Thanksgiving

I was just thinking about life in general the other day.  Just what is it that really brings joy and contentment into my life?  Personally I have discovered, it’s not the material things, where I drive myself to death trying to obtain something that will only bring temporary happiness.  I have realized that it’s in relationships that I find true happiness.  Going out with a friend and having a cup of coffee, seeing her smile.  It warms my heart.  Or maybe she is in a tough spot, and I am there just to give her comfort, a shoulder to cry on, I get blessed.  Having a husband that appreciates the little things I do, makes me happy.  When I hear my oldest son’s voice on the other end of the phone, I get excited.  When my older daughter stops by I am thrilled! Talking to my sister, who might as well live on the other end of the earth, because I cannot see her as much as I would love to, makes me happy.  Greeting everyone at church on Sunday Morning, brings me joy.

This weekend I had an opportunity to work with a group of people I love and we had fun.  It did not seem like work because we were having a good time just being around each other.  The most precious gift I have is a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord.  Sitting before him each morning, just melts my heart.  I know he will be with me throughout the day and that I can handle anything that comes my way, because he is beside me.  This is the greatest gift of all.

Then I have two very precious little people in my life that I cannot say enough about.  Our grandchildren!  Phoenix and Phoebe.  I love just observing them.  The simple things that bring them joy.  Give Phoenix a stick and he will find 5 different ways to play with it.  He does not have to have expensive toys, he loves beating and drumming on anything.  Phoebe is younger and just loves undivided attention.  She is just so proud of every little thing new that she can do.  Her giggles, are worth a million dollars to me.  I am looking forward to watching them grow and become what God has planned for them.

I was honored this weekend to go on a short Retreat.  It was a wonderful experience and priceless.  It was like a taste of heaven.  I had time to spend alone with the Lord.  A whole day!  We walked, he talked and I listened.  I could really feel his presence.  I felt special, treasured like he had nothing better to do than just hang out with me.  Could you put a price on that?

As I look at my life, I notice it’s the simple things in life that really matters.  Swinging on swings, camping, fellowship, phone calls to those you love, having meals with friends and family, Woman’s Bible Study, helping others, sitting at a park, writing.  Writing is probably the cheapest hobby you can have and it’s good for the soul.

Another thing I have found is that God has put a desire within each of us to be close to nature.  Some love the forest, others love the ocean, some of us like to watch the sunrise, than there are those of us who like to watch the sun go down.  There are so many beautiful things to admire, if we will just take the time to slow down and look around. You know the phrase “count your blessings one by one.”  It’s true we’re rich if we will just take the time to look.

You know the phrase “count your blessings one by one.”  It’s true, we’re rich if we will just take the time to look.

Writing:My War

                                                      

So I’ve been told that I am gifted at this art.  If so why do I find it difficult to sit and do it? I have been going through some hard times emotionally, the last thing I want to do,  is sit here and try to put words down on paper.  I seem to have a difficult time concentrating on what I want to say or where to go.

When I first started, I thought I would write about my autobiography but I don’t really want to open that door tonight.  It’s a painful place for me.  I don’t want to go to bed all worked up.  I will share the reason I believe, I struggle in this area.

As a child, I learned to write because that was the only way I could communicate to my father.  My dad had anger issues, and did not know how to handle any signs of emotions.  If I would try to share something with him he would get irate, and call me names.  Sometimes, he would get so mad, that his ears and neck would turn red.  So I felt safer to write to him.  At least I was able to get my feelings out. 

  Many times I’d get the same reaction, as if I would have spoken to him.  What hurt me even more is that he would rip up my paper, which to me felt like he was ripping my heart out.

So now, I must tell myself that this is something the Lord has given me and that it’s safe.  No one will be ripping this paper in my face or calling me names.  That I am to continue and share my story, so I can encourage others.  That the Lord delights in my work.

Now that my words are down on this paper, it feels good.  I’ve accomplished what I had set out to do.  I may have to find another time of day to do this.  I am not an evening person but I did enjoy this, better than watching T.V. for hours on end.  I had always wondered for a long time what I was creative at. I believe I have discovered it.  It’s a battle, but I’m a fighter and I will conquer this wall!