Counting Our Blessings - Link Up!

It's been a week of good and bad days - that's why I've been so quiet here on the blog. I've still been fighting some kind of stomach illness that has had me down and out. There's nothing quite as depressing to me than having stomach issues. For some, this is probably no big deal, but for me, it is. Thankfully, I am feeling better today! Praise God! 

We have a big forest fire in the next town over. My son got the call on his radio and they were calling in all firefighters. We thought he would be fighting the fire, however, they instead had him working in the station. He worked quite a bit last week and he loved every minute of it. Honestly, I never really thought much about the firefighters and all they do until my son became one. I have such a huge appreciation for all they do! The fire is now about 50% under control, so that's also good news.

Now for my blessings (although I think I just named two already! lol):

104.  First of all, I'm very thankful to be feeling better. I had several days where I just felt horrible. Lack of sleep and a painful tummy are miserable. I'm so blessed that I'm feeling better today!

105.  I find it such a blessing to make prayer shawls for people. I have finished another one for my very dear and best friend, Kym. I have gotten to where I ask people what color comforts them and makes them happy. I know for me, color is very important and I'm realizing it's important for a prayer shawl. Kym picked yellow and here are some pics of the finished shawl.

I also sewed a label in this prayer shawl. I found these adorable labels at Hobby Lobby. I used a permanent marker to write on it. Here's a picture of the label sewn on the edge of the shawl.

I also wrote the message that I'm always praying for her - which I am. I am so blessed to be able to make these and so blessed to have such a dear and precious friend in Kym!

106.  I finished up a Bible study today! This was a Bible study I was leading two years ago when I got injured, was in horrible pain and had to step down. I only had one lesson left and I really wanted to finish it as it was a wonderful study. It was the Beth Moore study on the Apostle John. I can't say enough good things about it - it was wonderful and it totally blessed me to know this wonderful man of God better!

107. I have shared this blessing before, but I think it's definitely worth mentioning again. I am so very blessed to have a family who understands and accepts my pain and health issues. They support me in every way possible and I am very blessed. I'm especially blessed by a husband who makes me feel no shame for my issues and, in fact, cares about me in every possible way. That is a huge blessing!

108.  About three weeks ago, I went to the local thrift store to check things out. One of the things I found was an adorable poodle bell. I have collected poodles since I was probably about 10 years old and have quite a beautiful collection. I rarely find them anymore, but was so happy when I found this adorable little thing. 

I just love it! It's in excellent condition and still has the tag attached.

I don't know if you can see it, but it has the date of 1980 on it. Here's another picture of the bell.

It is now in my china cabinet with all my other poodles. I feel so blessed to have found this precious little thing. 

109.  I was blessed to get a phone call from one of my friends this morning. She just called to tell me she was thinking of me and praying for me. Is there any greater blessing? I think not.

110.  I felt so much better today that I got all my laundry done, worked on my Bible study, and did some watercolor painting. I also made these:

I love making bread for my family. We had BLT's for dinner and used one loaf and then I put the other three in the freezer. It's so nice to have the bread in the freezer and homemade is just so much better than store bought. I love the blessing of making bread for my family!

Now it's your turn! Link up below with your own blessings! 

Blessings - Julie