Sunday, November 20, 2011

~~~~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING~~~~ This Is My Father's World

~AS THANKSGIVING DRAWS NEAR~

Thanksgiving Day is only a few days away and this week, more than any in recent memory, I find I'm more thankful than ever for God's goodness and blessings.  His faithfulness to me, His steady allegiance and affection for me, His loyal friendship and never ending love reminds me every single day, no matter what I'm facing in this world, I am never alone.
 ~LIVING WITH THANKFULNESS~

Yesterday my beloved daughter, Adrienne, and her hunk of a hubby, Micah, came over and helped my Mr. AGPMan and I rake up bags and bags and BAGS of fallen leaves.  Because our home sits just over the crest of a tiny hill we seem to get not only our leaves, but EVERYONE ELSE'S LEAVES, too!  For nineteen years we've scooped and shoveled, raked, mulched, blown and sucked up leaves.  It's exhausting work...and there have been lots and lots and lots a few days when I've griped and complained about the trees on our property and the absolute mess they make in Fall.  Leaves, broken twigs, acorns, seeds and tiny pods cover the ground and there are times when cleaning everything up is more than overwhelming.  I've also been known to say a few things about the lack of leaf-raking I see taking place in our neighborhood...

Hmmm.....
~LOTS OF COLOR~

After spending most of the afternoon and evening hours working in just the front yard my girl said something to me that changed the condition of my heart...

"Momma (she still calls me that!)...do you remember when I was eight and we first found this house?  You wanted a home of your own so much and talked about finding just the right one every single day.  It was your constant prayer....4 beds, 3 baths, 2 living, 2 dining, double car garage and a big yard for Brandon and I to play in!  I remember driving down the street the day we first laid eyes on our La Chaumière de Briarwood.  It was late Spring and the earth was full of color.  You gasped when you saw the house and said...

'Stop!  This is the house!!!  This is the house!  It's two story and it's has tons of trees!!!  I love the TREES!
I LOVE THE TREES!' "

Sometimes, when things become common and everyday, we need a gentle reminder of the past goodness of God and his amazing faithfulness to us to answer every prayer...

This afternoon we are raking the backyard...

"This is my Father's world, 
and to my listening ears 
all nature sings, and round me rings 
the music of the spheres.  
This is my Father's world:  
I rest me in the thought 
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; 
his hand the wonders wrought." 
(Chisolm) 
 ~~*~~ 
Blessings for a lovely day spent in His presence~

Love to you...

20 comments:

Unknown said...

Love this song. what a lovely post. I was reading today in the bible about doing things without complaining. Something about which I needed to be reminded. What a blessing to be the steward of your dream home! God bless you and your helpers.

Julie Marie said...

So beautiful Rebecca... I just love what your sweet daughter said, and I also love that she still calls you momma... xoxo Julie Marie PS I never received my picture Miss K did for me... did her nana forget to mail it?...

Linda Breedlove said...

Our Pastor's message this morning was on thankfulness... you just added the cream to my coffee. Thanks dear friend!

Sherry@The BarnQuiltStore Blog said...

Thanks so much for reminding me of this wonderful song!
I recall singing it in church with my grandmother.....years ago.
What a delightful memory!
♥'s
Sherry

NanaDiana said...

Sometimes we just need to be reminded, don't we? How wonderful that your daughter has such a strong, clear memory of that time! xo Diana

Jill said...

This was beautiful and such a great message for all of us. Thank you.

Christine said...

You always have the right words to say to make me think. We all are so blessed by our Heavenly Father and we take it for granted sometimes.

Anonymous said...

But I feel your pain, we're up to our eyes in leaves, too. Living in a subdivision, some of our blow to the neighbors and some of theirs blow our way. There are just so many and we're not so young any more. I told my hubby today I thought we should move into an apartment so someone else could deal with the leaves :) But yes, there is so much to be thankful for. Thanks for the reminder (via your daughter) :)

Linda Carole Bloom said...

I love my trees too. They are such a gift, and the leaves are a gift too - if you have a garden and mulch them. In my other house I had only one tree and used to grab the bags of leaves from my neighbors. Now, living in the woods, I don't have grass - they just fall . . . beautifully. I only have to sweep off the porch! LOL

Marilyn said...

I am thankful for my pine trees and the two other trees with tiny leaves that blow away! May you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving.♥♫

Donna said...

I love our beautiful shade trees in our backyard and there are a few leaves remaining in the yard waiting to be blown and raked.
My daughters always called me Mommy even the youngest and she is 30! Love it!
Hugs,
Donna

Anonymous said...

To be reminded of a love you had, a vision & to be reminded by one who is most dear to you, how precious. Well Ms.AGPDaughter, well done. Hugs. tammy

joanne said...

Oh my, you've got me thinking about all those leaves in a different light! Thank you, I think...ha.
Blessings to you this week as you celebrate the season of Gratitude and enjoy your Thanksgiving meal.

Theresa said...

What a sweet reminder to look back sometimes to see clearly:) Have a blessed day my friend, HUGS!

Unknown said...

Hi Rebecca!
Gotta love family..they always keep us real!

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Be blessed,
Lorena

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Hi dear Rebecca! Hope you and your sweet family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Becky said...

Goodmorning Rebecca!Lovely post,as always my dear friend.thanks for visiting,wishing you and your dear family and lovely grandaughter a blessed Thanksgiving.

Blessings to all!

Anonymous said...

This time of year the things you loved the most but are gone come home sharper than any other time. The childhood Christmas songs that bring back Mom & Dad & the wound that reopens because they aren't here .......
However, after a close brush with a biopsy & benign news now I am so grateful for where I am & Life is Good ! !
Happy Thanksgiving My Sweet Friend!!
Marilyn

Jan Marie said...

Amen!! Love your post, love the song. .and love your daughter's gentle reminder! Blessings!
"And though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet! Jesus who died will be satisfied and earth and heaven be one!!"

Jan Marie said...

Amen!! Love your post, love the song. .and love your daughter's gentle reminder! Blessings!
"And though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet! Jesus who died will be satisfied and earth and heaven be one!!"

Blog Archive