Praise You in this Storm

Today is difficult. Still, I am thankful that I have a place to come home to, that I have work for my hands, and that my life is full of family and friends.
What makes a person remarkable? What make a life remarkable? It seems that it is relative. I mean, what is remarkable to one may be mundane and unimportant to another. So I believe that it is our best interest to be remarkable in the eyes of the ones we love, and no one else.
God thinks each of us is remarkable, that is a given. And I know we cannot be eveything to everyone. But maybe I can be amazing for a time in the eyes of one of my children, my husband, or my grandson. Maybe I could even impress myself...but that is a slippery slope.
If you want to live a remarkable life, start with the circle right around you. Maybe it works like this...maybe you drop a pebble of kindness or brilliance or courage or insight and it works its way outward with a rippling effect. So, will find my pebble and drop it gently and see what happens.

Silent Joy

Today I am thankful for freedom to worship as I see fit.
I am thankful for those quiet moments with my grandson - wherein no matter what is happening in life; financial trouble, relationship issues, work stress, political madness; there is peace. I find loveliness in his sleeping face, the texture and smell of his hair, the soft breaths he takes. I often wonder what it must be like to sleep like that - with no cares or concerns, he is secure and loved and safe. Maybe we don't sleep like a three-year-old because we don't play hard like a three-year old. It's a thought.
I am immediately thankful for spaghetti with italian sausage and lots of Parmesan cheese...and a full stomach. How blessed am I? :)

Gratitude

I have decided that I am going to make a concentrated effort every day not only to thank God in my prayers, but to list three or more things (big or small) I am thankful for. I figure that in this day, and in these times of uncertainty and repetitive disappointment, it will be a good way to remember that there is always something to be glad about. This will be an exercise in faith and, hopefully, will make for a cheerful thought or two for all of us. I invite you to join me in daily expressions of gratitude.
So...today...right this moment...I am thankful for coffee, for all the great walking paths around downtown Columbia, and my husband's companionship.

Your turn!

Sleepless in Seattle

Sleepless in Seattle on tv means I am going to be sleepless in Columbia tonight.
Sam Baldwin: Well, how long is your program? Well, it was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were suppose to be together... and I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home... only to no home I'd ever known... I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew. It was like... magic.

www.myspace.com/connersvine

Okay, I have fallen in love with Connersvine and their new song "Hero." Not only is the song musically impressive, the words and meaning behind the music just blows me away. Is it coincidence that this song about a father's passion for his young son has come to my attention just after Father's Day and after the devastating news from our SC Governor - his broken family is suffering so much. His four beautiful sons need a hero right now.
I have to admit, I have let my children down when they were younger...what parent hasn't fallen short? There is beauty in recovery, though. I know it. We need to all face our demons and put things out of our lives that we know will be bound to destroy the faith and innocence of the ones we love the most. This revelation from the weary Governor is really a humbling wake up call for all of us. How many of us are teetering on such a disaster...and maybe don't even recognize it? I realize that he (and his family) will face consequences untold for his malfunction...and his future is unclear; but we all need to put aside our anger, humiliation and thoughts of revenge and replace it with thoughtfullness, self-examination and humility. sometimes you have to pick your collective character up by the bootstraps and keep moving forward. Recovery is the result of love and forgiveness and restoration (within an appropriate time frame), not bitterness.

Animal abusers make me sick...

What kind of a coward must you be to think it's a good idea to inflict pain on a helpless animal? I can't bear the thought of how many animals are suffering horrific treatment every minute of the day around the world. Some cultures around the world don't see a problem with it, but you would think that here in this country we would have a sense of conscience about such things. Penalties are not harsh enough. Please find a way to join your local humane cause and support them with you time and contributions. God help us if we don't act.
http://animalcare-sc.blogspot.com/