Sunday, September 18, 2011

Praising God's Blessings!

Isn't it wonderful how the arrival of fall brings a reminder to all of us to count our blessings and to be thankful.  That's one of the things I love about fall!  With our recent blast of cooler temperatures it was wonderful to see so many of my FB friends status's reflecting gratitude.  Along with that, it's interesting to read all about what everyone is looking forward to with the arrival of fall. 


 This change in season can also remind us of time and our own mortality.  It is a time to remember our maker and a time to give thanks to God. I generally give thanks to God daily for all sorts of things in my little conversations with God.  However, this time of year often brings about a deeper reflection for me of all that I am thankful for.  Does the arrival of fall also do this for you?

In my foyer I've set a warm welcome of fall for our guests and for our family, along with a gentle reminder.

I found this pumpkin a few years ago at Carolina Pottery.  I love the message on this pumpkin.  I can immediately even hear the church organ every time I read it.  My husband and I have been a member of a few different denominations over the years, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian.  It is a doxology we are well familiar with and enjoy singing heartily even though each denominations music is different.


"Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow"
Another doxology in widespread use in English, in some Protestant traditions commonly referred to simply as "The Doxology" and in others as “The Common Doxology”,[3] is "Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow". The words are thus:
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

(taken from Wikipedia)

These have been very trying times for many!  I myself was also a casualty of the downward spiral in the job market.   I worked in a small private owner gift and embroidery retail shop.  It was in this position that I realized my love of arranging decor through merchandise displays.   It was one of the things I enjoyed most next to getting to know our customers personally.  

Over the last few years I've been fortunate enough to enjoy being at home while looking for another job that would allow me to continue to work in an environment I enjoy.  It's been a long and tedious search with a few disappointments along the way.  I've come to terms with the fact that another position with a small private owner retailer in my area is very rare as most are still hanging on by a thread. 

After several prayers and answered blessings I am happy to say I am going back to work this fall.  I feel so blessed for the time I've been at home.  I am so thankful to have been available 100% for my husband and his family during his father's battle with terminal cancer.  That is a time God has given me that I will never forget.    It has also been very fun catching up on several decor projects, learning how to blog, taking and downloading pictures, and especially learning how to tablescape.  I have loved it all and am so thankful for each and every day.  I've learned much about myself these past few years.  I've also learned to appreciate how much I enjoy employment.  Working for me not only brings about an extra income but also a sense of personal fulfillment.  I've held so many various part time positions over the years and feel so blessed for the experience that each and every one has offered.  My resume is quite diverse to say the least.  I am very happy for this opportunity to return to work in retail again.

  I've accepted a position with Stein Mart.  They are building a new store in one of our busiest shopping areas located only 2o to 25 minutes from where I live.  I will soon be among several who will be stocking and setting up the store.   I've done this before many years ago when Kohls first came to our area as well.  It is hard work, but also lot's of fun. I know I'm weird that way!  I'm actually thrilled to have the opportunity to start out this way so my memory gets the chance to know each and every corner.  I am hopeful that all will go well and the doors will open on time, October 15th.  I know, wow, right?

I've got one more week of freedom before I start the schedule shuffle.  I am not sure how my blogging is going to play out but I'm planning to hang in there as much as I can.  I hope all of you who follow will hang in there as many of you have.  I've been putting up the fall decor as quick as possible lately, attending my yearly Dr.'s appointments, helping finish off the pool area, sailing, and so many other life events I don't blog about so I do hope you understand why things have slowed down from me.  

I plan to keep visiting you as often as possible but please feel free to drop by and remind me to stop in and say hello anytime.  I really do appreciate the reminders too!

I am linking this to The Tablescapers
Please visit the link above for all things related to the Season.


Praising God from whom all Blessings Flow!
Have a Blessed Sunday!


7 comments:

  1. Wonderful post. I love that Blessing also, and like you sing it at the top of my lungs when the organ starts to play. I hope you enjoy your new job. I love to shop at Stein Mart. It will be fun to merchandise all of their lovely things. Check in when you can, we will be here. Hugs, Marty

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  2. Congrats on the new job! You will be so awesome! It is so neat that you wrote this post as I have been thinking so much about all the things I am grateful for lately. I have also been teaching Jemma and the hubs to look for the positive things to be grateful for in any situation. As we lay in bed at night before we say our prayers, we say 5 things that we are grateful for that day. It is our routine and a reminder of how good God is on our lives!

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  3. Mary, Congrats darling.. what a fun place you're going to work for. I know hard work, all the same rewarding. This has truly been a beautiful post, touched my heart. Your pumpkin says it all, as I read it I sang the song in my head. I'm sending tons of best wishes in your new indeavor!!! Check in when you can darling, I'll miss your wonderful visits.
    I'm glad you've enjoyed Mary Carol's Fall Open House Part 1 there are a couple of more posts coming up. I hope you'll be able to find the time to swing in... enjoy your w/k darling. hugs ~lynne~

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  4. Congrats on the new job, Mary. You can work and shop at the same time, so much fun! Love your fall decor and love that pumpkin with blessings words!...Christine

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  5. Mary,
    your post has my crying like a baby.. its OK though:)

    MyMIL , who was like a mom to me, played the organ every sunday morning for 43 years. That was HER song, I can still hear it and see her look towards the door when I came in with the kids and smile her beautiful smile. I cherish that memory and when things arent going well for me, I close my eyes and see that smile and it gives me hope.
    thank you for posting this.
    Sonny

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  6. This is a wonderful post, Mary. I have followed you through this job thing (and can relate!) and know how much you have prayed for the right job. I so happy for you! Stein Mart is one of my favorite stores.

    I will probably be headed back soon, too. I can relate to the time crunch.

    Take GOOD care of yourself!

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  7. What a wonderful post. I'm so happy for you that you've found a new job. I think setting up a new store does sound like fun. How great that you can look back on what's been happening in your life and find the blessings in a difficult time. You're an inspiration.

    Good luck to you. Blog when you can. So wonderful to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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