Sunday Morning Sunshine: A Huge Blessing

 

This Dog...

Spoiled rotten

rambunctious

obedient

loving

companion

smart

loved more than he'll ever know

loves to pretend I want his bones

loves to play ball with me

and so much more...

Became VERY ill before Thanksgiving

I cried constantly

sooooo afraid he'd die

but after a week 

we have a glimmer of hope...

He looks like he's on the mend.

That's said with cautiousness

but a faint bit of hope glimmers through 

that awful tunnel of sadness and despair.

I cried out to God

and if it be His will,

God will heal Axel completely

and allow us to have this precious, 

sweet dog a little while longer.

That's my thanksgiving blessing today! 

Rambling Friday: November is About Remembering our Blessings!

 November we remember our blessings and give thanks for them! 

Here's mine for today: 

The seasons:

Especially Spring and Autumn

But then I love Summer too...

And there's the awesome beauty of Winter:

Thank you, God, for the seasons you created!

Rambling Friday: Pondering Your Blessings

As usual, November turns our attention to the blessings in our lives. 

For myself, I'm ALWAYS thankful for my wonderful hubby and family, but today I want to focus on other things that have stood out to me recently. Below I list three important avenues I'm trying to take advantage of, to the best I can.

1. Biblical truth that has spoken to me recently, either helping me understand some things I have previously been confused about or that have helped me draw closer to God, to trust him more fully and/or to learn to have confidence in his Word.
2. Recognize that we've had a wonderful life in spite of hardships, problems, and other troubling situations. But God has gotten us through each thing and helped us to keep a positive attitude.
3. Work and live like today is my last day on earth! We're not promised tomorrow, so I want to take advantage of every day, every hour I have to influence and encourage others to the best of my ability. 

If I can accomplish these three things I will feel rewarded and that I've done all I can do.

What blessings have influenced your life, that may have changed you this year?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday Sunshine: The More You Give!:

Give Lavishly!

The more you give,

the more you get.

The more you laugh,

the less you fret

The more you do

unselfishly.

The more you live

abundantly,

The more of everything

you share,

The more you'll always

have to spare.

The more you love,

the more you'll find

That life is good

and friends are kind.

For only what

we give away

Enriches us

from day to day.

--Helen Steiner Rice

Blessings!

Rambling Friday: Thanksgiving Decor Loves

I love Thanksgiving. 
As I've grown older, I've learned the value of appreciation for who we have in our lives, for what I've accomplished, for where we've been privileged to visit, for small blessings and huge ones too. So...November is the perfect month to share gratitude and blessings.



Pick your jar:

• Personalize it. Love country? Mod podge some artificial leaves to the outside, tie a country-themed ribbon or some raffia around it.  Like more traditional? Why not spray paint your jar a favorite color? Add some sprinkles or fancy lettering to the outside. If you want a bow, pick some classy ribbon. Or leave it plain...

• Fill those mantles and shelves.  Containers you seldom or never use, your candle stock, animal figurines (porcupines, owls, birds, turkeys, etc), pictures that might express what you want to convey or that fit with your scheme, certain toys, glasses or dishes, candle holders topped with gourds, small pumpkins, acorns, baskets, seeds, grains, sacks (paper and burlap), unusual sticks, autumn flowers, Indian corn, etc. 

• Collages.  Why not take old picture frames or window frames and make a "thankful for" collage? Notes, pictures, special items or collectibles: anything that brings back memories of things or people for whom/which you're thankful. 

• Make a List.  Prepare a list of questions for you to answer every day of the month. Ask yourself questions, that the answers will give you a great memory, fill you with happiness, encourage gratitude, and give you satisfaction. It's a great activity for the month of November. Suggestions:

1. A list of all the things you're grateful for this month.
2. Make a list of your close family members (or friends) and write one thing you appreciate about them.
3. Prepare a list of good things that's happened this past year.
4. Write down all the ways you feel you've improved this year.
5. Make a list of all your favorite things.
6. Write down some ways you can share this season.
7. Make a list of some ways you can spread cheer this season.
8. Prepare a list of ways you can give back to your community or church.
9. Think of things you're grateful for concerning your minister and share with a card to him and his family.
10. Last, but not least, begin a journal of writing down all your feelings, whether good or bad, and prepare to increase the happy ones or learn from the sad/bad ones.

However, whatever list you choose to use, do so with an open heart, share or don't, but use it for good. To you or others. Use a journal book, or a jar to keep your thoughts in, but try it. You'll be amazed how fulfilling you'll feel.

Happy Thanksgiving month!

Sunday Sunshine: Seven November Blessings

For the second Sunday in November I'm sharing these blessings in my life:

Sunday:  My heart is thankful for so many special friends that I've known throughout my lifetime. How they've blessed me!
Monday:  Things that happen in our life that hubby handles with no problems, whether serious or simple, he takes care of them so I don't have to worry (too much :) )
Tuesday:  So happy that hubby and I had the privilege of going on vacation due to my son and a sweet friend's planning and making it happen. What fun! How relaxing! So thankful!
Wednesday:  That I've been able to see two more of my writing endeavors come to publication this year of 2018!
Thursday:  Blest to have my hearing:  the sound of crackling leaves, the ability to hear the voices I love, and the music I so enjoy.
Friday:  That I found doTerra essential oils. What a blessing.
Saturday:  That God has taken me a step closer to Him. How I've needed this.


Psalm 67:5a:  Let the people praise thee, O God.

Harvest blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Newly painted and decorated bathrooms
good buys
Menards for the rebates
having an open window to enjoy the outside
Morels found and enjoyed
a great past Saturday with family
rest and uplifting of the spirit

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Flowers

green grass

bird songs

quiet

a blessed Sunday

seeing old friends and family once again.

Blessings

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Waking up to a beautiful, snow-covered world
the first coffee of the day
learning more and more about my essential oils--what a blessing!
strength for the day--so thankful I'm experiencing it these last few days!
good bargain buys
things that make me laugh
jokes between my hubby and me
Memories we share.

Blessings

Monday Morning Gratitudes

That we're suppose to have six more weeks of bad weather--better than living at the North Pole or some other frozen land. :)
That there's sunshine after the rain...and snow storms
For a great church service
Daily help and encouragement
chap stick :)
gloves

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

When trials pour in--sigh--I know God knows.
A vehicle that can go thru the snow
A strong hubby
Answers even if they aren't exactly what I wanted
A fall and pain, but it could have been MUCH worse


Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

The joy of giving

the blessing of knowing our Savior

the assurance of heaven

the joys that Christmas brings

the smiles on a child's face

being w/family and friends

special church services

the songs

Merry Christmas!

Tthat's Gratitude!

And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, 

as to the Lord, and not unto men.  

Colossians 3:23

It's Thanksgiving week so I'm going to be good. Extra nice:

• I see that person with one or two items in her cart at the the checkout counter. I've got fifteen items. I'm going to let her go before me. She might be in a hurry. Why would I think that? The way she's shifting from foot to foot is a clue.

But then she doesn't thank me, not even a smile.

• Someone in a classy car is tailgating me. Okay, I'll pull over, or, at least, slow down so he can pass. What do I get? Rude gestures and mouth communications telling me what he thinks of my driving.

Am I that bad? Speed limit isn't cool anymore? Can't smile--he'll think I'm taunting him. Just slow down more, and let him go his way. I'm helping him, and he doesn't know it.

• I wait patiently in line at the service desk of a popular department store (even though there's twenty people in the line, and only one clerk working).  When I'm finally waiting on, the clerk makes my day by asking, "What do you want?"

"Well, duh. What do you think? Help."  That's what runs through my mind. Instead, when I leave, I give her a big smile.

Not such a great day.

But then...

I get a thank you card in the mail for something I've done.

Someone smiles when I open the door for them.

A greeter at a store calls out, "Have a great day!"

My husband calls to invite me out for supper that evening.

A friend calls to tell me they're thinking and praying for me.

I get a good critique back from a person who saw my efforts.

My grandson sends me a drawing he drew of me. :)

Sigh. Gratitude. You gotta love it!

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace: America! Listen...

Click here to hear the song:

America the Beautiful!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Answers!
moments of peace and relaxation
five years of blessedness in having a grandson--God's gift!
food on the table and shoes on my feet! Lol but true
another day of life
more progress on my next novel
marking off my lists!

Blessings

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Holding hands
bowed heads
fervent expressions
lifted-up voices
praises to God
thankful hearts
sweet comments
beautiful scenes
inspiring words
God's words.


Blessings

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Easter . . .

Especially good messages yesterday from hubby that inspired me to be a better christian
Beautiful, sunshiny, warm day
Flowers that enhanced the beauty of the sanctuary
An orchid corsage made by a friend for me that was lovely and made me happy!
God's touch upon my spirit
Appreciation shown for the gifts I gave.
Lovely mints and a sweet, sweet card from hubby.
The price my Savior paid
I serve a risen Savior.


Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace: We Gather Together

Gathering Together

The old hymn is customarily sung around Thanksgiving time.

Here are the lyrics:

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;

He chastens and hastens His will to make known.

The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.

Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,

Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;

So from the beginning the fight we were winning;

Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,

And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.

Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;

Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free.

A Few Fun Facts:

* A Christian hymn of Dutch origin written in 1597 by Adrianus Valerius 

* Written to 

 celebrate the Dutch victory over Spanish forces 

in the Battle of Turnhout. 

 * It was originally set to a Dutch folk tune. 

* "We Gather Together's" first appearance 

in an American hymnal was in 1903

MY THOUGHTS

We usually celebrate holidays whenever we can work them in. With two sons who's lives are as busy as their parents, we've found the need to be flexible. It works for us. So this year, we're celebrating Thanksgiving on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

Hopefully, our whole family will be together. 

Mom will be missing.

But the blessings and abundant love God has shown this year!  

Thank you, God!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

When my heart hurts, he comforts
When my body's too tired, he gives me strength
When I'm confused, he clears my mind
When I don't know the answer, he says, wait for it
When I'm upset or angry at injustice, he reminds me that he is the rewarder of good and bad
When I need encouraged, he sends the word, or person, or song

Thank you God!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Turkey and gravy and stuffing and the trimmings!
family gatherings
holding hands while we pray
children running and climbing and laughing and getting into mischief!
helpers in the kitchen
fireplace to snuggle around afterwards
safe travels
cranberry stuff . . .
delicious desserts
God and all his blessings!!

Blessings!