Being Contented in Whatever State, City or Home We’re In

I loved it when we went around our Thanksgiving table sharing what we are grateful for, especially when we all spoke of people – not things – the things money can’t buy. Thanksgiving usually brings families "home". "Home' isn't necessarily the brick and mortar of the home we live in. For example, my oldest two grandsons and Ruthie (Braden’s wife) couldn't make it "home" to us this year. They were “home” with friends and family in Tennessee. I've realized "home" is where I am at the time. Home is Austin, Frisco, Tulsa and anything in between where I seem to "light". Home is family, friends, our church, the places where "contentment” abounds.

Before coming to us on Friday, Ryan, Shawntel, and the two younger boys traveled to Tulsa to see Granny for a couple of hours. Granny is my husband's Mom, and at 97 everyone wants to see her again – just in case. We just don't know if it could be the last time, so spending time with her is so important. Contentment in what matters most.

Then they headed to Spiro, OK, where Shawntel’s grandmother lives and where they eat outdoors to accommodate all of them. I love this year's photo of their big family gathering of 67 family members. It was pouring down rain so Grandma’s church opened their doors for them. I loved seeing them "home" with their precious grandmother – not at her home as usual, but her church “home”. Contentment.

At last my gang made their way to Frisco on Friday where we all sat around my table with added leaves, carrying on great conversation before starting to play a new game called “Chamaeleon” (I highly recommend it – so much fun). I held yet another treasure hunt for my Bryson’s 13th birthday celebration. My traditional day-after-Thanksgiving Waikiki meatballs were served with all the trimmings. Then on Saturday, we had our traditional breakfast at Larry and Staci’s, then our annual Thanksgiving movie. This year it was “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (Mr. Roger’s story with Tom Hanks). It was a movie we older kids can wrap our minds around about what “nice guy” looks like. It would serve us all well to be reminded how we should be in this age of so many not-so-nice-guys-and-gals. Then it was our "traditional" day-after-Thanksgiving dinner -- Mexican food. Our time together at Thanksgiving has always included my annual family photo being taken. It’s a must-do and though it was raining outside – my little home was the spot of contentment. Contentment in embracing family.

It won't be long before all these grandkids will be grown up with families of their own. Yes, I'm so grateful for the blessings of “contentment”. The greatest blessings on earth come without a price tag.

My buddy, the Apostle Paul, inspired another blog today as a read: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content.” Philippians 4:11

This is the time for counting our blessings and in finding contentment in all those things that money can’t buy. It means learning to live our lives as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much we've been given. Contentment shifts our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance of what we already have. Maybe, the best prescription we could take to dispel the common "woe-is-me" attitude is to be contented with what we have.

We just might be re-energized, have new vitality and excitement for this beautiful life in the neighborhood and our beautiful life in Christ our Savior. Our lives are made up of far more beauty than what we realize. I had many “contented” moments over the last several days. We celebrated so many blessings of this year – so many that were all about life’s treasures – each other. I am contented.

Gratitude for Simple Pleasures

Day 329 of Photo Inspirations -- Gratitude for Simple Pleasures

During this Thanksgiving week, we express gratitude for those things that money affords -- like our homes, cars, clothes, food, electronics, appliances and all those THINGS that add to our comfort.  But at the end of the day, those precious treasures that money can't buy....top my Gratitude List.  The Simple Pleasures.

Of course, the simple yet most profound blessings I have are my sweet family.  Thanksgiving brings them home.  This week, it's in segments.  Yesterday, I picked up my daughter's two at Victory Christian Center's Camp Victory in Mannford where they had been with their church's youth group for the last 3 days.  I retrieved them since this is Thanksgiving week, instead of their going back home on the bus with the group.  They were talking a mile a minute about their weekend.  Great fun on Go Karts, zip lines, dodge ball, and lots of other games, but most of their excitement was from being a part of radical life transformation moments during the praise and worship (Payton played the piano with the band) and ministry about God's love for them.  The youth were all so impacted by God's presence in such beautiful, tender ways.  I remember that it was a Youth Camp that I gave my heart to the Lord.  I understand those precious and intimate times of growing closer to Him with my peers.  I was so touched by the joy my grandkids exuded.  SIMPLE, yet profound pleasures.

After crashing for about 4 hours from lack of sleep (simple pleasures), we headed to Great Granny's. Payton, excited to show Nana his driving skills (he got his driver's permit last month), drove us.   He was excited to point out that the ceiling at Granny's he always tried to touch.....now he's so tall, it's easy-peasy.  Simple Pleasures.   Little Anna (great niece) was there -- loves seeing the kids getting off the school bus.  Simple pleasures. Then it was "Granny's Chocolate Cake Making Training" for Bryson's BD party tonight.   Simple Pleasures.

Last evening, the boys and Shawntel made it in.  (The rest get here on Wednesday.)  We had dinner, BD cake and then played a fun game that big Bear (Barrett) taught us. Simple pleasures.  Then we headed to the clubhouse to play pickleball and pool.  Lots of fun was packed into this first day of Thanksgiving Week.  There are beds everywhere in my house, including the two youngest bedded down in Nana's closet.   Simple pleasures.

It won't be long before all these kids will be grown up with families of their own.  Yes, I'm so grateful for the blessings of  "simple pleasures" -- family and friends that keep reminding me that the greatest blessings on earth come without a price tag.

This is the time for counting our blessings, noticing simple pleasures.  It means learning to live our lives as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much we've been given. Gratitude even shifts our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance of what we already have.  Maybe, the best prescription we could take to dispel the common "woe-is-me" attitude is to offer thanksgiving for the "simple pleasures".  We just might be re-energized, have new vitality and excitement for this beautiful life that is made up of "simple pleasures"!  Mine starts again today --  in a big way when all these munchkins wake up in just a little while, and we head out for Bryson's Birthday Treasure Hunt.  We'll be celebrating so many "simple pleasures" throughout this day.  Yes, it's the simple pleasures that mean so much!