The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Four

Gratitude... can turn a meal into a feast.
Melody Beattie

Recently I decided to let each one of my littles be responsible for making dinner one night per week.  They come up with the menu and make sure everything they need is on hand.  Boy Wonder can pretty much do everything himself, but the other two still need a fair amount of guidance --- especially the littlest little.  My hope is not only to lighten my load, but to give them skills they can use for a lifetime.
So far their contributions have ranged from a simple hot dogs and boxed mac & cheese to a belly filling stuffed cabbage.  I love how how all three of them have welcomed the idea and seem to want to challenge themselves and stetch to create more complex meals each week.
I started this idea on a whim as another in a long line of teachable moments here on the farm.  I  thought it would just be my chicklets that would be learning, but I have too.  I have learned that while it might be easier (and neater) to just do things myself, watching my children grow and gain confidence is worth the mess.

today's good stuff:
the little details --- like personalized placecards showing what each family member loved -- that the munchkin took the time to put into her meal presentation

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Three

Every night I thank God for you.
author unknown

Life is always crazy here on the farm. Taking care of my mom and homeschooling three littles is hard enough when the Geek is home, but lately he has had to travel often for work and I have had to do it without back-up.
When he is in town, we have to squeeze in so much (house and yard work, time with the kids, etc.) before he hits the road again. It would be easy to put ourselves as a couple on the back burner, but we know its something we need to make a priority.  We try to make it a point to steal away alone --- even if its only for an hour. It's doesn't make the craziness disappear,  but it does make it easier to handle.

today's good stuff:

breaking away from life for a bit and going on a lunch date with the one who has rocked my world for the past 25+ years. 

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Two

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.
Henry Ward Beecher

Several years ago I challenged myself to try and find three examples of God's beauty in each day.  From gorgeous sunsets to the bright red tomato in my salad --- I try to keep my eyes open for God's handiwork in the obvious (and sometimes not so obvious) places.  Today's "good stuff" is another one of those unexpected brushstrokes by the Master Painter.

today's good stuff:
this flower was in the middle of an asphalt jungle on a cold fall day.  by all accounts it should be shriveled up and gone by now, but it wasn't and i am blessed because of it

♡

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day One

When you express thankfulness, even the almost empty tank of petrol will go the extra mile; it changes challenges into opportunities, mistakes into experiences, disappointments into celebrations, doubt into faith.

Malti Bhojwani

It's November already ---when did that happen? Guess it's time to clear away the cobwebs from this little blog and get back to writing again. Boy, have I have missed it! 

To keep with my tradition that I have been doing for a few years now --- each day during November I will be posting about something I am grateful for.  This practice has really helped me to have an "attitude of gratitude"  not just in November, but all year long.  Okay, so there are some days I have a hard time spotting the "good stuff" --- those bright spots that exist in each and every day if I just take time to look for them --- but overall this practice has become a part of my life and that is definitely "good stuff"!

today's good stuff:

red licorice from my little one's' trick or treat stash picked out just for me --- i love it anyway but when it is a gift from the heart it is even sweeter♡

Remembering

It's hard to believe my daddy has been gone two years. It seems like yesterday some days and like eons ago on others.
When he first passed, I remember how bad it hurt --- not just emotionally but physically as well --- like a sucker punch to the gut. The pain is softer now two years out and remembering doesn't hurt like it did at first. Yes, the tears still fall (sometimes when I least expect it), but the smiles come more often as I remember what life was like being Daddy's little girl.

Lesson Learned

The bend it the road turned out to be just that and not at all something to fear. Even though I'm all in one piece, I feel I am forever changed because of it.  I now know the power of prayer unlike I have ever experienced before in my life.

I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I am helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time -- waking and sleeping. It does not change God -- it changes me.

C.S. Lewis

I don't know if praying made God make my problem go away or if it was never really there in the first place  --- only God knows that for sure --- but I do know I was changed because of praying.  Praying gave me perspective. It helped me redirect my thoughts from the fear of the unknown. Praying gave me peace.

Prayer has always been a part of my life, but I have never experienced it's greatest gift until now.  I saw a quote last week that really hit home.  I wish I could find it again and give credit where credit is due but it went something like this---

It's only when we face a trial empty-handed and make it through,  that we realize it was all God's doing.

I now know the truth of those words.  I had nothing but God took care of everything and I pray I never forget that lesson.

Curve Ahead

I like to think that I am a pretty easy going person. I don't get upset when plans change. I try to just go with the flow. When I am faced with something I have never experienced before I try not to let worry get the best of me.  I trust that the bends in the road are just opportunities for new adventure.

Most of the time I am that person, but today is not one of those days.

I am facing a great big "curve ahead" sign and I would be lying if I didn't say it's got me nervous.  Without going into detail, I'll just say it is requiring a huge amount of trust in God.  I know that no matter what lies ahead, God is already there.  I know all that, but sometimes I still forget.  Sometimes I still give into to the what-ifs.  Sometimes I still worry and that's where I am today. Just being honest here:)

I am not without hope, however. I know that even if things don't go according to plan (my plan anyway), it will be alright. I know that He will walk beside me just as He always has, giving me the strength to get through this crazy ride that is my life. Even though my spirit is uneasy today, I know in my heart that no matter what happens --- I will be OK.