Where has the month of July gone?

When many of you read these warm thoughts, there will only be three precious days left in the month. Does time really fly faster when one gets a year older? I am reminded of the words I overheard while sitting in church one Sunday morning, and listening to voices around me, before the service. "Every day is the day to celebrate," I heard it said. I realized how true those words of wisdom really mean to me as I celebrate life each day. Jonathan Swift has said as well, "May you live all the days of your life." This plaque is high on the kitchen range this summer, and is a reminder to live and enjoy each day of your life. July is a month when many families celebrate, beginning with Independence Day and family reunions. Have you ever thought of celebrating Christmas in July? Our family has found it a most convenient time to celebrate Christmas with all the family Christmas traditions. Perhaps this is nontraditional, but we managed to celebrate everything that has happened during the past year. This includes those who have birthdays, anniversaries, and additions to the family. We recognize achievements and graduations and each member of the family is so special. Traditional holiday and birthday gifts and treats are given to the loved ones, good food, good memories, all go together. It is probably the mother of all celebrations. Yes, Christmas in July, where extended family from both sides celebrate all the celebrations of the year. My precious friend from Nebraska wrote this on a Christmas card when she learned about our family celebration, and I cherish those warm thoughts.

She wrote, "We are not positive what time of year our Savior was born. It was most likely in the fall. So why not celebrate in July?" And as we celebrate, we seem to have the feeling of fall weather, as we have our big family celebration. And as we travel down memory lane, we have memories, and more precious memories. This past weekend, grandma had a Barney birthday celebration for my grandson, complete with Barney balloons, and the Barney birthday party video. How different in this age of technology, with the video games to entertain. I recall the many birthday parties when the children tried pinning the tail on the donkey blindfolded and the old traditional fun games. What fun it was to observe the grandchildren playing together and having their cup of tea, which was orange juice. And we can't forget the birthday cake and ice cream.

Time together. This is one of the secrets of strong families. In a survey conducted to 1,500 school children, they were asked, "What do you think makes a happy family?" The answer they gave most frequently was, "doing things together." Children really surprise us with their wisdom. So why not celebrate together with grandpas and grandmas and aunts and uncles and all the children, and enjoy one another celebrating the mother of all celebrations with family. Until next week, celebrate every day and sing the Barney song.

A Warm Thought for the week:

A friend is one who is a source of sunshine, when you are under the weather. Have a great week, and celebrate each day! 

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by the Luetta G. Werner 

Published in the Marion Record July 29th, 1993.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina