What's in your dish?

What’s on your "Blessing of the Day" menu?

Every morning I feed my little dog, Gizmo. Usually he has his dry dog food mixed with some baked fresh chicken breast fragments. I give him a little taste of the chicken as I am placing them in the dish. He likes to pretend he doesn’t want it, lets me drop it between his paws as he lies on the floor watching me. He eats it as I return to the task.

Placing his dish & fresh water on his mat, I retire to the living room, coffee in hand, ready to have my morning quiet time. In my home I have a wall fireplace in the living room that looks through to the dining area also. I can see him as he lays there waiting to see if this is it or should there be more food to be offered. He doesn’t see me, but as he stares at the hallway & back at his dish eventually something registers with him that that is all. Mosey over to the dish, & enjoy. When he is done, I can hear the little slurp sounds of the wash it down water, and then he proceeds to stroll to the living room, and purposely brush against my hand to say thanks, as I reach down to touch his head as he passes by me. Japanese chins make little gurgle sounds & this one likes to lick his lips, nose, & paws as he takes his resting place upon a small homemade landing at the edge of his sofa. The morning is young. The blinds are still pulled. No one is up in the house except us.

It is quiet, peaceful, & an anticipated moment of the day. So, we share the morning routine- Gizmo with his interesting reviews of the cuisine he enjoys ending in a power nap, content with his world. And me...my coffee, my quiet moment alone with the Lord...and Gizmo, I pray that we may learn to take a lesson from our pets we are entrusted with to love & care for ... accept and enjoy what we are given - For the Lord provides our daily bread, just what we need & when- the blessings of each day. We can rest confidently on His provisions.

We are fed by the Word of God...Are you tuned in? Or waiting for more of...what? Yubw8n? Dig in! It's good for you...

Joyful Jar of Peanut Butter Love

This has to be one of the sweetest videos of uninhibited enjoyment with life & the tastes of amazement that I have ever seen. I am a fan of these little creatures that God created for our entertainment & to watch this surely brings a smile to my heart. Watch the video within the link. http://www.wimp.com/peanutbutter/ I hope you enjoy the unspoken 'Happy' that is seen from the beginning to the end. I would like to share some thoughts with you for the New Year...I hope they inspire & encourage you...:) *As you go through your passions, do so with purpose. It is true that you may be noted for your victory, or maybe not. If someone is there to notice & give you praise, great ... if not, then be grateful for the jar & what you discovered on your own.

*Remember, no one gets anywhere alone. But sadly, many end up alone when they get there. *Be kind to those who believe(d) in you & have opened the jar of joy at one time or another in your life.

*And just like a lid that is stuck, when you close yourself off, no one really knows the joy that is inside you. Loosen the lid a little, share your heart with others.

*Always try to make a mends, forgive & accept forgiveness...life is too short to prefer being 'right' over being 'real'. Unnecessary stubbornness is only to be kidding yourself & shortening your joy & peace. :o) ...and finally....

*Attend the peanut butter jar events in your life with zeal. Be completely present for the gifts you are given but may not deserve. For there is no guarantee of another moment, or another jar of peanut butter... *Taste & see that the Lord is good! And He wants you to continue to discover & live your life to the fullest...John 10:10. Have a lovely New Year ...May your 'jar of life' always have the flavors you desire. God Bless... ©sedawson

Thanks-Giving...Giving-Thanks!

“Either way you look at this, it is a giving thing...of thanks. We set aside this time to do just that. So, for that time...even if you do this wonderful expression often...let’s pause & seek to discover the moments, people, & purpose that is your reason for a grateful heart.

When the Lord is the center of our appreciation, we are no longer strapped to the economy that waivers & causes wondering worry of what will happen next. God never changes. After the festive feeding frenzy of thanksgiving...people have already established a plot, plan, & proposed agenda in order to purchase some-‘thing’ to give to someone else. Have we really taken the time to evaluate the priority of that gift? For it is not the price that is important...if it paupers you later, the cost will continue to haunt you for months to come. The richness & prosperity of a person is weighed in the value placed in the relationships they are given, not the gifts. A gift is free.

So, as you stand at the check-out line, really look at your ‘pile’ of presents in the cart. Ask yourself: Was there frustration or freedom in your spirit as you reviewed the names of those you ‘wanted’ to give some token of thankfulness? Or was there a sense of satisfaction knowing that what you have for them is truly something they ‘need’ in their everyday living? Is yours a relationship that is not only wide in understanding but also deep enough to determine their true lack & you wish to provide the present that will fulfill their need? There is satisfying warmth in true giving- not to get-but to complete.

If you buy just for the sense of buying, you have taken the joy away from yourself. It is not how many or how costly the presents...but rather the sentiment, sincerity, & satisfaction in knowing that what you gave was exactly what the person(s) really- really- really need in their life. This is how Thanks-Giving continues throughout the year...not just for the one day we have titled it to be.

For God so GAVE HIS ONLY Son.... The Lord knew what we needed & gave His very Best. May you know the joy of accepting HIS GIFT with a Thank-Full Heart...” Yubw8n? Give thanks always....

Daily Walks

“Steps of the daily walk:

May you always appreciate the multi-colors in your life; whether it is the beauty of the leaves, the comfort of loafers, the convenience of laces or the laughter of limericks. Be comfortable in the life you live. Each life is custom made to fit. Should you outgrow yours; reduce the self serving of your own ego.

Always step into opportunity with confidence, not arrogance. And if you trip over your own feet, admit it rather than begin the explanations & excuses. Forgiveness is good for the soul of those walking with a sore & sprained spirit.

Remove fashionable footwear before inserting foot in your mouth; it draws attention, especially if it fits. Every day, no matter where you are destined & who you meet along the way, try to be appreciative of another’s styling. Until we are offered the opportunity to wear & walk in another’s shoes, we have little to no understanding of the life they have lived or how worn-out & tired their efforts may be.

We discover our individuality by wearing our wardrobe of wonderment Give the gift of respecting another’s existence. After all, don’t you expect to receive that gift today? Always- appreciate the beautiful colors of living life!”

Routine

Everyone has their own unique morning routine. And if you are a pet owner, this includes taking them through theirs also. My pup Gizmo is very routine oriented & has actually taken on the duty of my alarm clock. Every day we get up at the same time, go outside, he will stand still while he is dried, loved on & then the leash is removed & on to the next event. We proceed to the coffee pot for the human ‘morning in a cup’ all the while he takes his place upon the area rug under the dining room table to watch. Fresh water & food are on the menu; dog food with a little fresh baked chicken breast mixed in. After placing it in his feed area & walking away to enjoy the coffee, I watch as he does the same routine. He will go over to the dish, sniff, & look at me. Then return to his spot. You see today I tried to sneak past part of his routine. Usually I give him just a tiny fragment of the chicken breast to taste. I know should he not take it, he most likely won’t want the meal. Usually, he does. Today he ate it.

Yet when investigating the food served, he returned to the living room, & walked over to his leash. He had not gone outside. He followed me first thing to the coffee pot, & as a human, I figured we would go out after breakfast. Gizmo had other plans. After the outing, he returned to his dish, enjoyed his breakfast, & soon was sound asleep resting on the back of the loveseat...his world. As I write this, I look over to see contentment & love all in one little 10 pound, 4 legged, brown eyed, little nose friend. As I listen to the promptings of the Spirit of God, I am amazed at how Gizmo teaches me every day about God. Today was no different. You see, too often, our routine often leaves God out.

We get up, get going, & go past the most important part- God. We fail to spend time with the One who watched over us while we slept; keeping an ear out for our heart beat, & watching us smile as we dream. In the morning we awaken refreshed (if wisdom the night before has us disciplined to go to bed at the right hour that is) & we are ready for the day. I know that when I spend the first part of our morning with God, the rest of my day goes more in step. Look at Gizmo. He slept knowing he was safe, no cares. When it was time for breakfast, he knew that to enjoy his food- he would ‘taste & see that it was good’. Yet only after his outside moment routine would he return to enjoy the chicken morsels that would nourish his day. Then he could rest & guard the house. (Ok, so he could stare out the window at the squirrels, but he has big dreams & I try not to discourage him...)

We should be so wise. Upon awaking, I wait a moment before getting up, to say good morning to God & Gizmo. I then begin my routine. Just as Gizmo would receive a ‘sample taste’ of the chicken he would later discover in amongst his food, so will I as I feed upon God’s Word, tasting the morsels of wisdom He has within the pages for me to enjoy.

He has prepared exactly what I need to know for the moment, for the day, for all the situations I may encounter- today. As I seek Him, as I study His Word, He shows me the nutrition within the knowledge of those who walked with Him, wrote the words that are now placed before me to absorb. Just like Gizmo, God revealed to me today that routine is important. Satan knows we are creatures of habit. Yes, a Sin is a habit. Sin is ‘missing the mark’ & that mark can be the moment of opportunity to learn how to become more like Christ, & then miss the moment to share that blessing with someone in your day who needs to hear. All because of a habit; a routine missed or left unfulfilled. So since Satan is always trying to get us off track in one simple everyday habit of ‘good’ he surely wants to knock us completely off the path of our walk with the Lord. This quiet alone moment in time is part of God’s Divine Plan- for you & for others you encounter.

So, today’s lesson learned is simply this: Taste & see that the Lord is good. Sample His Grace all day; plan the first part of your morning to be with the One who will hold your hand on the rest of the walk.

Make this a routine, don’t skip the parts like going outside for the important moments that happen- look around you, breath in the fresh air that we take for granted to sustain us; watch the colors of the sun as it routinely slips over the horizon to take its place for this brand new day. And when God places His plate of wisdom before you, take time to dine. Look for the morsels of miracles that lie beneath the surface of the mundane & enjoy each moment in His presence. Then, take your place in the day. Gizmo is watching the squirrels prepare for the winter months...And just like God is providing for the critters of nature what they will need; Gizmo knows that dinner although it may be the same as breakfast, will be there for him. Simple trust!

Because Gizmo knows I love him, he also knows I will take care of his needs, & will walk beside him when he goes out in the world to explore the wonders that wait. God provides. We know that what He provides for me is what I need right when I need it. And I know He loves me, He will take care of my needs & walk beside me when I go out in the world to explore the wonders that wait. Routines... Do you have one? Yes, God does.

Although everything else may change...He never changes!!...Now THAT is a routine!”

Empty Your Pockets...

Rather than place your burden & worries in your pocket to carry with you all day...lay your burden down.

We were not created to carry worry & despair throughout the day. Yet we have hidden our emotions behind a forced smile or an attitude of imitation. Many people often relate to music. Relax & Close your eyes as you listen to the words. Who do you look to for approval, comfort, reassurance, & trust; your career, your family, associates, God?

Sometimes those you least expect in life will bless you the very most. For each life has a divine purpose. This purpose may be heard in a certain song, a tragedy in life, or a blessing in disguise revealed as our Lord welcomes us Home. We are not to judge, only to find our peace in the time we have here.

Whitney Houston - I Look To You (Official Music Video)Whitney Houston, I Look to You

Look to the ONE- the ONLY ONE who will hold your hand along your path of purpose & lead you each step of the way. For when you let go of what is weighing you down, you life is enlightened & defined. It's your choice...Take a moment & empty your pockets. “

Misplaced Moments of a Lifetime

Remember the good ole days?

When the activities of the youth were limited to one after school event,& vacations were to the local state park to take in the sights. Even the thrill of staying in a motel was an event in itself as we stopped the travels in mid-afternoon so we could spend family time in the pool. Then we would dress for dinner at the Howard Johnsons buffet.

These days have been overshadowed by the glitz & rah-rah of expectation & never being satisfied with the simple things of living. As we grow older, we reflect back on these times. Often we are not happy with the transitions. We see our lives moving too fast & time invested in the life of another has diminished, if not almost nonexistent. We place our loved ones, who are now no longer independent, in the care of a stranger or in a home that is not their own.

Then we rarely visit or call. We are too busy. When we invite time to be the enemy we fall victim to the theft of memories we cannot hold on to. We cast blame on the government, the schools, & even the church whether they are a part of the issue or not. Could it be that we are too busy to notice where the blame really is hiding? Take a look in the mirror.

Let’s propose a challenge. Make three appointments to keep for one month; each week no matter what. Make a date with the people in your life that matter the most: one with yourself, one with your spouse or best friend, & one with your parents and children if you are a parent. Rearrange your priorities for a month. Say no to intruding interruptions of your sleep, relaxation, recreation, & quiet times. Turn off the TV, the computer, & stop playing with the phone, apps, & texting. For this time - Just STOP the unnecessary distractions in your Life. Interesting how the word 'NO' is becoming less spoken to children, young adults, and even to ourselves when wanting (not needing) the most recent 'toy' whether it be electronics, or automotive.

We have placed ourselves outside our 'comfort' zone & grown numb to our self imposed debt, disrespect, & delusion of what we can afford physically, financially, emotionally, & economically. “Life was simpler when we were children.” Each generation states that fact as they mature & become dishearten by the following generations. We either ‘remember when’ or we will ‘regret then’. Think about it.

When I was a youth, a box of crayons & building blocks were our iPod. Two cans & a string were our cell phones. It was a soapbox derby that was our car & listening to bedtime stories, our wide screen imagination.

I am blessed to have been a participant in the era I grew up in. Imagine the inner thoughts & memories that your parents who are in their 60-90s must cherish. They have seen so very much. I am blessed to have a strong family & values.

God knows the heart & in my heart are moments of gratitude. We need never take anyone or anything for granted. Memories are to be cherished...not misplaced or replaced. Start today to create your memories of 'remember when' Yes,regret is a choice.