On being gracious

I've been thinking about the word gracious. Or should I say God has been bringing that word to the forefront in my readings. I've heard that word and read it in scripture many many times before. The other day I decided to look up the meaning of the word. I used a free trade card from http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.ca/ and added some touch-ups on picmonkey and  a scripture.

Gracious:

Gracious descends from the Latin word for good will. A gracious person wants everyone to be comfortable: a gracious host leaves extra blankets and some books on a variety of subjects out for overnight guests to enjoy. Even at a difficult moment, a gracious person remains thoughtful and kind, like the gracious way you treat a waiter who spills a glass of juice on your lap.

adj characterized by kindness and warm courtesy especially of a king to his subjects

Synonyms:

benignant

kind

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

adj exhibiting courtesy and politeness

Synonyms:

courteous, nice

polite

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

adj characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit

“gracious even to unexpected visitors”

“gracious living”

“he bears insult with gracious good humor”

Synonyms

friendly

characteristic of or befitting a friend

elegant, graceful, refined

suggesting taste, ease, and wealth

merciful

(used conventionally of royalty and high nobility) gracious

refined

(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel

 

It really is a beautiful word. I have been thinking about how I can improve in this area and am so grateful that God is so gracious to us. Thinking about being gracious has made me realize how ungracious I can be. If we all incorporated a bit more graciousness in our lives it would make such a difference in the lives of others.

Blessings, Diane

Spring flowers!

Ruby Giant Specie Crocus

Yesterday I noticed some flowers in full bloom in the front garden. That's the problem when you drive your car into the garage. You don't notice these wonderful things unless you make it a point to look!

It is so nice to see the first flower! It brings such joy to my heart. It seems like I appreciate the Spring season more and more each year. I'm probably not the only one! I love the sun. I love how it makes everything so bright and warm.

Such beauty!  So many varieties and colours. Created for our enjoyment. But they don't last forever. One of the things that I look forward to when I get to heaven, is the abundance of beauty and warmth that will be there...always. No fading away, or death.

We're supposed to get a week of rain here in Southern Ontario. That's also part of the Spring season. I'm just glad that I saw the flowers first!
Have a great week!
Blessings, Diane

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup

I love soup! It just kinda hits the spot. You know that feeling. Especially on a chilly day. Spring is trying hard to make it's way here, but we're still getting some chilly days. Late this afternoon I saw a bunny in our back yard, and the last two mornings I can hear the birds singing while I'm still in bed. I love that sound, even early in the morning!


Ingredients

 

Recipe

 

 

1 cup red lentils

1 medium onion chopped

2 celery stalks chopped

2 cloves of garlic chopped

1/2-1 cup grated carrots

1/2 cup rice or barley

1/2 tsp oregano

5 cups chicken stock (sometimes I add beef stock as well if I have it handy)

1 small can tomato paste

salt and pepper to taste

I always throw in some other spices, basil,,italian seasoning, thyme

chopped parsley

May need to add extra water

Add cooked bacon or sausage at the end

 

Cooks in the crock pot for 4-6 hrs on high or 1 1/2 hrs on stovetop.

 





Mmmmm!


 

I took a picture of the bunny, but I couldn't get it off my phone onto my laptop. Have a great weekend!

 Blessings, Diane