With a Thankful Heart

Where we are now.

I came across a blog draft from August 2020. I never completed it, but I want to share it now. I am two and a half years late, but I always say, "Better late, than never."

Many times, I've mentioned how much I admired my mother's thankful heart. She is gone now, but I think of her every day. When I consider her wealth of gratitude it's easy to see that I do not possess the same degree of gratefulness. I've aspired to have such a heart, but it has remained elusive. In the past month I've been pressed upon to seek true gratitude and have recognized how I have fallen short. 

Greg and I have been in the process of moving. We left our dream home and returned our older place nearby, which is in a state of disrepair. It's been difficult. I have longed for the convenience and comfort of the home I left. There is a lot of work to be done and the cost has required sacrifice. God has blessed Greg with employment, which has provided the money needed for upgrades and repairs. But that work keeps Greg away from home and has left me with a heavier load to carry. I am reminded daily of my physical weakness, and I miss the presence of my husband. He's always been here to make sure everything that needs doing gets done. He is a man of many talents.

There have been long waits for things like new carpeting, floor tile, cabinets, and even new windows. And while I wait, I must admit to being a bit whiny some of the time. I have not been thankful.

God is speaking to me about how easily we fall into sin. I pray for contentment and gratitude, but this is a condition of the heart and not so easily resolved. I don't like what I see, but I am grateful for God's love that not only shows mercy but helps me to see the truth about myself.

1 Timothyy 4:4-5 says, "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the Word of God and prayer."

And so, the Lord has led me to reflect, and I find myself sitting at my desk this morning, counting my blessings, which are many. How can I not see when I look out the window onto a meadow where deer graze and wild birds announce the beauty of the day, and flowers shout their joy at the sun?

We all have difficulties in life, but there are also many blessings. If we allow ourselves to spiral down and are caught up in the sorrows and frustrations we will miss the beauty.

My home will be complete one day, likely soon. But if it's not, will I be able to find contentment? Yes, if I see the world through a broader spectrum and remember that the big picture is about so much more than today. 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

I was soon to be reminded, in a very big way, how much I have to be thankful for. Three weeks after writing the above post the Archie Creek Fire blasted through our community. It destroyed more than a hundred homes, thousands of animals and birds, and turned our forest to char. It has not recovered, but there are signs of its future beauty. 

We lost outbuildings, tools, toys and a litany of other things, but our home withstood the barrage. It is complete now, though there was a long delay finishing and rebuilding.

I am SO THANKFUL for God's goodness and mercy.

What Was

                        

Aftermath

Recovering

 

In Training

A few days ago, I sat down for my quiet time with God and picked up my daily devotional. What it said couldn't have been more perfect for me and the place I am in my life.

"I am training you to cultivate a thankful mind-set. This is like building your house on a firm rock, where life's storms cannot shake you. As you learn these lessons, you are to teach them to others. I will open up the way before you, one step at a time."

Tears flowed. 

Now to take the steps God has laid out for me.

If you've followed my recent posts you know my life, this past year or so, has been a uphill climb. And as I'v climbed, I've been trying to do just what this devotion says - cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. Today, I woke up feeling bewildered and a bit lost. While my family (some live here on this property with me) set out to do their daily tasks. I stayed home. In the midst of my punk mood I felt as if I were being left behind ... again. 

And then I read God's Words for me today.

He has my steps planned out. He will show me the way He wants me to go. But, there is a requirement He is asking of me. I need to be grateful for who I am and where I am and to trust His choices for me. 

I have a great deal to be grateful for. I've been married to a man who has loved me, through thick and thin, for 47 years. I have three good-hearted children who love the Lord, and seven grandchildren who are a big part of my life. And we all love each other. I've spent 38 years in a home on a mountain-top planted in the midst of God's majestic beauty. And I am one of His children who lives with hope because He loves me and has saved me.

God will lead the way. He will open the doors. But we have to step through those doors, and if we're to know the joy and fulfillment God intends for us, we need to step out with thankful hearts. 

May you recognize and receive His many gifts, all wrapped in His love.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

A Light

 My mother blesses my life. She's ninety-one and a bit worse for wear, but she's still moving forward, and I love how she travels. She's like a light in the darkness. 

These days, Mom can't walk, not even with the help of a walker, but she still manages to get around a bit in her wheel chair. We don't get out much because transporting causes her pain and takes someone who is strong enough to lift her in and out of the car. My aching back won't let me and it's even getting difficult for my aging husband. 

Life is not easy for Mom, but I rarely hear a word of complaint. If you ask me, she has a lot to complain about, but she doesn't see things that way. Through the years, she has found a grateful heart.

Though Mom grieves the loss of two husbands, a daughter, her parents, six of her siblings and many other loved ones, she understands they have simply gone on ahead of her and one day they will meet again. She looks forward to a grand reunion. 

Mom lives a life of dependence, relying on others to help her bathe, use the restroom, get her dressed in the morning and ready for bed at night. She no longer makes her own meals. Those are prepared by her caregivers. The details of her life are worked out by others, mostly those who love her. She never misses an opportunity to let us know how grateful she is.

Sometimes Mom wonders why she's still here on earth. Only God knows for certain, but I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the tenderness, warmth and affection she offers the people in her life. We need her.

I see Mom as a radiating light that reminds me to embrace life and to be thankful for all the gifts offered to me each day. 

Yesterday she gave me another beautiful reminder. Mom's not been able to attend church because it's difficult to transport her. When she told me she how much she misses going I decided to find a way. It wasn't difficult and I wonder why I hadn't thought of it before. I called the ambulance service we use for taking her to the doctor and was glad to discover they are open on Sundays and would be happy to take Mom to church. 

Yesterday I met her there. The driver was such a nice man and was clearly smitten with my mother. Many people are. She's a charmer. I think it's the light in her eyes and her warm smile. Just as worship began I wheeled her inside and we found a place to sit. 

Mom had difficulty reading the words on the screen, but sang the songs she knew. She listened to the pastor and only dozed a little. I wasn't sure just how much she'd gotten from her time there, but hoped she'd enjoyed the service. While we waited for her ride we chatted with friends. Mom was clearly having a good time. She crooked her finger at me and I bent to hear what she had to say.

"I don't think you understand how wonderful this is!" she told me, her face alight.

She was right. I didn't. And it could have been different. She might have been focused on how many times she hadn't been able to go, or have been grumpy about her pain or lack of sleep ... or ... That's not Mom's way. 

I marvel at what a grateful heart can find to be thankful for, and by how much joy and blessing there is to be had if we seek the beauty in life instead of its imperfections.

So grateful to be my mother's daughter.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- This is the day the Lord has made.

Over the past few weeks, I've watched posts of thankfulness pop up on Face Book. They've been interesting, poignant and even inspiring. Some are just plain fun. They got me thinking about thankfulness. Have I given enough thought recently to all I have to be thankful for? Or has my mind strayed to the things that keep me distracted or weighted down?

We've just passed through a season that is supposed to be all about being thankful. I admit to having had difficulty focusing on what that truly means, but the world has quieted a bit and this morning when I found time to spend with my Lord I felt Him tugging me toward thoughts of what it means to have a thankful heart. And I asked, "What does it really mean?"

I went to my devotional and received a glimmer of an answer. God's timing is impeccable.

A portion of the devotional said this. "To protect your thankfulness, you must remember that you reside in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely. A constant focus on adversity defeats many Christians. They walk through a day that is brimming with beauty and brightness, seeing only the grayness of their thoughts."

I felt a prick of conviction from the Holy Spirit and continued reading, moving on to scripture and then prayer. As I prayed I sought the answer -- what is thankfulness, really? I was barraged with thoughts of all the things I have to be thankful for--a beautiful home, the sunshine streaming through my window, a loving family. It is good to be reminded of  these things. But I couldn't help but think it has to be more. My heart went to God. I am His. He created me. He loves me. He stands by me even though I am SO imperfect. I am His child, always and forever, saved  by His grace.

"How great is the goodness

you have stored up for those who fear you.

You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,

blessing them before the watching world."

Psalm 31: 19

And then I got it--

I am grateful for God and ALL His wonders.

Thankfulness is being amazed about big things like the stars in the sky, the earth that rotates on its axis and God Himself. It is cherishing the little things, like a warm heating pad, a comfy chair and the laughter of children.

Tonight as I drove home from town, the sun was setting and mists rested upon the hills. The moon was already big and round in the sky, and I was flooded with the realization that I live an extraordinary life. My home is in one of the most beautiful places on this planet. I have been married to the same man for forty-one years and we still love each other. My children love one another and they love me. AND they love God. I get to hug my grandchildren every day. My mother is still part of my life--and we love each other too. My life overflows with love.

I remembered how I became a writer. The way was filled with pain. But God made a way and opened every door. I love to write! Thank you, Lord, for making it part of me and part of my life. I've met the most dedicated and gifted people through writing. Many of them I call friends. I cherish these extraordinary people.

If our vision becomes narrow and focuses only on what we see in the darkness of our minds we will miss out on the beauty and uniqueness that is us. Life is beautiful, precious and to be cherished. 

I thank God for making a place for me in this world and then planting me in just the right place at exactly the right time. For every day is the day the Lord has made.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- A New Creation

My heart is full. I spent several hours continuing my interviews with Bonnie Preschern, a native woman who grew up in Alaska. I am working on her memoir, an amazing story of survival and redemption. She lived a life few have ever known. She has every reason to be bitter . . . but she's not. She is a light that casts a glow of forgiveness and wonder on the greatness of God.

I don't want to give away her story because I want you to read the book so I won't say more about that, except that Bonnie is a walking miracle and is now a living, breathing example of what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

When she speaks I listen. I see the love of God in her eyes and hear it in her voice and see it in her actions. When she speaks of Him and of how blessed she is her eyes flood with tears and so do mine.

When we place our faith in Christ we are a new creation. I've witnessed it in others who are close to me and in me the day I received the love and forgiveness offered by my Lord. And once more God is reminding me of His grace and love and His power through a wounded woman who loves Him with her whole heart.

We have so much to be thankful for. Are we a light to the world? Do we demonstrate the transformation of the new creation--us?

God has given much. Don't forget to thank Him. And to tell others of His goodness.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Fight. Fight. Fight.

I love the movie, You've Got Mail. One scene in particular stands out for me at this time in my life. Meg Ryan is speaking to Tom Hanks (who plays her nemesis) online. She tells him she's losing her business. His response--"Go to the mattresses", which is a term from the movie the God Father that means go to war. Meg cutely punches the air and says, "Fight. Fight. Fight".

She goes to war, fighting to save her small bookstore from being eaten up by a large chain store. In the end, she loses the battle. It's sad. She's loved the bookstore, which had once been her mother's.

There is a lesson here. What is it? That we don't fight? I don't believe that. However, we do need to question what's worth fighting for and, if we choose to fight and still lose God may have a special purpose for the loss. Perhaps it's something as simple as learning the lesson of acceptance and yet being thankful. I've recently been contemplating these concepts. Acceptance can be a hard pill to swallow. But sometimes we can't move forward until we accept where we are.

In the movie, the character of Meg Ryan grieves the loss of her beloved bookstore. Of course she would. It's what she knows and so much of her life has been about the store. However, another life awaits her and if she hadn't been forced to relinquish the old she'd never have discovered the new--one richer and fuller than she'd known. The key to discovery, for her, was a willingness to release the past and move forward.

I do not have this all figured out, but this story encourages me. Though I've been in a battle, I am presently doing all I can to open my arms and accept difficult circumstances and to be thankful for them. God has not lost sight of me. I know that. He and I have been close for a long time. He knows what lies ahead. I've laid down my arms for now and am learning acceptance. I may be called to battle again, in fact I'm certain of it. Until then I am resting in my Lord.

What are you fighting for or relinquishing or accepting? Whatever it is, trust in God's greater knowledge and wisdom. He truly knows what is best for us.

Grace and peace to you,

Bonnie

Quite Moments With God -- All Good Things Come From God

I received a gift yesterday. The memory of my five-year-old granddaughter's joy-filled face.

After church, our women's ministry team provided a meal along with a raffle. We're raising money for the ministry fund. It was a fun time spent with friends over good food and with hopes of winning something special.

My granddaughter Olivia was on pins and needles, hoping to win a gift basket filled with items meant especially for a little girl. She'd put all of her tickets in that one gift box. When it was time to draw for that very special prize I believe Olivia was holding her breath. Her eyes were bright with anticipation, and when her name was called she leaped out of her chair and walked up to accept her prize.

With her arms wrapped around the over-sized gift box, she headed back to her seat, no doubt feeling like she'd won the lottery. Her expression shone with excitement and joy. That look stayed with me all day. I can see it now--pure joy unencumbered by life's circumstances. My little granddaughter has been through a lot of sorrow recently, but that's not what she was thinking about at that moment. All she knew was that she'd won the prize she wanted.

I too, have had special moments in my life. I've had some extraordinary gifts bestowed upon me--more than I can count. Sadly, I too often forget the gifts and become focused on circumstances. And as I envision my granddaughter's special moment and realize she was thinking of nothing but the gift, I'm reminded how far off the mark my life can sometimes be.

God has given me much to be thankful for--precious people to love and who love me, purpose in life, and much more than I need to sustain me. The apostle Paul said all we need to be content is enough food and clothing. I have much more and yet there are days when contentment seems far from my grasp. When I realize my ingratitude, tears fill my eyes and I wonder does my selfishness wound my Lord, who has given me so much?

God is good. My life is blessed. I want to shout, "THANK YOU! THANK YOU, GOD." And then I whisper, "Please forgive me. Forgive me for forgetting your goodness."

He has surrounded me with love and beaty. I have more than I could even think to ask for and more than I deserve. It is my prayer that I remember the precious moments, the blessings showered upon me, and the greatest gift of all--Christ. And may I give back . . . every day.

We have more than we know. Look at the blessings, see them and remember that all good things come from God.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- The Mountain is Out

In the state of Washington in the Enumclaw area there is a saying, "The Mountain is out." All those living on the plateau know when someone says this it means Mount Rainier is visible, which also includes clear skies and sunhine. In the spring this is a special event. I know, I grew up in the rainy northwest.

On Saturday, May 16th, it was a gloriously beautiful day. My friend Ann Shorey and I were driving from our hotel to Enumclaw when I said, "Uh oh, the mountain is out."

So, why would that be a problem for two visiting authors? After a long, wet winter locals do anything but stay indoors when the skies turn blue and the sun warms the earth. And Ann and I were on our way to the Salt Shaker Bookstore to teach two writing workshops and sign copies of our most recent releases along with local author Susan Marlow. Conditions meant turn out would likely be low. After all, The Mountain was out.

The Salt Shaker Bookstore is a first-rate store that specializes in Christian books and gifts. They also serve coffee and goodies. I think it's a terrific place to spend a day.

As it turned out, on the 16th I was one of the few who felt that way. We had only one attendee for our workshops. Two of the store employees graciously joined the class and of course Ann and I took part when the other was speaking. I suppose the natural inclination is to see the event as a flop, but not so.

God knew what He was up to. He had a plan and May 16th belonged to Him. It was a delightful day. Our one attendee, Judy Gann, is a non-fiction author who has just begun her journey into fiction writing. She was happy to be there and ready to learn. Ann and I enjoyed her company immensely. We were both touched by the store employees who sat in on our classes. The folks at the Salt Shaker are super nice people. Throughout the day there were unexpected visits from special friends and readers. And I was especially surprised by a visit from my Junior High principal, Charles Wilson. What a special treat.

May 16th in Enumclaw is the day, in my history, that I taught my smallest class ever(thus far), but it will also be remembered as an absolutely lovely day filled with unexpected blessings. It definitely was NOT a flop. And I was especially happy to be in Enumclaw on a day when The Mountain was out. :-)

Praising God for His blessings!

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips for triumphant living--Shine!

Recently I was chatting with a friend and she made a simple statement, “Just be thankful.” Her words struck me in a powerful way, I think because of the way she said them. She made the statement very matter-of-factly, as if she'd never even consider being anything but thankful.

This woman’s life has not been easy; like most of us she’s experienced hardship. She lost a daughter at an early age and her husband went home to be with the Lord a few years ago. And she’s faced serious health issues. Yet, I do not see or hear any sign of resentment. It’s as if she really believes God is in control. And life is good because she trusts Him.

Being thankful is part of who she is. She chooses to focus on the positive things in life rather than the disappointments. God must smile when He looks upon her. Her rich relationship with Him is good for all of us. Her kindness and serenity rubs off on the people close to her, including me. She’s like a light in the darkness. And isn’t that what God asked us to be, a light?

May we all shine brighter.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie