Thursday, March 19, 2026

Thankful Thursday

My little (younger) brother called this week. Even though he’s in his 70s now, he’ll always be my little brother in my heart. As always, it did my soul good to hear his voice and catch up on what’s happening in his world. We don’t get to see each other often—three hours is just a bit too far for a quick drop‑in and a cup of coffee—so I’m especially thankful for our phone visits. I truly enjoy them.

Our weather has been beautiful lately, even if it’s been too cold to sit out on the porch. Sunny days, bright blue skies, and a wind that cuts right through you. A late-season cold front blew in, and it looks like we’ll have a few more chilly days before the warmth settles back in. Still, I’m grateful for my little porch with its swing and all the plants waiting patiently for spring. Just knowing it’s there brings me joy.

And speaking of things that bring joy—they finally finished the house across the street. It looks ready to sell now. Best of all, they picked up the port‑a‑potty and hauled it away. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to look out my window and not see that anymore. :))

 The Beauty of Being Thankful for the Little Things!

I am so thankful for the little things in life—the quiet, ordinary moments that don’t make headlines but somehow steady my heart. It’s funny how God often tucks His sweetest reminders into the smallest corners of the day. A simple phone call, watching nature from the comfort of my swing and the birds hopping along the fence as if it stopped by just to say hello. These aren’t grand gestures, but they are gentle nudges that whisper, “I’m here. I’m caring for you in ways you don’t even see.”

Gratitude doesn’t always come from mountaintop moments. More often, it grows in the simple rhythms—morning coffee, a familiar chair, the sound of someone you love moving around the house. For me, it's the sound of Mr D playing his music. When we slow down enough to notice, these small blessings begin to feel like threads God uses to stitch peace into our days. And the more we pay attention, the more we realize how much there is to be thankful for.

Life may not always be easy, but it is always sprinkled with grace. Sometimes it shows up as a butterfly dancing through the yard, sometimes as a memory that makes you smile, and sometimes as the quiet assurance that God is walking right beside you. (Thank You Lord) The little things remind us that joy doesn’t have to be loud to be real—it just has to be noticed.

Yes, I'm thankful for phone calls, chilly sunshine, porch swings, and even the disappearance of a port‑a‑potty—each is a gift worth rejoicing in.

picture from the internet

Goodbye Potty!


Until Next Time



Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 643

Here are the questions to the first Hodgepodge in the merry month of March.

From this Side of the Pond

Play along by clicking HERE!

1.     As the saying goes, 'March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.' Did your March come in roaring or like some other animal? Every month carries with it certain feelings, which is why some people love and anticipate December and others dread it. How do you feel about the month of March?

Other than my son’s birthday, March is just another month.  I do like that it starts porch-sitting days and new growth around the yard.  The bird's tweets sound merrier and the wasp are already nesting nearby - YIKES.

2.    Where in your life are you a lion? Where are you a lamb?

I think I was a lion years ago, working and taking care of a family, I had to be ferocious!  Now I’m a lamb loving my grandbabies, retirement, and MrD. 😊

3. The Hodgepodge lands on National Pound Cake day. Do you like pound cake? If so do you have a favorite flavor? Let's play this or that-

pound cake or layer cake

pound cake

pound cake or cheesecake

cheese cake

pound cake or angel food cake

pound cake

pound cake or brownie

both

pound cake or pie

pound cake, what flavor of pie?

4. What makes you feel childlike wonder right now?

Bible archeology and prophecy being fulfilled. It delights me like nothing else can do. He is real folks, and He's coming again.

5. What's one thing you need to add to your wardrobe to get ready for spring? If you're in the southern hemisphere, then answer for fall?

I need a new pair of white tennis shoes. I love grasshoppers but haven't found them in white yet. I might just go for a pair of Keds.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may those who love you be secure.  

from: Ps. 122:6

As we lift that prayer today, may we also remember every man and woman standing watch in dangerous places. May God surround them with His protection, steady their hearts, and bring peace to the places they serve. May He shelter every person in harm’s way beneath the mighty covering of His wings, holding them close and keeping them safe.


Until Next Time

Mary