The news stories can continually cause all of us to have this somewhat
overwhelming feeling of deep sadness.  I can try to ignore it all, but everywhere I go, and
everywhere I turn, the reports are there.  Unfortunately, at times I find myself dwelling on the
reports and fear can gradually take over.  When this happens, I sit down and
have a talk with myself.  I pray that instead of harboring on the negativity of it all, I need to
look for the good, the beauty, the positive, and the astounding things that are there too. 

Today, on my small, insignificant platform called a blog, I will share with you a few
of those results that were found, by my change of focus.  Fearful thoughts are still there,
but focusing on the things that are "true, lovely, praiseworthy...", bring me joy instead. 
When my Mother was living here, she would quote one of her favorite Bible verses
containing this advice, in Philippians 4 : 8 many times in her interactions with me.

Here are some of my "praiseworthy" items...

The fresh, flavorful, colorful, and so delicious salad my daughter served me for
dinner.  What a masterpiece!

To up the salad a few notches, she added French fries to it, because she knows how much I like
that combination. 

Then, to make it the ultimate salad, she added cut up grilled chicken, that my son-in-law
cooked.  So tender and so full of flavor. 

I noticed my daughter had a big, plastic container filled with cut up goodness, in her
refrigerator.  She said that she cuts it up at the beginning of the week, and they eat them
throughout the week.  I was pleased to see that even her children favored these treasures.

I thought the divider plates that she used, were a great idea. 

This is the salad dressing she introduced me to a year ago, and now she always has it on hand,
when I visit.  One very simple, and delicious recipe.  Equal portions of a good balsamic vinegar,
real maple syrup, and extra virgin olive oil.  Here on the left, I took an empty glass jar and
filled it with 1 cup of each of the above.  I keep it on my kitchen counter, to use with my
salads.

My gratitude goes out to the Hasbro Co., for their retro version of the old, favorite
game of "Candy Land".  What fun it is to now play this with our grandchildren.  Watching
their excitement, and determination to win, adds joy to my days.

I can't tell you how many games I've played over the years.  And, yes, I am still playing, and
recently, I have been losing every game, which makes for some very happy little ones:).

Their concentration, and making sure that no one gets an extra turn, make me smile.

Another "good thing" to focus on for me, is the "smiles" of those around me, especially
when it is on the face of a very special little guy.  He continually steals my heart!

As for "lovely" things to mention...I want to introduce you to a talented artist named
Ruth.  You can find her here...  www.GRACELACED.COM .   I admire her heart, her art,
and her ability to express it all! 

Finding these new flower postal stamps recently, was a great find.  They dress up every
one of my envelopes.

I am grateful for the green everywhere I look, that used to be brown until a few weeks ago.

 

I appreciate every bright colored flower that has burst forth from the earth.  Oh, and
I might mention, the store "Costco", that sells so many adorable, colorful, and practical
knit dresses.

Yes, there are many lovely and beautiful things to think on, especially this time of the year.

"Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf
in the spring-time."    ~ Martin Luther

On Sunday, we celebrate Easter.  What a great privilege for us!  It is our time to celebrate
the greatest happening ever...the Resurrection of Christ!

I close with this comforting youtube song that my daughter shared with me.  It offers a
calming reassurance on this Easter weekend;

 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mq59iE3MhXM

 

Wishing you and your family, moments of joy, and time to focus on what really

matters!

Happy Easter!