Fellowship Fridays: Notice the Little Things
May 8, 2009
This is my son’s snack on many afternoons.
It is a banana, with peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and a few cherries. I could just slap some peanut butter on the banana and hand it to him with a little bowl of cherries. But why settle for that?
Any time I prepare a meal for him, no matter what it is, I take a little extra time to make it pretty. This is not because I like to cook, or because I have any culinary training or aspirations. I like to serve him his snacks with a bit of Tender Loving Care.
When I devote my full attention to lovingly, and mindfully preparing a meal, it is my belief that actual bits of Love go into that meal and are then absorbed by whoever eats it. This is why my Cupid Lasagna recipe works every time. My son has actually told me he feels more loved because he knows I take that extra time just for him.
So today I would like to encourage you to take time or make time to notice and appreciate the little things in life. Simple pleasures can go a long way in making up for otherwise dreary conditions. Today’s Fellowship Fridays posts are wonderful reminders that we should stay present, pay attention, and make the most of every little thing.
1. What Have You Been Missing In Your Busy Life?, from Mark, at The Big Dreamer
2. 7 Little Things That Make Me Disproportionately Happy, from Sherri, at Serene Journey
3. What Money Can’t Buy, from Marc and Angel, at Marc and Angel Hack Life
4. An Ode To Family And Friends, from Amber, at Epic Self
5. Be One With The Spoon – And The Universe, from Evelyn, at Attraction Mind Map
Fellowship Fridays are all about connecting with other bloggers in the community, and providing new resources for those who are looking. To that end, I plan to keep comments open on Fridays. If you are a blogger and have written a post about taking time to enjoy the little things in life, please share the link with us in the comments section. Or, if you would just like to say hi, that’s fine too.
PS: There’s one little thing a dear friend of mine shared with me yesterday, that I would like to share with you. It’s a simple, but moving song, compiled by artists all over the world… a common purpose, a shared emotion, a musical communion. One of the reasons I’d like to share it with you is that my friend is dealing with a Multiple Sclerosis relapse right now, and I know she could use some positive thoughts. So, as you watch the video and listen to the song, think of her and others like her who need someone to stand by them right now. Little things can make a big difference.
You can watch the video HERE.
I sure do appreciate you taking time to visit Quest For Balance.
Thanks!!
Related posts:
- Fellowship Fridays: There is a Reason for Everything
- Fellowship Fridays: Simplicity
- Fellowship Fridays: How To Find Inner Peace
- Fellowship Fridays: A League of Gentlemen
- Fellowship Fridays: Wonderful Women
Posted in Fellowship Fridays, present moment, serenity, simplicity
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Hi Lisis,
That’s really sweet. I mean you, not the banana.
Your love toward your son has reminded me of how great my mum has been and that I should learn to appreciate her more and give her the love and attention more than I should have. Thank you so much for this lovely post.
And thanks so much for the link to my post!
Cheers~
Mark
Lisis
ooooo … I can comment again. What a relief
I love the artistry in that picture! I often try to put a little extra touch when I prepare food. I like eating good looking food.
I like to think that plants and their produce look so much better than bits of dead animal. Don’t you agree? Except for peanut butter, that is. Can’t stand it, myself. Each to their own, though! LOL
Ian | Quantum Learning’s latest post… Falling in love does not make you telepathic
Oh wow…the dessert sure looks yummy!! My kids would love it too! I give my kids little treats every now and then. They are always so appreciative!
Evelyn Lim’s latest post… Me In Every Thought
Lisis,
You’re a mindful cook! I’m ready to stop by for dinner.
Roger – A Content Life’s latest post… Beware of False Kindness
Good Morning everyone! How nice to see you guys here, in the comments. I’ve been trying a little experiment this week with my comments section, which I’ll tell you all about on Monday.
Mark, your sentiments are just in time for Mother’s Day. =-)
Ian, you can’t stand Peanut Butter!? Not even the creamy kind? Maybe Poland doesn’t have the yummy stuff we have here… what about Reese’s???
Evelyn: Happy Mother’s Day!!!!!
Roger: You are welcome here any time.
That’s a really awesome thing you do, there, Lisis. And you’re absolutely right; The little bits of love *do* get transferred into the food, and therefore into the person. Love is energy, and (according to Einstein) energy cannot be destroyed, it can only change form. So, when you send love into the food, it becomes part of the nutrients, and changes back into love inside your son’s heart.
On a side note, I just have to say that I LOVE that video!! An awesome version of an awesome song! Thank you so much for bringing that little piece of joy into my life!
Jay Schryer’s latest post… Questioning Love and Sex
You’re welcome, Jay! I loved it too… made my cry last night.
As for the other stuff, you read my mind. I completely believe the whole conservation of energy thing. If I’m filled with loving energy and I’m pouring it into a particular vessel, it doesn’t just disappear. It’s real, it exists, it can be shared.
Happy Friday!
=-)
It’s peanuts. I’ve never been able to eat them without throwing up. Hiding them in creamy butter doesn’t go anywhere near far enough to hide the taste.
Ian | Quantum Learning’s latest post… Falling in love does not make you telepathic
OK… you’re excused. And anyone with peanut allergies is too.
I agree it’s the little things that make all the difference, slowing down and taking a little extra time is so important.
Cody Dream-Life-Coaching’s latest post… 7 reasons you may be failing
I’m going to make one of those when I get home!
I love little things. Life is all little things.
David Cain’s latest post… Powerful Lessons My Mom Did Not Teach Me
You guys should see his fruit salads! Mangoes, pineapples, cantaloupes, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries… (here comes the fun part): condensed milk, yogurt and/ or ice cream. Clearly, with a cherry on top.
=-)
Hi Lisis!
What a lovely surprise to see your masterpiece of a snack!
I also appreciate you adding the link to the amazing song to your post. That is one of my all time favorite songs–masterfully done. For those of you reading comments, I am the “dear friend” who sent Lisis the link, the friend who has been dealing with a recent MS relapse. Lisis’ posts have been getting me though this tough time; I really appreciate you, Lisis!! Thank you for standing by me!!!
Love–Lori
Hi Lisis,
My mom used to love to cook and she used to say that they key ingredient in each dish was love. I believe that to be true.
BTW, thank you for the food porn…I have not eaten anything yet and that picture is making me hungry. So off I go to get some food!
Thank you for the clip too. Please tell your friend that I am sending her TONS of positive energy her way.
Nadia-HappyLotus’s latest post… To All The Wonder Women In The World
@ Lori: I am so glad you decided to comment today. I wanted to tell everyone your name, so they could pray for YOU specifically… but I didn’t know if you wanted it out there. But it’s official now: Everyone… LORI needs a bunch of your positive thoughts and energy right now. Keep in mind that your candle will not go out just because you light someone else’s.
=-)
@ Nadia: I love that! “Food Porn”! OMG… that’s what I’ve been feeding my 8 year old all this time! Shame on me!! No wonder I’m so addicted to beautiful foods!
Oh, so glad the comments were opened up today. YAY! I love Nadia’s reference to this photo as “food porn.” Totally. Loved it. And loved this quote by you: “When I devote my full attention to lovingly, and mindfully preparing a meal, it is my belief that actual bits of Love go into that meal and are then absorbed by whoever eats it.” YES! I believe this, too, I really do.
Do you know, when I’m preparing a meal, especially an evening meal that I really want to be special, I try to make the whole thing sacred. I light a candle (since there are no cook fires to light anymore) and put on my favorite music, pour a glass of wine, and just try to “be” in the preparing. Sometimes my fiance joins me and we create a meal together: laughing and singing and dancing around. Those are the best meals EVER.
Chania Girl’s latest post… Καλως ‘Ηλθατε – Welcome
Those really are the best meals ever! It sounds so beautiful and romantic (and child-free!) Obviously I love being a mommy, but let me just tell you, young lady… make the most of this time you have for just you, and for just the two of you. It’s real hard to come by once you have little ones in the picture.
I think that’s one of the things I love about reading your blog… I get to be young again vicariously through you. Not that I’m OLD, mind you, but you know what I mean. You are at such a neat phase of life right now, where everything in front of you is a blank slate for you to fill in any way you want… and you’re in Greece… and you’re engaged… and you’re cooking dinner by candle light.
Good for you!!!!
Lisis, that video was amazing, I will tweet right now, and think of your friend. And I love this picture, this expression of love is what motherhood is all about I think. Have a lovely and happy one.
Lisa (mommymystic)’s latest post… The Spirituality of Motherhood – Lessons from the REAL Masters
Lisis,
That’s beautiful! I LOVE taking time, being mindful and adding the special little touches to every meal. I’ve not gone quite as far as making a 5 star restaurant quality snack but I’m willing to give it a go…it looks awesome!
Thanks for the link as well…I’m ALL about the little things meaning the most in life! Have a great weekend.
Sherri (Serene Journey)’s latest post… How To Make Friends You Enjoy Being Around
Thanks Lisa, I appreciate your loving thoughts about my friend. She needs them!
Sherri, never underestimate the things you can accomplish with Hershey’s chocolate syrup and a white plate.
Happy Mother’s Day to both of you (and all the rest of you moms out there)!!!
You’re so right, Lisis. There are so many things that it would be easy for me to take for granted, like being able to have evenings like this with my fiance. We’re lucky, though, because we do realize that this is something that is much more difficult after you’ve had kids. And it’s one of the reasons we want to give ourselves a couple more years before we do.
When I read stories like yours and other moms who still find time to do these amazing things and be so “in the moment” in some of your moments, I’m simultaneously humbled and awestruck (“How do they DO it?!”). I learn a lot from you … and I’m glad. Being in the company of phenomenal women is a wondrous thing.
Chania Girl’s latest post… Καλως ‘Ηλθατε – Welcome
Lisis, there’s a quote by Colin Powell that I think really underscores the importance of putting our care and effort into the little things we do. He says:
Thanks for sharing, and for letting us share too.
You guys are too sweet! Michael… fantastic quote! (And it’s great to see you here again.)
I’ve been blessed by this entry. Keep up the good work.
London Darling’s latest post… Label Love: Eyola
Thank you, London Darling! I’ve been blessed by your presence here. Thank you for taking a moment to comment.
=-)
That snack looks so awesome! What a gourmet mommy! K bye.
Jones-Keeping Up With Mom’s latest post… Meet Robert…
Hi, Jones! I’m so glad you commented ’cause I got to check out your website and I haven’t stopped laughing since. I love your sense of humor… and no, I don’t think it’s bad that your kids were in the car while you were posing with the homeless guy… not too bad, anyway.
That’s about the sweetest thing I’ve seen somebody post about their child in a long time. Beautiful! I loved it and thank you for sharing it with us.
Stephen – Rat Race Trap’s latest post… The Past, The Present, and The Future
having time with children it the best time in our life
christon’s latest post… 2. It was a wonderful idea!
Thanks so much for the link Lisis! Love your blog btw. I will definitely be coming back to visit and just added you on twitter. Cheers from Sydney! Let’s keep in touch
Thanks Amber! I love yours too. I just tweeted your article about Summer 09 workout trends… incredible! I wanna hang in a sling!
I’ll be seeing you around!