Let's Count our Blessings

I am the first one to admit that sometimes I get side tracked by the fast pace of everyday life (some of it self-inflicted, I might say) and forget to thank God of all the blessings that He has bestowed upon me. He has blessed me beyond measure. Good health, a good family, a thoughtful, supportive and helpful husband, peaceful home, and beautiful friends...and of course, the sweetest and most well behaved cat (how could I leave her out, she is family too..). I know that during certain times , our circumstances can be such that they leave little room to be thankful. Life can be full of losses ...you lose your job, or someone you love, or your health, your hope, or your dream. But those are also  moments that we need to be thankful for. Being thankful for all the good things we have is easy, being thankful for things we don't have or unpleasant things we have, is not easy.

Sometimes we think of the big things in our lives as blessings, but forget about the little things that make a big difference. How about the air that we breathe and the sun that keeps us warm, and the birds and beautiful flowers in your garden? Your kids that are not in trouble, or the car accident you just missed? Galen almost got in a bad accident a few weeks ago. He was waiting to make a left turn, when a car came down Topanga Blvd, going 80 miles an hour, making a right turn and missing him by about an inch from demolishing his car, and I hate to think of what else could have happened. I just finished reading a book, "Like Any Normal Day", by Mark Kram, Jr...The story centers on a 17 year old athlete, Buddy Miley, who in 1973 was a star quarterback in his high school football team. He had lots to look forward to and a promising future, but in one split second, all that was gone....In one of the games he shattered his vertebrae. For the next 23 years or so, he remained paralyzed from the neck down, at home, bedridden or in a wheelchair under the care of his mother. Not only his life was changed, but the lives of his family as well. It is not a happy story and I will not tell you what happens at the end (it is a good book to read). But I want to tell you that when I woke up this morning and went outside to do some yardwork, I was reminded of how thankful I was to be able to do it. I feel so blessed that all my bodyparts are functioning well. I should not complain and murmur, about how much work it is and that I am tired, because some people would love to do what I do, and can't.

Today we are invited to a friend's house for Thanksgiving Dinner. I don't have to prepare anything.
I am so thankful and looking forward to spend time with good friends, we have not seen for a while.

There is a song refrain that goes something like this:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done

This Thanksgiving may you see all your blessings, big and small and the ones you never thought of before and give God thanks! Every moment of every day gives us an opportunity to have a thankful heart, all we have to do is be more aware....something I have to remind myself daily.






 

The smiles of 2,054 children

Last month, Amway and Operation Smiles in Thailand, supported a team of doctors who performed 156 cleft palate surgeries in a  single day. Over more than a decade, Amway Thailand has sponsored 2,054 of these surgeries. Amway IBO's and employees are always on hand to help children before and after the surgeries, and they lend assistance to the parents and caregivers. Sometimes we take things for granted. We forget that some people may not feel attractive or happy enough to smile. These surgeries give children back their self esteem and confidence to smile.

On a recent study it was concluded that smiling can be good for your health. Research shows that smiling slows down the heart and reduces stress. That is great news! But smiling isn't good just for you; a genuine smile blesses those on the receiving end and all those around you as well. Your smile makes you feel better and can tell others that you like them and that you are pleased with them. A smile can hug someone with love without giving them even the slightest touch. I always notice that when I smile at people they always smile back. No words are necessary. A smile is universal and understood by all. Have you tried it when you check out at the grocery store? Just smile and say something nice, like; how is your day going today? and immediately the cashier will respond with a smile and a small conversation. Sometimes they don't look too happy, they are on their feet all day and have to put up with some nasty customers and stressful situations....but when you take the time to acknowledge them, you can feel the transformation in their demeanor. So try it next time you at the check out stand or even walking the store isles. They also have found that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile....so more smiles less wrinkles!!!

I know that life may not always give us a reason to smile. But when we see a heartfelt smile on a child's face or through aged wrinkles, our hearts are encouraged. Even when you don't feel like smiling do it anyway and it will change your mood. Our smile could also be a message of cheer and encouragement from God to a needy soul.

So, next time you are out and about, remember to smile. It is free to give away, and the benefits are great for both the giver and the recipient.

Numbers 6:25-26
"May God make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
 may God lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace"