Chapter 1, Page 31, Book 14

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen, and the God of peace will be with you. 

Philippians 4:8-9

We’re blessed to be a blessing.

I talk a lot about counting my blessings, but when I read this verse in my daily devotionals the other day, I was given a new insight to it’s meaning.  We are to be blessings.  We can bless others.  To look upon what is just, pure, and  pleasing is commendable and thinking on these things will bring us peace.

It is way too easy to see the negative side of life.  It is easier to complain than praise.  It seems as though not enough kind words are spoken.  

Kindness and praise given to others is a blessing and if you’ve ever needed a kind word, you know what I’m talking about.

When we speak from our hearts, stand by beliefs even when costly, and choose not to profit from others’ distress, we can live more joyfully together, we can better experience a life of love and blessings.

We all have a choice in how we live, I want to be a blessing to others.

My blessings for today are:

1364. for DS#5 and DS#6, both artists in their own right

1365. for inspirational art on my walls

1366. for grand babes that delight me with their art

Chapter 1, Page 30, Book 14

More on planting…

One night, a young woman dreamed she was walking in the mall and noticed a shop on the second floor she hadn't seen before.  The name over the door said, 'Your Heart's Desire'.

She crossed the store's threshold and was enveloped in a charming fragrance.  The store had a homey feeling, with shelves full of fascinating items.  A short, smiling dumpling of a lady was behind the counter.

What is it your shop sells? asked the young lady.

Just as the name implies, everything your heart desires! came the purring answer.

Oh!  I know what I want! exclaimed the girl, Peace, happiness, love for everyone, and...

Wait a minute, giggled the cashier.  You don't quite understand.  We sell whatever your heart desires.  But we don't sell the finished product, we sell the seeds  and you have to choose the ones you want to plant.

Author Unknown

I couldn’t resist the chance to share this little story with you all today.  I know I recently did a post on planting, but this one seemed so meaningful that I thought you might appreciate it too.

Sowing seeds is something we all can do.  Ways to make our hearts desire come true. The old saying that what we sow, we reap is so very true.  

Look around for a place to sow a few seeds.

Henry Van Dyke

Chapter 1, Page 29, Book 14

...and he will raise you up on eagle's wings. Bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun and hold you in the psalm of his hand.

Words from the chorus of the hymn ‘On Eagles Wings’

This is a beautiful piece reminding us that we are not on our own and that we are protected and looked after. We all have days where it feels as if we can't spread those wings and even if we do, we haven't the energy to hold them out.

Here at my house I’m trying to bloom where I’ve been planted. And for this winter anyway, I’ve been firmly planted right here at home.  No, being inside is not my favorite place to be, but sometimes we have to learn to be content just where we are.  I am thankful for my home and feel comfy and cozy here, but  I’d rather that the weather was warm and sunny.  Well, we have had some sunshine but it has brought little to no warmth.  I’d rather be outside basking in the heat and drinking my iced tea.

Energy is something I seem to have very little of.  I had two of my grandchildren for the day on Monday.  After they left I sat down in my chair and only moved to get myself a little dinner and something to drink.  I started watching a movie and fell asleep.  I woke up to see a different movie playing on the TV and finished watching it then went to bed.  I slept well through the night too.  A nap these days doesn’t disturb my sleep at all.  

No one can ever predict what today may bring to our doorstep. For the most part we do our best to just get on with life and we do best to adapt and get on with what has to be done. Life is filled with inconveniences. Our plans are constantly thwarted by forces beyond our control. The list is long and ever changing: Sickness. Conflict. Traffic jams. Forgetfulness. Appliance malfunctions. Rudeness. Laziness. Impatience. Incompetence and the WEATHER.  

Joy is a flower that blooms when you do.  

Author Unknown

Taking each day as it comes, I’m hoping that my energy and strength will return as the weather warms up, but if it doesn’t, I’ll try to remember that even if I can’t do much, I can still do something, which is better than nothing…and continue to bloom right where I am planted.  We can look at winter as a wait time, as a trial to be endured, or we can bloom where we’re planted and look at it as an opportunity to get ready for the next big thing in our lives, whatever that may be.   Who knows, today might be the start of something even better than we had planned. 

Chapter 1, Page 28, Book 14

January is a perfect time for a refresh.

Kevin Sharkey

After a few weeks of just relaxing and enjoying a rest from all the busyness of December, I’m thinking it is time that I made some plans for what I’d like to do this year. The rest time would have been better had it not included so many snowy and below freezing days, but that is what I got and I dealt with it.  At least I’m still here and still dealing with it.

It is healthy to take intentional time and effort to refocus our goals and refresh our strength.  January is the perfect time to look within, to take stock of ourselves and our lives. It’s a time to be honest with ourselves and patient at the same time. It’s a time seek and glean understanding from our lessons of the past year. And it is often a time chart a new course or alter our present one.

It’s a time to consider what makes our hearts sing!  For me that means things that endure.  Things like my faith, my family and friends and my home.  It is a time for renewal and refreshment in spirit that we will not weary when it comes to giving our best.  I’ll be giving even more focus to gratitude, JOY, and hope these cold winter days,  Winter will not last forever and when Spring comes I want to be ready!

Hope is a wonderful thing, something to be cherished and nurtured, and something that will refresh us in return. And it can be found in each of us, and it can bring light into the darkest of places.

Chapter 1, Page 27, Book 14

Want to see a miracle? Take a small seed, put it under several inches of dirt. Give it light, water, and fertilizer. It doesn’t matter that the ground is a zillion times the weight of the seed. The seed will push it back! Never underestimate the power of a seed...

Want to see a miracle? Plant a word of love heart deep in a person’s life. Nurture it with a smile and a prayer, and watch what happens!

Max Lucado, The Applause of Heaven

Many are thinking ahead right now and planing what they want to plant in their gardens.  Here at my house the gardens are pretty much already planted.  For the most part the flowers in the beds around my house come up here year after year.  Most everything we’ve planted only spreads and grows and my gardening work is thinning out and dividing things.  

I may plant a few things in pots that will grow for only one season.  Some colorful flowers or a pot of basil or parsley.  These won’t winter over here in our part of the country.  

But with the thoughts of Max Lucado in mind, I’ve resurrected  an old poem for today

Plant three rows of Peas:

Peace of mind. 

Peace of heart. 

Peace of soul.

Plant four rows of Squash:

Squash gossip. 

Squash indifference. 

Squash grumbling. 

Squash selfishness.

No garden should be without Turnips:

Turnip for service when needed. 

Turnip to help one another. 

Turnip the music and dance.

Plant four rows of Lettuce:

Lettuce be faithful. 

Lettuce be kind. 

Lettuce be happy. 

Lettuce really love one another.

To conclude our garden we must have Thyme:

Thyme for fun. 

Thyme for rest. 

Thyme for others. 

Thyme for ourselves.

Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. 

We reap what we sow -- you 'should' have a bountiful garden.

Author unknown 

Chapter 1, Page 26, Book 14

The years teach much which the days never knew.  

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wisdom and Common Sense

Wisdom discerns truth in a situation, while common sense provides good judgment regarding what to do with the truth. Both are a gift.  Many intelligent people lack wisdom and common sense.  A combination of both are needed.

Lately any bits of wisdom that come my way are much appreciated.  I find it comforting when I find little sparks of inspiration.  A little sparkle in my life is definitely needed.  I’ve read all the articles on how to endure winter and just about the time I think I’ve got it conquered , Winter decides to conquer me.  

Nature does teach us much and I’ve learned that to stay indoors where it is warm and cozy is about the best thing I can do right now.  Joy is found in reading a good book, making a hot bowl of chili,  baking a cake and even in taking a hot bubble bath now and then.

Common sense also tells me that indoors in the winter is best.  Others may defy the cold and icy roads and keep on doing what they want day to day, but for me I’ll forgo the adventure of sliding around and freezing, I’m just happy that home is a warm place to be.   We need to be aware when the weather is very severe and use common sense.

Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it.  

Doug Larson

In the news here people are being advised to turn their thermostats back a notch or two to preserve our natural gas supplies.  This deep freeze is causing a huge drain on what we have.  We are also being warned to stay inside when possible.  Shelters have opened for those with no warm place to go.  Using wisdom and common sense we’ll all survive this bitter winter.

We’ve all heard the common sense tale of the ant as it prepares for winter.  I’ve been like that ant and have a storehouse of food for days like these.  There is no need to run out and stock up in case the weather gets bad here.  The weather is terrible, but I’ll not go hungry for sure.  The cupboards and the freezer are well stocked.  

I hope you all are using a little wisdom and common sense to get thru these bitter cold days.  Those of you that live in warmer climes are fortunate, but still these two, common sense and wisdom,  will help to make some better days ahead for you too.

God give me the serenity to accept things which cannot be changed;  Give me courage to change things which must be changed;  And the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.

Reinhold Niebuhr

Chapter 1, Page 25, Book 14

This is a picture of a 56 Ford which was what my 1st car was, except for mine was a mint green and white color.

Happiness consists of living each day

as if were the first day of your honeymoon

and the last day of your vacation.

Leo Tolstoy

I remember well the first day of my honeymoon. Trying to be that happy everyday is something I have to put forth some effort in order remain that way.  

Can I say EXTRA effort on these cold days of arctic temps with little or no sunshine.  I am convinced that life is what we make it.  Groaning and griping about the weather is something I really don’t want to do.  When we start that pattern of thinking, there is no where left to go but down.  

So…looking on the bright side of life, I’m counting my blessings instead.  Things I’m thankful for today:

1346. for a trip to the craft store, I bought flowers just like the ones above, but not the vase

1347. My good cup of hot JAMAICA ME CRAZY, coconut flavored coffee

1348. for leftover Christmas candy, mmmm chocolate

By the time I got married I had worked for several years and had my own car.  It was a 59 chevy impala.  I’d upgraded from the original ’56 Ford that I started out with. Neither was new, both used cars and truthfully, I've never owned a new car. The chevy was one with the big wings in the back.  My DDH was fresh out of the service at the time and was able to find work right away, but that car was the only one we had.  Thankfully I could walk to work and then he could take the car to work.  No wonder that I stayed so fit and trim in those days.  Well most of the time he dropped me off in the morning and I walked home after work.  

Anyway we only had the weekend for our whirlwind honeymoon and we traveled 3 short hours up to Michigan to the Ford museum and Greenfield Village up there.  We saw every thing we could and returned back home in time for the work week.  We really didn’t have a lot of money then, and really never did, but that day meant just as much to me then as a longer and more expensive one would have.  

That’s pretty much how my life has been,  whirlwind at times, but always enjoying everything I can.  

As far as the last day of my vacation goes,  well that really hasn’t happened yet.  I’m retired and am on a permanent vacation.  Still I’m living every day with an attitude of gratitude for what I have and enjoying the good things in life.

Chapter 1, Page 24, Book 14

Give your best to life every chance you get. And what you’ll get in return is a life that’s rich and full and increasingly satisfying.

Ralph Marston

THERE is a story I read that told about a woman in England who answered her door during a heavy rainstorm. 

A wet, rain soaked lady stood outside in the downpour and said, Pardon me, Madam.  The wind and rain have completely done me in and I forgot to take an umbrella.  I was wondering if I might borrow one... I'll return it of course tomorrow.

NOW who is this stranger who stands and asks me for an umbrella? the lady of the house thought. How do I know she'll bring it back?"  The lady of the house then reached for an older umbrella behind the door with broken spines.  She thought,  Even if this person doesn't return it, I wouldn't have lost much.  So she hands it to the stranger, feeling proud of her clever decision.  

The next day a fine carriage approached the house and stopped in front. A footman came up to the door and politely knocked. Pardon madam. The QUEEN wishes to express her thanks for your kindness of yesterday, he said as he handed her the borrowed umbrella.

OH, she thought. Here was the Queen, and I gave her less than the best I had.

I’ve found that when we give our very best, we get the best results.  Sometimes  it’s the best excuses not the best efforts we see.  People can excuse most anything, but they don’t always do what is expected.  What is expected of us is our best in what ever it is we do. 

The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle. 

Author Unknown 

Another little story to share…

IMAGINE a friend you gave a very expensive gift to for a birthday gift.  That person may take it and forgot to thank you for it, running off to enjoy it, never acknowledging its worth or value.  Week after week you see this friend fully enjoying the gift, and even hearing great comments made to others about it, but never once giving credit to you for thinking of it, or spending time and money to obtain it.  Only if something goes wrong or breaks do you hear about it at all.

Over and over again,  I’ve learned is how important it is to say thank you.  If I’ve forgotten to say I’m thankful for something, I’m sorry.  Thank you’s are tops on my to do list.

Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it. 

Author Unknown 

We do all want the best results for our efforts.  Trying but failing isn’t really bad, after all we did try.  Trying to do your best with good intentions is not a waste of time at all.  Giving our best doesn’t make us perfect, it gives us JOY.

Chapter 1, Page 23, Book 14

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.  These are but trifles, to be sure; but, scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.  

Joseph Addison

Just sharing some smiles and maybe a laugh or two today…these are not jokes made up by me but ones I’ve found around the net.

When the icemaker in our new refrigerator broke, my husband dropped by the store to arrange for repairs. Because the sun was bright, his eyes hadn't adjusted to the dim light inside in time to see a woman sitting on the floor examining carpet samples. 

He stepped on her leg and she screamed, causing him to jump into a display of fireplace tools that went crashing in every direction. Unnerved, he stumbled over to the service desk, and as he went to rest his hands on the counter, he flipped over a bowl full of little mints, scattering them everywhere. 

After taking a deep breath to calm himself, he announced to the wide eyed woman working there, My refrigerator doesn't work.

I don't doubt it, she replied.

Over dinner, the mom explained the health benefits of a colorful meal to her family. 

The more colors, the more variety of nutrients, she told them. Pointing to the food, she asked, How many different colors do you see?

Six, volunteered the son. Seven if you count the burned parts.

A crew of highway maintenance workers was sent to repair some road signs that vandals had knocked down in a forested area. The first one they put back up was a symbol warning of a deer crossing. 

As they moved down the road to repair the next sign, one crew member looked back and spotted a deer running across the highway. 

Turning to a co-worker he said, I wonder how long he's been waiting to cross?

Over breakfast one morning, a woman said to her husband, I bet you don't know what day this is.

Of course I do, he indignantly answered, going out the door to the office. 

At 10 AM, the doorbell rang, and when the woman opened the door, she was handed a box containing a dozen long stemmed red roses. 

At 1 PM, a foil wrapped , two pound box of her favorite chocolates arrived. 

Later, a boutique delivered a designer dress. 

The woman couldn't wait for her husband to come home. 

First the flowers, then the chocolates, and then the dress! she exclaimed. I've never had a more wonderful Groundhog Day in my life!

I do hope I’ve share some smiles with you today, in the depth of winter don’t we all need a little sunshine! Sunshine equals JOY.

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. 

Anthony J. D'Angelo

Chapter 1, Page 22, Book 14

How lovely yellow is! It stands for the sun. 

Vincent van Gogh

Amongst the many things I read each day I found this little gem of information to share with you all today.  Did you know that the color yellow stimulates memory. If you want to remember something write it down on yellow paper. Yellow also raises blood pressure and increases the pulse rate, but far less than red does. Yellow has the same energizing effect as a day in the sunshine. It can help relieve depression.

I wonder if the folks that developed those yellow sticky notes knew about this information and that is why they were yellow?  I’ve used a lot of them over the years.  Now not so much as I have a little sticky note application on my computer and there is where I now keep my reminders and such.  Sticky notes do come in other colors but my favorite has always been yellow.  

So I did a little search on Yellow and this is what I found…

Yellow is the most highly visible of all colors which is why it is used for pedestrian crossings. Take note of the crossings which are marked in white - they are less easy to see than those marked yellow, particularly on wet and cloudy days.

Traditionally, yellow ribbons were worn as a sign of hope as women waited for their men to come home from war. Today, yellow ribbons are still used to welcome homes loved ones

Sometimes silence is not golden -- just yellow.

Author Unknown

Lurking in the background is the dark side of yellow: cowardice, betrayal, egoism, and madness. Furthermore, yellow is the color of caution and physical illness such as jaundice, malaria, and pestilence

When overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect; it is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms. Yellow is seen before other colors when placed against black; this combination is often used to issue a warning. 

A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.

St. Francis of Assisi

Today as every day I always try to look on the bright side of things so I’m choosing to remember the color yellow at it’s best.  Yellow is the color of sunshine, hope, and happiness.  Pure, bright and sunny yellow is the easiest color to see. People who are blind to other colors can usually see yellow. Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. Always use yellow note pads.

Yellow symbolizes wisdom. Yellow means joy and happiness. Yellow daffodils are a symbol of unrequited love.  It’s the color of happiness, and optimism, of enlightenment and creativity, sunshine and spring.

It is the color closest to light. In its utmost purity it always implies the nature of brightness and has a cheerful, serene, gently stimulating character. Hence, experience teaches us that yellow makes a thoroughly warm and comforting impression. With yellow the eye rejoices, the heart expands, the spirit is cheered and we immediately feel warmed. Many people feel an inclination to laugh when looking through a yellow glass.

Johann von Goethe, Theory of Colors

Chapter 1, Page 21, Book 14

Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things.  

Samuel M. Shoemaker

Most of us know the power of prayer.  There are few among us that don’t have at least one time in our lives when we’ve been the recipient of a miracle due to prayer.  But did you know that prayer is healthy for you too.

There are many that are looking for a good a good health routine at the beginning of the new year. I for one can recommend prayer.  The most important part of my health regimen is a good healthy dose of prayer  There is nothing that can release a feeling energy and renewal quite the way that prayer can.

When prayers go up, blessings come down. 

Author Unknown

Prayer is a great stress reliever and I’ve found that when I’m stressed out is when I usually get sick.  So prayer in a sense is preventative medicine.  Prayer changes us. It awakens us. Our eyes begin to notice beauty where we never noticed it before. Our hearts begin to feel compassion we never knew we had. Our priorities shift. As we pray, we receive the encouragement to live up to the potential inside us.

Prayer can lower our blood pressure. Prayer can act as a cushion when life throws a curve ball your way. My prayer life  keeps me grounded and gives me a sense of peace, hope, and gratitude in my heart.  Gratitude in my heart equals JOY.

Starting and ending the day with a prayer keeps me fit.  Prayer is like a daily vitamin for my soul.  A daily dose is good for all of us. By honoring our body, mind and spirit we become healthier and happier.  

I used to think the Lord's Prayer was a short prayer; but as I live longer, and see more of life, I begin to believe there is no such thing as getting through it. If a man, in praying that prayer, were to be stopped by every word until he had thoroughly prayed it, it would take him a lifetime. 

Henry Ward Beecher

Chapter 1, Page 20, Book 14

In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.

2 Timothy 2:20-21

I came across this verse in my daily devotionals recently and thought about how I love my wooden utensils.  The ones I use every day.  There is much JOY to be found in our every day lives too.

We don’t need special occasions where we use the gold and silver, every day is a JOY in itself.

Joy doesn't only live in the major moments. Joy lives in the seemingly little things, in our day to day lives.  I think we need to be faithful in little we have and thankful too with overflowing joy for what we have in the moment. It is the somewhat radical willingness to find contentment with things as they are.

It is not about inventing a feeling that isn’t there. Rather, the problem is that joy is all around us, but we fail to notice it. Joy is not something we can choose just once. We have to choose it again and again, every day. 

There are 2 things I've learned about my woolens spoons.

1.  You have to oil them occasionally so they don't dry out

2.  If you lay a wooden spoon across a boiling pot, your pot will never boil over.

Make Me a Spoon

Did you ever compare your Christian service to silverware? All Silverware is made to serve, but the difference pieces serve in different ways.

Forks Stab. This is mine, they say. Bits of meat, carrots, pickles, salad, and cheese. This, this and this are mine. says the fork.  Everything for me, me, me, And soon every last morsel on the plate has been pinned by the spear of the selfish fork.

Knives Cut. Too big, says the knife. Slice. Cut. Chop. Dice. Everything must change its shape to satisfy the whim of the knife. Nothing is right as it is. Everything needs paring down, carving or separating.

Spoons Serve. Cereal, soup, peas -- all the impossible foods can be handles comfortably from the smooth bowl of the spoon. Spoons say, Here, let me help you. We can manage together.

MAKE ME A SPOON, LORD!

Author Unknown

Chapter 1, Page 19, Book 14

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

Ecclesiastics 8:15

I recently read this verse on a birthday card I was sending out.  I truly don’t remember ever reading it before.  I have read the Bible through several times and have done many scripture studies but somehow missed this verse entirely.  

I thought how appropriate it was for a birthday greeting.  Don’t we all wish those we love a HAPPY Birthday?  

I think that if we leave it up to the good Lord to take care of all our difficulties,  in his own time, we can cheerfully enjoy the comforts, and bear up under the trials of life.  We can choose to make the best of our circumstances.  When we enjoy what we have, we can have a cheerfulness of spirit in what ever state or condition, serenity and tranquillity of mind, and can be thankful people.

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry. 

E. B. White

There is  a futility of modern living. People gain something, but they can’t enjoy it. They work for wealth, but then lose it. They acquire education, but they are still miserable.  Sometimes our efforts seem futile and fruitless, and life has much that we simply cannot understand.   Solomon reminds us that despite all of life’s ups and downs, we should enjoy what God has given us. 

He is saying, be thankful for the blessings of this life and enjoy laughter, food, and drink. This is the reward for the labor of this life. Being thankful is a part of my everyday life.  I continue to list at least 3 things every day.  This is what is on my list today:

1328. for a big bowl of popcorn
1329. for butter and salt, always good ingredients
1330. for those dear ones that give their all

Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties. 

Helen Keller

Chapter 1, Page 18, Book 14

Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul. 

Luther Burbank

Chasing winter away with a touch of Spring…a touch of joy!

After all the brilliant colors of Christmas, Winter brings about colors associated with sadness, blue and gray making your home feel cold, empty, and depressing.  At least that is the way it was here at my house. I spend so many hours inside during the winter that I wanted to bring a little JOY into my life by making things look a little brighter here than it was looking on the  outside. 

The answer to my dilemma  was some flowers.  Hidden away in the basement storage I found spring.  Flowers have the power to lift ones spirits when the eyes are drawn to their beauty.  You can bring a little springtime into your home in the middle of winter with bright yellow daffodils and colorful tulips. Alive and colorful, flowers inspire a zest for life.

Many will say that it is fresh flowers or nothing, but for me an artificial bouquet is just as appealing if its colorful and fresh looking. My take on fakes is to use them when nothing else is possible.  They last year after year and you can always wash them to freshen them up.

Little by little Spring will come, but here at least it looks and smells more like spring.  Smells so good thanks to my scented  candles.  

Looking for and enjoying beauty is a way to nourish the soul. the universe is in the habit of making beauty. There are flowers and songs, snowflakes and smiles, acts of great courage, laughter between friends, a job well done, the smell of fresh-baked bread. Beauty is everywhere

Matthew Fox

Chapter 1, Page 17, Book 14

The things you push away the hardest when you’re young,

you end up embracing when you get older.

Rosanne Cash

I remember a time in my youth that I thought wearing boots in the winter was totally uncool.  We would leave the house to walk to school all bundled up and with our boots on winter mornings.  One warmer day when the sidewalks were clear, I decided to take those boots off and walk to school with only my shoes on. Your feet feel so much lighter without boots on.   I thought mother would never know.  Well as it turned out there were puddles along the way where the ice and snow had melted and I splashed up my clean white socks with black yucky stuff and then had to explain just how that came to be.

Mom’s always find out and the truth hurts sometimes.

Now you just have to believe I love my boots.  I have several pairs of them and I do wear them in the winter.  I wouldn’t even consider going out side without them.  They keep my feet warm and dry.  I do love my boots and wear them outside all winter.

I’m sure there were many other things that in my youth, I’d push away.  Thankfully I’ve grown a little wiser with age.  The trials of youth do teach many lessons.  If only I’d been wise enough to listen to those who’d already learned those wise ways.

In our youth we think we are never going to be old.  The days go on and so do we until all of the sudden we are old and wonder just how that came to be.  The old and very wise saying about stopping to smell the roses is so very true.  If we don’t take the time to appreciate and value each day it will be gone before we know it and won’t return again.

 It is easy for any of us to get so immersed in what we are doing that we fail to see the joys and blessings of life all around us. We need more than ever to notice, cherish and enjoy these moments

GATHER ye rosebuds while ye may,  

  Old Time is still a-flying:  

And this same flower that smiles to-day  

To-morrow will be dying.  

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,

  The higher he 's a-getting,  

The sooner will his race be run,  

  And nearer he 's to setting.  

That age is best which is the first,  

  When youth and blood are warmer;

But being spent, the worse, and worst

Times still succeed the former.  

Then be not coy, but use your time,  

  And while ye may, go marry:  

For having lost but once your prime,

  You may for ever tarry.

Robert Herrick