Sometimes I’m so caught up in the day-to-day bustle of life that I forget to thank God for how very blessed I am. The new year is a time to reflect…and hopefully take a moment to slow down long enough to draw a breath, step back, and count the many blessings that fill my life.
I’m thankful for a loving husband—a man with whom a share a real-life romance filled with love and laughter, adventure and fun (I tell my husband he’s cheap entertainment). Tim supports and encourages my passion for sharing the written word with others. He understands that my love of writing is more than a job…it is a ministry. I’m so thankful God brought him into my life.
I’m thankful for my daughter, Danni, who has grown into a beautiful young woman. Danni illuminates my life with her loving, generous spirit. She’s friend to everyone, and has a special place in her heart for the elderly, children, and the hurting. As she ages, I realize with a greater and deeper understanding just how much she is truly a blessing to me.
My friends, especially my precious writing and reader friends, are a reason to give thanks. These wonderful people completely understand when I mention the ‘voices’ that speak to me while I’m writing. They don’t mind if I, from time to time, pause from my daily activities to jot down an idea for future reference. I love them dearly.
But, most of all, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, who has given all of this and more to me. What an amazing blessing to know His love and grace are never-ending. Even in times of trial, I know that He is working in me to provide for greater things. Thus, I embrace hardships and disappointments as an opportunity to deepen my faith and to grow spiritually. I know that when it is all said and done, He will never give me more than I can handle.
So, as this new year stretches before us, I wish you blessings and peace, dear friends. May you take a moment to draw a breath, step back, and count the many blessings that fill your life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Take a mini-vacation to the cozy town of Honeysuckle Cove, where romance two-steps with a hint of mystery…
Sunrise at Honeysuckle Cove ~ Dylan O’ Connor’s handyman skills will be put to the test when it comes to rebuilding the bridge between Maggie’s heart and his, and designing a future…together.
Beyond the Storm ~ Nick Jones is skilled at extinguishing fires, so he doesn’t count on kindling the flames with lifelong friend Ava Kennedy.
Honeysuckle Cove Secrets ~ When the paths of childhood friends Luke and Peyton cross, he must make a choice—bare his heart and face the consequences of a past mistake, or allow the only woman he’s ever loved to slip away.
Showered by Love ~ Rogan Brooks insists he’s not daddy material…until he sees the glow of pregnancy and the promise of a future in Jessica Marlin’s eyes. Can Rogan assure Jessica that his heart is true and he’s committed to being a daddy—complete with a happily ever after—for keeps?
Moonlight Kisses ~ Holt McCaffrey has finally gotten his wish from a long-ago moonlit night when he shared a sweet kiss with Jaylie Caldwell—she has returned home. But will the terms of her homecoming leave any room for forgiveness…or for him?
Sweet Tea and Summer Dreams ~ With the recent adoption of his niece Lanie, everyone in Honeysuckle Cove seems to have forgotten Colton James’s rowdy past—everyone except Vanessa Pearce. But when their paths unexpectedly cross once again, it’s Colton’s opportunity to prove to her that one shattered wish can lead to a beautiful dream come true.
Mary Preston says
I do live a blessed life.
Wemble says
Hi Mary, thanks for sharing your blessings:) . A timely reminder amidst the devastation of fires that there is always something to be thankful for- that we are blessed indeed.
Blessings:)
Priscila says
Thank you for sharing your blessings. It’s a good reminder of my own.
Valerie Comer says
I’m so very, very blessed… and so thankful.
Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says
Count your blessings name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God has done. Count your blessings…name them one by one ..count your many blessings see what God has done
Mary Manners says
Hi Wemble,
Thanks so much for joining in today. You are so right. We are blessed. I am certainly praying for all affected by the fires, and will continue as such. Have a beautiful weekend.
Mary Manners says
Thank you, Priscila. I appreciate your encouragement!
Mary Manners says
Thank you, Valerie. I most certainly agree!
Mary Manners says
Hi Leila! Thank you for sharing. You share the same name as my husband’s beloved grandmother. What a beautiful name!
Merrillee Whren says
Mary, thanks for reminding us to be thankful for our blessings. I know I’m blessed way beyond what I ever expected.
Dalyn says
Those books looked too cozy to pass up. Snagged ‘em!
Thank you.
Mary Manners says
Thanks so much for joining in, Merrillee. I agree, we are blessed beyond measure!
Renate says
Hi Wemble! You have been in my thoughts a lot with the Australian fires and I believe you are on a School Break. Believe some areas are now receiving rain. So very grateful that you are again sharing on this blog. Blessings to you and your country men / women / and children.
Mary Manners says
Dalyn,
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the story. Have a beautiful weekend!
Renate says
Hi Mary! Counting my blessings! Family, health, as a retiree freedom to have my own schedule and enough finances to enjoy life. Meeting friends for lunch today. Agree with you, so very grateful for God’s grace even when life is difficult and we face hardships. Blessings.
Trudy says
I also try to count my blessings, and when I forget, I usually see something or hear about something that reminds me to be thankful!! Great post!!
Jessica B. says
I tend to take so many blessings for granted when I need to be more thankful.
Mary Manners says
Me too, Jessica. Thanks so much for the reminder!