**LJ Idol Season 4 Week 3 Entry: The Giving of Thanks**
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done
Yesterday, singing this popular Thanksgiving hymn, I thought about my week and what I could count as blessings. Since my mind already floated down the “thankful” river, I wept for joy at this week’s LJ-Idol topic. Obviously the Gods of LJ Idol poured their blessings abundantly over me this week.
What am I thankful for?
It is a good subject to ponder. At any time, but especially after a week of disappointment and bad news.
You see, last week my checking account saw a major dwindling of funds. Seems like when it hits, it hits all at once. Just as you think you might possibly get ahead, something comes along to knock you back down.
The biggest thing, my van needs work. Major work. More work than I can afford. I am still grateful for my van. It helps me get from place to place, saving me from cabin fever. Allows me to do things for the children like field trips, park days, scouts, library adventures, and sometimes even special treats such as ice cream.
With a broken down van in need of copious amounts of cash thrown its way, the looming threat of cabin fever, and a possible canceled trip to my in-laws for the Holiday; my mood took a bit of a dip.
If by “bit” I mean it nose dived into the Grand Canyon.
In the midst of this, my mother offered me sympathy. My best friend gave me a ride home. My husband hugged me, and helped me find a way to juggle things in order to fix the offending vehicle. A half dozen different people at Church somehow found out and offered their services in transportation needs as well as well wishes in getting the van fixed and the ability to go to NJ. And best of all, Sci-fi put on Bad-Disaster Saturday.
What am I thankful for? That once more when life handed me lemons, I had a rally of folks to help me make lemonade. I am glad that I happen to love lemonade since life enjoys gifting me with lemons by the truckload. I am thankful to live in a time where I can do so much. I am grateful for family holidays and the promise of good food and good times.
Mostly, I’m thankful for my life. It has its ups. It has its downs. But, this life is mine. And I’m never alone.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Remember what you are thankful for. I’m thankful for that, too.
–Lady O
–LJ Idol Entry Week 3
Lady Ozma's Journey 
rosepurr said:
It’s amazing how the bad in our lives brings out the good in the people who love us.
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Lady Ozma said:
No joke!
This isn’t even really that bad. Trust me… after dealing with Caramon’s cancer… I saw really bad. But it’s nice when the little stuff comes up that people don’t just tell you, “Whatever. That’s nothing.” They let you whine and offer their help.
I kid you not, I had six people offer to help me out while my van was at the shop since I’m going to be lucky to get it back late tomorrow. Six people offered to come and get me and take me to get my husband’s car, take me to the stores, whatever I needed. 🙂
Thank you for responding!
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Anonymous said:
Mostly, I’m thankful for my life. It has its ups. It has its downs. But, this life is mine. And I’m never alone
Such a awesome way to sum it up, I fully agree with you on it.
Good entry.
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libra_dragon said:
Sorry that was me
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emaline412 said:
Seriously.
People who feel the need to one-up your sorrows and hardships…I am so over that.
You have your pain, and it’s what you have. and you deal with it.
Great entry. Thank you.
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Lady Ozma said:
Thanks!!
Thanks for reading, and thanks for commenting. Thanks for agreeing.
((HUGS))
Happy Thanksgiving! May you find something to be thankful for!
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Lady Ozma said:
I’ve done that, too
Thanks for letting me know it was you! I look forward to reading your entry. ((HUGS)) i’m excited. I didn’t think I’d get to read hardly anyone’s entry but then they aren’t due till Monday and I got done early, so Woot! 🙂
Take care!
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: Seriously.
I’m over that as well. Unfortunately I have people that feel the need to try. Why? Why would you even WANT to try?
The greatest lesson in life I’ve learned is that we all have our trials. No matter how seemingly large or small they may appear on the outside, when you are going through it – it is the biggest thing in the world to you. From a stubbed toe to a child with cancer. It is your entire focus while you are going through it.
And that is A-OK. It is your right. It is your trial. As bad as some of mine have been, they are a part of me. I don’t want to trade with anyone.
THank you for reading, for commenting, and for your positive words.
Happy Holiday!
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blackfroggy said:
I’ve been down that road. It’s amazing what God will get you though.
🙂
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Lady Ozma said:
yes it is!
He’s gotten me through quite a bit. Let’s just say… it’s not been a good decade.
But it’s all right. 🙂 There’s been some good times, too. *GRINS*
Thanks for reading and for responding!
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libra_dragon said:
Re: I’ve done that, too
No problem:)
I just posted it. Not sure if it’s as powerful as last week but I am hoping it does o.k.
Same to you!
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xo_kizzy_xo said:
Re: Seriously.
The greatest lesson in life I’ve learned is that we all have our trials. No matter how seemingly large or small they may appear on the outside, when you are going through it – it is the biggest thing in the world to you. From a stubbed toe to a child with cancer. It is your entire focus while you are going through it.
Absolutely *nodding* The difference is that you realize that. Most people are so wrapped up in their little trials that they can’t see what’s at the end of their nose.
Happy Turkey!
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: I've done that, too
I just read it… wow… scary!
I couldn’t even think of a comment. I was just like *SHUDDER* I have a strong dislike of bridges. They creep me out. And I am supposed to be going to NJ and going over this HUGE bridge. ICK
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libra_dragon said:
Re: I've done that, too
It was scary.
I used to tease my sister about her fear of bridges all the time. I just never really understood it until that day, now I go over bridges and have a bit of a tendency to just want to hit the gas as hard as I can so I will be over it in no time flat.
I am just thankful my parents and sister, those I work with,etc were able to get home that day. I am thankful I moved to the southern suburbs where I don’t have to cross the river really anymore.
Have a nice trip to NJ
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1_rhiannon_1 said:
It’s great to have people in your life to help you deal with the problems that come up! Nice entry!
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lordrexfear said:
And best of all, Sci-fi put on Bad-Disaster Saturday.
I hope you didn’t think that line would get past. I just hope they weren’t Sci-Fi Originals, those could make sadness even more sad, considering where your head takes them.
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tulip_in_yellow said:
Re: Seriously.
This comment is lovely.
The greatest lesson in life I’ve learned is that we all have our trials. No matter how seemingly large or small they may appear on the outside, when you are going through it – it is the biggest thing in the world to you. From a stubbed toe to a child with cancer. It is your entire focus while you are going through it.
Sometimes it’s so hard to step out of our own struggles and take notice of those that are fumbling. Sometimes it’s as though we’re all drowning and there are a minimal number of life preservers and you feel trapped between taking one for yourself or offering it to another. But then, people start tossing you there life preserver and that trend catches on.
I’m with Anne Frank. Deep down, I think people are inherently good.
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tulip_in_yellow said:
Re: Seriously.
Grrrr. People start tossing you *their* life preservers.
I hate typos!
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: I've done that, too
I try to get off bridges as soon as I can. I have such bad vertigo and then when the bridges start to sway… plus I get the thrill of claustaphobia with the other cars and no shoulder to escape to in event of emergency… LOL
I hate bridges.
I see things like that…. and I hate them more.
I am glad you moved so you don’t have to cross the bridge! 🙂
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Lady Ozma said:
Yes it is!
It makes life worth it all. 🙂
And thank you
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Lady Ozma said:
OMG… I love those movies
I didn’t make it up for the 8 billionth showing of Mansquito though….
Scifi Originals are anything but… But I live for them anyway. Just when will they use the obligatory nuke? If no nuke, they will steal a Snow Cat from the LAPD…. cause that’s what they have at the LAPD… a Snow cat. Right. *SIGH* Saturday I watched Asteroid. Wooooot! Unfortunately they used lasers, not nukes. Grrrr. Don’t they know… it is NUKES!
Bad Disaster Saturday makes the crap worth living through.
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libra_dragon said:
Re: I've done that, too
That sounds brutual, I can see why you do not like them.
Sorry, didn’t mean to add to it.
Same here. The only time I would go over it was when I used to visit my parents or my grandma.
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: Seriously.
I’ve seen too much crappy stuff. I realize how blessed I’ve been in my trials. As bad as I’ve had it, there’s always soemthing worse.
I’ve seen so much. I’ve been there for friends who have had some deep crap going on.
On the other hand I’ve seen friends get entirely wrapped up in what seems like something minor.
It’s life. I try to remember that no matter how seemingly perfect someone’s life is, they probably have something going on, too. Some people do not wear their trials on their shirtsleeves.
I think the thing to me is… I’ve seen minor and major trials. Every single trial seemed equally awful when going through them. Each brought tears while going through them and happiness when I’d gotten past them.
Right now I just have a crappy van in need of work I can’t afford. Not that big a deal compared to say… the cancer my son had in 2001. But bumming me out just the same. Perfect example though.
Happy Turkey to you. 🙂
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: Seriously.
Amen! I’ve worked with friends so lost in their own trials and struggles that they couldn’t understand why people were focusing on other people. Everyone has trials.
When I’ve gone through something bad, I’ve tried to help others. When I’m unhappy, bringing a smile to someone else really helps lift my spirit.
I think people are inherently good as well. 🙂
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: Seriously.
Me, too! I noticed the exact same typo in a previous entry. GRRRRR. I KNOW the diff… hate that i made that error. But, I know I have a hard time typing sometimes because I will have my boys asking me for help spelling or this or that and it distracts me. LOL It’s all good.
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: I've done that, too
Oh I think nothing will ever add to it like the footage of the double decker bridge collapsing in an earthquake! Scary!
We have bridges here. I avoid them at all costs. Blah. But hte one, it’s like ancient. And so I would be on it and it would be swaying and I would just flash on earthquake footage where the bridges just sways itself apart! EEEEK
And then I know it’s a long way down into the rocky river… unpleasant… LOL
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libra_dragon said:
Re: I've done that, too
Eck, now that sounds scary.
One of the reasons I am glad I like in MN, I don’t think I could ever deal with living through an earthquake.
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: I've done that, too
It’s always something no matter where you are. I guess we all have to deal with that…
I live on the eastern seaboard. It could be an earthquake. Hurricane. Terrorism. Argh.
We live in a great time! *GRINS*
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libra_dragon said:
Re: I've done that, too
Very very true, sad but true
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: I've done that, too
So I figure… why stress it? I just try to deal. I’m Ok on everything but the bridges. There’s no escaping that vertigo.
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hopefulnebula said:
Muahahahahahaha. So true.
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Lady Ozma said:
You guys need to stop dissing the bad disaster saturday
You KNOW it is the best night of television! It’s why Bonnie the Brat put it on Saturday night! You know you secretly tune in every week to see what possible disaster could befall the human race this week. To see what bastardized cross breeding of insects and animals can wreak untold terror on the masses. To see just how bad your life can be so you are thankful for what you have.
You know you do. But, it’s OK. I won’t tell. Your secret is safe with me. 😉
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lilmissmagic71 said:
A truly wonderful sentiment… thanks for sharing!
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Lady Ozma said:
You are welcome!
Thank you for reading and commenting!
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lacombe said:
🙂 When life hands you lemons, hope that your friends bring the sugar.
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Lady Ozma said:
Depends on if you like your lemonade tart or sweet!
I much prefer sweet… *GRINS* So you got it! 🙂
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elva_undine said:
Aw, I like knowing that people are there for one another. Warms the heart!
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kittenboo said:
lovely post, i enjoyed reading it!
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Lady Ozma said:
Warms mine 🙂
I just try to always remember to pay it forward. 🙂
THanks for reading and commenting. Have a happy Thanksgiving!!
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Lady Ozma said:
Merci!
THank you so much 🙂
Have a great holiday!
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lacombe said:
Re: Depends on if you like your lemonade tart or sweet!
Nice! Bring it!
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kelly0182 said:
Oh man Bad-Disaster Saturday on Sci Fi? I need to plan an outing so my husband isn’t parked in front of the tv!
Great entry!
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Lady Ozma said:
Thank you!
And I like your husband already! Did you ssave him from the asteroids hurtling toward the earth on bad disaster Saturday? HEHEEH
Thansk for stopping by and commenting.
And I hope this posts… I’m on dial up at the inalws…
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n_decisive said:
I think it’s terrific that you not only have a great sense of humor when dealing with these things, but you’re also appreciative of those who help you through.
Lovely entry. 🙂
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monkeysugarmama said:
Re: Seriously.
A wonderful entry, and, you are absolutely right. There is no surer way of bringing some buoyancy back to your own spirit than helping someone else who is low!
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: Seriously.
Thank you. 🙂
I guess I’m a scouter at heart with that “do a good turn daily” thing… LOL But, it is really the way to go. I enjoy helping people.
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wherdafux_d_cat said:
Re: Seriously.
The greatest lesson in life I’ve learned is that we all have our trials. No matter how seemingly large or small they may appear on the outside, when you are going through it – it is the biggest thing in the world to you. From a stubbed toe to a child with cancer. It is your entire focus while you are going through it.
And that is Truth.
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djner said:
I like that hymn, it’s one of my favorites. Until I joined the LDS church, I hadn’t ever heard it. What church do you go to where that’s popular, must be a good one. 🙂 You’ve got my vote.
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Lady Ozma said:
You learn quick that either
You moan or you get by. I heard a great saying recently: There’s no problem so bad that whining won’t make worse. It’s so true. After a while, you just realize to make the best of it. ANd this is really such a minor hit on the trial parade that is my life. 🙂
And I appreciate people for whatever they do. People have such giving hearts but we are often too busy to recognize it, which is sad. I try to be ever mindful. I’ve had so many people that made my day just by smiling at me, and I didn’t even know who they were. They deserve to be recognized and thanked. Even fi they don’t know it’s there on my blog. 🙂
Thank you so much for reading, responding, and enjoying my entry. ((HUGS))
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Lady Ozma said:
My grandma’s baptist church sings it
It’s a very popular old hymn. However, I am LDS as well. 🙂 I love singing it. We sang it like a week ago and I thought, “What a great idea” when the topic came up… how could I pass that up?
So anyway, I am sure you will agree that my church is a good one, right? *GRINS*
Thanks for voting for me! Also thanks for taking the time to read my post and comment!
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djner said:
Re: My grandma’s baptist church sings it
It’s a dang good one :). I haven’t had much time to read entries, so I hope I get through all fo them before tomorrow. Somehow I doubt I will.
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: My grandma's baptist church sings it
Me, too. But I just don’t know that it will happen. I tried to get a head start by reading last week before I went on vacation, right? Well guess what. I’ve totally forgotten which entries I’ve read and which I haven’t. Which I wanted to vote for, and which I wanted to not vote for.
So I’m no better off. DUH?????!!!!! Oh well! HEHE
Good luck! We’ll both need it! In voting as well as in reading all the entries!
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: Seriously.
Sure is. People lose sight of that. I wish they didn’t.
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djner said:
Re: My grandma's baptist church sings it
Cool, hope you don’t mind me adding you as a friend. I read some of the entries, not all, but some. More than I thought I would.
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Lady Ozma said:
Re: My grandma's baptist church sings it
Go ahead and friend me! 🙂 GOod for you! I didn’t get near as many as I’d have liked read.
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