Thanks To A Veteran...

I think one thing that everyone who knows me would agree on, it would be that I don't hide my opinions.

If I don't like you...you'll know it. If I don't agree with you...you won't wonder where I stand.

I am grateful every day to the men and women of our armed forces who have fought, and will continue to fight, for my right to be heard.

From the values I teach my children, to the religion we practice, and even down to the books I write - I thank a veteran! Because without the hard won battles, I wouldn't enjoy the freedoms I embrace each day.

And since it's my blog...and I'm free to switch things up now and again, you'll notice I have some guest bloggers popping in over the next few weeks to share their holiday releases!

Every Thursday I'll be featuring a new holiday blog with interviews and excerpts from some great books out this season.

Enjoy the day and don't forget to thank a veteran today! :)

Memorial Day - Honor the Fallen

Today we open up the grills, fill pitchers with sangria and chill the beer. We wave flags at parades and hang them on our houses. We celebrate the official launch of the summer season with our families and friends.

Don't forget to give thanks, salute and observe a moment of silence for the men and woman who sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedom to celebrate in any manner we choose.


Today let us remember, we are the home of the free BECAUSE of the brave!

Amen.

52 Ways to Joy - To Be Grateful

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies;
but let the thankful heart
sweep through the day and,
as the magnet finds the iron,
so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
~ Henry Ward Beecher

The news has been filled with tragedy this past week from the Boston bombing to the Texas explosions. It's impossible to escape the events that rock our peaceful lives.

Yet, we must go on. We must continue to live, work and push forward.

But even through the sadness we have to look around and be grateful for what we do have, for the people in our lives right now that bring us happiness.

Sometimes it's hard when we struggle from day to day with bills, unemployment, stress, or illness. Times are hard and our perceptions are often hard to change.

But, once you start to see the silver lining in your everyday life, it's hard to stop craving that snippet of joy that can brighten a moment.

So, you're not having lobster and filet mignon for dinner tonight...if there's food on your table, be grateful.

Your last ten dollars went into your gas tank to get you to work today? Be grateful you're not standing in the rain at a bus stop heading to the unemployment line.

Your hair not cooperating today and you look in the mirror disgusted? Be grateful for that head of hair, how many cancer patients are picking out a hat or a scarf to cover their bald heads?

Before you complain today, I challenge you to try to turn that complaint into something to be grateful for - because your outlook on what you do have can bring you joy!

I wish you joy and an abundance of things to be grateful for wherever your travels take you this week!

*Do you get Scribbling Through Time in your favorite reader? Please note I recently changed my feed from feedburner to feedblitz and I don't want leave you behind when I finally cut the cord and terminate the feedburner account! Take a second to click HERE and keep me coming to your favorite reader!*

  ** Because I love my readers and am grateful you choose to spend some time with me each week, all comments from April 1 to April 30th are automatically entered into my monthly drawing for a 3 pack of mini travel-sized handmade soaps. Details and the scents for the month can be found on the "contest rules" page.

 *52 Ways to Joy is a weekly post to celebrate the simple ways to bring joy into your life and those around you. It's about the small moments that makes memories and give us all a sense of contentment in the crazy world we live in. If you're joining me here for the first time, by clicking on the label  "52WTJ" you can read the previous posts!