knew what to expect when she was born.

She was beautiful, but things weren’t right.

So her family prayed.
And our church prayed.
And I prayed.

Her medical label was eventually “Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy.”

But everyone who knew her family knew better.
Kaitlyn was “Loved.”

As the years have passed, Kaitlyn has continued to grow. She has faced and overcome multiple problems on multiple levels.

But one thing has never changed: she remains very loved.

So in honor of Kaitlyn and her beloved family, her close-knit church family marked a special evening Saturday night for friends to bless them with funds for a much-needed ramp van.

And someone must have remembered to invite Jesus.
Because He showed up too.

Through the hands that grilled steaks
Through the artisans who donated items for auction
Through the workers who set up tables
Through the friends who gave funds
Through the kids who served food

And through Kaitlyn’s mom and dad who spoke to us.

Her dad Philip shared some miraculous stories of how the Lord has taught him great lessons in love through loving Kaitlyn.

And her mom Karla shared the story of “Welcome to Holland.”

No, they didn’t get the “trip to Italy” that all parents expect when they have a baby.

But instead they got a “trip to Holland.”
And the things they’re seeing in Holland are beautiful.

Including this night with friends and family.
Karla said it was one of their best nights in Holland so far.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I add to my count of 1000 gifts of grace:

# 333—344

~ church families
~ benefit dinners
~ steak and potatoes
~ knowing Kaitlyn
~ knowing Kaitlyn’s precious parents and two sisters
~ a table of friends who feel the same as I do
~ catching up with friends from long ago
~ ramp vans
~ a night in Holland
~ answered prayers
~ unanswered prayers
~ a God who shows up in all kinds of ways

* * *

Isn’t it enough?

A bitter seed was growing inside Korah (Numbers 16:1ff).

His grumbling against Moses grew louder and louder. Just who does Moses think he is anyway? Why is he so high and mighty? Who put him in charge?

Upon hearing the charges brought against him by Korah and 250 prominent leaders of Israel, Moses—the most humble man on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3)—fell. Facedown.

Would you? Would I?

Moses took it to God, the One he trusted.
He told Korah that God would make it clear whom He had chosen.

And he asked Korah a question.
This one haunted me.

Isn't it enough for you that the God of Israel has selected you out of the congregation of Israel to bring you near him to serve in the ministries of The Dwelling of GOD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?
Numbers 16:9 (Msg)

“Isn't it enough for you?”

And so it began last Monday.
An innocent little verse in my daily Bible reading in the book of Numbers in the Old Testament.

So I, too, tried to humble myself.
I listened to God asking me, each day, all week,

“Isn’t it enough for you that I ___???”

Can you ask yourself the question too?

Here are graces I discovered in the question...continuing my grace count to 1,000...

Voice (# 299)

Isn’t it enough for you that I’ve given you freedom in a blog (# 300) to write whatever you want to about Me?
Isn’t it enough for you that there are people who actually read (# 301) that blog you write?
Isn’t it enough for you that you’ve made genuine spiritual connections (# 302) through that blog?

True Friends (# 303)

Isn’t it enough for you that I’ve given you such caring friends (# 304) that they even look at wedding pictures you post on Facebook?
Isn’t it enough for you that friends drove all the way to Alex City for Morgan’s wedding (# 305)?
Isn’t it enough for you that Jeff desires to be your best friend (# 306) through thick and thin?

Purpose (# 307)

Isn’t it enough that I give you opportunities to minister (# 308) to other people?
Isn’t it enough that I’ve continued to sustain the 5:30 singing time (# 309) so you can unite your voice with others (# 310) to make a joyful noise (# 311) to Me?
Isn’t it enough that I’ve placed people in your life who seek you out for spiritual conversation (# 312)?

Introversion (# 313) [this one is hard]

Isn’t it enough that I’ve given you enough extrovert qualities (# 314) to keep you social but enough introvert qualities (# 315) to thoroughly enjoy spending alone time with Me?
Isn’t it enough that I’ve blessed you with special friends who will love you with or without your introversion (# 316)?
Isn’t it enough that I give you multiple avenues (# 317) to use your introversion love of writing (# 318) to connect with other people (# 319) about Me?

Direction (# 320) [about driving in Atlanta!]

Isn’t it enough that I’ve given you Jenna (expert navigator and calm girl!) (# 321) to ride with you?
Isn’t it enough that I’ve given you accurate Mapquest directions (# 322) and lots and lots of extra time in case you get lost (# 323)?
Isn’t it enough that the peace I’ve put inside you (# 324) can override this anxiety?

Opportunities to share (# 325)

Isn’t it enough for you that I’ve given you the Women of Faith weekend (# 326) to absorb Me so you’ll have even more of Me (# 327) to share with others?
Isn’t it enough that I don’t hold you accountable (# 328) for the outcome of sharing, but just for the obedience to do it?
Isn’t it enough that I have given you the gift of faith (# 329) and all I’m asking you to do it talk about Me with other people (# 330)?

Yes, Lord!

Not only is it enough that You have chosen me to serve You (# 331),
You are more than enough (# 332).

And my God will supply
every need of yours
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

[He] is able to do
far more abundantly
than all that we ask or think...
Ephesians 3:20

* * *

What would your questions look like?

Seeds and blooms

The Shepherd:
“It will take you some time to develop hinds’ feet and to climb to the High Places, and if I put the seed in your heart now it will be ready to bloom by the time you get there.”

Much-Afraid shrank back. “I am afraid,” she said.
~ HANNAH HURNARD, Hinds’ Feet on High Places

What seed is God planting in your heart now?
What seed has he planted months, years ago, that is ready to bloom?

Jeff asked me the night before our trip to El Salvador, “What are your top fears about this trip?”

I answered that # 1 was health. I feared one of us getting sick just three weeks before Morgan’s wedding. We had no time for such.

And # 2 was for Jenna. As the official trip photographer, she would be the one exposed with an expensive-looking camera, making her a target for crime, something we heard abounded in El Salvador.

So even as I read the Chief Shepherd in Hinds’ Feet on High Places inviting me to the High Places too, my family of Fearlings followed.

But what would it look like for me to turn my back on fear and follow the voice of Jesus instead?

Maybe this: sitting on a bus at 3 a.m. on the outskirts of a rainy San Salvador airport—with no turning back—for a week in Central America.

It was the blooming of seed he had planted earlier in my heart.
It was time.

But did my worries also bloom true?
No, thank God.

Instead, His gifts of grace abounded:

~ an abundance of bottled water for our team wherever we traveled (# 289)

~ packaged “safe” cookies and juice boxes every day for the kids and us workers at VBS (# 290)

juice_boxes ~ a canopy for where we worked under equatorial sunshine, voluntarily set up by church members employed by the local municipality (# 291)

~ security guards at the public parks posted especially for our VBS crew (# 292)

security ~ daily showers at the hotel that weren’t always warm, but were always cleansing (# 293)

~ food (pupusas!) that was native to El Salvador, but that never bothered my stomach (# 294)
~ enough sleep each night to sustain me through the next day, even with late-night devos of power-packed but brief messages (thanks, David!) (# 295)

~ enough Spanish words each day to create meaningful friendships in the moment and to extend beyond the trip (thanks, Google Translate and Facebook!) (# 296)