Have you given one away - yet, today??

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A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.  It takes a moment, but the memory of it lasts forever.  None is so rich or mighty that he can get along with out it, and none is so poor that he can be made rich by it.  A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.  It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is a nature's best antidote for trouble.  Yet, it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it is of no value until it is given away.  Some people are too tired to give you a smile; give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has none to give.  ~ Unknown

#mymantra #wearthatsmile

C U L T I V A T E

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In thinking about a word of the year... this word Cultivate keeps coming to mind.  It's a strong word.  Similar, in a way, to words from the past - such as "grow/growth", "strong/ courageous" - that I've dove into and made my "word(s) for the year".    They too, were strong words.  Deep words.  Hard words.

I will say - I wrestled with this one, as well.  I wasn't sure I wanted to go this involved; dig this deep.  

I do think it is rather interesting how these varying words all tie together...for me!   There must be a greater work - God is calling me, to.  If not greater, per say - it is maybe more of a settling or an enriching...that I need!

There is certainly treasure, here - I need to discover.

Cul | ti | vate (verb)

1. prepare and use for crops and gardening

2. try to acquire or develop ( a quality, sentiment or skill),  pursue

3. win the friendship or favor of (someone)

4. apply oneself to improving or developing (one's mind or manners)

***
People say that 2020 is going to be a momentous year!  I agree.  A lot of changes coming this way...

• Family-wise (I'm going to be aunt again, twice over!  Very exciting!!)
• Friendships/Relationships
• Church
• Home-based business
• in home (house projects)
• Health
• Kindness and (adding) Value

It's challenging to think how to Cultivate might affect each one of these areas.  As I already alluded to... some of these areas really need tending to.   Weeds need to be pulled.  Some need extra nurturing, love and care.  Some areas just need a do-over!!    By and large - this isn't going to all be an easy "row to hoe" !!  Ha!  Do you like my pun, there?    But, I'm excited about the results.  God must really have something here HE wants me to know and discover. 

 But.  you wanna know something?  Truth is... we're only half way through January and I'm already seeing this process of cultivation beginning to happen.

I'm curious.  And, I know I've asked this in last post - some of you answered.  :)
 Do you have a Word for the Year?   If you do, Is it one that will keep you digging?

I want to end my time here today with this poem, from The Book of Virtues.  May it help you and I, as we begin to cultivate...our heart soil!

Count That Day Lost

If you sit down at set of sun
And count the acts that you have done, 
And, counting, find
One self-denying deed, one word
That eased the heart of him who heard, 
One glance most kind
That fell like sunshine where it went ---
Then you may count that day well spent.

But if, through all the livelong day, 
You've cheered no heart, by yea or nay ---
If, through it all 
You've nothing done that you can trace
That brought the sunshine to one face ---
No act most small
That helped some soul and nothing cost ---
Then count that day as worse than lost.

~  Mary Ann Evans, (better known as, George Eliot 1819-1880)

a Winter poem - by my ten year old...

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:: Winter White ::

Gently falling 

Winter White -

all are dancing 

in the night.

Waking up to

piles high, 

the snow has drifted 

to the sky .

From the window 

I did say, "Oh, the 

snow -- stay home,and play."

Rolling, Tumbling 

Winter White 

snowmen family 

in our sight.

Gently whisper 

"nighty- night"

Dreams of snowflakes

through the night.

~ Aubrey S. (10 yrs)

**

I'm proud of my little one.  She was home "sick" the first day back to school in the new year and we got talking about things she is looking forward to in the upcoming school days.  She mentioned that she will be venturing into poetry.  So we sat down and started writing.  I helped to tweak or challenged her to use a "deeper word" here and there... but this is HERS!!!  I love poetry.  Always have...

 The snowflake mug mats were a gift from a dear friend... whom, I don't want to forget.  Ever!!

Garden Love

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Cabbage always has a heart;
Green beans string along.
You're such a cute tomato,
Will you peas to me belong?
You've been the apple of my eye,
You know how much I care;
So lettuce get together,
We'd make a perfect pear.
Now, something's sure to turnip
To prove you can't be beet;
So if you carrot at all for me,
Let's let our tulips meet.
Don't squash my hopes and dreams now.
Bee my honey dear.
Or tears will fill Potato's eyes
While sweet corn lends an ear.
I'll cauliflower shop
And say your dreams are parsley mine,
I'll work and share my celery,
So, be the apple of my eye!
~ Jeanne Losey

 I stumbled across this poem a while back and it still makes me smile.  Thought I'd share it with you this wonderful, rainy Sunday evening.   Gardens all around the area are in full bloom and the yield appears to be plentiful.  The other Saturday... I took my three kiddos out to Lancaster Co. for a drive and some shopping and yeah.. let's just say....our car was full of yummy goodness...till we got home.  There is nothing quite like fresh garden veggies in the prime of summer!
We love our zukes, cukes, mater's and corn!!! 
We've made two batches of our favorite relish recipe, so far.  Which is good!!  And, which was needed.

How does your garden grow?

I don't have much of anything planted, this year, which makes me feel kinda sad.  I had a few herbs in a pot out on our back deck - but they didn't last too long.  I'm not sure what got to them.  Like I said...kinda sad.  I do LOVE having parsley and basil at the ready... when needed.  :)  Oh, and a friend has brought by a bouquet or two of my favorite flowers.  I sure do love my zinnia's.  :)

 One of the projects around our place, the past couple of weeks, have been trimming back some majorly low (according to my hubby) tree limbs and uprooting some bushes, etc. that we longer want.  We have some big plans for our side flower bed.  So, maybe by next summer... we'll be set.  Right now... I'm enjoying everyone else's beauty. 

By the way. These pics are from several years ago... taken at a women's retreat center.  Their porches and seating areas were beautiful.   I just thought they would attach well to this poem that I just shared; something you'd find while thumbing through a magazine, as you're sitting there relaxing on a nice summer afternoon or evening with a tall glass of iced tea!!  You know??

I hope you are enjoying your summer...

The War of Words

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You've all heard this before - that our words are like the dandelions puff blown, scattered to the wind and that they're not returnable.  And, oh how we wish they were.  Especially, if we've messed up!!

It's true.
You can't reclaim your words.  Once they're out there, they're out there!!  It feels like a war sometimes of what words can do.  I can remember some specific times in my growing up years, even into my late teens or now as an older woman, even... times when words really embedded themselves deep into my soul.  They became a part of me - good and bad.

It might not have even been the words but rather the way they were said (just the tone of voice) that made that impact.  Again, that is good or bad...

See?  The war of words... it's a real thing.

This has been heavy on my heart and mind here of late.  I keep thinking of my words and how they impact.  In fact, these song lyrics (by Hawk Nelson) keep rolling around in my heart and head.. I've been humming...

Words can build you up
Words can break you down
Start a fire in your heart or
Put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

If this can just encourage you today - let it be!!
I simply ask for prayers - whispered heavenward... to be that infectious soul of LIFE-GIVING words of blessing and hope and encouragement... whenever and wherever I can.
As a wife.  As a mother. As a sister, daughter and friend.

I found this as something to ponder:
Boys flying kites haul in their white-winged birds; 
You can't do that when you are flying words.
"Careful with fire" is good advice, we know;
"Careful with words" is ten times doubly so.
Thoughts unexpressed may sometimes fall back dead;
But God himself can't kill them when they're said.  
~ Will Carleton
***

Here is Hawk Nelson's song in full... for you to enjoy, as well!



May you have a blessed week!!!  Speak Life...

20 years ago today - our lives forever changed!

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I'm missing you today - Dad!!  It's hardly possible that 20 years ago, today, our lives have been forever changed.

Our loss - your gain!!  Heaven's gain - actually!!

***
I'm praying, today, that memories - the good and wonderful (and there are many)- will fill in and around all the places and spaces that are broken still, and hurting.

And am so grateful to God that He is The Healer of broken hearts.  He has been faithful.  He has sustained.  He has comforted.  And - because we know that that is true - we can use what we know and have experienced to minister to each other (as a family) and as well to others who may be walking a similar path.

Above all - the longing for Heaven is only stronger still - in my heart.... and may that NEVER, ever change!

***
My Dad really enjoyed this scrapbook of poetry (Heart Throbs, copyright - 1905) and I think one of his favorite poems was this one:

If You Have A Friend Worth Loving

If you have a friend worth loving, 

Love him.  Yes, and let him know

That you love him, ere life's evening

Tinge his brow with sunset glow.

Why should good word ne'er be said

Of a friend - till he is dead?

If you hear a song that thrills you,

Sung by any child of song,

Praise it.  Do not let the singer

Wait deserved praises long.

Why should one who thrills your heart 

Lack the joy you may impart?

If you hear a prayer that moves you

By its humble, pleading tone,

Join it.  Do not let the seeker

Bow before its God alone.

Why should not your brother share

The strength of "two or three" in prayer?

If you the hot tears falling

From a brother's weeping eyes

Share them.  And by kindly sharing 

Own our kinship in the skies.

Why should anyone be glad

When a brother's heart is sad?

If a silvery laugh goes rippling

Through the sunshine on his face,

Share it.  `Tis the wise man's saying --

For both grief and joy a place.

There's health and goodness in the mirth

In which an honest laugh has birth.

If your work in made more easy

By a friendly, helping hand,

Say so.  Speak out brave and truly

Ere the darkness veil the land.

Should a brother workman dear

Falter for a word of cheer?

Scatter thus your seeds of kindness

All enriching as you go --

Leave them.  Trust the Harvest-Giver;

He will make each seed to grow.

So, until the happy end,

Your life shall never lack a friend. 

~ Anonymous

***
Isn't this a beautiful poem?  

I'm just glad to have had a chance to share this moment with you today!

Christmas Blessing

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***
It's a quiet here, this evening.  The lights are low and twinkling on the little Charlie Brown.
The littles are (soon) sound asleep... ;)
The kitchen is cleaned up after a quick and hurried dinner and from the whirlwind and flurry of cookie baking during the day.
The cards are sent and we're enjoying the ones that trickle in through our door.
It's time to "wrap up" the shopping and begin the gift-wrapping and any other last minute details... that still need to be tended to.

Not forgetting the reason for the season, in the least.

So far, we've enjoyed caroling...crafting...
get-togethers...
and a Charles Dickens play/production... of the "Christmas Carol".
With more activity still to come.

We're also wishing, so badly, for some snowflakes to land our way...
That'd be really nice!!

In time.  They'll come...
~
Knowing this was coming, but never being fully prepared...
Our hearts are heavy.  The last day and a half have found us thinking of more the celebration of heaven than anything else.  Our landlord, Mr. A has entered his eternal home!  We're sad, but happy that he is free of any pain and suffering anymore.
This man - our friend - will be greatly missed.
We're grateful, we got to visit with him as much as we have.

This could also mean some really big changes for our family, in the upcoming year!
In fact, it will.

We thank you for your thoughts and prayers, in this regard.

I'll leave you tonight with this Christmas Blessing!
***
“Let Every Day Be Christmas”

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself.

Peace on Earth, good will to men,
kind thoughts and words of cheer,
are things we should use often
and not just once a year.

Remember too the Christ-child, grew up to be a man;
to hide him in a cradle, is not our dear Lord’s plan.
So keep the Christmas spirit, share it with others far and near,
from week to week and month to month, throughout the entire year!

written December 17th 1976
by Norman Wesley Brooks

***
Until next year....

Emmanuel - God with us!

Christmas Kisses

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I want to share something, with you,  Something that I heard on the radio the other morning.  A story that certainly brought a tear to my eye. Of course! This is a thought provoking, but beautiful story.  I have to tell you, I don't remember it word-for-word, so this is my paraphrased, colorfully added to and close-to-my-heart edited version, as it came to mind...as best as it could.

Please enjoy... Christmas Kisses!

***

This wasn't an "easy year". His life had turned a furious upside down.  Money was tight.  There wouldn't be much of a Christmas this year.  Tension mounted, in his soul, with every passing day. Could he feel any more scrooge-like?  It's not like it mattered.

When he noticed the empty cardboard roll from wrapping paper; last year's only remaining roll - lying on the floor with snips and shreds of gold paper by its side, he became infuriated at the thought of this completely wasted paper!!

Taking it out on his darling soon-to-be four year old, the obvious guilty party... he noticed the gold box tucked in and under the branches of their scraggly Charlie Brown.  He fumed.  Sending her to bed, that cold Christmas Eve, leaving her in tears and hard, harsh words in her ear.

He sat in fuming silence... angry.  Angry that life had taken such a turn and that his life and dreams were unraveling to a tangled mess, like any string of lights always do.  This year? Poof, his lights were out! He was doing his best, but he had nothing left.  He hardly cared any more and why should he?

The dreaded Christmas morning came and he woke to the pitter patter of his girl's bare feet.  Through sleep deprived eyes he observed she held in her hand the fated gold wrapped box, wrapped as best as any near four year old could do.  Embarrassed by last night's overreaction - he tried his best to muster a smile for his girl, especially as he realized the effort she had made to grant this gift to him. Rising from his bed, looking as disheveled as he felt. He took the gift from her hand...amazed at once by its nare rattle and lightness.

No surprise, here, that is anger mounted once more- when he opened it to find not a single thing was inside the box!

"ELLIE, YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO PUT SOMETHING INSIDE", he yelled.  "You don't give empty boxes as gifts..." he continued in a degrading huff.  "Don't you know that when you give someone a gift you're supposed to actually put something inside the box?",  and he tossed it to the floor.

His little girl looked up at him with spilling tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty".  "I blew kisses into the box.  Lots of them! Until the whole box was filled up - all the way to the top". Her voice trembled... "all of them are for you, Daddy!" - wiping her eyes and tucking in her lip, cringing at what might come next.

However, This time the father was crushed.  He put his arms around his little girl and sobbed. Begging her for forgiveness he picked up the box, with its crumpled gold paper and held it near, almost crushing it between them as he embraced his young girl's tear-stained face again and again. His own tears failing to subside...

Later that night, as he settled his little one into her bed, he sat by her side for a long, long time. Till her sweet little breaths began to even out into deep and peaceful sleep.

How could such a little one have this great a love for him, despite his constant shortcoming and rage... a love like this?  When he was such a mess?  Christmas.

  Christmas isn't Christmas - till it happens in your heart!

He sat to his thoughts a humbled man.

Time moved on...

And for each Christmas thereafter, the father and daughter, continued to exchange that one "empty gift box" - wrapped and rewrapped in gold paper as a constant reminder of their gifts of love and forgiveness that they had for one another.  You see!  Just days before her eighth birthday - his daughter passed with an unforeseen, unexpected illness that took her so young a life.  It could have been yet another twisted turn to his already unsettled past.  But love and time had changed this man. Nothing could steal his joy!  His joy of Christmas!  Nothing.

The story goes on to relate that this forever-changed man kept that box by his bed for the days and years to come, as a ready reminder. Whenever he felt down or discouraged by life's continued unraveling - he would take out an imaginary kiss - and remember the great love of the child, his child, who had put it there.

To this day, those kisses have never run dry.

Love has come at Christmas.  
Love for us, Oh LOVE divine! 
He was born at Christmas.  
Love be yours and mine.

Let's decorate... for Christmas!!

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Let the decorating and the re-decorating begin! :)

***

Christmas

My goodness, my goodness, 

It's Christmas again.

The bells are all ringing.

I do not know when

I've been so excited.

The tree is all fixed, 

The candles are lighted,

The pudding is mixed.

The wreath's on the door

And the carols are sung,

The presents are wrapped

And the holly is hung.

The turkey is sitting 

All safe in its pan,

And I am behaving 

As calm as I can.

~ Marchette Chute

This re-decorating part... I have a feeling this will be done again and again.  Thanks to my little stinker who is behaving as calm as she can. :)  An appropriate poem for today!

Have a wonderful week!

** Linking this post with Tuesday @ Ten - Finding the Grace Within

Father in Heaven, We Thank Thee

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We're spending a quiet day at home today - just our family, and we're thankful for that!  With hopes and plans for gathering as a larger family - on Sunday.

We have so much to be thankful for!  If I could only begin to count my blessings!!!

This simple prayer came to mind today, as I think of Thanksgiving Day - and all that means for me!

We Thank Thee

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

For flowers that bloom about our feet,

Father, we thank Thee.

For tender grass so fresh, so sweet,

Father, we thank Thee.

For the song of bird and hum of bee,

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For blue of stream and blue of sky,

Father, we thank Thee.

For pleasant shade of branches high,

Father, we thank Thee.

For fragrant air and cooling breeze,

For beauty of the blooming trees,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For this new morning with its light,

Father, we thank Thee.

For rest and shelter of the night,

Father, we thank Thee

Pumpkin Dip

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

Amen!

***
Enjoy your family and friends today!  And remember, if you think thanks... you'll live thanks!
Count your Blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I just thought I would close this post by sharing with you this simple recipe for Pumpkin Dip.  Something for you and yours to enjoy over this holiday season...

:: Pumpkin Dip for Gingersnaps ::

4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup pumpkin (canned)
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spices (combo of cinnamon, cloves and allspice)
1 Tablespoon maple syrup

gingersnaps

Using an electric mixer, whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream for about 2-3 minutes.
Add the pumpkin, spices and maple syrup - whip again for 2-3 minutes (the longer you whip, the more fluffy it becomes).
Add a drizzle of maple syrup and crushed gingersnaps crumbs on top for looks.  Dip with gingersnaps or apple slices.

* I've also found this dip to be a delicious topping for pancakes or waffles.. enjoy!!!

***

I'm sharing this post with Tuesday @ Ten

I hope and celebrate! {five minute friday :: tuesday @ ten}

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A beautiful morning, indeed!
The mist of the morning across the meadow and the view I had while looking across my neighbor's porch (a.k.a. my brother and sis-in-law) - gave me pause.
A moment for reflection.  Reminding me...
This (growing) season is passing away.  A new thing is coming.
This world is passing away.  A new heaven and new earth - is coming!

Taking aim with my camera I zoom in on just a small portion of the decaying greenery and tried to find some form of simple beauty.  There were a few blooms to classify as still "going strong".
But - to look dead on - they got lost in the bush

I had to go deeper.  Look further.  Look past the dismal and decay; all the dried up and withered.

Hope does that.  It holds on - for more!  It sees beauty where ashes once lay.
 It finds strength.
And fervor.
It rejoices in the truth.

When the realization hits that all is not lost.
Why. Let the celebration begin.

My conclusion: Go! Gather a few blessings and share this hope!!

***
Finally, I felt this to be fitting. I want to share a form of song (lyrics) written by Gloria Gaither.

DO YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU?
Oh daughter, did you know how much I loved you?
Through all the voices did you hear me say
That you are my great heart's dearly beloved?
When every road was gone, I was the Way.
Through the fires of hell I came to find you.
Pursued you down the corridors of time --
Though satan sold you cheap and stole your virtue
I bought you with my life and your are mine.

I love you with a love that has no limit;
You're flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone.
I love you with a love that has no limit --
I will not rest a moment till you're home.

Oh son, in your rebellion did you hear me?
Hear my love song ringing in the night?
When acid tears of guilt burned hot to blind you,
I was the soothing balm that gave you sight
When fast and far you ran pursuing pleasure,
I was the hound of heaven faster still --
I could not let you go because I loved you,
Loved you all that time and love you still.

I love you with a love that has no limit;
You're flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone.
I love you with a love that has no limit --
I will not rest a moment till you're home.
***

Linking up today with my two favorite link-ups!  Five Minute Friday - whose prompt was the word "celebrate".  And, Tuesday @ Ten - whose prompt phrase was, "I hope..."