“Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting”.

[Donna Vee]

From my other blog :)

One thing I love about getting older is that the monetary value of things is far less important to me than the intentions of the heart. I have friends in every financial circle there is. One friend was living in a home without utilities for quite some time. Another man I know has been living out of his truck. I also have friends whose financial limitations are few. I love them all for what they represent. They make me thankful to the core that we live in a free country, that we’re not governed by class. Success stories of those who have risen from the ashes and soared to new heights are endless because we’re a country that still has middle. Thank God we still have middle.


My friends with money are ALL generous to a fault. They use their positions to bless others. They are involved with churches and charities and I’m thankful to be a part of their lives. They inspire me to share what I have although personally we are not in the same position, it’s all relative. They never EVER make others feel as if they owe them a thing. Their generosity comes from a pure heart and they seem almost embarrassed by any gratitude shown. I love that.

I have another friend who though she isn’t in the same financial circle, her heart is every bit as generous and giving if not more so. She delivers her thank you notes in person accompanied by a plate of home made goodies. I love that.

She often initiates sleepovers at her house when she senses that life is just a bit too stressful and I could use some alone time resting in the company of my husband. I’ve never asked, she just knows. I love that.

She’s unbelievably generous with her time and talent. I’ll never forget the things she’s done for me. She invites people into her life and makes them feel loved, and I do.

My friends whom are presently living with unthinkable challenges inspire me to near tears at times with their bravery, their optimism and with their faith and I am more thankful than you could imagine for the roof over my head, hot water and the bargain brand, coupon clipped food that sits in my pantry. I would offer it all to them if they were near. How could I ever resent being on a budget when truthfully, I should be thankful just to have one.

I want you to know, whether you visit my blog often or just now and then….If you’re reading this, I’m so thankful for you. This morning I took inventory of the people I know and each one of you has made an impact on my life. If I gathered up all of your strengths and talents into one package it would be more than I could ever hope to be. You inspire me….and I hope to rise to the occasion and shine light right back at’cha.

I don't think I'll wait until next November to reflect on what I’m thankful for. Everyday is precious. Every person is precious. It’s a scary thing to make oneself vulnerable but LIFE…is precious, too precious to waste time being offended and building walls to protect ourselves from being hurt because those walls also prevent us from feeling loved and there’s no greater gift.

To those of you that have shown me love and kindness…..Thank you!

[Donna Vee]

You guys are very sweet. Thank you! I hope to get to know all of you from the heart as well. I really appreciate what you've said. many of you are on the same page. We are so blessed to have the lives we have... In the end, it's only the realtionships and God's word we can take with us... I hope are bags are full. <hearts>

 

[Jennifer and Jack]

I adore this post, Thank you for allowing us to see into your heart, what a sweet and kind heart you have. I am glad to see you know what is important in life and what is not. That to me is the the key to happiness, It has nothing to do with money, success or anything. It has to do with being the kind of person that you would want others to be to you. I love your blog, love it love it love it!!!!

[Jena ~ Dublin]

Donna, thank you for sharing.  This really brought me to think if Jesus put up walls, where would I be right now?  What HE did for me and I am putting up a wall to accept HIS love and anyone elses' for that matter.  I was / am hurt by a friend, I trusted her, I loved her, I really thought I was reliable, trustworthy, and to find out, that is NOT AT ALL what she thought of me.  My DH has been trying to help me through it, I just put up a wall.  It was easier than to work through it, talk to her about it or deal with it up front.  You are totally right, putting up walls  is going to keep me from getting just what I am asking for, just to be loved for me.  HIS love is what I need and that is all that matters.  Jena

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Thanks Donna, that's very inspiring! It gave me goose bumps and tears. Thanks for friending me and sharing.

I wish I had a friend near home even half as thoughtful as you, they are all in their own lives always in a hurry etc. it's a shame isn't it? Have a great day. Jennifer

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Donna - thank you so much for sharing this.  Sometimes in life we get so caught up in the things that don't really matter - it is always good to be reminded of those things that do!!!

[Dori & Rua]

Donna,

 

OMD...truly beautiful, inspiring, and humbling!  I didn't have a change to read this last night, so I got on this AM before going to work to catch up on the latest blogs & discussions.  I have to your writing really moved me.  Thank you!  What a wonderful way to start the day!  I work for the Catholic Cemeteries here in Omaha as the Finance Manager.  Even though I don't deal with the families coming in to make arrangements to bury their loved ones every day, we are a small office, and at times I have to help a family.  One of the things that has really put into perspective for me is how truly precious life is and how thankful I am everyday to be alive and able to make choices.

 

I hope you don't mind, but I will be forwarding this on to some of my family and freinds.  You are amazing!

 

Your friend, Dori

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Thanks for sharing, the title of your post alone says it all:) 

[Donna Vee]

Thanks back to you all for allowing me to be friends with complete strangers...lol. I wanted to post this here because you are some of the funniest, most talented and caring people in the world and you brighten my day.

[Carol and Banjo]

Thank you Donna Vee for sharing with us!

[F, Calla & Luca]

A great reflection on the important things.