Hello sweet friends. I hope you are having a wonderful week. The last three days have been picture perfect in our Appalachian Foothills!
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17
Spending time with my grandchildren is a blessing for which I am most grateful! I am sharing sweet moments with my two girls and I am thrilled you are joining me.
Flashback four years ago to September 2018, when EM was not quite two and a half. At that time I was keeping her three days a week and our daily routine always included reading books. On this particular day, we were reading “The Blessings Jar– A Story About Being Thankful,” written by Colleen Coble!
A little girl named Grace was having a grumpy morning. Grace’s Grammy said, “I know the perfect cure for the grumpies.” Grammy showed her a big glass jar. It’s a Blessings Jar. Why don’t we go on an adventure today and try to fill the jar with things that remind us of God’s blessings?”
A few weeks ago, after reading the story to EM and EK, I decided it was time for another adventure! It was unbelievable that EM remembered filling a “blessings jar” four years ago. She thoroughly explained to EK what we were planning to do before we went outside!
The girls were so excited! The woodlands picnic area provided pine cones that provide seeds that will grow into more pine trees. We talked about the new trees providing shade, shelter for wildlife, and wood for building houses. We also discussed that pine trees are used for the paper that the girls use for drawing and coloring. Our next stop was the garden to find more “blessings” that would fill their small pink jars.
As EK was pulling a leaf from the lemon balm, I explained that it is a fragrant and tasty blessing that I enjoy in my sweet ice tea.
Both girls love the smell of basil and once again, I was able to explain the fabulous flavor it adds to pizza and pasta (some of their favorites)…blessings that are easily taken for granted and often never even thought about!
Funny expressions as they get a whiff from the basil! When have you taken the time to think about all of the blessings that God gives to us each day? Some of the smells from things they collected for their jars provided an opportunity for us to be reminded of how thankful we should be for the very air we breathe.
We spent about an hour filling their jars with 25 small things but that are big blessings! It was a great teaching opportunity for a six and three year old to concentrate on the creativity and magnitude of God’s rich blessings.
This teaching adventure was also good for me. I often complain about this and that…I don’t take time to enjoy a moment…and sometimes I overlook the majesty of what I think of as mundane. My beloved Mother always told me to stop and count my blessings. When counseling and mentoring young ladies, I have often suggested they start a blessings journal. Once you start writing, you realize just how much God has blessed you. I could fill pages and pages of His blessings and never exhaust His bountiful supply.
With our grandchildren living a golf cart ride away, it is a blessing to see them almost daily. After a recent picnic on the patio, they couldn’t wait to wear the masks that were in their kids meals. Their Mommy has taken a leave from teaching high school math in order to homeschool EM who is in first grade and to teach EK pre-K. This is the first year that I have not kept one or two of them. What a blessing it has been to have so much time with them. RM and I count it a big blessing to be able to pour into their lives. We have some field trips planned that will be learning experiences and hopefully fun. RM has so much knowledge of the outdoors and EM is like a sponge!
Our darling WL is too young to enjoy or understand a blessings jar. But, he thoroughly enjoyed the Birmingham Botanical Gardens with his sisters.
As the story ends, Grace discovers that God is the source of all blessings! With our world turned upside down, that is a truth that many need to discover.
True blessings are easily overlooked, especially by busy adults. Scripture teaches that we can find these blessings through child-like faith, and our little ones help us to see what we might otherwise miss. We bigger folks may need to slow down, observe our surroundings, grab a jar (or a large bucket) and fill it up!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Adorable Pam, what a wonderful tradition and lesson your grand girls and all of us. The expression on their faces as they sniff the basil is priceless. I need to fill a jar or two myself. 😊 Happy Thursday ♥
Thank you, Mary. Teaching the girls reminds me to fill up a jar♥️
Pam, I LOVE this! And you are a blessing to your grandchildren to give them this sweet and important lesson. It will serve them so well their entire lives. 10 years ago I shattered my heel and almost lost my foot due to a raging staph infection. I started keeping a blessing journal during those very dark days. For four months I was very sick and couldn’t walk, but my journal was filled with pages every day of things I felt grateful for. I know the Lord saved me and watched over me the entire time, and that is the greatest blessing of all.
Thank you dear, Roxanne. Having our health is a blessing often forgotten until it is gone. You were so wise to keep a journal of blessings during those long months of recovery. Amen 🙏🏻
This brought tears to my eyes precious, Pam. Your beautiful grandchildren, just as in the legacy of your own Mom, will remember this beautiful “hunt” for blessings. They are indeed all around us! My youngest son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter visited over the weekend. I have my memory “jar” of blessings tucked in tight. Years ago I have my parents a memory jar filled with my favorite memories as a child. It’s so true there are blessings all around us. You’re a light for Christ in this world, Pam. Today, I am leaving soon for blood draws and radiation simulation. I will begin two different types of radiation soon~one external for the bones~and one internal for my organs. I will treasure this post, and the prayers and love from you and Butch, as I move forward with treatments. I’ve wanted to email, but haven’t had the time. I miss you and love you! Prayers and hugs! 💛❤️🥰🙏🏻🤗
Karla, you are truly a trophy of God’s amazing grace. Thank you for your sweet encouragement. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. I will be praying about the two types of radiation that will begin soon. As hard as this journey is, we know that you are safely tucked in the loving Hands of God. So happy you have a full memory jar of this past weekend. I miss you and love you dearly. Sending prayers, love, and hugs 🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️♥️🤗🤗
I’m keeping your sweet message in my heart ❤️ as I prepare to leave. God bless you! 💕💕🙏🏻
🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻
What a beautiful activity to do with your girls! Not only is it wonderful time together but it really teaches them the importance of some very simple things (that aren’t so simple when you really think about all they do!). It’s a wonderful reminder to all of us!
Thanks so much, Jeanie. We don’t have to look very long or hard to count our blessings. Happy Thursday!
Precious time with your adorable Grands! Thank you for sharing this sweet and encouraging post.
Thanks so much dear one 💛
Oh Pam, such a sweet and meaningful post, thank you. What a blessing you are to us!
Sue, you are so sweet. You are a blessing!
Pam, what a sweet story and beautiful idea! Those grandbabies are so precious! I know those sweet smiles melt your heart. You are creating some very special memories with them that I know they will always treasure. I agree that we all need to count our blessings. No matter how difficult times become, there are always hidden blessings around us. I think it is wonderful that your daughter-in-law is homeschooling her girls. I chose to start doing that when my oldest was in the 8th grade, and I haven’t looked back. I have one left at home that has started 7th grade this year. It’s a lot of work, but I haven’t regretted one moment of it. Have a most wonderful and blessed day, my dear friend!
Thank you, Shannon. I admire your homeschooling dedication! Happy weekend!
So sweet, and they are all just precious!!. I have Xander every friday, and we call it Grammy day. Thats a great idea for he and I to do, fill a Blessings jar. Love you Pam.
Thank you so much, love you Lynn! I know you enjoy Xander every Friday, making precious memories!
This made my heart sing. What a beautiful book and lesson you taught the grands. In the world we live and what our littles are exposed too it is so nice to remind them of the good and the blessings God gives us everyday. Just a beautiful post Pam. Happy Thursday. xoxo Kris
Thank you, Kris. Wishing you a beautiful weekend!
I LOVE IT!!!!! What a wonderful teaching aid and the girls are adorable. I fill a blessing jar every day as God’s wonders never cease to amaze me including my healing. God Bless you and your wonderful family.
Thank you, Kari. I still marvel in God’s healing in your life!
Beautiful. I so enjoyed seeing your grandchildren. They are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Judy. Wishing you a lovely weekend!
Pam, That is such a good book for everyone, not just kids! Blessing jars are a great idea! Loved this post. The girls are really into it and their pics are so cute. Little WL is adorable in his sandals. Happy Thursday! Clara❤️
Thank you dearest Clara ♥️
Oh, what a precious post! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is SO true. We should all empty our blessings jar each morning and go out in search of filling it up to the brim by nightfall. We are so abundantly blessed. Even in the midst of this crazy, upside-down, dark world, God’s blessings abound. Your little grandkids are just so adorable and sweet. And it was such a blessing to hear that their Mama is homeschooling them! I am a huge supporter of homeschooling and would not trade my 13-year precious homeschool journey with Zach for any amount of money. She will never regret this decision! You and your family are a great inspiration. May God continually bless all of you!
Thank you, Cheryl. May God continue to bless you and your family!
Such a beautiful post, Pam! Your heart shines right through. The simple things of life are priceless treasures. Thank you for acknowledging that all good gifts come from God and how He provides. Your Blessings jar is a precious teaching tool and has reminded me to count my blessings.
You are so sweet and encouraging, dear one!
This post was a blessing to me Thinks!
We all have much to be thankful for!
What a wonderful and inspiring post Pam! The Blessing Jars will be a memory the girls will remember all of their lives, and you have taught them such a priceless lesson. Gratitude is the great secret of life, thank you for your beautiful and encouraging words today, you dear Pam are a true blessing!
Thanks so much, Jenna. I agree that gratitude is the great secret of life. Have a lovely Saturday!
Adorable pictures. I bought that book upon your recommendation for my youngest grands and we have enjoyed it for several years now. What fun. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you, Cindy. I remember that you bought the book. Happy weekend!
What a lovely lesson for your Littles and for us as well. I have a journal filled with Blessings. And I need a bucket.
And you my friend are a blessing to all of us! Thank you for sharing God’s grace with us.
Thank you for such a loving post!
Thank you, Nancy and enjoy your weekend!
mmm … love those blessings jars, Pam. We all need to keep one in each hand and take the time each day to fill them to overflowing. God is so very GOOD and there is so much to be thankful for no matter what kind of season we’re in.
I hope your weekend is delightful. I so appreciate the way you speak beauty and wisdom into my life, friend …
God is so very GOOD, Linda. Happy weekend!
Your grands are adorable! What a fun time it must have been filling those jars.
It was fun and thank you, Penny!
How you surround those you love with beauty of form, color and your particular spirituality…enough
to fill many jars….mine is overflowing. How fortunate are your Grands to receive the lessons of your
Mom through you. The day of the pink jars in the garden will be a life-long memory for the little ones, imparted by a loving and dedicated heart..
Thank you, dear one. May we always be mindful of God’s richest blessings!
What a wonderful post, Pam. Those cute little grandchildren are precious! I love the idea of the blessing jars! Have a great weekend!
You, too and thank you Katie!
I love this post Pam! I can see how God definitely has a theme going with our posts! 😊
I had a little giggle to myself at the photo of the girls expressions as they whiffed the Basil.
I love the idea of the book & blessing jar!
I’ll borrow that idea from you for my youngest granddaughter who has Special abilities (needs). 🤗
Bless you sweet friend ❤️
Jennifer
That would be a special time with your youngest granddaughter. Blessings, dear one!
Good morning, dear Pam. This post is a blessing by itself. It is not just the little ones who need to learn about our beautiful blessings from above – it is for us older folks who sometimes forget the joys and blessings right in front of us. Your girls and precious WL are truly blessed to be part of your loving family.
Thank you, Sandra. Lessons for all of us to take note of. Have a blessed week!
Pam, just now visiting as I had some oral surgery on Thursday. This is such a sweet lesson. I love how EM remembered! And look at the red tone of her hair back then! All three of your grandchildren are the sweetest little humans. They look adorable in their outfits and sandals (jelly birkenstocks, lol). Talk about blessings!
Yes, as you know grandchildren are wonderful blessings! Thank you, Rita.
Pam we so enjoyed this post. Your grandchildren are precious. It is so refreshing seeing you teaching the girls all about the world of nature. Who but grandma could be a better teacher. Emily and Emma have a happy and successful school year. Your grandson is getting to be a big boy. They are all beautiful.
God Bless all
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Thanks so much and blessings to all of you!
What a sweet post Pam and what a great lesson for EK and EM – they look like they loved it (except for maybe the smell of the basil??). A great lesson for everyone actually. And Wyatt is certainly growing! Its too cold here to be out in the garden, but Fox, our sweet tortoiseshell cat is beside me here purring away in her bed as I write this and that is a blessing too! It really is in the small things. Blessings everywhere indeed!
Thank you, Kim. Recognizing that the small things are just as important in blessing our lives as the bigger things makes every day a day of gratefulness!
What a beautiful thing to do with those sweet girls
Thanks so much, Ruthie!
Pam, this is a precious post. The girls and Wyatt are so adorable. And the message is profound. Love to you all.
Thank you, dear one!