Grateful Everyday

Thanksgiving... a day to gather with loved ones, a day to eat mountains of delicious food, a day to be thankful for our many blessings. Sometimes it is easier to set aside one day to be thankful on, almost as if we fulfilled a duty and now we can go along our way. But what is one day of thanksgiving worth if we don't fulfill the harder task of being grateful everyday? Everyday when the hours are long and weary, everyday when the children are whining and the dinner is burned, everyday when all the mundane tasks overwhelm us. Sometimes it is hard, so hard to remember to stop and count our blessings in the midst of the mess that is so often everyday life. But they are there; a kiss from little lips, a fleeting ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, a crackling fire in the woodstove. And not just to notice all the good things that are so easily overlooked, but to actually give thanks for the hard things, the painful things, the challenging things. This Thanksgiving may we not only give thanks, but stop to remember why we can give thanks in all things... because we serve a great God who gives us grace for everyday, who gives us growth in the hard things. For this may we be truly grateful everyday.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Resurrection

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week,

came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.
And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended
from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow.
And for fear of him the keepers trembled and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said to the women, Fear ye not: for I know that ye
seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.
Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples,
that he is risen from the dead, and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee;
there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the
sepulcher, with fear and great joy; and ran to bring word to his disciples.
And as they were going to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying,
All hail. And they came, and held him by the feet, and worshiped him.
Then said Jesus to them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren, that they go
into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Matthew 28:1-10

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For… Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Outside my window… a grey sky, some drizzly rain, and a green tint on the hillsides. Spring is coming!

I am thinking… about what to do after I finish this, I can’t quite decide.

I am thankful… that David is peacefully taking a nap giving me a nice break from his grouchiness. (teething I think)

From the kitchen... spaghetti for dinner and maybe some kind of huckleberry dessert.

I am wearing… my denim and blue and pink paneled skirt and a pink shirt. This skirt always reminds me of spring.

I am creating… lots of items to sell; cards, skirts, soap, candles…

I am going… to town in the next few days to do some shopping.

I am reading… “Lark Rise to Candleford”, so far I am enjoying it.

I am hoping… to finish above book before it is due back to the library, but that is doubtful.

I am hearing… the washing machine and the fan humming.

Around the house… it looks pretty nice right now, only a few little piles of things to put away.

One of my favorite things… baby boy clothes. They are just so cute!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

This is something I used to enjoy doing once in a while. I am going to try to keep it up a little bit in my journal and post it on here when I can. I did this one awhile ago.

The idea came from the Simple Woman blog.

For... Saturday, August 8th, 2009

Outside my window... the garden is looking wonderful, the corn is tall, the squash is blooming, the tomatoes ripening. Andrew is out there building a compost bin.

I am thinking... about how how close it is until the baby is born. The time has passed so fast, it is amazing to think about.

I am thankful for... Andrew's improved health. It is wonderful to see him up and active again. For our baby soon to be born. And for our hom, garden and animals.

From the kitchen.. comes the spicy aroma of apricot butter cooking down in the crockpot. I also made some goat cheese that is hanging to drain.

I am wearing... a green and blue plaid jumper over a green t-shirt, brown flip-flops and a ponytail.

I am creating... umm, nothing right now.

I am going... to pick some lettuce and carrots for the salad tonight.

I am reading... currently nothing, but I just finished Joel Salatin's "Everything I Want to Do is Illegal". It was very enjoyable.

I am hoping... that we get a good harvest from the garden, especially the tomatoes, potatoes, corn, and squash.

I am hearing... the washing machine in the other room and the goat crying outside becuase she is lonely.

Around the house... generally needs to be cleaned up, laundry folded, books put away, piles of stuff organized.

One of my favorite things... is sharing my life with my true love... working, laughing. dreaming together.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... September 1st, 2008

Outside my Window... blue sky, a warm day but not too hot, a much neater yard now than this morning.

I am thinking...that there are only 27 days until the wedding!

I am thankful for... being able to talk to Andrew every night while we have been apart for so long.

From the kitchen... nothing. Breakfast is long over and lunch, well I guess everyone will have to raid the fridge.

I am wearing...work jeans and my Montana t-shirt. My hair is in a braid and I am actually wearing shoes.

I am reading...You Can Farm, very interesting, informative, and inspiring.

I am hoping...to check off everything on my to do list this week.

I am creating... lists, lists and more lists. Some I write down and others are just in my head. Trying to keep track of everything is challenging.

I am hearing... a gentle breeze. Everything is quiet after all the activity and yardwork this morning.

Around the house... Boxes in my room and more packing to do, a little bit of laundry to iron and put away.

One of my favorite things... mornings that have a little hint of fall, my favorite season.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... organizing, packing, preparing.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... A pile of boxes all packed and taped.


To join in click here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

To join the fun go to the Simple Woman blog.


For Today... August 18, 2008

Outside my Window... the sunlight is beginning to get that golden evening glow. A breeze is gently blowing the trees.

I am thinking... about how amazing and exciting this time in my life is.

I am thankful for...the garden growing well, the good day I had working, my family, and Andrew.

From the kitchen... fresh corn on the cob!

I am wearing... my three tiered denim skirt and a flowered shirt, bare feet and hair in a ponytail.

I am reading... nothing much, there's no time.

I am hoping... that the next six weeks go by fast but also that I have enough time to finish all my projects before the wedding.

I am hearing... a breeze outside. In the garden the rainbird sprinklers are going.

I am creating... a pile of boxes in my room as I begin packing everything up.

Around the house... it is almost dinner time. Everything is pretty neat compared to how it has been recently.

One of my favorite things... is bringing my basket down to the garden and gathering the fresh produce.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... working tomorrow as a mother's helper, finishing the hem on my dress, sending the last of the invitations, packing and organizing.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Heirloom tomatoes... some from our garden, some from a friend's garden.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Go to the Simple Woman blog to join the fun.





For Today July 1st 2008...

Outside My Window... It is going to be another hot day. Andrew and Jonathan are out front tearing down an old shed.

I am thinking... how amazing it is that I am getting married in September, how glad I am that Andrew is back, how excited I am to go visit his family and see his place in a few weeks.

I am thankful for... the garden growing well, for projects getting done, and all of God's many blessings.

From the kitchen... pasta salad for lunch.

I am wearing... Bare feet, hair back in a braid, a denim skirt and purple shirt.

I am creating... a wedding gown. I worked on it for hours yesterday and accomplished a lot. I am so happy with the way it is turning out. Yesterday I finished it to the point of being able to try it on, it fits so well. Now there is mostly just hemming and some finish work to do.

I am going... to enjoy staying home and getting projects done then this evening I can relax and sit with Andrew.

I am reading... the book of Matthew, I am in chapter nine.

I am hoping... to have time this summer for some extra projects like canning tomatoes, making pickles and more sewing.

I am hearing... the rub of the iron against fabric and the sound of hammering outside.

Around the house... sewing machines and an ironing board for the sewing projects, several pairs of flip flops by the door ready for quick outdoor projects.

One of my favorite things... having time to sit and read a good book uninterrupted. It has been awhile since I have done that.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: finishing the dress and assembling the invitations.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...seaweed floating near the pier. I took this last time we went to the beach.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today June 16th 2008...

Outside My Window... The sky is blue and the sun is shining brightly. It is quite hot outside today. That should help the garden grow.

I am thinking... that there are many things I should be doing right now rather that blogging. There is a whole list on my dresser.

I am thankful for... my family, especially my dad right now. Also that there is only one week left until Andrew comes back!

From the kitchen... my sister is making cornbread.

I am wearing... one of my denim skirts and a purple shirt, My feet are bare and not particularly clean after being in the garden. I have my hair back in a ponytail.

I am creating... bridesmaid dresses. On Saturday Sharon, Melissa and, I nearly completed Sharon's. Now I just need to hem it and finish the lining.

I am going... to someones house this evening to look over embroidery patterns, and then to a coffee shop to meet a friend who is a florist to discuss wedding flowers.

I am reading... well, still Cranford a little, I'm only a few chapters into it.

I am hoping... that the seeds and flowers I planted will bloom in September.

I am hearing... a few birds outside, somebody in the kitchen, overall it is pretty quite.

Around the house... some cute new fabric waiting to be ironed, a messy room needing straightening, seeds to plant, lettuce from the garden to wash, and lists to check off.

One of my favorite things... is chocolate cupcakes. We had some last night and there are some left over, maybe I can have one for after lunch.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: planting, ironing, sewing, cleaning, writing, reading, planning, and so much more!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... nectarines ripening on the tree.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today June 9th 2008...

Outside My Window... is the back yard, pink roses are blooming in the corner. Beyond the yard is the garden, orchard, and animal pens.

I am thinking... about wedding planning and all the things I need to be doing.

I am thankful for... this beautiful day, that the garden is growing, for talking to Andrew last night

From the kitchen... fresh coconut, pecan, and chocolate chip scones.

I am wearing... a pink and blue, floral and denim tiered skirt and a pink shirt.

I am creating... a mock up bodice for my wedding dress. I finished one, it wasn't quite right so I'm starting another.

I am going... out to the garden to water later.

I am reading... Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. I read part of it a while ago, but I want to read it again because we watched the first half of the movie last week.

I am hoping... to get a lot done on my dress today, and also find an embroidery pattern I like for it.

I am hearing... some of Jonathan's gypsy jazz music playing in the background.

Around the house... a sewing machine is set up and also the ironing board. There is fabric lying around and paper for making patterns.

One of my favorite things... is wearing flowers in my hair. I don't think of it very often but it seems romantic and old fashioned.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: sew, sew, sew. Fertilize and weed the garden. Go to a friends graduation, and see another friend who has been in Oregon.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... garden sweet peas.


If you would like to join the fun go here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

I came across this today on a blog I enjoy reading. It originally came from The Simple Woman blog. It looked like fun so I thought I would try it.

Today ~ Wednesday, June 4th 2008

Outside My Window ... I see the trees blowing in the breeze and patch of blue sky overhead. It is a lovely sunny day.

I am thinking ... about Andrew as he rides up to Spokane on the bus. He left last evening for a visit home, and will be gone three weeks. I miss him very much already.

I am thankful for ... my family, my friends and for Andrew. For the amazing way God has blessed me and made my dreams come true in ways far better than I could have ever imagined.

From the kitchen ... there are leftover spice muffins from breakfast. For a little snack we had some dark chocholat covered malt balls.

I am wearing ... a denim skirt and navy blue t- shirt with horses running and the word Montana on it. I have brown flip-flops on and my hair is in a ponytail tied with blue and green ribbon.

I am creating ... this blog post, and working on wedding invitations

I am going ... to finish cleaning my room this afternoon and also do my laundry and ironing.

I am reading ... nothing much. I haven't had time to read a book. The only things I have been reading is my Bible and letters.

I am hoping ... that Andrew will call me soon. He is planning to call when he arrives in Portland which should be soon.

I am hearing ... Jonathan and Mom discuss setting up a Paypal account, the breeze blowing outside, and the hum of two computers

Around the house ... there is not much activity. We are all in the living room, reading, blogging, and setting up the Paypal account.

One of my favorite things ... growing unusual and colorful vegetables. I am enjoying having the garden all planted and anticipating the harvest.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

A trip to San Luis to get fabric for my wedding dress, and a trip to Solvang to look for green fabric for bridesmaid dresses, start sewing the dresses, finish the invitation address list, print part of the invitations, and maybe go to yard sales on Saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you... one of the little watermelon plants.

The Importance of The Resurrection

These verses were read last Sunday at the sunrise service. They really made me think about how amazing and important Christ's resurrection actually is. If He has not risen then our faith is in vain. How wonderful to know that Jesus did rise from the dead and that we have hope through Him.

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
1 Cor. 15:12-19

Meaningful

These are the verses that I have been thinking about this morning. Actually they have been coming to mind the last few weeks, too.

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Walking this Road

The day was a lovely, sunshiny one. No clouds were in the sky. The road I was walking was easy, it meandered through meadows and along streams. Birds were singing and flowers blossoming. The way ahead around the bends looked inviting.
I said "Lord I will follow wherever You lead, I will walk this road with You."
Slowly the road became harder, clouds blew across the sky. Soon it was very dark and there were thorns across the path. The road had become rough and painful.
"Lord I don't understand, this isn't the way I thought it would be," I cried.
"Will you still trust Me?"
"The pain is too much, I can't see Your face through the tears."
"I am with you still holding your hand" was the reply.
I answered "Yes, Lord I will follow wherever You lead, I will walk down this road no matter how hard"

This sounds silly now that it is written out. These are just some thoughts that have gone through my head as I have struggled with something painful. I am learning to trust more deeply even when I don't understand.

Psalm 56:8
You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?

Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

He is Risen!

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 28:5-6

A New Year

It is hard to believe that another year is already past. Looking back at 2006 I see a year filled with new experiences, new friends, fun times with old friends and family, and quiet happy times. There have also been times that were difficult, boring or painful.

Now I look ahead and wonder what the new year will hold. I have many plans, goals, projects, and ideas I would like to do.

There are two things I would like to focus on this year. One is to delight more in the Lord.

Psalm 37:4

"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

I want to know Him, serve Him, and love Him better and spend more time in His Word. I also want to trust Him more and be content in every situation He places me in.

The second thing I plan to work on this year is using my time more wisely. This includes getting up earlier and wasting less time. I can be a terrible time waster.

Glorious

The sunset this evening was glorious. It always amazes me how beautiful and unique each sunset is. They are like paintings done by God who is the true artist.

The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And on Your wondrous works.

Psalm 19:1 & Psalm 145:5

He Who Keeps You Will Not Slumber

Psalm 121
A Song of Ascents.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—

From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the LORD,

Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel

Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;

The LORD is your shade at your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;

He shall preserve your soul.

The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in

From this time forth, and even forevermore.