CHAPTER 2, PAGE 28

 

When I speak of doing something special for Lent, perhaps I only need to do one thing: to greet with reverence every person who crosses my path during the course of the day.

Some of the people I encounter are a great pleasure to see, and they always cause a smile. Others somehow manage to generate a feeling of dread. Isn't it a real act of generosity and self-sacrifice to greet these individuals with courtesy and gentleness? Isn't that making God increase and self decrease? Isn't it becoming less selfish and more selfless?

I'm not asked to perform miracles during Lent: only to give until God stops giving to me!

From one of my morning devotionals

Good Morning !

Over the Hump Day !

This week I’m trying to get my ‘clutter’ in shape a little here so my house will look a somewhat respectable when the ‘babes’ come on Sunday for my birthday celebration.

It’s amazing what I’ve accumulated since New Years. A stack of papers here, a few pairs of boots that never made it to the closet, a few books there and of course I’ve got those clothes that I took upstairs after I did the laundry that never did get put away.

Oh dear! I am quite lazy when I’m on my own. I’ve got this evening and two more to get it all done.

Work is ever the same – I always do the same things everyday of the week . It only gets more or less depending on the jobs we have. Right now I’d say we are mid-stage. Not really slow and not terribly busy. It’s a nice pace to keep.

Thought for Today

No day is unmeetable

If, on rising, our first thought

Is to thank God for the blessings

That His loving care has brought

Helen Steiner Rice

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

 

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CHAPTER 2, PAGE 27

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET

Grab your coat and get your hat

Leave your worries on the doorstep

Life can be so sweet

On the sunny side of the street

Can’t you hear the pitter-pat?

And that happy tune is your step

Life can be complete

On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade

with those blues on parade

But I’m not afraid because

this rover crossed over!

And if I never had a cent

I’d be rich as Rockefeller

With gold dust at my feet

On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade

with those blues on parade

But I’m not afraid because

this rover crossed over!

And if I never had a cent

I’d be rich as Harry Belafonte

With Barry Goldwater at my feet

On the sunny side of the street

GOOD MORNING !

I’m trying to chase those winter blahs away and thinking only bright sunny thoughts today ! This time of year we often get bogged down with the weather and the lack of celebrations like we had during the Christmas Holidays or Valentines Day.

All of the sudden life may seem to look a little dull and shabby. I’ve come to believe that attitude means a lot and often I have to really pump myself up. I like to dwell on the lighter brighter side of things and count my many blessings.

The song above was in my trivia search for today so I Googled it to get the lyrics. It’s been sung by a lot of famous people and played by lots of wonderful orchestras.  I suppose it was so popular because everyone would prefer the ‘sunny side’ .

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

God is His mercy looks down on us all,

And though what we’ve done is so pitifully small,

He makes us feel welcome to kneel down and pray

For the chance to do better as we start a new day.

Helen Steiner Rice

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

 

 

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CHAPTER 2, PAGE 26

The legend of the raindrop

Has a lesson for us all

As it trembled in the the Heavens

Questioning if it should fall

For the glistening raindrop argued

By the genie of the sky

I am beautiful and lovely

As a sparkle here on high

And hanging here I will become

Part of the rainbow's hue

And I'll shimmer like a diamond

For all the world to view

But the genie told the raindrop

"Why do you hesitate to go?"

For you will be more beautiful

If you fall to earth below

For you will sink in the soil

And be at lost awhile from sight

But when you reappear on earth

You will be looked upon with delight

For you will be the raindrop

That quenched the thirsty ground

And helped the lovely flowers

To blossom all around

And in your resurrection

You'll appear in queenly clothes

With the beauty of the sky

And the fragrance of the rose

For there is nothing lost

Or eternally neglected

For everything God ever made

Is always resurrected

So trust God's all wise wisdom

And doubt the Father never

For in His Heavenly Kingdom

There is nothing lost forever

Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING !

Our weather did take a turn for the good on Sunday and we missed out on the terrible ice storm that many others got. Thank the good Lord. By the time I left for Church it was quite nice out. I got my shopping done too !

As you see in the pictures above, we still have lots of snow around here. We may get a little more today, but only cosmetic coatings they say. In other words the old snow will get a new coating so it won’t look so dirty and dingy around the edges.

I saw two of my children at church and two more called yesterday afternoon to make their weekly check in. As it turned out DD and her hubby did not go on their weekend trip as her hubby had to work Saturday. That was a blessing in more ways than one.

Next weekend 5 of the 7 babes and their families will be coming in for a visit to celebrate my birthday. The other two and their families are justtoo far away to make the trip. Hopefully the weather won’t turn bad again and they’ll be able to make it. If not, we’ll just celebrate another time.

It was a quick weekend but I did get a lot done.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you've growled all day long.

Author Unknown

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

 

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CHAPTER 2, PAGE 25

You Never Know

You never know when someone might

catch a dream from you.

Or something you say may open up the

windows of a mind that seeks light;

The way you live may not matter at all,

But you never know, it might.

And just in case it could be that another's life,

through you, might possibly change

for the better with a better and brighter view,

it seems it might be worth a try at pointing

the way to the right;

Of course, it may not matter at all,

but then again, it might.

 unknown

GOOD MORNING !

I hope you all are doing well this morning and that the storms that have been hitting us have not sent any harm your way. I’m waiting to see if the prediction of an ice storm will come our way today.

I hope to get out to church and then do some needed shopping, but it’s too early to tell yet. I’m in such a habit of going to church that it would feel strange in deed if I didn’t make it, but if the walks and roads are too bad I’ll stay in and be safe.

My daughter and her hubby went on a weekend trip, so I’ll be saying a special prayer for them as they travel home. And of course I will also be praying for all of you too as I always do.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

What is the point of Lent?

For Christians, it is the time when we try to trim away some inessentials, and return to and refresh the things that are at the real center of our lives.

Brendan Walsh

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

 

 

 

graphics by:  www.untilthengraphics.com

 

CHAPTER 2, PAGE 24

 

Why don't people stop and think

Why don't they ever see...

That one of life's most perfect gifts

Is theirs each day, for free?

Take the time to watch a sunset

Or walk through a summer shower

There's nothing so important

That it cannot wait an hour...

Take the time to say a prayer

Make love or make a friend,

Play with children, read a book

The learning shouldn't end.

Take time to say "I'm sorry"

And learn how to forgive.

Let justice, love and loyalty

Dictate the way you live.

Take the time and use it well

Or one day when you wake;

You'll find that when you need it most

There's no time left to take!!

Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING !

Saturdays just aren’t what they used to be here. For the past month or so Saturdays are for spending time with my Dad. He still has not recovered to the point he was before the pacemaker surgery. My dad’s caregiver and my youngest sister has been staying with him constantly except for the one day I can give .

I’m glad that I can take the day and relieve her for awhile. He needs someone to be with him 24/7 and that is not an easy job. . The work isn’t hard, I don’t really do anything. much. I fix him what he wants to eat for lunch, make him a cup of coffee, I am by his side when he moves from one room to the next. I get the mail in . Just little things, but things he cannot do for himself.

I keep hoping that the next week will find him much stronger and that the time will come when he can stay alone again, but there is no guarantee of that. So you see, Saturday’s that used to be so common place, have become something more, a day to take the time before it is too late.

They say that we should see some SUNSHINE today . That should help to brighten us all up a bit. Even when you are house bound, the blue skies and sunshine  make a difference.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water.

Christopher Morley, writer (1890-1957)

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

graphics by:  www.untilthengraphics.com

 

CHAPTER 2, PAGE 23

God taught me some valuable lessons about life.

When people expect spinning and stretching the truth,

Be straightforward and honest.

When people expect harshness and cynicism,

be compassionate and understanding.

When people expect judgment and punishment,

be grace-filled and forgiving.

When people are struggling with broken dreams,

be a listening ear and an angel of mercy.

When you see need and opportunity,

be generous and involved.

Be unexpected.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

GOOD MORNING !

Unexpected by me was the Blast of Artic air that returned to us yesterday. Wednesday was a breath of Springtime and I was dismayed that it turned bitter cold again.

I was so sleepy by 8 o’clock last night that I just decided to give up and go to bed. I read for a little while and then turned of the light and slept the night through. I’m always tired by the time Friday rolls around.

This morning I’m well rested and am looking forward to today. The end of the work week once more.

YES, It's F R I D A Y!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

graphics by: www.untilthengraphics.com

 

CHAPTER 2, PAGE 22

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.

Love is content with the present, it hopes for the future, and it does not brood over the past. It’s the day-in and day-out chronicle of irritations, problems, compromises, small disappointments, big victories and working toward common goals.

If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things that are missing. If you don’t have love in your life, no matter what else there is, it’s not enough.

Ann Landers

GOOD MORNING !

Yesterday someone said to me “Oh, you must be retired now”. She was surprised to learn that ‘NO’ I’m not retired. I’m still getting up and going to work every day.

I’m guessing that to young people (anyone under 50) 62 , nearly 63, may seem very old. Maybe that is why she was so surprised, or maybe it’s the almost white hair that did it. Even though I may look ‘retired’ , I am far from it.

It warmed up to a wonderful 44 degrees here yesterday !  It felt so good.  The birds were singing away outside my work place in the morning and in the evening the ducks were honking away as they made their way home .  Itwas a beautiful sight.  We had a lovely red sunset too.  That should mean good weather for today. 

I owe , I owe, so it’s off to work I go…

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand. . . and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late.

Marie Edith Beynon

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

 

graphics by: www.graphicgarden.com

CHAPTER 2, PAGE 21

Send Them To Bed With A Kiss

O mothers, so weary, discouraged,

Worn out with the cares of the day,

You often grow cross and impatient,

Complain of the noise and the play;

For the day brings so many vexations,

So many things going amiss;

But mothers, whatever may vex you,

Send the children to bed with a kiss!

 

The dear little feet wander often,

Perhaps, from the pathway of right,

The dear little hands find new mischief

To try you from morning till night;

But think of the desolate mothers

Who'd give all the world for your bliss,

And, as thanks for your infinite blessings,

Send the children to bed with a kiss!

 

For some day their noise will not vex you,

The silence will hurt far more;

You will long for their sweet childish voices,

For a sweet childish face at the door;

And to press a child's face to your bosom,

You'd give all the world for just this!

For the comfort 'twill bring you in sorrow,

Send the children to bed with a kiss!

author unknown

GOOD MORNING !

Isn’t it true, our children do grow up so fast and I do take comfort in all the memories . No matter how old my children got, they were always sent to bed with a kiss.

Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent . It is a time we often give up something as a sign of repentance . There have been years that I’ve given up candy, or eating in-between meal snacks. Instead of giving up something we can also try to do a little extra like saying extra prayers, or even reading the Bible more.

One suggestion that I read said: Let’s ask the Lord to help us appreciate the people in our lives. Let’s ask that we would see him more clearly in those we love, and in those we find it hard to love: those who are argumentative and hostile, those who are cold and indifferent, or those who are demanding. This is one way we can deny ourselves—by finding the goodness we can find in such “difficult” people. Who knows? Instead of dreading them, we may end up loving them—and they, in turn, will draw us closer to our Lord.

Maybe this is what I need to do. I do know that I’ll be praying more and devoting more time to the scriptures.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I've learned...that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes

Anonymous

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

www.creativeladiesministry.com

 

CHAPTER 2, PAGE 20

WHAT LITTLE THINGS WILL DO

A crumb will feed a little bird

A thought prevent an angry word,

A seed bring forth full many a flower,

A drop of rain foretell a shower!

A little cloud the sun will hide.

A dwarf may prove a giant's guide.

A narrow plank a safe bridge form,

A smile some cheerless spirit warm!

A step begins the journey long.

A weak head oft outwits the strong.

A gull defies the angry sea.

A word will set a captive free!

A hornet goads the mighty beast,

A cry of "fire" breaks up a feast.

A glass shows wonders in the skies,

A little child confounds the wise!

A straw the wild wind's course reveals,

A kind act oft an old grudge heals,

A beacon light saves many a life,

A slight will often kindle strife!

A puff of smoke betrays the flame,

A pen-stroke e'en will blight a name,

A little hand may alms bestow,

A message small bring joy or woe!

The widow's mite a great gift proved,

A mother's prayer has heaven moved;

"Then let us not," the poet sings,

"Despite the gospel of small things."

Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING !

Back to work again and it should be a great week. Tuesday already and only 3 more days of work to go. I love short work weeks.

I really need to find a little more energy and do a few things around my house during the week. That way I could enjoy the weekend a little more.

Hopefully with the lengthening days and more daylight hours, I’ll be rejuvenated a little. It seems that even though I had a 3 day weekend, I still could use one more day here.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Have a heart that never hardens,

and a temper that never tires,

and a touch that never hurts.

Charles Dickens

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

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