Thankful Thursday

Linking with Cami at Thankful Thursday

"You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force" Publilius Syrus

I've spent so much time this week rereading and editing my soon to be released novel, Dancing Softly. It got me thinking a lot about the power of kindness....how it's an amazing force that can change someone's mood or behaviour or even outlook on life. 

Thinking about the kindness of friends and strangers over the years humbles me. I'm grateful for all them....here online...in my everyday life....in the past and now in the present.... I'm thankful for.....

-the lawyers who are helping me and have showed me constant kindness that I wish I could repay somehow.....
-N....for going to bat for me and doing something so amazing....something that there was no way I could have done for myself. She happened into my world at a time when I really needed her.
-the bank manager who gave me $100 when I had no money. He did more than that...He gave me my dignity and left me with hope...
-the many emails from bloggy friends who always pump me with encouragement and make me smile.
-Mostly...for Him...who whispers in my heart to never give up...to always hold on....that when things are hard or dark...it won't last forever and the assurance that He's forever in my corner.

Thankful Thursday

Linking with Cami at Thankful Thursday

"You’re shaking … so am I. It’s because of Jerusalem, isn’t it? One doesn’t go to Jerusalem, one returns to it. That’s one of its mysteries” Eli Wiesel 

The first time I went to visit my sister in Israel, I remember when the plane began to descend, the emotions running in my veins. We could all see the fields of trees below....growing.... prospering...the land rich with fruit and vegetation and HOPE.

A man sitting a few rows back pulled out a harmonica and began playing Hativkah, Israel's national anthem. The word itself means...The Hope. In that moment, every Jew on that plane regardless of life experience was bonded together by an overwhelming realization of God and the promise and hope fulfilled. A Jewish homeland...a sovereign nation where no Jew would ever be turned away from. Today...I'm grateful for.....

-Going from no hope to knowing hope. 
-The touch of the power of His gentleness....It's what turned my life around. 
-Contentment and peace that replaced all the restlessness and angst. 
-Family....community...purpose.....
-Mostly.....that I'm finally home and living with hope everyday. I know that no matter what happens....He's there...in my corner so the end of a thing will always be awesome.  

Thankful Thursday

Linking with Cami at Thankful Thursday

"The first question which the priest and the Levite asked...if I stop to help this man, what will happen to me? But the the good Samaritan reversed the question...if I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him? " Martin Luther King, Jr. 

I've always told my girls....there are more good people than bad in the world. Sometimes that doesn't see to be true....but than someone happens into my life and confirms that it really is.  

I'm grateful for those who shine light...hope and compassion in my world...especially in this situation with the preacher man who took what doesn't belong to him....and who, using faith, is promoting himself as someone he's definitely not. I've learned that it's living the truth with kindness that speaks the loudest. I'm grateful for....


-The lawyers....I'm humbled by their kindness. Yesterday they said they're behind me 100% and are worried for my safety and they'll do whatever I want. They've been love in action....and their kindness feels like God's hugs to me.
-Roger....I was introduced to him b/c of his knowledge of the film and writing industry. His constant support, wisdom and friendship reminds me there really are more good guys than bad. Rog...if you're reading this....thank-you. You're the absolute best and preacher man was a definite incidental bridge that connected me with you. Thanks for being in my corner. 
-S....she's become a mentor and friend.....an older woman who shines light and love and wisdom. She' helped me stay focus through this whole thing. Her words, her heart have shown me that kindness is the truest form of wisdom. 
-R...M...and K...who have told me if this goes to court they're there...They'll do whatever I need. They've listened to my rants...and always directed me to look up and trust Him with the final outcome. 
-And mostly for Him...I think He knew this would happen. And if He knew....then He's in it and if He's in it...the ending is going to be totally awesome. It doesn't matter that the winds are whipping around....I'm standing on the rock....and that rock is gonna smash this thing wide open into something amazingly beautiful. I know that b/c He promised...and His promises are right on true. 

Thankful Thursday

Linking up with Cami at Thankful Thursday

"What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth ....the promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again." Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games.

My daughter told me the other day the hardest part of the year for her is near the end of winter when she can't wait for Springtime.

Spring - where I live it's not supposed to hit until April but lately.....the weather's been amazing. It feels great to not have to wear jackets, hats and mitts. And there's a feeling of lightness and joy. I see it on the faces of everyone I meet. Their smiles says it all. Today I'm grateful for.....

-the awesome weather.....being able to get outside and smell the air and see the buds beginning to push out on the trees.
-the guy I'm writing about is coming to see us this weekend. Writing his story has reminded me....no matter how dark it gets.......if you hold on.....and trust....things will turn around. 
-my daughter has been talking about which university she wants to attend. She still has two years to go but she's leaning on the one close to us. Yeahhhh.
-I got stuck trying to figure something out on the computer. My 11 yr old pushed me aside. Let me see. She said. In two minutes she unstuck me.
-No matter what the season....or what life brings.....He always shines Light, joy and freedom. Just like the cold and gloom of winter eventually leaves....so does the tough times in life. There's always  'springtime' to look forward to.

Thankful Thursday

"We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet.

Even longer,' Pooh answered." A.A. Milne

Funny how some people are friends forever.....even after they're not here anymore. I still think of those people who made a difference in my world.....who changed the way I look at things.....and who believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself.  People...even some animals showed me a different way of living than I knew. I never wanted them to leave but I've discovered even in death or life changes they still live on in me. Today I'm grateful for all those who happened in my life and made a difference.

-Mr. W. for his neat stories and words of wisdom. The thing I remember most about this wonderful elderly Jamaican man.....his simple words that still play in my head.....especially his phrase 'inch by inch it's a cinch. Yard by yard it's hard.'

-my first dog S. She was the best. A true friend who gave me incredible comfort at a time I desperately needed it. 

-My friend S who loved Anne Murray tunes. At night when she couldn't sleep she'd call and ask if I'd just hold the phone and listen. I did.
-Gaye....we connected on twitter. She told me I'm a fighter. I told her so was she. She lost her battle with cancer but her words and awesome slant of seeing things still live in my heart.
-I don't like changes. I don't like when people have to leave....I'm glad He's a constant....always there.....I'm totally grateful for that. 

Thankful Thursday

Linking up with Dayle at Simple Pleasures

 

"I want to thank you, Lord, for life and all that's in it" Maya Angleou

I love  summer....the days are so easy....laid back....people smile and take time to chat more. The hills....valley's... ocean.....the flowers.....trees....even the grass....eye candy....brilliant colours melting into each other....the smells...the air.....This week I'm  thankful for...

-summertime - no more rushing to wake up early and dash to get the kids to school on time.
-holidays - fun trips to amazing places.....including day trips to explore quaint little towns
-BBQ's and fireworks.....amusement parks and festivals...slurping slushies and eating cotton candy outside in the warm sun.
-late nights - staying up as late as we feel....and waking up whenever we want. 
-Mostly....thankful that even though there's tough stuff we all go through....He always brings sunshine and rest and joy so we can catch our breathe again.

Thankful Thursday

Linking up with Dayle at Simple Pleasures

"As long as this exists, this sunshine and this cloudless sky, and as long as I can enjoy it, how can I be sad?" Anne Frank

Not much has happened this week...I couldn't go to Toastmasters b/c we woke up to a snowstorm. But I'm grateful for all the simple pleasures....those little things that make life the best and remind me how much I've been given....and how thankful I am for things like.....

-going for a good hike with a friend before the snow hit. We trekked through the woods and even went longer than usual...almost as if we knew we wouldn't be able to do this for awhile.
-having kids that I love to hang out with and who make me laugh...It's hard to get down when I'm with them. Being with them makes me want to live my best life.....
-starting a writing course and totally loving it. When I looked at all the books and the note from the instructor....I couldn't wait to get started.
-meeting a new friend for breakfast...someone who had emailed me asking to meet. Both of us acknowledged that we're kindred spirits. We've committed to meeting together regularly. Meeting and connecting with new people is always the best.
-having His guarentee that He'll always be in my world....always be there to lean on....always run with me....So many things change.....I'm so grateful He never changes.

Thankful Thursday "I did it!!"

Linking up with Dayle at Simple Pleasures. Thanks Dayle for hosting this awesome weekly blog sharing. I love reading what makes others happy.

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

I did it guys...I gave my speech at Toastmasters. It felt like my heart was going to burst right out of my chest...but I did it. I didn't run.....I stayed present. This week....I'm thankful for:

-standing up and speaking in spite of the fear. As much as I felt like drifting I stayed present. I didn't run.
-having great support from people at toastmasters. As hard as it was to maintain eye contact especially after I finished speaking....I tried hard not to look away as people came to talk to me. They told me my story was powerful and they're glad I'm there b/c I have a story that needs to be told.  
-enrolling in a writing course. It excites me to write.....I know this course will help me define my writing and become more focused.
-connecting with an amazing person who reached out to help me with a problem I didn't know how to solve. She not only went to bat for me but she went over and above what I needed and promised to be available anytime I need her help.
-having Him in my corner. He's my anchor....what I hold onto when I'm afraid....He gives me the courage and strength to push forward....and live my best life.

Thankful Thursday

Linking up with Dayle from Simple Pleasures..

"There's a calm to life lived in gratitude...a quiet joy." Robert Blum

There's something so neat about taking time to focus on the good...the simple pleasures....all those things that make me grateful...even on days when things aren't going exactly the way I want or need. This week I'm grateful for;

-spending time with my teen....talking and laughing about everything and anything. I love those times. Listening to her heart speak makes mine sing. 
-a Jewish relative who read my story....and wants to help me speak in synagogues. Took me totally by surprise.
- both the American and Canadian groundhogs agree...early spring. Yeahhhhh
-on frigid cold evenings....cuddling with my family on the couch and watching Nemo for the gazillionth time. 
-But the the best...knowing He's there...in my corner even when I'm afraid. I'm still afraid to stand up...be seen...and talk....I'm determined to push past this fear....b/c I owe Him. I used to agonize over not being able to do something....I was really hard on myself.  Now I tell myself the same thing I tell my kids - keep trying your best....There's always another chance to get it right.....and another after that.

Thankful Thursday

Linking up with Dayle from Simple Pleasures

"Gratitude is the heart's memory" Jean Baptiste Massieu

 As we drove home from the airport...it hit me....gratitude. For me....it's a simple pleasure...being able to say thank-you...to feel a sense of gratitude for being alive and for being safe. There was a time...I couldn't say thank you....a time when I thought dying would be a relief from life's pain. Gratitude....I feel it in every fibre of my being. Things I'm thankful for this week...

-arriving home safely....with no hiccups. Grateful we didn't fly today b/c 2000 flights at the airport were cancelled due to the snow storm. 
-coming home to our house...a save haven...a comfortable place where I can relax...and let go...and be me....
-For sharing the runway with Oprah...yep her plane was right beside ours. The kids got a thrill to see that.
-My sister's voice on the aswering machine...When we finally talked.....she cried saying she really missed me. We had been separated since we were kids and united three years ago. She's become a large part of my heart and I hers.
-and the most important....knowing that wherever I am...He's there....at home...in the air...on the highway...in San Fransisco...anywhere and everywhere. Just knowing I belong to Him...and that no matter what.....He's always there in my corner.

Thankful Thursday

Thanks Dayle for hosting Simple Pleasures

"I want to thank you, Lord, for life and all that's in it." Maya Angelou

We spent the day sightseeing San Fransisco...my youngest bounced and giggled through most of it.  At one point...overcome with excitement....she threw her arms around me and said thank you for bringing her to this fun city.  It was a good feeling to see and hear her joy and appreciation. It made me even more grateful for all that He's given me. This week....I'm really thankful for....

1.The steward on the plane who gave my kids extra ice cream and cookies...which made them very content and happy.
2. All the kind people who not only stopped to help us out with directions but took extra time to point out some things that were worth checking out.
3. The great staff at one particular restaurant. We couldn't make up our minds what we wanted. The staff were patient and had us all laughing. They tried to get us to take a risk....order something we had never eaten...we said sure...then changed our minds and being the chickens that we are....we went for the same old same old....
4. My youngest and I got high on grass in San Fransisco...the good kind..the one growing in gardens all over the city... We couldn't drink in enough of it's sweet rich fragrance....
5. Knowing He's on the trip with us....that He's always here...at home...wherever we are. Knowing that takes away the fear and allows me to let go....and have fun.

Thankful Thursday

"It's Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air" W.T. Ellis

I can still remember feeling lonely, empty and desperate during the holidays. Now - it's different...I love this season...with its magic...and His love. This week....I'm really thankful for: 

- opportunities to give back...my family's been helping out at a community outreach the last two weeks and on Christmas Day....we're hosting a family in need.  

-  the financial ability to bring a gift to people who've helped me..a small token of my gratitude to them for being in my corner. Seeing their smiles....makes me feel really good.  

- Proud to be my girl's mom. My 10 year old got $20. from a friend. Even though I told her not to...she spent the whole thing on me...buying me a bear she knew I loved.  

- for neighbours and friends and family who have shown me so much kindness and support....and that includes all of you guys. I am sooo thankful for you guys.

  

-I'm especially grateful for the touch of the power of His gentleness...it was His touch that turned my life around and filled the empty lonely places with so much love, peace and joy. I never knew this could ever be possible.

Thankful Thursday

linking to Simple Pleasures with Dayle. To join in post and add your name at http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/

Piglet? What would you do, if your house was blown down?"  

Before PIglet could think, Pooh answered him. He'd come and live with me." said Pooh. Wouldn't you?"  

Piglet sqeezed his paw. "thank you Pooh. I should love to. " A.A. Milne

Sometimes I think about the times I struggled alone....living on the streets,  wondering if there was any real purpose to living. The people in my world were angry, hurtful....mean. Things have changed. Now everywhere I look, people in my world are kind, compassionate and loving. I'm so grateful for:

-my family - they daily express love to me in amazing and tangible ways. They are always in my corner....

-my older sister who I reconnected with two years ago. We talk everyday...and everyday she tells me I'm her hero...

-the director of the women's centre who believes in me and wants to open doors for me to tell my story.

-the women who've read my story....and have come and shared theirs with me. They are my heros b/c they are fighters that have refused to give up.....

-the people I work with who teach me that living with kindness, forgiveness, and gentleness are more powerful than anger and wielding power to control and harm.  

More than anyone or anything.....I'm grateful for His love that never stopped fighting to pull me out of the darkness. Most days I awake up overwhelmed by His love for me. When no one was there....He was. When no one cared. He did. When nothing helped....He broke through. Every part of me wants to reflect His Light to everyone I meet.....I want everyone to know their life has purpose too....

Thankful Thursday

I'm linking up with Greg at  http://gregsgeneralstore.blogspot.comand Dayle from Simple Pleasures at http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/

“When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them.” Chinese Proverb

Sometimes when I'm lying in bed or running in the woods or just being quiet....I think about those people...the strangers who helped me....some who've now become good friends.  I'm really thankful to:

-the banker...who every month reached into his pocket and gave me money when I asked him for a loan...never asking any questions. Because of him....I've learned to give to others who have nothing. 
-the social worker who let me call her house when her manager told her not to give out her phone number. I had nobody in my corner. She was it. She believed in me. Because of her....today I'll do that for anybody who needs me to be in their corner.
-the lady who graciously lets me park my car in her parking lot so that I don't have to pay the $96 a month just to go to work. Because of her....I've learned to be be compassionate with others and give what I have to make their lives easier.
-all the people who read my story....and sent me encouraging cards...emails...letters and gifts just to tell me my story gave them hope. Because of them....I want to live my best life.
-All of you who encourage and support me and who share your stories that show me there are so many fighting and overcoming life battles. Because of you....I want to do the same for others.

And mostly because of Him.....Raised Jewish.....He was a stranger....And the One who really made a difference....He taught me love, grace and forgiveness really does heal....Because of Him....I want to shine....

Thankful Thursday

I'm linking up with two awesome blogs...Greg at http://gregsgeneralstore.blogspot.com/and Dayle's Simple Pleasures at http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/

"An attitude of gratitude can make a world of difference---even in the midst of life's worst tragedies." Carole Lewis
 
Some things happen....things I don't understand.....things that hurt. Friends who seemed so perfect....go away...and break your heart....Doors close to what was.....having to let go...say goodbye to people, places and things....bringing a sadness that lingers somewhere deep inside....

Yet for every door that closes...every person who leaves....He brings something new.... I'm grateful for:

-every lesson He teaches  - even those painful ones
-the hard stuff in life that deepens my resolve to be the best I can be. 
-New beginnings. New adventures.
-True Friends and Family that never leave....who prove over and over they're in for the long haul....
-The truth of His promises that have become my anchor to hang onto when there is nothing else.

Thankful Thursday

I'm linking up with two awesome blog groups... Greg at http://gregsgeneralstore.blogspot.com/ and Dayle from  Simple Pleasures at http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It's then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."  Albert Schweitzer  

Sometimes when things happen that get me down...I walk around feeling moody and grumpy and no matter how hard I try...I can't kick the feeling. Then unexpectantly...someone comes a long..says something..or does something so kind....I just got to feel good.  I'm so thankful for:

-friends who I can count on....who'se words I can trust...and who never give up on me.
-a sister who is always in my corner and who unconditionally supports and encourages me
-my kids who crack me up and can make me laugh until it hurts.
-the kindness of strangers who reach out and make my world a better place and motivate me to do the same for others
-an awesome God....for teaching me it's ok to just be me and who loves me just because..... 

Thankful Thursday

I thank God for my handicaps for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God. ~ Helen Keller

Helen Keller couldn't see, she couldn't hear, she couldn't speak. And yet....

It's finally dawned on me....that everything I went through...all that pain... the beatings and rape had purpose.  I am thankful for all of it because:

-it taught me compassion for others
-It developed a rock solid inner strength in me, a result of fighting so hard to be free
-It gave me the ability to give hope to others who are still caught in the  darkness
-It's made me grateful for everything I have...a huge contrast from where I was...
-But mostly...it's connected me to God who made the difference for me to walk free.

Thankful Thursday

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. Melonie Beattie
I'm so so so thankful this week. I keep thinking....me and God....we did it! We told the truth....And I wrote it down....and now...it's been validated. I'm so so so thankful for:
-Winning an award for  my book, In the Eye of Deception (www.gentlerecovery.webs.com)
-Getting an honorable mention for their highest award.
-Being heard
-Being validated for all those years struggling just to survive
-My writing - my book inspiring and helping others. How cool is that!!!!

Thankful Thursday

“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.”  Lionel Hampton

I'm thankful for so much.  Sometimes it overwhelms me with how much I have been given. And when I think of the contrast of the darkness that I lived in to  where I am now....it blows me away. 
I never want to take anything for granted.....  I'm thankful for:

-finding my voice through writing and blogging
-finally being able to tell the truth about the things that happened
-knowing what I lived had purpose; so many who've read my story  told me it helped them.
-For Him not leaving me as He found me....full of hatred and anger...
-knowing I'll never fight alone ever again....

Thankful Thursday

"But I'm very thankful that no one is slamming my head against the wall anymore." Harry Anderson
 

It's sometimes hard for me to believe what I've lived...where I came from....how I survived. Life was so incredibly dark. And the people in my world.....so bent on destruction. How did He reach down...and pull me up and out? I have no idea. No one believed it would happen. I didn't believe it would happen. But He did what nothing else could do. And He didn't do it because of anything in me. I was no better than anyone else. I was no different. Today I am really thankful for:

-Freedom from all harm
-Surrounded by people who love me 
-Being able to let people love me
-Living with hope, and faith and purpose
-Able to dream and see the stars

Asking for prayer - Some people are really struggling. If you can...would you pray for the following people.You can click on the links to find out more about their situations.
-Denise http://godsheart-heart2heart.blogspot.com/2010/05/urgent-prayer-request.html
Mary Grace http://arise2write.blogspot.com/2010/05/urgent-prayer-request-for-marygrace.html
Lisahttp://lifeoflisasmith.blogspot.com/