October!

Autumn.  How I love this season.  I know I have written before of my appreciation for the beauty of these weeks. October, especially, passes so quickly that it seems the leaves have barely turned before I am walking ankle deep in a blanket of orange, red, gold and brown. I want to savor every second, every scent, every sight, every sunset. Even the occasional rainy day brings a sense of cozy comfort. I love lighting a warmly scented candle, brewing a spiced tea, listening to the rain and watching it encourage the leaves to decorate my patio.  And then there are those gorgeous sunny days when the hillside flames with color.  Is the sky ever a deeper blue?  Oh, the richness of this blessed month!

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.  It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it?"  ~  Spoken by Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne Shirley in "Anne of Green Gables."

A Little Bit More on Good People

I am rich. My wealth is found in relationships...family and friends.  I am so aware of this treasure that is mine, the blessing God has bestowed upon me, and have decided that a second post on "good people" is appropriate.  The first was a quote from a work of fiction.....this one is from the pen of an old saint.  She expresses well what is on my heart this morning.

"What a great favor God does to those He places in the company of good people."

  ~ St. Teresa of Avila ~

Horse Sense

I love the public library and all that it offers.  Having worked in that most wonderful atmosphere, I have benefited from its wide variety of blessings.  Now, as a volunteer and patron, I enjoy browsing the stacks and discovering new offerings and, sometimes, old favorites. My selections are most often for my own reading pleasure, but I also have the privilege of introducing good books to children.  A number of years ago, I was facilitating a book club for young girls.  We were exploring the oldies but goodies...the classics.  It was while reading one of these that I found the quote below.

Now, something one must never, ever do is underline a word, a sentence or a passage in a library book.  That is where my little quote book comes in handy.  Every once in a while, on the page of a good piece of fiction, a bit of wisdom jumps out, resonates strongly and demands to be remembered long after the book is returned to the library.  Jotting it down in my quote book insures that it will not fade away and gives opportunity to share it with others.

Yesterday, while enjoying the company of a dear friend, our conversation turned to appreciation for the good folks God has put into our lives.  We voiced our gratitude for His hand of blessing and provision, for where He has led us and for the wonderful people He has placed on our paths....for our homes and families, for our churches, for kindred spirits.  We spoke of the unexpected pleasure found in those little conversations with a stranger in line at the grocery store, where God seems to open a door to speak a word of encouragement or comfort.  We reminded one another of how often we are blessed through the friendly faces, smiles and words of people we meet in ordinary places.   I was instantly reminded of the following quote, shared it with my friend, and knew it would be my next entry on this blog.

"It is good people that make good places."  ~      from Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell

You are welcome

After writing a thank you note to dear friends who had welcomed me into their home for a brief stay, I  looked for an added touch for the envelope.  Looking through my small collection of decorative stamps, I found just the perfect sentiment.  The words expressed my thoughts so well, and I decided to add the quote to my collection. 
It is a comfort and a source of such pleasure when the doors to our homes, and hearts, are opened to welcome a friend.  It might be a quick cup of tea, a lengthy conversation over lunch, or an overnight visit......it is in the welcoming that the blessing is found.

               " 'Stay' is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary." ~ Louisa May Alcott

Bits of Happiness

We know that there is a vast difference between joy and happiness.  True joy, found in a deep and eternal relationship with God, cannot be stolen or taken from us.  Happiness, on the other hand, is very much an up and down sort of human experience, often dependent on circumstances.  However....finding pleasure in everyday, simple things can bring us so many opportunities to feel just plain happy.  Today I am taking great pleasure in watching the snow fall...in listening to good music... and savoring my cup of tea.  Where are you finding your moments of happiness today?

"We are about as happy as we make up our minds to be."  ~  Abraham Lincoln

Everyday Life

 I am thinking of the simple pleasures that are mine each day;  a good meal, a call from a friend, a child's laughter, a sunrise, birds at the birdfeeder, warm blankets, a hug, a cup of tea, a good book, quiet moments and sweet memories.....and so much more.  At the end of the day, as I reflect on the blessings that have been mine, my heart responds in praise and thanksgiving.

"In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth, God is pleased when we're pleased.  He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our Maker's praise without anxiety."  ~  A.W. Tozer