Month: November 2025

Washing Dishes

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Today I am thankful for dirty dishes.

When I was a little I washed many dirty dishes. After every evening meal it was my job to wash the dishes. Above the kitchen sink my mother had taped several rhyming verses she had clipped from the newspaper or a magazine. One was about being thankful for the dirty dishes. 

Years later I saw the verse still taped above her sink along with several others. It had moved with her to a different house but was reinstalled in its proper place in her kitchen. 

The paper was brown and tattered, just barely being held together by two pieces of dried cracked cellophane tape. There were water marks where she, Mother, no doubt had straightened it out to read it as she washed dishes over the years. 

The words are engraved in my memory. 

Thank God for Dirty Dishes.
They have a tale to tell.
While others may go hungry,
We are eating well.
With home and health and happiness,
I no cause to fuss,
For by this stack of evidence,
God’s been very good to us.
                       ~ Mary Arlis Stuber

I don’t wash as many dishes these days. I mostly load and unload a dish washing machine.  But when I do wash dishes too delicate for the dishwasher, I find it very relaxing and peaceful as I gently swish soap over each piece and then rinse it clean in warm water. It does not seem so much a dreary task as it is a comforting memory.

My mind goes back to those days when washing dishes was a chore. I can still see that verse taped to the window frame above the sink. I pause, take a deep breath and say a prayer of thanks.

Support your local food bank ❤️

Photo credit: Martin de Arriba, Unsplash

Walking Home

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“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

~ Albert Schweitzer

I am filled with gratitude for the people God placed on my path. Whether they were walking a journey with me or I was walking one with them; we were walking hand-in-hand and our match was divinely orchestrated.

Some people walked life’s path with me for only part of the journey. I believe we came together for a short period in time and then we moved on to walk separate paths. It seems they were sent into my life for that specific time and they contributed something I needed or I provided something they needed; neither of us knowing at the time what roles we played.

I have given it a lot of thought and it seems that even people whose walk in my life ended under harsh terms had a positive influence. I sometimes think of them, wonder where they are, wonder what I could have differently to change the outcome. I heard once, “When God closes a door there is no going back.” So there is no going back, but sometimes, I’ll remember the good times with them and it brings a moment of sadness.

In addition, there are those who have walked along beside me that are no longer physically near but have remained close in my heart. We don’t see each other often as we are scattered around the country or the world, but we somehow find time at least once or twice a year to share long telephone conversations and catch up on each others lives. Lifelong friends, an important part of each other’s past journey and we will never fully let go of each other. We wait and hope for the time when our paths may merge again.

Finally, there are those who have walked with me day-by-day and week-by-week for a very long time. They are the jewels in my life. We may be close or separated by distance but we never let much time pass without long conversations.

We may disagree, we may fuss with one another but they are with me until my journey ends. Many are family but some are part of the family of God gave me as I traveled.

We’ve shared our hopes, dreams, successes and failures. There have been many joyous times and memories. When I was struggling or feeling hopeless, they stood with me. They prayed with me, held my hand, and told me that I was going to get beyond the trials of the moment. They are the ones who have “lighted the flames within me” when my light had gone out.

One of those “jewels” sent me this little picture that says, “As believers, we are all just walking each other Home.” I know that to be true and the closer I get to my eternal home the more I am thankful that through journeys of joy, or pilgrimages of sorrow, the presence of these special people has always confirmed how blessed I am.

Reposted from 11/5/2021

Incredible Blessing

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Happy Thanksgiving Monday. Today I am thankful for my husband, Chris.

He can be fun and lighthearted. On the flip side he can be all business. He is smart. I am often amazed how he can hold all that information in his brain. He works hard. He is not afraid to take risks and often it is the secret to his success.

He is passionate about his dreams. He never lets setbacks keep him discouraged for long. His optimism is unwavering and he always full of hope.

Beyond that he is generous to many without pursing any acknowledgment or gratitude. He shows mercy and offers support to those who have hit bottom or need a helping hand.

He brings breakfast in bed and then cleans the kitchen. He chokes up over sentimental movies (more than I do). He can be mischievous.

He loves God. He loves his sons. He loves me.

He is a blessing (a favor or gift bestowed by God) and I am blessed to have shared so many Thanksgivings with him.

Blue Skies

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Blue skies smilin’ at me
Nothin’ but blue skies do I see
Blue days, all of them gone
Nothin’ but blue skies from now on. ~ Irving Berlin 1926

Thankful today for everyday of life. Life is a precious gift, yet so fragile. I try to remind myself that each day could be the last, tomorrow is not guaranteed.

I have shared this quote from many times from Reporter Lee Cowan at CBS who said, [tragedies] serve … “as reminder that we don’t get to set life’s clock.” and that while we all think we have a tomorrow to say whatever we need to say sometimes tomorrow never comes.

I want to live purposefully, with gratitude and hope for the blue skies in my future.

(Actually blue skies with big white fluffy clouds are my favorite ❤️ the clouds seems like big happy puffs or whipped cream floating by.)

Genetically Blessed

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Thankful today for good health.

I reached my 70th birthday just a few months ago and except for a few little blips that were quickly resolved, I am in pretty good health.

I have never been a devoted exercise fitness person. About 20 years I joined the local “Curves” fitness studio when they were a fad. I had a Nordic-trac that I used for a few years and I still have Jane Fonda’s workout videos. They got a few years use but I never got anything close to Jane’s stealth body. I work in my yard, climb lots of stairs at home and at work, but nothing as part of a routine.

I have always been a little on the plump side or as Mrs Vera once told be many years ago, “You’re a healthy girl”. Healthy, as one with a rubenesque figure but it wasn’t junk food that got me there. Never have been a junk food junkie, but I do have a healthy appetite. I eat a lot of vegetables, chicken, fish, and fruits. I have always loved bread and butter. Although I have cut back in recent years, I have to say butter makes everything better.

I know many people my age and younger that are struggling with health issues. I still have all my joints… knees, hip, and shoulders . They sometimes ache if I overdo, but they are still working pretty well. I am grateful that I still able get up every morning, go to work and stay engaged. This is a blessing I don’t take for granted.

I have grandparents on both sides of my family that lived well into their nineties. So like Sydney Sweeney, I must have good genes. Wink – wink

Thanks for the Memories

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Thankful today for my Grandfather’s home movies and the memories of happy days.

Just by chance yesterday, I ran across a one of those videos. Before my grandfather died in 1999, he had taken all the old silent 16mm home movies he had taken of all his grandchildren in the 50’s and 60’s and recorded them onto VHS. You can hear the click, click, click of his huge reel-to-reel projector. Although there was no sound to the original video itself, he narrated the scenes as he recorded.

It warms my heart to hear his voice. In one place he says… “Ain’t she a cute little girl? That’s a sweet little ol’ girl, Patty-Watty (his pet name for me). You ought to see Patty-Watty now”

This video was likely taken at my uncles house on Thanksgiving… Houston, Texas. A warm November day in the south. My brother Howard and I were “fishing” in Uncle William’s pond. The interaction between me and my brother made me smile.

Hidden behind this happy day there are some sad memories. Thankfully there are no recordings of those, only the ones I relive in my mind. Sadly, over the years due to past abuse, alcohol and mental decline, we had very little contact after we left home and virtually none the last 15+ years.

But really, I needed to find this video yesterday. It healed my heart a little. Watching it reminded me that our relationship didn’t start out like things are today.

I got a call last week and this brother is in his last days…this comes just months after my oldest brother left this world.

It’s complicated, but seeing this video and some others has helped me sort out some of my feelings. For that I am very grateful.

Nature’s Gifts

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I am thankful this today for the awesome beauty in nature. All around the world but especially for the beauty I see every morning when I wake.

In this season I have enjoyed the beautiful changing colors of the trees, gorgeous sunrises over Mt Si and a first dusting of snow on its highest peak.

Often in morning the elk are in my yard or I see them grazing in the fields along my four mile route to work. Several times I’ve seen them crossing in the middle of the Snoqualmie River.

It has been raining for days and on that same route I cross two bridges over the river. It is full and pushing the limits of its banks. To see it meandering through the tree lines banks brings a calm and peace to my heart.

The flowers are gone for the season but the birds still visit my patio. From my kitchen window I can see the Anna hummingbird drinking from the bright yellow blown glass feeder.

Last week a small sparrow splashed about in the deep red bird bath. He seemed so full of joy. I was amazed because it was quite chilly out and I know that was an ice cold bath but he didn’t seem to care.

I hung a suet cake for him only to see it ravenously consumed in a day by the regal deep blue Steller Jays with the prominent black crests. They are lovely but quite the naughty rascals.

A few weeks ago the black bear crossed the lawn looking for food in my trash. Sadly he found nothing here to fatten him up before his long winter nap.

Several times in the past few weeks the rain is interrupted by short sun breaks. When they arrive I am guaranteed to be blessed with a rainbow over the mountain.

I often have my camera ready and get photographs of these awesome events (the 4000+ pictures in my iphone are witness to this). However, when I am driving or when my phone is not around, I do something Josh told me once long ago when he was only five. He said to just blink my eyes and “Take a picture with my heart”

“For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

God Has a Plan

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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

I am thankful today to know that God knows already the plans He has for me. So often because of my weakness and the worries that I stress over, doubts creep in. The accuser sees my weakness and starts to chip away at my resolve. I need to remind my self of the MANY TIMES that God provided.

I’m struggling now with worries and tough decisions. I toss and turn for solutions and I remind myself several times a day… He says, “I know the plans I have for you.”

In my human condition the problem is that the anxiety sneaks in. As much as I think it would help, I cannot not see the future or predict the outcome of decisions. I pray for guidance in those decisions and trust Him when He says His plans are not for “harm” but to give me “hope.”

He always provides a way. I just need to wait, keep the faith and be patient.

Hebrews 11:1 says, ” Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.“

We are the Women – We are One

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“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Thankful today for the strong women in my family and for the bond and closeness we share.   We as a group have been like glue, we have held together when others were falling apart. 

We seldom argue. We are of one mind and spirit. We support each other, are available for each other, listen to each other without judgment. When crises come, we join in unison to make our way through. 

There is Paulette who overcame extreme childhood adversity but did not let it keep her from succeeding in life.  She was an anchor of support for my mother, her daughters and her grandchildren. She supported them emotionally, financially and lovingly.  She works hard and shares what she has without hesitation. 

There is my niece, who grew up without the protection and care of a father. She grew into a strong, confident, talented and independent young woman.  She extends undeserved compassion and mercy to those who have not earned it, showing the kindness and forgiveness in her heart. 

My sister-in-love, my niece’s mother showed extreme strength in looking for a more stable home for her daughter. After many years apart we reconnected and formed a bond of friendship and sisterhood. 

My Auntie TJ.  All of my childhood we lived across the country from each other.  We reconnected over 40 years ago to discover that we had many of the same characteristics.  Funny how nature is that way.  She cares for so many in her family, but most exceptional was the care she gave as a devoted daughter, caring for my grandmother until she passed at 98.

My cousin Patty who was widowed as a young mom and raised a fine handsome responsible young man. She also, like her mom, is now providing support her mother. 

My cousin Beth, she fought for justice for her father (my uncle) and for her children. She paid many visits to my mother in her final years extended her love by being near when needed. 

My cousin, Debbie who passed away in December. I will miss our marathon phone calls… never less than  an hour and a half, full of support for each other’s lives.  She also would travel to visit my mother and show her love. 

My sister-in-law, Karen, who joined my family circle in a crisis and has stayed through many highs and lows over the years.  Above and beyond any obligation or call of duty she had, she has supported both sides of the family. 

We have all seen the hot water and we have proven we are strong. Our bond is unbreakable and we together we can overcome. 

Today I Worship and Give Thanks

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After yesterday’s post I feel I was put to the test to… “find the good in every situation.” It was as if I posted it and satan mocked me with a challenge. I reminded myself all day that there is good even in this situation. Answers not so much yet.

I struggled through last night, woke up early. Today’s quote is another reminder. I can respond with worship.

Along that line, I am putting my ear buds in and playing some of my most loved worship songs. Many of these are from my friend and psalmist, Pam Singer.

Her voice is so rich and her music comes from her heart. It draws me deeper into a peace that only comes from God.

There is a link in yesterday’s post to one of Pam’s songs. No video. Just close your eyes and listen.

“I have learned that in every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can whine or I can worship! And I can’t worship without giving thanks. It just isn’t possible. When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is a fragrance, a radiance, that issues forth out of our lives to bless the Lord and others.” ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

In His Time

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When will I get there? When will I first look to “give thanks in all circumstances”?

It is a difficult task. However, I find when I count my blessings first, I realized they far outweigh my troubles.

We never have continuous sunshine and blue skies. Storms come and toss us around but the sun returns and we are blessed with rainbows.

We see there is hope for healing and beauty after every storm.

Give thanks and keep looking up. As I read once ~ “that is where God puts the rainbows. “

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV

https://emyloomwordswovenwithinmyheart.com/2020/11/12/finding-my-grateful-heart/

~ Give thanks in all circumstances – 1 Thes 5:18

The Glorious Voice of the Psalmist

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Today I am thankful for those people who share their gifts and musical talents with songs and melodies that lift my heart and bless my soul.

My friend Pam Singer is one of those people. I met Pam in 2007 on a trip to Israel to attend a School of Ministry. Her beautiful voice and songs always lead me to an uplifting worship time where I find the Peace of God.

“… be filled with the Spirit; speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” Eph 5:18-19

“In Everything” from the CD “Home” by Pam Singer – Used with Permission

There is no video, just close your eyes and hear the deep gratitude for the blessings of God.

https://youtu.be/LY-ujtX2__w

More of the story;

Today I Worship and Give Thanks

After yesterday’s post I feel I was put to the test to… “find the good in every situation.” It was as if I posted it and satan mocked me with a challenge. I reminded myself all day that there is good even in this situation. Answers not so much yet.

I struggled through last night, woke up early. Today’s quote is another reminder. I can respond with worship.

Along that line, I am putting my ear buds in and playing some of my most loved worship songs. Many of these are from my friend and psalmist, Pam Singer.

Her voice is so rich and her music comes from her heart. It draws me deeper into a peace that only comes from God.

There is a link in this blog post to one of Pam’s songs. No video. Just close your eyes and listen.

“I have learned that in every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can whine or I can worship! And I can’t worship without giving thanks. It just isn’t possible. When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is a fragrance, a radiance, that issues forth out of our lives to bless the Lord and others.” ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

He Makes My Garden Beautiful

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Sunday morning and we have another dry day in store maybe reaching 62°.

Today I am thankful for this break in the wet weather. Also thankful for Rogelio who showed up yesterday at 7:30 and worked all day to clean up the storm mess and fall leaves on this five acre paradise.

Rogelio has so many amazing qualities the at the top of the list is his skill to turn the mess of my yard into a woodland paradise. He clears the flower beds, he creates rock gardens, trims the shrubbery, and edges the lawn. In 8 hours he can accomplish more then I could in a month of weekends.

I have always told people that Rogelio got all the credit for the beauty in my garden.

Rogelio has shared many other talents with us. He has helped build fences, helped haul away junk, polished concrete floors, updated and installed lighting, laid patio bricks and the list could go on and on.

Rogelio says believes hard work is the key to happy life. He says that the struggles of life makes you strong and give you a will to live. “Man has to fight for life.”

Rogelio is not just our helper he is our friend. Thankful for his help these last 23 years.

God’s Gifts

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“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” — Eric Hoffer

Giving thanks and counting my three sons among my many blessings today.

Every time I was expecting I did hope for a daughter but God knew better what I needed.

I am blessed to have a close relationship with all of them and they show me in many ways their love for me. I was an extremely meek quiet person but through them I found so much strength. ❤️

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord..”
Psalm 127:3

https://emyloomwordswovenwithinmyheart.com/poems-and-prayers/mother-of-three-sons/

Photo: 1999

Thankfulness

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With the deepest love and gratitude, one person I am eternally thankful to is Chrissie. First and foremost, for loving me and my sons; for providing stability, for his hard work, for his generosity to others, for his optimism that never seems to fade, for loving me even when I was unlovable and never giving me reason to doubt that love. His love has helped me to trust again and not fear rejection or loss.

More importantly, I thank God for the big things and the small things in life. I thank him for provision, for showing me again and again that He is ever present. I thank him for the blue sky, for the peacefulness and beauty after the snow, for the multitude of flowers, for the people He has put on my path to help through this journey.

He arranged reconnections that brought parts of my family back together and chance meetings of friends in the most unlikely places. I thank him for the basics of life, food, shelter, friends. I thank Him that even though I toss and turn in my doubts, He never has given up on me.

“Thankful that in this ever changing world there are some things that remain the same and bring balance to my life. Day and night rise and fall; the seasons change, sunshine comes after rain, young people still fall in love, children are born and the old pass away. There is a rhythm and flow to life that encourages me to tune out the noise and remind myself I am not in control of these things but a never changing God is and He never forgets to take care of the details.” ~ Me 11/15/21

Photo Credit: Megan Watson at UnSplash

November: A Month for Thankfulness.

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It seems like it should be automatic each day to be thankful for every blessing, even the next second in time and the next breath I take. So often I fall short. May gratitude always be on my heart.

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you ” ― William Arthur Ward