Thankful Thursday...

What moved me this week?

As you've heard by now, within a three week period two new souls join the ranks of our family...one in the form of a grandchild and the other a son-in-law. It's difficult to put into words how grateful I am for both of these events. I believe, pure and simple, a child to be God's most precious gift. That has certainly been true in the case of my children and grandchildren. Additionally, my daughters-in-law and sons-in-law are treasured gifts that have abundantly blessed and enriched my life. I am moved by the hearts ability to expand again and again to fully embrace, cherish and love each new family member.

What surprised me this week?

My family didn't play a lot of board games when I was a youngster, so I never became adept at them and in turn never enjoyed them much. Some might say I'm slightly competitive (possibly an understatement) and I rarely, if ever, won these games, so as I said they weren't much "fun" for me. Until now. Several months ago we purchased the board game "Ticket to Ride." It's the first board game I love. What surprised me this week is I beat the socks off my husband practically every time we played the game. And we played it often. I know pride is an undesirable quality in a person. It's unbecoming and rude. Still, victory is sooo sweet! (As my husband suggested, I will try to employ some humility in a few days. Just let me revel in my accomplishments for a time.)

What inspired me this week?

I'm often inspired by my blogging friends. I love reading blogs of all types. I am particularly drawn to blogs that inspire my creative side, but there are a few authors of blogs that I am loyal to that touch the recesses of my soul by their words. Carolynn's blog, A Glowing Ember, is one of those. She is a gifted writer who candidly shares her wisdom, her thoughts, and her views. She constructs stories much like a weaver forges her fabric -- layering her stories with rich colors and designs. She takes such thought and care with each of her posts, that after reading her blog for a little time you feel as if she's a time-honored friend. These last few weeks she's had a rough go of it. One of her beloved pets passed away. What inspired me this week was her comment after telling us of "Bear's" passing. She stated, "In the midst of all the heartbreak and tears, what consistently rises to the surface is a profound sense of gratitude and love." I am inspired by those who can rise above their heartache and show gratitude. What a noble characteristic to possess-- the ability to demonstrate gratitude in the face of sorrow -- so inspiring. Carolynn also shared this beautiful message by Brother David Steindl-Rast. His sentiments in this video are so calming and reassuring. I encourage you to listen...