Your Very Own Self

Published on by arecordofgraces

Somewhere along the way through time, the notion has been planted in young minds that being the same is the way to go. This pressure of uniformity stays with many of us as an adult. It can lead to a life of feeling lonely when we are not comfortable in our own skin. Unsure of who to follow, we change the way we look, the way we act, and the way we think just to (hopefully) be accepted. If you are ‘different’, you are labeled an outsider and you do not belong. The media or whoever spread this thought is dead wrong. We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)→ each and every individual. And with our individual differences, we can serve God and make the body of Christ a beautiful thing to behold and a wonderful place to belong.

I am sharing a quote written by author Jan Karon who wrote this on her Facebook page a few years ago. ‘Comparison issues’ and feelings of self-consciousnesses can plague us for years. It is exhausting mentally and spiritually for that is not the way God would have us see ourselves. I am encouraged by the following quote to be more God-conscious, not self-conscious. I am motivated to keep complimenting (part of January’s Grace Goals) others because I never know just how much that person might have needed reassurance and support on a particular day.

From Jan Karon- January 4, 2016:

“For our readers who did not grow up in the South: a generous portion of okra or beans or collards or salad greens, etc, is called a “mess”.

I was always different. I never felt that I fit in anywhere. Some of you know that feeling. Usually, I felt too dumb or too smart, too thin or too fat, too short or (at a mere 5’3” I never felt too tall). I just couldn’t find a way to identify whatever myself might really be.

When I was seven or eight years old, my grandmother, Miss Fannie, gave me a bemused look and said, “Janice, you’re different.” There was a long pause; my very life seemed to hang suspended. “And,” she said, “that’s a good thing.”

It took decades for me to understand and believe that. And here’s an experience that helped.

I was getting ready to fry okra, and while washing it, came across a green bean that had somehow landed in that mess of okra. I cut the green bean in three or four pieces and coated them with batter, and every now and then, in that melange of fried okra, I’d come across a delicious bit of green bean.

What a difference.

I believe it takes a whole mess of okra to make one green bean so full of surprise.

God didn’t make you like everybody else, of course. He made you like your very own self. Something special. Something different.

If you’re still trying to figure out what that wonderful difference is, here’s the best way, in my opinion, to find out.

Say, “God, you made me and you know what you made me to be. What is it? Show me. I want to know. Because whatever you made me to be, that’s exactly what I want to be. I’m excited! Thank you.”

The Compliment

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“I want to suggest a new Beatitude: ‘Blessed are the sincere who pay compliments.’

For I have just had a compliment, and it has changed my day.

I was irritated. Tired. Discouraged. Nothing seemed much use. Now suddenly all this is changed.

I feel a spurt of enthusiasm, of energy and joy. I am filled with hope. I like the whole world better, and myself, and even you.

Lord, bless the person who did this for me.

He probably hasn’t the faintest idea how his few words affected me. But wherever he is, whatever he’s doing, bless him. Let him too feel this sense of fulfillment, this recharge of fire and faith and joy.

Thank you, God, for this simple miracle so available to all of us. And that we don’t have to be saints to employ its power.

Remind me to use it more often to heal and lift and fortify others’ lives:
a compliment!

Poem by Marjorie Holmes

The Day’s Resolutions

Published on by arecordofgraces

I think in terms of the day’s resolutions, not the year’s.

H. Moore

For me, it is difficult to resolve to do something for a whole year. I make plans to lose weight, but life gets busy and rough and sometimes, eating out is the simplest. I do not always make the wisest choices when eating out and on busy days, I tend to forget making time to exercise. My husband and I make plans to save money, but the truck breaks down, prescriptions need to be filled, shoes wear out, a loved one needs help, and the list could go on. A few months pass by in the new year and discouragement sets in.

What if I think in terms of the day’s resolutions instead? Thinking about maintaining a new habit for a whole year tends to feel overwhelming, but I believe I can manage one day at a time.

Today I will resolve to:

  • Summon the courage to face a problem so I won’t have to deal with it tomorrow.
  • Dedicate my thoughts to making one right decision at a time.
  • Live in grace when ‘productivity’ may be resting and not accomplishing tasks on a to-do list.
  • Look for the gifts in life and not focus on the grief.

Last year, I started looking more for the gifts in life. This treasure hunt every day helps me remember God’s involvement in even the smallest of details. I am continuing this search for the gifts because I believe it has helped me to notice His hand in my life more than ever. For January, I have a had a focus to look for four types of gifts: white, inspirational, heartfelt, and brand new.

Here are the latest photos in stray gifts.

Top Row: (Left) White alyssums still alive during the cold weather. (Right) Beautiful pine cones noticed on one of our walks. I love the contrast of white and brown.

Middle Row: (Left) I am not sure where this inspirational book of prayers came from, but I love a lot of the poems in here and share them on social media often. (Right) While out watering and checking on my plants, I was struck by the new growth of mum leaves.

Bottom Row: (Left) On a walk last week, we saw bare trees, palm trees, and birds in trees. Art in nature is always inspirational. (Right) A brand new scent to the earth and all that is in it after a good rain.

Not pictured: Stray gifts “heartfelt” showed up in thanks around the table last week from my husband, my son, and my dad over mashed potatoes -which I don’t make too often. I think my dad had potatoes with a side of rotisserie chicken and broccoli! (Maybe I need to make mashed potatoes more often?) ‘Grateful for thankful hearts and food on the table. And for the aforementioned men who help clear the table and wash the dishes!


Pleasure is spread through the earth in stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.
-William Wordsworth, 1806

Words Unspoken

Published on by arecordofgraces

“She is confident in her abilities and how she manages life.”

“He knows he looks great in that shirt.”

“She realizes how important she is to everyone around her.”

“He is aware of how brave I think he is for following his dreams while struggling with chronic pain.”

“She feels no fear and always does things with confidence.”

“He believes in himself and the choices he makes for his family.”

All things I think about particular people but never tell them.

Surely, they know.

They must.

But, not necessarily.

Words go unsaid. “They know how I feel”, I think. But what they see in the mirror and what I see may be two different things.

What if I shared the words I think? Words of encouragement and hope. A compliment. What if I gave something meaningful for them to hold on to? Something true, lovely, of good report (Philippians 4:8) from me to them about them. Because deep down, I don’t know what a difficult day they may have had- the health struggles, the worries. Nagging questions, fear, and crippling doubt could very well be hidden behind the closed doors of a brave front.

Words unspoken help no one.

Words unspoken spark no joy, offer no hope, and give no warmth.

Say the words. Give the compliment. Share a warm, ‘Hello’.

It might make all the difference in the world.

#gracegoals2019

Other “Grace Goals 2019” for January Posts:

Considering the Caregiver

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This month’s Prayer Plan focus has been for the caregiver. Several of my friends and family are caring for their unwell spouse, their child who has life-long health struggles, and/or their aging parents. There are always adjustments to the day, doctor’s appointments scheduled, and the need for keeping a balance in caring for themselves while nurturing those in need. In my last blog post, Praying for the Caregiver, I shared five areas to pray for concerning someone in this situation. Prayer is good and needful, and I believe we could take one step further to be an encouragement. Here are a few hands-on ways to show your care for them:

  • Purchase a gift certificate. There are many directions to take with this suggestion. It could be for a restaurant for a nice meal out. If the caregiver loves crafting/sewing, how about a gift certificate for the local craft store? If they are a gardener, a gift card for the local gardening center. For the reader, a book store. And last, but not least, Amazon – where they can purchase just about anything!
  • Prepare a meal. Soups are always in season in the winter. A rotisserie chicken is a good idea with some sides. Put together a deli tray of meats, cheeses, crackers, cheese spreads, fruit for something different. A baked potato meal, maybe, with toppings (meat, cheese, sour cream) and a nice side salad. Many possibilities. Ask ahead of time for any dietary restrictions. Or call out for pizza or other meal you know the family would enjoy and take it over.
  • Spend some time. Make a lunch date or set time aside to visit in some way or other, whether in the house or outside. Or if the caregiver on your heart right now lives long-distance, call them and let them know you are thinking about them.
  • Make a personalized gift basket. Consider their interests: baking, gardening, reading, relaxation bath salts, coffee or teas. A fruit basket, perhaps.
  • Give flowers. A lovely flower arrangement in the house always brightens up the space.
  • Write and send a nice note. A handwritten connection is always a blessing.

Of course, this list can be utilized to bless anyone! Throughout January’s
#gracegoals2019, I am praying for the caregiver, I am asking the Lord to bless those who care for others. In considering other caregivers, I am asking the Lord to help me put hands and feet to my prayers to do something and be a blessing to others.

Other January “Grace Goals” Blog Entries:

Praying for the Caregiver

Published on by arecordofgraces

PART TWO of January’s #gracegoals2019 encouragement is to pray for caregivers. Being a caregiver myself for my dad, a Vietnam Veteran, others who care for their aging parents are on my heart often.

The verse which comes to mind for this goal is Philippians 2:4, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others”. As I was contemplating this, one word spoke to me; the word, also. If we are to look ALSO on the needs of others, wouldn’t that mean to care for ourselves AND for others? Does that make sense? Something I have been considering. If a caregiver feels run down, senses depression, or suffers physically, emotionally, or spiritually, of what benefit can they be to anyone else? We cannot take care of others if we neglect our own needs. This not only pertains to caretakers of parents, but for those in any ministry of caring- parents raising children, parents raising special needs children, a husband or wife caring for an ill spouse, a pastor and his wife, a janitor, a teacher. I would imagine we all know someone who could use some prayer support!

I researched quite a few web links on the topic of caregivers caring for themselves, and most of them share these tips:

  • Eat healthy
  • Take time to rest during the day
  • Exercise to keep your body strong, even if only for 10 minutes a day
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Do things you enjoy (read, create, listen to music, garden…)
  • Ask for help when needed
  • Seek support (whether through reading material on the topic, by talking to someone (spouse, family, friend, pastor, counselor) who can be an encourager, and by seeking God’s guidance even for the smallest of decisions.

If you are a caregiver, I understand it is hard work. Sometimes we become so focused on the needs of others and the needs of the home, we forget to take care of ourselves in the process. To find a balance can be a challenge. I know there are days when what you have planned gets put aside. I am familiar with days filled with doctor appointments and waiting at the pharmacy for medication. I identify with days when all that is needed is companionship and quietness when your loved-one is resting or struggling with pain. For these reasons and more, I pray for you today.

If you are praying for a caretaker:

  • Pray that they will make wise choices in caring for their nourishment.
  • Pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual strength.
  • Pray they will be able to sleep well, feeling rejuvenated for the next day.
  • Pray for opportunities to rest and/or to do things they enjoy.
  • Pray they will ask for help when needed and not try to do it all on their own.

Lord, bless those who care for others. I pray for compassion because compassion makes a world of difference. There are always adjustments to the day and I pray change and re-shifting be accepted with grace. May we be flexible, be moved by another’s needs, and be willing to be a blessing. And may we live for You in every decision, in every action, and in every thought of the heart. Amen.

Other January “Grace Goals” Blog Entries:

Grace Goals for January

Just A Note

“Just a Note”

Published on by arecordofgraces

A few days ago, I shared encouragements for this month in a blog post entitled, Grace Goals for January. I have four goals in mind. Two focus on a relationship with others (giving) and two focus on a relationship with God (one asking something from God, the other giving thanks to Him by noticing #straygifts in the day).

  • Ministry Goal: Write and send at least one letter or card to someone to encourage
  • Prayer Plan: Pray for a caregiver. Caregivers have many definitions (mothers, nurses, pastors, teachers, those who care for a spouse or a child who is ill, those who are caring for a parent)…I would imagine you have someone in mind that could use some encouragement and prayer.
  • Grace Goal: Compliment someone and make their day
  • “Stray Gifts” Suggestions: Look for things brand new, heartfelt, inspirational, and white

The first part of the goal is to write a note to someone. A personal touch goes a long way. Writing a note does not necessarily mean sending a card out in the mail, it could be a note written to someone in your own home. I make my husband’s lunch for him to take to work. A few months ago, I started writing notes to put on his lunch container – a small sticky note with words of love, a silly quote, a fun memory, or an encouraging message. He is a quiet sort of guy and had not said anything about it until one day, there wasn’t one. I was thinking that maybe my ‘little note’ was not noticed or appreciated. Later, he mentioned that he missed it and had been looking forward to seeing what I had thought to write that day. It wasn’t just a note, it made his day. Such a small thing, we think, but you never know what it might mean to another person! I try not to miss a day now, even if I only draw a heart or a smiley face.

Small opportunities surround us every day. Whether you write a note and mail it, or you write it to someone in your own home and place it with a lunch, on a pillow, or around a place you know it will be found, I encourage you to surprise someone. When a person does not comment, say, “Thank you”, or seem to notice, it causes me to wonder if I should even do it. In those cases, I can only pray that God is using me and that for that particular person on that particular day, it is not just a note.



Grace Goals for January

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I have had this idea rolling around in my head for quite awhile now, and I think it’s time to let it out of my brain and see how it goes. A “mood board” of sorts to set the tone for the month, a theme for #straygifts, a specific prayer plan/topic along with helpful blog posts, a corresponding Scripture verse to implement, and a possible ‘ministry goal’. It seems like a lot, I know, which is why I created a collage guide to explain.

TOP LEFT CORNER is a photo of cardmaking supplies, a ministry of sorts for me. I like to send cards and to hopefully be an encouragement to someone. I especially like to include a note about family happenings, flowers which may be blooming, the weather, ministry updates – more than just my signature at the bottom of a card. I strive to make each card personal. This month’s card theme will be winter-related for me. Is there someone who would love a handwritten note? Would you consider sending a card to at least one person this month?

TOP RIGHT CORNER is a prayer plan suggestion to pray for caretakers in January with a corresponding Scripture verse for meditation. Being a “caretaker” myself for a parent who needs care from time to time, I am more aware of friends and family who are doing the same. It is a big ministry for anyone in a caretaker position. When the idea originally came to me, I was thinking of caretakers for aging parents. While doing research for what caretakers do, I came across so many more descriptions for the word. A caretaker could be a stay-at-home-mom, a working mom juggling home and an outside job, a janitor at work, the waitress who always remembers what you order to drink, those who clean your church. All job descriptions which thrive with a humble spirit. There are so many! I would imagine, though, someone came to mind when you read this and maybe this month, you could pray for them and offer an encouraging word through a written note or by spoken word.

BOTTOM LEFT is a “Grace Goals” section. I have a beautiful poem I share on an upcoming blog post that inspired this. Theme: Compliment someone this month – or many people!- you never know how much a person might have needed it that day. Spread some light!

BOTTOM RIGHT are “Stray Gifts” suggestions to look out for throughout January.

Of course, I would love your participation – to build a community where we pray for each other, share stray gifts we see in the day, share ministry ideas for friends and family. I realize a lot of people read posts and do not comment or acknowledge that they read entries on Facebook or here on the blog. I do hope you follow along – whether by likes, shares, and comments, or quietly in your own way. Either way, thank you for stopping by A Record of Graces. I believe together, we can make a difference. #gracegoals2019

I hope your first week of 2019 is going well!

Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Published on by arecordofgraces

What can I say on the last day of 2018? How would I describe the year in one word or phrase? Looking back on my Facebook posts and my blog entries, I would say the phrase that comes up the most is, “stray gifts” based on the quote, “Pleasure is spread through the earth in stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find” by William Wordsworth. I was tempted many times to think it silly to post such things about blooming flowers, intricately designed spider webs, a note from my seven year old niece, and any thing big or small that stopped me in my tracks. But I have been surprised over and over by others who have written me notes telling me they, too, are looking. A lost-then-found key, a song bird, country views from a front porch, December roses blooming outside a friend’s kitchen window- all claiming God’s hand in the day-to-day, giving wings to the mindset of looking for the good in a day.

I have learned that each day has all kinds of stray gifts which I believe are placed there in my path. They are handfuls of purpose. They are reminders that He has not forgotten me in times of trouble, that He delights in my noticing Him in the details, and that every day, His mercies are new.

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow -Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside

Going into the new year, I find myself thinking of the song, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and the line, “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” Strength to reflect on the past year with grace and hope for tomorrow in the new year that there will be more ‘stray gifts’ for me to find. Once I started noticing one stray gift, as the days went by, it became easier to notice more. Then I began to wake up wondering what new thing I might see in the day. Each new gift received with a thankful heart gives strength, I believe- strength to trust God that I am on His mind, strength to move past things in life which have weighed me down. And always, the Lord offers bright hope for tomorrow reminding me that trials are seasonal and looking for His hand in the day makes life more bearable when life seems on shaky ground. Keeping hope alive is calming. When doubts and fears assail, without hope, we falter. With hope, comes new promise, like a seedling stretching up toward the sun.

Lord, teach me to trust in Your strength just for today, for this moment in time, for this situation, for this trial. I realize just because a new year starts tomorrow, that doesn’t mean everything ‘resets’ to ‘factory settings’. We will still have ongoing health issues, financial hurdles, and spiritual warfare, yet Your strength is perfect for today and Your bright hope is all I ask and all I need. Amen.

Everything a Miracle

Published on by arecordofgraces

“It was Einstein who said

either nothing is a miracle,

or everything is –

a jagged mountain range,

lilacs in bloom,

a peacock unfurled,

sun on your arm,

the touch of a stranger.

Take your pick: be surprised

by nothing at all,

or by everything that is.”

-Poem “Epiphany” by Maryanne Hannan

We were surprised by the beautiful snow falling last night and again this morning – a definite ‘stray gifts’ moment since snow is so rare in these parts. Here is a collage of photos I took in my backyard this morning.

And Happy New Year to you! May you find your very own stray gifts, miracles, and surprises in each new day of 2019.

Pleasure is spread through the earth in stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find. -William Wordsworth, 1806