For Friday, August 1st, 2025

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1ST, 2025

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

In Texas

 Sunrise:    6:52 am

   Sunset:   8:25  

pm

Welcome August !

Life is a special occasion!

Hallmark

On August 1st we celebrate our Precious One's birthday!

Happy Birthday ♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday to you♥ ♥ ♥ 

 May the dear Lord bless you today and always!

Happy Birthday to you♥ 

The Month of August is:  American Adventures Month, American Artist Appreciation Month, International Pirate Month, Back to school month, Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, Get Ready for Kindergarten Month, Golf Month, Happiness Happens Month, Motor Sports Awareness Month, National Catfish Month, National Cheerleadings Safety Month, National Cowgirl Month, National Dog Month, National Immunization Month,  National Panini Month, National Read A Romance Novel Month, National Traffic Awareness Month, National Water Quality Month, National Wellness Month. Rye Month, and World Mutt-i-grees Rescue Month! 

Today is National Girl Friends Day which celebrates our girl friends and gal pals. Take a moment today to step back and appreciate these life long friends.

Girlfriends are the women you can depend on.  Whether you call them to share exciting news, or to have a shoulder to cry on or to just hang out, your girlfriends are always there for you.  They are an essential part of our lives!

Celebrate today and let your girlfriends know how much they mean to you and that you are thinking about them.  Be sure to call to say hello and see how they are doing. 

If you cannot see the bright side polish the dull side 

THOUGHT  FOR TODAY

Here’s to strong women.  May we know them. May we be them. And may we raise them.

These days most of my friends are girls.  I can’t think of one of them that is male right now. I have had some male friends in the past that weren’t boyfriends, but not at the moment.  When my husband died all the friends we used to keep in touch with, seemed to just fade away. 

Having girl friends improves our lifestyle, they can foster a sense of belonging, boost confidence and provide a safe place for sharing and personal growth.  We women are each others emotional support system.  They give advice and provide a shoulder to cry on.  I’d be lost without mine. When our mothers can’t be there, girl friends step in. 

When I was younger and a mom still at home, several of my neighbors got together to help each other out.  If they didn’t have childcare, they’d watch each others kids.  We got together often to share our problems, recipes and news of the moment. We became as close as family to each other. 

When someone was sick, we’d make meals and take them over, same as when someone had a baby, we’d do the same.  We all had young children and they became friends with each other too. 

Friends aren’t a luxury, they’re often a necessity.  Here where we live now, we are blessed with good neighbors that have become friends.  They are always there to help when needed.

The weather continues to be bright and sunny.  When I lived in Ohio, August was our hottest month and also the one the kids had to go back to school.  Thankfully most schools now have air conditioning.  They didn’t used to, and believe me, I sat in hot school rooms and suffered many times. The fans we had just blew hot air on us. Texas is about the same, hot Augusts are expected and schools will soon be open.  

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

In the cookie of life, friends are chocolate chips!

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

13,536. for my girl friends and gal pals, they are appreciated 

13,537. for air conditioning, we are spoiled

13,538. for a shady porch to sit on when it’s hot outside

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.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

There is no limit to what we women can accomplish.

a smile,a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma