Saying Goodbye

It's so hard to say goodbye. This is my sister with her only daughter. She and her hubby will be moving soon to a military base up north. We know they will be in God's caring hands, but it's still difficult knowing we probably won't be seeing them for a good while. My sister had a Christmas farewell party for them today.

They're both excited about their new adventure far away from home, but we will surely miss them. My mom already had to bid a grandson goodbye this year (my son) and now a granddaughter.

Jenny with her beloved grandma....

My prayer is that the LORD will keep them both safe and happy.

-Distance never separates two hearts that really care. For our memories span the miles and in seconds, we are there.

We put up our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving night. It's not a fancy tree, but twinkle lights can make just about any tree pretty to me.

I did a little Christmas shopping this weekend. Saw this box of blueberry cordials in Wal-Mart. Hmmm....honestly, the cherry cordials are better, but this is only my opinion. My husband agreed. They're good for a sugar fix though. :)

Hoping for a good week.

Romans 12:10 -Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor, preferring one another.

Blessings,

Lorrie

Thanksgiving Blessings

I am truly blessed to overflowing this Thanksgiving 2011. I am not "rich" by worldly, western standards. But I realize that I do have so much more than most people in the world do. Just the basics that we (I) often take for granted are blessings that are not enjoyed by many others who inhabit planet Earth:

-A roof over my head
-Heat
-Air Conditioning
-A clean bed to sleep in
-A pillow to rest my head on
-Warm blankets
-More clothes than can fit my dresser drawers and closets
-A great many pairs of shoes
-A job
-Clean, running water
-Indoor plumbing
-Washer/Dryer
-Refrigerator
-Oven
-Reliable transportation
-Cabinets full of food
-Freedom of speech
-Freedom to worship without fear of persecution or imprisonment or worse
-A close-knit family

Indeed, this is only the tip of the iceberg. God has so abundantly blessed me and my family. I often wonder why He chooses to allow some to live so richly and others in poverty. But God's ways are not our ways. Jesus had a special place in his heart for the poor, and he admonished His followers to help those in need.

Growing up, I was one of six children. We didn't have a lot. I do remember those kind souls who secretly bought us kids Christmas gifts or brought food to us on occasion. It lifted my spirit, even as a little one. I enjoy doing for others when I am able to. Jesus sees even when we offer up a cup of cold water to someone who needs it.

I praise the LORD today for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon me. I ask for forgiveness when I take those blessings for granted. And I ask that He allow me to be a blessing to someone else this holiday season.

Psalm 107:1 - Oh give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. - Edward Sandford Martin

I see I haven't posted in a month. I've been meaning to, but have just been too busy. I've been a little under the weather too. :( Our daughter-in-law and granddaughter came to visit a few weeks ago. Our son was in field training, so it was a perfect time for them to visit. We went to iHop and Kaylee thoroughly enjoyed the food. :)

She turned 2 years old in October and, while they were here, Kaylee got lots of birthday goodies.

I absolutely adore the fall. The colors this year were extraordinary. Just going for a ride is a lovely experience.

I took a trip to our local library a few weeks ago. I'm ashamed to say I haven't been there a long time. Came home with a stack of books. Finding the time to read them is tricky. I've already had to renew them. We can renew library books online now. Technology does have it's perks.

I do need to go to the library more. I have a tendency to buy books - and boy, do I have a lot of them! Books are expensive, so a trip to the library makes more sense. It is nice, however, to have your own little "library" at home. I wish my daughter was more into reading than she is. There are a ton of books around the house if she ever gets the notion. :) She loves music. We're always hearing her play her flute, piccolo, keyboard or her brother's trumpet. I'm okay with that. God created music for our enjoyment. I've no doubt it will be a major part of our existence in Heaven.

Last Sunday after church, we went for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway here in Virginia. Sadly, we were about 2 weeks late from seeing the peak fall foliage, but nonetheless, it was still breathtakingly beautiful.

My pictures simply do not do these views justice.

Isn't it funny how dead leaves lying on the ground can be such a wonderful sight to behold?

Here is our daughter walking through the fallen leaves.

We even stopped at KFC on the way to the parkway so we could have a picnic. :) Loved it!

Perfect place for a picnic, no?

My lovely daughter standing in front of one of the glorious outlooks on the parkway.

Posing with daddy...

Encouragement for the day:

Proverbs 3:19-24 ~The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He estalished the heavens.

By His knowledge, the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

My son, let not them depart from thine eyes, keep sound wisdom and discreation:

So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and they sleep shall be sweet.