August 20, 2013

Fresh Memories ~ A Thankful Post

We are in the midst of the everyday and the routine
and the sometimes-not-so-ordinary things that make up our lives.
Nothing new, really.  However, it is.  
We are making fresh memories together.
Memories are always being made ~ it's the nature of life.

These are the moments that we will cherish in years to come.
That's how it is, isn't it?  
We look back on precious days and events and ordinary
things that reside in photos and in our memories.
They are held in highest esteem.  
Interesting how that works, don't you think?

We long for long ago.

Why do we do that?  Sometimes it robs us of now.
It can keep us from really living this day.  In this moment.
Do we take notice and stop to consider
that these things ought to be treasured up now?

I'm storing up these memories.  These treasures.
I am seeking to live in the moment as the memories are made.
Cherishing and enjoying and entering into every little detail.
May the Lord give grace to hold everything with a loose hand
all the while praising Him for the gifts He gives.

They are all from Him.  They all belong to Him.
He may claim them back at any time.
We are not entitled to any of them.
Yet, He graciously gives and we live because of Him.

My list today is made up of the random things that have been

such lovely blessings in recent weeks.
The here and now is precious.  We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
This ought not to make us tremble.  If we are the Lord's we have nothing to fear.
It ought, however, to make us thankful ~ for every little thing.  
Thankful for every gift no matter how small or insignificant.

Everything is a gift.  Directly from His hand.


Our niece and her husband have a little teeny tiny doggy ~

Her name is Charley, and we were blessed to have her stay with us.
Isn't she just the absolute cutest thing you ever saw?
(Emma is allergic to dogs ~ this was a trial run to see if she
might tolerate one this small.  Apparently she doesn't.  Isn't that sad?)
  

The boys were blessed to be able to take two separate camping trips ~
The first was in the mountains, and included lots of hiking.
The other was to a little local island, and involved a ferry and bikes.

The first trip found our two boys out in the bush

with two boys from our friends' family.
The photos from that trip will likely be featured in future posts ~
God's creation is absolutely stunning.

I am thankful to have a husband who tells me that

we must let the boys do these things ~ it's a rite of passage into manhood.
They were safe and went with responsible young men.
It certainly is a blessing to see them developing these kinds of friendships.


The second trip was to Mayne Island and involved Betsy for transportation.
There were six boys on that trek.  The boys were taken to the ferry
where they loaded up their gear on their backs and bikes,
and journeyed over to the island.
It was an adventure, for sure!


I take no responsibility whatsoever for the food choices they made ~ LOL.
I am thankful that they all stayed safe and enjoyed their time away together.
God is Good to provide such wonderful friends for our boys ~ we are thankful.
The photo below shows the young men as they ventured out ~
Calvin and Fraser are together on the far right.


Emma missed her brothers.
She planned and shopped and decorated their room
to welcome them home from their first trip away.


See how she decorated the bed?
Confession ~ it was done a little too early...
we ate the chocolate bars and I had to replace them ~ LOL!  


I am thankful for sibling friendships ~
Austin's absence from the photo below is painful to my Mama heart.
However, I am thankful that he is where we will one day be.
And, again, God is Good.  Always.


A lovely friend sent me this praying angel ~
wasn't that just the sweetest thing to do?
It's a reminder to my heart that God's people care 
and that we ought always to lift one another up in prayer.


Another sweet friend sent these home-made journals ~
One for me and one for Emma.
We are so thankful for the love shown to us in these
beautiful ways ~ God is so Good!


I'm thankful that my Emma desires to learn
the finer arts of the home ~ she is learning to knit.
This is her first attempt at it.
I thought I would start her out small with a dishcloth...


...but, it grew and grew and grew!
Can you believe that I only cast on 45 stitches?
What happened??!!
We're not sure what this will become...
but, we will figure something out.  :)


I am thankful for a special time out with Emma's Grandma and my Mum-in-Love.
We were able to go to a tea room and enjoy...


...Afternoon Tea!  Isn't this just the prettiest tray of goodies?


It was a real treat.


God's Goodness to us comes in these and a myriad of other ways.
We are thankful for His Loving Hand upon us.
He is gracious and kind and does all things well.

In what ways have you been blessed this Summer?
Feel free to share in the comments section of this post ~
I'd love to hear what's been a blessing to your heart.

With Love,
Camille

9 comments:

little sis said...

You my dear have been such a blessing to me!! Thank you!!

Nadine said...

Lovely post my friend. So glad that God is granting you and your family the peace and comfort to move forward, that only He can provide!

Love & Blessings,
Nadine

Hopes Handcrafts said...

Camille, you always inspire me with your posts! LOL @ Emma's dish-cloth. I think that happens to every first-time knitter he he...

I'm glad your boys had a great time out hiking. Nothing like being midst God's Creation to appreciate His Presence.

May the Lord bless you this day {{hugs}}

PS. I had a big long post written and it disappeared into cyberspace. Grr! so this is the shortened version.

love, Julia XX

Maryann said...

I had to smile at your husband's comment to you about your sons and their camping trip. Dad's know what it takes for a boy to grow into a man. My husband and I have had many such discussions as our sons were growing up. Some things that have blessed us this summer was an extended visit from our youngest son, a visit from some out of town friends, hummingbirds that daily entertained us and a mild summer that allowed us to spend more time outside. Thanks for helping me to remember how I have been blessed. I enjoyed reading through your list...the little dog is adorable and your Emma is doing a wonderful job.
Blessings to you

Chelle said...

I love how your daughter decorated for her brothers. That was so sweet. I am sorry she is allergic to dogs. He is so cute. We have a yorkie and I am allergic to most dogs too but ours has never bothered me. So sorry it does your daughter. I have prayed for you many times. I hope you are doing well.

Donna said...

Camille,
I am so glad you found me and my blog! My heart hurts for you and your family. I know how hard it is to go on with our lives but our children in Heaven would want us to. Love reading about your children and now wonderful that your daughter is knitting! Amber knew how to knit and I treasure the things she made me. Looks like your boys had a wonderful time camping too!
Love the doggie :) My animals bring me so much joy when I am down. Hopefully you will find a dog that your daughter is not allergic too.
Please know I have thought about you all day long and prayed for you and your family.
Big Hugs,
Donna

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Beautiful post, Camille. Glad to see the children happy and the boys enjoying the summer.
I'm thankful for the flowers of the season. The sometimes hot days we've had make me appreciate the fall days that are coming that will delight us with rain. We've not had any for quite some time. I'm thankful for the beauty of God's creation. The southern coast in OR was so beautiful last 3 days of last week. Time spent with dear husband watching and listening to sea lions bark, seeing the sunset and watch color change on Cape Arago and it's lighthouse, I finally got to photograph! Thankful for our jobs even though it's hard to go back to them when we return from vacation. That's a short list. Hugs and blessings, my friend!

Cinnamon said...

I just love your entire post. Cherishing the now....seems to be what the Lord has us doing too. Enjoying all the simple, daily pleasures ♥

When John came back from Afghanistan I was thankful for EVERYTHING....dirty clothes, piles on his side of the room, haha! Isn't it funny what happens when the Lord changes our attitudes and hearts....we can count it all joy...but only with HIM.

Such an adorable doggie.

Love boy trips. Boys are carved into men with such adventures :-)

{hugs} ~Cinnamon
p.s. Got my book "When You Rise Up" and reading through it each night.

Camille said...

Dear Leanna ~ Thank you my friend...I am blessed that you are blessed! :)

Dear Nadine ~ Yes, only by His grace and strength is it possible. I trust the LORD is meeting you in your path of grief with His peace and comfort as well. Hugs. :)

Dear Julia ~ Awww...I would like to see the longer version of your comments! Thank you for taking the time to encourage twice...you bless my heart. :)

Dear Maryann ~ What a lovely list of thankfulness you shared here...thank you! Aren't God's little creatures such a joy? Hummingbirds are so pretty and dainty...I love how they bring glory to their Creator by just being! :)

Dear Chelle ~ Thank you so much for praying my friend...you bless my heart! I am praying for you today as you anticipate your move...God is Faithful...HE will provide! Hugs. :)

Dear Donna ~ In the short time since I *met* you I have been blessed by your sweet encouragement. Thank you so much for pointing me to the Lord and His Goodness. :)

Dear Becky ~ What a blessing that you were able to enjoy that time away my friend...I am so happy for you! Hasn't this summer just been extra lovely?? We are not used to such a long string of perfect weather, are we? Hugs to you. :)

Dear Cinnamon ~ I am so excited you are reading "When You Rise Up"! It is such a treasure...I am sure you will agree. Yes, as for a heart change and attitude adjustment...it is true...the LORD does it and gives much grace for the journey. Thank you for your sweet friendship. :)

With love,
Camille