A SPRING ANNIVERSARY

Today is my blog's 15th anniversary, and the first day of spring. I had wanted to write something special for the occasion, but instead, have spent so much time  reminiscing my way through long forgotten posts and comments that the day is almost over and I haven't written a word. I didn't even get around to going out and finding a "spring" picture to take. This favorite picture of the newest addition to our family (my great-granddoggie, Oliver), taken by his mom (my granddaughter) will have to do. 

 As you can see, he is a very accommodating playmate to my two little granddaughters, who love him to bits. Lucky for him, since he is quite a naughty dog, and may have wound up back at the farm he came from if he had not so completely stolen their hearts,

So, tempting as it was to just skip writing this post since the day has just about escaped me, I'll try to jot down a brief recap. Fifteen is, afterall, a milestone that needs to at least be acknowledged.

When I started this blog I had six grandchildren and one great-grandson, hence the great-granny grandma title. Since then I have been blessed with one more grandson, and four more great-grands, bringing the total to seven grands and five great-grands.

My very first blog post about Trader Joe Triple Gingersnap Cookies contained another memory within it that made me smile. 

On my trip down memory lane I relived happy memories of special events such as graduations, weddings, moving to a new home in a new town, and becoming an author of children's picture books. But there were some sad memories too such as special friends who moved away, and beloved family pets who crossed the Rainbow Bridge. 

Between 2013 and 2019 I took a six year break during which I focused on a couple of new blogs I'd started, but in the end my heart led me home to the one where my adventures in Blogland began.

EASY

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--EASY

Five minutes to free write about it

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How easy it is for me to feel stressed when life gets lifey and interferes with my plans. How easy it is to let frustration loom large and overshadow the many blessings in my life.

A few days ago I tried getting into my daughter's car while standing on a patch of ice. One foot was already in, but the other one started sliding, and before I knew it I had fallen out of the car and was lying on the ground. It was quite a shock, to say the least, but I'm very thankful that none of my bones got broken in the fall. That was easy to be grateful for.

WHEN MY HEART FEELS HEAVY

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--HEAVY

Five minutes to free write about it

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My heart feels heavy over the unspeakable violence and destruction taking place in Ukraine, the targeting of civilians and evacuees, the killing of innocents.

My heart feels heavy over the cruelty, hatred, and evil that seems to be overtaking more and more of our broken world.

When my heart feels heavy, I need to remind myself that God is in control, and that all these things now happening have already been written in His Book, as has the ending of the story. None of it should take us by surprise.

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NLT)

Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28 ESV)

I was contemplating this when I literally did look up and noticed something I'd never seen before on the dracaena(?) plant I've owned for well over 20 years. Pairs of leaves coming together so that their tips touch to form what look like giant hugs.

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The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18 NLT)

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (Romans 8:35 NIV)

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6 NLT)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2 ESV)

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18 BSB)

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:78 BSB)

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. (Psalm 23:4 NLT)