This Little Crack...

Although this is only a small crack, it signifies some big things. This is the shower in my bedroom. The one that has been replaced twice already. The little thing that when my husband spotted it said: "we can't use our shower until this gets fixed". Since he recently had shoulder surgery, that means it will be months before it gets fixed. Which also means that our family of five will be using the same shower...for months.

But I am so thankful for this little crack. It reminds me of my home which is intact while so many in our country have had their homes destroyed. A little inconvenience is nothing compared to families and communities being displaced with a long expected wait time until normalcy.

Counting and recording blessings and things to be thankful for is so important. It helps keep the focus on the good, the everyday gifts from the Lord that may otherwise go unnoticed. Some things I"m thankful for this week include:

Sunlight streaming across the face of a sleeping child.
An unplanned lunch with family members we haven't seen in a while.
The summer Bible study that reminds me of the importance and great responsibility of being a mother.
Picking plums and making jelly.
Opportunities to share new hobbies with friends.
Hearing a sermon on true transformation of the heart.
The sacrifice of many that allows us to live in freedom.

As we celebrate Memorial Day, I was vividly reminded of the sacrifice of our forefathers through this quote: "When I consider what today people call "dedication to a cause" I am amazed at how little most people are really willing to give up to stand for what they "believe in". Our founding fathers, the men and women that helped form the foundations of this great country, gave up everything, put everything on the line, their money, their property, and even the lives of themselves and their families for what they believed in. It is truly amazing what can and will be accomplished with that kind of dedication." The tradition of sacrifice continues on today through our military personnel. My heart is filled with thanksgiving today for those who give and live a life of sacrifice.

All we have of freedom, all we use or know -This our fathers bought for us long and long ago.~Rudyard Kipling, The Old Issue, 1899

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. ~Joseph Campbell

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In every friendship or relationship, there is a common hope that they will grow and flourish. There is something inside of us that longs for a 'happy every after' story. We dream about it and work to make that happen. But in reality, relationships are a challenge. The bridging of values, lifestyles, interests and sacrificing for another are simply hard things to do! No matter how much we dream of the perfect fit, some relationships will not endure the stress. When differences appear and tensions arise, prayer can change situations, attitudes and ourselves. For the Christian, we know God can transform, change, heal. We cannot change others, but prayer opens us the door for God to step in and answer. God desires transformation, but does not demand it. The gift of free will allows us to choose to say Yes or No to Him. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Take notice of the first two words: “If possible …” This implies that some

Top 10 Workout DVDs

Prevention Magazine is a leader in health and fitness news and products. They recently came up with the top 10 list of workout DVDs. They have examined the many fitness DVDs out there and narrowed down a list of the best ones. There is a DVD for every fitness level. If you are looking to incorporate some exercise into your day in the convenience of your own home, take a look at this list. Here is an additional money saving tip: If you see a DVD that you are interested in, check out Amazon or Ebay before ordering. Many times they have pre-owned DVDs at a fraction of the cost of a new one.

BARBIEMay 30, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Visiting from Ann's place. Something so small as a crack can really put things into perspective. I am so saddened by all of the loss that has happened this past week. Praying you have a fabulous Monday!
BARBIEMay 30, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Well silly me! I had two blogs up at once. I wasn't visiting you. I already follow you!!! Ha ha!
BarbaraMay 30, 2011 at 3:31 PM
Yes that is good, and hoping you can deal well with that one shower for a while, hugs and have a great day, Barbara
Debbie PetrasMay 31, 2011 at 7:02 PM
Thank you for visiting Heart Choices. I loved reading your list. A sermon on true transformation of the heart; that's one for me. And yes, I agree that the bathroom crack can be put into proper perspective. :)

Blessings and love,
Debbie

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