Magpie and Muttonfly » thankfulness

It’s the little things, you know

moi — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:00:37 +0000

As much as I hate to admit it, nearly every prayer uttered this year has been a request for one thing or another: more money, opportunities, vacations, and if it’s not too much to ask, one date that is not completely painful. I’ve begged things to be my way, in my time. And like a spoiled child, when it didn’t happen, I sobbed, stomped my feet, and otherwise threw a colossal fit.

But as Thanksgiving nears, I’ve come to realize, despite it all, I am blessed beyond measure. And while it may seem God has turned a deaf ear more times than not this year, I want him to know, I’m thankful.

So, I’ve decided to put aside this day to offer nothing but thanks.

It’s not going to be easy, mind you. And truth be told, I’m a little leery. After all, once you set your mind to something, seems everything sets against you, just to see how much you want it.

With that in mind, I’m gonna go ahead and get the ball rolling. Before I even get out of bed, before something can go terribly awry and I lose all hope whatsoever, I’m going to start counting my blessings.

So without further ado, today I’m thankful for . . .

Thankful for those who serve

moi — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:57:28 +0000

Last weekend, a few more of our soldiers came home. They were met with hugs and cheers, smiles and tears. Moms and wives clung to the necks of sons and husbands, as fathers stood proudly by–they could wait a bit longer. There was the likes of a flag draped car in a parking lot, a family huddled around a young woman in fatigues–no doubt the start of a Christmas card.

You know, it was during the Civil War that President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November a national day of Thanksgiving:

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. {October 3, 1863}

Though the date may have changed, the sentiment remains true. It’s a good reminder to count our blessings–especially when life isn’t at all perfect. And a good reminder to be thankful for those who have paid the highest price, so we might enjoy our blessings to the fullest.

A double dose of celebration

moi — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 07:00:23 +0000

{oh look...one of the pictures that actually saved!}

Today is Thanksgiving–but that’s not all the celebrating we’ll be doing today. Today, you see, is my mum’s birthday. And if she, alone, were my sole reason to be thankful I’d have gratitude to last a lifetime. She gave me life … she introduced me to a Heavenly Father, but never pushed him on me … she went without so my brother and I might have. She taught me the importance of doing your best–of giving your all, even if no one is watching. She instilled a love of imagination. She’s my biggest fan. She’s one of the few people I can count on to make me laugh. She’s my compass–when I fall short, it’s entirely my doing.

I’m sure I’ve said it all before {and no doubt, I’ll say it again}, but it’s true.

She’s my mother and she’s also my friend … and that is the greatest blessing of all.

So to my mom, a happy birthday; and to the rest of you, a …

A foundation of thanksgiving

moi — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:00:24 +0000

Poor, poor Thanksgiving. With both Halloween and Christmas marching in early, it doesn’t have a chance … or does it?

Thanksgiving Proclamation

{New York, 3 October 1789}

By the President of the United States of America {George Washington}

An Excerpt

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks–for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies[...] for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed [...].

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed [...]

Seems our Thanksgiving holiday has a rather solid foundation–and a solid foundation can withstand much.

That alone is reason for gratitude.

Now, it’s up to us to build wisely upon that foundation. We can tear down and start over if we must–so long as we get it right. After all, if we haven’t a heart of thankfulness, I dare say, we have nothing at all …

Warm and toasty

moi — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:56:36 +0000

It’s suppose to get down to -5 degrees (F) in the next couple days. MINUS FIVE PEOPLE! Granted, for some of you that’s positively balmy. Still, I’m not loving it.

I do, however, love a good excuse to drink copious amounts of warm beverage–be it coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. It’s tasty, sure; but it’s so much more. It serves as the perfect hand warmer … compliments reading and writing … and soothes after a long day.

It also brings us together. What do you serve to those playing in the snow? Hot cocoa. What do you make to ease the suffering of a cold? Hot tea. What do you sip while chatting with friends? Hot coffee.

Sure, a steaming cup of goodness is pretty fabulous all it’s own–but it’s even better shared with those you love.

For that I am thankful most of all.

Snow, snow, snow, snow

moi — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:56:50 +0000

Well, it finally happened … grey skies took over, snowflakes fell, and winter blanketed the land. Light at first, you could only see it with a monocle of one sort or another. Before long, however, it draped branches and rooftops and a winter wonderland was born.

Now, I’m not the biggest of fans when it comes to snow. It’s cold … it makes driving interesting, at best … and with flurries come scraping and shoveling.

However …

There’s nothing quite so peaceful as a snowy evening;
Trees alight with white is a sight to behold;
There’s a hint of magic in mounding a snowball, building a snowman, making a snow angel … for in one brief moment, you can be a kid again;
The frigid temps make staying in a treat;
It means Christmas is coming–and with it my brother, sister-in-law and sweet nephew!

… and for that, I am grateful!

Lucky duck!

moi — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:11:26 +0000

Due to the abundance of rain in the last few weeks, clover has positively taken over. {oh look! I’m a poet and I didn’t even know it!}

If you’ve no experience with wild clover, I’ll tell you this: it’s evil. It has, you see, control problems. You spot a teeny-tiny bit one minute, the next it’s completely taken over. And heaven forbid it should creep into your flower beds–wild clover entertwines with your flowers and they’re doomed. It’s a grim scenario–and one that just so happens to be taking place in one of my beds at this very moment. *sigh*

Needless to say, wild clover is not my friend … until …

I meandered out to get the mail the other day–on the way back to the house, something caught my eye. What in the world? I said. Out loud, as usual. Backstepping, I went in for a closer look … and there, in a crack in the driveway, was a wee four-leaf clover.

Amazing how one extra leaf can change your whole perspective. Suddenly, it was no longer the bane of my existance … it was a bit of magic, right in my own front yard.

You know, in the middle ages, a four leaf clover symoblized God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit … and an extra ounce of Grace. I can tell you now, at the very moment you happen upon a four-leaf clover–right when you need it most–it certainly feels like added grace.

Today, of course, a four leaf clover symbolizes Faith, Hope, Love … and a dash of Luck. Finding one does fill you with a sense of wonder–you can’t help but smile, just thinking something good might be in store–and that, my friends, is very lucky indeed.

Added grace, a dash of luck–not bad for an ordinary afternoon …

Happy weekend

moi — Fri, 28 May 2010 07:00:55 +0000

Bring on the LONG Memorial Day weekend! *Squee!*

I had fully hoped to be on a wee holiday this weekend. But, since I’ve yet to be paid for any number of projects, I’ll be staying home-thank-you-very-much. I’m still pretty excited–and how could you not be?! Rumor is, there will be blue skies and sunshine. I’m thinking parks and BBQs … along with friends, family and Sex and the City 2.

Yep, pretty excited.

So here’s to you, dear readers–be you here or there, celebrating a short weekend or long, I wish you a blessed weekend. May it be kissed with sunhine, and abuzz with the sound of laughter. May it overflow with the best things in life–and a heart filled with gratitude to those who have paid the hightest price, so we might have the freedom to enjoy such things…

2009 in review

moi — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:23:09 +0000

Well, it’s that time of year again – time to say goodbye to one year, and prepare to greet the next. As you look back on 2009, I pray there were more smiles than tears. And whether you plan to usher in 2010 with a bang, or a quiet hello, I pray this next year will be bright & happy.

For my faithful readers, thanks for hanging out with me this year. For those who are new, here’s what you missed:

Thankfulness in plenty and in want

moi — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:21:24 +0000

{my mum, whipping up some deliciousness}

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday – a lovely weekend at the very least! I know I did. They were days filled with family and friends … laughter … memories … and copious amounts of food. As my cousin says, “Nothing says thankfulness quite like gluttony.” It sure seems true here. I probably weigh a good ten pounds more than I did this time last week. It was just so good …

But extra poundage or not, I was happy – thankful – content.

Maybe it was having an extra day to frolic. Maybe it was the fact that I’ve been doing what I love. Or maybe it was simply the precarious place that currently is my life. Perhaps the less you have, the more you’re thankful. If so, I hope I’ve tucked the thankfulness deep within my heart – so especially in plenty, I’ll remember gratitude.