Lenten Journey - Day 24 March 28

My Lenten Journey Gratitude List for Friday, March 28. A lot of days have come and gone since my last post however I'm determined to get back on track. 'The best is yet to come'.

1. Thankful it is Friday.
2. Thankful I found the 'exact' color in my art supplies for a presentation board I'm putting together at work.
3. Thankful for the very neat inspiration Joyce Meyer ministry brought into my life this week..
4. Thankful that my sis Mary shared with me that she shared her roses with Patsy.
5. Very thankful for a wonder filled job opportunity. Today I can honestly whisper that 'I'm living the life I have imagined'. There will be a time I will want to shout from the roof top the same...God has been taking me there.
6. Thankful for another day living in the country.
7. Thankful that people are asking me to help them with different things they need for their projects. Oh my, I have so much.
8. Thankful my 'thank you' letters went off to Marilyn and Terra (my famous friends!)
9. Thankful to spend time with my husband this weekend! This week went like a flash.
10. Most thankful for the gift of this new day from God. He is amazing and loves us so much.

Thank you for your inspiration '2014 Lenten Journey friends'

'Sunset at the farm'
Photo taken Feb. 12, 2013

This Lenten Journey of mine has been especially meaningful as a flower is opening 'a little more each day' maybe to bloom at Easter Time. Heartfelt thanks to everyone in my life who encourage me to 'try' to be the change I want to see. 

You may want to check out the following links for inspiration. My cup of life  runneth' over with thanksgiving. These friends are sharing their Lenten Journey 'loving out loud' with me. My apologies if I have missed anyone.

http://www.faithhopecherrytea.blogspot.com

http://www.adventsadventures.wordpress.com

http://www.jacquiavery.com

http://www.bayphoto.blogspot.com

http://www.wordsofjoy75.blogspot.co.uk/

Lenten Journey - Day 16 March 20 - grateful for my "older sis Mary"

1. Sharing heart felt thanks for my "older sis Mary". She is so beautiful with her red hair and was given my favorite girl name in all the world  'Mary'. I appreciate her so very much.
2. My sister Mary's heart is truly the size of Texas. She's one who has  inspired me to love more and give like I have plenty. Mary, like my Mom would help anyone at the drop of a hat...even stray cats and those little 'very chubby old dogs' that can't see too well...you know, the ones no-one wants.
3. Mary taught me how to make friends when I was a young mother, seemed that I was the only stay-home Mom in my neighborhood. Mary said 'just be friendly Patty'. She was right!
4. Thankful for Mary teaching me important things like how to sew on a button, fix my hair or make a big pot of spaghetti with meat sauce in my mom's iron Dutch oven with the wire handle. My sis took on a whole lot of responsibility at a young age...ALWAYS watching out for her brothers and sisters.
5. Thankful for those mornings when Mary applied my eye liner perfectly before I left for Junior High School.  Mary...is one of the most amazing artists I'll ever know and does some amazing art with her fancy color markers and fabric paint.
6. Grateful.... Mary's love for fragrant roses rubbed off on me.  Some evenings whiles visiting her in Oklahoma we would take long 'talk walks'. She knew exactly where roses were blooming in vacant lots and yards with vacant houses. The first time I saw the knife she was taking with us on our walk, I asked "Oh my... we don't need that for protection do we?" She said "No, you'll see". The rest of the story is that .... we didn't return empty handed. Mary wasn't going to let roses go to wastesI I found the picture (posted above) in my archive this morning with roses! Recently my sis was in the hospital and received 18 gorgeous long stemmed roses (red, pink and peach colored) and when she returned home she only had 3 left. You probably guessed it...she gave 15 of them away to brighten up 'someone else's day'. She had a good chuckle with 'Will you accept this rose?'
7. I am so thankful that Mary has shown me how to love is so easily, meeting people exactly where they are. I learned by watching her that one of the most valuable gifts anyone can give is a simple smile. Shows acceptance and everyone wants to feel accepted.
8. Thankful that my sister Mary was a protector me when I was very young. It wasn't too long ago that she told me of some of her memories.
9. I am so thankful that my 'older sis' Mary is one of my best friends in all the world and I don't know what I would without her.  She's always there for everyone! An amazing women, Sister, Wife, Friend, Mother, Mother in law, Aunt and all around sweet fun loving gal!
10.  I could go on and will go on and on sharing how I am thankful for both my 'little sis and older sis'...it's hard to end. One last important thing which I am grateful for - Mary said "Let your son dig holes in the back yard and 'YES' let him get dirty. (Our son was about 4 yrs old at the time). Mary was right.  He was outside all day long playing and when he came in from his play at sunset..he was wearing the biggest grin from ear to ear.

Lenten Journey - Day 15 March 19 - grateful for my 'little sis Cathy'

Aily's 1st birthday
Aily loves her grandma 'Mi Mi'
(above is photo of a photo of the little princess)

1. I am so very thankful for my little sis Cathy! (my gratitude list for today is focused upon our phone visit this afternoon). It would take pages and pages and pages to tell you all the reasons why I am grateful for Cathy, who calls me her 'sissy'. BSOL (big smile out loud).
2. Thankful how Cathy shared that she feels like prayers are like musical notes making their way to heaven. What a wonderful gift of personal insight!
3. Thankful that Teresa, Cathy's neighbor/friend took her to the store today (Cathy doesn't drive any longer). Cathy said she's going to spoil her husband this week.  She bought some of his favorite junk food because in a few weeks he is scheduled for some major dentist work and won't be able to 'crunch' for a while.
4. Thankful to hear about the 2 pretty tulips that were given to Theresa's daughter 'Sharma' who just experienced a small stoke, from one of Cathy's friend's working at the store. How sweet is that! I'm wondering what color the tulips were.
5. Thankful when Cathy shared that her neighbor/friend Teresa named her daughter after her favorite perfume.  (Sorry, I may not be spelling Sharma's name correctly).
6. Thankful to hear Cathy's voice 'light up almost magical' when she started talked about her grand-daughter (my sweetie pie niece) who is 3 years old named Aily. To Aily, Cathy is  'Mi Mi'. Aily is learning and showing good manners and talks up a storm. Cathy said the bandages don't bother Aily. She touched one lightly and said gently "Oh...a pow pow".
7. Thankful when Cathy described how the temps were in the 70s yesterday and today when she opened a window it was snowing. Said that she couldn't believe it.
8. Thankful how very kind my little sis is to me. She asks me often 'How are you doing?"  Said that she still has plans to get those two beautiful coats in the mail to me yet and that Teresa is going to help her.
9. Thankful that Cathy recently had the sweetest visit with both Aily and her daughter. She said her daughter loved the  'C A T H Y' St. Valentine flag I mailed...especially the XXXXOOOOs. You can view bloominginkansas.blogspot post titled 'Snow day February 4...
10. Thankful that Cathy shared with me that it is making her day... receiving prayers and a card shower. Said the cards are so beautiful and some have notes and Scripture. She received cards from Diana, Sheri A. and Janet so far... God works through the kindness of friends and sometimes strangers.

Oh I miss my sis's!!

Lenten Journey - Day 14 March 18

Visit faithhopecherrytea blogspot for wonderful inspiration.

'For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. For Him be the glory forever! Amen.'

1. Grateful for noticing the beauty of the full moon out my bedroom window this morning.
2. Thankful for willingness to tackle the huge mailing I'm responsible for today (and to find out if there may be  volunteers available to help out).
3. I am so thankful and will express joy today for what God is going to do, answering my prayers for family.
4. Thankful to know that people 'do' stand up for what they believe, doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
5. I am thankful for that  last stamp in my billfold to mail the card to Teresa yesterday.
6. Thankful and blessed to meet up again with Sally S.  (an old dear friend) yesterday when I was covering Reception.
7. Grateful that I googled the map for my road trip. The direction of my destination was somewhat of a surprise.
8. Learning the definition of 'country driving' from Terra and Marilyn a few weeks ago. I'm definitely  'all about' that kind of fun!!
9. Thankful today that I have the gift of 'free will' to try to make good decisions all day long.
10. Grateful to hear the wind.

Lenten Journey Days 12 & 13

1. Thankful that I believe in God and His Love!!
2. Thankful that I realize I don't gain anything from letting myself get upset, especially things that are completely out of my control.
3. Thankful as always, for my children's love.
4. Thankful to see new life springing up as I raked piles of leaves up on Saturday.
5. Thankful for the arms of 'Jesus' (friends) when grief visited me unexpectedly this weekend.
6. I am thankful for a new day to start all over
7. Grateful to find another card for our new friend 'Teresa'. The front of the card reads 'You Have What it takes'.....I just love this affirmation!!
8. Thankful we were able to catch two of the wild cats. Oh my, it was so hard & frustrating.
9. Thankful for the spring break for the school children this week. 
10. Thankful for the tasty corn beef & cabbage I prepared yesterday.
11. Thankful for a productive weekend caring for my home. (it's rare that we can get completely caught up with the laundry).
12. Grateful for friends asking me how my sisters are.
13. Thankful for ideas for 'The Church' talk that I'm preparing. Thought I was finished and guess I'm not after all.
14. Thankful for Prayer and Shares and Cursillo Group reunions.
15. Very thankful that my friend Laura found a new job opportunity and was offered a position with better pay. She works so hard and is a blessing where ever she goes.
16. Grateful that I'm typing my list of gratitude this morning as I'm embarrassed I missed yesterday.
17. Grateful for the understanding my husband gave to me when I because upset and unreasonable this weekend.
18. Thankful that my husband helps do the laundry!! (this should have been line 12.)
19. Thankful that I just remembered  where the book is that I've been looking for.
20. Thankful for you!! (who may be reading this).

Lenten Journey - Day 11 March 15

1. Thankful that today 'new and old friends' will continue to build community with one another at our last Kairos Outside #12 team formation meeting. "Listen ~ listen~love~love" our motto. The retreat in April is going to be exciting! The guest list is long. Kairos Outside is a retreat for women who have or have had a loved one incarcerated. No cost to guests, we hold many fund-raisers. If you need information, please let me know and I will  try to get some for  where you live.

2. Thankful for this new day...a gift from God for all of us.
3. Grateful for the inspiration my friend Denise found!
4.  Thankful that my husband and I attended the Stations of the Cross together last night at our parish.
5. Thankful to hear the 'very excited response' on a phone message from one of my sisters, when I left a message sharing I'm coming for a two-day visit soon.
6. Thankful for 'Fr. Joe' her parish priest in the small town she lives in. When I saw his photo attached to her purse a few weeks ago...bsol (big smile out loud).  I'd say out loud 'Hi Fr. Joe' whenever I saw the photo.  No, I don't him, however it's just precious that she thinks so much of him (that she carries his picture, hanging from her purse). Fr. Joe, checks on her and sends her text messages of inspiration. How kind is that!
7. Thankful for another day living in the country.
8. Thankful for my colleagues at work. They lead extraordinary lives. 
9. Thankful for Paula - Leader of Outside Kairos #12. The team meetings have been well organized and fun.
10.  Grateful for the joy of celebrating the saints, like the' wearing of the green' nail polish today through Monday March 17th. Something not typical for me to do. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of having fun.  Join the fun, let's celebrate the saints! Be blessed!

Lenten Journey - Day 10 March 14

 The past few days I haven't been feeling too well.  Days like this, it is VERY important  to share what I am thankful for and not be a ' lazy bones'. I think I did lose a day or jumped ahead one day. Oh well...I'm on my way and I'm OK. Have a great weekend ahead & be sure to wear your green!

1. Thankful for the color purple. To me purple is the color of hope.

2.  Most thankful I have a good dentist who I will call this morning.

3. Thankful for the St. Patrick Day cards I bought yesterday at the Dollar Tree. The wording grabbed me with delight - 'Wishing a we bit of heaven today in your life!'

4. TGYF - thank goodness it's Friday

5. Finding my husbands shoes...the ones he wears all the time. No, no one took them...he took them off in a unusual place & forgot. (I'm so glad he has me).

6. Meeting Dr. Ashley Blasi, DO yesterday. She is so sweet & shared her memory keeping idea with me as we visited.

7. That I was able to chase the two wild cats out of the garage when I returned home from work yesterday.

8. Being constantly aware of Randy's amazing talents and love for Jesus. He left some proofs for holy card selections 'The Serenity Prayer & Foot Steps in the Sand' for  me on the table last night to share today with Janet. They are absolutely awesome & breathtaking beautiful! Maybe he'll add to our site  N2God.com

9.  Thankful that a new pair of glasses are in my near future.

10.  A very grateful heart for the inspiration from  http://faithhopecherrytea.blogspot.com/

Lenten Journey - Day 8 March 12

Sea So thankful for light houses!

1. Thankful for the very beautiful weather.
2. So very thankful & tearful when my husband shared that our grand daughter hugged him last night & told him that she loved him. I asked for a hug from her and she said I stopped giving hugs. It made me feel sad then better that she did hug her grandpa.
3. Thankful for giving a kiss on the head to Josie who was in the spring concert at her school singing. We told her she sang beautiful & we were happy to be invited.
4. That the plumbing work was completed quickly at work this morning. It's terrible when the restrooms are closed.
5. Writing my sisters this morning before work about God's love. Need to get them into the mail!
6. Thankful for my friend Christina who stopped by unexpectedly to say hello.
7. Getting that pile of copies ran & collated today!
8. The nice beautician I met today who shared with me that her 12 year old son was just released from a mental hospital. I'm thankful that I can pray for him even though I don't know his name.
9. Happy and thankful I finally finished 'a hope chest' cup for my friend Audrey early this morning.
10. Thankful knowing that God is going to tell me exactly what I'm suppose to fill 'her cup' with. Tea bags...pennies...chocolate...? any ideas?

Lenten Journey - Day 7 March 11

A hummingbird cake, just in time for spring. Oh my so delicious!
Happy to e-mail the recipe to you. (The photo was taken a while back). I do think I shall make one soon).

 Lenten Journey - Day 7
1. For the awesome phone visit with my friend Margot who lived her Cursillo this past weekend. (I got goose bumps!)
2. I am thankful for more responsibility handed to me at work because it is helping me grow. 
3. Thankful for those around me who 'love out loud' with how they live their lives.
4. Thankful to correct an error yesterday at work, quickly & quietly without become to anxious & nervous.
5. Finding the very fresh crunchy Gala apples grocery shopping yesterday.
6. A good night sleep.
7. The excitement and new friends I have made being on the team for Outside Kairos #12 in April.
8. Noticing & stopping to smell the roses at the grocery store...knowing I'll purchase more for my sis for the visit to see her soon.
9. Thankful for the gift of this day!
10.  Thankful for the insight of Joyce Rupp, an inspirational author.

Lenten Journey - Day 6 March 10

My 'heart cloud' photo taken about 2 years ago. I may be the only who sees it.

 Lenten Journey - Day 6
1. I am thankful for being thankful
2. Thankful for touching base with my children and siblings this weekend. This helps me to know more specifically how to ask God to help them
3.  Thankful to learn that my grandson has a new job.
4. Thankful for family and friends
5. To walk my mile yesterday...more often than not...procrastination has been winning
6. Finding humor in not remembering to set our clocks ahead this weekend & saying out loud as we drove into church "Why are so many people here this early?" lol.
7. Getting caught up with the laundry and placing a pretty pretty table scarf on the dining room table
8. Time alone with God, pondering so many things such as  'what I'm thankful for'
9. Thankful that I serve/work in what I believe is one of the most amazing places in Wichita.
10. Thankful for religious freedom!!

Lenten Journey - Day 5 March 9

A time ago when I opened my closet door one morning, the shadow in photo appeared (like a  cross). Haven't seen another one.

Lenten Journey - Day 5
I am thankful for-
1. Sleeping till the morning light arrived in my room
2. Watching my husband shop for 'better' clothes for work. He did so well & will look so handsome in his new jackets.
3. Having good relationships with both of my adult children.
4. Realizing the importance of taking better care of myself, I struggle with this big time.
5. Living another day in the country.
7. Electricity to brew our favorite coffee.
8. Listening & watching Joyce Meyer's message this morning with rerun on my remote, to watch the message over and over to get the message on the 'sticky side of my mind'.
9. The beautiful sunrise this morning.
10. Thankful that I'm going to try my best be 'very' open minded today.

Lenten Journey - Day 4 March 8th

God's artistry is amazing!

Lenten Journey - Day 4
Ten of the many things I am thankful
1. That I desire to have a holy Lent
2. For patience
3. Seeing the fruits of prayer in the many candidates making their Cursillo this weekend
4. Sharing faith with Denise & Janet yesterday on our lunch break
5. That God lead me to Faith Hope and Cherrytea
6. Quality time with my husband this weekend, which is his primary love language.
7. The smile returned &  a wave from a little boy at Stations last night, when I smiled at him.
8. That lately I have been doing a better job at remembering not to forget.
9. The visit with my brother, truly listening with my heart his challenges & concerns
10. That I have this 'new' day to start all over trying to be a better person. I fail so much.