November Gratitude {Day 5} Live Bird Cam

Yes, I'm grateful for a Bird Cam. Really.  This little cam brings peace and serenity to my workspace.  I'm blessed to have two monitors on my desk at work and out of a full day I'm usually only using the second monitor half of the time.  The other half I'm watching this:

cornellfeeders on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

...and then today...I discovered the cam also has sound.  So now, I'm listening to the birds, geese and even rolls of thunder today in Ithaca, NY.  I love it.  Hope you do too.

Jackie

November Gratitude {Day 4} Rainy Days

Today is rainy, cloudy and dreary. Even though I don't love the dreary days in February, right now, in the Fall, I really do enjoy them.  I love the rain on all the colorful leaves and a slight chill in the air.  Just enough of a chill to wear a jacket and a scarf and carry an umbrella.  That is today. 

Jackie
 

November Gratitude {Day 2} {Quiet Strength}

My whole life I have watched my Great Grandmother, My Grandmother, My Mother and My Aunt and how they have conducted themselves in public and in private...they all had {have} this quality...Quiet Strength. 

They aren't loud.  No attention drawn to themselves.  When things in life are hard (as it is for everyone at some point in their lives) whether it be health problems, financial issues, marriage issues... they are strong...quietly. 

I'm grateful today that it was passed down to me and then by chance I read the following scripture this morning:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you:  compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.  Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense.  Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.  And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.  It's your basic all-purpose garment.  Never be without it.
Colossians 3:12-14

This could be my life verse.  When I think of the women in my family...this verse is them.

Jackie

November Gratitude {Day 1} {Reminders}

You know when things are rough and you can't see much further than the few feet in front of you because you are consumed by everything going on in your life?  It's hard to notice much else going on.  Then, early this morning, after a tough couple of weeks, I pull open the curtains in the dining room and see this...

 

It took my breath away because I wasn't expecting to see it.  I realized it was meant for me to see God's creation so clearly as a reminder.

I needed the reminder.

I'm thankful on this first day of November in 2013 that sometimes things are very clear and bright and meant to be seen by those who need to see them the most.

Jackie

Book Review: I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins and James MacDonald

Synopsis from Amazon:

A MURDERER who would change the WORLD
 
From multi-million copy best-selling novelist Jerry Jenkins comes a compelling international thriller that conveys you from present-day Texas to a dank Roman dungeon in A.D. 67, then down the dusty roads of ancient Israel, Asia, and back to Rome.

A young seminary professor, Augustine Knox, is drawn into a deadly race to save priceless parchments from antiquities thieves and discovers a two- thousand-year old connection with another who faced death for the sake of the truth. I, Saul consists of two riveting adventures in one, transporting you between the stories of Augustine Knox and Saul of Tarsus.

Filled with political intrigue, romance, and rich historical detail, I, Saul is a thrilling tale of loyal friendships tested by life-or-death quests, set two millennia apart, told by a master storyteller.

My Review:

I felt it was a bit slow in the beginning and I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the story switching between modern day and ancient times.  I'm so glad I stuck with it because the story was incredible and I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and intrigue.  The apostle Paul had historic last days of his life.  Professor Knox is called on by a friend of his who is being hunted because of what  Paul left behind all those years ago and he jeopardizes everything to help his friend.  I really liked the character of Augie Knox and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to him on each page.  

Despite the somewhat slow beginning, this novel is a page-turner once you get into the story.  I was even inspired to dig a little deeper on my own to learn more about Paul.  I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys suspense novels and for those of you, like me, who wouldn't normally read a biblical novel.  You won't be disappointed!

For purchasing information go to Amazon or click on the image of the book above.

A Disclaimer: Note: I received this book as part of the I, Saul blog tour from Fiction Addict. I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes. 

Jackie

Flower and Herb Garden...

Hope you are all having a lovely summer.  We are busy as usual and I'm really enjoying gardening more this year than in the last several years.  The photo above is part of my flower and herb garden.  It is really full this year from all the rain we've had.  The garden contains Hostas, Hydrangea, Thyme, Sedum, Daylilly, Lemon Balm and Rosemary.  

Jackie

Each Day Is A New Beginning...

Some people hate wild honeysuckle.  I love it.  This is one of the photos I took yesterday and added the quote.  Enjoy your Saturday!

Jackie

Early Morning Dew...

I was out in the backyard around 5:45am taking these shots this morning...the light was extraordinary!  It's quite possible my neighbors think I'm nuts.  They might be right.

For all the choices we make as a Moms...

I don't know who wrote this, but a co-worker showed me this today and it's a perfect reminder that we're all doing the best we can no matter what choices we make as Moms.  Enjoy...


Jackie


To the Mom who's breastfeeding:  Way to go!  It really is an amazing gift to give your baby, for any amount of time that you can manage!  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who's formula feeding:  Isn't science amazing?  To think there was a time when a baby with a mother who couldn't produce enough would suffer.  But now?  Better living through chemistry!  You're a good Mom.

To the cloth diapering Mom:  Fluffy bums are the cutest and oh, so friendly on the bank account.  You're a good Mom.

To the disposable diapering Mom:  Dang those things hold a lot, and it's excellent to not worry about leakage and laundry!  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who stays at home:  I can imagine it isn't easy doing what you do, but to spend those precious years with your babies must be amazing.  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who works:  It's wonderful that you're sticking to your career, you're a positive role model for your children in so many ways, it's fantastic!  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who had to feed her kids from the drive-thru all week because you're too worn out to cook or go grocery shopping:  You're feeding your kids, and hey, I bet they aren't complaining!  Sometimes sanity can indeed be found in a red box with a big yellow M on it.  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who gave her kids a home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past week:  Excellent!  Good nutrition is important, and they're learning to enjoy healthy foods at an early age.  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom with the kids sitting quietly and using their manners in the fancy restaurant:  Kudos, it takes a lot to maintain order with children in a place where they can't run around.  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom with the toddler having a meltdown in the cereal aisle:  they always seem to pick the most embarrassing places to lose their minds, don't they?  We've all been through it.  You're a good Mom.

To the Moms who judge other Moms for ANY of the above?  

Glass Houses, friend.  Glass Houses.

 

Spring Is Here...

Glad to see that Spring is finally making it's way to our part of the country.  To celebrate, here are a few spring/summer photos I've taken in the last year.

Hope you are enjoying some warm weather wherever you are.

Until Next Time,


Jackie

{Winter Snow}

Backyard Photos During A Winter Storm on February 26, 2013

{Kindness}

How Shall I Pray?

One of my favorite books is Guerrillas of Grace by Ted Loder.  His prayers in the book on so many days get right to the heart of what I'm feeling.  Today is no different.  Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.

How Shall I Pray?

How shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers,
or groans
or sighs
or curses?

Can trembling hands be lifted to you,
or clenched fists
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back
or the cramps that knot my stomach?

Will you accept my prayers, Lord,
my real prayers,
rooted in the muck and mud and rock of my life,
and not just my pretty, cut-flower, gracefully arranged
bouquet of words?
Will you accept me, Lord,
as I really am,
messed up mixture of glory and grime?

Lord, Help me!
Help me to trust that you do accept me as I am,
that I may be done with self-condemnation
and self-pity,
and accept myself.
Help me to accept you as you are, Lord:
mysterious,
hidden,
strange,
unknowable;

and yet to trust
that your madness is wiser
than my timid, self-seeking sanities,
and that nothing you've ever done
has really been possible
so I may dare to be a little mad, too.

Ted Loder

{A Run-of-the-mill Sinner}

Are you a run-of-the-mill sinner? Am I?

Reading from Luke 6:31-34 (The Message)...

"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawn-brokers does that."

I did ask myself what I want people to do for me. I came up with this...I want them to be my friend. Even if they don't think I'm worthy of their friendship...or not good enough...young enough....wealthy enough...driving the right kind of car...living in the right neighborhood...just enough.

When I turn it around I realize sometimes I'm not reaching out to people for much of the same reason that I feel that I'm not reached out to by others. Maybe they aren't who I would think of when I think of someone that I could be friends with. It doesn't seem like we would have anything in common. Yes, I'm real and not perfect...I'm laying it out here today. What happens then is that I miss out on friendships that would probably enrich my life. The same way I feel that I would probably enrich others lives when don't reach out to me.

Luke 6:35-36 (The Message)...
"I tell you, love your enemies (or people who act they are too good for you). Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never--I promise-- regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind, you be kind".

I hope you enjoy your Sunday and spend a little timing reaching out to others this week. I'll be working on this in my own life.

**photos taken today from my back deck and taken with my iPad.

Garlic Infused Honey {A Cold & Cough Remedy}

I have always steered away from over the counter medication when I'm fighting a cold or sore throat. Most of the time I will take large amounts of vitamin C (3000-5000 mg at the first sign of a cold) and I use home-remedies, teas and natural substances as much as possible. I will resort to OTC medications and antibiotics if necessary, though. This remedy is a new one to me and I decided to try it this past weekend.

I really liked the idea of doing this since I had the garlic and the honey on hand. Garlic is supposed to be a natural immune booster and raw honey is also supposed to be very good for you. The two combined should be a winning home-remedy. I only made a small amount to begin with since my honey supply was low. I will be making a larger quantity this week. Have you made this at your house? How did it work for you?

Here is the recipe:

Garlic Infused Honey

Ingredients:
24 cloves of garlic
Raw Honey

Directions:
Place peeled garlic in a jar and pour honey over the the cloves. Store in a jar for several days until cloves are infused with the honey. Keep in your refrigerator.

At the first sign of a cold or sore throat eat a clove every hour or two for a couple of days. Aim for 6 cloves per day. You can also take the honey on it's own as a cough syrup. A teaspoon of the honey with apple cider vinegar and hot water will make a good "wellness" tea. Add a dash of cayenne pepper to help clear your sinuses.

I hope you are all staying healthy this winter and if you try this please post here on the blog your experiences with it.

Have a great Monday,

Quiet Sunday {Psalm 66:1-2}

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Are You Up For A Challenge?

Since February is usually kind of a LONG month (even though it's short) I decided to have some fun and create a photo challenge based on the theme of Gratitude.   The challenge is on the Embracing My Blessings Facebook Page and you can also find it on the sidebar of this blog.  There is a topic for each day in February (see below).  We'll be taking photos related to the topic each day and posting them on the Gratitude Photo Challenge Event Page to share with all the other attendees.  I have done a couple of these and they are so much fun and it's exciting to see the creativity of everyone involved.  I would love for you to join.  We'll be doing a Link-Up Here on the blog (more on that later) and/or you can join us on Facebook...your choice.  It's all just for fun and great way for us to get our phones and cameras out in February and take some photos of things that we might not normally take.

Stay Tuned for more information here on the blog or go ahead and JOIN us on the Facebook Event.

Here is more information from the Event Page:

Let's have some fun and join together for a Winter photo challenge for the month of February with the overall theme being GRATITUDE. There will be a topic for each day in February (see below).

This is an open event to anyone that wants to participate. You can join anytime and you don't have to do this everyday, though this is encouraged....after all, it's fun!

Rules/Suggestions:

1. Photo Challenge runs from February 1 - 28, 2013.

2. Each day look below to see the topic for the day and take a photo representing the topic. Remember, our overall theme is GRATITUDE.

3. Each day post your picture for the day to this EVENT PAGE.

4. You can add a description with your picture or not...it's up to you.

5. Each day I will choose a photo or two to feature on the Embracing My Blessings Facebook Page. (I will ask your permission before doing so.)

6. Don’t worry if you are getting a late start or if you skipped a day. Just jump in and follow along.

REMEMBER: It's all about having fun and using our cameras/phones to express our Gratitude for the month of February.

Share the event with your Facebook Friends. MORE PHOTOS = MORE FUN!

Thanks for joining and I look forward to seeing your photos!

FEB. 1: FOOD
FEB. 2: BEAUTY
FEB. 3: HAPPINESS
FEB. 4: MUSIC
FEB. 5: MORNING SKY
FEB. 6: BOOKS
FEB. 7: SOMETHING FUNNY
FEB. 8: COLOR
FEB. 9: INSPIRING PERSON
FEB. 10: NATURE
FEB. 11: SOMETHING OLD
FEB. 12: HANDS
FEB. 13: WRITTEN WORDS
FEB. 14: LOVE
FEB. 15: MOVEMENT
FEB. 16: ANIMALS
FEB. 17: MEMORIES
FEB. 18: SOMETHING NEW
FEB. 19: BEST FRIEND
FEB. 20: DAILY ROUTINE
FEB. 21: NIGHT-TIME
FEB. 22: CLOTHING
FEB. 23: LIGHT
FEB. 24: KINDNESS
FEB. 25: SELF PORTRAIT
FEB. 26: ARTWORK
FEB. 27: FAMILY
FEB. 28: GRATITUDE


Hoping you'll join us!

 

...And another day very similar to yesterday...

That's what the weatherman said on the news this morning. "Another day very similar to yesterday". Isn't that what winter feels like? It feels like they are all the same...the days. They are the same...for the most part. We work, take care of our families, run errands, do laundry, cook meals, etc. It's probably what everyone's life is like, but sometimes it feels like I'm the only one in some sort of hamster wheel. I'm reminded of my challenge this year. I'm still counting.

Today I write in my journal...

• Maisy brings much joy to us.
• Wrapping up in a warm blanket on a cold morning.
• Chunky coffee mugs.

So, what do we do with these long, winter days?  I try to embrace them.  I enjoy staying "in" and doing things like reading and craft projects that I don't have as much time for in the warmer months.  I encourage you to look outside and find something beautiful in your yard.  Even though most of the leaves are gone and the grass is dead. I am still able to find beauty in the dried plant pods, and bare branches of the trees.  How can that be beautiful, you might ask?   It's beautiful because with the faded flowers and lack of leaves I'm able to see more clearly the life in our yard.  The birds and other animals.  There is something beautiful in every season if you look.  I also know the promise of what is coming underneath those dead leaves and brown grass.  After this season of rest, everything is beautiful again in a few months.  Take a look...I think you'll see it too.  There is a Time For Everything.

I have much to be grateful for. I am Blessed. Even on these days that run right into one another.

   

Enjoy your time today, my friends!