Sometimes you are just thankful!

 

If you have read my blog for the short time it has been "this" blog, you know how much I love my little brick cottage.  If you are a house/home person, you understand this huge attachment; if not, you probably think I am a bit loony...but that is OK, too! My little house isn't perfect, but as I like to say, it is perfectly imperfect! It makes me feel safe and secure. I am thankful for the cocoon it continues to be.

 

As of late we have had some really hot days (it is South Caroline, right?) but also plenty of rain to keep everything green, as well.  One day this week I came home and just smiled because things felt so welcoming.  I guess with all the craziness going on in real life, my little home just felt right.  Maybe it is silly to wax poetic about a house but I believe home is where the heart is and for now...this is home.  I hope for a long time to come I can call it home.  I hope to make memories and watch things grow in this little brick cottage I call home.

#LiveThankful





How 5 years can change the world...

Today is a day when I need to write, need to spill words out somewhere. Emotions are thick and my mind swirls with thoughts, memories, dreams and questions.  Today is a day that brings me haunting memories and also great blessings. 

5 years ago, I almost lost one of my children.  I don't mean there was a close call, I mean I saw the life leaving his body as he lay on the ground among wet, cold, muddy leaves.  I still can remember what his blue face looked like and  the awful gurgling that came from his lungs as his life slipped away.  They say time heals all things...no, it doesn't. These are the haunting memories.

I know that God reached down and breathed life into my dying child that cold, rainy day.  There is no other explanation. Today, that same child, went alone for hours exploring with our dog.  Tonight he went to the movies with his big brother.  Just a moment ago he towered almost 9 full inches over me as he reach down to hug me and tell me he loved me and good night. He is now upstairs reading something way over my head.  Those are the great blessings. 

I stood at the sea shore today, something I promise myself I will do more of each year and I don't. I needed to go today to seek the magical healing of the waves and the salt air.  I am not sure if I found that healing but I did find my heart feeling more than I would have liked and my reserves pushed. I was looking for something...it wasn't there.  I wanted to cry, but I didn't. I head into 2017 in many ways the same as last year, though my thoughts and feelings are clearer.  The last few days of 2016 will be spent recalibrating myself and my heart and fortifying my foundation.

Today reminded me to hold onto what is true and solid, focusing on God's great gifts. I have learned that life is not kind but still there is so much to be thankful for and I am living thankfully...in all circumstances. If you find yourself walking the seashore you may very well find me there again staring out and seeking before the year truly ends. Hold on....

Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:5 (NIV)

Happy Thanksgiving 2016

I hope this finds you having celebrated a day full of family, friends and food.  Mostly, though, I hope you have had time to feel thankful for all the good in your life and our world.  This is my final Thanksgiving Thankfulness recap but I am committed to Living Thankfully past today.  It is so easy to forget all the little blessings when the world seem to throw big problems and roadblocks in our way every day. 

Thankfulness Recap:

Thankfulness, Day 16: I am thankful for God's unfailing protection, mercy and grace.
Thankfulness, Day 17: thankful for this...

Thankfulness, Day 18: I am so thankful it is Friday!!!!
Thankfulness, Day 19: I am thankful for the great people Florence Little Theatre and what a great job they did on To Kill a Mockingbird!
Thankfulness, Day 20: I am thankful when something comes along to remind me of how important it is to discern what is important in life and to grab hold of Faith in all things.
Thankfulness, Day 21: I am thankful for forgiveness and from it, the freedom God has given, and the healing He provides.
Thankfulness, Day 22: today I am really thankful for talented writers and speakers who help me grow. This book in particular is amazing: Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.
Thankfulness, Day 23: Being #thankful for the challenges and striving to continue #LivingThankful long after #thanksgiving has passed. #GodisGood
Thankfulness, Day 24: This morning my house is quiet except for the clicking of claws as the fur babies move about and I can't help but be thankful for the small blessings in my life. I pray for all of us a spirit of peace, contentment in all things...the big and small, the happy and the painful, the mountain tops and the valleys.

Live Thankfully🍂🍁

Thankfulness Recap!

I am proud of myself as I have kept up my daily thankfulness shares on Facebook so here is my recap for you:

• Thankfulness, Day 7: I am thankful for the 2 fur babies I get to share life with! They complete our family...not to mention are a continual source of loose fur.
• Thankfulness, Day 8: Today I am incredibly thankful that I live in a nation kept safe by heroes of many kinds that wear many uniforms and I have the freedom to be involved in choosing my next President! What a HUGE blessing!!!
• Thankfulness, Day 9: I am thankful for friends. What is life without those special people?
• Thankfulness, Day 10: Thankful for my job. At times it feels overwhelming but I do see God's hand in my work path. I am especially thankful for my sister Managers and all their support, encouragement and the things they continue to share and teach me. 
• Thankfulness, Day 11: I am so very thankful for all the men & women who have served to protect our great nation. If it were not for our Veterans we would not have the privileges, opportunities and freedoms we take for granted.
• Thankfulness, Day 12: I am thankful for a trip to the Southern Christmas Show today. It is a tradition I love and always puts me in the spirit of the holidays. 
• Thankfulness, Day 13: I am thankful that my children have had the opportunity to attend great Christian schools. They have been blessed with a Biblical World view and amazing teachers!

Worth repeating....as my Thankfulness, Day 14 (5 years later!)November 14, 2011 · Florence ·

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 14: I am so very thankful for the policemen & firemen (and women) that risk their lives daily to keep us safe.

 

• Thankfulness, Day 15: I am thankful for the access to medical care. We have the best, most caring professionals around!

Live Thankfully!

Thankfulness Recap for this week:

I did well on sharing my daily thoughts of thanksgiving each day on Facebook but did not do as well transferring them here, to the blog!  Here is a recap of my days for this week and please don't think these are the only things I am thankful for because I could list so many more.  I am blessed and I know that!

• Thankfulness, Day 2: I am overwhelmed by the blessings that are my children. I am so grateful that I get to be their Mom.
• Thankfulness, Day 3: I am very thankful my parents are still with me and are there for me through thick & thin.
• Thankfulness, Day 4: I am thankful that today I have a warm, safe home and more provisions than many people can imagine.
• Thankfulness, Day 5: I am thankful for crisp, beautiful Fall days and long walks in my neighborhood at the end of a busy week.
• Thankfulness, Day 6: I am so very thankful for my Church Family. Life would have a huge hole in it without them.
   

I hope that you have taken time to find something each day to be thankful for.  Even when life hits us with curve balls, there is always something worthy in your life.  I can attest to that as I am dodging and maneuvering through an unexpected maze of stress but still seeking the good in today.  Lets cultivate our lives in a way that makes thankfulness on the forefront of each morning, noon and night.  Live thankful.