Friday’s Fave Five – February 21, 2020

“Gratitude is like a food group. It is essential for being alive.” ~Henry Winkler

Friday’s Fave Five reminds us to list five favorite people, activities, things, etc from the past week. My five are as follows . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONE. We had a birthday party for a dear niece born on Valentine’s Day 24 years ago. Kadie is smart, funny, creative, loving, and fun to be around. We ate around the fire in the back yard. It was a wonderful way to celebrate her.

TWO. I received 10 Valentine’s Day cards from gal pals. I organized a Valentine’s Day card exchange. That way to could encourage each other with words of affirmation. And we, in turn, could get encouraged by the same.

THREE. I attended a princess themed dinner party with some single women. Scotti cooked us a Middle Eastern feast. We played a princess word search and a fill-in-the-blank game. There was also LOTS of laughter and getting to know each other better by telling/listening to stories of our lives.

FOUR. This week my daughter, Elizabeth, and I actually spent two evenings together. One night we played Boggle. This is my favorite game. I bought it from the thrift store for only $1. For the other night, we watched Independence Day. I haven’t seen that movie since it came out in 1996. It was as exciting to watch now as I remember 24 years ago.

FIVE. I spent many enjoyable hours working on cupcake fondant toppers for a superhero group birthday party. A local agency organized this for underserved kiddos.

Your Turn . . . What is on your favorites list this week? Please share in the comments or link up to Susanne’s weekly meme, Friday’s Fave Five.

Friday’s Fave Five February 14, 2020

Looking through the lens of gratitude helps me see just how amazing the gift of another day is. “This is the day the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it,” Psalm 118:24

Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Friday’s Fave Five. How fun that the two of them coincide this year. I am taking great delight in writing today’s post on five favourite things from the past week. I am linking this post to Susanne’s meme here.

ONE. Missions Tea. Last Saturday we had our annual Missions Tea. The (46) ladies got to eat tea foods, chat, sing (thanks, Andrea), pray, and listen to a missionary (hurray for Tammy) tell us how God has impacted the lives of people in their corner of the world. This time the “corner” was Papua Indonesia. It was a fun, entertaining, learning, and encouraging time together.

TWO. Missions Magnets. Every year, we always make a magnet to commemorate the Tea. This time we made sheep out of air-dry clay. Four of us spent time on this project. Thanks go to Rosemary, Scotti, and Gillian. Our verse was John 10:16.

THREE. Card Exchange. Valentine’s weekend 2001, my husband told me he wanted a divorce. So ever since then, I haven’t had a great feeling about this day (the whole week, really). Read this post, 3 Ways I Made My Day Special on Valentine’s Day,  to see what I’ve done about that. This year I arranged a Valentine’s Day Card exchange with some gal-pals. Tonight I am looking forward to savoring 10 Valentine’s I received in the mail. And I am looking forward to them opening thier card from me.

FOUR. Time off. I worked hard (alongside my team and a few other ladies) to get the Missions Tea just right. So I took time off this week. I slept, read, created some fondant superhero cupcake toppers (for a  Cake4Kids delivery next week), and watched Zumbo’s Just Desserts. I know I will return to work on Sunday feeling refreshed.

FOUR. Ecclesiastes. My evening Bible study is finally starting back up again. It was supposed to start on Monday, but, half the women were either ill or out-of-the-country. So, our new start date is Monday, February 24th. Because some ladies asked, I am also going to do this online, as well. I’ve been enjoying studying this book of the Bible.

FIVE. Telly Time. My daughter and I don’t normally spend much time watching shows. But this week, we decided to watch Next in Fashion. 18 fashion designers competed to become the next in fashion hottest thing. We appreciated the creativity and relative non-drama narrative. The two semi-finalists were two of the sweetest, most gentle people. A lot of the designers actually exhibited those traits. It was cool seeing them give helpful feedback to each other despite the fact that they were competing against each other.

I hope y’all have a heart-warming day today. And I hope you write your own FFF post. Comments are always welcome.

Friday’s Fave Five – December 13, 2019

This is a busy time of year for all of us. If you are like me when it is busy simple, but, important things like concentrating on gratitude get forgotten. That is why I am glad to be part of this weekly meme that Susanne hosts: Friday’s Fave Five. Be sure to post your list in the comments or go to this link to post from your blog. Sorry about the formatting; not sure how to fix it.

ONE. Red glittery poinsettia.
I put red glitter gel on some of the leaves of a poinsettia plant.
It looked so sparkly and fun.
I then gifted this to a friend recuperating from surgery.
It was a short craft, but enjoyable none-the-less.
I am grateful to be able to take my friend an extra special Christmas plant.

TWO. Rain. We had rain on Saturday night that was fierce.
But it only lasted a short time and so the weather didn’t deter seniors from attending our annual Christmas dinner.
I am grateful that we were able to gather, eat, and have fun together.

THREE. Gift idea. I’m not usually one who finds great gifts.

But I found the perfect thing for a white elephant party I’m attending tomorrow night.

If no one else wants it, hope I get it.

I am grateful that I get to bring this gift that anyone would be happy to receive.

FOUR. Lying in bed. One of my physical therapy exercises is lying in bed for increasing amounts of time. Last night I was lying in a prone position for two hours before it became too uncomfortable to continue.

I am grateful to see progress.

FIVE. Bean soup. My daughter – Elizabeth – got a package of soup beans and made up a delicious soup. Instead of using water, she used bone broth. Every time I took a bite, I had to say, “This is so delicious.”

The bean soup was a perfect meal for a cold rainy week.

I am grateful for Elizabeth’s initiative in making this delicious soup. And, hurray, she bought another soup packet last night.

Friday’s Fave Five – December 6, 2019

It is good for me to reflect on the blessings in my life on a regular basis. Right now, I do that weekly. That will have to do until I do this on a daily basis.

Won’t you ponder with us? Go to this link. I am grateful that Suzanne has this weekly meme that keeps us chugging along on the gratitude train.

Here are five of my blessings in no particular order.

ONE. Because of food poisoning, I wasn’t able to write/post last week’s FFF or even go to Thanksgiving dinner with the family. I am grateful for the texts of love I received. And I am grateful for the leftovers that I enjoyed for several days after I felt I could safely eat.

TWO. I found a great deal on beautiful, red poinsettias. So I bought a bunch to deliver to the folks in the areas of ministry that I oversee at church: small groups, women’s ministry, and senior (55+) ministry. I delivered the lovely plants and had an opportunity to chat with most of the recipients. I felt encouraged. I hope “my” people did, too. I am grateful for the dedication, godliness, and love each of these folks display in their work and towards the people they touch. And of course, I was delighted/grateful for the poinsettias.

THREE. A friend, Jeanette, took me to a Trans Siberian Orchestra concert. Despite a little vertigo, we made it safely up and down to/from our seats. While not very nutritious, we had a tasty hot dog dinner. And, of course, the show was spectacular. The lights! The orchestra! The songs! Spending time with my friend! I am grateful for this great way to start the holiday season.

Two of our ladies couldn’t make it. But it was still a fun, nurturing time.

FOUR. At my December women’s book club we had a cookie exchange in addition to discussing this book. It was helpful to discuss how we could reach out to some who are having a hard time this season. We also prayed for one of our members who is having a hard time. I am grateful for this group that has become close-knit. We’ve been meeting for 2 years now. I made these cranberry orange shortbread cookies and they were yummy.

FIVE. We are having our PEP 55+ Christmas dinner on Saturday. Rusty, one of the chefs, also created the shopping list and did the shopping. He dropped off all the food at the kitchen yesterday. I am grateful for his attention to detail and selflessness in taking on this holiday project.

Have a week full of pondered blessings, my friends.

 

Friday’s Fave Five – November 15, 2019

Friday’s Fave Five is a space for thanksgiving. We recount five blessings from the past week. We are grateful for the big and small things, people, places, thoughts, etc. Below is my list.

ONE. Leaves. I think leaves are one of God’s wonderful deeds. This is especially true when I am taking a walk through layers and layers of them. “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 … I am grateful for God’s wonderful deeds.

TWO. Music. Singing or listening to praise music leads me to thanking God for who He is and what He has done. “The Lord is my strength and shield. … I trust him with all my heart. … He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. … I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7… I am grateful that music influences my moods and thinking; as well as being a way I can express myself.

THREE. Gratitude Mug & Muffin (M&M). On Saturday, 24 women gathered at my church to drink beverages out of our mugs, eat muffins (and other foods), craft, and listen to two women share how gratitude has impacted them. This was an encouraging morning and gave me much to think about. I am now more motivated to live in and express gratitude daily. Soon, I will post thoughts that the two ladies shared. … I am grateful for the example of others and how that changes me.

FOUR. Biscotti. Marsha and I baked biscotti for the M&M. We made pumpkin chai and dark chocolate orange. Both were good, but the dark chocolate orange was better than good. Here is a link to the recipe. … I am grateful for time with Marsha and trying new recipes 9especcially from Sally’s Baking Addiction).

FIVE. Harriet, the movie. Marsha and I also saw this movie. It was powerful. Such a dark time in our nation’s history. I keep thinking about this quote that Harriet said to her master’s son: “God don’t mean people to own people!” … I am grateful for people who do what it takes to eliminate evil.

What’s on your gratitude list?  Share in the comments. Or write your own post and link up at Susanne’s place.

Friday’s Fave Five – November 8, 2019

Sometimes a week is so FULL that it flies right by without reflection. That is why I take time each week to look at what happened and then express gratitude for the big and little things. This quote reminds me why it is important to especially look at the small things like a to-do list and frozen yogurt.

ONE. Book Club. At our November meeting, we discussed The Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans. It was interesting to hear the different perspectives of the group. It was interesting to note how at the end of the project, Evans loved the Bible (more) and wanted to study/meditate more on it. There were two big takeaways for me. 1. Buy more ethical products, like fair-trade chocolate and coffee. 2. Cheer on the ladies around me; cheer on their big and small victories. Cheer them on just because of who they are. Well done, women of valor! I am grateful that we can read a diverse range of books and hear each other’s comments. I am grateful for my “sisters” and their valor.

TWO. To-do Lists. I love to-do lists. I love the actual writing of the list. And I love the actual accomplishing of the tasks on the list. This week, I was able to mark off most items from each day’s list. Using a to-list helps me to curb my “squirrel” tendencies. I am more easily able to remind myself what the TASK I am doing right now is. I am grateful that I am finally learning how to write a doable list for each day. I am grateful for the energy to get the tasks done. My shoulder injury is impacting me less and less each week.

THREE. Frozen yogurt and an early bedtime. This has been a week of long days at work since I was working on three projects. One night I came home TIRED and late. My daughter was also TIRED. So we went out to dinner – a dinner of frozen yogurt. Afterward, I went straight to bed. (This time change is kicking my behind!) I am grateful for the opportunity to eat frozen yogurt. I am grateful for eating it with my daughter. I am grateful for being able to go to bed early and sleep well!

FOUR. Packing Party. A group from church gathered to pack up shoeboxes. We collected all year long and had enough items for 53 boxes. Next year, we will make sure to have more of the following items: soap and soap containers, brushes, washcloths, and crayons. I am grateful for the folks who donated. I am grateful for the ladies who helped p[ack the boxes. While it was a lot of fun. You’d be surprised to know how hard it is on the body to pack for 2.5 hours. I am grateful that we get to impact the lives of 53 kiddos and their families.

FIVE. Driving with more ease. Hurray. The nerve pain (in my right arm) when I drive is almost gone. My shoulder is still stiff. But I am able to drive much more easily. Driving, as it turns out, is good physical therapy for my arm since I put the arm in positions that stretch it. This type of therapy is more exciting because I get an actual reward at the end (arrival at my destination). I am grateful that I finally have some transportation independence. And I am grateful that I am able to use my arm more and more each week.

Join us at this link, to share your five fave blessings. Or leave a comment on this post. Here is my list. Let’s cheer each other on in the big and small things we share.

Fridays’ Fave Five – November 1, 2019

It is Friday, so it is time to share five of my favorite blessings from this past week. I do this to cultivate a grateful heart and to say thanks (especially to God). To join me (and others) in this weekly meme, go to Susanne’s blog.

ONE. Voice-To-Text. I am still using this technology to (mainly) express my written communications. It is a bit cumbersome, but it helps protect my hands and arm from too much overuse.

TWO. Skill. I have been tying my own shoes all by myself this past week. It is still hard to put on my socks, but that is progressing as well.

THREE. Car. My car has been returned and it looks good. No sense of it having been burned. And as a bonus, the whole process was seamless, especially when dealing with USAA.

it is too big for Emily, but it sure is cute.

FOUR. Another Skill. I am driving. There is still nerve pain in my right arm, but not enough to stop me. I mainly go between work and home (at most 12 minutes one way).

FIVE. Halloween. My granddaughters are now in VA so I couldn’t go with them as they made their candy rounds. I did get to Facetime them and see their costumes. Then I went to my sister’s home for dinner and a book discussion. I got to see the costume one of my niece’s wore. Afterward, we took a walk. It was a different way to celebrate, but it was lovely time.

Friday’s Fave Five – October 25, 2019

Another week of events has passed; many mundane, some heart-touching, and one was potentially traumatic. But there is something to be grateful for in each one. There is always something in which to praise God.

Read on as I share five of my favorite blessings. To share your blessings list, link up at Susanne’s Friday’s Fave Five meme at Living to Tell the Story.

ONE. Wednesday was the first day I went without my shoulder brace and didn’t have nerve pain at the end of the day.

TWO. Also that night I was able to take an evening walk without my arm hurting and feeling fretful because I couldn’t find a comfortable position.

My daughter says it looks like my car has a cataract.

I am still being restrictive with my movements, but I am seeing great improvements these past few days.

THREE. On Sunday my car was in a fire. I need to replace a headlight, bumper, and grille.

My car is on the far left. No one got hurt (except a squirrel) and no structures burned. The fire was inches away from a row of garages. Only the tree and the fence were aflame.

The fire department is not investigating further: the cause is unknown.

My church is having a packing party on November 7th. It will be a fun & fulfilling time of loading up the shoeboxes with items from the various categories: hygiene, toys, school supplies, etc. We will also have a time of prayer for the recipients.

I am grateful for the community that pulled together finding fire extinguishers and using them to make sure the garages and other vehicles were not damaged. I am also grateful my daughter did not get hurt when moving my car away from the fire.

FOUR. A work colleague likes to cook and bake and then bring these items into the office for us. This week it was squash soup. YUMMM. I had forgotten my lunch that day and so getting this warm, filling, tasty treat was especially appreciated.

FIVE. Do you see the label on this cardboard shoebox? It is more than a reminder to fill up a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. It is a STICKER label! I love stickers and I love this easy way to attach a label to the boxes I fill.

Friday’s Fave Five – October 18, 2019

Finding and sharing favourite events, people, things, and places from our past week is a regular thing some of us do. This practice helps us tune into gratitude. We then post our top five at Susanne’s blog. 

Here is my offering. It is not very wordy since I am being extra diligent about not using my afflicted right arm and now left hand (due to trigger thumb).

One. Blankets. Warm, soft blankets which chase away the chill autumn nights bring.

Two. Volunteers. I appreciate volunteers who cook meals for others, make reminder phone phones, tackle the mound of copying, and attend to a list of other items. They are my right hand!

Three. Walking partners. Usually, my daughter is my solo partner, but this week I also got to have a long walk with my sister. While I like walking by myself, walking with others is a different kind of delight.

Four. Birthday celebration. One of my niece’s turned 18 this past week. It was a joy to celebrate her with both a birthday breakfast (waffles and ice cream) and a birthday dinner. We partied around the fire pit. Emily is definitely a woman of talent, joy, ideas, affection, and intelligence.

Five. Surprise. I was getting ready for work the other morning when there was a knock at the door. Jeanette came to drop off a box of Halloween baking supplies she bought for $4 at Falling Prices: cookie cutters, sprinkles and tube icing. And then she took me to work. That latter was a lovely surprise for my daughter as then she didn’t have to drive me.

As you noticed, it is hard for me to write only a few words.

Your Turn . . . Leave your own comment of gratitude or write a post and link up at Living to Tell the Story.

Friday’s Fave Five – October 11, 2019

Friday’s Fave Five is a weekly meme that some of us respond to. Each week we look for the blessings in life. Sometimes they are huge and life-changing. More often, however, they are small, readily available, and commonplace. We look for and share these blessings because to do so forms us into people of gratitude. Below are five of my blessings from this past week.

ONE. Bible Study/Potluck. Every once in a while, our senior’s Bible Study invites me to attend the last study of that series and for a potluck. I had the privilege of attending such a class this past week; although it wasn’t the last study. They are studying the book of Mark. I enjoyed answering and listening to their answers as we grappled with tough topics such as divorce, having faith like a child, and living for God first (and not for our stuff, relationships, passions, etc). I am grateful there is a place for seniors to continue growing in Biblical wisdom and that they/we can share in a safe place. I am grateful that growing in wisdom is something they/we value.

TWO. Graduation Party. Awhile back I mentioned that my daughter finished her online, self-taught braille transcribing course that took 19 months to complete. We had the graduation party for her this past week. I am grateful my daughter has the tenacity to finish what she sets her mind to. Since I can’t drive or do much (because of still dealing with healing a shoulder), I needed the help of others. I am grateful for the family and friends who helped make this grad party a reality.

THREE. Book Club. At our October church women’s book club, we talked about Kisses from Katie. It was a universal favorite. … We were amazed at Katie’s trust in God, energy, huge love, wisdom, and willingness to take the first step to each big endeavor. … We talked about what/where our Uganda is. … In case you don’t know, by the age of 22, Katie had adopted 13 girls from Uganda which is where she made her new home (Brentwood, TN is her birthplace). … Have you read this book? If yes, what is your reaction?

FOUR. Hot tub/pool. My apartment is right by the hot tub. And while it isn’t really very HOT, it does help my arm when I soak in it. I have gone there 4 times this past week. And then I walked in the pool, twice. It is so COLD. But I think the cold water is therapy for my arm. At least that’s what I tell myself, that COLD water is helping reduce the inflammation. I am grateful for these free and easy ways to support the healing of my arm.

FIVE. Decluttering.  I have been wanting to get back into decluttering and frustrated because I cannot work very long. Then I finally decided to just do 10 minutes at a time. I am decluttering one place at home and one place at work (I changed offices and need to finish getting rid of items from my old office). While it is slow work, I am seeing progress. I am grateful that I’ve given myself permission to go slowly. And I am grateful that going slowly is still progress.

Also, a friend, Theresa, has taken on the project of cleaning out and reorganizing some areas at church. Theresa put about 10 hours into these projects. I am grateful for how spacious it all looks and how easy it is to find what we need. And I am grateful for my friend who likes to organize and that she had this time available.

Your Turn . . . Want to share your gratitude list? Link up here or leave a comment below.

Fridat’s Fave Five – October 4, 2019

This week I am choosing to see the events in my life as gifts. Reading books about gratitude, such as Thank You Power by Deborah Norville, remind me to view life this way. The quote to the left is from Norville’s book.

Below are some gifts I received this week.

ONE. Birthday Party. Friendships are certainly gifts. This week I got to join a host of others in celebrating a friend’s 80th birthday. It was memorable recounting some of the ways Jeanne has blessed me and my family. And it was good to be reminded of how much fun and comfort she exudes.

I am om the doorstep of the Muir/Strenzel Home. I didn’t know my daughter was going to take and then post THIS photo. 🙂

TWO. Bodywork/John Muir tour. I am getting relief and healing by seeing Matt at The Open Matt, where I receive bodywork. His gentle expertise is enhanced by his ability to listen and teach.

While my daughter and I were in the Bay Area, we visited John Muir’s home in Martinez. It was interesting to tour his home and then the family gravesite. The ranger guides were lively and full of great information. My daughter was in heaven learning more info about Yosemite (where she lived for 18 months).

THREE. PEP Team Meeting. Once a month, this team gathers to tighten plans for upcoming PEP (senior) events. In October we have a potluck (Football Tailgate party theme) and a movie. Dunkirk. In Novemberm we are going to a Candlelight Tour at Sutter’s Fort. In December, we’ll finish our year with a catered Christmas dinner. The youth are our servers and clean up.

I am grateful for this fun and interesting group of ladies to plan with.

FOUR. Facebook Chat. I have a high school friend who lives in Saskatoon. We graduated together from 12th grade in Alberta, Canada. We try to talk at least once a month. This time we talked via FaceTime because I didn’t have messenger installed on my cell phone. I enjoyed hearing some of the highlights from her recent trip to Ireland. I am grateful for this long term friendship.

FIVE. PT Consult. While the majour pain in my shoulder is much less, I am still having pain. My physical therapist wants me to get an MRI to rule out other issues. I’ll let you know how that progresses. I am grateful for Heidi because she is a comforting presence and is teaching me how to strengthen/heal my arm. And she is teaching me how to advocate for myself. Thanks, Heidi.

Now it is your turn to share your “gifts” from last week, either in the comment section or on your own post. You can link up here. 

Friday’s Fave Five – September 27, 2019

Friday is here and it’s time to recount five blessings from this past week. Read on to see why I do this.

A gratitude practice is “like polishing your nails. If you want them to always look good, you have to keep up with it. Visit the manicurist once and you’ll look great for a week. But if you fail to make a return visit, your hands will soon look pretty grim.” (Deborah Norville)

“Writing a gratitude letter or jotting down what you’re grateful for might make you feel good for a day or a week. But if you don’t keep up with it, Your outlook can become dark.

“If you try it on for size for one month and you notice good changes, you can’t assume those are permanent changes. It takes intentional; effort. It needs to be sort of woven into your daily habits and daily ways.” (Dr. Barbara Fredrickson)

Writing my FFF is part of my weekly habit.

ONE. Airport Pick UP. I went with my brother-in-law to pick up my sister and their daughter from the airport in San Francisco. They had been to Cuba for 18 days. They were there to support a local church. My 17-year-old niece was one of the translators. It was so fun to hear about some of her adventures with food, sites, and cool people. We didn’t talk a lot because it was almost 1am when they disembarked. I am looking forward to photos as both my sister and niece are great photographers. I am grateful they got to go on this trip. They were a blessing and were themselves blessed.

TWO. Donner Lake Day Trip. Normally the women from my church spend a summer day at the beach at San Francisco. This year we went to Donner Lake (near Truckee). It is much easier to get there; none of that horrid Bay area traffic with its tons of pedestrians. Several women asked if we could go there again. YEP!

10 CNC women enjoyed this place. The time sped by. … We walked (and some of us may or may not have gotten lost) … ate … told stories … played dominoes or Boggle … toured the little museum… took photos … read … snoozed … enjoyed quiet time … gazed at the lake. … It was a busy, refreshing, fun day. I am grateful for the time I got to spend in nature and time with women from my church.

THREE. Screenshots. I have finally mastered how to take a screenshot on my cell phone. Before this week, it was hit-or-miss. NOW, however. I can get a screenshot every time. I am grateful when I can learn new things especially when the mastery is harder than I expected.

FOUR. Shows and food. One afternoon, Marsha and I made up a YUMMY salad and then settled in to watch The Good Witch. We finally have only two episodes left. When we finish this series, we will then get to watching The Midwives. I am grateful for a clean show that is pleasant with a touch of suspense. And I am grateful for a friend who likes to watch TV, eat salad, and visit.

FIVE. Critique Group. Twice a month I meet up with my writer’s group. Because of my shoulder, I haven’t been able to write much. But because of this group at least I am writing some. And each time I go, I learn more about the craft of writing. I am grateful for that, and I’m grateful for their friendship.

Leave a blessing or two in the comment section. Or write your own post and link at Susanne’s Living to Tell the Story.