... and I'm counting more of my blessings

More ... there will always be more. The problem with counting blessings is that each one opens up a whole new list of blessings. Guess those could be called sub-blessings, but nope, they are each and every one actual blessings.

As we close out Memorial Day, I will put living with the freedoms given by living in the United State of America at the top of the list. Those freedoms aren't taken lightly, or gained without sacrifice. Our nation is one built on sacrifice, and as a whole, the American population now takes them for granted. I'm not claiming that America is perfect or that the government isn't flawed, but I'll take the USA over any other country and stand up tall and proud.

Hand in hand with living in American, I am thankful for those who have served our country, those who currently serve our country, and those who shall serve in the future. Our armed forces deserve our respect and our gratitude. They are a blessing.

I'm so thankful for safety from the storms that have been surfacing all around in recent days. I don't believe those who were hit by the storm were any less loved by God than I am. However, for some reason, I was spared. As we watched the clouds begin rotation over our heads, I was extremely aware that we could be in trouble. But knowing where my hope lies gave me the calm to face whatever came my way. Yes, we did seek safety and yes, we were very relieved when the winds calmed and the clouds moved away. Thankful for safety today and always.

My job ... I know, I complain about it. The simple truth is, I wish I were financially independent and had no need for a job. Since that isn't the case, I am thankful for my job. It provides me with an income, insurance, a retirement "plan" (not sure the plan is going to work too well for me, but it's a plan none the less), and vacation time to do things with and for my family. Yes, my job is a blessing.

I work with some good people. They are on my "blessing" list. I work with some not as good people, and I'll put them on the list simply because they make the others look especially sweet.

My daughter, Beki, is and will always be on my special blessing list. Simply put ... she just is.

Health ... I've taken it for granted, but have realized that my health is a treasure and I should guard it and cherish it as I do all of my blessings.

My home! It may not be as grand as many homes, but it is sturdy, warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and has comfy stuff in it.  Having said that, I think I'll head for my comfy bed so that I can get up tomorrow and go to the job that I'm blessed to have.

Bunches!!!
Nona

Headed for sixty ... and learning new things

Please, before I even begin, let me emphasize one point - I am not a professional photographer. Don't judge me as one, because I'm not claiming it. Photography is something that has long fascinated me, but I'm just now starting to realize that I take pretty decent pictures.

And so, dear Blog, from time to time I'm going to use this space to showcase a few of my favorites. People featured are either family or special friends who have asked me to take pics for them. Those people are so kind and have graciously allowed me into their lives to celebrate their families with them.

These 3 are of a dear friend's first grandchild. I learned a big lesson on this one: 12 day old babies don't always cooperate, but they are always sweet.  I thought I got some great shots.

I had the pleasure of shooting some pics of her beautiful momma less than a week before her birth.  Here are a couple of my favorites from that day.  

But being the proud Nana that I am, I must include some of a couple of my favorite subjects.  

Autumn and I spent some time in the park a few weeks ago.  

She was such a willing model for me and I really don't have any idea which of us had the better time.  

Today, Libby spent the afternoon with us and I took the opportunity to take her out on the front lawn to get these.

 

Isn't she adorable?  And of course, who can resist chubby baby feet.








Bunches,

Nona

Headed for sixty ... and counting blessings

Oh dear blog ... I have so neglected you. Getting ready for my trip and then recovering from my trip and then getting back in the drudgery routine of things has sort of taken it out of me.

But for today ... this very early hour of Mother's Day, I'm counting my blessings. This is by no means an all inclusive list. Instead, this is just a sampler.

Today I am thankful ...

... that Jesus Christ died for my MY (yes, it does need to be all caps) sins. He didn't have to, but He chose to.

... for a wonderful husband. God has a wonderful plan for my life and He wrote Dennis right into the middle of that plan.

... for being a mother. This is an inclusive thing. I've mentioned my thankfulness for Dennis (without whom I would not be a mother). I am so very thankful to God for the precious children we conceived together. Rebeka Lynn, Ryan Wayne, our little unborn baby, and Robert Andrew - the love we feel for them is a gift from God. For that blessing, I am thankful to God. As an addendum to that, I'm thankful for Kelly and Jessica (my daughters by marriage) and eight beautiful grandchildren: Lauren, Alex, Emily, Joe, Autumn, Andrew, Tori and Libby.

... for my mistakes. Boy, that one is hard to be thankful for, but the mistakes I've made in my life have formed me into what I am today. Hopefully I am more loving, more sensitive and more open to sharing God's love because of those mistakes.

... for my birth family. I have a mother who is 91 years old, still a source of comfort and wisdom for me. I had a dad who was sometimes harsh, but he loved me. I'll leave that alone. My three brothers have each been blessings to me. I may be closer to some than others, but I love them each and every one.

Yup ... I'm counting blessings.

Bunches,
Nona