All Categories - 55 Blessings

Surprise Surprise ... Look what we found!

8/2/2015

WOW ... A surprise like you wouldn't believe! We were working outside in the yard doing multiple projects when we heard a strange noise. When the children went to investigate, TAMI (our sow) had delivered 2 little piglets (Starting around 2:15 PM). We didn't even know she was pregnant. It appears that she got pregnant before we bought her but didn't know anything about it. While we were admiring the first 2 little ones ... here came JET, the 3rd piglet except he was coming out feet first. We assisted the Momma pig and soon the little guy was out and breathing! What a miracle ... thanks be to God. We spent the next little while waiting to see if she was done delivering and making the home for the new little piglets comfy and secure. Since this was TAMI's first litter, all she had was 3 but that's fine ... we are delighted to have them here. What a blessing as we thought that we might have to wait until Spring 2016 before we had any piglets running around. Every day God surprises us in one way or another. DOB:8/1/15 12" long, approx 4 lbs. Welcome Jet!

A Hare Raising Deal ...

4/22/2015

Someone once said if you have a couple of rabbits, they'll be coming out of your ears. Hogwash! We purchased several beautiful rabbits so that we could raise bunnies. Our first attempt, the Momma rabbit had 4 kits, all of which died ... I was heartbroken, as these were from my expensive Silver Fox purebred rabbits. Our next attempt, was my daughters rabbits and out of 7 kits, we lost all but 2 ... oh how sad! They say that the third time is a charm. Well after much prayer, our third time yielded 8 kits from an experienced Momma rabbit and all 8 are still living and doing fine. Thank You Lord for the blessings and bounty. With out HIS hand in the process, life is the pits!

Mackinac Bridge, MI

4/22/2015

Mackinac Bridge, Michigan - Lake Huron

In all my times traveling across this great 5 mile masterpiece, I wanted to get a super photo of the bridge without big trees in the way or from such a distance that it looks like a tiny thing. I kept thinking of Jesus walking on the water .. well he could have gotten a great photo ...while touring around on our vacation we found this less travelled road that seemed to end in the lake. It was there, that I felt blessed to be able to get a fantastic picture of the Mackinac Bridge in all it's glory. I didn't care about the cold or the local dog that wanted to scare me off. I just wanted a great photo to take with me. Voila! ... there it is. I was pleased that out of all the photos that I took that day, all came out wonderfully. I felt as if I was having a National Geographic moment! Thank You for the blessings.

Heart To Heart

4/22/2015

God sure touches our hearts in special ways! It had been many years since my wife and I had been on an Anniversary vacation. This year we felt blessed to be able to spend our Anniversary together enjoying the majesty of the Great Lakes (Huron, Michigan and Superior) after a cold hard Winter. As we were taking photos of the Mackinac Bridge, MI, we noticed LOVE from God's hand to our hearts. There in the snow sculpture was a heart carved for us on the day of our Anniversary. His Love and Blessings truly touch us in ways that are often hard to express. Thank You God for the Blessings and the special Anniversary gift!

Ahhhh Morning

2/22/2015

Morning is a great time to be thankful and count your blessings. Whether the sun is out or not, morning can be a quiet, reflective time of natural beauty. I love being outside just as the sun is coming up or the day is beginning. This shot was taken just yesterday. It was a crispy-cold morning, what I like to call "nose-sticking" weather. As I stood there staring at the clouds, wondering what the day would be like, the awesomeness started. First I heard the ducks quacking and the rooster crowing. Then as I listened, the pigs started oinking and the little snow birds started singing, greeting the day. Soon the dogs were barking and the cow was mooing. In a span of just a few moments the silence of the early morning was filled with an orchestra of sounds. How awesome, Gods created a special orchestra for me to greet the day ... what lovely music! I was thankful for a beautiful start to my day. "Thank You Lord for the Blessings!".

Freedom!

2/17/2015

What does being free or having freedom mean to you?

I'm sure if you asked 100 people that question, you would get a different answer from each one. While categories may be similar, like having money or time to do what you want, each individual opinion would vary by degree.
We are all different by our creator's design ... even twins though similar are still different. Some of us can simply notice the differences more than others.
Understanding that God is in control and has individually created us to be unique sends a message of peace and tranquility to our soul, all the while reminding us that we are free because of Him and what He has done for us and not because of our own merit. What joy we can experience and what burdens we can release when we put things into the proper perspective! Open your eyes, your heart and your mind to enjoy today and what has been laid before you. Today once gone, will never be the same but a memory for us to cherish. "Thank You God for today and the freedoms it holds."

What's got your goat?

2/8/2015

Do you ever feel like sticking your tongue out at the world? What "gets your goat" or makes you angry?

Life can be very challenging at times ... almost enough to make you want to "spit nails". While this can be considered a natural reaction because we are human, it is best if we can "maintain control" Simply put, one little moment of anger and hatred can ruin a life.

I think back to when I was a child ... a few moments of uncontrolled anger could have totally changed my life. I am thankful that the spirit within helped me do the right thing. A few deep breathing and calming exercises also works well with prayer to keep one focused.

Have you ever experienced 'Road Rage'? Well, I have and it wasn't at all enjoyable. A man once passed me because he was in a hurray and I was taking my time relaxing and enjoying the drive home after a long day at work. When I signaled for the man to go around me, he went nuts! He pulled in front of my car, got out with a pipe in hand and was spitting on the hood of my car. He kept screaming "c'mon, get out !%@*!". Truthfully, I was more angry than scared and I wanted to teach the dude a thing or two. I am thankful that I listened to my heart and regained control. The outcome, whether I had taken the dude out or not would have put me in a bad situation and changed my life for the worse, not the better! I drove around him and managed to get away. "Thank You, Lord, for wisdom and the hedge of protection".

I now think back to different events in my life where the outcome from a situation, could have completely changed my life. I feel blessed to have an inner spirit that steers me in the right direction and the peace that comes from knowing that God sees the big picture and is in control.

What do you see?

2/7/2015

Take a closer look!
Sometimes we think we see one thing and often we miss something else! For instance, if you take a look at the picture here you might say: "I see a pile of rocks!" Well, while it is true that there are many rocks here, you are missing out on a collection of things. There is a whole community of nutrient dense elements here. You will find rocks, twigs, acorns, dirt, blades of grass, leaves and more if you really take a closer look. So what's the point?
Humans tend to look at things quickly when they see something without really studying the whole picture. We even do that with each other ... we look at the exterior instead of what lies beneath.
All of us have had a "bad hair day" at one time or another. What if your "bad hair day" was the first time you visited a new town/community? Perhaps you wouldn't be looked upon favorably by the locals. Jesus went from place to place and we know that many didn't look upon Him favorably ... they missed the real treasure!
If you have often prejudged someone the first time you saw them ... perhaps the right thing would be to take a closer look. Take an interest and spend a few moments just talking and listening to that person the next time you see them and I am sure you'll come away feeling blessed! I have met so many wonderful characters just by taking a few moments to be interested.
If you came to my town, you would certainly get the opportunity to catch me on one of my "bad hair days". It is so cold where we live that we often lose water (a precious resource) during the winter months. It could be weeks before we get water restored ... we do our best ... but we do have those days! I am thankful that I live in a small community that helps each other and often places have donated water when we are out. There are many blessings in our daily lives but we often overlook them. I am thankful that my inner ME is the type that allows me to go beyond surface things. We live in a wonderful, yet complex world, so take a closer look!

Recognition

2/2/2015

Every Human being I can think of likes to be recognized in some way!
We may not want to be out in the "limelight" (limelight is... the spotlight. when you're famous ) but we all like people to care in one way or another ... sometimes we just don't want to admit it!

Leo Buscaglia is one person that I can think of that really wanted to connect with people. Now whether you think he went about it the right way or not ... he sent a message ... people need recognition and they need to know someone cares. If you think that I am missing the mark on this one, take a closer look. How many people are on social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc)? How many people use email, snail mail, send e-cards, share photos ... the list goes on. We live in such a fast-paced world now where almost everyone feels the need to be connected. It's not just the young people either ... even the Grandmas and Grandpas have cell phones.

In this crazy world, we often get so busy that we forget to let someone know we care, even on "what many would say is their most important day", their birthday. I have to admit that I have forgotten more than my share.

While I am embarking on this year long journey to share ... I want to recognize YOU!

I respect your privacy and "Thank You" for respecting mine ... but I would like to offer to recognize you in my posts on your special day. I will only use your first name so you can keep your personal life private. If you authorize me to recognize you on your special day, simply fill out the contact form with the subject Birthday Recognition and I will do my best to get your special day posted.

God has made us unique and to know you is a blessing! Today, I have you as a friend ... "Thank You Jesus" for the blessings. Make It A Great Day!

What are you not seeing? ...

2/1/2015

Hiding amongst the thorns are beautiful things!
Have you ever taken a walk only to notice that everything seems to be the same ... then one day, in the bushes you notice something quite different and beautiful.
There amongst the bushes is a little duck, full of life and activity. He's been there all along, it's just that you have never noticed him ... why is that? Herein lies the problem, lack of observation. Often we are so wrapped up in our own thoughts and problems in life that we don't take time to notice the marvelous things that God has put here for our enjoyment.
I used to love to walk along a dirt road or in the woods in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the wild roses that I would see occasionally. Thinking how beautiful and delicate they are, I often wished I could have them in my own yard to enjoy every day. This past summer, as I walked around the farm, I noticed an abundance of these beautiful roses that I have often cherished. What a blessing, now at long last I have some of these precious beauties in my own yard. To my delight, this Fall, I noticed that they produce wonderful, edible rose hips that are good for natural health and a great source of Vitamin C. What a blessing!
I encourage you to take a moment and go for a peaceful walk, savoring the moment, enjoying all that surrounds you. Thank the Lord for all his handiwork, and the majesty of His creation. Listen to the sounds and be observant. Perhaps there, you will find a rose hidden amongst the thorns. You are His perfect rose waiting to blossom. Enjoy this day, while it is present ... soon today will be gone and but a memory for the past. Today, I feel blessed!
"Thank You" God for this day!