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I previously wrote a post based on my friend Ruth’s mission project. The auxiliary she belongs to created tray cards for the Veterans Hospital. I was so touched by this project that I created Thanksgiving tray cards for a nursing home facility.

The tray cards can be crafted to uplift hospital patients, residents in assisted living facilities, or shut-ins. You may have an idea of your own.

I made extra tray cards for my Thanksgiving gathering. I’m leaving the inside blank and will ask everyone to write something they’re thankful for. I plan to collect the cards and do the same next year until the cards are full.

I also distribute community service hours through my church for students. This is a great project for them. When they create the artwork, it adds a personal touch.

Instructions are easy.

• Blank index cards
• Markers – pencils – pens – glue
• Stickers – crafting leftovers – imagination

Fold the index card in half (Ruth made smaller ones).

Write a note inside to wish the recipient a blessed holiday, get well thoughts, or thank a Veteran and wish them a happy day. Smiley faces are easy to create.

Decorate the front of the card.

I delivered over 100 tray cards to a nursing home facility. The activities director thanked me for the thoughtful idea. She informed me she would be working Thanksgiving Day and the cards would be put to use.

I’m already creating Christmas tray cards.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

 

 

I Wonder

I wonder if you’ll ponder throughout the war-torn day

if anyone is thinking of you in a loving way.

I wonder if you’ll doubt whether people really care

that you’re fighting for our breath of glorious freedom air.

I wonder if you’ll hope when awakened with a start

if someone can relate to the trembling in your heart.

I wonder if you’ll understand decisions others choose

should they be walking enemy lines in your battle shoes.

I wonder if you’ll sense when danger blocks your goal

that someone has been praying for the safety of your soul.

I wonder if you’ll question when your service there is done

whether people will be thankful when the war is won.

*

Americans are grateful. We see your sacrifice.

Your courage and decision to pay our freedom’s price.

We wonder if you’ll comprehend, we too can’t sleep at night.

We’re fretful of the battles, and pray you’ll be all right.

We wonder if you’ll recognize, we cherish all you do–

making this commitment–we’re truly proud of you.

May God protect our troops, and the red, white, and blue.

You are America’s best, the brave and the true.

 

 

 

 

This being the last week in October, there isn’t much time left to enjoy the autumn colors and cascading leaves.

I had the opportunity to take a walk at the local nature center and snapped a few photos along the way.

If you haven’t had a chance to breathe in some cool, crisp air, or feel the crunch of leaves under your feet, try to make time.

Our lives get so busy that we often fail to enjoy the simple things that bring great pleasure. Sunshine kick-starts our immune system with Vitamin D, fresh air gives our lungs a boost, and a brisk walk lowers blood pressure. Not to mention how the beauty of God’s creation calms our souls.

Which road would you like to travel on this week?

 

 

Last year, my master gardener friend Becky gave me a blackberry lily plant. She included a root starter with my gift. The plant grew well in the perennial garden I have on the south side of my garage.

I neglected the bed for a few weeks in September, but when I checked on my flowers, I noticed blackberries replaced the blooms. I contacted my friend to see if the clusters of berries were food for the birds. She informed me they were seeds.

I purchased some blackberries for eating this week and noticed how much the lily cluster seeds resembled real berries.

              

I love my flowering lilies and plan to start my own this coming spring. I would like to share them as Mother’s Day gifts.

I cut the stems and will store the clusters of berries in a dry area until planting time.

Here are a few tips for sowing your own blackberry lilies.

1. Sow seeds in seed starting containers and cover with 1/4 inch of soil.
2. Transfer to 3-inch pots when seedlings are easy to handle.
3.  Grow approximately 6 weeks before planting.

Enjoy!