I woke up this morning feeling so incredibly blessed.  Blessed by just the simple joys of life.  Too often I focus on the negative and am full of complaints, but this Sunday morning I recognize how many things I have to be grateful for.  I am counting my blessings…

 ONE

After a slumber party in her top bunk, we got up to make scrumptious blueberry muffins.  Whenever I look on-line for a recipe, I search for “simple” or “easy” and we found a good one!  The muffins were made from scratch with the blueberries we picked last week at The Berry Patch!  Precious time with my middle girl.

https://www.inspiredtaste.net/18982/our-favorite-easy-blueberry-muffin-recipe/

TWO

My better half.  My beloved husband.  Enjoying his little introverted self.  As an extrovert, I cannot comprehend wanting to sit quietly just sipping on coffee, but it’s time he needs so I leave him alone out there on the back patio.  I never thought I would find the right person to marry and it took me until age 35.  So thankful for him.  Every morning when we part, I say, “You’re the best.”  He responds, “You’re second.”  It’s so true!

THREE

If you are around me for any length of time, you will hear about my  backyard chickens!!! It brings me the greatest delight to look out my kitchen and see a little bit of “country.”

Although I LONG for a hobby farm, the hens are sufficing for now.  They are so much fun, plus we gather seven or so eggs a day.  Did you know there are multiple different colors of eggs?  Today we gathered two shades of brown, one white, one pastel green and one pastel blue).  LOVE THESE GIRLS!  I will be adding articles about raising backyard chickens under the “special interests” heading soon, so if you’re interested in having your own flock, stay tuned!

FOUR

Geraniums! Seriously, what is not to like about these happy, colorful, cheerful flowers?!  I just smile when I see them.  We also have some in planters on the front porch.  We are NOT green thumbs at all, but every year we purchase several hanging flower baskets to enjoy May-September.  (You can get some good deals on Memorial Day weekend!) The flowers really brighten up the yard and we thoroughly enjoy them, as long as we stay on top of the watering.  Geraniums are always on the top of the shopping list because they are my favorite!

 FIVE

The oldest, with King Teddy (who I have to kiss “good night” every night).  She is my “sleeper-inner” and is a delight.  A violinist, singer, artist and chicken lover, too!  After getting married at an older age, I was miraculously blessed with my first and only pregnancy at 40!  God gave us this beloved girl.

SIX

A precious, encouraging note left years ago by my older sis.  My handy hubby is repainting the kitchen cabinets, and in rearranging things, I came across this note.  What a special reminder from Scripture!  This will continue to hang inside my snack cabinet to inspire me whenever I see it.

SEVEN

Our third sweetie, feeling a little under the weather.  “Chipmunk” is keeping her company as she rests downstairs.  God gifted this 5 1/2 year old with an immense sense of compassion and it is touching to observe.  (She and her biological sister were an incredible gift to us via foster to adopt!  That topic will also be covered soon in the “special interests” category). 

SEVEN BLESSINGS to start off the last week of June.  I encourage you to count your blessings.  It’s easy to list our gripes and grievances, but many studies show that our happiness will improve immensely if we focus, instead, on what we are grateful for. 

For Christians, over 50 verses in Scripture remind us of the call to be thankful.  One example is I Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  God is so good!  Even amidst challenges and heartbreak, there are things for which we can be thankful.  

I hope you will make this a fantastic week of counting your blessings!!!!