grateful – A Grateful Grace-full Life

From Tradition to Truth

Psalm 103:2-5 has been a key scripture in my life for some time. Holy Spirit leads me to remember and speak it often. Faith in this Word from God and that He is good has been an anchor to my soul in the journey of my husband’s health. Surely I have seen God do some marvelous things, and I am grateful that He isn’t finished yet!

Below are some translations of these verses I like to reflect/meditate on. I also highly recommend the devotion titled, From Tradition to Truth by Gloria Copeland.

Psalm 103:2-5

The Amplified Version (AMPC): “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits– Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]! [Isa. 40:31.]”

The Passion Translation (TPT): “Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me? You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease. You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with love and mercy. You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky!”
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The New Living Translation (NLT): “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”

Also as confirmed in Isaiah 53:5 and here:

“He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“Yet, Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed the curse completely as he became a curse in our place. For it is written: “Everyone who is hung upon a tree is cursed.” Jesus Christ dissolved the curse from our lives, so that in him all the blessings of Abraham can be poured out upon gentiles. And now through faith we receive the promised Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I am grateful for The Word of God that tells me who He is, what His will is, and what He does. Oh how He loves you and me!

Update on a Little Brown Dog – Jackson at 2

Jackson (our Boykin Spaniel) turned two in July and he is definitely enjoying his 2nd hunting season.

You’ll have to look closely to find Jackson in the photo below, he is next to Jon Aten, front left side. It’s from this morning’s hunt where they got 22 birds.

He may look small but his Boykin personality shined through in 4 days of hunting at Wings of Freedom, which ended today. He is a fierce and determined bird hunter! He and Jon got the chance to show that in several hunts with veterans over the last four days.

Jackson was the only Boykin Spaniel at the event so he hunted with some Labs, GSPs and GWPs, and did great with all of them. (Bigger dogs don’t bother him a bit since he trained with Labs and lives with 125 lb. Labrahound.) I understand several people inquired how they could get one like him. 😊

I am proud of both of them — and I’m glad that baby oil and a metal comb works so well on burrs, because we’ve removed LOTS of them! Those burrs just love his curly ears and the feathers on his legs.

As I write this I am reminded that I have much to be grateful for, to name a few… Jackson who is curled up on the foot of my bed right now, my son Jon who is a veteran and has such a heart for veterans (to befriend and serve them), for family who joined us for an Italian dinner celebrating our 51st wedding anniversary last weekend….and so much more.

But most of all I am grateful for the amazing and faithful love of God. He knew/knows me, and yet He loves me. just as He loves you.

He was on the Cross, I was on His Mind

Charlie Kirk and prayer for the 9/21/25 Memorial service

I cried when I learned he had been shot and killed at just 31 years old. It was both shocking and heartbreaking.

I did not know him personally, but I greatly admired his faith in Jesus Christ, love for family, dedication to speaking truth, and his love for America.

I understand that Charlie wanted to be remembered for his courage and his faith. I believe that he is and will be remembered for both of those things, as well as for his passion for the youth of this nation. His impact was significant.

It’s amazing to hear, read about and watch all of the prayer vigils (world wide), the overflowing churches and to hear leaders in our nation worship and give honor to God at the Charlie Kirk Memorial Service at the Kennedy Center, 9/14/2025.

Tomorrow (9/21/2025) it’s expected that 100,000+ will gather in a stadium in Glendale, AZ for a final memorial service to honor Charlie Kirk. Millions more will watch via network television, YouTube, Rumble and more.

All who are there, or watching or listening will hear from highly respected leaders, but more importantly, they will hear the gospel.

Please join me in praying for:

Erika and the Turning Point family to experience the grace, strength, peace and comfort of God, personally.

The protection of all speakers and attendees and that any plots, plans, and schemes of the enemy to disrupt the memorial will be exposed and thwarted. And for great wisdom and insight for all law enforcement and security personnel.

Pray for Pastor Rob McCoy, that God anoints and uses him and the message he shares.

Souls saved, hearts open to truth and for a great and long lasting revival and impact to reach college and high school students with the love of Jesus.

No technical difficulties and no online hindrances will affect live streams of the service.

I am expecting a great move of God. I am grateful that He can take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good. It has already begun and I expect it to continue to be a turning point toward God by many.

You can learn more at https://www.fightforcharlie.com/?hsCtaAttrib=1959943

A Fresh Look at Proverbs 3:5-6

I was in Texas for 10 days recently, blessed to attend the Southwest Believer’s Convention (click here to watch on demand) and to be immersed in the Word of God and Worship from Sunday-Sunday. This was my 28th year and as always, God was faithful to fill me to overflowing, literally. From start to end would equal approximately 6 months of regular Sunday services. It was awesome, amazing and I am grateful for all I learned. As I work my way through notes taken, studying and relistening, I expect to share more here.

Today, I did a study of Proverbs 3:5-6 and below are the Amplified Version, the King James Version, and finally in a version that I wrote based on my study of the Hebrew words. It helped me see it fresh new perspective, and I hope that it will encourage you.

King James
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.

Amplified
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

My version
Be confident and secure, and boldly lean on and trust in the Lord with all your heart — with the very center and core of your being (mind, will and emotions) and don’t rely on what you think you know — your own insight, knowledge, wisdom or understanding. Throughout the course of your life’s journey talk with God, know, be aware of, consider, recognize, respect and regard and acknowledge Him. He will direct, make right, pleasant, prosperous and straight and clear your road (path) and race.

Another thing I learned about while in Texas, from a dear friend, Michelle, is this daily devotion available on YouTube. I am really enjoying it and thought you might as well. Here is the link to Jesus First

I am forever grateful, and mindful that OH, how HE loves you and me! Blessings dear ones!

Joy, Gratitude & Peace through Prayer

Sometimes we need a quiet place to retreat and listen to Him as He speaks to us through His Word, to be reminded of His love and care for us. To take time to talk, and to hear His heart.

These precious words come from God through the Apostle Paul to us. They are as needed and effective today as when they were written.

“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God withoverflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬, ‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

7th Anniversary Reflections

July of 2025 marks the 7 year anniversary of A Grateful Grace Full Life (agratefulgracefulllife.blog), so it seems good to reflect on why I started writing it, my goals as I continue, and to celebrate what the Lord has done.

I created and started writing this blog because I had been praying for years to be an “able communicator of the gospel,” and I felt the Lord prompting me to step out in faith and start doing it through this blog. My heart’s desire is that people who read it will know that they are deeply loved by God. I think Ephesians 3:16-19 (Amplified Version) says it well:

May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts!

May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, that you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

Look what the Lord has done! As of July 5, 2025, people from 79 nations have viewed one or more posts on this blog, with a total of 6,837 views. The graphic below indicates all of their locations in blue.

I am amazed, humbled and honored — truly, in my wildest dreams I did not forsee reaching so many people and nations. Places like China, South Africa, Turkiye, Pakistan, and so many more. Who but the Lord could do this!! I give Him all the glory!! Ephesians 3:20-21 express it so well:

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] — To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

God is Moving

I was a preteen when I learned about Holy Spirit through “The Jesus People” movement in California. Knowing Jesus and His precious Holy Spirit forever changed my life, and I am so grateful.

This week, I read a GiveHim15 post by Dutch Sheets and watched this Video. Seeing so many young people worshipping Him, brought it back in a fresh way, and I was drawn to pray with and for them. I encourage you to watch it all the way to the end, it is precious and powerful.

I am reminded of the goodness of God in reaching me and so many other youth back then, and I rejoice at seeing Him do it again in this season. I believe their lives are being changed forever too. That prodigals are coming home and back to the Lord. And that what these young people experienced will spread far and wide.

Believe, pray, live in expectation and abide in Him. Ask Him to reveal himself to you and your loved ones, and to people everywhere who need to know Him.

Know that He hears your prayers, that He loves them, and He loves us. He wants us to know Him more, and knowing Him will change our world.

“I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me].”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭9 AMPC

“And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭28‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

When Christmas is Difficult

One of my favorite Christmas memories is when our kids & grandkids would go “Christmas Tree Shopping & Chopping.”

I recently shared the message below in a couple of Facebook groups that I participate in, and it seemed good share it with you today.

I suspect that for many of you, like us, the holidays are difficult. This is our 5th Christmas since my husband was diagnosed with a rare disease and due to the need to keep his immune response low, we live a very sheltered and sometimes lonely life.

I want to encourage you, as I am encouraging myself today: be grateful for every victory no matter how small, every good day and good thing you can think of — maybe even write a list of your blessings too. that you will remember with joy your good holiday memories. Pray for others who are in similar or maybe even worse circumstances.

My prayer for you is that you will tangibly feel and know that you are loved, you are seen. That you hearts will find grace, help, peace, comfort and even joy in your journey. That you and your loved ones will experience healing in your bodies, your mind and in your emotions.

Oh how He loves you and me!

“Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Heaven Came Down

I woke up earlier this week with this lovely hymn on my mind. I haven’t sung it for years and years, and yet I remember the words so well. That’s true of many of the precious hymns I sang as a child.

I felt compelled to hear it and learn about its history, and while searching I found this wonderful blog by a fellow believer. I haven’t been able to contact him, but I am sure he won’t mind me sharing this link to Barry’s Hymns, which he has been writing for many years. There are so many, and he shares his thoughts and the stories of each one. Here is what I found:

Heaven Came Down. These are words to the song:

(1) O what a wonderful, wonderful day-Day I will never forget; After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend-He met the need of my heart; shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart!

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away, And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

(2) Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine, Justified fully through Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made When as a sinner I came, Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer-He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

(3) Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time; I have a future in heaven for sure.There in those mansions sublime. And it’s because of that wonderful day When at the cross I believed; Riches eternal And blessings supernal From His precious hand I received.

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

You can listen to it here.

This song also reminds me of the angel’s declaration, when He and Heaven came down:

“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. You will recognize him by this miraculous sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in the feeding trough!” Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭14‬ ‭TPT‬‬

As I reflect on celebrating the birth of Jesus next week, I am keenly aware of His great love for all of us. My prayer for all of us is that He will reveal more of who He is and how very much each one of us are deeply loved by Him. That in knowing His love, it will be revealed through us and our world will be impacted.

A Little Brown Dog’s 1st Hunting Season

The weather is still unseasonably warm here in West Michigan, but that doesn’t impact the dates for waterfowl season. Over the last few weeks Jackson began hunting with Jon for Canada Geese and Teal.

Last Friday Jon, Jackson and my brother-in-law Jim left for 9 days of hunting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

A view from the dog door in the blind – 1st early morning.

So far it looks like they are having a good trip. Although, I guess Jackson was pretty tired from Friday and Saturday, and wasn’t too thrilled with the early morning wake up call. I understand they might do some grouse and woodcock hunting too.

Jackson is still young at 14 months, and he’s not perfect, but both his early days of training and training/experience with Jon’s are working.

At home it seems very quiet with just Oliver (the labrahound), myself and my husband. But I think it’s good for us too, to have a change of routine.

We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary this weekend with a nice dinner. I took some time too, to look through old photos and to reflect on wonderful memories made over the years. I have much to be grateful for, and I am thankful for the goodness, kindness, and faithfulness of God that we have experienced.

Every Day I Will…

I WILL extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever [with grateful, affectionate praise]. Every day [with its new reasons] will I bless You [affectionately and gratefully praise You]; yes, I will praise Your name forever and ever.

Psalm 145:1-2 AMPC

It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.
The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.

Lamentations 3:22, 24 AMPC

Let these scriptures permeate your soul today, and give Him praise. HE IS LOVE, and oh how He loves YOU and me!

Immersed in the Word, Worshipping Jesus, Reconnecting with Precious Friends

I am spending this week at Southwest Believer’s Convention. If you want to be encouraged, build your faith, and more, I invite you to join me either in person or online. It’s free and a great way to refresh your faith.

You can learn more at https://swbc.kcm.org/

God loves you, I love you, and Jesus is Lord!

Update from a little brown dog – Jackson’s 1st Title and Birthday

Since my last post, Jackson achieved his first UKC title of SHR, Started Hunting Retriever, at 10 months old. It is a joy to watch him work with Jon and to enjoy retrieving ducks and other birds both in and out of water.

Jackson is now about 35 pounds of unstoppable enthusiasm. He chews bones and chases balls with a passion and enjoys carrying a bumper around, too, when given the chance. When he slows down, his favorite spot is still next to Oliver or close to one of us.

Jackson (or Jackie) doesn’t exhibit the anxiety many Boykin owners speak about. Perhaps that is the result of Oliver being nearby and of his time at Southern Oak Kennels. He is a well loved, socialized, smart, and happy pup. I’m sure he will continue to learn and develop as both a great family and a great hunting dog.

He’s still a pup, so his kennel continues to be a safe place during the night and when we aren’t home. But, I look forward to when it will be less necessary.

The summer is flying by, and we are swiftly coming up on Jackson’s first birthday (July 28). Thinking of it reminded me of how grateful I am for Dana Wood, owner of Brambleberry Boykins, that he chose to place Jackson with us. Dana cares so much for his Boykins and has been a great resource to us since we met him. He has become a friend, and I am so glad to be a part of the Brambleberry family.

To learn more about Boykin Spaniels, go here to view the Boykin Spaniel Society.

Speaking of being grateful, I read this quote today, and it is true!

“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out, and the tide of love rushes in.” — Kristin Armstrong

UPDATE: A Little Brown Dog at 10 Months

Typical Boykin look, beautiful eyes so focused, and pink tongue poking out.

Happy to share that Jackson earned his Started Hunting Retriever title in May, at just under 10 months. The trainers from Southern Oak Kennel – Great Lakes brought him down to the Kankakee River HRC, and with some great handling by my son Jon, Jackson earned his pass for started. The weekend before that, we had Jackson home for the weekend, and he earned passes and ribbons 2 & 3 at the Great Lakes HRC event in Fenwick, Michigan. I’m so proud of how my “boys” did.

Jackson has been back at Southern Oak for the month of June — he did so well in the 1st 3 months that the trainer recommended 1 more month.

Jon will continue Jackson’s training the rest of the summer, preparing him for the fall bird/duck season. We may try some upland hunting too…. I purchased a 28 guage compact shotgun, and Jon is teaching me to shoot trap at the South Kent Gun Club.

During his time at SOK, Jackson has both grown and become a very curly boy – so cute! 🙂 I am looking forward to having him home in a couple of weeks and restarting our walks.

Today I am grateful for… good trainers for Jackson, for my son Jon who is so willing to teach me and do things with me, for a husband who has always encouraged me to do whatever is in my heart, for summer Friday’s off, and for a God who loves me completely and unconditionally.

What are you grateful for?

Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all. – William Faulkner

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude.

Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.
‭Philippians 4:6-7 TPT‬

Update from the Little Brown Dog – Jackson’s 1st Ribbon.

At 9 1/2 months Jackson completed day 1 of the HRC (Hunting Retrievers Club) Started Hunt Test on May 11. Day 2 didn’t go as well when he couldn’t locate duck #2, No worries though, he will be in his next event this weekend, after another week of training. He is a happy pup who enjoys swimming and has a drive to hunt.

I am looking forward to the event, and to having him home in a few weeks. However, I am grateful for the training he has received. It has given him a good foundation and will help him be more obedient and in tune with the desires of his master.

Good training, it certainly applies to me/us too. I am so grateful for the training of the written Word of God and the teachers God has brought into my life. I need to reinforce it and keep learning every day.

‭2 Timothy 3 14-17 AMPC‬
But don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word, we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.