A Glad Birthday - 52 Things I've Learned

Fifty-two years ago I was born. Two years ago on my big birthday, I shared 50 things I'd learned over the years. Keeping with this new tradition, here’s the list with 52 items. I’m certainly not perfect, but as I age, the things on this list are somewhat easier to accomplish or try to accomplish. In no particular order, here they are:


1. Less is more, keep it simple
2. Teach children Bible verses at a young age
3. Sometimes it's better to listen than to speak
4. Apologize when appropriate, Forgiveness is mandatory
5. Don't speak when angry
6. The gas gauge in my car is there for a reason
7. Things don't matter, people do
8. Appreciate every day
9. Have peace, and rest in the promise that God is in control
10. Look for the blessings each day has to offer
11. Be a good mother-in-law
12. Respect my husband
13. Giving is better than receiving
14. Don't panic
15. Help if I see a need and am able to fulfill it
16. Teach children to be respectful
17. Be kind
18. Read my Bible every day
19. Pray before I make decisions
20. Children are people too, be respectful of their feelings
21. Send real mail more often
22. Don't be judgmental
23. Take children to Sunday School & Church as young as possible
24. Compliment others
25. Don't think of myself as better than others
26. Don't use social media as a place to get out frustration
27. Send thank you notes
28. Think before I speak
29. Put the needs of my family ahead of my own
30. Candid photos are sometimes better than posed
31. Family doesn't have to be blood relation
32. Be silly with kids, they love it
33. If I have nothing nice to say, be silent
34. If it's not my news, don't tell it, text it, tweet it, or type it
35. Laughter is good
36. Be content with what I have, don't be jealous of others
37. Be sensitive to the needs & feelings of others
38. Don't leave wet laundry in machine more than a day
39. Give hugs
40. Patience is a virtue
41. Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there
42. Be Thankful
43. Don't be surprised with answered prayer
44. Trust God's will for my life, wholeheartedly
45. Accept a compliment or gift with gratitude
46. Reading a book to a child is more important than dishes
47. Go outside, breathe in God's creation
48. Don't sweat the small stuff, it will steal my joy
49. Prioritize family over obligations
50. Accept help when needed or offered
51. No prayer is too small, or too big for God to handle. 
52. Be who God created me to be. There’s nobody me-er than me. 

Thank you for subscribing via email and/or visiting my blog. I appreciate each and every one of you.  I'll leave you with this verse which means so much to me.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.  Psalm 143:8

51 Things I've Learned

Fifty one years ago I was born. Last year on my big 5-0 birthday, I shared 50 things I'd learned over the years. I'm posting that list again and adding one more to it.   I’m certainly not perfect, but as I age, the things on this list are somewhat easier to accomplish or try to accomplish. In no particular order, here they are:

1. Less is more, keep it simple
2. Teach children Bible verses at a young age
3. Sometimes it's better to listen than to speak
4. Apologize when appropriate, Forgiveness is mandatory
5. Don't speak when angry
6. The gas gauge in my car is there for a reason
7. Things don't matter, people do
8. Appreciate every day
9. Have peace, and rest in the promise that God is in control
10. Look for the blessings each day has to offer
11. Be a good mother-in-law
12. Respect my husband
13. Giving is better than receiving
14. Don't panic
15. Help if I see a need and am able to fulfill it
16. Teach children to be respectful
17. Be kind
18. Read my Bible every day
19. Pray before I make decisions
20. Children are people too, be respectful of their feelings
21. Send real mail more often
22. Don't be judgmental
23. Take children to Sunday School & Church as young as possible
24. Compliment others
25. Don't think of myself as better than others
26. Don't use social media as a place to get out frustration
27. Send thank you notes
28. Think before I speak
29. Put the needs of my family ahead of my own
30. Candid photos are sometimes better than posed
31. Family doesn't have to be blood relation
32. Be silly with kids, they love it
33. If I have nothing nice to say, be silent
34. If it's not my news, don't tell it, text it, tweet it, or type it
35. Laughter is good
36. Be content with what I have, don't be jealous of others
37. Be sensitive to the needs & feelings of others
38. Don't leave wet laundry in machine more than a day
39. Give hugs
40. Patience is a virtue
41. Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there
42. Be Thankful
43. Don't be surprised with answered prayer
44. Trust God's will for my life, wholeheartedly
45. Accept a compliment or gift with gratitude
46. Reading a book to a child is more important than dishes
47. Go outside, breathe in God's creation
48. Don't sweat the small stuff, it will steal my joy
49. Prioritize family over obligations
50. Accept help when needed or offered
51. No prayer is too small, or too big for God to handle. 
    
    Thanks for visiting my blog today. I'll leave you with this verse that means so much to me.  
    
    Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.  Psalm 143:8
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Have a blessed day ~ Abby

Unexpected Surprise & Birthday Reflections

Today is my birthday, it’s a big one but I’ll get to that later.  In the span of a week (give or take a few days), my husband, son-in-law, and mother had a birthday.  But…the icing on the cake, was my sweet little grandson arriving in the world this week, much to our surprise, 3 weeks early.   I can’t ask for a better birthday present than that.  He is a healthy 7 lbs, 1 oz.

My daughter called me week and said "I just thought I'd wake you in the middle of the night to see if you think August 28th would be a good day for the baby to have a birthday?"  Well, the rest is history.  When he arrived later that day, he was officially declared a baby boy, although ultrasound suspected as such.

So . . reality struck that I'm actually 50 years old now.  Half a century; I’ve lived 5 decades;  I’m officially “over the hill”.   Being a grandmother helps it to sink in a little better.  

I’d like to think that over these 50 years that I've been alive, I've learned a thing or two.  On my 50th birthday, I’d like to share 50 things I've learned. I’m certainly not perfect, but as I age, the things on this list have become easier to accomplish.  In no particular order, here they are:

1. Less is more, keep it simple
2. Teach children Bible verses at a young age
3. Sometimes it's better to listen than to speak
4. Apologize when appropriate, Forgiveness is mandatory
5. Don't speak when angry
6. The gas gauge in my car is there for a reason
7. Things don't matter, people do
8. Appreciate every day
9. Have peace, and rest in the promise that God is in control
10. Look for the blessings each day has to offer
11. Be a good mother-in-law
12. Respect my husband
13. Giving is better than receiving
14. Don't panic
15. Help if I see a need and am able to fulfill it
16. Teach children to be respectful
17. Be kind
18. Read my Bible every day
19. Pray before I make decisions
20. Children are people too, be respectful of their feelings
21. Send real mail more often
22. Don't be judgmental
23. Take children to Sunday School & Church as young as possible
24. Compliment others
25. Don't think of myself as better than others
26. Don't use social media as a place to get out frustration
27. Send thank you notes
28. Think before I speak
29. Put the needs of my family ahead of my own
30. Candid photos are sometimes better than posed
31. Family doesn't have to be blood relation
32. Be silly with kids, they love it
33. If I have nothing nice to say, be silent
34. If it's not my news, don't tell it, text it, tweet it, or type it
35. Laughter is good
36. Be content with what I have, don't be jealous of others
37. Be sensitive to the needs & feelings of others
38. Don't leave wet laundry in machine more than a day
39. Give hugs
40. Patience is a virtue
41. Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there
42. Be Thankful
43. Don't be surprised with answered prayer
44. Trust God's will for my life, wholeheartedly
45. Accept a compliment or gift with gratitude
46. Reading a book to a child is more important than dishes
47. Go outside, breathe in God's creation
48. Don't sweat the small stuff, it will steal my joy
49. Prioritize family over obligations
50. Accept help when needed or offered

This list is certainly not complete, but I enjoyed reflecting on these 50 things. My life has not been without trials, but I believe they have helped shape my character.  I can truly say I am content, and have a joyful heart.  My contentment and joy comes from a faith based belief in Jesus as my Savior. I've put two links below if you'd like to know more about that.  

Little Birdie Blessings ~ Eternal Destination
FYI - My post "Eternal Destination", since it was published in 2012 has been viewed close to 10,000 times - making it one of the top posts of the hundreds I've written. 

Proverbs 31 Ministries ~ Do you Know Jesus?

Thank you for visiting today.  Have a wonderful week.

Pink Birthday Freebies

I said a Birthday Prayer for you -
And I asked the Lord above
To keep you safely in his care
And enfold you in his love -
I did not ask for fortune,
For riches or for fame,
I only asked for blessings
In the Savior's Holy name -
Blessings to surround you
In times of trial and stress,
And inner joy
To fill your heart
With Peace and Happiness.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

I attended a "Hello Kitty" 3 year old birthday party this weekend for my grand-daughter.  A wonderful time was had by all and she was very excited helping her mother plan the cake.  

My friend Lisa had a birthday and loves the color pink, I decided to make a card for her using one of the graphics I'd previously made.  Here's how her card came out.  

You can find the bleeding heart graphic that is pictured on the card above, **here**. 

Here's one more vintage birthday postcard freebie for you.  

Hope you have enjoyed this pink birthday post.  Have a wonderful day. 

This post is linked to:  Whatever you Want Wednesday, Pink Saturday,
Word Art Wednesday, 

Encouragement for Trials ~ Printable Quote

When God allows extraordinary trials for His people,
He prepares extraordinary comforts for them.

~ Corrie Ten Boom ~

free printable quote by Corrie Ten Boom

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.Psalm 94:19 NKJV

free vintage birthday postcard

I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4 NKJV 

free blank vintage postcard frame

Thanks for visiting here today my friends.  These graphics are free for you.  Click for a larger size, then right click, and save to your computer.


This post is linked to Anything Blue Friday,  

Birthday & Blogiversary Giveaway

                                  It is more blessed to give than to receive.  Acts 20:35b

It's my birthday!   Since I love to give, I thought I'd offer a birthday giveaway.  Not only is it my birthday, but it's my blog two year anniversary this month.  How do you say that?  Blogiversary?

I'm so thankful of all my readers and followers, as well as all of you that take the time to comment or email.

I love this beautiful old postcard which I found over at The Graphics Fairy.  I've never seen anything like it.  I added a verse and birthday greeting to it.  Hope you enjoy it.  I'd have you all over for cake if I could, but since that's not possible, we'll just have to a cyber party, all dressed in our finery. 

 

click for larger size

Okay, now for the giveaway.  I've made a bundle of old lace, ribbon, seam binding, and edging for you.  One person will win this bundle of goodness.  If you'd like to win, and are a follower ~ leave me a comment on this post sometime before 11:00 PM,  EST, Saturday, September 1st.  One winner will be chosen randomly.  Be sure to either leave me your email in the comments, or check back here on Monday morning, when the winner will be announced.

Giveaway ~ Vintage Lace and other snippets of goodness

Here are a few birthday graphics for you.  Enjoy!

  

 

 

 

Thank you my friends.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Vintage Birthday Freebies

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.
Philippians 1:3

Hello my friends.  Since spring seems to be a time of lots of birthdays, I thought I'd share some birthday freebies with you.  These are pre 1915 postcards from my collection.  I'm even including some birthday word art in png format.  I hope you enjoy them.  

If you're looking for this week's Scripture Thursday linky party, you can find it here.  SCRIPTURE THURSDAY    There's still time to link a project you've made that has scripture from the Bible.   

Drop a comment and let me know if you like them.  I think they're darling.  Feel free to pin as well.  I want you to know each and every comment is read and appreciated, as well as the emails.  I am not able to respond to them all, but am blessed and encouraged by all of them.  Your response has a huge impact on the reason Little Birdie Blessings keeps on keepin' on.  You are all very dear to me.

Fall Images for You

All who have God's blessing

can rest safely in His care,

For He promises safe passage

on the wings of faith and prayer

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~ 

Happy Monday to you my dear friends.  I hope you didn't think I'd forgotten about you.  I have a number of fall vintage postcards to share with you today.  Free as usual.

The first two are birthday postcards that reminded me of fall.

I really like this next image, a Victorian beauty.  The colors on this postcard reminded me of fall.

And last, but certainly not least, a Thanksgiving postcard of a sweet little girl feeding her turkeys.  

I hope you have a blessed day my friends.  Thanks so much for stopping by.

Just a Little More Pink

Delight yourself in the LORD
   and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

Psalm 37:4

Free Vintage Postcard

Okay, I couldn't resist!!  I had such positive comments yesterday about my pink post, that I had to give you one more.  I think I saved the best for last.  Isn't this a beauty?  I saw THE most beautiful pair of beaded shoes in Goodwill but had to pass them up as I just didn't know what to do with them.  Now, I know.  I would have filled them with roses and given them away.   Here is the image for you with a pleasant scripture I've added from Psalm 37:4.

Free Vintage Postcard with Scripture

 And...one more without any words.  I just can't get over the beauty in the artwork on this postcard.  Doesn't it seem as though you could just smell the roses and touch them.

Free Vintage Postcard

 I had a small gathering of ladies at my home last week.  Most of them are very good with food presentation.  One is a caterer, another known for her gourmet desserts the rest are known to be very comfy in their kitchens.  Now, most of the ladies I invited know I'm more comfortable in my craft room than my kitchen.  I pulled out all the stops for presentation.  Got out all the good dishes, cleaned my house, I was ready.......Feast your eyes on my first Strawberry Trifle.

My First Strawberry Trifle

 I had other food that I served, but this was my prize.  They were impressed and so was I.  They were all my friends, so even it it hadn't worked out we still would have had an enjoyable time.  It was very easy to put together, and was delicious.  I'm sure I'll be making it again.  Here's how I made it.

Strawberry Trifle

1 Box Angel Food Cake Mix

Fresh Strawberries

Blueberries

Lg. Container Cool Whip

1 Lg Box Vanilla Instant Pudding

Prepare angel food cake according to box directions.  I made mine in two loaf pans.  While cooling, prepare the pudding according to package directions, wash and cut up strawberries.  When cake is cool, cut into cubes.  Layer ingredients in your trifle dish as follows:  angel food cake, pudding, strawberries, cool whip.  Repeat until the dish is full.  Top with cool whip and fruit.  Chill for at least four hours.

This was easy to make and gave a nice presentation.  I'll be making it for our church picnic in August.  My friend Esther at Shore Girl's Creations posts her recipes from time to time and inspired me to share today's recipe.  Please visit her blog when you get a chance.  She has the most wonderful tutorials, and inspiration.      Hope you've enjoyed today's post.  Have a wonderful day.

It's All About Pink Today

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 4:4-9

Free Vintage Birthday Card for You

I think the color pink is one of my favorite colors, it's soft, innocent, cheerful, and just makes me happy when I see it.  I didn't intend to make this a pink day on my blog but it seems like that's what happened.  I came across this next postcard in one of my piles of stash.  A 1911 calendar, making it 100 years old.  Hard to believe.  Isn't it just so sweet.

Free Vintage 1911 Calendar

This next image is designed to look like cross stitch.  A pretty pink rose surrounded by lace, with a birthday greeting. 

Free Vintage Birthday Postcard

One more for you today, the flowers seem to be bursting out of the card.  The sentiment reads:  Happy Returns of the Day.  Wouldn't it be fun to hear store clerks say that today?   I hope you've enjoyed the pink day here at my blog.  Thanks for visiting.  Your comments are always welcome and are very special to me. 

Free Vintage Floral Postcard

 Many happy returns of the day to you my friends!!

 

Postcards for You & a New Bureau for Me

Happy Saturday my friends.  I wanted to share with you this morning a lovely pine bureau that my husband refinished for me.  He recently brought it into the house and I put it in my dining room.  You might think that's a strange place to put a bureau, but for me it makes perfect sense.  I just love it when I have an empty space, waiting for me to decide what will occupy it.  

I don't have a "before" picture, but if I did, you'd be quite surprised at how much better it looks.  It's actually been in my house for a week and the bottom drawer is STILL empty.  That's unusual for me.

Congratulations to Sheila A. for being the winner of my Friday Blog Giveaway.  Sheila, please contact me with your mailing address.  Thanks.

I've picked out a couple of pretty floral vintage postcards for you today.  I hope you enjoy them.   The purple pansies on this first postcard seem as if you could feel the velvet of the petals. 

Free Vintage Postcard Image

Who wouldn't enjoy a basket of pink roses for their birthday.  Aren't these so beautiful? 

Free Vintage Postcard Image

Free Pink Roses Image

Thanks for stopping by and visiting today.  Have a blessed weekend.

Every word of God is flawless;
   he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 

Proverbs 30:5