What am I thankful for?

November is a great time to reflect on the past year and give thanks for the good things in our lives. Despite some of the challenges we faced this year, with Covid 19, high gas prices, inflation and a few medical issues, we still have so much to be thankful for. We are thankful for all the new friends we have made over the past 3 years. Their kindness, fellowship, generocity and hospitality has been a tremendous support. I am thankful for living in America, and specifically in NWA. I am thankful for having a roof over my head, clothes on my body and food on the table, many people around the world don't have these things. I am thankful for the beautiful nature around me that I get to enjoy daily. But, while all these things are very important, I realized that good health is the most important thing. 

I am so happy that I can see, hear, and walk. Few weeks ago, I had severe pain in my right foot, and could not walk, and 3 days after that went away, I had another incident where I hurt the same leg, and THAT pain was even worse. We don't realize how much we need EVERY part of our body, until we cannot use it. We become dependant on others to help us. It is a humbling experience. Especially if you are a proud "I can do it myself" kinda person! 

I am also thankful for prayers from our friends and family and their care and concern. Galen had a few medical issues as well, that by the grace of God, got resolved. We take so many things for granted, until we get a wake up call, of what really matters in our life. It is NOT  your material things and NOT your job, your boss and even your accomplishments or your successes. You realize that some things are out of your control.What matters the most, is your faith in God and your family and close friends. NOT the hundreds and maybe even thousands of friends you have on Facebook and other social media, but the few true friends, who will be there for you when you have little to be thankful for.

One of the things I realized is that we should not be distracted by future concerns. Many people spend their energy on tomorrow's worries and past regrets. They have just enough energy to limp through the day, not living it to the fullest. Live everyday to the fullest, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. God says "keep my presence in the present. My presence with you is a forever promise. You need not fear the future, for I am already there. Your future is in my hands: I release it to you day by day, moment by moment". (I forget where I read this in scriptures..but it is there..)  God also says "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"

...Matthew 6:34

It is so true. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. WHAT is our life? 

"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. You ought to say: if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that....". James 4:13-15

My mom used to say that all the time and I guess I picked it up and say it too, because we truly don't know the tomorrow. So enjoy today and be THANKFUL for everything in your life, TODAY.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving...    

November 15, celebrates "National Philanthropy Day"...

November 15, has a total of 12 of them. WOW! "National Recycling Day and "I love to write Day", being among them. I think November is the perfect month to celebrate the gift of "giving back". It is truly a time to be thankful for those who prioritize helping other people. I don't know who comes up with all these days to celebrate, but there are a whole bunch of them, for every day of the year. Interesting. 

Mother Teresa once wrote (or said):" I work for the people, because I feel I must do something. 

People are generally irrational, unreasonable and selfish. They deserve to be loved, anyway. 

It is the law of nature that the good you do, will be forgotten tomorrow. But the good work must go on. 

Your honesty and frankness will expose you to problems, but your work should not stop, for it means the world to so many people. 

Years of your hard work may be destroyed overnight, but that should not deter you from building upon your hard work.

Despite giving your best to the world, you may be kicked in the teeth. Give the best you've got anyway.

Places like Calcutta can be seen all over the world, if you have eyes to see. Developed countries suffer from poverty of understanding, poverty of will, of loneliness, of lack of love and spirit. There is no greater disease in the world today than this. When you don't have anything, then you have everything. 

The person who gives with a smile is the best giver, because God loves a cheerful giver. It is not the size of our actions, but the amount of love and care that is put into them that matters. You should never lose heart. God is merciful and kind, and he has endowed you with the best gift-your smile, which can make millions happy. Show kindness through your face, you eyes, your smile and through the warmth of your greetings. You must bear a cheerful smile. Don't just give your care, but give your heart as well." 

What wonderful advice for all of us to follow. She was such a loving, compassionate person who cared for the poor and sick that nobody wanted to be near. If we all did even a fraction of what she did, the world would be a better place. Much of her advice doesn't even cost us anything. Be kind, thoughtful, helpful, charitable in any way you can, and do it with a smile and a big heart.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I hope that we can all do our part for the less fortunate in this world.

God Bless