7 Quick Takes

Look for that image in my sidebar. Give it a click...and join Jennifer to share you 7 little posts that wind up your thoughts this week.

1) Pondering the GOOD OLD DAYS. My mother shares a magazine of that same name with me.
She testifies that the stories in it are true because she lived during those times as well. They really did have something that we do not have today. They were so poor...so simple...so over-worked...and yet...so peaceful and contented and joyful...there was a national integrity...love of fellow man...honesty...true ethic...compassion...and GRATITUDE...an appreciation of this country and all that it is founded upon. We don't work as hard...we have WAY more luxuries...we have ease of living and lack for nothing....and yet we whine....we struggle....we wallow in self-pity...we step over the little guy to get "ahead"...we focus on SELF....
WHY IS THAT? WHAT HAPPENED?


2) The heroes of this world are those mothers who are lovingly walking and pacing the halls at night with infants who don't sleep. Lack of sleep can take a person to the brink of insanity. Yet, all across the world...each and every night...there are mothers (AND fathers sometimes) who are nursing and cuddling and humming and swaying to and fro...giving their ALL without rest in order to nurture and love and calm their sweet, precious infants. Know a new mom? Thank her today!


3) I think I love Autumn so much because there is an abundance of simple pleasures ready for the taking. Colors...scents...decorations...tasty hearty meals...wildlife roaming through the forests...No matter how busy my days get, I know that I can pause for a few...and take in the serenity and beauty of this season. Sip something hot...breathe in the aroma of apple spices or cinnamon and cloves...sit outside and watch the leaves fall...It's as though God is just sprinkling down an array of blessings from His big watering-can in the sky!

4) Speaking of wonderful seasonal scents...you needn't spend tons of money on expensive candles or fresheners...just place a small pot of water on your stove...sprinkle in some cinnamon and clove spices...and set to simmer. Before you know it, your whole house will smell good.

5) CAUTION: If you plan on doing the above...it helps to have a little treat prepared for that husband or son who will meander through and think you are baking when the get a whiff of your natural room freshener!

6) Way off that topic: I applaud those at Belmont Abbey (The Catholic Monastery/College) who took a courageous stand against the Federal Government when it threatened to close their doors if they didn't start providing contraception as part of their health care package benefits to employees. Belmont Abbey did not cave under this pressure...but said "We'd rather be shut down than take part in something which contradicts the TRUTH of our Catholic Faith" ::GIVES TWO THUMBS UP:: YAY Belmont Abbey! THANK YOU for standing strong!

7) I want to be like Belmont Abbey. I want not to think of what I might endure, or what I might have to lose by speaking TRUTH and standing for TRUTH...I want to have courage to stand for Christ and speak out when He is offended...not remain silent with the excuse that my "silence is speaking louder than words"...I want to be brave and have courage as these people did...willing to "lose it all" in order to "gain a Heavenly reward"!