Happy Thursday! We're having a heatwave! LOL!! Goodness, it was in the mid 20's this morning when I got up. Yesterday was around zero. It is funny how perspective can change. We get a couple decent days then BOOM - bad, bad winter comes back.
The moon was peeking out of the clouds first thing this morning - still big and bright. Then the clouds parted and there was that magical sphere in all its glory.
Here we are mid-way through the month. Granted January seems like the longest month each year - but it is flying by. See - it will be spring in a blink of an eye! We just have some ick to get through and then comes the beauty of color again.
There are many luxuries in life that cost us nothing. We just need to realize that they ARE INDEED luxuries than many in the world will never know.
Also, those things we all seem to take for granted. Running water, flushing toilets, lights at the flip of a switch, heat and even air. An easy way to launder our clothes, good neighbors, and the ability to shop for the things we want/need at any time. Even having funds to pay our bills.
Yes, these are just basic things - but many in the world do not have these "luxuries". We have become so complacent in life and just expect these things as normal. We are truly very blessed to have them.
I also count this little blog a luxury. I am free to come here and share my thoughts and share things with people all over the world - how cool is that?
Life is good, even in the times that we are lonely, sad, or hurt. We can arise from our problems and smile and TRY to make a day good. We do not have to be stuck in the bad, we have choices and options - free will.
Make your day the best. Be kind and smile. Share a laugh with someone.
Have a super wonderful day.
This is a great post Cheryl. When I hear people constantly complain about this or that I really feel sad for them. We all go through various losses, hard times, etc. but how we respond to those situations is what makes a difference. Life is hard but we all have things to be thankful for and we shouldn't take them for granted.
ReplyDeleteYes mam! Some people must be terribly miserable. I even see post regularly all the 'bad' stuff - hardly ever see a good post. Yes, life is difficult for everyone at least at some point - we just have to decide to enjoy it. We get one chance at this ride - make it an E ticket!!!
DeleteI heard a speaker once who said, "10% of life is what happens to me, 90% is how I react to it." I've never forgotten that bit of wisdom.
DeleteI was always told that also and it is always in the back of my mind. How we respond to life is basically the only thing we actually have full control of.
DeleteSorry Cheryl but this is the only I can’t write on your blog.
DeleteWe had some very frosty weather here in NI. It was dangerous to go in the car and I also live the country so had to stay home.
Today was a lovely sunshine day.
A little tip that I do is put my lettuce / green in a saucepan with a good lid. They last for weeks and weeks.
Sylvia
I love this post! All so true! Blessings to you. Stay warm. Lynn, Pecos, NM
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynn. We all need to find that good thing!
DeleteIn a time when nearly 37 million people in this country live below the poverty line. 38% of children in my state live below the poverty line.
ReplyDeleteLuxuries indeed not to worry about a warm bed, safe home, bills paid and food any time I'm hungry let alone everything else.
Absolutely. Whenever we get down and feel bad about what we have in life - we do need to think about the folks living in poverty or all the regular folks who have lost everything in the past few months - sometimes including family/friends.
DeleteLove the way you put things into perspective and point out all the things we take for granted. Your positively never fails to touch my heart. Have a delightful day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bobi, I appreciate your words. We just need to keep eyes wide open and appreciate it all!
DeleteSo absolutely true! So easy to forget and get cranky and whiny at times. God is so good and generous with luxuries to me. What a beautiful reminder! As a friend says..we often forget most of our problems are First World Priblems and so many would feel so blessed to have those issues. Thanks, Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteLinda M
I think we all have our moments - it is just life. BUT, yes, we are so terribly blessed. I often think about the story of the man who needed new shoes because his had a hole in his - and someone else was wishing he still had his feet, just to be able to walk.
DeleteYour posts are like a breath of fresh air in a world that is tipping (the wrong way). I so appreciate how you put things into perspective. I am not having an easy day, and when I look at the list I realize how blessed I am. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I am sorry you are having a bad day - just remember God loves you! He gives us the grace we need to get through all things. Hope your day improves. Hugs!
DeleteI took my dog out this morning and as I stood there with my eyes closed taking in the predawn air. I thought how wonderful it is that I have a cat that lets me know his dog friend needs to go out. The morings are so peaceful. 2 luxuries are pets and winter mornings.
ReplyDeleteThe simple things are the best. Aren't those wonderful morning rituals just divine? Each morning I go out, it is so cold, but there are the pretty birds chirping and waiting, the squirrels flitting around and the sun is usually out - that is just lovely.
DeleteThat is cold, or isn't accustomed to it. At home, I'd be happy with a day near freezing at this time of year, as January is the longest month! We generally don't see signs of spring until early May (and it isn't unusual to have one last dump of snow), though the temperatures do tend to warm somewhat after January.
ReplyDeleteI'm stealing the meme to post to my FB page. All of these spoke to me, and I agree also, that having pets in our lives is something special.
I bet we have more snow at some point, and it is going to be below zero next week. I guess we take it as we get it.
DeleteGlad you liked it! Our fur babies are just precious little jewels in our lives. Unconditional love.
Great post, Cheryl! I could spend a whole day listing the good things I have every day, things I don't even think about, just take for granted.
ReplyDeleteAt Christmas we held hands around the table at dinnertime, and I said, "Now we'll say thanks for all these good things" and I listed Home, Christmas, Family, Dinner ... etc" - and the littles repeated after me! When I heard their voices I almost stopped, it made me want to cry, it was so sweet.
They are being brought up completely without church, so I try to poke in a few little things that won't offend the parents.
MaryB
Thanks. Yes, I think each moment we get is a good thing!
DeleteHow sweet. We do that at Thanksgiving, and 2 of the smallest answered family and Jesus. My dumb old eyes sure get busy leaking! They children will lead the way.
So sad that they would find that offensive.
I'm not sure they find it offensive. They're just not pleased with our local churches, and I can understand that. I've told my son he needs to be the Sunday School teacher for his kids, that it is part of their heritage and not right to ignore it.
DeleteMaryB
I just saw that meme yesterday and I loved it. I have all of those things and more. To be grateful is such a blessing. I am blessed with you!
ReplyDeleteIt is a good one. "To be grateful is such a blessing" is so true!!!
DeleteI am blessed by each of you. Thank you!
As Maebeme said our January is usually the coldest month of the year (though the coldest spell hit in February one year). This year it has been up and down and I have always thought how wonderful it is to be nice and warm in my home. Truly a small luxury.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
January is supposed to be our coldest as well - and this year it is.
DeleteYes, the warmth of a house is a wonderful thing.
Love the meme! Lots of truth there. I'm grateful that the water heater still works. ha! I am grateful for the lovely ladies who comment on your blog, as well as being most grateful for the time you put into your posts. Most of all, I am grateful for the shed blood of our Messiah.
ReplyDeleteStay warm! Looking forward to a slightly warmer couple of days and the rain.
Yes mam, I agree. Our Lord is the greatest gift. That water heater is a luxury for sure. Turn a knob and hot water! I just so enjoy all the ladies here - what a gift.
DeleteSo true, everyday things in first world countries that many take for granted. If the grid ever goes down or a cyber attack takes the internet down, stay away from urban areas. Folks will go full chimp and burn it all down if they can't look at their smartphones for more than an hour.
ReplyDeleteWe take a ton for granted. Every day! It would be bad, but recent storms and fires have shown that people can handle being off grid better than we give credit. That is just my opinion. Many are still off grid in the SE and even those who did not lose everything in fires, will be off grid for a long while (I read that yesterday). We can just be thankful for today.
DeleteAs we drive, I see freshly burned houses, cars smashed to smithereens, and all sorts of problem in first world. Then, there is the California destruction. All the time I am expressing my sorrow and gratefulness for what we have and wishing the people were not so hurt by the world.
ReplyDeleteIt would be immensely helpful if the US would stop bombing the heck out of folks in Africa and the middle east, karma's a bi#*ch.
DeleteSorry you are seeing that in your area. We do have occasional home fires around, but generally that happens more in the winter, or when squatters move in, and try to start fires to stay warm. Yes, it is very sad for others. I am grateful for today and what it brings.
DeleteIt’s been a tough week for me and I have indulged in my own pity party, but this is like a slap in the kisser. A real wake up call, so thank you for getting me back on track, you are, once again, so right.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your week, Louise.
I am sorry you are having a bad week. I hope things improve for you. I am glad to have helped a little. Take care and just take a big breath and go forward. You got this.
DeleteYes, sometimes when I hear my dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer all running at once, I remind myself how fortunate we are. I’ve been watching YouTube videos of simple living from other countries. I’m thankful I don’t have to go to a well for my water every morning and I don’t have to start a fire in my stove to be able to cook. But I do admire the stamina of those people.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how EASY life here really is. Yes, I so admire those folks as well. It is a way of life our ancestors did as well. Can you imagine having to fell trees just to make it across the land? How long it must have taken - and what grit they had.
DeleteAnother blessing—our Bibles! I recently bought a study Bible for myself at a thrift store for .50 cents! True, the cover was a bit beat up and had some small tears, but the inside was almost perfect. And here people in the past have paid huge sums of money just to own a portion of the Scriptures that I bought with just two quarters!
ReplyDeleteLove it! You are 100% correct - and our freedom to read those Bibles.
DeleteI say a video yesterday of a lady checking the ashes of her home in CA - it was totally destroyed and what did she find? Her Bible, only slightly tinged on the outside and perfect on the inside. Everything else was gone.
You are so right! Most of the best things are things that money can’t buy. We must always count our blessings! Hope you and the kitties are staying warm! Glad you got a heatwave! It sure feels like it when it gets that cold!
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Money is a necessary for some things - but the best things are free.
DeleteYes, we are doing good, thanks. Going to get real cold for a few days - then back to 20's and 30's.
Spring will come...we just have to remember. That hot chocolate looks so good right now! Have a wonderful rest of your weekend. Glad your here.
ReplyDeleteYes it is now 2 months away! Anything hot will be good in the next few days. Thank you. Stay warm.
DeleteThank you for all your posts. They are very positive and inspiring. We all need reminders to be more grateful to the Lord who has blessed us. It seems like the more prosperous a country becomes the less grateful the country becomes and begins to act entitled. May God bless you, Terry
ReplyDeleteThank you Terry. I appreciate your kind words. We are truly blessed - no matter what we go through - there is always something good. I think you may be right - people get so complacent and entitled.
DeleteHave a lovely week!