Weekly Photo Challenge: Window

IMG_5545

Outbuilding window at Hofwyl-Broadfield Historic Plantation in Georgia

This past summer, my sister and I took a road trip together to visit my brother in North Carolina.  Our travel days were limited so we knew we didn’t have the luxury of doing the tourist thing.  I get to travel a lot with my job and to visit my out of state daughters, but my sister hasn’t had the pleasure of getting away much in recent years.  When I saw the sign for Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site, in Georgia, I was determined to stop because I knew my sister would be thrilled.

We were both so glad we took the 2-3 hours to visit.  Hofwyl-Broadfield is the site of a historic rice plantation, with the original house and some of the original furniture and outbuildings.  We walked and took pictures under the big moss and fern covered, live oak trees and enjoyed the stories the guide told about the families that lived there.

My sis and I live in the same small town, but it seems like life and work and family keeps us running in opposite directions.  We both genuinely try to make more time for one another, but it seems we never do it enough.

This trip was therapeutic for each of us; it was a time of long talks sprinkled with tears, about things only your sister would understand .  We also laughed until we cried and prayed together about the things on our hearts.  We then shared a great visit with my brother and more of the talking, laughing and sharing.

Although it was short and sweet, it was refreshing and necessary.  Reminiscing on it tonight reminds me why it will remain high on my list of favorite trips!

Just a smile for you

I took this photo of some flowers I planted with my granddaughter for a butterfly garden.  Our daily rains have encouraged lots of growth.  When I found the quote, I couldn’t help myself, had to share.  Hope you enjoy.

Earth laughs in flowers

 

The little, big things

Ayda and the red marker experience

Ayda and the red marker experience

This afternoon after reading Psalm 67, I just can’t help but think about all the things I have to be thankful for and how that thanks should turn into praise.  Some things we just take for granted like the fact that we woke up today.  Many didn’t.

There are so many little things that make me happy and bring me so much joy.  They seem small but if you contemplate each of them, one by one, they are really enormous gifts that life would be so dreary without.

For instance, I’m thankful for smiles in general, but especially the smiles that start way down deep inside, the ones that pass through the heart and soul and burst forth birthing more smiles.  Imagine a world where no one EVER smiled, not ever.

And what about laughter?  Laughter is such a beautiful thing, differing from person to person, but always fitting the personality.  We’ve all had those friends with the deep belly laugh, the modest snicker, the snort and the cackle.  Can you imagine the world without it?

I’m grateful for the sense of touch; the fact that I can reach out and comfort my husband or my child with a simple touch, a hug, or a kiss.  What is it about feeling that presence of another that can give you strength or courage to keep going sometimes?  I think about those denied the touch of another and how dreadful that would be.

My point in this little snippet is that we are easily thankful for the big things.  Every day, I thank God for my home and family, job and church, friends and neighbors.  The praise can get routine and not as heartfelt sometimes.  Today, I’m reminded of so many little things that are really big things and of how I take so much for granted in my very blessed life.  This is a reminder to me to be grateful for the seemingly little things and to help others to notice them too.

Be Blessed!

Mitch Teemley

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