A Worthwhile Practice

 

Gratitude. 

I haven't been the best student, but 

the Lord has been teaching me about this discipline ... 

my entire life. 

* dogwood blossoms turned to berries

Living where there's a turn of the seasons provides plenty 

of opportunities to cultivate a grateful heart. 

*heavenly blue morning glories on the courtyard trellis

In seasons of grief and loss, it helps me to look 

outward and upward, instead of inward. 

I've spent a lot of time outside on my one-acre, 

deliberately searching out beauty and 

stubbornly seeking the wonders He's provided. 

*sweetgum leaves as individual works of art

Gratitude is a practice I intend to continue.

How do you cultivate a grateful heart? 

* More about living a thankful life here. 

Don't Squash My Joy

The leaves may be changing early because of drought, it's true. 

"Look, there's some fall color!"

"Naw, that's just the drought. (pause to spit) 

Those trees are a'dying, don't ya know." 

Please, don't squash my small autumn joy. 

Look past the drought--try harder--there's some fall color!

Sweetgum trees always rush to send out 

their first-of-fall ambassadors. 

Some zinnias sport season-long 

shades of orange. 

And nasturtium, well, I guess they take the prize. 

Especially if they're studded with water droplets. 

Droplets from my water hose, because 

don't ya know--

we're in a drought. 

 

Simple Summer Icebox Pie

 I'm no culinary diva, especially in the summer. 

I'm happy with grilled meat and corn on the cob every night.

Simple is my favorite adjective for hot-weather food. 

And that's the best description for this summer pie. Grandma might've 

called it "icebox pie," since it sets up in the freezer. Typical icebox pies are 

high-calorie and loaded with fat, things I'm not absolutely opposed to, 

but if I can easily dodge those, I (probably) will. 

This casual concoction features Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese 

or sweetened condensed milk. Topped with whatever fruit you find 

in your garden or at the farmer's market, it's a win for sure. 

The variations are nearly endless and simply delicious.

Simple Summertime Icebox Pie

1. Make(or buy)a graham cracker or cookie crust. 

2. Gently combine and spoon into crust: 

one large container of vanilla Greek yogurt

one regular-sized container of whipped topping

3. Prepare fruit and layer on top of yogurt cream filling.

4. Chill in your freezer for about two hours. Allow to thaw for a few minutes before serving. 

The opportunities for upgrades are endless here ... think chips, drizzles, and mix-ins.