Fruitful Words

1. 

   thank you

   I am grateful that two more house guests arrived last night. My son and my daughter’s boyfriend are here for the weekend. Besides celebrating America’s independence, we’ll also be celebrating my daughter’s birthday.

2. I am grateful to all the people who bought fireworks at the CNC booth this week. The revenues generated enable kids to attend summer camp at Alliance Redwoods the end of July.
3. I am grateful for the July 3rd bash we had on the new church sports field. It was good to see so many folks attend, hear all that laughter, eat those great tri-tip sandwiches, and witness the awesome fireworks show. So many people helped make this a great night. I am grateful to all of them for their servant heart and hard work.
4. Of course, I’m thankful to Be an American Kid! Go here for the song. I’m also Proud to be an American:YouTube and Lyrics.

1. I am grateful that Ed is a Christian. Because of that, he is certain to someday be reunited with his loved ones and friends who are also Believers. Once I get to Eternity, and after I’ve spent quite a long while at my Lord’s feet and in the Father’s lap, I plan on finding Ed and giving him a huge hug. Ed, you are already missed.
2. I am grateful that my daughter took my shift at the fireworks booth. That way I was able to attend Ed’s memorial along with others from my church.
3. I am grateful for the field trip I took with my sista, nieces and daughter. The daughter set it all up at the recycling center off Fruitridge. If you haven’t been GO.
   

It’s July 1st, so I’ll report on one thing I am thankful for. That is sooooo easy.

1. My daughter arrived this afternoon from San Francisco and is staying until Sunday. I am THANKFUL for HER being here for the next five days.

Several years ago I participated in 30 Days of Nothing. Tonia at Study in Brown is the originator of this.

“The goal of this month-long fast is to break the grip of materialism in our hearts and minds. We want to live in gratitude, not discontent; and we want to live with awareness of the great responsibility our affluence has laid on our shoulders.”

My Simpler Life went on a spending fast for the month of May.

I am still very interested in spending less and spending more wisely. This past month I wrote down what I spent each day. This month I will observe how, why and what I spent money on each day of last month.

With this information, I’ll look to see where I can revise my budget. I may or may not do a spending fast or another stint at 30 Days of Nothing. First, I will see what my last month’s purchases reveal.

What do you think your last month’s purchases say about you?

The Internet is filled with great information that makes my life easier, better and/or prettier. I’m going to list 27 posts (I’ve tagged on my Google reader) that I am grateful for. . . .

Blog Related

1. Blog help for your About Page
   
2. Ideas for Unique Articles
3. 22 Things You Should Do and
4. How to Create a Comment Policy (1-4 above are from Performancing: Helping Bloggers Succeed).
5. Do what ONE Thing & You’ll Beat 96% of WordPress Bloggers (Inspired Money Maker).
6. How about Adding Your Signature or Personalizing Comments? (Chocolate on my Cranium)

Books

1. The Tea Book to Buy if Your Ancestry is Scottish, Irish, Welsh or Cornish (The Tea Party Girl) In case you want to know, I’m of a Scottish ancestry. No, I don’t own this book yet.

Crafting

1. Want to make postcards? Go here from Craftzine.
2. Go here for photo post cards from Keep it Cheap.
3. Make a Googly Eye Choker (Craftzine)

Educational

1. Short History of 13 Cross Styles (Got Bible?)

Finances

1. 101 Ways to Save Money This Summer (Tip Nut) How many of these have you done?
2. Go here for over 800 Money Saving Ideas (Free Money Finance).
3. Estate Planning Information (The Simple Dollar)
4. Brita Replacement Filter for 50 Cents (Instructables)
   10 Ways to Trick Yourself Into Saving Money (Manage Life)
5. Possible Gas Saving Ideas (Free Money Finance) Hey, at this point I’m ready to try anything.

Health Related

1. Zellies mints and gum and other teeth care ideas (Tammy’s Recipes)
2. Green Smoothie Recipes (Dr. Ben Kim). Here’s another Smoothie Recipe by Dr. Nicole’s Kitchen Table Medicine.
3. Diet for Asthmatics (Dr. Nicole’s Kitchen Table Medicine)

Personal Growth

1. 7 Ways to Defeat Procrastination (Life Optimizer)
2. 3 Ways to Motivate Yourself to do the Hated Things (Pick the Brain)
3. Resources for How to Memorize (Productivity 501)
4. 10 Things to Change in Order to Get What You Want (Life Optimizer)
5. Wanna make the lesson stick? Go here. (Improved Lives)
6. 10 Recommendations, Based on Positive Psychology Research, to Help you Overcome the Challenge of Not Exercising (Positive Psychology News Daily)

Summer

1. Turning a towel into a stylish bathing suit cover up. (Wardrobe Refashion) Great Summer project.
2. 88 Summer ideas sorted into the categories of Crafts, Cooking, Field Trips, Education, Patriotic, Boutique, Outdoor Activities and Indoor Activities (Chocolate on my Cranium) Some great ideas here for my Ladies Summer Camp idea!!!

Share some of your favorite posts.

Today is June 26. The alphabet has 26 letters. See a connection here? I’m going to list 26 things for which I am grateful, alphabet style

A. Artists. Like my daughter and niece SA. I cannot create original work and so I am grateful for those who can. That way I get to look at pretty things.

B. Banana Stuffed French Toast. SM made that before we had Bible study and it was delish!

C. Chiropractor. Going to one has definitely helped my back and neck.

D. Deadlines. They help me order my life.

E. Earplugs. In my purse I keep a pair in an empty cinnamon Altoid tin. I use them at the library, concerts and even when I’m by myself at home studying.

F. Five new posts at my daughter’s blog. I love reading about her world and thoughts.

G. Girlfriends. I don’t see why some ladies abhor girlfriend relationships.

H. Hope. In Jesus, from God, His Word and friends/family. This is what gets me through the tough times and helps me sail through the easier times.

I. Igloo memory. My kiddos and I made an igloo when we lived in CO. We attempted to sleep the night inside it. But about 2 am I whispered, “Is anyone awake? I’m freezing.” Both responded and we drug our stuff indoors to spend the rest of the night in a warm place that couldn’t come crashing down on us.

J. Jack-o-lanterns. I have many good memories of the family carving these up in the Fall.

K. Keys. I know where they are!

L. Laughing. Especially laughter that comes from a baby’s belly.

M. Music. It has the power to move me into a worshipful state, energetic, or even just happy.

N. Nose - mine. I am thankful that it isn’t stuffy today.

O. Open door policy. I am grateful this is how God deals with His children. He’s never off duty or too busy to listen.

P. Pillow. I have one that fits my neck perfectly.

Q. Quiet. I am rejuvenated by the quiet. I need it to think and to write papers. I never could understand how my son could have the music blaring and do homework at the same time.

R. Restaurants. I like going out to eat with friends. I went to Chevys with CA. Our server looked like a tanned Elvis Presley.

S. Sharing. Instead of us all buying new things, I love it when sharing goes on. I.e. I am sharing some books with TL and she is sharing with me.

T. Texas. I lived there for a couple of years during junior high/high school age. In Texas on March 9, 1974 I became a Christian.

U. Umbrella. Isn’t it fun to stand under a HUGE, colorful umbrella, safe from pelting raindrops?

V. Vanilla. I love this as a flavoring, scent and ice cream-Breyer’s natural vanilla is the best.

W. Women’s Ministry Team. These ladies are awesome and help me in so many ways. Besides doing business together they help me grow as a woman by their examples, honesty, and conversations.

X. X-Rays. The last ones taken of my neck and back show that both are improving!

Y. Yellow Room. Yes, I have a yellow room. My son calls it the yellow submarine room. The color makes me smile.

Z. Zuchinni. I have a tiny one growing in my backyard.

What are your ABC’s of gratitude?

6 Things I am grateful for regarding my family:

1. My kiddos like, love and get along well with each other.
2. My son has overcome his past.
3. My daughter has overcome her extreme quietness.
4. My sista and her hubby are consistent, loving, godly parents.
5. My sista and hubby gave my son and I a transition place to live when we moved here from CO.
6. All my nieces (6 of them!) are healthy, maturing individuals.

6 Things I am grateful about regarding me:

1. Sleep fixes most aches. I go to bed tired and sore and usually wake up rested and pain free.
2. I haven’t had an accident recently - seriously klutzy here.
3. The gift/skill/talent mix God has given me.
4. I do have a purpose and worth.
5. I have learned (and am still learning) patience.
6. God isn’t finished with me yet.

6 Things I am grateful for regarding my country:

1. My vote and political involvement make a credible difference.
2. It is based on freedom principles and God.
3. Welcomes people of all faiths, colors, and races.
4. Is the land of opportunity.
5. Allows and upholds freedom of the press - even for dissenting opinions.
6. I live here.

6 Things I am grateful for regarding my friends:

1. They pray for me.
2. They chastise me.
3. They help me with my projects.
4. They show me how to live life well - especially during/after hardship.
5. They help me play.
6. We share a passion for following God.

It’s been a week since I started writing my grateful list. It is sometimes hard to come up with so many things besides the obvious. I am definitely giving my “thankful muscles” a work out.

What are you thankful for? Can you name 20? Here’s my list of 20 . . . .

1. Frozen apricots. Used up the last 2 from the freezer. MT gave me several full freezer bags last summer.
2. Smoothies . Apricots are especially yummy in a smoothie. Since learning about how healthy blueberries are and that they are considered a super food, I’ve been trying to have a blueberry smoothie every day or so. I even put in some frozen peas. Can’t taste them and I’m sure they add to the nutritional count. Hey Doodah - how’s it going with the green smoothies?
3. Classmates who call to encourage me. And to get some encouragement.
4. Western Seminary Schedule. The Fall schedule is now out. I’ve been spending more than a few minutes drooling over what classes to take.
   
5. My toes. I get a kick out of looking at them. They are still cute.
6. Google . I looked up information about a supplement I am taking: 5-HTP. I found out I’ve been taking it incorrectly. It is best taken at night on an empty stomach. Empty means 2 hours before or after a meal.
7. Rubios. Not only do they have good fish burritos, they have a great staff. At least the one off Marconi does. It’s a pleasure spending my money and time there.
8. My 2 middle nieces. They think it’s special that I would jump (mainly sit) on their huge trampoline with them. Since I am a chicken, I don’t jump very high or for very long. But it was fun being the “popcorn” while I sat and they jumped. Mster said, “Auntie, when you are done with your school in a year, maybe you can jump more with us then.” I’m not sure what being done with school has to do with jumping, but I did agree with a “maybe.” Maybe having a specialized MA will give me “jumping at ease without breaking anything like my bones” powers. I think they are special.
9. Found what was lost: The study guide and DVD teaching set to The Bible in 90 Days.
10. School library. I spent many hours there yesterday/night. It is cool, quiet and virtually distraction-free. Umm - except for the 100’s of books begging to be read. Yes, they really begged me. Maybe week I’ll list those that were especially noisy.
11. My freezer. I found a Cadbury Fruit & Nut chocolate bar (my fav choc bar) in there while looking for some dinner . Yes, I had dinner in addition to the chocolate.
12. My job. Have I mentioned yet, how blessed I am and thankful I am for where I work, what I do and with whom I work?
13. Cool nights. Because of the cool nights I can open up the house and let out that hot air and let in cool night air.
14. Glasses. I am thankful I have the resources to wear glasses with an updated look (at least I think it is) and an updated prescription. When I was cleaning out my room the other day, I cam upon an old pair of classes. Tomorrow I will call the local Lion’s Club to see where I can drop off my lenses. They collect used eyeglasses to distribute to those in need in developing countries. I can’t imagine someone with my prescription trying to do daily life without a pair of glasses. Let me know if you want this drop off info too.
15. Last women’s Retreat. I am still hearing lovely comments about it. Retreats are definitely worth the time to plan and worth the time to attend.
16. Cute looking mechanical pencils. I heart Zebra Cadoozles. They are short enough to go into the zipped pouch of my purse. And since it is a mechanical pencil, the lead doesn’t have to stick out and mark up the inside of my purse. They are just so cute looking. And I think they make me look styling.
17. Tweezers. I keep a pair in the car and a pair by my computer. Let’s just say, it helps me with the well groomed look.
    
18. My shower. It provides lots of hot, good-pressure water. Before you scold me for all the water I’m wasting, I said here that for the most part, the water is on only when initially getting wet or rinsing.
19. Hawaii. I’ve been several times, enjoyed every time, and hope to go back several more times. The blog, The Hawaii Traveler, is all about exploring the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. Great arm chair tourism happens reading this. Travel tips, tours, shopping, night life, family fun, history and attractions are just some of the categories.
20. Pray magazine. This bimonthly magazine concentrates it articles to those involving prayer. Some past issues had articles on (1) Praying in Hope, (2) Improve Your Prayer Memory and (3) Ask, Don’t Guess! Discerning God’s Will. There is always a kid’s section too. In one issue it was Seven Prayer Essentials for Kids.

Yikes! Week 13 means I am 1/4th of the way through my 50th year. Time to do a little rethinking about my list. Just because I wrote it up doesn’t mean I HAVE to accomplish it. I ‘d like to rethink the following . . . .

Go on a bus tour of SF with my kiddos. My kiddos don’t want to do this. I do. But is it more important to spend time with the kiddos or to go on the tour either by myself or find someone else to go with me? No right or wrong answer here. I just need to figure out the main desire behind this goal.

Pay off 1/4th of my student loans. Since I am using my “available ” money to pay for my current tuition, I don’t see how this will happen. I think this goal should be postponed until AFTER I am done with seminary.

Go ice-blocking. Obviously my 18 year-old brain was making THAT goal. Really, should my 50 year-old body with a BAD back chance accomplishing this goal? I’m thinking “No!” So what else could I do that involves ice, motion, people, and the outdoors? If you come up with any answers, tell me.

Vote intelligently. I really need to figure out exactly what that means - for me. Some would think voting a straight Republican or Democrat ticket is the “intelligent” thing to do. I do listen to talk radio, but I need to do some more investigating.

Figure out what’s wrong with my camera. Since a camera was given to me (Thanks, friend!), do I really need to spend time on this item? Other than, I hate to get rid of things, especially if it’s fixable.

Here’s a quick review of what happened last week on my 51 Things To-do List.

1. Wrote a letter to a friend overseas.
2. Got a pedicure.
3. Reading thru the Bible in 90 days with sm.
4. Sorting out stuff in my bedroom: I’ve gone through all the clothes in one closet and all the dresser drawers. I have one more closet to go.