| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 18 2014 : 09:48:21 AM
Okay....God is trying to tell me something, here... This morning when I woke up, I thought about all the "have to's" for the day, how the summer has just flown by because of all the busy-ness. And then completely out of the blue I heard a still, small voice say to me, "What was it like to be a child, when every day was a new adventure, and not filled with 'must-do's? Do you remember?’”
I lay there in silence remembering being a little girl, how much I loved the warm summer days playing with my friends... We never knew what we were going to do, we just took one day at a time, played outside or with our dolls or board games or swam in the pool. We enjoyed popsicles, running through the sprinkler, pretending our dogs were our babies and covering them with light blankets as they slept peacefully under the cool shade of the trees in our backyards... My neighbor's Mom would give us iced tea in Dixie cups; Mom and Grandma would always have some sort of luscious, juicy fruit at the ready. We would shuck corn for dinner, but it wasn’t work to us – it was fun! The anticipation of butter and salt dripping from the cob made waiting for dinner almost unbearable, but so worth the wait! Everything was so endless and easy and beautiful back then.
I was feeling very badly because a dear friend stopped by yesterday afternoon while I was making meatballs in marathon mode for freezing and I declined to go with her to the farmer's market (something I've been really wanting to do) because I had so much to do and hadn't even showered yet - I felt a mess and just didn't want to go anywhere. I just wanted to finish the task at hand. I knew she was disappointed, but I really couldn’t leave. Then as I formed the meat into little balls and watched them browning in the oven, a pang of guilt came over me, followed by regret. I should’ve just gone. What in the world was I thinking?! With all that in mind, this morning I decided I'd take this day gently. I decided to listen to that still, small voice.
I got up and made myself some orange juice, something I have been wanting to do, but was putting off until I had more time - Yum! I took it out with me to the garden, and finding all the treasures coming in under the leaves, I drank every drop with savor. What in the world had I been waiting for?! For Heaven’s sake! This was wonderful!
I prayed my Rosary while hanging the clothes. A bird actually came up and sat on the line and joyfully sang to me as I clipped away at the laundry. I kid you not. It was almost like it was praying with me. It was very much a Snow White moment; such an enchanting, peaceful and lovely experience. I thought about how much I really love hanging my clothes. I know, it’s weird… but to me, there’s just something spiritual about it. Can’t explain it, but just love it. I love how fresh the laundry smells, I love how it gently sways in the summer breeze… I love how soft everything is when dried on the line (‘except towels and jeans, of course; but those always soften by the warmth of our skin). It’s just such a peaceful, natural thing. There’s just something special about it. Crazy me. But it makes me happy!
When I finished, I decided to have a loooong hot cup of coffee and blow off the canning I "have to do" today to relax instead. Tomorrow's supposed to be rainy, anyway... I should enjoy the sun while it's out today! I chuckled as I thought about Rebekah Teal’s recent column in MJF Magazine – I knew exactly what she meant about her one cup of coffee a day! I’m with you, sister! I'm with you! :)
Then I came online to check my email, and found this inspirational piece from another dear friend waiting for me in my inbox. At this point, I knew without question that He is trying to tell me something today. I am listening, Lord! I am listening! I emailed my friend back immediately to thank her for sending it. Everyone needs a day to reset and enjoy the life God gave us. We all need to take our days more gently and savor the time we have together! So, I encourage you, my sisters to do the same thing today, too. Even if it’s just for one day, it will totally transform you.
God bless friends who listen to His still, small voice and send these affirmations. Sometimes when we do, we just don’t realize how very much God wants our loved ones to hear them. Perhaps - just perhaps - He is trying to tell YOU something today, too! :)
Hugs –
Nini
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A long read, but worth it…
Author Unknown…
Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.
I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.
How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you?
How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched ' Jeopardy ' on television?
I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, 'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, it looks like rain'. And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.
Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!
We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.
Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.'
When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.
My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.
Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?
Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.
Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.' And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi'?
When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away..... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Forward if you wish. Today I count myself Blessed to have you in my life.
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| 12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Jul 29 2014 : 5:35:42 PM
Absolutely wonderful!!!
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 26 2014 : 6:35:47 PM
Awww... thank you, girls. It means so much to know that this has touched you in the same way it has me! :)
Love that saying, too, Cindy. :) As I read your post I thought about how when I was a young woman, I'd stop by to see my Grandpa in the nursing home on my way home from work. Even though he was stricken with Parkinson's and unable to speak very much, for us just sitting together in silence watching Jeopardy meant the world to both of us. In our case, it was a silent communication of love and companionship. I would talk, help him eat his dinner, tell him funny stories about my day, he'd laugh... But he could never respond in speech. He would hold my hand, touch my arm, stare his thoughts into my eyes. I always understood. I remember one particularly poignant moment one evening. He had finished eating and was looking a bit tired, so I got up to kiss him good-bye. He just reached out with all his strength and squeezed my hand - his way of asking me to stay. So I sat down, held his hand and stayed all the way through his favorite program, "Matlock." I'd do anything for that dear, sweet gentle man - and hours together were a joy, full of meaning, even when not a word was spoken... It was just... love. What I wouldn't GIVE for another evening just sitting in silence with him! And yet, oh, what I am sure he and I BOTH would've given for him to be able to speak, so I could hear about his day, too.
I'm with you, girls... Trying to take a little more time every day to enjoy the gift...
Hugs and love -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| forgetmenot |
Posted - Jul 26 2014 : 11:30:12 AM
Nini, I loved your post too! And, all the responses! Thank you for bringing me back to where I belong. Hugs!
Farmgirl sister #3926
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| danyel |
Posted - Jul 21 2014 : 5:58:45 PM
I really enjoyed your post Nini, so many days I have left rush by filled with "if I have time tomorrow " I have been trying to slow down and for me it is intentional. just to stop and look at the moon when I leave for work, enjoy with a smile the wildlife I see as I travel the road in at 5, and even enjoy the sunsets I see if it ends up as a long day and I can see the sun setting on the way home. I believe God is calling us to stop in his rest, and just enjoy being, but we are to rushed. I do not have a cell phone. there are days I would have liked to get hold of someone , but you know I am one of those people who can grocery shop with no interruptions. I thank you for posting. What a great God we have the choice to know and embrace.
Danyel
farmgirl sister 4202 |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Jul 21 2014 : 11:52:07 AM
Nini! Loved reading your thread! Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!
Cindy: Loved reading and learning about the Native American saying you mentioned. So true!
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| prariehawk |
Posted - Jul 18 2014 : 4:31:09 PM
Nini--love your post. The part about watching "Jeopardy" made me catch my breath. I usually stop at my parent's house when I get off work to check on them and provide some relief for my mom who has to deal with my dad's illness all day, every day. They watch "Jeopardy" like Dustin Hoffman's character in "Rain Man." There's so much they never ask about what's going on with me--their reality is the television. For that reason, I rarely watch TV. At lunch today, I sat with two co-workers who were playing with their smart phones the whole time. I wonder if they're aware that the katydids are singing at night, that the crops are doing exceptionally well, that the fawns are growing up...I get caught up in feeling like I "have" to do this, that I "have" to do that--it seems like the only time I really slow down and listen is at night when "my" frog starts croaking. Sometimes he's croaking at three in the morning. sometimes I'll hear other frogs but I can always tell "my" frog from the others. I wonder if God sent me this frog to help me realize that even He, God Himself, is aware of this one little frog and sustains him. If He cares about a frog, then surely He cares about all of us. I remember when I was young, I'd hop on my bike and take off--no helmet required--and I'd ride on the country lanes and pretend my bike was a horse. I didn't have to tell anyone where I was going and I never worried about being snatched by a stranger. I'd just enjoy the breeze and look at the clouds and ride along without a care in the world. Birds really do sing for people if you're receptive to them. I had a "conversation" once with a woodpecker. I'd tap on the fence and he'd tap back and we talked that way for about five minutes. Even my little bird, Koko, will tap on his perch with his beak when he hears me tapping something. I think the animals want to communicate with us but we're too busy with the demands of our lives to hear them. Or to hear the voice of God. There's a Native American saying--God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we talk. I'm glad you're listening--wish more people would.
Cindy
"Come by the hills to the land where fancy is free; And stand where the peaks meet the sky and the rocks reach the sea.Where the rivers run clear and the bracken is gold in the sun. and cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done"--Loreena McKennit
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Jul 18 2014 : 2:00:30 PM
Nini...it was a very mutual...God spoke through you too...to my heart.
First off...I always love what you have to share on a Spiritual Level.
And when Christ lives in us...isn't it really "ALL" Spiritual? (+:
And what one shares...encourages the other...because we share the loving-kindness
of God in our lives. You encouraged me today and you say I encouraged you...it
was God encouraging us both through each other. Isn't He Beautiful and Wonderful?
I went and listened to "Peace Be Still" by Fools Rush and about 3 other songs. I
had never heard them before and I loved their music, message and videos. Thank you
for sharing that and again blessing me. I shared one of their songs on my FB Page.
I see Jesus In You Dear Sister!
Love and Live Deeply In Him, (I know you do)
Peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
Life is too short to knit with ugly yarn!
Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 18 2014 : 1:30:17 PM
Awww... Tina! I'm just glad they were good tears! Sending hugs your way!
Peggy - I just love what you've said. My husband is all work, too, and it deeply concerns me. And like you, I don't want to miss out on anything, either! But, you know, He worked through you today as well to give me another affirmation/confirmation. Last week we had a really rough day where I was very upset and worried about some frightening things going on with my husband's health. Suddenly I kept hearing a whisper, "Be still and know that I am God." It brought such peace as I just sat there listening to the voice repeating those words in the wind. And here, today, you've brought me that message again. Thank you! God bless you! My love to you! I'm definitely trying to live life to the fullest every day knowing He Is! And now, I want to give something back to you - it's a song my son shared with me a while back when things were very difficult and sad here at home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He3sRNPXBsI It has been a blessing to me for a long time. I hope it will be a blessing to you today, too!
Gosh, I just love my farmgirl sisters. You are all just the best!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| LadyInRed |
Posted - Jul 18 2014 : 12:28:19 PM
Nini...God must have been whispering those thoughts to more than just you dear heart.
Last night I was sitting on my Porch at Twilight, enjoying the neighborhood sounds...children
playing, dogs barking, skateboarders zooming by...as well as cars. People walking their pets
or just out for an evening stroll. I was reading a Gladys Tabor Book Stillmeadow Sampler,
sipping some tea. I had my Porch light on and my strings of Chinese Lanterns glowing softly.
My Scotty Terrier was at my feet...and I just was reveling in the moments of a beautiful
Summer Night and really enjoying the Gift of it. God gives us many many many wonderful days and
nights to enjoy and yet how seldom...we slow down and really take it all in...and glory in
the joy of it all!!! We all need to make and take those "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD"
moments in any given day or night. For it truly is in those Simple Moments that we find the
greatest satisfaction in the Gift of Life and the reward in listening to that still small voice.
Thank you for sharing. I wish you would have gone to the Farmers Market with your friend but I
bet you will next time. (+: My husband is eight years older than I am...and it seems like all
he does is work and sleep. I told him about 6 years ago when I first became a Grandmama that any
opportunity that came my way, in any given day, to share my heart and life with our children and
grandchildren...I was taking it. I want to leave this life used up...making memories and having
fun and sharing my love for the Lord with them and everyone I meet. There is so much more to
living than all work and no play. Now, I'm All Play and a little Work and many moments of just
enjoying the blessings in the small things. Because I have learned the truth in the fact...That it's
the Small Things that are really The Big Things in Life and I don't want to miss any of them.
Love and Hugs,
Peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
Life is too short to knit with ugly yarn!
Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch
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| oldbittyhen |
Posted - Jul 18 2014 : 12:13:49 PM
you had me in tears, good tears, thank you...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 18 2014 : 10:41:36 AM
You're welcome, Denise! It sure is good... Such a lovely day today! And I wish you the same! :)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jul 18 2014 : 10:15:46 AM
Thank you for passing that on Nini! So good to slow down and savor the moments.
hugs,
Denise
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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