Thankful Thursday

It's hard for me to believe we are already almost into two weeks of August, summer is winding down for some, with school right around the corner.

It's been a busy couple of weeks for us, but each day there is something to be thankful for.

Quiet evenings outside after dinner. This has become kind of a routine for us this summer. We'll eat our dinner then sit and linger and watch the birds till twilight. It's been relaxing and a great way to "decompress" after work and attending to family matters.

For weather that has been absolutely delightful. Our Augusts are usually hot and humid, so the milder temperatures, have given us more opportunity to be outside.

We are thankful for an upcoming visit we will have with our youngest, it will be a short one but it will be nice to see him and hear all about his summer adventures.

My dad's continued improvement, he was able to be transferred to a rehab center today.

My MIL agreed to Meals on Wheels and is enjoying them, she continues to make progress as well.

I am thankful for the Lord's continued reminder to my husband and I through scripture, thru things that we read and even from teachings that we listen to that he is working thru all our circumstances. When I am weary, I am reminded that the Lord's strength is made perfect in my weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9. When things seem out of control, I am reminded that he rules every moment of every situation and he is always working things for our good and his glory. (Remember the story of Joseph) These are truths can give you peace no matter what things look like on the outside, and these are truths that have helped us thru this challenging time.

Take time to look thru the circumstances in your life, I'm sure you too can find things to be thankful for and areas where God is at work.

July Moments

Our month started with a trip to a small town in Pennsylvania to attend a wedding. Spending the 4th of July in a small town turned out to be more fun than we had expected. We watched fireworks from the bleachers at the local high school, watched children run and play on the football field and listened to music played by a local band, it reminded me of the 4th of July celebrations I used to go to when I was growing up.

July was filled with the simple pleasures that summer has to offer. We ate our dinners outside under a mosquito proof net when the weather permitted. We lingered after dinner at the table and watched the birds at the feeders and listened to all the summer sounds. The hammock has also been getting a good workout, I find it's a wonderful place to read or simply watch the birds at the feeders and daydream.

We still Face Time with the grands and love that we are able to be part of the small things, like loose teeth. We also had an opportunity to go on a  video tour of Shanghai when young son was traveling, it was beyond cool. Some of advantages to technology are being able to see loved ones that are far away, I am thankful for that.

Our garden is in full swing (flowers) and we are continuing with our weekly CSA, right now we are getting plenty of  tomatoes, corn, peppers and squash.

Our month ended much like it began, with traveling. My MIL and father were both hospitalized within days of each other, it required traveling to two states in four days. MIL is now back home and doing well, my father is doing better and hoping to be home soon as well. It was nice to have had some quiet down time in the middle of the month before life got hectic again. The Lord's provision don't you think?  Here's a glimpse of our July