This picture is precious to me:  It was taken at a family camp in North Country NY.  It brings back so much of what is good in my life.  Godly, generous, forward thinking grandparents who gave of themselves not just for their kingdom but more for God's kingdom.  It gifts the image of family gatherings, games and laughs.  I reminds me of parents who appreciate integrity and goodness.  There's shadows moving about the picture of people preparing to board the boat and tour the river or go fishing, gathering to enjoy the splendor of the view God had gifted this spot or fellowship around a yard game or people living out their faith in word and deed always making sure that their deed matched their words.  That is my gift God has given me through heritage.  You don't have to do great things in God's name, just focus on living His word and He will do great things through you.  

This passage is precious to me:

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the couple of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the mocker but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates both day and night.  He is be like a tree planted by streams of the water.  Which yield fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Psalms 1:1-3 NIV84

I love this Psalm.  It is one of the first I remember memorizing.  I pray this Psalm over my husband  my children and myself.  Keep our hearts focused on you, Lord.  Keep us in Your word.  Reap the fruit of Your works in our lives.

A prayer from Psalms 1:1-3

Lord, Work in this area of my (or loved one’s) life.  Make me (them) this tree planted by water streams: strong, steadfast and bearing.  Nurture me (them) with the everlasting water of your Word.  Keep me (my loved one) in meditation on your word day and night and reap the fruit for your kingdom.  AMEN

A Gift

I've come to realize that even if your love language isn't gift giving the act of gift giving is universal to express an appreciation of the giver to the givee.

We live in a small town - one of those where everyone knows everyone. We have a few restaurants that we frequent, one of those being the Chinese restaurant. For our town to have a Chinese eatery is a pretty big deal, but old hat now. We've gotten to know the ethnic employees working there and even though they keep to themselves pretty much, we try get to know them.

Peter is the Manager/owner, his "wife", Mae and their two little boys, Matthew and Jesse. They have a waitress, Nillie. All of these names are, of course, Americanized versions of their actual Chinese names. There are some other fellows who work in the kitchen who we only see occasionally and greet each other with the laughter of an inside joke. We miss Biker Bob, who was an older fellow who rode from one end of town to the other on first a peddle bicycle and then an electric scooter. Peter loved the name we gave him and it stuck. He spoke no English or at least pretended very well, but he was a fun, friendly sort.

Peter is out going and is easily engaged. His English skills are very good. Mae, not so much. She has little English and is withdrawn for this reason, but she is sweet and faithful. Nillie is young and actually from New York City. She has left behind family to be here to work. She is kind and very enduring.

My husband has decided that he likes the hot tea and she brings it as soon as she sees us come through the door. About a month ago she brings us a new brew - green tea leaves and an exquisite flavored tea. Last week we asked her about it, and in her broken English she explains that this is her private stock and is pleased that we like it so well. Soon, she brings us a beautiful green box and explains that this is ours, she wants us to have it. We try to refuse the generosity, but she insists and makes sure that we know that it's best for breakfast.

I am touched beyond belief to think that this girl who works so hard and sees little of her money would give us this tea without expecting anything but our joy in return.

That's exactly the way it is with God's gift of Grace. He gave Jesus, His only Son. Jesus gave His very life, for the very joy of it.

Thank you, Papa, for your gift of love to me that I may know you.