Grateful

grate·ful   (ˈgrātfəl)  1. feeling or expressing gratitude; thankful  

2. causing gratitude; welcome

 

images via Hallelujahs by Holly and  Michael & Inessa Garmash

It's easy to be grateful when we're dipping our toes in ocean water with white gulls crying over head.  But are we grateful  when we're carefully watching our steps on slippery sidewalks, or shoveling snow ~ again?  I'm learning ~ slowly learning, to give thanks in all things. What are you grateful for today?  ~ Today I am especially grateful for all those who so faithfully come by to visit and for your kind comments.

White Wonder

I took a little stroll around the back yard while feeding the birds to capture some of the white wonder that snow brings ~ a long ago faded hydrangea, an empty bird house and an old rusty garden gate. . .  

  a run down birdhouse, a lonely fern and a watering can I forgot to put away for the winter. . .

   a solitary blue jay, an apartment bird house and my sleeping garden shed.  

   Do you ever think of snow as a cozy blanket that nature snuggles in, like we cozy up in a warm comfy knit throw?  I often wonder if nature likes this reprieve from the hard work of growing and blooming and reproducing.  I think while nature is hibernating and resting, I will do the same.  ~ Linking with   A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday ~  

Drink Up

In my little kitchen is a little cabinet under the windows that I have set up as a drink station.  No tea or coffee, but everything I need to make hot chocolate or my morning smoothies.  

  In the glass containers I keep my whey protein powder, chia seeds, honey, and hot chocolate mix.  I only have two of these green mugs, so they hang out here too, along with my Nutribullet that makes my smoothies and an old sifter that I use to hold the straws.  

  I ordered my Nutribullet from an infomercial and I love it.  It turns any combination of fruits, vegetables, seeds, or nuts into a healthy wonderful smoothie.  It is so much easier to use and clean than a blender or juicer and takes very little counter top space.    

  In case you're wondering where the marshmallows for the hot chocolate are ~ the dog and I ate them all.  I didn't think it wise to keep replacing them since very few of the three bags I bought actually made it into the hot chocolate.   ~ So drink up ~ a snowy night always calls for a cup of hot chocolate ~ with or without marshmallows.  ~ Linking with   A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday    

Sowing Seeds of Change

Like everyone else, I made New Year's resolutions and so far, so good.  In fact, they are going really well, so well that I've decided to sow more seeds of change into my life.  Instead of starting off strong at the beginning of the year and then losing steam, I decided to continue to set new resolutions at the beginning of every month.  But instead of calling them resolutions, which in most of our minds means promises to ourselves we don't keep, I want to think of it as "sowing seeds of change", which speaks to me of new growth.  

 

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In January, I tackled two very longstanding and difficult areas for me ~ drinking excessive amounts of Coke and picking my fingernails.   Both areas are going well, and new habits of drinking water and being kind to my hands are being established, thanks be to God who gives strength.    

 images via The Nesting Corral and Active Beat   They say it takes at least three weeks to establish a new habit and I thought that working on a couple areas each month was a great way to bring lasting change into my life.   I don't know about you, but there are so many areas of my life that need some changes, that it's hard to know which ones to focus on next, but I know changing my eating habits must be a priority on the list.  I realize as I am getting older and nearing 60, that I must start to listen to my body which is screaming at me through pain and fatigue, or there will be an even higher price to pay in the future.      Fortunately, I have joined a small group of Christian women and we are studying the book, Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst, and my daughter is on a health kick too, so I have lots of company on my journey and encouragement from many sources.

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The seeds of change I've chosen to sow in February are eating healthier and doing the exercises the physical therapist gave me to strengthen my back.  One of these months, eliminating sugar from my diet will be a seed I must sow ~ but not this month.  Baby steps for now.

Would anyone out there like to join me on my monthly "Sowing Seeds of Change" agenda?

If so, what seeds are you sowing in February?  

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Scripture Sunday ~ Giving Back

The other day I was thinking about all the lovely flower photos I have pinned on Pinterest and how they cheer and give sunshine to my soul in the midst of a cold and snowy winter.  I suddenly realized that the sunshine they receive while they are growing they freely give back when they bloom.  

 images via Vicki Horton, Moonlight Rainbow, and hepsylone    I was awed by their giving, which brought to mind this verse from the Beatitudes,  "Give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you again." Luke 6:38  

images via Cowparsley and Victoria Station   As I pondered this verse and the example of the flowers which give so freely, I stopped to examine my own life and asked myself and God, "How can I give more freely?"  Not to get back (although the verse does promise that), but because so much has already been given to me.  How can I give my life away to God and to others is the question I am challenging myself with today.  

images viaVictoria Station, Au pays des merveilles, and flickr   I hope that these beautiful flower photos so beautifully given via Pinterest bring sunshine to your soul on this snowy February Sunday morning.  ~ Linking with    The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays   

Pamper Yourself Friday

Does your bedroom soothe you?  Is it a haven, a peaceful place where you can rest and relax?  I worked hard to give mine that type of atmosphere.  Not just because I sleep there, but also because I read there, watch TV, and sew in my bedroom.

It's the little things that make a room special  and give it character.

So pamper yourself ~ fill your bedroom with things that reflect your unique  personality and bring you joy.  

   

  Stay warm and have a pampered weekend.  

  Linking with ~ Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday ~ French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday ~ The Shabby Nest for Frugal Friday ~ How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday     

Let Them Eat Cake

This sign is so me . . . my sentiments exactly.  

image via Sea Swept Hair   When I was younger and used to bake cakes, I would eat cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner ~ until it was gone.  Not exactly a healthy diet.  I don't do it anymore ~ but mostly because I know better than to bake or buy cakes.  I must admit,  I have been know to eat a whole package of mini cupcakes in one day.  I just have absolutely no self control when it comes to cake.  

images via Rhondas Rose Cottage Designs, Ana Rosa and Hepsylone .    But these cakes are just to pretty to eat.  Maybe ~ just maybe I could resist if presented with a cake this beautiful.  ~ Linking with ~ Hope in Every Season for Homemaking Linkup Weekend