Attitude With Gratitude

"Simple gratitude helps us experience God at work in every moment of every day." Harriet Crosby

We have so much to be thankful for in our lives... most of us have very little that we 'want' for ... 
With an attitude of gratitude we can look on in faith and not allow the distractions in life to move us... We can remain grounded in Him and trust that each wave that wants to crash over the joy cannot move us because we stand on the Rock.  With the Lord carrying us through we can be thankful for not only the good days but be joy filled when trials come as well.

Today being a day that is set aside to give thanks, what do we think of? As I ponder on this I thought it would be enlightening to make a list...

I am thankful for...
My Lord and the salvation that He has provided for me through His shed blood on Calvary...
That salvation through grace was available to a wretch like me...
That no matter how many times I fail in my daily life, I can turn to Him with a repentant heart and know that He is there for me with open arms... 
That my God forgets...

I am thankful for my family...
For the smiles that greet me each morning...
For the cuddles and the hugs from the little ones...
For the 'thanks' and 'I love you too' from the older ones...
For the love and the laughter we share...
For shared dreams and desires... and the tears that are given me with shared inner fears...
For the "I prayed mom..." from those young tender hearts...

Oh that my life would be one that shows all those around me a thankful heart... A heart that is an out pouring of His perfect love in every situation... An example to my children that no matter what He is there for them...

"That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works." Psalm 26:7

Until next time,
Jean

Prayer...

"I ask You neither for health nor for sickness, for life nor for death; but that you may dispose of my health and my sickness, my life and my death, for Your glory....  You alone know what is expedient for me; You are the sovereign Master; do with me according to Your will.  Give to me, or take away from me, only conform my will to Yours.  I know but one thing, Lord, that it is good to follow You, and bad to offend You.  Apart from that, I know not what is good or bad in anything.  I know not which is most profitable to me, health or sickness, wealth or poverty, nor anything else in the world.  That discernment is beyond the power of men or angels, and is hidden among the secrets of Your Providence, which I adore, but do not seek to fathom."   - a prayer by Blaise Pascal

Such faith as this... what a challenge to try to live this out in our lives... a total self denial and sacrifice.  But is it?  As a Christian isn't this the truth of what our heart should be longing for?  To say that I believe the Father only wants the best for me is to totally live this prayer out. 

I found this prayer over ten years ago... I have either had it posted on my fridge or a bulletin board, always close by... I am trying so hard to live this... although I fail miserably more often than I care to admit... He knows my heart and as David of ole' He loves a broken and contrite heart.

Until next time,
Jean

     

Happiness Is A Choice

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.  It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."  Author Unknown

 As a human race much of our happiness is dependant upon what we have in the way of material things... what a person's income is ... whether or not they have children... being married or single... the neighborhood one lives in... what kind of car one drives... and the list could go on and on!  Life is filled with stuff and distractions, but not a lot of true happiness. 

When we look outside and see the big blue sky... listen to the birds singing... watch a butterfly flutter about... hear the trickle of a gentle brook... watch a sunrise or a sunset... listen to a child laugh... we can find a bit of happiness and peace.  There is happiness that comes from the world around of course, but it is fleeting...  

True happiness and inner peace can only be found with a personal walk with Him... daily looking to Him for everything in our lives... daily walking side by side with Him...

Until next time,
Jean

Discouragement...

Some days seem longer than others... it's been rainy here the last couple days... thunder and lightening woke us up through the night.  I love thunder storms and I have always tried to teach my children there is nothing to be afraid of in them.  God is in total control over those things.  I have told the children the thunder is like God riding in His chariot... the thunder is the horses hooves galloping over the storm clouds... the lightening are His arrows against evil... God will always come out victoriously!  Too say the least none of my children are afraid of thunderstorms... I want them to know that God is in them... He loves & cares for us, no matter what! 

The challenge can be when the trials in life come upon us... to show that faith in God to our children... Often times one of the children will come and tell me how they can't find this or that, full of worry and fret.  I always ask them, "did you pray?"... sheepishly they will say 'no' sometimes and others they say 'of course'... So they pray and it never fails, the Lord shows them right where it is... Faith.  Although there have been times when they can't find something and they did pray... I tell them, "God always answers prayer... sometimes He says 'yes', other times He says 'no' and sometimes He say's 'not right now'..  Faith...but He always answers!  I remember a time last summer when Ethan was looking for a tool... he can be the one that get's frustrated a bit more quickly... but suddenly he came running over to Neil and I and burst out, "I found it, God showed me where it was!"  Off he ran to finish his 'project'... Faith of a child...

We can never let discouragement get us down... With faith in Him, we must trust Him and believe that He will always mean things for good for us... even when it surely doesn't feel good...

Until next time...
Jean

Our nest...

Yesterday Evan, Aaron and I spent some 'quality' time on the couch watching three blue jays and a beautiful male cardinal eating at the bird feeders in the front garden... then suddenly we saw a large hawk swoop down and land in the field right beside the garden... there was a big black crow who was seemingly very angry darting at it... then another and then yet another and another... I don't know where they came from all of a sudden. The neighbors across the road have very dense woods filled with enormous pine trees, which is where the crows like to nest.  The hawk just stood in the field hoping around a bit as the crows darted and swooped down at it... after several minutes of this the hawk took flight... so gracefully and quickly, then darted away.  I told the boys I am sure the hawk probably stole one of the crows babies right out of a nest... Evan was quite dismayed by this thought... after all he is only four and in his young mind he was imaging someone taking him out of 'our nest' and how awful that would be... To say the least Aaron was very intrigued with the whole affair, but quickly wanted to get back at his toys on the floor.  Evan being a little 'deeper' wanted to still watch the blue jays and cardinal.  I explained to him that that is the way it is in nature, survival of the fittest.  I did reassure him that he was fine and so was our 'nest'...

Our nest... what a sweet thought, especially to a little child... one who needs security, tenderness and love.  I love our nest and the peacefulness of it... I love living in the country and the quietness of life all around... but I do truly enjoy the break of silence when the boys are tearing around the yard playing cowboy and Indian... racing down the dirt road in their go-cart... laughing in the tree tops ~ literally...  the crack of the bat... but not the glass window :-) ~ yeah, there's been that too... then there's been some other noises coming from mom... well such is life with a family of five boys and an oldest daughter who likes to be a tom boy sometimes...

My hearts prayer is that while we are here on this earth, that 'our nest' will make memories for our children... ones of joy, laughter and happiness amid the normal everyday stuff of life...
Until next time,
Jean
    

Thank You...

How often have we heard ourselves tell our children to be sure to say these very nice words?  ...more often than not I am sure.  What a blessing it is when I hear them say 'thank you' on their own when they are given something or helped...  I long to instill a grateful thankfulness in each of their hearts... 

I feel that having a thankful spirit is a gift that we must take precious care of... one that needs to be nurtured and practiced often... one that is to be taught from childhood up. Father & Mother need to exemplify this habit to each other when little or big acts of service and love are shown;  We need to express thankfulness to the children... when they pick up their toys, clean their rooms, sort the laundry, set the table, wash the dishes... thanks goes a long way with a child... words of affirmation they can be called... we all appreciate those.  Relationships take work and time... we need to let the people in our lives know that we appreciate them and what they do...

The most important thing we as parents should be thankful for and need to show our children is the gift Jesus gave for each one of us... the precious gift of Salvation...

Until next time,
Jean


    

God's Children

"We are all god's children and He loves us, every one.  He freely and completely forgives all that we have done, asking only if we're ready to follow where He leads, content that in His wisdom He will answer all our needs."  Helen Steiner Rice

Forgiveness is a gift that we can receive if we ask for it.  Yet we are not always 'asked' for this by someone that may have offended or hurt us.  Forgiveness is required on our part whether or not it is asked for. What happens though to our peace of mind when forgiveness is not given?  Typically we are the ones that lose out on peace and happiness in our life... it goes back to that root of bitterness that I mentioned the other day.   It is sad to see people who have clung to hurts & wrongs done to them over their lifetime... their faces often show that pain and lose. 

But it doesn't have to be this way... no not at all.  God's grace is always there to help us through the hurt, the lose... all He asks is that we trust and follow Him.  He is ever faithful and full of grace...  If we can but look at the hurts and pains as a means to draw us closer to Him...a way  to let all those around see His grace in us... a way to build our trust and faith... a drawing closer to Him...what a testimony that can be!  No, it is not always easy... we are human and sometimes the hurts are so deep.  That is why we must look to Him everyday for everything.  He will never lead us astray... He only means good to His children.

Trust in Him and He will see you through,
Until next time,
Jean     

 
    

Thankful

"Everyone needs someone to be thankful for, and each day of life we are aware of this more.  For the joy of enjoying and the fullness of living are found only in hearts that are filled with thanksgiving." Helen Steiner Rice

I am so thankful for so many things... my husband, children, church, friends and even the roof over my head.  Life is filled with so many happy moments that if we can just focus on those things, life would be a much grander place to dwell.  It is a choice though, be gloomy or be happy! As I always try to tell my children, your day will be what you make of it.  You have a choice in allowing others to brighten it or darken it.  We also need to take into consideration how we affect someone else day... it really isn't all about 'me'.  Do we look at our self and ask, 'Did what I say or do make that person sad or happy?' 

Just awhile back I needed to go and make something right with a lady that I was not very nice to.  I felt very bad for my reaction to something she did that upset me.  I made the choice to respond poorly, no one made me.  Praise God that He did not allow me to go on with a clear conscience, and He did not give me peace over the incident.  I did then go back to her an apologize for my behavior and asked her to forgive me.  She graciously did and I was very thankful for that. 

"He chastens those He loves..." I am so thankful for that.  I am also so thankful for the shed blood of Jesus and the forgiveness that it provides.

Until next time,
Jean

    

Mothering

"Every true mother realizes at times that her children are only loaned to her- sent from God- and the attributes of her body and mind are being used by Power for a Purpose.  The thought tends to refine the heart of its dross, obliterate pride and make her feel the sacredness of her office.  All good men everywhere recognize the holiness of motherhood- the miracle by which the race survives." Elbert Hubbbarb

At times being a mother is terribly difficult.  When training is necessary for the good of the child, yet the mother heart longs to simply hold and make everything alright for them.  Learning life's lessons are surely a trial and a difficult part of life, but also a part that will hopefully build the character they will need to make the right choices as adulthood comes. Life is filled with choices.... some choices are by far more weighing and life influencing than others.  It is such a trial for me with allowing my older children to try their wings... to let them fly away a bit and trust them to make good decisions... youth is so exciting and the senses become so enlightened.  As parents we do all we can to try to protect them from making the same mistakes we have made... we try to ensure they don't experience the pains of those mistakes because we love them so much...

But then where is my faith and my trust that God really is in control?  I know He has promised that, '..train them up in the way they should go, and they will not depart from it..."  I must believe and trust.

Until next time,
Jean

Everything begins at home because home is where the heart is...

This is a pretty deep statement when you think about it.  Home is where, shall we say we are ourselves most openly.  Home should be a haven of rest where each member can come and let go of the cares of the day and simply relax and be happy. Our family consists of eight people, so to say the least, haven of rest our home is always not! Lots of noise in the way of laughter and yes crying and whining too... banging and thumping... running and chasing~ remember now five of the eight people are boys <smile>...yes I hate to admit their is even occasional yelling and heated battles that arise ever so often... it is a home where emotions fly~ remember two of the eight are females <smile>...

What do I want our children to eventually leave the nest and remember?  I am sure they will say there were both the good & the bad with the happy & the sad.  But I want them to remember dad's spooky stories & s'mores around the camp fires under the star lite night... skating on the neighbor's pond... picnic's at the lake on Sunday afternoon's... making home made pretzel's and ice cream... playing pitch & catch in the front yard... climbing the big maple tree in the back yard while dad was grilling... mom reading stories with such enthusiasm... mountain pie suppers at a friends house... camping in the U.P. and fishing...

happy times need to start at home...

Until next time,
Jean
    

Raising Them Up...

"To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself."  Josh Billings

I had so much fun with Evan today; we planted in the Kitchen Garden!  We were talking about potatoes and the eyes on them and how to plant them; as I dug the hole and cut the potato, he patiently waited and then would set it into the hole and carefully cover it with the dirt.  I explained to him that a green plant would grow up and when it gets flowers we can start sneaking potatoes from under the dirt off its roots. He was pleased to know that when it was time to dig them up we would all say 'thank you' to him for planting them.  He also got to seed some spinach and plant some onions and garlic.  He was so happy to tell his big brothers what he had done when they got home today. 

This week we have been hard at it outside. Neil finished putting on the front of the one hoop house today; when the boys got home from school Kyle helped him get the door made & hung; Ethan fixed my leaky hose and put a new end on it; Ethan & I weeded some of the raised beds; Ethan & Ryan fetched several loads of straw from the barn; then Ryan & I planted three kinds of beets and mulched the beds with newspaper & straw.  What a wonderful day it was when we can all work together.

Some of you may be saying, "Where was Taylor & the baby?" Well Taylor was doing what she loves to do~ she was baking brownies and getting supper ready. Although she did get one of the flower beds 'almost' fully weeded.  She likes to be outside, but not near as much as in the kitchen.  We balance each other out perfectly~ she loves the inside stuff & I love the outside stuff!  Although when the work is heavy, we work together both in & out!  She is with the youth group 'sucker fishing' this evening having a grand time I am sure!  And the baby, he is 'everywhere', literally!

As I thought on this quote the first thing I thought of was being in the garden with the children; but then my mind moved on to a different place I also want to be them.  I need to live my life so that they will see the road I am trying to stay on and want that road for themselves as well~ the road to the most beautiful Garden there ever will be....Heaven.

Until next time,
Jean

A ray of hope....

I am in the greenhouse almost everyday now seeding some of the wonderful things that will grace our market tables and our CSA members shares this summer.  Spring is only eleven more days away and this Sunday is Daylight Savings.  I love both these days.... you can just feel the sun growing closer and warmer, the air has a new smell to it, and the birds just seem to be happier.  It's like everything in nature knows that renewed life will soon be bursting forth... the tree's will bud, baby animals will start appearing in the fields with mothers, the grass will start to green... Spring is a time of birth and life... I think that is what I love so much about it.  I can overlook the mud, except when it comes in the house <smile>, the drabness of the fields around don't seem so daunting any longer, because Spring is on the way. Spring gives everything another chance in a way.  We all need another chance it seems... we fail and fall short of who we want to be and the goals we attempt to set for ourselves.  But there is grace for all who seek it...

Each day offers a new hope to all who open their eyes though.  We have the opportunity to make someone smile, to laugh, to encourage a weary friend as well as to shine a light for Jesus.  What we decide to do with each day is truly our own personal decision.

Until next time,
Jean

Slow Down...

"Always leave home with a tender goodbye and loving words. They may be the last."  Hill

How often do we mutter a quick 'good bye' or a hurried 'see ya later' as we are rushing out the door?  Probably more often than we think or wish to realize I am afraid.  We all allow ourselves to get too busy in life, after all there are things that need to get done, right? Of course there is, but  where do say, 'OK, this is enough'?   Where do we draw the line of need's to and want's to?  Troubles can often steal the seeds of happiness in ones life before they can even be planted.  We need to guard those seeds carefully.  Our children, spouses, friends as well as acquaintances need always to feel and sense our love.

Our little guy Evan is sick right now.  He has the same terrible head & chest cold I had the other week.  I look into his little face and hear him cough and it just breaks my heart.  He has been so whiny with it and just not his happy~go~lucky little self.   As I look on the above quote and think how quickly our loved ones can be snatched into eternity, it reminds me of how important showing that love is.  Take the time to hold their hands, listen to their stories, wipe their tears and of course say a tender good bye...

Until next time,
Jean

All You Need Is Love

"Love doesn't make the world go round, it makes the ride worthwhile." Jones

I am looking out of the office window into what use to be my families small veggie garden.  It has over the last several years become one of my perennial gardens.  It is the home to our Asparagus, Rhubarb, Grapes, Blueberries and I am hoping this summer Raspberries.  It also has my Grosso Lavender and several Peonies in it.  It has several raised beds that hold Basil, Parsley and last summer I added some Sage.  I love this garden, not only for obvious reasons, but also for the happy memories it holds.  It is a 'small' garden and is easy to keep looking pretty & neat.  I always plant a row of Canna's facing the road, which is to hide the ugly late fall garden it becomes; Sunflowers go on the side that the neighbors field is and along the back side which faces our back yard & patio. Our older children have all worked in this garden and grown things... tomatoes, onions, carrots, flowers, pumpkins to name a few. But the most important thing that was ever grown there was love.

Quality time that is shared is love in the making.  Taylor & the boys love when I read to them,  I try to read stories that help their imaginations grow. They also love when we sit on the front porch and watch them play a ball game.  It's fun when mom gets out there and cracks one, and even better when dad get's in on the game.  They are busy boys with imaginations that seem to grow by leaps & bounds~ right along with their legs!  Taylor is a rose in bloom, a diamond in the ruff.  Love shared is worth it in the end. Love can make things grow...

Until next time,
Jean

Tribulations in Life...

"When thou art in tribulation, turn to the Lord thy God." Deuteronomy 4:30

The other day on the way to market we saw a car in the ditch and almost covered with snow.  It did not look nice at all.  I am sure when that person got into the vehicle he/she never intended to end up in the ditch.  It had to be a sickening feeling as they slid and went thump. It  appeared that no one was injured and only the car remained in this unfortunate position.  There are days when each of may feel like we are in a ditch and can't get out, stuck in the mud shall we say.  Tribulations will come and need to be dealt with even when they are unexpected, unwanted and unasked for.  Something has to be done, but what we ask ourselves, what?  When your head wants to hang low... when your shoulders feel to weak to bear another load... when your heart doesn't feel like it can be broken again... when....

So often situations come upon us that perplex us to the point of just not knowing what to do.  We try with all our might to get things fixed or repaired on our own strength, when all we really need to do is cry out to the Lord. He cares and He hears, no matter what...

Until next time,
Jean

Impossibilities

"The word impossible is not in my dictionary."  Napolean

I wasn't really feeling very well today~ sore throat, kind of tight chest, sneezing and runny noes.  Tea was my choice of drink today.  I thought how much I wanted to go out to the greenhouse, but just couldn't muster up the energy to 'just' go.  So, I didn't go.  Such is life. Tuesday will be here soon enough.

Challenges present themselves in all shapes & sizes in this life we live. Life can be so demanding at times that when we look at a situation we may be faced with, impossible seems the only answer.  We all face things that slow us down or require a serious change in plans.  What do we do when trials arise?  Do we shut down... do we get angry at the world... do we just throw up our hands and give up...  Everyone handles things differently~ I guess this could go back to a positive or negative thinking mind set. These types of situations are when I am so thankful that I can turn my eyes heavenward and send up a quiet prayer.  I know He hears and cares, even when He seems silent.   All things are allowed in life to better us, to draw us closer to Him.  If you don't know Him, today is the day!

"With God all things are possible..."
Until next time,
Jean