Attitude of Gratitude…November 3, 2011

As I reflect on having an “attitude of gratitude” and all that I have to be thankful, I cannot help but wonder about the meaning of the words.  Like so many things in this life  attitude is a choice.  One dictionary says attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling, typically reflected in a person’s behavior”.  Of Gratitude it says “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”.  Notice there are two parts…two actions…in the definition of gratitude.  When I think an attitude of gratitude I cannot not help but think of the words of Jesus in Acts 20:35.  “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Today I am thankful God has given me a dear husband with a giving heart…that we might be a blessing to others by sharing what God has given us by showing random acts of kindness to others.  What better way to show our gratitude (and Jesus in us) than by being kind to the people we encounter in our daily lives?  Gratitude is an attitude of choice.  Choice is made on purpose.  May I always have an attitude of gratitude to the fullest extent of the definition so others see Jesus in me.

What are you thankful for on this Attitude of Gratitude Thursday?  If you would like to take part in this weekly expression of gratitude click on the button at the top of this post.

Until next time…Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:  Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.  Psalm 147:7,8

Advertisement

Read Full Post »

No Blogging Blues

Really I don’t have the blues of any sort.  This time of year leaves little time for blogging.  Each day I think I might get back to it, but the things I would blog about keep me busy until late evening…then I’m more inclined to recline and knit for a while.

Because the cucumber kim chi has generated interest I’m taking the time to post and let you know I’ve added a button on the sidebar linking directly to Dr. Ben Kim’s recipe.  If you browse his blog a bit, you are sure to find other recipes you’ll want to try and lots of useful information. Speaking of cucumber kim chi…my third batch is in the works now.  The stuff is way good!

No blog entry is complete without pictures so I’m sharing just a few from my recent trip to Kansas.

Budding young chalk artists…

We never get too old for bubbles…

Our Kansas grands…

tiny bubbles…

Lily modeling her twirly skirt…she’s requested another one.  The colors she’s picked are pink, purple, red and yellow.  She’ll get it, too.  🙂

loved this flower…

Thank you for dropping by and let me know what you think of the kim chi.  When our cucumbers stop producing I’m going to try Dr. Kim’s cabbage version.

Until next time…no telling when that will be…

Once we assuage our conscience by calling something a ‘necessary evil,’ it begins to look more and more necessary and less and less evil.  ~ Sydney J. Harris ~

Read Full Post »

East To West and Pictures

East to West

Here I am Lord,
And I’m drowning
In your sea of forgetfulness… See More
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don’t want to end up where you found me
And it echoes in my mind,
Keeps me awake tonight

I know you cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before you now as,
As though I’ve never sinned
But today I feel like I’m just one mistake away
From you leaving me this way

Jesus can you show me
Just how far the east is from the west
Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been
Rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest,
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other.

I start the day the war begins
Endless reminding of my sin
And time and time again your truth is drowned out
By the storm I’m in
Today I feel like I’m just one mistake away,
From you leaving me this way

Jesus can you show me,
Just how far the East is from the West
Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
’cause you know
Just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other.

I know you’ve washed me white,
Turned my darkness into light
I need your peace to get me through,
To get me through this night
Can’t live by what I feel
But by the Truth your work reveals,
I’m not holding on to you
But you’re holding on to me,
You’re holding on to me

Jesus you know
Just how far the East is from the West
I don’t have to see the man I’ve been,
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
’cause you know just how far the East is form the West,
From one scarred hand to the other.

Just how far

The east is from the west

From one scarred hand to the other

A few pictures…

Cucumber Kim Chi (before fermentation)

beautiful double hibiscus bloom…

a surprise among the green bean vines…

home grown, home canned green beans…

another hibiscus bloom…a Cajun hibiscus…

and one final pic…a beautiful daylily…

I hope all is well in your corner of the world.  We’re taking each day one at a time and trying to do what’s right.  That’s a full time job.

Until next time…

A man never knows joy until he gets rightly related to God.  ~ Oswald Chambers ~

Read Full Post »

Finally Feeling Better

I’m thanking God I am finally beginning to feel like I’m getting over the sinus infection and bronchitis that has plagued me far too long.  It seemed to me it had a grip on me forever.  I’m doing my best not to relapse.  The air here has been ghastly to breath and flared my asthma up.  While the storms made their way through this part of the country I turned on the air conditioner and have not turned it back off.  That move is going to take bravery.  Yes, bravery.   Breathing is so much more than a luxury.

Enough of that…moving on to happier things.  Yesterday when I checked my mail I found a treasure.  Our three year old California granddaughter sent me a card.  The best part was it was her idea.  She made my heart soar and day.  Love is such a beautiful thing.

Moving on to another blessing…

My precious husband agreed we purchase a Vita-Mix.  It arrived yesterday, and already I am in love with it.  Yes it’s an inanimate thing, but it is an amazing machine.  Yesterday after reading the paperwork that came with it and cleaning it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, I christened it with my first green smoothie.  It will not be my last.  Before you say it looks disgusting let me assure you, you are wrong.  It was both delicious and so good for me.

As a quick side dish for supper last night I made pear/applesauce in about a minute and a half or so.  I didn’t make a picture of that, but it was a big hit with my no fruit eating husband.  🙂  Since neither of those creations satisfied my burning desire to use the Vita-Mix again I topped the evening off with a fresh orange sorbet sweetened with stevia.  It was impressive.

Breakfast was another wonderful taste adventure.  I made a frozen mango smoothie spiced with a pinch of cardamom.  There is no question…it was delicious.

In the event there is any doubt…

I look forward to reaping the benefits of eating healthy, whole foods prepared with this wonderful machine.  And as an extra bonus…It was made in the USA!

Until next time…

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.  Proverbs 15:16

Read Full Post »

No Matter Who You Are…

If this doesn’t make you teary-eyed I can’t understand why…It’s awesome!

Until next time…

Do your relationships control you, or does Christ control your relationships?  ~ unknown ~

Read Full Post »

Tea on Tuesday – Where I Live

As I compose today’s tea on Tuesday on a borrowed laptop, I am sitting on a strange bed in a strange motel room in Childersburg, AL.  I’m almost certain the bed was “Papa Bear’s” bed in the past, because in the words of Goldilocks, “this bed is too hard”.  The covers are synthetic and the pillows unfamiliar.  We slept but not like we would have in our own bed.

My morning tea was brewed in a stainless steel go cup from water boiled in an electric tea kettle.   I’ve no spoon rest for my wet tea bag.

All in all this room is adequate, but it is absent of all the creature comforts of “where I live”.

My dear husband and I were anxious to leave home for a few days.  It had been far too long since we were able to take off and just go with no particular destination.  It’s fun to take a trip for pleasure, but one thing for certain, it’s also nice to return home…”where I live”.

I have no pictures on this borrowed computer…so this tea party has none.  Be sure the joy is present…

Before I hit the shower so we can begin our day exploring North Alabama, I would like to invite you to comment on my “Any Day Is Tea Day” giveaway.  The wooden tea chest is lovely and the teas are delicious.  You can get there by clicking on the “tea chest giveaway” button on my sidebar.

Thank you for visiting. For more Tea on Tuesday visit these fine blogs…

Kimmie – Home of Tea On Tuesday

Patty

Pat

Dianne

Christen

Chriss

Penny

Jean

Debs

Rosie

Meadow Lark Days

You’ll be glad you did.

Happy tea day to each of you…

oxo Judy

Until next time…

The heavens declare the glory of God.  Psalm 19:1

Read Full Post »

Meet Leslie

It’s been a long time since I enjoyed aerobic exercise and almost as long since I’d done any with conviction.  This lady has given me a whole new attitude and with her help, I’ll meet my weight loss goal and have a healthier me in no time.  Going to a gym isn’t something I can get serious about, but walking everyday at home with Leslie Sansone is an easy commitment to make.  I feel better already and have dropped 15 pounds by deleting unhealthy food from my diet and daily exercise.

A week or so ago I bought 4 Fast Miles and A 15 Minute Jog DVD.  It amazes me, but I look forward to gearing up and sweating down.  I found this 3 minute walk video and thought it would be a great way to introduce you to my new friend.  Give it a try and see how good it makes you feel…then do yourself a favor and buy at least one of her DVDs and start walking.

Until next time…

Do you live with an attitude of gratitude? ~ “unknown” has asked a great question ~

Read Full Post »

The Enigma of Time

Time is an enigma.  It never stands still.  It can both fly by quickly and seem to drag on forever simultaneously.  It waits for no man.  We are all given the same amount of time with each new day, yet depending on where you are it is not the same time for everyone.  None of us know how much time we will be given.  Once wasted, time cannot be regained. We can’t see it, but it’s always in motion…always ticking away.

I’ve pondered time much the past few days.  My dear dad is 82.  His life on earth is drawing to an end.  He’s been my dad for 57 years.  By some standards of measurement that seems like a long time…to my heart it’s not nearly long enough. I’m thankful for the time my dear dad gave his life to Jesus and all the times he and my mom took me to church so that I might know Him, too.  I’m thankful when my dear dad passes from this life I know I’ll see him again on the other side.

Over time my family has been very blessed.  We’ve lost no one…soon that will change.  This song says it all…

We’ve been so busy over the past few weeks blogging has been sidelined while the needful things of life are taken care of.  Our parents have taken top priority.  Of course.  Many things could have been shared had there been time to share.  My dear husband, our son-in-love, and grandson slaughtered chickens, I canned the white meat and dehydrated the dark meat.  It was a day-long process.  This evening I peeled and canned about 25 pounds of sweet potatoes.  That, too, required a chunk of time.  Tonight I’m probably too tired to post…but I’m waiting…waiting for time to pass as I listen for the pop as jar lids seal so I can call it a day and rest.  It is time.

Until next time…

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.  For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:14).

Read Full Post »

As A Mom

This may be the fastest growing social network on the web.  This is a group of women much like you…mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts…American women who want to stand up,be heard and be counted.   We are women who want to help keep our nation free!  Check it out and join today.

There is a subgroup for every state…join your state group, too.

We can make a difference.

We are not alone!

Until next time…

There are more of us than there are of them.

Read Full Post »

Tea On Tuesday

For some time I’ve thought about joining in on Tea on Tuesday.  I adore tea parties and take time for tea almost every day.  I’ve finally managed to remember to share tea time with you.

This has been an unusually stressful morning.  Last night I stayed awake far too late.  My true love worked the graveyard shift…and I woke up feeling like I was dragging myself out of one.  By 1:00 I was ready for a pick me up, both physically and spiritually.  I popped a tea pot of water in the microwave and decided on a tea.  Sadly I am out of the one I had a taste for (Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut by Yogi) so I settled for a cuppa Lipton Lemon Ginseng Green Tea.  It has become one of my favorite when I need to get myself energized.  I chose a cup and saucier given to me over the weekend by my oldest daughter.  It’s porcelain china, hand painted Nippon.  As I sipped my tea I read several chapters from Psalms as a spiritual refreshment. The combination was perfect.

It was good to the last drop…and time to get back to work.

For more Tea On Tuesday visit Pat.

Until next time…

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.  ~Author Unknown ~

Read Full Post »