I choose to be a blessing. Did you know it’s a choice?
Everyday we have opportunity to bless someone else. So what is a blessing; how do we define it? I turned to my trusty Webster’s dictionary to find out the answer.
Webster defines a blessing in 3 different ways…
- the act or words of one that blesses; approval, encouragement
- a thing conducive to happiness or welfare
- grace said at a meal
Looking this list over I can pretty confidently say that I have definition #3 wrapped up with no problem. Showing approval and encouragement by my words and my deeds; that I have a tendency to struggle with quite a bit more!
Being a blessing to others, in my opinion and according to Webster, takes an act on our part; it doesn’t just happen. A kind word, a smile, helping a neighbor when they need it…all these things are conducive to happiness. Not my neighbor’s happiness mind you, though they do reap the benefit; it is my own happiness here that is directly affected.
Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back-given with bonus and blessing. Giving not getting is the way. Generosity begets generosity. ~ Luke 6:38
Spotlight Thursday
I choose to be a blessing is a wonderful segue into today’s spotlight blog…A Mother’s Shadow by Carrie Groneman.
I was first introduced to A Mother’s Shadow and Carrie through another fellow blogger in May of this year. I was immediately struck by her genuine spirit, kindness and her desire to give. A living breathing example of what a blessing should look like!
I went to A Mother’s Shadow to find out a little more of what made Carrie tick. I was not surprised to find how Carrie chose to describe herself. and her philosophy on life.
“To me, practical life skills, being self-reliant and serving others are vital components for a peace-filled and joyful life. I know that every little bit of good put into action adds up to a full glass. All our efforts to be a positive influence will pay off. ~ Carrie Groneman
Carrie’s blog is filled with many examples of this philosophy. She is clearly someone who puts action to her words. One has only to browse through her “Featured Family” segment or pop over to her Family Time Section to see that it’s so.
Thank you Carrie for being my friend. Already in the short time I have known you, I have been blessed with your friendship, giving spirit, and encouragement.
I hope you all will head over to A Mother’s Shadow. I know you will immediately be taken with Carrie; a blessing in every sense of the word!
I Choose to be a Blessing shared with:
Happy & Blessed Home: Family Fun Friday
Calm Healthy Sexy: Let’s Get Real
The Cookie Puzzle: Party in Your PJ’S
Coffee With Us 3: Pretty Pintastic Party
Natasha in Oz: Say G’day Saturday Link Party
My Pinterventures: Merry Monday Linky Party
Create With Joy: Inspire Me Monday
Creative K Kids: Bloggers Brag
Yesterfood: Treasure Box Tuesday
Lou Lou Girls: Lou Lou Girls
Nap time Creations: Create Link Inspire
3GLOL: Teach Me Tuesday
Crafty Spices: Wordless Wednesday
Oh My Heartsie Girl: Wordless Wednesday
Mrs Tee Love Life and Laughter: Wordless Wednesday
Beautiful message! Adorable kids! Thanks again for being a part of our party. i hope to see you tonight. Lou Lou Girls
Kimberly recently posted…Rainbow Cupcakes
I just went and linked up at your wonderful party. Thanks again for the features!
This post touched me today because we do have a choice in what we do or how we act. Thank you for reminding me what choices I need to make.
Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I’ve pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board
Tammy recently posted…Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party for June 23
Thanks Tammy. It is so easy to get caught up in what I am doing and forget that it’s not about me. I’m learning… one day at a time.
Blessings,
Shari
What a wonderful post. I’ve been to Carrie’s blog several times and I love both of your blogs. I think the both of you do such a great job to share thoughtful and meaningful posts.
Erlene recently posted…Pinterest Tested: Chocolate Cupcakes vs Dark Chocolate Cupcakes
Thank you Erlene, Carrie is something special, I agree! Thanks for the kind words 🙂
Very nice post Shari, very nice!!!
Thank you for your time to come visit and share your lovely post, so inspiring!!!
Enjoy your week!!!
Karren Haller recently posted…Tip Heroâs Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway Event
It was my pleasure Karren. I appreciate your party and the opportunity you give to share my posts.
Blessings,
Shari
What gorgeous words! Thank you for sharing such a great message with me at thank goodness it’s Thursday (Jordan’s Onion).
Sarah Nenni Daher recently posted…Twitter Tuesdays to Tickle Your Funny Bone #7
Thanks Jordan for providing a great place to share content that might not otherwise be seen.
Blessings, Shari
This is so very true! I think it is a choice to bless the lives of t=others. I often get so caught up in my busy-ness that I am glad you sent out this reminder to choose to be a blessing to others…. Have a lovely week!!! 🙂
XoXoX Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
Thank you Crystelle. I forget so often, I need these gentle little reminders.
Blessings,
Shari
Great post and great images… thanks for sharing!
Thanks Christina, I appreciate your coming by!
So fun!
*waving hi from a few hours north of you!
kimberly recently posted…Fun Day
Waving hello right back! Thanks for stopping by.
Carrie has been a great blogging friend to me, and I’m so happy that you are featuring her blog. Isn’t that picture of her gorgeous?! I love her tagline – Recognize a blessing and be a blessing today. It’s such a good reminder to me every time I read it.
Also, thanks for sharing with the Let’s Get Real Party. Have a great weekend.
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy recently posted…Welcome to the Let’s Get Real Party #43
Carrie is a doll and I appreciate the heart she does everything with. Thanks for the opportunity to join in the party at Let’s Get Real. Always a good time!
Blessings,
Shari
Beautiful post about a beautiful lady!
Thanks Jenny, she is indeed!
I am still rather new to A Mother’s Shadow and Pure Grace Farms, but I enjoy you ladies more every day. This is a lovely post, Shari- thank you for helping us get to know Carrie and her sweet spirit a little better.
Joy @ Yesterfood recently posted…Treasure Box Tuesday 23
Being a blogger has opened up doors and allowed me to meet so many wonderful people. I am grateful for the opportunity.
Blessings,
Shari
Aww, I love both you and Carrie. Honestly, just have to say I feel blessed knowing you both and calling you my friends now, too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…The Pin It Party – Week 57
We have something special and I am grateful for the support and encouragement each and every one of you bring. So glad to call you friend!
Blessings,
Shari
Shari,
This post really touched me. We all have a choice everyday to choose to be a blessing. When we bless others, we are blessed in so many ways. It is all about the heart. God looks at the reasons we are trying to bless others. If we do it out of love, we will definitely be blessed.
I truly feel the same way about Carrie at A Mother’s Shadow. She has a heart for God and a spirit of JOY! She is truly a good friend. Not to mention a great writer and a wonderful cook.
I am thankful you listened to God’s leading Diane when you brought us together. Not sure how I got figured into the mix but I am so grateful I was included. You have been an incredible blessing. Thank you so much for all you do!
Blessings,
Shari
A Mother’s Shadow is one of my favorite blogs, and I’m so glad to have found yours now too. It’s simply lovely!
Welcome. I am blessed to know Carrie and love the work she puts out. Thank you for your kind words.
Blessings,
Shari
Oh Shari, how incredibly sweet and generous! Thank you Shari for this beautiful feature. I’m very blessed to be ‘bloggy’ friends. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
I meant every word!
Blessings,
Shari