Encouraging Deep Roots

Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, pies...all the things people look forward to this week. Family, friends, fun and fellowship are anticipated and giving thanks and counting our blessings is what most people will be doing on Thursday.  But do we give thanks every day of the year? Do we praise God no matter what is going on in our lives? Do we pour out a sacrifice of praise, meaning it costs us something - praising not only in the good times, but when it's difficult? That's not as easy to do, is it? For the past four Sundays, I've had strips of paper on the seats of church for people to write one way they have seen God work in the last week or one thing they are thankful about. I have turned them into a paper chain and it's been fun to watch it grow each week. I started by hanging it on the cross at the front of the church as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice. We can offer up a sacrifice of praise because of the sacrifice He made for us.  This week ...

  Edith Sitwell ~ “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”  It snowed last night and it is the first significant snow of the year. Because the snow is supposed to continue for part of the day, schools are closed here. So Dan won't be tutoring today and Stephen's substitute teaching job was canceled for the day. Our house is small so there is no where to go to get away from the noise which means my plans have changed a bit. I have chatty people living with me who don't need the same level of quiet that I would like at times. So it's more than likely going to be a day of baking and sewing and games and chatting. The only thing missing is Emily. Dan is going to get her on Wednesday morning and she'll be home for the holiday weekend. I was reflecting on the above quote and how Dan and I have worked hard to create an atmosphere of honesty a...

Cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Christmas fabric. Bits of bright paper and scribbles of gift ideas on the pieces of paper. Filling orders. The humming of the sewing machine and the humming of Christmas carols. The season is upon me whether I'm ready for it or not. I've been trying to figure out gifts and plans and Advent readings and kid's programs, yet it feels like it's happening all too soon. It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week but I pulled two turkeys out of the freezer to defrost for Sunday's Thanksgiving luncheon at church which means it is here. Trying to figure out gifts for adult children who respond, "I don't know." when I ask them what they want is not easy. I kind of miss those days of toys and surprises and fun! I made dough for molasses crinkles this morning and they will be headed to the oven later today. The children in my 3D Kids program were practicing a Christmas song last night and I started to fe...

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) ~ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Thanksgiving is a week away and this is the time of year when we think about our blessings. Yet, giving thanks is something we are called to do all year long. Are you overflowing with thanksgiving today?  Are you so thankful for the blessings in your life that it spills out of you? Let's be known for our thankful hearts.  Let's remember to count our blessings instead of listing our complaints.  As you go through your day today, get a piece of paper and pen, and see how many things you can think of that are blessings in your life. Let thanksgiving overflow from your heart today and spill out onto those around you.  Have a thank-filled day today!

  I've been really feeling gray and gloomy lately. Here in Central New York next to this lake, the reality is that much of the fall, winter and early spring is under a cloud. The sun peeks through from time to time but then the gray settles back in. And it's hard for this woman who craves sunshine and bright skies. So when the sun does show everything else gets put on hold so I can get out and soak up those rays. Yesterday morning was one of those times so Dan and I hopped in the car and drove the few miles so we could walk. When I get outside in the fresh air I feel my spirits start to lift. We are back to gloom and some wet snow flakes today. But I'm going to try my best to cheer up my "space."  I need to work on a presentation for tomorrow, but I'm going to put on some cheery music, do some sewing and also make a batch of Christmas cookies for the freezer. It's hard to imagine, but next Thursday is Thanksgiving! It has sprung up on...

Monday morning doldrums seem to be constant like a river. They come week after week and year after year. I wake up, put my feet over the edge of the bed and inwardly groan. It's the start of a new week of the same old routine and the unending piles of laundry, dishes, dust and activities. And it seems that some on Mondays it is harder to get started, especially during the gray and dreary days of November.  But on these Mondays I also remember that God is unchanging in His faithfulness, love and mercy. He also is constant like a river. He never fails me. His strength gets me through a particularly difficult day. And that thought sweeps away the Monday doldrums and makes it a Monday that holds a multitude of blessings This week I am thankful for blessings #3,451 - 3,465. 3451. A mother and grandmother who are generous. 3452. Getting through a crazy week and weekend. 3453. The beauty of first snow. 3454. Warm blankets and fuzzy socks. 3455. I didn't do as w...

For as long as I can remember my mother has been a constant in my life. We haven't always seen eye to eye and we are very different. I'm an extrovert and she's an introvert. I'm a risk taker and she is not. We think very differently about most things. I think I'm right most of the time, and she thinks she is right most of the time. 🤣 But when all is said and done, I'm so very thankful that she is my mother. Because I can think of two words that describe my mom that make all of our differences pale in comparison. Faithful and generous My mother is faithful to God and her family. She loves the Lord and is faithful is following Him. She does her best to live out her faith each and every day. She wants to follow and serve Him in whatever situation she finds herself, and she has been that way since she first accepted Christ in her life back when I was a 12 year old.  She is supportive of her family. She has been there through thick and thin. She...