July 20, 2012

WHEN THE HEART IS GRATEFUL



hen the dog bites,
When the bee stings,
When I'm feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things.
And then I don't feel so bad.

~Chorus of My Favorite Things
                                                                                               From The Sound of Music



I really love the lyrics of this song.

It so reminds me of the things that bothers us in our everyday life.

What with the stings of sour or hurtful words, like criticism.

Then there are times that sadness sits in.  Loneliness comes to live with us, dwell in our hearts and in our minds, we waltz with it for a while.

But never for long.


A song of praise drives sadness away, bags and all.  And the thought of the blessings, even on simple and ordinary things that brings on that smile, is enough to send that feeling as far away as the tip of the world.

So join me as I count some blessings or favorite things wrapped in paper packages tied up with strings.

DONE WITH DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK

1.  When my COF led by Veronica Anderson, created a COF exclusive FB account for us to share within our circle.  Plus the prayers and wishes for all of us and from each one to all.

2.  Another one from V:  A video of her walking on rocks, she calls beautiful, to let us see her view of the gorgeous sunset.  Her voice misting my eyes as I listen , the shadow of her hand waving as she calls each one of us by name, in our circle.  Then she says, "I offer to you, this gorgeous sunset."  At this point she cups her hand as if cradling the orange circle of the sun.  And there, as if standing at the shore with her, we witness the glorious sunset, with the gurgling of the tide lapping the shore as background.  Beautiful.

3.  Reading about the beautiful comments to post, which to me, is an encouragement, making me all the more  hopeful.  As well as reading lovely words in other blogs.

4.  Going to the beach with the clan on my husband's side, seeing all those who live as far as California, New Zealand, and in different places here in our country   A time to remember and cherish.

5.  Celebrating the 80th birthday of a dear Aunt (My Mother-in-laws older sister), Auntie Selena.  It was grand and full of fun and tears.

6.  The southeast monsoon breeze over the excruciating heat of the Orient.

7.  A simple birthday over noodles with co-workers and my grands at home.  A cake from my pastor son and his family.  A little glittery hair clip and birthday cards, some written by my grands with verses on them.  It was my 57th.  Sigh.

8.  21st birthday of Nico.  He seems so grown-up already, trying to look for work while studying.

9.  A day spent with grand-Denise, on her project about recyclables.  We are making a wall organizer out of old denims.  We are putting buttons, glitters and flowers on it.

10.  Hugs from the smaller guys, Basty and David Nigel, who never forgets to bow their foreheads in front of me, for my kiss and sniff.

11.  A long-been-wished-for project started.  A hanging window vegetable garden in soda bottles and ice cream boxes.  What a therapy it is and how fulfilling.  The dripping system is so crude yet working.


12.  A new taro corm has sprouted a single leaf on a dish, 2 inches tall now.

I can go on all day.........., and then I don't feel so bad.

Thank you God for giving us a heart and eyes to see beauty in the ordinary and in the simple things.   We can call that contentment, and trust in You.  And the precious knowledge that you are with us all the time, and nothing and no one can detach us from You, Lord.  Thank you, for all the things we can be happy about.

 Psalm 103:1-2

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-



                                                                  Exodus 33:14

         The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."


.... and here's the lyrics:

My Favorite Things Lyrics  


Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

[Repeat all verses]

As for the window bottle garden, I hope to grow vegetables like these pictures.  As soon as mine grow leaves, I will share them with you.  Blessings!



I have linked this post with Kris
AT ALWAYS ALLELUIA
WITH HER "HE DELIGHTS IN YOU."

CLICK HERE







21 comments:

  1. ...and then I don't feel so bad...

    Amen!

    I love your list, Lolita. And more than that, your heart. Thank you for sharing you with us all!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi dear friend,
    I smiled when I saw the lyrics on the top right portion of this post. It is a familiar song, and also happens to be one of my favorite songs from my favorite movie. Like you, The Sound of Music is one of the few movies I really love.

    Music does so much to our hearts. I know that the atmosphere in heaven in filled with music. My sister and I grew up with classical music being played in our home every morning and evening. This has shaped our personalities, refined our characters, and softened the way we look at life.

    Thank you for this post.

    I have also scrolled down to catch up on reading some of your recent posts. Johann Pachebel's Canon in D Major is a very familiar piece for me. Yes, it is beautiful and soothing... and like most classical music, it is timeless.

    Ah... praise God for blogging circles. They make our lives a bit more enjoyable, don't they? I do appreciate you, Lolita. Because from the very first comment I posted on your blog, you have made me feel welcome in your circle.
    It's not always that easy to join a blogging circle that is already protected by comfortable relationships like a favorite pair of shoes or jeans.

    That's why I appreciate your warmth and kindness, Lolita.

    Blessings on your day...

    Much love
    Lidia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is so good that you have been brought up with the peace and good nature of classical music.

      The music of late are so noisy. Sometimes every neighbor we have blasts us with videoke sounds. I hope they would sing in tune and with feelings. Perhaps it would lessen the muddle.

      I would tell my husband, "I wish they would just mime their songs or do the hand signals." How peaceful is the world of the deaf mute. Even when they are fighting, you would not notice and you would not be an unwelcome observer.

      Anyway, for being in our circle, I think it was Diane who urge me to go to your blog knowing that you are a fellow Filipino... and then I got intrigued with your blog name...
      She also told me that you have a profound way of writing, and it is true.

      I get so much wisdom from you, Lidj. I am blessed that you are with us in our COF.

      Delete
  3. I too love to count my blessings! In my journal, I'm up to # 1558. I was listening to Manny Pacquaio being interviewed and he said that if you hear God's voice, He is sooo BIG, that all you can do is praise and thank Him! Patsy from
    HeARTworks and
    papemelroti

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Patsy.

      His magnitude is so gigantic and unfathomable.

      How can one escape from His presence... and His love and His glory? I think our woes can be drowned by the knowledge of this. One should have a clear and unmovable foundation of who He is in our life... and who we are to Him.

      Then we can praise and worship Him not only in the good but also the bad things we experience.

      Thanks for coming, Patsy. I appreciate this.

      Delete
  4. It is true Lolita being thankful for everyday things, special drives away the enemy of our soul...it's like fingers on the chaulkboard to him...lets keep making the noise of thankfulness. Great post...Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The enemy could not go near us if we are filled with His songs.... praise and thanksgiving, in all things.

      Yes, let's keep making the noise of gratefulness.

      Thanks, Betty.

      Delete
  5. Lolita-
    Each day-its a blessing to have!

    Thank you for these words.

    Blessings.

    martha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so glad you are back, Martha.

      Every day we wake up into, yes, is always a blessing.

      Thank you, and I pray that you are getting those joy-filled days over the pain.

      Hugs.

      Delete
  6. Happy 57th birthday, Lolita! Noodles with family sounds lovely.

    I enjoyed the Sound of Music lyrics, the plant holders, and your counted gifts from our Creator. Thanks.

    Regarding your comment on my site: Those "with bread" --doing life companions-- are wonderful, huh? It convicts me to want to do better at that myself.

    You and my other blogger friends are some of those "with bread" people now too. We do life together through online community, sharing life honestly and openly.

    Have a great week.

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jen.

      We call it Pansit in the Philippines. That is always the favorite dish during birthdays and celebrations.

      And please go on giving us more things to savor, helpings of bread and peanut butter.

      Thanks that we could partake them as you serve us a lot of good knowledge and truth about our wonderful Father.

      Delete
  7. When was your birthday, Lolita?

    Oh, this is one of my most favorite songs too! A lot of singers have recorded it as a Christmas song for some reason, and I love that season too so it adds to it! Lovely post and thoughts as usual. Your thankful list reminds me of another blog called "A Holy Experience" where they have been blogging things grateful each week.

    I think we have been on the same wavelength with Sound of Music... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Pam.

      Lately, I've been following A Holy Experience because she has been to Haiti to visit her Compassion children.

      She and her son have been blessing Haitian kids lately.

      Delete
  8. Happy belated Birthday! I'm so sorry I didn't know...what is the date?

    I wish you all God's bountiful blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, D.

      My birthday is July 18.

      Delete
  9. Oh, this is sooo sweet! And what a wonderful idea to make a list like that! I thought you were going to write about sad things and I'm thinking, "What a contrast from her last post!" then boom! you make a list of happy things. That's one of my all-time favorite songs, too! Thank you for this post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, V.

      I always love to see the good things out of hurtful and sad things.

      Worship and music fill us with joyfulness.

      Delete
  10. Hey L

    Each day is filled with grace just waiting to be found. We are living in Singapore, back in September so let me know if you are ever in Sing xxC

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, C.

      I like that you have called me with my Initial. That signifies being close and personal.

      Got your e-mail and I feel welcome in your Tea Party.

      God bless you where you are. Knowing that you are closer too, we are next door neighbors. I live in the central part of the Philippines. I've been to Hong Kong once, and going to Singapore is still a dream. Thanks for the open invitation. Who knows?

      Hugs!

      Delete
  11. What a wonderful post sis Lolita and by the way happy happy happy birthday to you. All I can say is you are a modern lola with all the technics that you can and I am so happy knowing you. A woman with a golden heart and with wisdom coming from above:)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your company. I am glad you are here. Your encouraging word is appreciated. It brings joy like a cool breeze on a hot day. GBU!