Thursday Thankfulness/Friday Foto Friends

 Here it is Thursday evening, and it's been a beautiful day! We had some wonderful rain showers earlier and it cooled things off a bit. I can't believe it's actually only 79 degrees at 6:00 p.m.  We haven't seen that in a while!  So hubby and I were able to take a much needed walk. It's been so hot and humid lately that we've had to forego our daily walks, except for a jaunt to Walmart to walk around where it is cool. (plus needed to buy a few things as well).  So #1, I am very thankful for this little bit of cooler weather while it lasts!

#2.  Actually, now that I think about it, it was quite lovely this morning when I first got up. So lovely, in fact, that I couldn't restrain myself from going outside and watching the "moonrise".  I know, you think the moon rises at night! Well, this morning it seemed like there was more of a "moonrise" than a sunrise. 

Psalm 19:1-6 is one of my favorite passages...Thought it would go along nicely with these pictures that I took while I was running around enjoying the morning "moonrise".

Here it is, in order of its appearance this morning:

1. The heavens declare the glory of God;

And the firmament shows His handiwork.

2. Day unto day utters speech,

And night unto night reveals knowledge.

3. There is no speech nor language

Where their voice is not heard.

4. Their line has gone out through all the earth,

And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,

5. Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.

6. Its rising is from one end of heaven,

In this photo if you look above the trees, you can actually see the sunrise in the east and the sunbeams rising up from behind the trees.

And its circuit to the other end;

And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

(And also from Psalm 19, my life verse:)

14. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

What a beautiful way to start the day. I'm sorry I didn't get it posted until tonight, but it's also a good way to end the day, right?  God's beauty is everywhere around us if we just take the time to look and appreciate all that He has given us to enjoy.

#3. Thankfulness:  Yesterday afternoon I had the joy and privilege of spending some time with a young lady that I am pleased to know.  You'll never guess what we were doing!  

It has something to do with these pine needles:

Actually we were gathering them up and putting them into bags. Why? Well, because this dear lady does something very special with them. And she prefers to remain anonymous, so I will honor her wishes.

The hurricane a couple of weeks ago knocked down a lot of big pine branches on the lot next door, and these pine needles were just laying there waiting to be picked up.

And here's why she wanted them:

This very talented lady makes these baskets out of pine straw, to give as gifts to people. This one was for a dear friend, and I would say she must be very dear to her, to work this hard to make such an amazing gift!  But not only that, this sweet young woman also puts together special baskets (not the pine baskets) to give to people who are fighting cancer and are going through chemo. She puts things in the baskets that they can use for their comfort, along with little cards of encouragement.  I can only imagine what such a gift would mean to someone who is suffering the ravages of cancer and treatment. I know it would be a wonderful blessing to receive.  This young lady has lost a dear loved one to cancer, so she has a special reason for wanting to do something for others who are going through this.  I know I was blessed just hearing about it.  

#4.  Thankful for some unexpected gifts from unexpected sources. God always has ways of blessing us when we least expect it.

#5.  I heard from my brother (from North Carolina) recently. Sadly, his wife's brother just passed away, and he lived not too far away from where we live.  They will be coming down next weekend for a kind of celebration of his life with my sister in law's family, and then they hope to come visit with us on Saturday morning before they head back home to N.C.   Although I am sorry that it is under such sad circumstances, I am glad that I will be able to see my brother and his wife. We haven't seen them since last fall.  Clifford is my next to the oldest brother, but our oldest brother passed away several years ago, so now Cliff is my oldest sibling. Our sister Doris is next in line after him. (and then me, the baby).  Anyway, this has also encouraged me to get busy on some projects that need to be done around this house before "company comes".  

#6.  Just thankful to God for our health and for the ways God provides for us on a daily basis.  Each day is a gift from God, and that we are well aware of.  

Romans 11:33-36  NKJV

33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 

How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has become His counselor?”

35 “Or who has first given to Him

And it shall be repaid to him?”

36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things,

to whom be glory forever. Amen.

And with that I will close this post for tonight.  I pray that your day has been blessed as well. Perhaps you can share something you are thankful for today.

Good Night dear friends!