Thursday, January 6, 2011

Thankful Thursday

Linking up with Dayle at Simple Pleasures

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things" Maya Angelou 

First week in January....and it's already a great year. My goal - to kick back.. embrace life...give life my best....and enjoy the simple pleasures of life...I'm learning.....thanks for that Dayle. This week I'm grateful for:

-Dave...I was trying to pull a screw out from a lock on the front door. It wouldn't budge. Dave was standing outside. I didn't know him...but he saw me struggling...came over...took the screwdriver and pulled that screw out. I mumbled thanks. He flashed a huge smile. His action...his kindness....and his smile turned the day into something pretty neat.
-My oldest walked into the kitchen while I was washing dishes. I splashed a bit of water on her. She pushed her hand under the faucet and the water fight was on. Loved hearing the sound of her laughter. 
-Sparked up a friendship with some new neighbours who just moved from overseas. Even our kids hit it off.    
-Went to my first toastmaster's meeting. I want to push past my fears...and learn to have my voice in front of people.  The group of twenty were the kindest people. Even though I felt really nervous.....I've decided to stay. I'm thankful for all of them.
-Hope and joy - I wake up feeling it...even though there's no real reason except I know He's there..in my corner...whispering...it's okay now. You can do and be anything you want. He's making all the difference. He makes my heart want to sing.

31 comments:

Just Be Real said...

Ahhh Sarah, love the water fight! I have seen such growth in you this past year. Looking forward to 2011 and your adventures the Lord leads you on. You are truly a blessings!!

Terri Tiffany said...

Happy New Year!! So you started Toastmasters? I did it for several months. It's fun but a challenge.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Sarah, you always leave me with a smile and a grateful heart. You've listed many simple pleasures, but I think my favorite is Dave ... someone helping when there's a need.

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

Sarah, how great to know there are Good Samertians still out there, listening to the News puts doubt in folks mines.
Life is full of sweet simple pleasures all anyone has to do is look, I'm so thankful I found your blog.
Molly

Cindy said...

Sarah, that sounds wonderful to me. so glad you are taking the Toastmasters. I have never heard anything but how wonderful the course is. ...waterfights are always wonderful, laughter is great, nice of the fellow to help. When our eyes and hearts are open to it, goodness just seems to find your door, thanks be to God. hugs.

Debbie said...

This is such a "step out" week of thank yous. I'm determined to step out this year, too. Your thanksgiving is an inspiration for me this week. Hope I can give comparable thanks soon!

Andrea said...

I am thankful GOD brought you into my life...how wonderful to count you as a friend...more than a friend...a sister in Christ!

Big hugs,
andrea

aspiritofsimplicity said...

The smallest kindnesses that others do for us often make the biggest differences.

Wanda's Wings said...

Aren't the little things great? Way to enjoy!

Velvet Over Steel said...

Wonderful post, Sarah!!! Kindness and simple things are all I need.. I know that for sure! :-)

Lots of Love & Hugs,
Coreen

Ginny Hartzler said...

It is just wonderful that you recognize, write about and are thankful for all these small moments. Some people only notice the bad. I LOVE the water fight!! It's the spontaneous little fun things like that that make memories forever, lots of times even more so than the big planned events.

Kay K said...

I love it ...I too am finding simple things are the best things
fun of water splashing each other
blessing to you

Kathleen said...

Sounds like you're enjoying life. I love the picture you have used to represent your water fun.

Ms.Daisy said...

Oh Sarah,
It makes my heart sing just knowing how you feel...I feel the same - I KNOW He's in my corner every day and in every way! Thanks for stopping by today to say "hi."

~Jean

P.S. The upside to a waterfight? A clean kitchen floor! LOL!

Unknown said...

I just love the kindness of strangers.

Michelle said...

Awesome post!
You are so blessed!

RCUBEs said...

Water fight? That sounds fun! Thanks for the grateful heart that reminds us to do the same. Instead of whining, how neat if we remember to always say thank You to the One Who deserves it all! Blessings to you sister.

Anonymous said...

Sarah!!!! Happy new year! Dave sounds like God helping you out. :) Yay for goody good times!!

Nana Jul said...

Seeing Him in the everyday ordinary things...is pretty INCREDIBLE! Embrace every moment! Smile lots!! You are one INCREDIBLE woman!!
I'm so glad you Know that you know that you know!!
Love ya sista
Julie

Vintagesouthernlife said...

Love the water fight. It is little pleasures that build life time memories.My son was talking over the holidays about some of the fun little things we did when he was small.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Awesome, absolutely wonderful news. I saw some friends today that I haven't seen in at least 3 years and it felt good. I have to stop hiding and get out more.

Christine said...

Good for you!
You played with your daughter.
You had a goal to improve, and acted on it.
Keep giving Life it's best!

Amrita said...

Rejpicing with you Sarah

Southern Gal said...

Ah, hope and joy from the Father. Such a beautiful thing. So happy for you!

Trish said...

Sarah you always make my heart smile!
I want to embrace life too :-)
God bless you..Trish

Anonymous said...

What is a Toastmasters meeting?

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Thank you, Sarah, for stopping by the blog and leaving a comment. I appreciate your giving me some of your time today. I pray for you and yours a blessed beginning to a new year! May the peace of Christ rule in your heart as you go and along the way!

~elaine

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Nice to have some friends that even your kids like! Toastmasters, I am not brave enough! Great for you
kim

Sunny Simple Life said...

Beautiful words. You are a wonderful writer!

Anonymous said...

Sarah,

Your words are filled with His Joy! Thank you for stopping by the cottage...

Have a blessed weekend!

Maria

Anonymous said...

"Hope and joy, I wake up feeling it", the joy of the Lord, the joy of our salvation! It's all about Him, not us, isn't it? So very wonderful!