thirty days of thanksgiving 4

But Jesus call for the children, saying, "Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
- Luke 18:16

I can't resist a baby. They are a squishy, slobbery, cuddly piece of heaven.

And my great-nephew is at the top of my loving list. He is such a sweet baby.

He's about 4 months old, and everyday he is doing something new.

I usually don't see him during the middle of the week, just weekends. But for the last week, I've managed to spend several of my evenings with him.

He is learning to make new noises. And has gotten really accurate with putting his pacy in and out of his mouth.

I get lost in the blue eyes, dimples, and happy squeals.

Thursday he went for a check up. That night I got to play with him.  We had a very deep conversation about his doctor's visit. He cooed and squealed and giggled at every question I asked him. He had a lot to say about that doctor.


Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing our family with a precious, healthy baby. Thank you for the joy and love that comes with a baby. I ask that you be with all parents who are patiently waiting the delivery of their precious baby. Please bless them with a safe delivery and a healthy child. Be with all of those couples who so desperately want to be parents. Hear their prayers, Father. Be with all of the families who are praying for a sick baby. Lord, touch those children with your healing hands. And Lord, I lift up to you all those parents who are mourning the loss of a child. Fill them with a peace that passing understanding.

thirty days of thanksgiving 2

God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them be signs to indicate seasons and days and years, and let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." It was so.
- Genesis 1:14-15

For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are with out excuse.
 - Romans 1:20

For every creation of God is good and no food is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
- 1Timothy 4:4


I love this time of year - the golden afternoon light, the bright blue skies, the bright orange leaves of a Sycamore tree contrasted against the stark white bark. Right now, fall is my favorite season.

But in the winter when I'm bundled up drinking a cup of coffee and watching a soft snow fall on the deck, or I'm with Lovey feeding cows and laughing at just how many layers of clothes a man can squeeze on and still be cold, that will be my favorite season.

Then in the spring when I've had a glorious Easter Sunday with family, hunting eggs and flying kites, and I'm sitting on the couch exhausted and stuffed, that will be my favorite season.

And when school finally ends, and I'm reading in my end of the camper listening to a gaggle of teenagers piled in the opposite end playing video games and reliving the day's tube or knee board rides, that will be my favorite season.

Each day, if I take the time to notice, I can see God in His creation. Each day, if I take the time to notice, God reveals His love for me through that same creation.

Father God, I thank you for your amazing creation. Thank you for creating a home for us that provides for our every need. Thank you for the changing seasons, for beautiful sunrises and sparkling night skies. Thank you for surrounding us in the natural beauty of flowers and trees, birds and animals. And help me Lord to remember to not take your creation for granted. Amen