Small Thoughts & Big Leaps

Long Overdue

If you have two minutes to spare, make a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, and let’s chat.

It seems somewhere, I’ve lost a few weeks (not been feeling tip-top). I said goodbye to my long-lasting flowers while my porch awaits a wintry decor.

Settle in. Random order.

If you’ve been following me, you know how much I love traditions. Organizing and creating takes a big slice out of these six weeks each year. I need to gather my wits about me to accomplish my list, which is staring at me each morning. Giving myself grace… celebrating even one small thing that gets checked off.

I’m done buying green peppers. On one of my recliner days, I watched a segment about “eating the rainbow.” I am now informed that red peppers are green peppers, only fully ripe. How did I not know this? The longer Mr. Pepper stays on the plant, the riper and sweeter he becomes. Not a wonder I like red better. Bonus – it is also more nutrient-dense. In defense of the color green, there is less sugar and carbs. Make your choice.

My sister challenged our family text thread to come up with words to T.H.A.N.K.S. Here is mine:   Time is in God’s hands;  Holy Bible & Hubby;  Always with you, signed Jesus;  Neighbors;  Kids and kid’s kids;  Shots for my migraines, after 20 years of use, are no longer in distribution. I’m thankful for the injection rescue all these many years. (Time will tell on a new med.)

I decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. But first things first. We will host our Thanksgiving Family Gathering (includes our family of 18 plus my sibs) on Thanksgiving Eve. We switched it last year to accommodate my nephew coming into town. The timing was great, and it was voted unanimously to change it. So technically, on Thanksgiving Day, you will find me buried in my Christmas bins, giving us one extra day to be thankful for Christmas music!

My little bookstore is still running, though the orders have slowed.  If I never sold another book, I would not be disappointed. God has forwarded my books to friends and strangers close by and far away. We have sold more copies than we ever dreamed. And both hubs and I have had the joy of giving over 150 books away. I just took a call this week from a man Chuck gave the book to. A man I’ve never met shared that our Valentine’s baby story hit close to home. He and his wife lost a baby three days old, then had a miscarriage, but ultimately ended up with six children. I have a whole big file of sweet stories just like his. Sharing the pathway to a deeper life together. What an honor it is.

We had a wonderful getaway to Chuck’s side of the family, Ray and Jana, who live in Washington Courthouse. It happened to be the perfect time with warm weather. We enjoyed hours of outdoor sitting and visiting. I came home inspired by Jana’s battery-operated candles in her lovely home. I already owned a taper set and have been hunting to tuck a few more around my house. Found this candle to go in our kitchen with my Scripture thought for the week. Prettier in person.

Little notes of cheer. Encouragement doesn’t come any sweeter. This one is from Bret and Kristin’s oldest, Emerson. A sprig of lavender is good for the soul.

It is not lost on me that the seasons of wonderful family traditions are difficult for those who have lost loved ones. Life does not always meet our expectations. Can I share a hug with you over the miles and quietly say, “I’m sorry.” I hope you will find a smile as tears fill your eyes. It’s okay.

If you’re still with me after all my rambling, I’m signing off with a rare photo of myself to say Happy Thanksgiving from my Inn to yours. May our hearts overflow with gratitude for big and small blessings. Walking with Jesus tops my list. I hope He is on yours too.

Gathering my wits, Margi