I just want to say I do believe that things happen for a reason. Don't always know what that reason is. I know not everyone believes this way. I just can't make myself believe that things are just bad luck or a fluke. The Bible even tells how everything has a time, a season, a reason and we should know it is God.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Please read verses 1 - 9
So many things happen in our lives - both good and bad - and yet we manage to keep putting our feet one in front of the other. We don't know how we accomplish that on some days - but it happens.
We each have a purpose in this big old universe.
I know that I have not met you all in person, yet I feel I know you. I feel that you are a part of my family - more so than some who are. I am a firm believer that blood does not necessarily make you family - it just makes you related. Family comes with love, joy, sorrow, helping, loving, caring and being there for one another.
I cherish the wonderful relationships I have made here. You are all amazing. You have NO idea how many times you have all gotten me through a day.
We laugh together. We pray for each other. We cry together. We support each other. I LOVE IT!
I do believe that each of you have found your way here for a reason - maybe for you, maybe for me, maybe for someone else.
You may not even comment - just read - but you are here for a reason.
Today, I just want to say thank you and bless you. I love you all, you are just so special to me and a huge part of my life. This blog is one of the things in life that now give me purpose.
I love how we support each other and hold each other up in all things. That is what makes you all special.
Thank you for being here. May you have the best week and prayers you are all safe and healthy.
HUGE prayers being said for those in the path of this storm.
Thank you all for being 'family'.
It's so funny! I was just thinking earlier in the week how things always happen for a reason and that "All things work to the good" as Jeremiah says. Thank you for providing us all a space to be "family". It's a blessing. Lynn Ewing
ReplyDeleteGreat minds!!!!! LOL
DeleteSomehow and some way it is for a reason and hopefully good. I have always believed no matter how bad something is - good comes from it.
Glad to be here with you all!
There is certainly a reason that we've all been brought her and developed such a kinship. My day began with a beautiful sunrise, a light swirling fog over the pond, and a rainbow showing through the sunrise. It reminded me to see the beauty each day. Hugs across the miles, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI believe that as well.
DeleteWhat a beautiful beginning to your day! Hugs to you as well.
Thanks Cheryl. Especially over the past 30 months or so, the virtual connections have been so important for many of us.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
This is such a sweet blog post, Cheryl. I love this community we’ve built and the camaraderie we have with each other. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do too, so thankful for each of you!
DeleteThe Father does not make mistakes and we are all connected. I have always felt that He sends someone in my path whenever things are wonky and going sideways. I also believe He sends circumstances that we may not like so that we are spared something worse down the road. Just like when we were children, when we run ahead of the Father, we are in danger. It is difficult sometimes (many times!) to wait for His will. Blood doesn't necessarily make a family. This is a wonderful place to meet with family. Thank you for providing this platform.
ReplyDeleteAmen. For some reason today you listen to that inner voice and go a different road - later to find out there was an accident the normal way! Those little things. We all need to listen!!!!!
DeleteGlad to be here with you all.
You have a wonderful site, Cheryl. I'll have to read those verses when I have more quiet time. Thank you! It's true, you can have some really nice fellowship many times online on sites like this. I've tried to ask some homemaking questions on my site to generate some fellowship and it's not easy. So glad I can hang out here too so to speak! : )
ReplyDeleteI know you have heard the verses before - it is just a great reminder.
DeleteI know some places you can ask questions and get made to feel foolish or dumb. Get criticized for having an opinion of your own. That has happened to me many a time.
I don't ever want people to feel uncomfortable here. Kick off your shoes, grab your coffee and sit a while!
Thanks so much Cheryl, yes there are some real meanie-boots on some sites... Yuck. Right? lol
DeleteYou are a great gal Cheryl. I've got my favorite coffee cup ready! : )
Wonderful post! Your blog is a bright light. I really appreciate the effort you spend making this blog so interesting, useful and kind. Hilogene in Az
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly. I try - but it is all of you that make it special.
DeleteThank you for praying for those in the path of the storm. All our family is okay down in Florida. Our turn is next. It is getting very windy so Hubby is out putting away more things that could blow around.
ReplyDeleteMy family continues to pray for yours, Lana. Glad you're okay so far. Stay safe! --Elise
DeleteLana I am so glad your family is safe and prayers that you stay that way. So many people have lost their lived through this - it is just so sad. Things can be replaced, but not people.
DeleteWe hold you near our hearts and in our prayers. Stay safe friend. Please check back in when you can!!!!
Hi Cheryl~ I think I was meant to see this post. Last night as I was browsing, I found your blog, and added it to the blogs I love to ponder on. I read your post for about an hour and can I say, I loved every one of them. I don't think we have coincidences either, everyone we meet, every path we take is for a reason. We may not know what the reason is, but there's a reason. I feel the same way about blogging friends being like family...they're the best! Looking forward to spending more time here...Blessings, Barb
ReplyDeleteHi Barb - so glad you were guided to be here with us. We are a pretty neat family.
DeleteThanks for going back and reading. I love when people do that.
You sound like you will fit right in. You are supposed to be here. May a word from you, our one of us - help guide another. Hope you stick around and chime in.!
I just found your blog to read i believe in just taking one day at a time and enjoy that day because you may not have the next day
ReplyDeleteTRUTH!!! Things can change in an instant, as many of us how learned. Enjoy each one to the fullest!
DeleteSo glad you found your way here, please stick around and join in the conversations!!! Welcome!
Always a pleasure to come here! Speaking of our group, when did Frances last post? By her posts about the cold, I know she isn't in Florida, but I don't recall that she's posted recently. Hope all is okay.
ReplyDeleteTotally off topic, but a fun thing. Call it serendipity, but a niece is now working at the college my MIL went to in the 1930s. She posted her old transcripts for family and it was a fun read!! I love the class called "Charm.". Another niece posted that we could sure use that and Cursive today!! I think her tuition was pretty pricey for back then at $180 per semester. It was a private college. My public university tuition was $204 in the mid 80's. And I wasn't even offered Charm lol!!!
I need to check and make sure she didn't get stuck in Spam land!!!!! I miss her too.
DeleteCharm! Yep, there are a few today that could use that class. We paid so much per class academic hour. $180 seems like nothing doesn't it? That is pretty darn cool.
Thank YOU, Cheryl, for being here and creating such a welcoming environment. That's quite rare these days. Not to sound corny, but visiting here throughout the week reminds me of the verse... (Romans 12:15) "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Both are a part of life.
ReplyDeleteI love how everyone here encourages one another. We may be at different ages/stages of life, no two of us are the same, but every day that you post on your blog, Cheryl, is a blessing to us all.
--Elise
Thank you. I do believe we all live that verse!!!!! We do both of those things, and everything in between.
DeleteI love that. Different ages, stages, countries, circumstances - it doesn't matter. Hear we are family!
I completely love your blog and the wonderful community you have created around it!! Your posts always fill me with much love, positivity, and wisdom. I especially appreciate your blog on days when there is more chaos than usual in the world! Prayers that you always have the strength to continue your blog!
ReplyDeleteAahhh - how sweet. It is hard to stay positive in this day and age. I would rather promote that, than doom and gloom. As you say - that is everywhere. Thank you so much.
DeleteThank you Linda. You gals brighten my days for sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being here. I miss you on the days you don't post. I usually come anyway and re-read the latest post.
ReplyDeleteHi sweet pea! Thank you!!!! We are miles apart - yet always together in some way. Thanks for being my friend!!!!
DeleteLove You right back!
DeleteFrances if you are reading - please check in. It has been since the 18th that I see a post from you. You had just had an emotional week - hoping all is OK! We miss you!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, I definitely know you were meant to cross mine.
ReplyDeleteAnd you mine sweetie. Hope all is well.
DeleteI am so glad that I found you and others who think the same way I do. I truly believe things are meant to be.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Isn't it wonderful? I am glad we all found each other!
DeleteBe blessed!
What a sweet post. You are also a blessing. Your blog is one of my very favorites and I enjoy each post you share and learn so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. How kind. I just love this little group so much!
DeleteThanks for thinking of me, ladies! I've been reading, just not commenting. Lately I've been busier than a one-armed paper hanger! After lots of working days and rain delays, I got the rest of the rotten trim on my 10x12ft shed replaced today. Tomorrow (before the tropical rainstorm comes in on Saturday), I plan to caulk, install a new hasp, wood putty an area that needs it, and break down the debris for the garbage pick up. And do two loads of laundry and hang it out. Whew!!
ReplyDeleteI always read your blog, Cheryl, and come back to it many times a day for the comments. I don't have any friends in real life and am not close to any family, so this is as close to my "tribe" as I am going to find.
---Frances in the Trailer Park (in SW PA, for those who have wondered)
Well girly, I am glad we are all in the same tribe!!!!!!
DeleteGoodness, you have been busy. I always get a bit motivated after reading your posts! I can be slouch some days, and need a little motivation!
I wondered where you lived as well - thanks for clearing that up! Hope the rain and wind isn't too much - maybe you can get some rest for a day or so!!!
We're to get only rain, too far north for the wind. Not enough to flood, just enough to give me an incentive to get the project finished today.
Delete--Frances in the Trailer Park
Well, glad there will be no severe weather. Have a good one.
DeleteCheryl, you are very loved and very much appreciated. This blog is the first one I check and look forward to reading of your escapades and the helpful comments from others. Thank you so much for all you put into this community, making it a fruitful and joyful place to meet up.
ReplyDeleteThank you and thank you to all who contribute. It takes a village - and it seems we have a pretty good one!
DeleteGlad you are here. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank YOU Cheryl for all the inspirational posts and recipes and everything you post. So glad I discovered your blog and the great friends you have here. You are such a bright spot in my day. Take care and have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I just love you all and thank you all for being here and helping.
DeleteThere's Francis!! Glad you're okay! I guess you ARE busy! That sounds like a lot of work, but it's great that you're getting it done before the snow flies. Keep at it, but check in occasionally so we know you're not in the hospital with a giant splinter in your heinie!!!
ReplyDeleteBe careful!
LOL - that is funny! Yes, love to see people check in so we know all is A OK
DeleteHey Cheryl, I don't know if this has happened to anyone else but I hadn't seen a post in quite some time. When I went to check it had unfollowed you. I have no idea why. I re-followed of course but has anyone else had this issue????
ReplyDeleteI have had people say they aren't getting email notices any longer. I am not sure what is going on - except Blogger has changed soooooo much over the past months. I am sorry that is happening.
DeleteI generally always post Sun., Tues., Wed., and Thurs. You might just check each of those days.
Sorry. I wish I had a better answer. Thanks for being loyal!!!
Hi Cheryl, well it's day and night 11 without Ady. House is just so empty without him and I keep looking at his glasses and phone. Sitting in the lounge in silence without the TV on.just about lost interest in everything. I did make the effort tonight and make something for my evening meal so perhaps that's a step forward. . Havery you ever read Ruth. Intreat me not to leave me? I
ReplyDeletePrayers and (((hugs))) for you.
Delete--Frances in the Trailer Park
What a wonderful post filled with kindness and positivity. Pleasure to read one not complaining all the time!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Glad to have you here. Complaining doesn't solve much - I think joy maybe does.
DeleteI looked for just a blog as this and couldn't find one. And one day I looked and there you were! I enjoy your posts and look forward to reading everyone's comments.
ReplyDelete~~margaret