Hello -here it is Tuesday already! Goodness, time flies. Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day - full of sunshine and warmth. Got to be outside and get some things done. This morning it is wet, wet, wet!!! Gray and gloomy and did I say wet? Going to be this way pretty much the rest of the week. No more outdoor work this week.
BUT as I was 'pondering' I thought how fortunate it is raining. If we were to receive snow at the rate they are predicting rain this week - well, we would have between one and two feet!!!! So I guess rain is fine!
Yes, it is. Another thing I have been pondering. Everyone keeps saying 'when things get back to normal'. This IS normal. Life changes everyday. Today will never be like yesterday.
Life events happen and change everything we know. We lose loved ones, friends, we move, we get older, we change, people marry and divorce, the world changes.............
So normal - well, that is kind of irrelevant.
I think the only place we can sort of content with - is our home. We have the ability to keep our home the way we want. This is our little world. Beyond that - really no control. I think much of what happens and what we see and are told is just a big illusion that "someone" wants us to believe. There are powers that try to control actual physical events on this earth, and they are not always for the good of US!
I am aware of world events - but I have to distance myself too. It will drive you crazy.
I can control this little piece of real estate that I live on and that is where I am happiest and where I am most content.
Sounds simplified I know. But it is what I believe. I have faith in God - not men.
We all have to do what makes us happy.
I try to do good and help where and when I can. I pray for all. I try to spread happiness and goodwill. I love deep. I am loyal. I enjoy what God has put in my life.
People will not always remember what you have said or what you have done. They will remember how you made them feel!!! Do what you can to be kind and make others smile and have a good day. Be the ray of sunshine in someone's day.
I know we all only have so much time on this earth. 19XX - 20XX. Really the day you came in and the day you leave is not so important. It is all about the dash in the middle. That is what is important.
All the stuff you do. All the smiles you give. All the hugs you give. All the love you spread. All the good deeds you do. All the joy you give. All the prayers you pray. EVERYTHING in the middle is the IMPORTANT stuff. Live life and do it with all your might!!!!
Living is important.
We have each and everyone already had our "worst" day so far - and yet here we are. We have persevered.
We will have more bad days - but if all we do is remember the bad days, we are doing an injustice to all the good in between. Honor all that happened good. Honor the lives that were LIVED. Honor the blessings received. Honor all the joy and happiness.
Live your life and live it well! That is what you really want to be remembered for, isn't it?
Have a blessed day my friends.
Thank you, Cheryl. As you know, we're in the middle of some BIG changes in our lives, but change can be a GOOD thing, too.
ReplyDeleteAs I consider the things--belongings--that are "essential" to me, and those that aren't, I've been a little surprised. Stuff is mostly just stuff and replaceable. Some things aren't replaceable, but I'm reminded of millions of people right now, today, who have the clothes on their bodies and what they could carry with them. Often on foot. Perspective is important.
You are SO right; no matter what's going on, today is a gift to be appreciated. Unwrap it. Enjoy it as best you can. For some, maybe even some of your readers, today brings challenges and struggles and heartaches. Grandma Griff (who lived to be 100) always said her favorite bible verse was, "And it came to pass." Not to stay, she said. Better days are ahead. --Elise
Perspective is so very important. Stuff IS mainly stuff - memories and blessings are forever.
DeleteI like the 'unwrap it' phrase.
Yes I am sure someone is going through a really bad time and I send blessings and wishes of comfort for them. A new day will dawn and at some point - the day will be a bit brighter - probably never the same - but a little brighter.
This post really resonated with me today. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGod works through us all - and sends what is needed.
DeleteHUGS dear!
Sorry for two comments today. I've no intention of monopolizing, but want to share a true story with you and your readers. Last week, in the area we're moving to, it became clear our house isn't going to be ready in time for the movers. Nor will the 10 X 16 ft. shed be on our acre. There are as much as 3 page waiting lists for storage units in the area. We were looking at selling or donating just about all of our furniture and paring down our belongings to fit in the (minimal) storage available at our son's new house there, appliances stored on his back porch with a tarp over them.
ReplyDeleteWe went to a consignment furniture store to see if we could buy basic replacements and have them hold them for us. They said they couldn't, but an amazing thing happened. Both women started making phone calls, even calling family members to see if they had any storage space! One gal, Lori, found out a new storage unit company was opening over the weekend. We got our name on the list and got the call the night before heading back to CA that we got a 20 ft., new, clean unit. They'd been praying, they said. Becki, at the manufactured home company had also been praying... had her whole family praying. There were hugs all around before we left to pack up.
Imagine their kindness and generosity! It has made a HUGE difference during a stressful time. My point? Don't be afraid to share your worries or accept help from strangers. --Elise
God works in wonderous ways!!! Thank you for sharing your story.
DeleteStrangers are put in our path for reasons. They are our angels here on earth.
Love this! God works in mysterious ways, doesn't He?
DeleteGM Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteYup, we have the gloomies, too! We're near the end of that big storm system. We got a lot of rain and I'm so grateful! Might be gloomy, but it's a beautiful gloomy!! The farmers desperately need this to get their seeds started. I pray that we get a good soaker every week to help them. The whole world needs their food right now.
I've really had to learn how to deal with change. I still don't embrace it. I merely tolerate it lol! My life was one constant change as a kid and it was always traumatic. Moving, changing schools, my mom remarrying, etc. NIGHTMARE!!! Consequently, I don't really even embrace good changes because I end up waiting for something bad to happen!! It's a terrible thing, but I've never really gotten over being 7! That's not to say I'm a Debbie Downer all the time, but I approach change like a kid approaching the neighborhood haunted house! Slowly, cautiously, and jumpy, just waiting for the bogeyman to jump out lol.
I do try to find a silver lining in things. I'm grateful for learning to get that far!!
WOW - that is a lot to go through. I can sort of understand that change is tricky for you. We sure can get dealt a crap load of stuff in life - no we can not just forget it. It all shapes who we are and how we react.
DeleteMaybe slow, cautious and jumpy is good. At least you are always aware and hoping.
I send you hugs and loads of prayers. You have found a good community here of people who care for one another - with no surprises or expectations.
We're going to get what we're going to get in this life each day. Our control is our attitude and that affects our lives more than anything.
ReplyDeleteI am preparing for garden season even though we could have frost until late May. I've been making quilt tops like a crazy girl these last few months. And I am reading voraciously.
Every day may not be good... but there's something good in every day.
I LOVE your last statement!!!!!!!! Truth!
DeleteYep we control ourselves and our little corner - that is about it. We need to do our best and move forward.
If we aren't moving forward - we become stagnant! We need to prosper.
I absolutely agree we are in our new normal, at least until tomorrow when normal changes again. :)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do think we have more influence than we think, especially when enough like-minded people come together. As the saying goes, it takes a village - and I'd suggest that's only to raise a child.
Yes - until tomorrow!!!!
DeleteIt takes a village - but getting the village to all agree and make changes is near impossible, so it seems
So much of this resonates with me today. Yesterday, I noticed that my hyacinths were starting to poke thru the soil outside my front door. I woke in the middle of the night, freezing and with my blinds banging against the window frame -- I'd fallen asleep with the windows open, and the winds had picked up and rain had started. This morning, my hyacinths are well above the soil and getting ready to bloom, thanks to the rain and warmer temps. So, today, I open the gift I am given. With every rain, there's an opportunity for new life in nature, or a rainbow if you look to the skies. And, I remind myself every morning of the gift we are given, to open our eyes and soul to the new beginning, for we are the recipient.
ReplyDeleteLovely. Isn't it amazing how one thing can change how we see or feel?
DeleteIt is just plain nasty out today - but my forsythia are popping open and there is one daffodil blooming! The birds are singing still and my kitties are each happy to see me.
Yep - it is the little things.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
ReplyDeleteHave thought a lot about this passage lately. God has been very good in putting everything we need in our path. The Tuesday food boxes have been just what I've needed in the way of groceries. At St. Vinny's thrift store this morning, I spent $8.31 and bought 4 books (including the Complete Tightwad Gazette!), some home items, and a fleece shirt of exactly the same type I wear all winter as a shirt-jacket in the house. When I need a mood pick-me-up, Cheryl has a good, thoughtful, inspirational blog post. When I need chastisement, well, He brings me back down to earth, too. So I am resolved to not worry about the state of my life or of the world. It's a challenge that, with help, I am more than capable of meeting.
Thank you, thank you. Oh, how I love that scripture. God has us in His hands and He will take care of us.
DeleteEverything on this earth happens for a reason - not one we may understand - but there is reason. It will all come together at some point. Faith and trust - that is what it takes.
God sends us angels every day - we just need to notice!
YAY on the complete TWG - a real find.
The irony of it is, I had all 3 books of TWG and gave them away in the great clean-out a couple of years ago, thinking that someone else might need them worse than I. Glad I found the entire book.
DeleteWhat a great concept. We have all survived our worst day so far. We survived. We have lived to tell the tale and be grateful. I just love that. You do me so much good. I don't think you will ever know. And if you do this for me you, do it for others.
ReplyDeleteBless your heart - thank you.
DeleteI just do what I feel I am supposed to do and send a message I think I am supposed to send.
Sadly, that is all my Mom wants. To go home. But, we are not able to care for her since she requires the maximum level of care. There is no way to convince a person with dementia that this facility is your home now and being snarky to everyone is not the answer. My sister and I are at our whit's end as to how to please her.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for you and your family. Bless you mom's heart. I cannot even imagine what that has to be like.
DeleteI guess all I can offer - is JUST LOVE HER!
Sadly for her and you, you can't change the problem or the reality. Understand she doesn't have a choice as to her issues and she doesn't understand that. That is so sad.
You have to be so frustrated. Just love her! HUGS
Oh Cheryl you have hit home today. No better words could be said.
ReplyDeleteA couple i know dont get up to lunchtime because it makes the day shorter. I would hate that. The day is not long enough for me. I've never, ever lived on my own before but i live each day as it comes.
Take care Sylvia
That is sad. Just wasting life - the gift given each day.
DeleteWe need to make the most of it. It may not be what we have chosen at some points - but live it all the same.
Excellent! No one can trust men (or women) to do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteFolks need to put their faith in the Father, from whom all blessings flow.
The Urban Farmer and I were talking about how we were glad it is rain, not snow!
Yep - God is the only answer. People are faulty and not trustworthy - God never fails.
DeleteIt sure would have been a ton of snow!!!!!
What a beautiful post. Thank you...
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. Thanks for being here.
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