The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Twenty-three

Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water. 
Antoine Rivarol

My family got some sad news today. A dear relative has been placed in hospice.  She has been battling major health issues for several years, but her body is tired of the fight. She said she is ready to "go home" now. Although our hearts are hurting, we are finding comfort in the hope that this is not just an ending, but a new beginning for one of God's best.

Today's good stuff:
Sitting in my bedroom listening to the rain falling on the roof overhead. The soft steady rhythm soothes my heavy heart.

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Twenty-two

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.
Desmond Tutu

The Geek's family celebrated Thanksgiving a little early this year.  This was the only time when everyone could be in town so we had turkey with all the trimmings just like the rest of the nation will do on Thursday.  
It's always nice to gather together and share the stories of the past and make new memories along the way.  Going home with a full belly and feeling loved is a very nice way to end a day.

Today's good stuff:
Eating the most delicious slice of homemade carrot cake.  Sadly I couldn't weasel the recipe out of the cook, but I will keep trying

The Good Stuff - Day Twenty-one

Each day two things I am very grateful for:the blessing of a new day and a successful ending of the day.
Lailah Gifty Akita

Two words --- long day.

Today's good stuff:
The cashier at the grocery store who sensed my spirits needed lifting and greeted me with several silly puns. God has angels in the strangest places♡

The Good Stuff 2014 - Day Twenty

God doesn't bless us just to make us happy; He blesses us to make us a blessing.
Warren W. Wiersbe

I haven't been feeling well for the last few days. But feeling lousy isn't the worse part about being "out of sorts" --- what's worse is knowing how many people in this house depend on me and not being able to help them. Oh sure the Geek or the littles can handle making dinner and some cleaning -- but it's the mountains of little stuff that piles up so quickly ---like laundry, homeschool lessons, menu planning and grocery shopping. Everyone (willingly) gives me a hand with my mother's care too, but the brunt of it still falls on me. The truth is the Geek already has a full time job and the littles are still just that ... little.
There is no denying the fact that my being "out of commission" takes its toll on the order around the farmhouse pretty quickly. Even with all the helping hands, there's still so much I need to do to keep things running smoothly. Please don't get me wrong, I am not complaining.I know that being able to serve my family is a gift from God. That is why as happy as I am to be feeling more like myself today for me,  I am also grateful because now I am in much better shape to serve ( and bless) those God has put in my care.

Today's good stuff:
The Geek's pickles that he canned were finally ready to nosh on.  Mmmmm!

The Good Stuff 2014: Days Twelve thru Nineteen

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.

John Lennon

Ain't that the truth? 

I don't know what happened to the last eight days, except to say I have been busy living the life I have been blessed with.  It hasn't been all that pretty and it certainly hasn't been all that fun, but it's my life and I am grateful for every messy minute of it.  

This morning I wandered into my mother's room and she shared a bit of motherly wisdom. Sleep has eluded me as of late and that combined with other stresses has left me pretty run down.  Mama said that this is all a blessing because faith draws one closer to God at times like this.  She's right.  I know in my heart that if life was all sunshine and happiness it would be far too easy to "forget" about God, but it's the stormy seas that sends me clinging to my Heavenly Father.  The seas would be the same without a faith in God, but I would not.  The gift of faith gives me a comfort that only comes from above.

Today's good stuff:

The first significant snowfall of the season.  The blanket of white covers all the dirt and makes the world look fresh and bright --- a much needed reminder that God does the same for me.  I may be broken, but to God I am worth saving

The Good Stuff - Day Eleven

Look back and thank god. Look forward and trust God.
Author Unknown

Looking back on today I can't say it was a the worse I've lived theough, nor can I say it was incredibly remarkable.   It had moments of laughter and tearful times as well. It had its fair share of stress and moments of calm scattered throughout.  Today was pretty much just like most of my days of late --- facing the demands of parenthood and caring for an aging parent all alone. 
I know tomorrow holds pretty much the same agenda for me. Playing taxi driver and personal caregiver to my charges will leave me weary and exhausted at day's end just as I am now.  But am I worried? Not at all.  I am looking back and THANKING God for getting me through it all and TRUSTING that tomorrow (and the next day and the next...) He will continue to do the same. 

Today's good stuff:
Seeing the most beautiful buck cross the road in front of my car and gracefully jump over a fence.  It was the largest one I have ever seen and the sight of it gave me goose bumps. Sadly no photo, but trust me ... it was awesome!

The Good Stuff - Day Ten

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.
Rabindranath Tagore

I like that quote. I'm not there yet personally, but I am working on it.  To see my troubles as adding color to my life rather than dark storm clouds is a paradigm shift I can buy into!

Today's good stuff:
A rose colored sky and a beutiful sunset to close out a demanding day♡