Chapter 11, Page 30, Book 14

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens

Ecclesiastics 3:1

Advent: A time to wait.

Advent begins today.  For those of you that don't know there is a distinct difference between Advent and Christmas.  Advent is a time of expectation, a season of waiting and anticipation. Christmas is a time of celebration and rejoicing for the gift that is given.

These 4 weeks before Christmas do make me wonder about our inability to be patient and wait and so I'l be doing some thinking and searching on the subject of waiting in the days to come.

Part of our Christmas preparations are gifts, and so each day I hope to add a little thought about gifts too.  This year the 4 weeks until Christmas will give me plenty to think about and hopefully will help you to prepare too.

I hope you all will join me in my Advent reflections in the days ahead.  Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas. It is a time when peace and hope and joy can break through our anxiety. 

Advent is like taking a deep breath.

The best gifts to give that don’t cost a cent

THE GIFT OF LISTENING

But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no
planning your responses, no second-guessing. Just listen.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION 

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.
Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have
for your family and dose friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER

Clip and share cartoons and funny stories. Your gift will say,
I love to laugh with you.

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE 

It can be a simple Thanks for the help note or
a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered
for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT 

A simple and sincere, You look great in red, You did a super job,
or That was wonderful, can make someone’s day.

THE GIFT OF A FAVOR 

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE

There are times when you want nothing more than to be left alone.
Be sensitive to that same need in others and give the gift of
solitude when it seems needed.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION

The easiest way to feel good is to offer a kind word to someone.
Really, just a cheery Hello, or How are you?
can go a long way.

Chapter 11, Page 29, Book 14

Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.

Karl Barth

I can’t help but be joyful when I’ve got something to be thankful for.  Whenever I’m tempted to give in to feeling sorry for myself I just look over the list of all the things I’ve had to be thankful for and then I realized just how blessed I am.  

When we practice gratitude, we train ourselves to pay attention to small moments of grace found amid the mundane moments of life. Gratitude opens up a new world to us, when we start to notice the gifts that are always available to us, always surrounding us, waiting to be seen. Gratitude can give us new eyes to see what has been there the whole time.

A person never runs out of reasons to say thanks. Just the word lifts the spirit!  To say, thanks, is to celebrate a gift. Something. Anything. 

Max Lucado

Today I’m thankful for:

2264. for dancing, lots of fun and good for you too

2265.for decorations to put up and make the house look cheery

2266. for great smelling candles, they make it smell like Christmas here

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest person
it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.

Edward Sandford Martin

This ends my month long series of thankfulness.  But I’ll never stop counting because there is always, always something to be thankful for.

Tomorrow is the 1st Sunday of Advent so here at my house we'll be preparing for Christmas 

The Advent Virus is coming…

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE.

The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of THE ADVENT VIRUS:

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

A loss of interest in judging other people.

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

A loss of interest in conflict.

A loss of the ability to worry. This is a very serious symptom.

Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

Frequent attacks of smiling.

An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Prepare in Peace,

Prepare in Hope,

Prepare in Joy,

Prepare in Love.

Chapter 11, Page 28, Book 14

Got no check books, got no banks. Still I'd like to express my thanks — I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night. 

Irving Berlin

I may not have much, but I’m thankful for what I do have.

I’ve got a home, it may be old and everything in it is old too, like me

I’ve got lots of family, there is never a dull moment and they give me many reasons to be happy

I’ve got a few good friends, Like the old say goes, One is silver a the other gold. 

I’ve got a great church to go to where I’m renewed and refreshed every week.

I’m so truly blessed and appreciate seeing the sunrise and set every day.  The rising sun reminds me to be thankful for another day.  The sunset reminds me to count those blessings and write them down.  Thanksgiving may be over but we’ve still a few days left of November so I’ll be sharing my thanks till it ends.

I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. . .
O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on
my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment.

Henry David Thoreau

Today I’m thankful for:

2261. for a Black Friday trip to Christmas in the Country
2262. for holiday traditions
2263. for precious memories

Chapter 11, Page 27, Book 14

Thank you Lord,for happy heart for rain and sunny weather 

Thank you Lord, for this our food and that we are together.

 Amen

Happy Thanksgiving !

May you find all the joys and happiness that this warm and heartfelt wish can bring.

Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude. 

E.P. Powell

Thanksgiving is a day to step back, take time to reflect, and give thanks for the people and things in our lives that we have the opportunity and pleasure to enjoy and know. Thanksgiving is a time for sharing and spreading happiness.

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. 

Edward Sandford Martin

May the blessings of this Thanksgiving fill your hearts and home!   May you find peace when you most need it.

Today I’m thankful for:

2258. for a year filled with blessings from above
2259. for lots of good food and good company
2260. for my good health and that of my family

Remember:

Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day.

Robert C. Linter

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Chapter 11, Page 26, Book 14

Thanksgiving should be more of an attitude than an observance;

More a way of life than a day apart;

More a habit than a holiday;

More of a spirit of gratitude than a time of feasting

William Arthur Ward

Thanksgiving Day is tomorrow but the Thanksgiving celebrating is done and over for me.  We did our family feast last Saturday.  We all had a great time and most of the time only get together like this on the occasion of holidays throughout the year.

Makes me wonder how great every day could be if we had Thanksgiving Day every day!  

When I was a young mom, many years ago, I really never thought about what it would be like when all my children were grown up and gone.  I did know it was my job as a parent to make sure they grew up to be responsible people but I really never thought about what it would be like at my house when they were all gone.

Go they did and some are further away than others, and each has their own home, family, and ways of life that no longer include me.  

What would it be like if we all still lived together? Spouses and grandchildren included.  What if we had Thanksgiving Day every day?

I for one would be happy to find out!

Today I’m thankful for:

2255. for cakes of all kinds, they remind me of celebrations

2256. for fruit, oranges loaded with wonderful vitamin C are a must this time of year

2257. for nuts, pecans are my favorite and I think I’ll put some on my fruit cake too.

Chapter11, Page 25, Book 14

Gratitude takes three forms: a feeling in the heart, an expression in words, and a giving in return.

John Wanamaker

I read the message below in one of my morning devotionals this past week and it was appreciated !  Hope it puts some meaning into your day too!

This is a sure way to say goodbye to complaining and ingratitude: Each day, let’s rehearse the faithfulness and goodness of God to us.

Lord, You have given us so much. Forgive us for our
short memories and bad attitudes. Help us to
remember and be grateful for all that You have
provided. And help us to tell others of the good things You have done for us.

Proclaiming God’s faithfulness silences discontentment.

Remember:

The quickest way to douse the fire of anger is with a bucket of prayer. Rather than rant, rave, or seek revenge…pray. 

Max Lucado

Today I’m thankful for:

2252. for people to buy gifts for

2253.for a wide variety of things to buy

2254. for a little money in my pocket to go shopping with

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chapter 11, Page 24, Book 14

Give thanks for all things. All things great and small, good, bad, for all things are for a purpose.

Ann Herbstreith

I do try to be thankful for everything and look for the bright side in every moment.  But, I find it hardest to be thankful for winter.  I’m not of fan of cold or snow at all.  I don’t like shoveling snow, it gets harder ever year.  I fear slipping and falling on the ice.  

So today I’m sharing some reasons to be thankful for winter….

Water is an important natural resource and snow replenishes our waterways

Winter wonderlands are beautiful when your inside looking out

One of the benefits of winter is that it helps us appreciate warmer weather.

This is a time of great joy as we celebrate family and friends during the holidays. 

Oven baked pies and acorn squash

Spiced cider brewing on the stove

I’m sure there are really many other things to be thankful for in winter.  As we have several months until Spring comes, I’ll be looking for more.

Today I’m thankful for :

2249. for talents to use to help others
2250. for a warmer day
2251. for children and grandchildren, they motivate me to do more

The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it. 

Johann von Goethe

Chapter 11, Page 23, Book 14

I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom.  

Author Unknown

I really believe that the heart has no limits.  You can love 30 people just as much as you can love one.  Just about the time you feel you’ve give all the love you can, you find yourself giving more.

Just part of our Family feast yesterday !

Today I’m thankful for :

2246.  for cranberries, good for you and good tasting too!
2247. for a day to rest and reset for the new week ahead
2248. for my family, near and far

My youngest grand daughter and her mom

Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chapter 11, Page 22, Book 14

Be grateful for the kindly friends that walk along your way;  

Be grateful for the skies of blue that smile from day to day;  

Be grateful for the health you own, the work you find to do,  

For round about you there are men less fortunate than you.

Be grateful for the growing trees, the roses soon to bloom, 

The tenderness of kindly hearts that shared your days of gloom; 

Be grateful for the morning dew, the grass beneath your feet,

The soft caresses of your babes and all their laughter sweet.

Acquire the grateful habit, learn to see how blest you are, 

How much there is to gladden life, how little life to mar!

And what if rain shall fall today and you with grief are sad;

Be grateful that you can recall the joys that you have had.

Edgar Guest  

Being grateful for the joys we have had in our lives, makes getting through the tough times much easier.  That is one reason I try to celebrate every day and make some new memories to have in my storage bank of joyful days.

Every day may not be a good one but there is something good to be found in every day!

Today I’m Thankful for :

2243. for family to visit and a trip to take today

2244. for DD and her hubby who will give me a ride, once again

2245. for DS#6 and his wife who will be our hosts today

Chapter 11, Page 21, Book 14

You cannot be grateful and bitter.

You cannot be grateful and unhappy.

You cannot be grateful and without hope.

You cannot be grateful and unloving.

So just be grateful.

Author Unknown

Whenever you're in need of encouragement, instead of waiting for someone to come along and lift your spirit, try being a refresher. Bring a little fresh air into another person's life, and you just might find that the invigorating breeze blows back your way.

Delight in Simple Things

Learn to like what doesn’t cost too much.

Learn to like reading, conversation, music.

Learn to like plain food, plain service, plain cooking.

Learn to like fields, trees, brooks, hiking, rowing, climbing hills.

Learn to like people, even though some of them may be different from you.

Learn to like to work and enjoy the satisfaction of doing your job as well as it can be done.

Learn to like the songs of birds, the companionship of dogs.

Learn to like gardening, puttering around the house, and fixing things.

Learn to like the sunrise and sunset, the beating of rain on the roof and windows, and the gentle fall of snow on a winter day.

Learn to keep your wants simple, and refuse to be controlled by the likes and dislikes of others.

Lowell B. Bennion

Today I’m thankful for:

2240. for our Cutie Patootie, it’s her birthday today !

2241. for pumpkin pies, they are good and I need to make them more often

2242. for the preparation for the holidays, it’s half the fun!

A little word in kindness spoken, 

A motion or a tear, has often healed a heart that's broken, 

And made a friend sincere.

Chapter 11, Page 20, Book 14

There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy.

Ralph H. Blum  

Peace of mind comes when you appreciate what you have, instead of focus on what’s missing. Accept what you have and where you are with gratitude. Feel thankful and you will feel more peaceful.

Saying thanks not only brightens someone else's world, it brightens yours. If you're feeling left out, unloved or unappreciated, try reaching out to others. It may be just the medicine you need.

Remember that more than a holiday set apart, Thanksgiving's the mark of a grateful heart.

Having a thankful heart changes the way we look at our circumstances.

Today I’m thankful for:

2237. for hot cereal on a cold morning

2238. for tasty fall vegetables

2239. for my dentist, he’ll fix it or pull it today

Add a little joy to life, right now and every chance you get. Those little joys will quickly add up to a life that’s truly magnificent.

Ralph Marston

Chapter 11, Page 19, Book 11

It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart

Author Unknown

The Size of Your Heart


It isn't the size of your house
That matters much at all.
It's a gentle hand and its loving touch,
That makes you great or small.

The friends who come to visit,
When out of your house they depart,
Will judge it not by the style you show,
But rather by the size of your heart.

It isn't how smart you are,
Or the wealth you've found.
Happiness comes from how you touch
The lives that are all around.

Making money is not hard,
But living life well is an art.
How people love and regard you,
Is all in the size of your heart.


Author Unknown 

Today I’m thankful for:

2234. for our Little Lad, It’s his birthday today !

2235. for warm boots, gloves and coats

2236. for clear streets and salted pathways

Chapter 11, Page 18, Book 14

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75 percent of the world.

If you have money in the bank or in your wallet, you are among the top 80 percent of the worlds wealthy.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

Author Unknown

I am blessed, I have more health than wealth today.  I’m so thankful for a little money in my bank account, but more than that I’m thankful that I can smile and be a thankful person.

There are clothes on my back and food in the fridge and a roof over my head.  I have so much more than many other do.  

They say that when we have much we should share what we have and that is what I try to do.  I share my faith and the love of family and home.  This is where my wealth lies.  Not in a big bank account.

Today I’m thankful for:

2231. for life, what an adventure !
2232. for cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse, it’s his birthday today
2233. for snow melt to sprinkle on our icy front steps

In the quiet hours when we are alone and there is nobody to tell us what fine fellows we are, we come sometimes upon a moment in which we wonder, not how much money we are earning, nor how famous we have become, but what good we are doing.

A.A. Milne

Chapter 11,Page 17, Book 14

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.

Denis Waitley

Happiness

When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've every had.

It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives. Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back!

Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

Don't go for looks; they can deceive.  Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.  Find the one that makes your heart smile.

There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real!

Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.

Always put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives. Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.

Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Author Unknown 

Today I’m thankful for:

2228. for bananas, good to eat and bake with
2229. for homemade bread, mmmm good
2230. for an oven that still works

The present is the point at which time touches eternity.

 C. S. Lewis

Chapter 11, Page 16, Book 14

It is impossible to be negative while we are giving thanks.

Donald Curtis

Cheerfulness is a state of mind in which we feel content and confident and are free of stress, anxieties and fear. A prolonged state of being cheerful is happiness.

Cheerfulness is wearing a smile and therefore easy to distinguish. It is usually contagious and will often be returned, so that the positive feelings flow both ways.  

You can't feel really bad and laugh at the same time. Laughter just feels good. When things are a bit sour between friends, what better way to set things right, than to have a good laugh together. 

Remember:

It is better to say, I'm fine, with a grin,
Than to let people know the shape we are in.

I'M FINE!  HOW ARE YOU?

There's nothing the matter with me,
 I'm just as healthy as can be,
I have arthritis in both knees,
And when I talk, I talk with a wheeze.
My pulse is weak, my blood is thin,
But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.

All my teeth have had to come out,
And my diet I hate to think about.

I'm overweight and I can't get thin,

But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.

And arch supports I need for my feet.
Or I wouldn't be able to go out in the street.
Sleep is denied me night after night,
But every morning I find I'm all right.
 My memory's failing, my head's in a spin.
 But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.

Old age is golden I've heard it said,
But sometimes I wonder, as I go to bed.
With my ears in a drawer, my teeth in a cup,
      And my glasses on a shelf, until I get up.
And when sleep dims my eyes, I say to myself,
 Is there anything else I should lay on the shelf?

The reason I know my youth has been spent,
 Is my get up and go has got up and went!
But really I don't mind, when I think with a grin,
Of all the places my get up has been.

I get up each morning and dust off my wits,
Pick up the paper and read the obits.
     If my name is missing, I'm therefore not dead,
So I eat a good breakfast and jump back into bed.

The moral of this as the tale unfolds,
Is that for you and me, who are growing old.
   It is better to say, I'm fine, with a grin,
Than to let people know the shape we are in.

I'M FINE!  HOW ARE YOU?

Author Unknown, but good for a laugh!

Today I’m Thankful for :

2225. for DDIL#2, it’s her birthday today

2226. for the fact that I don’t live in the snow belt, they got 14 inches of snow

2227. for teddy bears, they make me smile

Do anything, but let it produce joy.

Walt Whitman