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.
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 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.)
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
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.
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
“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.“
“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.
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
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.
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.
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
GRATITUDE: “If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.” — Rabbi Harold Kushner
Looking back through the history of just my life, I am wondering if I can find good in every situation? This is a tall order. It cannot be done with my own power but only by endeavoring to see it through the lens of God’s eyes.
Yes, there were hardships and obstacles that dominated my youth but they helped form who I am today. In many ways I think those experiences help me look at others who struggle with a compassionate heart and less of a judging mindset.
In the bigger picture of things I AM SO BLESSED. I really have nothing to complain about, yet I do complain. Praying my grumbles are be at a minimum today.
Thankful Monday #1: With the deepest love and gratitude, one person I am eternally thankful to is Chris. 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, everyday 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/ 2021
This picture was taken on our FIRST Thanksgiving together (1982), this year will be Thanksgiving number FORTY!
On that first Thanksgiving in Denver Chrissie got up from the table and fixed plates for my little dogs Lucy and British.
He can be fun that way and as I have expressed before 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.
Beyond that he is generous to many without pursing any acknowledgment or gratitude. He shows mercy to those who have hit bottom and have made poor decisions and offers support. He is passionate about his dreams. 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 his sons. He loves God.
He is a blessing (a favor or gift bestowed by God) and I am blessed to have shared so many Thanksgivings with him.
I am also thankful that I have a job but when the week winds down, I am especially thankful that for the next two days that I can rest. Well, not really rest insomuch that I do nothing, I have weekend chores but I am generally at my home and I find it a place of comfort and peace. It is a place away from the busyness of life and the noise of non-stop opinions and chaos. I don’t have to dress for the world, or put on a face for the world; I can just be me.
My sweet Becky often sends me an “Aloha Friday” text message. That phrase comes from the 1940’s when the Hawaiian clothing industry encouraged businesses to allow there workers to wear Aloha shirts on Friday. The trend hit the Bank of Hawaii when it’s President adopted it and allowed his workers to do the same. When the practice spread to the mainland it was known as casual Friday.
The Hawaiian Island Clothing Company says this about Aloha Friday, “Friday is more than just an opportunity to dress casually to work, it is a reminder to help others. It is our reminder to spread Aloha.“
And… according to the Skyline Hawaii Blog:
“Aloha is an essence of being: love, peace, compassion, and a mutual understanding of respect. Aloha means living in harmony with the people and land around you with mercy, sympathy, grace, and kindness.”
Remembering my Uncle William today on the 91st anniversary of the day of his birth. He was affectionately know as UW to me and my family and he was one wild and crazy guy. If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you’d never forget him. He was a Texan’s Texan; one of a kind, a big heart, a loud voice, a swimmer, and athlete with drive and determination to live life to the fullest.
So many memories of him in my heart, here are just a few.
He was an adventurer. In the late 50’s and early 60’s, he lived and hunted and worked as a guide in Alaska. He had many trophies on his wall from those days and at Christmas he hung lights on the big moose-head in his house.
He had a heart as big as Texas: When I was very little (under three) my mother was a single mom trying to support three young children on the money she earned working as a waitress at Walgreens. She told me he would come to dinner once a week and leave a $20 bill under his plate.
He was a loving brother: As many tales as I have about him, my mother has repeated dozens more. Several years ago I recorded many of her stories on tape. He was the complete opposite of her and he extended his love to her in many ways. When I was clearing my mother’s house, I found a Valentines card he had sent her. Inside he had written over and over again until it filled every space inside the card… “I Love You!” I framed that card for her and it is with her at the nursing home.
He could be stern: When I was little I would go and stay with him and my aunt for a week in the summer. One summer I remember, I had been riding one of his bikes and when I came in, I just just let it drop to the ground and ran inside. I got a very stern (and loud) lecture on the value of things and caring for them properly. I know it made me cry but I have always remembered that and I remember it every time I am feeling lazy and am tempted to not put something away properly.
He was fun (and sometimes inappropriate): For most of my childhood we would have Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner with Uncle William, alternating houses each year. Every single year, at the dinner table, my Uncle William would tell a joke. It often revolved around the grace or a holiday theme. I can often remember asking what they meant and my mother would always say, “It is for adults.”
One I do remember, as I must have pondered it’s meaning for years. He was buttering a dinner roll and he asked, “Did you hear about the lady in the mini-skirt who went to buy butter? When she bent over the refrigerator case instead of getting butter she got bred.”
He was a teacher: For many years he taught swimming at his home in the outskirts of Houston. After he died one of his students wrote these memories on his obituary. “Bill Van Houten had more influence on my life than anyone outside my family. He took me under his wing when I was only 8 years old – I loved him immediately… he asked me to work with him – I didn’t know you could make money doing something so fun… he wanted to scuba dive again – he’s the one that got me started on that – scrubbing the algae off the bottom of his pool!…. I loved the way he gave me bear-hugs. My eyes are tearing just thinking about it. I loved him so, so much and I will be forever grateful for the knowledge, experiences and love that he gave me.”
Last but not least, he was a lady’s man: After his death we found envelopes with pictures of some of his lady friends. One envelope was labeled, “naughty but nice ladies.”
Later in life, I stayed close to my UW. I volunteered and worked at the Sr. Olympics in Houston when he competed and won many events; we traveled to California to cheer him on when he did the Alcatraz swim. He shivered for 2 hours after he got out of the water that day and he told us he never would have made if that one female swimmer in front of him had not jumped in nude. He said, “I just kept trying to catch up with her!”
In the 90’s he joined us several times in Campbell River, BC salmon fishing. UW was an avid sportsman and my young son, Josh, was a a budding environmentalist. UW and Josh had a special relationship but on this trip it was challenged. UW had caught a big salmon and I guess procedure is to whack them on the head to kill them and put them in the cooler. Josh was mortified by what was happening and he told UW, “If you bonk that fish again I’m gonna bonk you!”
Dec 2010 – One Last Hug
My Uncle William was athletic and he was physically fit into his 80’s, however his mind did not keep up. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in his late 70’s. The last time I saw him was in December 2010. He was at a memory care facility in California. He was overjoyed to see me and Chris. We brought him some pumpkin bread from Starbucks and he kept asking me if I had made it. Our visit ended quickly when it was lunchtime and a little lady knocked at his door. I guess she was his standing lunch date and you can’t keep the ladies waiting.
He was a man of his time, he had opinions and you knew what they were but he had a charisma that drew people to him; he was bigger than life. He was my Uncle William, a mentor, a father-figure, and a friend and not only my ‘Uncle William’ but he was an uncle to my sons, my ex and to Chrissie. We will never forget him and I am thankful for his impact on my life.
It was a drizzly grey day outside today. Rogelio showed up at 7 AM to do a fall clean up of my yard.
We met Rogelio 18 years ago. He had a house in the next town over that was built near abandoned coal mines and he needed an analysis done which our company did for him. Through the process he let us know he did side jobs landscaping, so as we had 3.5 acres of yard to care for, we hired him to help us.
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 cleared the beds, he created rock gardens, trimmed the shrubbery, edged the lawn and he with his sons would more in 8 hours than I could accomplish in months.
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. He has always been willing to help in any way. He would see something that needed attention, set a proposal for getting it done and get it done he would.
He is a man with a natural God-given wisdom. He believes hard work is the key to happy life.
Rogelio would say that the struggles of life makes you strong and gives you a will to live. “Man has to fight for life.”
Yep, this is a just out-of-bed uncombed hair photo. Not everyone gets to see me like this!
Through the years we have gotten to know each others families. We have shared our common concerns for our aging parents, his father and mother in Mexico, and my mother in Texas.
A few months ago he showed up at the house on a Saturday morning with a bottle of Tequila he brought back from Mexico. As you can see below it was no regular bottle of the Tequila. It was a massive big bottle. He told Chris he had been in Mexico helping people, he had brought money and supplies to family and friends. He said that helping others was something he learned from Chris. Always be generous and you will always have more to share. Humbling.
As the years have gone by we all have aged. Rogelio’s hair has a tinge of gray now but he still works as hard as he did in his 30’s. He showed up at 7AM this morning and worked until 3. A long day in the drizzling rain and in the end the yard was beautiful and ready for winter. I asked if it was getting to be too much for him, he says not. He loves the serenity of this place and being outdoors. Before he left, we visited a while. We talked about our families, the virus and the measures we are all taking to stay safe. We thanked him, he thanked us.
This is Rogelio my friend. He makes my garden beautiful and I am thankful for him.
A truly American Holiday that transcends all beliefs. A day we can all participate in regardless of our background or religious affiliations. Being thankful seems like such an easy task yet so often fall short.
This morning I am remembering many Thanksgiving days past. Ones from my childhood with my Grandfather, Wallace Van Houten. He was bigger than life and made sure our plates were never empty. He also ate dessert first! I think today pie will be my first choice. Those dinners also included my Uncle Wm always loud and boisterous, he made us laugh, and my Aunt Barbara who I admired so much. She was the Martha Stewart before Martha. They have all moved to heavenly realms but the memories and memories of those special Thanksgivings, will always live in my heart.
The first Thanksgiving Chrissie and I had together, Chris got up from the table and made a plate for Lucy my little dog. A tradition that went on for the rest of her years.
Multiple Thanksgivings over the past 20 years included many sweet friends that have all moved on to new places and stages in life. At home in Snoqualmie, one year we filled the dining room and living room with a super extended table. I think there were 17 of is that years from 2 months old to ninety. Although we are miles apart these days, those days, and those Thanksgiving memories, welded us a family that God organized and knitted together.
The grand to the simple. For several years when Josh was young, we celebrated in Hawaii at the Old Sugar Factory, warm breezes and the fragrance of flower leis around our neck did make us feel like we were in paradise. In 2014 our Thanksgiving dinner was a turkey sandwich in that same son’s hospital room. To say we were thankful for the blessings and miracles that year doesn’t express the full extent of our gratitude.
Finally, this year is the third year I am able to return to Texas and celebrate Thanksgiving with my mom and Paulette at the American Legion in Corsicana, TX. Back in the day my mom and her husband could put on a spread fit for royalty. They were both extremely good cooks. I remember all the favorites my mom would make and I have never been able to duplicate; southern cornbread stuffing, ambrosia, sweet potato pie and the best squash casserole anyone ever tasted. Once, I reminded my mom of that casserole and how she made the best fried chicken fried on the stove in a cast iron skillet. She said, “Those days are long gone.”
Yes, those days are long gone, but the memories will last forever.
One day, I will look back on these Thanksgiving dinners at the American Legion and be thankful I had these days with my mom and create a new set of memories. Life progresses forward and the foods, scenes and people may change but one thing remains the same: We have so much to be thankful for.
Thankful that in this ever changing world there are some things that remain the same and bring balance to my life. It is demonstrated to me again this year in my Thanksgiving cactus. It is possibly 25 or more years old and it is large. It needed a larger pot years ago, I sometimes forget to water it, and yet every year it blooms at its appointed time
On a larger scale the 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.
Thankful that in this ever changing world there are some things that remain the same and bring balance to my life. It is demonstrated to me again this year in my Thanksgiving cactus. It is possibly 25 or more years old and it is large. It needed a larger pot years ago, I sometimes forget to water it, and yet every year it blooms at its appointed time 
Emyloom ~ Words Woven Within My Heart 