Day 31: A Month of Gratitude, "Sleep"

by Jay Kelly

“Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for He grants sleep to those he loves.” -Psalm 127:1-2

“…when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet.” -Proverbs 3:24

Some of us (me, included) have the gift of easy sleep. When my head hits the pillow I drift off into rest and restoration quickly; the pillow is not even required. Others of you are challenged in this area. We feel our weakness and need for restoration every night when we lay our heads down. Each night our minds unwind, our bodies restore and we prepare for another day of productivity and purpose. Edgar Allen Poe has been credited as saying, “Sleep, those little slivers of death. How I loathe them.” Some of us wish that we were never weak and could just go, go, go.

Research studies have shown that increased gratitude leads to deeper and more satisfying sleep as well as overall well-being. Have you made a fundamental shift during our MONTH OF GRATITUDE? Do you enjoy any new habits that lead to a grateful spirit? It’s not too late to get serious about counting your blessings every day. If you don’t journal about anything else please consider journaling a daily prayer of thanks to God. Start today and continue until Thanksgiving. See what happens in your heart if you do.

It’s been rewarding for me to have a gratitude focus each of these last 31 days. I must admit, at times, I thought I was crazy for committing to this in a sermon over a month ago, but I’m glad I did.

To those of you who have been following this exercise please let me know how it has helped you and what you have learned. Email me at jay_kelly@mac.com.

HOMEWORK: Give thanks to God for his perfect plan. Our need for sleep humbles us daily and reminds us that we cannot push ourselves beyond very specific limits. We need to be recharged and restored. We need Him; we need rest.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps.

Remember that tonight is the end of daylight savings. Our clocks “fall back” one hour and we get an extra hour of sleep tonight.


Love you,
-Jay Kelly

PS, Happy Halloween! I obviously loved being a cowboy for Halloween. I've always cherished those second amendment rights. Have a wonderful holiday!

Day 30: A Month of Gratitude, "Food."

by Jay Kelly

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you." -Deuteronomy 8:10

Amazingly our Month of Gratitude is down to the last two days and we haven’t given thanks for food. One of my favorite aspects of the holiday season was our special food items. My mom, dad and sisters, Shannon and Meghan, and I rushed to the door when the holiday box from Chicago would arrive full of Grandma Kelly's special goodies. The most important item was the raisin/current bread. Second most important was the date nut bread, then potato chip cookies and last was the pitzels which are an Italian licorice flavored snowflake/pancake cookie that I never liked to eat, but we all respected the tradition and would have missed seeing them, if not eating them. Here's a picture of my Grandma (Rose Marie Saviano) Kelly, me and our dog, Poseidon, back in 1966. Gram made her own pasta noodles, her own raviolis, stuffed her own italian sausages and created her own sauces. She was serious about her Italian cuisine and everyone loved her for it.

God blessed me with an amazing wife who is also the best cook in the world (I'm not kidding). Carol makes her own bread often and has learned from her mom to work wonders in the kitchen. Carol always makes her mother’s cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. Our Christmas dinner is a tender ribeye roast and Yorkshire Pudding. One Christmas in L.A. we had a “Bring Your Own Lobster” party with friends and boiled lobster and melted butter and celebrated the holiday in a Redondo Beach kind of way. Food is such a fun way to celebrate special days and make memories. Thank God for good food!

If you’ve ever spent time fasting from food you quickly realize how much we take this great blessing for granted. The smells are richer when you fast. A piece of fruit suddenly seems indulgent; a cracker has a wonderful crunch, a glass of cold milk satisfies you in a special way. Pay attention today.

HOMEWORK: Savor your food today. Eat slowly. Say thanks more than once. Give thanks to God for giving us a diverse array of delicious options that provide more than energy for our bodies, but also joy, tradition, personal expression and celebration.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you one last day tomorrow.
Love,
-Jay Kelly

Day 29: A Month of Gratitude, "Rich Welcome"

by Jay Kelly

“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” -2 Peter 1:10-11

What does it mean to receive a rich welcome? I love a good greeting when I’m awkwardly standing at someone’s door trying to figure out what it will be like to be at their place. Can you picture your self at the pearly gates? You’ve crossed over from this life to the next and may be feeling some things about the transition… and then you receive a RICH WELCOME into the eternal kingdom. That is guaranteed to be something special. You are totally at home, at peace, at rest once and for all eternity.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” -John 14:1-2

HOMEWORK: Design your custom dwelling place in heaven. God will want to spoil his kids. What would make it paradise for you? Be specific about the details. Give thanks for God’s awesome promise of eternal life.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay Kelly

Day 28: A Month of Gratitude, "Good News"

By Carol Kelly (giving Jay a break today)

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
And good news gives health to the bones."
-Proverbs 15:30

I love hearing good news! And it is true that the person telling the encouraging news is usually smiling. I love looking at smiling faces as well.
There is new news everyday; some good and it seems a lot bad. Good news tellers are rare in this day and age, but need to be treasured! Sometimes we have to train ourselves to hear the good news. What good news did hear lately? How did it make you feel? Happier? Stronger? How did you feel about the bearer of the good news? Grateful? Then what did you do with the news? I bet you shared it with someone else. Good news is contagious!

HOMEWORK: Filter out the bad news today and train your ear to hear the good. Thank the “good news” bearers in your life and then practice being one!

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Carol Kelly

Day 27: A Month of Gratitude, "Confrontation"

by Jay Kelly

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” -Ephesians 4: 15

Who has loved you and loved your common purpose enough to confront you on your sin, your compromises, your hypocrisy or your apathy? Victory rarely happens on the field or off without leadership. Who has told you how it is? Who has put their relationship with you on the line because they loved you more than they loved being close to you at that moment? Give thanks today for the few, the proud, “Your Confronters.” Thank God for the coaches he has put in your life who have called you out and expected more from you than you expected of yourself. Do you have anyone in your life today that would speak the truth to you in love? Sometimes these specific challenges come from our ministry leaders, Bible Talk leaders, spouses and close friends and sometimes they come from more unexpected places like idealistic young christians, our children, our non-christian friends, etc. Who needs you to be their coach confronter today? They will thank you later if you speak the truth in love.

HOMEWORK: Today your homework is watching the 6 minute clip about the power of confrontation and expectation.
Enjoy!




Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay Kelly

Day 26: A Month of Gratitude, "Music"

by Jay Kelly

The power of music is undeniable. The musicians in our church move our hearts every Sunday to a place of worship that we couldn’t possible achieve on our own. The popularity of the Ipod (once known as the Walkman) has swept the globe allowing people to enhance their daily lives by adding a personal soundtrack to any activity. Workouts are inspired; boredom is replaced; memories are retrieved. Musicians once lead God’s armies into battle as the leaders of countless victories.

Music is a form of self-expression that is very personal. Though I am not a musician in anyone’s eyes I have several songs I’ve made up in my quiet times to express my thoughts to God. I have favorite hymns, favorite gospel, favorite country, favorite folk, favorite bluegrass, favorite Christmas, favorite Christian pop, favorite classical, and favorite choral music. Carol dedicated a song to each of our daughters that she would sing to them at bedtime and remind them that it was their special song. Carol’s mother did the same for all of her 10 children.

HOMEWORK: Give thanks for all ways music has enhanced your life. Go on a walk with God and sing some of your favorite spiritual songs to Him. You can bring a songbook with you, if you have one to help you remember. Pay special attention today to all the music you hear and enjoy.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay Kelly

Day 25: A Month of Gratitude, "Holidays."

by Jay Kelly

At our house we eagerly anticipate the Fall season. Of course, the holidays are upon us now. We’ve all heard in countless conversations the phrase, “time flies.” Older people love to add on their insight that it seems to go faster and faster as you age. Many of us mark time by the holidays throughout the year. They are roadside markers that offer us perspective on the progression of the years of our lives. God’s Word is rich with lists of memorials, annual holidays and specific celebrations that were to be honored annually by his people. Certain families emphasize different holidays more than others because of their ethnicity, religious background or childhood tradition. Whatever your list looks like suddenly you’re running down it again marking time and adding meaning to your life.

Valentines Day,
Easter Sunday,
Mother’s Day
Memorial Day,
Father’s Day
4th of of July,
Labor Day,
Halloween,
Thanksgiving,
Christmas,
New Years,

HOMEWORK: Meditate on the holidays that have meant the most to you throughout your life. What are the sights, smells, tastes and feelings that you associate with these memories? Give thanks to God for the ways your life has been enriched through the observance of special calendar days. Also, consider special plans you could make to celebrate your spiritual birthday, (your baptism day) when it arrives next on your calendar. Develop your own traditions as you celebrate your personal salvation holiday.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay Kelly

Day 24: A Month of Gratitude, "Healing"

by Jay Kelly

“Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out.”
–James 5:13 (The Message)

We serve a God who heals us in every way and seems to enjoy doing it. Jesus was creative, spontaneous and controversial in his healing habit. The human body God gave you to carry your soul through this short life even heals itself when you bang it up. If you bring the subject of scars up around a bunch of guys the conversation quickly turns into a competition for biggest scar and most dramatic story. Your scars remind you of past injury and the healing power of God’s design for your body.

HOMEWORK: Count your scars. Give thanks for God’s healing hand in your life. Make a list of past injuries that once hurt you deeply, but have now been healed. Your scars may be physical or emotional, but they are yours and you wear them as reminders of the power of God in your life.

Thank God that he heals us inside and out. Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay Kelly

Day 23: A Month of Gratitude, "Time Off"

by Jay Kelly

Even God took a day off! It’s hard for many of us to take an entire day off to do nothing, but rest, reflect and recharge. Fridays are supposed to be my day off. I am guilty of often allowing various responsibilities to spill over into my time off. Tomorrow I am going to take our dog, Divot, for a long ocean-front prayer walk at Lincoln Park. Carol and I will do yoga. After that I’m going to paint for a few hours (not paint the house, but work on a portrait I've been commissioned). I am going to spend time reading one or all of the three books I’m working through right now. Seems like I should do fiction only if it’s time off. Carol and I have been very faithful to Friday night date nights and I’m looking forward to our special time together. We’re going to West Seattle High School’s Homecoming football game. Both Paige and Chandler have been nominated for Homecoming Court.

God’s people have always been challenged by their ambitions, their greed and their lack of faith. Doing work on the Sabbath was punishable by death (Exodus 31:15), why? I’m thinking God had our interests in mind when he forced the issue with his children. “Take time off or I’ll kill you!” sounds like something a father might say to the children he loves who are driving themselves into the ground and not experiencing life the way it was designed to be lived.

HOMEWORK: Make a list of your favorite vacation memories and give thanks for the importance of time off. Why did you enjoy that time so much? What needs did it meet? Consider your schedule. Are you taking the time you need to follow God’s plan of weekly rest? Plan and schedule an entire day that will refresh you some time in the next week. What will you do? How will you feel? Pray for the faith and freedom to experience a personal Sabbath weekly.

When I think of total relaxation and refreshment I think of a nine mile hike at Lake Ozette along the Pacific coast. My tradition on my spiritual birthday (December 16, 1984) is to go camping with God. The pictures show my hammock with pillow and book waiting. My tent has an ocean view. I sleep to the sound of the waves after a day of hiking, singing, journalling, prayer and goal setting. Pray you have similar times that give you strength and joy.

Take time off... or else!

Have fun growing in gratitude. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay Kelly

Day 22: A Month of Gratitude, "Jonathans"

by Jay Kelly

“Jonathan said to David,’Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.’”
-I Samuel 20:4

“And Saul’s son, Jonathan, went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.” -I Samuel 23:16


25 years ago this month I was studying the bible with Gary Knutson at Bridgewater College outside of Boston. Gary and I always had relationship challenges, but he knew and loved the word of God and was devoted to teaching me the truth, whether I appreciated it or not. I would eventually be baptized on December 16, 1984. A few weeks before my baptism there was a campus devotional led by Frank Kim entitled, “Doing Well Spiritually over Christmas Break.” I was working that Friday. Gary wanted me to switch shifts or take a personal day or whatever I needed to do to hear Frank’s message. Gary was very concerned that if I were to be baptized before Christmas break and have a month in New York/New Jersey away from the body I might not make it. I wasn’t as interested as he wanted me to be and after several back and forth exchanges I hung up the phone in anger.

Over the years I’ve bumped into old friends from my early Christian days in Boston who have said with surprise, “Jay, wow, you’re still faithful?” I was the least likely to succeed in many people’s minds. I couldn’t have made it spiritually all these years without countless friends, “Jonathans”, who’ve helped me find strength in God.

I made a list of 60 names. I decided not to post them knowing I would likely forget the one person who is actually reading this and was forgotten for the moment. Make your own list of Jonathans. Who are the people who’ve helped you find strength in God over the years?

Have fun growing in gratitude. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay Kelly

Day 21: A Month of Gratitude, "A Modern Life"

by Jay Kelly

It wasn’t that long ago that daily life in America was very different than it is today. Let's take a look at life in 1909, just for the heck of it and give thanks for the fuel-injected, Costco, ATM, frequent-flyer lifestyle we can easily take for granted today. So much has happened in the last 100 years to make life more comfortable and convenient. It is mind blowing if you meditate on it for even a few minutes. 100 years is only one long lifetime away.

One set of my great-grandparents on my mom’s side came to Washington in a covered wagon about 100 years ago. They settled on the Olympic Peninsula in Sequim, WA and later after a back injury while logging my Great-Grandfather Cooley began farming sugar beats in Toppenish, WA where my mother was raised. My mom’s father, Alexander Lee, was the son of a Swedish Ship Captain and a native American of the Haida tribe in Alaska. It just wasn’t that long ago, but let’s take a look together.

THE YEAR 1909 - Some statistics from a century ago:
A postage stamp was 2 cents.
Radio and Vaudeville were all the rage.
Pittsburgh won the World Series.
From 1909 to 2009 world population soared from 1.7 billion to 6.4 billion.
The average life expectancy was 47 years! (My parents are 69 & 74 and Carol’s parents are 83 & 84 and all are in great health thanks to modern medicine and good genes)
Only 14 % of homes had bath tubs.
Only 8% of homes had telephones.
There were only 8,000 automobiles with only 144 miles of paved roads.
Maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
Tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
Average wage was 22 cents an hour.
The average worker earned between $200 and $400 per year.
More than 95% of births took place at home.
90 % of all doctors had NO college education.
Eggs cost 14 cents a dozen.
Coffee was 15 cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a MONTH and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo!
The five leading causes of death were: Pneumonia & Influenza, Tuberculosis, Diarrhea, Heart disease and Stroke.
OTHER FACTS FROM 1909
The American flag had only 45 stars.
The population of Las Vegas was only 30!
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write!
Only 6 % of all Americans had a high school education.
Marijuana, heroin and morphine were all over the counter at your local drugstore and were known to be medicinal and "perfect guardians of health!"
There were only 230 reported murders in the entire country!
NONE OF THE FOLLOWING HAD BEEN INVENTED YET:
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, ice tea, zippers, tinkertoys, toasters, band-aids, hair dryers, traffic lights, Wheaties, blenders, bread slicers, bubble gum, Penicillin, sunglasses, ballpoint pens, Monopoly, trampolines, shopping carts, nylon stockings, duct tape, Tupperware, bikinis, disposable diapers, kitty litter, Velcro and milk cartons. The list goes on and on...

Let’s spend some time giving thanks for all the ways that life was easily lived today. I’m writing this on my MacBook and posting it on the global internet which arrives in your homes and offices almost immediately without a postman or the Pony Express. Wow, it just goes on and on.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow. Only 10 more days in our “Month of Gratitude.” Tell a friend how you’ve grown through it.

-Jay Kelly, Seattle Church of Christ

Day 20: A Month of Gratitude, "Valleys and Growth"

by Jay Kelly

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” -James 1:2-4

My wife, Carol, came up with this idea of being thankful for the tough times in the past and all the benefit that came from the struggle. Life is a series of peaks and valleys. If not for the valley before and behind we would never celebrate the summit with fists in the air and that feeling of accomplishment in our hearts.

I did some climbing years ago with some courageous disciples, Phil Hildebrand, George Sowards and Clay Jackson. We climbed all over Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite's Cathedral Peak, Pt. Dume in Malibu and other amazing locations. There is no reward if the struggle isn't real. The summit is only as sweet as the challenge was to get there. (Yes, that's me fifteen years ago)

Some of our past struggles may still bring some pain as we revisit them. Find the blessing in those struggles. How did you grow? What did you learn? Identify each summit for every struggle and attach value to those tough times with gratitude in your heart.

Make a two-column list:
Struggles I’ve Survived and Strengths That Have Surfaced

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay

Day 19: A Month of Gratitude, "Your Gender"

by Jay Kelly

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” -Genesis 1:27

Though we have all been made in the image of our heavenly father the different genders reflect different aspects of his perfection, his power and his personality. I asked some guys at a recent men-only worship service what they liked about being male. The guys said they liked being physically strong and aggressive, getting dirty and staying dirty, taking risks and being decisive, fixing things with their hands, protecting and providing for their loved ones, not over-connecting things, but compartmentalizing their lives and focusing on one task at a time and being able to zone out, spending time with other guys and not needing to talk, and many other such things. A group of women might have had a very different list. We also talked about the different roles that our moms and our dads had in the homes we grew up in.

What do you love about being your gender? Give thanks today for all that it means for you to be male or female. What insights do you have about God as you reflect on your gender with gratitude?

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay

Day 18: A Month of Gratitude, "I Can Change!"

by Jay Kelly


“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” I Timothy 4:15

Thank God that we do not spend our lives as the exact same person. Make a list of all the fundamental changes you’ve made. Who were you and who are you now? Who or what helped you to make those changes? Remember the fears that once controlled you? Remember the trappings of your youth? What seemed very important to you when you were younger that means nothing to you now?

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay

Day 17: A Month of Gratitude, "In Memoriam"

by Jay Kelly

Day 17 of the Gratitude Blog... HOMEWORK: Celebrate Today in Memoriam

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints.” Psalm 116:15

“Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.” Rev. 2:10b-11

Life is beautiful and unpredictable. Life is short for all of us, shorter for some. Who do you know that is already in heaven? Make a list of loved ones that have crossed from this life to the next. How grateful are you for another day of life here on the earth? What will it be like to be welcomed into paradise by your heavenly father and your spiritual family?

In what ways did these special people touch your life? How does it make you feel knowing they’ve gone ahead of you and have received the gift of eternal life? What do you miss about them?

My friends Chip Stone, Zack Hill and Dan Rice come to mind immediately and then the list grows from there.



Chip (pictured here having an early morning quiet time in his dorm room) was an unforgettable personality in our campus ministry at University of Nebraska.





Zack (pictured with close friend, Andy Winje, to the right) was on the mission team from Denver that started the Lincoln Church. He served as a great support to me when I was leading there.




Dan is a kindred spirit and life-long companion to me. I miss them, honor them and those like them who were faithful unto death. One day we will all walk among them in perfect joy.



Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay

Day 16: A Month of Gratitude, "Do The Dance"

By Jay Kelly

Day 16 of the Gratitude Blog... HOMEWORK: Do the Dance!

"You turned my wailing into dancing: you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever" -David (Psalm 30:11-12)



Click Here to Witness the Dance

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps.
See you tomorrow,

-Jay Kelly

Day 15: A Month of Gratitude, "History Lessons"

by Jay Kelly

This blog is for Day 15 of a month of gratitude.

Homework: Give thanks for all the ways you have been educated. What were your favorite lessons and classes as a kid? Who were your favorite teachers. Did you like history?

Centuries of recorded biblical and non-biblical history can illuminate our paths today. We have countless lessons from the scriptures that teach us so that we don’t have to learn everything the hard way.

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall!”
-I Corinthians 10: 11-12

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
George Santayan, philosopher, poet and novelist, 1863-1952.

Thank God for your brain. Learn something new today and give thanks. You can start with a little trivia…

Today's Highlights in History for October 15:
In 1858, the seventh and final debate between senatorial candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas took place in Alton, Ill.
In 1860, 11-year-old Grace Bedell of Westfield, N.Y., wrote a letter to presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln, suggesting he could improve his looks by growing out his beard.
In 1917, Dutch dancer Mata Hari, convicted of spying for the Germans, was executed by a French firing squad outside Paris.
In 1928, the German dirigible Graf Zeppelin landed in Lakehurst, N.J., completing its first commercial flight across the Atlantic.
In 1946, Nazi war criminal Hermann Goering fatally poisoned himself hours before he was to have been executed.
In 1964, it was announced that Soviet leader Nikita S. Khrushchev had been removed from office.
In 1969, peace demonstrators staged activities across the country, including a candlelight march around the White House, as part of a "moratorium" against the Vietnam War.
In 2003, eleven people were killed when a Staten Island ferry slammed into a maintenance pier. (The ferry's pilot, who'd blacked out at the controls, later pleaded guilty to 11 counts of manslaughter and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.)
Ten years ago today: The humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders was named winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Five years ago today: Thousands of people opposed to gay marriage gathered on the National Mall in Washington to call for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as being between a man and a woman.
One year ago today: The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 to win the NL championship series 4-1 for its first pennant since 1993.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay Kelly

Day 14: A Month of Gratitude, "Kids"

by Jay Kelly

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. –Matthew 18:1-4

Today your homework is to thank God for the child-teachers in your life. This can be your own children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, neighbors or Kids’ Kingdom students. Also, thank God for your own childhood experiences which have taught you lessons about him. In what ways were your parents like God? In what ways did God protect, provide, teach, tolerate and train you through human parents as you grew up?

A vivid personal story comes to mind for me about trust. Chandler trusted me completely as a young child. We had just moved to Seattle and were renting a house on Queen Anne in the summer of 1997. Chandler was three years old. We had a “jump into Daddy’s arms” game we’d played regularly whenever I had just parked the car. She would undo her car seat, climb into the back of our Jeep Cherokee, I would open the hatch and she would jump into my arms. One day we’d parked and she’d taken her time climbing to the back. I was distracted talking to Carol and she threw herself into the air with my back to her. It had never crossed her mind that I wouldn’t catch her even if I wasn’t looking in her direction. I heard her hit the concrete driveway behind me. I turned as she was looking up at me and inhaling for a great cry of pain and disappointment. She had been betrayed; her trust had been broken. She didn’t understand why I wasn’t aware that she had launched herself into the air and required a strong, yet soft landing followed by tickles and hugs.

Children trust completely even when the authorities in their lives are not worthy or capable. Children forgive just as quickly as they express their honest hurts and pains. Thankfully, our heavenly father is perfect, does have eyes in the back of his head , so to speak, and always offers us that soft landing sometimes followed by tickles and hugs.



Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,
-Jay Kelly

Days 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13: A Month of Gratitude: "Five Senses"

by Jay Kelly

This blog is for days 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 of a month of gratitude.
Homework: Focus on your five senses one day at a time and celebrate with gratitude each of them in a special way. Take some time each day to imagine life without seeing, smelling, touching, tasting or hearing.

Friday, 10/9: Sight. Do you have a friend who is blind? How much time can you spend today with your eyes closed trying to imagine that life? Try getting dressed without sight. Can you brush your teeth and take a shower with your eyes closed. Give thanks and be specific. Consider the importance of visual art and its impact on your daily life. What are your favorite colors and why? You can easily get to a place of deep gratitude for the miracle workings of your eyes.

Saturday, 10/10: Smell. My friend Scott Lewis doesn’t have a sense of smell. They say that smell is the strongest memory trigger of all the senses. When you smell autumn leaves what do you feel? Make a gratitude list of your favorite smells and the memories that they help you experience… mowed grass, rain on pavement, sharpened pencil, coffee, etc.

Sunday, 10/11: Touch. Have you ever experienced a professional massage? The power of touching and being touched is a healing agent and a great gift from God. Researchers say that infants who are held regularly develop far beyond those who are left in their cribs. Touch matters. Try touching the shoulder of those you talk to today. Exchange a neck and shoulder rub with a friend. Give someone a foot massage. If you’re married, get naked and give each other that long overdue full body massage and take your time!

Monday, 10/12: Taste. Food is more than fuel. Food defines our culture, shows our family how much we love them, passes on our traditions, celebrates our holidays. Give God the thanks he deserves for your favorite foods. Why are they special to you? Thank the cooks in your life who’ve prepared them. Cook something special yourself today. Savor each bite of even the most common of snacks as you celebrate this sense today.

Tuesday, 10/13: Hearing. Do you own ear plugs? Try taking some time to experience being deaf. Consider the blessing of music today. What are your favorite types of music? What are your favorite songs from church. If you have a song book take it with you on your prayer walk today and remember those songs from the good old days that moved you so powerfully as a younger Christian. What are your favorite sounds from nature... waves? birds? leaves? Give God specific thanks today for all that you hear moment to moment.

Have fun growing in gratitude these next few days. Hope this helps. I'm going out of town on Rambo Weekend at Deception Pass with the Westside guys. I'll be back and blogging for day 14 of our month of gratitude.

Love you,
-Jay

Day 8: A Month of Gratidude, "Heroes"

by Jay Kelly

Today is Day 8 of a month of gratitude!
Homework: Heroes are an important ingredient in any great life. Tell one of yours how grateful you feel.

We all need inspiration to achieve our personal best. We have heroes from the past and many living heroes who impact our daily lives by their examples of excellence, their interest in our lives or their passion for their purposes. Who are your personal heroes? Your homework today is to make a list of personal heroes both living and dead. Contact one of your living heroes and tell them how they have inspired you. Be specific as you describe the impact they’ve had on your life.

Three of my many living heroes are:

My father and foundation builder, James Patrick Kelly, Jr (I’m JPK, III): My dad excels in so many disciplines, has a diverse set of interests, loves his family and is living a meaningful and healthy life at 74 years of age. My dad is a great man in the eyes of those who know him well.

My boss and best man, Scott Green: Scott lives his life respecting his principles and directing his passions for the good of all those under his leadership. He has saved me, restored me, guided me and loved me through 25 years of spiritual growth and treasured companionship. Together we are building a strong church and encouraging a family of churches along the way.

My trainer and true teacher, Gregg Marutzky: Gregg combines his exceptional wisdom and tireless work ethic to the service of God’s purposes and God’s people. The Lord of the Harvest has placed fire in Gregg’s heart that has re-ignited me over and over again; he fans many of God’s workers into flame. His crown is being encrusted in jewels.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,

-Jay Kelly (and the Staff of the Seattle Church of Christ)

Day 7: A Month of Gratitude, "Nature"

by Jay Kelly
Today is Day 7 of a month of gratitude!
Homework: Remove excuses today! Carry a piece of nature in your pocket and give thanks.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” -Romans 1:20

The men in our ministry have an amazing annual tradition with an unfortunately polarizing name, “Rambo Weekend.” Those of us who’ve participated in Rambo Weekend are inspired by the tradition. Those on the outside often roll their eyes and drift into visions of Sylvester Stallone covered in blood. The Rambo Brothers have an entirely different perspective. We see 50+ disciples of Christ taking the time to experience God’s creation in a fresh and new way. Only 1 in 3 of the men in our ministry take the trek into Rambo Weekend. It’s not for everyone though our numbers grow every year. Those of us who’ve learned to love it know it’s all about being off the grid, out in creation, roughing it and loving it. We’re packing already for this weekend’s adventure at Deception Pass.

Your gratitude homework today is two-part. First, it’s about getting outside to pray. Go somewhere that you can pray out loud, lift your voice and your hands to the sky. Go in the morning or make it a lunch break adventure. Secondly, I want you to find a piece of God’s creation to carry around in your pocket, place on your desk, your dashboard or your kitchen counter. It may be a stone, a leaf or a feather that reminds you today of the creative power that God employed on our behalf. He made our earthly home beautiful, powerful, practical, and sustainable. He revealed himself as the intelligent designer behind everything we will see, smell, feel, hear, touch and taste today.

Today is all about giving thanks for that which was created for our comfort, our protection, our enjoyment and our knowledge of a heavenly provider who loves us completely.


Put that leaf in your pocket and feel its texture all day and say thank you to eternity’s ultimate artist and provider.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow,

-Jay Kelly (and the Staff of the Seattle Church of Christ)

Day 6: A Month of Gratitude, "Memories"

by Jay Kelly (Sorry this was posted later than usual)

Today is Day 6 of a month of gratitude!
Homework: Dig Through Some Treasure

“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” -Luke 2:51-52

As God’s people we are wealthy in so many ways. We have all been storing treasures in our hearts throughout our lives in the form of memories. Your memory if a power gift from God that allows you, at will, to transcend today’s routine and travel back in time. Today’s Gratitude Homework is to go back to your earliest memories and pray through your life in chronological order giving thanks to God for blessings you’ve rarely considered.

This will take some effort as, for many of us, it has been easier to re-live childhood pain and disappointment than pleasure and blessings. Go through the years and say thank you to God. Re-experience your conversion. Paint as vivid a picture as you can manage.

My earliest vivid memory is our house on New York City’s Staten Island. It was my third Christmas and I was a month from being four years old.

I remember my baptism on December 16, 1984. I was nervous and happy. I had a best friend at church visiting that Sunday who would become a Christian himself a few months later.

I remember first becoming a Bible Talk Leader at Boston University under Scott and Lynne Green’s leadership. Steve Chin (pictured) was a big brother and best friend showing me how to lead and love my small group. I could go on and on, but I won’t. It’s your turn.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow.

-Jay Kelly (and the Staff of the Seattle Church of Christ)

Day 5: A Month of Gratitude, "Answered Prayers"

Gratitude Blog for Monday, October 5:
by Jay Kelly

Today is Day 5 of a month of gratitude!
Homework: Make a list of answered prayers.

We are often riveted when feeling the need for God to answer our prayers for this or that, for him to rescue us, heal us or lead us. What happens next is sad, but common. We don’t even acknowledge his timely responses, but quickly move on the next thing we want or need. Today’s homework is to take the time to reflect, remember and reminisce about as many answered prayers as come to mind. Write the down. Share some with others.

On a personal note… Last night was a night I’ll never forget. Our Second Annual Building Preservation Auction for our historic church building was a series of answered prayers (www.another100years.com). One highlight was the attendance of our new friend, Kendra Todd, winner of Donald Trump’s television reality show, The Apprentice, Season 3. Midway through the live auction Kendra inspired us with her commitment to our cause, a new roof for our historic building. She pledged to match the first ten thousand dollars in donations, dollar-for-dollar, during our “Fund a Need” donation time. We raised over $13,000 in the following five minutes. Her pledge turned that into $23,000. We now have the matching funds needed for our Landmark Challenge Grant to repair the roof and $23,000 becomes $43,000 when we add the grant money we were awarded. We are on our way to waterproofing this amazing piece of history. Thanks to all of you who gave yourselves to this cause.


Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps. See you tomorrow.

-Jay Kelly (and the Staff of the Seattle Church of Christ)

Day 4: A Month of Gratitude, "Sunday Worship"

Gratitude Blog for Sunday, October 4:
by Jay Kelly

Today is Day 4 of a month of gratitude!
Homework: Come to church and talk about the gifts you receive every Sunday from the body of Christ. Tell someone at church how you are changed every Sunday as a follower of Christ.

Our God is perfect in power, wisdom, kindness, love, all things…

He designed the practice of corporate worship because we need to be one body, one family to survive this spiritual battle and because he wants our love, respect and devotion. How are you healed, guided, challenged, inspired, reminded, called and filled by your time with the people of God? We are truly a remnant. What you may be tempted to take for granted is like a great gemstone you wear everyday set in a band of gold that is extremely rare to all around you, but common to you. Polish it today. Experience church worship, imperfect body parts and the joy of family in a fresh way with your new eyes of gratitude. Tell someone at church your favorite part of the worship service and why it meant a lot to you.

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps; See you tomorrow.
Love you,
-Jay Kelly (and the Staff of the Seattle Church of Christ)

PS... it's 1:20AM and Carol and I just returned from an amazing auction event for our historic church building. I'll blog about it tomorrow. For now I'm just happy that I'd already written something for tonight to cut and paste so I can go to bed.

Day 3, A Month of Gratitude "Increase Your Happiness"

by Jay Kelly

Today is Day 3 of a month of gratitude!
Homework: Read Article, “Increase Happiness by 25% today” (link below) only after reading what I have to say about it!

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” -Philippians 4:8

We know the holy scriptures have the answers to all of life’s most important questions, but the world needs to learn this the hard way, taking the scenic route time and time again. The academic world’s best and brightest have frequently drawn the conclusion that biblical principles work. They do not use those terms in describing their conclusions, however. Scientists from all over the world have published research articles about the benefits of faithfulness, meditation, generosity, servanthood, and gratitude. This is today’s homework. Spend a little time doing some online research of your own.

Check out the fascinating introduction to a recent online article…

“Psychological research finds that people's happiness levels are remarkably stable over the long-term. Whether you win the lottery or are paralysed from the neck down, after about three to six months you'll have returned to your usual level of happiness. While these findings are deeply counter-intuitive, they also raise a serious problem for those wanting to increase levels of happiness permanently.
A possible answer comes from recent research in the psychology of gratitude. Yes, you read that correctly - being thankful might be the key to raising your happiness 'set-point'. And there is some good experimental evidence to back up this theory.” -Curious? Check out this PsyBlog article, “Practicing Gratidude can Increase Happiness by 25%.”

www.spring.org.uk/2007/09/practicing-gratitude-can-increase.php

Have fun growing in gratitude today. Hope this helps; See you tomorrow.

-Jay Kelly (and the Staff of the Seattle Church of Christ)

Day 2, A Month of Gratitude, "Whatever You Do."

Gratitude Blog for October 2:
by Jay Kelly

Today is Day 2 of a month of gratitude!
Homework: “Whatever You Do”

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” -Colossians 3:15-17

Today the gratitude challenge will require focus. Get yourself a scrap of paper to carry around in your pocket, prop up on your desk, hold in your hand. Write on the paper, “Whatever You Do.” The homework is to give thanks to God as many times as possible today for the ordinary, “whatever you do,” things. Go ahead and get weird about it. Use your God-given creativity, something to give thanks for (I'm practically doing this for you). Have some fun and share a few laughs with God.

How many things can you express thanks for today... 10? 100? 1,000?

"Thank you, God, that whenever I turn this faucet on clean water comes out for me to drink, wash & brush my teeth!" (that counts for three)

"Thank you, God, that this closet if full of shirts, pants and belts!" (three more)

Have fun growing in gratitude today… see you tomorrow.

Love,
Jay Kelly (and the Staff of the Seattle Church of Christ)

PS, We'll get deeper with this sometimes for you Emo Disciples, I promise.