Day 236 Life

August 31, 2015
Day 236

The night was full. Full of things I had not planned on doing. We were helping a family move and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. These are folks trying to turn a corner. They will. They are a remarkable couple handed not even a handful of the good stuff I was given from birth. Much is expected of me. These are the kind of people I respect, the ones trying to duke it out with not a whole lot. They have seen too much and they need to see better. May it be!

Day 235 Kauffmans

Fr. Lt to Rt. starting in back Lynn, Cheryl, Sarah, Wanita, Beth, Judy, Christine, Rosita

August 30, 2015

Day 235

Uncle Masty, Me, Cheryl

I love the Kauffmans. Tonight we had an impromptu Family reunion in our backyard. Masty and Fianna Blank, Lynn's uncle and aunt, along with their wonderful daughters, Rosita and Christine were in the area for a Blank reunion. Lynn's uncle and Aunt, Titus and Barb, suggested a get together. For those of us in the area, we have been trying to be opportunist with our close proximity and do this more often. And, we were game for a bit of spontaneity! The Kauffmans are excellent with this.

Fr. Lt to Rt. Barb, Titus, Fianna, Elva, Judy

The night was lovely with the weather in complete obedience. My husband's mother was raised and born in Intercourse, PA. Her family is loving and accepting, an overflow of blessings. From 1986 till 2015, I have been fortunate to be with this family almost every two years at their reunions. These are heartwarming, encouraging, enlightening and times of remembrance for those who have passed over the border of life.

Pearl, Mandy, Geoff, Andrew, Owen, Jesse

Reunions often run their course with the younger generation not interested in keeping in touch. But the beauty of the Kauffmans' reunions is that just the opposite is occurring. The young bucks are relating and enjoying their time and tonight was no exception. All of us laughed, spoke of deep and abiding things and deepened our relationships. This is a perfect summer night at its best. Families matter!       

Day 234 Plan Changer!

Pearl Beiler's Family-She and Kevin are blessed

August 29, 2015
Day 234

Plans, they always change and tonight is no exception. My plan is to do some things for the school year. And of course I want to do 8 hours of work in a 2 hour time frame, cram, cram, cram. But instead I am being beckoned by my cousin in love to do the right thing. Pearl Beiler has taught me so much since I met her back in the mid 80's. Pearl has taught me to love, and to love well. Tonight love calls her forward and she is dragging me along. My plans have to change.

I will right myself and walk and will not need for her to drag me tonight. And I will go happily with this woman who has moved mountains for many. You see, my talk many times does not match my walk. And it is a woman such as Pearl Beiler who silently (sometimes not so) calls me to consistency. Tonight my plans will take a 180 degrees turn.  I even had the nerve to ask her how long are we going to be tonight....She says to me, in that very Pearl way, "we'll see."

Thank you God for patient sisters, such as Pearl, who love me despite me and encourage me to reconfigure plans. May her new year, having completed another solid year just yesterday, be filled with immeasurable joy! I love you Pearl Beiler!

Day 233 Oh How He Speaks

August 28, 2015
Day 233

I am so fortunate. He speaks to me. He has since I was five years old. The things He says to me always lead me in good directions. Run, Lynne, run. And I do. No, Lynne, do not go there. And I do not. As a child I listen to what He says and I do not put up a fuss. Come to Him like a child, maybe that is what it means. Lynne, you do not have to do that to have fun, just enjoy what is around you. Friends would tell me to party more, then maybe I would  have more friends. No, I am content with the load of friends I have, I will not party for that.

He gives me a contentment that only He can give. I take it and I enjoy it. I remember thinking of Him in my youth, meditating on Him, and my heart would fly to places full of majesty. Watch, Lynne, a good organization will most always fizzle from its principles, beware of that Lynne. That young man who is spinning circles around you with his words and smooth voice, don't buy it Lynne. No, Lynne, when that young man comes back to college you are not to date him. In fact, Lynne, today is the end, and no, you do not have to call and tell him that. He has made himself perfectly clear, Lynne. And so shall you.

Lynne, this man who you do not think is your type will be your husband. I am giving you what you need and you are going to really then want him. Almost thirty years later I shudder to think of all I would not have, had I not listened to Him about my lifelong partner. Lynne, you are to trust and depend on me solely, not on your husband. He is to do the same with me. Encourage him to run the race with perseverance but He is not your all in all. I am!

How do I know He is real? No one, to date, speaks so clearly, so gently, so convic-tin-gly, so purposefully into my life as He has. His words to me line up with His character. I continue to learn of  Him as I go deep into the ancient text He wrote. He leads me to wonderful healing places. The people that misunderstand me, that hurt me, He simply encourages me to love them back. And He even provides the love. He is consistent with all He says.

He provides me with dreams that navigate me through hard times. He gives me peace when there is no peace in my circumstances. He listens to me and answers me. I know His voice.

He and I look at each other when those who do not understand Him have the same ole questions. He helps me see how uncreative unbelief is. It swirls around the same questions that people continue to have. I have yet to hear a new question. His answers amaze me they are so creative.

He speaks to me and the other day I cry when my friend, Jenifer Snider, shares with me what God has spoken to her on a silent retreat. I cry because He says the same exact things to me. I love when He does this to His people. We connect in ways money, similarity of personality, common interests etc. do not know how to connect. We know one another. And those who know His love only want to love more, not less. We refuse to be pulled to the dark side.

Day 232 Say What You Mean And Mean What You Say

Nicole Suzanne uses words wisely....

August 27, 2015
Day 232

When we talk we use words. (I am the high commander of the obvious) We use them based on what we know their meaning is and we are attempting to match them to our thoughts. But my word choices often betray my thoughts. Have you ever seen the Wind Tunnel Money Machine? The goal is to grab as much money in the wind tunnel? Have a look - https://youtu.be/Izmf_hGr0fk . This is me with words.  Is it any wonder then that I am amazed at what you think you heard me say and the complete disconnect of what I really meant? So often, in fact, 99 percent of the time, it is my fault and not yours. I am a sloppy speaker and unfortunately it is a result of sloppy thinking. I might have just grabbed the word that was closest yet not the word that was the most fitting. To move in a direction of clarity is a real need, complete intentionality is so important. And so this is my pursuit. But it is hard work.

Have you ever listened to one of Nicole's dreams?

I have endeavored to increase my vocabulary ever since my early 20's. Many times I would have a dictionary in hand, especially, while reading Russian novels. (just go ahead and ask me what they are....it's really not that impressive) This was only helpful if I used the word that I had just learned. But oft it did not go so well. The word was apt and fitting but not for the moment. The recipient would look at me like I was wearing over-sized shoulder pads with big puffy hair, just a tad out of place.

I am also trying to think before I speak. But, I should just give up on this one, it's boring. It means taking time. Speed in thought, speed in action, speed in deed (we are not necessarily talking "good" deed) often is my priority. But, this speed drives me quickly to the wrong place, wrong word, and wrong thought. I am on your left, in a huff, passing you to reach the stop light faster. Therefore, I do have many accidents.

She is something

I love words. To sit and look at a dictionary with a cup of tea on a rainy day, well, what more could one ask for. Look at her, you murmur, in sarcasm, she should have the right word for every moment. True that. But have you been to my house on a rainy day lately? Just peek in and look at me. You'll probably catch me slouching and drooling with my mouth wide open.

She is a good listener.

To choose the correct word choice for the current thought is difficult. I see words swimming all around me in a deep lake full of choices. I want to be the best fisherwoman.The problem is, I hate fishing.

But I will remain in pursuit of clarity and continue to at least "think" of working on expanding my vocabulary, my word choice and slowing down. Until then, I am begging God for grace, cause baby, it's not looking good.

Day 231 Bowl Full Of Mush

August 27,  2015
Day 231


Early morning exercises are awesome but by the end of the day my mind is a bowl of mush. Especially since we went to Just Mom's and we ordered bacon and cheese french fries. Now my mind is a container of misdirected mush.

Good night.

Thank You God 215 - 233

Wednesday, August 27, 2015
215. Thank you for the breath that I am breathing. ~Francesca Censurato (She ismoving to Ohio! What an amazing woman to our family. She is our very own intercessor and she to other families is the same.)
216. Thank you for the colors that my eyes see.  ~Francesca Censurato  (She suffers with a lack of poor eyesight)
217. Thank you for people like Lynne in my life. ~Francesca Censurato (This really feels like a brag moment....sorry....)
218. Thank you for the people that love me that let me love them. ~Francesca Censurato
219. Thank you for God. ~Francesca Censurato
220. Thank you for the fact that I realize how unthankful I actually am to God. ~Francesca Censurato
221. Thank you for Francescas Censurato. She is one of the most influential people in my life. ~ltb
222. Thank you for Francescas prayers for my son Christopher. Their love for each other started when he was a baby in her arms. ~ltb
223. Thank you for Francesca's amazing kindness to us as a family. ~ltb
224. Thank you for her zest for life and her ability and willingness to move to Ohio to be near people she adores and loves deeply. ~ltb
225. Thank you that she will be working for Twin Valley Coffee in Wellington, Ohio. She will be our first employee out of state. Woot, woot! ~ltb
226. Thank you for the robotics meeting and the energy in the room. Wow! ~ltb
227. Thank you for my time exercising this morning. May it be a discipline this year. ~ltb
228. Thank you for this gorgeous spot in my yard where I can actually work and enjoy being outside. Please keep the bird poop away! ~ltb
229. Thank you for the cool air. ~ltb
230. Thank you for the excitement of Wider. ~ltb
231. Thank you for my time with Brenda Lee. Thank you for how she knows how to meet needs. ~ltb
232. Thank you for new moments and new seasons. ~ltb
233. Thank you for wisdom in navigating the onslaught of attacks and reminding me what my identity is in. ~ltb

Thank You God 202 - 214

Tuesday, August 26, 2015
202. Thank you for the time of exercise this morning! ~ltb
203. Thank you for the time with Anna Glick today. ~ltb
204. Thank you for Robyn's perspective. ~ltb
205. Thank you for Kathryn's experience this morning on a surfboard. ~ltb
206. Thank you for Geoff's beautiful spirit. ~ltb
207. Thank you for  the paint job Geoff did on the back of the shed. ~ltb
208. Thank you for another great day with Primrose and Fergie. ~ltb
209. Thank you for Chris' continued explanation of addiction, it is so interesting and helpful. ~ltb
210. Thank you for Lynn's positive outlook on life. He is an amazing individual. ~ltb
211. Thank you for life. ~Jesse
212. Thank you for baseball. ~Jesse
213. Thank you for mom, friends, family, Theo. ~Jesse
214. Thank you for christianity, for God. ~Jesse

Day 230 Key Witness

Moose Pond, ME. The sun shone despite the rain.

August 26, 2015
Day 230

So, "Stocks around the world tumbled in volatile trading on Monday, leaving investors to wonder how much government officials can and will do to insulate the global economy from the turmoil. The upheaval in the markets began with another rout in China that drew comparisons to the 1987 crash in the United States known as 'Black Monday.' " ( New York Times by Nathaniel Popper and Neil Goughaug. 23, 2015)

Give thanks to the Lord
For He is Good
His love endures forever.  Ps. 118

Um, are you sure about this? I mean, honestly, this is bad, really bad. Give thanks to the Lord? China is kind of an important player in our economy. So, giving thanks to the Lord, for He is good, seems, well, polly-ann-ish. There is worry material and then there is worry material. And this is panic material. Do not worry about tomorrow is a verse probably written with only minor stuff in mind. My finger is going over this hole in the dike. Folks, it is time to worry! Can you imagine if we wouldn't???

"Islamic State militants have razed a fifth-century Roman Catholic monastery and blown up one of the best-preserved first-century temples in Palmyra, the ancient Syrian city that is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, according to government officials and local activists.

Much like the grinding slaughter of human beings, the ravaging of irreplaceable antiquities in Syria and Iraq has become something of a grim wartime routine. Yet the cumulative destruction of antiquities has reached staggering levels that represent an irreversible loss to world heritage and future scholarship, archaeological experts and antiquities officials say. (New York Times by Anne Barnardaug. 24, 2015)

Let Israel say, His love endures forever.
Let the House of Aaron say, His love endures forever.
Let those who fear the Lord say,
His love endures forever. Ps. 118

His love endures, the "grinding slaughter of human beings." The Merriam Webster dictionary says that to endure is to experience pain or suffering for a long time.

His love endures the "ravaging of irreplaceable antiquities in Syria and Iraq..." The Merriam Webster dictionary says that to endure is to continue to exist in the same state or condition.

Is it not enough, to keep us from worrying, knowing that His love endures forever?
When God tells us not to worry, He watched every detail play out before it even happened. In every court around the country, He is the key witness!

In my anguish I cried and he answered by setting me free. Ps. 118

The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid
What can man do to me?
The Lord is with me, He is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies. Ps. 118


my faith is small, my worry large, but I am going to have a go at it.....
i give you thanks, Lord.

Thank You God 172 - 201

Thank you!

Monday, August 25, 2015

172. Thank you for a beautiful morning kayaking with Terri. ~ltb
173. Thank you for a great conversation with Tiffany Shoffner. ~ltb
174. Thank you that you are going to surround Adam and Tiffany with comfort at the loss of Adam's cousin, Emily. You are just as sad! ~ltb
175. Thank you for my time with Kathryn. I can not believe she has found her alter ego. ~ltb
176. Thank you for my lunch break with the infamous Kimmy! I love her. ~ltb
177. Thank you for Melody Stevens and her excitement for her children and their independent lives! ~ltb
178. Thank you for the beautiful, hot day! I love heat! ~ltb
179. Thank you for the new kitchen faucet! ~ltb
180. Thank you that Lynn is such a handy man. Thank you that he can purchase a faucet and put it in place within a two hour period. ~ltb
181. Thank you for my in-laws and our Sunday evening times. ~ltb
190. Thank you for little Theo's love of singing, that sweet little voice that just wants to sing. ~ltb
191. Thank you for Kathryn's love and zest for life. ~ltb
192. Thank you for Lynn's commitment to life. ~ltb
193. Thank you for all that I am learning about addiction through Chris. He is such an excellent teacher. ~ltb
194. Thank you for Geoff's kindness to me. He never disrespects me. ~ltb
195. Thank you that Nicky Sue and her father love each other. ~ltb
196. Thank you that Nicky Sue loves filling orders and is doing exceptionally at it. ~ltb
197. Thank you for the pool passes and Mohler children! ~ltb
198. Thank you for tomatoes from others to make into sauce. ~ltb
199. Thank you that Linda Hertzler made it around French Creek! ;) ~ltb
200. Thank you that I woke up this morning. ~ltb
201. Thank you for Psalm 118! ~ltb

My goal is 1,000 entries.  It is inspired by Ann Voskamp's beautifully written book, "One Thousand gifts."

Add to this "Thank You!" list. Send your entry to lynneburkholder@gmail.com and I will add it to the "Thank You!" list. Or if you are friends with me on facebook, you can let me know there on the last one posted.

Day 229 Listening to You

August 25, 2015
Day 229

Listening to this guy takes no work, pure pleasure

I am listening to you. I try hard to hear what you are saying beyond the words you are using. I take in your nonverbal cues. I am endeavoring to truly listen. What you have to say is important to me and important regardless of me. My goal, as I am listening, is to slay the obstacles and make a clean cut to your intent regardless of the words you might sloppily be using.

I am so aware of my listening inadequacies. Sometimes I am packaging thoughts while trying to focus on what you are saying. I just vacationed and I have throwbacks that I am enjoying. That far away look lands in Moose Pond, ME. Those thoughts are packaged and labeled, "For a Dreary Day."

I also am planning for the new Wider school year. Planning for science has me stoked. All things biodiversity, ecosystems, habitat loss, Clean Air Act... these are categories that are right at the forefront of my mind labeled, "Wildlife Semester." For you, I will put them aside. Please go on and share.

Oh boy, here comes a thought I want to interject. But I realize it is a thought that directs the conversation in my direction, it is a trap. Sometimes I try to be clever and deliver this thought in such a way hoping you will not notice. But you and I both know this is a selfish move on my part. So, I will endeavor to stay quiet. Please, continue.

I want to know more about you. You matter. Listening is key and I want to listen well. You really are worth it.

Day 228 Idolatry

August 23, 2015

Day 228

Chris and Terri

I am intrigued by Idolatry.  It makes sense and then all of a sudden the sense runs from me like a little child taunting me to play hide n seek in the dark. It is rampant, a love of something other than Jesus Christ. Idolatry in light of that definition could be upholding my view, my position, my doctrine, my information, my knowledge, my need for more, my satisfaction, my comfort, my view of christianity, my view of my church, my view, my view, my view. It is a pull on me. Idolatry is putting something else in view. And not only putting something else in view but really working hard at that something else.

Jesus Christ is to be looked at as they did the bronze snake on a pole. They looked up and fixed their eyes on the pole and they were saved. It was not a leader, it was not an elder, it was not a tribesmen, it was not a father, it was not a mother, it was not an aunt nor an uncle. It was a snake, one solitary point of reference. Look up and you are saved. Is there anything else I am suppose to do?

This is why idolatry reigns. It is all about doing, all about accomplishing, all about creating, crafting, organizing, researching.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus!

Thank You God 154 - 171

My goal is 1,000 entries.  It is inspired by Ann Voskamp's beautifully written book, "One Thousand gifts."

Add to this "Thank You!" list. Send your entry to lynneburkholder@gmail.com and I will add it to the "Thank You!" list. Or if you are friends with me on facebook, you can let me know there on the last one posted.  I will tag your name to your entry unless you tell me otherwise.
"Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis. But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning 'joy.'

"Deep chara joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo - the table of thanksgiving.'

She quotes Albert Schweitzer, "The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live...He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything."

So let's live. Let's give thanks for everything. Hey, why not keep your own "Thank You!" list. Just throw some of your thankfulness my way and our lists can grow together.

Send your sentence of thankfulness to Lynneburkholder@gmail.com and title it "Thank You!" Or whatever, don't mind me.

Thank you!

Sunday, August 23, 2015
154. Thank you for the children at church! ~ltb
155. Thank you for Caleb who leaned into me when I told him I would pray for him and ask God to give him a love for his mother. ~ltb
156. Thank you little Sophia who is full of vim and vigor. ~ltb
157. Thank you for the deacons at RCC. I love our meetings. ~ltb
158. Thank you for Deitlinda and her love of scripture. ~ltb
159. Thank you for Rachel who taught us a great line dance today in Children's Church from one of her Vacation Bible School songs. ~ltb
160. Thank you for the scripture songs those children created from Zephaniah 3:17 and Daniel 6: 26! ~ltb
161. Thank you for the laughter filled lunch with silly Dale Cupo and Moriah and Abby and Nicky and Lynn and Jesse. ~ltb
162. Thank you for talk time Dale and I had on the cozy couch after the lunch. ~ltb
163. Thank you so much for Moriah. ~ltb
164. Thank you for the small group that celebrated my Dad's eightieth at their home last night.~ltb
165. Thank you for my mom's energy to do that. ~ltb
166. Thank you for the Kayak time with Mary Burke and Terry Leamer! ~ltb
167. Thank you for Motorola phone I am able to use as my compact camera. ~ltb
168. Thank you for my in laws and our Sunday evening times. ~ltb
169. Thank you for the week ahead of me! ~ltb
170. Thank you for the perspective I receive when I hear Mary talk about the GED class she teaches in at the Salvation Army.~ltb
171. Thank you for this very pleasant Sunday! ~ltb
Saturday, August 22, 2015
133. Thank you for my son, Christopher, who loves being with people and brings a crowd to our home. ~ltb
134. Thank you for clear headed focus on Wider Science today. I loved studying the National Academies Press. ~ltb
135. Thank you for Nicky Sue's time at Hershey Park. ~ltb
136. Thank you that I did not throw up, pass out, or die at Hershey Park. ~Abby
137. Thank you for roller coasters. ~Nicky Sue
138. Thank you for the amazing Hershey park weather.~Abby
139. Thank you that I am not addicted to gambling because the game at Hershey of trying to get the teddy bear was addictive. ~Abby
140.Thank you for my room, I just got new wood floors. The carpet was bad. ~Hayley
141. Thank you for sunsets, the one on the way home was really pretty. ~Hayley
142. Thank you for practical jokes. We convinced Josiah it was his nerves when in fact we were poking him. ~Abby
143. Thank you for good friends and good family that love me. ~Josiah
144. Thank you for my sensitive sister in law, Diane, sending my son a dear letter expressing gratefulness for him. ~ltb
145. Thank you for Abby Buckles who has been making a mean breakfast at RCC every month for the past three months.  ~ltb
146. Thank you for my time at RCC with the women this morning.  ~ltb
147. Thank you so much for Damaris! She is amazing.  ~ltb
148. Thank you for Jerilyn. I know I spelled this wrong. I love her spunk! ~ltb
149. Thank you for the decision I was able to make today. ~ltb
150. Thank you for the discussions that happen around our dining room table.  ~ltb
151. Thank you for the beautiful clear day. ~ltb
152. Thank you for a clean fresh mown yard. ~ltb
153. Thank you for a son, Geoff, who still wants to be with me.  ~ltb

Day 227 Robotics - WHAT???

August 22, 2015
Day 227

VideoRay underwater robot. All the Students from Wider were able to test drive this snazzy little camera!

What do I know about Robotics? Quite a bit and not so much. I have always been interested and extremely curious about them. My friend, Janet, and I traveled to Philadelphia to watch a robotics competition years ago. I remember more of getting lost on roads going nowhere under the highway than the competition itself. But there was something that made me want to go. Her son is now a rocket scientist and my son a musician. You can see who benefited from that trip. My advice to many students over the last ten years has always been, "If you want to make money, get into robotics!" But what every student hears out of my mouth is, "At least know how to dismantle a robot." My knowledge level is about to rise in this area. I discovered a competition and Wider School is entering it.

On Monday evening we spent over an hour listening to Dr. Stephen Felbauer, from Penn State Dubois Campus, explain this competition. Though the audio was challenging in the studio, it was enough to excite and inspire many of us to say, "YES!" So, in a couple of weeks we will "take plywood and a box filled with items such as PVC pipe, screws and other hardware, an irrigation valve cover, piano wire, aluminum paint grid, a bicycle inner tube, a BRAIN (BEST Robotics Advanced Instruction Node programmable platform), and something called a micro-energy chain system and try, within six weeks, to design and build a functioning machine that can perform certain, specific tasks in three minutes."

Interestingly enough, three weeks ago I typed an email asking Dr. Feldbauer if he had ordered our kit. This whole prospect was scaring me into a corner of insecurity. I was thinking of pulling out. His reply was typical of what I am learning about him, direct answers to my questions but filled with kindness and encouragement. "No, I have not ordered your kit; however, I would really encourage you to participate. This program is really a great experience for the students and it is quite addicting.  I have actually had parents tell me that they enjoy the competitions more than any sporting event. Keep in mind, you do not a large team to compete, five to ten students is more than enough. Let me know your thoughts and concerns. I am willing to help in any way." Well, so, ok.

We are doing it. These students will learn "to analyze and solve problems utilizing the Engineering Design Process, which helps them develop technological literacy skills. It is these skills that industry seeks in its workforce." And to think my insecurity almost kept these students from being involved in a competition that has the potential to really broaden their horizons.

This young lady's focus is scary focused! Really hoping she can be a part of this competition.

Thank You God 104-153

Chris and Caleb

My goal is 1,000 entries.  It is inspired by Ann Voskamp's beautifully written book, "One Thousand gifts."

Add to this "Thank You!" list. Send your entry to lynneburkholder@gmail.com and I will add it to the "Thank You!" list. Or if you are friends with me on facebook, you can let me know there on the last one posted.  I will tag your name to your entry unless you tell me otherwise.
"Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis. But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning 'joy.'

"Deep chara joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo - the table of thanksgiving.'

She quotes Albert Schweitzer, "The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live...He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything."

So let's live. Let's give thanks for everything. Hey, why not keep your own "Thank You!" list. Just throw some of your thankfulness my way and our lists can grow together.

Send your sentence of thankfulness to Lynneburkholder@gmail.com and title it "Thank You!" Or whatever, don't mind me.

Thank you!

Saturday, August 22, 2015
133. Thank you for my son, Christopher, who loves being with people and brings a crowd to our home. ~ltb
134. Thank you for clear headed focus on Wider Science today. I loved studying the National Academies Press. ~ltb
135. Thank you for Nicky Sue's time at Hershey Park. ~ltb
136. Thank you that I did not throw up, pass out, or die at Hershey Park. ~Abby
137. Thank you for roller coasters. ~Nicky Sue
138. Thank you for the amazing Hershey park weather.~Abby
139. Thank you that I am not addicted to gambling because the game at Hershey of trying to get the teddy bear was addictive. ~Abby
140.Thank you for my room, I just got new wood floors. The carpet was bad. ~Hayley
141. Thank you for sunsets, the one on the way home was really pretty. ~Hayley
142. Thank you for practical jokes. We convinced Josiah it was his nerves when in fact we were poking him. ~Abby
143. Thank you for good friends and good family that love me. ~Josiah
144. Thank you for my sensitive sister in law, Diane, sending my son a dear letter expressing gratefulness for him. ~ltb
145. Thank you for Abby Buckles who has been making a mean breakfast at RCC every month for the past three months.  ~ltb
146. Thank you for my time at RCC with the women this morning.  ~ltb
147. Thank you so much for Damaris! She is amazing.  ~ltb
148. Thank you for Jerilyn. I know I spelled this wrong. I love her spunk! ~ltb
149. Thank you for the decision I was able to make today. ~ltb
150. Thank you for the discussions that happen around our dining room table.  ~ltb
151. Thank you for the beautiful clear day. ~ltb
152. Thank you for a clean fresh mown yard. ~ltb
153. Thank you for a son, Geoff, who still wants to be with me.  ~ltb

Friday, August 21, 2015
104. Thank you for rain that quenches the dry ground. ~Holly J. Lewis

105. Thank you for summer harvests, fresh tasting vegetables right out of my yard. ~Holly J. Lewis

106. Thank you Lord that prayer changes things, thanksgiving brings joy, suffering brings bended knees. ~Holly J. Lewis

107. Thank you Lord that all things do really work together for our good, because we are your called and we are your beloved. ~Holly J. Lewis

108. Thank you Lord for health that allows me to get up everyday and move, walk, swim, laugh, enjoy life. ~Holly J. Lewis

109. Thank you that you listen to such ridiculous prayers and your Spirit groans for me. I now know why your Spirit groans. ~ltb

110. Thank you for Joanne Mulvey who is such an amazing woman.  ~ltb

111. Thank you for the foster twins of Samantha and her husband and the love they receive from their Grammy and Grandpa Mulvey.  ~ltb

112. Thank you for ice cream, ice cream, ice cream. ~Nicky Sue

113. Thank you for my mother and her willingness to drive me from Philadelphia to Morgantown. ~Abby Snider

114. Thank you for Abby Snider and her exuberance! I love this girl. ~ltb

115. Thank you for Johnny Cash. His music is so comforting and when I get anxious I listen to Johnny Cash and my life gets better. ~Abby Snider

116. Thank you for baking. ~Abby Snider

117. Thank you for Ryan Cupo who is hanging at our home. Love that he wants to come to the chaos! ~ltb

118. Thank you for Erin and James who came last night and baked pizza and spoke of stupid things, silly things and deep things. ~ltb

119. Thank you for my time spent chatting with Joanne Mulvey. ~ltb

120. Thank you for my time spent chatting with Sharon Maoile and all that we shared from the deep parts of our soul. 

121. Thank you, Jesus, that you are in charge of our children's spiritual direction. 

120. Thank you for Trish Hageman and her adorable daughter, Katie! What a breath of fresh and vibrant air.

121. Thank you for the stately and kind person in Mark Shyer. ~ltb

122. Thank you for my in-laws bringing me tomatoes and peppers. ~ltb

123. Thank you for Paul Hess and all the tomatoes and cucumbers he gave us. ~ltb

124. Thank you that I got my braces off. ~Abby Snider

125. Thank you for Jesus for providing the braces. We could not afford them. ~Abby Snider

126. Thank you that my mom is healthy and teaching me to be healthy. She is teaching me her good life style. ~Abby Snider

127. I am thank for that my parents have a good relationships. ~Abby Snider

128. Thank you that I have amazing friends. I have very good, thoughtful friends, to the point of ridiculousness. ~Abby Snider

129. Thank you for water. I need water so much. The fact that I have clean water is amazing. ~Abby Snider

130. Thank you for health insurance. I am thankful that it is steady. ~Abby Snider
131. Thank you that my mom recovered beautifully from her surgery and she is back to her old self. This is awesome. ~Abby Snider
132. Thank you that Aaron is happy in his job and in his living position. He is on the list to get a full time job at Disney. ~Abby Snider

Day 226 A Peek Into Lynne Burkholder's Prayer Life

August 21, 2015
Day 226

Dear Lord, Father, Jesus, I need to order that curriculum. Today, let me say the Lord's prayer. Our Father who art in heaven. Maybe I should step out of the King James Version. Hallowed be thy, oh maybe I should not even bother trying to do that. Does it even really matter? Man, do other people find it easier to focus? Jesus how do you deal with this muck of randomness? Hallowed be thy or your name. What does hallowed really mean? I know I ask this almost every time I say this prayer. Should I be directing everything in my prayer to you, Jesus, or to my Father, God. I know you are the same but...I JUST WANT TO FELLOWSHIP WITH YOU, LYNNE. Hallowed be your name, Jesus. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus's will was death on a cross, how does free will work with that? Lord, I need to be filled with you today before I begin the list of things I need to do. Jesus, I need your peace. COME BE WITH ME, LYNNE. I just need to finish up some thoughts/prayers. I need to allow you to live in me. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever. Why did I take so long to get the school affidavit into the school district? Jesus, hallowed be your name. I know you! I know who you are! I love you, Jesus! JUST RELAX. I kinda have a lot of things to pray about. Please help that new college girl with her anxiety attacks. Help her to get back to college. Please help her accept your peace. Jesus, you are good. Thank you for the Wider teacher meeting yesterday. Thank you for creating this particular school year in an amazing way, for handpicking the students. This summer you revealed to me what my confidence and identity was coming from as you pulled the rug out from under me. You showed me the destructive nature of having my identity in something that I do, or am and not in you, Jesus. Thank you for that painful, healing lesson. Leave it to you, Lord Jesus, to reveal such a glaring pride issue and make me ask you for more revelation. Thank you for Rebecca. I loved talking with her yesterday. Please bless her labor and delivery. Please make this birth a great one. Hallowed be your name. I know you, you are everything! I take refuge in you. Today, I have much to do but the list swims nameless and blob-like before me. It's a list of chores and opportunities right now. Jesus, I love you. I LOVE YOU, LYNNE. Hallowed be your name. I REACH OUT TO YOU, LYNNE. I love that you call me by name, Jesus. COME DINE WITH ME.We really should get today sorted out. Today there are so many going off to college, please be with Doug and Diane as they drop off their Jenna. I can't believe my phone is cracked. Uggghhh,why haven't I ordered a case. Probably money. Oh, Lord would you provide us more money. These cases should automatically come with every new phone. This spites me. I can't believe Geoff's phone is cracked! I wonder if he was able to fix it last night? LYNNE, I LOVE YOU, FOCUS ON ME, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT TODAY. BE WITH ME. I need to make applesauce and I think I am going to use small bags. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. In Jesus Name Amen.

I am sure you can not relate to the flow of this prayer or lack there of. Maybe you have put me squarely at the top of your prayer list. Thank you - I need all the prayer I can get! But do you notice my pride???? Why am I even showing you this? Terri, I know you can not relate!

Day 225 Becca Don't Read This....

August 21, 2015
Day 225

Theo and Lydia, and this is why we go through the pain! They are precious!

Today, a new mother to be and I sit out in my backyard under the birch tree speaking of labor and delivery. (I will try not to use her name in this post) As this will be her first child, I recommend that she try to think about the pushing stage, and really think about it. To me, I tell her, this is the most important thing. She should envision it, play it out (how the heck she is to do this, I don't know, just do it!), and try to actually think it through. She is trying to look keenly interested, but I see right through that keen veneer, she is scared by my advice, really scared. And I try to assure her without looking like I am lying through my teeth. There is just no way around it, it kinda hurts. A lot.

I begin my motivational speech likening the labor and delivery to the following. It is like riding on top of a train at full speed, heading for a concrete wall, while standing. It is like diving off of a three thousand foot cliff, into five feet of water. It can be done. I have done it six times. It is like flying on an airliner's wings twenty thousand feet in the air without being strapped on. Her eyes narrow with each harrowing description.

She mentions her friends' discovery with the recent birth of their first child. To their shock there is no "curtain" over the woman's legs while she is giving birth. Curtain???? What??? We iron out the terminology. Curtains, uh, sheets maybe. She is not excited about anyone being down there in the vicinity of where the baby is born let alone curtains. Poor thing, she is truly trapped in my backyard listening to the following. Trust me, I stare into her eyes, you are going to want your midwife down there. And you might even ask her to crawl in and yank the infant out! For Fetus' Sake! You are gonna beg the impossible.

Modesty?! Are you kidding. During labor, that word does. not. exist. There is a new lexicon you are gonna use and it ain't pretty. All clothes might come off. And you are not going to care who is in the room. There could be a 4th of July picnic, a full fledged family reunion, and you will care less. And if you do care, you will be able to clear a room in micro-seconds. This is when you hold nothing back, hide nothing, expose all, and say what needs to be said, and you don't mean maybe!

That was sufficient reality for the day. She quickly leaves my yard.

Thank You God 71- 103

Sweet Primrose and Jesse-Goal Accomplished:
She follows him everywhere. 

Add to this "Thank You!" list. Send your entry to lynneburkholder@gmail.com and I will add it to the "Thank You!" list. Or if you are friends with me on facebook, you can let me know there on the last one posted.  I will tag your name to your entry unless you tell me otherwise. My goal is 1,000 entries.

It is inspired by Ann Voskamp's beautifully written book, "One Thousand gifts."

"Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis. But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning 'joy.'

"Deep chara joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo - the table of thanksgiving.'

She quotes Albert Schweitzer, "The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live...He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything."

So let's live. Let's give thanks for everything. Hey, why not keep your own "Thank You!" list. Just throw some of your thankfulness my way and our lists can grow together.

Send your sentence of thankfulness to Lynneburkholder@gmail.com and title it "Thank You!" Or whatever, don't mind me.

Thank you!

Thursday, August 20, 2015

71. Thank you Lord that even in the midst of pain you are always faithful, always merciful and always loving. ~Holly J. Lewis

72. Thank you Lord for the gift of 7 amazing grandchildren from my 3 amazing children and their mates. ~Holly J. Lewis
73. Thank you Lord that after 43 yrs I am still in love with my husband, only you, Lord can keep that alive. (ya'll should hear this testimony! ltb)~Holly J. Lewis
74. Thank you Lord for all the times you have forgiven me of my thoughtless words and deeds, thank you for the blood of Jesus that cleanses me daily. ~Holly J. Lewis
75. Thank you for excellent Critter sitters so that we can go to the beach. ~Anne Milnes Law
76. Thank you for the time in the word. Ps. 118 ~ltb
77. Thank you for Jack and Ben Green, the beautiful men that they are, and for their friendship with Geoff. Bless them at Liberty.  ~ltb
78. Thank you for Geoff's great band of brothers he is surrounded by!  ~ltb
79. Thank you for Geoff.  ~ltb
80. Thank you for Kathryn and her new idea. What an amazing one! May it travel far!  ~ltb
81. Thank you for Sam Leamer and his new adventure tomorrow at Cairn University! Bless Him. ~ltb
82. Thank you that in the name of the Lord things happen.  ~ltb
83. Thank you for my time with Kimberly and Katie last night.  ~ltb
84. Thank you for my time with Kathryn this morning.  ~ltb
85. Thank you for your faithfulness yesterday.  ~ltb
86. Thank you for the kingdom of God and its permanence.  ~ltb
87. Thank you for the amount of work I was able to accomplish yesterday.  ~ltb
88. Thank you for Morgantown Community Church and the impact it is having on this community. ~ltb
89. Thank you for Merle Stoltzfus and his persistent vision. Morgantown Community Church is here partly due to his energy.  ~ltb
90. Thank you for your perspective.  ~ltb
91. Thank you for children, thank you, thank you, thank you!  ~ltb
92. Thank you for the way in which you celebrated my father this summer! A huge party would have never touched the recesses of his heart like you did, Father God! Thank you for your love for us! ~ltb
93. Thank you for Wider School.  ~ltb
94. Thank you the studio.  ~ltb
95. Thank you for all the options that are still in our life.  ~ltb
96. Thank you that your faithfulness has nothing to do with me!  ~ltb
97. Thank you that your love endures forever.  ~ltb
98. Thank you for showing us in John 18:36 that your kingdom is not of this world or your servants would have fought your arrest. Oh, let this go deep.  ~ltb
99. Thank you for the mini-skate park at Morgantown Community Church. ~Jesse Burkholder
100. Thank you for my friends and family. ~Jesse Burkholder
101. Thank you for Zach Mohler. ~Jesse Burkholder
102. Thank you for my dogs, Fergie and Primrose. ~Jesse Burkholder
103. Thank you that I am naturally gifted with biking. ~Jesse Burkholder

Day 224 A Blur

August 19, 2015

Day 224

I got nada mucho! Tonight I sit here swimming in details. My mind is a blur as I go in and out of consciousness. I choose unconsciousness. Therefore I must go. The words will become incohaerent as try to become more coherent. Do you now understand what I mean. I have been at this post for over an hour.

Thank You God 23-70

Christine Jackson, Linda Renno, Chief - Rozaana Leever at the lovely home in Mt. Gretna Village!

Add to this "Thank You!" list. Send your entry to lynneburkholder@gmail.com and I will add it to the "Thank You!" list. Or if you are friends with me on facebook, you can let me know there.  I will tag your name to your entry unless you tell me otherwise. My goal is 1,000 entries.

It is inspired by Ann Voskamp's beautifully written book, "One Thousand gifts."

"Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis. But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning 'joy.'

"Deep chara joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo - the table of thanksgiving.'

She quotes Albert Schweitzer, "The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live...He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything."

So let's live. Let's give thanks for everything. Hey, why not keep your own "Thank You!" list. Just throw some of your thankfulness my way and our lists can grow together.

Send your sentence of thankfulness to Lynneburkholder@gmail.com and title it "Thank You!" Or whatever, don't mind me.

Thank you!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 (contributors - Anne Milnes Law, Julie Crider, Elizabeth Lantz)
23. Thank you Lord, that my version of the Heimlich maneuver was able to help my choking husband. Minutes ago...I'm still shaking (occurred about 1pm yesterday). ~Anne Milnes Law
24. Thank you for kindred cousins. ~Julie Crider (love you too Julie)
25. Thank you for Emily and Wilfred Harrington, in the great cloud of witnesses now but whose legacy has reached far and wide!!~Julie Crider (These folks are Julie and my grandparents. ltb)
26. Thank you for new babies! ~Julie Crider
27. Thank you, Lord, for salty sea air on a warm Maine summer night. ~Julie Crider (oh, oh, oh, I feel it! I want it! ltb)
28. Thank you for my sister and brothers. ~Julie Crider
29. Thank you for kitties. ~Julie Crider
30. Thank you for loving parents.~Elizabeth Lantz
31. Thank you for my awesome siblings.~Elizabeth Lantz
32. Thank you for wonderful friends and family.~Elizabeth Lantz
33. Thank you for sunsets but better yet, that the sun rises new each morning!~Elizabeth Lantz
34. Thank you for nature.~Elizabeth Lantz
35. Thank you for history and what it teaches us about living simpler lives.~Elizabeth Lantz
36. Thank you for food, clothing, and shelter.~Elizabeth Lantz
37. Thank you for changing seasons.~Elizabeth Lantz
38. Thank you for my teammates and coaches.~Elizabeth Lantz
39. Thank you for the never ending love of God!~Elizabeth Lantz
40. Thank you for older wiser people from whom we learn so much!~Elizabeth Lantz
41. Thank you for new life.~Elizabeth Lantz
42. Thank you for the city where I live.~Elizabeth Lantz
43. Thank you for cameras -- a tool we use to try and capture the beautiful moments in life.~Elizabeth Lantz
44. Thank you for lakes and pine trees.~Elizabeth Lantz
45. Thank you for music.~Elizabeth Lantz
46. Thank you for laughter.~Elizabeth Lantz
47. Thank you for City on the Hill.~Elizabeth Lantz
48. Thank you for peace.~Elizabeth Lantz
49.Thank you for a kitchen that sees a lot of foot traffic!~ltb
50.Thank you for Terri's lovely home that provided me a wonderful setting to study.~ltb
51.Thank you for the Robotics meeting on Monday night and the energy it created in the room.~ltb
52.Thank you for Dr. Stephen Feldbauer from Penn State Dubois Campus who is so willing to aid us in the robotics competition.~ltb
53.Thank you for the students who are pumped about the competition.~ltb
54.Thank you for big projects like this. It is my form of cliff diving, bungy jumping, doing a wheely on a major highway with a Harley!~ltb
55.Thank you for the parents of the students we are privileged to have at Wider School. These are involved individuals loving their children through their involvement in their lives.~ltb
56.Thank you for Kathryn's new car.~ltb
57.Thank you for Keith Grant and the deal he worked out with Kathryn for her new car.~ltb
58.Thank you for her filming of Brenna's music video.~ltb
59.Thank you for Brenna. Godspeed on your new adventure. May you never lose sight of Jesus Christ.~ltb
60.Thank you this lovely spot in my backyard with the glorious birch tree as my canopy.~ltb
61.Thank you Cindy and Lanny Scwhartz for giving us this tree twenty years ago!~ltb
62.Thank you for Jake and Kiera in our lives, such an amazing couple.~ltb
63.Thank you for Kiera's kindness at RiteAid my in-laws. What a small world.~ltb
64. Thank you for my MACBook Pro computer! Honestly, I am so grateful for this piece of equipment.~ltb
65. Thank you for my beautiful, beautiful girls, Emily Krah and Lindsey Crider. ~Julie Crider
66. Thank you for my rich time with Rozanna Leever, Linda Renno, Christine Jackson, and Jenifer Snider. ~ltb
67. Thank you for Rozanna and Steve and their commitment to excellence. No one can keep up with this couple. Don't even try! ~ltb
68. Thank you for my time in the car, on the way to Mt. Gretna, with Jenifer Snider. To hear of her contemplative, silent retreat, was almost more than I could handle. Rest, a call to rest! ~ltb
69. Thank you for Leah Renno's example of living a life following you, Jesus, and spending significant amounts of time abiding with you, Lord. Please, Jesus, protect her! ~ltb
70. Thank you for a plethora of friends! Diane Treichler...plethora. This is a taste of heaven, that's why heaven is for an eternity. I am so looking forward to meeting everyone! ~ltb





Tuesday, August 18, 2015

15. Thankful you picked up the book again and reminded me of why I enjoyed reading it so much and how I need to choose thanksgiving daily. ~Cynthia Rogers Rabbitt
16.Happiness is knowing Who to Thank...~Anne Milnes Law
17. Thank you for my time at Walmart with Stephanie Ruby, someone who is so dog gone honest and authentic. She is a treasure in a world of facades. ~ltb
18. Thank you for Laura Green who allows you to see the inner workings of her heart and is breathlessly seeking God. ~ltb
19. Thank you for my time with Scott Stevenson. We always go deep into God's territory.
20. Thank you for my time with Lisa Reinoehl at Walmart. She shared from the deep place and ministered to me at the same time. ~ltb
21. Thank you for this morning of devotions with people. The images that the Holy Spirit was giving to both Laura and myself were pretty intense. i.e. operating table, list of hate, mercy over judgment,task list completed, abiding. ~ltb
22. Thank you for helping Scott and I to understand more of abiding, the very topic that had just been discussed with Laura. ~ltb
23. Thank you for my prayer time with Laura. ~ltb
24. Thank you for my prayer time with Scott for Rob White who is possibly seeing his last days. ~ltb
25. Thank you for the good night sleep. ~ltb
26. Thank you for the hot day yesterday. I am a snake on a rock soaking up heat in preparation for the deep freeze in my cold country home. ~ltb
27. Thank you for all of those folks who have enjoyed our vacation through facebook and want to hear about it. They are so patient with all my words! ~ltb
28. Thank you for social media that allowed me to connect so quickly with my relatives from Maine when we were in Maine! What a powerful tool of connecting. I love social media. ~ltb
29. Thank you for the answered prayer. I did not do the comparison trail while in Maine. It was perfect conditions for such but I did not go there. ~ltb
20. Thank you for Laura Green's great imagery and prayer that kept me in a good place. She writes,"So I heard that when you think on something over and over it creates this little wrinkle in your brain. Then the more you think in that thing and in that way the wrinkle gets deeper...like a little brain valley where those same thoughts more easily flow. This helped me better understand what the Lord meant when he tells us to renew our minds...new brain wrinkles for Lynne. Deep brain wrinkles of gratitude Lord. And please diminish those of comparison. ~ltb
21. Thank you for our dear puppy Primrose. ~ltb
22.Thank you for Becca Beam who loved Primrose last week while we were away! ~ltb

Monday, August 17, 2015
1. Thank you for photosynthesis. It happens without me trying to make it happen.~ltb
2. Thank you for early mornings. They always feel like Hope.~ltb
3. Thank you for times away. Our time in Maine was a time of refreshing and a time I will
    look back on always.~ltb
4. Thank you, God, for your call to rest. There is no other religion that calls a person to         rest, no other!~ltb
5. Thank you, God, for your specific words to me and how you help me understand the  
    hard things in my life, you show me little by little your purpose in the sad and hard  
    things I travel through.~ltb
6. Thank you that I woke up today.~ltb
7. Thank you for sleep.~ltb
8. Thank you for the uniqueness of my husband.~ltb
9. Thank you for new beginnings.~ltb
10. Thank you for family. To have my in-laws in our town is a treasure.~ltb
11. Thank you for this summer, 2015. We shaved off some common activities which could         have been sad but instead we tapped into a depth we would not have  
     experienced.~ltb
12. Thank you for a list of things to do that I really like! ~ltb
13. Thank you for my grandson, Theo. ~ltb
14. Thank you that my grandson, Theo, has loving parents whom I trust.  ~ltb

Day 223 The List

August 19, 2015
Day 223


When I call my children to rest I have ulterior motives. I am calling them to relax in order for them to get things accomplished on my To Do List. I want them to clean their rooms, take out the trash, do their homework, etc.

When God calls us to Rest he shows us the To Do List and next to each item is a check mark with the following word ACCOMPLISHED. The Rest He calls us to is simply pure Rest. He is interested in spending time with me, with you.

But we find this so hard. Someone else doing OUR To Do List?!! This feels lazy, unmotivated, and too passive. Wait, did we look helpless?!  Pride rises up in us and we want to hold onto our pride. We value pride. We do not see it for its ugly, putrid, vomitatious self. We keep covering our pride or vomit in pretty smelling perfumes (good deeds, actions etc.). But vomit is vomit.

We so often ask God to wait until we are done with our own To Do List and then we will abide. But, He knows we can not even touch that To Do List with the level of excellence accomplished on the cross.  If I am not resting in God, I need to repent.

Continuum.......The Thank You List!

Add to this "Thank You!" list. Send your entry to lynneburkholder@gmail.com and I will add it to the "Thank You!" list. Or if you are friends with me on facebook, you can let me know there.  I will tag your name to your entry unless you tell me otherwise. My goal is 1,000 entries.

It is inspired by Ann Voskamp's beautifully written book, "One Thousand gifts."

"Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis. But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning 'joy.'

"Deep chara joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo - the table of thanksgiving.'

She quotes Albert Schweitzer, "The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live...He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything."

So let's live. Let's give thanks for everything. Hey, why not keep your own "Thank You!" list. Just throw some of your thankfulness my way and our lists can grow together.

Send your sentence of thankfulness to Lynneburkholder@gmail.com and title it "Thank You!" Or whatever, don't mind me.

Thank you!

Monday, August 17, 2015

1. Thank you for photosynthesis. It happens without me trying to make it happen.~ltb

2. Thank you for early mornings. They always feel like Hope.~ltb

3. Thank you for times away. Our time in Maine was a time of refreshing and a time I will 

    look back on always.~ltb

4. Thank you, God, for your call to rest. There is no other religion that calls a person to         rest, no other!~ltb

5. Thank you, God, for your specific words to me and how you help me understand the    

    hard things in my life, you show me little by little your purpose in the sad and hard    

    things I travel through.~ltb

6. Thank you that I woke up today.~ltb

7. Thank you for sleep.~ltb

8. Thank you for the uniqueness of my husband.~ltb

9. Thank you for new beginnings.~ltb

10. Thank you for family. To have my in-laws in our town is a treasure.~ltb

11. Thank you for this summer, 2015. We shaved off some common activities which could         have been sad but instead we tapped into a depth we would not have    

     experienced.~ltb

12. Thank you for a list of things to do that I really like! ~ltb

13. Thank you for my grandson, Theo. ~ltb

14. Thank you that my grandson, Theo, has loving parents whom I trust.  ~ltb

Tuesday, August 18, 2015
15. Thankful you picked up the book again and reminded me of why I enjoyed reading it so much and how I need to choose thanksgiving daily. ~Cynthia Rogers Rabbitt
16.Happiness is knowing Who to Thank...~Anne Milnes Law

17. Thank you for my time at Walmart with Stephanie Ruby, someone who is so dog gone honest and authentic. She is a treasure in a world of facades. ~ltb
18. Thank you for Laura Green who allows you to see the inner workings of her heart and is breathlessly seeking God. ~ltb
19. Thank you for my time with Scott Stevenson. We always go deep into God's territory.
20. Thank you for my time with Lisa Reinoehl at Walmart. She shared from the deep place and ministered to me at the same time. ~ltb
21. Thank you for this morning of devotions with people. The images that the Holy Spirit was giving to both Laura and myself were pretty intense. i.e. operating table, list of hate, mercy over judgment,task list completed, abiding. ~ltb
22. Thank you for helping Scott and I to understand more of abiding, the very topic that had just been discussed with Laura. ~ltb
23. Thank you for my prayer time with Laura. ~ltb
24. Thank you for my prayer time with Scott for Rob White who is possibly seeing his last days. ~ltb
25. Thank you for the good night sleep. ~ltb
26. Thank you for the hot day yesterday. I am a snake on a rock soaking up heat in preparation for the deep freeze in my cold country home. ~ltb
27. Thank you for all of those folks who have enjoyed our vacation through facebook and want to hear about it. They are so patient with all my words! ~ltb
28. Thank you for social media that allowed me to connect so quickly with my relatives from Maine when we were in Maine! What a powerful tool of connecting. I love social media. ~ltb
29. Thank you for the answered prayer. I did not do the comparison trail while in Maine. It was perfect conditions for such but I did not go there. ~ltb
20. Thank you for Laura Green's great imagery and prayer that kept me in a good place. She writes,"So I heard that when you think on something over and over it creates this little wrinkle in your brain. Then the more you think in that thing and in that way the wrinkle gets deeper...like a little brain valley where those same thoughts more easily flow. This helped me better understand what the Lord meant when he tells us to renew our minds...new brain wrinkles for Lynne. Deep brain wrinkles of gratitude Lord. And please diminish those of comparison. ~ltb
21. Thank you for our dear puppy Primrose. ~ltb
22. Thank you for Becca Beam who loved Primrose last week while we were away! ~ltb

Thank You God 1-22

August 17, 2015
Day 223 First Day of "Thank You" List

Today begins a "Thank You!" list. You will be able to add to this list anywhere (the beauty of technology) and at anytime. This list is self-explanatory. You send your entry to lynneburkholder@gmail.com and I will add it to the "Thank You!" list. I will tag your name to your entry unless you tell me otherwise. My goal is 1,000 entries.

It is inspired by Ann Voskamp's beautifully written book, "One Thousand gifts."

"Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis. But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning 'joy.'

"Deep chara joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo - the table of thanksgiving.'

She quotes Albert Schweitzer, "The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live...He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything."

So let's live. Let's give thanks for everything. Hey, why not keep your own "Thank You!" list. Just throw some of your thankfulness my way and our lists can grow together.

Send your sentence of thankfulness to Lynneburkholder@gmail.com and title it "Thank You!"

Thank you!

Monday, August 17, 2015

1. Thank you for photosynthesis. It happens without me trying to make it happen.~ltb

2. Thank you for early mornings. They always feel like Hope.~ltb

3. Thank you for times away. Our time in Maine was a time of refreshing and a time I will 

    look back on always.~ltb

4. Thank you, God, for your call to rest. There is no other religion that calls a person to         rest, no other!~ltb

5. Thank you, God, for your specific words to me and how you help me understand the    

    hard things in my life, you show me little by little your purpose in the sad and hard    

    things I travel through.~ltb

6. Thank you that I woke up today.~ltb

7. Thank you for sleep.~ltb

8. Thank you for the uniqueness of my husband.~ltb

9. Thank you for new beginnings.~ltb

10. Thank you for family. To have my in-laws in our town is a treasure.~ltb

11. Thank you for this summer, 2015. We shaved off some common activities which could         have been sad but instead we tapped into a depth we would not have    

     experienced.~ltb

12. Thank you for a list of things to do that I really like! ~ltb

13. Thank you for my grandson, Theo. ~ltb

14. Thank you that my grandson, Theo, has loving parents whom I trust.  ~ltb

Tuesday, August 18, 2015
15. Thankful you picked up the book again and reminded me of why I enjoyed reading it so much and how I need to choose thanksgiving daily. ~Cynthia Rogers Rabbitt
16.Happiness is knowing Who to Thank...~Anne Milnes Law

17. Thank you for my time at Walmart with Stephanie Ruby, someone who is so dog gone honest and authentic. She is a treasure in a world of facades. ~ltb
18. Thank you for Laura Green who allows you to see the inner workings of her heart and is breathlessly seeking God. ~ltb
19. Thank you for my time with Scott Stevenson. We always go deep into God's territory.
20. Thank you for my time with Lisa Reinoehl at Walmart. She shared from the deep place and ministered to me at the same time.
21. Thank you for this morning of devotions with people. The images that the Holy Spirit was giving to both Laura and myself were pretty intense. i.e. operating table, list of hate, mercy over judgment,task list completed, abiding.
22. Thank you for helping Scott and I to understand more of abiding, the very topic that had just been discussed with Laura.
23. Thank you for my prayer time with Laura.
24. Thank you for my prayer time with Scott for Rob White who is possibly seeing his last days.
25. Thank you for the good night sleep.
26. Thank you for the hot day yesterday. I am a snake on a rock soaking up heat in preparation for the deep freeze in my cold country home.
27. Thank you for all of those folks who have enjoyed our vacation through facebook and want to hear about it. They are so patient with all my words!~
28. Thank you for social media that allowed me to connect so quickly with my relatives from Maine when we were in Maine! What a powerful tool of connecting. I love social media.
29. Thank you for the answered prayer. I did not do the comparison trail while in Maine. It was perfect conditions for such but I did not go there.
20. Thank you for Laura Green's great imagery and prayer that kept me in a good place. She writes,"So I heard that when you think on something over and over it creates this little wrinkle in your brain. Then the more you think in that thing and in that way the wrinkle gets deeper...like a little brain valley where those same thoughts more easily flow. This helped me better understand what the Lord meant when he tells us to renew our minds...new brain wrinkles for Lynne. Deep brain wrinkles of gratitude Lord. And please diminish those of comparison.
21. Thank you for our dear puppy Primrose.
22. Thank you for Becca Beam who loved Primrose last week while we were away!