April Blessings ~ Counting It All Joy! (Week Four)

COUNTING IT ALL JOY!

April showers bring May flowers!

Each bloom a new birth

Waiting to spread her beauty

Ready to weave their rich color

Through the fabric of life

Hand woven through

The promise 

Of new beginnings

 Waiting to spread their aroma of life

Each strand of color

Richly hand picked

To tell a love story

Each their own

A story of life 

Rich in beauty

For all to behold

Uniquely made

One by one

A perfect bud 

Awaiting to share its rare beauty

A glance at the rich single blossom  

Brings an enchanted peace to the eye of the beholder

As it shares its rich rare beauty

Of color

Into the fabric of life

 Each single blossom

Brings sweet fragrant

New beginnings

Of life

~BETH~

April 22~ Good morning 5am! Must quietly get up and get ready for this very fun filled day ahead of me. There's going to be a lot stuffed into this day. Plenty to be thankful for. And the first one is the Lord woke me with a gentle nudge of His perfect love. 

1. Defiantly morning coffee 

2. Typhoon the cat sitting watching me put on my makeup. The looking at me like aren't you going to turn on the water for me lady. 

3. Oatmeal breakfast 

4. This year driving to the Bend Marathon we only had three stops and a whoopsie. (Yet another memory made with a story to tell.) 

5. Being able to be here in Central Oregon and being a volunteer as one of the workers at station eight. 

6. Going to the Lava Lands with Sherilynn Ganther,Sally Mazza, Katherine Fischer Huston, Jodie Kemp-Willard, and Cameron. What a great day! 

7. Making it to the top of that mountain butte and seeing the amazing views. 

8. Another picnic 

9. Stopping at Madeline's Grill in Redmond for a bite and a drink. Thank you Jodie. 

10. Helping Katherine make her magnets. 

11. S'mores by the fire pit. 

12. A surprise snap that brought smiles...but also required prayers and encouragement. 

13. Seeing photos of my mowed yard. It looks so nice thank you. 

14. Sitting next to the fire in the rocking chair. Life us good. 

15. Watching the sunset over Mount Jefferson. 

Yes today has been filled with opportunities, adventures, friendship, laughter and love. 

Thank you Lord for your multiple blessings that are to numerous to count. Another day of my cup running over. Thank you. Blessings

April 23~ Waking the last morning in Central Oregon at the vacation home. Good morning! Sun is shining and the day is starting out with God's rich beauty and creation. So much to be thankful for; each day richer than the day before. 

1. Sitting outside in the morning sunshine and fresh air of the countryside. Taking in the amazing views. 

2. Watching the geese fly over head and the ducks. Landing in the canal. 

3. The phone call the brought morning blushes and smiles. 

4. Breakfast with the ladies Sherilynn Ganther, Sally Mazza, Jodie Kemp-Willard, and must not leave out Cameron. 

5. Camera lessons from Jodie. 

6. Katherine Fischer Huston and all of us have one more big adventure in Central Oregon. We head over to High Bridge and take a trail we've never been on. Fantastic views and incredible scenery. 

7. Then a stop at the Alpaca Farm where we got to feed and pet the alpaca's. Then we watched them being sheared oh it was amazing. They are so sweet. 

8. Traveling towards a huge surprise for Sheri. Her joy and shock joy worth the extra time going to Crater Lake. 

9. Snow and lots of it. Me sliding on my butt to the bottom to get back to the car. 

10. Another side trip to Lake of the Woods. 

11. Safe travels at dusk into the darkness; then arriving safely in Klamath Falls at Sally's. 

Thank you Lord for filling this day with so much beauty. Thank you for the provisions and your hand upon us guiding us safely to each destination. So grateful for all you do for me everyday spoken and unspoken. Thank you! Blessings

April 24~ Good morning! Waking to revving engines not fun! Thankfully I fall back to sleep for a bit.Then it was time to rise an shine for the new day ahead of me. Good morning Sally Mazza, and Sherilynn Ganther. My time with Sally and my visit are rapidly coming to a close. So thankful for our time together. It has been a fun filled two weeks; so grateful to all that have come and enjoyed great adventures with us. Today is not goodbye but until we see each other again. The trip home will be filled with many new adventures as Sheri and I make our way back to the Portland area. Always so much to be thankful for. 

1. Morning coffee and breakfast with Sally and Sheri!. Thank you Sally! 

2. A stop on Upper Klamath Lake to take in the views and hide some rocks. That was fun! 

3.The beauty of hwy 140 into Central Point. So much to take in. 

4. Not getting the car stuck in the snow. 

5. Finding a great antique store in White City.It is called the Old Fogies. So much to see there. Found a great lead crystal decanter. 

6. Meeting up with Wade and having a very nice lunch with him and Sheri.Thank you! 

7. Stopping and seeing Jim in Grants Pass on the way home. Always great to see old friends and visit. Looking good old man! 

8. The sunshine beating through the windshield warming the car. 

9. Having the windows open blowing the cool breeze through the car on the way home. 

10 Seems there is always room for one more detour and adventure. Took the back way coming home. Somehow ended up coming through Colton, Estacada then from then home. 

11. For safe travels and good timing all the way home. 

12. Four Great adventures and travel friends the best. 

Thank you Lord for once again filling my days up with so many beautiful and wonderful gifts to be so very thankful for. I am so amazing at all we can cram in a day and for the many things we have and see to be so grateful for.Thank you! Blessings

April 25~ Oh so nice sleeping in one's own bed! Good morning! A very full day ahead of me. And I'm sure I won't even get it all done; even with early morning rise. Some days your days are fuller than you have hours for.But I know no matter what I always have something to be thankful for, and today is no different than any other day. 

1. Morning coffee 

2.Getting my hair colored even if it didn't turn out the way I truly wanted it too. It still turned out pretty good. 

3. Getting laundry done. 

4. Spare room sheets changed. Ready for the next guest to arrive and have fun. 

5. Always grateful when I can get some bills paid and the Lord's provision financially for me to meet all of them that I have to pay; is a huge blessing.

 6. Loving the sunshine and the heat wave we seem to be having. I love it! I hope it plans to stick around for awhile. 

7. Several good morning wishes bring smiles to the day. 

8. Getting a pedicure...which was well over do. It felt so good to get pretty feet.I truly must keep up on that. 

9. The massage chair I sat in while I had my pedicure. AWESOME! Felt so good on my back. 

10. Wearing carpi's, and a light top with sandals. It feels like Summer a little bit. 

Yes it is another day to be so very grateful for. As each day passes and I get a bit older, I realize how important it is everyday to make sure to say I love you to those that are in our life. To take that extra moment to make that persons day. You nor them are promised tomorrow so tell them to know how important they are and make it the best to date. Live life fully and as if it is going to be your last. Be the best version of self. Be thankful for each day and everything in it; the good the bad and the ugly, it makes you you! 

Thank you Lord for giving me one more day to do so. Each day is a gift filled with many possibilities, opportunities and treasures. Thank you Lord! Blessings

April 26~ Another early good morning! The sun is peeking through the windows. It's going to be a beautiful day to create smiles of beauty. So much to be thankful for daily. 

1. Waking in my own bed. 

2. Coffee 

3. Talking to Geo Sutter. 

4. The beautiful drive to Oregon City on the old river road. I thank you everyday for this mini vacation route my friend. 

5. Smiles from Dolores after her hair is done. 

6. The beauty of the flowering trees and the tulips. 

7. Eating vinegar & salt chips. 

8. Rest stops along the highways and freeways. 

9. Naps to sustain you until you get to destination. 

10. The prayers of the saints that carried me through, thank you for each and every one they were truly needed and felt. 

11. Arriving safely at destination. 

12. Great seeing friends. 

13. A relaxing evening. 

Thank you Lord for for always watching over me and providing so many gifts daily to be thankful for. Blessings

April 27~ Good morning! WOW! So peaceful and quiet here. Only thing missing is my coffee. Not fun! Hey it's going to be okay because once I get moving I will go get some coffee. So many things to give thanks for once again. 

1. Comfy place to sleep when traveling. 

2. The peaceful quiet that calms my spirit. 

3. Phone call from Katherine Fischer Huston, and the love and smiles that come through the phone lines from her heart to mine. 

4. Country music softly playing. 

5. Getting car washed. Almost all the bugs are gone. It was a colorful clean funeral for them all. 

6. A great brunch with lots of coffee at a wonderful restaurant called Memo's Kitchen. Very yummy! 

7. The smell of fresh rain coming down in the country. 

8. The breeze blowing the scent of lilacs through the air. Love that scent! 

9. Talking to my beautiful daughter Amber Webber this afternoon. She came up with a great idea for graduation travel. Love her so much. Mom is praying for you. Hugs! 

10. Sitting in the rocker and rocking softly. 

11. For prayers said and knowing the Lord heard and will answer. Thank you Robyn Muncie. 

12. Feeling so blessed. 

Thank you Lord for this day and the sunshine throughout the day. The many blessings and provisions you provide daily for me thank you. Blessings

April 28~ Good morning sunshine breaking through lighting the room for me this beautiful Saturday morning. Laying in bed thinking I should get up and enjoy this day. So many new and wonderful things to be thankful for today as I start out on this new journey of mine. 

1. Watching the birds play in the branches of the trees. 

2. Listening to the radio softly playing. 

3. The quiet that surrounds me and calms my spirit. 

4. Watching the rain drops dance in the lilacs as the rain clouds break into sunlight. 

5. Sharing a breakfast burrito. And I still couldn't eat it all. 

6. Rocking in the rocking chair and looking out the windows, wondering if I will see a rainbow. 

7. Watching a new show for me called "Fired Up Misfit Garage" really enjoyed it. 

8. Sharing turkey sandwiches. 

9. Afternoon naps 

10. Banana Splits from DQ. Very yummy! Thank you! 

11. Chasing rainbows looking for the pot of gold. Love that you humored me. LOL 

12. Falling asleep on the couch. So relaxed. 

13. A new friend a great conversation with lots of smiles and laughter. A very relaxing Saturday filled with unusual surprises for me to be thankful for. 

Yes Lord you surprise me in the most interesting ways. You always give me so much to be thankful for daily. Thank you Lord! Blessings

April 29~ Happy Birthday to my beautiful granddaughter Sammie! Good morning! Arise early to get back on the road once again. Always a surprise what the day holds. I know I will have much to be thankful for as always. 

1. Waking to the day break coming through the bedroom windows. 

2. Listening to the rain coming down gentle and the music playing ever so quietly. 

3. Hot shower 

4. A little idle chit chat. Thank you for your warm hospitality and kindness. 4. Hot coffee from Dutch Brothers 

5. An incredible mountain drive on Dead Indian Memorial Road. Grateful the angels of the Lord were watching over me. So much snow! 

6. Arriving at Sally Mazza house and having coffee. Also got to give her, her treasure box that was left in car. 

7. Getting to experience every weather pattern imaginable and every season that could present itself today. I experienced it all! As I traveled from one spot to another I got one type of weather pattern from sunny to snowy Winter to sunshine Summer, ranging from you you-name-it; mixture of oh my what is next. It was a crazy mess and it was fun at the same time. 

8. Arriving safely at the vacation home, where Katherine Fischer Huston had a late lunch waiting for me thank you. 

9. Water jugs full to bring home with me. 

10. Getting over Mt. Hood safely. Thank you Lord for having the Angels encamped about me on the way home; I don't think I would have made it otherwise. Crazy drivers and some road rage drivers. Your hand truly was upon me.

11. Another complete circle made in my many journeys and travels. 

12. Realizing that change is not going to be easy. 

13. That you Lord always have my best interest at heart thank you. 

14. To be at home safe and sound where I know this is my place where I can just be me. 

Thank you Lord for insights that are tough but will bring growth and a renewed resilience for life and living it fully each day for Your Glory.Thank you Lord for all you do that isn't even spoken. Blessings

April 30~ It can't possibly be time to get up. Maybe if I pull the covers over my head morning will go away. Nope! Good morning! Yes Beth its Monday and appointments await. Maybe I'll call and cancel. No! Must get up and get ready and go to my appointment. New day, new week filled with new opportunities and blessings wrapped in adventures to be thankful for. Out the door and let the day begin. So many thankfuls wrapped in change and new roads to explore. 

1. Early morning chat with Geo Sutter 

2. An uneventful drive to my morning appointment. 

3. Sadness and good news wrapped in emotions of excitement for for new journeys and roads to explore. I wish you well Ron. You will be missed. So glad I didn't cancel. 

4. Replenishing my water and fueling my car. 

5. Rotisserie chicken from Costco for lunch yum! Thank you Wade for sharing how yummy they are and reasonably priced. And still have plenty for several more meals what could be better. 

6. Afternoon naps 

7. Text from friends dropping in and saying hello. 

8. Birds chirping their love songs. 

9. Love and encouragement from Katherine Fischer Huston wrapped in prayers. 

10. Pistachios. 

Thank you Lord for this day and the blessings you have given even in the twist and turns in the road to new roads to explore and grow. Blessings

April Blessings ~ Counting It All Joy! (Week Three)

COUNTING IT ALL JOY!

April showers bring May flowers!

Each bloom a new birth

Waiting to spread her beauty

Ready to weave their rich color

Through the fabric of life

Hand woven through

The promise 

Of new beginnings

 Waiting to spread their aroma of life

Each strand of color

Richly hand picked

To tell a love story

Each their own

A story of life 

Rich in beauty

For all to behold

Uniquely made

One by one

A perfect bud 

Awaiting to share its rare beauty

A glance at the rich single blossom  

Brings an enchanted peace to the eye of the beholder

As it shares its rich rare beauty

Of color

Into the fabric of life

 Each single blossom

Brings sweet fragrant

New beginnings

Of life

~BETH~

April 15~ Oh tired eyes....so tired! Good morning sleepy head (Beth)! People and fur babies are moving around. Not going to sleep. It's okay I heard sleep was overrated and when I'm dead and gone I will have plenty of time to catch up. Humor is what's going to carry me today I hope. So far not so good. But guess what the day has just started so plenty of opportunities to turn things around. Thank you Lord for the air I breathe and keeping me alert for all the blessings to be thankful for today. 

1. Coffee and prayers 

2. My family and friends even when I'm grumpy sleepy Beth. 

3. For my bowl of grits for breakfast. 

4. Little cat naps of shut eye to rest my tired burning eyes. 

5. A walk around Sorosis Park even in the drizzle under grey skies before heading back home. 

6. Safe drive home from the The Dalles back to Fairview. Rainy drive. 

7. Getting my oil changed and the car vacuumed and washed. Looks so nice. 

8. A phone call from my beautiful daughter Racheal Perry. I love you! 

9. An early dinner. Thankful for the groceries in my refrigerator and cupboards. 

10. For anti acid tabs. 

11. For my electric fireplace that is warming me on this dark dreary rainy grey day. 

Thank you Lord for this day and the blessings you have blessed me with even when I find it hard when I'm grumpy tired and cold on this grey day. You always bless me everyday with your rich goodness of love, grace and mercy even when I'm a bit out of sorts. Thank you! Blessings

April 16~ Good morning! Slow quiet start. Just the way I like it; even with house guest. Time for me to have some coffee and get dressed. Oh No! Coffee pot broken! This is not good! Hurry up and get in car and go buy that coffee pot for morning java. I'm sure there are hidden blessings to be thankful for because the Lord woke you up this morning. 

1. No talking before coffee.....struggle! Checker so sweet in check put line and so understood my dilemma and pain. 

2. The guy flirting with me at self check out gave me a smile. Which gave us both an early morning smile. 

3. A new coffee pot, and matches my kitchen. Woohoo! 

4. Finally coffee....as I prepare to put dinner in crock pot. 

5. Getting the garbage out and the cans. So thankful we have garbage pick up every week whether I need it or not. 

6. The canned green tomatoes from Katherine Fischer Huston that I used in my dinner today. 

7. The walk to mailbox and a quick chat with the man tearing down the house. 

8. Laundry once again washed and dried and put away. (That little goblin that is piling up dirt laundry needs to be found and punished with laundry duty.) 

9. Made it to evening appointment. Which was good. 

10. Home to have dinner with Sally Mazza, and Sherilynn Ganther. Thank you for cooking the rice for me Sally. 

11. Played three different games after dinner so fun and relaxing. 

Started off rough with the coffee pot dilemma but was quickly ratified, after a quick trip to Wal-Mart. So the rocky start turned around and the Lord provided provisions and gave me much to be thankful for as always. Thank you Lord for bringing smiles and provisions throughout my day without fail you give me more and more each and everyday. Blessings

April 17~ Restless night! Time to rise and shine to another day. Good morning! It seems the grey skies are still with us and I'm still looking for the fireball in the sky. Morning coffee and salutations to Sherilynn Ganther,and Sally Mazza. So nice to wake to a house full of friends and morning cups of coffee to share. As the day gets rolling to a slow roll its time to find those gifts and treasures to be thankful for. As you see I already have a number of them that I have to be thankful for. 

1. Nice surprise on my phone this morning as my youngest daughter Racheal Perry and I goofy around and play on a post her sister Webber Heather had posted.I think it is going to be one heck of a fun party! You won't want to miss it. 

2. Another surprise awaits in my email. WOW! Who Knew making a decision to step out of my box would cause such a flood. This should be interesting as well as fun!Let the good times roll! 

3. Stretching out on couch and propping my foot as I start to catch up on one of my programs. 

4.Sandwich for lunch. 

5. A little walk to mailbox and adding more flowers to my collection in my camera. My camera is blooming in photos of radiance and fragrant beauty. 

6. After lunch we head to the park for a afternoon walk. Where we find beautiful hand painted rocks. Sally found three and I found four. I was so excited as I never find any. 

7. Then we head over to three more parks and walk around. The treasures there are found in my camera with many new flowering blooms. 

8. Sheri giving me a beautiful flower. 

9. Swinging on the swing at Columbia Park. 

10. Being out in the fresh air and just walking around having fun. 

11. Having dinner with Sally and Sheri at Home Buffet this evening. Always nice not having to cook. 

12. Having Sheri drive today so I didn't have too. Thank you! Truly a blessing. 

13. Taking a nice hot shower to relax my body. 

14. Night moisture cream for my face and body. Got to love the Mary Kay products. Love their lotions and potions of beauty. 

Thank you Lord For giving me another day and waking me for all the wonderful gifts you bless me with daily. Blessings

April 18~ Another short night and very restless. Seems like sleep is eluding me once again. Up early to create beauty of smiles this morning. Good morning! Good morning! You got this Beth! Thank you Sherilynn Ganther for putting on coffee. Wish I could stay and just kick back and enjoy coffee with you and Sally Mazza. Got to run! See you soon! Must create that smile of beauty. I know there are other gifts in this day to be thankful for and found. 

1. Waking up and breathing is huge! Another day to celebrate and rejoice in. 

2. Morning coffee and prayers 

3. Congestion on the road today with lots of road construction. Thankful I made it out to my hair appointment in a timely fashion and safely. 

4. A phone call from my daughter Racheal Perry. Hearing her voice makes my heart full;especially when I hear I love you. 

5. Breaking down some more of the tree limb out front.They are still to green to break by hand.I need to get a saw to finish up. Thankful for what I did get done. 

6.Some quiet time to think. Grateful for my memories and those that have come into my life,even those that are no longer around or apart of my life. Each have given me a gift of a golden thread in my journey. Thank you! 

7. The beautiful sunshine popping out through the clouds. 

8. Afternoon walk in two of my favorite parks. finding the blooming treasures of beauty to add to my camera garden. 

9. Birds singing 

10. Watching the fisherman at the lake. 

11. The little girl on the play ground yelling watch me mommy! Then playing on the over sized musical instrument on the playground and hearing it ring out across the play ground as her voice did. 

12. The geese in flight then landing on the water. Hearing their voices and the flapping of their wings and the swoosh of the water as we watched them in all their glory and beauty. 

13. Not having to cook. Thank you Sally for making dinner tonight. It was very yummy! 

14. Then finally getting my photos downloaded to my computer to share. 

Thank you Lord for these mentions and so much more that you have blessed me with today. Each day is a gift and you pack it full with many blessings to be thankful for. Just being able to walk in this beautiful land and take it all in. To have my sight and to see and my ears to hear all the beauty that surrounds me daily. Thank you Lord! Blessings

April 19~ Good morning! Sun is shining and we have adventures awaiting us today. Morning coffee with Sherilynn Ganther and Sally Mazza. Gather my travel bag as we head towards the beach. With the sun shining leading our way; I already have so much to be thankful for. 

1. A call from Tricia Towne. So nice to hear from you. 

2. That I didn't have to drive. Thank you so much Sheri. 

3. Going to the Astoria Column. And that I made it to the top. All 164 steps up. Almost gave up.....but I did it! 

4. The amazing views there and all day long. 

5. Seeing the joy on the faces of my friends. Sheri the joy she had sharing her happy places. And Sally the excitement and joy of being here and seeing, hearing, feeling the sights and sounds of the historical places and beauty we saw today. 

6. Going to Fort Stevens and seeing the ruins. Amazing place. 

7. Seeing Fort Clatsop and the history. 

8. Seeing the Peter Iredale that is a ship wreck in Fort Stevens on the beach. Getting some great photos. 

9. Then a trip to Seaside to catch the sunset. 

10. A cup of coffee at the Shilo Inn in Seaside in the restaurant. A warm comfortable window view to watch the sunset. Thank you Sheri! 

11. The laughter and joy of the day. 

12. The treasures caught inside my camera. 

13. The the picnic at Fort Clatsop. Perfect! The ladies thought of everything. 

14. A change of shoes so I could play in the surf. 

15. Two beach jackets to keep me warm. 

16. The great walks and many resting spots. 

17. Spending the day with two amazing ladies that I have the honor to call friends. 

Thank you Lord for this day and sunshine to play in as we explored the many places we traveled too. Once again my cup runs over with multiple blessings thank you. Blessings

April 20~ Good morning Friday! It's time to dance right into the weekend. Time for morning coffee and weather. Mustn't forget my prayers a full day and weekend ahead of me. Lots to be thankful for. 

1. Phone call from my daughter Racheal Perry. I so love hearing her voice and "I love you. " 

2. Getting my packing finished for my trek to Central Oregon and Klamath Falls. 

3. The yellow fire ball in the sky that is warming the day with its bright rays. 

4. A stop at Little Zig Zag Falls to stretch and possibly take a short walk. 

5. Snow that is pretty to look at. 

6. The majestic beauty of Mt. Hood. 

7. Little stretches that help my body feel better. 

8. Seeing the wild horses. 

9. Phone call from mom and my sister. 

10. Meeting a new friend today at Katherine Fischer Huston. So nice to meet you Jodie. 

11. Getting amazing camera and photo tips this evening. 

12. Sitting with all the ladies Sally Mazza, Sherilynn Ganther, Katherine, and Jodie sharing and chatting away. 

13. For the hospitality of Mae Vasey Huston, Stan, and Katherine thank you ever so much. 

Lord once again you pull out all the stops to bless me in my journey today. Your mercies are new everyday. Thank you for one more day to give you honor and praise for all you do for me. Blessings

April 21~ Good morning! Rising to a beautiful morning and sunrise at the vacation home with great friends Sally Mazza, Sherilynn Ganther, Jodie Kemp-Willard, Cameron; thank you Katherine Fischer Huston, Mae Vasey Huston, Stan for hosting us all this weekend. So much to be thankful for already on this Saturday. 

1. Sitting out on the patio listening to the cattle moo and the train passing by. So many wonderful country sounds and views to take in this morning. 

2. A surprise text and phone call that started my morning with unexpected smiles. It will be fun to see where this goes. 

3. French toast and bacon for breakfast. Yummy! 

4. Beautiful sunshine warming this day. 

5. Many photo ops throughout the day. 

6. Camera lessons from Jodie thank you. 

7. Stopping at Sister's, Oregon and sitting on the bench in the sun. 

8. The sights and sounds at Camp Sherman. 

9. Technique lessons on taking great photos. 

10. The picnic at Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery 

11. The beautiful evening sun set. 

12. A perfect day spent with friends in nature. 

Thank you Lord for this day filled to the brim with blessings and treasured opportunities that create many memories of joy to hold. Thank you! Blessings