So, here we are - the middle of December and I've yet to get the tree up or the lights on the house.  After cleaning out my late inlaws home and and my storage unit - I've got a house full of stuff!  So - first  I am grateful - grateful that I will be able to give people items that they may need and that I have so much.  Secondly, I am a bit overwhelmed with all that has to be done.  My solution: bite sized chunks of attack. 

I put off decorating because we knew we were going to be travelling and last year this beloved guy decided to do some rearranging.

This was my completed tree.  A trip to the laundry room while doing chores and our beloved cat had pulled down the tree and the photo on the right shows the remnant after I pulled the tree back in place.  He was 4 years old!!  He'd never touched the tree before, but now you understand my hesitancy in decorating before our trip to see family, whom I already miss again.

I hope you are enjoying a lovely, safe, healthy holiday.  I'm off to make our home a Christmas wonderland.  Have a great day!!  What are you up to?

 Thankful Day 18

Today I am so grateful for love, kindness and forgiveness. I think of some of my behavior in my youth. I stood for my convictions in such a way that to look back now would make me blush. I was bold and loud in my delivery and sadly, I was not cognizant of my words and how they may be received or even harm another. I try every day to grow in love toward everyone. Of course, I still have my difficult moments, but boy am grateful for those who love me and work through any misunderstandings with me.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Today is Thankful Day 16 for me.  I think it's a good practice to get into,: being grateful for different things every day.  I'm grateful today for the flowers we see along our way and the wonderful aroma they provide in a world of so many other scents.

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As we head to vote this week, if you are a Christian, I exhort you to vote by Biblical standards and policies and not personality.  Truly, it's simple:  God is the Creator of life and knows us when we are yet in our mother's womb.  The DNA of a baby is different from that of his/her mother or father so he/she can not be claimed to be a part of one's body, but a separate person made by God with all of the uniqueness and splendor of a grand future planned by God. (Psalm 139:13-16).  Sometimes, I know, it's hard to see beyond the loudest part of someone - a personality - to look at what they actually support and put in place.  You also must look at actual policies and who has met with others to insure that all men are created equal under the law so we may have a just society that pleases God.  

 

What a beautiful day!  As friends around the country speak of changing seasons and the beauty of the colors as the leaves change on picturesque hillsides covered in orange, red and yellow, I find myself still experiencing 90 degree days and not a lot of change in color, but some wonderful return visits.  Just outside our front door is a garden that has spilled forth another blooming before the cooler temperatures end their season.  The aroma is wonderful as I head toward the entrance to my home.

I hope my life is a pleasing aroma that brings fresh air and a pleasant experience for those who come in contact with me each day, but more than that, I hope my life is found to be a pleasing aroma of worship to our Lord. 

2 Corinthians 2:25 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

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Continuing through the pandemic....

One thing these unusual times have allowed me is to spend some time on projects during the work week.  I always have my laptop with me so if I'm needed I can provide the work requested, but this time has allowed me to work on my late in-laws home that had not been  updated since 1964!  It's provided a creative outlet and testing ground for the updates I want to do at our home.  

Do you find that there are things that you are able to enjoy as you rest in the knowledge that God will provide?  

Amazing things have happened since my husband lost his sight and is unable to work at the job that provided 5 times the income I brought in.  I'd never have imagined we'd be where we are now.  All I know is that from the beginning of this journey, I said.  God's got this.  He will provide and He has..

 

Today,  iin the midst of these uncertain times, I sang with joy as I drove in to work through an alternate, longer route due to a morning accident.  There is smoke in the skies from fires burning in a neighboring state and uncertainty lingers in the air. Through it all I choose joy.   

"... I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress." Psalm 59:16

We choose how we will approach and respond each day.  I choose joy.  Hope this helps you to as well!!  This is a great song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA7n7TwPDmw

Thought this would be a good time to remind you – At every crossroad – continue to follow your dream. Whatever's going on outside – the dream you hold within should be sparkling in your eyes and give your face that beautiful countenance of light with a dash of joy as though you hold inside something just bursting at the seams to come out.

As we look to our friends – the spark can start a fire within them as well… and even to those with whom we come in media contact with.

So close your eyes for a moment – FEEL what it would feel like to have achieved your dream just now – let it well up inside of you – now go forward with your day, grateful for the achievement and taking one step closer to its fulfillment.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Love you all!  Would love to hear from you!

What a beautiful day! As the world focuses on fear and "what ifs" I choose to believe and stand on 2 Timother 1:7, "God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind."

How are you all doing out there today?

I am grateful for the new day and all of the freshness that comes with it. Regardless of how tired or worn I am at the end of the day or how many mistakes I've made, I know the morning brings mercy and a fresh start.

The Lord’s lovingkindnesses [a]indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23..

What are you grateful for?