Blessings Monday

Just a few blessings for which I am grateful:

• home that is affordable and adequate
• gainful employment
• reliable transportation
• precious and unique pets
• loving husband
• washer n’ dryer at home
• throw-rug in the living room
• coupons and sales
• free lamps
• hand-me-down couch, entertainment center, and tv
• soft bed and pillows
• photos… precious memories
• pantry and freezer full of food
• sweet smelling soap
• lovely pansies on our porch
• soft cuddly fleece
• air-freshener
• computer, blackberry, cellphone
• wine
• Bible, Bible Study, and friends who are in the Word
• Prayer warriors
• Exercise, exercise equipment, exercise buddies

So many things… and so often taken for granted.  Thank you Lord for so many blessings!

Blessings Monday

 

Times are tough considering the economy.  There has been downsizing at work and some people have either retired early or have been eliminated.  It reminds me how blessed I am to have a job.  I’m so grateful for the provision which comes from employment. 

 

I was reminded tonight of the blessing of having my beloved Penny back in my grips.  I was faithful in letting her go and following the calling of the Lord for my Sweetie.  God blessed the sacrifice I made in so many ways.  I’m so grateful to have her and to enjoy her so much.  I’m looking forward to warmer weather and long rides.

 

Each time I go out hiking, I’m reminded how blessed I am to have such an abundance of well marked and maintained hiking trails close to home.  For many years I took those kind of trails for granted.  Now that I’m addicted to hiking, my appreciation grows with each new found trail we conquer.  Likewise I am so blessed with friends and family who accompany me and encourage me in these quests.

 

Three simple things yet not even a snippet of all the blessings my Faithful  Father bestows upon me.  I am so grateful for a loving God!   

Blessings Monday

A couple weeks ago I was pretty much so stranded on the snow-covered highway with no way to get home.  I was blessed to have a friend nearby who could rescue me and give me a warm place to lay my head for the night.  Looking back makes me grateful for the blessing of being able to get home tonight. 

 

The entire month of February Keith was working nights.  Last night he was home and able to sleep through the night with me.  I’m grateful for the blessing of sharing a closeness with my Man, especially after so many lonely nights.  I’m also grateful for the blessing of gainful employment for both Keith and myself. 

 

We are nearing the point where my student loan will be satisfied.  We have 11 more months to pay an exorbitant amount in order to bring a close it.  It’s taken a couple of years longer than expected as we had to defer it when Keith was in Grad-school.  It warms my heart to know that my Honey has developed a plan to pay it off early.  He is a good man!  I am so blessed!

 

Sometimes difficult times help to remind us of how blessed we truly are.   I’m feeling very blessed right now.  Thank you Jesus!

Blessings Monday

Last week was a particularly stressful.  Work stress was the brunt of it.  I’m so thankful to have a boss who’s got my back.  It all ended up swell.  I was all set to study for my certification exam this afternoon, but do you know what?  I’m just TIRED.  I’m all spent on regs at this point.  I’m glad our survey has passed and that we were deemed to have done a good job.  YAY!  There were many answered prayers this week!  I LOVE IT!!!

 

Keith’s schedule has been flip-flopped to overnights at a different store the last couple of weeks.  He doesn’t mind helping out where there is a need, but it’s weighing on his life.  His sleep schedule is all fussed up and he’s missing the routine of home-life spent with me.  I admire him for being able to accommodate the need of his employer.  I’ve reminded him that he’s making a good impression on some people by being the willing and available one.  I appreciate his dutiful making of a living to support us in our endeavors as a family.  I also appreciate the blessing of added shift-differential he’s getting while working nights. 

 

Albeit odd, sometimes the ability to stretch out diagonally across the bed at night is a blessing.  Not having to fight for a fair portion of blankets, pillows, and space can be a blessing.  I’d much rather be cuddling and snuggling, but I’m one that can find the good in all situations. 

 

Finally, we were blessed with the lovely company of the Zom’s for dinner tonight.  As is our custom, we enjoyed dinner and interesting conversation at Olive Garden.  YUM!

 

Thank you Lord for provisions, patience, peace, and good times.  This has been a busy and interesting week.  I’m blessed to know your presence every step of the way.

Blessings Monday

This morning I’m counting the blessing of gainful employment.  Let us not take for granted the fact that we have jobs and get regular paychecks.  For the past year Keith has been driving approximately an hour each way to and from his job.  Along that way he would spend $13/week in Turnpike tolls.  He drives a nice big 4x4 truck a good 200 miles/week and only a small portion of it was highway miles.  He was spending a mint on gas. 

 

As it goes he has undergone a change with his employment.  He is no longer the Assistant Manager at the Rochester store.  He is now a Team Leader at the Gibsonia store.  This all comes to fruition on our first real day of snow this winter!  His commute is a measly 3.25 miles from home.   Via Yahoo Map directions it should take him approximately 8 minutes each way.  He’s looking forward to working a regular 40 hour week instead of the 50+ hour week he’s been working for the past year.  I’m so delighted!  I will actually be able to see him more!  He was off at 10PM the other night and he was home by 10:15PM and I think he even took time to fuel up that night too.  Yay!!!!!

 

I’m happy to also be gainfully employed.  I’ve worked in the same office for going on 10 years now.  I have a fantastic boss, which I am very thankful for.  I think I make a fair wage.  I enjoy my job most of the time. 

 

We are so blessed to have jobs that are fairly secure.  We are better equipped to keep a budget than in years past.  That feels so good.  Thank you Lord for these blessings!

Blessings Monday

I am blessed to enjoy good health and an active lifestyle.  It’s a shame that sometimes unpleasant things in our lives, or in the lives of some close to us, remind us to enjoy the simple things.  At some point I started moving slightly slower in the morning.  I used to be able to jump out of bed, put on my shoes, and start my day with a spring in my step.  I’m not so springy these days, but I’m not complaining.  I try to make healthy choices for my life on so many levels.  Hiking is my new exercise of choice.  Geocaching creates the hiking goal.  I just like the fact that I can be outside, enjoying creation, and not have to exhaust myself on the boring treadmill.  I can stop and smell the roses, literally!  I am healthy and happy.  What more could I ask for?

 

Blessings Monday

My bosses wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  She’s in her early 40’s.  They have 4 lovely children.  She is heart-broken, afraid, angry, sad, frustrated, the works.  It’s a very sad thing.  She will have surgery with hopes of survival, but they still don’t know the extent of the cancer yet.  She has had some other symptoms that could point to a rather bleak future.  My heart aches for this family and the trials they will face in the days to come.  It’s situations like these that remind us to count our blessings every day. 

 

I’m grateful for the blessing of health and happiness.  God has blessed me with a wonderful husband, whom I adore.  I’m counting my blessings in abundance right now. 

 

Prayers for this family are appreciated. 

 

  

Count Your Blessings Monday is hosted by Marcy over at Down On The Farm.

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. 

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.

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. 

Blessings Monday

My good friend gave us a dresser this weekend.  Thank you Amy.  Over the years we’ve only ever had a couple dressers.  We each had one from our childhood that didn’t quite make it in one piece from move to move There are a couple small dressers in our house that were here when we moved in, but not nearly enough space for our clothes.  We each also have 4 Rubbermaid tubs.  They are stacked two high.  The bottom ones have our out of season clothes and the top ones have our everyday clothes.  It’s not real pretty, but functions.  We haven’t ever found ourselves with enough money to purchase a new bedroom suite.  We don’t even have a headboard for our bed.  Oh well… we don’t need “things” you know, but sometimes it is nice to have some.  I’m delighted to have this new dresser.  I’m totally claiming it for myself.  (sorry Keith)  It has a lovely mirror with some little shelves and that’s just what girls want in a dresser. 

 

So this Monday morning I’m counting the blessing of good friends with generous hearts and LOVING my new dresser! 

Blessings Monday

A few weeks ago, I noticed that the air conditioning in my 2006 Toyota Corolla wasn’t working. I’m all about saving a buck, so I went to the auto parts store and bought a can of the refrigerant to recharge it. Boy was I glad, because otherwise we were going to take the Big Bird (Hubby’s truck) on vacation and that would suck up a lot of gas. As it goes, I was SOOOO glad to have a/c in my car again. I do NOT enjoy the heat and I don’t care to be windblown when I’m going to work. That lasted only a few weeks. It’s blowing hot air again. Oh drat! I wonder how much it will cost to get it fixed? I wonder how hot I will let it get before I am crazy enough to find out? I’m so disappointed.

And thus I am counting the blessing of a/c in general. What would I do without it? Our home is HOT, but we have a/c in the upstairs bedroom. That is where the house is most bearable right now. The coolness of that room reminds me of how blessed we are to enjoy it.

Visit Amazing Graze Farm for more.

Blessings Monday

Monday nights I facilitate a ladies Bible study group at my church.  I also participate in another small ladies group that meets twice each month.  What a blessing it is to have a group of women in my life who truly seek the Lord.  These ladies are dedicated to gaining spiritual maturity.  They desire to know the Lord and to experience his presence.  I count it a blessing to have these ladies in my life.  I I can count on them to pray for whatever joy or concern is on my heart.  It is a privilege to do the same for them.

 

Blessings Monday

Good morning.  I love Mondays.  Why?  Because I like to remind myself and also share with you about how blessed we are.

This morning I am counting the blessing of significant friends.  There are many…  but just to name a few…

My husband whom I love.  Meeting him gave me the desire to improve upon my life in so many ways.  He loves me as I am and for who I am.  He is patient with me in all circumstances.  He works hard to provide for us and I appreciate it.  He is my darling and I adore him.  

My friend Rene’e.  She is one of the most generous persons I know.  We grew up close to each other and have family ties.  She also loves horses and farming.  She helped me get my pony home, something for which I shall be forever grateful. 

My sister, Amanda.  She’s a gem.  As far as siblings go, she’s the one that is closest to me.  She’s always been there for me.  I enjoy her company.  I admire her marriage because theirs is such that one would never question whether or not they adore one another. 

My friend Amy.  She’s my confidant.  She is genuine.  She loves the Lord and always keeps me grounded.  When I have significant life struggles, concerns, or celebrations… I share them with her and she walks along side of me in prayerful support.  She is sweet, patient, and kind.   

There are many more, but I could be typing all day trying to name them all.  If you are my friend… you know it and you know that I have a soft place in my heart for you.  I’m not meaning to leave anyone out, but these 4 individuals have made a very significant impact upon my life in recent years and I am so very grateful for their place in my life.  I AM SO BLESSED!!!!

Care to join the cause of sharing your blessings?  Head over to Down On The Farm and share.  

Blessings Monday

We are so blessed…

- We have a few good neighbors that banned together to shovel our shared driveway.  Handy-hubby and I had shoveled our own area out and were taking a break when the neighbor came knocking.  We figured that we’d have to do the brunt of the work to get out because the next door neighbor parked on the street instead of in her garage, so she didn’t need to get out back there.  AND the next house is vacant, so we are sure that nobody is going to show to dig that place out.  We have to pass behind about six residences to get out.  I’m very thankful that there are a few good neighbors here.

- We’ve been blessed to have a new laptop computer.  I think I’ve mentioned this before.  It’s so nice to be able to take it anywhere in the house.  I’m grateful to be able to pick-up free wireless where we live.  It’s saving us a bundle.  I’m also blessed to be able to access my work computer from home.  I’m able to do some general catch up from home.  I can send documents to the work printer and when I get there the next work day, there will be a pile waiting to process.  Also, I can fax thru this connection too!  It’s wonderful!

- We are both gainfully employed.  My Handy-hubby is NOT liking his new job, but he’s sticking it out.  He’s got higher aspirations on the horizon, all the while knowing that the Lord has a plan for him in his current situation.  We are blessed to be employed, especially when the economy is what it is. 

- We are blessed to have reliable transportation.  We have a descent car that is fuel efficient and paid for!  We bought it expecting longevity and so far it’s been a good car.  It has more than 75000 miles on it, which is a lot for a 2006 model, but we expect to get a couple hundred thousand out of it.  Likewise, we are blessed to have the “Big Bird” 4x4 pick up truck.  This is something I pined for over the years.  Thanks to the economy, we were able to land a very good deal last year.  It’s pretty and also reliable.  Not exactly fuel efficient, but definitely worth having.  We hope it is a blessing to others as well.  After the blizzard this weekend, I’m wishing we had a snow plow… just think what a blessing that would be!  Maybe in the future???  We are blessed to have more than one vehicle, realizing that some families do not. 

 

If you are inclined to share some of your blessings, please visit Down On The Farm and leave a comment for Marci, our weekly host. 

Blessings Monday

 

On this Monday morning I am recounting some blessings…

 

1) Family.  Some family has come from afar this week to visit.  We celebrated some birthdays.  There has been good food, fun, and company.

 

2) Work.  Flexibility.  Home computer.  I had a little setback with my shoulder injury on Friday.  My boss let me go home an hour early so I could relax and ice it.  I’m thankful for the home computer with access to my work so I could spend some time catching up on some things from home.  I have the best boss!

 

3) Sisters.  I had a lovely time sipping wine and laughing with them in the Zombeck’s newly painted and furnished living room.

 

4) Berries.  I bought a huge bag of frozen berries at Sam’s Club.  It has giant blackberries, red raspberries, and blueberries in it.  I’ve been enjoying them all week long.  I put them in my salad.  I have them frozen with milk and whipped cream.  I have them in a smoothie.  I have them by the handful.  They have little to no sugar on them.  They are good for me being packed with antioxidants.  I love berries! 

 

5) New Pillows.  We bought new pillows about a week ago.  They are SO nice.  It’s helping me sleep better because I have to prop my arm up in order to avoid the agony of gravity pulling it.  I love our new pillows.

 

6)  Warmer weather.  It’s above freezing outside.  It feels like a heat wave!  Every season has its purpose, but I admit that I’m tired of snow snow snow.  The warmth is a welcomed treat and we shall enjoy it even more knowing that it will be short-lived.

 

Do you have some blessings to share?  This forum is hosted over at Down On The Farm. 

Count Your Blessings Monday

This morning I am counting the blessing of having my Bible and my ladies group friends.  Not everyone in the world has the opportunity to have free and unlimited access to the Holy Bible.  I have several copies and multiple versions.  I have a bible that was given to me as a teen ager.  It has years of notes in it and a small handful of inserts such as notes or photos that are especially dear to me.  I also have a New King James Version that is small enough to fit in my purse, but large enough that I don’t need a magnifying glass to read it.  It also has a very pretty blue leather cover with a flower embroidered on it.  I use this one when I travel or attend Bible study with my lady friends. 

 

I have a couple groups of lovely ladies that I meet with to dig into the Word.  My group in Butler meets twice each month.  We sip coffee and delve into whatever study we have planned in advance.  This group doesn’t usually use a study guide.  We each read the scripture and do our own investigation of the background and details surrounding it significance.  Interestingly enough, we each generally find ourselves pulled in a particular direction in the midst of it, but usually it’s different for each one of us.  So when we share with the group we get a lot of pertinent perspectives, which is great.  I love my Butler ladies group.  They are die-hards, down to earth, loving, encouraging, and trustworthy sisters in Christ.

 

I have another group of ladies at my church that I meet with weekly.  We are doing the Living Beyond Yourself study by Beth Moore.  This is the third study that I’ve led there.   It’s a great way to further integrate myself into the church.  Like my Butler group, these ladies are dedicated and genuine sisters in Christ. 

 

I am so blessed to have the presence of the Word in my life and to be sharing and experiencing it with some close friends.  God is good!

 

Do you have a blessing to share?  Interested in what other’s have to share about their blessings?  Head over to Down On The Farm to participate. 

Blessings Monday

Short and sweet… we paid our car off early!  What a huge blessing!

 

Share more at Marci’s blog: Down On the Farm

Blessings Monday

It’s been SOOOO long since I could actively participate in Blessings Monday. So, it seems fitting to count the blessing of our new computer!!!! Yay!!! We are back online and wireless now!!! Saweet!!!

Marci over at Down On The Farm hosts this weekly forum asking one and all to count their blessings and share them. C’mon over and count your blessings too!

Blessings Monday

This morning I am counting the blessing of warmth. More than a year ago, our furnace quit on the first REALLY cold day. It wasn't long until the new furnace was installed. We've been plenty warm ever since. As I gazed out the window this morning, clutching my warm cup of tea, I noticed a dusting of snow on the ground. Brrrrrrr... Tis the season.

Thank God for the warmth of our furnace, fluffy soft blankets, flannel sheets and jammies, thick socks, and a snuggly spouse.

Have a blessing to share? Stop over to Down On The Farm and link up. Give a blessing. Get a blessing.