Gratitude Archives – Page 10 of 13 – Strength Of The Small

Science Fiction Books Death Love Gratitude

Cocoon of Grief

By JM PerezMay 17, 20132 min read684 views

“Soul of Christ, sanctify me,” he said. “Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Suffer that I not be separated from Thee. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me, and bid me to come to Thee, that with Thy Saints, I may praise Thee for ever and ever. Amen.” — Battletech: Warrior: Riposte (A Warrior’s Prayer).

Two weeks have passed since my friend left the World of mortals and I haven’t stopped crying. His death hurts as much as my Sisters’. I cry so much that my 3-year-old would come up to me, give me a hug and say, “that’s enough Mommy, that’s enough.” I am so thankful for my family for understanding and giving me some personal space to mourn my friend. I have learned some years ago never to question the Will of God as Isaiah 55:11 states that God’s spoken Word will not return empty to Him without accomplishing the purpose for which He sent it.

Last night after putting my kids to bed, I found myself thinking about some individuals whom I miss and who are no longer in my life. I unintentionally read a note my now deceased friend wrote me 20 years ago. I probably shouldn’t have because it did me more harm than good and by the time I realized what I had done to myself, I began praying for myself. He was my silent warrior and the only friend who called me by my last name. When asked why, he said he loved who I was and not what I was. He saw me past my shell.

We Will Meet Again. — *Image Source: QuoteFlicker.com*

I miss each and every one of those beautiful souls so much and I can only hope that they are now where they deserve to be (rejoicing with the Almighty). The pain is constant. Often as dormant as an inactive volcano, patiently waiting for the right moment to erupt. The Bible advises and cautions us not to dwell on the past. Worrying is an energy drainer and a dead-end. It weigh us down, it robs us of joy and inner peace, it traps us and we are never free. I know I will meet them all again, the day the Lord calls me Home. For now, I will keep moving forward.

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ” — Philippians 3:13 (KJV)

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By JM Perez

Mother's Day Love Inspire Gratitude People

Happy Mother’s Day!

By JM PerezMay 12, 20132 min read496 views

“I remember my Mother’s Prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” — Abraham Lincoln

Happy Mother's Day. Image Source. — *Happy Mother’s Day.*

MY MOTHER
by Ann Taylor

Who fed me from her gentle breast,
And hushed me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My Mother.

When sleep forsook my open eye,
Who was it sung sweet hushaby,
And rocked me that I should not cry?
My Mother.

Who sat and watched my infant head,
When sleeping on my cradle bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye,
And wept for fear that I should die?
My Mother.

Who dressed my doll in clothes so gay,
And fondly taught me how to play,
And minded all I had to say?
My Mother.

Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray,
And love God’s holy book and day,
And walk in wisdom’s pleasant way?
My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee,
Who was so very kind to me,
My Mother.

Ah no! the thought I cannot bear,
And if God please my life to spare,
I hope I shall reward thy care,
My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old, and grey,
My healthy arm shall be thy stay,
And I will soothe thy pains away,
My Mother.

And when I see thee hang thy head,
‘Twill be my turn to watch thy bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed,
My Mother.

For could our Father in the skies
Look down with pleased or loving eyes,
If ever I could dare despise
My Mother.

Happy Mother’s Day to all who lovingly care for a Child.

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By JM Perez

Home Improvement Vintage Home Decor Gratitude People DIY: Projects

Vintage Wood Folding TV Tray

By JM PerezApril 22, 20132 min read976 views

Last month, our wonderful neighbors across the street gave us a gorgeous 1970′s Vintage Sea Shell Hanging Planter along with a Vintage Wood Folding TV Tray. The folding tray originally had a mahogany color and Saturday being a warm day, we decided to paint a few items (re-purposing our vintage stainless steel metal tray for instance) and giving the folding tray a makeover. I am happy with the new color choice.

We cleaned the tray with soap and water to get rid of any dirt so that the paint will latch on evenly. It had a couple of spots that needed a little tightening as well, to stop it from wiggling. The latching clamp was a little loose and had to be bent back into shape. After this, we sanded a couple of spots on it, cleaned it once again and let dry in the sun. After half an hour it was ready for the spray paint which I applied in layers to keep it from running.

After spray painting the wood a Satin Granite color (by Rust-Oleum) and affixing a stencil on to the top area, we proceeded to apply a clear coat on the surface to keep it nice and shiny as well as protecting the surface from the elements. An area around the stencil began bubbling, leaving some marks on the surface. Not knowing how to proceed and refusing to sand the area down, I decided to take it as it was. Now I actually find it quite lovely.

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By JM Perez

Weather Home Decor Gratitude People

Little Acts of Kindness

By JM PerezApril 8, 20132 min read433 views

I complained about the hot weather we had last week, but I didn’t expect to wake up to a chilly morning. Without looking out the window I could guess how strong the wind is simply by listening to its howling and the movement of the Tree branches. Although the Sun is shining bright and strong above the clouds, I am guessing that the wind is here to stay (at least for today). I had planned on spending thirty minutes to an hour in the garden working on a little project, it will be difficult to complete in such an unfavorable weather.

During days like these, I sometimes ask myself why we chose to live in the High Desert? We are constantly confronted with strong gusty winds in the Spring and Fall, extreme heat in the Summer and below freezing point temperatures in the Winter. Due to the high winds, there is no way to eradicate the weeds since the wind carries the seeds from all over California. Then a single look at my kitchen window and I realize why we chose to live here and why we are still here: the High Desert habitants are known for their kindness.

Three and a half years ago, I received a hand-blown clear Glass Swan Vase from a former neighbor for donating empty boxes, helping her family clean up and move out of their rental home. The vase has a tiny hole which can be used to hold an LED candle, a Liquid Perfume Diffuser or simply place a flower into it. It’s such a delicate and lovely piece which I have cherished ever since and which sits on my Kitchen Window.

*Hand Blown Glass Decor: Swan Vase & Candle Holder.*

On Friday we took a trip to LindaMarie’sEnchantedTreasures.com, and bought a vintage rustic Hand Fork for a Garden Sign we are building. I found a gorgeous Crystal Glass Candle Holder, which she gifted me (and for which I am very grateful). I placed my Breast Cancer Awareness Candle in it. They both can be used to create elegant arrangements and they make gorgeous centerpieces.

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By JM Perez

Coastal and Nautical Garden Decor Vintage Home Decor Gratitude

Vintage Seashell Hanging Planter

By JM PerezMarch 23, 20132 min read2.2K views

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana

Yesterday late in the afternoon, as I was weeding our sidewalk and my husband was waiting for me to finish so he could help rake, one of our wonderful neighbors across the street came over to check his mail and they both started talking. Somewhere along the conversation he told my husband that he’s been wanting to ask/show us something.

My husband went ahead to check it out and it turns out that our neighbors are downgrading their furniture and are giving stuff away and they wanted us to be the first to know. So, they gave us this gorgeous 1970’s Vintage Seashell Hanging Planter which they purchased in Hawaii.

– Handmade
– High End
– About 4 feet long and 11 inches wide
– All the shells are strung together with clear fishing line.
– Constructed with steel reinforcement materials
– Could be used as a Chandelier.
– Could be used indoors or outdoors.
– Holds 2 potted plants each measuring between 4″ and 8″ in diameter.

We were surprised that after 30 years +, the Sea Shell Plant Holder is still in excellent condition with no missing shells. Above everything, we are grateful that we were first in their thoughts as they made the decision to give some furniture away and ever more so, we are thankful they chose to give it to us.

I can picture some Tradescantia Zebrina blooming in those baskets with their stems cascading over the sides. I am yet to find a location for it. As of now, it hangs pretty in the kids Playroom and we love it. They also gave us an antique solid Wood Folding TV Tray/Laptop Mobile Desk/End Table they owned for as long as they could remember.

Isn’t it great to have and to know people who constantly surprise us with their love and generosity? We are so blessed to live in a safe neighborhood with kind, helpful and friendly neighbors.

Here are some ways to decorate with Seashells: