Bonds of Friendship

Good morning to you.  Have you started this day with a grateful heart?  Come on now, even those trials can be turned so that you have have an attitude of gratitude.  So, even if you wake up with aches and pains, at least you woke up. 
Recently a dear family friend told me that if there were people/friends that I had lost touch with, that I should do whatever I could to do to track them down and reconnect with them.  His words have echoed through my mind so much since September and I've begun doing just that.  I had a  best friend in elementary school named Corrine and I haven't yet been able to find her, probably because I don't know her married name.  I did make a call to someone whose name was the same as her moms, left a message explaining the situation but never heard back, but at least I gave it my all.  I won't pay for one of the services that will find your lost friends so I have to do the research myself.  I had another friend in high school that I was really close with, in fact she was matron of honor at my wedding and somehow over the years we dropped out of touch with each other.  So yesterday I spent some time on the web and was able to track her down.  I decided to give her a call and what a wonderful conversation we had.  She filled me in on her life, her sons and what she is doing and I filled her in on mine.  In fact, when I am back in California in Feb. I plan on getting together with her, even if it is only for coffee.  She emailed me that our reunion is long overdue.  I have friends from many different times in my life and I cherish each one.  I tend to stay connected with those I'm close with but life happens and sometimes you just drift away from each other.  I'm glad I followed through tracking this girlfriend down and I can't wait to see her.
I'm thankful that I feel better and don't think the cold will linger.  I'm thankful that there was no snow of the ground this morning.  I'm thankful that hubby and I are having a date today, movies and dinner.  Don't know what we'll see but it will be fun just spending time together plus we have gift certificates for both the movies and a restaurant so it won't cost us anything. 
I am so thankful for the bonds of friendship I've made with you.  You guys just bless my socks off!
Remember when you start to grumble to just give thanks in the circumstances regardless of what you feel like.
Try it, it works; life doesn't suddenly get easier but the going gets better.
Hugs today, Noreen

Fluff or Food?

Here is my thoughts on FLUFF: Yesterday I mentioned I was fighting a cold so I was going to have a relaxed kind of day.  Thankfully, I think I may just get by without entertaining this bug going around.  I thought I might watch a chick flick but didn't~just worked on the hand quilting project and watched some t.v.  As I was thinking about movies today I realized there are different categories of "chick flicks", i.e. tragedy-Romeo and Juliet, humor-Mama Mia and those great movies that end with a "happy ever after" scene, like Letters to Juliet.  So girls, what is your favorite chick flick, why and when do you watch it?  Yesterday, had I chosen to watch a movie, I would have picked Mama Mia because it makes me feel good.    How about you?  There are days when I just need a good cry and then I will purposely pick a movie that will bring on the tears but generally I try to stick to ones that are upbeat and fun.

Here's some food for today: As I read your blogs this weekend I was again aware of the great needs our community out in blogland has. Today's devotional was so timely that I just have to share, it's for each of us, because if you aren't going through tough  times right now, just wait-they are probably right around the corner.
"Learn to appreciate difficult days. Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way.  As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything.  The knowledge is comprised of three parts:  your relationship with Me, promises in the Bible, and past experience of coping successfully during hard times.  Look back on your life, and see how I have helped you through difficult days.  If you are tempted to think, "Yes, but that was then, and this is now," remember who I AM!  Although you and your circumstances may change dramatically, I remain the same throughout time and eternity.  This is the basis of your confidence.  In My Presence you live and move and have your being."  Sarah Young   "Jesus Calling".
I love this devotional, it is applicable to today and whatever comes our way.  Grab His hand girls.
Hugs, Noreen

Sunday Blessings

May grace abound to you this day.  Last night I began fighting a nasty cold some of our grands have so today I am laying low, enjoying the warmth of the sun shining through our sliders and working on my quilt.  Hubby is off to work so I have the whole day just to rest; so I am thankful that I don't have a lot of my plate this day or even this week.  I am thankful that I don't have to run to a job and work when I'm not feeling up to it.  I am thankful that colds don't hit me as hard as they did when I was younger.  I always got bronchitis immediately and would battle with asthma but generally I am not hit as hard as I used to be.  I also crank up the liquids, Vit. C and other natural things to boost my immune system.  Because I am feeling very drained, I may even take a little nap later today.  I am thankful for movies that make me feel good; a good chick flick always llifts my spirits and with hubby gone I am free to watch at least one.
I am thankful for our continued nice weather although snow is in the forecast this week. 
I am thankful that Lexie, our friends dog, is holding her own and seems to be alright.  Still praying for a complete recovery for her though.
May your Sabbath be filled with the Glory of the Lord.
Blessings, Noreen

Happy Friday

Greetings to you.  I hope you have had a good week and have become more aware of the many things, each day, to give thanks for.  Yesterday I had a delightful day that started with my weekly ladies study and in the afternoon I got to babysit two of our grand daughters.  One was napping and the oldest and I spent time outside, in the bright sunshine, playing catch and jumping on the trampoline.  After that we went in and I taught her a very basic game of dominoes and we played for well over an hour.  She was having such fun and of course I was too!
In the afternoon a good friend called, panicked, and told me her dog had been bitten many times by a Brown Recluse spider.  I didn't even know we had them here.  Thankfully she noticed the bites and took the dog to the vet immediately where they identified the bites as spider bites.  I talked with her this morning and Lexie is doing o.k. but what a scare.  Lexie is an Australian Shepherd and pretty good size; I hate to think what could have happened if she were smaller.  I love it when friends call me for prayer; such a privilege. 
Today I am so thankful for Grandchildren who love to spend time with hubby and I.  I'm thankful for days when we can play games inside and out.  I'm thankful for my friends dog and that  she appears to be alright.
I am thankful for the many ways I see the Lord's blessings in my/our lives and for the blessings I don't see.
I am thankful for His grace and Love.

Have a delightful fall weekend.
Blessings to you and yours,
Noreen

Gratified or Grateful

Hello there,  Today is the day to give thanks and Laurie at http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/
entitled this weeks list as gratified or grateful. She pointed out that if we are gratified, it is all about us and if we are grateful it is all about Him.  Please make sure you visit her and read more TT posts. So how about you?  Where do you fall in?  This ties in with my lesson today from Beth Moore and it was about living in a culture that is very self-absorbed and the remedy for that is pouring out to others, i.e. serving others.  If we would but look around, there are countless ways to give to others that have needs; maybe not financially but how about reaching out to someone with a kind word, some encouragement, some help.  It really got me thinking about who might just have a need today that I could help with. 
I am also thankful for Goat's yogurt; I love yogurt but have dairy sensitivities so am thankful that we have a Whole Foods store nearby(o.k. about a 30 min drive)that carries it as well as coconut yogurt and also lambs milk yogurt.  I haven't tried the lambs milk yogurt yet and I do love the coconut yogurt but something in it doesn't agree with me so I'm back to Goats Milk Yogurt.  I am also thankful for Goat Cheese and other products that satisfy my taste for the real thing.  I'm thankful for digestive enzymes that help my body utilize foods and tolerate things that might otherwise bother me. 
I am thankful that we are still reveling in sunshine~boy does it feel good.  Last year by this time we had tons of snow and I'm thankful for another few days of warmth. 
Have you jotted some things down on your Thankful list today?  If not, stop and look around, I'm sure there are plenty.
Hugs, Noreen

Wednesday Blessings to you.  Well I've been out walking already and ready for a busy day.  Yesterday was such a nice day and my daughter did such an amazing job on her tea party for us gals.  She had found, at a yard sale, hankies-you know the pretty ones we all had when we were growing up, and gave those to each of the little girls and to her sister and me as well.  We had finger sandwiches and hot apple cider or tea, fruit and cookies for dessert.  I had a good follow up appt. with my holistic doctor which was such a relief, even though there are still some unanswered questions about some blood levels. 
Today I am thankful for retirement; for it allows me free time to help out my girls and be with the grands, which is so very important to me.  It allows me time for walking with friends and for attending a ladies study.  It allows hubby and I time together each morning, something we never had when he was working.  Each day we work on Sudoku puzzles, to try to keep our minds sharp.  I am thankful that he is able to golf whenever he wants because he is working for the course.  I am thankful that we don't have to deal with the stress of working, although with our economy retirement has its own stresses-lol.
This morning I became aware of a situation with Blogger than I want to share with you.  My friend Sue at Where Memories Are Made, mentioned that Picasso is now charging a fee if you have too many photos on your blog and when she deleted some of her photos they were deleted from her previous posts.  I was not aware of any limit on posting photos and was quite surprised.  I do know that just about the time I become proficient in blogger they change something and I have to learn it all over again.  This morning, prior to reading Sues post, I was just thinking that I needed to post more photos but maybe not.  For those of you youngins who can maneuver all over this site, if you have any tips, I know us old folks would really appreciate it.
Have a joyous day.
Noreen

Happy Tuesday friends, This morning we woke up to frost on the roof tops but the sky is blue and the weatherman promises temps in the 60's.  Oh what a beautiful day it is; the Rockies are simply gorgeous as well.  Yesterday I read several challenges, for this month, about listing at least one thing per day on your blog, that you are thankful for.  Writing your blessings seems to make a person more aware of just how many there are, so if you aren't in the habit of making a Thankful list I would encourage you to begin today~what better time than the month of Thanksgiving. 
Today I am thankful that I can place my hand in the hand of Jesus, laying all my earthly worries at His feet, trusting that He will work these issues out for my good.
I am thankful that as I turned the page on my calendar this morning, I realized my doctor's appt. is today not tomorrow.  I am thankful for this holistic Christian doctor that I have been able to see, even without insurance coverage.
I am thankful that my beloved has nice weather; he works part time over at our local golf course and the nice weather means he is working and also getting to play golf.
I am thankful for the tea my youngest is having for all of us today. 
I am thankful and so very blessed by the love of friends, near and far.  Bloggers are by far some of the most incredible people I have ever come in contact with and it amazes me how the Lord uses you all to encourage me, just when I need it most.
I am thankful to be alive, serving my King and my loved ones.

So join me and others and begin listing the things you are thankful for.
Hugs today, Noreen