Thankful Thursday: As I was driving home I was thinking about Thankful Thursday and thought how cool it would be to try to think of things that I am thankful for that start with each letter of my name. Now I could have made it easy for myself and did Margy but I will go the whole hog and do Margaret. Why don't you give it a try? I will give you permission to use your shortened name even your initials.

BTW Isn't Leunig great!

Today I am thankful to God for:
​
M - mince meat. I know that is weird but it is so versatile. We had savoury mince for tea.
A - Art inspiration. A group of friends who are encouraging each other to create art.
R - Recycling Depots. So thankful for businesses who are recycling our rubbish and using it to make something new.
G - Grandchildren. Such a joy that fill your heart.
A - Anticipation of holidays. Not long to go before our Fraser Island trip.
R - Rooibos Tea. I have become such an avid tea drinker and love trying new brews.
E - Eggs. Freshly laid by our three hens and collected by a little boy (even though one was cracked on the way in)
T - Timber. Split, stacked and stoked in our wood heater by my wonderful husband!

Thankful Thursday: Like many people our lemon tree is loaded with fruit. I love the colour yellow. It is such a joyful colour! I had a yellow bedroom growing up. So today is a celebration of all things yellow!

Today I am thankful to God for: loaded lemon trees, yellow autumn leaves, my new bee socks (thanks Sis!), strings of melted cheese, yellow handlebars on a little tricycle, yellow roses on a piece of vintage material, yellow duplo blocks, brilliant rays of light as the sun peeks over the horizon, yellowed pages of a favourite old book, Pete the Cat's yellow shirt!

​What yellow things bring you joy?

Thankful Thursday: Hands up if you like waiting. Not many of us enjoy having to wait. We get impatient. We want things to happen in our time, in our way and we want it to happen quickly, instantly, right now!! We are not used to being patient. We are a society of instant gratification. We don't like being bored, which is why we are so addicted to our phones. As soon as there is a small break in time we instantly work to fill it.

On one of my favourite coffee mugs there is a bible verse - Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. A great reminder that whatever needs to happen will happen in God's time. Why not try this week to resist the temptation to pick up the phone and instead become aware of your breath, smile and look around for all the little joys that surround you daily.

Try to do something slowly, choose the slowest lane, start a long term project, something that will take you more than an afternoon to complete. Practice patience, being slow and waiting.

My sister sent me a link to this great song by Mercy Me called Hurry Up and Wait. I love the song and enjoyed the film clip. I hope you like it to. 

Today I am thankful to God for: the chance to see the moon eclipse, a surprise rainbow while washing the dishes, backroad drive and op shopping, a house full of friends and an impromptu meal around a crowded table, a day full of art and conversation with special friends, trying new things, lino printing and starting a new book. ​

I often think about this quote: Comparison is the thief of joy. When I find myself comparing myself to others - what they have and I don't, what they can do and I can't, what they have done and I haven't - the meaning of this quote becomes abundantly clear. I lose my joy, my contentment. I feel inadequate, insufficient, deflated, unworthy. Can you relate? How do we counteract this?

As Sean Palmer writes: "The only countermeasure to comparison is gratitude...Comparison see the house renovations I can't yet afford, which my friends can. Gratitude sees a house that shelters and a home that loves. Comparison sees muscles unformed. Gratitude hears the heart that pumps life."
Let us fill our days being grateful for what we do have, for the wonderful gifts, abilities, experiences that God has given us. Instead of apologising for what we don't have, we can give thanks for what we have, hold our held high, with joy in our hearts and a smile on our face.

​Today I am thankful to God for: a fabulous weekend away with David on the motobike; mountain views that go on forever; a hot chai latte after a cold morning start; visiting friends; sharing stories; shedding tears together; walks on the beach; celebrating the life of a beautiful lady; gathering with extended family from near and far; clear, frosty mornings; crystals sparkling on the grass as the sun rises.

Thankful Thursday. On one of my morning walks this week I found this birds nest on the ground beside the footpath. It is such an incredible work of art. It is made with some natural fibre but also strips of plastic and lined with pillow stuffing. It certainly would have been a cozy nest.

It reminded me of our family this last weekend. It has been a year since Dad had his accident and we gathered together to remember and honour him. It was a very meaningful occasion, a real team effort, with everybody contributing in different ways. It was like we were in a soft cosy nest with everybody caring and looking after one another. Giving each other the space to share, laugh and remember.

​Today I am thankful to God for: campfires, heartfelt songs, stories and memories, crazy socks, slide show complete with upside down slides, a sheet for a screen and technology problems, a full house, hugs, stacked fire wood, farm walks and lunch at the Bunya Mountains.

Thankful Thursday: Just before I was going for my morning walk I looked out the window and the world had turned orange. I raced outside and there was the most incredible sunrise. It was so spectacular! Then on my walk I thought I would do an orange search. It was interesting how little I could find. What I did notice was how often it was used around signs to draw attention to the information. Thinking about the sunrise it was like God drawing our attention to his magnificence and glory! Look up, pay attention! I am doing this for you!

​The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

​Today I am thankful to God for: painted skies, a park walk with a pram, campfire meal with neighbours, the colour of pomegranate tea, compliments from students, incredible singing in a school musical, coffee and cake with friends at Maidenwell.

Thankful Thursday: Walking along the beach at Moore Park as the sun rose on a beautiful day, it was so much fun looking at the beautiful coloured shells, as the waves gently lapped the shore. It is interesting how the shells need the water to keep their bright colours and how quickly they dull when they dry.

That is what gratitude does for us. When we see things awash with gratefulness, everything looks bright and joyful. When we are ungrateful and discontent, the world around looks dull and uninviting.

​Today I am thankful to God for: the wonderful news of the resurrection on Easter Sunday, family gatherings, card games, beach holidays, cheese platters, the foggy mist on the Bunya Mountains, a little boy splashing in the waves.

Thankful Thursday: As we enter into this Lenten season, a period of 40 days before Easter starting yesterday with Ash Wednesday, it is traditionally a time of reflection and preparation as we follow the course of Jesus' journey to the cross.

I always enjoy my early morning walk. It is part of my morning routine. It helps me to get ready for the day but it is also a time to spend with God, just noticing little gifts he has for me. Usually I go the same way but sometimes I enjoy going a different path. This lent, as I walk, I am going to take a series of 40 photos to help me focus, pay attention and reflect on the gifts that God has for me in that moment.

​Today I am thankful to God for: words of inspiration, sharing stories, invitations for collaboration, picking beans and eating them fresh, a video of a gorgeous baby opening his eyes, photo updates, playing chasey, lychees and homegrown eggplant shared.