Gratitude Day 626

Psalm 92:6 – Such amazing mysteries are found within every miracle that nearly everyone seems hidden in your ways.

May 1^st. The beginning of a beautiful month of spring here in Wisconsin. An amazing time of the year.

Growing up, we often delivered little May baskets to our neighbors on May 1st. We’d put little things like cookies and candy in a little paper “basket.” The idea was to leave the basket as a surprise to the receiver. We’d ring the doorbell and run back to the car! We lived in the country so this wasn’t something we could do on foot. We’d often see a smile through the screen door from Clara, our piano teacher or Emma, our neighbor who had a love for flowers that never ended. She took my sister and I on little hikes through the woods and showed us the various spring flowers.

Since I can’t deliver a May basket to your house today, I’m sharing with you a few “treats” for you to enjoy on this glorious Saturday morning.

This book. Yes, it’s a children’s book. But it’s one that every female should read. It’s beautifully illustrated and such a fun little read. Here are some of the words from the book:

Dear Girl,

Keep that arm raised! You have smart things to say!

Sometimes you may feel like being pick and sparkly.

Sometimes you may feel pretty much the opposite.

Look at yourself in the mirror.

Say thank you to something that makes you YOU.

Sometimes you just need a good cry.

Sometimes you’ll need a friend.

Sometimes you’ll need to be alone.

Sometimes you’ll need a tissue.

Sometimes you’ll need a bucket.

Dear Girl, don’t ever lose your sense of wonder.

Find people like you.

Find people unlike you.

This is just a sampling of the book. But so important for us to hear. It’s such a wonderfully encouraging book, for “girls” of all ages. Yes, as a 50-something-or-other, it definitely speaks to me. I think it will speak to you as well. There is a “Dear Boy” book as well by the same authors. While I haven’t looked at it yet, I’m hopeful it is just as encouraging.

This birthday idea. Recently, my friend Stacie shared this idea. One of her young adult children had a birthday. In honor of this, she bought books for every family member. Specific books that she has asked each family member to read. If they want, they can then share with each other. Stacie received this book. I just checked it out from the library and have only read a few pages. It’s a book about the Canadian foster care system.

I can let you know what I think of the book. But what struck me about this idea? The daughter GAVE something to her family for her birthday. As a book lover myself, I’m thinking about how I can incorporate this into what I do with my family.

This video. It’s only eight minutes long and well worth your time. My friend Mary shared it. This video is not about answering questions. It’s about listening to each other. Something I am really trying to do more of these days.

This way to end-the-day. One thing I have been wanting to implement is something that I do at the end of the day. A few weeks ago, I began this little way to end the day. I keep a little journal on my bedside table. I pull it out and answer these three questions:

1. What worked well today?
2. What didn’t work well today?
3. What is a hope that I have for tomorrow?

Has this been life changing? The jury is still out. What I do like is having a bookend to my day. A way to wrap it up. It takes about 90-seconds. Literally. I’d love to hear if you have a way that you bookend your day.

This porch. I’m sloooowwwwwly getting the porch ready for spring and summer. The wicker furniture is on the front porch, with a fresh coat of touch-up paint via Hubby Rick. I have a sign ready for a prominent place once I get some flowers. (It’s still too early here.) And I put the tablecloth on the table after cleaning all the dirt off. Oh, and I moved the Martha Washington plant outside for some more light! I can bring her back in if it looks cold. What is something you are doing to get ready for summer and spring?

This article. It lists some of the best little places to visit in Wisconsin. I may be a little partial to #7, as a former Ms. Bean Queen. Yep. Little known fact, I know. I still have the crown to prove it. But WHY??? Probably one of those things that I can eliminate.

It’s not a cookie or candy. But hopefully a little bit of sunshine and light on this 1^st of May. How might you “treat” someone to a little May Day gift today?

You are an amazing person. Have a great day by blessing another amazing person today.

For little treasures in our lives that bring back special memories, I am grateful

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – It is so amazing to watch the seasons of the year change. Even more amazing is the beautiful things we find around us every day. On this May Day, may we be blessed and amazed by You. Amen.

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