Beyond Limitations

REMEMBER

2011-05-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

Serendipity

2011-02-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

Just yesterday I was praying for my baby to be blessed with a baby of her own. Days turned to weeks, and weeks to months, and months to years. Joy moved to sorrow and sorrow to joy in an alarming pattern. Hope dashed and restored to be dashed again.
Stoic hearts continually prepared to absorb pain are not so quick to register the absence of it.

The full impact of answered prayers has taken a while to settle into the recesses of my mind and heart. I am not proud of this, but trusting God, and not letting go of the fear is not conducive to peace of mind.

Excitement brings joy and a little less fear with each passing day. I am like a child waiting on Christmas while it seems as if it will never arrive.

A BLOG WORTH WAITING FOR!

2011-02-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

THE BEST BLOG EVER!

MY HEART IS BROKEN

2010-09-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to believe that it has been almost 7 years since my precious daughter and her prince were married. They married young enough to have their family before 30. Yet, 30 is here and there are no new family members. This breaks my heart for them and for me.

It is, also, hard to fathom that it has been 10 months since my grandson has been allowed to spend an afternoon with his Papa and Nana. This breaks my heart again every day.

It is difficult to know which pain is worse.

YOU CAN'T OUTGIVE GOD!!

2010-08-14T01:40:00.000-07:00

Recently I gifted a friend with a certificate for Zesto banana splits. I have never eaten a banana split simply because the thought of bananas with ice cream does not appeal to me. My husband is a banana split lover, however I would choose a simple sundae and pass on the banana split.

A few days after I had gifted my friend with the banana splits, my daughter and I went to dinner at a favorite restaurant. Someone in the kitchen goofed and my daughters' salad arrived without dressing or several other toppings that should have been included. My own 'peppers and onions' had no peppers.

When the error was noted and corrected, we were told that dessert would be on the house.
Soon two beautiful dishes of ... you guessed it, BANANA SPLITS, were placed in front of us.
Never having desired a banana split I picked up the spoon to taste it planning to just take a few bites to be polite. I was pleasantly surprised that the desert was delicious. Even the bananas. It didn't occur to me until later that I had given banana splits and I had been given banana splits right back.

When I shared this with my friend, another friend who is a teacher told of a time when she paid the fees for a gifted but economically deprived student to attend an event. Later this teacher received an insurance refund in the exact amount she had given away.

And here I am back at the Island Spa, gifted with weeks of pleasure by a friend who I simply called to check on a few years ago. Working and volunteering together I knew little about her personal life. When I learned she had lung surgery I called. My friend asks nothing in return. I did nothing deserving of this. Yet I am here. Enjoying vacation time that I knew I was giving up when I left my job. I am humbled by the gift, as it reminds me of another gift.

The gift of love from God who sent His son Jesus to die that I might have the gift of life. I do not deserve the gift, yet I have it.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. "

Philippians 4:19

Lifestyle Evangelism

2010-07-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

She was as red as a red rose.

As we stood in line in the Piggley Wiggley, she turned and asked,

"Do you know of a natural remedy for sunburn? We don't have money."

My husband hearing only the "natural" part said, "aloe".

Me hearing the 'no money' part, looked closer at the sunburn.

She pulled up her shirt to show that her stomach was burned also.

The flaming red burn covered every inch that was exposed, arms and back, also.

Having once been in that same predicament and remembering how painful and miserable it was, it was easy to feel compassion.

I chose to ignore the fact that the young couple was unwisely purchasing beer and cigarettes, when medication was the greater need.

I hurried to the first aid isle and found the only sunburn product.

Back at the check out, I watched as the young woman put back the cigarettes when she could not find enough change in her purse to pay the cashier.

The man chose the beer over her physical pain and remarked that he had told her not to go to sleep in the sun.

As they completed their transaction, I told the woman to wait a moment.

When the Solarcaine was scanned I handed it to her with a God Bless You.

Whether they were grateful or spongers didn't matter.

I would have felt shame if I had walked away without trying to help someone in pain.

The outcome is not what matters, doing what Jesus might do in the same circumstance is paramount.

Although He might have healed the burn, naturally!

"In the same way, let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds

and praise your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16 (New International Version)

Gifts - Tangible and Intangible

2010-06-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

TANGIBLE

INTANGIBLE

The amount of energy

expended on a project of love,

whether growing tomatoes or planting flowers.

TANGIBLE

The flower stems after the flowers were destroyed (eaten?)

by a small animal.

INTANGIBLE

Frustration and desire to end the take-over

taking place in our yard and garden.

TANGIBLE

Weapons to take defensive measures to save our home land.

INTANGIBLE

The thoughtfulness of my daughter in gifting her Dad

with these products for Father's Day!

TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE

The delicious dinner my daughter prepared for her Dad.

And the heart warming words "I've seen Mama do it."

"I thank my God every time I remember you," Philippians 1:3

Celebrating the Father of All Fathers!

2010-06-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

Father's Day was always a difficult day for me. I do not have a father that taught me anything except fear and shame.

After my children were born I focused on their father, my husband, and helping them to celebrate a Godly father.

Now that they are adults, and the house is quiet on Father's Day I find myself again wishing I could just skip this day.

It was so good tonight in worship when a visiting high school friend, who is now a pastor, prayed that even those who did not have a loving father on earth, can rest assured they have a loving father in our Lord. I have always taken comfort in that.

And like icing on the cake, my Heavenly Father is no ordinary father. My father is the King. That makes me a princess! Instead of feeling sad, that makes me feel very special!

"And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." Revelation 19:16

RESPECT FOR MEMORIAL DAY

2010-05-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as I placed my red, white and blue items on the counter at Wal-Mart. The young man behind the register asked, "Already getting ready for July 4th?" I replied, "No, these are for our Memorial Day Celebration."

He rolled his eyes!! That got him a quick history lesson he obviously needed, although his facial expressions proved he could not care less. He was more interested in being a smart aleck. How did he slip through the interview process to gain this job?

When I reminded him that the sacrifices that others have made allowed him to have his job and live in freedom he again rolled his eyes. I was not only surprised by his behavior but very disappointed to think that he represents many of the young people in our society. I left quickly before he experienced my wrath.

I did feel righteous anger, and his employer will be getting a copy of this blog. The young man certainly needs to be put in his place. I have talked to young men in foster care who have absolutely nothing, and they are respectful of America and of me when I speak to them.

The justification of my feelings is in part that I have served as guardian ad litem for three young men who are now serving their country in Iraq, Afghanistan and Korea. My husband is a veteran of the Viet Nam era. My son in law serves in the Coast Guard. Moreover, as a teen I watched the suffering of a family as they dealt with the death of their young loved one in Vietnam.

No, this Wal-Mart employee did not know who he was speaking to, but that is my point. I could have been the mother or widow of a recently killed soldier for all he knew. Disrespect in itself is abhorrent but disrespect for America and those who are willing to risk their lives to protect you is an abomination.

HAPPY AND JOY ARE TWO DIFFERENT WORDS

2010-05-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

I have not been happy lately. Not spending time with family members can make me sad instead of happy. Spending cherished moments with family can make me happy, very happy. I like feeling happy. Feeling deep down happiness, well... it makes me happy!

Happiness comes and it goes, depending on a multitude of different circumstances.

I was so happy to see my grandson receive awards for his hard work in middle school Band.

He was happy, too.

Happiness is fleeting and was soon stolen. The joy he brings to my life remains.

Spending time with my daughter at the beach on Mother's Day made us both happy.

Although the real reason we were there on Mother's Day makes me very sad.

Finding myself in a place I never dreamed I would encounter is more than enough to overwhelm my heart with grief. Still, the joy of the Lord remains my strength. Some things would be impossible to bear without that joy.

Even when I am unhappy, joy is with me. I have briefly felt that joy slipping after the death of a baby, while watching my children make life changing mistakes, and when I have made life changing mistakes myself. Thank God that joy is not dependant on my mood or circumstance.

During the past 6 months I have enjoyed many things. While the unhappiness fell like a fog around my heart, it could not permeate my heart. Only because of God's grace and mercy did it not find a home there.

Recently my daughter and son-in-law suffered the loss of a fifth unsuccessful pregnancy. How does my daughter remain hopeful? Why is she still smiling? Could it be because the joy of her faith in Christ gives her strength and hope?

The presence in my home of my only grandson has been denied me since November 15th, 2009. I am reminded of something he said to me and his papa last summer, "I guess ya'll are pretty lonely when I am not here." Neither of us knowing that soon we would find out just how lonely. At the time we had laughed and said, "Not really." We looked forward to his visits each week, however, we did not want him to feel responsible for our happiness.

Helpless to change the current circumstances over which I have no control, I had to do something. Sitting, helplessly waiting is not an option I am comfortable with. I needed to do something. Today I did this.

The yellow ribbon will remain until my grandson is free to visit again.

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! " Isaiah 30:18

SING FOR JESUS!!!!

2010-03-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

YOU CAN DO IT!

Early on, confidence comes from your parents. If they encourage you and support your efforts you will learn to be confident in your own abilities. Later, confidence is gained from experiences. We learn that failing isn't the end of the world and success is worth the effort.

YOU DID IT!!!

Even if you are asked to sing alto when soprano is your forte.

"Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name." Psalm 30:4

EXPECT A MIRACLE!

2010-03-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Only God can perform miracles.

And He gives us many miracles every day!

Some do not see this.

They try to explain them away.

Faith is believing in things we cannot yet see.

Expecting miracles like when Jesus calmed the sea.

In the book of Matthew from the Bible, there is a verse in chapter 8 that talks about faith and a miracle. Jesus is in a boat with his disciples when a storm comes up on the lake. The waves sweep over the boat causing the disciples to be afraid. They ask Jesus to save them before they drown. Jesus replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."
~

What miracle would you ask God to perform?

It's More Than Beer!

2010-03-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Saint Patrick is best known for bringing Christianity to Ireland.

He compared a shamrock with the Holy Trinity.

March 17th celebrates his death,

although that fact is still in question.

People wear green to represent spring, shamrocks, and Ireland

I wonder what he would think about

people drinking themselves silly

and worshiping leprechauns on this day??

THANK YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER!

2010-02-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34

SNOW? It's a big deal around here!

2010-02-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

It has been 40 years since we saw snow... Well, not really. There was the blizzard of '73 and the 'surprise' snow that shut the city down 6 or 7 years ago. I can't visualize that exact date due to PTSD.
My boss's error in judgement that day cost me big time. Because she was from a state which frequently experienced snow, she could not comprehend what the big deal was for us. She scoffed at the excitement and urgency to get out of town. Therefore, I waited too long to leave and could not move my frozen Lincoln out of the parking lot. I stood in line with all the other stranded motorists and paid a ridiculous amount to spend the night two blocks away at the Marriott (where the power went out and I wept for my nice warm fireplace at home). It was the first and only time I have been given a toothbrush along with my room key. No one checking in was prepared for an overnight stay.

But I digress.... anything not frequently seen becomes either very special or very terrifying, depending on your personal circumstances. While I am concerned for those who will suffer from the cold I cannot ignore the beauty of snow flakes floating and swirling to the ground. I cherish the first moments outside after the snow has ended and before drivers have ventured onto the slippery roads. The hushed silence of a fresh snow is a rare and amazing gift. Moments of not a single sound as the miracle stops us in our tracks. Perhaps this is God's reason, His joy, for sending the snow. To force His frantically busy children to pause a moment to witness His wondrous works. Like the rare snowman below.

Truth be told, I had nothing to do with making this snowman. My mother told us children that it was too cold to go out, so we did not get to play in the snow. She went outside, built the snowman and then allowed us to come out to have our picture taken with it.

There were many rumors, drawn from fact, that the snow was full of dirt, pollution and nuclear fallout. I thought for years that my mother did not want us to get sick and was too unfamiliar with snow to know that it would not hurt us. But now I wonder if she actually wanted some time to herself to play in the snow.

If you have snow today how dirty is it? Do this to see:

Gather these items:

a plastic container that is empty, clean, and has a lid
a coffee filter or piece of paper towel
a bowl
a magnifying glass

Fill the container with fresh snow
Put the lid on the container and let the snow melt.
After it has melted hold the coffee filter or paper towel over the bowl.

Pour the melted snow slowly over the filter or paper into the bowl.

What do you see piling up on the paper or filter?

If you can't tell, use the magnifying glass.

(I am not sure I want to ruin my fantasy)

"From the fullness of His grace,

we have all received one blessing after another."

~John 1:16 (NIV

Super Chick

2010-02-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

The largest breasts I have ever seen!
Really ginormous...
I mean really scary colossal...

...for a chicken. I am purchasing more and more organic, grain fed meat. Organic cost more, so we will just have to eat less meat in order to eat the best meat. And tonight's baked chicken proves why we need to do this. I had to slice the breasts in 3 sections in order to expect them to cook in a reasonable length of time. Years ago I simply placed the breast portion in the casserole as is.

Did you know?

The discovery that low doses of antibiotics make chicken grow faster was made in 1950. Since then, practise of mixing antibiotics (up to a dozen different types) in animal feed has become quite common, and scientist estimate that 70 percent of all antibiotics consumed in the United States are used for livestock production.

It's important to note that these low-dose antibiotics added to feed are not necessarily used to treat diseases or infections. Over 90 percent of the antibiotics used in livestock production are for "non-therapeutic" purposes, merely to enhance growth and weight gain in the animals.

Non-therapeutic usage of antibiotics has been especially common in poultry production. Since the 1980's, annual antibiotic usage in poultry production has increased from approximately 2 million to 10.5 million pounds, an increase of more than 300 percent! Although this is due in part to the overall growth of the poultry industry, that's still a lot of antibiotics used to make chickens grow faster.*

There was a time when fried chicken was a Sunday Dinner treat. We can now consume fried chicken every day if we wish (to have a heart attack at an early age). It should take a chicken approximately 8 months to mature (contingent on type and nutrition). To meet the demands of food production today a chicken can be ready in a matter of weeks. And they are bred to have larger breasts since that is what all the restaurants want for nuggets and strips.

Can we place all the blame on the Poultry Industry? What role does our own greed and impatience play in this? We want/we demand, without regard to our future or the world's. Our bodies not only grow larger but become resistant to antibiotics when we may need them to protect our health. This is a widely known issue that most of us continue to ignore.

*http://www.circleofresponsibility.com/page/19/poultry.htm

*note...
the Super Bowl and commercials were sadly lacking in originality so I had time to think about this.

Disney Vacation

2010-02-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

The # 6 played a major role in the extraordinary BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

and a very special WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Lion King

2010-01-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

My favorite vacation adventure.

Our personal tour guide had us running to make this show on time, but I am sooo glad she did!! Thanks ASH!

MONDAY MORNING VISITORS

2010-01-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

Not having heard of our Thanksgiving tradition,
they wanted to come inside...

but happily accepted grapes and crackers on the veranda.

"And God said, "Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.

"So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth."

And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. "
Genesis 1:20-23

AWESOME DISNEY!

2010-01-24T22:02:00.000-08:00

Yep, you can get that close to God's creations!

The Dr Appointment from Hell!

2010-01-19T21:41:00.000-08:00

even that could not spoil my cheerful mood!

I will think about it tomorrow...after all, tomorrow is another day!

Savannah nights! Sleeping in a very high bed...literally had to climb in!
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. well I will say that after Ms Nurse Practitioner interrogated me and tossed my broken body into a corner, she then stomped on my heart to make sure I knew who was boss.
When she saw a tear slip out of my eye and slide down my confused cheek, she asked, "Have you seen anyone about your depression?"
...I did muster up the strength to inform her that I was not depressed before I met her today!

Then, as I crawled over the other broken bodies to get out of there, she said, "Now that I have destroyed you, what are you going to do now? ........................................
..........................................................................................................
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and I smiled,........................................................
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and answered..........................
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"I'm going to DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!

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DISNEY HERE WE COME!

2010-01-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

Remember the people mover?

(now the Transit Authority)

WHEN DOES LIFE BEGIN?

2010-01-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

"When Life Begins" from COME WHAT MAY movie from George Escobar on Vimeo.

CELEBRATE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE SUNDAY!

CELEBRATE MARRIAGE!

2010-01-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

3 John 1:4

It is so refreshing to my soul to see

a couple committed to God

and therefore their marriage.

And when it is my own children what a joy!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

SNOW DREAMERS CRUSHED

2010-01-08T23:14:00.000-08:00

When my daughter was in high school she conducted a science project on the accuracy of weather predictions. For weeks she followed the weather each day and night. She recorded both the predicted weather and the actual weather. The question was simply "Can meteorologists accurately predict the weather?" The hypothesis was that weather predictions were only educated guessing. At the end of the experiment she concluded that weather meteorologists were only right 50 percent of the time.

She won 1st place at her school, but when she competed on the state level one of the judges was a meteorologist! Needless to say, she did not win! I watched the judges expressions and I do not think the meteorologist was impressed with the hypothesis or the conclusion.

This information has served my daughter well as her heart wants to believe any snow prediction; but her brain tells her the chances are only 50-50 that the predicted weather will actually happen. To an optimist those odds are high enough to nurture hope.

Some say that the best part of a trip is the anticipation. In the case of snow dreaming, it may be fun to hope, however it is like a trip to Disney being canceled after you have placed the luggage in the car!

Bummer!

"Many are the plans in a man's heart,

but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

Proverbs 19:21 NIV

EPIPHANY - aka The Twelfth Day of Christmas

2010-01-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

" When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house,

they saw the young child with Mary his mother,

and fell down, and worshipped him:

and when they had opened their treasures,

they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh."

Matthew 2: 9-11 ASB

There are many who would attempt to discredit the Christian faith by arguing over details in the event of Christ's earthly birthday. They love to point out that Jesus was not born on December 25th and the Epiphany is not the date that the wise men found Jesus.

However, they fail to realize that the dates and time line do not change the event itself. Jesus was born and King Herod sent his wise men to find Baby Jesus.

The day we have chosen to celebrate this miraculous birth is not as important as the reason we choose to celebrate.

When we received our first baby as foster parents years ago, we were not told his birth date. The system was much different than it is now. Everything was a secret even though we were allowed to choose his name. This would not happen today.

When he became ill and we rushed him to the ER we were only able to give an approximate age/BD, our educated guess based on the few facts that we were privy to.

Whether it was Monday on the 20th or Wednesday on the 22th mattered not so much. DSS was mum in the area of foster parent info regarding children in care.

We learned the actual birth date from a kind doctor who had contacted the hospital where our baby was born. Had he not gotten sick we might have celebrated on the day he came into our home. Did this matter to our ability to love or his need to be loved? Of course not.

Discussions regarding the exact date are simply Satan's way to distract and confuse.

Find an answer to the why December 25 here.

ON THE 11TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - EPIPHANY EVE

2010-01-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

All good things must come to an end. Why? I am like a questioning 4 year old. Why do they have to come to an end? Why do we end good things? hmm?

Today we put away Christmas. The house looks naked inside and out. I suppose if we left our beautiful trees and decorations up they would get dusty and lose their sparkle. Sigh...

As we think about the Magi finding baby Jesus, here is a beautiful story of gifts from the heart. If you are already familiar with the story, then share it with your children.

On the 10th Day of Christmas - ANSWERED PRAYERS

2010-01-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

My Husband Smells Like Christmas Cookies! Yummy!

He really does smell delish! And this is an answered prayer! When I developed Anosmia (the loss of Olfactory Perception) one of the most disappointing losses was the ability to enjoy my husbands cologne. It smelled just awful to me. We tried several new ones in vain.

Recently the distortion suddenly changed and currently he smells like sweet cookies baking (as I remember). I hope this lasts for a while!

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that,

if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. "

1 John 5:14-15

As for Dogs...I learned today through more intensive testing that I am allergic to mixed breed dogs? Is this a mutt? We have no pets so this should not be a big deal in daily life. However someone we love has a mixed rescue dog. hmm...

On a lighter note I am allergic to weed! What?

~

ON THE 9TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - BLESSINGS

2010-01-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

2009 was a wonderful year.

There was food on my table and a roof over my head.

Love was given and received.

I was blessed.

"Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;

you surround them with your favor as with a shield."

Psalm 5:12 (TNIV)

Saying I am blessed has always made me a little uncomfortable. Does that mean that someone else is not blessed if they do not possess whatever it is that I am using as an example of my being blessed?

I think when this began to bother me was when I noticed that some who are not living a God fearing/respecting life (as evidenced by their choices) still will answer that they are blessed if a compliment comes their way. It sounded as if any person lacking what the 'blessed' person has is just not blessed!

Does this mean that the homeless, the hungry, the abused, the sick are just not blessed?

According to the scripture above, I am blessed because of a righteous life. Are all those who are living in poverty, without employment, physically challenged, etc. unrighteous?

No, what it means is that the righteous will receive the Lord's favor which is why even those in dire circumstances can feel blessed, filled with peace and joy.

This past year a dear friend of many in our church and community died unexpectedly following a medical procedure. She was in her early forties. She had been a shining example of a joyful life. She would tell you that she was blessed and that God was so good to her. Yet, she had lived her entire life dependent on others for care and transportation. Born with spina bifida she would never walk until she walked into Heaven's gates and never run until she ran to see Jesus. She received the Lord's favor in many ways. She was blessed to have care, food and shelter from the righteous who were used by God in her life.

This winter is colder than normal in the south. A hot meal, a pair of gloves or a warm hat could minister and bless the lives of those less fortunate than yourself. I am guessing that if you are reading this you at least have access to electricity and a computer. Are you blessed by God (or simply fortunate in which case you need to consider this)?

How can God use you to bless someone today?

ON THE 8th DAY OF CHIRSTMAS - HAPPY NOW!

2010-01-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

A brand new calendar. What will you do NOW? Every one seemed impatient for 2010. How long will it be before you are wishing it was 2011?

On my desk is a clock that tells me the time is NOW. No matter when I check the clock it always reads NOW. So, if I look to see if I have time to complete a task the clock reads NOW…I love it!

Recently, I shared a concern with a dear friend. She immediately reached for my hand and said, “Let’s pray.” As she began to intercede for me I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. How long had it been since a friend had responded in that way? I remember when we didn’t hesitate to ask for prayer or to give it as the need arose. What are we waiting for? Needs do not have to wait for a formal prayer meeting. How much richer would our lives be if we stopped to pray instead of pushing the need aside until it was ‘convenient’. The time to pray is always NOW not later.

We spend a lot of time discussing future plans. Parents say their children are ‘almost four’ instead of simply ‘three’. Teens are looking ahead to driver’s licenses or college. College kids complain about early classes and exams and long for the day of graduation. Adults constantly look forward to the weekend. On Monday most are wishing it was Friday. Or, else, they are looking ahead to vacation. Baby Boomers can hardly wait to retire. How many moments have we missed just wishing them away?

When did we stop appreciating NOW?

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
James 4:14 TNIV

ON THE 7TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - CELEBRATE

2010-01-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

"... Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." Philippians 3:13-14

This is the easy version of this old Gullah recipe.

Tradition is to serve this on New Year’s Day

along with collard greens and cornbread.

Hoppin' John
16 oz. pkg. frozen black-eyed peas
1piece of ham or leftover ham
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 16 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
1 cup instant rice

Cook peas according to package directions.
When boiling, add ham or ham bone, onion, salt and pepper.
Simmer 1 hour.
Arrange rice over peas and cover rice with water.
Bring to a boil, cover and remove from heat.
Gently stir in tomatoes.

The tradition to serve collards on New Year's Day does not have to be intimidating. Sauteing frozen collards can be a quick, healthy alternative.

My family likes this better than fresh greens.

Collards

16 oz frozen chopped collard greens

2-3 Tbs Olive Oil

1/8 tsp garlic powder

hot pepper sauce

salt and pepper to taste

heat oil to medium high

sprinkle garlic powder in oil

add collard greens

saute on medium high, stirring occasionally

after 4-5 minutes sprinkle a little hot pepper sauce over greens

continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes.

Cover until served.

Pass the hot pepper sauce and green tomato relish!

Continue to celebrate with music or games.

OUR ENTERTAINER

ON THE 6TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS – SELF-ADVOCACY

2009-12-31T20:29:00.000-08:00

Philippians 4:2 says

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interest of others."

I believe in advocacy and have always used this verse to promote advocacy for those who cannot speak for themselves. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we must speak for our selves, also.

This week, my husband and I advocated for ourselves over a very simple (to us) issue and I am happy to report we were successful.

During all of the crazy family doings on Christmas,

a gift card was misplaced.

Due to my very conscientious husband removing everything and trucking it away the very next day, we could not search through the gift wrap and boxes.

On Monday, after searching all possible places, we contacted the store where we had purchased the card. We knew we probably could not get a refund, but, in that case, we decided that we would purchase another card for the dear recipient.

While holding for further assistance my husband heard the head cashier say he was "s___ out of luck". When she returned to the phone, he reprimanded her with "Young lady, etc." He was not rude back to her but did tell her she should not speak that way to or about a customer.

After hanging up he called back to speak with the manager. After telling the manager what has transpired, and the manager stating he would speak to the employee, my husband suggested a written apology would be nice. The manager replied that was not going to happen.

Let me interject, that we have never had a problem with this store and have recently spent a good deal of money there on new appliances, paint, etc.

Because I have written many letters and court reports advocating for children, I offered to send an e-mail to the complaint department of the main office. I wrote the e-mail suggesting that with out the customer the employee would have no job. I added that, in this day of advanced technology I was surprised that a gift card # could not be cancelled and a refund or new card given. I ended with saying that we had planned to purchase another card but would now give the recipient cash rather than spend our money in this store. I was polite, but assertive in my value as a customer and my expectation of courteous service.

We received an immediate response asking for the store location and the receipt number.

Yesterday my husband received a phone call from the store (different manager)
and was told that the gift card was cancelled and a new one was in the mail!

Now what if we had just assumed we were out of luck?

On a similar note, asparagus has been puny, stunted in the supermarket for the past month. When I commented this week regarding the why of this, I was told that it is the consumer's fault!!
Why?...Because we keep purchasing it anyway instead of refusing poor quality.

Makes sense, doesn't it?

On the 5th Day of Christmas - Best Week of the Year

2009-12-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

A FLASHBACK to December 29, 2008.

4th Day of Christmas - Gifts

2009-12-29T21:07:00.000-08:00

Today was a day to enjoy thoughtful gifts.

Ribs cooked in my new Not your Mother's Slow Cooker.

This was a perfect couple gift for the both of us.

I always have to borrow an extra crock pot when we have a party.

This one will get lots of use.

Making its first trip out to a News Years Eve Party on Thursday!

The practise ribs are scrumptious!

Easy Rib Recipe

Baby Back Ribs, cut apart

1 bottle of Bar B Que sauce

1/2 cup honey

Cook on slow for 8 hours.

And a handy dandy comfort control!

Food and comfort... what more could we want?!

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS - JOY

2009-12-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking tonight about how happy I have felt this week. And it occurred to me that some people who do not have a personal relationship with God, might not understand why I could feel happy when so many things have gone wrong lately for me and my family members.

Life has thrown a few punches at us recently. But in the midst of serious concerns there is no reason to feel hopeless or helpless either, for that matter.

Knowing that God is in control and whatever happens He either planned for us or He is allowing to happen means that there is no need to worry or feel anxious. Even when my heart aches for a son who must deal with the ongoing issues of divorced parenting or my daughter who still waits for the gift of motherhood. Even then I know that God loves them and wants His best for them.

When my DH is faced with salary reductions and other job frustrations, I am thankful that he has a job. When my health issues prevent me from physically eating favorite foods or living a pain free energetic lifestyle,, I am assured that God wants me to appreciate other things in my life. (It does make me wonder what He is preparing us for in the future.)

I am happy when my family is happy, but more important than happiness is obedience to God's instructions. Obedience produces joy. I am praying that my children do not take as many years to figure this out as I have.

The third day of Christmas finds me physically tired after all of the celebration activities, but spiritually energized with joy!

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;" Romans 5:3

On the Second Day of Christmas

2009-12-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

After a wonderfully worshipful candle light communion service, I was leaving church when the day took a sudden wrong turn. Only one day after my daughter wrote this, my ears were assaulted with the words “Is your daughter pregnant again?” (My daughter was not with me so she could not appear to be pregnant.)
Unbelievable,and yet not, coming from the resident curiosity seeker. When I answered no and failed to make a hasty retreat, the questions disguised as concern came next. My pre-planned answer of Only God knows the answer to that would have encouraged her to ask again next week.

The desire to give a rude reply was strong for a flashing second. Just a few moments earlier I had felt so close to God and had felt so grateful to Jesus for the sacrifice He had made for me. I was not going to let a rude person steal this from me. So, I patiently told this woman the medical reason my daughter was not with child. It was none of her business and I knew she just wanted to be 'in the know'. Yet, I still tried to explain. Just as my daughter had said, it made no difference. I still got the 'well, you never know, it can happen." response.
I do know. It has happened! Weren't you listening?
What is wrong with people?? Only a very close friend could have the privilege of asking that question and a close friend would know not to ask.

I almost let this ruin a perfectly good '2nd Day of Christmas'. Almost.

“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;

keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Psalm 141:3

The First Day of Christmas

2009-12-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

On the first day of Christmas, I went shopping with one of the loves of my life, my daughter.

We drove to an equestrian town with decorated horse statues scattered about. We explored little antique shops and dined in a blast from the past deli. The most memorable moment of the day was breaking and paying for a small piece of depression glass. So delicate and fragile that when it landed on the carpeted floor it shattered into a million pieces. I wish I had been quick thinking enough to tell the staff that I broke the piece. Then I would have achieved hero status in my daughter's eyes. LOL We made a hasty exit from the potential of additional disaster and headed out to peruse more stable wares. Good times!

I heard that many were busy taking down their Christmas decorations today and I am a little dismayed that Christmas is considered over instead of just beginning. I will not begin putting away the beautiful lights until the new year is upon us. To each his own; however, when it comes to celebrating the arrival of my Lord and Saviour the joyous occasion can continue even beyond Epiphany.

" When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."

Matthew 2: 10-11

CHRISTMAS IN YOUR HEART

2009-12-25T12:45:00.000-08:00

"He who has not Christmas in his heart,
Will not find it under a tree." Roy L. Smith

~

I often wonder what people are celebrating

when I observe the massive amount of lights,

snowmen and other inflatable decorations

covering the yards.

If they were all believers

and followers of Christ,

then the world would be

a great deal kinder

than it is.

What are they celebrating?

Homes are overflowing

with new toys, clothing

and electronics.

If they do not believe

in the Jesus

whose birth we honor...

What are they celebrating?

I wonder...

although I do not mind.

They resemble toddlers

who wave flags

at military parades.

The little ones do not know

about freedom

or valor.

Yet, they are swept along

by the excitement.

One day

the Christmas celebrants may understand

what it is they are celebrating.

I pray for that day to come.

"Behold, You desire truth in the inner being;
make me therefore to know wisdom
in my inmost heart."
Psalm 51:6

A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER

2009-12-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

NO REGRETS

2009-12-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

I love this song. It is depressingly sad, yet it draws me back to feel the pain again, maybe because somehow I want to fix things for those who are hurt. I want to never hurt those I love and I regret my failures of the past.

Regret hurts the heart and there is no rewind on our actions. It is a bittersweet song. A reminder that those who do the hurting want to stop as much as we want them to stop. They are trapped by their own memories.

"as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
"Psalm 103:12

Screenings don't save significantly more lives...

2009-11-24T18:40:00.000-08:00

Or is it that the screenings don't save SIGNIFICANT lives?

I bet if it was the life of your loved one then it would have made a signficant difference!

GIFTED!

2009-11-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

The Grandchildren

In the right place at the right time.

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

It is too bad that the visiting team didn't know that.

NO WORRIES

2009-11-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

Today I ventured into Babies R Us to choose a gift for an upcoming shower. I had been in this store numerous times to purchase gifts for expectant or new Moms. I had even browsed here with my own daughter when she was pregnant.

Today I was caught off guard by the overwhelming emotion as I stepped through the door. My eyes darted quickly away from the racks of pink and blue onesies and tiny precious shoes. My heart suddenly felt so heavy. I turned towards the checkout counter and hurriedly grabbed a gift card.

One day I would walk through the aisles again and sigh over the adorable small creations, but not today. Today a gift card was the best I could do.

As I walked out into the sunshine of a perfect sun filled day, I did not see it. Tears threatened to turn into sobs. I took a deep breath and attempted push the pain away.

I think I must never show how much my heart breaks for her, and for me. I think I must forever be her cheerleader. But then I read this and know that today she is mine.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!

2009-10-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2009-10-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

And to my son & daughter. The best Birthday gifts I ever received.

I Can Still Feel Him in My Arms

2009-10-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

is observed by lighting candles on October 15 at 7:00 p.m.

to honor and remember our children.

I have felt that I didn't quite fit in this day because

I had not given birth to the infant I lost,

but God surely gave this baby to me.

My first child was not mine but I named him and I loved him.

Spencer was our first foster child.

He was brought straight from the hospital to our arms.

He was beautiful and no one knew at the time

that he had a heart murmur and cystic fibrosis.

His funeral was just 3 months later, on Christmas Eve .

It was a long time ago and yet, I can still feel him in my arms.

You never get over it, but

with God you get through it.

Today my daughter lit 4 candles and my heart breaks for her.

"..I knew you before I formed you in your mothers womb.."

Jeremiah 1:5

Toddlers, Tiaras & Swimsuits in Vegas

2009-10-14T19:30:00.001-07:00

Am I just jaded from years of advocating for abused children in court and reading heartbreaking case files? I mean, is it just me? Or do others see the incongruity of little girls in two piece swim suits parading (or gyrating as a TV commentator remarked) their bodies in Vegas? Not to mention exposing your child on national television? What are these parents thinking?

What I am thinking is that every pedophile in America is TiVo-ing this program.

"For wisdom is better than rubies,

And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her."

Proverbs 8:11

My LEGACY

2009-10-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests,
but also for the interests of others."
Phillippians 2:4 NKJV

Today my daughter completed training

to serve as a volunteer guardian ad litem

to represent abused and neglected children.
~
Because I have served in the same capacity for twenty three years,

I am thrilled
that she has chosen to follow in my footsteps.
~
Actually she will be walking in her own steps,

but it does feel good to think that I
may have had some influence on her decision.

She is a big part of my legacy.

I won't embarress her by saying I am proud of her.

She can be pleased with herself;

while yet remaining humble, of course.

Iay may oudpray ofay ouyay, earday!

"Life is not fair, ..."

2009-09-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

I checked in at my appointment at 11:25 AM.

My appointment had been for 11:15 AM

I was told I would have to reschedule.

OK, I was late, no argument there.

However, the last time I had an appointment

I arrived early.

My appointment was for 4:30 PM

and I arrived at 4:15 PM.

It was 6 PM before I saw the Doctor.

"Life is not fair, get used to it." - Bill Gates

CONSIDER IT JOY!!

2009-09-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith

develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work

so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

I am amazed ,

although I shouldn't be,

at God's grace to me.

I have persevered through trials during my life

and especially the past few years.

And finally know the joy

that comes through this process.

Instead of continually feeling discouraged

after the bumps in the road,

I quickly feel almost elated that

having Satan come after me

is an assurance that I am a threat to his evil plans.

Consider this,

if Satan never attacks you,

is it because you are not seen as a threat?

What makes Weebles Wobble?

2009-09-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

Weebles have a weight at the bottom end,

Weebles wobble when pushed,

but never fall completely over.

I feel like a weeble this week.

Except my weight is on my shoulders

I am wobbly, but

With God's help I will not fall over!

Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down!

It is funny to picture myself tipping over

and then popping back up.

I bet I surprise some people!

LOL

"It is for freedom that God has set us free.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be

burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Galations 5:1

President Brings God back to Schools!

2009-09-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

I realized after reading this that something wonderful happened this week in our schools.

Our President indicated in his speech that he wants students to follow his example. He then ended his speech with God Bless You and God Bless America. I encourage all students and teachers to follow your President's example! Ask God's blessing on each other and America each day.

I am so excited that President Obama brought God back to our classrooms!

GOD IS GOOD

2009-09-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

"Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes.

His wife said to him, 'Are you still trying to maintain your integrity?

Curse God and die.'

But Job replied, 'You talk like a foolish woman.

Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?'

So in all this, Job said nothing wrong."

Job 2:8–10

~~~~~~~~~~~

I notice that when Christians share good news,
they often say something like
"God is good." or "God is so good."
But, I don't usually see comments on fear, pain, anxiety,
or other troubles followed with that statement.

We tend to want to emphasize how good God is
when He has been especially good to us or someone we love.
Sometimes, we follow that statement with 'ALL THE TIME'.

If we truly believe that,
then we should exclaim "GOD IS GOOD."
even when the news is bad

or we are struggling.

Yesterday Satan viciously attacked me.
I was stunned, unable to respond appropriately
and I was disheartened.

But I want to say, despite that cold, brutal attack
GOD IS GOOD.

Because if He is good on the mountain,
then He is good in the valley.
God has been so good to me,
He is good right now
and He will be good tomorrow.
God is good!!!

~~~~

How has God been good to you today?

Island Escape

2009-08-20T22:57:00.003-07:00

SALTY DOGS

SALTY VETERANS

INTERESTING HISTORY

EXOTIC BIRDS

REMINDERS

BEAUTIFUL SKIES

NUTRITIOUS SUSTENANCE

(it contains carrots)

RELAXATION

AWESOME VIEWS

FAMILY SMILES

FAMILY GAMES

"We had joy, we had fun. We had seasons in the sun."

THANKS MARILYN!!!!!

Toxicity

2009-07-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

I learned today that hairspray is toxic. More toxic than Raid. It keeps hard to hold spiders stiff and in place. He was both flexible and shiny.

PATIENCE IS BETTER!

2009-07-13T01:10:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I received (everyone got one) a free CD while attending a Gaither Homecoming concert. On the way home we popped it into the player ready for more great Gaither music. The first song was not one of the songs I had heard that night and it didn’t ‘do’ anything for me, so I skipped to the next one. That one wasn’t up-beat enough for me either. You get what you pay for, I thought (remember...it was free) as I, disappointedly, removed it and listened to other music as we drove home.

We have been attending Gaither concerts for close to 30 years. We took our young son when he was a preschooler and the first time I left my daughter in the care of someone else was to go to hear the Gaither Vocal Band at Carolina Coliseum. We had most of their music from vinyls, tapes, CD’s and even piano sheet music. The lullaby of choice for my babies was “There is Something About That Name” so we were connoisseurs of a sort.

Fast forward to June 2009… My now adult daughter and I were driving as she browsed through my CD case. She chose the above mentioned CD and I grimaced because I knew there was better music to be had. The first two songs played and really weren’t that bad. Better than I remembered. Much to my surprise next was one of my favorites, then another good one and before I knew I was enjoying the whole thing. How could it have changed so much? It got better while lying around unused? Or could it be me? Was I not as discriminating as before?

Well, I will tell you what happened, plain and simple. I had given up on it too soon. Before I listened to all of it, I had judged it unacceptable. I laughed at myself for missing out on some good music for several years. The sad thing is that if my daughter had not chosen it from the case, it would still be in there.

Isn’t that the way we treat many things in our fast paced world? If something isn’t fun or exciting we quickly move on to the next thing. We are too impatient to put the time into learning a new skill, nurturing a new friendship or a new marriage, or even playing a game with a child. The skill we thought we wanted was tedious so we put it aside. A friendship is developing too slowly and there are other potential friends up ahead. The marriage is struggling so we move on. And we took the child to a movie instead of investing an afternoon to monopoly. Then suddenly, it seems, we have nothing to show for a year of living, the friend is gone, the marriage is over and the child has grown up.

Is there an area in your life where you need to persevere?

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning,

and patience is better than pride.”
Ecclesiastes 7:8

And Only One Came Back

2009-07-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Remember the story of the 10 healed lepers in Luke? Ten healed and only one came back to give glory to God. (Luke 17:11-19 ASV) This scripture came to mind when I was thinking about the following:

All of the places listed below and more have visited PRAISE HIS NAME and only one has taken a few moments to take a photo of the name of Jesus.

United States
Brazil
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Ireland
Lexington, South Carolina
United Kingdom
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Belgium
South Africa
Colombia
Washington DC
India
La Grange, North Carolina
Italy
San Diego, California
Poland
Pullman, Washington
Mexico
Wallace, Michigan
Hanoi, Dac Lac, Vietnam
Kearny, New Jersey
Kingsport, Tennessee
Weslaco, Texas
Haysi, Virginia
Ellsworth, Maine

Cucumber?

2009-07-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

I was gifted with a potted cucumber plant. I have never gardened on the porch but it might actually work!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

2009-07-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

Did God join Facebook?

2009-06-29T00:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight when I checked in on Facebook I was startled to find God in my list of friend suggestions! I know He is everywhere, but usually He is a little more unobtrusive. He is cool like that. Doesn’t push Himself on us, just waits for us to reach out to Him.

Was He surprised that someone would impersonate Him, as I was surprised when I saw He had joined? Did He get tired of MySpace or is He looking for His children who haven’t contacted Him much lately?

Does He need to join Facebook to look at friends profiles to find out what they are doing?

Does He have to join in order to see their photos so He knows how they are changing?

Maybe He wants to sign up our birthdays on MyCalendar so He won’t forget about us and can remember just how old we are. That is too funny!

What does He think of Facebook? I wonder if He thinks His children are wasting a lot of precious time posting things like “Going to sleep.” Or “I’m bored.” when they could be praying, playing, planting, growing, singing, dancing, helping, feeding, reading, leading, following,… well, you get the picture.

Maybe He is remembering how excited His children were when the telephone was invented and they could talk with their friends. Or how amazed we were with that e-mail we thought was da bomb a few short years ago. Or, how we used to visit face to face, sharing hugs and wiping tears and really listening to each other.

Would God join Facebook? I dunno... I just can’t seem to see it. Maybe he would, just to be friendly with everyone. But I think He could get people’s attention in more magnificent ways. I am thinking my God is chuckling over the thought. After all, God is omniscient?

I wonder if He is on Twitter.

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.”
Psalm 139:1-3

I Just Love Gardening!!

2009-06-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

Especially when it is done by someone else!

Today the landscape crew did an excellent job!

I really hated to see them go.

I hope they will return some day!

UNBELIEVABLE!!

2009-06-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

I know you are expecting something about our Governor and, yes that was unbelievable, too. So sad for his family and for him. Yes, he failed to execute his job. He hurt his family. He disappointed us. We are all angry that this has happened. We feel duped. But, he was duped, too, by Satan!
" For we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23 My post is not about those facts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I phoned my rheumatologist for an appointment and I received a call back with this message. "Dr. B (maybe I should just say his name) would prefer that you see your primary physician."

I phoned the office again to ask why and was told. "I'm sorry, that is what he said and I cannot ask him again."

My prescriptions have run out and for a moment I was stunned. Then I remembered: At the last appointment, I asked Dr. B his opinion on a particular drug that he had prescribed (and that was working quite well). There had been much ado on TV from attorneys offering to represent you if you were on this drug. I simply asked his opinion and he explained that all NSAID's were equally risky. That we had to weigh the results with the risks. I assured him that the results were very good and my life was better now with this drug than before this drug.

I thought that was the end of the conversation, but then Dr B abruptly pulled out his prescription pad and said, "My policy is that if a patient asks questions regarding this drug, I take them off it."

I quickly stated that I didn't want to stop the drug, I simply wanted to be knowledgeable regarding it. He repeated, "That's my policy." and wrote a prescription for another drug. Then, instead of writing, follow up in 3 months or 6 months as in the past, he wrote on my chart, follow-up as needed.

Well, prescriptions are running out and an ENT has diagnosed another auto inflammatory condition; therefore, I phoned for an appointment.

What? Dr B's patients must be compliant and never ask questions?

This is very confusing. Every magazine, every medical news site, every talk show medical guest, all say, be your own health advocate. Speak up if you have questions or concerns. I spoke up, I had a question....and I was fired as a patient?

Confusing....I'm just saying.

Lesson #999 (approximately)

2009-06-22T01:42:00.000-07:00

Never visit a meat plant to save a buck if you are planning to actually eat the meat later.

'nuff said.

GRADUATION!!

2009-06-20T11:36:00.001-07:00

My granddaughter graduated from high school!

While waiting for college to begin in the fall she is touring the USA.

FINALLY!

2009-06-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Dr finally called with the results of the biopsy.
It confirmed what he suspected and I already knew.

lichen planus
Unfortunately there is no cure for it,
it is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition.
Nothing to be done but keep an eye on it.
Magic Mouthwash
(yes that is really the name of a concoction the pharmacist mixes)
is the only med prescribed.
It can come
and go,
so please pray
that it will go away for a while.
I am very hungry
and tired of frozen yogurt!
You would think
I would have lost weight
during the past couple of months,
but it is just the opposite.
Turns out sweet tea
and frozen yogurt
are not an ideal weight loss plan.

"Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer."

Romans 12:12

WAITING

2009-05-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

I had to wait a long time for a scheduled biopsy. The waiting gave me time to become nervous.

I listened to praise and worship music through my iPod to keep myself calm and focused. After an hour alone in the little surgical room I began to wonder if everyone had gone home. It was nearing 6 o'clock and my appointment had been for 4:30.

I clicked the iPod off to listen for activity in the building. What I heard was the Doctor saying "I'm sorry..." I couldn't hear the rest.

Then the Doctor came in and told me the results of blood work (almost all good news)

The biopsy was, despite the stinging anesthetic, nearly painless (why are we surprised when God answers our prayers?). I was leaving when I saw a woman crying in the hallway and I knew that on this day I was the fortunate one.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

Life Gets in the Way!

2009-05-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

When life gets in the way of writing on a blog, that's a good thing!
This past month has been busy with the best part of Life - Family!

Spring Flowers chosen and planted by mini-me

"You alone are the Lord.
You made the heavens,
...the earth and all that is on it,
...You give life to everything and
the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Nehemiah 9:6

A wonderful Mother's Day gift:

Memorial Day

(War stories)

A first piano lesson

IT DOES A BODY GOOD!

2009-05-24T20:30:00.001-07:00

I love my daughter's blog on ~~bad manners~~ reverence in church! read it here

It does a mother's heart good to see results of her investment of time and training.

On Mother's Day when we were driving to our Island destination, I was back seat (actually front passenger) driving. I hate bridges and spoke harshly regarding her driving style while crossing the bridges to the Island. There is no driving style on a bridge that will completely satisfy me, but keeping to the inner lanes does lesson my angst. Anyway, she didn't even act offended. Wow! She may have been offended, but she didn't act offended. She let it go. A very adult attitude.

And today she expects those who are worshiping her Lord to act worshipful! Just like she was taught! I love it!

" Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."

Psalm 29:2

Bibles in School Upsets Parents

2009-05-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

I don't understand this response!

If the Bible is just a book,

and you do not believe the Bible to be true,

then why would you mind students having a copy?

Schools are full of books. Why are you afraid of the Bible?

Do you think there is something extraordinary

about this particular book?

Of course you do!

"For the word of God is living and active
and sharper than any two-edged sword,.."
Hebrews 4:12

Uninvited Guest

2009-05-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

This little fellow dropped by for a visit while we were in Hilton Head this weekend.And strangely enough, I didn't freak!

I snapped photos while my ~~husband~~

Knight in shining armor

attempted to escort ~~him~~ ~~her~~ it outside.

This may seem rather trivial to you.

However, lizards, geckos, etc. are not often seen

around our home.

And, being a control freak I cannot tolerate

any living creature that will not follow directions.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY #38

2009-05-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

NOW

THEN

"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return
for their work:
if one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!"
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

MOTHER'S DAY on the Island

2009-05-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

I just enjoyed four wonderful days on Hilton Head Island with my daughter. Our time together is so precious. Love you, Baby!

Two Reasons I Celebrate Mother's Day!

2009-05-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

Porch Life!

2009-05-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

The scene inside a hanging basket.

My favorite spot.

"And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;" Isaiah 32:18

Garbage In/Garbage Out

2009-04-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

For several years I have been intrigued
by the number of otherwise smart,
thoughtful friends
who put CSI in their list of Fav things.

Tonight I accidentally was faced
with the opening scenes of this program.

The newscast ended...
I was busy ...
and neglected to change the channel.

There I am
winding down
from a lovely Sunday
and suddenly
thrust into my line of vision
is a woman
(of course, it is always the women
who are beaten, raped, chopped up)

who has been sawed in half.

Believe me
when I say
that this
is not
a vision
I want
imprinted
into
my brain
as I am preparing
for sleep.

As I hurriedly
pointed the remote
and powered off,
I breathed a frustrated sigh
for the state of our world.
No longer are crime shows
and murder mysteries
simply entertainment,
but too often
are copied
from recent headlines.

When I was in my twenties
I enjoyed mysteries
(they contained very little gore,
actually I didn't even know
who Al was at the time;
but I digress)
Then in my thirties
not too far from where I live
a high school student
was kidnapped
and murdered.

Soon after
the killer kidnapped
a little girl
and murdered her.
By this time
I had a little girl
of my own
and my built in maternal alarms
went off in a big way.

Now
twenty years later
kidnappings,
homicides,
gang shootings,
rapes
are almost common place.
During this same twenty years
violence
(again mostly towards women)
in movies and TV
has escalated
to an ~~alarming~~ terrifying level.

We all know
that there are unstable
persons
out there
who are living
on the edge
until something
pushes them over
into the abyss.

We now occasionally
hear of
unspeakable actions
that were copies of a scene
from a movie
or influenced by
some other media.

Shows like CSI
are using scripts
that were news events
so recently it is shocking
(to my sensitivities)
that the families have either
ok'd this or have it thrust upon them
just as I did.

Ok,
the point I am making is this.
How can intelligent people
not see
the relationship
of violence
breeding violence?
I realize
that some people
have stronger stomachs
than ~~others~~ me.
And, I am thankful
that doctors
and nurses
especially
can handle
blood and gore.

But,
what about
the rest of us?
What about
conditioning,
desensitising
and garbage in/ garbage out?

How many parents
are watching these programs
with a child nearby
who has refused
to go to sleep?
And how many
young women
are watching
with a new love interest,
they barely know?

I love a good mystery,
but in my opinion
this type show
isn't one.

And most of all,
I wonder
how the writers,
directors,
producers,
actors,
TV execs,
and local station managers
sleep at night.

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise."

Ephesians 5:15

Either way He is a comfort!

2009-04-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

WHEN GOD MAKES PERFECT SENSE

2009-04-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I discovered a Dobson book entitled When God Doesn't Make Sense. I was enduring trials brought on by misguided Christians in my church family. None of it made any sense to me at the time. I asked God why? I thought about Job a lot. I prayed a lot. Still, I was crushed in spirit. As I struggled through those dark days I found ways outside the church to use my gifts instead of dealing with the painful circumstances at church. In effect, I let others decide my response to their own weaknesses.

While Satan may have worked hard to sabotage my assignments from God, he could only have a temporary hold as my strength came from a mighty fortress. Standing firmly now, from the other side of pain, I clearly see that God did make sense all along.

"My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness"

2 Corinthians 12:9

Had I allowed Him, God would have given me the grace to stand firm in the face of my accusers. Instead for years afterward I would get unexpected barbs from certain persons because they had heard something and accepted it as truth. I ignored these, thinking I was not defending myself. However, I realized later that it was God I was not defending. It was His reputation I did not protect since I was serving in His name.

There is always a reason God allows us to suffer and in the end our actions and reactions should glorify Him. Keeping silent is not always the right thing to do. It is in surviving any ordeal that we are able to relate to others who are struggling. It is then that we are able to share that His promises are indeed true. And this is the likely reason for our trials!

I can not remember where I saw this. It isn't mine. But it is true.

Believe God ~ Follow His instructions ~ Receive His promise

Prayer Request:

The one who reminded me of this verse is enduring a trial of her own. It may appear that God is not making sense right now. Please pray that His plan will soon become clear.

I AM NOT ASHAMED!

2009-04-03T10:21:00.001-07:00

Where did you take the name of Jesus today? Did you take Him to your job? Did you take Him with you to hang out after work? Was He sitting at your table? Did you mention His name?

Would you be embarrassed to show His name to the world? I wonder.

WHERE DID YOU TAKE HIS NAME TODAY?

Say I am not ashamed by sending your photos to jesusnamegallery@gmail.com

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all of my heart:... I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2

And don't forget to pray for STELLAN!

Bummer!

2009-04-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

That's my family today! Bummed on all sides. It isn't fair, but you know what they say about that...

A loved one lost his court case when he was the one in the right. It's a fact that whoever has the best lawyer or the most money wins. Doesn't matter that he was assaulted. The person who assaulted him now has won a monetary judgment simply because he was angry that he was arrested.

Doesn't matter that the assault was recorded and presented as evidence. Doesn't matter that you were simply doing your job when you were assaulted. Doesn't matter. There really isn't always justice in the justice system.

Now I'm double bummed!

An angry person assaults you.
You call the police.
The police arrest the assaulter.
The assaulter is angry and takes you to court.
Now You must pay your assaulter.
This doesn't make sense...

The criminal has free reign in the future because you can't afford to call the police again.

Sad.

Even sadder that you were simply doing your job and now this will be in court records forever.

Will somebody tell me what we have learned from this?

"With God we will gain the victory,

and he will trample down our enemies."

Psalm 60:12

Think Before Using Free E-Cards!!

2009-03-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

Do you send e-cards? Are you especially drawn to the FREE card sites? Be Careful How You "Make A Difference' online.

Maybe you were drawn in by the Care2 claim that by sending their cards you will " help save the rain forest". The site uses words like Inspiration, Love, Information and Action. I was introduced to this card site by a family member who loves animals and wants to protect them. And Care2 does love animals! Unfortunately they may love them more than they love human life!

But did you know that your card use could help support stem cell research? Maybe you don't know a lot about stem cell research, in that case they will gladly send you a primer with all the facts. They first get your attention with "sick children".The one thing you need to know is this blatant statement:

".. a tiny ball of cells growing in a culture dish cannot reasonably be equated to a human baby."

I wonder if this was derived after speaking with the parents whose children began in a culture dish?

This is pretty interesting since they list CHRISTIAN eCards in their list of cards available. They also list PAGAN CARDS. They believe in EARTHJUSTICE-Because the earth needs a good lawyer! I'll bet I am not the only one who thinks unborn babies need representation, too!

This is just the kind of web site that a child would be drawn to. The pictures of animals and the Earth friendly ads. Such an easy way to subtly own your child's mind.

Even many who are not christian or who have sick children are uneasy about stem cell research and the direction it could take. Perhaps some doors should never be opened.

Maybe you are in favor of stem cell research, but make sure you have all the facts before you influence your children with complicated ideas. God tells us in scripture:

"Now this is what the Lord Almighty says:

'Give careful thought to your ways.' "

Haggai 1:5

Show CARE 2 that you CARE TOO! Stick with proven Christian free cards such as http://www.crosscards.com/

Weekend Prayer Spa Booster

2009-03-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

The prayer spa is such a good idea. I wish every stressed woman could experience a combination of prayer, spiritual cleansing and physical renewal.

I have found it a struggle to write during the past weeks. I struggle to wrap my brain around the fact that Julia is not here. I visit my brother and listen to his list of post death chores. It is unbelievable or unthinkable that there are those who call him and question decisions he has made. He simply did everything Julia asked of him.

I remember when our baby was critically ill and the doctors said "Prepare yourself, he isn't likely to make it through this." And, I thought, how do you prepare yourself? You are praying for a miracle, wouldn't preparing for disappointment reveal a lack of faith?

And we had an entire year to know that Julia would die from the melanoma. We didn't prepare because we were praying she would live. Later we were simply praying that she would live to see her daughter graduate college in May.

Three years of battling cancer and yet it seemed so sudden. I asked my brother, "Do you feel that it was too quick." And he answered, "Yes, even though Julia took a last look around our house before we left for the hospital."
Even though she told him she would not be returning home. It still seemed too soon.

Grief takes time, some say an entire year of firsts must go by before you can really move on. The first birthday, the first Christmas, etc.
Death is somewhat like birth. Mysterious and miraculous, too. Is it always such a surprise? The wonder of new life and the marvel of life leaving us to be with Jesus.

I know that thirty three years later I still feel a pang of sadness when I think of my baby. No wonder, only 6 weeks later I have not fully accepted that a family member is no longer on the earth. Why does the world not allow time to grieve. Why must we be rushed to return to our 'normal' routine. Even at church the bereavement/prayer list only posted Julia's name for one week. What?

With our baby the thought that haunted me was, "I forgot to put a blanket around him in the tiny casket." As if he would feel cold.

With Julia it is that I wanted to tell her to go find my daughters' babies and hold them for us until we arrived. (I promise I am not losin it. It is 2 a.m. and I think I might actually be asleep) I didn't tell her that because she was still fighting to live.
And we were still praying for a miracle.

Perhaps it is God's desire that we never feel totally content here on earth. There are better things, better times, in a better place.

OK, I think I am beginning to ramble. My point was, I have had trouble focusing on writing. Maybe writing the above has loosened the strap of grief around my heart.
Maybe the weekend at the Prayer Spa helped. Thank you Jesus!

Maybe in the morning I will read this and it won't make sense. But, God will make sense of it for me.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:

for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4

8 Months without a DISHWASHER

2009-03-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

Month 1 - 22 year old dishwasher died.
Looked at dishwashers at Lowe's, couldn't
decide which one I wanted; didn't bother me much,
my husband did the dishes.

Month 2 - ditto

Month 3 - starting to feel a little bad, but his hands are so soft!

Month 4 - Thanksgiving cooking, the kids did the
dishes, it was hard to watch.

Month 5 - Christmas - Daughter brought paper plates to dinner!

Month 6 - Birthday dinner for hubby, I had to leave
for a meeting (honest) Kids did the dishes.

Month 7 - Dear Husband busy with pastor search committee (hmm... is he eating out a lot?) had to do some dishes myself, immediately started to dream of a spiffy new model.

Month 8 - After much deliberation I finally
chose one.
But I could have made it until Easter.

Prayers Answered, Healing Came

2009-02-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

" There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,.."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (TNIV)

As we stood watch during the final hours of the earthly life of my sister-in-law, Julia, visitors began to share how committed Julia was to fulfilling her responsibilities as a Christian and as a church member. She had taken seriously her role as a mother even in the face of opposition when others didn’t understand her reasoning.

With time growing short she was completing tasks that many would have left undone. She wanted her final tithe to be delivered along with her offering to GPS to help feed the hungry. She demonstrated love for her family by meticulously making decisions in advance. The comment most often voiced was that Julia was never heard complaining throughout her long illness and always had a smile on her face. We all agreed that was an example we hoped we could follow.

What are you portraying as your journey proceeds?

Is the vision of all those around you following your example a beautiful Masterpiece?

Or, is it an unsightly drawing that should be discarded?

What will people say about you when you reach the end of your journey?

"Show me, LORD, my life's end

and the number of my days;

let me know how fleeting my life is."

Psalm 39:4 (TNIV)

Hiatus Interruptus!

2009-01-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

Some things are worth an interruption in your hiatus. If you stop by this blog please take a moment to pray for Julia. God will know which Julia you are referring to. She is my sister -in -law and she is living with stage IV melanoma. The battle is raging and God is ready to hear an army of prayers for her healing.

"The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well;

the Lord will raise him up.

If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

James 5:15-16

Please drop a word in the comment box to let me know a prayer went up!

Hiatus...

2009-01-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

...until my next book goes to print.
"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." Proverbs 31:17

Leaving the Island Spa

2009-01-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

Before returning to the mainland, cleanse and exfoliate the feet to loosen unwilling steps allowing them to follow where ever He leads.

For a quick face-lift, SMILE!

Complimentary anti -aging is available on request. Simply trust and believe and you will live forever.

"How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

Still on the Island

2009-01-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

After the detox, massage is available for an unlimited time. Be still and allow the Father to massage your heart. As you feel His love poured out on your soul you will notice all of the tensions and worries flow from your mind and body.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

HHI Prayer Spa Continued

2009-01-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

Here on the Island the first step at the spa is detoxing. God has provided us with a convenient, free, detox plan called prayer. By following the proper steps in prayer, we can detox our heart through confession. Appointments are available 24/7 and may vary in length if you have need of a more complex session. More effective in ridding the heart and mind of impurities than sitting all day in a sauna.

"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart."

Psalm 24:3-4

Prayer Spa at Hilton Head

2009-01-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

I am on a personal prayer retreat that always feels like a trip to the spa. God always gives me just what I need. We can never out give God! "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place." 2 Corinthians 2:14

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2009-01-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

5 Years

(I have no photos here at the Spa! )

Enjoying the Best Week of the Year!

2008-12-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

I just read a blog complaining about the limbo week between Christmas and New Years. I didn't get it. This week is the most wonderful week of the entire year. There is down time to relax and read the new books you have received for Christmas. Time to snuggle with a loved one and watch the DVD's I love, new ones (Mama Mia) and old ones (The Christmas Story). This is a time to enjoy the lights on the tree and nap by the fire. The only week of the year when the house doesn't have to be perfect because I can explain away the mess. Not much cooking is needed, we are surviving on leftovers and cookies, candy and fruit. There is even time to write a few thank you notes and time to praise God from whom all blessings flow.

No one is rushing anywhere. This is the one week in the year where you have just completed your list and you don't have to make a new one until January 2. Truly the best time of year!

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

2 Corinthians 9:15

AND THE GIFT GOES ON!

2008-12-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

A Life is A Life, No Matter How Small

2008-12-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

I believe what God's word says about life,

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you," Jeremiah 1:5

I vote life not pro choice. As far as I know my Christian friends vote the same way. Any of us would be quick to speak for pro life and against pro choice if we were asked our views. We would probably recite scripture to back up our claims. Why then do we act as if we do not believe this? How can we expect the world to understand our pro life view if we do not live as if we believe it.

When my daughter lost her third pregnancy we were heartbroken. We had viewed the ultrasound, we had prayed for the health of this child. We were devastated. Yet, when Christian friends asked how my daughter was doing and I replied, "She has lost her baby." (not a miscarriage) most said things like, "Oh, that happens, she can have another." Since when are human beings so easy to replace as in, "Oh, you dropped your cookie. Here, let me get you another one."

Thankfully there were a few who said, "I am so sorry. or I am sorry your family has to go through this." And I thank God for those few. Most asked intrusive questions, or made shocking remarks. Even from extended family. So much advice to be sifted through. My daughter, and me too, wanted to scream "This is the third time!"

Even her grandmother's first remark was, "How far was she?" This was the # one question. While we realize it is far more difficult to deal with losing a full term baby than an 11 week one, is one a greater tragedy than the other? That is IF we believe what we say we believe. A life is a life. It felt as if the compassion was rationed out based on how far along the pregnancy was.

Then I began to notice that people rationed out their joy and congratulations in the same way. When I announced to my morning exercise buddies that my daughter had just confided that she is pregnant, one of the women quickly remarked, "What is she, 5 days?" "Actually she is 5 weeks", I answered, and then proceeded to give a short lecture on why women do this to other women. Either you are pregnant or you are not pregnant. If you are pregnant then there is a life and if there is a life are we to ignore it until it is of a worthy age?

I think not. If there is life, then I have a grandchild on the way and it would be negligent of me to skip praying for that child because he or she was not "big enough" yet.

So, the result of all the thoughtless, and sometimes hurtful, remarks was that when my Daughter and Son-in-love were blessed with another pregnancy they decided to tell no one. They made this decision in order to avoid the painful remarks if things did not go well. They told me and my husband and my Daughter's boss and allowed me to share with a couple of friends who did not live nearby. So we had a very small prayer team. Eventually they allowed us to share with my son and his wife.

It is stressful keeping secrets, but the need was emphasized for me one Sunday when a friend at church asked about them. I simply said please pray and shared a recent story where an elderly relative had shook his finger at my daughter and said, "You better get to it." He did not know she was pregnant nor did he remember what she had gone through last spring. His shocking remark caused her to feel pressure to provide the family a child. Pressure she did not need. My "friend" said, "Daughter is hyper sensitive" and said it as a criticism. I became pretty hyper sensitive myself and I had to bite my tongue.

So we all held our breathes and prayed until the first ultrasound, all the while trying to hide our joy. A week after the first ultrasound there was a sign of trouble and another ultrasound was performed with a more hopeful outcome. During these weeks every time a the phone rang I was a little apprehensive about answering. When it was my daughter I didn't relax until I heard her sweet calm voice.

One day my daughter and I went shoe shopping and she allowed herself to walk through the baby section of the department store. Excitement creeping in at the thought of sweet babies.

Then came another ultrasound in December and thankfully a new, kinder and more compassionate doctor to give the dreaded news. Even the nurses in this practise said how sorry they were. And this time the hospital staff were even more compassionate because "it's her 4th loss. " For the rest of the world, my daughter dealt with this nightmare alone except for her husband and parents. This time there were no kind church members to bring food or friends to send flowers. We kept the secret so well that three days after undergoing surgery the two of them hosted our annual extended family Christmas party at their home and the guests didn't even know she had lost a child a few days before. Even writing that breaks my heart. They could have cancelled the party but then we would have had to explain why.

Grieving alone. All because we let others steal our joy. There are so many lessons to be learned through this. We shouldn't allow others steal our joy, live what you say you believe, and have mercy, show compassion and empathy for others pain or loss. All you need to do is say "I'm sorry" or simply give a warm hug. Neither of those things will take away the pain, but they won't add to it either. Allow women to grieve, don't try to sweep away their feelings. Every one's grief is different. I grieve not only for my grandchild but for the dream of motherhood for my child. I, also, grieve for my daughter's lost innocence. Life is hard and it is even harder to watch your children suffer. My daughter's grief is different from the worlds grief. She does not grieve as one without hope.

Grief seems more poignant at Christmas, perhaps because our thoughts are on a baby who came to save the world. There are so many reminders of God's love for us and He will magnify our Joy.

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. "

James 1:2-3

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS CARDS

2008-12-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

For more than 30 years I have sent cards at Christmas and for at least 25 years I have designed and made the cards myself. When the country was complaining about the price of stamps (15 cents, why it's highway robbery!!!) (stamps were 10 cents when I started doing cards in 1975. I would think, what is 15 cents, then 20, then 30 cents, to say to a friend "I thought of you." Because it would be the only 'gift' you would receive from me I wanted them to be special.

Sometime in the middle of the hot summer I would dream of the card. Then I would begin working on them on Labor day. This was quite a task for me because I am not particularly artistic. I could only do so much. A few at a time until I completed them on Thanksgiving weekend. Many times the cards had something that only I knew the significance of, like the blue bird for Spencer photo shopped into the tree on the card.

This year I have not only not begun the cards, I went out a few weeks ago and purchased cards! Horrors, I still can't believe it. The earth did not tumble out of the universe, but I am still waiting anxiously lest the card police find me.

As the cards come in it is another marker for a different Christmas. As I read the boastful letters and the sweet letters and even one that is so filled with simple day to day experiences in the life of a family that it is just perfect; I am drawn to the bag of unsigned, unaddressed cards and really want to stay up all night getting them ready to mail. But I won't because I need my energy for tomorrow and most may not notice we didn't send a card this year. And if closer friends notice maybe they will stop and think of us and wonder. What they will wonder is a different story.

The burden pressing on my heart and mind is the reason my family chose to endure alone these past couple of months. And I don't like the answer. It is a sad commentary of many Christians today. Perhaps tomorrow I will explain.
My daughter shared this verse on her blog today:

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all"

Psalm 34: 17-19

Amen!

It's Beginning to FEEL a Lot Like Christmas

2008-12-17T17:10:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks I have had great difficulty writing my thoughts because they were filled with personal tragedy and heartbreak. Not completely of course, most of the time the hope in my heart overcame those thoughts; however, whenever I put fingers to keyboard the deeper emotions would rise to the surface and I was not at liberty to share those thoughts. By the time I swept them away I didn't have anything I felt I could express. But God does provide us a way to deal with heartbreak. And that is through time. I have always heard people say time heals and I still don't agree. I know that God heals, but He did give us time and as each day passes He shows us that if we stay focused on Him our hearts grow stronger even if they have not healed.

I have always loved Christmas. As a child it was the only day of the year when I received a new toy and the only day when our family appeared "normal" to my eyes. The first year I was married my husbands grandfather passed away which allowed my husband to get leave from the Navy and allowed us to travel home. But it didn't feel like Christmas. It was different. The next one consisted of a 5 minute phone call from Greece where my husband was stopped on his tour with the Navy. Needless to say that was not the Christmas of my dreams either. A few years later we spent the Christmas season at the hospital and a Christmas Eve funeral left a huge scar on my heart. After that there was always a hint of sadness surrounding Christmas. I still loved the music and the lights and seeing faces light up when gifts were bestowed. It was just different. If someone experiences tragedy in December it somehow seems worse because "Christmas is coming". And if that tragedy involves a baby the pain appears magnified by this time of promised joy through the birth of a baby.

Today, with the assistance of my grandson and husband, I decorated my daughter's pink tree in her former bedroom. Though she is married this will always be her tree. My grandson began to sing "Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree" and suddenly it did begin to feel a lot like Christmas. When we finished it was so beautiful and it was just what I needed at the moment.

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:12

First Family Party

2008-12-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

Daughter proves to be a born hostess! She is amazing and she knows why! (SIL is pretty incredible himself.) Our family kicked off the Christmas celebration by coming together. Only a few knew the strength behind pulling off this evening of fun. God is so good!

Tough Week

2008-12-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

From The Power of a Praying Woman:
"We have no idea what great things God wants to do through us if we will just step out in faith when He asks us to. That's why He lets us go through some difficult times. Times when we feel weak and vulnerable. He allows certain things to happen so that we will turn to Him and give Him our full attention. It's in those times, when we are forced to pray in greater faith, that our faith grows stronger."

Clouds with silver linings.

Tested

2008-12-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." ~ Hebrews 11:1

THANKSGIVING DAY 29 PAY IT FORWARD

2008-11-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

What a surprise to get my sons call this morning to tell me of our mention in the story in todays newspaper under the heading PAYING IT FORWARD. More on this blessing later!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

The table was magnificent today!
~Papa ~ Nana ~ Son ~ Daughter-IL ~ Son- IL ~ Daughter ~ Sister of Son-IL ~ ~ Grand daughter ~ Grandson ~ The food was good, too. We shared some Thanksgiving Dinner firsts, okra and potato salad, by request. We shared our childhood dreams and most have been accomplished. Some are in the process and will be accomplished in the future. We ended our dinner with a challenge to spread random acts of kindness and I look forward to hearing about those at Christmas Dinner. After dinner music was enjoyed by all.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!"

Psalm 105:1-2