Thank goodness I purchased a new container of lovely colored pencils last Sunday afternoon. Not only did they give me that feeling of "new and pretty" (you know what I mean), but they also have provided hours of drawing entertainment for my nine year old.
It's funny how one little thing - like my colored pencils - can bring such comfort.
These new pencils are one of my "positives".
A few weeks ago a well meaning friend teased me about making it all "look good for the blog". I think she was half way joking, but her comment stuck with me.
I don't think there is anything wrong with making it look good. This place - this blog - is me being positive, and sharing that positive with YOU.
What if you stepped back and looked at your life with only your "positive glasses" on? What if you focused on the things that bring you the most joy?
Anyone can get sucked into the pit of despair. Believe me, I've been there A LOT in the past two months. (We tell our kids it's called PLOM's Disease -- "Poor Little Old Me".) I've cried a lot of tears, eaten a lot of chocolate, and had a pity party or two.
Many struggles are universal: aging parents with failing health, husbands who travel, teens with attitudes, friends with cancer, the feeling like you're not doing much of anything right. And the list could go on and on...
But I REFUSE to stay in that place. Life is just too wonderful and there are TOO MANY blessings to let myself wallow.
So YES: I DO make it all look good for the blog - because that keeps me sane and that, I believe, encourages others to count their own blessings.
Please indulge me while I count my blessings and share ways to find the positives in our lives.
A quiet place for Bible reading and prayer each morning. A simple devotion can provide encouragement for the day. God goes before me each day. HE knows the plan and I'm certain there is sense in HIS plan.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
~Ecclesiastes 3:1
My humble front porch - complete with the plastic pumpkin my daughter decorated with Washi Tape. My twig pumpkin has white lights - I love having things on my porch with lights at ANY time of year.
And - flowers always make anything better.
"God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars."
~ Martin Luther
A Beautiful Read-Aloud - If you've never read books by Holling C. Holling you MUST! This book about a turtle that travels down the Mississippi River is a gem. There is nothing better than children curled up next you; mesmerized as you read lovely literature.
Signs of creativity.... and crumbs! As I was cleaning up a few nights ago I came upon this Army Man game on the kitchen table. Apparently someone had spent a lot of time creating it - they must have needed a snack while creating, because there are crumbs on the board.
That just makes me smile.
Stuffed animals - really? I love it that my teenager still has stuffed animals on her bed. I think they make Latin much more interesting.
A sunny Saturday afternoon and lines in the grass.
Don't you love freshly mowed grass? My backyard is one of my favorite spots. I am thankful for a husband who takes pride in his yard (even though I tease him about his very specific pattern he has for cutting the grass!).
I challenge you, as I challenged the Homegrown Learners' Facebook community:
"Please do me a favor: if you are feeling "less than" today -- write down at least 5 positive things."
These could be anything positive - remember my colored pencils? Anything that brings you joy counts.
Share a "Positive" in the comments below - I'd love to know what brings you joy!
I'm sure - that if you pick out the positives - you will immediately start to feel better.
For more encouragement, you can see my Top Ten Books for Homeschooling Moms.
