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Jama Bigger

Gracious Gratitude

Oh my, these last few years. We’ve all been through it. Can I get an “Amen” that we’ve gotten through it?

So, this Thanksgiving, I’m grateful to be getting through, grateful to be here, grateful for God, once again, saving my life following my serious medical issues of last year.

Even with all I’ve been through, all the physical challenges, all the emotional heartaches, I’m still a glass-half-full kind of person, a rah-rah, God-is-Faithful believer. I’ve learned to be a believer in giving thanks in all circumstances, in “natural” gratitude and in “gracious” gratitude.

As a college student with a minor in Humanities, I studied the writings of Jonathan Edwards, regarded as a great theologian and philosopher of British American Puritanism and a forerunner of the Great Awakening. He is best known for his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” which he preached in 1741.

But he also wrote a book, The Religious Affections, where he distinguished between “natural” gratitude and “gracious” gratitude. Natural gratitude is an appreciation for good gifts—for things that make us happy, like life, family, employment, leisure, freedom, a warm bed, cold drinks, and sunshine. This kind of thankfulness may be displayed by “natural man,” those Edwards referred to as without God’s redeeming grace.

But gracious gratitude starts from a different place. Instead of beginning with WHAT God gives us, this gratitude begins with WHO God is and thanks Him for His character, goodness, love, and power, regardless of particular favors and enjoyments received. This, Edwards said, is evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in a life. As we sit down to a Thanksgiving meal, it is perfectly understandable that we will thank God for all the benefits we enjoy, for all that we find to be favorable. But what are we to do with the disappointments and difficulties, the losses and sorrows of the past twelve months? The past two years? By nature, we may express gratitude for all that is pleasurable. Only by grace may we learn to “give thanks in all circumstances.”

Taking in the good and being grateful is not about always putting a happy shiny face on everything, nor is it about turning away from the hard things in life. It’s about nourishing gratitude — “natural” gratitude and “gracious” gratitude, for WHAT God gives and for WHO God is—refuges to which you can always return.

This year, especially, I’m all about thankfulness and gratefulness and saluting the goodness of God and the goodness of each day.

We can choose to be thankful and grateful, understanding the fragility of life that makes every moment so meaningful. We often waste too many moments immersing ourselves in needless distractions that steal our attention away from the things that actually matter. We should grasp the precious moments of this life and stop being distracted with the things that don’t really matter.

David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, wrote, “The root of joy is gratefulness … It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” And that Bible verse which tells us to be grateful “in all circumstances.”

We decide what to look for and what we see. We decide our focus. It’s about learning, studying the ways of contentment and appreciation. I know that by slowing down, by looking differently, I choose to focus on the light, the positive, the greatness of God, and all the reasons I have to be eternally grateful.

Start to see the good, the happy, even in the small in WHAT God gives. Actively search for those moments, develop a posture of looking for and of finding happy. Cultivate this vision: seeing those moments and being grateful for the happy day moments.

Then remember the grace of WHO God is. His character, His love, His holiness. Understand that every day, He can make a difference; His love makes a difference. That life is a gift. That love is a gift. That each day we awaken and breathe is a gift.

And I will be grateful. With natural gratitude. With gracious gratitude.

Essential to living a life with joy, confidence, faith, and hope is remembering to be grateful.

By understanding that every moment of every day in every life does not have to be happy.

Only ONE moment does. ONE glimpse. ONE second. ONE breath.

And choosing to find it. Choosing to hold onto it. Choosing to claim it to redeem any hard messy heartbreaking sorrowful day. It’s our choice. Being naturally grateful and graciously grateful. For life.

 

November 24, 2021

Happy promises of God

Today I am 65. “It’s just a number,” I’ve been told. And I’m grateful for that number. I’m grateful that God loves me, that He has saved me (so many times; most recently in December 2020), that He has redeemed me, strengthened me, comforted me, healed me, guided me, sustained me, encouraged me, corrected me, protected me, held me.

To celebrate, I was going to post 1,956 scriptures my birth year, but that would be a REALLY long post (and I could just say, “Go read the Bible”). When I turned 60, I wrote words about “what I know for sure.” Now, I want to give you God’s words, 65 verses that have touched my life. Most are in my favorite King James Version as that was what I memorized, what I’ve loved since childhood. So, grab your Bible, grab your highlighter, grab your promise. Let God touch you, too.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

  1. For with God nothing shall be impossible. ~ Luke 1:37
  2. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ~ Hebrews 11:1
  3. For the joy of the LORD is your strength. ~ Nehemiah 8:10
  4. For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ~ Hebrews 13:5
  5. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31
  6. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? ~ Micah 6:8
  7. I will say of the LORD , He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust. ~ Psalm 91:2
  8. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ~ Isaiah 41:10
  9. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:16
  10. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ~ Philippians 4:13
  11. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. ~ Isaiah 55:12
  12. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8
  13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. ~ Romans 15:13
  14. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians 1:6
  15. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ~ Isaiah 41:10
  16. Praise the Lord , my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,  who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. ~ Psalms 103:2-4
  17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. ~ Ephesians 3:17-19
  18. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. ~ Isaiah 40:29
  19. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. ~ Colossians 4:6
  20. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ~ Galatians 5:22-23
  21. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2:10
  22. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). ~ Hebrews 10:23
  23. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. ~ Isaiah 49:16
  24. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ~ Matthew 6:21, 33
  25. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8
  26. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. ~ Galatians 6:9
  27. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. ~ Jeremiah 17:7
  28. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 8:38-39
  29. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. ~ Psalms 23:1
  30. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. ~ Matthew 7:7-8
  31. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ~ John 13:34
  32. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ~ Ephesians 6:10
  33. For I am the LORD that healeth thee. ~ Exodus 15:26
  34. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:19
  35. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
  36. For we walk by faith, not by sight. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7
  37. The Lordmake his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. ~ Numbers 6:25
  38. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7
  39. The Lordthy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. ~ Zephaniah 3:17
  40. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ~ John 14:6
  41. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. ~ John 15:9
  42. He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes. ~ Deuteronomy 10:21
  43. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
  44. Pray without ceasing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  45. I will say of the LORD He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust. ~ Psalm 91:2
  46. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
  47. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. ~ Psalm 55:22
  48. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ~ Philippians 4:6
  49. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32
  50. Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help. ~ Psalm 27:14
  51. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:20
  52. Do everything in love. ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14
  53. Therefore I say to you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you. ~ Mark 11:24
  54. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ~ Philippians 2:13
  55. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:7
  56. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
  57. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. ~ Psalm 147:3
  58. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ~ John 15:7
  59. Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. ~ Psalm 55:22
  60. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ~ Hebrews 10:23
  61. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10
  62. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. ~ Proverbs 16:3
  63. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2:10
  64. Delight thyself also in the LORD; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. ~ Psalm 37:4
  65. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. ~ Revelation 3:20

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” ~ Isaiah 55:10-11

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 30, 2021

Baseball + Big Birthday

Dear Grandson (on your milestone Big Birthday),

I know you’re a baseball fan. I know you’re a Cubs fan. Yay, Cubbies!

You know that baseball players in the minor leagues dream of improving their offense – hitting the ball – and improving their defense – fielding the ball – so that one day they will be promoted to a Major League Baseball team.

Right now, you’re like those young players with their big dreams.

Right now, you’re on your way out of the minors – childhood, that is – and you’re now a teenager! You’re still learning, however, growing, developing talents, acquiring new skills. All these are important, but what’s most important as you keep striving for the majors – that grown-up thing – is framing a life that is built on character.

Baseball has NINE players. NINE innings. So, what I want to share with you are NINE fundamentals that I believe will position you to help give you a good eye at the plate, help you field a bad hop, help you wear both competiveness and compassion on your uniform.

1 Show gratitude.

Be thankful for all the good in your life. Talk about being thankful. Show your gratitude to others. Say “thank you” every day. Especially to God.  You’re never off on the wrong foot when you step out in gratitude. You can’t think about bad stuff when you’re thankful and keep your mind on the good stuff.

Whatever happens, in every situation, no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the score, be grateful and continually give thanks to God.

2 Show forgiveness.

You will make errors, others will make the errors, but God forgives. We should too. Seek to have powers of forgiveness and love and you’ll be super. Accept life, and be most patient and tolerant with others, always ready to forgive if you have a difference with anyone. Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you. Don’t be angry with others but forgive one another. Never hold grudges. Have a loving and understanding heart. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them because that’s what God says.

3 Show faith.

When you keep believing – whether you win or lose – you are choosing to hold on to faith. Stay faithful and trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Keep the words of the King of Managers, Jesus, in your heart when He said to “Have faith in God.” Without faith it’s impossible to play the game of life and walk with God. My all-time favorite verse, the logo on my pennant, is Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

4 Show kindness.

You will be amazed how much of a difference you can make by just smiling every time you talk to someone. You have the power, the gift, to change someone’s life with small gestures:  a tip of the cap, a hello, a thank you. Be kind and patient and understanding to everyone. Clothe yourselves with a uniform of compassion and mercy, gentleness, and patience.

5 Show integrity.

Be honest and true in all you do each day. Play by the rules and do what is right and fair, even when it’s hard, even when you get a bad call. Make your decisions based on the strong values you have learned. Treat all the people you meet that there is something worthwhile in them, because when you play and live with integrity and with moral character, you live securely. Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got. Become a role model of good actions for your teammates. Show integrity, seriousness, and set a good example for everyone. Go out of your way to do what is right and speak the truth. No one can argue with that.

6 Show respect.

Treat everyone with consideration and respect, no matter what team they cheer. People notice how you treat others. Honor others the same way you want to be honored. In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble, and value others more than yourselves.

7 Show friendship.

Be that friend who thinks of others, who is thoughtful and considerate, who nourishes the goodness in another person. Pursue friendship and happiness will happen. Encourage your friends, cheer for them, help them, and tell them how much you care about them. Build up their hope. Be truly loving, for love is the best rule in the playbook. Love your friends, your teammates, deeply. Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”  Let your love and friendship extend to everyone, especially those on the end of the bench, for love is from God.

8 Show service.

You follow God’s way when you give and serve others. You get energy from following your passions, from committing to people and service and causes. Compassion isn’t waiting; it’s doing. Compassion isn’t watching; it’s helping. You have been blessed with special abilities from God to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings. Show generosity, be rich in the good things you do, and share with others.

9 Show the love of Jesus.

The best way to improve your life, your position, your relationships with teammates and with others, is to act like Him. Love doesn’t give up. Love doesn’t lose faith. Love is hopeful, no matter the score. Love endures through all circumstances. And that’s the love of Jesus you show to everyone. Be Like Jesus. When you show love, you share in joy and happiness and wonder and goodness. And that’s always the winning way.

I pray that you will show these NINE fundamentals as you advance into your teen years.

Happy 13th birthday!

I love you! God bless you. Always.

September 25, 2020

40 Happy Thanks

Happy 40th Anniversary to my extraordinary husband, my sweetheart, my handsome man, my love who is compassionate giving strong intelligent witty quirky generous, my most dreamiest-prayer-answered man. The one I adore who loves God and family and friends with grace and humility and dignity.

1 Thank you for your love. This statement really sums up everything.  Your love has carried me, nourished me, shaped me, encouraged me, comforted me for 40 years. And every day you say it: “I love you.”

2 Thank you for your faith. You have a quiet, unshakable faith in our Lord. You love God and you follow Jesus.

3 Thank you for your wisdom to say, “Plan A is always love and prayer.”

4 Thank you for our sons. What joys, what blessings. And thank you for living by example. Whew, my heart. Infinity emojis.

5 Thank you for your affection. Those kisses! Those hugs! Swoon! And not just for me. For your children. Your grandchildren. Family!

6 Thank you for your belief in me. You never said, “You can’t be a mother. You can’t have a baby. You can’t have another baby” because of my limitations.

7 Thank you for your support.  Because when I wanted to stay at home with the children, you said “yes, you can do it.” Because when I started my business, you were my advocate and encourager.

8 Thank you for your forgiveness. Boy, I sure screw up a lot and it’s a relief that you forgive and we move on.

9 Thank you for lifting me up. Literally, when I’ve stumbled and face-planted. Spiritually, when I’ve doubted what’s next. Emotionally, when I’ve felt flattened. Always, you’re there to pick me up.

10 Thank you for being fun. Your humor. Your imagination. You are my man-kid.

11 Thank you for your brilliance. You are scary smart and I’m in awe that you know so much stuff.  You are the valedictorian of Household Bigger.

12 Thank you for your wit. Like when, just concerning the temperature of the house, I ask, “Are you hot?” Short pause. “Uh, that would be your call, wouldn’t it?” Short pause. Short chuckle.

13 Thank you for your compliments. You are quick to tell me I’m beautiful and sexy. That amazes me. I’ll put on lip gloss for you.

14 Thank you for compromising. I’m the extrovert; you’re the introvert. And yet, you’ll go with me to parties. It’s a gift to me.

15 Thank you for your respect of my individuality. See above. You let me be who God created me to be.

16 Thank you for listening. Because, mercy, I’m a talker. But never once did you say talk to the hand. And never did you say I told you so.

17 Thank you for caring. Oh my, especially during my awful morning sickness. And then there was that whole menopause thing. And now this whole getting old thing.

18 Thank you for (getting better at) communicating. Well, we have to have something to work on. Ha.

19 Thank you for your generosity. Not only do you listen and buy presents of things your family will like, you find little gifts for others, friends, co-workers, and even children of my friends. I love that you’re The Lego Man to many small people.

20 Thank you for your patience. Slowly, she turns. Step by step. Inch by inch. (Embarrassing homage!)

21 Thank you for your compassion. For considering others before yourself. Not being hyperbolic…

22 Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Your kindness. It’s there. For so many. <insert excessive punctuation>

23 Thank you for making ordinary moments into happy moments. Strolling the aisles of Target. Watching Fred Astaire films. Sharing a grilled cheese sandwich. Daily being.

24 Thank you for working things out. When we are mad and frustrated and annoyed with each other. Over big stuff. Over petty stuff. We work it out. Together.

25 Thank you for your quiet steadiness. Your guidance. My North Star.

26 Thank you for protecting me.  And I don’t just mean from spideys and all things crawly, but for protecting my heart.

27 Thank you for providing for your family. You always worked hard, and in jobs that were often challenging. But you went to work every day and rarely complained. I admire that.

28 Thank you for hot beverages. Michigan Cherry Coffee. Vanilla chai.

29 Thank you for facing problems with me. When there are events and circumstances and days that drive me to chocolate and Peeps and gluten and bacon, you held my hand and don’t let go.

30 Thank you for wiping away my tears. I am one leaky, emotional, sentimental, easily bruised, tender, mess of hormones. And you hand me tissues.

31 Thank you for accepting me just the way I am. No lie, I have issues. And you love the tattered package that is me.

32 Thank you for enjoying my company. We are all weird in some way.

33 Thank you for cheering for my teams. Well, at least the Ball State Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts. And all U.S. Olympic teams, especially curling. (And then there’s your teasing/tolerating/tormenting of my obsession with the Chicago Cubs.)

34 Thank you for smiling. And. Those. Blue. Eyes. You still melt my ice cream.

35 Thank you for going with the flow. Your mother’s advice.

36 Thank you for doing housework. It makes me the envy of my friends. High five.

37 Thank you for sanding all my rough edges. I give you a million points.

38 Thank you for your TLC, your attentiveness. Your sweetness to ask: “How can I help you?” “What do you need?”

39 Thank you that your heart is my home. Every place with you is a happy place. I love you so much my heart could explode into a bazillion pieces of joy and happiness.

40 Thank you for your true love/twue wuve. Because it’s not about how many days, months or years we’ve been together, it’s about how much we actually love each other every day.

What could I possibly give you to thank you for so many ways you’ve blessed me with your deep affection, your thoughtfulness, kindness, and praise? What could I possibly offer to thank you for all that you’ve done to brighten my life with your goodness and to make every day so much fun? There is nothing on earth I could give you that could ever be worth even part of all that you are, so what I will give you is all of the love in my heart.

August 29, 2020

Preach

Some days I want to move my Happy Day Moment to the side and create a Preachy Day Moment.
Some days I just want to get up and start preaching. Preach Jesus.

Preach Love
Preach Forgiveness
Preach Faith
Preach Miracles
Preach Prayer
Preach Grace
Preach Truth
Preach Peace
Preach Reconciliation
Preach Mercy
Preach Healing
Preach Kindness
Preach Respect
Preach Generosity
Preach Compassion
Preach Acceptance
Preach Second Chances
Preach Goodness
Preach Sacrifice
Preach Caring
Preach The Golden Rule
Preach Empathy
Preach Gratitude
Preach Friendship
Preach Laughter
Preach Strength
Preach Humility
Preach Hope
Preach Giving
Preach Encouragement
Preach Wisdom
Preach Courage
Preach The Good News
Preach Joy
Preach Life
Preach Jesus
Preach Love

Some days I just wanna preach.

July 2, 2020