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. 

  

PEACE . . . amidst all circumstances. Peace can come when we put our faith in Jesus Christ and strive to become like Him.  I know that there is  nothing on earth that I can experience that He hasn't already experienced. He has the power to lift us above even our lowest moments.

"Be assured that there is a safe harbour. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father, who knows when even a sparrow falls, knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this." ~Joseph P Wirthlin 

So long as we do the things we are asked to do, we will be safe. And we can find peace in that knowledge.  Stay home.  Wash your hands frequently.  Minimize contact with the outside world.  Know this is not forever. This too shall pass.

  

JOY . . . in all things. Happiness is thankful for the sunshine, Joy is grateful for the rain. When we are happy of course, joy is to be found. It is easy to be grateful when the sun is shining and all is going well.  Joy doesn't need a smile  or the sun in order to exist. Even when happiness can't be found in a situation, joy can be present.  Happiness is not present in darkness and difficulty, but Joy never leaves it. Joy can thrive in difficult times.  Joy can remain in us always, bringing us the contentment to make the most of even the most dire circumstances, the ability to make the most of any situation. Joy can make most things bearable.  Happiness happens. Joy is a choice.

Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. –Nathaniel Hawthorne 

No, it is not nice to be stuck inside the house and not allowed to go anywhere, but there is much joy to be found in the small and simple things of daily life that continue no matter what is going on outside our doorways.  Joy is found in having gratitude for what we have rather than what we have lost.

 

HOPE . . . so long as we have even the smallest flicker of hope, we have all that we need.  Even the smallest spark can be fanned into a raging fire. So much in life depends on our attitude.  The way we choose to see things and to respond makes all the difference in the world.   

"Hold on. Hope on. Fan the flame of your faith, for all things are possible to them that believe." ~Jeffrey R Holland. 

The most valuable inspiration is for us to know what God would have us do. Reach out to others in whatever capacity you have the ability to use.  Make phone calls, write notes, be positive.  No sorrow that was ever made better or relieved by wallowing in self pity. 

"The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as the night always give way to dawn, the light will come." ~Dieter F Uchtdorf  

I have always believed that our lives are what we make of them. Being able to make the most of any situation or challenge which comes our way.  I may not like the situation that we all find ourselves in at the  moment, and I know that many more hard times are ahead, but I have faith that I will be able to find peace, joy and hope amidst even the worst of them.  Come what may.  Little things, done consistently will make all the difference in the world.  No matter our circumstances or challenges,  our trials, there is something in each day to cherish and to hold on to. There are things in each day that can bring us each gratitude and joy. We need only to have hearts and minds that are willing to seek them out. 

 

Easter goodies found and enjoyed.  I love that the teddy bear is looking out the window. 

  

My oldest son is tapping his maple tree and making syrup from it. I think this is his second bottle. It looks lovely.  He is a real nature lover.  He forages for mushrooms too.  I have complete faith in his ability to live off the land if he needed to. 

 

Prayers have been answered and our Prime Minister has been released from the hospital and allowed to go home.  

  

OPPORTUNITY  . . .  Opportunities are out there for us to enjoy, but we can't enjoy them unless we grab them. Every month the Mission in our area of the country holds a special fireside on a Sunday evening. It is an evening of music and spiritual encouragment. We never go because Todd doesn't drive at night.  This month through the miracles of modern technology, it was held online and Todd and I were able to attend it.  To listen to the music and uplifting stories, talks, testimonies. It was really special and we were grateful for it.  All over I see people using this temporary lockdown to explore their creativity in ways that they normally don't seen to have the time for.  Impromptu concerts, art tutorials, sewing tutorials, motivating messages, etc.  I see people reaching out to others in amazing and practical ways. 

 Its all really lovely. Lets hope that this same spirit of tenacity and giving continues long after these days are naught but a memory.

A thought to carry with you . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ If you want to give light to others

you have to glow yourself.

~Thomas S Monson•。★★ 。* 。 

  

 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Proper Ham & Eggs.  Yummy!

Have a great day. I hope you are able to find the small and wonderful in the days to come.  Don't forget! 

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

 

And I do too!