Friday Fave 5: March 1
The truth is, I’m a little down today — feeling inadequate and blah.
At work, my husband was talking with a man here temporarily from Wyoming. The man’s company may keep him here for several years. “I don’t know if I can take it,” he said. “In Wyoming we have cold weather and snow, too, but we also have 337 days of sun a year!” Guess how many we have? 153. In fact we have the distinction of being in the top ten worst weather cities in America. Not to be overly simplistic, but I’m certain the lack of sunshine has a measurable effect on me!
Anyway, Martin Lloyd-Jones writes in Spiritual Depression, “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?” So in an effort to turn the tide I’m going to jump in on the Friday Fave Five roundup at Living to Tell the Story. Because the truth is that there are many small wonders to be thankful for.
1. My new bathrobe. My mother-in-law made me one for Christmas, but it wasn’t quite long enough, and the material was kind of funky for my tastes. I would never have mentioned these things, but my husband did — and she responded by making me a new one! I feel like royalty wearing it: it’s thick polar fleece trimmed with gold and white braid, and it goes all the way to my feet. Hence I can stand at the door waiting for the dog with warm ankles. It’s wonderful! And of course, so is the generosity and love and talent I’m the recipient of every time I put it on.
2. Two beautiful daughters who fill the house with creations. Older Daughter makes tiny horses out of clay — she calls them “Pennywhickers,” because they’re the size of pennies.
Younger Daughter makes things she knows I love and gives them to me… like this plump cardinal sitting on a nest.
Or these…
Or this.
3. Valentine flowers that lasted a long time and beautified the kitchen.
4. A husband and daughters who eat even my failures with a good will.
5. The generosity of people who share their time and their animals with my daughters.
Now I’m really rolling… So many more “faves” are crowding my mind now. So, mission accomplished.
What are you grateful for this week? This roundup is one of the best things going in the blogosphere.
11 Comments
Heather @ Living In The Moment
What a beautiful list! The tiny figures are amazing! I love seeing my boys being creative. Thanks for sharing that with us! Have a blessed weekend!
Laura
I agree — FFF is the best! Really gets me to thinking about my blessings. Makes all the difference.
Those figures are just awesome. And how sweet, all the things your daughters make for you. I know what you mean about people who give their time for your kids. If you love my boys, you’ve made a friend here!
Loved all your pictures. See you next week!! Have a great week.
Gattina
When I listen to myself I have to talk to my cats to tell them what I heard ! Unfortunately they agree with everything. Your bathrobe is very chic and your daughter with her little horses is very talented ! They are beautiful. I used to make little cats, lol !
DebD
I loved this! It was so uplifting. But, what I really liked was that quote in the beginning. It’s been a blah time for me and it’s lasted far too long.
Barbara H.
That robe does look cozy. How sweet of you m-i-l to do that for you! Having a daughter-in-law for about 3 years now, we don’t always get things just right with each other, but I am sure that will grow through the years.
I am in awe of your older daughter’s little horses. And your younger daughter’s gifts are so sweet and thoughtful.
The culinary “failure” looks pretty good to me. It looks like a peanut butter and chocolate concoction, my favorite combination.
The folks with the horses sound wonderful.
Wow, I’d have a hard time living with so little sunshine. I think it definitely affects us, but things like FFF do help focus our thoughts on the many blessings we have.
Susanne
I love, love, love this post! This is exactly why I felt led to start FFF. It’s a great tool when we are in the midst of it and feel like we’re sinking to look for blessings no matter how small! I’m so glad that even though you didn’t feel like it you joined in anyway in the hope for the turn around! Your post has blessed me!
That lack of sun is a huge factor for my hubby sometimes too. Since he’s started taking vitamin D it’s been lots better. We don’t have one but I know Costco sells “sun” (full spectrum) lamps that I’ve heard really, really help. I’m sure you can purchase them other places too. Maybe that would be good for you, too.
Again thanks for joining in and praying you continue to have an upward week!
Susanne
Oh and by the way, those miniature horses are amazing! Very talented your daughter is and what a blessing to receive those hand made gifts from your other daughter. So sweet!
The Correspondent
This post is extraordinary, Janet! I’m sorry for your feelings of inadequate blahness, but it certainly resulted in some excellent writing (funny how it often works that way, huh?).
Thank you for including the Lloyd-Jones quote! I’ve heard it before and known it to be true–and even lived by it–but it’s one of those truths that I’m too quick to forget. I appreciate your stirring us up by way of reminder. :-)
I really enjoyed reading your list! FFF is one of the things I miss most about the blogosphere. In fact, over a year ago, a friend and I decided that–as a practical way of obeying 1 Thess. 5:18–we’d email each other at the end of every day and list at least 5 items from that day that we were grateful for. Well, since the more I look, the more I see, I usually end up listing 15-25 items each day, and even then, I leave stuff out! The entire exercise is tremendously encouraging!
Even though I don’t have time to roam the web and read blogs anymore, I still receive yours via email, and I find myself wanting to comment on every third one or so, but I obviously don’t make it that far. I was compelled to weigh in today, though. This is a topic near and dear to my heart! I hope to read many more of your lists in the future!
With love,
Lisa
Janet
Thank you, everyone, for the encouraging comments!
Lisa, it’s so good to hear from you! I was actually thinking of you this week, wondering how you’re doing. I miss your blog! I’m glad to know you’re doing well and finding so much richness in life. I’m also honored that you’re still reading my ramblings — a true kindred spirit! Blessings to you and yours!
nikkipolani
I really liked that difference in listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself. Reminds me of David addressing his soul in the Psalms. So glad you have found such beauty to be thankful for from the talents of your daughters to the generosity of that beautiful and cozy robe.
Ruth
I don’t know how people survive without sunshine. When we go two or three days without it (like if there’s a tropical storm), I get so depressed. Come visit!