Blog Archives
Thankful 30: Day 12–She’s a Winner
I have joined Emily’s* 30 Day Challenge:
I’m challenging myself to post a picture every day during the month of November (30 Days To Be Thankful For) and to add a caption as to why I am thankful. — Emily
Day 12, November 12
I am grateful for Barb’s gift of photography. Many of the photos in my posts are hers, including the beautiful sunflowers in the background.
Today I learned that she has won second place in a national photo contest: Capture the Heart of America–Celebrations of Agriculture category (SilosandSmokestacks.org).
Here is her winning photo.
In Exodus 31 the Lord is talking to Moses about Bezalel, a craftsman he’s chosen to make the Tent of Meeting and the objects in it. God explains that the artistry is a gift from the Lord.
I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs . . . Exodus 31:3,4
Barb’s gift, her skill in photography is from God, too.
Here are a few more of her photos. Enjoy.
photo by Barb Briggs
photo by Barb Briggs
photo by Barb Briggs
photo by Barb Briggs
photo by Barb Briggs
Art is born when the temporary touches the eternal. — G.K. Chesterton
See Thankful 30 page for every day’s entry.
* name changed
Thankful 30: Day 11–Vegetable Soup and the Church
I have joined Emily’s* 30 Day Challenge:
I’m challenging myself to post a picture every day during the month of November (30 Days To Be Thankful For) and to add a caption as to why I am thankful. — Emily
Day 11, November 11
Today I am thankful for vegetable soup.
A dusting of snow fell this morning, and later in the day a biting, north wind leaned against the kitchen windows. Vegetable soup and banana muffins sounded very appealing on such a chilly day, so today I gathered the ingredients and made soup, filling the kitchen with its steamy aroma.
First, I sauteed the onions, celery, garlic, and carrots in the stock pot. Next I added canned green beans from the store and frozen, diced tomatoes grown in the garden. I searched the refrigerator for small bits of leftovers to add to the soup: two mushrooms, a jar of beef broth, a container of roast beef from Sunday’s roast, two leaves of kale, and fresh parsley from my CSA box. In my pantry I found four, small potatoes, so I peeled and cubed them and threw them in the pot, too.
To season the soup, I add salt and pepper and a dash of chili powder à la Evelyn.
Nearly 30 years ago, Evelyn, a member of my church, taught me how to make vegetable soup and how to make it taste like love. I had been bronchitis’ prisoner for a week and had two small children to care for. I was exhausted, I was discouraged, and we all were hungry for something homemade. Evelyn knew and brought us a meal of vegetable-beef soup (with a dash of chili powder), bran muffins, and raspberry jello. It was more than nourishment for our bodies; it was food for my discouraged heart. She taught me about doing simple, servant things, to show others in the body of Christ that we care.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. I Corinthians 12:12
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. I Corinthians 12:27
The church is also like a big pot of vegetable soup, many ingredients long-simmered together to make a nourishing meal. In the church we have those who are brightly colored as carrots or as ordinary as a can of green beans, but who could do without either of them? Some are a little trendy like kale, but full of vitamins. Some of us are a little old like the leftovers, some new like the freshly picked parsley. There are those who are seemingly “bland” as a potato, but, oh, so comforting, and there’s always someone who adds a little spice like the chili powder. Each of us as individuals has something to offer the stockpot–a flavor, an aroma, a texture that’s unique to us.
I remember Evelyn’s gift as I ladle the steaming soup into bowls tonight, and I’m thankful for her example. I try to make my soup (and my church) taste like love.
See Thankful 30 page for every day’s entry.
* name changed
Thankful 30: Day 9–Leadership Training
I have joined Emily’s* 30 Day Challenge:
I’m challenging myself to post a picture every day during the month of November (30 Days To Be Thankful For) and to add a caption as to why I am thankful.
Day 9, November 9
I am thankful that so many people turned out for a Church Leadership Training Seminar held this weekend.
I am grateful to the host church that provided the space, brewed the coffee, and prepared the meal.
hos·pi·tal·i·ty
noun: the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.
I am thankful for the wisdom of the speakers and their servant hearts. Just as the yellow and green in this hosta leaf complement each other, love and truth together are needed to grow a leader.
Love and truth form a good leader;
sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.Proverbs 20:28 The Message
It cheered my heart to see the parking lot nearly full when I arrived. I thank you for church leaders who want to serve God with love, insight, and common sense and become that sweet fragrance of Christ in all our actions.
Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.
2 Corinthians 2:15,16
Thank you, Lord, that so many people who have non-pastoral positions of leadership in their local churches (whether dealing with spiritual issues, finances, or business meetings) were willing to take time away from their weekend activities. Lord, I ask that you give all church leaders wisdom as they serve and immerse their attitudes and actions in love, which will make even the smallest things beautiful.
Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other. John 13:35 The Message
Photos taken at Leadership Training host church.
See Thankful 30 page for every day’s entry.
* name changed
Constance Ann Morrison 