Blue Journal of Thanks

A small blueish accent, to add to the last post, is a journal I keep out in plain view. . . because I need the reminder. When it was gifted to me for Mother's Day, I purposed to use it for the giving of thanks . . . my goal being 1000 things to give thanks for by next Mother's Day. 

With Thanksgiving Day approaching, Lovella has challenged us as readers to join her daily thoughts of thanksgiving this month and so I just want to say what a blessing it has been to focus more on things to be thankful for. It is sad to say, that sometimes, despite all I have been given, I sit and wonder what I could write down! Suddenly one thing brings me to more and then yet more. The best part is to read through the pages and realize how rich I truly am! 

Accents

I'm going back to the summer with these photos, but just wanted to share a very simple decorating tip. In looking at our family room I wondered how I could bring in a little spark . . . a tad more of a color that was not part of the original always autumn color scheme.
So, in the room we have the couches, a coffee table, the fireplace, a corner built in cabinet, a free standing black cabinet and a fireplace. What I did is put something blueish in each of these spots. I changed up the cushions to bring some of that blue in, got a bowl out of storage, (storing things for kids) and basically used a journal, some books, cards and a plaque I got for my birthday. A new potted plant with a hint of blue in the leaves also helped.

This just brought in a bit of the feeling I was looking for, without doing anything big. The idea is that no matter what you have to work with, a few matching items in hiding can be moved about and pull a room together to give it a new look.  Use any color you tend to gravitate toward and you will find you have hung on to some of those things. Last week I changed up our summer blanket into a throw across the duvet on the bed, moved about cushions, wall prints and framed photos from one room to another and the rooms have a new look. Nothing spectacular, just keeping things fresh.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue . . .

it works.

The Greatness of the Lean

In looking at our cruise photos I remembered that I never did post a photo of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is true and ironic that the famous lean in this tower tends to overshadows its magnificent architecture.

Made of white and multicolored marble, the tower was built as a freestanding bell tower for the cathedral. Construction began in 1173 and the lean was realized after a couple of floors were done. It so happened that construction had to stop several times because of war, the first time for almost a hundred years, giving the sandy ground time to settle and compact. If work had not stopped in between, it would have been more likely the shifting ground would have caused it to topple. The tower was completed in 1372.

What amazes me that something that looked like a mistake in architectural design has become such a wonder and tourist attraction! It reminds me that mistakes can be redeemed and can define us for better. Sometimes it would seem that everything is at a standstill, yet what we do not see is that the shifting ground is settling and providing a stronger foundation for the future. 

Today, realizing that it's the "lean" that marks this tower as being phenomenal reminds me of people who have overcome physical hurdles in their life to make a major mark in society. Could be, this leaning tower is an icon pointing us to "impossible" possibilities.

The Secret of Being Content

In my reading from Jesus Calling I was encouraged, once again, to appreciate the moments I have today, as opposed to wishing for things that will take time or may never happen. Giving thanks today may be about something as simple as catching the setting sun rays on a walk and being content in knowing the One who has created this beauty. When my heart turns to gratefulness for the small things, it becomes easier to commit the big things to Him as well.

But when I ignore what has been given to me today to imagine that I'll be happier once a certain dream comes true will only make me miserable today. Fantasy is not reality, but putting our cares into the hands of the One who holds the future, and leaving it there, will bring about a pleasant present reality. The one that really counts.

This is not always easy, but it's worth trying, asking God to help us be content in each and every circumstance. trusting His ways to bring about the best for us.

"... in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

Isaiah 30:15

When the Prairie Cousins Came

There was a call first, to see if this weekend would be a good time to come.

The brother wanted to surprise the sister.

They all wanted to see the wee baby.

When they got here, we had to find a way to get baby and her family over.

We did! In no time the doorbell rang with
three little faces pressed to the front entrance window,

trying to get a peek of who exactly was here . . .

and the entrance became a hub of joy filled unwrapping and meeting! 

Everyone had to have their turn to hold her.

 Teddy was in awe of this living doll!

Uncle Ben held his tiny niece for the first time.

In fact, all weekend long, Everly was passed around

while she slept.

We celebrated Koen's fourth birthday.

enjoyed dinners together,

a walk to the playground,

 a date to the mall, 

morning visits to our bed, 

favorite breakfasts,

and Sunday church . . . before they were off again!

Times like these are cherished for many things unspoken

and for the joy of being able to be Papa and Mimi in person.

Our Little Rosebud

Allow me another look at our newest little bud. There is something about her being way down the line of little grands that makes me realize how quickly this stage passes . . . and it makes me wish time to stand still. There is not the usual, "I can hardly wait till . . ." and although I know we will appreciate each stage again, I don't want to rush these precious moments.

 When I look at this photo I think of the German Brahms's Lullaby

I've been familiar with.

I looked it up and found this beautiful English translation. 

Lullaby and good night,

With roses bedight,

With lilies o'er spread

Is baby's wee bed.

Lay thee down now and rest,

May thy slumber be blessed.

Lullaby and good night,

Thy mother's delight,

Bright angels beside

My darling abide.

They will guard thee at rest,

Thou shalt wake on my breast.