Today I'm thankful for God's provision.
Today is the six-month "anniversary" (and I use that term loosely) of the fire on our farm (which I wrote about HERE). It was a very surreal day and one I hope never, ever to repeat.
Re-reading the post I wrote about it left me in tears. I guess a slight twinge of sadness and loss over the whole thing still remains. But mostly the tears are because of the many ways that God has been providing for us since then, financially. In a year that's fallen through the floor for alot of people, He's been there for us time and time again.
God is good and I'm forever grateful!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Music
Today I'm thankful for music.
It sort of ties in with my post from yesterday about the piano. Sort of. But not really.
For me, playing the piano is more about getting things right - the notes, the style, the timing, the dynamics - than it is about focusing on the words. But listening to music stirs up all kinds of things in people, good AND bad. It can be a very overwhelming experience!
Take this song, for instance. The first time I heard it (in front of my computer), I was in tears. It just stirred my soul as I thought about the awesomeness of God. Grab a Kleenex, mute the music at the bottom, and take a listen.
(Sorry about the Spanish subtitles.)
It sort of ties in with my post from yesterday about the piano. Sort of. But not really.
For me, playing the piano is more about getting things right - the notes, the style, the timing, the dynamics - than it is about focusing on the words. But listening to music stirs up all kinds of things in people, good AND bad. It can be a very overwhelming experience!
Take this song, for instance. The first time I heard it (in front of my computer), I was in tears. It just stirred my soul as I thought about the awesomeness of God. Grab a Kleenex, mute the music at the bottom, and take a listen.
(Sorry about the Spanish subtitles.)
Monday, November 9, 2009
My Piano
Today I'm thankful for my piano.
These days, that instrument brings me nothing but pleasure. I wouldn't have been able to say that during my growing-up years though, when I was taking lessons and made to practice.
But now, I love to play and am so thankful I stuck with it! Depending on the music I choose, it can be either relaxing or challenging for me. I haven't worked my way through a difficult piece in awhile, but will have to keep an eye open for something new to muddle through.
Can any of you piano players out there recommend something?
These days, that instrument brings me nothing but pleasure. I wouldn't have been able to say that during my growing-up years though, when I was taking lessons and made to practice.
But now, I love to play and am so thankful I stuck with it! Depending on the music I choose, it can be either relaxing or challenging for me. I haven't worked my way through a difficult piece in awhile, but will have to keep an eye open for something new to muddle through.
Can any of you piano players out there recommend something?
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Peace and Quiet
Today I'm thankful for peace and quiet.
We've had a shingling crew working at our house. Need I say more?
Yesterday I was bound and determined not to move from my favorite spot - the family room couch. Even though the guys had their radio turned on fairly loudly, sitting right above me on the family room roof, I was determined. First I heard country music, then it sounded like what could possibly be a football game. Yep - football alright. The minute I wondered who was playing, they cranked it up so I could hear my beloved Iowa Hawkeyes! Now, I'd rather watch it on TV, but they made it possible for me to hear the announcer's play-by-play coverage of the entire game without me ever having to leave the couch! Wasn't that so nice of them?
So no noise today - a most welcome reprieve!
We've had a shingling crew working at our house. Need I say more?
Yesterday I was bound and determined not to move from my favorite spot - the family room couch. Even though the guys had their radio turned on fairly loudly, sitting right above me on the family room roof, I was determined. First I heard country music, then it sounded like what could possibly be a football game. Yep - football alright. The minute I wondered who was playing, they cranked it up so I could hear my beloved Iowa Hawkeyes! Now, I'd rather watch it on TV, but they made it possible for me to hear the announcer's play-by-play coverage of the entire game without me ever having to leave the couch! Wasn't that so nice of them?
So no noise today - a most welcome reprieve!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
An Austen Heroine?
Since I just posted this morning about my Jane Austen book marathon this year, I thought I'd share the results of this little quiz I took. Fun!
Books
Today I'm thankful for books.
Being a homeschool mom, I try to invest in good, quality books and to see that my girls read alot. Right now, Brittany is reading The Swiss Family Robinson and Suzanne is reading the Misty horse books. Together we're reading The Diary of Anne Frank.
This year my reading goal was to make it through as many Jane Austen books as I could. Early on, I purchased The Complete Novels of Jane Austen and have made it through Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice and Mansfield Park. I'm hoping to finish Emma this week so I can move on to Northanger Abbey, then Persuasion and finally Lady Susan.
The 7-in-1 book? Not such a good idea, as it's a chunky 1,431 pages - a bit much to hold while reading horizontally in bed!
Care to share what you're reading?
Being a homeschool mom, I try to invest in good, quality books and to see that my girls read alot. Right now, Brittany is reading The Swiss Family Robinson and Suzanne is reading the Misty horse books. Together we're reading The Diary of Anne Frank.
This year my reading goal was to make it through as many Jane Austen books as I could. Early on, I purchased The Complete Novels of Jane Austen and have made it through Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice and Mansfield Park. I'm hoping to finish Emma this week so I can move on to Northanger Abbey, then Persuasion and finally Lady Susan.
The 7-in-1 book? Not such a good idea, as it's a chunky 1,431 pages - a bit much to hold while reading horizontally in bed!
Care to share what you're reading?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Modern Conveniences
Today I'm thankful for modern conveniences.
Completing six loads of laundry today, I guess I'm talking mostly about my washer and dryer. Thinking about my post yesterday, I can't imagine what my back (or my HANDS, for that matter) would be like if I had to do each load by hand either down at the river, or in my washtub in my primitive kitchen.
Running water, electricity, cell phones, indoor plumbing, microwaves, etc. all make my life so much easier and cut my work load down SO much! I guess I'm thankful, too, to be living today, as opposed to 100 years ago when they worked their fingers to the bone!
(Funny side story: a friend asked his grandmother to tell him about the "good 'ole days" and she replied, "Well - there wasn't nothin' good ABOUT 'em!")
Is there a modern convenience that you're more thankful for than others?
Completing six loads of laundry today, I guess I'm talking mostly about my washer and dryer. Thinking about my post yesterday, I can't imagine what my back (or my HANDS, for that matter) would be like if I had to do each load by hand either down at the river, or in my washtub in my primitive kitchen.
Running water, electricity, cell phones, indoor plumbing, microwaves, etc. all make my life so much easier and cut my work load down SO much! I guess I'm thankful, too, to be living today, as opposed to 100 years ago when they worked their fingers to the bone!
(Funny side story: a friend asked his grandmother to tell him about the "good 'ole days" and she replied, "Well - there wasn't nothin' good ABOUT 'em!")
Is there a modern convenience that you're more thankful for than others?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A Strong Back
Today I'm thankful for a strong back.
Ten years ago, when my kids were 1.5, 4.5 and 10.5, I had back trouble. BAD trouble! My family was in church on a Sunday morning, and I was home, feeling not quite right. Getting myself out of the recliner was a nightmare, but crawling on my hands and knees towards the master bathroom was even worse. It took me over 20 minutes to go 20 feet. As tears pooled on the insides of my glasses and I finally reached the foot of my bed, I knew I couldn't make it any further. My family found me laying on the floor, next to the bed, crying. And believe it or not, I laid there in the same position, in the same clothes, for the next four days. I could not move. I could roll and that was it.
Oh, man - those were some dark days! My chiropractors made several house calls but I ended up in the hospital for almost a week. Lots of shots and lots of treatments wasn't much fun. And the only thing I had to do in order to go home was walk. Just walk! And yet I couldn't do it.
These days, my back is good. But ya know? I'll never take for granted the simple task of bending. Bending to put jeans on. Bending to use the bathroom. Bending to lean over the sink to put makeup on.
We treat our backs terribly sometimes. It's a wonder they still serve us!
Ten years ago, when my kids were 1.5, 4.5 and 10.5, I had back trouble. BAD trouble! My family was in church on a Sunday morning, and I was home, feeling not quite right. Getting myself out of the recliner was a nightmare, but crawling on my hands and knees towards the master bathroom was even worse. It took me over 20 minutes to go 20 feet. As tears pooled on the insides of my glasses and I finally reached the foot of my bed, I knew I couldn't make it any further. My family found me laying on the floor, next to the bed, crying. And believe it or not, I laid there in the same position, in the same clothes, for the next four days. I could not move. I could roll and that was it.
Oh, man - those were some dark days! My chiropractors made several house calls but I ended up in the hospital for almost a week. Lots of shots and lots of treatments wasn't much fun. And the only thing I had to do in order to go home was walk. Just walk! And yet I couldn't do it.
These days, my back is good. But ya know? I'll never take for granted the simple task of bending. Bending to put jeans on. Bending to use the bathroom. Bending to lean over the sink to put makeup on.
We treat our backs terribly sometimes. It's a wonder they still serve us!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Our Doctor
Today I'm thankful for doctors - specifically, OUR doctor.
Even though I haven't had to take anyone in my family to see him in quite some time, it's a comfort to know that he is close and that we can get in to see him within hours.
He is calm, relaxed, easy-going and in no big hurry. I'm sure not everyone would appreciate those qualities in their physician, but I sure do. He presents us with options, creates a peaceful atmosphere, and even gives us free samples sometimes.
And, hey - who doesn't love free samples?!
Even though I haven't had to take anyone in my family to see him in quite some time, it's a comfort to know that he is close and that we can get in to see him within hours.
He is calm, relaxed, easy-going and in no big hurry. I'm sure not everyone would appreciate those qualities in their physician, but I sure do. He presents us with options, creates a peaceful atmosphere, and even gives us free samples sometimes.
And, hey - who doesn't love free samples?!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Internet
Today I'm thankful for the internet.
I recently found some interesting information about it HERE. To sum it up, "the Internet was invented by the US Department of Defence as a means of communication if we were attacked by Russia. That was in 1969. The WWW on the other hand was invented by an Englishman called Tim Berners-Lee in Switzerland in 1989. The Internet dates back to the 1950s and 60s, although few of us knew of it then as it was part of the American defence system."
I'm sure no one back then could have imagined it working the way it does today: online dating, blogging, shopping, FaceBooking, investigating, treasure hunting, Googling, schooling, etc. I can still remember the first time I was able to get online in my own home (on my monstrous desktop computer) and send an e-card to a friend, and send an attachment by email. I thought that was amazing stuff!
Does it not just blow your mind when you think about its impact on your life?
I recently found some interesting information about it HERE. To sum it up, "the Internet was invented by the US Department of Defence as a means of communication if we were attacked by Russia. That was in 1969. The WWW on the other hand was invented by an Englishman called Tim Berners-Lee in Switzerland in 1989. The Internet dates back to the 1950s and 60s, although few of us knew of it then as it was part of the American defence system."
I'm sure no one back then could have imagined it working the way it does today: online dating, blogging, shopping, FaceBooking, investigating, treasure hunting, Googling, schooling, etc. I can still remember the first time I was able to get online in my own home (on my monstrous desktop computer) and send an e-card to a friend, and send an attachment by email. I thought that was amazing stuff!
Does it not just blow your mind when you think about its impact on your life?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Wood Floors
Today I'm thankful for wood floors.
When we moved into our house about nine years ago, most every room was carpeted. Now, I don't necessarily mind carpet, but I DO NOT LIKE IT IN KITCHENS! Every egg that fell off the counter, every drop of grape juice that spilled, and every plastic bottle of ketchup that tumbled out of the frig and broke had me grinding my teeth! So two years ago, Gary replaced our kitchen carpet with manufactured hardwood.
Ladies, if I gained a nickel for every time I was thankful for that, I would be a wealthy woman today!
When we moved into our house about nine years ago, most every room was carpeted. Now, I don't necessarily mind carpet, but I DO NOT LIKE IT IN KITCHENS! Every egg that fell off the counter, every drop of grape juice that spilled, and every plastic bottle of ketchup that tumbled out of the frig and broke had me grinding my teeth! So two years ago, Gary replaced our kitchen carpet with manufactured hardwood.
Ladies, if I gained a nickel for every time I was thankful for that, I would be a wealthy woman today!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Blog Friends
Today I'm thankful for all my wonderful blog friends.
I had no idea the vast amount of blessings I'd receive from meeting you all! You've sent me cards and gifts, helped me figure out the technical how-to's of blogging, trusted me with more of your private lives than you share publicly, been an encouragement to me through my own struggles and let me pray for you during yours. I had a pretty full plate when I began blogging, but now I can't imagine how I managed to "live" without so many of you! You have truly become my Friends, and I'm thankful for each of you!
I had no idea the vast amount of blessings I'd receive from meeting you all! You've sent me cards and gifts, helped me figure out the technical how-to's of blogging, trusted me with more of your private lives than you share publicly, been an encouragement to me through my own struggles and let me pray for you during yours. I had a pretty full plate when I began blogging, but now I can't imagine how I managed to "live" without so many of you! You have truly become my Friends, and I'm thankful for each of you!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
2009 Giving Thanks Challenge
In honor of the month of November, which boasts a most wonderful holiday, I'd like to encourage all of you to join me for the 3rd Annual Giving Thanks Challenge! All you have to do is post one thing you're thankful for each day somewhere on your blog. It doesn't even have to be an actual thought-out post. Just start making a list on your sidebar if you want - somewhere you can see it every day to encourage an attitude of thankfulness.
Wanna join me? Here's the scoop:
Grab the button. Copy the code under the button in my sidebar and paste it into an HTML Java Script element on your own sidebar to let all your friends know you're joining in.
Write a short post on your own blog. This is a great way to encourage your readers to begin as well - to develop a more thankful heart! When it's up, copy its URL or Permalink (in Blogger, click the post title or the time stamp).
Sign in with Mr. Linky. In the box below, leave your first name and paste the URL you copied from your own blog. Then I can swing by your place now and then to see how your list is growing. (This is the funnest part of the whole month for me - reading your lists and making some great new friends!)
It doesn't matter if you start now or sometime mid-month. It's never too late to acknowledge God's love for you and His faithfulness to you! If you're like me, you WANT to be thankful all the time, but let's face it - it just doesn't happen. More often than not I need to be purposeful and intentional, and work at making it a part of my daily life for it to become a habit. Again. Accountability helps though, so let's do it together, okay? Are you in?
Happy November!
Wanna join me? Here's the scoop:
Grab the button. Copy the code under the button in my sidebar and paste it into an HTML Java Script element on your own sidebar to let all your friends know you're joining in.
Write a short post on your own blog. This is a great way to encourage your readers to begin as well - to develop a more thankful heart! When it's up, copy its URL or Permalink (in Blogger, click the post title or the time stamp).
Sign in with Mr. Linky. In the box below, leave your first name and paste the URL you copied from your own blog. Then I can swing by your place now and then to see how your list is growing. (This is the funnest part of the whole month for me - reading your lists and making some great new friends!)
It doesn't matter if you start now or sometime mid-month. It's never too late to acknowledge God's love for you and His faithfulness to you! If you're like me, you WANT to be thankful all the time, but let's face it - it just doesn't happen. More often than not I need to be purposeful and intentional, and work at making it a part of my daily life for it to become a habit. Again. Accountability helps though, so let's do it together, okay? Are you in?
Happy November!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Get Ready
Can you believe that the first day of November is less than two weeks away now? How does that happen? Days seem to roll into weeks, months into years, and here I am in my early 40’s already. Yikes!
With November comes another “Giving Thanks Challenge”. I sure hope that’s something you’d like to participate in this year because I would love to host it again! What an uplifting month it turns out to be for me - getting a glimpse into the hearts of so many women as they share their lists. I just love it!
The button and code for this year are over on my side bar, so you can grab and post it whenever you want. For now, it’ll lead back to this post. But once the challenge begins, I’ll change the code so it’ll bring you to the first official post. Getting the button up now might also help your own readers start to mull over and plan for how they’re going to join in, too.
How about you? What will you decide to do? Keep a numbered list growing on your side bar all month or a short post each day? Perhaps you’d like to write a weekly re-cap of things that came to your mind? If you have other ideas, I hope you’ll share them! Please know that anything is acceptable and highly encouraged! I’d just love for you to join in!
And I’ll leave it with that today.
Happy Fall!
With November comes another “Giving Thanks Challenge”. I sure hope that’s something you’d like to participate in this year because I would love to host it again! What an uplifting month it turns out to be for me - getting a glimpse into the hearts of so many women as they share their lists. I just love it!
The button and code for this year are over on my side bar, so you can grab and post it whenever you want. For now, it’ll lead back to this post. But once the challenge begins, I’ll change the code so it’ll bring you to the first official post. Getting the button up now might also help your own readers start to mull over and plan for how they’re going to join in, too.
How about you? What will you decide to do? Keep a numbered list growing on your side bar all month or a short post each day? Perhaps you’d like to write a weekly re-cap of things that came to your mind? If you have other ideas, I hope you’ll share them! Please know that anything is acceptable and highly encouraged! I’d just love for you to join in!
And I’ll leave it with that today.
Happy Fall!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Meal Plan
(If you haven't already left a comment on my last post, in which I asked for a few of your favorite, 'never miss' blogs, please feel free to. I have been having so much fun these last few weeks, reading your recommendations and getting lost on MANY bunny trails in the process. I'm afraid my BlogLines is now OVER my age!)
One of the things I did last Saturday was to make a 2-week meal plan for my family. I normally do just one at a time, but thought if I did two weeks instead and shopped for it all at once in the Big City 20 miles from here, I could eliminate at least one trip to the store. I'm happy to announce that after picking up just two gallons of milk yesterday at our high-priced, small-town convenience store 2 miles away, that is exactly the case!
I realize our situation is a bit different, in that we have our big meal at noon. I'm also cooking for a family of four each day, as we homeschool our girls. Throughout Harvest, Gary comes home for lunch, and then has a cold sandwich meal for supper. Anyway, it works for us.
I'm posting my Meal Plan in case you're in need of a few new ideas. There's not a new recipe in the bunch - they're all "Tried-n-True" (TNT). Usually I try to throw in something new now and then, but that must not have registered with me last Saturday. Oh, well.
I will gladly share recipes if you want. Just ask, and I'll post them! In addition, you can browse my sidebar for more of my favorite recipes, or visit my other blog - Leah's Recipe Exchange for lots of yummy goodness shared by readers from all over!
BREAKFAST:
Butter Braid
Waffles
Steel-cut Oats
Scrambled Eggs
Caramel Biscuits
Biscuits and Gravy
Easy Quiche
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
Chocolate Malt-o-Meal
Smoothies and Toast
Cinnamon Biscuits
French Toast
Omelets
LUNCH: (bigger meals)
Cheese Tortellini, spaghetti sauce, steamed peas, garlic bread
Homemade Pizza Bread, chips, applesauce
Roast Beef, potatoes, gravy, carrots
Hamburger Vegetable Soup, biscuits
Baked Potato Soup, garlic toast
Lasagna, cheese bread, steamed green beans
Chicken Spaghetti, steamed carrots, pears
Potato Ole Hotdish, peaches
Chicken and Dressing Hotdish, green beans, applesauce
Roast Pork, potatoes, gravy, steamed mixed vegetables
Cream Cheese Chicken Ring, steamed peas, peaches
Ham Balls, cheesy potatoes, steamed corn
Chili, corn chips, cheese, cornbread or rice
Crock Pot Cashew Chicken, chow mein noodles, mandarin oranges and pineapple
DINNER: (smaller meals)
Grilled Cheese
BBQ Beef Sandwiches (from leftover beef)
BBQ Pork Sandwiches (from leftover pork)
Corndogs
Macaroni and Cheese
Softshell Tacos
Nachos
Ham Salad Sandwiches
Frozen Pizza
Leftovers
Since getting groceries last Saturday, I've crossed off less than a dozen things, total, from all three categories. But I feel like we're eating good! And we went out for Mexican food last night, but that's the only time all week. Guess the Lord is stretching things! We've had a few Leftover meals, too. I don't like to have those real often, but with all the cooking I was doing early in the week, I had to use them or lose them. And leftovers are totally okay with my family! The girls and I have a "Pick Your Own Meal" in the evenings a lot, since Gary is gone.
Hope you're all having a great weekend!
One of the things I did last Saturday was to make a 2-week meal plan for my family. I normally do just one at a time, but thought if I did two weeks instead and shopped for it all at once in the Big City 20 miles from here, I could eliminate at least one trip to the store. I'm happy to announce that after picking up just two gallons of milk yesterday at our high-priced, small-town convenience store 2 miles away, that is exactly the case!
I realize our situation is a bit different, in that we have our big meal at noon. I'm also cooking for a family of four each day, as we homeschool our girls. Throughout Harvest, Gary comes home for lunch, and then has a cold sandwich meal for supper. Anyway, it works for us.
I'm posting my Meal Plan in case you're in need of a few new ideas. There's not a new recipe in the bunch - they're all "Tried-n-True" (TNT). Usually I try to throw in something new now and then, but that must not have registered with me last Saturday. Oh, well.
I will gladly share recipes if you want. Just ask, and I'll post them! In addition, you can browse my sidebar for more of my favorite recipes, or visit my other blog - Leah's Recipe Exchange for lots of yummy goodness shared by readers from all over!
BREAKFAST:
Butter Braid
Waffles
Steel-cut Oats
Scrambled Eggs
Caramel Biscuits
Biscuits and Gravy
Easy Quiche
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
Chocolate Malt-o-Meal
Smoothies and Toast
Cinnamon Biscuits
French Toast
Omelets
LUNCH: (bigger meals)
Cheese Tortellini, spaghetti sauce, steamed peas, garlic bread
Homemade Pizza Bread, chips, applesauce
Roast Beef, potatoes, gravy, carrots
Hamburger Vegetable Soup, biscuits
Baked Potato Soup, garlic toast
Lasagna, cheese bread, steamed green beans
Chicken Spaghetti, steamed carrots, pears
Potato Ole Hotdish, peaches
Chicken and Dressing Hotdish, green beans, applesauce
Roast Pork, potatoes, gravy, steamed mixed vegetables
Cream Cheese Chicken Ring, steamed peas, peaches
Ham Balls, cheesy potatoes, steamed corn
Chili, corn chips, cheese, cornbread or rice
Crock Pot Cashew Chicken, chow mein noodles, mandarin oranges and pineapple
DINNER: (smaller meals)
Grilled Cheese
BBQ Beef Sandwiches (from leftover beef)
BBQ Pork Sandwiches (from leftover pork)
Corndogs
Macaroni and Cheese
Softshell Tacos
Nachos
Ham Salad Sandwiches
Frozen Pizza
Leftovers
Since getting groceries last Saturday, I've crossed off less than a dozen things, total, from all three categories. But I feel like we're eating good! And we went out for Mexican food last night, but that's the only time all week. Guess the Lord is stretching things! We've had a few Leftover meals, too. I don't like to have those real often, but with all the cooking I was doing early in the week, I had to use them or lose them. And leftovers are totally okay with my family! The girls and I have a "Pick Your Own Meal" in the evenings a lot, since Gary is gone.
Hope you're all having a great weekend!
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