Saying Thank You!

Sometimes I feel like it is a dying art to say thank you anymore. My husband has always, since we were married, been a big fan of sending thank you cards to those who have extended themselves and made a gesture of hospitality or giving toward our family. Of course there are other ways to say thank you to someone; either by a small gift, phone call or other thoughtful gesture you can convey an attitude of gratitude. It doesn't have to be over the top, just something to let the other person know how much their blessing meant to you! As a follower of Christ I want others to know that I am grateful for their gifts of time, service, hospitality, or item that was given and didn't have to be.

We are trying to cultivate this attitude in our children as well, which is really sweet to watch as it takes hold and blossoms in their hearts. Phoebe will readily tell me after finishing a meal she has really enjoyed, "Thank you for that wonderful meal mommy!" When someone gets her something her first reaction after we get home is "I need to make them a card!" She is much quicker at getting that thank you together than I am; oh the things our kids teach us!

Thankfulness will spill out of a heart that is full and content for where it is and what it has already. When something is given on top of this it overflows to the giver and those around retuning joy for blessing. It is my heart's desire to have those around me receive joy and the abundance of the Lord. I feel like it is one of those ways that is so different from everyday reactions people receive that it can draw them to the Lord. Joy over the wonderful gift that was freely given, of His Son to die so we could have everlasting life, is something we hear so often, but it should never loose the wonder and awe that comes with so magnanimous of a gift.

 One of my excuses that I sometimes use for not getting the thank you sent right away is time. Really though, if you want to do something, you will make time for it and it will get done. So I am trying to think ahead and I wanted to make some little things to have ready to give to those who have and will help out when our new arrival decides to come.  I really like lotion bars as they are pretty and so nice to use, and I also really am liking this body sugar scrub for in the shower. It is simple, a snap to make, and the soft skin and smelling like strawberry short cake is pretty nice too!

Strawberry Body Sugar Scrub
Makes approximately 2 cups

• 3 medium strawberries
• 1 Cup fine sea salt
• 2 Cups white sugar
• 1Tbs almond oil
• 1/8 tsp vanilla

Place all the ingredients in a small blender or food processor and pulse till combined

Use in the shower after washing to exfoliate the skin especially the elbows and knees, then just rinse off. It will keep in the refrigerator for a week or two if someone doesn't try and eat it first, this stuff smells so good!


 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

                                                               The Farmer in the Dell