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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Its hard to believe that this is my last small and wonderful things post for June! This month has evaporated. I want time to slow down!  My brother should arrive later today, along with my niece. I have not seen Allison since 2003 I believe, so it will be nice to see her.  I am really looking forward to spending time with David.  I love my family so very much.  I am praying him safely here.

 

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I was glad to get my talk and lesson over with yesterday. The theme for yesterday's Sacrament meeting at church was the theme for the Youth in this years Young Women's.  I had been asked to give a talk on that. Plus I had to teach a lesson on Chastity in Young Women's after Sacrament meeting.  I think I did a good job on both. I had positive feedback anyways.  Now I am hoping it will be a while before I have to do it again, although I know I will have to teach once in July also.

I don't mind giving talks, but I do put a lot of pressure on myself when I am writing them. It doesn't flow easily. I need to work at them and revise, revise, revise.  I want people to be able to get from my words the things that Heavenly Father wants them to know.  I take that responsibility very seriously!

  

I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning my refrigerator. Its not easy to do because it is right against the far wall and the door will only open so far. Its hard to get the bottom drawers out for cleaning, but I managed. I ended up with an extra piece and don't know where it goes! (Why does that happen!!)  Anyways my fridge is sparkling clean now.  I am happy to get that job done. I waste too much food. I need to perhaps do my shopping every day for fresh ingredients. That's the way they do it in Europe.  I find the quality of supermarket produce to be very poor here. Even the carrots are turning hairy within one or two days. Its appalling.

 

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My brother's bed is ready for him.  I think he might be staying at Cindy's this week and at mine next.  In any case it is ready for him. Clean linens, etc.  I know it was an added expense, but I purchased a single size Endy for him to sleep on. I had been wanting a single bed for that room anyways, and this was the perfect excuse. I am paying it off in six payments, which I can easily manage. I could have probably paid for it in one fell swoop, but I didn't want to run down my savings, if that makes sense.  I think he will be quite comfortable.  I laid down on it and its like laying on a comfy marshmallow! 

 

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Speaking of beds and sleep, one tender mercy this week was that I was able to sleep all night Saturday night and was well rested for my duties at Church yesterday.  At one time I would not be able to sleep all night the night before I had something to do. I have noticed that the last few times I have not had that problem.  An answer to prayers. Perhaps.  Why not instead of in times past?  I have no idea. Perhaps its a change in attitude?  Perhaps I am now much more relaxed in general than I was in the past?  Whatever the cause, I am grateful for it.  Thank you God! 

My cousin Sheri's visit. I really enjoyed it. It was really nice to spend some time with her. She is such a nice girl. She was my Aunt Freda's youngest child. I can remember when she was born. I think I was 14 or maybe even 15. In any case it was really nice to have that time together.  I felt bad that the cats did not remember here, but I am grateful to her for having given them to me!  I was grateful also for the cardinal's visit while she was here. They say Cardinals visit when angels are near.  We both have angel-mom's so it was an extra special blessing for both of us to experience that at the same time! 

 

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Sunday dinner at my sisters, always a great blessing to me. I love to spend time with her and Dan.  It was chicken wings yesterday. My sister makes the best chicken wings.  We had that with rice and green/yellow beans. All my favorites. Dad loves them also! 

Cindy and I are off to Kentville this morning. She has a Doctor's appointment. I love the road trips we take together. I think we are going to stop at the French Bakery as well and maybe a trip to Jonny's for a poutine. We shall see! Time spent together is the best!

Dan washed my car yesterday so it is now beautifully sparkly and clean! Yay!  I am so grateful for a brother in law who is so good to me!  It looks really nice now.

 

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"Earth is hard. It is meant to be. If everything worked out, we would not long for home. And in the midst of all that is wrong, there will be refuge. Sometimes He is the refuge." ~Emily Belle Freeman

I saw this on EBF's Instagram stories this morning and I thought yes! Its so true. Things are not meant to be easy. That's how we grow. In our most difficult times we long to be with our Heavenly Father more than at any other times. Our earth lives are not so comfortable and we want to be back where we really belong,  where we came from, living in peace and comfort. But then where and how would we learn the lessons we came here to learn. 

I really am living a wonderful life, filled to overflowing with goodness and mercy. I am blessed.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

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

 *‎No half-heartedness 

and no worldly fear must

turn us aside from following

the light unflinchingly.

~J R Tolkien  •。★★ 。* 

In The English Kitchen today . . .  Honey Strawberry Jam, the small batch. The recipe makes only two half pint jars.  Delicious!

I hope that your week ahead is filled to overflowing with many small and wonderful things. Tender mercies. Beautiful moments. Along the way, don't forget! 

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And I do too!