I cannot walk by a bag of jelly beans or eat a stack of pancakes without thinking of the many childhood celebrations and 'vacations' at Grandma and Grandpa Shoemaker's house.
The Shoemaker farm sat out in the country about 20 miles from our house. I remember thinking that it must be halfway to the moon, because we could never get their fast enough for my liking. As kids living in town, going to grandma's house was just about this side of heaven for us. We anticipated our trips there almost as much as Christmas morning.
During our summer breaks, grandma and grandpa would take us all for a week. Traditionally, the three girls (me, my sister, Kelly and my cousin Amy) would spend a week, followed by my brother, Kevin and cousin, Jerry, and lastly the older two cousins Dave and Dan. We were treated like royalty and spoiled ruthlessly until we were returned to our respective parents.
I will always remember the girls sleeping in the upstairs bedroom on the left. Wallpapered in huge yellow roses and boasting a metal-framed double bed with big feather pillows, it was a dream. I always thought they were geniuses for tying a string from the headboard to the pull chain on the light so you didn't have to get out of bed to turn the light off at night!
Each morning we were treated to a feast fit for royalty before we would happily run out to play and use God's gift of imagination to see what adventures we could come up with on the farm. Grandma and grandpa had converted an old corn crib into our 'playhouse' complete with table, chairs, and a variety of mismatched dishes and silverware. That was our palace and our domain. Grandma would make up a lunch basket and haul it out there to us every day, and best of all, she always cut the crust off the bread. Grandpa would let us ride in the back of the pick up truck to go get the mail or to ride into town, something the children of today will rarely, if ever, be able to enjoy.
I could go on for hours about my memories of Grandma and Grandpa Shoemaker, but there are so many great ones, you'd be reading a novel. Here are just a few:
* ice cold well water quenching your thirst from an old tin cup hanging outside.
* silver dollar pancakes and chocolate pudding with Cool Whip
* hay rack rides to 'the timber'
* cleaning chickens, yuck!
* Jelly Beans on Easter Sunday
* Hours of jumping on an inflated brown bag
* arthritic hands and silver braids
* Thanksgiving dinner on TV trays
* Homemade noodles drying all over the house
I have heard people say "We were blessed with a granddaughter" but I think it's truly the other way around. "I was blessed with great grandparents" Rest in peace grandma and grandpa Shoemaker. You will always be remembered.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Old Sweater and a Dilly Bar
In my closet, hanging on the doorknob is an old cardigan sweater. Almost every night during the cold winter months I come home from work, change into comfy pants, grab my old cardigan and settle in for a comfortable evening at home. This particular sweater is more than 10 years old, looks pretty ratty, but wraps in the comfort of memories of my Grandma Ryerson.
When my grandma passed away, it was a cold, winter day. I had to go shopping to find something to wear to the funeral and found a beautiful dress. Of course, being a female and unable to resist a good sale, I also purchased a new pair of dress slacks and a cardigan sweater. The day of the funeral dawned clear and cold - bitterly cold. With windchills nearly -30 degrees, I was torn on what to wear. It was then I tried to think what grandma would want. She herself was not one to 'dress up' frequently and always opted for the comfort of casual wear, I decided to wear the new sweater and be warm. After all, I was sure she wouldn't want me to freeze. THIS is the sweater that hangs in the closet to this very day.
One evening a few weeks ago I brought home a bag of Dilly Bars from the local Dairy Queen. After supper I put on my old cardigan, grabbed a Dilly Bar from the freezer and settled in for the evening. I couldn't help but remember my grandma's words as I was enjoying my dessert and it just brought a smile to my face.
In the last few years of her life, she lived with my mom in Kentucky. Whenever we would be there for a visit, we would always make a trip to town to our errands and have some shopping fun. Grandma always offered to buy, even before we would leave the driveway - it was her 'hint' that she wanted to hit the DQ at some point. Inevitably, while enjoy our frosty treats she would proclaim, "Delicious and nutritious but it won't make me ambitious!" Every time, without fail, she uttered these words that still echo in my mind today. In fact, I have even caught myself saying these very words and then I can only laugh and think I've turned into my grandma!
My Grandma Ryerson was an extraordinary woman who worked incredibly hard all of her life and would give everything she had to care for her family or anyone in need. I have lots of great memories of her:
* fresh picked asparagus
* pony rides in the buggy
* toast with peanut butter when we were sick
* her green car with no power steering
* her little red truck and cold sandwiches for a long trip
* her amazing spunk and determination
* the horse lamp on her old desk
* a freezer full of goodies from the Schwann's man
* her diminutive size with a heart as big as the world and made of gold.
The memories that we make with our grandparents are precious and valuable. My children are very blessed that they have created and maintained strong bonds with their grandparents. The memories they make will bring smiles to their hearts and faces for many years to come.
I'm not sure my sweater will last that long, but I look forward to the day when I can see grandma again and I hope there are Dilly Bars in heaven.
When my grandma passed away, it was a cold, winter day. I had to go shopping to find something to wear to the funeral and found a beautiful dress. Of course, being a female and unable to resist a good sale, I also purchased a new pair of dress slacks and a cardigan sweater. The day of the funeral dawned clear and cold - bitterly cold. With windchills nearly -30 degrees, I was torn on what to wear. It was then I tried to think what grandma would want. She herself was not one to 'dress up' frequently and always opted for the comfort of casual wear, I decided to wear the new sweater and be warm. After all, I was sure she wouldn't want me to freeze. THIS is the sweater that hangs in the closet to this very day.
One evening a few weeks ago I brought home a bag of Dilly Bars from the local Dairy Queen. After supper I put on my old cardigan, grabbed a Dilly Bar from the freezer and settled in for the evening. I couldn't help but remember my grandma's words as I was enjoying my dessert and it just brought a smile to my face.
In the last few years of her life, she lived with my mom in Kentucky. Whenever we would be there for a visit, we would always make a trip to town to our errands and have some shopping fun. Grandma always offered to buy, even before we would leave the driveway - it was her 'hint' that she wanted to hit the DQ at some point. Inevitably, while enjoy our frosty treats she would proclaim, "Delicious and nutritious but it won't make me ambitious!" Every time, without fail, she uttered these words that still echo in my mind today. In fact, I have even caught myself saying these very words and then I can only laugh and think I've turned into my grandma!
My Grandma Ryerson was an extraordinary woman who worked incredibly hard all of her life and would give everything she had to care for her family or anyone in need. I have lots of great memories of her:
* fresh picked asparagus
* pony rides in the buggy
* toast with peanut butter when we were sick
* her green car with no power steering
* her little red truck and cold sandwiches for a long trip
* her amazing spunk and determination
* the horse lamp on her old desk
* a freezer full of goodies from the Schwann's man
* her diminutive size with a heart as big as the world and made of gold.
The memories that we make with our grandparents are precious and valuable. My children are very blessed that they have created and maintained strong bonds with their grandparents. The memories they make will bring smiles to their hearts and faces for many years to come.
I'm not sure my sweater will last that long, but I look forward to the day when I can see grandma again and I hope there are Dilly Bars in heaven.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
What's it like inside?
Tonight we set our clocks ahead, we spring forward, in anticipation of spring and warm, sunny weather and all of the delights that the new season has in store for us. At this time of year we tend to ask, “What’s it like outside?” more frequently than any other season. Spring seems to be the season on unpredictability and the same is definitely true this season in our household.
Our pastor likes to begin each of our small-group gatherings with ‘atmosphere checks’. While it is usually easy to see what the atmosphere is like outside, seeing our inner atmospheres can be a little trickier. The atmosphere we outwardly portray to those around us can sometimes mask the true weather inside. We are asked to give ourselves a rating from 1 – 10: 1 being totally miserable, and 10 being the best you’ve ever been. Most can report a 6 or 7, but occasionally we get a 3 thrown in there. I, for one, like these atmosphere checks because it gives me an opportunity to see whose “weather” I may need to be praying for.
Yesterday, my husband was terminated from his job of 24 years in a corporate buy-out and bankruptcy proceedings. He, along with over 200 other employees, walked out the door on Friday to a beautiful, sunny early spring day, but also to an uncertain future. The weather inside the plant was quiet and calm with an approaching storm in the distance. Now, my husband is a really quiet guy who rarely shares his concerns outwardly with me or anyone else, so I have started having these ‘atmosphere checks’ every few days just to find out what’s going on inside. I’m happy to report that his weather is still calm and breezy.
Unlike so many others who have become part of the unemployed community recently, Tom had planned for our future and the ‘what ifs’ that go along with this crazy thing we call life. After doing an atmosphere check just now, he reports he’s at an 8. This is good news, as it brings my own rating closer to an 8 as well. Others, I fear, are faced with the foreboding feeling of heading into the eye of the hurricane.
Have you checked atmospheres today? When is the last time you checked the atmosphere of your family, friends, or spouse? Perhaps with the springing ahead and the dawn of a new season, we can make the time to check in on the atmospheres of those we love. Can you calm the storm for a friend, dance in the rain of celebration, or clear the fog away for someone in need?
Today, make the time to ask, “What’s it like inside today?”
Our pastor likes to begin each of our small-group gatherings with ‘atmosphere checks’. While it is usually easy to see what the atmosphere is like outside, seeing our inner atmospheres can be a little trickier. The atmosphere we outwardly portray to those around us can sometimes mask the true weather inside. We are asked to give ourselves a rating from 1 – 10: 1 being totally miserable, and 10 being the best you’ve ever been. Most can report a 6 or 7, but occasionally we get a 3 thrown in there. I, for one, like these atmosphere checks because it gives me an opportunity to see whose “weather” I may need to be praying for.
Yesterday, my husband was terminated from his job of 24 years in a corporate buy-out and bankruptcy proceedings. He, along with over 200 other employees, walked out the door on Friday to a beautiful, sunny early spring day, but also to an uncertain future. The weather inside the plant was quiet and calm with an approaching storm in the distance. Now, my husband is a really quiet guy who rarely shares his concerns outwardly with me or anyone else, so I have started having these ‘atmosphere checks’ every few days just to find out what’s going on inside. I’m happy to report that his weather is still calm and breezy.
Unlike so many others who have become part of the unemployed community recently, Tom had planned for our future and the ‘what ifs’ that go along with this crazy thing we call life. After doing an atmosphere check just now, he reports he’s at an 8. This is good news, as it brings my own rating closer to an 8 as well. Others, I fear, are faced with the foreboding feeling of heading into the eye of the hurricane.
Have you checked atmospheres today? When is the last time you checked the atmosphere of your family, friends, or spouse? Perhaps with the springing ahead and the dawn of a new season, we can make the time to check in on the atmospheres of those we love. Can you calm the storm for a friend, dance in the rain of celebration, or clear the fog away for someone in need?
Today, make the time to ask, “What’s it like inside today?”
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Singing with the Angels
It is always sad to hear of the passing of a friend, especially when the life is lost to a disease that is ruthless and the friend is young and full of life.
This world recently lost a very special friend, teacher and inspiration. Kate Sullivan passed away last week leaving a hole in the hearts of her family and all of the students she touched over her many years of teaching music. Kate was blessed with the gift of music and she shared her gift with hundreds of young people throughout her 30+ years of teaching.
I first met Kate when I was in fourth grade when she became music teacher at my school. She always made learning fun and nurtured our own budding talents like she was caring for a precious rose bush. Learning was fun with Kate. There were always new and creative ways to express ourselves in her class.
Many of us went into high school still burning with our desires to share our music. In my freshman year, a swing choir was formed and we had to audition for it. I remember being terrified at the thought of singing solo in front of her, but she always told me, "Just sing!" So I did and I made it into this group that became so tight-knit through our high school years. Everyday for four years, I would rush through lunch and hurry off to swing choir rehearsal. It was the best part of my day! We soon became known as "Kato's Kids". It was a wonderful time of music and friendship.
As we graduated and moved out into the world we left behind those times of music and closeness, but Kate made sure we never lost our memories of it all. Every few years she would host a Swing Choir reunion and anyone who was a part of this group was invited to attend. We would stand up and share our musical gifts, now mostly limited to Karaoke, and have a great time just being united as one again.
Kate is now with our Lord and is singing with the angels. I will think of Kate tonight when I am delivering my message of Believing in Jesus. Because of Kate, I was able to listen to, and enjoy, the music and let the message of a simple song penetrate my heart and soul, giving me the words to speak tonight.
Rest in God's peace Kate. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you.
This world recently lost a very special friend, teacher and inspiration. Kate Sullivan passed away last week leaving a hole in the hearts of her family and all of the students she touched over her many years of teaching music. Kate was blessed with the gift of music and she shared her gift with hundreds of young people throughout her 30+ years of teaching.
I first met Kate when I was in fourth grade when she became music teacher at my school. She always made learning fun and nurtured our own budding talents like she was caring for a precious rose bush. Learning was fun with Kate. There were always new and creative ways to express ourselves in her class.
Many of us went into high school still burning with our desires to share our music. In my freshman year, a swing choir was formed and we had to audition for it. I remember being terrified at the thought of singing solo in front of her, but she always told me, "Just sing!" So I did and I made it into this group that became so tight-knit through our high school years. Everyday for four years, I would rush through lunch and hurry off to swing choir rehearsal. It was the best part of my day! We soon became known as "Kato's Kids". It was a wonderful time of music and friendship.
As we graduated and moved out into the world we left behind those times of music and closeness, but Kate made sure we never lost our memories of it all. Every few years she would host a Swing Choir reunion and anyone who was a part of this group was invited to attend. We would stand up and share our musical gifts, now mostly limited to Karaoke, and have a great time just being united as one again.
Kate is now with our Lord and is singing with the angels. I will think of Kate tonight when I am delivering my message of Believing in Jesus. Because of Kate, I was able to listen to, and enjoy, the music and let the message of a simple song penetrate my heart and soul, giving me the words to speak tonight.
Rest in God's peace Kate. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Healing Hearts
Today being Sunday, I usually attend church. Today I did not attend and instead I chose to minister to hurting hearts that needed soothing.
As most of my friends and family know, my daughter is serving in Afghanistan. We all miss her greatly and she gets homesick often. I have the pleasure of connecting with her via webcam and online chat several times per week but others do not often have this luxury.
Heather really misses her family back home and I know for a fact that her dad really, really misses her. I can hear it in his voice when I talk to him. So earlier this week, we arranged to have an online video chat this morning.Her dad, Jay, and little brother, Trevor, arrived at my house about 7:30 am this morning and I could just feel the excitement. I was really excited too because I know just how much it would mean to connect these people who miss each other so terribly.
I got them all situated in front of the computer, webcam on and headphones in place. I could hardly stand it I was so excited! Soon, Heather and Eric appeared on the screen and their voices were heard. The smile that radiated from her father's face was incredible. He may have even had a tear in his eye, but it was hard to tell from the gleam of happiness and joy that had taken over his face. Though there were some minor glitches in the voice chat portion, I know that just being able to actually see each other after four months of separation made them happy.
When all was said and done, chat completed and conversations closed, I knew that I had chosen the right option for my day. Did I feel guilty about missing worship service today? A little, yes. However, I felt a stronger calling to be a part of this meeting between father and daughter and I felt a real need to fulfill what God was leading me to do.A great morning of uplifting spirits and healing hearts! Jay was so excited and smiling when he left that we are planning to do this again in a few weeks on Heather's 25th birthday. Praise God for guiding me to be a part of this father-daughter communication!
As most of my friends and family know, my daughter is serving in Afghanistan. We all miss her greatly and she gets homesick often. I have the pleasure of connecting with her via webcam and online chat several times per week but others do not often have this luxury.
Heather really misses her family back home and I know for a fact that her dad really, really misses her. I can hear it in his voice when I talk to him. So earlier this week, we arranged to have an online video chat this morning.Her dad, Jay, and little brother, Trevor, arrived at my house about 7:30 am this morning and I could just feel the excitement. I was really excited too because I know just how much it would mean to connect these people who miss each other so terribly.
I got them all situated in front of the computer, webcam on and headphones in place. I could hardly stand it I was so excited! Soon, Heather and Eric appeared on the screen and their voices were heard. The smile that radiated from her father's face was incredible. He may have even had a tear in his eye, but it was hard to tell from the gleam of happiness and joy that had taken over his face. Though there were some minor glitches in the voice chat portion, I know that just being able to actually see each other after four months of separation made them happy.
When all was said and done, chat completed and conversations closed, I knew that I had chosen the right option for my day. Did I feel guilty about missing worship service today? A little, yes. However, I felt a stronger calling to be a part of this meeting between father and daughter and I felt a real need to fulfill what God was leading me to do.A great morning of uplifting spirits and healing hearts! Jay was so excited and smiling when he left that we are planning to do this again in a few weeks on Heather's 25th birthday. Praise God for guiding me to be a part of this father-daughter communication!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Let Them Know
A new year has begun and, like a lot of people, I made a few resolutions. Some will stick and some will last a few days, if that. Two of my main resolutions were to become more comfortable speaking in front of people and sharing my thoughts and the other is to let those who have touched my heart know that they have done so.
Case in point: My friend Nathan (aka "Joe" in a previous post).
Nathan has become my chatting buddy when I'm logged into my messenger. We talk about a lot of different topics and we usually end with an online prayer. He told me about some of the rough times he is going through with his family and work. He also keeps me posted on his bowling scores and lots of other great information. He's my cheering section, my prayer buddy and my friend. He is very special.
He loves coming to our church but occasionally he has to work on Sundays and isn't able to attend. I try to make a point to stop by the store on my way home because I know he'll want to touch base on what we talked about that day. Last Sunday, we did a very touching affirmation of baptism ceremony for everyone in attendance. All were welcomed to the font for a blessing as a reminder that we are all children of God. We all approached the baptismal font and were blessed and then we would turn and bless the person behind us, marking the sign of the cross on the person's forehead. I was deeply moved by this but I was also very disappointed for Nathan because he wasn't able to be there for it.
On my way home, I stopped in to Walmart and there to greet me, of course, was Nathan! The first words out of his mouth were "What did we learn in church today?" So I told him about the worship service and the affirmation of our baptism. And standing right there in the front of Walmart, I marked the cross on his forehead and repeated the words we had said earlier at the service. He then did the same for me. I smiled, he smiled. We hugged again and I was on my way. We blessed each other again on my way out! It is so refreshing to be with someone like Nathan. Someone who just yearns to learn more and someone who can be so full of joy and smiles when the worlds seems to be knocking him down.
On one recent evening we were chatting so I let him know that he has really touched my heart and soul and I just thought he should know. I told him about the blog I had written about him (which I originally intended as 'just a story') and he was so surprised. I sent him the link so he could read it. He just loved it! I hope to share my story of Nathan, and how he's touched my heart, with the church someday.
If someone has touched your heart or changed your world in a special way, let them know! It doesn't have to be a big deal. No gifts or fancy wrapping necessary. Tell them what's in your heart and let them know they've made a difference.
Case in point: My friend Nathan (aka "Joe" in a previous post).
Nathan has become my chatting buddy when I'm logged into my messenger. We talk about a lot of different topics and we usually end with an online prayer. He told me about some of the rough times he is going through with his family and work. He also keeps me posted on his bowling scores and lots of other great information. He's my cheering section, my prayer buddy and my friend. He is very special.
He loves coming to our church but occasionally he has to work on Sundays and isn't able to attend. I try to make a point to stop by the store on my way home because I know he'll want to touch base on what we talked about that day. Last Sunday, we did a very touching affirmation of baptism ceremony for everyone in attendance. All were welcomed to the font for a blessing as a reminder that we are all children of God. We all approached the baptismal font and were blessed and then we would turn and bless the person behind us, marking the sign of the cross on the person's forehead. I was deeply moved by this but I was also very disappointed for Nathan because he wasn't able to be there for it.
On my way home, I stopped in to Walmart and there to greet me, of course, was Nathan! The first words out of his mouth were "What did we learn in church today?" So I told him about the worship service and the affirmation of our baptism. And standing right there in the front of Walmart, I marked the cross on his forehead and repeated the words we had said earlier at the service. He then did the same for me. I smiled, he smiled. We hugged again and I was on my way. We blessed each other again on my way out! It is so refreshing to be with someone like Nathan. Someone who just yearns to learn more and someone who can be so full of joy and smiles when the worlds seems to be knocking him down.
On one recent evening we were chatting so I let him know that he has really touched my heart and soul and I just thought he should know. I told him about the blog I had written about him (which I originally intended as 'just a story') and he was so surprised. I sent him the link so he could read it. He just loved it! I hope to share my story of Nathan, and how he's touched my heart, with the church someday.
If someone has touched your heart or changed your world in a special way, let them know! It doesn't have to be a big deal. No gifts or fancy wrapping necessary. Tell them what's in your heart and let them know they've made a difference.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Counting My Blessings
I drifted off to sleep last night counting my blessings and all the blessings that I am thankful for in my life. I woke up early (5:05 am) thinking of the same things so I took that as an omen to blog.
I remember in grade school around Thanksgiving we would always have to write a story about what we are thankful for.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is my short list:
Motherhood: I am thankful for the blessing of motherhood. To me, this means that God had enough faith in me to raise three of his children without an instruction manual. Those who are mothers know that this is completely on-the-job training, most of which we learned from our own mothers. I thank God that I one of the best teachers!
My daughter: She is just like me, only stronger. She makes me laugh, she makes me cry, she always hits the curb when she drives my car. She is strong, dedicated, loving, a good friend, and a defender of our country. Thank God for my daughter; she is my best friend.
My sons: Two peas in a pod these boys. Two strong, smart, dedicated, mechanical, loving, caring young men who bring smiles to my face every day by the way they love life and live each day to its fullest. Thank God I have my boys, and they have each other.
Love: I am thankful for the many ways I give and receive love and I am thankful that there is so much of it in the world that it can get you through many of the worse times of your life. Especially, the never-ending love we get from our Lord.
Family: Immediate and extended, those close, and those far away. I cannot imagine my world without my family. Though we may not get together as often as we like because of time and distance, they are always in my heart and in my prayers. They are the lifeline and support system that keeps me whole.
Cobwebs & Dust: This one might seem strange to you. But the blessings of cobwebs and dust mean, to me, that I am blessed with the a shelter from the cold, a safe place to be. I have heat and electricity. So praise God for cobwebs and dust.
Laundry: Those piles of laundry that never quite seem to end are absolutely a blessing. These piles signify that one of our basic needs of life, warm clothing, is being met in abundance and we should be thankful for them. Thank you Lord for warm clothing.
Dirty Dishes: Here again, many may think these represent an endless, thankless chore. But those dirty dishes in the sink mean that we have been blessed, yet again, with food so that we will not go hungry. Thank you, God, for dirty dishes.
My Job: Day and in and day out I travel to work and come home. It takes a big chunk out of my day when I'd sometimes rather be doing something else. However, if I did not have this blessing, I would not be able to enjoy the previous three blessings. I appreciate the fact that I still have a job to go to when so many are not as fortunate and are struggling. I am thankful for the laughter and friendships that flourish there. Thank you God for allowing me to be employed and help support my family.
Friendships: I am so thankful for the many various friendships I have been blessed with throughout my life. From my best friend since kindergarten to the new friends I've made through work, church and the army - every one of them has blessed and strengthened me in some way. Friends are there for you. Friendship is powerful. Friends laugh with you, they cry with you, they can get you into and out of trouble, they can get you down and they can uplift your spirit. Each one, I believe, has been sent to me for a reason. My cup runneth over with this blessing of friendship. Thank you, God, for the abundance of friends you have brought into my life.
Freedom & Soldiers: I am thankful for all of the soldiers who serve in the military. Who serve to restore peace and freedom in God's world. We are blessed with the freedom to come and go as we please, wear what we want, thank what we want, and be who we are - - shouldn't everyone, everywhere have this blessing? God, thankyou for our troops and for the freedom we enjoy!
Remember to take time to count your blessings this year and thank the God who has given them to you.
I remember in grade school around Thanksgiving we would always have to write a story about what we are thankful for.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is my short list:
Motherhood: I am thankful for the blessing of motherhood. To me, this means that God had enough faith in me to raise three of his children without an instruction manual. Those who are mothers know that this is completely on-the-job training, most of which we learned from our own mothers. I thank God that I one of the best teachers!
My daughter: She is just like me, only stronger. She makes me laugh, she makes me cry, she always hits the curb when she drives my car. She is strong, dedicated, loving, a good friend, and a defender of our country. Thank God for my daughter; she is my best friend.
My sons: Two peas in a pod these boys. Two strong, smart, dedicated, mechanical, loving, caring young men who bring smiles to my face every day by the way they love life and live each day to its fullest. Thank God I have my boys, and they have each other.
Love: I am thankful for the many ways I give and receive love and I am thankful that there is so much of it in the world that it can get you through many of the worse times of your life. Especially, the never-ending love we get from our Lord.
Family: Immediate and extended, those close, and those far away. I cannot imagine my world without my family. Though we may not get together as often as we like because of time and distance, they are always in my heart and in my prayers. They are the lifeline and support system that keeps me whole.
Cobwebs & Dust: This one might seem strange to you. But the blessings of cobwebs and dust mean, to me, that I am blessed with the a shelter from the cold, a safe place to be. I have heat and electricity. So praise God for cobwebs and dust.
Laundry: Those piles of laundry that never quite seem to end are absolutely a blessing. These piles signify that one of our basic needs of life, warm clothing, is being met in abundance and we should be thankful for them. Thank you Lord for warm clothing.
Dirty Dishes: Here again, many may think these represent an endless, thankless chore. But those dirty dishes in the sink mean that we have been blessed, yet again, with food so that we will not go hungry. Thank you, God, for dirty dishes.
My Job: Day and in and day out I travel to work and come home. It takes a big chunk out of my day when I'd sometimes rather be doing something else. However, if I did not have this blessing, I would not be able to enjoy the previous three blessings. I appreciate the fact that I still have a job to go to when so many are not as fortunate and are struggling. I am thankful for the laughter and friendships that flourish there. Thank you God for allowing me to be employed and help support my family.
Friendships: I am so thankful for the many various friendships I have been blessed with throughout my life. From my best friend since kindergarten to the new friends I've made through work, church and the army - every one of them has blessed and strengthened me in some way. Friends are there for you. Friendship is powerful. Friends laugh with you, they cry with you, they can get you into and out of trouble, they can get you down and they can uplift your spirit. Each one, I believe, has been sent to me for a reason. My cup runneth over with this blessing of friendship. Thank you, God, for the abundance of friends you have brought into my life.
Freedom & Soldiers: I am thankful for all of the soldiers who serve in the military. Who serve to restore peace and freedom in God's world. We are blessed with the freedom to come and go as we please, wear what we want, thank what we want, and be who we are - - shouldn't everyone, everywhere have this blessing? God, thankyou for our troops and for the freedom we enjoy!
Remember to take time to count your blessings this year and thank the God who has given them to you.
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