The Heart of the matter..

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As we get closer to Thanksgiving it saddens me that this time of "giving thanks" seems to be jumped over and dismissed as less important than getting good deals on black Friday for Christmas..with black Friday now sliding back to black Thursday eve!!

For me Giving Thanks is the heart of daily living!  Each breath we take..is gift...all Beings in the community of life give of themselves daily that all may grow and thrive.  As we choose our foods, snacks, treats and drinks let us remember how they came to us.

How many turkeys will give their lives that we may enjoy their crisp skin, moist meat and plump legs!

How many workers endure long hours in a field or on a truck to bring us all that nourishes us...!

And now, how many workers will have to cut short their time with family and loved ones because they are working late and long hours both Thursday eve and all day Friday. Yes jobs are necessary and money is tight...but...this is one day set aside for Giving Thanks!  How often do we take the time to do just that with those we love..?  Later...Of course I'm grateful but right now I need to get...? 

 Many of us have read about or know of times and situations where because of unexpected events, words of love and thanks to loved ones NEVER get expressed!  Oh I wish I had told him or her..I wish we had taken more time with....How much it means to each of us to hear..thank you...I love you... 

Giving Thanks is a gift of the heart to all we love and to the Source of ALL Life Who Is Love...
I pray we can find it in our hearts to take the time to Give Thanks...and may that expression of thanks be for us a treasured time of being with, in joy, laughter, hugs, fun and the making of lasting memories.

Gentle offering..

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The simple grace and beauty of this flower touches my heart. It's almost like she offers herself to us to be seen enjoyed and loved!!    She got me!  Hope she touches your heart too.

Enough is Enough...

Help me to know and accept

when

enough is enough!

New Life..

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What new life is birthing within you??

Give yourself some nesting time

in order to recognize and celebrate

the birth pains!

Celebrate your newness

and

Give Thanks

for the gift of New Life!!

Surprise...

beautifulfreepictures.com And what a surprise it was to be digging out from a BIG snow storm just before Halloween!!  I was helping a friend pack up boxes as she was getting ready to move, and we lost power for three days!! What a joy it was to flick a switch and have light appear on that third day!  I am now even more grateful for both light and heat.

Lets remember those who are still without power and those experiencing storms and earthquakes and the ramifications of each. 

It's amazing that today I was out without a jacket enjoying bright sun and a soft breeze!!  Everything seems to be in transition!!  May we be gentle with ourselves and all we meet in this transition time!

I'll be back more regularly with the blog in a few days. I am learning to honor my needs and set better boundaries toward that purpose.

Love and peace to you and know that you are beautiful as you are, not as you think you "should be"!!
May Winter's sudden appearance help us to be open to all the "surprises" of our days!!

Please pray for...

ChristianFoundationforChildrenandAging

our sisters and brothers
 in Central and South America who

are living with the results of recent heavy rain. Take a minute

to send them your love and concern, which will give them

strength and hope.

Let us also remember
all of the creatures affected by the rains,
with

their habitats destroyed.  Thank you.

Simple things can become special blessings...

My sister was with me this past weekend and we went to Great Harvest Bread Co. for breakfast.
They have a wonderful sandwich called "The Gorilla"; mashed bananas, natural peanut butter and granola on the bread of your choice, then grilled.. you can add bacon if you choose.


The last time I was there, I was told that until they could get good bananas they were not offering "The Gorilla!" So this time I came prepared, I brought my own banana. Everyone had a good laugh when they saw my yellow banana. I chose NOT to have a Gorilla and had their egg and cheese sandwich instead. End of "banana story"? NO!

After my sister and I had sampled Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread, so moist, Blueberry Bread and Pumpkin Scones topped with a Maple Spread, we sat down for our breakfast!

As we were eating, one of the servers came over to our table and asked me if she could purchase my banana! Purchase it..no.. I said take it..! A family had come into the bakery and their child was all excited about having "The Gorilla"!! My banana was needed for the sandwich! I was delighted as to how things turned out and couldn't believe that a simple banana was blessing so many!!

The server blessed me with a coupon for a free loaf of bread...and a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip bread would be coming home with me because of her generosity.

What started out as a playful joke, turned out to be a beautiful blessing! My sister and I decided that from now on when we come to Great Harvest...I was in charge of making sure we had a beautiful yellow banana!

Think about the simple joys of every day....and try not to take them for granted...! Your coffee...your fresh cheese...even your bananas!!