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Share Four Somethings ~ November

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Share Four Somethings ~ November 2021

Time…. The days can feel as if they fly by and yet, minutes also feel like they last forever. So here we are at the end of another month and believe it or not, almost another year. There were parts of it that ticked on by and others that had me waiting for what felt like a long time. I think that’s why I love “Share Four Somethings” so much. It is a way to capture bits of our month to share. Here are a few moments from my November:

Something Loved

“Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.'” Luke 5:26 (NIV)

After being away for a month, I counted the days until I was able to return to visit my daughter and family. Was it ever worth the wait! The hugs, the laughs, the adventures, all balm for my soul! What fun it was to be there to help put up their new Christmas tree. I loved every minute! As I looked back through the pictures I took, I realized that I’d captured the pure wonder only a child can bring. And isn’t that exactly what the Christmas Season is all about?

Something Read or Said

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

Lament. I’ve done my share of it in the past few months. I know many of you have too. When I came upon these words this month that Lisa Appelo shared on her Instagram page, it felt as if time stopped for a moment while I caught my breath. “Wrestling with the paradox of pain and the promise of God’s goodness” is exactly what I’ve been experiencing but just couldn’t put into words myself. What a gift when God uses someone else’s to encourage and reassure me!

Something Treasured

“A friend loves at all times” Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)

I’ve talked about them before, my heart friends that I couldn’t do life without. This month we gathered for a delicious brunch and lively conversation. When we took our seats at the table each of found a keepsake at our place. The framed photo may remind us that we’ve aged a bit, but it’s also a treasure that shows that true friendship is timeless.

Something Ahead

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT)

There she stands, waiting. Waiting for Christmas to fill each branch and change her. I’m looking forward in this Advent season to spending time in Scripture and readings, preparing my heart to celebrate the Babe in the manger, letting the pure wonder of Christmas that only He brings, change me, too.

Well, that’s it for another month. How’d you spend your time? I’d love to know your Four Somethings for November! You can share them with me in the comments. I wish you a Very Blessed Christmas. Let’s not forget to cherish every minute!

Share Four Somethings~April 2021

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Share Four Somethings ~ April

Somehow I’m always surprised when I start seeing others’ Share Four Something posts at http://www.heathergerwing.com! It doesn’t seem possible that another month has come and gone. I guess that old Tracy Lawrence country song is right. “Time Marches On!” April has offered many things like reminders of rebirth, a restarting of things paused by the pandemic, reassurance, and reuniting! “Re-” means again and yes, I am happy to relive my joys of April again with you!

Something Loved

“Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)

After months of being apart, we finally were able to make the trip to see our daughter and grandsons. My heart overflows as I type this! To say we loved being together is an understatement! While the visit was short, the memories will last and last! Soccer practice, T-Ball, bedtime stories, Lego building, baking, snuggles, and lots of laughs, all in person, being together was as you can imagine, a highlight of my month!

Another special moment happened this month with a three-generation get-together.  Our son and daughter-in-love took time out of their busy schedules to take grandma and mom on a spectacular daffodil adventure! I was in heaven! Time with the” kids”, my favorite flower as far as the eye could see, an amateur photographer’s dream spot, and time with kids! Oh did I already say that? It was the best part! Yes, I LOVED reuniting in April!

Something Read/Said

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just a you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

I’ve had the unique privilege of being a mentor to a student I taught in Second Grade. He’s now a Sophomore in High School! Again, time DOES march on! April has presented him with some challenges and so each morning for the last few weeks I’ve been sending “Wise Words” of encouragement to reassure him of all I believe he can accomplish! We all need something said like that now and then, don’t we? I’m so proud of this young man and can’t wait to see all he achieves in life! Mentoring is an honor and I’m pretty sure that I’ve gained more than I’ve ever offered! There’s no doubt I’d do it all again!

Something Treasured

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” Psalm 98:4 (ESV)

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”(Ella Fitzgerald) Oh, how I believe this! I know that I’ve shared (probably more than once) that I have a musical soul. Music of all kinds fills the rooms of my house all day long and you can often find me dancing and singing along! Do I love to sing! Well, really I’m making a joyful noise, but I make it with a lot passion!

The Pandemic has taught me and probably you too, about taking things for granted. Never, did I imagine there’d be a time when our church buildings would be closed! And once they reopened, it seemed unbelievable that we wouldn’t be allowed to sing as part of our worship! I’m so grateful that this month that changed for us! At the conclusion at our last two Sunday services, we’ve joined together for one song. What a beautiful sound, masked voices and all! Regaining a little “normal” is such a blessing. One I’ll not take for granted again!

Something Ahead

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

This is the last picture I have of the four of us together. It was taken on August 26, 2019. 2019! My mom, sisters, and I usually meet at least three times a year but have now been apart longer than we’ve ever been in our whole lives! Finally, we’re vaccinated and ready to go! I’m counting the days (literally) until we leave Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia behind to rejoin each other in Ohio! Words cannot express how thankful I am to be looking ahead to being with these amazing women this week! I can just hear “Peaches and Herb” singing: “Reunited and it feels so good!” (You young people will have to Google it!)

April began with reuniting and will end with reuniting, too! Can’t think of a much better way to spend a month! Can you? Join me here next month as “time marches on” and we’ll do it all again!

What about you? What Four Somethings did you find in your month? I’d love for you to share them with me in the comments! Better yet, click the link above and join us there. As always, I want you to remind you what it means to me that you take the time to join me in my ponderings here! Wishing you many blessings in May! 

Share Four Somethings ~ March

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Share Four Somethings ~ March

Spring has sprung here in my little part of the West Virginia mountains! Daffodils and crocus have burst forth from the cold ground, leaves are emerging on the lilac tree where my bird guests find their buffet, and the robins have returned doing their “dance” in the grass with the worms below. (The worms are not willing partners). Yes, March has brought blessings of Spring and for me, this month has presented other blessings, too! Join me and others at http://www.heathergerwing.com as we share our “Four Somethings” for the month.

Something Loved

“The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.” Psalm 29:11 (NLT)

March is a big birthday month in our family! Both my son and daughter were born in March. Then we added a son-in-love who was a March baby, too. And….yours truly also celebrated a birthday this month. Not sure how it’s possible that I’m 62 years old, but I’m so grateful God has brought me this far! Truly, every day is a gift!

I don’t know about you, but not being able to gather with family and friends had really begun to weigh on me. My heart felt heavy and my soul, weary. That’s why I loved receiving “visits” from those I love in the mail. My spirit bloomed like the early Spring flowers with each envelope I opened and message I read! To say I am blessed with special people in my life is an understatement! Now, I can’t wait to be able to tell them so in person!

Something Read/Said

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. with less of you there is more of God and his rule.” Matthew 5:3 (The Message)

This whole idea about “being blessed” can be complicated. It’s something I’ve been talking with trusted friends about, engaging in social media on the subject, and this month, participating in a study about it. The Bible has a lot to say about what it means to be blessed and it doesn’t always match our worldly view. Each day in March, the ladies at http://www.faithfullyfollowingministries.org posted a key verse and often with it, insights others have gained in life about the subject. My “Something Said” came from a young woman on day 15 of the study. Alyssa Nelson shared this:

“What makes us blessed is not having all the things we’ve decided we need, even if those are good things, it is to see God for who He truly is and to know Him deeply and personally.”

Such wisdom from a young heart! Her words were the focus I needed and they will stay with me  even though the #Blessed study is over! I encourage you to click over and read more for yourself!

Something Treasured

“May the LORD bless you and protect you.May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)

I have to take you back to my birthday for my “Something Treasured” this month. Not only did I receive lovely cards and notes, I also was given some fun gifts. Truth be told, I don’t need a thing. That being said, I really enjoyed opening bags and boxes containing just the “perfect gift”! I’d hinted to my mom (ok, I sent her the link) about this cute Dove Planter filled with little succulents. It didn’t matter that the delivery date for it was past my birthday, I don’t know about you, but I’m happy to spread the celebration out as long as I can!

Well, a few days before my birthday I received a small box in the mail from mom. Imagine my surprise when upon opening said box, a very strong fragrance escaped! I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what she’d sent and why! Was I ever tickled when under the tissue paper I found this ummmm…aromatic…bar of “Dove” soap with a message on it. Oh, how I giggled at her creativity and how happy I was to receive my hoped for Dove Planter a few days later! Blessings come in all sizes AND smells!

Something Ahead

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)

As I’ve told you before, I’m a calendar girl and those empty pages in the midst of the pandemic served to remind me just how much we were missing out on. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to now be able to make plans and write them in those little boxes! We’re still living day by day as we know anything unexpected can happen, but it’s fun to look ahead at the possibilities!

If I’ve learned one thing this past year, it’s to not take our blessings, large or small, for granted. Going to church was one I never thought much about, until I couldn’t go anymore. Last year at this time, churches were closed and Easter felt lonely. As we journey to the cross this week on our way to rejoicing in the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning, I’m looking forward this year, to celebrating together with my church family in our sanctuary, and most importantly remembering from Whom all blessings come!

I always enjoy looking back at my month and picking out things to share with you. I’d love to know YOUR “Four Somethings”! Share them with me in the comments so that I can celebrate them with you. I hope you know that when I count my blessings, you are among them.  I so appreciate the time you offer me by coming here to share in my ponderings! 

 

Share Four Somethings ~ February

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February has been a weather extravaganza!  We’ve had rain and more rain. Sleet, snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures, and today it is sunny and 50 degrees! Plans have had to be changed, there’ve been unexpected challenges, and also moments of immense beauty. We can’t control the weather. It plays with our emotions and definitely gives us something to talk about!  Isn’t that just like life? I pray your life has gone a little more smoothly than the weather has this past month!

I love being part of this link up at http://www.heathergerwing.com where we share “Four Somethings”: Something loved, Something said, Something learned, and Something read each month. Here are mine….

Something Loved

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:25-26 (NLT)

I don’t know about you, but these days my mail usually consists of bills, requests for donations, and advertisements for things I don’t want. This month was a little different though because in the midst of the everyday delivery to my mailbox, I unexpectedly found my something loved.

Opening a tiny box revealed a big surprise. Nestled inside, lay a necklace created from my Grandma’s signature. Memories immediately filled my heart and overflowed down my cheeks. The accompanying card, containing words I’ll treasure forever,  was as much a gift as the necklace itself.

Going to the post office that day, I never imagined I’d come away with a blessing. A blessing that reminds me that Grandma’s life is inscribed upon mine and that, inspires me to be to my own grandchildren, who she was to me. This something loved also motivates me to look for unexpected ways to show my love and appreciation for others, just as was so generously done by a special someone, for me.

Something Said

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, jus as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

I recently watched a documentary on PBS about Fred Rogers, better known as “Mr. Rogers”. Watching the evolution of his passion for and commitment to his show was inspiring! But more than that, Mr. Rogers’ love for and understanding of children touched my teacher’s heart deeply. His message of kindness and acceptance are timeless and so vital for us today! Here is something he once said that has resonated with me:

“I believe that appreciation is a holy thing–that when we look for what’s best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does all the time.  So in loving and appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something sacred.” Fred Rogers

Just imagine what our neighborhoods could be like if we would live these words Mr. Rogers said!

Something Learned

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him that they are?” Matthew 6:26 (NLT)

I’ve learned that birdwatching in my front yard is now so much more exciting, all because of my Valentine’s Day gift!  My husband surprised me with a telephoto lens for my iPhone! Who knew such a thing even existed?

As you can see, it just clips right on to the lens and you’re ready to get those close up shots! Because of the extra weight (of the lens not me)  I’m not as steady as I’d like to be. It will take some practice to produce clear, focused pictures, but I won’t mind at all! Camera + Birds + New Gadget = Learning Fun

Something Read

“I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak.” Ezekiel 34:16a (NLT)

Oh. My. Word.  This book!  The story of a wayward donkey who is rescued, cared for, and loved by a family who never expected to be his owners. And while you might think that Flash, the donkey is the lucky one, the story is actually about how he transforms and blesses his people! Rachel Anne Ridge writes in such a way that you feel you’re sitting across the table from her drinking coffee together or on the sofa side by side sharing a bowl of popcorn as she tells you her story of how a large eared donkey taught her about “life, faith, and second chances”. It’s one of those books that I wanted to highlight line after line in!  I can’t wait to read her soon to be released sequel!

Well, there you have it!  February with her ups and downs, sunshine and snow, peaks and valleys is all but finished. What surprises did she bring you? Be sure and let me know in the comments. Until next month, Happy Loving, Listening, Learning, and Reading!