Monday 17 July 2017

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.

  

I was feeling a little bit low yesterday morning as I was getting ready to go to church.  In truth I have been feeling a bit low in general lately.  The day before at the wedding, I had really struggled to move about at the wedding and so we had gone home early.  Yesterday morning I was struggling to get my pantyhose on. Its the knee thing. The way this impacts even doing the simplest of things is mind boggling.  I had thought I was going to wear the same thing I had worn to the wedding, but then at the last minute I changed my mind and decided to wear my blue dress.  I have a simple 3/4 length sleeved sweater that I always wear with my blue dress. Its one of my favourite sweaters even though it is old.  It has little bunchy pockets on the front.  As I put it on I realised something was in one of the pockets.  A little folded piece of paper.  I took it out.

"Always remember your Heavenly Father loves you 
and desires for you to be happy, 
for this is the design and purpose of this life."

There, handwritten in pencil in my own handwriting, an excerpt from my Patriarchal blessing.  I must have written it ages ago and stuffed it into the pocket of that sweater . . .  but there it was giving me just the boost that I needed on a morning that I was struggling.  God does work in mysterious ways. The tender mercies of the Lord are real, and not random.  The exactness of it always amazes me. 


The in Sunday School we were talking about the struggles of the early Saints when they were being persecuted and how it would have been so easy for any of them to just give up and walk away.  The thought occurred to me . . . in our troubles we need to always be on the lookout for the blessings. They are always there and except were it for our troubles, they might be overlooked, but our troubles help to highlight them.  An aha! moment for sure.

So, always look for the blessing.
You can't find it if you
are not looking
for it
...

  

We know that He is always there, ever present, all knowing . . . but sometimes He just likes to be asked and invited in. Not just taken for granted.  Invite Him in.  That's when the miracle occurs.  I know this to be true. 


Roof top companions.  I was watching the crows this morning.  There were quite a few on different roofs in the neighborhood.  I watched these two for a while and took random photographs as I did.  I love the clear blue skies of early morning . . . unspoilt as yet by the business of the day . . . 

  

No jet trails . . . no noise except for the birds.  I found myself wondering . . . what are these birds thinking, doing, planning . . . I was almost thinking that one of these might be a fledgling, but maybe its too late in the season for that.  


Having someone to share things with . . .  feelings, opinions, tears, laughter . . .  everything.  And not just someone, but someone who makes all of these things more meaningful.  A life partner.  A companion.  A lover and a friend.  For long as I have it, I will never take this particular blessing for granted.  My cup runneth over . . .  truly. 

  

We have been watching Joanna Lumley's India on the telly and it is totally fascinating.  I am so grateful that I have been born at a time that I can get a peek at these interesting corners of the world, without having to leave the comfort of my own home.  India is a country of vast diversity.  Incredible wealth and at the same time incredible poverty, and by that I mean a poverty that we cannot even begin to comprehend.  All that is modern is also inextricably entwined with the superstition and tradition of the ancient and the Holy.  Its just completely fascinating on many levels.  Not sure if I am explaining it correctly, but if you get a chance to watch the series, you should.


I did it. I ripped out all the blue that I had done previously and replaced it with a darker blue, and then completed it.  Cute. 

  

Other colour combinations I have been working with that I like.  Until I added the white scalloped border I was not sure about this one, but the border made it come alive in a way I really like! 


Even the scraps are being used up and this might be mu favourite one of all!  Love the colours and happy feeling I get from looking at them. 

  

A simple weekend supper of baked beans, ham and potatoes. Brown bread and butter . . . this time the beans were tinned, the potatoes leftover cold potatoes fried, and shaved ham from the shops.  Not gourmet, but oh so good.  A taste of my childhood.  do you think that it is the memories associated with such a meal that make it taste even better? Perhaps  . . . 

My life is filled with so many blessings.  Each day
brings more.  I am grateful for a heart
that seeks and acknowledges the
goodness of God in
my life.
...

A thought to carry with you . . . 

.° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~\。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門 ★

 *.˛.° ˛°. . Every good and perfect gift is from above.
~James 1:17  .° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •




In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Cheddar Macaroni Salad.  Nostalgically good. Very simple and very tasty. 

Have a wonderful Monday.  I hope your week ahead is filled to overflowing with an abundance of all the things that matter most.  Don't forget along the way . . . 

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

and I do too!


11 comments:

  1. Good morning Marie. Today is almost finished. Your post resonates. At present I feel so lonely and isolated. But I am trying to push through. I loved the story of the paper tucked in your pocket. I smiled and loved how quiet reassurance can seep quietly into a day.

    Despite my gloom I have had a day with little blessings. I have managed to change the sheets on mum's bed. It is a heavy job and even if I ask for help it rarely comes. Later I took Pip to the doctor for her immunisations. Then Will had finished work early so he came to the shops and we three ate together. Then we went to a baby shop and I so wanted to buy the baby a bed but most were over $1000. Crazy. I need a bed myself. I feel badly because the other granny to be sent gifts the other day and they were brand names like Tommy Hilfiger, Osh Kosh and other expensive stuff. I cannot do that but I have tried to help Pip to be ready with stuff like nappies, sheets etc. I know it is not a competition but I feel badly that our family is such a strange mess.

    God bless.

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  2. Hi Marie. I'm so sorry you've been feeling so low, although it is totally understandable. It's hard sometimes to find the blessings when you're in so much pain. Pain, wether it's physical or mental, is so debilitating. Are you still taking the ibuprofen? I'm not a doctor bit it sounds to me that you need more than a few physio

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  3. exercises.

    Suze, don't worry about the presents from your in laws. Pip will remember the love, support and practical help you gave her, not the make of the babygrows. Lots of love to you, xxx

    Have a good week Marie and I hope you get some relief from your knee. We're not up to much this week, but back to London on Friday. Lots of love xxx

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  4. Hi, dear Marie! It's sooo good to catch up with you! Sorry to be away so many days... we had a lovely staycation, and we we've been having such good weather we were outdoors most of the time. Gotta grab summer while we can! ;) I'm sad to hear you've been struggling a bit lately. Having a chronic problem can't help but throw a little shadow on the days and the heart. I think you are a brave soldier, and always good at finding the silver lining, no matter what. LOVE that note you found in your pocket. God's extra reminder. I think you should keep in your pocket daily, to revisit often. :) Looking forward to looking back through your posts of the last couple weeks and catching up more... Be taking good care there! God LOVES you! And so do I! ;) ((LOVE & BIG HUGS))

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  5. The ♥ is wonderbar:) AS well as your others..loe seeing the color combos..tried finding an oline ideo for the hearts last night..but I was in bed..on my Ipad..crocheting..w/ a People mag.. and I have 2 hands;)
    You get it I know it.
    Physical suffering is not pleasant at all..and strips the hahahaha out of us.

    you will bet better..you will.

    every step forward..feels like 100 at that moment.
    x

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  6. Your God moment was a blessing indeed. When we are in pain or going through trying moments it's hard to remember we have help right there beside us, every day. What a good reminder to count your blessings and remember all the good things in your life. Ham and beans with potatoes is one of my favorite things. Right now I have fresh green beans and ham and potatoes leftover in the fridge for my supper today. Green or brown, I love beans. Hope you feel better soon. Saying prayers for healing to be done for you. Take care !

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  7. Yes for sure God does work in mysterious ways, I'm so pleased his message arrived just at the right minute you needed him. I'm sorry your knee is not improving when do you see the physio again ? I'm sure that there must be something that can be done even if it's just stronger painkillers. Paracetamol is quite good but not strong enough for the pain you are in... I know that I have awful pain in my hip/leg/back area mostly it's worse around midnight I try to lie and pray it away but it dosnt work sometimes....most times ! ..but I have to get out of bed get leg on hanging onto the furniture and wall to get into the kitchen where I can get Tramadol these work after about 30 mins. Thankfully, but sometimes I'm afraid to move in case it starts up again so I well and truly can sympathise me dear Marie.....Anyway that's dealt with our aches and pains....hope today has been a good one for you. When Lura and John were here I joined the national Trust si I intend to make use of it even if it's just at places nearby. Today I took Mary and Val a friend and neighbour with me and we went to The Courts only about 20 mins away there's a nice restaraunt there so we started with lunch then a wander round the fairly level gardens..they have magnificent water Lillie ponds they were in bloom red, white, yellow, and a very deep Crimson coloured ones, needless to say lots of photographs taken, it was not to sunny so not to hot !! Only 28 on our way home LOL.....night night. God Bless. Love. From down in Wiltshire xxx

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  8. Oh, sweet Marie, I really enoyed this one. I loved all the quotes and I needed them today. I am feeling so tired. It's P-day and I am just exhausted. It's like I just want to sleep. I haven't had time too; but I would love a good nap. Our mission has been so busy since January and I love it but at the same time; I am feeling extremely tired. I don't think it is physical; but if it continues I will look into it. Anyway, your quotes brightened my day. I do know that God is in the details of our lives and I love the little and big miracles that come.
    I really loved the little note you found. I liked the thoughts of looking and appreciating nature. I need to take the time to look in the quiet of a morning or night. Thanks for reminding me to look more close ly for the little miracles each day.
    I like you have one of those sweet relationships that is just so good; and each day is aother blessed day together. Just think we will have an eternity of this at some moment of time.
    Sending loving thoughts and hugs your way! You lifted my heart today~

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  9. Sometimes when you are reading something a memory comes unbidden to mind. I was smiling when I saw you enjoyed beans with ham and brown bread for dinner over the weekend. It was such a Maritime meal... so "down home". When I was a child... and for many moons before that, community suppers in the summer were a way for churches/halls etc to raise some money for upkeep etc. They'd have "suppers" where you'd pay $5 and be treated to the most amazing meal that all the ladies of the community could provide. There would always be fish chowder suppers for example. But my favourite was the baked beans with boiled ham, scalloped potatoes, macaroni goulash served up with a side of pickles, brown bread, biscuits, rolls, pies of every imaginable sort, sweets of every type and tea and coffee. You could eat as much as you wanted and the tables groaned under the weight. The best bit was always seeing all the friends and family that you hadn't seen since the year before when they were visiting from "away". Those tea meetings hold such a special place in my memories. I can still smell the dust, the coffee and beans.... hearing the chat and laughter. Thank you for bringing that to the surface so I could smile and bask for a few moments in reminiscing. I hope you have a lovely nights sleep... and I LOVE the blue, yellow and white potholder. Those are my favourite kitchen colours. Sending a big hug your way. xx

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  10. Suzan, you are blessed in that you will have your grandchild right with you almost all of the time and that will be a very special relationship. When I had my oldest son we were back living with my parents, and to this day my mom and dad both have a special place in their hearts for him and he them, moreso than the others. At the end of the day it is the love that you give them that counts, not the things. ((((hugs))))I can only ever be the present giving grammy and I would so love the opportunity to give more than gifts. xoxo

    Thanks Kate! I don't really take anything unless it gets really bad. I suppose I need to just start taking it regularly, but I am loathe to do that and become dependant on anything. Bad me. xoxo

    Thanks Monique, not much art happening here, but plenty of crochet. I guess we go on binges. I do get it, lol, and can picture you with the iPad, etc. Can't wait to see more of your finished projects! xoxo

    It really was a God moment Pam and I could not help but share. Oh, the simple things like ham, beans and potatoes are the best I think. I am wishing I had planted green beans this year. We did not get any veg in. They are soooo good! Thanks for your prayers! xoxo

    Oh my dear Sybil, I am so sorry you have to live with such pain. I, too, bought a NT membership for John and Lura's visit, and I fear I won't get it used. We have only ever used it the once. Maybe Todd and I should do something this week. I have tramadol, leftover from some other situation, but am loathe to take that also. Looking forward to seeing your photos of The Courts. 28! Whew! Thank goodness it doesn't get that warm up here! I could not take it! xoxo

    LeAnn, sounds like you are getting burnt out. How much longer do you have before your Mission finishes? There are oftimes I am sorry ours is finished and long to be back on it, but then there are more times I am glad that my days are now our own to do as we will with them. I am looking forward to my eternity with my special companion as I know you are too. We are so blessed to have that to look foward to and we will be at our best! Love and hugs to you also. God bless. xoxo

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  11. NOelle, you are such a Maritimer. Well, I am too. I love those covered dish suppers and bean suppers that they have in those small NS communities. I wonder do they still do them. They were pretty much an institution when I was growing up! Thanks for the love and hugs. Sending some right back atcha! xoxo

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Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!