Counting My Blessings

Five Favorites - Family Moments

I'm hoping you will indulge me once again! I am still enjoying the memories of Thanksgiving weekend. So, I thought I might share a few of my favorite moments with you....

JJ loved the piano, and I had fun playing around him!

Five Favorites - C.S. Lewis Quotes

I thought we might look at a few of the quotes of C.S. Lewis today. I am not a scholar of his writing, although I would like to be. Please sit back, relax, and ponder just five quotes which touched my hear.

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself,
because it is not there. There is no such thing.

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen:
not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

Five Favorites - Organization

I am taking a break from organizing a few dresser drawers. Being organized is something for which I strive; therefore, organization efforts are continuous. It seems there is always a closet, box, drawer, or shelf to be sorted, labeled, or de-junked. (Is that a word?)

Although, I'm still working on my attitude about cleaning; I rather enjoy organizing. I like the feeling I get after I have purged an area of clutter. I thought it might be fun to come up with some reasons why  organization is satisfying.

5. Less stress - I have finally accepted the fact that less stuff equals less stress. I don't know why it often takes years and piles of junk for us to grasp that idea.  The truth is stuff needs a home. It needs to be cleaned and repaired. If I own it, it requires thought. Less to think about - less stress. Yeah!!

Five Favorites - Zoo Animals

I haven't been to the zoo lately, but searching the www for photos has given me the nudge I need. We are so blessed in St. Louis to be able to visit our zoo without charge. A free zoo - can you imagine. We are supposed to have gorgeous weather the next few days, maybe its time for a visit to see some amazing critters.

So, start thinking . . . you know we will want to know your favorites at the end. Oh btw, if you have any great zoo photos send them to me and I will add them to Monday's post.

5. Giraffe - I have always believed that God must have a sense of humor when I look at some of the animals He created. At the very least I marvel at His imagination!! Giraffes are amazing!

Five Favorites - Snack Foods

I must be hungry today! After Bible Study this morning I ran a few errands until well past lunch time. My Zone protein bar didn't last nearly long enough! Although, I had some leftovers when I returned home, I am still fighting off the "munchies."

Which snack foods tempt your taste-buds when you need a little something. I used to crave sugar always wanting a cookie or piece of candy. Lately, my tastes tend to be for salty foods. So, start thinking, I'm getting ready to make my list and you know I will want to know yours when I'm finished!

5. Frito's - If you've ever stuck your nose in the bag you know they don't smell great, but they sure are yummy!

Five Favorites - Grocery Shopping, Not!!

Anyone who knows me understands that I am usually up for a good shopping outing. I am not a huge fan of malls, but specialty stores and discount retailers . . . I am good to go. I am not sure if my dislike for grocery shopping has gotten worse lately, or if I have never liked it. Maybe I just never thought about it much before.

I knew I didn't like putting groceries away, but I used to believe the actual trip to the store wasn't all that bad. My trip to the store this morning was uneventful. Maybe that's the problem! This Sanguine is looking for fun, and grocery shopping isn't fun! Well, at least I don't think it's fun.

So dear readers, I am looking for some encouragement here. I make a list. I read labels, I comparison shop. It's just not fun! Help!!

I can't even think of five things to list. I have come up with one way to make it more enjoyable.

Five Favorites - Disney Love Songs

Okay, it's time for a little frivolous fun again. Time to let the kid in each of us come out to play!! We've grown up with Disney movies. The romantic in me has always been drawn to the love songs. There have been many over the years . . . here are my five favorites. Start thinking about yours.

Five Favorites - Disney Love Songs

5. Bella Notte - Lady and the Tramp

Five Favorites for Fall Cooking

Here in the Midwest the temperatures are beginning to drop and we start thinking about cooking differently than we have all Summer. For the past three months the barbecue grills have been smokin'; salads and sandwiches have prevailed. As the days get cooler we look for ways to keep warm. We add blankets to our beds, put the sweaters back in our closets, and think about comfort food that will eliminate the chill. So start thinking, what are your....

Five Favorites for Fall Cooking

5. Pizza - You know pizza is a favorite around here any time of the year. When it's chilly I want a more dense pizza with LOTS of cheese.

4. Crock Pot Meals - Anything that can be thrown together and cooked all day is great by me. After a year of being a vegetarian, I have added a little chicken back into my diet. Therefore Crock Pot Chicken is back on the menu. I have recently read a recipe that used a orange with cloves instead of an apple. That sounds yummy, too.

Five Favorites - Things to Talk About

Oh you know how I love to gab! Talk, talk, talk, blah, blah, blah! I prefer that it have a purpose, but truthfully that's not necessary. I am trying to get better about applying the many verses of Proverbs. The following should be my motto: The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning, when he (or she) seals his (her) lips. Proverbs 17:27-28 

Do you have topics that are considered off limits? The whole concept of not discussing  things like religion or politics in social settings....

Today I want to look at favorite topics for discussion. Whether you are sitting with a friend whom you've known for years, or a relatively new acquaintance, what are the conversations that interest and excite you? Start thinking, you know I'll want to hear about them after I have shared mine.

Five Favorites - Happiness Today

You're thinking I ran out of ideas, aren't you? LOL I still have some topics that I am planning on talking about, but they will work better for future weeks. I have been wondering if you would be willing to share some suggestions of favorites you would like to talk about. You have great ideas! Let's see how many weeks we can keep these discussions going. Our first Five Favorite Friday was November 7, 2008. We have almost made it a year. Woo Hoo!!

Today, I would like to pick up on my friend Mel's focus on Happiness. I decided that it might be fun to simply talk about the things that are making us happy today. BTW - Mel has been a writing machine over at Wonder Women - some really good stuff! If you haven't been over there recently you need to go visit.

Five Favorite - Happiness Today

5. I am happy about air travel. An airplane is making it possible for me to go to Georgia and back in about two and a half days. I'm leaving this afternoon! Yippee!!