Gratitude Lists...

Here is another post I started a few days ago...

All month, friends have been posting their daily gratitude lists. I didn't feel like it. Not because I'm not thankful, but because it felt redundant to me. Of course I'm thankful for my husband, my sons, my home, my life, and it probably does bear repeating and voicing at least once a year, so I can't really explain my hesitance. Maybe I just like bucking the trend. Perhaps I have a streak of stubbornness which resists conforming. Perhaps.

I am thankful for many seemingly unimportant things. I was just reading, Gratitude is Saving Me, by Nanea Hoffman. I follow her Sweatpants and Coffee page on Facebook. It's uplifting. In this article, she writes about what she is grateful for.

"I've always loved walking the beach and looking for smooth bits of glass and interesting shells amid the decaying seaweed and washed-up trash. This is like that. I still do it, almost every day. I comb through the dreck of my day and pick out the shiny bits. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not." ~Nanea Hoffman

My list of little, somewhat weird, things I am grateful, my "shiny bits" goes something like this:

• It's looking in the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart box, finding it empty, then discovering the one I'd wrapped back up and tucked up on top of the bread box a couple days before, because eating two seemed overindulgent. (Just happened this morning. Joy!)
• The feel of a leaf or pine needles on a tree.
• Discovering a long, forgotten letter inside a favorite book.
• Re-watching The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and remembering what being a child was like, the happy parts. Which also brings back memories of when my boys were little and their world was filled with imagination and wonder.
• Rocks, all kinds. Big, small, rough, smooth. 
• Ribbon, lace, buttons. Pretty little treasures.
• Board games and board game pieces, like the Monopoly race car, dog, and thimble. The Clue wrench and knife, and remembering how my Barbie really loved the candlestick! Chess pieces! Checkers! Dominoes! Dice! Scrabble!
• The feel and smell of books.
• Bookmarks.
• Coffee, with a touch of half and half, on a cold morning.
• The way the sunlight peeks in through the blinds.
• Opening boxes of stored autumn and Christmas decorations.
• The sound of rain.
• The first snowfall.

These are just a few of my little delights. May you each find the little joys to be grateful for on otherwise average days.

© 30Nov2017 ajjahner

Intentions for the New Year...

My cousin created a list of resolutions on her blog, found Here, which are similar to some of my own goals. I wanted to share Laurie's with you, because it inspired me to put mine in writing, which I had not intended to do. Maybe it will inspire you as well.

Too often, resolutions fall by the wayside. After a slip or two, the goal seems insurmountable. One of my former supervisor's gave me a tiny pebble when we were facing a huge project. It was a reminder to approach a mountain of work, one little piece at a time. That is how I'm approaching this year, a pebble at a time, being thankful for what I do accomplish, and remembering my joy is also in the journey, not just the destination.

My focus is on:

Health - Making better food choices. Exercise daily. Listen to my body and rest when needed. Don't be afraid to make changes.

Spirit - Pray with thanksgiving. Sing. Laugh. Love. Forgive. Be generous.

Soul and Mind - Write daily. Read more. Make time for family and friends. Learn something new. Tap into my creativity. Be true to myself. Be inspired!

It sounds like a lot, but many of the things listed are what I have already been working on. I want to continue improving, learning and growing. There is no downside to making these resolutions, because failure is also a learning experience. I'm ready to greet 2015! It's going to be an amazing year! Believe it!


© 31Dec2014 ajj

Fairies and Imaginings...

The woods are full of fairies;

The sea is full of fish;

The trees are full of golden leaves;

Let's make an autumn wish.

~ Anonymous

Today, I'm thankful for imagination. From my earliest memories, my imagination protected me from some of the harsh realities of my life. It also enabled me to visit exotic locations and have amazing adventures! 

My imagination was, and still is, fueled by books, music, television, and movies. As a young child, books played the largest role. Nancy Drew, Mary Poppins, Lassie, Grimm's Fairy Tales, and a little book published in 1919 called History Stories for Primary Grades. That little history book was where I first read about Joan of Arc, who became one of my heroes. Grimm's Fairy Tales fueled the fantasy side of my daydreams. There were princesses, queens, fairies, and there were children in terrible danger from evil witches or a stepmother.  They managed to somehow overcome and survive the abuse. Imagination helped make me a survivor, and fueled my own creativity.  Spend some time today with your imagination, and delight in the places it can take you!

© 06NOV2014 ajj

November...

This lovely autumn picture is a Jane Berry Hudson illustration.
It was a shared image, courtesy of Bumble Button.

I'm thankful for this beautiful autumn day! November is one of my favorite months of the year, and not just because it's my birth month. It's the beginning of holiday time and brings back so many happy memories! It makes me long to get together with family and friends. There's the coziness of a warm house in contrast to the crisp, fresh air just outside the door. There's the smell of leaves, and sometimes rain. The vibrant colors. The shorter days. Planning for the holidays. I'm loving November!

My list...

Many of my Facebook friends have been doing a daily "what I'm thankful for" post.  I started, but it quickly went by the wayside.  I decided to do one long blog post, listing 30 things I'm thankful for.  You know, the whole month in one big post.  So here it is:

1. Today is my 56th birthday... I'm thankful for each and every day of life! (This list was actually started on the 16th... where oh where did the month go?)
2. My loving husband, who is the most awesome man!  We've shared the good and the bad, and he always reminds me that he loves me no matter what!
3. My two sons!  I could not love them any more than I already do.  They are a blessing to me.  They bring me such joy!
4. My parents and my grandparents... they left a legacy of love.
5. My sisters and brothers!
6. My extended family... yes, every one of you! 
7. My friends.
8. My church home.
9. My home.  
10. Clothes to wear.
11. Food to eat.
12. Reliable cars.
13. My cell phone.
14. Computers!
15. Working appliances.
16. My new scanner!
17. Books... and more books!
18. Art
19. Family photos
20. Music
21. Good neighbors
22. Wind chimes
23. Colleges and Universities
24. Prayer Chains 
25. Good Doctors
26. Diet Coke... cuz I really needed one today
27. The Internet, which has expanded my world
28. The right to vote
29. Freedom
30. Faith

These are in no particular order of importance, and the list doesn't even scratch the surface, but it's a start.  There are just so many things to be thankful for!  Even though this is the month of the Thanksgiving holiday, I try to remember to thank God, every day of the year, for all that I've been given.

With that said... it's goodbye to November and hello to December... hohoho!

Day 12 - Beginnings, Eye Glasses

As I sit here, I'm struggling to see the computer screen.  I got my new glasses today.  Progressive lenses.  I can barely see a thing, especially with my right eye.  My first pair of progressives was back in 2009. I remember there was an adjustment period with them.  They told me to give these a week.  If I'm not seeing well by then, I'll get another eye exam.  Any of you who love reading like I do, can understand my frustration at the wait.  That said, I know there are much worse things I could be going through.  I will just have to put on my "happy face" and be patient. 

All of this reminded me of my first pair of glasses.  I got them in 4th Grade.  It was a whole new world for me.  Things looked more interesting than I'd originally thought, or at least there were a lot more details and definition.  Eyesight is definitely a blessing and something I never take for granted. 

Several times today, I was reminded that it's important to be thankful for things in our lives.  Gratitude Journals were mentioned on a program this morning.  My friend Carol, of Silver Valley Stories, posted about Simple Delights.  Goldie Hawn spoke about attitude and the brain/body connection on Dr. Oz this afternoon.  I know when I focus on the good, I feel better.  It only takes a few minutes out of each day to make a difference.  It doesn't erase all the bad in our lives, but it makes it so much more bearable to live with.  Sometimes it pays to smile through the tears, to sing through the storm, to look for all the good that is right there in front of us.   

A Few Thoughts on Life

I'm a long way from "Monday, Monday", my last post. I have gone through a variety of emotions during the past week.

• Frustration... that my son is not much better.
• Sadness... that I can't fix it. Aren't mom's supposed to fix everything?
• Thankful... for friends who are praying and a God who cares for us.
• Tearful... I don't know why, but I put in an old movie and just slipped away from reality for a while. Seemed to do the trick.
• Joyful... Autumn is so beautiful. I love the frosty cold and the colorful leaves.
• Reflective... I've had some quiet moments where stories have come back to mind. Things I need to put into writing before they slip away again.

Life is a continual forward-moving force. If we don't pay attention, it can slip right by us. It can leave us wondering what we did with all that time. I decided there were some things I needed to do differently, so I told myself to: Make a plan to notice each day; to celebrate the little moments, as well as the big events. Surprise old friends with a phone call or a visit. Surprise myself by trying something new. Find meaning in my life. Live with a purpose. Drink it all in... all of it!

And in doing all that, remind myself to thank my Heavenly Father for every minute of life He has blessed me with.

I hope your day is filled with blessings, both large and small.

I'm Still Here!

Hello friends! I had my left eye surgery this morning. It went well! My eye will be dilated up to 48 hours but even so, I can see really well out of it. I am able to use my $2.00 reading glasses to see my computer screen, but I have to keep it to a minimum for a few days.

This has been an experience. I'm glad I did it, but even more happy that it's over. I am looking forward to enjoying my computer, reading books, doing some art & craft projects, etc. You know the classic question, "Would you rather be deaf or blind?" Well, I'd been saying blind because I have such a love of music and the sounds of wind, rain, birds, laughter. I've now decided neither is an acceptable choice. My uncle said "How about one good eye and one good ear?" He always has a way of bringing humor to every situation!

What I have discovered is that I am going to treasure the things my senses allow me to enjoy. The sights, the sounds, the textures, the colors: all are precious gifts to be thankful for. I don't want to take anything for granted.

Life should be lived fully and enjoyed completely! I am so thankful for my eyes!

Blessings!
Nita Jo

"One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries."
—A.A. Milne

Faith Folk Cafe - Sunday Challenge

I was just over at Faith Folk Cafe, one of my favorite spots. Yesterday they began a Sunday Challenge. This week it is:

Sunday Challenge... It's simple...what are you thankful for?

To participate, or just read everyone's posts, go here.

As I sit here, I know I have too much to ever list. God has been so good to me.

I am thankful...

For Christian grandparents who saved my life... and the life of my mother, by bringing us to know God; and for teaching us to have faith no matter what trials may come... for life is full of trials, but it is also full of blessings, miracles, love, and beauty.

For a loving, caring husband who has stood by me through all the loss, pain, uncertainty.

For two sons that are so dear to me. Sons I was told I might never be able to have. They are my miracles, my heart.

For a mother and an uncle who, by their example, taught me that faith is not dependant on a perfect life, a healthy life, a pain-free life... that you can walk in faith in the midst of pain. Pain, failure, sickness, disability do not define us... we are defined by Christ alone. He is our source of strength.

For family, For friends, For wonderful Pastors, For strength for this day...

For unending hope for the future. No matter who becomes our next President, I can walk in faith, without fear, because everything... Everything... is in the hands of my creator... my Father God and His dear son Jesus Christ.

I am thankful that I can believe in a bright tomorrow. I believe while we are traveling there, faith will carry us through the rough times.

I am thankful, so thankful...