Ahhhh, another Thursday has arrived. And last week, I missed it. Life was busy—just—well—being lived! Oh, how I miss blogging, but, with 3.5 kids about…it seems that my time to “blog” is much limited. I know that many of you relate to this, and I see dear xanga pals leave, or be absent for weeks at a time. I miss them—but—I understand. Blogging cannot come before actually living the life we blog about!! And a blog must be for “our” convenience, even when we wish to minister or encourage others with our sites. We cannot become slaves to the blog. But for those of us who feel drawn to “writing”, the struggle for balance continues. J Despite the changes to my personal time, I am so thankful for my children. They are amazing (most days!). And I’m thankful for my husband too—their Daddy.
Today, I have already begun laundry—which—is behind, as usual. I have decided that I may never actually “catch up” with it. It will be rotating piles instead. Just when I catch up the clothing, there are endless sheets and towels. But the hardest part is “starting” each day…and since I’ve started it, I will soon have the reward of switching the load to the dryer—and—washing load #2 for the day. I hope to get a 3rd done as well. We shall see. But I’m thankful for energy to get started, at least.
School has been less “serious” this week, as we’ve spent some time with games (which typically have some educational value), with books (which we love!), and with imaginative play (which builds brother/sister relationship bonds). I am thankful for the delightful sounds of playing and laughter, and reading aloud, and squealing over games. We also had some time at the nearby park, with Daddy; our city park dept added a new piece of equipment, so of course, we HAD to go! Our neighborhood park is a great one, and worthy of being “thankful for”!
I am also thankful to have chicken marinating for dinner tonight. It isn’t every day that I’m on top of dinner, even before lunch time!! But this is one of those great days. J
Yesterday, I was FINALLY able to restock my black teas, at my favorite local store. Green teas are just not tasting right to me, during this pregnancy. Weird, and annoying, since I had already stocked up my favorite greens. BUT, I do love black tea as well—and—there are some wonderful flavors to be had. Today, I simply enjoyed a cup of “English Breakfast”; a nice, mild and plain-flavored tea. And good with milk, I might add! I particularly love the blends that my favorite shop puts together (I generally buy my spices here as well). Anyway, I also purchased Apricot Brandy, Earl Gray, and Black Currant to keep me caffeinated. I will be icing the Apricot Brandy, as well as enjoying it hot. I’ve been out of these teas for awhile, so I am incredibly thankful to have them in my tea cupboard again.
I’m thankful to have stocked the fridge—although it won’t last! I have a Sam's membership, thanks to my Dad, and the bonus is that it’s a “business membership”. This doesn’t mean much—but—it allows me to get in early (7am to 10am) and shop when the warehouse is less crowded than normal, as the general memberships are not allowed in until 10am. I’ve never taken advantage of this benefit—until yesterday! Wow! What a difference in time. I didn’t have a large list, but I sure glided right through the store, and strolled right up to an open register to check out. Yippeee! (Yes, it is easy to “make my day!”)
My husband brought me a Starbucks card! Many of you know that this is well worth a place on my thankful list. It is the season for iced mochas, after all! And without a prepaid card, Starbucks is a rare treat. The card, is an even rarer treat, I might add!
I’m thankful for shopping options; Dillons (Kroger) which puts on some good sales, Walmart (supposedly the lowest everyday prices), Sam’s, etc…as gasoline prices rise, and our local natural gas and water prices go up (ugh!), it seems that our pockets are squeezed tighter, and we have no increase in pay to help this. These companies can all pass on THEIR expenses, but, we are stuck paying them, with no way out. In addition, as I’ve mentioned, our groceries go up regularly. Are you all noticing this too? Frustrating! My Sam’s expenses were about $5 above what they were two weeks ago on dairy items alone! Anyway…I will have to work harder at cutting coupons again, and at price-shopping, even if it means hitting more than one store. My drive time isn’t much at all, as we live within 5 miles (or so) of all 3 grocery chains. I’m thankful to be close enough to shop around—and—to have the options here in our metro area.
I’m thankful, above all, to be able to take my concerns to God. To trust Him for our provisions. Sure, I must do my part, and try to be a wise steward—thus the additional grocery endeavors! But I can trust in His word, that He will provide for our needs. And He often blesses us with small luxuries too, which I cannot take for granted. As tightly as we live, we are rich by comparison. And richly blessed with children, too. Our society today is much more concerned with the “cost” of raising kids, than with the blessing that these little ones are. I am thankful to view them as gifts from God—however difficult some weeks may be—they are, indeed, gifts to cherish. I do not know how I would have any peace at all, if it weren’t for resting in His promises, and the knowledge that someday, this world shall pass away, with all its trials and struggles.
Congratulations to all of you who actually finished READING this thankful list!! I always appreciate hearing from you, and reading many of your blogs regularly. May you each have a wonderful day, as you consider the blessings in your life—both big and small.
No comments:
Post a Comment