Three Gifts Green

1.  Green lettuce today for lunch.  A nice change from the usual fare lately.  Best part was the pepper, but that's not green.  (Have I ever mentioned how much I love pepper?  It's right up there with ginger in my book.)

2.  Green Nathan.  He came today, and was looking a little green around the edges.  I offered him a bucket in case he needed it and he accepted it gladly.  Although he was pale and shaky for the morning, by the time the lunch was prepared, he felt better, and decided to eat.  Granny is thankful Nate didn't stay green for long.

3.  Greenbacks.  We have none at the moment.  I'm thankful for these leaner times that teach us on Whom we should lean.  James 2 reminds us "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which He has promised to those who love Him?  There are lessons of faith to be learned when we have few funds.  I am grateful for this, because I know God loves me, and I know I only love Him by His grace.

Three Gifts at Three pm.

The gift of eggs.  Critter went to the barn and found two eggs, newly laid and fresh as could be.  I used them to make mayonnaise, yummy with bacon bits on salad.   Thank You, Lord, for abundance in the middle of these lean times, for richness on lettuce, for olives and onions and wine.

The gift of children.  Linda is playing a game with little boys and girls.  I hear laughter, and Ava shouting loud, warning of danger.  Thank You, Lord, for loving relationships between Auntie and nephews and nieces, between Granny and grandkids. 

The gift of home.  I've been away for a few days, visiting with a beloved friend in a house with no dog hair, no cracked tiles, no shabby paint or leaking roof.  How wonderful it was to be there, to come away for a while and rest, and read, and create, and build a long-lasting (over a quarter-century) relationship!  Reality hit when I walked through the door of this old farmhouse, with its many deficits and decorating disasters.  The house shakes when the washer is running.  The house leaks when the rain is falling.  The house shows signs of wear and tear, of mud and grime and pet hair everywhere.

But... it's HOME.  Thank You, Lord, for home, for things familiar and people precious. 

Gratefulness

Ephesians is one of my favourite books in the Bible.  (I think I say that about all of them.)  There is such richness packed into this little book!  It starts by outlining the amazing spiritual blessings of one who has been called by grace out of darkness, into light.


We have been

• blessed with every spiritual blessing
• chosen in Him
• predestined for adoption in love
• blessed with His glorious grace
• redeemed
• forgiven of our trespasses
• shown a mystery
• given an inheritance
• sealed with the promised Holy Spirit

Because we have been given so much, 

   we ought not to cease praying for the saints, 

       that God would give them wisdom 

            and help them to KNOW Him

                                and to understand the hope of their calling

                                and the riches of their inheritance

                                and the greatness of God's power

                                and the beauty of Jesus.

Too often we forget that we are truly blessed.  We begin to take things for granted.  We have warm beds to sleep in at night.  We have food on the table.  We openly read the Word of God and meet with other Christians, free from harassment or persecution.

We have a hope that is sure - one day we will see our Saviour face to face, and we will dwell in inexpressible glory with Him.  

Better than material blessings and the peace that passes all understanding is the fact that we have been forgiven of all of our trespasses, and shown a mystery that is incomprehensible apart from the revelation of Jesus Christ.  The gospel is simple, but makes no sense, unless God has opened your eyes to the truth.  

Are you grateful?

Do you understand how very blessed you are?

Do you realize that every good and perfect gift that you enjoy every day is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights - this Glorious Heavenly Father who delights to bless His children, and Who has lavished His love on us?  

Do you stop to thank Him?

When you snuggle that sleeping baby and feel his breath on your cheek, do you marvel at the grace of God in giving you this gift?  

When you rush to the car and open the door and get in and turn the key, are you thankful that it starts for you, and you can get to that appointment on time?

When you are cared for by a doctor, a nurse, a chiropractor, a naturopath... when someone uses the skill he has acquired by many long hours of study to bless you and help you stay healthy, do you breathe a prayer of thanksgiving to Him Who gave the gift of intelligence?

When the sun shines yet again, and the birds begin to gather once more in the trees next to your house, do you rejoice in your Creator and His times and His seasons?  When you plant a seed and nurture the living thing that pokes its head through the dirt, do you jump for joy?

You ought to, you know.

EVERY GOOD GIFT is from above.  Every mercy, every grace, every joy, every sorrow... all come from the loving Hand of a loving God Who blesses us daily.

Live a life of praise, my friends.  See the blessings, the ordinary everyday blessings, as what they are:  GIFTS FROM GOD.

And be ye thankful.

The Tree is Gone; Pigs are Gone

Hurrah!

I was always afraid that it would come crashing down on a windy day, as did the rest of them three years ago or so. I didn't want it to do so when kids or dogs were about.

Tree guy was efficient and had the whole thing down in less than an hour.

I am relieved.

Plus, I now have a great view of the field.

The pigs were loaded onto the horse trailer and taken to Bachert's Meats. They will soon make their way into various freezers. I am glad to see them go... I need the room for the meat birds that will be arriving soon.

We had one of those practically perfect in every way spring days. Truly a "slice of life".