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. 

  

The beautiful Clematis and Honey Suckle Vine which grace us with abundant blooms every year.  They will last most of the summer and into the autumn. So beautiful. 

  

Our Camelia has shed just about all of its blooms now, but these oriental poppies are now gracing us with their beautiful presence. They put on a lovely show each year! 

 

The Bleeding Hearts are also blooming and I have flowers coming on all of our Hydrangea. It won't be long until the whole garden is abuzz with bloom and bee. 

  

One more lovely Mother's Day with my mum.  I got to speak to her yesterday and she liked the flowers I had sent. It is difficult to know what to give her for gifts these days. Her needs are few.  But hearing her voice and hearing her laughter, what a blessing to me.   I heard from three of my five children, with the same two being in absentia. No surprise there.  I am grateful for the three that love and appreciate me.  I can't help but be hurt for the two that don't, but it seems to be a bit more bearable with each year that passes. No tears for me yesterday, well, almost  . . . anyways. At least they are not hypocrites, so that is one good thing. I had such a fun call with our Doug. He called me on my phone, which was unsual, via the facebook messenger. He was making funny faces with all of the filters on it, and he didn't half make me laugh. Even Jon got in on the action.  It was fun.  Messages from Eileen and Anthony also made me smile.

 

Church was pretty special yesterday. It was the first Sunday of the month, so after the Sacrament was blessed there was the sharing of Testimonies. I love hearing the testimonies of others.  We are encouraged once a month, on the first Sunday, to fast for 24 hours, and to give the money we would have spent for those two meals as an offering towards the Welfare program of the church, and members are also encouraged to share their testimonies with others during the church service. Listening to the testimonies of others is always so inspiring.  I love them and hearing about how the gospel has been touching their lives.  We get everything from young children to octagenarians getting up.  Yesterday a South African lady who is a member of our Ward even got up and sang, which is highly irregular actually, but we are used to her doing that now and it makes us all smile. You cannot beat her enthusiasm!  I love it. Just being at church with like-thinkers and other believers is uplifting.  All week long we are pretty much surrounded by wordly things and news, etc., but on Sundays to rub elbows with the Saints, is a pretty special and wonderful thing!  I would rather be there than anyplace else. 

 

We have signed up for Living Scriptures Streaming Network, which we can watch on our television and are trying it out free for the first month.  So far so good. We are enjoying it. It is really great for families with children, as there is a lot on it for kids.  Last night we watched Love, Kennedy, and it was really good, based on a true story. It is nice that there is a wholesome alternative available for family viewing these days.  Love. Love. 

 

We've been enjoying some lovely clear blue skies as of late.  The temps have been quite bearable for me.  I don't like it when it gets too hot.  I like it kind of in-between, and a sunny day is just a wonderful thing. You can see the garden coming by leaps and bounds when we have a run of sunny weather.  I love it! 

  

Pizza for Mother's Day.  We actually got it the day before so we wouldn't have to shop on a Sunday. I love Pizza and it is a real treat for me.  Todd's not so fussy, but on Father's Day he can have what he wants. Everyone's a winner! 

 

We got an orange scented geranium the other day and the leaves actually smell like oranges.  It's amazing.  Isn't nature wonderful?  And people think all of this happened by accident. 

I have so much in my life to be grateful for. It is never-ending.  That is not to say

that I never have moments when I feel sad or down. I am only human and I do

have some of those, but thankfully they are short lived and I am soon

able to shake off all the negative and move forward until

the next time.  God is indeed very good, and I am truly

grateful for a believing heart with sustains me,

and for the peace, and strength to move on that I find

in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

♥♥♥♥

 Its not for everyone I know, but it is what works for me.

 

In the English Kitchen today  . . .  Chicken Caprese Roll-ups!  Scrumptious!

Have a wonderful day/week.  I hope it is filled to overflowing with small and wonderful things!

Don't forget!

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And I do too!