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 from the past week which brought untold joy into my life. It's the small things in life which truly mean the most. Simple abundance . . . it's the best.   

 

 

 

This was from my front window yesterday morning, but even more fell throughout the day.  This meant that church was cancelled yesterday as well as the Christmas Broadcast at the chapel and Ward Munch & Mingle last evening . . .  but no worries we got to feel safe and warm and all hyggy in our little home. 

 

It also meant that Audrey's funeral today has been post-poned and there will be a memorial service at the chapel at a later date.  The service at the Crematorium will be going ahead as planned this afternoon however, which we will be going to.  The Crematorium is local so it shouldn't be too hard to get to it.  I  hope I am not a blubbering mess, but I probably will be.  It is hard to say goodbye to people you love, even if you know they are in a better place.

 

 

My daughter has two exchange students living with her at the moment, one from Germany and one from Italy.  Cam and Maryn are learning about German and Italian customs.  In Germany on the night of December 5th, Children put their polished boots out and Saint Nikolaus comes during the night and fills the with little treats, chocolate coins, fruit, sweeties, etc. It looks like they are enjoying this custom! 

 

I got to celebrate two birthdays in my heart last week. 

 

  

 

On the 8th of December my youngest son Bruce turned 29.  I love him very much and I miss him. We were very close for most of his growing up years. Not so much now.  I am grateful however that he is happy and has someone special in his life that he loves and who loves him back.  He is a good and decent man.  I wish that things were different, but it is what it is.  Doesn't stop me from loving him, or caring about him and his life.  A mom is always a mom no matter what.  I hope that he had a lovely day.  I am sure he did.  He has a lovely wife, and I know she would make sure of it.

 

 

My youngest daughter Amanda turned 38 on the 9th.  I love her very much and miss her also. I had always hoped that we would enjoy the close relationship with each other that I enjoy with my own mother.  Alas, not to be. Again, it is what it is, and this mother't heart is just grateful that she has a good life with a good husband who loves and supports her in all ways, two beautiful children, a decent career, etc. And she is happy.  

All most mother's want is to know that their babies

are safe, healthy and happy,and mine are.

God is good.

 

  

(mom on her 85th birthday)

Sunday calls with mom.  I actually call her twice a week now and she is okay with that.  We mostly just talk about the same things each week, and that's okay.  She doesn't leave the house much these days unless she has a medical appointment, or banking to do, and of course the weekly Saturday jaunt to WalMart. (She has been going to that same shop in all of its incarnations every Saturday for about 50 years I think.)  We mostly talk about the past because she remembers that most of all and to be honest I am just grateful that I can still talk to her at all.  I know what a blessing this is and I will take it happily. 

 

 

 

 To get a book published at all these days takes a minor miracle unless you know someone or are an already published author.  So having my book published has been a great blessing in my life, full stop.  This has been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.  To have people wanting to buy it is another blessing.  To have them then leave positive 5* reviews is yet another blessing for me.  I will take them gladly.  It has consistently sold out of every lot they have put onto Amazon, which is good.  I think there is one left at the moment on the American site and all the others are out of stock.  I am happy that people like it.  I am working on another one which will hopefully also be published, but this one will be smaller and not so expensive.  It will also contain some of my other writings, and some crafts, art, etc. fingers crossed it will also be published.  So far as it goes at the moment, they like the concept, so we will see.

Just to be  published or read at all is a HUGE blessing in my life. 

 

 

 

I've been practicing this art throughout this past year.  It is hard work for me because I am not a person who has ever thought very highly of myself.  But if I can at least be at peace with who and what I am and have become, then that is an inner battle won.  

 

I'm trying! 

 

Its not as hard as it looks.  In fact if you practice this often enough

it soon becomes natural.

 

 

The smell of baking Christmas Cakes.  Does anything smell better?  I dunno!  This smells pretty good.  Cake is all baked and awaiting decorating.  I want to do something a bit different this year.  I have no icing sugar or anything in the house however.  I need to get to a shop. God willing that will be possible soon. 

 

  

 

Christmas cards which are starting to arrive in the post.  I love them.  Mine are going out today.  I had to send the books first, and now those are all paid for and gone off, now I can send the cards, etc. that I have to send. I think next year I will set aside some money each month just for Christmas post. 

 

 

 

Hooray!  I now have a bus pass!  Yes, it finally came through.  It took months and months and a lot of hoop jumps, but it is now in my wallet and ready to use!  And its good until 2022, by which time, with any luck I will be the regular age of someone who is entitled to a bus bass with the Chester City Council anyways!  Thanks Sybil for all your help! 

 

My life is just filled to overflowing with small and simple blessings.  Each day that I open my eyes, that is a blessing . . . to be given the gift of yet an other day.  A daughter who wants to and who talks to me every day on messenger.  A husband who loves me even when I am being a huge pain in the arse.  A warm and dry house.  Food in my belly and water in my glass.  A comfortable place to sit and sleep and rest.  Friends and family.  The Gospel in my life.  My list goes on and on. Life is indeed, very, very good. 

 

A thought to carry with you . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *.˛.°"Yesterday I was clever so I

wanted to change the world.

Today I am wise, so,

I am changing myself."

~unknown    •。★★ 。* 。

 

Spiritual Enlightenment  

 

 

 

BOOK OF MORMON CORNER - Today's reading - 2 Nephi 12:1-13:5

 Question -What kind of idols did Isaiah see? How can we be taught of the Lords ways and walk in His paths?  

My Thoughts - Gold, silver, horses and chariots and the work of their hands are those things which Isaiah saw in our day that we would worship. All the Lord wants is our heart, but sadly we worship so many idols which moth destroy and rust corrupts. When we live the law of consecration we look outward and not inward. We consecrate all our time and talents to build the kingdom of God. We take care of the poor and needy. It is overcoming the natural man, who wants to keep all his earnings for himself and to ignore those around us who are in need. By living the law of the fast, we learn to overcome our natural desires, and rely on the spirit for strength. We also care for the poor and needy. When we serve those in need we are only serving God. The opposite of the natural man is to become a saint. Only JESUS Christ and GOD the Father merit our worship. Anything else is false and will crumble one day. 

 

What stands in the way of me living the gospel all the time? Is it something I place in front of myself? In the moment do I chose something else over Heavenly Father? How do I use my time? Do I hold to beliefs about myself that are not true?  The Lord asks me to cast these things aside, humble myself, rely on Him. His ways. His paths. His law and His word. 

 

Tomorrow's reading (Day 53) -  2 Nephi 13:6-14:6
Question - How can you see these verses coming to pass? How do you make your home a defence against spiritual storms? 

 

 

 

In The English Kitchen today . . . Another Pot Roast.  This is a slightly different version, and most delicious.  Simple to do with tender, sliceable results and an easy tasty sauce for spooning over.  

 

I hope your week ahead is filled to abundance with small and wonderful things.  Don't forget! 

 

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And I do too!