Happy November, friends! 
Traditionally in November, I write daily in my gratitude journal; but this year, I’m doing what I’m calling “Pinecones & Praise” – little did I know that it would tie into this month’s Scripture memory verse.
Traditionally in November, I write daily in my gratitude journal; but this year, I’m doing what I’m calling “Pinecones & Praise” – little did I know that it would tie into this month’s Scripture memory verse.I’ve been thinking about Hurricane Helene and the wild adventure I experienced the day she blew through. I’ll never forget the unction that moved me when looking out the kitchen window and seeing one of our 65 foot white pines leaning toward the garage. How I ran in my heels to click the garage door opener and get the salesman‘s car keys and move his car safely out of the garage. Or the praise that came out of my mouth as I got out of his car and then videoed the tree falling on the garage. If you want to read the full story, check out my blog post entitled Altar of the uprooted pine.
Fast forward to my current early morning routine of picking up walnuts that have fallen in the yard. A few weeks ago I noticed pinecones were very thick on the ground underneath the biggest pine we have – the one that held onto the 65’ pine that eventually fell. I had a thought to keep the pine cones. Being faithful to the little voice that guides me, I started to pick them up and with each one, thank the Lord for some aspect regarding the hurricane:
His saving grace protected me.
He had an even bigger pine that held the 65’ till she fell.
We have a rebuilt garage.
The Salesman‘s car is still jetting around.
I thank God for the simple pleasure of being able to pick up pinecones. For the gift of remembering how he brought us through a frightening time. I thank Him that the damage left by the winds have brought about songs of praise. Though these pinecones are little, they are tangible reminders from a mighty GOD that provided a massive tree that held up the leaning pine that contributed to me being alive to rejoice in the LORD today.
May His name be praised.
Every pine cone I pick up will be a gift of praise from me. I placed them around the topiaries that flank our back door and echo Habakkuk 3:18: “Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Let’s memorize Truth together so that when the storms do come, yet, we will praise Him. #Scripture #ScriptureMemory