For Thursday, July 31st, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, JULY 31ST,  2014

55 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:23 am

Sunset: 8:47 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

It's Mutt's Day.  Mutts deserve their day in the spotlight, as much as a pure breed. By definition a mutt, is a dog that is of mixed breed.  They come from two to several breeds. Purebred owners, and sometimes the public in general, view them as lesser in many ways. Mutt owners know better. They value the diversity and uniqueness of their mutts. Sure, a mutt doesn't carry the expensive price tag that a purebred with papers has on its head. To the mutt owner, however, the mutt is invaluable. In addition, mutts don't walk around needing to prove anything. You won't see them strutting around any dog shows trying to prove they are the best.

 Spend the day relaxing and doing all the things you and your dog like to do. Do so with both of your chins held high. For your mutt is worth a million bucks!

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail.

Unknown 

I love dogs and most of the ones I’ve had over the years were mutts.  They were all cute and lovable.  Since I no longer have a dog of my own, I enjoy those that my children have.  

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I’m here to say that I do learn something new everyday.  Being willing to learn reminds us that we do not know everything. There is always more to know, to learn, to look up, another reference to check, journal article to read, a new stone to turn over for answers... The more you know and discover, the more you find there is to know.

I am just now finishing up my summer Bible study on 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.  It was very enlightening.  I’ve read those chapters before but saw them in new light going through the study.  Every day I do learn something new. Our circumstances and conditions are not coincidental in our journey. God's timing is impeccable. 

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.  You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5

As July comes to an end today I thought it might be fun to look back at the Farmer’s Almanac prediction for the weather. According to folklore the weather on June 11th,was to be what our weather was like for the month of July. Our weather on June 11th, said that we have a 80% chance of scattered thunderstorms with temps reaching 80 degrees. We had a hard time finding some 80 degree days this month, but there were a lot of showers and thunder storms.  So some was right and some wrong.  We had many 70 degree days in July instead.

Looking ahead at the month of August according to the folklore our weather prediction will be based on the the weather we had June 13th,   It was a pretty wet week here. SCATTERED showers and upper 70’s…we’ll see if it will once again be a cooler than usual August like it was for July.

I hope you all have great day !  Happy Thursday !

PRAYER REQUEST

Please join me in praying for DDIL#6 and new grand babe #21 as they have set the delivery date for Friday of this week.  Labor will be induced unless the little one comes earlier.  There are no problems, it was a personal choice on their part.  May our dear Lord bless them with a safe delivery and a healthy happy baby!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies.

Gene Hill 

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached 1900 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1901. for new things to learn every day

1902. for dogs of all kinds and sizes

 1903.  for Bible studies that always teach us something new

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise

Unknown 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Wednesday, July 30th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30TH,  2014

56 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:22 am

Sunset: 8:48 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

On April 27,  2011 the General Assembly of the United Nations declared July30th, as official International Friendship Day.  Friends make us laugh, they support us during difficult times, and they can challenge us to grow and become better people. Celebrate the positive power of these relationships on July 30th, the International Day of Friendship!

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Friendship isn’t a big thing — it’s a million little things. 

Author Unknown

Friends are very important and it’s a good thing to nourish our friendships too.  Sometimes it takes a little bit of doing on our part to keep friendships going.  People come and go in our lives and we need to stay connected if our friendships are going to survive the test of time and distance.

I don’t have many friends anymore but the best ones I have are old friends that I’ve made over the course of many years. For your friendships to flourish, you and your friends must help each other mature as you share the inevitable changes that life will bring. You all know I try to do my best to stay in touch by getting this little newsletter out everyday.

The friends that extend over decades, more or less know your history. They know your ins and outs and ups and downs of your life, and that just makes us be able to build each other up. Those friends that know your history, can't be replaced. Very often it is our family that becomes some of our best friends.  That’s because we’ve known the for most of our lives. 

This summer is fast flying by, and meanwhile, here at home things are pretty much status quo.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

God's Helpers


God must have known there would be times

We'd need a word of cheer

Someone to praise a triumph

Or brush away a tear.

He must have known we'd need to share

The joy of little things

In order to appreciate

The happiness life brings.

I think he knew our troubled hearts

Would sometimes throb with pain

At trials and misfortunes

Or some goals we can't attain.

He knew we'd need the comfort

Of an understanding heart

To give us strength and courage

To make a fresh, new start.

He knew we'd need companionship

Unselfish... lasting... true,

And so God answered the heart's great need

With CHERISHED FRIENDS.... like you.
Author Unknown 

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Every gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness…

Richard Bach.

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached 1900 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1898. for my friends that are like family and my family that are also friends

1899. for some unusually cool weather in July

 1900.  for a break in the rain to get the lawn mowed, it keeps on growing!

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand in hand. 

Emily Kimbrough

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

For Tuesday, July 29th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, JULY 29TH,  2014

57 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:21 am

Sunset: 8:49 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

July 30th is Rain Day.  Throughout human history, people and cultures all over the world have celebrated rain and it’s life-giving power. All life is dependent on rain, and rain is what keeps our world green and fresh and beautiful. Rain is no less important today than it has been in the past, and now people around the world have Rain Day, a day to celebrate all things wet and wonderful.

You don’t have to be a farmer with your eye on the latest batch of crops to be concerned with rain, and there are many things the ordinary person can do to celebrate. If you’re lucky enough to be somewhere where it rains on Rain Day, you can head outside to dance, sing, or just walk in the rain. If it doesn’t happen to be raining, you can serve up a delicious meal of fresh greens and other things that depend on the rain to grow, and reflect on how lucky we are to live in a rainy world.

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.

Gilbert K. Chesterton

The past few days brought a lot of rain to our part of the country.  We may even get some more today.    The only thing good about it for me is that I did have some indoor time to get lots done.  Not a lot of housework is being done at all but there has been some painting going on.  Santa ma’s workshop has been a busy place.  Soon I’ll be done with Thanksgiving and can move on to Christmas.

There is not a lot of anything new going on for me, although I feel like I’m on pins and needles waiting for the newest grand child to be born.  Time is very short now.  

Rainy days don't get me down.  I  continue to keep busy and make my own sunshine when I have to.

I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!

Life Is A Miracle


Life is a miracle
Don't let it slip away,
Open your heart to others
Give of yourself each day.

See the beauty in everyone
Regardless of where they've been,
Some have a difficult journey
And really need a friend.

Share your gifts and talents
Listen with your heart.
Do the things you dream about
But don't have time to start.

Pick a bouquet of flowers
Show someone that you care,
Be gracious and forgiving
Life is never fair.

Hold on to your courage
You may need it down the road,
We all have a cross to bear
It could be a heavy load.

If you practice all these things
No matter where you roam,
You may find both sun and rain
But you'll never feel alone!

Author Unknown 

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Thank you, dear God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough. Thank you for the rain. And for the chance to wake up in three hours and go fishing: I thank you for that now, because I won't feel so thankful then.

Garrison Keillor

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1800 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1895. for the rainy days that make the sunny days even brighter

1896. for time to get things done inside

 1897.  for the wonderful fresh veggies now appearing on the road side stands in Ohio

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

Dolly Parton

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Monday, July 28th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, JULY 28TH,  2014

56 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:20 am

Sunset: 8:50 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

Children's author and illustrator Helen Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) was born on this day in London, England, the only daughter of a wealthy cotton producing family. A lonely and sheltered child, she loved animals and took up drawing and painting at a young age.

Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were - Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter. They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir-tree.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself, and never mind the rest.

 Beatrix Potter

I can remember well the story of Peter Rabbit.  I think I still have a copy of the book somewhere.  I’ll have to dig it out so I can read it to the grands when they visit.  

After a hot and humid weekend, we’re to cool down again today and the the rest of the week is looking pretty good with temps in the mid to upper 70’s here.  Most of the days include a chance of rain but with some sunshine too.  Not a bad way at all to end July and begin August.  

The pictures are of our little Xfactor playing outside one day last week when he spent the day with me.  Sorry about the band of white at the bottom of the pictures.  That is my patio table, which is where I was sitting when I took the pictures.

I hope you all have a great start to this new week.  Happy Monday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

With opportunity the world is very interesting.

Beatrix Potter

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1800 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1892. for story tellers like Beatrix that were a part of our childhood days

1893. for bunnies they do make us smile

 1894.  for children that help to keep me young

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Children will not remember you for the material things you provided, but for the feeling that you cherished them.

Richard L. Evans.

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Sunday, July 27th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, JULY 27TH,  2014

57 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:18 am

Sunset: 8:51 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today, the 4th Sunday of July, we celebrate National Parents Day.  It is a special day to honor your mother and father. And, its a time to celebrate the family structure and family values. The family unit is an important structure for the health of children, and the nation. That structure, and those values, are established and nurtured by your parents.

The best way to mark this day is by spending time with your parents doing something fun. Its also important that you let them how how much they are loved and appreciated.

Okay, kids everywhere... its National Parents Day. Honor mom and dad!

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Parents are often so busy with the physical rearing of children that they miss the glory of parenthood, just as the grandeur of the trees is lost when raking leaves. 

Marcelene Cox

I’m very blessed to be a parent.  My children are the greatest gifts that I ever received.  Sometimes I think we forget for a moment or two just how blessed we are to have them in our lives.  Being a parent is not an easy job.  It’s something that once it begins, never stops.  

My faith, my family and friends are the 3 most important things in my life.  I can’t imagine a life without children.  Looking back, I remember so many good times that would not have happened at all without them.  Each one is unique and wonderful.

I no longer have my parents to honor today, but will be honoring all parents.  It’s the toughest and most wonderful job there is.

I hope you all have restful and relaxing Sunday

The First Parent


Whenever your kids are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to his kids. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve.

And the first thing God said to them was: DON'T.   Don't what?   Adam asked.  Don't eat the forbidden fruit, said God.  Forbiden fruit?   Where is it?  Adam and Eve asked, jumping up and down excitedly.

It's over there, said God, wondering why he hadn't stopped after creating the elephants.  A few minutes later God saw the kids having an apple break, and He was very angry.

Didn't I tell you NOT to eat that fruit?  God, the First Parent asked?   Uh huh, Adam replied.  Then why DID you do it? God asked exasperatedly.  I dunno, Adam answered.

God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own.  Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.  But there is reassurance in this story.

If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give your children wisdom and they ignore it, don't be to hard on yourself.  If God had trouble handling His children, what makes you think you can do better than Him?

Author unknown 

COUNTING MY GIFTS

There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child.

Henry Ward Beecher

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1800 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1889.  for my parents, where would I be if not for them

1890. for my children that are all parents too

 1891.  for the  privilege of being a mother

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

If you raise your children to feel that they can accomplish any goal or task they decide upon, you will have succeeded as a parent and you will have given your children the greatest of all blessings. 

Brian Tracy

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Saturday, July 26th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, JULY 26TH,  2014

58 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Sunrise: 6:18 am

Sunset: 8:52 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is All or Nothing Day. It is certainly as day of extremes. If you're a gambler, it's a day to go for broke. A little drastic day, perhaps. There's definitely no grey area in how you spend this day.  Do something you've never done before or always wanted to do.  It's time to quit testing the waters and playing the 'what if’ game.

I hope you have it all on All or Nothing Day, and every day.

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done. 

Author Unknown 

The Romans understood All or Nothing Day so well they had a saying: Carpe Diem or seize the day. All Or Nothing Day takes that spirit and urges people to break through their barriers, ignore the fears that hold them back, and make that big commitment to a better life.  Seize the day; the rest of your life won’t wait forever.

I’m very fond of saying there is something good to be found in every day.  Every day is filled with new possibilities.  I like to think that in my life, I’ve had it all.  All I ever needed.  Maybe I didn’t have high aspirations like some do but I have a wonderful family and they are what I wanted.  I always wanted to be a mom.  I wanted to be a housewife.  A career outside the home wasn’t something I wanted, but did become a necessity.  Now I’m back to staying at home and although I’m often the only one here, I do love it.  

We’ve all heard the expression:Today is the the first day of the rest of your life.  Well today is the day to give something your all or don’t even bother to do it at all.  As for me, I’m giving it my all !

I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday!

May you live all the days of your life. 

Irish blessing

COUNTING MY GIFTS

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends I want to see. 

John Burroughs

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for over a  year and have now reached over 1800 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1886. for all the days of my life, they have been a blessing indeed

1887. for my family, they are my all in all

 1888.  for my faith, I have a God that I can turn to in any situation

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

 

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. 

Henry L. Doherty

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma