Thursday’s Thankful Heart

Here are some snippets of my Daily Thankfulness Journal:

General Thankfulness

• Cool morning breeze
• The sound of the pouring rain
• Sweet tasting ham steak
• Good health
• Date Night
• Sleeping next to my Sweetie
• Found a simple recipe for a deodorizer that works
• Quiet moments alone
• Dishes DONE!
• Teamwork at work
• Phone call from a friend
• A/C in my car!!!
• Sweet cuddly kitties
• Falling asleep in my Sweeties arms
• Taste of fresh super-cold milk
• Family time with the Hubby
• Coffee and Bible Study with my Lady friends
• Laughing with friends
• Quiet ride in the car with sweet reflections
• Squeaky clean shiny truck

About My Husband

• He asked to go on a date
• He helped me get caught up on dish washing
• He did NOT scold me for giving the cats a few tastes of ham during dinner (they love ham)
• He fixed the A/C in my car (or found the solution)
• He went horseback riding with me and said it wasn’t long enough
• He thanked me for making him coffee
• He left for an overnight trip and said he wishes I could go along
• He found my Daily Thankfulness Journal and asked if he could read it.  :)

Wednesday’s C.O.W. – Coupon Of Wisdom

Romans 7:15-17

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

 

This was the topic of discussion with some friends lately.  I’ve been thinking a lot about FOCUS.  Isn’t that the answer to almost every ill?  We can lose weight, meet a special goal, keep a cleaner home, save a few dollars, etc… IF we focus!  I can’t always keep my focus where I want it.  I can for a while, but then I lose it and have to start over.  Why is that?  It’s the sinful nature living within.  So in my quest to accomplish much, part of that is learning what tangible things I can do to squash the sinful nature and latch onto continual focus!  It’s a documented fact that the most significant key to weight loss is…. keeping a journal of every single item consumed.  That’s what helps keep the focus!  What are some tangible ways to stay focused in other areas?  Here are some of my ideas… 

• Keep a journal.  What kind?  I’m currently keeping a journal of thankfulness.  I wonder what would happen if I kept of journal of sinful thoughts, words, or actions?  Ouch!  That would not be pretty!  I suppose it could be very helpful with confession and repentance.  I’m not sure I’m ready for this one, but it might be a good tool.  Hmmmm…
• Surround  yourself with those who are positive and working towards the same goals.  That’s why I participate in my Bible Study groups.  It helps me to stay grounded, in the Word, and reminds me that I’m not the only one struggling with lack of focus!  A good support mechanism is essential to success.
• Tap into resources.  Books, magazines, support groups, visual aids, etc.  I want to get back to running.  I ordered a fitness magazine.  It comes once every month.  Just getting it makes me want to read it and that helps me get back to it. 

What else?  Got any ideas?  How do we win the battle of focus!

Tuesdays With Jen – My Memoirs

Random things I remember from being a teenager:

 

• Trips to Penn State main campus for FFA week
• Loved my Penn State t-shirts from the above trip
• Tie dyed t-shirt that I wore until it completely wore out
• Every day on the way to my job at the stable (in the summer) I stopped at McCormick’s Market for a diet Pepsi and a brownie.  That was my usual lunch aside from the occasional Marburger Buttermilk with Doritos.  Mmmmmm…
• I used to run
• Riding my horse at least 6 days a week
• I had a phone with gigantic buttons and it would click before it rang, so I could answer it without anyone else knowing that a call was coming in
• Grandma made me breakfast every morning (school days)  It was either fried potatoes or grapefruit that she pealed and skinned. 
• We used to ride by the pool to catch a glimpse of the lifeguards there. 
• Dates with a few boys… some good some bad
• Showing my horse at the Fair
• Showing my lambs at the Farm Show
• Working Saturday’s at Market

Blessings Monday

I am so blessed.  I have a loving husband.  I have an adequate home that is affordable for us.  I have a job that I enjoy with a boss that is exceptional.  I have a reliable car.  I experience the sites, smells, and sounds of the world around me created by the Almighty God.  I have friends and family nearby.  The Lord has provided a freezer and pantry full of sustenance.  I have a closet full of clothes to wear.  I have my pony and her home is affordable.  I have a heart that wants to be pure, seeking righteousness each day. 

 

Thank you Lord for these blessings that remind me of your presence in my life. 

Selfless Sunday

Yesterday was an entirely lazy day here at home.  Neither of us needed to be up early and we had gone on a date the night before.  I was still the first to crawl out of bed, so I went and made a fresh pot of coffee for my Sweetie.   He really appreciated it. 

 

K spent a few evening hours mowing grass and then washing and waxing the truck.  By the time we retreated to the bedroom for the night, he was complaining of having achy shoulders.  I massaged his shoulders for a good long while.  I know he appreciated it and it made me feel good to spoil him. 

 

An old friend/acquaintance was in the hospital this week.  I took some time to visit and wish him well.  I think those who are ill and especially those in the hospital appreciate when people take time to visit and wish them well. 

 

Another friend is vacationing this week and was looking for a small cooler to take along.  I just happened to have one she could borrow.  She said it was the perfect size and really appreciated it. 

 

Still another friend is on vacation (different friend this time).  I’m making sure that all the horses are cared for and that the barn is cleaned every day.  I’m also trying to desensitize her horse to being sprayed with the hose.  He’s such a chicken.  The few times I’ve seen her spray him he’s pretty much run circles around her.  I can’t stand it.  (my horse stands still and I don’t even have to hold her)  So I’ve been spraying him every day and insisting that he stand still.  He’s come a long way.  I can’t wait to show her the progress!  Honestly I think the horse actually enjoys the discipline. 

 

I need to be less lazy about selfless things… Have any ideas to share? 

Saturday’s SBavings & Meal Planning

We saved BIG this Saturday because we didn’t do our weekly shopping.  My Sweetie will be traveling this weekend to visit some of his family and there will also be a couple of days this week that we also won’t be eating at home…. sooooooooo  we don’t need much.  As a matter of fact I suspect that there is enough in the freezer and pantry to sustain us for the week.  Yay!

 

So meal plans???

• Breakfast night… either pancakes or eggs & bacon
• Chicken with rice
• Beef stroganoff with side-salad

 

We need to revisit our household budget here very soon.  I recently received word that the last 18 months of my student loan payments have doubled.  We’ve been stretching to save and hoping to one day buy our own home.  It kind of feels like this puts a dent in our plans, but it’s almost paid in full, so that keeps us positive.  Any time we can pay off a debt we are delighted.  We’ve been quite successful in getting OUT of most of our debt and not taking on much more.  We did buy a truck a little over a year ago, but it was much needed after my hubby drove his car for more than 10 years.  Hopefully we’ll find a way to stretch some areas and/or eliminate others. 

Family Photo Friday

These were not taken this week, but in May 2010. We were visiting family in Cincinnati and went to the Conservatory to see the Butterfly exhibit. Such beautiful specimens.

Family Photo Friday is hosted by According To Jemit

Stop over there to puruse and participate!

Thursday’s Thankful Heart

Here are a few things I’ve recorded in my Daily Thankfulness Journal lately…

General Thankfulness

• Good honest tire guy
• Boss that lets me have a flexible schedule
• Sweet lovins from the kitty
• Leftover roast beef Mmmmm
• Squeal of a greeting from my pony – She’s happy to see me!
• Sweet and spicy Asian meat Yummo!
• Overpaid the cable bill, amount due $0, YAY!!!
• Old memories uncovered and relived for a moment
• New fancy stick-its for personal notes (Thanks Becky!)
• Clean barn :)

About my Husband

• He asked me to sew something for him.
• He has a positive attitude about a potential job change
• He looked so sharp today!
• He did not take offense to my constructive criticism
• He let me drive the truck
• He opened the door for me
• He put his clean clothes away
• He said he liked what I made for dinner

Wednesday’s C.O.W. “Coupon Of Wisdom”

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Our friends have endured the heartache of not one but multiple miscarriages.  I search but cannot find words that will help fill that void and make them feel better.  I am so very sad for them.    In times like these I cling to the hope of the word of God. 

Tuesdays With Jen – My Memoirs

This past weekend I cleaned out a few things that were being stored in our back room in the basement.  I stumbled upon an old scrap book that had a few misc. items tucked inside.  The scrap book was from my senior year of high school.  There were pictures, 3newspaper clippings, and misc. keepsakes from my travels and activities back then. 

 

I was in the FFA.  I was a leader of my local chapter.  I received the DeKalb award, one of the highest awards afforded to high school FFA students.  It made the newspaper and the article said that I was planning to pursue Agriculture Education.  Really?  What?  I don’t even remember how that came about.  And why didn’t I pursue it?  I might have been a good one! 

 

I also found some pictures.  I don’t have them scanned yet, but I wish I did.  My best friend and I went to JCPenney and had our portraits taken together.  I wish you could see the outfits and the hair!!!!  This is early 90’s!!!  We look so young!

 

I found a letter from an old acquaintance that I worked with at the stable.  I have occasionally wondered what ever became of him.  His hometown was Harrisville, PA and if I remember correctly he wanted to become a vet, with equine interest.  I wonder if I can find him on Facebook?  Hmmm…

 

I found two love letters from a guy that I went on a couple dates with.  The funny thing is that I remember his first name and what he looked like, but not his last name.  He must have made quite an impression????  The letters were sweet but at this point in my life they make me laugh.  He wrote “every night before I go to sleep I pray that I will have a chance with you.”  Seriously?  Even funnier… I don’t even remember exchanging letters with this boy.  Sorry Pal. 

 

I didn’t even know this scrap book existed until I stumbled upon it.  It’s amazing the things we forget as time goes by. 

Blessings Monday

Summer harvesting is upon us.  It seems like it came on awfully quick this year.  It’s just getting started!  Friends and family are picking corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, all sorts of yummy summer favorites.  Sunday night I ate an entire zucchini (fried) all myself.  That was pretty much my entire meal.  We do not have our own garden.  I have but a couple lonely tomato plants on and beside my porch with an array of delicious herbs alongside.  It doesn’t keep me from enjoying the fruits of other’s labor.  My friend supplied the zucchini.  The stores are bursting with flavor of freshness from near and far.  I’m loving it!

 

So today I count the blessing of plentiful harvest, fresh wholesome goodness, and that I have a taste for it.  Thank you God for these delicious and healthy provisions.

 

Share your blessing over at Down On The Farm.

Selfless Sunday

I don’t feel like I did much in this area this week… I went into work on my day off to get some signatures.  I did some extra farm chores.  I’m trying to teach my friend’s horse to be good about getting sprayed with the hose before she gets back from vacation.  (it’s a work in progress)  I made coffee for my hubby this morning and lunch for him before he left for work.  I did lots of housework this weekend, which is not only beneficial for me, but for my hubby as well.  I made sure all of HIS clothes were first to be washed.  I broke down and put the air conditioner in the master bedroom because I want my hubby to have a comfortable place to lay his head… in a bed where his feet aren’t dangling off the end.  I wrote a heartfelt note to a kindred friend who is enduring a rough time.  And I agreed to do some more house-sitting in the weeks to come.  All in all… I guess I’ve done a few selfless things, but these are all the kind of things that just come naturally.  I need to do something a little more out of my comfort zone… Hmmm… maybe I’ll have something better next week?

Saturday’s Savings & Meal Planning

We did BASIC shopping yesterday, meaning primarily essentials.  Most of what we got were not big sale items, but mostly necessary… including fresh vegetables.  We also made some store brand choices, because K gets a 10% discount on those.  So what’s in store for our meals this week???

Meals…

• Asian Pork with Jasmine rice wrapped in Romaine lettuce.  (already in the crock pot) Missing the kim-chee and spicy sauce, but can do without those.  (maybe another day)  We miss Asian meals!
• Ham Steak with garlic asparagus and buttered red-potatoes
• Salad with fajita chicken, cheese, and a few seasoned fries (this will be Sunday’s lunch)
• Crockpot Roasted Chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans.
• Grilled cheese on whole wheat bread with tomato soup.
• Breakfast night… either eggs & bacon or pecan pancakes… whichever he pleases!

SNACKS… Why haven’t I been planning snacks?  He always asks for them and I admit, I usually have 2 snacks every day.  So here’s some ideas for this week:

• pudding (already made especially for my hubby)
• chips/pretzels
• apple or nectarine
• peanut butter crackers
• frozen berries w/ milk
• popsicles & frozen gogurt
• carrot sticks

Sundays Splurge… I only eat ice cream on Sunday!

One scoop of chocolate ice cream, peanut butter drizzle, squirt of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of crushed Reeses peanut butter cups….  Mmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!

Thursdays Thankful Heart

In keeping with my theme of recording daily items of thankfulness in general and about my Handy Hubby.  Unfortunately my list was short this week because I haven’t been home and I keep the list on the desktop of my home computer.  Here are some things I’ve recently recorded:

General Thankfulness

• Productive day at work
• Clean clothes and the smell of bleach
• Refreshing Wild Sweet Orange tea
• The sight of our sweet kitty curled up on a pillow, her loud purr, and her sweet lovins
• Chores done by a kindred friend before I even arrive to do them
• Clean dishes
• Mechanical advice from my brother
• Daisies I picked for myself & Freshly weeded flower garden
• Beds neatly made

About my Husband

• He found a GREAT deal on mulch and made the yard look so great!
• He said it wasn’t my fault.
• He called to talk.  I love when he shares what’s on his mind.
• His warm body cradled me all night long.

Wednesday’s C.O.W. (Coupon Of Wisdom)

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God… (Romans)

 

Did you ever stop to think about what it means to fall short of the glory of God?  I was reading Romans last week and found myself contemplating this very question for days now.  Remembering back to the days of my youth when I learned the basic Catechism…  What is our purpose?  To glorify God and enjoy him forever.  We are given innumerable opportunities to glorify God every second of our lives.  All that we think, say, and do is an opportunity.  Falling short is inevitable! 

 

Obviously there is no cure for this ill, but we MUST strive to improve.  So in response, my daily morning prayer is that the Holy Spirit will author my thoughts so that the words I speak and action I take will be a sweet reflection of the presence of Christ in my life.  I’m a work in progress. 

 

Have you clipped a coupon of wisdom from your studies lately?  Feel free to share.  

Tuesdays With Jen – My Memoirs

I was just thinking the other day about social skills.  Does anyone think that I was socially inept as a child, or even now?  A week or so ago we were at a family function talking about a recent trip to downtown Pittsburgh.  My mother shutters at the thought of the big city.  Quite honestly, she put that fear in me long ago, but I have since grown out of it.  Then Mom was talking about her being the youngest child and how she always had to fight for attention or something.  I think that’s what starting this whole topic on my mind lately… the things we do or do not learn as children.  It’s amazing how our childhood plays a part in our adult lives.

 

I remember being kind of a loner as a child.  I was a middle child.  When the younger children came along I think I felt just sort of forgotten.  A couple of times I might have tried to vie for some attention, but alas I always felt overlooked or discounted.  Maybe that is the root of my independence?  Maybe it was because we lived way down over the hill in a rural area with neighborly friends not very close, thus limiting the usual interaction of children??? 

 

I didn’t reach out to befriend other children.  I waited for them to approach me.  Why is that?  I’m still kind of like that.  When I meet new people I’m not sure what to say right away.  I usually wait for them to ask all the questions.  My husband will sit on the porch and talk with the neighbors, but I’d rather not.  I like my privacy.  I would be happy living in Timbuktu where the neighbors are not so close.  I don’t seek out social opportunities, but when K does talk me into it, I enjoy it.  (just like visiting the city)

 

I was telling my lady friends this on Saturday and one of them said that the way I am makes me a very approachable person.   Wow, that was quite a compliment.   So maybe it’s not a bad thing after all?  I do hope that if we ever have children that they are more socially balanced than I.  (or at least better than I perceive myself to be)

Blessings Monday

 

This week I’m counting the blessing of having an air conditioner.  There is nothing like being without it in the hottest days of the summer to make you realize what a blessing it is to have one.  In May the A/C in my car stopped working.  My Handy Hubby recharged it himself and it worked like a dream…. for three weeks.  Since then I’ve been such a little worker bee running to and fro that I haven’t had time to get it into the shop to be looked at.  On the very hottest days we had last week the heat took my breath away when I would climb in after work.  Lucky for me the morning was cool enough to not need it on the way to work, but after… oh my goodness! 

 

Last week I stayed at my friends house.  She doesn’t have A/C in the house.  It was hot upstairs, so most nights I slept downstairs or at least for half of the night until the evening air was bearable.  We have just one air conditioned room in our house, the spare bedroom. When it’s really hot we just hang out or sleep in there.  That works.  At least we have a room to escape to and so do our pets. 

 

So I’m feeling really blessed to have that one air conditioned room right now.  Thank you God for the comfort of that room.

 

Do you have a blessing to share?  Marcy of Amazing Graze Farm hosts this.  Please pay her a visit. 

Family Photo Fun

This week’s topic is “Glass” hosted by my Mom at According to Jemit this FRIDAY, 7/16/10.  Check it out… participate… link-up… show your talent!  Great topic.  I hope I can put something together for it. 

 

Mom… you need to design a logo for your FPF.

Selfless Sunday

 

I’m just coming off about 10 days of house-sitting.  Now there’s something I don’t mind doing every now and then and it helps out my friends.  It can be win-win.  I get to relax at someone else’s home and they have someone to feed and play with their pets. 

 

Keith is planning something selfless this week.  One of his coworkers forgot to ask for a particular day off for an important family event this week.  He’s going to cover some of the time for her.  That’s my Keith… always looking out for his employees. 

 

Selfless Sunday isn’t about getting a pat on the back.  It’s intended to simply remind me to seek out opportunities to be selfless.  What can I say… sometimes the opportunities just find me without my even looking, but I’m trying to be deliberate about it.  Have you done something selfless lately?  Feel free to comment.