Storms

I can easily say that today we were blessed the storm passed over. My thoughts and prayers are with those that have been affected over the last few days  and the families of those that were lost. 

Uncle Fester and Old Souls

It was late when I got home last night so it's another 2 blessing night. Yesterday, I was blessed to go see the Addams Family Musical with Mom and a dear friend. A little culture in this fast paced world is good!  

Today was, well, interesting...but it turned out to be great!  I was blessed to run into an old friend I have lost touch with and missed dearly.  He is an old soul with a big heart and I'm so happy we will be able to hang out again!!

Showing signs of improvement

Short and sweet tonight. I was blessed to surpass a goal tonight. My tennis partner and I had a tough match, we were playing out of our division and didn't expect to win.  We set goals to play well and reach a certain score. We achieved that goal and reached passed it. Must be getting better!

Miracles

Most of today was spent working in the yard. First, digging up dead bushes is harder than it looks. Second, when digging up said bushes prepare to bleed. Looks really good now that they are up, still have 4 or 5 to go though. While out in the yard we had a nice visit and heard a remarkable story. Hearing the story was a blessing, and the reassurance in miracles is a blessing, but the event itself really is our new friend's blessing. I won't mention any names since it's really not my story but it's just so incredible I have to share. 

Several years ago our new friend had a brain aneurism. She and her husband were told there wasn't much hope but a neurosurgeon came and performed surgery. She survived (miraculously) but couldn't move most of her body, there was no feeling. She was in a care facility and her family would ask her to try and move her feet and she just couldn't. She couldn't even lift a spoon to her mouth. Her husband stayed in her room with her on a cot.  One night before bed she prayed to God to help her. She said she didn't want to be a burden on her family and to please heal her or take her home. That night God came to her in a dream and told her to go to His house and put her feet on the floor and she would be healed. In the morning she woke her husband and told him what had happened in her dream. Concerned she couldn't get to a church,her husband told her not to worry there was a chapel down the hall. He strapped her in a wheelchair, she couldn't  sit up on her own, took her to the chapel, and she placed her feet on the floor. Nothing happened. They went back and continued the day. That night she prayed and said to God she did as He told her and to please help her. The next morning she woke up, sat up in bed on her own, and put her feet on the floor, she could feel again!  The doctors couldn't explain it any other way than a miracle. She told them that's because when God does something He does it right!

I <3 Fridays

Fun day Friday!  Today was a good day at home. Got a message early that an order I shipped that was basically MIA was delivered in time for the party they were made for. After the post office was no help all I could do was pray it would make it and it did!  That was most definetly a blessing. I'd also like to talk about this blessing:

This is a vanilla milkshake just like my Mawmaw used to make. My mom can make them and they are a little blessing in a cold little package. Yum!  I can remember being very little and drinking them out of my Chipmunks glasses that came from Burger King, or was it Wendy's?  Either way, in the heat of summer with no air conditioning that house cooled off with a milkshake. 

And because it was cool, and a blessing to see, the little dot is the ISS. Mom and I got to watch it for the 4 minutes it was visible!

de·ter·mi·na·tion

Some days it's easier to point out a particular blessing than others. Not because it's been a "bad" day but because it's been a ordinary day. Or so I think. There is always something extraordinary, it's just taking the time to notice. 

Today was one of those days. Got off work a little earlier, worked in the yard, cleaned a little, then ate and watched some TV. It is the little things though. Big blessings come in small packages.  I actually got a lot more accomplished today than I realized and spent lots more quality time with family and friends than I thought. I was determined this week to get enough done at work to make today an easy day and I was determined to get stuff done around the house today and in the yard so I could just relax a little in the morning.  I am blessed with determination. Firmness of purpose can lead to great things, including a little extra play time with the fur babies in the morning!  I didn't even realize it till I stopped to do this blog, which I'm determined to continue. ;)

Growth

Finally got to cut the grass! Woo!  The reason I'm excited is because we got this awesome new lawnmower/weed eater/edger that only weighs 20 lbs and I got to play with it. Yes, I'm aware I spoke of it the other day but I'm excited, okay? Anyway, while I was playing with the new toy Mom told me the seeds that we planted were sprouting. Now, to have come from such good green-thumbed gene pool I am lacking a little in the horticulture department. It was really neat to see them poking up through the ground growing. Growth is a blessing. Not just plant growth, or height growth, but all kinds of growth. Emotional, spiritual, educational, etc.  It's always good to grow. 

I'm going to mention a second blessing tonight. Today is my oldest little cousin's birthday.  On this day, a number of years ago we won't mention, when I was 11, this blessing came along and I was no longer the baby in the family...and it was fabulous!  Although things in life may not always be easy he is growing (there's that grow word again) up fast and has my love and my respect and I'm very proud of him. 

Yay for good business!

Lately my glassware orders have been increasing. This is very exciting!  I've been blessed with good business (and pray it continues). I've even been able to submit some designs for a horse show to potentially use as gifts. The timing couldn't be better and I'm very thankful.  

Triangles and Connections

It's Monday!  But that's okay because it's another day to be thankful for. On this Monday I was blessed to talk with two people I hadn't talked to in way too long. One I parked beside in a grocery store parking lot that I only go to once a month. It's always good to catch up with people. Funny how things like that work out. A woman that was a part of all three of our lives passed away. Her funeral was actually today. I had spoke with the one friend about it the other day, but the girl I bumped into in the parking lot didn't know.  She had, however, also randomly bumped into the other friend a few weeks ago much like we did today.  The triangle may be confusing but my point is that even though we hadn't spoke in months we are connected in ways beyond our control and cross paths at just the right time. 

Easter Weekend

Double duty again tonight because last night I wimped out with a headache.  I've rather enjoyed my three day weekend with the exception of the headache thing.  Finally saw August: Osage County and The Hunger Games.  The Hunger Games was very good.  Also saw some very interesting news this weekend.  Apparently the football program at Clemson has offended some people. Every November come Clemson vs. Carolina time both sides of the fence that is South Carolina College Football are offended but not for the reasons that have made national news. Now, I love to get on my soap box (shocker, I know), but I'm not this time.  This time I'm simply going to say that I am blessed to live in a country that, at least last time I read the Constitution, said I had freedom of religion. I also suggest reading this (after my blog of course). This man really put things in perspective for me and saved me lots of soap box time. http://sclayton13.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/our-god-our-school-our-choice-clemson-strong/

Also, this Easter Sunday, I am blessed (as are we all) that Jesus died for our sins  so that we may have salvation. He has risen!  

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

A break and some rain

Last night I was wiped out so tonight I'll double up.  Yesterday I was blessed with a smooth, easy day. Even got off work a little early. It's been so hectic lately I really needed the break.  The stop lights on the way home worked in my favor too ;). 

It was nice to be off today for Good Friday. Got to be home and do some lazy stuff and some productive stuff. Charlie got a much needed bath. She has some pretty rough allergies and an ear infection right now so keeping her clean is very important. As much as I really wanted to play with the new 20lb mower/weed eater/edger today it rained. As tired of rain and cold as I am it really is a blessing. The polens need to be washed away to make Charlie and the rest of us with allergies feel better. The yard sure appreciates it too.  With places that pray for rain throughout the year because they receive very little I probably shouldn't complain about it anyway.  After all, it is a gift. 

Good food, good company

Today I was blessed to have dinner with some of the best people I know. You never know who in this world you will connect with. Good food and good company makes for a good night's sleep!

Take me out to the ball game

Last day of tax season, woo hoo!  Even though my brain is fried and I had to get a tire plugged (thankfully God was watching over me and I got it fixed before   getting on the interstate) I was blessed to end my day with a very near and dear friend at the baseball game. It was freezing and we lost but I had a blast!  

Honesty is the best policy

There are still honest people in this world. Today I was blessed to have an honest man from a different street return a package that was mistakenly left on his porch. It was not a cheap package and the delivery company wasn't super helpful in helping find it. This man could have easily kept it and no one would have been the wiser. Instead he drove the package to our house and very nicely gave it to my mom.  People like him are a credit to us all. 

Play it again, Sam

On their way back to WV my friend and her little girl stopped to see our new house.  We have the piano, guitar, and my flute in the living room and since we don't have much furniture in that room yet, it is, as her little girl (LG) dubbed it, the music room.  LG wanted to "play" guitar so we went to the music room. She wanted me to play the piano while she played guitar, then she began to sing in the most fantastic 3 year old voice ever. Row, Row, Row Your Boat and the ABC song never sounded better!  Plus we got to do something together thanks to the blessing of music. 

I've always been exposed to music and enjoy all genres. I guess I just take for granted the ability for music to reach people of all ages and cultures in a common way. It certainly inspires emotion and creativity, even memories. So on this holy Palm Sunday I think I will listen to some inspirational and spiritual music before bed!

Compadre, confidant, BFF...🗿🗿🗿

Its not hard to figure out which blessing to talk about tonight. On this day, a number of years ago that shall not be mentioned, a beautiful soul was sent to this world.  God decided that after we grew up that our paths should cross in a restaurant spurring one of the greatest friendships anyone could ask for. I've been blessed with a best friend that can read my mind and calm my craziness. She is someone that never met a stranger and can be kind to everyone. She's a good balance for a synical, OCD, tempermatic gal like me. As always God had a good plan. Even though she is states away most of the time we get closer every day. Doesn't hurt that she likes Gamecock football (and all College Football) as much as I do either!  I'm proud to call her friend and family.  

I see you!

Yay for Friday!  And yay for new contacts!    Today's blessing is optical wear and treatment. Glasses or contacts have been part of my life since I was nine so I don't often think about it but I'm blessed to be able to get what I need to be able to see. Sight is a great gift and as much as I complain about going to the eye doctor I really am grateful to be able to get the lenses I need. Many people around the world would love to complain about going to the eye doctor. I'm very lucky and need to remember that.  

Compassion

Compassion, a blessing to receive and a blessing to give. I spoke with a lady today that is having a tough time with everything right now and could use a little compassion from those around her and it seems to be lacking. She sounded broken. A little "I'm sorry, can I help," or "I understand," can go a long way when people need for things to start looking up.  I can't do much for her situation but I can listen, pray, and show I care.  Never hurts to pay it forward you know. 

If you want others to be happy,               practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

-Dalai Lama

Progress

After tennis tonight we were talking about, well some random stuff really, but the conversation turned towards how some things must have been so much more difficult centuries ago. Things that we take as typical and easy didn't used to be. That made me think about progress and growth and how God has blessed all of us with the rewards of progress. New medicines and treatments develop as technologies grow. Products that were just a dream in someone's imagination once upon a time and now used daily. Things that are hard for us now will become easier for future generations, and new challenges will arise. Remembering the progress that's been made is important, respectful, and necessary to progress more. It's a blessing to appreciate. 

Excited little faces

I left early this morning to run an errand before work and got home late running two errands after work. To make it up to the furry ones I picked up a little treat while at Target. It was a blessing to see them get so excited and get those happy little looks on their faces.  It's always a gift to see excitement and happiness in the ones we love. 

 

Arctic flip flops

Being the youngest in my generation (always fun to say) is lots of fun. Especially on birthdays when I can point that out ;D. 

Today is my middle cousins birthday and I have been blessed to have her in my life for all these years.  She's a good mom and a loving cousin, and probably the smartest of us all. I can always count on her for a smile during the day. Even though she lives far away in the arctic (but got some stylin flip flops today), I feel like she is right beside me all the time. 

Me vs. the sprinkler system

I'm getting into this yard thing. Today, I tackled the sprinkler system. And then...couldn't get them off.  Finally I hit the right button and it cut off but I didn't flood the yard and figured out we have a pretty intense and awesome system so I'll chalk it up as a win. 

So today's blessing is the ability to learn. God made us to learn and grow and it's easy to forget sometimes how lucky that makes us. It doesn't matter how old or young, we are always able to learn new things, some hard and some easy. If you're real lucky you may even learn how to work a sprinkler system ;). 

The Great Outdoors

When I was little I was outside all the time. I even hid in pine trees for hide and seek knowing that I would be itching from the rash in a matter of no time. Then  at some point I stopped spending much time outside. Seemed like the minute I went outside I was itching or sneezy or a few times last summer dodging a snake...anyway, point is I didn't spend time in the yard. The outside is a blessing, and I've always enjoyed the beach and water even when I wasn't spending time in the yard, but today I was able to enjoy the blessing of the outside in our new yard and I don't have a rash or bug bites! Woo hoo!  I even planted flowers!  Pansies are my favorite and now they are around the freshly painted mailbox we freshened up today. ;) The dogs enjoyed staying out a long time too!

Playing a little hooky once in a while is okay!

It may not seem like much to anyone but it is to me; today I got off an hour and a half early and got to come straight home and stay home. Now, it's tax season so getting to come home early and hangout with the fam is really a blessing.  Time to get some rest!

Unexpected

Ever been somewhere expecting it to be a disaster and it turns out to be unexpectedly great?  Or you end up spending time with people you think will be one way and they turn out totally different? In situations like this the unexpected catches me off guard and turns out to be quite a blessing. Another great reason I shouldn't pre-judge. 

A little hard work

I have parents that believed in hard work and determination. I have been blessed with those same characteristics. Do the best you can and do it right with pride and dignity. It makes me sad to see people who would rather be lazy or scam others than to feel pride and dignity in their accomplishments. With tax season coming close to ending (insert ecstatic emoticon of your choice here) we get more information from the IRS about scammers trying to take refunds. Of course there is always the classic e-mail scams for people to claim their million dollars overseas. I feel for those people, they will never feel that sense of honest accomplishment that comes with achieving a hard task. Of course, I wouldn't be opposed to winning the lottery... :).  

Wellness Tools

It's April fools and no one tried to fool me!  Yay!!  That's not the blessing but still really happy about that. :)

Seems like lately there are many people ill or injured.  People I know or even read about in the news or on social media. I keep them in my prayers and pray for a speedy recovery. Sometimes I forget how blessed I am for my health. I need to remember to try and appreciate it more and do healthier things and be grateful I can do more active things.  It wouldn't hurt me to excercise a little more and eat a little less junk.