Happy Thanksgiving One and All!

Everyone around the world may not be celebrating Thanksgiving as we do here in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean I can’t send Thanksgiving thoughts to all who may be reading this blog.

I hope that wherever you are, you have the opportunity to take a few moments and accept the blessings of love and peace that are being sent your way—from my home to yours. I hope that your table is abundant with food and that you have family, friends and special people with whom to share the day.

As for me, I am preparing all the traditional foods. The cranberry sauce is made and two pumpkin pies. The turkey will be going into the oven soon, stuffed with dressing. Later, there will be mashed potatoes, candied yams, green beans almandine and salad. A glass of wine to brighten the taste buds and then time to savor the blessings I am so fortunate to enjoy.

I wish you all could be at my table today! I pray for you to have a Happy Day!

Nobody here but us chickens

I just read a new post by the folks at one of my favorite blogs.  It is such a logical view of the silly state of affairs we are experiencing, and have for a long time, in Congress and politics in general.  Here is the lead to the post:

With all the buzz around Washington these days about Lobbyist Reform, and in light of recent abuses, perhaps now would be a good time to put this in perspective for the average American “outside the Beltway." 

And what could be easier for the average person to understand than banks.  After all, that is where almost all of us put our money for safe-keeping.  Therefore most people should favor Bank Robbery Reform, right?

Please, head on over for the full story.  You may want to bookmark this blog for future reference.

http://www.theviewfromoutsidemytinywindow.blogspot.com

A Word in Due Season

And a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

Proverbs 15:23

The other day I had a simple experience that brought the above text to mind. A friend had written a word of appreciation to me. It came out of the blue, so to speak, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. It felt so good to receive that appreciation!

When someone takes the time to connect with us in a way that could easily be taken for granted, it is important not to let it pass that easily. Not only is a good word pleasant to hear, it can also move us to lift our own appreciation of self. Left to our own devices it is sometimes easy to forget that others look up to us in some way or are grateful that we are in their lives. When we accept their simple gift of a word spoken in due season, what a blessing it can be!

Never underestimate the power of a word of praise or appreciation, or an act of simple thoughtfulness. I know I was lifted up by the thoughtfulness of the person whose words I received. When you are moved to send a thoughtful word to someone, it may be because it is a due season in their life at that time. Your word may bring new hope or self-acceptance, or deep joy at a time it is really needed. Even if you never know how the word was received, trust that you have been led to give the blessing and that it has been received.

As we near Thanksgiving use the occasion to let your family, your friends and your associates know that you care about them. Share a simple act of kindness by complimenting some quality they are expressing, or thank them for something they have done that easily could have gone unnoticed. When you see something worthy of praise, give it. Conscious caring for and loving one another has been limited in many cases these days due to our busy schedules, and the clamor of lesser things for our attention. There is nothing more important to our mutual health and well being than a word spoken in due season. It is a simple act with deeply satisfying potential.