May 29, 2015

Books & Bones

**I received these products complimentary. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**


Yep, you heard right, I have books and bones on the blog today! It's time to review a few things!

From Chewy.com
   First up, dental chews from Chewy.com. They sent Ginny the grain free Greenies Dental Dog Treat. I tell you, when I say she couldn't wait until I opened the box, then the bag, and finally gave her one- is a major understatement. Girlfriend was drooling a huge puddle on my carpet before I could get the bag open! I've never seen her drool so much before! She gobbled it up so fast, so I know it's delicious to her. And since she is shedding her Winter hair, AND battling her pollen allergy, I was so happy that these particular bones were grain free because she also has an allergy to grain! The last thing this doggie needs is more allergy/shedding trouble! All in all, if Ginny could talk, she'd give these a 10+!

   Next up are the book reviews. This first book has set my world upside down! I review it from Tyndale Publishers

The Set Apart Woman: God's Invitation to Sacred Living by Leslie Ludy




Synopsis:  In The Set-Apart Woman, women of all ages will be encouraged to stay grounded in Jesus amid the many distractions and temptations of their daily lives. Biblical truths will help readers understand what it means to live the consecrated life, set apart for God’s purposes. Readers will apply these truths to practical areas of struggle that women face on a daily basis, such as sinful attitudes and patterns and other hindrances to our souls.

My opinion:  Give yourselves at least a good 2 weeks to 1 month for this, you will need it! This book isn't a light read, and it isn't designed to be so. It's going to get under your skin, and toss your life up in the air in the hopes that, along with your help- God puts the pieces where they need to be. And that's exactly what it did! It has taught me so much by pointing out what I've allowed to be wrong in my priorities and taught me what God wants for me, allowing me to put the pieces exactly where they need to be. I will sing the praises of this book to everyone who will listen! 


Lastly, I've read from Blogging with Books.org, 

Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life by Joan D. Chittister



Synopsis:   “There is a part of the soul that stirs at night, in the dark and soundless times of day, when our defenses are down and our daylight distractions no longer serve to protect us from ourselves,” writes beloved author, Joan Chittister. “It’s then, in the still of life, when we least expect it, that questions emerge from the damp murkiness of our inner underworld…These questions do not call for the discovery of data; they call for the contemplation of possibility.” 
   In words as wise as they are inspiring, Between the Dark and the Daylight explores the concerns of modern life, of the overworked mind and hurting heart. These are the paradoxical—and often frustrating—moments when our lives feel at odds with everything around us. 
   Only by embracing the contradictions, Chittister contends, may we live well amid stress, withstand emotional storms, and satisfy our yearnings for something transcendent and real. By delving into the chaos, this book guides us through the questions that seemed easier to avoid and enlightens what has been out of focus. 
   With her signature elegance, wit, and spirit, the bestselling author of The Gift of Years and Following the Path opens our eyes and hearts in these times of confusion. With simple and poignant meditations, Between the Dark and the Daylight reveals how we can better understand ourselves, one another, and God. 

My opinion:  This was another heavy hitter book. Joan D. Chittister doesn't hold any punches when it comes to telling you how real God is. She will challenge you, but doing so in such an inspiring way that you feel many emotions in the same paragraph! Her style of writing is absolutely breathtaking, so allow some time to devour the sentences. Grab a pen and highlighter so you can make notes without skipping a beat! 


  There you go! If you're looking for good for your doggie treats, or books that really shake up your faith, I've got you covered!

What are you raving about lately?

May 21, 2015

This may hurt me, but...

 

   Yep, folks, I'm pulling the plug tomorrow! Before you think I'm nuts, let me explain why this is a great decision for me (not for everyone).

  Social media is such a fickle beast. Yes, you like to keep up with friends and family, but when your first waking thoughts are about scrolling through your news feed, instead of grabbing some quiet time with God,  it's time to quit it. For me, it was a stumbling block in my daily Christian walk.

Psalm 1:2 says, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on it he meditates day and night"

It doesn't say, to meditate on everyone else's life, or worrying about getting that perfect photo to share on your social media, day and night. And that's where my problem was- trying to keep up. I have enough to deal with between putting energy into my family and close friends, keeping up my home, keeping up the Etsy shop, keeping up with this blog, keeping up with all the doctor's appointments, medications, physical therapists, keeping up with the time I should have my nose in the bible, keeping up with the classes that will get me to a Theology degree, and doing all of this with Fibromyalgia and Endometriosis.

 
And what's the purpose, really? To keep up with folks?  I do want to keep up with my friends and family, but do I want to keep up with my 300+ acquaintances who I haven't spoken to in a good 15 years or more? No, thanks though.

   What does this mean exactly? It means if you want to keep in contact with me, find out what's going on in my life, you'll have to do so by:

  • Emailing me
  • Snail mailing me- yes, you remember how to address an envelope, don't you?
  • Read this blog, it's the only thing I'm keeping
  • Actually come and visit me, you know, in person
  • OR- Call/text me

   And ya know what? My life will be less cluttered because of this decision. I won't have to worry about getting offended by what someone puts on their walls. I won't have to worry about the friendship politics of making sure I "Like" some one's hundredth selfie of the month or they will think I'm mad at them.  I will no longer have to stress about when something big happens in my life, making sure I put it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Blog and Bloglovin'-  it will simply go here, or you can hear about it directly from me.

    Some may say that if you want your blog to be successful then you MUST be super active on all social media accounts. I say that I'm not in this for a huge following. I'm in this to share parts of my life with others who are interested in what I have to say.  And some may say that I will get less "Sponsored Posts" from companies who want me to showcase their goods for exposure. To that, my response is this- I started this blog to share my story of overcoming my health conditions, to share our love of travel with folks, and to hopefully inspire people who may be searching the web for answers to questions they don't dare ask aloud. So, does social media get in the way of that? For me, yes, it does. I spend more time on social media than I do actually working on the blog. And that doesn't help my original goals for this space. It actually hinders it. 

   No, I don't think social media is bad. I do think, however, for me it was time consuming and it distracted me from the really important things in life. You've read about me wanting to "Simplify Everything" this year, and how I am "Konmari Method"-ing my home, but I want to do the same with my life... my time. I let insignificant things get in the way. So, by taking said insignificant things out of the equation, I will have more time for the things that DO matter to me. This isn't to convince you of anything. It's more for the purpose of giving you the answer when you can't find me on social media. 

   Oh, but I will be keeping Pinterest. I might be crazy to give everything else up, but I'm not crazy enough to give up Pinterest

Thoughts? Questions? Concerns, lol?
May 18, 2015

Those Jesus Movies

Did you guys watch those Jesus movies from Pure Flix Entertainment? I see a lot on Netflix, and it's pretty much regular people, involved in some sort of crisis, and this guy comes around, saying he's Jesus, revealing their past and secrets that he couldn't possibly know... and then they come around to give their life to him in the end.

This is the last one I watched...



It's kind of the corny acting jobs on here, no really huge stars, but you'll recognize a couple of the actors from other Christian movies.  Honestly, the message is stunning. And got me to realize, what in the world would I do if I was just going about my day and BAMMM Jesus appears? Would I believe him, that he is the Son of God? Or would my heart be calloused and my worldly brain not accept that this is real?  After he started talking to me, some weird stranger just coming up to me... would I run away or would I listen? Of course, my pride would like to say that I'd know it was him and fall to his feet in worship... but is that really the case? What if he come to me, looking like a homeless person? Honestly, I'd probably do the fast-walk-don't-look-them-in-the-eye thing. And that's sad!

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

I try to put myself in this scenario and each time, if I'm completely honest with myself, I would probably not believe it. Of course after he starts telling me of my past, and knowing the details, I'd start to know something was up, but would I listen that long or run away and call the cops, saying I have a stalker?

What would you do?


May 15, 2015

These Wild Moments



Happy Friday!  I'm sharing my favorite gal, Ginny! She's been extra needy this week since she is shedding her Winter coat and she knows that if she comes to you all cute, that you will scratch her! Girlfriend knows how to get what she wants! Oh, if you haven't already, go check out her very own Instagram hashtag-  #GinnySnuggles. She doesn't disappoint in the cuteness factor!


Don't you just want to cuddle that hot mess?!
May 8, 2015

Easy Peasy Scroll To Top Button



Hey! Wanna know how I got that spiffy new "Back to top" button you see at the bottom right of the screen? I MADEEEE ITTTTT! Yeah, me! Mrs.No-Techie-Techie made this bad boy!

Before you think I'm the Yoda of blogging code, (Actually, Aimee is my Yoda) I searched far and wide, and I just couldn't find easy instructions, or buttons that were cute, so I decided to make my own, and share it with you guys!

OK, this is what I did, and this is for BLOGGER only. I can't help you if you have any other sort of formatting.

To use my Back To Top Button- 

1. Create a widget.

  • In Blogger, go to Layout, and create a new HTML/JavaScript widget at the footer part of your blog. (This is where you're going to put all the coding) leave the box open.
2. Add the code!
  • This one below was found on My Blogger Tricks.  Copy all of it, and paste this code into the widget box. Now, this one has my graphic with the gold arrow and words. If you'd like to make your own, see the second set of instructions.  
3. SAVE SAVE SAVE! 

  • Save your widget box and go check out your spiffy new Back To Top button! 




<script type="text/javascript" src="http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.3.2/jquery.min.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" >
/***********************************************
* Scroll To Top Control script- © Dynamic Drive DHTML code library (www.dynamicdrive.com)
* Modified by www.MyBloggerTricks.com
* This notice MUST stay intact for legal use
* Visit Project Page at http://www.dynamicdrive.com for full source code
***********************************************/
var scrolltotop={ 
    //startline: Integer. Number of pixels from top of doc scrollbar is scrolled before showing control 
    //scrollto: Keyword (Integer, or "Scroll_to_Element_ID"). How far to scroll document up when control is clicked on (0=top). 
    setting: {startline:100, scrollto: 0, scrollduration:1000, fadeduration:[500, 100]}, 
    controlHTML: '<img src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y536/Jessica_Hnatiuk/Back%20to%20Top%20Button_zpstayvnzv4.png" />', //HTML for control, which is auto wrapped in DIV w/ ID="topcontrol" 
    controlattrs: {offsetx:5, offsety:5}, //offset of control relative to right/ bottom of window corner 
    anchorkeyword: '#top', //Enter href value of HTML anchors on the page that should also act as "Scroll Up" links
    state: {isvisible:false, shouldvisible:false},
    scrollup:function(){
        if (!this.cssfixedsupport) //if control is positioned using JavaScript
            this.$control.css({opacity:0}) //hide control immediately after clicking it
        var dest=isNaN(this.setting.scrollto)? this.setting.scrollto : parseInt(this.setting.scrollto)
        if (typeof dest=="string" && jQuery('#'+dest).length==1) //check element set by string exists
            dest=jQuery('#'+dest).offset().top
        else
            dest=0
        this.$body.animate({scrollTop: dest}, this.setting.scrollduration);
    },
    keepfixed:function(){
        var $window=jQuery(window)
        var controlx=$window.scrollLeft() + $window.width() - this.$control.width() - this.controlattrs.offsetx
        var controly=$window.scrollTop() + $window.height() - this.$control.height() - this.controlattrs.offsety
        this.$control.css({left:controlx+'px', top:controly+'px'})
    },
    togglecontrol:function(){
        var scrolltop=jQuery(window).scrollTop()
        if (!this.cssfixedsupport)
            this.keepfixed()
        this.state.shouldvisible=(scrolltop>=this.setting.startline)? true : false
        if (this.state.shouldvisible && !this.state.isvisible){
            this.$control.stop().animate({opacity:1}, this.setting.fadeduration[0])
            this.state.isvisible=true
        }
        else if (this.state.shouldvisible==false && this.state.isvisible){
            this.$control.stop().animate({opacity:0}, this.setting.fadeduration[1])
            this.state.isvisible=false
        }
    },
   
    init:function(){
        jQuery(document).ready(function($){
            var mainobj=scrolltotop
            var iebrws=document.all
            mainobj.cssfixedsupport=!iebrws || iebrws && document.compatMode=="CSS1Compat" && window.XMLHttpRequest //not IE or IE7+ browsers in standards mode
            mainobj.$body=(window.opera)? (document.compatMode=="CSS1Compat"? $('html') : $('body')) : $('html,body')
            mainobj.$control=$('<div id="topcontrol">'+mainobj.controlHTML+'</div>')
                .css({position:mainobj.cssfixedsupport? 'fixed' : 'absolute', bottom:mainobj.controlattrs.offsety, right:mainobj.controlattrs.offsetx, opacity:0, cursor:'pointer'})
                .attr({title:'Scroll Back to Top'})
                .click(function(){mainobj.scrollup(); return false})
                .appendTo('body')
            if (document.all && !window.XMLHttpRequest && mainobj.$control.text()!='') //loose check for IE6 and below, plus whether control contains any text
                mainobj.$control.css({width:mainobj.$control.width()}) //IE6- seems to require an explicit width on a DIV containing text
            mainobj.togglecontrol()
            $('a[href="' + mainobj.anchorkeyword +'"]').click(function(){
                mainobj.scrollup()
                return false
            })
            $(window).bind('scroll resize', function(e){
                mainobj.togglecontrol()
            })
        })
    }
}
scrolltotop.init()
</script>

TA-DA! You DID it! 
IF you wanna brave designing your own button, look below. 

SECOND SET OF INSTRUCTIONS- For creating your own design- 

1. Create a widget.

  • In Blogger, go to Layout, and create a new HTML/JavaScript widget at the footer part of your blog. (This is where you're going to put all the coding) leave the box open.

2. Make your design-  
  • You can use a photo shop software or website. Make the graphic 100x100 (or whatever size you prefer) and design it any way you'd like! Save it to your computer. 
  • Then, you upload it to a hosting site, I personally use photobucket. Keep this open in a tab. 

3. Add the code!
  • This one below was found on My Blogger Tricks Paste this code into the widget box that you left open. 
  • After that, you'd add the URL to your graphic to the code, replacing the words IMAGE LINK  (Please be careful with this part to ONLY replace those words and no other letters, spaces or symbols)
4. SAVE SAVE SAVE! 
  • Save your widget box and go check out your spiffy new Back To Top button! 


<script type="text/javascript" src="http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.3.2/jquery.min.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" >
/***********************************************
* Scroll To Top Control script- © Dynamic Drive DHTML code library (www.dynamicdrive.com)
* Modified by www.MyBloggerTricks.com
* This notice MUST stay intact for legal use
* Visit Project Page at http://www.dynamicdrive.com for full source code
***********************************************/
var scrolltotop={
    //startline: Integer. Number of pixels from top of doc scrollbar is scrolled before showing control
    //scrollto: Keyword (Integer, or "Scroll_to_Element_ID"). How far to scroll document up when control is clicked on (0=top).
    setting: {startline:100, scrollto: 0, scrollduration:1000, fadeduration:[500, 100]},
    controlHTML: '<img src="IMAGE LINK" />', //HTML for control, which is auto wrapped in DIV w/ ID="topcontrol"
    controlattrs: {offsetx:5, offsety:5}, //offset of control relative to right/ bottom of window corner
    anchorkeyword: '#top', //Enter href value of HTML anchors on the page that should also act as "Scroll Up" links
    state: {isvisible:false, shouldvisible:false},
    scrollup:function(){
        if (!this.cssfixedsupport) //if control is positioned using JavaScript
            this.$control.css({opacity:0}) //hide control immediately after clicking it
        var dest=isNaN(this.setting.scrollto)? this.setting.scrollto : parseInt(this.setting.scrollto)
        if (typeof dest=="string" && jQuery('#'+dest).length==1) //check element set by string exists
            dest=jQuery('#'+dest).offset().top
        else
            dest=0
        this.$body.animate({scrollTop: dest}, this.setting.scrollduration);
    },
    keepfixed:function(){
        var $window=jQuery(window)
        var controlx=$window.scrollLeft() + $window.width() - this.$control.width() - this.controlattrs.offsetx
        var controly=$window.scrollTop() + $window.height() - this.$control.height() - this.controlattrs.offsety
        this.$control.css({left:controlx+'px', top:controly+'px'})
    },
    togglecontrol:function(){
        var scrolltop=jQuery(window).scrollTop()
        if (!this.cssfixedsupport)
            this.keepfixed()
        this.state.shouldvisible=(scrolltop>=this.setting.startline)? true : false
        if (this.state.shouldvisible && !this.state.isvisible){
            this.$control.stop().animate({opacity:1}, this.setting.fadeduration[0])
            this.state.isvisible=true
        }
        else if (this.state.shouldvisible==false && this.state.isvisible){
            this.$control.stop().animate({opacity:0}, this.setting.fadeduration[1])
            this.state.isvisible=false
        }
    },
   
    init:function(){
        jQuery(document).ready(function($){
            var mainobj=scrolltotop
            var iebrws=document.all
            mainobj.cssfixedsupport=!iebrws || iebrws && document.compatMode=="CSS1Compat" && window.XMLHttpRequest //not IE or IE7+ browsers in standards mode
            mainobj.$body=(window.opera)? (document.compatMode=="CSS1Compat"? $('html') : $('body')) : $('html,body')
            mainobj.$control=$('<div id="topcontrol">'+mainobj.controlHTML+'</div>')
                .css({position:mainobj.cssfixedsupport? 'fixed' : 'absolute', bottom:mainobj.controlattrs.offsety, right:mainobj.controlattrs.offsetx, opacity:0, cursor:'pointer'})
                .attr({title:'Scroll Back to Top'})
                .click(function(){mainobj.scrollup(); return false})
                .appendTo('body')
            if (document.all && !window.XMLHttpRequest && mainobj.$control.text()!='') //loose check for IE6 and below, plus whether control contains any text
                mainobj.$control.css({width:mainobj.$control.width()}) //IE6- seems to require an explicit width on a DIV containing text
            mainobj.togglecontrol()
            $('a[href="' + mainobj.anchorkeyword +'"]').click(function(){
                mainobj.scrollup()
                return false
            })
            $(window).bind('scroll resize', function(e){
                mainobj.togglecontrol()
            })
        })
    }
}
scrolltotop.init()
</script>

I hope you guys enjoy this tutorial! 
May 7, 2015

Join us, won't you?


Today is National Day of Prayer. I think this idea and day is absolutely fabulous, and wanted to include a little history behind it, as well as provide links in case you wanted to get more involved for next year!


 Quote from National Day of Prayer.org site-

"The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible."

Y'all, how great is that? Below is the 2015 Theme & Verse- (again, quoting from  National Day of Prayer.org site)



"2015 Theme and Verse

  The 64th annual National Day of Prayer, May 7, 2015, will have profound significance for our country. It is an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest as we call on citizens to humbly come before His throne.Our theme for 2015 is Lord, Hear Our Cry, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men. To further highlight our theme, we’ve chosen I Kings 8:28 as our Scripture for this year: “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.”


  For the May 7th observances, Dr. Jack Graham, the 2015 Honorary Chairman, wrote a special prayer to be simultaneously read throughout the nation at noon (EDT). This recitation will create a huge wave of prayer, flowing from one coast to the other, illustrating the unity of God’s people and acknowledging His dominion over the circumstances facing us. Millions of people will gather to pray at thousands of events facilitated by our volunteer coordinators and people just like you! We hope you’ll join with our staff again as we seek to bring more communities than ever before together in prayer. As a way of assisting you, we have assembled a variety of resources that describe how to organize and publicize citywide prayer breakfasts, worship services, and rallies. These materials also present creative ideas geared toward helping individuals and families to establish meaningful devotional times. If you have any questions after reviewing these items, please don’t hesitate to contact our NDP staff at (800) 444-8828. We would count it a privilege to lend a hand in whatever manner we are able.


  At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray. Thank you in advance for making this spiritual discipline a personal priority and for standing with us as we encourage others to incorporate prayer in their lives. The Lord has graciously anointed our efforts, empowering them to touch and change many hearts and lives. We look forward to seeing His hand move across our land in exciting ways each May in response to our petitions! In closing, we ask that you prayerfully consider becoming a volunteer in your church or community to lead a National Day of Prayer gathering. May the Lord’s peace fill your heart as you rest in Him throughout the days ahead.


Quick Links:
National Prayer by Dr. Jack Graham
Theme Resources
Event Ideas"


This year's prayer, say it with me-


"Heavenly Father,


We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You.


Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God—the One we trust in times like these—we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land.


We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word.


We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.


Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness.


We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You.


Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope.


Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.


We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.


In Jesus’ name, our Savior.


Amen.


– 2015 National Prayer by Dr. Jack Graham"






Thank you for participating with me and with Prayerful Bloggers! There are other links that you can go to if you want to be more involved than just saying the prayer every year. Please check out this awesome organization! Prayer changes everything!



May 6, 2015

Mother May I?

Hey folks! Today is Currently for May with Anne & Jenna! It's where you talk about what's currently going on! I love their prompts so here we go!

Designing- Not much these days! I have a lot of home projects that I've been dying to do all Winter. And now that it's warm, I can actually do them outside! We have a couple of mismatched pieces of furniture that I've dreamed of painting to try and bring the pieces together. So, that's coming up in future posts! I also have ideas on new camera straps, scarves and cosmetic bags that I can't wait to share with you once I actually sew them!


Freshly painted lamp! That table is next! 


Enjoying-  Warm blue skies and flowers and trees and grass and GREEN EVERYWHERE! Yep, I'm pretty happy when it's warm outside!

Ordering- Beeswax, and wicks. I'm making my own candles! I've read the reviews about how much toxins you're putting into the air by burning traditional candles, and even some soy candles. While I don't believe everything they say about beeswax candles being "Healthier" for you by releasing negative ions into the air and blah blah, I do believe they will not harm us either. And I just love a flickering light from the candle. Plus, I love smell goods, so I'll be adding my essential oils into them. AND, if they come out as amazing as I think they will, I may start offering them in my Etsy Shop! EKK!



Celebrating- We have a couple of birthdays coming up, and Mother's day on Sunday. So we will be celebrating them. But I just want to celebrate Spring! I love it THAT much!



Tasting- Lately, it's been the same stuff. I have new healthier recipes that I need to try, but I'm all out of energy at the end of the day when it's time to cook dinner. It's kinda hard to make Cajun food healthier, but hopefully I can get some of those done and share them with you!

What are you up to this month?
May 4, 2015

Those warm blue skies

Happy Monday! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! Before I get into the Grateful Heart Monday link up with Emily from Ember Grey, a little housekeeping...

I'll close the Ask Me Anything link this week, so if you have any questions for me, get them in now by clicking the link in the previous post. It will take you to a Google Form, and you can submit there! It's a great way to get to know me more!

Now, what I'm grateful for lately, (also thought I'd include some instagram happenings lately)


Grateful Heart w/ Ember Grey


+  Warm blue skies.  I cannot tell you how much a warm blue sky changes my attitude. Being even in the tiniest bit of nature on a sunshiny day makes me so happy! And I'm so thankful that God sent us Ginny when we were looking for a doggie to rescue because she loves just sitting outside as much as I do.

+ This Mountain Man of mine. He may look scruffy, but his heart is made of pure gold and I am beyond grateful for him. Life happens, ya know? Things cause stress, like living in the Arctic for a few months, or just whatever... you get down on life. After I'm just grumpy beyond grumpy, this guy comes, gives me a giant hug and makes it better. AND,  I'm glad we can share in our love of movies and books! It makes things that much more special.

+My Fitness Pal. Yes, some days I think it's a torture device, designed to help you eat healthy by boring you to death, but most days I'm pretty grateful for it. I was shocked at my sugar and sodium intake daily, and even more so about how bad my idea of a portion was! I want to give me and the Mr. the best chance at spending a long time together, so we are trying to be healthy, and this app gives it to you straight!

What are you grateful for today?