Be Kind to Thyself

"Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it." ~ Proverbs 4:23

and

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

~ Philippians 4:6-7

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I'm thankful that NOBODY can take away my memories of the good things that have happened in my life and the good people that I've known. 

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I'm thankful that I don't have to go to jail because I did the right thing years ago.  Paul, the evangelist, preached Jesus and he was sent to jail. 

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I'm thankful that my home hasn't burned down or been knocked down by a mini-burst, although it came close once. A tree behind our house about ten feet away was toppled by one and took out our son's play-house several years ago by smashing right down through the center of it. Thankfully he wasn't in it at the time. My husband was in our back bedroom and I'm thankful that God's finger pushed the tree the other way and his hand protected my husband and home from harm. 

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I'm thankful for finding a cookie recipe online at "All Recipes" that is made without refined sugar. It's called "Healthy Banana Cookie." It has 5 ingredients to mix together and bake. The original recipe called for bananas and dates, but I've also made it with bananas and a chopped apple, bananas and prunes, bananas and dried apricots, bananas and dried pineapple. I'd like to try bananas and raisins next. We liked them all except for the banana and prune version.  Oh, and, I would suggest you store your extra cookies, that is if you have any leftover after your family discovers your baking, in the refrigerator. I'm personally not into eating little hairy, green aliens from a deep, dark cookie jar. smile! 

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They say that "miracles" are myths, but I'm thanking God for this Christmas miracle! I know her parents are praising God for it too!
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This weekend I found this large appreciation plate at the thrift store and just had to purchase it for my growing collection of gratitude items! 😉

It was made by Hallmark in 2005 and around the edges it says "a grateful plateful" and "a thankful heart"(repeat)! And on the back is a poem about a grateful heart.

Please accept this simple treat

for being extra kind,

for when it comes to thoughtfulness,

of course, you come to mind.

And even when the smallest crumbs

of food are finally gone,

the plate is yours to keep,

or else feel free to pass it on.

For as you honor someone else's

caring attitude,

You'll be a link within a lasting 

chain of gratitude!