1,000-Day Journey: Ordinary Days in Extraordinary Times

By Jan Taylor Lippitt

Our life journey isn’t always smooth; days are not always wonderful. The author explores passages from Scripture and the personal message it has for each of us. What can we learn from God’s timeless word for our everyday living? From several years of written meditations, she has taken one thousand days of Scripture reflections, coupled with a daily gratitude (there is something for which we can be grateful every day), and written them with the sole purpose of sharing insights from ordinary days in an ordinary life, on a path guided by an extraordinary God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685702649

Book preview

Day 1

²⁹ But they urged him strongly, Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over. So he went in to stay with them.

³⁰ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

—Luke 24:29–31

My thoughts

They invited Jesus to stay with them—the day was over. Let us invite Jesus to stay with us—let us invite Him into our daily lives—into our daily tasks—into our relationships. Let us share our ups and downs, our joys and sorrows. May our eyes be opened to the wonder of God with us!

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for grandchildren! Jason began the long line of thirteen—grateful for every single one of them—and watching them grow with amazement, awe, and joy!

July 13, 2018

Day 2

¹¹For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

—Jeremiah 29:11

My thoughts

I saw this verse the other day on a huge billboard on the side of the highway just east of Hartford. It happens to be one of my favorite quotes. For anyone who has been through some rough or scary times—and who has not?—this is a beautiful and deep reminder that the Lord’s plan for us is for all good—for peace, for happiness. He is a God of second chances, a God Who helps us rise from the ashes, a God Whose plan for us was and is for abundance and health and joy, Whose desire is for a deep relationship with us. Let us remember this message spoken to us through Jeremiah, not only in the rough times, but in complete and total gratitude in the joyful times.

Gratitude of the day

Grateful for our friends and an amazing evening of laughter and silliness.

July 14, 2018

Day 3

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

⁷ rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

—Philippians 2:5–7

My thoughts

Jesus had everything at His fingertips—He had power over the elements, power over disease, even power over death. Yet everything He did was for someone else’s benefit. Being one with the Father, there was nothing that He could not accomplish. Yet everything He accomplished was to benefit those around Him—and us! We are called to use our talents and our blessings to reach out to those less fortunate. The day we acknowledge ourselves to be Christians, we embrace the Lord’s ideals and His way of treating others in this world. We are not called to be hoarders, not called to save those abilities that we have for our own enjoyment. Rather, we are called to share who we are to better this world and to spread by our actions the good news of communion with God and fellow travelers. There is much to be done to improve the lives of those around us. Monetary wealth is overrated unless we do some good with it—make some positive changes in our world. Maybe a simple act of kindness to someone who is lonely—a smile and a plate of cookies can change a world! So let us take time this week to count not only our blessings, but our strengths and abilities and see just exactly how we can have the same mindset as Christ Jesus!

Gratitude of the day

After a fun, fun weekend of entertaining, yesterday was a quiet day of regrouping. I am grateful for both!

July 16, 2018

Day 4

³² "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

—Luke 12:32

My thoughts

The Father has been pleased to give us the kingdom! I place my whole hope and trust in that one statement! All of those I love—we are all promised a home in the Father’s kingdom! With that promise in front of us, we have absolutely nothing to fear—it is the ultimate blessing! I have learned (and it is a continuing process) that I cannot figure out everything—I can’t solve all issues and situations but I have an In with Someone Who can! He has been pleased to give me a little bit of His kingdom right here on earth!

Gratitude of the day

Well, the water heater blew yesterday. Amazingly enough, our oil company was able to install a new one within a couple of hours. Grateful for them and for the fact that we were home—another disaster averted!

July 17, 2018

Day 5

¹The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

⁴ Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

—Psalm 23:1–4

My thoughts

No matter what this life throws at us, it is nothing compared to God’s love for us. He is the One Who holds us up, the One Who is our strength, the One Who makes sense of chaos. So often in life we are faced with situations that seem insurmountable. Sometimes we just have small, but frustrating, hurdles that appear on our path. Sometimes, like for us this week, there is just a lot on your plate and scheduling what needs to be done can make your head spin! The Lord takes it all and makes it happen to our good. This has been a busy couple of weeks for us—the Lord has provided people who can help with what we need to do. He is an amazing and awesome God—He certainly has led us by quiet waters this week and guided us along the right paths. I am in awe of His wisdom and compassion.

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for some much needed rain—everything is bright and beautiful the next morning!

July 18, 2018

Day 6

¹⁹ For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

—Colossians 1:19–20

My thoughts

Jesus is the Bridge. He is the reason that the Father welcomes us to His eternal home! He showed us the path and is our ever-present GPS on our journey. The road is not always smoothly paved but, by keeping the Lord Jesus present in our daily lives, we are never alone on the journey, whether bumpy or smooth.

Gratitude of the day

Chris and I served sandwiches at our church yesterday to those in need. In spite of their circumstances the recipients are pleasant and have a ready smile and thank you. Grateful for the opportunity to serve them.

July 19, 2018

Day 7

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

My thoughts

This seems to be a recurring theme for me this week. Sometimes you just can’t figure out what is going on around you or in your life. You can drive yourself crazy with anxiety fretting about your situation or things that are occurring in your small or greater world. We have had a series of breakdowns in our house over the past few weeks—first our refrigerator, then our hot water heater, then our kitchen faucet. None of these are inexpensive replacements. So I can be angry about all these expenses occurring at once or I can put my anxiety at God’s doorstep and trust that all expenses will be covered with minimum impact to us. I can be grateful for good health and for family and friends, all of which are the Lord’s blessings. He continues to bless us with safe travels and happy lives. Compared to those positives the little hurdles of household breakdowns are insignificant. I thank His Holy Spirit for the reminder!

Gratitude of the day

Grateful for our little eight-year-old neighbor who comes over to visit us and Honey the pup!

July 20, 2018

Day 8

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

—John 14:6

My thoughts

I chose this verse today because on our travels last night I listened to Pat Barrett’s song based on this very verse. As Christians we accept this Truth—we accept Jesus Christ as our Truth. He IS the Pathway to the Father and our eternal home. Once we have internalized this truth and placed our faith and hope in the One Who has purchased our salvation, there is no turning back; we will never be the same again. Let us live our lives accordingly acknowledging that He is the Light on our pathway home.

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for safe travels and for the grandson who helped us by pup-sitting!

July 21, 2018

Day 9

⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! ¹⁰ For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹ Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

—Romans 5:6–11

My thoughts

The enormity of this truth is almost too great to absorb! Through sin we turned our backs on God, our Creator. Death was our inheritance. And then Jesus intercedes for us—He makes us right with God! He doesn’t just negotiate—He accepts the punishment that we rightly deserve. What kind of a Person, what kind of a God, does that? I don’t know about you, but I can barely grasp or comprehend this! So I look to Him in faith and in gratitude. Without Him I am less than nothing! He has made me a partner in my own salvation! He did the work—He laid down the bridge. It is up to me to cross the bridge. I will hold to Him and make my way across to His promised glory!

Gratitude of the day

We had a whirlwind weekend—with gratitude that all was accomplished, and we traveled safely!

July 23, 2018

Day 10

Jesus answered them, Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ⁴ He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions. ⁵ Then Jesus said to them, The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.

⁹ Then Jesus said to them, I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?

—Luke 6:3–5, 9

My thoughts

Once again Jesus confounds the people who would have loved to trip Him up. They kept looking for a way to trap Him, but Jesus looks to compassionate logic to set them straight. He never sets rules and regulations above compassion—never sets rigid thinking above doing the right thing. Let us remember that He is the Lord of the Sabbath, that, if we truly are the Christians we proclaim to be, we follow in His compassionate footsteps—to not place our own comfort above kindness—or our wealth above sharing. Let us be reminders to others that He is indeed Lord of the Sabbath!

Gratitude of the day

Grateful for the rain we are getting and wishing we could share it with the parts of the country that are battling wildfires.

July 24, 2018

Day 11

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 3:12–14

My thoughts

It’s a new day—this is the message I hear from St. Paul in this letter. Never mind where you have been, what you have done or not done, it’s a new day! Reset your focus, remember who you are, fix your eyes on the One Who can lead you to joy, peace, glory, and happiness. It starts right here, right now. The Lord is not a grudge holder—and neither should we be—especially with ourselves. Let the past be exactly that. Let us move forward in our new life together!

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for youth who are not afraid to share their faith and do the right thing—they are the hope for a hostile world!

July 25, 2018

Day 12

³⁴ "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ "Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

—Matthew 25:34–40

My thoughts

I read a booklet today that talked about this passage from Matthew. It brought to mind our youngest daughter who took care of her ailing father-in-law until his recent passing. It was exhausting for her and her little family, and I must admit that we sometimes thought she was taking on too much. Then I read this passage and thought of her and all she did. I am sure the King is placing her on His right and calling her blessed. For those of us who have been—or will be—caregivers we know that the path is not easy. We make personal sacrifices and may never be thanked for them. The Lord sees all that we do for Him in the persons of those in need. We don’t need to be overseas missionaries—there is need right here around us. Let us remember the words of our King when we grow weary.

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for a quiet day yesterday.

July 26, 2018

Day 13

⁴ Such confidence we have through Christ before God. ⁵ Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. ⁶ He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

—2 Corinthians 3:4–6

My thoughts

Yes, there are people in this world who do amazingly good and generous things who have no faith commitment. How do we reconcile this with our own Christian faith and beliefs? For myself, I believe that all good comes from God, channeled through Jesus Christ, and continued and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Whether we choose to believe this or not—God is the Source of all that is good—all inspiration. I believe that we will be surprised when we face the Lord at the good that we have done without realizing it. I believe that those people who live so selflessly will also be surprised at the Source of their inspiration! For myself I claim any good that I do as the Holy Spirit working in me.

Gratitude of the day

Fun evening with our son and daughter-in-law and their kids—we are blessed to have them!

July 27, 2018

Day 14

¹⁴ Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. ¹⁵ Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.

—Mark 7:14–15

My thoughts

Jesus, with His beautiful pure and confounding logic, again sets people straight! Awesome! It is not what we eat that makes us unworthy or unclean, but the things that we say and do that make us less than good neighbors. What we say and do can do irreparable damage to relationships, to another person, even to ourselves. Our anger and retaliation can change ours or someone else’s life forever. Gossip, harsh words, punishing silence—these are things that the Lord is cautioning us to avoid. I, for one, will start to examine the things I say and do, keeping in minds these powerful words of Jesus!

Gratitude of the day

I am always grateful for our group gathering—what fun for us who first worked together and maintain that friendship for upward of thirty-five years!

July 28, 2018

Day 15

²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.

—1 Corinthians 10:21

My thoughts

St. Paul reminds us and admonishes us that we must choose. We cannot choose Jesus Christ and live a life that does not emulate Him! We are called to change—we are called to leave behind those negative aspects of our lives that bring us down and set our sights on anything that does not remind us of the Person we have chosen. He is a God of Light and Joy—He is a God of sharing and commitment—He is a God of peace and compassion. Whatever points us away from His road to peace needs to be put in perspective and left behind. Sometimes it is our own negative thinking, our self-pity, our anger, our need to get even, our enabling bad behaviors in a loved one. All of these are our demons. Beginning today, I will take an assessment of my demons and push them aside so that the Lord can take His place as the rightful and welcome Master of my Life!

Gratitude of the day

Grateful and excited to have our Florida friends with us this week!

July 30, 2018

Day 16

⁴ But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. ⁶ Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba, Father. ⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

—Galatians 4:4–7

My thoughts

No matter how old we are we never really lose our need for a parent. I often think to myself that I wish I could run something by my Mom or share a thought or a funny with her. God is our ever-present Parent—and we never outgrow our need for Him. St. Paul reminds us in Galatians that we are God’s children—Jesus accomplished that for us! Abba is a word akin to Daddy—as a child we come to Him, looking for protection, guidance, comfort, and just unencumbered limitless love. All of this is ours—all of this Jesus bought for us. Let us remember who we are and how much we are loved.

Gratitude of the day

For the privilege of serving people in need I am grateful!

July 31, 2018

Day 17

¹⁶ As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people. ¹⁸ At once they left their nets and followed him.

¹⁹ When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰ Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

—Mark 1:16–20

My thoughts

Did you ever wonder how Jesus knew who to choose for His ministry? Did He spend time in the village where they lived observing them? Did He just get a feeling when He saw them? Did His Father inspire Him to go to a certain town or village to look for these men? We will never know how He selected the people He did, but what is most interesting is that they dropped everything to go with Him! What an amazing charisma Jesus must have had! We are called to be like those first apostles… To drop our old ways and follow Him in faith! Like those apostles, our lives will be forever changed. They could have said no, just as we can, but let us emulate their faith and trust in Him and move forward in His grace. Let us drop our nets of fear, anxiety, distrust, selfishness, and prejudice and follow His lead on the journey of our lives!

Gratitude of the day

Planning a trip with two of our besties—grateful for plans that are working out!

August 1, 2018

Day 18

¹⁷ Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? ¹⁸ Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? ¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?

Twelve, they replied.

²⁰ And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?

They answered, Seven.

²¹ He said to them, Do you still not understand?

—Mark 8:17–21

My thoughts

Our God is a God of plenty and abundance. But He is also a God Who asks for our faith and our trust! In these verses of Mark’s, I sense a little frustration in Jesus’s interaction with His apostles. With all the amazing things they had seen Jesus do, all the miracles, all the healings they still didn’t know Him for Who He was—master of the elements and nature, the God of abundance. I find in my own life I can find a million things to fret about if I want to. I have seen the Lord work in my life—I have seen Him calm the storms, provide when things were financially tough, bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healings. I try to remember always that He is the Lord of all that is good. If I keep my eyes on Him, trusting Him and opening my heart and eyes to His goodness, He will walk beside me and straighten my path, and, most importantly keep my heart focused on how much I am loved.

Gratitude of the day

Enjoying this week here with our buddies so much!

August 2, 2018

Day 19

⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.

—Mark 12: 43–44

My thoughts

The story of the widow’s mite for me has always been a call to be more. Earlier in this chapter from Mark’s gospel, Jesus has told the people that the two greatest commandments are love of God and love of neighbor as oneself. So I am thinking about this today and thinking how easy it is to pop a check in the collection basket and call it a day. But I believe that the Lord calls us to do more and be more. Chris and I serve sandwiches at our church—the church provides the sandwiches; we hand them out. But just as I like to treat myself once in a while, we bring a little something extra—maybe cookies or chips—and always water. Not always so easy to haul them to the church, to make sure we have ice to keep the water cold, and enough cookies to go around. We have brought socks and toothbrushes and toothpaste to help out our neighbors in need. I wouldn’t want Chris or me to go without clean socks, so if there is a need for socks for our neighbors, I believe that the Lord calls us to provide as best we can. He never said, If it is convenient for you. Our blessings are given to be shared.

Gratitude of the day

Grateful for this crazy life I find myself living—all fun—I am blessed!

August 3, 2018

Day 20

¹⁹ After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. ²⁰ Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

—Mark 16:19–20

My thoughts

Reading this passage this morning, a song by Chris Tomlin came to mind: Resurrection Power. This is one of the impacts Jesus’s resurrection had on the world! The apostles were empowered and infused with power and positive energy. They no longer cowered and hid—their faith was being spread like seed in a world that so badly needed hope. This is our mission today—let us remember our own resurrection power in Jesus Christ and bring His light and joy to a world which still so badly needs hope!

Gratitude of the day

So grateful for my dear friend who is taking care of our pup while we are away—never have to worry about her when she is with Sue!

August 4, 2018

Day 21

²³ So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: How can Satan drive out Satan? ²⁴ If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵ If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶ And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. ²⁷ In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. ²⁸ Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, ²⁹ but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.

—Mark 3:23–29

My thoughts

Here is our hope—here is our salvation, summed up in verse 28—we can be forgiven! But here is the caveat—to be ever mindful of the Holy Spirit in our lives—to never doubt His power—to keep Him close to our hearts and souls, to our daily lives. The eternal sin is our refusal to put our hope and trust in the Lord. Let us move forward in truth and forgiveness and in the hope and secure knowledge that we are loved and forgiven.

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for oceanside relaxation—kayaking quiet waters—for nighttime star gazing—with gratitude to God for the blessings of His creation!

August 6, 2018

Day 22

¹⁸ Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. ¹⁹ For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

²⁰ The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, ²¹ so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

—Romans 5:20–21

My thoughts

I asked a friend about this puzzling passage—how could the Law of Moses increase the sin? The explanation was a simple and perfect one. Before the law of Moses people did not fully realize their sin and sinful ways. Once they had the law they realized how offensive their ways were toward their Creator. In short order, Jesus set it right for us. He lit the path; He made us right with God. He took Adam’s sin and turned it around. What do we do with that? Welcome the Lord Jesus into our lives—acknowledge Who He is and live in His grace? We will never be the same again! Salvation is at our fingertips—we only need to say Yes!

Gratitude of the day

Waking up to being on the water—ohm.

August 7, 2018

Day 23

²⁸ By what authority are you doing these things? they asked. And who gave you authority to do this?

²⁹ Jesus replied, I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ³⁰ John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!

³¹ They discussed it among themselves and said, If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ ³² But if we say, ‘Of human origin’… (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)

³³ So they answered Jesus, We don’t know.

Jesus said, Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

—Mark 11:28–33

My thoughts

Once gain Jesus confounds the crowd and the religious leaders. But for us as well, we are challenged to either accept or reject Jesus’s authority. Does He or does He not have the power and authority to guide us forward to eternal joy and salvation? Just as He challenged the people of His earthly time, He challenges us today to accept Him as Lord of the universe, Master of our salvation, King of our lives, and Hope for our final joy. Let us make that decision today and move forward in His grace, acknowledging Him as our Lord and God.

Gratitude of the day

Watching the tides every day here at the beach—still an amazement of God’s creation to me!

August 8, 2018

Day 24

³⁸ Teacher, said John, we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.

³⁹ Do not stop him, Jesus said. "For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, ⁴⁰ for whoever is not against us is for us. ⁴¹ Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

—Mark 9:38–41

My thoughts

Jesus was an includer! He was a people gatherer! Sometimes I feel as if we become people who are so into our faith commitment that we segregate ourselves from other Christian communities. I am sure that this is not what Jesus had in mind! I don’t believe that He envisioned us at odds with each other over technicalities. Let us remember that our Christian faith binds us—let us not permit our small-mindedness to let it become a point of division!

Gratitude of the day

We spent the day in Boston yesterday. What a moving experience to see firsthand a piece of our country’s history. Grateful to be living in the USA

August 9, 2018

Day 25

²⁷ Then he said to them, The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. ²⁸ So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.

—Mark 2:27–28

My thoughts

I love these verses. Once again Jesus confounds the leaders with His simple common sense. We can get so tangled up in minutiae that we lose sight of what is important. Do I become so obsessed with church rituals that I become impossible to live with? Do I not do something for someone in need because I will be late for a church service? We can easily lose sight of what is important. Jesus was and is all about compassion and kindness. He was a rebel in His own way, but one that paved a way that is clear and well-lit for all those who wish to follow Him.

Gratitude of the day

Last full day of vacation. Grateful for this week and the wonderful people we shared it with!

August 10, 2018

Day 26

⁵ Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.

—Revelations 5:5

My thoughts

One of our friends this past vacation week wore a tee shirt with a cross and the face of a lion superimposed on it with this verse printed below the image. I was so struck by it that I selected that verse as my Scripture for today. The cross, a sign of the horrible death Jesus allowed Himself to endure—His victory and His legacy that of the Lion, a symbol of strength and power. In our weakness and trials that we endure as part of life, we are empowered by the strength of this Lion, our Redeemer, Who is the Victor and triumphant Lord. Let us never forget to rely on the Lion of Judah to bear us up in our darkest days.

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for safe travels home today, for our great friends who took such good care of our pup while we were gone, and for the rain that makes it less sad to end a great vacation!

August 11, 2018

Day 27

¹¹ He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables ¹² so that,

‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’"

—Mark 4:11–12

My thoughts

We are numbered with those on the inside. The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to us. We are God’s own in-crowd—the ones to whom He entrusts His message, the very lifeline of salvation. I am looking into myself today and taking inventory. Do I live my life aware of Jesus moving within my daily actions and interactions? Do I keep the Lord’s kingdom and His promise ever-present in my life? Where can I improve on living His truth? This I have accepted. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior; without Him I am lost in this world and the next. Let us move forward today walking in the light of our Hero, a light that illuminates every darkness in our lives. Let us remember that we are the keepers of the secret of the kingdom of God and live that blessing empowered with His grace!

Gratitude of the day

The start of a fun week with a daughter and grandsons—grateful for this rare and joyful opportunity!

August 13, 2018

Day 28

¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

—Revelation 1:17–18

My thoughts

Jesus’s signature opening line over and over again is Do not be afraid. He reminds us that, in Him, we have nothing to fear. He is our Champion, our Hero. He is the First and the last, yes. But He should also be the first and last in our lives—the start of our day and the end of our day. Do we remember daily that He is our living Lord, not just the One Who lived on earth two thousand years ago in is now somewhere up there in heaven? Do we keep Him present and our companion throughout the day? For myself, I will take this day, the first of many, to remember that He is Lord of my life and my Companion in all I do.

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for shoreline morning walks this week!

August 14, 2018

Day 29

²⁹ The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.

—Mark 12:29–31

My thoughts

If we keep these commandments, we will have lived the perfect life. There is only one person who has ever lived the perfect life. But we, as His friends and committed to His mission and way of life, are called to emulate Him and seek that perfection. I am certain that I will never achieve that perfection, but I will charge myself with adhering to His commandments a little more each day, being a little more aware of how I can love my neighbor, spend a little more time in conversation with the Lord, be a little more tolerant, a little less edgy, see beauty in places I have never looked before. I am convinced that this is my path to live out my salvation!

Gratitude of the day

For the gift of laughter I am grateful—every day!

August 15, 2018

Day 30

⁴ Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home. ⁵ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. ⁶ He was amazed at their lack of faith.

—Mark 6:4–6

My thoughts

Faith and healing is a partnership. The greatest miracles and healings in Jesus’s ministry were because people believed and wanted to be changed and healed. Even today, at least 50 percent of successful recovery from disease or surgery is based on the patient’s attitude. If we want change in our lives, if we want to become healed of whatever it is that holds us back spiritually or emotionally, if we want to experience our Christianity at its highest level, we must take the first step in having faith that we can be lifted to that higher ground. The statements I can’t or I won’t be able to have no room in the Christian vocabulary. With God’s help yes we can—with God nothing is impossible (Mark 10:27).

Gratitude of the day

Grateful for these leisurely days—shopping, walking, sitting on the beach.

August 16, 2018

Day 31

¹³ Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

—Mark 7:13

My thoughts

I have written on this before—how we get caught up in rules and regulations, traditions and the minutiae of religion. Jesus’s message was simple—Love God. Love your neighbor. He didn’t give us a laundry list of dos and don’ts. Tucked into His message was faith and trust in God, kindness and compassion for your neighbor—do good where you can. Let us begin to live His message today—this minute—this time of our lives.

Gratitude of the day

I have seen some amazing sunsets at different shorelines over the past two weeks. Thinking of this blessing with gratitude today.

August 17, 2018

Day 32

⁵¹ What do you want me to do for you? Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, Rabbi, I want to see.

⁵² Go, said Jesus, your faith has healed you. Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

—Mark 10: 51–52

My thoughts

As simple as that—What do you want?—Your faith has healed you—again, this matter of faith. Without faith there would be no healing. Yesterday’s thoughts were on Jesus’s ‘inability’ to heal in His hometown where people dismissed Him as the local kid! Healing of any kind is a partnership effort—faith is the key ingredient. There is no healing where there is no faith. Even on a purely natural level, no one goes into surgery hoping that the surgery will be unsuccessful—the more positive we are the faster we heal—medical truth. Oftentimes the healing we need is on an emotional level, a fractured relationship, feelings of anxiety or depression. Prayer and faith in the Lord Who listens is the fastest route to healing and recovery. He is all about helping us get well and move forward!

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for a great week with my daughter and a wonderful last day with one of my daughters-in-law joining us. A week of love and laughter!

August 18, 2018

Day 33

²⁶ "At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷ And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

—Mark 13:26–27

My thoughts

Over the years that I have lived I have heard many predictions of the end times—clearly none of which have been accurate. But this I know to be true and of utmost importance. Jesus Christ is coming back—He will come in glory and will take with Him His faithful. Our lives should be centered on knowing that this is fact, although we don’t know if this will be in any of our lifetimes! Let us live, looking to Him, as if every day were the day of His return!

Gratitude of the day

For the beautiful morning walks my daughter and I took last week I am grateful!

August 20, 2018

Day 34

²⁷ They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. ²⁹ Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, ³⁰ come down from the cross and save yourself!

—Mark 15:27–30

My thoughts

Even dying on the cross Jesus is challenged and—people were still looking to trap Him. But God will not be challenged or trapped or made a fool of. Everything plays out in the wisdom of His time. I have never for a minute doubted that Jesus could have come down off that cross and level everyone who had mistreated or denied or challenged Him. He could have done that—but He didn’t! His whole life, ministry, and death pointed towards the resurrection. That was the turning point—that was our salvation. Without the resurrection we are just following someone who died a horrible death. The resurrection triumphed over death—and that is our inheritance. Jesus was challenged to come down from the cross and save Himself—instead He stayed on the cross and saved us! Praise Him on our knees with gratitude.

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for a little quiet time this morning.

August 21, 2018

Day 35

¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.

—1 Corinthians 6:19–20

My thoughts

Many of us—especially us older folks—would not look in the mirror and say that our bodies are any kind of a temple, never mind a temple of the Holy Spirt! But Paul reminds us that we are all beautiful in God’s eyes, created in His image, and cherished enough by Him that His Son, our Lord and Savior, sacrificed His own body for us. Being mindful of this truth, we should not only have respect for our bodies and others’ but take it to another level and use our bodies in service to God and our fellow man. We might not be able to run the 5k, but we can surely hug someone to help them feel loved. We might not be able to press 100 lbs at the gym, but we can surely help a disabled person across the street. We might not be able to play a sport with any skill, but we can surely make a meal for a grieving neighbor. In our church we have a whole ministry dedicated to making sandwiches every day for the less fortunate. Most likely none of us would ever qualify to be a restaurant chef, but we can make sandwiches for those who are hungry. Let us move forward remembering Who resides within us.

Gratitude of the day

Cousins are our first friends—had a wonderful fun evening with a few of mine yesterday!

August 22, 2018

Day 36

The Lord loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of his unfailing love.

—Psalm 33:5

My thoughts

Sometimes we may wonder about the earth being full of God’s love—but this I have seen. Good people who are passionate about helping others; people who lift each other up in prayer; people who live out their Christian commitment with joy; people who are not afraid to be kind or speak out for justice; people who agree to do for others even when they are tired or over-committed; people who raise their children to be caring and compassionate. I believe the Lord is on the move in this world—we only need to look around us and see Him at work!

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for another fun evening with friends who love to laugh!

August 23, 2018

Day 37

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes

—Romans 1:16

My thoughts

St. Paul was a changed man—transformed from someone who persecuted Christians to someone who proclaimed and spread the gospel. Some of his writings I find to be quite harsh, but in all of his writings what I do find is his great and steadfast love of the Lord and his desire for everyone to know Jesus Christ and through Him find salvation. May we have that unwavering faith in the power of God to transform our lives and bring us safely home. And once He touches us, to move forward in His Spirit without looking back!

Gratitude of the day

Today we will be at a fun outdoor venue with a few of our grandchildren—one of the top 10 weather days in Connecticut—grateful for time we will spend with them!

August 24, 2018

Day 38

⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

—Galatians 4:7

My thoughts

Freed from all that holds us away from the One Who loves us without limit and without reservation. Let us look into our hearts this weekend and acknowledge all that keeps us from being free—anger, resentment, fear, depression, jealousy, vengeance—you know your own heart. Let us acknowledge those things that bind us to slavery and acknowledge our freedom through Jesus Christ and our inheritance of life with the Father. Let us lay those burdens at the foot of the cross and allow the Holy Spirit to move us in the direction of the Light of this world.

Gratitude of the day

What a magical day in a magical place spent with grandchildren!

August 25, 2018

Day 39

⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:6–8

My thoughts

The Lord knew who we were—knows who we are—and He loves us. He made His glory available to us by the pure unselfish sacrifice of His Son. We didn’t earn it—we didn’t deserve it—it was the ultimate gift, freely given. How can we ever turn away from that gift? How could we ever say, No thanks? And yet we turn away all the time in little selfish ways. The good news? He will always welcome us back! He never stops loving us. There is nothing that can separate us from His love and compassion. (³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord [Romans 8:38–39].) Only we can decide against loving Him—only we can decide against a life with Him. Let us consider this week our relationship with the Lord and how we can deepen that bond that will last for an eternity.

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for safe travels to and from Syracuse and time spent with grands and family!

August 27, 2018

Day 40

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

—Ephesians 5:8–9

My thoughts

We are lit from within and called to shine that light outside ourselves. It is not always easy to witness—not always easy to live the light that is in us, but that is exactly what we are called to do. To be that Christ-Light in the darkness of this world. To be kind, compassionate, generous, and firm in our Truth, that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. He is the Lord and Savior of the world and Lord and Savior of each of us personally. We are children of that Light—let us live accordingly.

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for a day of downtime I am grateful!

August 28, 2018

Day 41

⁸ Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us!

—1 Corinthians 4:8

My thoughts

The first line of this verse is what caught my eye Already you have all you want! When it comes right down to it, what exactly is important to us? What is it that makes us rich? It is love, family and friend relationships; it is peace and happiness; it is the breathtaking beauty of sunrise and sunset; it is everything that God gives us. It is the blessings that we have in our lives, not the things that we acquire. When all is said and done, it is the Lord moving in our lives and our awareness of His mercy and grace that fulfills us and brings us joy regardless of our earthly achievements or lack thereof. Let us enjoy the richness—the blessings—that God has provided in our lives. Let us be conscious of Him in our every waking hour!

Gratitude of the day

Grateful for air conditioning in this week’s crazy heat!

August 29, 2018

Day 42

⁸ The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

—Deuteronomy 31:8

My thoughts

What an amazing Friend—one Who clears the path and walks with us on the sometimes-bumpy route! God spoke these words through Moses—and Jesus fulfilled the promise. He went before us, mapped out the route to His Father, took on the punishment that was ours. In His resurrection, He returned to be our ever-present light on a sometimes murky and questionable road. No need for fear or discouragement—His path is a sure and steady journey to our Home with Him. When life seems complicated and overwhelming, let us remember this constant Companion and cling to Him with all we have in us!

Gratitude of the day

With gratitude for successful surgery for our friend Roger and for the skill of his surgeon’s hands.

August 30, 2018

Day 43

¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." ¹⁶ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

—Mark 10:15–16

My thoughts

I just spent some wonderful time with a few of our grandchildren—ages 6 to 16. Although it is amazing watch them all grow and develop individually, today I am particularly focusing on the youngest one and how she approaches life without reservation. She is open and loving; she has a joyful spirit and a desire to learn; she is trusting and has a beautiful lighthearted energy. So when I read this passage this morning, I pictured Caitlynn and her unaffected approach to life. This is how we are called to receive the Lord into our lives—with loving openness, a joyful spirit, desiring to know Him more, trusting in His wisdom and keeping a light and positive heart. Just for today let us know the blessing of His love for us.

Gratitude of the day

For a fun day with friends that included a swim for our pup I am grateful!

August 31, 2018

Day 44

⁷ Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.

—Ecclesiastes 9:7

My thoughts

Our God is a God of joy—He is a God of bounty. He gave us the gift of food and water to sustain and help us to thrive physically and the gift of joy to appreciate His blessings. He is a God of celebration of life—not a God of gloom and doom! Let us begin by enjoying this day and everything in it and thanking and praising Him for His goodness and bounty!

Gratitude of the day

Grateful for a quiet weekend ahead!

September 1, 2018

Day 45

⁵ So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me, says the Lord Almighty.

—Malachi 3:5

My thoughts

Since today is Labor Day, I thought this would be a good verse to think about! Our God is a righteous, fair, and compassionate God. He expects us to live right and decent lives. But even more, He charges us to be fair, considerate, and compassionate. He will look at our lives and ask us how we stood up for the common man—how fair we were to those who were not riding through this life in first class—how deeply we dug into our pockets to help those less fortunate. How well do we love? Not the emotion, but, rather, the stepping outside of ourselves to do what is right, to remember that we are all related to each other as God’s well-loved children.

Gratitude of the day

What an amazing evening—our church invited an African children’s choir to perform yesterday evening. All the way from Uganda—what beautiful and talented young people and a joyful experience!

September 3, 2018

Day 46

³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

—Romans 8:34–37

My thoughts

In all these things we are more than conquerors—we are freed and lifted from those things that drag us down and make us feel like less. Those hurts, those rough times, those days that we just feel like staying in bed with the covers pulled over our heads—they are all less than nothing in the face of the inner peace and joy that living in the Spirit can bring us. Over the last few days, I have had several people witness to God’s work in their lives—His provision for just exactly what was needed at a low point in their lives. He is the Lord of all that is good and the One Who calls us to relationship. He is our resurrection King—let