Thankful Thursday & More Welaka

We had a great time in Welaka--so much to see in this little village.  We had read about the museum and the aquarium.  The museum had closed because the curator died.  We were told we could go look in the windows if we were really interested.  We chose to look for the aquarium instead.  When we asked how to get to the aquarium at the beauty shop, the receptionist gave us a funny grin before pointing us down the road past the "stop light" just before the road curves.  When asked about the funny grin--she replied "It's a great aquarium because it's free."

(Help me--I am not a fish)

Bashful Tilapia

The bartender of the Log Cabin Bar saw me taking pictures and invited me in to take pictures. 

The bartender told me that this alligator was caught just on the other side of the river from us.

After walking around town, we decided to go eat at Cafe Bleuu.  Cafe Bleuu is owned and operated by Roxy and Bleuu.  The food was delicious.  Steve and Charles had the Cuban Picadillo with home made fries.  Robin had the fried grouper sandwich.  I had the Greek Salad with three Large Shrimp.  For dessert, Steve and Charles ordered the Home Made  by Roxy Blackberry Ice Cream with whipped cream on top.
We met a couple there who invited us to anchor out behind their home and they would treat us to appetizers and cocktails.  We declined, as we like our spot on the free dock.  Great food and atmosphere! 

The view for Cafe Bleuu from the River!

View of the boat from Cafe Bleuu

Another pink house for my collection of pink house pictures.

On this Thursday I am thankful for visits with friends.  I am especially thankful that Charles was here to ride in the tender during the rain with Steve so he could explore Oklawaha River.  Steve had traveled down this river last year by canoe with John Thompson.

Thankful Thursday--Map making!

This week at home has been busy.  We came home to see our youngest daughter swim in her last home swim meet of the season.  As we headed out, she called to say that the roads were covered in ice and snow so we should turn around.  Since we are home, we are taking care of some much needed work around the house. 

Many thanks to Bob and Cathryn at Olalla Bay blog.  I have been reading their blog about their trip on the Great Loop.  Even though they are much farther along on their trip, we have had similar experiences. I notices that Olalla Bay has a map marking the stops on the trip.  Bob was kind enough to give me a little help in starting a map for Meandering Joy.  You can see it on the side bar on the starboard (right) side of the our blog.  Just click where it says "see Meandering Joy Maps" to see our path. 

It was very easy to make the map.   Check it out and let me know what you think.  What do you like about it?  What kinds of things would you like to see added?

Thanks again to Bob and Cathryn. 

Psalm 28:7     Matthew 6:34     Psalm 56:3-4     Genesis 28:15


 

Thankful Thursday

There are so many things for which to be thankful.  Being thankful for things today just does not feel right.  Lately the scripture I have been reading has focused on being thankful in all circumstances, a concept with which I wrestle.  According to the scripture that I have read recently, Christians should be thankful in everything-the good--and yes the bad.  

A few years ago I had an unfortunate accident while white water rafting in which I broke my leg.  I was not thankful for this situation, in fact, I was about as far from thankful as one could get.  I was angry and in pain--a difficult combination of feelings.  The athletic sense of pride in me was humbled by the fact that I could not walk the simplest of activities in my mind.   I became dependent upon my husband and my daughters for most everything.   Over time, I began to develop a sense of awareness and concern for others who lacked mobility-- permanently.  My leg would heal in twelve weeks, but others I met, would not be healed. 

Unfortunately, I did not "rejoice always" or "consider it pure joy" as the scripture below encourages. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

James 1:2-4 (NIV) ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18(NIV) ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Today, I can be thankful for how the difficult situations have taught me lessons I might not have otherwise learned.  I can pray that I start to be thankful during all circumstances in the future. 

One last verse for today that is thought provoking…

John 16:33   I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart: I have overcome the world.