Glorious Weather

Today we are having 50 people to our home for an 80th birthday party for my mother-in-law. It has been a very rainy week, but today it is absolutely gorgeous out! I am abundantly thankful for such a beautiful day! Thank You, God!

 

Deer

I live on six and a half acres of land. We have lots of wildlife; bear, turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, ground hogs, possum, chipmunks, snakes, birds, and deer - lots and lots of deer. Since we have so many deer we don't have beautiful gardens. The deer eat just about everything. I have flower boxes up high that they cannot get to, and pots of flowers on high tree stumps that are usually fairly safe. However, not this morning! Last night it was rainy and windy and my potted geraniums were lying on the ground. A doe came into the yard and spotted breakfast. First, I rapped on the window to chase her away. She just looked up and bit off a beautiful red flower. Then I went outside to chase her away. I also got to watch her eat the red flower. She slowly walked away as I picked up the pot and placed it back on the stump. She only moved a few yards away. I bet she was thinking, "You can't stay out here all morning. As soon as you go inside I will have some more of your flowers for breakfast." So, what is it I am thankful for, you wonder. I am thankful for that doe because Gary and I had a good laugh about it, and what a wonderful way to begin a day - laughing. Thank You, God!

Pennies From Heaven

I love finding pennies! I absolutely do think of them as "Pennies From Heaven" - a gift from God. A friend of mine says that when she finds a penny she thinks of it as a little message from her mom that she is with her.

 I recently went through a frightening time. I was in Sports Authority, and I was feeling somewhat distraught. I walked out of the store and there, on the ground, were two pennies heads up. I immediately felt better, because I believed that those pennies were a gift from God, a sign, from my mom and dad, that they were with me. I am thankful for "Pennies From Heaven."

P.S. I only pick up the pennies that are heads up. If they are tails up, I flip them over and leave them to bless someone else.

Summer Breeze

It is not exactly summer yet, but in my mind it is. The photo is the view out my bedroom window. I sit here, in bed, under the covers, with a hot cup of coffee and my morning books. I read a devotional or two. I write in my gratitude journal. I pray. Outside there is a beautiful breeze, the kind you can see and hear and feel. The birds are singing, and all is well.

"This is the day that The Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." -the book of Psalms

My Mother-in-Law

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday. She is 80 year's old. We had our challenges, but we both worked at having a good relationship, and we do. We love and respect one another. I am thankful for my mother-in-law because she always puts her family first. Her heart is filled with love for all of us.

A Time For Everything

"Life never gives us all pain or all pleasure. We all experience our share of challenges and disappointments as well as celebrations." -Alexandra Stoddard

I have just come through a challenging time. The worst is over. Saturday, June 8 was my birthday. It was also the wedding of Meredith's best friend Megan and the son of Gary's high school friend Kurt. It was a time to celebrate.

Thank you, God, for the times of challenge for they provide an opportunity for us to grow spiritually. Thank You, God, for the joyful celebrations for they are gifts.

The Carnival Is In Town!

Every year the carnival comes to our town. This year we are having perfect weather for the carnival - nice warm evenings - perfect carnival weather. We live one block over from the carnival, so we can hear all the carnival sounds. I love it! Last night we sat on our front porch, and listened to the screams of the kids on the rides. We watched the fireworks, and heard the applause of the crowd. It all shouted loud and clear, "Summer is here!" I am grateful that I live in a town where the carnival visits, fireworks are displayed and there is abundant joy and laughter. Thank You, God, for placing me right here.