“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

What Are You Thankful for Right Now?

I love writing this monthly post, since it forces me to pause and think of specific things or events that are blessing me, encouraging me, and making me smile. I do pray that it will encourage you to ponder your current favorite things…and perhaps some of my favorites will also become your favorites!

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Spring!

First on my list is Spring. I’m loving the gorgeous flowers blooming and trees budding. (Related: I’m thankful for my inhalers, allergy meds, and nebulizer.)

There is something so hopeful and encouraging about blooms and buds. Everything looks dead. Useless. Like it will never be beautiful again, and then all of the sudden…boom! It’s been alive all along, resting and gathering strength, marshaling its forces until it’s time to bloom.

My Bird Feeder

I purchased an inexpensive tube feeder several months ago, and watching the birds brings me so much joy. I purchase bird feed similar to this, but I usually buy mine at Sams Club in a 40 pound bag. I love watching our doves, house finches, juncos, robins, and other yet unidentifiable birds (on my list: a bird identification book). However, a huge flock of mixed blackbirds, including cowbirds and Grackles recently descended upon our feeder, and I had several moments of terror. Does this remind anyone else of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic horror film, The Birds?

Too much of a good thing? Perhaps.

Green Smoothies

I’ve been working on bumping up my vegetable intake, so I decided to give Green Smoothies a whirl. Yes! I’m hooked, and my husband drinks them, too! Win, win. I’m trying recipes from Simple Green Smoothies so far, and plan to branch out into Run Fast, Eat Slow. My blender was struggling to churn up the raw greens and frozen fruit, so my husband came home with the impressive Nutri Ninja Ninja Blending System. It gets the job done.

I’m also drinking copious amounts of tea, as usual. My treat is a Route 44 Sonic unsweet tea, because Sonic Ice. Obviously. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve been brewing loose leaf Harney & Sons Irish Breakfast Tea. I also enjoy Harney & Sons Malachi McCormick Decent Tea. (You’ll also need a tea diffuser if you don’t have one.)

Watching on Netflix

Have you seen the movie Woman in Gold? It’s a moving, true-life story about a woman’s fight to have her family art returned to her after Nazi confiscation. Warning: there is one brief instance of strong language.

I also enjoyed the British shows Love Your Garden and Big Dreams Small Spaces. Sort of like Great British Baking Show except with gardening. Okay, okay. I admit it sounds slightly lame, but it’s engrossing. I promise.

Live Music

My mom, daughter-in-love, and I meet for tea at a local coffee shop regularly. Last Friday afternoon the coffee shop invited a group in to play Irish music in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. There’s just something about a live performance. I love the energy! This was a real treat.

Scrabble!

I love word games, but can’t always find someone willing to play. Fortunately, God gave me a daughter-in-love who is the Queen of game playing and is pretty much up for any board, card, or party game I suggest. We enjoyed playing this gargantuan version of Scrabble called Super Scrabble. The board is huge, and there are a lot of letter tiles. Would it be bragging if I tell you that I actually beat the Game Queen and won this game of Scrabble? Yes, it would be bragging? Okay then, I won’t mention it.

If you want to hear about what I’ve been reading, click here.

For info about how I’ve been enjoying my devotional time, click here.

Now it’s your turn! What are A Few of Your Favorite Things right now? Please share!