Thrifting

Today I visited the sweetest little thrift store in British Columbia. At least, I haven't seen a quainter one. Tucked away in a tiny town along the Fraser river, it looked more like a cottage inside than the large one-room stores I'm used to. The passage twisted and opened to odd-shaped rooms filled with racks of clothing, cozy curtains, and shelves of attractively arranged dishes, paintings, and trinkets. I felt more like a robber in my grandmother's house than a thrift-store shopper as I browsed the racks and pulled items from the shelves. I almost expected the saleslady to appear behind me with a frown! But her smiles and cheerful chatter only added to the homey atmosphere.

There wasn't really anything special about the merchandise in that store. It did have a good selection, but I've seen just as good elsewhere. And yet I came away, knowing I'd be back someday, and knowing I'd recommend that store to any of my friends.

I know that of myself, I don't have anything better to offer those around me than anyone else. But when I have the fragrance of Jesus flowing through my soul--His tender love, compassionate care, and warm love--the atmosphere around me will invite others in.

I want to be such a person.

P.S. Life has been busy, and I haven't been able to post much lately. I'm hoping to change that though. :)

Day Nine: Quotes to Inspire

Today we're supposed to be sharing difficult experiences that God has carried us through. And while I've had some of those this year, I realized that I've also written down a handful of quotes that have helped me through these experiences. There aren't many, but each one has a special message that I hope will inspire you as they have me.

"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety." -George Muller

"She can, by habit, accustom herself to cheerful thinking, and thus encourage a happy state of mind and cast a cheerful reflection of her own happiness of spirit upon her family and those with whom she associates." -Ellen White

"At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith…. No circumstance, no distance can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer." -Ellen White

"Bloom where you are planted." -Unknown

"Learn to live in your will, not in your feelings." -Amy Carmichael

"God would not have us remain pressed down by dumb sorrow, with sore and breaking hearts. He would have us look up and behold His dear face of love. The blessed Saviour stands by many whose eyes are so blinded by tears that they do not discern Him. He longs to clasp our hands, to have us look to Him in simple faith, permitting Him to guide us. His heart is open to our griefs, our sorrows, and our trials. He has loved us with an everlasting love and with loving-kindness compassed us about. We may keep the heart stayed upon Him and meditate upon His loving-kindness all the day. He will lift the soul above the daily sorrow and perplexity, into a realm of peace." -Ellen White

Day Eight: Hope

Merriam Webster defines it:

to expect with confidence

I am so thankful for the hope that Jesus gives;

To be able to expect with confidence that He will transform me into His image,

...that He will take care of the future I cannot see,

...that He will hold my hand in every trial,

...that He will give me peace that passes understanding,

...that He will always love me,

...and that one day He will take me home to be with

    Him forever.

Day Seven: Blessings With T

As I tried to think of T blessings that I am thankful for, I realized there are a lot of T things in nature that always bring a smile to my face. If you've been following my blog for a while, you know that I love to collect life's simple pleasures into lists to remember and cherish. Here are a few of those simple things that I'm glad God has blessed me with this year.

Trees

I just love trees. Lying on my back in the grass and staring up into their leafy ceiling. Clambering up into their branches. Wondering about the age of a certain tree, and if any other girls in years past have stood in the same shade and felt the same sweet restfulness.

Thunderstorms

I don't really like them when I'm outside in them, or when the trees are bending so far they look as if they could snap any minute; but when I'm inside, curled up with a book, or snuggled down in bed for the night, there is nothing like a good thunderstorm. The rumble of thunder that sends delightful shivers to my toes and fingertips. The drumming of rain on the roof that fills me with comfortable drowsiness. Ah, I almost want to go find my pillow just thinking about it!

Twilight

Not the movie. Never seen it, never intend to. But that breathtaking time of day, when the pink clouds fade, and a quiet peace wraps itself around the world as birds twitter good-night melodies. It's the time of day when, if you sit outside and close your eyes, God seems so close you could almost reach out and touch Him.

Twinkling stars

Words seem so inadequate when describing a starry night. Looking out into that vastness, and realizing just how many billions of galaxies are twinkling at me, I am awed by God's power. And I am overwhelmed by His interest in tiny little me on this speck of a planet.

Day 6: I Will Change Your Name

I will change your name.

You shall no longer be called

Wounded, Outcast, Lonely, or Afraid.

I will change your name.

Your new name shall be

Confidence, Joyfulness, Overcoming one,

Faithfulness, Friend of God, One who seeks my face.

This is one of the simplest songs I have ever heard. And yet at the same time it is so full of awe-inspiring truth that it still amazes me every time I listen to it.

I discovered it a few months ago, and as the words sank into my heart I was struck with their depth. But as I listen to them again and look back on the past months, they almost take my breath away. Because God has been doing just that for me.

Wounded. Outcast. Lonely. Scared. That is who I've been for years. And I didn't even know it. Sure, I knew I'd been through some tough times that not everyone is called to go through. But I had no idea how deep the pain ran until  God began revealing to me just how much it had been affecting my everyday reactions to life. Scared to commit. Scared of losing relationships. Sad more often than happy. It puzzled me. I thought of the people out there who have been hurt far worse than I have. Why couldn't I just "move on"?

I've been realizing that everyone carries a burden of pain in their heart. For some the load is heavier than others. But none of us can walk this sin-damaged planet without being scarred. Satan hisses through the hurt, "You're just a damaged person. What makes you think you can do what's right? How dare you help others when you know what it's like to fall? You don't deserve happiness. You're worthless."

I don't know about you, but I've been believing those lies for far too long. But praise God, my Jesus has taken my face into His hands, looked into my eyes, and said, "I will change your name." As I've surrendered my pain and confusion to Him, He has been bringing a confidence and joy to my life I didn't know I could have.

Yes, I still have difficult days. Sometimes I cry. My heart hasn't forgotten how to ache. But it's becoming the exception rather than the norm. And I can't get enough of it! I don't ever want Jesus to stop what He is doing in me. I want to experience to the full what it means to be free in Him. I want to embrace His new name.

D. J. Butler, whoever you are, thank you for so poignantly expressing what Jesus wants to do for every weary soul. I am grateful.

P.S. Life got a little crazy for a few days, hence the lack of posts. I hope to stay more on track from now on. :)

Day Two: Raindrops

It took me a long time to settle on an "R" blessing to write about. So many wonderful things start with "R"! Like rest, renewing, restoring, relationships, and the list goes on. But I finally decided on an "R" that may sound a little strange at first.

Raindrops.

I love the pitter-patter of raindrops. Their soft melody gives me a fuzzy feeling inside that makes me want to cuddle up with a good book, or snuggle down for a nap.

But this year I've been delving deeper into the blessing of another kind of raindrop. The kind that multiplies into squalls that drench you and shut out the sunshine. The hard times that wrench your stomach into a knot and make you wonder, "Why?"

These raindrops don't give me cozy feelings. They plain old hurt. But they also drive me to my knees. They show me that God is holding me even when I can't sense it. And as I learn to give the confusion to Him, they actually make me a stronger person.

Today I am thankful for the lessons the difficult days have taught me - and for my Jesus who has never once let me go.

Day 1: Golden Moments

I like to call them golden moments. Those little serendipities and precious times that warm your heart and deepen your smile wrinkles. Sometimes life's perplexities hide them, but they are always there. And even though I haven't always tried my best to find them, this past year is so full of beautiful memories that I could never squeeze  my gratitude for them all into one blog post.

Moments like sitting next to a sea turtle in the warm Hawaiian ocean while he nibbles at the kelp-covered rocks.

Late-night talks with the sweetest friend a girl could wish for.

Squeezing three giggling girls into a tiny two-person tent - this happened twice!

Bouncing on a trampoline with an energetic 6-year-old.

Soaking in a deliciously warm hot spring in the middle of a chilly rain shower (sorry, I didn't get a picture in the rain).

Countless adventures with this young man who means more to me every day.

These may seem like small things, but it's often the little, unexpected joys that thrill my heart the most. I am so thankful for every happy moment that God has given to me this year, and for all the little ways He has shown His love. This has definitely been a year to be grateful for!