The Howell Blessings

‘Twas the night of Thanksgiving and all through the house There are leftovers, and crumbs, and “Oh! …Is that a mouse?” The food and clean dishes were put away with such care Hopes that the kitchen remains clean, is now my current prayer. At the end of a long day, my honey and I went to bed With visions of stuffing, and pies, potatoes and bread… Remembering “Grandpapa and Nana” spoken sweetly from our laps, Thoughts of our babies remind me that gifts need to be wrapped. Still thinking sweetly today of last night’s sweet chatter, It’s off to make lunch, geesh; I’m already getting fatter! I remembered my healthy option that I hid in my cache I threw open the fridge, but could not find my stash. I stood there a moment, completely aloof Then I had a thought that could raise the roof! Instead of eating leftovers that could cause a heart attack Why don’t I make a smoothie, and then hit the NordicTrack! So I made a blended mix that had spinach and cherr...

Thanksgiving Day is a day so many of us look forward to. It’s a time to gather with family and friends to share a meal together. Most Americans (and Canadians!) celebrate Thanksgiving Day with a meal that could feed a small army, then watch sports on television until the turkey coma kicks in. Often everyone on the couch ends up watching the game with their eyelids closed... then up for dessert! Who can resist the dessert?! I often wonder and reflect this time of year that on a day called Thanksgiving, how many actually give thanks? A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON. Most of us are familiar with what is documented as the first Thanksgiving celebration where the pilgrim survivors from the Mayflower voyage and Native Americans celebrated with a feast giving thanks to God for His provisions.  However, fewer know that in 1789 George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation. In it, he called upon Americans to express their gratitude. Abraham Lincoln was the presiden...

Anyone who has read my blog for at least a year, knows that in November I take advantage of the month that reminds us of thanksgiving, that is an expression of gratitude, to God for the blessings He bestows on us. There is so much restorative power in realizing our blessing and giving thanks to God for them. Photo courtesy of Dave Howell  PP Jpeg by Mindy Howell November snuck up on me this year with all the recent busyness that has taken me hostage. It was just this morning, as I was getting my morning hugs and kisses from the man I would be lost without, that I realized that this is November....as in.....  NOVEMBER! In the past, this would have sent me into a panic to know I had missed a self-imposed deadline, but this year my first thought was...'I will be thankful for self-forgiveness. It has been a packed 2013 with events, care taking and sad news, but we have also  had wonderful news, family visits and continued good health.  I cannot beat myself up f...

The holidays are upon us and I couldn't be more pleased. I was praying earlier this afternoon, thanking God for the many blessings He has given me. I am thankful to be alive! I am thankful that He has blessed me with wonderful family and friends, and I am thankful that He has given me the gift of hospitality.  I am truly in my element when I am preparing food to share with others and look forward to greeting each and every one who is about to join us this holiday season around our table.  I thanked God for giving me the talent to make things look nice so that each one who sits at our table will feel as special as I feel they are to me. This year I am blessed to be able to host two Thanksgiving dinners. The first one is Thanksgiving day when we get to meet our daughters finace's parents for the first time. Then Saturday our second dinner will be for our family members who are nearby and able to come. I always love the hectic bustle in the kitchen as the last mi...

Thankful for family that gathered and those who couldn't join us. Miss you guys.

Giving thanks and expressing gratitude are essential to good health and prosperity. True abundance begins with gratitude and thankfulness. Being thankful focuses our attention on blessings that we do have. In order to receive more of the blessings that God has to offer, we must truly appreciate what we already have. We ought not to focus on the problems that life throws at us, we all have those regardless of our circumstances. Look at the things that are right in your lives and be grateful for what you have. Then, pass it on! So many of us are quick to complain, but very slow to appreciate. A simple smile towards someone can bless their day. Express your gratitude with a "thank you" or an act of kindness. Send a thank you note to someone who has blessed you with a gift or a kind word or gesture. You'll find that your life grows more abundant the more you share your blessings and gratitude with others. I am thankful that I am blessed with luxuries such as a car, a...

I am grateful to have a car and a job that allows me to afford car payments. I am grateful that I made it through the heavy rush hour traffic safely. I am thankful that I didn't feel the need to yell at anyone today during that rush hour traffic.

November 25th is the day in which Americans express thanks on a most famous holiday called Thanksgiving...well, we used to anyway. For many, it has just become a day to overeat and watch football. I'm not saying we shouldn't do those things...well we could cut back on how much we eat..... Nah. Anyway, the point of Thanksgiving is to give thanks to God for the many blessings that we receive each year. So many of us tend to remember the bad things that happen to us and the really good big things like a promotion or the birth of a new baby, etc. But how many of us are truly thankful for the daily blessings we receive? How many of us can give thanks for the good things that happened to us as a result of something bad happening first? For example, like when I had the opportunity to get quiet and draw closer to God because of being home during chemotherapy treatments, or how a family can bond together closely after the passing of a loved one. Hard times make the good times even sweet...