COUNTING MY BLESSINGS

in every situation [no matter what the

circumstances] be thankful and continually

give thanks to God; for this is the will of 

God for you in Christ Jesus. 

(1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP)

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This year has brought many unexpected challenges my way, but I've learned that no matter how bleak things may look, there is always something to be grateful for. God has been faithful and true, and has blessed me beyond measure.

When I wake up in the morning, I no longer just take it for granted. I am thankful for the gift of this new day, and that despite the pressure a hiatal hernia puts on my diaphragm, causing me to sometimes be short of breath, my oxygen level is good and I can still breathe unaided. I also thank the Lord that l can see, and hear, and walk, and that despite my aches and pains, I am not confined to a wheelchair or in need of a cane or a walker. 

What I've learned is that sometimes all it takes is a little change of perspective to find something to be thankful for in a frustrating circumstance. When I start feeling upset about no longer being able to drive at night, for example, I think of what a blessing it is that I can still drive during the day. And when I feel tired and overwhelmed and wishing that I didn't have to work anymore, I remind myself of how blessed I am to have a job, and that at my age I am still able to live independently on my own.

On this Thanksgiving day I felt very grateful that the weather forecast turned out to be wrong. Instead of rain, we had a beautiful sunshine day with temperatures in the high 50's. 

My grandson offered to pick me up and give me a ride to and from my daughter's house so I wouldn't need to leave early to get home before dark. I was very grateful for his offer, and sitting in the car I thought of what a blessing my family is, and how grateful I am to have lived long enough to see seven grandchildren and six great-grands added to the two children I started out with. Who would have thought.

There were eight of us around the table today. My daughter cooked a most delicious meal, and there were more than enough left overs for all. As I prepared a care package to take home, I thought of how blessed we were to have such an abundance of food and to never have known what it's like to go hungry or to lack shelter or clean water to drink.

I hardly took any pictures today, but my daughter took this one of me getting in a cuddle with great-grandson #6, Nico.

Nico has a two-year-old brother, and although this picture was not taken today, it's one of my favorites of the two of them.

For me, this has been a very blessed day, and I hope that all of you who also celebrate Thanksgiving on November 24th have had a happy Thanksgiving as well.

FALL FAVORITES 2022

The fall colors have been so spectacular this year, they gave me some much needed incentive to take some short walks with my camera.  

Most of the shots were taken around my parking lot and the outside of our property...

...except for the pumpkin display in front of our local Giant grocery store and these fascinating (to me) trees bordering the Harris Teeter parking lot that I don't recall ever seeing with colored leaves on them before. 

Does anyone know what they are? Evergreens that decided they were tired of being green and decided to try some color this year? How is that even possible?

The bike park that was being built next to my complex was finally completed. These pictures were taken from my parking lot, but I can watch the kids doing their tricks from my balcony as well. 

A few more favorite sights are these colorful patios in my development, a little boy's car parked in our parking lot that always makes me smile every time I pass it by, and the scarecrow sitting on a bench outside our library who I almost forgot to include. He also makes me smile.