“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice.” -Meister Eckhart
I’m so thankful that the stress-reliever walks I started taking in March morphed into a daily walks of gratitude. I’m so grateful to not miss T-H-I-S!
What are you thankful for today?
Here we are on the weekend of Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving ~ we’re smack dab in the middle of my favorite season: FaLL, glorious Fall! Crisp apples, sunshiney days, something simmering in the oven. Cozy blankets, good sleeps, wonderful drives and cool breezes.
Here are 5 Randoms from my October world:
1 ) I don’t watch a lot of TV but I binge-watched this series and doing so took me right back to my parents kitchen, soup simmering, AM radio on, and a Hank Williams or Waylon Jennings song on the radio … so good!
Excellent!! For more visit https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/country-music/
2 ) Speaking of, I remember Willie & Waylon from their “Outlaw” Days, partying hard and having fun. But here’s a little some-something I discovered while watching that series … who knew, that before the greasy hair and cowboy hats, that Waylon Jennings was that good looking? Day-umn! **Might have rewound the show, not telling. 😉
A young Waylon Jennings
3 ) A year ago I visited the Billy Graham library in Charlotte, N.C. What an amazing and humbling experience that was, especially when, at the end of the tour, a volunteer asked if she could pray for me. I accepted, and that experience, and her gentle words of faith, remains deeply touching to me. I’ve recently discovered Podcasts and enjoy listening to them while driving to and from my many meetings. This week, the Billy Graham Ministries Podcast appeared in my “suggested” queue ~ random? Not so much.
The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C.
4 ) Cooking last night for a family baby shower this weekend, our kitchen windows steamed up from the heat ~ On the stove simmered Sloppy Joe’s, in the oven roasted Cheesy harvest potatoes and a from-scratch pizza for the hubbs. He may have visited the kitchen several hundred times … I heard the screech of his slipper brakes as the pizza came out of the oven, bubbling and wonderful. We sampled and enjoyed and felt the coziness that comes from a contented life together. And when we got up this morning our house still smelled of all I’d cooked the night before. Say what you will, there’s not a candle made that can match the smell of “home.”
5 ) Fall leads to Winter and you know what that means to me? Books, books and more books! I’ve assembled quite a stack over the summer, some new and some new-to-me … They’re waiting for me like good friends at the ready. Waiting for a perfectly cozy Fall day with sunshine streaming in, a cozy blanket and no particular place to be. Ahh.
So what’s new in your October world?
15 years ago today, we experienced an inconceivable tragedy when terrorists attacked our nation simply because of who we are and what we stand for. We will never forget.
4 years ago, we experienced this evil once again when 4 Americans were killed in a terrorist attack while serving in Benghazi, Libya. We will never forget.
We remember the heroic law enforcement officers, fireman and medical units who rushed TOWARDS danger when everyone ran from it. And our men and women in uniform who fiercely protected our freedom then and now.
So to the cowards whose jealousy and warped ideologies motivate attacks on us – I remember what happened here post 9/11: I remember people coming together NOT apart, strangers rescuing strangers and neighbors helping neighbors, people donating blood,money and food, an outpouring of love & pride for our country and renewed appreciation for our service men and women. We united this great nation as ONE. I never saw so many American Flags flying so bright and so often.
We were one nation indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all.
Sneaky terrorist creeps will never be able to take away what is intrinsic to our nature as citizens: our desire to live a full and FREE live. Honor. Faith. Hard work. Patriotism. And FREEDOM, BABY!
We remember the people we lost…and the heroes who rose.
Freedom LIVES.
It’s a beautiful sunny Sunday (yay!) so here are 5 randoms from my little corner of the universe.
1 Cooked yesterday and doubled everything. Why? I’m dropping off half to oldest boy and the grands later today. The work/school/homework schedule is just nicer when you have “extras” around. Homemade soup, sloppy Joe’s, Game day brownies and more. To quote Mom, “Love is Groceries.“
2 It was Mom who taught me the significance of caring for others. On Mothering is just one of many posts I’ve written about her. She taught me so many things but, most importantly, she taught me how to mother. And, like her, I’m fierce — no apologies. Because of that, I can’t wrap my head around that our grand children’s mother left them like she did. But it was my wee Mom who reminded me He gave our boy big shoulders for a reason and sometimes Mom & Dad are the same person.
3 Stopped the other day to take this picture – October will end soon and all of this will pass. Don’t miss it.
4 I write as means to formalize my thoughts, connect-the-dots and express myself. Through this experience I’ve connected with many of you, and one I’ve even met in person (lucky me). When I write what I know – posts about life, relationships, personal growth, faith and home – you chime in and I love that so much.
5 Going back to Mom, she was moved to Nursing Home placement this week and, when asked how things were going, her response made me laugh. “I’m doing the best I can and managing to stay out of trouble… so far!” This center is small, 17 beds, and in a rural setting, which is much more her style. Both my sisters are certain she’ll get more personalized care and that’s of comfort to us all. Thinking of her it hit me that 5 years ago today I published my very first blog and, not surprisingly, I wrote about another life lesson learned from Mom. 5 years, 824 posts,179,273 visitors, still writing. Thank you for reading along.
Happy Sunday to you! When you look back over your blogging lifetime, what do you see?
It’s Friday – whoop! I am off today and here are 5 randoms thoughts from my week.
1) Trader Joe’s opened a store here recently. Never been there but folks here are awfully hyped up about this grocery store. If you want to experience THE grocery store, visit Stew Leonard’s – the world’s largest Dairy store – in Norwalk, CT. I remember taking oldest boy there when he was very little, and the prices were well worth the singing cows and dancing milk cartons … Now THAT’s a grocery store. 🙂
2) I won an award at work and picked Visa gift cards as my prize. I don’t need more stuff. Instead I stopped, after work, for a mani/pedi and became one with the massage chair. Felt like a genius. I still have a little $ to spend but I’m one to make a list and a careful purchase. Likely involving books … got any recommended reading for me?
3) It’s Fall and I cook more when as weather cools. Brought out my Wolfgang Puck electric pressure cooker for a yummy dinner this weekend. The best part? Beef stew, braised chicken, or a succulent roast in under an hour. (I was scared to death of the one Mom used as we grew up – it had a screaming sound and jangly top that threatened to blow at any minute. Whenever it came out – outside I went!) Get yours here.
Here’s what mine looks like – no jangling bits to blow off in my face!
4) Tuesday morning, while waiting for the results of medical tests, I quietly sung one of my favorite Elvis Gospel songs. The next morning I turned on my Mp3 for the drive to work. The MP3 has nearly 1,000 songs on it and is always set to “shuffle” – meaning it shuffles songs randomly. That song came on first. Coincidence? Nope.
5 ) 22 days till Halloween! I no longer decorate for it like I did when the boys were little but I do love shopping with the Grands for their costumes. We touch and try on crazy hats, test drive the spooky sounds of store displays and thoroughly enjoy the outing. I remember these kinds of costumes, and our faces sweating underneath them. How about you?
google.images.com
When I look back at some of my career opportunities (and those that weren’t) I’ve learned to be grateful for closed doors.
Encouraging someone recently, I offered this, “You have to believe that you deserve a good life. A happy, meaningful and beautiful life. Every time the door closes is a test of faith; sometimes you won’t know till years later what was on the other side. You just have to believe that He knows the plan for you and trust that it’s good.” Tears filled my eyes as I said what I did and – truth be told – these words weren’t mine, someone gave me this message to share and I did.
We have all had times when the door closed — moments that, looking back, weren’t for you in the first place. Dead-end jobs. Bad people. Relationships that suck the life out of you.
Like the faithful being led out of bondage, a shut door can be a metaphor for the closing of the Red Sea. No more chains on us!
When this happens, yes sometimes I stare at the lock for a while. Other times I see things for what they are and give a prayer of gratitude for the people who rejected me, the superior who discounts me, the friend who slights me. That’s when I dig my heels in and move forward anyways. And I always find that, had I remained where I was, I would have missed where I am.
Every time He shuts a door, there is something better coming. I’m sure of it.
“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
What closed doors are you grateful for?
Every so often, another writer’s post touches my heart in such a way that I think about it long after I’ve stopped reading.
This one did.
It’s one man’s story of faith. Of love. Of moments that matter.
Moments of grace and humor and serendipity.
One man’s story.
Read it here: http://richripley.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/the-touchstones-of-our-heart/
He’ll understand why bacon is here! Google.images.com
“A fight is going on inside me,” said an old man to his son. “It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other wolf is good. he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
The same fight goes on inside you.”
The son thought about it for a minute and then asked, “Which wolf will win?”
The old man replied simply, “The one you feed.”
―Native American proverb
Who are you feeding?
I admit it: I’m a softie for men who share their feelings.
Hubbs does it easily, my Dad, loving and kind, showed it in the tender way he cared for us and all living things.
When a man shares his thoughts openly, there’s a certain level of trust that’s required, paired with the confidence of knowing that sharing their most heartfelt thoughts is possible… and not punishable.
My Iowa blogging friend, Rich Ripley, is a such a man.
His posts are usually crafted with a healthy dose of humor, but every so often, he lets himself go there.
He goes where most rarely will. He goes deep.
This post, about holidays and loneliness and the true meaning of Christmas, is one of those posts. Read on….
I distinctly remember Christmas Eve that night. I watched the dinner time news (all the talk was of Christmas events…go figure). The TV shows were (surprise) Christmas shows. I turned the TV off, and took a look outside my apartment window and saw….multicolored Christmas lights glistening off of a blanket of new fallen snow (no lying…north-central Iowa gets snow early and often).
I heard church bells ringing as Christmas Eve services started and ended.
It was awful. I was so alone. I went to bed early…I couldn’t take the depressing heaviness on my heart any longer. Dear God…so alone and sad. Thankfully…I fell asleep quickly.
Read more here http://richripley.wordpress.com/2013/11/15/theyre-out-there-and-i-aint-talking-about-zombies/
room for one more? (google images)
The Devil loves it when people are miserable. Oh yeah, he lives for that.
He loves to see us whine, complain, gossip, and separate from each other.
He loves to destroy communities, countries and cultures.
Loves it.
Here’s something I’ve learned — if you’re someone who counts your blessings, suddenly you find yourself with more to count .. and those who are down and sad are drawn to that grateful, happy energy. They want some of it. The D doesn’t want them to have it, and therein starts the strife.
I say … shine on anyways.
Crank it up. Let ‘er rip.
“This little light of mine .. I’m gonna let it shine…”
Ha!
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Till we’ll go from this:
to this:
to this:
to this:
and back around to this:
“Once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much more life she had time for.” – Unknown
Frankie has mastered the art of slowing down.
Have a great day, friends!
*all Emjayandthem photos
I shared a favorite quote with a fellow blogger who needed to read it.
And then I thought, you might need to read them, too.
Words to remember when the road gets rocky, the load is heavy, and you just can’t see the point.
“God knows your value; He sees your potential.
You may not understand everything you are going through right now.
But hold your head up high, knowing that God is in control and he has a great plan and purpose for your life.
Your dreams may not have turned out exactly as you’d hoped, but the Bible says that God’s ways are better and higher than our ways, even when everybody else rejects you, remember, God stands before you with His arms open wide.
google.images
He always accepts you.
He always confirms your value. God sees your two good moves!
You are His prized possession.
No matter what you go through in life, no matter how many disappointments you suffer, your value in God’s eyes always remains the same.
You will always be the apple of His eye.
He will never give up on you, so don’t give up on yourself.” – Joel Osteen
“Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don’t count on harvesting Golden Delicious.” ~Bill Meyer
Learning from yesterday, living for today
Food, Art, Books, Birds and whatever...
Planting roots on our little wild farm.
Connecting with People in My Path
A Typical Blog. A Typical Woman. A Typical Take On Life. With An Atypical Twist!
Arise, shine; For your light has come!
Country Living for Beginners
Kate's views on life edited by four opinionated cats
Novelist, Traveler, and More
My Journey From Merchant Mariner to Mother, And Spiritual Being.
Nancy Roman
just another plaid-wearin' java-sippin' girl
Just another WordPress.com weblog
some thoughts along the way
music, poetry, musings, photography and philosophy from a woman who found her way back home and wants you to come over for a hike and a cocktail.
Stop in and see what's happening during these days of mine
How life coaches me as I ride...
EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS...
Learning from yesterday, living for today
Food, Art, Books, Birds and whatever...
Planting roots on our little wild farm.
Connecting with People in My Path
A Typical Blog. A Typical Woman. A Typical Take On Life. With An Atypical Twist!
Arise, shine; For your light has come!
Country Living for Beginners
Kate's views on life edited by four opinionated cats
Novelist, Traveler, and More
My Journey From Merchant Mariner to Mother, And Spiritual Being.
Nancy Roman
just another plaid-wearin' java-sippin' girl
Just another WordPress.com weblog
some thoughts along the way
music, poetry, musings, photography and philosophy from a woman who found her way back home and wants you to come over for a hike and a cocktail.
Stop in and see what's happening during these days of mine
How life coaches me as I ride...
EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS...
