The Saturday Journal: A Penny and Something New

When you have a few days in a row where you try to pack 36 hours into 24 hours, it wears on you after a while--this has been my week. A good week--just a tiring one. And on Thursday, I woke up to no creamer in the refrigerator for my coffee and I desperately needed that shot of caffeine to get the day started. Nothing to do but hit the road in the early morning hours and head to the store. So early, the cool moisture still decorated the windows of this grocery store.

I buy a few things and my bill totals up to a few dollars and some odd cents. The cashier, she was pleasant. 'You wouldn't happen to have a penny?'

I'm sure I do, but I was wrong--no penny--not one coin. And then I remembered, I emptied my change a few days ago into my change jar.

'I'm sorry, I don't,' I replied. And then I told her about my change jar and how I saved and used the coins on vacation, road trips--my adventure jar, I call it.

'Well we are just going to pretend you do,' and then she smiled the most pleasant of smiles.

She went on to tell me about her change jar--how she does the same thing and how the coins add up. She shared she uses her also for vacations and sometimes for unexpected bills.

I thanked her once again and said, I hope you have the best day.

She smiled and returned the sentiment.

As I walked out to my car--moisture formed in my eyes--early morning tears from exhaustion--from kindness. I'm just so grateful for people's smiles. It's in those moments--no matter how brief the moment--God shows up in others--when we need them the most.

Last week, I promised an announcement of something new coming to The Saturday Journal. I am passionate about telling other's stories--unsung heroes who often go overlooked. I don't know about you, but I'm in desperate need of stories that will focus on the good and drown out the never ending negative news we are bombarded with on a daily basis.

Stories that can inspire us--encourage us to do more, and help us to be more grateful.

Coming soon (prayfully in August), The Saturday Journal, a free publication will be available in print with stories of faith, family, farming, and community. I will revisit a young man's story who I met close to 20 years ago--a young man who has overcome obstacles all his life and how he pours his heart and work into the Special Olympics and helping others. Another story will feature a lady who began a flower farm and uses her love of flowers to bring kindness to others. The first issue will also feature a story of a local farm--updates from the last time I visited and how this couple--they work side by side learning more of the ways of homesteading, along with serving the community with the sale of good quality farm products. And another--where a local group of concerned individuals, now a non-profit took over a piece of land and the facility is now available for the community to enjoy--it is truly an ashes to beauty story. And more....A cover reveal will be shared soon!

And over in A Beautiful Grace Shop on the website, I am running a "Christmas in July" special. If you order 10 prayer quilts, you will receive one free! They are made as orders come in and shipping will begin in August. There are some of my books in the shop including The Saturday Journal, A Collection of Stories--this book contains many of the stories that have been shared on The Saturday Journal blog throughout the last two years. More items will be added in the coming weeks. https://www.tathelmiller.com/shop

Lastly, I will be taking a little break next Saturday, July 19th and will be back on Saturday, July 26th. I'm just so very grateful for God's kindness and goodness in this journey and for each of you. I could not do this without your support and God's guiding hand.

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Psalm 26:7

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A humble and heartfelt thank you for reading The Saturday Journal.

My prayer is to share The Saturday Journal every Saturday or at least bi-weekly--

 and the stories shared here in this space will bless you in some small way.

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All photos @copyright Tathel Miller, unless otherwise credited to another photographer.