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.

 

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We had quite a snowy weekend. Everything is covered. It snowed most of the day yesterday, but I still managed to get to church, which was good. Glenna drove. After spending so many years in a country where we very seldom got snow, I am not that comfortable driving in snow. I know my limitations.   Anyways, it was nice to get to church and to be able to partake of the sacrament, etc.

In December, other than the Sacrament hymn, we sing Christmas hymns each week.  I love to sing the Christmas songs. They are so tender and sweet. 

The lesson in Relief Society was also very good. This week it was based on President Oaks talk from the last Conference, Following Christ. I love our Relief Society lessons which give us a wonderful opportunity to go back and study in depth some of the talks given at the last conference. I used to love teaching in Relief Society as well. 

 

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It was snowing quite heavily when we got out of church. Glenna was going up to her sons as her grandchildren had two Christmas concerts they were performing in yesterday, so I got a drive home with someone else. We got back here safe and sound which was good.  I stayed home the whole rest of the day.  I did not go to Cindy's for supper last night, but that was okay. I will get to see the Christmas tree the next time I go over.

And in the meantime, our world was wonderfully white, pristine and beautiful.

 

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Usually on Sunday afternoons I put Music and the Spoken Word onto my television via YouTube. It fills my home with a lovely spirit. I love to listen to the Tabernacle Choir. One of my life's greatest experiences was being able to hear them sing at the Tabernacle on Sunday morning in Utah in February of 2009.  That was a long time ago now, but it was a wonderful experience that I cherish to this day. 

I like my home to be an oasis of peace in a world full of chaos. When I step inside my door, I want it to feel like I am standing on Holy Ground.  That's not a hard thing to do if you only invite things into your home that are positive and uplifting, that bring peace.

I had a tiny bit of time this weekend to be a bit creative. I started to make a matchbox doll on Saturday. I have a few things left to do to it. It's not quite finished yet, but almost.  Cindy and Dan had picked me up some small matchboxes at Canadian Tire a week or so ago.

I always loved making these tiny matchbox creations. My eyes are not as good as they used to be, and I no longer have all of the crafting materials that I used to have, but I still enjoyed doing this with whatever I did have in the house. Maybe 2025 will be the year that I break out my creativity again.

Maybe it's time. We shall see.

 

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I've been enjoying my Advent studies for this Christmas Season. I have several that I am doing, and they have been helping to bring light and reason into my season. I am feeling quite a bit more Christmassy than I was a week or two ago. 

I am still bummed that I cannot post out my Christmas Cards, etc. though.  I know I am not alone in this.  This will be a Jacquie Lawson year. 

She does make beautiful e-cards. We can only do what we can do. 

 

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A supper of toast and jam. Is there anything more comforting on this planet? I think not.  Toast, jam and a good movie to watch, a cup of hot herbal tea.  Heavenly bliss  . . . 

I just love toast.

 

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I am so grateful for this little home of mine. For this wee life I have been able to shape for myself. I know that all good things come from God and He has been and continues to be very gracious towards me. I try not to allow myself to be afraid and to keep trusting in Him.  I do work hard, and I do sometimes worry about the day that I am not able to work anymore, or about what would happen if I got sick, but I try hard not to let those thoughts cloud my mind and take away the joy that is mine now.  To try not to let fear take away from or impact my peace. 

A life lived in gratitude is no small thing. It is everything. 

 

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The glow and warmth of candlelight. 

 

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If only . . . 

 

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The love of friends and family . . . the love of God . . . I am blessed.

I have so much in my life to be grateful for. I know that but for the grace of God, there go I.  I take none of the goodness in my life for granted.  I am one of the very lucky ones. I am truly blessed.

A thought to carry with you . . . 

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

 *.˛.I wonder if the snow loves

the trees and the fields,

that it kisses them so gently?

And then it covers them up snug,

you know, with a white quilt;

and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep,

darlings, til the summer comes again.

~Lewis Carroll ° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •° * 。 • ˚ 

In The English Kitchen today.  Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken, for two.  This was simple to make and very delicious. I highly recommend!

I hope you have a beautiful day and week. I hope you have time this week to find some peace and to feel the glow and love of this beautiful season in your hearts, to feel blessed.  Whatever you get up to don't forget!

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And I do too!