Why We Should Start A Grateful Journal...

Starting A Grateful Journal...

It is never too late to start a grateful journal;

But maybe starting it at the beginning of a New Year,
We do not have to implement all our ideas for the new year on January 1st!
Sometimes it takes time to do the very things that will bless us.

But this idea;

Could be a great way to practice being grateful!

I found a journal that I have had for years and much to my surprise,
It was filled over a decade of time of things I was grateful for!

So do we have to learn the art of being Grateful?
Yes, I believe we do!
It is so much easier to just be busy in any given day;
We can become distracted and often overwhelmed.
In many seasons we can be what I called a survival mode.

But once you start taking the time and look for those things,
 That come from our sweet heavenly Father;
 You will want to start treasuring those little things and big things!

We need to make time for journaling things that can give us joy;
Because In times of trial or lean days we can find hope.

Being grateful is one of the most powerful weapons!
We can ward off discouragement and anxiety!
And bring us back to a peaceful state of mind.
Because we can look back and see that the Lord has done to bless us!

This simple thing can bring you great joy!
Because we can feel lonely or forsaken at times.
And it's truly just not true...

Train yourself to look for the things in everyday life;
To be grateful for!!

I have picked up that very old grateful notebook,
And I am adding things often that I am grateful for!

I think this will be a legacy of the sweet gifts from the Lord...

Blessings to you all!
Hugs, Roxy

The History Of the Twelve Days Of Christmas...

The History of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

 Jesus Christ on the Cross!

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

As a young Christian I have always wondered about how long it took the wise
Men to come to the place, where Baby Jesus was!


The 12 days of Christmas is the period that in Christian theology marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany, sometimes also called Three Kings' Day). The four weeks preceding Christmas are collectively known as Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on December 24.

It can all be a bit overwhelming; But I think sometimes it

Can help us realize there is more to the story!

I also learned some of these facts from wikipedia.com,

I remember as a child many of the families in our neighborhood,

Always left their Christmas tree and decorations up well into

January...

Most of my friends were from the Catholic or Lutheran Dedominations.

I just heard my grandson say its so weird that right after Christmas,

It all just ends!

Well, I guess we find that after we have had our Christmas stuff up 

Since right after Thanksgiving, we get tired of having it up!

Personally, I always feel a bit sad that it all ends so quickly!

I may just leave it all up for a while longer this year!!

This is all really quite interesting, But we can take it or leave it!

Just A Thought...

Can We Re-Gift A Gift We Have Received...

Is It Okay To Re-Gift?

I remember the first time I found myself giving a gift;
That I had received from someone that was not what I needed!
I must of had two of them.
That was when I had to decide whether it was a proper thing to do!

I did end up giving it as this other person would enjoy it,
And get some use out of it!
Where I would not be doing that at all.

You must always be aware of who gave it and never,
Give something away that would hurt the person's feelings,
If they ever found out!
And always keep those things that a child or an old friend shared a treasure from their hearts!

And in some circumstances you can even say;
Hey, I was given two of these ______
And I thought you might enjoy having this one!


But if you are given three sets of something, or double;
Then I believe there are times we can re-gift...

There have been times I have given gifts
 I have gotten from an antique store.
And even Goodwill, I may have had to repaint or fix!

I even buy simple things that are on sale and save to give later!

So have I re-gifted?
Yes...

But trust me it was a blessing to another and I enjoyed sharing!

Just use wisdom and never do it if it could damage,
A relationship or friendship!


And beware that one day you may find yourself on the receiving
End of the re-gifting line.
And so if you find yourself with hurt feelings.
This will help you decide re-gifting is not acceptable to you!

We all have so much in a world of stuff...
I think that is why so many are even asking others to not bring a gift;
But rather donate to a worthy cause...

Also a homemade gift is always so sweet and a treat to eat!

Blessings From Glory To Glory
Hugs, Roxy

Do You Have A Happy Home...

Home...

Sometimes we can become so overwhelmed with life...

That is why it is so important to make a place where we can rest and keep;

Ourselves and our loved ones safe and happy!

Have you ever experienced this;

When out driving in the evenings after it has gotten dark, and as you drive past,

Many homes, I can almost feel which homes are Happy Homes...

They have a special look or a warmth that just permeates the darkness!

Everything takes work, but some types of work just bring a

Greater JOY...

I know some people do not celebrate Christmas, but I do!

There are some things we can do with our family's  that just keeps

Their hearts at HOME

We always try to gather here in Grandmas Home to eat,

And enjoy a Sunday dinner!

We always try to have the Christmas Eve dinner here also!

I love all the twinkle lights all year round;

I always keep a strand that is at the bottom of our mantel.

I believe there is magic in a woman's heart that desires to do

All the little and big things that make their homes special!

And cozy and warm and comfortable and filled with a gentle, quiet in your heart!

I believe winter is the time of year we can rest and recover!

It gets dark out so early and we can enjoy the quiet of the evenings.

In the years long ago, it was good to get a good night's rest!

I can't control the world, but I can at least monitor my home!

When we learn to enjoy the little things and desire;

To live in a way that allows time to enjoy your food!

Enjoy the moments to read the Word.

Calling a friend or mailing a letter to encourage!

Move slower and enjoy the aroma of the love of HOME...

I love having the Hope and Joy and Peace that comes from being content!
Beware of watching all the commercials that tell us how bad we need it!

I must say I so enjoy those Hallmark commercials;
Someone always starts tearing up.

May I encourage you all to stop and enjoy the little things in life!
Learn to stay away from things and people that want to push your buttons;
As we must stay in peace, I use to say this'
Do you want to keep the peace or do you want to be right?

Please remember the reason for the season!

Blessings Dear Friends
Roxy

A Woman's Place Is In...

~A Woman's Place Is In~

Being in the right place at the right time...

Being in a quiet place with sweet fellowship with her Savior

"Jesus Christ"

Being a woman that desires to invest in her family.

Being loyal and showing respect to her husband.

Being happy and taking care of yourself.

Being fruitful in her spiritual growth

(Become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ)

Ephesians 4:13

Being aware of the needs that the Lord shows you.

Being able to turn small talk toward something deeper.

(God Talk)

Being able to protect those that she loves.

Being willing to learn and to be flexible.

Being kind is a character trait we need to aspire to!

Being able to STOP and assess a situation!

Being able to value what the Lord values.

Being able to rest and enjoy Gods Blessings...

The woman is an incredible gift to our families and homes;

We have so much to give and share...

We nurture and help others to grow and appreciate Life...

Learning And Loving each and every day...

Love. Roxy

Why We Must Take The Right Path In the Right Boots...

I love a good pair of boots!

As the old saying goes until you have walked in their shoes;

Or may I rephrase in their boots.

We never really know the road some must travel on.

But when we see so much walking in the wrong direction;

Or walking upon a slippery slope, we only can hope they

Can perceive the Danger Zone just ahead!

Or maybe so many are just zoned out and not tuned in!

But I write this Blog to encourage those that have hearts that love Home...

We all know that in order to live the life that brings contentment;

Is going to take some work and endurance...

Everything does not have to be a chore, but more of this feels good!

Look at what you have done to keep things running smoothly!

One thing you can count on is an uphill battle.

But when we are prepared for the long haul in life.

You will be able to keep on trucking...

When you think about all the different kinds of material and styles for our feet!

I always can see the spiritual side of most everything.

Ballerina slippers are made for a specific job;

Pretty and light with a tough toe...

So they can twirl and go about as a ballerina.

Now, Combat boots are for rough terrain!

Stones, mud, cold, heat, but they are resilient.

Take a pair of slippers, comfy and cozy,

But no real support!

High heels look fashionable, but you could break your neck!

Sneakers can be used for sports, walking and everyday wear!

But boots, are required spiritually to get the next thing done!

Where you set your spiritual feet upon what path;

Will matter and can change the course of your life

Eternal and the now!

I always loved the saying;

~You Can't Keep A Good Woman Down~

Blessings, Roxy

How To Set Boundaries, And Why We Need Them...

Boundaries...

Why are so many people powerless to set boundaries?

Most the time is because we do not want to hurt another person's feelings;

Knowing your own personal boundaries will keep you healthy!

Knowing what is my stuff gives me freedom!

There are things and people that will try to diminish you!

Learning to be able to tell others what "YOUR  BOUNDARIES ARE"

This is key...

Have you ever heard someone say, well they never told me that!

People cannot read your mind!

You also can not assume!

We must learn are own comfort and safe zones.

Being able to say I am not comfortable with this;

Behavior

Rudeness

Manipulation

Knowing your boundaries helps you,

And in the long run, it helps others!

We are not responsible for other adults boundaries.

But if you do not take care of your own perimeters

You will open the gate to wolves!

No one can do certain things for us!

People will try to lay all their burdens upon you!

We are all called to carry our own burdens!

So many are just plain irresponsible, and then we are back in a corner,

Only if you will say enough and NO to certain things!

Look, it's your home and your life;

Believe that you have a right and an obligation to keep certain things out!

The reason a good fence has a gate you can open is so you can let the

GOOD IN

And keep the

BAD OUT

If you don't, you might as well put a revolving door on the front of your home.

God limits what He will allow in His Yard!

He guards His house and will not allow evil to live there.

I learned many years ago to set boundaries!

We do not have to be a door mat for everything that comes along.

Our Words will have to be our defense for setting boundaries!

NO...

That behavior is not acceptable

Drinking

Smoking (cigarettes, pot)

Foul language

Uncomfortable Touch

We can say these things with a voice of ownership!

Mean what you say

Passivity will never set boundaries, but will keep you stuck and  you will become resentful!

I had a problem years ago with someone who always brought their dog

Huge dog and he always would pee on my floors!

I finally told them nicely that it was not going to work for me any more.

Guess what, they never came back;

They were mad at me forever!

Yes, it was sad, but that was the beginning of finding my voice and knowing

My limits and my boundaries...

Being honest or truthful will hurt someone!

But the truth will set you free.

Preserving our own soul from wolves that desire to kill us!

Being aggressive for the right to keep our homes safe and our hearts healthy!

Stress and saying yes to everything makes one weak and vulnerable!

Take heart, we are more than overcomers!

I am thankful that in this season of my life I have very few people who

Try to manipulate or diminish me.

I have really felt the stress of over the years during the holiday season;
But I think we can very nicely say and speak what is on our minds.
And what is acceptable in our lives and homes

Our boundaries can show grace and discipline and bring
Peace to our hearts and Glory to God!

So Please Learn about how to set boundaries,
Teach others how to set them!
There is no reason to be manipulated by others!
We also can see this done through peer pressure;

We can accomplish setting boundaries, while still being kind and gracious!

As Always...
Living From Glory To glory

Hugs, Roxy

How Homemakers Can Bring Glory To God...

Mississippi-mud-Cake 

Did you know that if you enjoy being a homemaker it brings;

Glory to God?

When we are in our homes using the fruits of the Spirit;

In our attitudes and in our service towards others.

We bring glory to God...

He has established the Home,

It is where we grow and find comfort and love.

We also learn endurance and discipline!

It is where we can learn correction and direction!

Take each day as an opportunity to use the gifts;

We can make each day an offering to the Lord Jesus.

Any act of service done in Love!

Taking care of our Husband's needs!

The children's need for attention and training!

Making a meal and enjoying it is a powerful testimony!

Breaking bread and fellowshipping with those we love! 

The Benefits Of Cooking In Cast Iron Cooking Ware...

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering,

 Kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law

We need to ask the Lord to show us how to love others!

We need to know our Joy comes from the Lord;

And learning to be content...

Peace is what our families need, not someone always worrying.

But rather experiencing the peace that comes from trusting the Lord!

(In Everything)

We all know a little bit or a lot about long-suffering;

(This world has much of this going on!)

Kindness is a powerful weapon to keep the enemy away'

It's so easy to be kind, do you want to help your family overcome?

Then teach them kindness;

Words

Actions

Attitudes

Goodness is something you can count on!

We love the statement He is a good man or a good woman!

Faithfulness; will you be able to be counted on?

Or are you fickle and not faithful in what tasks that need to be met daily!

Gentleness, will bring better results in everything

Or do you think being mean will bring a better result?

(It is like pouring gasoline on a fire)

Being self-controlled is a great gift to all those in your life!!!!

These are all accomplished by God's grace!

But we must exercise these very things in our own homes.

Then we can walk in them while in this world!

Through these we can and will bring Glory To God...

Living From Glory To Glory