Ted, Shelly, Edison and Watson. Edison at 4 yrs old loves to share!

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!

My sweet Tim sharing with Watson.

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.

When I choose to be a blessing, I am in actuality blessing myself. It is true what God says and a principle we can bank on…

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!

Food Creates Family Bonds: A Mother’s Shadow

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

1 Year Anniversary: A Mothers Shadow

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.

Irish Soda Bread: A Mothers Shadow

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.

Lasagna Rolls: A Mothers Shadow

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!

White chocolate Lemon cookies: A Mothers Shadow

A Mother’s Shadow

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

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

“Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.”
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Today my mind lingers on thoughts of generosity…”what does it mean? and “how does it look?” In search of an answer, I headed over to the Dictionary to see what old Webster had to say. His definition; “the quality of being kind, understanding, and not selfish: the quality of being generous; especially: willingness to give money and other valuable things to others.” Webster’s basic definition is sound, but in my opinion it doesn’t go far enough.

Everyone has something to give. “Money and other valuables” are tangible things and certainly an important part of being generous, but what if one has no money or valuables to spare… what then? This is where, I believe, the intangibles comes in; something not made with a physical substance. It may be a friendly smile to someone in passing or a word of encouragement at an opportune time. Perhaps it is pitching in and lending a hand when a need is presented or holding your tongue when angry words might otherwise fly. It’s the intangible things, in my opinion, that tend to have the greatest impact. Everyone has something to give, so what will your gift be today?

Spotlight Thursday

Today, I would like to place the spotlight on Origins Hobby Farm. I first met Kathy, one of the owners, via email. She contacted me to ask if I would be interested in doing a guest piece for her website. Being new to Blog World, I was a little bit hesitant. I had no idea if I could do it or how to proceed if I did. Kathy showed great patience and kindness, and helped walk this newbie through unfamiliar territory. My first guest post, Plan ahead – Enjoy seasonal foods all year long was published. I was grateful for the opportunity and experience and now have the chance to pay it forward!

Origins Hobby Farm is a small farm located on 10 acres in Middleville, Michigan, set on “an odyssey of small scale sustainability.” Here they grow an ever increasing amount of their own produce, manage livestock, forage for wild edibles and hunt wild game. They are continually learning new ways to implement food preservation, and try different techniques on extending their productive season well into the cold Michigan winters.

Honeybees are alive and thriving at Origins Hobby Farm. Find information on how to filter beeswax, a recipe for cold remedies, hand salve and lip balm right on their website.

I learned something new about rabbits from one of Origins Hobby Farms latest blog post, The Dirty Truth about Hobby Farming this week too! I read there that rabbit pooh was a cold fertilizer known as “Black Gold,” and is perfect for using immediately in the garden without composting. This might be the perfect reason for me to raise a few of these furry little creatures.

I could go on and on about Origins Hobby Farm, but even better, go see for yourself! It is my hope that you will beome friends with Kathy and those at the farm, learn new things and appreciate her as much as I do.

If you’re looking for a personal relationship with someone who produces your food, looking for plants, animals or other supplies to add to your own hobby farm or homestead, or just a few recipes and ideas to make your life simpler, then pop on over to Origins Hobby Farm and take a gander. I believe Kathy would love to hear from you, so feel free to shoot her an email. I think you will be happy you did.