💖 The Blessings Are in the Small Things

It’s Satarday, and I feel the need to slow down. I’m joining Susanne at Living to Tell the Story to pause and give thanks for the good things—this week. Maybe these things seem small, but they matter. 

Here’s my list:

1. I started walking in the woods again. It’s hard, so I’m taking it slow—no big goals, just enjoying what I see. And if I can’t enjoy it right then, I take photos so I can look at them later. I saw so many beautiful things—especially the color of the forest in the soft sunlight. The spring green of the leaves has already turned into a mature green. It’s going so fast.

Thank God we’ve had rain these last few days. In the photo below, you can see a huge puddle in the forest.

2. I had an important talk on Wednesday with the doctor, and my husband came with me. That meant a lot to me. ❤️ A possible diagnosis of POTS.  I now have two weeks to see if it fits, and then we’ll talk about it more at our GP’s office to see how the process will continue.

Here’s a photo of a test I had on Thursday at our GP's office. First I had to lie down for 15 minutes, then stand up (while they checked my blood pressure). I got bored during those 15 minutes, that’s why I took photos from my lying-down position.

 

3. I finished reading a book, and for some reason, it touched me. 

The Recipe of Dreams is the first book in a captivating family saga about the women in a soap factory.

It’s 1865. Hanna grows up in her father’s soap factory, learning the craft from a young age. She’s talented and full of ideas, but her father doesn’t take her seriously just because she’s a woman. Still, she secretly creates new recipes for lovely, fragrant soaps.

She’s also hiding her love for Louis, the doctor’s son. When their relationship is threatened by family problems and her brother’s serious illness, Hanna’s whole world starts to fall apart. But she decides to fight – for her love and for her dream of one day running her own soap factory.

The Recipe of Dreams is the first part of the exciting new series The Women of the Soap Factory.

4. I feel so blessed that the spark to write has returned. I’m continuing with my memoir. 

5. My daughter came over, and we went thrifting. I get dizzy walking around in shops, so it was also a little test for me. But it went well!  I paid for what she picked out for herself.

These are the 3 pieces of clothing I bought. Lucky me, they fit—I was too tired to try them on at the store! 😄

Gratitude is often found in the small things. 

💛 Do you like thrifting or reading or walking?

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Over the course of the week, I’ll be visiting everyone else who joined this challenge or who left a comment here. See you soon! 😊

Friday’s Fave Five – First Week of May

It’s Friday, and I’m feeling the need to slow down. I’ve been dealing with some physical issues lately, so I want to take a quiet moment to reflect. 

💖 I’m joining Susanne now, at Living to Tell the Story to cultivate gratitude by pausing to remember the good things of the week.

Maybe these things seem small, but they matter. God is good in the everyday.

1. Writing simple blog posts
This week I wrote some simple blogs, using thoughts from earlier Instagram posts. That made it easier—when you already have a little base, it flows more naturally.
Tip: If you have Instagram, write small posts about what you experience, and turn them into a blog later!

2. Short walks despite dizziness
I went for walks, even though I felt dizzy. Just little pieces at a time. I'm thankful that I could still go outside. Spring is so beautiful now… for me, it feels like a kind of rising from the dead.

3. A message that mattered
I had a nice app conversation with someone this week (twice). Just a few words, but they meant something. I’m thankful for how God can use even a small chat to bring light into a day.

4. Sunshine, coffee, and a squirrel mug
The sun was shining, and I sat outside in my garden chair with a warm cup of coffee. I used my favorite mug—the one with the little squirrel on it. That moment felt like pure joy.

5. The beauty of flowers
I saw some beautiful flowers outside a flower shop this week (see the first photo). I felt so thankful. Flowers are little signs of God’s beauty and kindness.

What is one thing you are thankful for this week? 💛

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I’m also linking this post to Sweet Tea & Friend's May 2025