One of the most recent stray gifts that has stayed with me is a road trip we took last month. John had spotted a body of water on the map months ago and was curious, so we made a plan to make a day of it. We packed a picnic lunch and set out, not knowing exactly what we were looking for. The three of us were definitely up for the adventure and excited about heading out onto the open road and away from the city. What we were looking for was Red Bluffs State Park and Reservoir in Orla, Texas. When we did find the lake, we couldn’t believe how much water there was! There were quite a few ducks and even a blue heron! We enjoyed the day out very much and were grateful John felt well enough to drive and get out for the day.
Having grown up primarily in New England, I remember snow falling around Thanksgiving. Our house was on the corner, and snow plows would shovel and pile the snow several feet high. When it was new and clean, it made for great forts for us kids to play in. I also remember having a winter wardrobe of ski masks, gloves, scarves, winter boots, and snowsuits. Living in the desert now, my outerwear winter wardrobe consists of cowboy boots and a cardigan sweater for the colder days. I may need a jacket for the earlier months in the year, but for the most part, winters are mild. I feel nostalgic around this time, especially when my friend from Pennsylvania starts sharing snow photos beginning in November. While I wish for a day or two of pretty snow falling, I am thankful for the 60-degree afternoon temps right now. We enjoy walking outside more because it’s the only time of the year the sun doesn’t beat down relentlessly! While it’s technically not winter until December 21, it’s been on my mind, seeing the news of snowstorms in various other places.
I have a few stray gifts to share from the past few weeks – including a few winter photos from PA. Descriptions of the photos are below the collage.
Top Row (left to right): I was washing the dishes one night and looked up to see the moon pictured just so in that top window. Where we live now, we can see the moon and stars very clearly outside. The constellation Orion stretches big as you please across the sky, and we enjoy the brisk night air. I don’t always go outside to look up, so noticing the moon in the window that night took me by surprise. The middle photo was sent to me by my mother’s cousin. She found my mom and dad’s wedding invitation in a scrapbook she had saved. I don’t remember ever seeing it since my mother died when I was really young, and I never had many items of hers. Jonathan is the keeper of family documents and photos and was thrilled to see it…and save it in his files. The last photo is of a corner in the house finally resolved. I read somewhere that if you move to a new space and you’re not sure where to put things, don’t rush to fill it and let the room rest. Live in it for a while and see how you move around, what you use, and if you need anything new at all. I had boxes of music books piled next to the piano, just waiting for a shelf of some sort. With the dimensions I had, there wasn’t much space. I had been thinking about and eyeing a rotating shelf on Amazon, and finally took a leap of faith that it would work out. I’m very happy with the way it looks, and it fits all my hymn and chorus books, plus a few of my all-time favorite books like our Jan Karon ones.
Middle Row: Here are three wintery photos shared from PA. The deer was quite close to the front of my friend’s house! The cardinal pictures every year are just stunning! And what’s not to love about a red barn and a pond on a snowy day?
Bottom Row: I made various types of Christmas cards this year using a few of my favorite techniques. The first card was made from a few 1×3-inch scraps! Add a poinsettia, and I have a pretty card fairly quickly. If you follow me on my crafty Instagram page, you may remember that I’m obsessed with a torn-paper card. I guess I love the rustic look of it (along with Kraft cardstock!). The last cards pictured were made using a postage stamp die and stamp set. I love the look of old stamps, and I enjoy making pretty paper look like them. I made a ton of other Christmas greetings as well, which over the next few weeks will be posted on Instagram.
Speaking of cards, I keep track of what I send out. I record to whom I send, for what occasion, and also when I receive a response. I counted 230 handmade cards, which didn’t include the last stragglers of Christmas cards that went out this week. I’m thankful to my dad, who supports this ministry. He provides stamps to mail the cards out, funds to send card packages to friends and family who will use the cards to encourage others, and also to purchase new supplies as I need. What a blessing!!
“Lord, help us in our new struggles”, John prayed. This was back in July after a car accident which totaled our car. We were on our way to church when a man ran a stop sign and hit the driver’s side of our car. In the motion of it all, our car crashed head-on into a rock wall at the street corner. In the days to come, John and Jonathan were in great pain. After an ER visit, x-rays showed Jonathan had two cracked ribs. John had just finished physical therapy for neck issues at the time, but felt all the positive work that was done was undone. I was shaken, but fine physically. In the heat of the summer, we trudged through car lots, climbed in and out of cars, and talked to sales representatives while looking for a new vehicle. It was exhausting. To add to the frustration, our car had JUST been paid off!! My heart sinks just writing this. While I was fine physically, I was a mess every time we went out. At every intersection, I had a sense of panic, and while I am better now, I still am hypervigilant at all times. After the insurance settlement was received, we found a car and are moving forward as best we can. John and Jonathan had multiple chiropractor visits after the accident, which, at least, helped Jonathan. John still has right shoulder issues and is going to need physical therapy.
I have a few stray gifts to share from the past few months. I do still look for them and always have a new blog post in mind to write, even though I don’t post here as often as I plan. The days are getting cooler now, and I love how the gifts change with the seasons. Descriptions of the photos are below the collage.
Top Row: (first two photos) After purchasing a replacement vehicle, we were still unsure whether we wanted to keep it. John wanted to take it for a long drive to get comfortable with the car, so we headed out away from the city and towards the Guadalupe Mountains. We love road trips, and this was exactly what we needed after the accident – no stop signs, lights, or traffic for miles. The last photo in this row was taken at the chiropractic clinic where John and Jonathan were receiving treatment. The lush greenery inside is impressive!
Second Row: This was taken over a month ago, when I first started noticing the daylight change in the evenings. I loved the glow coming through the back door window. Photo two is of a pothos plant in our bathroom window. We had a few weeks of rain, and I noticed that before the rain, the plant would have water drops on the leaves. I had never seen that before. I thought the bathroom vent was somehow leaking water. The third photo is of roses the guys brought home for me after a trip to the store. The flowers brought such beauty to our home and smelled so sweet.
Third Row: All three of us are pretty talkative, and since we spend a lot of time together and have a lot to say on many topics, quiet times are highly valued. My friend, Jonna, sent me a cute card and these super soft socks in the mail since she knows the struggle – haha. I just want to go craft, ok? Oh – and these last two photos are from my friend Kara in Pennsylvania. She lives on a gorgeous property and every season is just full of stunning views. She knows I miss a traditional Autumn season and shares photos with me often of the changing scenery. While we don’t have views like that around our area, I do appreciate the cooler weather. I am enjoying the earlier daylight and our evening walks around the neighborhood.
After stumbling around looking for contentment for years, I suddenly learned that you cannot find it by hunting furiously for it. Happiness sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.
John Barrymore, as quoted in The Reader’s Digest, 1934
Thank you to everyone who has followed along with my recording of the graces in 2024. Your weekly encouragement and conversations about the shared stray gifts mean so much. Those of you who text me photos of your daily gifts and blessings inspire me to keep looking for more!
“Happiness sneaks through a door you didn’t know you left open”. Keeping open eyes, hearts, and hands to what God may provide in a day is keeping life’s door open so that He can enter the everyday ordinary. While 2024 had its challenges, it was full of stray gifts that kept me noticing God in ways I hadn’t seen before. I enjoy texts from friends and family who have little surprises throughout their day, too – a bright red cardinal at the feeder, a set of keys that was lost but found, gifts of time used to make art, wildflowers gathered to bring during a hospital visit, a card in the mail on a day when you felt forgotten, beautiful days to sit on a back porch, and many prayers answered. Do you keep a journal? Do you write on a blog? Or do you keep stray gift photos on your cellphone to look back over occasionally? God shows up in the big and the little things. I was reviewing past blog posts of 2024 and am so glad I keep a record. There’s so much to thank Him for.
With that in mind, here are the last stray gifts shared for December. I wish all of you a safe and Happy New Year. A description of the photos will be after the collage.
Top Row: 1) Eggs. I love eggs for breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack, or dinner. Twice this month, two eggs came out of one shell. It was a little exciting. (Did I mention I love eggs?) 2) Sometimes, we get stuck in a rut and watch TV for hours in the evening. One night, we plugged in the Wii and the three of us played a few games of bowling instead. We had forgotten how fun it was. Jonathan and I played tennis afterwards and tried to ‘whip the tar’ out of each other. haha. 3) Postage dies and stamps have been my favorite to work with this year in cardmaking. This year’s Christmas cards were made with a few new crafty supplies and Christmas paper I’d had in store for a few years.
Middle Row: 1) I used a new-to-me large ‘Merry’ die to make Christmas cards this year. 2) and 3) I played around with pinecone paper and made two similar cards for two different people. I liked the non-traditional holiday card colors.
Bottom Row: 1) Christmas cards I received from friends and family! One of them is handmade! 2) I enjoy the snow photos my friends from PA text to me. I also enjoy looking at them here in the 60-degree desert weather at the same time. 3) The church was clearing out the live poinsettias that were used to decorate for Christmas, so I brought one home. It needs to be repotted and I “just so happen” to have a flower pot the right size. Stray gifts!
Not that which we give, but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare.
James Russell Lowell, 1848
Stray Gifts December-
Something nostalgic: We’ve been to two children’s Christmas programs in the past few weeks, and they brought back memories of participating in a few when I was younger. I’ve also helped put programs together and it is no small task! Hearing children share Christ’s birth in Scripture reading and song was a blessing. I’m also amazed at how much little ones can memorize!
Something enjoyable: The last decade has been difficult. We’ve been a bit secluded due to John’s health issues and have just started to get out more in the last two years. We had been invited to a few church Christmas parties by several local churches and not knowing many people, we were unsure about attending. We did choose to go to one and we had such a good time!
Something surprising: Recently on a Sunday evening, a teenage girl came to church by herself and sat behind us. During a time of handshaking, I introduced myself and asked a few questions. She explained that her grandfather attended this church and she was thinking about visiting more. Much to my surprise, she came to the Christmas party – by herself. She was the first guest there and we arrived soon after. I sat down next to her on the couch and started asking about her day, her school classes, etc. As others started to show up, it seemed that they knew her a bit and conversations started flowing as the hosts were finishing getting dinner ready. We saw her again in church on Wednesday night and her grandpa was with her this time. When he was talking to John before service, the young lady told her grandpa that we were the ones she mentioned to him. The grandpa’s face lit up and he heartily thanked us for being so friendly to his granddaughter. The exchanges I had with her weren’t lengthy or deep, just simple conversations, but they seemed to have made a difference.
Something impressive: A set of five-year-old girl and boy twins sat in front of us during Wednesday night church service. We have seen them before and have talked briefly. I asked the girl how her day was and she responded that it was good. She talked about her day in kindergarten and about her family moving soon. She then asked me, “How was your day and what did you do?”. I shared that I had done some house cleaning and she said that she helps her mom clean the house…especially when company is coming over. Both the twins were great at keeping a conversation going, asking questions, and responding politely and with interest. During the service time, she sang, “Mary Did You Know?” and it was the best version of it I’ve ever heard. The pleasant spirit we had seen beforehand made the special song so much sweeter.
The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle.
-Author Unknown, c.1920s
At the end of the day, if the kitchen sink is full of dishes and other tasks need attention, it can be such a letdown when there is more work to do. It’s easy to just leave it until tomorrow and go to bed, but when tomorrow comes and before breakfast is even cooked, yesterday’s work casts a shadow and has now become extra work for today. With the shift of energy in me over the last few years, every little thing can become a big thing in a hurry. I came across a video recently of a woman who was sharing the same struggle. At night, when she just wanted to be done with the day, she asked herself how she would feel if she took a few minutes and tried to reset the kitchen so the next morning would be easier. She looked at getting the few tasks done as if she were doing it for a friend. If she was a guest and knew her friend was tired, she would offer to clean up to make life easier. She mentioned we do more good for others than we sometimes do for ourselves. “If tonight, I try to tidy up a few things, then tomorrow I will have appreciated the effort”, she said. I’ve started to say, “Tonight’s Rebecca will get these few things done for Tomorrow’s Rebecca”. John and Jonathan help all the time, but sometimes there are a few extra things the guys don’t notice (or care about as much as I do). It has helped me think about the next day and how I would feel if I left certain “today” things undone. This happens more when I’ve spent all day crafting! I’m in the zone of making Christmas cards currently, and it’s easy to let tasks pile up so I can play with pretty paper instead! When Tonight’s Rebecca takes a few minutes to get a few needed things done, Tomorrow’s Rebecca is quite relieved in the morning! I don’t always accomplish this, but I never regret it when I take a few minutes to make tomorrow easier.
Fall Cards: I think I love making fall cards most of all! The top three are examples of Thanksgiving cards I sent out this year. The “Thanks” card was made for a friend using 3-D leaf stickers I found at Dollar Tree!
Flower Photos: While visiting my dad last month, I saw a few Morning Glory flowers blooming in his yard that Jonathan and I had planted years ago. They grow in the desert quite well and can make a plain rock wall or a trellis look so pretty. When we moved from El Paso, I brought the yellow bell plant with me. It looks so pretty by our front door.
Nature photos: My friend Marie in Pennsylvania shared with me her view from her back porch in early November. My friend Kara (also from PA and Marie’s daughter) sent me the snow photo (taken November 22). She that said one day, ten and a half inches of snow fell before noon! Thankfully, she was able to get a fire going in their stove to help keep them warm.
Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayer and worn with thanks.
Thomas Goodwin
Something thought-provoking: I saw an illustration on social media which said, “Instead of focusing so much on a To Do List, I’m starting a To Be List.” The other day, John was sitting at my desk looking at the sticky notes of reminders I had neatly placed on the right side and my calendar of events on the left. He seemed a bit numb when he explained he was looking at my brain. If I don’t write things down, I may forget! I am a doer. I enjoy making lists and find great satisfaction when I cross off completed tasks (using a red pen) from a well-thought-out list. I feel accomplished. Having things to do is inevitable as it’s a part of life. Did it matter more at the end of the day, though, that I was busy or that I had been kind? Or calm? Or thankful? No matter the daily dues, did I wear today’s blessings well?
Something unexpected: Our church’s interim pastor and wife were away a few weeks ago for their anniversary. Instead of seeking someone from elsewhere to fill the pulpit, John was asked to preach. He hasn’t preached since 2019. If you’ve followed along here (and you know us personally), you know he has been ill for quite a few years. It has only been close to two years now that he has been upright, able to drive, walk without a cane, and feel progress in his journey to better health. He was concerned that he could stand for the length of his message. He did well and received positive feedback. He has a desire to teach again someday and this was a great confidence booster!
Something enjoyable: In our younger days when John was in the Navy (in Washington), we used to have friends over all the time for dinner and games. Sometimes our friends would stay past midnight! When we lived in Kansas, we had friends we’d play games with until three in the morning. John taught a young families Sunday School class then and they would be at our house often for a fellowship meal. The kids would play in the yard while we adults visited and enjoyed getting together. (These nights were much shorter!) We loved those days and have missed having them be a part of our lives. Since joining our new church here in New Mexico, we have desired to invite others for dinner. It has been years since we have been in a place in our life where that was possible. There are a few people who we connected with quickly and time before and after church isn’t enough for deeper communication. Last week, we had a new friend over for dinner and enjoyed it very much. It seems people don’t do that too much these days anymore. Our next guests have been invited and we have a day planned. (Yes, it’s written on my aforementioned calendar.) It is refreshing to feel connected to that part of us again. We enjoy so much the memories of good fellowship and we look forward to making new ones with our new circle of friends.
The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.
Hans Christian Andersen
I am thankful for those of you who share your stray gifts with me and allow me to share them on my blog! Here is the latest addition to the growing record of graces.
Top row(left to right): 1) My aunt and uncle have the opportunity to work for their local Parks and Recreation Department. They will be working in a day-use area checking people in. “It has a beach, picnic tables with grills, volleyball and horseshoes”, my aunt shared. The view of the trees and water can be seen from their camper! Such a peaceful view! They have worked at camps before and love doing it. 2) Last week, we noticed our air conditioner unit wasn’t working when the house kept feeling warmer throughout the day. We opened our bedroom windows that night and there was such a nice breeze! Sleeping bliss! 3) My friend Jonna found these wildflowers for her sister whose health had taken a turn for the worse a few weeks ago. Jonna picked them in a field nearby to bring to the hospital room. Beauty can be found even during difficult days. I’m glad she shared that with me. I mentioned Jonna in a previous blog post (The Blesser Himself) when her mom passed away. Her sister has since passed away as well. Please pray for Jonna and her family as the funeral is tomorrow (Wednesday, May 1) and in the days ahead.
Middle Row: 1) Earlier in the year, Jonathan and I divided a large day lily into three separate plants and they are doing well! Also thriving (the plant on the far left) is a yellow bell. It was just a stick with roots when we took it out of the ground and potted it, but we know it comes back every year and had hoped for the best. We pulled it up because it was too close to our wisteria and partly because we wanted to bring it from El Paso to where we live now in NM. 2) While visiting my dad’s house in El Paso, I noticed the roses blooming! 3) The cardinal photo was sent to me by a friend in PA. Stunning!
Bottom Row:1) The photo of the steeple was sent by the same friend in PA. This view is right across from her office. I love steeples! 2) One of the companies I order craft supplies from always sends a card like this with a cute crafty saying with every order. This one made me laugh because I like to make cards and send them out. I sent the photo to a few others who are a part of my ‘encouragement/card sending’ group. 3) Another craft company I order from sent me a gift! It is their 10th anniversary and to loyal customers, they sent a stamp set with our names. There are three stamps included. One says, “crafted with love by”, another is my first and last name (how neat!), and the last is a pretty flower.
Our everyday, ordinary things are pretty special, aren’t they? A series of miracles…I like that.
Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.
Elisabeth Elliot
Something encouraging this week: I was glad to have come across the introductory quote and to have read the reminder that restlessness and impatience serve no purpose. That type of mindset drains energy, sleep, peace, and joy. Peace is not found in outward sources. It doesn’t come from other people, social media, food, or distraction, but from a trusting and quiet heart. Psalm 36:7, “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.”
Something surprising: Every week, we try to arrive early for Sunday School to have time to fellowship with others and catch up on the week. Some converse quite actively and there are a few elderly women who are a bit introverted and quiet. Yesterday, I noticed one had a bottle of Tea Tree oil she was sharing with another lady. “Oh, you are into essential oils, too?”, I asked. We talked about natural remedies and the complications modern medicine can sometimes have on a body. Her face lit up as she shared her point of view. I was shocked. I hardly ever hear her speak. She sits quietly during the lessons, smiles and nods during various conversations, but that’s about it. We shared what oils John uses to help relieve migraines, and what oils we use to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. It was a fun conversation and I was so happy to see Alejandra open up. We talked about castor oil, too. My dad tells some interesting stories from childhood about having to take castor oil. It seems to have been a “cure-all” back in the day. There are a few women in our church in their 80s and I know there are many experiences they have to share if you only ask. John, Jonathan, and I talked about the conversation on the way home in amazement and wondered what else would spark a great conversation with her again.
Something making a difference: Last week, I wrote about John having a new VA doctor who wanted to change a few medicines. The new prescriptions have arrived. After only a few days of taking them, his blood sugar level has decreased by half. Wow!! His last fasting bloodwork showed that he was near needing insulin if something didn’t change. Thank you, Lord, for the progress and for a doctor who is finally actively working to help.
Something that made me cry: I had made extra Easter cards and sent a few to friends who send out cards regularly. I always hope the cards I make will be a blessing. Sometimes, I hear back from a recipient of a handmade card – that it arrived when they needed encouragement the most that particular week. I do not find that to be a coincidence! Recently, I received a text from a friend to whom I had sent five Easter cards. She shared with me who she sent the cards to and why. Two were for caregivers who are helping her care for her 100-year-old mom (one of them being her sister). One card went to a relative who is a faithful encourager. Another was sent to a long-time friend who is having chemo and radiation for esophageal cancer. The last card was sent to another long-time friend of hers who was soon to have open heart surgery. “Your ministry in cards went to many places”, she wrote. I was deeply moved by her sharing that with me!! To God be the glory.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
I research many subjects on the internet concerning healthy eating and lifestyle, curly hair helps, cardmaking tutorials, and more! I see quite often, “Five things you are doing wrong eating on the keto diet”, “Ten ways you are damaging your curly hair”, and “Never say this in a handwritten card”. I see, “You’re doing it all wrong” videos on YouTube all the time – sometimes it is as simple as cooking an egg wrong! No wonder many people are riddled with anxiety! Hearts and minds are confused because there are so many varying opinions about everything and everyone is an expert. Too many voices have filled my head nearly paralyzing me in being able to decide anything. Finding peace in what I eat, how I live, how I style my hair (or whether I let my white hair growth continue without intervention), and what tools I use to create handmade cards has been a journey. The older I get, the less I care what everyone else is doing or what is trending and the more I want peace within. I pray for understanding, wisdom, and a settled heart and mind because I tend to wander from one way to another. “In every thing…let your requests be made known to God”. In everything? Yes, every thing.
Here is the latest in my growing collection of stray gifts: (comments under the collage)
Top Row (left to right): My first flowers in our home in New Mexico were beautiful and had a lovely, soft scent. I don’t need fancy flower vases- a green mason jar will do! My dad is managing my daylilies in El Paso because we haven’t brought them over yet. These were all in one flower pot earlier this year and Jonathan and I split them into three. They were much smaller then but were crowded. Since we divided the lilies, they have been able to stretch out and seem to like the new space so far. The last photo is of my yellow Lady Banks rose bush that is blooming! These are tiny roses and are so cute! Thank you, Dad, for taking photos of them for me!
Bottom Row (left to right): Since I started collecting stray gifts, I have had friends and family who have caught the excitement of looking for God’s gifts in the day. I am sent photos through text messages often. A friend in the Dallas, Texas area sent me the first photo taken at the arboretum. The tulips are stunning! The middle photo is from a friend in Pennsylvania. This farm is over one hundred years old and her grandmother (who is one hundred years old!) still lives there. I love views like these and this particular friend sends me farm photos often. The last photo was taken by me last week. That day, we were out shopping and John was able to find a new pair of shoes. Because he has scars from three ankle surgeries, he has had trouble finding footwear that doesn’t rub against the tender places. Trying on shoes is an ordeal, but he had the energy and the want-to that day. I’m glad we stuck to the task and found a pair after going to three stores. While we were out, we stopped by the local botanical garden. It’s not very big and there weren’t many plants blooming yet, but it is a nice area to walk around. The Bradford Pear Trees were blossoming quite nicely, though. We hope to return in a few weeks as more plants should be blooming. The rain we had recently should help those along!
Other Gifts: A friend in Georgia sent me a photo of daffodils in her front yard. The same friend remembered my wedding anniversary and sent John and me a pretty card! It meant a lot. A friend in NM is a quilter and had lost a “setting triangle” for a Christmas tree skirt she is making. She had scooted her work table over a bit and found it on the floor. It saved her a lot of time looking for that piece in piles of fabric.
Thank you to all who keep the stray gifts movement going! I just love when you share with me what was in your path along the way.
