Monday 24 October 2016

Small and Wonderful Things . . .

 


"The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand. But who gets excited by a mere penny?...It is dire poverty indeed when a man is so malnourished and fatigued that he won't stoop to pick up a penny. But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted with pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days. It is that simple. what you see is what you get." ~Anne Dillard

A few of the small and wonderful things which bring untold joy into my life. It's the small things in life which truly mean the most. Simple abundance . . . it's the best.

 

This is Maryn with her daddy, Tom.  They look like they have a wonderful relationship.  Body language says it all.   I love Maryn and I love Tom.  Tom is such a gentle and caring man.  I have never had the opportunity to get to know him very well.  My daughter started dating him when she was at University before I moved over here to the UK, so they have been in a relationship and married for a long time now.   I have only met Tom a couple of times, but each time I have been in his presence, he is very polite and congenial.   I know that he treats my daughter really well and is a good husband and a good father.   I know that he works hard for his family.  I know that he loves God.  I can tell he is a really caring person because he always goes out of his way to wish me a Happy Birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day etc. on behalf of them all.   He does not have to do that, but he does it anyways.  That shows me that he is a very kind man, and that he cares for the feelings of others.   I don't think that I could have asked for a better son-in-law/husband for my daughter, or father for Maryn and Cam.  He is a blessing in my life and probably doesn't even know it, and I love him for all that he is to this little family and for the care that he gives to it.  I hope Amanda knows how very lucky she is to have a husband who is so supportive of all that she does and who helps her to be the best that she can be in the areas of her life which are important to her.  Not everyone is so blessed.

 

I love the opportunity I have each week to partake of the sacrament and remember my Saviour Jesus Christ in doing so.  I discovered this message on You Tube about how we can remember the Saviour past weekend and I have watched it several times.  It is touching and passionate.  It is a wonderful way to bring the Saviour into your home and to help to share this special remembrance with your family.   I love Elder Costa's voice as he speaks.  This whole video touches my heart in a special way.  I hope it will touch yours also. Please, do watch.  Its not very long, only about 6 1/2 minutes.  Its about what it means to always remember Him.



We have been well and truly fed spiritually this month.  First we had General conference, and then last weekend the special meetings with President Nelson where Todd and I were blessed to be able to listen to him and others speak not just once but twice in one weekend, and then this past weekend was our Stake Conference, where we were fed with wonderful talks given to us by our Stake Leaders and members specially selected to speak to us.

 

I love these special meetings that our church holds several times a year.  We live in a very secular country and most of the people around us on a daily basis are not believers in God or the Saviour.  It is nice to be able to get together in a group and be with others who feel the same about them as I do.  It is nice to be able to feel in that special spirit which is always present in these meetings and to be able to feel a part of a larger whole.

 

I just knew it!   This is a serious article.  It's a fact!  I had my suspicions, but now that it is in black and white . . .  well, I was right all along.  ☺

 

Ross Poldark  . . . .  need I say more?  Sigh  . . .



I think he is one of the finest characters to come to us in a dramatic series in a while.   With his stunningly good looks, fine character, conscience, work ethos, principles, fine (ahem) physique etc.   he embodies the perfect man.

 

We started watching the second series of Larkrise to Candleford on DVD last night.  It quite aptly began with a Christmas special.  Two months from today it will be Christmas Eve 2016.  I better get my skates on because it will be here before you know it!

I love that series.  I never tire of it.  Like Call the Midwife, Downtown Abby, Poldark, the Waltons, Little House, it is a classic that will never lose its appeal.

 

Prayer.  It changes everything.   It comforts, sustains, upholds . . . I don't know where I would be without its influence and power in my life.  It is a sacred gift and power which I hold dear.    Todd's MRI scan is today.  We have to be at the hospital at noon.   Then on Wednesday his Biopsy.   We have to be at the hospital by 8:30 am.  I will probably not write on that day, except for a brief note when we get home after it is finished.  In the meantime, during and afterwards, I pray.  Jesus prayed and He was the Son of God.  Prayer was important to Him.  How much more important should it be to us.

 

The world's cutest coin bank.  Oh, that I could buy one of these for each of my grandchildren.  Its so adorable.  The puppy gobbles up the coins.  Adorable.    I saw this and fell in love.

 

(source)

I think this is a fabulous idea.  I have a basket.  I am going to do it, except give it to a homeless shelter.  I'll let you know how I get on.

 

This is the best, BEST yoghurt.  I am eating some right now for my breakfast.   It is drool worthy.


And that is my small and wonderfuls for this week, although there were many, many more. My days are filled with them. A thought to carry with you as you go along your day . . .

 ⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰
Family are like branches on a tree.
We all grow in different directions
but we have the same roots.
⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰


Spiritual Enlightenment

 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Bumbleberry Pie Tray Bake.  It's good.  So.  So.  Good.

I hope the week ahead of you is filled with many small and wonderful things. May you be truly blessed. Along the way don't forget . . .

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════


and I do too!



12 comments:

  1. that yogurt may taste yummy, but one serving has 20.6g sugar...i hope it's just an occasional treat! xoxo

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  2. Hi Marie. Praying for Todd today and you of course. I know how difficult it is being the partner of someone going through these dreadful times. Lots of love to you both. Joyce, my sister in law, is still in intensive care. They are having problems draining her lungs although they took her off the ventilator yesterday. George spoke to her yesterday for the first time but said her head seemed to be in a bad place, she was very paranoid and distressed, to the point were they may have to sedate her again. Xxx

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  3. Praying for you and Todd today. I hope the scan is quick and the Todd is not uncomfortable.

    God bless your day everyone.

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  4. Darnit Sis! I knew it was too good to be true. Sigh . . . xoxo

    I am so sorry to read about Joyce Kate. I will continue to keep her and George in my prayers. xoxo

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  5. Thanks very much Suzan! Very much appreciated! xoxo

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  6. You are right Prayer is powerful and it works and I'm praying. I love the idea of filling the basket for Advent. I think I should do that too. Thanks for the idea!

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  7. How nice your sister looks after you!
    I hate that even about juice how much darn sugar is in it..:(
    I have my fingers crossed for Todd..tell him to keep his eyes closed..that's what I do in the MRI machine..just keep your eyes closed and think different thoughts or count the noises..

    I don't know of Poldark..I think I should:)
    Going to see that nice dessert but I must comment that I think your SIL looks so nice and gentle too..dads are pretty darn wonderful..Fred waits at the bus..I saw other dads doing the same today as we left early.I HATE getting up in the dark..LOL

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  8. You are welcome Pam! I thought you might like it! Have a super day! xoxo

    Done and dusted now Monique. He said it was nosy but they gave him headphones with a radio show on it to listen to. He is a bit more nervous about Wednesday, but anyone would be. Oh, you need to watch Poldark Monique! You will love it I am sure! My son in law is a lovely man, so caring. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know him. But alas, things are what they are. I hate getting up in the dark also, but I love watching the sunrise! xoxo

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  9. Glad to read in the answer to a coment above that Todd got on ok with the scan, so just the biopsy to go then the wait for the results we are all just keeping praying that all will be well....you should have been down here a few weeks ago as part of Poldark was being filmed again in Corsham the next village to us here in Box. Corsham is aprox 3 miles from us...I heard about it after it had taken place my neighbour Val was chatting to the lady in one of the coffee shops she had been asked to be a ...person in the crowds.....you can imagine how excited she was but I bet you will barely get a glimpse of her !!! But Vals going to keep a close watch....it's not a programme that I have followed no idea why not, just one of these things I suppose.....now about to go to bed, it's quite early but I have taken the pills at 8.30 a bit earlier so want to get to bed as I'm supposed to take them an hour before bed xx I am just thankful that that one little extra pill can work so well....night night xxx

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  10. People w/ claustrophobia hate the MRI scan..
    glad it went well:) Take care..I don't have Poldark:)When I do..will tell you..

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  11. I love the sweet photo of your son in law and grandchild. It is wonderful to have awesome caring in laws. I really loved this video too; it is awesome. I am happy you shared it.
    We had the same thing in September. We had a regional conference with a General Authority and the following week it was Stake Conference. I felt so spiritually fed. I loved that you had President Nelson; he is so inspiring.
    I will be praying for Todd and you as he goes through his MRI and biopsy. I know he will be OK. It's always scary but I think his prognosis is good with what you know at this point.
    I like the 5 fingers on prayer; it was a good one. I guess I'm a little surprized it came from the pope.
    Yes, the actor is a good one and nice to look at.
    I really like the reverse Advent calendar and I think I will do it too.
    Sending prayers, love, and hugs your way dear Marie~

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  12. How very exciting Sybil! Imagine being an extra in a show like that, even if you don't get on camera, just to be in the crowd. What fun! I am glad that your extra pill is helping with the pain. Thanks so much for your continued prayers. I know they are helping. Love and hugs. xoxo

    I know they are getting it in America on PBS Monique! But it is now season 2 so you would need to watch Season 1 first. Bummer! xoxo

    Thanks so much LeAnn! Prayers are so very appreciated and they do help. That video is one of my favourites now. I could listen to it every day and never tire of it. Love you! xoxo

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