November in Review

It turned out that I did not complete my daily thanks post due to several events/issues.  The most difficult trial of November was a sciatic nerve problem that lasted the entire month.  I visited the Dr the last week of October and was given pain meds instead of a solution.  Just when I thought my life was changed forever the pain or inflammation departed.  But not until after I had gained back a few of the pounds I had struggled to lose!  Pain was my constant companion, causing me to miss moments with Ellaree Rose when she wanted me to lift her up into my arms. Many times I did anyway causing the pain to worsen. 

Highlight of the month was Thanksgiving at my home.   The chairs around the table were filled and my pre planning of fun brought meaningful conversation. Guests were Grana and Julianna, along with John, Amber, Ellaree and Walker.  Missing and missed were Ben and Susan plus Bri and Jake.  It as a good day!   God has blessed each of us abundantly and we are thankful!

Today I am thankful for Rev. Billy Graham and I wish him a very

HAPPY 95th BIRTHDAY!

 

One of my most precious memories is that of my husband and I taking our children to hear and see Billy Graham. That is me right in the middle of the above photo. We attempted to attend every night of the Crusade. It was very cool after the sun went down, but the SON was there keeping our hearts warm us as we worshiped through His messenger, Rev. Graham. Seeing so many respond to the call to begin a relationship with Jesus was thrilling beyond words!

SHARING GOD'S LOVE!

One of God's greatest gifts is children.

Mix that gift with BUBBLES and it is pure joy!

The children dance with joy!

They really love me my bubbles.

   "See that you do not despise one of these little ones.

For I tell you that in heaven their angels always

see the face of my Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 18:10 ESV

FBC BLOCK PARTY
Thank you Pastor Harrison!

Thanksgiving Day 3

In 2008 when I wrote "I am thankful that I live in a country where I have the freedom to worship my God" it was a simple statement of fact.  Today I see this freedom attacked from many directions  and I wonder how long before we are not free to express our belief in God and His son Jesus.  How much has already been taken away while we ignored the erosion.  America has become like much of the world, enjoying the gifts from above with no thankful apreciation of the source.

Sadly, this is not only the lost, the atheist, the evil ones; it is also those who profess to be followers of Christ.  Yes, we are all guilty.  We are all sinners subject to the temptations of this world.  The love of pleasurable pastimes, as innocent as a football game or as impure as any of the ten commandments, have become our idols.  No longer do most feel any shame regarding sin. (demonstrated by the many who appear on talk shows to reveal their sins)  Those who seek to follow the Bible are labeled fanatics or extremists. 

I am confused by the prayers of politicians who create bills that become laws.  I  am confused as to why public prayer is allowed at government functions, but our school children are not afforded the same consideration.  I want to personally persue this inequality, but fear it will only hasten the demise of prayer in goverment.

Today I am thankful that in 2013 I am still free to worship God with other Christians in public or in private! 

5 Year Review

This Thanksgiving my daily thanks will focus on a 5 year review.  What has changed or not changed in the last 5 years.    This was my post on November 2, 2008  

In 2008, as we approached ELECTION  DAY, I was concerned for the future of America.  One of the Presidential candidates was not someone I believed could lead America into a better future.  My post was focused on financial concerns.  In 2013 the state of our economy and our government is far worse than I had imagined.  A government shutdown, mandatory Health insurance bill and a President who appears clueless regarding the people in America and his responsibilities as President of the United States.  Today I am thankful I still have health insurance but am concerned regarding the increasing cost and mandatory stipulations as we move into 2014.  Most of all I am thankful that ultimately God is in charge, and not the greedy, self centered politicians whose shortsighted thinking is pushing America towards a cliff which can only end in disaster.

30 Days of Thanksgiving

 I am thankful that God sent His son, Jesus, for me personally!  It is something that can never change.  And I am thankful that God has given so much to me that 30 days will not be enough time to cover it all. 

Is God on Facebook?

Did God join Facebook!!
Recently when I checked in on Facebook I was startled to find God in my list of friend suggestions! I know He is everywhere, but He is usually less conspicuous.
He is cool like that. He doesn’t push Himself on us, just waits patiently for us to reach out to Him.

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 remembers how they look? 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!

Over 5 million people 'liked' God's page, but only 56, 000 were talking about God.
Similar to society as a whole I suppose.
But wait, there is another God page, and another and another!
Misguided humans playing God on Facebook? Ministering in His name does not mean taking his name!

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.” and “I’m bored.” when they could be praying, planting, growing, singing, praising, helping, feeding, reading, leading, following,… well, you get the picture.

Maybe He is remembering how amazed we were with that e-mail we thought was da bomb a few short years ago. Or how excited His children were when the telephone was invented and they could talk with their friends without leaving home.
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 just can’t see it.
Maybe he would, just to be friendly with everyone.
But I am pretty sure He can get people’s attention
in more magnificent ways. I am thinking my God is chuckling over the thought. After all, He 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

Fish Fry

                                                      Elaree's first fish fry.
                                      Uncle Ben volunteered to give her a bottle!

                The fish fry was in honor of the man who helped Ben build the building below.

Morning Sunshine

Pure Joy!

I AM IN LOVE!!

When she looks into my eyes it is an indescribable feeling!!

WAITING!

MOMMY HOLDING BABY FIRST TIME!!!!

Prayers Needed!

A phone call, a frantic drive to the hospital and our granddaughter will arrive very soon. Hopefully, not until morning and without drama. Although drama is already present in this crisis.

At her appointment this afternoon it was discovered that there was very little amniotic fluid present and the baby must be delivered quickly. A nurse literally walked our daughter over to the hospital maternity floor where within minutes she was in bed and the baby was being monitored.

Because of the anticoagulant our daughter injects each morning, it will be very risky to deliver the baby before morning.

I am not sure who I am more afraid for, the baby or my daughter. They are one and the same now. I am begging God to cradle them both in His arms and let us, especially her, have this baby. Please God, do not take this gift from us now. And I have peace again. I know He has not brought us this far without a plan that will bring Him praise and glory.


" Let heaven and earth praise him, The seas, and everything that moveth therein."

Psalm 69:34

Change Is A-Comin'

Going to lunch with my daughter today was memorable. Dining at our favorite restaurant for the last time as simply Mother and Daughter. Things will change and we can hardly wait to be Mother, Daughter and Granddaughter! The missing piece of us will be arriving in approximately two weeks.

So many lunches have been spent dreaming of this child and how wonderful it would be to have a little one to share our special times. God has heard our prayers and answered. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

REMEMBER

Serendipity

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.

WHAT OLD PEOPLE DO FOR FUN

A BLOG WORTH WAITING FOR!

THE BEST BLOG EVER!

Let It Be

The first Day

(the first day I knew a baby was growing)

Mixed emotions, feelings flooding,
saying the wrong things
before saying the right thing.
Praying, praying, praying.
Trying not to think,
needing to think,
Wanting to imagine
the possibilities.
Subdued excitement, inner joy
Could it be a sweet little boy?

Imploring God
Praying, Dear Jesus, please;
Knowing He already knows,
The prayer changes,
Help me accept His will
Whatever it might be.
He knows, He holds the key.
Whatever will bring glory to Him
Is right
But please let this be
just let it be.

Lord, we’ve been here before
We know what could be ahead.
We know at some point the road forks.
The mist shadows our view,
Will we travel on the right
Please, can we keep to right?
There are thorns of pain on the left.
Ahead the snow flakes swirl
Soft and sweet as a baby girl.

Let this be, Lord,
Please, just let it be.