abundance Archives - Page 13 of 14

Cherry Harvest

July 9, 2010 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

It’s no secret that I love my cherry trees. I love watching them change with the seasons and wait anxiously for the beautiful red cherries to appear.

This year our harvest is much smaller than last year. Where last year there were large groups of cherries, this year we have only a few here and there. Still, my heart fills grateful for the cherries we have. Our livelihood doesn’t depend on our trees; they are icing on the cake, something that makes life rich and full. Our needs are being met, and God still blesses us with cherries! Instead of canning and making jam, this year we’ll choose one special dish to prepare.

The most interesting thing of all has been our second tree. The one that’s not as pretty, the one I don’t expect too much from. Most of our cherries are on this “less productive” tree. The “better” tree is almost entirely barren of fruit. Just when I thought I had them figured out, God reminds me that everything can bring forth fruit in its own time.

I love the spiritual tutoring that comes with everyday life. I learned a lot today.

Jennifer

Little Things Matter

March 3, 2010 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

Yesterday my little one found the missing button for her sweater.

She came running to me, holding it. We found some matching thread and did some mending.

As I did it, I realized what a tiny little thing I was doing. It only took a couple of minutes.

But what a big thing it was for her.

Many times we feel we need to do something BIG. Sometimes we don’t do anything because we feel we don’t have time or resources for that big thing. Yet most of the time our hearts are lifted most by the little things that people do for one another. I once read that if something needs doing and it can be done in the next two minutes, the most effective thing is to do it now. Yesterday I wondered how many thoughtful things I could do in two minutes?

Small, thoughtful, compassionate things. They really do matter.

A word of encouragement, a compliment, cost us nothing but the time it takes to utter or write them.

I made a list of little things I’m going to do more of, because it will be good for me and good for those around me.

What little thing could you do today for someone?

One comment abundance, life

Sigh.

October 26, 2009 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

Today I finished off my last box of pears. It yielded a batch of my signature Cinnamon Pear Jam as well as a batch of this year’s experiment: Cinnamon Pear Syrup. YUM! The last Rustic Pear Tart of the year is in the oven, filling my home with it’s lovely aroma for the last time this fall. Soon it will be tied with a bow and on it’s way to a friend.

I always finish my fall canning with the same mixed feelings. I feel a little sad that it’s over, but also anxious to pack up my canning supplies, reclaim my kitchen counter, and get ready for the bounty of Thanksgiving.

I also feel a sense of accomplishment, a sense that all is right with the world when I finish tasks such as this. I love the way canning makes me appreciate the simple beauties of fruits and vegetables. It’s part of my fall nesting, a wonderful way to prepare my heart for Thanksgiving.

For today, this lovely wood box filled with jam claims the position of honor as a fall centerpiece. It’s too lovely to put away just yet. I still have some apples to take care of, and then I think I’m done. Hooray!