New Beginnings: Day 30 of 30 days of Thanksgiving

Image source

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

This month seemed to just fly by and the entire year is drawing to a close soon. But it's not too late for a new beginning! A new month starts tomorrow but every single day, hour, minute, even second is a chance to begin anew. I am so thankful for new beginnings and second chances. In my life, my most important new beginning was becoming a born again Christian. Have you been born again through faith in Jesus Christ? If not, today's the day to become a new creature in Him!

That old phrase, "if your mind can conceive it,  you can achieve it" has a lot of truth to it. I wish you the joy of new beginnings. May God bless you and keep you!

Sources:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/30962_377606652329197_177099747_n.jpg
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20cor%205:17&version=NKJV
http://peacewithgod.jesus.net/

Friendly Encouragement and Impromptu Family Photos

Models: My neighbor, Steve, and his granddaughter
Photograph by Phyllis Wheeler

The bulk of my day yesterday was spent with home repair contractors (which seems to have been the case most weekdays since early April but, God willing, has finally concluded) and nursing a migraine. But it was one of the most beautiful (and cool) days we've had in a while and I didn't want to miss out on enjoying the blessed weather so in the late afternoon I put on my darkest sunglasses and a hat and did some gardening. To my happy surprise not only one but three human and two canine friends popped over to encourage me.

I didn't have my camera out when Midge popped by so I don't have a photo of her but we hadn't seen each other in ages and it was a great visit. I can't see so well when I have a migraine so when she honked I waved but really had no idea to whom I was waving. On impulse she stopped her vehicle and we enjoyed a brief but wonderful visit. It was wonderful to see her so vibrant and healthy and learn that she has a new job she loves. Her kindness definitely lifted my spirits.

Just a few minutes later my neighbor, Steve, and his granddaughter were walking by with their dogs. I don't often get to see Steve's granddaughter as she doesn't live here and last time I saw her I'd promised to take some pictures for them so I grabbed my pink point and shoot camera and we had an impromptu photo shoot.

I love this shot of the two of them. Steve is a devoted grandfather and his granddaughter basks in his affection. She's a sweet young lady with a bundle of energy but she'll slow down for a hug or a kiss on the head.

This is their dog Max. I think he's a pug. He's been thriving under Steve's family's care. When they first got him I think he was about double his current weight. He moves and breathes a lot better now. Someday I will learn to use (and get) some fancy photo editing software and when that happens I have some fun in store for Max's photo.

This is their dog Biscuit. I've known Biscuit since she was a puppy and she reminds me of my Mom's best dog ever, Little Bear. They're both mixed breed dogs but little bear was relaxed and Biscuit is a always moving. This isn't technically a good shot but I thought it was funny and cute anyway.

I still have the tail end of that migraine but it's sure nice to have friends who'll say hello when they see me out in the garden.

What cheers you up when you aren't feeling well?

Clear Inbox, Clear Mind

Photograph by albertinis69 of morguefile.com

The joy of a clear inbox! I haven't known it since I opened my account years ago. When I first signed up for my gmail account I loved that they said there's no need to delete anything ever. So I didn't. Then sometime last year I realized I had over 30,000 emails. It started to bug me. So I started to delete but they just kept rolling in. Hundreds a day (and this is with a great spam filter). I eventually got them under 20,000 and gave up for a while. After all, I rationalized, I wasn't anywhere near my limit and even if it was mildly irritating it was time consuming to delete 100 at a time when there are so many sitting there.

Then I read Leo Babauta's The Power of Less and started subscribing to his fantastic zenhabits.net website and suddenly I wanted an empty inbox again. I started cancelling unnecessary newsletter subscriptions and became more ruthless with the delete key and, finally, this weekend I got my inbox down to zero. It's fantastic. I have a beautiful ocean scene greeting me once I'm done processing and email is now a pleasant place to visit instead of a harbinger of 30,000 things to do. So I'm going to enjoy this happy moment.

Whatever the state of your inbox, you can take care of it. Whatever big project is on your horizon, you can do it. Just take one step at a time and eventually you'll reach your destination. May God be with you in all you do!

God is With You Always

God is everywhere and that includes with you. You are never alone! What a wonderful comfort.

Psalm 42:8 was part of the reading in today's Our Daily Bread and a friend of mine needed some encouragement so I thought I'd combine it with this beautiful sky photo for inspiration. I took this photo last month from a moving vehicle (my husband was driving) and used my sunglasses as a filter to get the cool hue.

May the God of all comfort bless you today!