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I am Sandra - faithful steward. listener. shepherd. dream believer. hard worker. collects brass bells, boots. Jesus follower. contented. star gazer. homemaker. farmer. prayer warrior. country woman. reader. traveler. writer. homebody. living life large.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Tapadh leibh

~ Thanksgiving Day, 2011 ~
Today, Thanksgiving Day, was beautiful...bright, sunny, warmish and such a delight. We've had cold rain and high winds much of this week and today was a gift! Much of last week was sweater weather for the dogs and jacket weather for me. It's a foretaste of what's to come and I think, and have been saying for months, it's going to be a harsh winter. In more ways than one.
~ Abbie, warm and toasty ~
The dogs don't put up much of a fuss when it's time to put on their sweaters. All I have to do is let them out the door and they rush back inside as if to say, "Mom, did you forget??" 
~ stylish Sadie ~
Abbie feels the cold because she has old bones and Sadie feels it because she has a short coat.
~ manly Sam ~
Sam isn't wearing his sweater yet; he has a longer coat and doesn't feel the need to don his cold weather togs.
~ Sophie Lauren Butterball ~
We have a new household member; she's a seven year old broken coat Jack Russell by the name of Sophie Lauren Butterball and she's a handful. Dave and I had planned on adopting Sophie and just because Dave passed away is no reason not to give Sophie a home at Thistle Cove Farm. Sophie's human Pa had cancer and died and her human Ma had to find homes for Sophie and the other dogs. Sam, Abbie and I first met Sophie at the vet's office where Sophie dragged her Ma over to meet Abbie. That was the first test; Abbie was fine with Sophie and Sophie loved Abbie. Perhaps because she saw "one of her own kind"? I wonder. Anyway, here it is a few months later and Sophie now lives with us and appears to be adjusting very well. She loves doing chores, loves sniffing around, loves the beef bones I roasted for them for Thanksgiving and loves sleeping with the pack all in one bed. Well, okay, maybe she doesn't love this as much but she's okay with it and we'll take that for now.
~ ready for chores ~
Sophie has been good for us, I think. Sam was, still is a little, depressed and it's been good for all of us to "get outside ourselves". A few days ago, I told someone the most courageous thing I've done lately is get out of bed in the morning. Your prayers have aided me and God has given me His strength; for all I am so grateful. Please forgive me for not saying 'Thank You' more frequently. When God brings you to mind, you're tucked into prayer; when you do a kindness for me, you're tucked into prayer. I so greatly appreciate each of your comments both here and on your blog. So many people have left so many kind notes; truly, it brings me to tears. 


My heart has been broken and your prayers are the glue that's putting me together. I'll never be the same, not sure I'd want to be the same, but please keep praying. When I'm in a puddle on the floor, sobbing my heart out, God hears your prayers; He sees you standing in the gap for me and He answers and we are both blessed. Oh, don't think my halo isn't tarnished; I've said a few bad words lately; sometimes the emotions are just so blasted overwhelming the bad words act as an outlet and I succomb then tell God I'm sorry. No, I'm not proud of failing but also don't want you to think my halo is on perfectly straight and hand polished. Ahem. It is not.


Friends came over today to make sure I wouldn't be alone and to share the meal. We had such a good visit! They are all animal people and don't mind the dogs loving on them and Jo and Mel even took home the latest kitten I rescued. Another blessing! 
~ it's good to be alive! ~
Tapadh leibh to each of you! My prayer is your Thanksgiving was full of joy, laughter and love, shared with family, friends or both. If I never get a chance, this side of the veil, to look you in the eyes and say 'tapadh leibh', know that I'll be looking for you in heaven to let you know what a difference you've made in my life. 
Tapadh Leibh!

Blessings ~ Lord, for those past, present and yet to come, thank You ~

21 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:39 PM EST

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Of course, dear Sandra, I will continue to lift you up in prayer. Bearing one anothers burdens...it is what we are called/privileged to do....

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  3. Tá fáilte romhat! May our Lord bless you and keep you. May your pain provide growth and your tears grow roots of a new life. Not one to forget the other but one to continue your journey. A very Happy Thanksgiving to my friend.

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  4. Think of your often and keep you in my prayers. Was nice to read you had friends visiting to help celebrate the day. I love your doggie sweaters and wonder where you found one to fit Sadie? Our Tinker is half Antonia Shepard and half Great Pyrenees. Her hair is short and I worry about her getting cold. Also wanted to say you are such a blessing. It is always so peaceful and comforting visiting your blog. Really helps on a not so good day to stop by here. Thank you.

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  5. Continuing to pray for you and I so believe in standing in the gap. Lifting your arms when you feel unable. One moment at a time dear friend. Just one moment.

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  6. The meal has been eaten.
    The kitchen is clean.
    The leftovers are stashed.
    The walk has been taken.
    Everyone is happy and fed and blessed.
    Now I have the time to stop by.
    On this Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to tell you that I am thankful for you; for this blog; for inspiration and connection. Sending you much love, Relyn

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  7. What a touching post--please know that you are in my prayers. Sounds like you have some wonderful friends and the fact that they are dog people makes it all the better! :o) May God continue to bless you with the strength you need for each new day, and your puppies with just the right amount of tail wagging to keep you focused on the path ahead. xo

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  8. I'm so glad you had a good Thanksgiving Sandra and it sounds as if your dogs did too! They are cute as can be in those sweaters. I'll stand in the gap for you anytime friend. Hugs!

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  9. I'm so glad that you had friends with you for the holiday. I thought about you and sent up a prayer on my way into work. See, he takes care of us all. I love the sweathers. Emma and Lucy would wear one for a short time. Then they would be a tug o war item for the rest of the day. Much Love.

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  10. Sophie is VERY cute! I bet she's delighted to be a citizen of Thistle Cove Farm!
    I'm praying for a sunny morning for you today.

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  11. Sandra you are so strong as you go through this loss of your husband. I am so sorry to hear...Andrea gave me the news.

    I am a widow as well and will surely keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Your furry family will help you so much as they comfort and love you.

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  12. HI Sandra~ glad you have so much love & warmth around you; love seeing pics of your little pack, and Sophie really looks like a sweet girl. Sending you prayers & warm wishes~

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  13. I am thinking of you right this minute,
    lifting you with caring . . .

    There you go, catch the arms holding you in comfort. Hold tight . . . Hold tight . . .

    It will be okay . . . I know, I know . . . It doesn't feel okay.

    Let the tears come . . .
    Let them wash over you . . .
    I am near, lifting you with caring . . .

    God is near . . . Holding . . . Caring . . . BEING

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  14. It seems that you have many good people who care about you, and i think thats wonderful. I do hope that your Thanksgiving had gone as good as it could be, and your in a lot of folks thoughts. Richard

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  15. Anonymous5:03 PM EST

    So thankful that you've spent your Thanksgiving with family and friends... I pray that when they go home, the house is quiet, that your furry friends keep you warm and safe from the feelings of being too alone...

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  16. Sandra...there are no words but know that I thought of you many times yesterday and hoped that thngs were as well as they could be.

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  17. Glad you had folks around you for Thanksgiving. Animals are such a blessing and will help you thru so much. Mine do. I think that is why God gave them to us. Hugs, LJ

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  18. Thinking of you! Your fur-babies will be so much comfort for you!
    Blessings!

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  19. You are ever present on my mind and in my prayers. K

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  20. I am thankful you keep posting. I am thankful you are getting up out of bed and going outside with the dogs.I am thankful you know you're in our prayers and most of all, He holds you in His hands, and He can give you the comfort in the midst of this loss, and turn your tears of sadness into tears of joy...in due time.One small step in front of the other, one small task at a time, lots of cuddles with the dogs & cats, enough for now.

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