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.  

 

 

So last evening, this happened.  On their way back from dropping Ariana's mum off at the airport, Ariana and Jose stopped by to share Grace with us. Ariana looks fantastic after having been in labor for as long as she was and having been induced and having just gotten home from the hospital on Saturday evening. Jose was glowing with the pleasures of new fatherhood and well, Grace, she is just beautiful . . .   and this happened the whole time. 

 

I got to hold her the whole time they were here.  It was heaven. I never got to hold any of my grandchildren when they were this small and there is one still I have not even met who just turned five.  Being able to hold this precious wee one who feels like a grandchild was just the most precious gift ever.  Thank you so much Ariana and Jose. What a wonderful gift. When it is I who should be gifting you, you came out of your way to gift me.  What a special blessing.

I was in heaven! 

Funny thing is I had been thinking all afternoon . . .  hmm . . .  how soon can I walk down to theirs.  What can I bring with me so I have a good excuse to pop in. etc. etc. Talk about dreams coming true! 

 

Yesterday I also got to facetime with my middle son Doug and his boys.  Jake (in the green shirt) was showing me his catcus and telling me how prickly it was and Jon (not in this photo) was getting ready to go to camp.  I love all my grandchildren and my children.

 

So grateful for two sons who go out of their way to keep me involved in their children's (and their) lives! 

  

My bi-weekly call to mom.  Its always nice to hear her voice.  Always. 

 

I just love this photo that my friend Mike took of our chapel in Ewloe, Wales at the weekend.  We are so blessed to have it.  For a long time here in Chester we did not have a chapel, nor did the Dee Side Ward have a chapel.  They were meeting in porta-cabins and we were meeting in a community centre. Neither was ideal.  Then we both were meeting in an adapted office building in Ewloe, while the land for this chapel was purchases and contruction began on it.  Then we were both meeting as separate congregations in this building and then we were finally amalgamated into one Ward . . .  together once more and worshipping in this lovely chapel. I love my church congregation. The people in it are special to me and I can't imagine ever being anywhere else, right from the oldest down to the youngest. 

 

We had our annual Ward BBQ there at the weekend.  I think there was well over 150 or so people there in a variety of ages. Rick was our cook for the day along with Elder Boyer . . . 

  

Our newly weds, Eileen and Derek.  They were sealed together recently in the chapel.  Derek calls Eileen his South African Lioness.  They met online and are busy living happily ever after.

 

Our friend Tony in a deep discussion with our old Bishop Chris and his dog . . . 

  

There was a slip and slide that young and old enjoyed  together . . . 

  

A lesson in American football   . . . 

 

Great job Elder! 

  

Our now Bishop, Bishop Marzal.  Love him to bits. 

 

It was just a lotta, lotta . . . 

  

Fun for all.  Best one yet!   I think everyone in attendance (and this is just a sampling) had a very good time! I love my church family. 

No, I did not partake of the slip and slide.

LOL

 

Thank goodness it held off until after the BBQ, but yesterday we had some lovely, much needed rain. Our garden is so parched, it drank it right up.  They are still talking hose-pipe bans however, as it wasn't enough. 

  

Me as a nun.  Yes, I did one of those stupid facebook things.  Made me laugh. Laughing is good. 

 

Being able to partake of the Sacrament, renew my Baptismal covenants and recharge my spiritual batteries every Sunday.  I love this aspect of my faith.   

 

 The talks yesterday were really wonderful.  Everything was really wonderful.  Can't wait until next Sunday.  

 

Mitzie snuggles.  They are the best.  She liked Grace last night.  I think she would be great with children. 

  

Sweet peas in the garden . . .  they look ready to take off and go on a flutter-about.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *.˛.Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man

and inhaling the spirit of God.

~Edwin Keith  •。★★ 。* 。  

  

In The English Kitchen today . . .  Braised Brisket with Stout & Onions.  Cooked in the slow cooker. Magnificent!

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

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And I do too!