During a month of lockdown, it is essential that we take steps to guard our hearts and minds with gratitude attitudes.
Every day of the month you are invited to post a response below to a daily gratitude question (see below or download here).
Look up the gratitude theme for each day (#1 for Jan 1, etc.), then scroll down and leave your comment.
You will be blessed in participating, and also in reading what others have shared. Together we can guard our hearts with gratitude attitudes.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
DAY 1
I am thankful for Valerie. She is the string to my kite (I am the kite). She keeps me anchored, and enables me to soar. Imagine a kite without a string, how it would fly all over the place and then crash. That is me, without Valerie.
I am thankful the Lori was able to retire this past year. For 40 years @ an average of 60 hours per week at a job that she loved, she now is able to relax and enjoy friends , family and grandkids. I am happy for her
I am thankful for my chair by my front window in the living room. It’s comfy for reading and allows my to look out the window and enjoy the changing seasons.
Jan.1 I love my daughter Margaret and son in law Richard, Margaret had a busy year since I was ill for most of the year 2020. I love her for all she does for me.
Day 1 – I appreciate Edith – she keeps me well grounded and together we have been able to experience so much – she’s been a solid foundation in our partnership for family and mission.
First day of the year! I am grateful to have my wife with me, both healthy and together for whatever the challenges of this new year will bring.
I am thankful for my son , Jamie. He is my support during these isolation restrictions. He gets my groceries and is the only one in my bubble from whom I get a hug once in a while.
I am grateful for all the members of my family and, in particular, my daughter and her husband, and their children, with whom I live.
There are so many people that I am grateful for but I choose my friend Helen.
We have been friends almost all our lives.
We can tell each other things without being judged and we hold each other up in the challenges life brings
DAY 2
I am thankful for my Tim Horton’s booth, where I spend early mornings with the Lord in scripture. I look forward to this alone time every day, and have often sensed the Lord convicting, comforting and compelling me in the right direction. This is my ‘sanctuary’.
My living room with the fire place on – cozy and warm.
Day 2 – I had to think about it, but I guess it would be the kitchen. A space for nourishing ourselves and others, a space for creativity (cooking, baking, sewing,crafting etc), a space for relaxed visiting, and it has a large window that gives a beautiful view of the world outside.
My living room with the fireplace on.
I am thankful for my living room with a great view of sunsets, the changing seasons and children playing in the playground at the school nextdoor. It also has a comfortable IKIA chair for reading.
I enjoy my corner space on the living room chesterfield where I can read, watch TV, do my devotions and yes, even stretch out for a nap after lunch.
Day 2:
Going to go with the basement/family room: it’s a fort, a race track, a free pass to make a mess, and a place to cozy up by the fire and spend time together.
I like my loft above the garage which is used as an office, extra livingroom and exercise room.
In the morning I do my stretching exercises there while watching the news. Then I get on the computer for one of my daily devotion. I like the 3 framed posters on that wall: “Jesus Christ is my Saviour” “For God so love the world…” and a beautiful poster given to me from the Youth Retreat 2019 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13” I thank God for those daily reminders. After that I deal with my emails, business, google, kijiji etc… I like my desktop computer. Big screen !(no mickey mouse cellphone screen for me). On my left I see outside and on my right I see a the main livingroom and Patricia puttering around. Lots of daylight and quiet space.
Day 2- I appreciate my home office space – it’s cozy, well resourced and a pleasant place for me to spend time in scripture and prayer.
I love sitting at my dining room table (in my bedroom ) reading the record and
doing the su-do-ku , which the odd time takes me all morning.
I just found this so I’ll start with:
Day 1: I’m grateful for my friends Jo and Bryan. They give me encouraging messages and play games with me. I’m honored to call them my friends.
Day 2: My favourite spot in the house is my kitchen. I love to bake and cook. Cleaning is good for the soul and relaxing just before bed. I love to sit at my kitchen table and do crafts and create gifts. The two windows let in so much light and I can see the sun going down in the evening, when I’m home.
Day 1 Thankful for people who help me to see the world from a different perpectaive.
Mary, pastor Norm, my kids and Zee.
Day 2 My favourite spot is My corner of the livingroom in summer and my backyard in Summer
I feel so blessed that we are both healthy and can enjoy so many thing together like walking, sitting together by the fireplace reading,while listening to some Dutch hymns on Youtube.
Oh, our house has gained a window shelf for houseplants that the cat can’t reach for sunning himself!
Amazing how plants, animals and people respond to the light, literally and figuratively.
Day 3 – Song or quote that makes me smile?
“Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)
“I am not my own, but belong, body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful saviour Jesus Christ!” (LD 1, QA 1)
“Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow!” (Hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness)
Day#3
Philippians 4:6-7 have always been a favorite for me.
What lifts me up…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10)
What makes me smile…Old age is the most unexpected of things that can happen to a man (Leon Trotsky)
Day 3. Song that makes me smile or lifts me up.
Music is wonderful.
1. Song..Is He Worthy. “Jesus, our Messiah holds forever those He loves”
2. Song..There Was Jesus.. ” like a blessing buried in the broken pieces. Every minute, every moment. Where I’ve been or where I’m going. Even when I didn’t see it or didn’t know it. There was Jesus
3. Song.. Even If..”when You choose to leave mountains unmoveable, give me the strength to be able to sing ‘it is well with my soul'”
Day1. I am so grateful for Mark in my life. He keeps me grounded, and we are such a great team together:)
Day2. Our kitchen……it’s where Love is seasoned and we can look out the window into the back yard and see all of God’s beauty every day.
Day 3. A Song that lifts me up is one from Josh Groben…… You Raise Me Up. I listen to it as a prayer that is offered up to God. My favourite passage is Phil.4:4-7 – This is Mark and my wedding text…….providing us assurance of life and reminding us of where our confidence lies (P. Norm reminded us of this in his sermon on Dec. 17, 2017:)
Day 1: My friend, Teresa: confidante, colleague, spiritual mentor/friend for 30+ years!
Day 2: My kitchen table with a view of my “sanctuary”: trees, birds, river valley & west side.
Day 3: One of my ultimate favourite songs: “Speak O Lord” by Keith & Kristyn Getty; I had it clipped to my bicycle handlebars as I cycled in the Sea to Sea 2008 — my morning/daytime/evening prayer then & still today. https://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/speak-o-lord-keith-and-kristyn-getty/
Two of my favorites verses:
” I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God sot that you know that YOU HAVE eternal life” 1 John 5:13 (not will have, might have, could have, maybe).
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Roman 8:1
Next 2 are the famous John 3:16, and Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Favorite song: “Amazing Grace”
Day 3. Song..O God our help in ages past
Our hope for years to come.
Bible verse.. Zephaniah 3:17
Day 1
I am grateful for Ian. He is always there for me.
Day 2
My living room couch, where I can sit, relax and see out the window. I can also see my plants on the sill , waiting for my amaryliss ro bloom… its almost there.
Day 3
The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!
Len
Whether I’m in the back yard or on a busy highway far from home, Psalm 121 gives me confidence and comfort. “To the Hills I lift my Eyes.
DON’T WORRY ,BE HAPPY !
Day 1 I am grateful for Ian. He is always there for me.
Day 2 My living room couch, where I can sit, relax and see out the window. I can also see my plants on the sill , waiting for my amaryliss ro bloom… its almost there.
Day 3 The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!
Day 3: I like the song “I Am a Child of God”
Day 4, something I am looking forward to.
I tried to think of something more immediate, but with this lockdown all our planning for the month has been put on hold. I thought of writing ‘the end of the lockdown’ or ‘the end of this pandemic’, but I do not like letting the pandemic control my happiness. I have nothing planned… so I will plan something. I choose to go for a 1hr walk today (I find walking refreshing, even in the cold). I am grateful I still have the ability to walk, so I am looking forward to going on this extra long walk today. It is like a mini-vacation in my day!
So I went for my walk, and enjoyed it. It was refreshing – a comfortably cool temperature; it was inspiring – I find it easier to talk to the Lord when I am walking; and it was challenging – I saw a homeless person sleeping on a bench with all their worldly possessions in a shopping cart, and it made me think about my concern for – or lack thereof – those who struggle in life. Overall I am thankful that I can walk, and look forward to doing this again today!
I look forward to Summer 2021…hopefully some vacation and a wonderful wedding celebration
I am looking forward to studying the letters of Peter with my Coffee Break friends on Zoom for now and hopefully in person in a few weeks.
Day 4 – something to look forward to…..
I am really looking forward going canoe camping again………….and of course being able to gather without having to wear masks.
Canoe camping has become a family favourite in our household……..so everything from getting the books out that we’ve collected over the years, to sitting down and mapping out possible routes, along with planning some interesting or unusual site seeing leading up to or following the actual trip is a really exciting for us to do, both individually and as a couple……….Ok, well lets get honest, it’s usually me that plans out the weird or unusal places, off the beat’n path to visit……..and the girls can likely be heard saying, “oh no, not another hike through the woods getting killed by mosquitos and bugs……..just to see a waterfall, Mom! My response: You’ll thank me one day :0)
@ Janice: Our kids hated going for hikes. Guess what they’re doing during the pandemic? lol And they eat oatmeal …
Day 4. I look forward to camping again ( by ourselves or with family or with friends). I love the morning walks by the beach, hiking through the trails etc. I always feel close to God there
The first thing that popped into my mind was looking forward to get my left eye sight back to normal.
For this past 1-1/2 year it’s been annoying and a bit hard to see or read with one good eye and one blurry one. Appointments and elective surgeries were postponed and I finally got a vitrectomy this past July but it looks like it was not successful and might have to be done again. I am waiting for follow up appointments to be set up to decide what is the next plan of action. In spite of all that, I am still grateful that I can see okay with one eye and overall am in good heath. Just as I was about to end this comment a final thought popped into my mind and this is definitely what I look forward most of all, this ultimate time when :
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4
Day 3 2 Timothy Chapter 1 Vs 12 second half
for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day
Day 4 Booked camping at Grundy Lake
Day 4- As an Educational assistant I look forward to going back to school next week and not being online. I enjoy the personal contact with students.Like a lot of others I also look forward to camping.
Something I am looking forward to-camping this coming summer! This past summer we were able to take our kiddos interior camping “canoe camping” for the first time and it was one of the best trips we’ve ever had. So we are all VERY excited to go again! And they’ll be just a bit bigger and we’ll be able to go a bit farther 🙂
Day #4
I look forward to having direct contact with people with no fear of either of us becoming ill.
Day 4: I look forward to the day when the border will open and I will be able to see my sister & her family again!
Day 4. I really look forward to some nice sunny days .
Day 3: Song: I Raise a Hallelujah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2XtRuPfaAU
: Your Grace Finds Me by Matt Redman.
Day 4: I look forward to hugging my two little grandsons again. Date unknown.
I look forward to biking outside (a nice day in March maybe?) and camping this summer.
And having friends in my house!!
I found an online community through Goboomerang late last fall. The new season of discussions, learning new things, and lectures starts again next week. Finally!
Day 5 — Something I am enjoying listening to or reading.
On the suggestion of friend I am enjoying reading “A Prayer for Owen Meany”.
I have enjoyed listening to podcasts. One that is very thought-provoking and helpful for me is “Unbelievable” by Justin Brierley.
As for music, I am into relaxing classical music. My current go to playlist is “The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe”.
So thankful for these moments to relax, smile and enjoy God’s goodness in these ways.
Reading a book titled ‘Second Hand’. A great reminder that we/I accumulate a lot of unnecessary possessions. It is time to think about what we buy and where it ends up.
Every year I look forward to Spring and Summer – seeing God’s hand in bringing the earth out of its Winter sleep and bursting forth in colour and new growth.
Looking forward to listening to “A Girl of the Limberlost” by Gene Stratton Porter, a book I remember reading as a teenager.
An addition to #4 ( music) Hope Has a Name. It’s a newer song, listed as a Christmas song, but really it’s for everyday. Part of the lyric says, “Hope has a name, Immanuel; The Light of the world who broke through the darkness.
#5 I LOVE reading the newspaper everyday. My kids tease me (“It’s all on the internet, and it’s old news by the time you read it Mom”) , but it’s been a habit my whole life. The comics are my favourite part. 🙂 And I always have a book to read in the evening. Geri’s book ‘Second Hand’ is eye opening, as is ‘Being Mortal’ (every mortal should read it). Loved Michelle Obama’s book ‘Becoming’, and her podcast.
I like to read historic fiction and memoirs.
Day 5. I like reading the newspaper everyday. I could get it on line but I prefer reading from the paper.
I like reading the Banner especially the Q & As. I like listening to mellow music. I have a problem hearing the lyrics but still get satisfaction just hearing the melodies.
Day 5 Reading Do Not say we have nothing by Madeleine Thien
Relaxing music Tennessee Ernie Ford Hymns, Rock Early Beatles, Stones
Classical Four Seasons by Vivaldi given to me as a wedding gift by Mrs Jongsma
Day #5
I enjoy listening to NEWS Talk 1010 out of Toronto on my way to and from work. I enjoy listening to others thoughts and opinions on different topics. Stretches /challenges my thoughts and beliefs.
I’m loving listening to Soul Talks, a podcast by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere, as well as Focus on the Family daily radio broadcasts and the 8:05 a.m. morning market update with Allan Bush on CKWR 98.5 FM.
#6 Favourite part of the day.
I am an early morning riser. I’ve been doing this for years, ever since the kids were smaller. From 5-7am is the quietest part of the day for me, the best time for me to pray, think, and work on my sermons. I used to go to the coffee shop, but since March I’ve been home, and enjoying a homemade ‘cafe au lait’ (espresso with lots of milk). The downside is that I don’t last the day without a nap, usually just before supper. And I start to fade around 9:30pm.
I can say I am thankful for my early morning coffee with Jesus in the morning!
Morning….definitely morning. Especially, when waking up before my alarm – well rested and ready for whatever God has in store for the day.
Day 5
I enjoy reading mysteries and being surprised by a plot twist.
I enjoying listening to the daily mix on spotify. Some new and some old favourites.
Day#5 – I really enjoy listening to all kinds of music, everything from classical, classical cross-over, jazz, Christian, classic country, oldies, classic rock, Latin, polka, folk……everything that you cannot find on your typical radio stations. I am so thankful that we have Amazon music. Depending on what I’m doing at the time and the mood I am in, will depend on the music I choose.
The book I’m reading right now is “The German Girl”, based on a true story about survivors of the holocaust. Very eye opening and a reminder in our present day about human fragility and equality.
Day#6 – I enjoy early mornings most. I’ve gotten away from getting up at 6am and have replaced it with 7am, but it really is not the same for me since others in the house are getting their day going at the same time. I love the quiet time to have coffee with Jesus. So today I am committing to getting back to that 6am wakeup so I can feel energized with Jesus before I start the rest of my day:)
Day 6: Morning! Straighten up the house, plan the day (make a list), etc. Listen to “Words from the Heart” (Bob Beasley-The Bible League) and morning prayer.
Day 6: Evenings is my favourite part of the day. The work for the day is done. Most of the time it is the first time of the day that me and my wife can sit down together without to hustle and bustle of the day. By 7 pm we sit down in living room, we read, do our individual mind puzzles, watch TV and go to bed. I end my evening with a personal devotion.
Day 6 I enjoy early evening. The sun low on the horizon and the busyness of day is done.
Obviously I didn’t cook but I do now.
I am also reading What to do when it’s your turn (and it is always your turn) by Seth Godin
I like the early morning when I wake up and I look out of my window. There is an ancient Mulberry tree in front of the Retirement House where I live. This time of the year I can just make out the many blackbirds who I know have been roosting and are just beginning to stir. Sometimes there will be a big owl waiting for the field mice to wake up, these poor things don’t know what awaits them when they come out of their little holes with the sleep still in their tiny eyes. I can go on but I tend to get boring so I better stop and leave it up to your imagination.
Day #6
First thing in the morning I get up and go for a walk for 20 minutes but my favorite part of the day is when I sit to do my devotions and take the first sip of coffee.
Day 6: Favourite part of the day — the morning sun just rising in the east; it brightens up my house, which helps me feel energized for the day.
First part of a poem by Gregory M . Lousignont The best Day of My Life. To-day, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life,ever! There were times when I wondered if I would make it to to-day; but I did! And because I did I’m going to celebrate!
I get amazing joy when, at the end of the day I go to bed and as my head sinks into the pillow and my body starts to relax, I am overwhelmed with the realization that I have a comfortable, cozy bed to go to every night and there are many who sleep in the streets or in other unpleasant places. I never get tired of experiencing this precious gift and being thankful for it.
#7 — Best 3 things I’ve eaten this week?
This is tricky to answer, as I am trying to eat keto (low carb) this month. The 1st best thing is the low carb dark chocolate peanut butter cup. The 2nd best thing is the sausage and sauerkraut we ate last night. The 3rd best thing is the warmed cheesy spinach dip with water chestnuts. I’ll be honest, I miss the bread and chips right now, but I am thankful that I am learning how to appreciate different foods… and I still get to eat cheese! Everything is better with cheese on it! This makes me think of how privileged I am to have access to such a rich diversity of foods, that I can give up some food choices and still have plenty of options.
Day#7 – this IS a tough one since we do have so much to choose from, and often I take for granted just how many options I have. So thank you, Lord for your gift of food. Help me to give unto others as you have so graciously given to me.
That being said, my 3 favourite things I’ve eaten this week……a freshly baked homemade pumpkin muffin, that my husband made…. Soo very yummy!
An oven-roasted chicken, with fresh crunchy beans, and roast potatoes……. sorry keto lovers ;0)
Day 7: I enjoy most foods and 3 foods that I have especially savoured this week are: calabrese salad, cauliflower with cheese sauce and Asian beef skewers. We are truly blessed with the great variety available to us!
Three food enjoyed this week. Chili, Meat Pie, pumpkin pie.
My favourite part of the day (was) getting up early and getting in my morning run first thing! I truly came to savor the time outside, alone in creation breathing in all that fresh air!! I don’t run in the winter…so I’m missing it these days!
three best things I’ve eaten this week?
a burrito bowl made by my hubby, my oatmeal and peanut butter for breakfast and my chocolate/banana/peanut butter protein shakes!!
Day #7:
Although Norm is eating a modified Keto diet, I have chosen to eat a more whole food/ clean diet for January. Fun meal prep at our house this month 🙂 I have an absolutely delicious box of clementines. Very juicy and no seeds! Fresh strawberries and oatmeal with raisins and almonds are joy eat as well.
I am so grateful for our abundance of food and that we can make these choice.
Day 7 I have an Opa Jar that my grandkids and wife have filled with M&M’s
I have eaten a double cheese and ham foot long subway sub.
Tonight Mary made 1 of 52 ways to use Kraft dinner…excellent.
I know Valerie and Norm are going to cringe at this but I believe
a Wendy’s Baconnator is the best hamburger God has allowed man to make.
I have not had that yet this week.
Homemade raspberry jam, received as a gift from my sister. Croquettes. A generous sub sandwich.
Day 6- My favourite time of the day when dinner and clean up is done and I sit down and put my feet up, read my book or surf the net.
Day 7 – A juicy clementine, a bowl of homemade vegetable soup, and still enjoying chocolate from the holidays.
#8 — Something or someone you are proud of.
This one is tricky. It can sound like boasting. To be proud of something is to say that it is good or well done. To be proud of someone is to say that they have done something good, or become someone good. The problem is when we take too much credit for it, and become proud in ourselves. Instead I can say that I thank God and give God the credit for our children. To be proud of them is not to say that everything is good that they do – the same for me – but to see them as God’s much-loved children that are learning to use their gifts and lives for a good purpose.
This is quite easy for me to comment on today, since Mark just told me that he received a position in the Major Crime branch at his work. We have been praying for this for sometime now and after almost giving up hope and trying remain content exactly where he is right now (detectives) , he just recieved word yesterday that he will fill an opening in February. I’m so proud of him for taking the time to first pray about it, then spending a ton of time studying to prepare for the intense interview, and for remaking calm throughout the entire long process…… God has granted him patience, has guided his abilities throughout his career, and has graciously provided him with a new work position that will provide further opportunity for him to use his gifts and abilities.
I think as Jesus followers we look at things through a different set of lenses, and so the word “proud” means something completely different. Proud in my mind’s eye means, not because of our works….. but by prayer and petition, and hard work that He has granted us the ability to do….. that His will is done.
Just fyi, I am loving reading everyone’s comments. Very encouraging, and I feel blessed:) I would love to comment on each individually….. but we’d spend hours scrolling to the bottom of the page each day if I did that….lol. I look forward to seeing all your comments each day. Thanks:)
Day 8 I am proud of my mom. In a hundred years she has lived thru many trials. The strength
of her faith. I see now as a great blessing in my life.
I am very proud of my grandson. He has a disability but his parents were on the ball and have had him in therapy since before he was 2 years old. He will be 8 yeats old next week and is just an amazing young man
Today I am proud of my daughter. She had to have a cavity filled yesterday for which she was nervous-and she did AMAZING! Both the dentist and the hygienist commented numerous times at how shocked they were at how well she was doing 🙂 This makes me proud of my brave girl 🙂
First thought is that I am proud and appreciative of the scientists, the health community, government leaders who have found, approve and distribute in record time, a vaccine for covid-19.
Day #8
I am proud of all those who reach out for support with addictions and mental health.
I work in admin for the Men’s Residential Addictions Service at the House of Friendship, so I would say I am particularly proud of these men who reach out and jump through the hoops to get themselves in program. They spend several days in isolation at our facility waiting the results of their Covid test before working through their addiction issues.
Next Friday 2 men will graduate after 3 months in Treatment. A very proud day!
That is great!!!
Our Grandson is part of Clearview CRC and we watched him perform “The Litttle Drummer Boy” in three parts for their Christmas Eve program. Kind of neat…… Enjoying your comments
day 6 favourite time of day: evening watching Jeopardy and then some quite time of Bible reading and prayer
Day 7 Favourite foods this week: rum filled chocolates received as a late Christmas gift, red cabbage/quinoi salad….croquette
Day 8 I am proud of my grand kids in the US. They are all serving the Lord and all love being part of the worship teams in their respective churches….using their gift of singing to praise their God.
I am proud of my mom who has been teaching online all week!
I am very proud of my granddaughter Alison I have seen her grow from an infant into a wonderful young mother, with all the ups and downs in between. She and her husband have three children. She is an amazing mother, she is patient her children always come first, I am proud of her.
Day 9: When I look outside my back kitchen window onto the deck, I see a fire table. Why it is beautiful to me:
– Made by Bryan
– Warmth it creates
– The good times / friends / conversations that have been enjoyed around it in the past and those yet to come
One beautiful thing I see outside my window is a big evergreen tree behind my neighbour’s yard across the street. It is taller than that house. I did not pay much attention to it in the past but now that I have to look for something beautiful, there it is.
Day 9: While looking outside my window I see beautiful deer. The last couple of evenings there have been about 8 deer playing (yes, the littler ones jumping around playing!) at the back of our property. Such a fun thing to watch! Thank you God!
I love to watch the goldfinches change colour from a dull brown in winter to a brilliant yellow in summer. The contrast of a red cardinal against the white snow takes my breath away.
Day 9: I see the sun shining on the snow on the ground and on the trees. I live in an older neighbourhood so some of those trees are very tall. They must be firmly rooted!
I see my clean sheets on my clothes line waving in the sunshine! It ‘s going to be a good night sleep tonight 🙂
Just seeing the sun out the window is so lovely, especially in January
Day 9 out my front window. My neighbours house has twigs sticking out on the roof.
I picture his windows as eyes and It reminds me of a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon of a snowman’s face peering over the horizon.
Day 9: The last three days I have been able to sit outside in a little corner, in the sun from 11.30 till 1pm .I can dream , read, have a coffee or do nothing. Praise God that I am healthy.
I saw the day end with a beautiful sunset. It makes my heart sing “How great Thou art!!!!!
Day #9 Something beautiful outside my window.
Today is was the blue sky and the sun that I kept looking at. It was a beautiful day, a gift to be enjoyed. Was able to get out for a walk and enjoy the sunlight on my face. Still feeling the pleasure of that walk. The heavens (skies) declare the glory of God!
I am thankful for the beautiful sunshine I saw outside my window this evening.
Day #10 — Something I like about myself.
Another hard one. One thing I am thankful for is that God has given me an interest and ability in music. I like this. I also like my legs and feet, that I can walk and run and move freely. Compared to my brothers, I like that I still have a full head of hair!
Day 9 – something I see outside my window this morning is the glistening sun on the beautiful snow. I felt blessed to have the snow and the sun all at the same time. It made me feel energized and excited to go for a long walk along the speed river, taking in all the beauty that God has bestowed upon us. Truly a beautiful day!
Day 10 – one thing I like about myself is that I can talk to anybody. So when I’m out for a walk, or shopping, camping, gardening, or taking out the trash. If I see someone, I talk to them. One time it led me to invite someone who was high on some substance up to the house for a glass of water. I ask him if he was looking for someone. He responded by saying “I’m looking for anybody who cares”. I told him that I cared. The conversation went on for a bit and in the end he said thankyou and continued on his way. I felt like he just needed to hear that someone cared, and because I simply started a conversation with him, he walked away feeling (hopefully) a little bit better.
I like that I am a Child of God. For 15 years in my life I did not want or accepted that relationship. Thankfully he never gave up on me and brought me to my senses. I like that I have that relationship with God as my Father, Christ as my Savior and Lord and the Holy Spirit as my counselor, protector, helper, mentor, coach etc…
Day 10 I like my sense of humour which I admit sometimes is inappropriate.
I don’t know who I am quoting but “If you can laugh at yourself you will never run out of material.
Thankfully, God , I can do that.
example: I could not find my guitar tuner anywhere. I even walked around the block to see if it
may have fallen out of my pocket. At two in the morning I woke up with the thought why have I not checked my guitar case!!! Hope this makes you smile 🙂
Day #10:
I like that I enjoy being outside. Spring , summer and fall I would rather be outside that inside. And now especially, dressed properly it is wonderful to be outside going for a walk.
I like that I am introverted and enjoy spending time alone–it makes lockdown a little easier
What I like about myself is that I have good eyesight. Without that I would miss out on so much.
Day #11 — Tradition I love and look forward to.
Every year, usually the last weekend of August, we enjoy Sennema Family camping. In years past many/most of the extended Sennema family enjoy a weekend camping, each family taking a turn for the evening meal. It is such a joy to see the cousins have fun together, and also for me to enjoy time with my siblings. My parents join for one day and are in their glory surrounded by their family. Part of this tradition included ‘Sennema Idol’ where family members presented a ‘musical’ performance. As we all get older, it gets harder to schedule it for everyone. This past year was really small, but we still were able to do it. I look forward to seeing how this develops in the coming years as new members join or are born, and the family grows into the next generations.
Day 11: A tradition in our family is that we celebrate birthdays thankfully and faithfully every year. Its that person’s special day and it deserves to be marked well.
Eating ‘spiders’ at the campfire, singing ‘Lang Zal ze Leven’ for birthdays, making oliebollen on Dec. 31.
A tradition I look forward to is decorating for Christmas. I have contact with people who are new to Canada and are not familiar with Christmas celebrations and they wonder why we do all this decorating?! When you look at it objectively, why do we do this? It has nothing to do with Jesus’ birth, or even Santa Claus. So, I guess we do it for tradition sake, and commercial influence. 🙂 The decorations and lights do make us feel more cheerful, and brings back memories of past Christmases, especially if you inherited decor from someone who is no longer with us, or have “beautiful” ornaments the kids made. I’m thankful my daughter is always willing to help me decorate – that is part of the appeal too!
I look forward to family birthday gatherings.
Tradition we look forward to has been celebrating our wedding anniversary. Usually there is small trip or outing. Dinner at a restaurant. Taking out all those photo albums and remembering events from our lives. We see pictures when we were 19, camping trips, our children etc…
Day 11 I can’t narrow it down to one.
Christmas eve everybody comes to my sisters to celebrate my Mom’r birthday.
We watch Alstair SIm’s 1951 black & white version of Scrooge in the christmas season
Picnic camping in July again its a reunion of family.
LIke Mary singing “Lang Zal Ze Leven” to our children on their birthdays
Day #11
We go out for breakfast for our immediate families birthday as a whole family. Oh how I look forward to being able to do this again.
Family group camping on August long weekend. The only time of the year we get to see some of the nieces and nephews.
Day 8- I’m proud of my children and who they have grown up to be.
Day 9 – I see a beautiful red cardinal sitting in a tree.
Day 10- One thing I like about myself is that I can be alone at home and not get bored. I always find something to do that interests me.
Day 11- I love my yearly family camping. Every summer I go camping with my family, my parents, sisters and their families. It is so good to spend time with them for a whole weekend and enjoy the outdoors.
I always look forward to Christmas break. I like to kick the break off by sitting down with a big puzzle and a good audiobook.
Day #12 — One of your strengths.
One of my strengths, as I see it, is how I naturally try to see things from the opposite point of view (ask me about my son’s tatoos that illustrate this ‘strength’ in me). Using my imagination I try to understand why someone might think or behave the way they do, and then wonder if I would be different or better if I were in their shoes. It makes it harder to make judgments because I can usually see an issue from someone else’s point of view, even if I disagree. I will admit though that this strength is not always a strength, and can be annoying to others.
Day 11 – A tradition I look forward to every year …… canoe camping with our friends from up north. Every year we look forward to planning one trip with our friends who live very close to algonquin park and lots of crown land around them. So we all have looked forward to planning a trip together with our kids who love and look forward to it each year. Its so much fun sitting around a campfire at the end of the (sometimes, gruelling) days and sing songs or tell stories, or reminiscing (some might call it lementing) over trips gone by. Example……we will never forget our river walking experience the first time we headed out together, with water levels very low at the end of August and we (the parents that is) had to river walk the canoes while the younger ones stayed in the canoe, but the sheer joy of our beautiful camping spot, complete with a little island in the middle of the river and some rapids on either side……AND a pool at the end for great swimming, made up for all the hard work of getting there. We have been led to so many beautiful spots over the years, and look forward to a new canoe camping adventure each year.
One of my strength is being organized and detailed. I like things in their place and know where they are. For example, in my “home office” I have a cabinet with 4 drawers titled “Household”, “Education”, “Work”, “Faith & Church”. In each of these drawers are about 50 labelled folders. Once in the while my wife or children will phone me asking me where such and such is. I usually can tell them right away what drawer and folder to look in.
Once a year I go over these folders and discard of things I know I will not need anymore. This is challenging because some of it is like memoirs of our life story.
My husband says I’m organized. I’m just thankful for the rhythms of the day, and for Genesis 8:22, God’s promises and faithfulness.
Day #12
For work we have to complete a Strength Finder Quiz at the beginning of our employment. This is so we know what our strengths are and how we can use them for our team.
One of my strengths is empathy . I am grateful for this strength as it is beneficial as I walk beside those that are struggling.
Day 12 — one of my strengths…….i find this quite hard because I feel like I have alot of strengths. So to help me keep my post short, I talked to Mark:)
….He said one thing that jumps out at him is my ability to care about others and my outgoingness (is that a word?). Anyway, I guess that’s 2 strengths really…. but they go so well together.
When someone is in need and they come into my path, I will always help to the best of my ability….. or rather the ability that God grants me:)
One of my strengths is being a good listener.
Day 12 like Valerie I also took the Strength finder quiz.
I have 5 strengths and if you wish to see them they are
on a mug hidden in the hutch
One of my strengths is empathy and encouraging, though I often have have to remind myself to be slow to speak and quick to listen!
#13 — Name someone that loves you.
I am thankful to say that I can list a number of people that love me. But one that warms my heart in a special way is my grandson Edwin (Caleb is to young to show it yet). My heart warms whenever I think about how he responds to me when we are together (which is not enough, especially now).
Day 13 Who loves me. I’m going to give the Sunday school answer Jesus. I do not mean that flippantly.
there are lots of times in my life where I have been enormously blessed. Humanly speaking Mary more than I deserve.
Jan 13. Someone I love.
My wife Patricia. I am sure like many of you, your spouse has been your best friend and has your back.
There are many struggles one goes through life, it is comforting to have someone by your side to go through these ups and downs.
Day 12: I like to think that I am organized – a trait that was especially needed when I served as Administrative Assistant in my former church.
Day 13.
Hi, everyone. Joining in today after enjoying a long time of reading everyone’s entries–for the first time yesterday. I won’t try to catch up, but the daily questions sent my mind into many happy directions.
I am very thankful to realize I could list the names of any of my family as people who love me. But I’m naming my friend, Ellen. She was introduced to me at Sunday School, Annette Street CRC of Toronto, way back in 1958, so she could interpret the English spoken into Dutch for me, a new immigrant child. Her family had arrived a year earlier. Our friendship sprouted immediately. Together we’ve gone through years of playing, school days, courtships, weddings, births of children, then their weddings and their children’s births, along with the heartaches of hurts and losses along the way. The love continues as we grow old(er), sharing regular phone calls & get-togethers for birthdays & other occasions, all the while, still feeling like the kids we were when we met–hopefully a little wiser, but definitely less agile :).
Day #13
Like all of us, there are so many who love us but my person for today would be my Mom. Every night at around 9:30 my mom send me a hello on messenger. It is an almost daily check in and is one way that my mom show that she cares for and loves me.
Joy-Hannah
Someone who loves me is my grandmother.
Day #14 — Something that made me laugh recently.
My most recent laugh? We are filling lockdown time by watching the whole “Little House In The Prairies” series (don’t laugh… but if you do, that can be your most recent laugh!). In last night’s episode Pa and Ma break out in uncontrollable laughter, and their laughing was contagious, it made me laugh. At supper time was another good laughing moment, when we FaceTimed with our kids and grandkids, and Caleb broke out in huge smiles and a laugh every time Valerie made a face at him. Little moments of joy!
I LOVE watching “Little House on the Prairie”!
Kindred spirits!!! Oh, but that is Anne of Green Gables. I like that show too.
Sid and I watch ” Little House on the Prairie ” every day. We enjoy the family style show.
Sid and I watch “Little House on the Prairie “. We enjoy the family style show.
The comics in the paper make me laugh every day. Pickles especially! But I also love For Better or Worse, Zits, and even Dilbert. Sometimes it even makes me spit my coffee out! (I’m easily amused)
My 2 1/2 year old grandson bragged he could count to 70! “1,2,3 All done! ” The 4 year old watches a British kids show and now says, “Well, that’s rubbish!”
My daughter in law is very faithful in sending us Snapchats of funny or poignant moments in their household that make us laugh.
Day 13 – Someone who loves me. There are so many people that love me, but if i can only list one, it would have to be Mark my husband. He’s seen me at my worst, has my back, encourages me to be the best I can be.
Day 14 – something that made me laugh recently. I laugh all the time, mostly at myself:) But if had to pick one time, I would have to say it was when we were playing a game of Rummy-O as a family and the anticts that go on in trying to be the first person to “go out” by getting rid of their tiles first. Oh, and one more time, watching a crazy dog and cat youtube video. If you ever need a good dose of laughter to raise those dopamine levels just go to crazy cat&dog videos or AFV clips…….You’ll be feeling the giggles in no time ;0)
Day 14 This readers digest life’s like that story. I cannot tell this story without
breaking out laughing. A girl goes into her basement to play the piano.
When she does that their dog sits at the top of the stairs and howls. One day
a friend comes over, the girl is playing the piano and the dog is sitting at the top of the stairs
When the friend yells down the stairs “can you play something the dog doesn’t know.”
I even laugh writing it!!! Is that recent enough?
Day 14 something that make me laugh lately.
I laugh when watching the TV show “Just for Laugh, Gags”. It is a bit like “Candid Camera”. The gags I like the most are when one of the spouse, friend etc… is recruited on the spot for the gag to act in a way that flabbergast their spouse or friend. Can you imagine doing something totally out of character that would make your spouse or friend’s jaw drop? So funny.
One of the things making me laugh recently is walking by my mom teaching her primary classes virtually and hearing snippets of her teaching. Some recent favourites include, “Remember, no screaming please, screaming gives everyone a headache” and “Okay everyone, your dogs have to go away for the next thirty minutes,” both said with much patience and with total calm.
Day 14:
Norm shared mine already. Face-timing with the Grand kids is the best. Caleb brought laughter and joy to my heart.
And I also get a good laugh at myself. Since Christmas, I/we have not gotten out much other than the grocery store. So last week at work I needed to pick up items from Canadian Tire. I got to CT just after 9 and the parking lot was just about empty. Yahoo I thought , I have beaten the mass and the store will be empty :). Get to the main door and the 2 men inside gestured that I needed to go through the automotive service department. No problem but wasn’t sure how I was going to get into the store. After walking into the service entrance , I realized that we were in a provincial shut down. The gentleman behind the counter thought that I was a little out of it….(but maybe we all are these days.) Oh well , if you can’t laugh at yourself who can you laugh at 🙂
My cousin in NL posted congratulations to a 100 year old woman in her town. The Google translation of one line of her tribute was “She cooks herself every day.”
Ouch!
Familial flatulence. I say no more. 🙂
I resemble that remark!
Thank you for saying no more… 😁
Day #15 — Favourite season and why?
My favourite season is spring, starting in March. The days are getting longer, the nicer weather is approaching, the hope and promise of new life, being outside. Even if we get a winter storm, or it is raining or muddy, we know nicer weather is coming and things are starting to grow back. I love seeing things become more green and the snow melt. I love not having to bundle up to go outside.
Day 15 – my favourite season is springsummerfall – you have to say it fast 🤣
Because it is warm and I can play golf ⛳
Lots of other reasons, too. 😁
Day 15: My favourite season is Spring! All the promises of a renewed growing season.
Day 15 Favourite season and why?
Winter you can make snowmen without any tools.
Favourite season is Summer. Nice warm weather, more daylight. I see the birds, squirrels, chipmunks enjoying our water fountains in the back yard. It is easy and more enjoyable to putter around outside. No need to put on boots, coats, hats etc… I like to sit under the back yard canopy listening to mellow music while reading my newspaper followed by a little nap.
My favourite seasons are late spring and early fall. I echo all your comments about seeing the sun after a long winter and watching the days get longer. Early fall also is a season of newness for me because I’m still in school– and the sunshine is still lovely, the heat isn’t intense during the day, and it’s the perfect time for evening walks. I’m so grateful to live somewhere with four defined seasons.
14. Watching Rod Beattie do a session on “Letters from Wingfield farm”
I love summer! The fullness of the beauty of creation is at its ultimate best: the multitude of colours, shapes & sizes in the flowers; the fullness & variety of foliage on the trees; the liveliness of creatures in the garden; and the sounds of kids playing outside. The world feels like it’s my living room…
Day 15 – Vivaldi
Good one Mary!
Day 15:
My favorites are spring and fall. I love the more moderate temperature and the changes in these seasons. But particularly love watching the new growth in the spring. I often take Norm around my flower beds so that he can enjoy this with me 🙂
I LOVE summer. Having the windows open, hearing the birds beginning to sing as the sun comes up, being able to go outside without bundling up first, wearing sandals!, early morning bike rides with my husband, devotions and coffee on the front porch, meals outside, bare feet,shorts and sleeveless shirts, the smell of rain, napping in a lawn chair in the shade, walking on a beach…. Ahhhhh!
Haven’t logged on since the very beginning. Sure enjoying the contributions though. Not going to play catchup so I’ll go straight to #15 – Favourite season: would have to be spring and early fall – love biking (motorcycle on quiet lanes) or bicycle on trails – the fresh invigorating air in the spring, the rustle of leaves as I bike over them in the fall! Having lived in the tropics for many years- I just love the seasons!
Jan.15. 10 p.m.
I have missed some dates and will just start at day13: my children all love me I know and my friend Tina I have to single out, she remembers her husbands passing today.
Day 14: I quite often wake up during the night from my own laughing but can never remember what or why, I am just a funny lady.
Day 15. My favorite season is spring, I cannot wait to see the first snowdrops peep out in the lawn. And they get covered with snow several times, but they are stubborn and come up again.
Day #16 — Something wished for years ago that I have today?
For many years as a minister I wished I could work with a team… not just a team of volunteers but a team of gifted and passionate staff who share a vision and help me to wrestle through mission and ministry as well as help me work it out. For too long I felt it was primarily on me. I am thankful to be surrounded and supported by a gifted staff team to work things out together… especially now in a pandemic!
Husband and children! Didn’t even think about grandchildren – and what a bonus they are!!
Day 16 Something wished for
This is a big gratitude. To work in a big company and live in one place. 🙂
Day 16
I always wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. Yesterday 2 of the guys graduated from our treatment program. One of the men said that there are EMT , emergency rooms and Doctors to save peoples lives. He said that he sees our program on the same level. Saving peoples lives. I am so grateful to be part of this team.
Day 16
This is a bit tricky for me because I haven’t yet had a very long life :). However, what comes to mind is just being at school and having deep peace about what I’m doing and the general direction I’m heading. In high school, I was understandably anxious about what my life would look like in the next several years. It’s good to look back and see that God has been working it all out slowly. I’m grateful to have peace about what my life looks like for now while recognizing I don’t know what the future holds.
Day 16 – when I retired 6 1/2 years ago, I wished that I would be able to play more golf and drive the ball at least 200 yds off the tee. To help make that wish a reality, I took golf lessons, volunteered at a golf course as a starter for 3 summers, visited my chiropractor (a lot) to help me with my flexibility (and my chronic lower back issues) and I did play a lot of golf. Last year, I played golf either 9 or 18 holes more than 40 times. Looking back, every one of those times, I played with either a friend, a son, a grandson or a brother. So maybe the wish all along was to be able to spend time with my loved ones. And yes, I do hit my drive 200 yds sometimes. Now if I could just get the ball to go straight…….
Exactly like Corry! A husband and children. In my best imaginations I could never have anticipated the joy and fulfillment they have brought as tykes–and now as adults, nor the wonderful blessing of another generation! A magnet on our fridge states: “grandchildren are God’s reward for being parents.” 🙂
For many years I wished I had “more time” or more flexibility with the time I had on hand. More flexibility with my schedule. For the past 10 years I have been working steady afternoon shift. There were many time I was working on a project at home e.g. painting, landscaping, appointments etc… but by 2 pm. I had to stop whatever I was doing, put the tools away, pack it up and go to work. I kept telling myself, I wish I could finish what I am doing. I wish I could go to work after this or that. Well, now I got that!
I retired in September. Yeah ! Now I can finish whenever I want. I can have that nap in the afternoon without setting the timer. Each day, I have the flexibility to decide what is on the agenda for the day and I have the flexibility to change it as I choose. Something unexpected happens, I can work on it right away or later on as I choose. It’s like one big vacation. This is a new page in my life, I like it.
Jan. 16
This is really hard as all my good wishes would involve Henk. But now I am looking forward to my first great grandchild, and Bianca was my first grandchild, praise God for these blessings.
Jan.16 After I completed some aptitude tests in high school ,my highschool guidance counselor decided that my best options for a future career would be either in landscaping or building BUT those were careers not open to women and girls. So my best option was #3 working with children.
Ha! If he only knew. God had plans for all. Got to teach school, work at landscaping my bare yard and building projects at DRS. It’s great to be able to use the gifts God gave, when the time is right.
Day #17 — Favourite experience of the last year.
Welcoming our second grandson into the world, be able to baptize him as well.
Day 17
My sister got married on a beautiful day in June– despite covid it was lovely and I’m grateful I got to stand with her.
Jan 17: My favourite experience in 2020 was that my 2 daughters and I made a 4 day trip to the Yukon. I had always wished to see the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, we did not see them but had a wonderful time in that part of God’s creation anyways.
Favourite experience of 2020. This fall, seeing my work crew of grandsons & husband decked out with tools, attire and noise capable of attracting the least suspecting eyes & ears, hard at work to clear a portion of the wilderness behind our house–so I might enjoy a grander view of the park below. Success achieved! And now, when we have snow, the neighbourhood sledders are loving it too!
In October we had all of our kids and grandkids over for a visit. Treasure that time in my heart.
My favorite experience was camping with my Son, grandson, son-in-law and grandson to be (fiance to my granddaughter). It’s great to paddle for many kilometers and trade experiences around the campfire as well as spend time in meditation together.
Day 17 Best experience
Rushing home to beat the border closing from Myrtle Beach to walk in the door
to find the bread-maker going. Our son Jeremy had stocked our shelves and made
bread then left. He likes to kid the roles were reversed the kids were asking do you know where our parents are?
Richard and I agree our favourite experience was Brian and Rebecca’s very very small wedding in June. They were so happy despite having no guests, and they still are smiling today, and thankful they did not postpone the ceremony. A close second was Darren and Bethany and the boys coming to swim in our pool every Saturday. Their swimming lessons were canceled but they sure became a lot more comfortable in the water and had a lot of fun!
Attending my granddaughter’s wedding in Virginai just two weeks before everything shut down.
Finding several new hiking trails around Cambridge, a way to spend time with family. Hearing the whooping cranes kettling high above our heads. Wondrous!
Day #18 — Something I am proud of, or a time when I was brave.
I am proud to be an international gold medalist singer. Sounds more amazing than it is. I was a part of the Toronto Northern Lights, a barbershop chorus that won the Barbershop Harmony Society International Competition in 2013. It was hard work but a thrill to perform, and a thrill to win. The only brave thing about this was that I had to dress up like a sunflower. If this sort of thing interests you, you can watch the performance here: https://youtu.be/WONjhOwI5qc (that’s me in in the middle of the back row).
You’re right!!! That was very very brave!!! Love it.
Day #18 – Brave/proud of the time I advocated for the water access rights for small farmers in a rural village in Bangladesh. My language skills were very limited at the time – but I was able to escort the official in charge of the program to hear the plight of small farmers who were being denied access by the more powerful in the village.
I am proud of my kids and how well they are adapting to being online for school again. This is not ideal yet they are making the very best of it.
January 17 favorite experience was seeing my first newborn grandson this past May.
January 18 I am proud of the successful community BBQ our congregation host every year. This is a coordinated effort from leaders of various group desiring to bless our community. There are many people from the congregation, young and old, who sign up to help out or assist year after year. Hopefully we can do it again this September?
Something that I am proud of…Josh and I did a 6 day, 80KM backpacking trip which was alot of work-especially because I was 3 months pregnant with Clare at the time!! But I did the whole thing and it was AMAZING being in God’s creation 🙂
When I was 16, my house caught on fire while I was at home with just my youngest brother and sister.
I had the presence of mind to get them out of the house, go to the neighbors to call the fire department and call my parents to have them come home. I may have been brave but I give all credit to God whose Hands was with my through it all!
Day 17 Proud of Mary for speaking at City Hall and interviewing different people for the Community Opportunity Scan. Terrified as she was.
Day 18
I’m proud of each semester of school I’ve finished. It’s always tempting to lose steam, so I’m proud each time I push through to the end.
When the community garden was new, I trembled, speaking to city council, appealing for a grant. They granted $200 of the $500 ask. A woman followed me out of the meeting, said to me that food was a basic human right and handed over a cheque for $300. , and not to tell anyone. So, I tell everyone but respect her anonymity.
Day #19 – Something new I’ve learned to do recently.
With the lockdown of services, and the need to record our services, I was thrust into being a movie producer AND being a televangelist. It was a steep learning curve, but I enjoyed learning how to use movie editing software. As for the televangelist part, that was one thing I never imagined I would be, and I hope I don’t become like some of them became (hmm, maybe a private jet?).
I can sell you a private jet. I have taken a tour of a Honda Jet and have the flyer.
$2 million, rate of climb 3990/ft per minute..if you want to leave your lunch behind.
Cruising speed 777 KPH, Elder(Executive) seating for four one deacon (side seating and Clerk can sit in the bathroom(sorry). 2 year waiting list unless, for one customer in his 90’s (at the time) then it was only a year. Anytime you want to covet a little more let me know.
Wow, does it come with a pilot or do I have to fly it myself?
It’s fuel efficient at 777KPH. You could visit Jannelle and save on stamps
which should cover the cost of a pilot.
Jan 19: I have known this all along but more recently I have re-learned that God is our (only) hope and rock now and forever!
Something new I learned recently: This month I started a Personal Finance 12 lesson on line course (available free through the library). So far I have had to list all our assets and liabilities, set up a Excel sheet to set up a monthly budget and track all our bills and income. I was very overwhelmed at first but now I am proud to have a small start in understanding of our financial picture. When I was single many years ago my main goal was to not go below $0 in my bank account. Thankfully my husband has had a much better plan than that all these years! 🙂 But it is time for me to understand all this as well.
Jan 19: Something new I’ve learned recently? Well let’s say that I am starting to learn:
Pilates and Yoga. My wife has been going to the gym for the last 25 years but now that the gyms are closed she started doing these things at home. In the evening she does pilates or yoga for beginners. I decided to join her. Every evening for 30 minutes we exercise using U-Tube workouts. (It’s hard!)
She is in better shape than I am. Thank goodness I do not join her in the morning for her pump class. I would not be able to keep up.
Similarly to Norm, with the lockdown a little while ago I learned how to record keyboard/vocals separately, mix them together, send them to a few people who added in their guitar/vocal/bass/electric guitar-sent their tracks back to me, mixed it together and then made lyrics videos! I had zero idea how to do any of that before, so it was quite the learning curve-but I’m excited to find ways to continue to use those skills in the future!
Day 19 something new.
I have always wanted to play the guitar. Shout out to Long & Mcquade.
I’ve rented a guitar a ukulele and a bass quitar. Shout out to the Idea Exchange.
rented an Amp. I got a guitar from a family member and have had 6 months of lessons.
If you are wondering how good a sixty something can play the guitar. Listen to
John Mellencamp’s Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First) First verse third line.
I’m part of that Cuban band. 🙂
Something new I’ve learned recently is to share ‘my kitchen’ with my husband. There’s still room for improvement, but the tasty benefits are making the effort all worthwhile!
Hey…I’m learning to live with forgetfulness…..I think…….
Or have I already mentioned that before.
This was funny, thanks Len.
I have learned how to doff and don a procedural mask according to Public Health directives. Never figured this would be part of my skill set 🙂
I have figured out how to read with a struggling reader on the phone. We each have a copy of the same book. The library lts me check out two copies of the same book.
Day 19
I’ve learned a pandemic basic: bread baking!
Jan. 19.
I have had to learn patience which mainly involves other people. After living alone and making
decisions about all kinds of things and now living with mostly older people than myself and I don’t have to make decisions and go with the flow which is not always easy.
Day #20 — Someone that is always kind to you.
This is unique to our circumstance, but I am so thankful that when I return to former congregations they are always so kind and welcoming. I remember the first time returning to my first congregation, and being afraid of how they would respond. In my mind our time there was maybe not so positive. But their welcome and kindness was such a blessing.
Jan 20: I have a very dear friend in Chatham who during my 45 years there, was always kind to me, and continues to be to this day.
Jan 20: I have a good friend in Clinton who has always been kind to me. We were both living up North then in different town. We met at some Youth Rally when we were in grade 7. I was busing to his school and billeted at his home for that weekend. We met again when we went to high school and were in some of the same classes. He was very popular in athletics and musical. I was more of a book worm and loner yet he was kind to me. After high school we moved on. Five years later, I was living in Toronto and he was living in Stratford. One day out of the blues he phone me, we reconnected and have been good friends since. We went through our weddings, child bearing, family deaths, ups and downs of life together. We visit each other on a yearly basis. He is my best true friend.
Day 20 person kind to me
Zee who I play Backgammon with. He never lets me win cause he
knows if I win I would no longer be the humble person that I
am. So far 2021 is shaping up the same as 2020, 2019,2018,2017…
Day 20:
I have a wonderful friend from our time in Port Perry. She took our kids in as her own, loves and cares for each of them still. Supported Norm and I by inviting us into her family. Even though I keep moving further away, we still carve out time to spend together and share our joys and sorrows! A truly wonderful friend.
Day 20
I had a few teachers in high school who were unconditionally kind to me whenever I came to them with my troubles and concerns. I was grateful for their mentorship.
Day #21 — One thing I like about my body or appearance.
I thought we did this question already (#10 was more general, this one is specifically about body or appearance). I like my senses – sense of taste, touch, sight, hearing, smell. I marvel how they work and how they connect me to the world around me. I take these for granted, but then I think of those who may not have one of these. At this time I am especially glad I can smell, because not being able to smell is a symptom of COVID. Oh yeah, and I like my sense of humour (right Herman)? Too bad not everyone else appreciates it.
Jan 21 – I like that I look and feel young for my age.
I think it is in the DNA, my grandmother lived to 100 years old. Many people think I am 5-7 years younger. I appreciate my health and thank God every day for it. Although I feel young, I am starting to accept and adapt more and more to the fact that indeed I am a senior and cannot or should not do things that I did in the past. (e.g. heavy lifting, wall climbing etc)
I do not take my health for granted and want to maintain it by exercising, walking, stretching.
Day 21 one thing I like
I like my height. In grade 9 you could hang me up in my locker
and my feet would not touch the floor. Don’t ask me how I know.
Covid has also showed me that I can finally grow a beard, oops, thats two things.
Day 21:
I appreciate the (few :))wrinkles that I have. These come with age and I appreciate the age that I am. At this stage, our kids have been launched into the world and I get the pleasure of walking with them on this journey. Also the best is the grandkids!
I used to do gymnastics, so I am grateful for the lingering flexibility and movement I have from the sport. It lets me sit comfortably in some funky positions during online learning and move and fidget in creative ways throughout the day 🙂
Day #22 — Last person to do me favour or help me out?
Not sure that he was the last person, but one person who has been so helpful and ready to do a favour is my older brother. He is an amazingly gifted person when it comes to anything technical, and will go more than the extra mile to help. I can’t count how many times he has helped us with our home or vehicle, and most recently my trailer.
Day 22
My older brother often does me little favours– just today I asked him to pick up a textbook for me from our school.
Day 22 person to do me a favour
All the people who have participated in this Gratitude month. You
give of yourselves and that warms my heart. Thank you
I have not seen too many people lately but I would say the last person to help me out is probably Frederick. He rents a room in our basement. We help each other in many different ways. On December 30 he helped me move and install a hospital bed for a lady that was moving to a new place. I could not have done it on my own, it was heavy.
Yesterday our IT guy from work came to upgrade and redistribute our computers and paraphernalia.
He let me keep my second monitor 🙂 Thanks you Glenn!
Our car got a hit-and-run on our driveway in the middle of the night.
Thankfully our neighbour had a security camera and was willing to share that clip with us. It all ended well, thankfully.
My son Rick who helped me fix a computer problem remotely.
Friend Cathy lent me a scarf when I forgot mine at home . We walk together on Fridays and it would have been a very chilly walk today without it !
Day #23 — Favourite memory from childhood.
Where I grew up (in the subdivisions that now surround LimeRidge Mall in Hamilton) there were open fields, woods , ponds and trails. I have so many fond memories of time outdoors building forts, catching tadpoles, playing tag on and biking the trails. I’ve said to Valerie (who grew up on the farm), I had the best of the country, without the chores. One memory is the undergound fort, which was really a deep hole that someone (?) dug, and we laid boards over it, covered it with dirt. We even built a fireplace, though we could never get the smoke to go out the chimney, it always came into the fort. Another fort was built into thick bushes. We built a fire there too, and the whole fort caught on fire. Oh what fun.
This brought back some of my memories of Fort building. I remember the one with the roof at the edge of a small cliff. We covered it with rocks and moss. One could stand on top of it and not realize they were actually on top of a fort. I wonder if remnant of it is still there? I think I would now be too scare to venture into the wolves and bear’s domain. Strange, you never think about these things as kids. Thanks for the memory.
Day 23. The memory I keep getting is the fun I had with my friend Ellen after our families moved from downtown Toronto to homes in the suburb Rexdale. We even moved onto the same street! In those days we enjoyed so much freedom to bike around the neighbourhood, roller skate on the street (I fell once in front of a moving car–Ellen thought for sure I was going to be killed), catch tadpoles & find clay for pottery-making along the creek and play in the local park for hours at a time. One of our favourite silly things to do in the park, especially when on the swings, was to speak Dutch together, just so the other kids wouldn’t know what we were saying…
favourite memoty
Having my older siblings ask me to join them on the soccer team.
Jan 23 One favorite incident from my childhood was to find 3 big boxes of GOLD. Well actually they were empty pop and beer bottles but to me it was like gold. It was an early Sunday morning and I went for a bike ride. The streets were deserted. There it was, in the dirt parking lot of the town hotel/motel. No cars beside the three big boxes of bottles. I figured it must have been Americans or Torontonians who came back from their hunting or fishing trip and had collected their bottles. They were either good stewards or knew that they would make some kid from the town very happy! I left my bike beside the boxes and start dragging one box at the time back home. They were too heavy to lift. By the time I got home some of those boxes were torn to piece. What a gold mine it was, this was a jackpot! Every bottle was worth 1 or 2 penny.
Day 23 fond memory.
We lived on Eleanor Ave in Hamilton playing hockey on Southmount Secondary school parking lot.
Cause it was paved. Hiked across Hwy 53 (Rymal Rd) thru a forest to a clear a pond with a bucket frozen in the middle to skate. I took my first blurry pictures of my friends there.
My dad would not think of this as a fond memory. I caught a snake (so exciting) and brought it into the livingroom to show my napping dad. He was not impressed!!!
I grew up on a dairy farm. Although I thought my parents had kids so that they could work on the farm (I believe I told them that :)) , it was a wonderful way to grow up. We worked together, played together, rested together and shared all our meals together. My siblings were my friends. I learned the love of family, the value of a good work ethic and the joy of God’s beautiful creation.
When I was maybe 8 or so my family went to the beach in Port Dover. There were big waves that day. My Dad put his lawn chair in the water so when he sat down, the water was up to his waist. I sat on his lap, and every time an especially big wave came by, we’d both be toppled over backwards into the water. My Mom thought we were crazy but we had a blast!
Day 23
One of my favourite memories was going to see my first musical, Anne and Gilbert, with my mom while on PEI. I was eight and it was a magical night! We celebrated that memory today by listening (and singing and dancing along) to the soundtrack. Looking forward to when we can pick our theatre habit up again!
One of my childhood memories is my Mom reading stories from the Dutch Anne De Vries Bible story Book each evening after supper as all her eight children sat around the table listening. That is where my basic knowledge of the main stories of the Bible comes from. My Mom was a widow at that time.
Day #24 — One good thing about where you live.
We love living near the river trails, walking distance from our home. It is close and easy to go for an extended walk along the river, and feel like we are up north.
Jan 24. I like living in the city. We are close to schools, churches, health care, grocery stores, mall, and my favorite hardware store. If I need a special bolt or hardware part, I can hop in the car and back within 15 minutes with the part.
Jan 24: One good thing about where I live is that it is a granny suite so I have not been alone during the lockdowns. It is also in the city and I can easily get to where I need to be; as well, I live near siblings and friends who I look forward to seeing more of when able to. I thank God for all of this every day!
My favourite thing (of very many) about where we live is most definitely the great view on nature out our back window. When we moved in I wondered out loud what season of the year would look most beautiful? The answer is, each one is, with its own amazing, unique character. It’s our picture window on God’s amazing creativity!
I live in a subdivision with sidewalks that make for great walking. Also being close to the river and country side gives a quieter peace feeling.
Day 24
We live close to several parks and downtown which also makes for great walking (with great friends).
Not sure why, but the city comes and plows our sidewalk after every snowfall! Not complaining! Now if they’d just do the driveway too….
Day 24 what I like about where I live.
Churchill park. My kids tobogganed and caught crayfish in the creek.
Now my grandkids are tobogganing and being taught how to catch crayfish.
Thankyou God for such a beautiful piece of earth.
One good thing about where I live: the view. I take great delight in watching the variety of birds eating at my bird feeders, as well as the changing seasons and the evening sunsets.
Day #25 — Favourite smell – sound, sight or sense – that makes you smile.
I am not sure I can explain what it smells like, but I love the smell of spring. There is a freshness – a pleasing aroma – that makes me smile even now thinking about it. As for a sound, I love the sound of my grandson calling me ‘Opa’.
The smell of lilacs has always been special to me. Growing up we had a lilac bush and when they were in bloom we would pick them to bring inside. The smell filled the house! Spring walks and the fragrant smell of lilacs brings back good memories.
Day 25 favourite smell – sight and sound
Smell (healthy stuff) bacon & eggs and meat on the BBQ
As my grandfather said when he was given corn to eat on his visit to Canada “Ik ben geen Kip”
Sights and sound – When Kids and now Grandkids performing at School functions
January 25 senses that makes me smile.
In the Spring, the sound of baby birds makes me smile. I like the sound but wish they would not wake up so early ! Some days, we keep the bedroom window open at night time. I like the cool breeze (sense of touch) as I doze off to bed. Around 4:30 a.m. I wake up at the sound of multitudes of baby birds chirping for their breakfast (this is what I think!).
Sight! A Rainbow in the sky.
Life would be so boring without our senses. Can you imagine? Thank God.
Day 25
There’s nothing quite like the smell of food cooking when you wake up or come home, but I also love the scent of freshly washed sheets. For sounds, sometimes I wake up to the sound of my mom playing the piano in the room below me. It is a lovely way to wake up and start the day.
My most resent favorite smell would be fresh washed sheet hung on the line to dry.
Sight , sound and sensation. My kids and grand kids. There is something so special about being called Oma. And a hug….best sensation and so looking forward to receiving those from family again.
Jan 25: I enjoy baking and love the smell of the finished products!
A hyacinth is spreading it’s spring scent in our windowsill today.
Day #26 — Favourite place in the world?
I have not travelled enough to know, there are many places I might imagine could be my favourite.
Of the places I have been, my favourite is the Netherlands, mainly because of my family roots, but also because of the history (I am very familiar with European history, so it is nice to see it). I have enjoyed koffie en gebak in many city centers, toured the old churches and museums. Everything feels familiar and like home, including the sound of Dutch being spoken… because of my upbringing in a very Dutch home.
One more reason, my daughter lives there and being able to see her makes it final – the Netherlands is my favourite place in the world.
Maybe to in the future I will discover and explore some more favourite places.
really any place where I can be on the water…preferably in a canoe with a paddle in my hands 🙂
Jan 26: My favourite place is HOME but when I leave it there are several others: our annual stay in the Kawarthas at our rental cottage at Elim Lodge. When I leave Canada, I have enjoyed several trips to the land of my birth, The Netherlands.
Jan 26 Favourite place ? I would say Canada. I like living where my immediate and extended family are. This is a peaceful country, lots of space and variety. Good government, mostly law abiding citizens. I might like to visit other warmer countries for a couple of weeks but would not want to live there all year around. I like the variety of season, there is always something different to look forward too.
Moraine Lake near Banff, Alberta. Stunning scenery that shows the beauty and power of God through creation.
Day 26 Favourite place
I love Myrtle Beach…finding sharks teeth and assorted fossils on the beach, the art of Brookgreen Gardens the drive thru the mountains to get there. Standing at the top of Pilot Mountain NC.
Have never been to such a quiet place.
Meeting up with our friends from Massachusetts, soon I hope, booked for January.
Next would be my hippie drive accross Canada and Vancouver. I’ve been to Holland, Begium, Germany,
Spain and Morocco nice memories.
In the south we’ve seen the harvesting of cotton and pecans and the growing of rice. It’s wonderful to see, but they lack four distinct seasons, which I love. So I think Home is a great place to be.
At the end of the day, when I am lying in my bed, I say this is my favorite place 🙂
yes!!
Day 26
One of my favourite places is in my kitchen alone on a Friday night or Saturday morning. Perfect recharging time.
My favourite place would be at a cottage on a lake near Bala, ON where I spent some time in summers past. The quiet and serenity…the call of the loons the trees in the distance across the lake .
Day #27 — item or food that brings you comfort.
I have to say breakfast cereals like Fruit Loops, Lucky Charms, Honey Combs, Sugar Crisp. Though i don’t eat them now, the thought of them brings me back to Saturday mornings watching cartoons. Ah, sweet comfort.
January 27,
My Back Massager for chair gives me comfort. Every day when I sit on the computer I turn on my back massager. It goes up and down the spine. That is one item I would surely buy again if it ever break down.
Day 27 brings me comfort
Music in all its forms
Day 27- Soup brings me comfort! I love making soups. There’s something so comforting about looking forward to a hot, nutritious bowl of goodness, especially when made with homemade broth.
A cup of hot chocolate along with a good book is hard to beat
Jan 27th – I’ll be honest – a small glass of Baileys. Love it! And my brown fuzzy blanket. Last spring, a few weeks into covid, I’d come home after a stressful shift and spend the evening in the lazyboy chair wrapped in my blanket with a glass of Baileys. That’s when I knew it was time to retire.
Right after we set up our camp site, sitting in my reclining lawn chair with an ice cold beer. Dreaming of summer time 🙂
Day 27
I love sipping my hot mug of black Earl Grey in the morning. I am a lover of simple routines, so I don’t need anything too fancy. Maybe one day I’ll graduate to coffee, but I haven’t acquired that taste yet!
Jan 27: My first morning coffee break gives me comfort and joy! The apartment is tidied up, my Keurig has perked a fine cup of coffee, I watch part of an episode of “Escape to the Country” and plan the rest of the new day that God has blessed me with.
Day #28 — Something weird or random that brings you joy.
Whenever I hear a familiar song from the 80’s, something within me smiles. Sometimes it brings back specific memories, at other times just vague feelings of good times. Occasionally I will go on an 80s playlist binge, just to experience this. I suppose this isn’t weird, because we all know 80s music is the best, so it only makes sense!
I beg to defer, I think you made a typo mistake, 60 instead of 80. The Bee Gees, Beatles !
No, I meant the 80s. They started rock in the 60s, they perfected it in the 80s.
I had to listen to the Meat Loaf song “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” for a class this week. Can’t say it brought me a ton of joy, but it sure brought my dad lots!
Made me smile too.
Day 28 Something wierd
My very first reaction to Pastor Norm’s was 80’s you’re older than that!!!
To Phillipe Bee Gees??? Yuk Late 50’s early 60’s Yeah Yeah Yeah!!! Love you guys
Weird about me I have opinions?!?
What about Johnny Cash or Dolly Parton?
They had some 80s hits too!
Sorry Herman, born in the 60s but highschool in the 80s, when I started listening to rock. When you wrote “yeah, yeah, yeah”, I assumed you were quoting the lyrics of 60s hit (she loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah). By the 80s musicians were able to string together more than 3 chords and 1 syllable lyrics.
Apparently I have opinions too.
I agree but a 2minute and 50 second song is easy to remember and sing with.
Na na na na nananana…. Oh that was a bit longer.
Weird thing that gives me joy? You know those age spots on hands that cosmetic companies want to help you make disappear? I’ll never do it, because the spots on my hands are a very tangible memory of my dear Dad who had them too. When I see my hands with spots they remind me of his hands and make me feel closely connected to him, even though it will be 30 years next week since God took him to his heavenly home. Thank God for His love through loving parents!
Somethin weird, could not think of anything but in mid afternoon I got an email from my good friend. It had random videos of funny mishaps. Made me laugh.
Weird? maybe, but I love it. Canada geese who come to me when I call them, baby robins who respond to my voice and adult robins who call me when they are in trouble and chickens who come for a little cuddle.
I like to cut the grass and tidy up the flower beds and then make Norm come outside and enjoy the fresh sights and smells.
I have joy that Valerie loves to cut the grass!
Day 28
I LOVE a good mechanical pencil. Makes all the difference for me.
Day #29 — Favourite social media platform (account or friend)?
I am not really big into social media. I can’t say it is my favourite, but it is the only one I work with… Facebook. I do enjoy how it enables me to see where friends from the past are today. I see pictures of family and friends I would not have otherwise seen. Occasionally I will remember someone I had forgotten about, and look them up. Some people post too much for my liking, and I find some of the opinions too strong. And lately there seem to be more ads related to my Google searches. It can sometimes depress me – hearing what people post, hearing sad or bad news. I hold myself back, and post very little. But I still check it out daily to skim through, for that occasional helpful, interesting or thoughtful post.
Day 29
My favourite “social media” right now is this gratitude challenge 🙂 I look forward to reading responses throughout the day and posting my own.
The only social network I have is Facebook. I use it very little. Sorry people I don’t answer friend requests or answer back. Actually I am not sure how to use it and am not interested in learning. I prefer phone, texting, outlook email.
Day 29 social media
Check my e-mails first and when I signout go into the MSN rabbit whole.
Facebook only follow family, groups Taylor Coach and Buy Nothing KW (I am dutch you know)
I’m addicted to Lexulous on FB, a crossword game and can spend an hour finding the best word and placement. My friend is patient.
I’ve started making a list of words I’ve learned this way. 83 so far.
Not a big social media fan but do enjoy connecting with relatives on Facebook but mostly enjoy messenger to connect with the kids and grand kids.
Day #30 — Last time you truly felt at peace.
Not sure it was the last time, but recently I was home alone and I sat in my comfy chair and turned on my “restful classical” playlist and blared it. I closed my eyes and allowed the music to surround me. I can’t describe the feeling, other than a sense of deep peace. Me and the Lord just sitting and savouring the sound and the physical stillness together. No doing, just being. Nice thing is I can go here more often, whenever I feel the tension or pressure or stress mounting.
I think I have many times where I feel at peace, but no recent moments stand out, and admittedly, with COVID’s arrival there is often a nagging yearning that not all is as it should be. But upon reflecting back, I clearly recall the wonder and deep peace I felt on the 3rd Sunday in March last year. Our whole family clan of 24 were all gathered together on couches, chairs, laps & floor of the living room in our big rental house in Myrtle Beach, worshipping with Forward Church on TV (first virtual worship service.) All having been brought there safely through the long drive and amidst border-crossing apprehensions, I felt such peace in worshipping together as a family, knowing that we were all being held in God’s all-powerful Hands.
Like Cathy, during this time of COVID is feels difficult to have a deep sense of peace.
At work, I quietly listen to Christian music. Recently The Blessing by Elevation came on.
The song brings me to tears ever time. I sense God with me especially in the chorus:
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you.
Knowing that He is favour is with my family, my children, and their children..and HE IS WITH YOU!!!! HE IS FOR YOU!!
Hurray for Youtube music. Very nice thanks
Last felt at peace is probably this Summer on some sunny Sunday afternoon. Relaxing outside on the deck, in a reclining chair, listening to soft music, reading Saturday’s newspaper, nice cold beer and munching on pretzels, dozing off and finally napping for 30 minutes.
Day 30 felt peace
After working my entire adult life I suddenly found myself unemployed.
My brother-in-law came over that evening and offered up a prayer.
That left me peaceful.
The blessing at the beginning and end of a service always has a calming effect on me.
Day 30
Though last spring was filled with unknowns, I had a truly lovely spring and summer season personally. I have certainly felt peace since then (and I may be remembering less anxiety than there was), but I was blessed to have work through the summer and experienced a season of redemption and deep peace and joy.
Sunrise