Simple Pleasures

I could’ve titled this “More of God's Gifts”, but the title I used fits well with the many, simple things I’ve enjoyed this winter. 

This winter was not exempt from me getting sick. Some of my winter days were spent in bed under the covers. But, I bless the Lord that He made our bodies to heal, especially with things like rest. Time in bed also meant precious time spent with God in prayer and in His Word. 

In sickness and in health, I chose to delight in the many, simple pleasures all around me. 

Those simple pleasures included things like... 

Candles burning on my bedroom dresser. I love the warm glow of a candle! A candle always makes my bedroom so cozy and inviting, especially on cold, winter nights. 

I usually enjoy lighting a candle in my bedroom after my weekly cleaning is done on Friday afternoons - a special way to welcome in the weekend.  

I enjoy herbal tea with honey, especially in the winter. I usually enjoy tea in the afternoon or in the evening after supper. This tea is a new one I enjoyed trying this winter along with a few others.  

Earlier in the season, I enjoyed making a small batch of my mom's "Honey Nut" granola, complete with raisins and slivered almonds. So delicious and healthy! I love granola. 

Nostalgic of many, childhood, winter mornings, I’ve enjoyed many bowls of warm oatmeal with honey drizzled on top! Oats are "heart healthy" and so good for you! 

While taking antibiotics for 10 days due to strep throat (not fun), I discovered that oats are also good for gut health. I did not know that. More bowls of oatmeal have since been in my diet with honey, cinnamon, and raisins sprinkled on top.  

I didn't do my weekend donut treat this winter like I did last winter. But, I couldn't pass up a large, oatmeal raisin cookie at the grocery store one day. Oatmeal raisin cookies (with chocolate chip coming in at a close second) are my favorite! I rarely have them, so this cookie was thoroughly enjoyed and didn't last long.

 

I have a friend who makes and sells natural soaps that smell amazing! When I saw this one advertised, I knew I wanted a couple. This soap smells so good, it is likely what gave me a craving for my favorite cookie. It's fun to shower when you have a nice soap bar. Believe it or not, oatmeal soap feels so nice on your skin! I guess it's kind of obvious I like things made with oats? 

I enjoyed many bowls of vegetable soup this winter... homemade soup and my favorite canned soup! I was thrilled to find these for a good price at a local, discount grocery store. So delicious on cold, winter afternoons for lunch! 

I was happy to get some winter hats at Walmart recently in their winter clearance for only a $1.00 each! For that price, I had to get two of them. I got a pink one and a gray one. 

I enjoy taking walks, even in the winter, weather permitting. I feel better when I walk outside, even if it is just for 10 or 20 minutes. In the winter though, my ears can get so cold.

Because I cover my head with a head covering (a belief of mine from the Bible), I didn’t usually wear hats like these - they didn’t work well with a head covering on. But, I discovered that, if I put my hair in a braid, I can still completely cover my head. (and tuck my braid inside my hat if I want to) Yay! Problem solved. I can have a warm head and ears while going for a winter walk. I'm so happy to have these hats.     

Even something a simple as waking up in the morning to see a fresh layer of snow on everything brought joy to my heart this winter. 

I enjoy snow! 

To quote someone else, I’ve found this to be true: 

"It is the sweet, simple things in life which are the real ones after all." 

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

The simple pleasures of life are gifts from God.