Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Grateful Friday 06.20.25

Posted on By jennifer

Hello friends!  I’m home….and, yep, there is no place like home!  I saw the graphic (on my sidebar) and thought it summed up my thoughts.  As I settled back into my routine (and my own bed!) this week, I have repeatedly felt an extra sense of gratitude.  For “home” and a hundred other simple things of life.  Today is a short and simple list of some of those things.  I am grateful:

* for sunshine and, especially, the early morning sunshine that pours through the windows as we open the blinds each morning.  I know some folks like to leave the blinds closed but we are blinds wide open kind of people:)

* for morning coffee.  I have not had morning coffee consistently for the last two weeks.  I don’t really miss the coffee but I really enjoy my husband making us both a hot cup of java each morning to enjoy while we read our Bible together.

* for Bible reading plans.  They really help keep me on track when I am away from home.  My husband does the same plan and we stayed on track/connected that way while I was gone.

* for throw pillows.  Some like them.  Some do not – at all.  My bed has throw pillows!  I am not only happy to sleep in my own bed again but love the pretty throw pillows on it.

* for the neighbor’s dogs.  They are sweet.  My son (and my husband) have been taking care of them this week while the neighbors are on vacation.  I’ve been able to help out as well since I got home.  Yes, it is a three person job.  They have one very large dog (over 100 pounds) and a (crazy!!) puppy.  Both of them are fueled by the puppy energy and it is rather chaotic. Honestly, they are crazy.  The extra long walks have really helped me get my steps in!  And have helped me appreciate our goofy (and rather lazy) pup!  I will admit, I often complain about her.  But, no more!!

* for the first (official) day of summer.  Yep, it is here.  And the forecast for the next five or six days is temperatures close to 100 every day.  Oh boy.  Grateful for air conditioning and indoor jobs.  The weather was lovely while I was away and I was able to get in a few really nice walks.  My friend could not walk but I ventured out on my own a bit.  The weather on our cruise?  That was a different story but more on that later.

* to come home to a clean house.  The bathrooms were clean and those vacuum lines in the carpet make me smile.  Jokes aside, I am glad that my family does well whenever I am away.  Things always run smoothly.  I was able to help my friend without the worry of things back at home.

* that my friend’s surgery went so well.  She has her follow-up appointment today and, hopefully, will get out of her cast and into a walking boot.  I know she will be thrilled to have more mobility.  She made recovery look easy; however, I was glad to help with driving and, especially, to keep her company.  It would have been awfully quiet (um, lonely) in that house alone for ten days.

* for her sweet kitty.  I have never really considered myself a cat person but my friend’s kitty charmed his way into my heart.

* that another friend is almost done with chemo.  Today is her next to last treatment!!  Tomorrow we have breakfast and I am looking forward to seeing her again and catching up.  Hoping to catch up with several of my friends next week.  I do miss my friends and family when I am gone.

* for smooth sailing (figuratively) coming home on Wednesday.  I rented a car and drove home.  No airport stress.  Hooray.  The rental process was super smooth (I had read some reviews that left me worrying a bit) and the drive was super nice.  No traffic and no rain.  Could not have asked for better.

* for smooth sailing (literally) on our cruise the week before.  I am planning a recap for Monday.  I don’t have tons of photos but I can recap with words – no problem!:)  I hope you will come back on Monday.  And I should be back on a blogging routine.  Thanks for your patience and your encouraging words while I was gone.  Blogging friends are some of the best!  Happy summer friends!  Go eat ice cream!!:)

A Look at the Smalll Things

Comments (13)

  2. What a wonderful list filled with things you are grateful for! I am grateful for the generator we have and that ran like a champ from 7 PM (last night) to 11:30 this morning. I am grateful for the REC workers who restored our power. Enjoy the weekend!

    1. Oh Robin -yes to those who work hard to get the power restored…and for a generator until then!! Hope your weekend is a good one too!!

  3. Your words, “Go eat ice cream!” I did, about an hour ago. Perfect treat on a warm summer afternoon.

    I look forward to whatever you have to share about your cruise!

  4. I did not know that Virginia was hotter than Georgia. We are hot too, but not 100.
    That dog is BIG!
    Glad you are back and that you are home and can sleep in your own bed!

    1. Yes, our neighbor’s dog is a big one. Very sweet – but big!! Glad you stopped by Sandra!!

  5. Great list of gratitudes- I like how you served one friend and then relaxed with one friend within the span of a couple of weeks. That’s sort of symbolic of the relationship among friends- to be there when one needs something and to have fun with when both are able to partake of life’s enjoyable things like travel. Speaking of, I’m glad you’re home, safe and sound! I hope your Sunday is beautiful and that you are inside enjoying it :).

    1. Thanks much my friend! It is nice to be home, safe and sound…and cool! At least, inside!! Hope you have a great week ahead!

  6. I enjoyed your gratitude post, Jennifer! We have so much to be thankful for, don’t we? I’m so glad that your friend came through surgery fine and is doing well. Also glad to hear about another of your friends who had her last chemo treatment. Praying all goes well there.

    1. Thanks Dianna! I saw her yesterday and she seems to be doing great. Glad you stopped by –

  7. Holidays are great fun and I really love everytime we go away, but there is something wonderful about coming home to your own bed. Glad you had smooth sailing and I’m looking forward to hearing all about it. I hope your friends continue to make progress with their treatments and that you enjoy catching up with friends and family this week. Thank you for sharing your ‘grateful’ post.

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