Wow - it is 'finally' here! The end of 2011. Well, the last day, around noon, for me. As I think back on this past year and all that has happened - or not happened - I am again amazed at God's grace and goodness to me and my loved ones.
Which brings up another thought - why are we always AMAZED when God answers prayer? Why are we always SURPRISED when God intervenes? We ask for it - and yet, when He answers, we are like, wow, He answered my prayer! He is truly AMAZING - but not because He answers our prayers, or doesn't answer our prayers. He is AMAZING because He is GOD. There is no one like Him. There are none above Him. He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. He is #1!
What has God done for me this past year? Many, many things - too many to mention - and yet, so many I have taken for granted. At the beginning of the year I was able to thank Him for my job. I had a good job. But then, He turned and blessed me again - without me praying for it! He blessed me with an early opportunity to retire from that job. I have been blessed with the opportunity to have these past two months unemployed to spend more time with Him, work through some of my own issues, spend time with my husband, children, and grandchildren. Travel to Indiana to visit family. I've spent more time with friends, because I have the time. He has given me a great gift this year with this time. I have not been as productive as I would have liked to be, but, 'things' are always there that need to be done. Living life is more important than things getting done. I treasure every memory I have been able to make these past two months.
Today, I have soup on to take to our pastor's new year's eve party tonight. We are going to gather there and have snacks, soup and salad, desserts, and play games. We will watch the 'ball' fall in New York at 10PM our time on TV. Then we leave and go to our own homes. We are still home before midnight and if we want to stay up we can, but we are home long before the late drivers are out. Since tomorrow is Sunday and we will need to be up early for church, will probably go on to bed! Unless I'm still wide awake and we just may need to watch another chick flick!
At 12:00:01 it starts a new day, a new year. 2012. Did you ever think you would be where you are now at this time? Or doing what you are doing? Or in the situation or issue that is with you now? Are you able to look forward to 2012 and what is available to you - or are you dreading what the year could possibly bring? Hold on to the thought that you can CHANGE, and you can DREAM, and with God's help, you can BECOME the man or woman you have always wished you were. I know I have changes to make. I'm sure you do too.
What are your plans to begin 2012? I'll share mine tomorrow! Stay safe tonight!
Blessings!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Busy Day - December 29th
It's been a busy day today - had little things to do around here, plus we did some shopping at a couple places getting ready for January 1 (family meal gathering) and picking up prescriptions. Was also able to get in a 4.11 mile walk today. What beautiful weather we are having in Phoenix! If you live here, you need to gather your family and get out to the park for a walk - it is so beautiful out! Once back home we both have been busy working on projects for church. I finally completed the second letter referencing the 21 days first fruits fast that we are promoting at church.
Is it going to be easy to fast for 21 days? Absolutely not. Especially since one of the things I plan to give up is the ribs I'm preparing for my family for January lst! I do love to cook and I love eating even more - so no, it isn't going to be easy. However, unless giving something up means something to me, it won't mean anything to God. What I am giving up is between God and I. However, I hope to share with you what God is doing in me, in my life and in my family as I pray and seek His face during the fast. I am excited about what He is going to show me!
If you have any questions or want to join in on this 'First Fruit Fast' to the Lord (giving Him the first fruit (first 21 days of the year), please post on here with your email and I will be happy to send you information. Don't be afraid of what God can do - be excited about what He will do when we seek Him with our hearts focused upon Him.
Blessings!
Is it going to be easy to fast for 21 days? Absolutely not. Especially since one of the things I plan to give up is the ribs I'm preparing for my family for January lst! I do love to cook and I love eating even more - so no, it isn't going to be easy. However, unless giving something up means something to me, it won't mean anything to God. What I am giving up is between God and I. However, I hope to share with you what God is doing in me, in my life and in my family as I pray and seek His face during the fast. I am excited about what He is going to show me!
If you have any questions or want to join in on this 'First Fruit Fast' to the Lord (giving Him the first fruit (first 21 days of the year), please post on here with your email and I will be happy to send you information. Don't be afraid of what God can do - be excited about what He will do when we seek Him with our hearts focused upon Him.
Blessings!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Thinking about 2012
I'm looking forward to 2012 - no, I don't have a job yet, but I am trusting in God that He will provide just what He wants me to have, to do. If He doesn't bring something, then I feel He wants me to focus on what I am doing at church and forget about work. He will provide all that we need, financially and other wise. Yeah, I trust Him that much.
I need to finish up my next email to the church on our '2012 first fruit fast' that I am suggesting we as a church do. I think I've mentioned it before on here. I believe that when we fast and pray - regardless of when it is - and focus on God, He will take care of everything. This is a new concept for us - fasting for the first 21 days of the year. I can't wait to share what God is going to do in and through us - and not only us, but through our families, through our church, through our communities.
Are you thinking of joining us for our 2012 first fruit fast? You can fast different ways - give up a meal a day and spend time praying; specific foods for the 21 days; give up food one day a week; - the key component in all of this is to focus upon God in worship and praise. It isn't all about 'gimme gimme' if we fast - it is what is His desire. Period. What does He want to do in us and through us. Period. In fact, it isn't even about us. We are just His empty vessels to be used by Him. Will put more information out before Sunday.
Blessings!
I need to finish up my next email to the church on our '2012 first fruit fast' that I am suggesting we as a church do. I think I've mentioned it before on here. I believe that when we fast and pray - regardless of when it is - and focus on God, He will take care of everything. This is a new concept for us - fasting for the first 21 days of the year. I can't wait to share what God is going to do in and through us - and not only us, but through our families, through our church, through our communities.
Are you thinking of joining us for our 2012 first fruit fast? You can fast different ways - give up a meal a day and spend time praying; specific foods for the 21 days; give up food one day a week; - the key component in all of this is to focus upon God in worship and praise. It isn't all about 'gimme gimme' if we fast - it is what is His desire. Period. What does He want to do in us and through us. Period. In fact, it isn't even about us. We are just His empty vessels to be used by Him. Will put more information out before Sunday.
Blessings!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Feeling better!
I guess you were probably surprised I haven't added anything for a couple days - yeah, me too. Christmas I meant to - but with all the festivities, did not. Christmas Eve I had awakened with a sore throat, but it was gone before evening. Sang at the Christmas Eve services with the worship team. Christmas morning I got up sneezing - and continued through out the day - by 2AM I woke up coughing and have been doing that ever since! Upped my olive leaf extract to boost my immune system, and started taking cough syrup. A friend reminded me to take massive doses of vitamin C (which I have in powdered form) and vitamin D3. Which I have done - and after sleeping all afternoon yesterday, and again all night until nearly 7AM this morning - (waking periodically throughout the night and praying for healing of my body) - I am feeling much better than I was! God is answering my prayers for healing, for sure!
Our Christmas was awesome. Tom surprised me with a beautiful necklace and a 'love letter' for my treasure box, plus several other things. My children and their families gave me wonderful gifts too. I am truly blessed and enjoyed so much the day with everyone. I loved seeing the surprised look on the children - and grandchildren's faces on some of the gifts! I usually search high and low for special things for them - and I think this year I may have succeeded on some.
With not feeling well yesterday, other than exchanging Tricia's footed pjs and taking the new ones to her, I stayed home and laid on the couch all day. I did finish one book on the kindle. Now Tom can download some books and start using it - if he wants to. I'm in the middle of another book on the Nook. I received a gift card for Family Christian as I want to purchase a new Bible - may go get it today. A very dear pastor friend mentioned one time that each year he reads through a new Bible - and gives away his old one to someone who needs one. Yes, it is usually marked up throughout the year - but, why not? (BTW - one pastor said that if you don't want to mark up your Bible, then buy one that you won't mind marking up!) With that thought in mind a couple years ago - I started reading through the Bible as well. I'm nearly at the end of the one I'm reading through now - and am looking forward to starting a new one January 1. Different versions help bring out either questions or confirm answers to different things.
Did I ever tell you the story of....... several years ago I was in my quiet time and was on my knees praying. I was crying out to God for our finances, which were in desperate straits. I usually keep two or three versions of the Bible close by me, and in my desperation for a Word from the Lord, I grabbed one and began to flip through it, wishing that I could just stop and point and that would be my answer, and yet knowing that wasn't the way to do it. As I flipped through the pages (since it was a fairly new Bible, nothing had been highlighted or marked in this Bible), in bold print I read: Don't worry, Pray, Tell God, Thank Him, Experience God's Peace.
Of course that wasn't the entire scripture, but that is what I read. Here it is in its entirety:
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
I knew that was exactly what I needed to hear and it brought great joy to my heart. The next day, I was curious what it would say in the NIV version, since I used it more often. I had to start laughing - did you know that God has a sense of humor? I had not only highlighted it in the NIV Bible, but I had memorized it! If I had picked up my NIV, I would have missed it. I would have seen the highlighted portion and passed it on by. Here it is in the NIV version:
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Are you in need of hearing 'Don't Worry, Pray, Tell God, Thank Him, Experience God's Peace' this morning? 2012 is quickly approaching - are you already thinking of the problems it will bring - or of the blessings you will be receiving from God's hand?
Blessings!
Our Christmas was awesome. Tom surprised me with a beautiful necklace and a 'love letter' for my treasure box, plus several other things. My children and their families gave me wonderful gifts too. I am truly blessed and enjoyed so much the day with everyone. I loved seeing the surprised look on the children - and grandchildren's faces on some of the gifts! I usually search high and low for special things for them - and I think this year I may have succeeded on some.
With not feeling well yesterday, other than exchanging Tricia's footed pjs and taking the new ones to her, I stayed home and laid on the couch all day. I did finish one book on the kindle. Now Tom can download some books and start using it - if he wants to. I'm in the middle of another book on the Nook. I received a gift card for Family Christian as I want to purchase a new Bible - may go get it today. A very dear pastor friend mentioned one time that each year he reads through a new Bible - and gives away his old one to someone who needs one. Yes, it is usually marked up throughout the year - but, why not? (BTW - one pastor said that if you don't want to mark up your Bible, then buy one that you won't mind marking up!) With that thought in mind a couple years ago - I started reading through the Bible as well. I'm nearly at the end of the one I'm reading through now - and am looking forward to starting a new one January 1. Different versions help bring out either questions or confirm answers to different things.
Did I ever tell you the story of....... several years ago I was in my quiet time and was on my knees praying. I was crying out to God for our finances, which were in desperate straits. I usually keep two or three versions of the Bible close by me, and in my desperation for a Word from the Lord, I grabbed one and began to flip through it, wishing that I could just stop and point and that would be my answer, and yet knowing that wasn't the way to do it. As I flipped through the pages (since it was a fairly new Bible, nothing had been highlighted or marked in this Bible), in bold print I read: Don't worry, Pray, Tell God, Thank Him, Experience God's Peace.
Of course that wasn't the entire scripture, but that is what I read. Here it is in its entirety:
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
I knew that was exactly what I needed to hear and it brought great joy to my heart. The next day, I was curious what it would say in the NIV version, since I used it more often. I had to start laughing - did you know that God has a sense of humor? I had not only highlighted it in the NIV Bible, but I had memorized it! If I had picked up my NIV, I would have missed it. I would have seen the highlighted portion and passed it on by. Here it is in the NIV version:
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Are you in need of hearing 'Don't Worry, Pray, Tell God, Thank Him, Experience God's Peace' this morning? 2012 is quickly approaching - are you already thinking of the problems it will bring - or of the blessings you will be receiving from God's hand?
Blessings!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
It's Christmas Eve!
Ok - here is where I start getting excited about Christmas! I mean, I already was looking forward to the day, and all the Christmas festivities, but I don't get crazy about it...... until today! Tomorrow I get to see the faces of my grandchildren - and children - when they open their special gifts. I've done some different things this year - it will be interesting to see what kind of 'impact' it will have on them. Just trying to pique the interest of my children who read this! Wait until you see what Santa has brought you!
All my shopping is completed, the baking done, all my wrapping is done.... and now I am at the 'I just can't wait stage"! Oh, I guess I still need to make my pineapple cheese ball for Tricia - she has asked for it for Christmas. Silly girl. I know she loves it, and I am happy to make it for her. I'll get it made up this afternoon so that it will be perfect for tomorrow.
We attend our Christmas Eve service tonight at 5:30 - I get to sing with the worship team! How cool is that! I love to sing praises to our King - and what more perfect way to celebrate His birthday than singing carols of worship! I wonder if I could dare to pray for a better voice to praise Him with... naw, He made my voice the way He wanted it.... He didn't say 'sing to Him with a good voice', He said to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord". Joyful noise. That I can do! What about you?
I was writing out my prayers this morning and what I am going to ask God for during my fast at the beginning of the year. Did you know that He really does want you to ask for things? Well, perhaps not material things, but perhaps better attitudes, humbleness, gentle spirit, freedom from gossip, financial blessings - and many others. These things He would love to help you with! If you are thinking of fasting with us at the first of the year, begin to think what you would like to change in you, and make a list of those things, and of family members needs as well. Be confident of this, if you pray with a sincere heart, He will hear you and just may grant you the request!
As you are rushing about today to finish that last minute shopping, the last minute gift card, the last minute item from the grocery store, don't forget to take possibly that 'last minute' to thank God for the birth of His Holy Son, Jesus, Who came to die, that we can have enternal life with Him.
Blessings!
All my shopping is completed, the baking done, all my wrapping is done.... and now I am at the 'I just can't wait stage"! Oh, I guess I still need to make my pineapple cheese ball for Tricia - she has asked for it for Christmas. Silly girl. I know she loves it, and I am happy to make it for her. I'll get it made up this afternoon so that it will be perfect for tomorrow.
We attend our Christmas Eve service tonight at 5:30 - I get to sing with the worship team! How cool is that! I love to sing praises to our King - and what more perfect way to celebrate His birthday than singing carols of worship! I wonder if I could dare to pray for a better voice to praise Him with... naw, He made my voice the way He wanted it.... He didn't say 'sing to Him with a good voice', He said to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord". Joyful noise. That I can do! What about you?
I was writing out my prayers this morning and what I am going to ask God for during my fast at the beginning of the year. Did you know that He really does want you to ask for things? Well, perhaps not material things, but perhaps better attitudes, humbleness, gentle spirit, freedom from gossip, financial blessings - and many others. These things He would love to help you with! If you are thinking of fasting with us at the first of the year, begin to think what you would like to change in you, and make a list of those things, and of family members needs as well. Be confident of this, if you pray with a sincere heart, He will hear you and just may grant you the request!
As you are rushing about today to finish that last minute shopping, the last minute gift card, the last minute item from the grocery store, don't forget to take possibly that 'last minute' to thank God for the birth of His Holy Son, Jesus, Who came to die, that we can have enternal life with Him.
Blessings!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Challenges and other thoughts...
Two days before Christmas and all my purchases have been made and all but one or two have been wrapped! I believe this is the first time ever that has happened! Although I had been baking a lot, then realized I didn't need to - it has still been a challenge. What has? Eating all this good stuff! Well, tasty good, not necessarily good for me! I do love baking and giving it away. And today, my Princess Bethany is coming over to bake and do our 'Christmas thing' together. This has always been the highlight of my year with the grandchildren - them coming over to bake. Now that this one is on her own, didn't know if she would still want to come - but she is and it makes me happy she still wants to. At least this year! She has come to grandma's house since she was about 2 years old to make crafts and/or bake cookies every Christmas.
Another challenge is getting my body is shape for the upcoming mini-marathon in 5 months. Yes, it is 5 months away, but I can not wait until the week before to plan on training for it. It has been about six weeks since we had walked so after walking nearly 4 miles the other day, my hip joints are feeling it some. Not bad, but I acknowledge there is some discomfort. I'm still walking and still pushing to get in shape. For my retirement, my little sissy had sent me the Nike sensor and the shoes it goes in - I love it. I would encourage you to get one if you want to track how far and how fast you are walking. At this time, my personal best pace time is 15.02. Got to improve on that if I'm going to do this! Well, not IF, for we have paid for it and we are going to do it and we are going to finish it! Would appreciate any encouragement and prayers for this!
Another challenge - which is not really a challenge - is I am leading our church in a 21 day fast beginning on January 1, 2012. Not a total fast, but a partial fast. I will give more details later. Why are we doing this? We are to give God the first-fruits of all we receive - why don't we give Him back the first-fruits of the year? I am so excited, in a sense, to do this - for I know that God is going to honor the church in seeking His face and His will for our families, our church, and our community. I ask that you think about this and see if you also are called to a fast - to give back to God the first-fruits of the year. Yes, I read about this in a book by Jentezel Franklin - and it makes a lot of sense to me. See what God says about it in Malachi 3:
8“ Will a man rob God?
Yet you have robbed Me!
But you say,
‘ In what way have we robbed You?’
In tithes and offerings.
9 You are cursed with a curse,
For you have robbed Me,
Even this whole nation.
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the LORD of hosts,
“ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
11“ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the LORD of hosts;
12 And all nations will call you blessed,
For you will be a delightful land,”
Says the LORD of hosts.
------------------
I am believing and trusting in God that when we bring the first of everything to Him, He will in turn bless us and our households.
What about you - want to receive a blessing from God this coming year that will affect you all year? Think about giving something up - something that means something to you. If it doesn't mean anything to you to give it up, it won't mean anything to God.
Blessings!
Another challenge is getting my body is shape for the upcoming mini-marathon in 5 months. Yes, it is 5 months away, but I can not wait until the week before to plan on training for it. It has been about six weeks since we had walked so after walking nearly 4 miles the other day, my hip joints are feeling it some. Not bad, but I acknowledge there is some discomfort. I'm still walking and still pushing to get in shape. For my retirement, my little sissy had sent me the Nike sensor and the shoes it goes in - I love it. I would encourage you to get one if you want to track how far and how fast you are walking. At this time, my personal best pace time is 15.02. Got to improve on that if I'm going to do this! Well, not IF, for we have paid for it and we are going to do it and we are going to finish it! Would appreciate any encouragement and prayers for this!
Another challenge - which is not really a challenge - is I am leading our church in a 21 day fast beginning on January 1, 2012. Not a total fast, but a partial fast. I will give more details later. Why are we doing this? We are to give God the first-fruits of all we receive - why don't we give Him back the first-fruits of the year? I am so excited, in a sense, to do this - for I know that God is going to honor the church in seeking His face and His will for our families, our church, and our community. I ask that you think about this and see if you also are called to a fast - to give back to God the first-fruits of the year. Yes, I read about this in a book by Jentezel Franklin - and it makes a lot of sense to me. See what God says about it in Malachi 3:
8“ Will a man rob God?
Yet you have robbed Me!
But you say,
‘ In what way have we robbed You?’
In tithes and offerings.
9 You are cursed with a curse,
For you have robbed Me,
Even this whole nation.
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the LORD of hosts,
“ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
11“ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the LORD of hosts;
12 And all nations will call you blessed,
For you will be a delightful land,”
Says the LORD of hosts.
------------------
I am believing and trusting in God that when we bring the first of everything to Him, He will in turn bless us and our households.
What about you - want to receive a blessing from God this coming year that will affect you all year? Think about giving something up - something that means something to you. If it doesn't mean anything to you to give it up, it won't mean anything to God.
Blessings!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Four days before Christmas....
and the majority of my baking is completed - mainly because I didn't have to bake as much as before since I am not working at the office. Of course I am sure that they would be more than happy to take it all off my hands! My plans are to do some baking after Christmas just for them - and take down to the office. I had planned to attend a department Christmas party, but they changed the date, and I was unable to go. My loss, for I have heard about the fun they have! So, if I am not employed in January, I may take some goodies down to them - they will be ready to refill their sugar addiction. :-)
Our 5 year old grandson has a 'concert' this afternoon at school. This child is so adorable! Not that all my grandchildren aren't - but David is beyond cute! I love his expressions, his excitement, his love for others. He brings everyone joy. I can't wait to see him in his concert!
I signed Tom and I up for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles) in Indianapolis next May. Now we need to do two things - 1) get airline tickets to fly back cheap - and 2) TRAIN! We started training this morning and I went almost 4 miles at 15.03 mi/pace. I love my Nike shoes my sissy sent me for retirement - plus the sensor that tracks my distance, time, pace, etc on my ipod. Since I have already confessed I haven't walked since the first week of November, I know that I am going to be sore in the morning - if not later tonight! Especially since I kicked up the incline .5 - get that extra muscle working! I understand at the mini-marathon there is a bus that stops for stragglers who can't keep pace - and I am not about to find my name on one of those seats! I'm a winner and will complete it on my own two feet!
A friend of mine has e-published a book - both on kindle and nook. "A Year From the Heart of David" by David Mize. Check it out. I've only read a few, but I am enjoying them. It is a devotional of 365 days. Very simple thoughts; nothing complex, yet it speaks to your heart. David is a special friend, and I'm proud to promote his devotional. So - if you have a kindle or a Nook - please check it out!
It's been a busy day already. I've been able to get things done I wanted to, and what I needed to get done. My granddaughter is in town so am hoping she can come over later this afternoon and bake some cookies. I'm baking some cookies now so that Tom can take with him when he gets a haircut this afternoon. I still need to make salsa, and to finish up on the bread and butter pickles, but I still have Friday that isn't filled with things to do.
Here it is four days before Christmas - and what are you doing? Are all your gifts purchased and wrapped or are you busy making plans to head out again? I truly feel God has blessed me with this time off to rest and to enjoy this time. I'm enjoying my days and can truly say only one day did I feel 'bored' and that was a Sunday afternoon! I hope you take some time during this time before the new year begins and evaluate what was important to you in 2011 and what will you want to accomplish in 2012.
In a later blog, I will share with you how Tom and I are going to begin 2012. I would love to hear your plans as well.
Blessings!
Our 5 year old grandson has a 'concert' this afternoon at school. This child is so adorable! Not that all my grandchildren aren't - but David is beyond cute! I love his expressions, his excitement, his love for others. He brings everyone joy. I can't wait to see him in his concert!
I signed Tom and I up for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles) in Indianapolis next May. Now we need to do two things - 1) get airline tickets to fly back cheap - and 2) TRAIN! We started training this morning and I went almost 4 miles at 15.03 mi/pace. I love my Nike shoes my sissy sent me for retirement - plus the sensor that tracks my distance, time, pace, etc on my ipod. Since I have already confessed I haven't walked since the first week of November, I know that I am going to be sore in the morning - if not later tonight! Especially since I kicked up the incline .5 - get that extra muscle working! I understand at the mini-marathon there is a bus that stops for stragglers who can't keep pace - and I am not about to find my name on one of those seats! I'm a winner and will complete it on my own two feet!
A friend of mine has e-published a book - both on kindle and nook. "A Year From the Heart of David" by David Mize. Check it out. I've only read a few, but I am enjoying them. It is a devotional of 365 days. Very simple thoughts; nothing complex, yet it speaks to your heart. David is a special friend, and I'm proud to promote his devotional. So - if you have a kindle or a Nook - please check it out!
It's been a busy day already. I've been able to get things done I wanted to, and what I needed to get done. My granddaughter is in town so am hoping she can come over later this afternoon and bake some cookies. I'm baking some cookies now so that Tom can take with him when he gets a haircut this afternoon. I still need to make salsa, and to finish up on the bread and butter pickles, but I still have Friday that isn't filled with things to do.
Here it is four days before Christmas - and what are you doing? Are all your gifts purchased and wrapped or are you busy making plans to head out again? I truly feel God has blessed me with this time off to rest and to enjoy this time. I'm enjoying my days and can truly say only one day did I feel 'bored' and that was a Sunday afternoon! I hope you take some time during this time before the new year begins and evaluate what was important to you in 2011 and what will you want to accomplish in 2012.
In a later blog, I will share with you how Tom and I are going to begin 2012. I would love to hear your plans as well.
Blessings!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
My favorite time of year....
Yes, I know there is a lot of pushing and shoving, grabbing and totally being rude and arrogant at this time of year too, but I love the Christmas season. I love getting the grandchildren over to bake cookies and make Christmas mice and sometimes even to play games, if there is time. I love going shopping (although I really do NOT like to shop) and trying to find that 'something special' for my hubby or for one of the children or grandchildren. I love the Christmas carols (although some make me cry) and I love the celebration of Jesus' birth. I love this season! I know some of my family members do not love it as much as I do, but even though I don't have a lot of childhood Christmas memories, I love being with those I love during this time, and I hope that we are making memories that will last long after I am gone.
Since I have been 'retired' these 6-7 weeks (is that all?) I have gotten to spend an afternoon with my youngest son (on Veteran's Day), a day Christmas shopping with my middle child, and he came over to just visit last week one morning and helped some when I made bread and butter pickles, and yesterday I got to spend the entire day with my first born, my daughter. We started our day with breakfast and then hit the stores to get her shopping done. We shopped, stopped for lunch, and shopped some more. It was so fun - and so good for both of us, I think. We haven't had much time alone together in a long, long time. Actually, it has been hard in the past for me to have quality time with any of my children in a long, long time. This has been way overdue and I am grateful to God to allow me this time to make memories.
Today Tom wants us to do some things together. Of course we are always together, but one or the other is running here and there. Today is my day, I guess. :-) Not sure what we will do; I don't care that much about going to the movies. I've thought about a couple stores we could go to. Not that he likes shopping - and actually, I am through with the Christmas shopping - (not only bought, but all but one or two items are wrapped!) It looks gray out - may be a day to watch the Santa Clause movies - all three of them. :-)
I probably ought to see if I can get Tom out for a walk prior to settling in for the day. Then again, knowing him, shopping/walking will be all the walking he will want to do. My brother, bless his heart, has really issued a challenge this time by sending my little sister and I the link to a mini-marathon in Indianapolis next May. The impression I clearly read in his challenge was either to ---- on the pot or get off it. :-p In other words, either start walking/training or just shut up that you are going/wanting to do it. I had confessed to him recently that inside of me I want to do it really bad - but the outside gets in the way and doesn't do anything to train for it. Well, it sounds like I need to step up to the challenge and 'just do it'. I love to walk - that's the easy part. I need to register today because I read on the link last night by 12/28/10 (for the 2011 mini-marathon) all spaces were taken. Tom just let me know he was checking airfare.... guess I need to check the registration.
I hope my sissy comes through and starts training as well. She said last night she was 'in' but we will see. She is moving pretty good - in spite of her hip still being extremely swollen from her fall last month. She can still walk some and work it up. It will be so fun to actually DO a mini marathon (13.1 miles) with family members. Perhaps I will look up some for Phoenix and see what is available. I know my daughter would love to get in one.
Hope that you are enjoying this Christmas season with all the busyness of it. Instead of focusing on the rudeness of people, focus instead on being nice to them - obviously they need someone to be kind to them.
Blessings!
Since I have been 'retired' these 6-7 weeks (is that all?) I have gotten to spend an afternoon with my youngest son (on Veteran's Day), a day Christmas shopping with my middle child, and he came over to just visit last week one morning and helped some when I made bread and butter pickles, and yesterday I got to spend the entire day with my first born, my daughter. We started our day with breakfast and then hit the stores to get her shopping done. We shopped, stopped for lunch, and shopped some more. It was so fun - and so good for both of us, I think. We haven't had much time alone together in a long, long time. Actually, it has been hard in the past for me to have quality time with any of my children in a long, long time. This has been way overdue and I am grateful to God to allow me this time to make memories.
Today Tom wants us to do some things together. Of course we are always together, but one or the other is running here and there. Today is my day, I guess. :-) Not sure what we will do; I don't care that much about going to the movies. I've thought about a couple stores we could go to. Not that he likes shopping - and actually, I am through with the Christmas shopping - (not only bought, but all but one or two items are wrapped!) It looks gray out - may be a day to watch the Santa Clause movies - all three of them. :-)
I probably ought to see if I can get Tom out for a walk prior to settling in for the day. Then again, knowing him, shopping/walking will be all the walking he will want to do. My brother, bless his heart, has really issued a challenge this time by sending my little sister and I the link to a mini-marathon in Indianapolis next May. The impression I clearly read in his challenge was either to ---- on the pot or get off it. :-p In other words, either start walking/training or just shut up that you are going/wanting to do it. I had confessed to him recently that inside of me I want to do it really bad - but the outside gets in the way and doesn't do anything to train for it. Well, it sounds like I need to step up to the challenge and 'just do it'. I love to walk - that's the easy part. I need to register today because I read on the link last night by 12/28/10 (for the 2011 mini-marathon) all spaces were taken. Tom just let me know he was checking airfare.... guess I need to check the registration.
I hope my sissy comes through and starts training as well. She said last night she was 'in' but we will see. She is moving pretty good - in spite of her hip still being extremely swollen from her fall last month. She can still walk some and work it up. It will be so fun to actually DO a mini marathon (13.1 miles) with family members. Perhaps I will look up some for Phoenix and see what is available. I know my daughter would love to get in one.
Hope that you are enjoying this Christmas season with all the busyness of it. Instead of focusing on the rudeness of people, focus instead on being nice to them - obviously they need someone to be kind to them.
Blessings!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Fully Committed
In my quiet time this morning I read a devotion by Andrew Murray, one of my favorite authors. As it revealed some things to me, I want to share it with you in the hopes it will also trigger some thoughts for you.
The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. - 2 Chronicles 16:9
In worldly matters we know how important it is that work should be done with the whole heart. In the spiritual realm, this rule should also hold true. God has promised in Jeremiah 29:13 that "If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me."
It is amazing that earnest Christians, who attend to their daily work with all their hearts, are so content to take things easy in the service of God. They do not realize that, if anywhere, they should give themselves to God's service with all the power of their will. In the words of our text we get an insight into the absolute necessity of seeking God with a fully committed heart.
What an encouragement this should be to us to humbly wait on God with an upright heart. We can be assured that His eye will be upon us, and He will show forth His mighty power in us and in our work.
O Christian, have you learned this lesson in your worship of God - to yield yourself each morning with your whole heart to do God's will? Pray each prayer in true wholehearted devotion to Him. In faith expect the power of God to work in you and through you.
Dear Lord, as Your eyes run to and fro through the whole earth, may You find me to be one with a pure and committed heart. Show your mighty power in me. In Jesus' name I ask this, amen.
As I read this I realized I don't do everything with a 'whole heart'. Some things I've done just to get it done, without putting myself into it. I think changes are in store for me! I should do everything as unto the Lord and do everything with whole hearted devotion - no matter what it is. Change is hard, Lord, so I am going to need lots of help from You!
How are you doing? What is your commitment level to completing the tasks set before you - whether it be work, church - or even more important - your family? Are you whole-heartedly meeting their needs? What about your extended family? Are you there for them in their times of need? Yes, sometimes we all need someone to get in our face 'whole-heartedly' to get us back on track. It may hurt, but be grateful when that happens - someone cares, even if they say they don't. If you are struggling and hurting, reach out. Hurt can cause you to do a lot of stupid things. Let it go - all the hurt, all the pain, to the One who is reaching out to you. Jesus alone is your Refuge, your Healer. Turn to Him in your time of need.
Blessings!
The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. - 2 Chronicles 16:9
In worldly matters we know how important it is that work should be done with the whole heart. In the spiritual realm, this rule should also hold true. God has promised in Jeremiah 29:13 that "If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me."
It is amazing that earnest Christians, who attend to their daily work with all their hearts, are so content to take things easy in the service of God. They do not realize that, if anywhere, they should give themselves to God's service with all the power of their will. In the words of our text we get an insight into the absolute necessity of seeking God with a fully committed heart.
What an encouragement this should be to us to humbly wait on God with an upright heart. We can be assured that His eye will be upon us, and He will show forth His mighty power in us and in our work.
O Christian, have you learned this lesson in your worship of God - to yield yourself each morning with your whole heart to do God's will? Pray each prayer in true wholehearted devotion to Him. In faith expect the power of God to work in you and through you.
Dear Lord, as Your eyes run to and fro through the whole earth, may You find me to be one with a pure and committed heart. Show your mighty power in me. In Jesus' name I ask this, amen.
As I read this I realized I don't do everything with a 'whole heart'. Some things I've done just to get it done, without putting myself into it. I think changes are in store for me! I should do everything as unto the Lord and do everything with whole hearted devotion - no matter what it is. Change is hard, Lord, so I am going to need lots of help from You!
How are you doing? What is your commitment level to completing the tasks set before you - whether it be work, church - or even more important - your family? Are you whole-heartedly meeting their needs? What about your extended family? Are you there for them in their times of need? Yes, sometimes we all need someone to get in our face 'whole-heartedly' to get us back on track. It may hurt, but be grateful when that happens - someone cares, even if they say they don't. If you are struggling and hurting, reach out. Hurt can cause you to do a lot of stupid things. Let it go - all the hurt, all the pain, to the One who is reaching out to you. Jesus alone is your Refuge, your Healer. Turn to Him in your time of need.
Blessings!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
What happens when you can't sleep at night?
Well, you probably will lay there and toss and turn for a long time, telling yourself that when it gets to the next 'o-clock' that you will get up. And then you will give it another 15 minutes or so. Well, that is what I do. We went to bed around 9:50 or so last night, I think - and I heard the clock chime midnight. and I still didn't get up. Thought about it. In fact, I thought about a lot of things. (Now my brother sent me an email about 1:30AM the other night because he couldn't sleep - see, I should have gotten up and done something!)
I rewound in my mind the choir concert we had attended earlier in the evening to see our granddaughter, Tricia, and loved it again as I watched her smile and sing. I am so proud of her! I thought of the conversation my daughter and I had afterwards. I thought of my children, my grandchildren, and prayed for them. I thought of things purchased for Christmas and anticipated the expressions when the gifts were opened. I thought of my little sissy and things we have been discussing. I thought of my big brother and the challenges he and I have thrown out to each other for improving our health. And I prayed. Until I finally went to sleep.
As I processed many things, I realized some things about myself. Some good, some not so good. I am a great encourager. I love to encourage people to succeed in whatever they choose to go in to. Some people I want to beat it into them, for the more I tell them, the more they whine they can't do it! I believe I am capable of achieving much more than I have been. In fact, since I have been off work the past six weeks, although I have been busy doing Christmas things, I have gotten quite lax about improving my health. After the first week when I had two-three days in the gym and two days out walking - I haven't been out doing anything! Even excuses of cold, wet and rainy weather is not a good excuse. I just didn't do it. I have no excuse. I have good intentions, and in my body - especially after watching the finale of the Biggest Loser (my one and only favorite show!), it is ready to start running and do something! But I have nothing written down to motivate me.
My brother issued my sister and I a challenge recently - in March to walk 13.1 miles. I have told him I'm 'IN'. But I glanced at an email from him this morning in which he made me feel like he doesn't think I can do it - although we easily did ten miles when I was in Indiana last September. Yes, I need to start pushing myself and get out there again, but I felt somewhat discouraged by his comment. Yes, I plan to address that with him when I respond to his email. And, yes, I do plan to be ready to do a 13.1 mile walk in March.
So what am I going to do to get ready? I have to make my mind up I am going to do it. I don't need my hubby pushing me out the door, I need to do it for me. Not for my brother, or for my sissy. Not for anyone, but for me. I know I am perfectly capable of walking and can work up to doing even a 26 mile marathon. Yes, I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am confident I can do it.
Still don't have our dobie to walk with me - haven't found the one we want yet. So if I say I can get my hubby to walk with me, it doesn't mean he is taking the place of a dog. (You can wipe that thought off your face right now!) LOL Tom has been good to walk with me, even though walking is not his favorite thing. I'm hoping during the Christmas break my daughter can join us for I know she will want to walk with her uncle when he comes out for the challenge. Perhaps one or both of the boys would like to walk, as well as spouses and some of the children. I'd love to make it a family walk out here, just as my brother made it the lst Annual Rigsby Family Marathon back last September in Avon.
I did realize as well this morning as I baked cookies, I need to find another treat to make at Christmas besides the cookies, cranberry pumpkin nut bread, etc. I need to search for a recipe low in fat and sugar. How can one be watching what they eat when I give them all the goodies for them to eat?! And it doesn't help having it here at home either! That's why I send it home with friends and family. I don't want it at my house! But I love to bake and cook - I just need to find healthier recipes!
Speaking of baking and cooking, I still need to have some of the grandchildren over to do just that! I understand one grandchild is sick - I think we were planning on that group coming over on Saturday afternoon. Sure hope he is better soon. Tonight we are cooking part of a meal and taking over to the House of Refuge and 'serving' the men there. We enjoy working with the others in our former 'small group' and cooking for these men trying to get a new start on life. Tomorrow night we are scheduled for dinner with a large group of friends from over the years. It will be good to see many we haven't seen for a long time.
So how are you doing with your Christmas preparations? Got your baking done, gifts purchased and wrapped? Good for you! We are in countdown mode now - today is the 15th so we have ten more days! Don't forget to take care of YOU in the process!
Blessings!
I rewound in my mind the choir concert we had attended earlier in the evening to see our granddaughter, Tricia, and loved it again as I watched her smile and sing. I am so proud of her! I thought of the conversation my daughter and I had afterwards. I thought of my children, my grandchildren, and prayed for them. I thought of things purchased for Christmas and anticipated the expressions when the gifts were opened. I thought of my little sissy and things we have been discussing. I thought of my big brother and the challenges he and I have thrown out to each other for improving our health. And I prayed. Until I finally went to sleep.
As I processed many things, I realized some things about myself. Some good, some not so good. I am a great encourager. I love to encourage people to succeed in whatever they choose to go in to. Some people I want to beat it into them, for the more I tell them, the more they whine they can't do it! I believe I am capable of achieving much more than I have been. In fact, since I have been off work the past six weeks, although I have been busy doing Christmas things, I have gotten quite lax about improving my health. After the first week when I had two-three days in the gym and two days out walking - I haven't been out doing anything! Even excuses of cold, wet and rainy weather is not a good excuse. I just didn't do it. I have no excuse. I have good intentions, and in my body - especially after watching the finale of the Biggest Loser (my one and only favorite show!), it is ready to start running and do something! But I have nothing written down to motivate me.
My brother issued my sister and I a challenge recently - in March to walk 13.1 miles. I have told him I'm 'IN'. But I glanced at an email from him this morning in which he made me feel like he doesn't think I can do it - although we easily did ten miles when I was in Indiana last September. Yes, I need to start pushing myself and get out there again, but I felt somewhat discouraged by his comment. Yes, I plan to address that with him when I respond to his email. And, yes, I do plan to be ready to do a 13.1 mile walk in March.
So what am I going to do to get ready? I have to make my mind up I am going to do it. I don't need my hubby pushing me out the door, I need to do it for me. Not for my brother, or for my sissy. Not for anyone, but for me. I know I am perfectly capable of walking and can work up to doing even a 26 mile marathon. Yes, I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am confident I can do it.
Still don't have our dobie to walk with me - haven't found the one we want yet. So if I say I can get my hubby to walk with me, it doesn't mean he is taking the place of a dog. (You can wipe that thought off your face right now!) LOL Tom has been good to walk with me, even though walking is not his favorite thing. I'm hoping during the Christmas break my daughter can join us for I know she will want to walk with her uncle when he comes out for the challenge. Perhaps one or both of the boys would like to walk, as well as spouses and some of the children. I'd love to make it a family walk out here, just as my brother made it the lst Annual Rigsby Family Marathon back last September in Avon.
I did realize as well this morning as I baked cookies, I need to find another treat to make at Christmas besides the cookies, cranberry pumpkin nut bread, etc. I need to search for a recipe low in fat and sugar. How can one be watching what they eat when I give them all the goodies for them to eat?! And it doesn't help having it here at home either! That's why I send it home with friends and family. I don't want it at my house! But I love to bake and cook - I just need to find healthier recipes!
Speaking of baking and cooking, I still need to have some of the grandchildren over to do just that! I understand one grandchild is sick - I think we were planning on that group coming over on Saturday afternoon. Sure hope he is better soon. Tonight we are cooking part of a meal and taking over to the House of Refuge and 'serving' the men there. We enjoy working with the others in our former 'small group' and cooking for these men trying to get a new start on life. Tomorrow night we are scheduled for dinner with a large group of friends from over the years. It will be good to see many we haven't seen for a long time.
So how are you doing with your Christmas preparations? Got your baking done, gifts purchased and wrapped? Good for you! We are in countdown mode now - today is the 15th so we have ten more days! Don't forget to take care of YOU in the process!
Blessings!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Forgiveness
My sister watches Dr. Phil and the other day he had a woman there who had written the book, The Devil in Pew Number Seven. She wanted me to get the book and read it, as she also had ordered it. So I downloaded it on my Nook and have been reading it. I'm down to the last twenty pages or so, but I have been through a round of emotions as I have read this. Yes, tears, anger, fear, amazement - through it all. Without telling you the story - which is a true story - it is a story of forgiveness. I still find it difficult to believe such things happened in the 1970's and 80's. I wonder if this is an isolated true story - or are there others who endured the same.
This morning in my quiet time with God I pondered again what I had read in this story. Forgiveness versus unforgiveness. It is easy to say 'I forgive you' but it is harder to mean 'I forgive you with my heart and mind'. Jesus said we are to forgive 490 times. So, does that mean we put a mark down every time we forgive someone? We only have to forgive them 490 times and after that we don't have to? No, it means we are to be continually forgiving them. Sometimes that means every time the hurt comes back, the wrong comes to mind, we may need to verbally say "I forgive ____." Sometimes it may be every little bit, sometimes daily. Sometimes it may be just once a year. But we have to re-forgive every time it comes back.
So what happens in forgiveness when one is abused by their step-father and he denies (although caught in the act) doing anything when confronted by one step daughter, yet tells another step daughter he was wrong and asks for forgiveness? That is one I have had to deal with. I was abused by my step father. I buried a lot of my childhood memories so that I didn't have to remember. When I finally did remember through counseling, I wrote a letter and confronted my step father. He denied it all. Yet, I still needed to forgive him. And I still need to forgive him today. When he died, I felt no sadness, no loss. I attended the funeral to be with my mother, not to remember him. In the last ten years of my mother's life, we became very close and I knew she was so sorry for what had happened. It doesn't erase what did happen, but it makes forgiveness much easier.
It isn't only forgiving others, it is forgiving myself for things I have done and said to others. It is forgiving the boss who was so evil I nearly left my job over him. It is forgiving our children when they say things in their own pain, that hurt you. It is forgiving our spouses when they do or say things that hurt. Sometimes it is forgiving strangers for they things they have done. It is forgiving hatefulness, and rudeness, and just plain meanness. It's all out there in this world.
A world that God created and wanted it to be a paradise for us. But sin came in and changed all that. So God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as a newborn baby, born in a manger - not as a king, but as King. How precious we are in His sight! How faithful He is to us and how glorious that He forgives us time and time again, each time that we fall, each time that we seek His face. In His mercy, He has forgiven me. And I choose to forgive others.
Jesus said that if we don't forgive others, we will not be forgiven. Read it - it is right after the Lord's Prayer in Matthew -
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.[c]
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
I decided a long time ago that I was not going to allow unforgiveness of anyone keep me out of heaven! I wanted my sins to be forgiven, therefore, I needed to forgive others. God will take care of any punishment. By not forgiving them, I kept myself in punishment. I choose LIFE - and I pray that you do too.
Who do you need to forgive - howbeit reluctantly - today? Don't let the sin of unforgiveness keep you from being forgiven!
Blessings!
This morning in my quiet time with God I pondered again what I had read in this story. Forgiveness versus unforgiveness. It is easy to say 'I forgive you' but it is harder to mean 'I forgive you with my heart and mind'. Jesus said we are to forgive 490 times. So, does that mean we put a mark down every time we forgive someone? We only have to forgive them 490 times and after that we don't have to? No, it means we are to be continually forgiving them. Sometimes that means every time the hurt comes back, the wrong comes to mind, we may need to verbally say "I forgive ____." Sometimes it may be every little bit, sometimes daily. Sometimes it may be just once a year. But we have to re-forgive every time it comes back.
So what happens in forgiveness when one is abused by their step-father and he denies (although caught in the act) doing anything when confronted by one step daughter, yet tells another step daughter he was wrong and asks for forgiveness? That is one I have had to deal with. I was abused by my step father. I buried a lot of my childhood memories so that I didn't have to remember. When I finally did remember through counseling, I wrote a letter and confronted my step father. He denied it all. Yet, I still needed to forgive him. And I still need to forgive him today. When he died, I felt no sadness, no loss. I attended the funeral to be with my mother, not to remember him. In the last ten years of my mother's life, we became very close and I knew she was so sorry for what had happened. It doesn't erase what did happen, but it makes forgiveness much easier.
It isn't only forgiving others, it is forgiving myself for things I have done and said to others. It is forgiving the boss who was so evil I nearly left my job over him. It is forgiving our children when they say things in their own pain, that hurt you. It is forgiving our spouses when they do or say things that hurt. Sometimes it is forgiving strangers for they things they have done. It is forgiving hatefulness, and rudeness, and just plain meanness. It's all out there in this world.
A world that God created and wanted it to be a paradise for us. But sin came in and changed all that. So God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as a newborn baby, born in a manger - not as a king, but as King. How precious we are in His sight! How faithful He is to us and how glorious that He forgives us time and time again, each time that we fall, each time that we seek His face. In His mercy, He has forgiven me. And I choose to forgive others.
Jesus said that if we don't forgive others, we will not be forgiven. Read it - it is right after the Lord's Prayer in Matthew -
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.[c]
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
I decided a long time ago that I was not going to allow unforgiveness of anyone keep me out of heaven! I wanted my sins to be forgiven, therefore, I needed to forgive others. God will take care of any punishment. By not forgiving them, I kept myself in punishment. I choose LIFE - and I pray that you do too.
Who do you need to forgive - howbeit reluctantly - today? Don't let the sin of unforgiveness keep you from being forgiven!
Blessings!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
DONE!..... well, almost.....
I believe I have completed my Christmas shopping. And, not only completed it, I have it all wrapped and under the tree! Well, except for Tom's things. I mean, what I have for him has been wrapped, but not under the tree. We usually just put the others under the tree and keep ours out - and bring them out Christmas morning along with our stockings for each other. Tom has been a difficult one to buy for this year. Come to think about it, most everyone has been difficult to buy for this year! I would much rather look at things to buy that they 'want' or 'need' - but except for the few lists I received, it has been a guessing game. Tom gave me a verbal list - but they weren't 'fun' things. There is nothing he nor I need and although I have some 'wants' - they are not in the Christmas budget. Still, I know that whatever I receive I will love. I always do.
I baked nearly all day yesterday. Made only one batch of cookies and made several breads, muffins and tiny bite-size muffins of my cranberry pumpkin nut 'bread'. I love this bread, and if you heat it in the microwave for about ten seconds before eating a slice - yum, the cranberries will burst open with flavor. Sent some with Tom to give to Ralph as they are meeting for breakfast this morning. The rest went in the freezer. Today I want to make my bread and butter pickles. Got the cucumbers and onions setting on the counter, waiting for me to get started. Need to put the jars on to boil yet. I enjoy doing this too. Plus the pickles are soooo good!
I probably won't make my salsa this year to give away... unless I can think of someone who would want it. One son still has some of when his daughter was here and made some. I can't believe he still has it. We go through our salsa within a very short time. Still, Tom likes it so perhaps I need to go ahead and make it. I will try to can some of it.... I have before, but I'm always leery of doing that. My salsa, after about 3-4 weeks, will begin to ferment in the jar. Bubbles will form on the inside of the jar, and if you open it, this bubbling 'stuff' will begin to foam and flow over the top of the jar. LOL Needless to say, by then we just throw it away. Doesn't usually get to that stage anymore - only one time when I forgot a jar in the back of the refrigerator.
So - today will be bread and butter pickle day - and once that is completed, will decide what I want to do. So - technically, I am 'done' with Christmas preparations. Until I decide to bake some more. I mentioned making snickerdoodles this afternoon. Mmmmm. Very few places can make snickerdoodles like mine. I still need to get the grandchildren over here to make Christmas mice and cookies. I still have lots of cookie dough and pretzels and chocolate and all the things needed for a fun time. I need to contact the parents and see if I can't get them in the evening for a couple hours - perhaps right after school.
My brother has issued the challenge for a half marathon walking our canal come March. My little sissy and I said we were 'in'. But, in talking with her later, she has things going on at the time he suggested, so I suggested perhaps making it June and us going to Indy. Will have to check that out with bro and see what he wants to do.
Of course my 'free' time for vacations will depend on if and when I get a job. I must admit, I haven't looked that hard just yet. When I made the decision to 'retire early', I really wanted to take November and December off to play and just regain my life. And, I feel I have been able to do just that. I feel my time off has helped me physically (although I still need to go to the gym), emotionally (I'm a lot less crabby, I think) and spiritually (I get to spend what I call 'Quality' time with God each morning). It has also helped relationally in that Tom has learned to give me some space (as I have him) and because I am here all the time, he doesn't have to fight for time with me.
I have applied for one position a few weeks ago and need to follow up on it today. I have checked the want ads in the paper. I see a few out there I could apply for, but I truly want to stay in my 'home area' so that I don't have to spend all my time on the road each morning. I still have one lead I have not followed up on yet, from a medical director whom I used to work with. I am facing a little over two weeks when I will not have medical insurance for me. Need to find something to cover me, so am checking into single insurance until I get a job. Praise God I am healthy and do not need constant medical care. Tom already has medicare and has his supplement plan all set up for January 1 so he is taken care of. I'm still too young for medicare! :-)
So, how are you doing on your Christmas shopping and baking? You still have plenty of time, yes, but don't wait until the last minute so that your Christmas is filled with rushing about and no time for reflection
Blessings!
I baked nearly all day yesterday. Made only one batch of cookies and made several breads, muffins and tiny bite-size muffins of my cranberry pumpkin nut 'bread'. I love this bread, and if you heat it in the microwave for about ten seconds before eating a slice - yum, the cranberries will burst open with flavor. Sent some with Tom to give to Ralph as they are meeting for breakfast this morning. The rest went in the freezer. Today I want to make my bread and butter pickles. Got the cucumbers and onions setting on the counter, waiting for me to get started. Need to put the jars on to boil yet. I enjoy doing this too. Plus the pickles are soooo good!
I probably won't make my salsa this year to give away... unless I can think of someone who would want it. One son still has some of when his daughter was here and made some. I can't believe he still has it. We go through our salsa within a very short time. Still, Tom likes it so perhaps I need to go ahead and make it. I will try to can some of it.... I have before, but I'm always leery of doing that. My salsa, after about 3-4 weeks, will begin to ferment in the jar. Bubbles will form on the inside of the jar, and if you open it, this bubbling 'stuff' will begin to foam and flow over the top of the jar. LOL Needless to say, by then we just throw it away. Doesn't usually get to that stage anymore - only one time when I forgot a jar in the back of the refrigerator.
So - today will be bread and butter pickle day - and once that is completed, will decide what I want to do. So - technically, I am 'done' with Christmas preparations. Until I decide to bake some more. I mentioned making snickerdoodles this afternoon. Mmmmm. Very few places can make snickerdoodles like mine. I still need to get the grandchildren over here to make Christmas mice and cookies. I still have lots of cookie dough and pretzels and chocolate and all the things needed for a fun time. I need to contact the parents and see if I can't get them in the evening for a couple hours - perhaps right after school.
My brother has issued the challenge for a half marathon walking our canal come March. My little sissy and I said we were 'in'. But, in talking with her later, she has things going on at the time he suggested, so I suggested perhaps making it June and us going to Indy. Will have to check that out with bro and see what he wants to do.
Of course my 'free' time for vacations will depend on if and when I get a job. I must admit, I haven't looked that hard just yet. When I made the decision to 'retire early', I really wanted to take November and December off to play and just regain my life. And, I feel I have been able to do just that. I feel my time off has helped me physically (although I still need to go to the gym), emotionally (I'm a lot less crabby, I think) and spiritually (I get to spend what I call 'Quality' time with God each morning). It has also helped relationally in that Tom has learned to give me some space (as I have him) and because I am here all the time, he doesn't have to fight for time with me.
I have applied for one position a few weeks ago and need to follow up on it today. I have checked the want ads in the paper. I see a few out there I could apply for, but I truly want to stay in my 'home area' so that I don't have to spend all my time on the road each morning. I still have one lead I have not followed up on yet, from a medical director whom I used to work with. I am facing a little over two weeks when I will not have medical insurance for me. Need to find something to cover me, so am checking into single insurance until I get a job. Praise God I am healthy and do not need constant medical care. Tom already has medicare and has his supplement plan all set up for January 1 so he is taken care of. I'm still too young for medicare! :-)
So, how are you doing on your Christmas shopping and baking? You still have plenty of time, yes, but don't wait until the last minute so that your Christmas is filled with rushing about and no time for reflection
Blessings!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Baking with the grandchildren...and other Christmas memories
I love this time of year - not that it couldn't happen any other time - but I get the grandchildren and we bake cookies, make Christmas mice, and whatever else we want to come up with. Two of the grandchildren (Tricia and Stevie) came over last night and we baked cookies. Meant to make the Christmas mice, but unfortunately, I screwed up. I bought a jar of halves of maraschino cherries - not the whole cherries with the stem! So - will need to go out today and find the cherries I need. Tricia and Stevie did make a peppermint cookie house - and while we were out shopping enroute to my house, they were able to pick up some Christmas gifts for their mom and dad. That was fun too. We ended the evening watching "Miracle on 34th Street" (the old one). Mom and Dad arrived to pick them up about 5 minutes before the end of it so we made them stay and watch it too.
Since we didn't get the Christmas mice made last night, Tricia and Stevie will get to come back for another evening of fun. I am also looking forward to getting Bethany, Ralphie, Nathan and David one night and also Cody, Tommy and Hailey. I have so much fun with the grandchildren! We used to make crafts but just can't do that anymore. Now it is baking - and I think they enjoy that too.
My difficulty this year with getting the grandchildren is not that I'm working and can't find time for them - they are in school until December 23rd this year! Will have to figure out something so that we can continue this favored tradition of mine that has the grandchildren coming to the house to bake cookies. The best part? I get to spend time with them - and for them, getting to take the cookies home! It's a win-win situation. Plus mom and dad get time too!
Tom and I have slowly been going through our Christmas movies I like to watch each December. We started back in November with "White Christmas" - watching it with Bethany. There are just some classics you have to be sure to pass on to the grandchildren. "Miracle on 34th Street" is another classic. Of course some of the younger grandchildren also go for 'Gumby" at Christmastime and a few of the other 'cartoons'. Then there is 'It's a Wonderful Life'. People who get down on themselves need to watch that one - they can realize how their lives do affect other people.
I wonder if my children remember watching the movies and if they started it in their home.....probably not. My parents didn't either - these were just some of the Christmas movies I love to watch. I don't remember any real Christmas traditions my parents had, other than my step-father pounding on our bedroom doors early in the morning and telling us Santa Claus had been there and to get up. Oh, and mama always fixed a big breakfast. As a family with 11 children (I had 3 real brothers, two real sisters, one half brother, two step brothers and two step sisters) it was pretty crowded when it came to everyone getting together Christmas morning. Once married and out of the house with our own families, the 'real' and 'step' divided up. My side (the 'real' side) took Christmas Eve with the stipulation mama still had to cook her delicious Christmas breakfast. I may be wrong, but I remember mama's fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, ham...and I'm sure there was a lot more. The 'steps' took Christmas morning.
The first Christmas after my real dad passed away in 1957, I remember a family from the church, Lindsay and Myrtle Ganote, taking us children shopping and buying us a toy and an outfit for Christmas. I remember I got a doll that year. I wish I would remember that more often. How many single parents are out there due to a death of a loved spouse and are struggling to bring joy to Christmas for their children? With divorce, the children still have two parents - and probably get more gifts than before. But with death, not only is the spouse who is left lonely and struggling with their own things, but trying to make the first holiday special still. Lord, if there is someone I need to help, please bring them to mind.
I know we have Angel Tree for those who are in prison so that their children can have a gift from them, but this is different. They are in prison for things they did wrong. Death is final. Lord, please bring to mind to those who read this blog, someone they can take a meal to, buy a small gift for, give some financial support. How can You use us this year, Lord?
My mind is reviewing Christmas pasts.... I remember my 14th Christmas.....I wanted a 'hope chest'. Some of you readers may not know what that is. It is a big wooden 'chest' that girls would put in items for when they got married; or just special things they wanted to keep. I wanted one so badly and my older sister had already received hers years before, along with my step sisters. It was my turn. Christmas morning came. It wasn't out there for me. I received the clothes, and I'm not sure what else. I remember feeling so sad. After all the gifts were opened and people were starting to move about and put things away, my stepfather disappeared outside with someone. I didn't pay any attention. Then they came walking in with my Lane Cedar Chest! I was so happy then! I still have that cedar chest too. It still holds treasured memories of different things. Over the years I've passed on to my children some that I hope they have hung on to for their children. Yeah, I am a 'passer-on' person. Sometimes that is good. Sometimes it is good we let it 'die'.
Ok - I need to get off here and get going rather than thinking of 'Christmas past' - lots to do today before going to watch a grandson in a Christmas play tonight. Now THAT is going to be a special memory too!
Who can you bless this Christmas that needs a blessing? Stop and ask God to bring someone to mind whom you can bring some joy to this year.
Blessings!
Since we didn't get the Christmas mice made last night, Tricia and Stevie will get to come back for another evening of fun. I am also looking forward to getting Bethany, Ralphie, Nathan and David one night and also Cody, Tommy and Hailey. I have so much fun with the grandchildren! We used to make crafts but just can't do that anymore. Now it is baking - and I think they enjoy that too.
My difficulty this year with getting the grandchildren is not that I'm working and can't find time for them - they are in school until December 23rd this year! Will have to figure out something so that we can continue this favored tradition of mine that has the grandchildren coming to the house to bake cookies. The best part? I get to spend time with them - and for them, getting to take the cookies home! It's a win-win situation. Plus mom and dad get time too!
Tom and I have slowly been going through our Christmas movies I like to watch each December. We started back in November with "White Christmas" - watching it with Bethany. There are just some classics you have to be sure to pass on to the grandchildren. "Miracle on 34th Street" is another classic. Of course some of the younger grandchildren also go for 'Gumby" at Christmastime and a few of the other 'cartoons'. Then there is 'It's a Wonderful Life'. People who get down on themselves need to watch that one - they can realize how their lives do affect other people.
I wonder if my children remember watching the movies and if they started it in their home.....probably not. My parents didn't either - these were just some of the Christmas movies I love to watch. I don't remember any real Christmas traditions my parents had, other than my step-father pounding on our bedroom doors early in the morning and telling us Santa Claus had been there and to get up. Oh, and mama always fixed a big breakfast. As a family with 11 children (I had 3 real brothers, two real sisters, one half brother, two step brothers and two step sisters) it was pretty crowded when it came to everyone getting together Christmas morning. Once married and out of the house with our own families, the 'real' and 'step' divided up. My side (the 'real' side) took Christmas Eve with the stipulation mama still had to cook her delicious Christmas breakfast. I may be wrong, but I remember mama's fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, ham...and I'm sure there was a lot more. The 'steps' took Christmas morning.
The first Christmas after my real dad passed away in 1957, I remember a family from the church, Lindsay and Myrtle Ganote, taking us children shopping and buying us a toy and an outfit for Christmas. I remember I got a doll that year. I wish I would remember that more often. How many single parents are out there due to a death of a loved spouse and are struggling to bring joy to Christmas for their children? With divorce, the children still have two parents - and probably get more gifts than before. But with death, not only is the spouse who is left lonely and struggling with their own things, but trying to make the first holiday special still. Lord, if there is someone I need to help, please bring them to mind.
I know we have Angel Tree for those who are in prison so that their children can have a gift from them, but this is different. They are in prison for things they did wrong. Death is final. Lord, please bring to mind to those who read this blog, someone they can take a meal to, buy a small gift for, give some financial support. How can You use us this year, Lord?
My mind is reviewing Christmas pasts.... I remember my 14th Christmas.....I wanted a 'hope chest'. Some of you readers may not know what that is. It is a big wooden 'chest' that girls would put in items for when they got married; or just special things they wanted to keep. I wanted one so badly and my older sister had already received hers years before, along with my step sisters. It was my turn. Christmas morning came. It wasn't out there for me. I received the clothes, and I'm not sure what else. I remember feeling so sad. After all the gifts were opened and people were starting to move about and put things away, my stepfather disappeared outside with someone. I didn't pay any attention. Then they came walking in with my Lane Cedar Chest! I was so happy then! I still have that cedar chest too. It still holds treasured memories of different things. Over the years I've passed on to my children some that I hope they have hung on to for their children. Yeah, I am a 'passer-on' person. Sometimes that is good. Sometimes it is good we let it 'die'.
Ok - I need to get off here and get going rather than thinking of 'Christmas past' - lots to do today before going to watch a grandson in a Christmas play tonight. Now THAT is going to be a special memory too!
Who can you bless this Christmas that needs a blessing? Stop and ask God to bring someone to mind whom you can bring some joy to this year.
Blessings!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Still shopping....
One would think that with all the shopping I have done, I would be finished! But, alas, I am not. BUT, I am a lot closer! Spent two hours out shopping this morning, came home to clean up as I was going to pick up two of the grandchildren from school - but while I was in the shower was told I didn't need to pick up. So here I am and I could have gotten a couple more hours shopping done! I'm down to one or two people now. I think. Considering I started out with about 17 or so - that isn't bad at all! That doesn't count who I will bake/can and give to. I hope to start that next week. Want to get all the shopping out of the way first.
I realized last night that I still have the adult stockings to fill. Yeah, I started that (again) a few years back. Not the grandchildren, just the children and their spouses. They may be skimpy this year but will attempt to put some things in. Tom and I still do stockings for each other. My stocking (and his) is about 3 feet long. Ok, maybe 2 1/2 feet. And they are always full Christmas morning. :)
Today is my daughter-in-law's 40th birthday. I must say she is a blessing in our family. She has taught me so much over the years. God has truly blessed me personally by bringing her into our lives. Today is also her mother's birthday - how cool is that!! I wish them both lots of birthday blessings - they both deserve it! I gave my son her birthday gifts the other day - I wonder if I should text him to remind him to give to her!
Whatever I was going to write has escaped me now so guess this is it for today. Hope that you are having a great day.
Blessings!
I realized last night that I still have the adult stockings to fill. Yeah, I started that (again) a few years back. Not the grandchildren, just the children and their spouses. They may be skimpy this year but will attempt to put some things in. Tom and I still do stockings for each other. My stocking (and his) is about 3 feet long. Ok, maybe 2 1/2 feet. And they are always full Christmas morning. :)
Today is my daughter-in-law's 40th birthday. I must say she is a blessing in our family. She has taught me so much over the years. God has truly blessed me personally by bringing her into our lives. Today is also her mother's birthday - how cool is that!! I wish them both lots of birthday blessings - they both deserve it! I gave my son her birthday gifts the other day - I wonder if I should text him to remind him to give to her!
Whatever I was going to write has escaped me now so guess this is it for today. Hope that you are having a great day.
Blessings!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Things are falling into place....
I finally have lists or ideas from the other two children so hopefully can finish up their family's shopping this week. I want to go out for a bit this morning and try to get some shopping done. I do love shopping when most are at work. I used to take vacation days the first part of December versus around Christmas so that I could shop while everyone else was working. I don't do crowds real well, especially when they are rude and pushy!
Ralph and I did a lot of walking yesterday - sure do wish I had worn my Nike shoes where I could track how far we walked. I was so tired last night from all the walking, unpacking, decorating and wrapping that I slept all through the night! How did you sleep, Ralph? Were you as tired as me?
I completed my task of getting the tree up yesterday, decorated, and nearly all the gifts already purchased (which are not many) wrapped. I have several Christmas items like I mentioned yesterday out around the house. I have a lot of Christmas things I am taking down to Savers this morning. Now to keep in the de-clutter mode and continue to get rid of things! Even with good intentions, and wanting to do it, sometimes it is still hard to 'let go' of some of the 'clutter'. AND, what others may say is clutter, may be a memory for me and until I am ready to let it go, I refuse to get rid of it. (That comment is for those who read this blog and want to tell me what to get rid of!)
Not much to talk about today - needing to scan the job ads, sale ads, load the car with the Saver items and get on the road. Have a meeting early this afternoon so want to get as much done today as I can. I'm looking forward to getting started on my baking and canning! Need to schedule time for the grandchildren to come over and do their baking things too. One of my favorite parts of Christmas - being with the grandchildren. I am blessed!
Are you really busy right now too? Are you still taking time to spend time with God before you hit the road running? Don't forget to give Him your 'first-fruit' of the day... the first hour, if possible. You will never regret giving Him your thoughts, your time, the first part of the day. It does make the day go by much easier when He is in control.
Blessings!
Ralph and I did a lot of walking yesterday - sure do wish I had worn my Nike shoes where I could track how far we walked. I was so tired last night from all the walking, unpacking, decorating and wrapping that I slept all through the night! How did you sleep, Ralph? Were you as tired as me?
I completed my task of getting the tree up yesterday, decorated, and nearly all the gifts already purchased (which are not many) wrapped. I have several Christmas items like I mentioned yesterday out around the house. I have a lot of Christmas things I am taking down to Savers this morning. Now to keep in the de-clutter mode and continue to get rid of things! Even with good intentions, and wanting to do it, sometimes it is still hard to 'let go' of some of the 'clutter'. AND, what others may say is clutter, may be a memory for me and until I am ready to let it go, I refuse to get rid of it. (That comment is for those who read this blog and want to tell me what to get rid of!)
Not much to talk about today - needing to scan the job ads, sale ads, load the car with the Saver items and get on the road. Have a meeting early this afternoon so want to get as much done today as I can. I'm looking forward to getting started on my baking and canning! Need to schedule time for the grandchildren to come over and do their baking things too. One of my favorite parts of Christmas - being with the grandchildren. I am blessed!
Are you really busy right now too? Are you still taking time to spend time with God before you hit the road running? Don't forget to give Him your 'first-fruit' of the day... the first hour, if possible. You will never regret giving Him your thoughts, your time, the first part of the day. It does make the day go by much easier when He is in control.
Blessings!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
No, I still do not have favorites.....
but, I sure did enjoy spending the day with my middle child today. We did a lot of walking and a lot of shopping and I enjoyed it a lot. He even took me to lunch at a place he liked and I had not been to before. All in all, this is a day I will treasure. Thank you, Ralph!
I had hubby bring in ALL the Christmas items and boxes we had stored out in the shed - and I cleaned out the storage closet. We have LOTS going to Savers tomorrow. I decided I needed to get rid of some clutter - even though it comes out only once a year. I don't put everything out - and if I'm not using it - why keep it! So, the Christmas tree is up and all our ornaments are on it. I thought I had given all the grandchildren their ornaments last year from all the years we have given them. (will explain below) But - to my surprise, I found several bags of ornaments with the grandchildren's name on it. Guess I will need to get them sent out so that they can put on their own tree.
Ok - the Christmas ornaments for the grandchildren. Years ago, when my children were born, my in-laws started the tradition of giving each child an ornament every year - so that when they got married or moved out and had their very own tree, they would have their very own ornaments to put on it. I started that tradition when each of my grandchildren were born. Obviously the 20 years old has more than the 5 years old, but it is still a start. Yes, I'm still giving an ornament out - but since we don't put up a 'grandchildren tree' anymore, they may as well put on their own tree. Yeah, we used to have two trees. (Actually at one time we had five) The smaller tree was the 'grandchildren tree' and they would hang their ornaments on it every year. Then we would make gifts for their parents, wrap and put under that tree for their parents to open on Christmas morning when they came over. We stopped doing that a few years back as I had run out of ideas for the grandchildren to make for their parents. So - now when they come over we bake cookies, make Christmas mice, or I find some other treat for them to make - and take home.
Ironically, we also found the container that has the grandchildren's Christmas tree in it. I wonder if anyone needs it - if not, it will go to Savers as well. Will have to check with everyone. I have wreaths and a few other little things - I just can't put everything out anymore. Still, I do have lots of things setting out. Precious memories on several ones, like the Santa sitting on a train that I bought the year after my brother, who loved trains, died. I have the Santa sleeping in the bed - and snoring - that my mama had put out every year. I have a stuffed animal I named 'Aspen' that gets put out - a gift from my sister-in-law and brother-in-law when we did a late November trip to Lake of the Woods. Have a Santa that won't stop laughing that my sissy sent me last year. Another dog on a sleigh that sings and barks from the in-laws. I love Christmas, I love the TRUE meaning of Christmas, and I love the celebration of the holiday. Christmas is my favorite time of year.
I hope to finish up my shopping this week so that I can start my baking and canning next week. Have picked up cucumbers and onions to make my bread and butter pickles. I don't have to make as many this year I guess with not working. Oh, I did find a 'white elephant' gift to take for the Finance Christmas party that I was invited to later this month. I hope everything will work out so that I can go.
So how are things coming along with your Christmas shopping? Are you caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season - and have you stopped to take time to put Christ back into Christmas? What are your plans up until then? Lots of shopping yet to do? Whatever you decide to do - keep in mind what the REAL reason for this season is. Celebrate Jesus!
Blessings!
I had hubby bring in ALL the Christmas items and boxes we had stored out in the shed - and I cleaned out the storage closet. We have LOTS going to Savers tomorrow. I decided I needed to get rid of some clutter - even though it comes out only once a year. I don't put everything out - and if I'm not using it - why keep it! So, the Christmas tree is up and all our ornaments are on it. I thought I had given all the grandchildren their ornaments last year from all the years we have given them. (will explain below) But - to my surprise, I found several bags of ornaments with the grandchildren's name on it. Guess I will need to get them sent out so that they can put on their own tree.
Ok - the Christmas ornaments for the grandchildren. Years ago, when my children were born, my in-laws started the tradition of giving each child an ornament every year - so that when they got married or moved out and had their very own tree, they would have their very own ornaments to put on it. I started that tradition when each of my grandchildren were born. Obviously the 20 years old has more than the 5 years old, but it is still a start. Yes, I'm still giving an ornament out - but since we don't put up a 'grandchildren tree' anymore, they may as well put on their own tree. Yeah, we used to have two trees. (Actually at one time we had five) The smaller tree was the 'grandchildren tree' and they would hang their ornaments on it every year. Then we would make gifts for their parents, wrap and put under that tree for their parents to open on Christmas morning when they came over. We stopped doing that a few years back as I had run out of ideas for the grandchildren to make for their parents. So - now when they come over we bake cookies, make Christmas mice, or I find some other treat for them to make - and take home.
Ironically, we also found the container that has the grandchildren's Christmas tree in it. I wonder if anyone needs it - if not, it will go to Savers as well. Will have to check with everyone. I have wreaths and a few other little things - I just can't put everything out anymore. Still, I do have lots of things setting out. Precious memories on several ones, like the Santa sitting on a train that I bought the year after my brother, who loved trains, died. I have the Santa sleeping in the bed - and snoring - that my mama had put out every year. I have a stuffed animal I named 'Aspen' that gets put out - a gift from my sister-in-law and brother-in-law when we did a late November trip to Lake of the Woods. Have a Santa that won't stop laughing that my sissy sent me last year. Another dog on a sleigh that sings and barks from the in-laws. I love Christmas, I love the TRUE meaning of Christmas, and I love the celebration of the holiday. Christmas is my favorite time of year.
I hope to finish up my shopping this week so that I can start my baking and canning next week. Have picked up cucumbers and onions to make my bread and butter pickles. I don't have to make as many this year I guess with not working. Oh, I did find a 'white elephant' gift to take for the Finance Christmas party that I was invited to later this month. I hope everything will work out so that I can go.
So how are things coming along with your Christmas shopping? Are you caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season - and have you stopped to take time to put Christ back into Christmas? What are your plans up until then? Lots of shopping yet to do? Whatever you decide to do - keep in mind what the REAL reason for this season is. Celebrate Jesus!
Blessings!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Brrrrr Monday morning!
I told my hubby this morning I am so glad that God gave me the opportunity to retire in the coolest part of the year - it is cold out this morning and the thought of having to go out in the cold to go to a job - brrrr! I know I will be in it before too long anyway, but for now, it is nice staying in until it warms up (maybe) a little bit. I think the high is to be 54 today. Maybe I will just stay in! I just 'don't do cold' real well.
Got to visit for awhile with a girlfriend from work last night. It was fun catching up on things with her - and hear her tell me that I am really missed at the office! That is always good to hear. I commented a few times when I visited awhile back to 'make me an offer I can't refuse' - then I slap my head and think 'WHAT are you thinking?!!' LOL God gave me this wonderful opportunity and I want to go back? I really did not like the long drive to and from work. Lots of people on the road that don't know how to drive. And they probably think the same about me at times.
Being off work this past month has really been good for me. I feel I am more relaxed and pretty much rested - except I didn't sleep well last night. Had planned to go to the gym with Tom this morning, but I was awake at midnight, finally got up at 1AM, went back to bed at 2AM, was awake at 4AM - finally got up around 6AM I think. Dozing off and on while I was in bed didn't give me enough rest. I may need to take a nap this afternoon! Bummer! I don't know why I couldn't sleep - I was sleepy and tired when I went to bed. Am I getting too relaxed? I know we need to get back into our workout/walking routine. We did so well the first part of November and after that it seems like one thing after another kept us from it. I'm re-evaluating how to get my exercise in.
One of the things I thought about during my wakeful time was New Years Day. To set the scene for you to see, I am a woman who loves traditions, loves doing things with my family, loves being with my children and grandchildren. It brings me so much joy to just be near them. I wish I could be more often other than just birthdays and holidays. But, they have their lives to live and so do I. Perhaps that is what got me thinking about this.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we do get together some time throughout Christmas Day, when it is convenient for them. The boys usually come here and bring their families around lunch time. Later in the afternoon we all head over to the daughter's house. We all stay there until later that evening then again go our separate ways. New Years is another holiday we always got together. Well, I guess it was about 7 years ago when Tom wanted 'us' to spend New Years Day together and we didn't do anything but stayed home. I was so depressed and so sad. It wasn't what I wanted; I wanted to be with the grandchildren.
But this year it is different. I mean, I STILL want to be with my children and my grandchildren, but the grandchildren are older now and don't 'want' to just be with grandma. And that is ok. I need to let go. I need to let my children have their own precious memories made for their children. Of course that means that mom doesn't make the BBQ ribs and the coleslaw with the quarter in it. No black-eyed peas, which I am sure will break their heart. Most of my children and their spouses work - so this is a real holiday for them. True, I did most of the cooking and they just had to eat - but it is a day they could be relaxing at home instead of driving wherever we plan to meet (which this year could possibly be an entirely different place!) and then watch TV all afternoon - or, perhaps play scrabble. :-)
So - my dear children. As you read this, please give me your thoughts. What would you like to do? I don't think it will be possible at Mary's this year - and Stuart you have to drive so far - and Delnora would possibly appreciate an extra day at home just to relax before going back to work. Should I fix things here and make it 'come and go'? - which I am willing to do. Unfortunately, we don't have anything for the grandchildren to do here - no computers for them to play on. It can get boring for some. But, if everyone doesn't arrive at once, we could possibly keep peace by doing it in stages. Or, perhaps we need to just see if someone needs help that day and volunteer to help with what is needed. I can always fix a pot a chili to take to someone's house so we can continue helping in other areas.
Trying not to say too much and yet say enough. So, my children, please give me your thoughts. Since Tom does have me to himself most of the time now, it won't be like before. This is one of the things I was thinking about during my wakeful hours. It is my New Years gift to you. Some traditions are ok to stop, and to create new ones. This may be one of them - not to say that another year we may agree to get together for mom's BBQ ribs, coleslaw and black-eyed peas.
I love you all so much and love being with you. I pray blessings for each of you, especially in this coming year. Sounds like there may be changes happening. Whatever you do, wherever you go, remember always that I love you and am praying for each of you.
Waiting to hear from you before I go buy the ribs!
Blessings!
Got to visit for awhile with a girlfriend from work last night. It was fun catching up on things with her - and hear her tell me that I am really missed at the office! That is always good to hear. I commented a few times when I visited awhile back to 'make me an offer I can't refuse' - then I slap my head and think 'WHAT are you thinking?!!' LOL God gave me this wonderful opportunity and I want to go back? I really did not like the long drive to and from work. Lots of people on the road that don't know how to drive. And they probably think the same about me at times.
Being off work this past month has really been good for me. I feel I am more relaxed and pretty much rested - except I didn't sleep well last night. Had planned to go to the gym with Tom this morning, but I was awake at midnight, finally got up at 1AM, went back to bed at 2AM, was awake at 4AM - finally got up around 6AM I think. Dozing off and on while I was in bed didn't give me enough rest. I may need to take a nap this afternoon! Bummer! I don't know why I couldn't sleep - I was sleepy and tired when I went to bed. Am I getting too relaxed? I know we need to get back into our workout/walking routine. We did so well the first part of November and after that it seems like one thing after another kept us from it. I'm re-evaluating how to get my exercise in.
One of the things I thought about during my wakeful time was New Years Day. To set the scene for you to see, I am a woman who loves traditions, loves doing things with my family, loves being with my children and grandchildren. It brings me so much joy to just be near them. I wish I could be more often other than just birthdays and holidays. But, they have their lives to live and so do I. Perhaps that is what got me thinking about this.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we do get together some time throughout Christmas Day, when it is convenient for them. The boys usually come here and bring their families around lunch time. Later in the afternoon we all head over to the daughter's house. We all stay there until later that evening then again go our separate ways. New Years is another holiday we always got together. Well, I guess it was about 7 years ago when Tom wanted 'us' to spend New Years Day together and we didn't do anything but stayed home. I was so depressed and so sad. It wasn't what I wanted; I wanted to be with the grandchildren.
But this year it is different. I mean, I STILL want to be with my children and my grandchildren, but the grandchildren are older now and don't 'want' to just be with grandma. And that is ok. I need to let go. I need to let my children have their own precious memories made for their children. Of course that means that mom doesn't make the BBQ ribs and the coleslaw with the quarter in it. No black-eyed peas, which I am sure will break their heart. Most of my children and their spouses work - so this is a real holiday for them. True, I did most of the cooking and they just had to eat - but it is a day they could be relaxing at home instead of driving wherever we plan to meet (which this year could possibly be an entirely different place!) and then watch TV all afternoon - or, perhaps play scrabble. :-)
So - my dear children. As you read this, please give me your thoughts. What would you like to do? I don't think it will be possible at Mary's this year - and Stuart you have to drive so far - and Delnora would possibly appreciate an extra day at home just to relax before going back to work. Should I fix things here and make it 'come and go'? - which I am willing to do. Unfortunately, we don't have anything for the grandchildren to do here - no computers for them to play on. It can get boring for some. But, if everyone doesn't arrive at once, we could possibly keep peace by doing it in stages. Or, perhaps we need to just see if someone needs help that day and volunteer to help with what is needed. I can always fix a pot a chili to take to someone's house so we can continue helping in other areas.
Trying not to say too much and yet say enough. So, my children, please give me your thoughts. Since Tom does have me to himself most of the time now, it won't be like before. This is one of the things I was thinking about during my wakeful hours. It is my New Years gift to you. Some traditions are ok to stop, and to create new ones. This may be one of them - not to say that another year we may agree to get together for mom's BBQ ribs, coleslaw and black-eyed peas.
I love you all so much and love being with you. I pray blessings for each of you, especially in this coming year. Sounds like there may be changes happening. Whatever you do, wherever you go, remember always that I love you and am praying for each of you.
Waiting to hear from you before I go buy the ribs!
Blessings!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Holiday Confusion? Part II
Alas, Amazon responded this afternoon! I have received a nice note thanking me for notifying them of the received packages, and they sent me five return labels to have the boxes returned. So, now that I don't get to keep them, I guess I will share what they contained. Although it is fun to keep the kids guessing - only two asked what they were.
We received in the first box - 4 Seiko men's watches.
In the 2nd box a watch by Invicta
In the 3rd box a watch by Ann Klein
In the 4th box a watch by Stuhrling
In the 5th box a watch by Michael Kors
What in the world would we do with 8 watches? I DO love watches and have several but all of these seemed to be for a very large wrist and would not fit mine, for sure! I have printed the return labels and will get these returned tomorrow back to Amazon. I'm glad it was that easy.
Still have lots of shopping to get done. It sure would help if I had lists - although with the two grandson lists that I have, it's hard to choose what to buy. I wanted to get a musical instrument for one of them, as requested, but I'm finding a good one is beyond my budget for a grandchild. So - back to square one. And how in the world does a grandparent know what DS game they don't have and what to buy? Just a 'DS game' sure does not help when someone as DS-illiterate as I am needs to buy a gift. Oh well.
Been also checking the ads for a Doberman. Yes, I want a Doberman. Female, young. Would prefer spaded already. I did find a place a few weeks ago that I have to complete an application for and they will come interview us to see if we could take care of a Doberman. Just the entire email conversation has me reluctant to contact them. But, if I haven't found one elsewhere after Christmas, I may send in the application. I'm just a private person and don't care for people asking personal information. I may end up going with a puppy just so I can get what I want. Wanted one already trained, spaded and all the other stuff, but my issue is they must like kids. We have lots of grandchildren who love dogs and I don't want the dog - nor the grandchildren - to be afraid of each other. Will see how this ends up.
Today is Sunday and it has been a cold day (if you call 50 + degrees cold) and after church and doing shopping for Angel Tree I have stayed at home. Will probably watch another Christmas movie or a chick flick later this evening. We went on a personal retreat up in Northern Arizona Thursday - Saturday then spent time in Prescott Valley - in the snow! Yes, we had to drive home in the snow. Tried to download a photo onto facebook of the snow on the trees but after about 20 tries I gave up. I need my granddaughter to help me I guess.
So how are you preparing for Christmas? Done any shopping yet? Got any great ideas? Hopefully we can get our Christmas things out tomorrow and start putting things out. I want to go through and get rid of a lot of the decorations I don't use anymore. I gave the grandchildren all their Christmas ornaments from years past last year - and the one from this year. Now it is just us!
Blessings!
We received in the first box - 4 Seiko men's watches.
In the 2nd box a watch by Invicta
In the 3rd box a watch by Ann Klein
In the 4th box a watch by Stuhrling
In the 5th box a watch by Michael Kors
What in the world would we do with 8 watches? I DO love watches and have several but all of these seemed to be for a very large wrist and would not fit mine, for sure! I have printed the return labels and will get these returned tomorrow back to Amazon. I'm glad it was that easy.
Still have lots of shopping to get done. It sure would help if I had lists - although with the two grandson lists that I have, it's hard to choose what to buy. I wanted to get a musical instrument for one of them, as requested, but I'm finding a good one is beyond my budget for a grandchild. So - back to square one. And how in the world does a grandparent know what DS game they don't have and what to buy? Just a 'DS game' sure does not help when someone as DS-illiterate as I am needs to buy a gift. Oh well.
Been also checking the ads for a Doberman. Yes, I want a Doberman. Female, young. Would prefer spaded already. I did find a place a few weeks ago that I have to complete an application for and they will come interview us to see if we could take care of a Doberman. Just the entire email conversation has me reluctant to contact them. But, if I haven't found one elsewhere after Christmas, I may send in the application. I'm just a private person and don't care for people asking personal information. I may end up going with a puppy just so I can get what I want. Wanted one already trained, spaded and all the other stuff, but my issue is they must like kids. We have lots of grandchildren who love dogs and I don't want the dog - nor the grandchildren - to be afraid of each other. Will see how this ends up.
Today is Sunday and it has been a cold day (if you call 50 + degrees cold) and after church and doing shopping for Angel Tree I have stayed at home. Will probably watch another Christmas movie or a chick flick later this evening. We went on a personal retreat up in Northern Arizona Thursday - Saturday then spent time in Prescott Valley - in the snow! Yes, we had to drive home in the snow. Tried to download a photo onto facebook of the snow on the trees but after about 20 tries I gave up. I need my granddaughter to help me I guess.
So how are you preparing for Christmas? Done any shopping yet? Got any great ideas? Hopefully we can get our Christmas things out tomorrow and start putting things out. I want to go through and get rid of a lot of the decorations I don't use anymore. I gave the grandchildren all their Christmas ornaments from years past last year - and the one from this year. Now it is just us!
Blessings!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Holiday Confusion?
I'm not sure what is going on what Amazon in Lexington, KY but they have gotten ahold of our name and address and are shipping packages - unordered - to us. When the first package arrived yesterday, I chatted online with Amazon and gave them the order number that was inside the box. They had customer service call me. I again gave the order number. She said she couldn't find the order in the system "so just keep it, we have no way to track it." I didn't like that idea for it clearly showed someone had been charged nearly $300 for these items. So, I googled the company where it came from and sent them an email - which goes through Amazon. I have not yet gotten a response.
This morning when I opened the front door - I found 4 more boxes from Amazon, Lexington, KY, sitting on our porch. I opened each one. Each was a different style, but same item as the others in the first box. And there is no information, order number or anything within the box as had been in the first one. These were shipped to us without any information at all. And this time, no company name on the box - just from Amazon, Lexington, KY.
So, as before, I plan to chat with Amazon and see if I can't clear this up. I find it funny in that I have several of these items because I like them. Not anywhere this expensive though. It is interesting that 4 identical items arrived in the first box, and the next four boxes contained only one - and much different. I know I have you curious now as to what it is, but if Amazon insists that I keep them for no tracking information, my kids may get them for Christmas gifts! LOL Got to keep them guessing!
As I have sat here and thought about it, I'm asking God what is this all about. Is it something that He is trying to tell me? I can take it many different ways; different scenarios. Hmmmm.... stay tuned on this one. Depending on what Amazon tells me today - or anything I receive from them prior to Christmas on returning or keeping the items - will keep you updated. I'm trying to keep an open mind as to what this is all about.
So what has surprised you lately that you weren't expecting? Is it a promotion? Loss of employment? Sickness? A special gift you received - or were able to purchase for someone that you didn't think you could? Did you receive an anonymous gift from Amazon? What is God showing you in this - is He just blessing you in some way?
Blessings!
This morning when I opened the front door - I found 4 more boxes from Amazon, Lexington, KY, sitting on our porch. I opened each one. Each was a different style, but same item as the others in the first box. And there is no information, order number or anything within the box as had been in the first one. These were shipped to us without any information at all. And this time, no company name on the box - just from Amazon, Lexington, KY.
So, as before, I plan to chat with Amazon and see if I can't clear this up. I find it funny in that I have several of these items because I like them. Not anywhere this expensive though. It is interesting that 4 identical items arrived in the first box, and the next four boxes contained only one - and much different. I know I have you curious now as to what it is, but if Amazon insists that I keep them for no tracking information, my kids may get them for Christmas gifts! LOL Got to keep them guessing!
As I have sat here and thought about it, I'm asking God what is this all about. Is it something that He is trying to tell me? I can take it many different ways; different scenarios. Hmmmm.... stay tuned on this one. Depending on what Amazon tells me today - or anything I receive from them prior to Christmas on returning or keeping the items - will keep you updated. I'm trying to keep an open mind as to what this is all about.
So what has surprised you lately that you weren't expecting? Is it a promotion? Loss of employment? Sickness? A special gift you received - or were able to purchase for someone that you didn't think you could? Did you receive an anonymous gift from Amazon? What is God showing you in this - is He just blessing you in some way?
Blessings!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Shopping?
Wow - it isn't even December yet and I'm already shopping a lot! So glad I'm not working so that I can go in the day time when others are at work. It sure does make a difference! I'm hoping to finish shopping by the 2nd week of December so that I can focus on my baking and canning.
Finished up two of the grandchildren yesterday and got a good start on a couple others. No, I don't buy a lot of gifts anymore - just a couple per grandchild now. I try to focus on my children and their spouses - they do without all year to provide for their children - now I want to bless them. Just being a 'mom'. Which reminds me of a true story...
One Christmas, many years ago, I was struggling with strept throat. I didn't know it was more than a sore throat so I continued to bake, to can, to shop - just like every year. At that time, I think we had only 3 grandchildren. Anyway, I wanted everyone to come to "grandma's house" for Christmas morning first thing - just like when I was growing up and everyone came to my mom's house. (I'm big on traditions.) After we married, we always got the children together around 6AM on Christmas morning. This Christmas was no exception to that. I would cook a big breakfast and after opening gifts, we would all eat together, then they were free to go wherever they wanted for the rest of the day. I would buy so many gifts - sometimes buying silly things to ensure that everyone had the same number of gifts. Exactly. Didn't matter how much I spent (which was never a whole lot), but everyone got the same number of gifts. That year I remember it was 27 gifts apiece. Of course we had to open each one - one person at a time - so it took us a little while to get through all the gifts. I loved watching it all - but being sick, I could only sit in my chair and watch.
After the gifts were open and everyone went in to eat, I continued to sit in my chair when God spoke to me. Yes, I know without a doubt it was Him. "You are selfish." What? Me selfish? How can you say I'm selfish? Look at all these gifts I bought and all these things I made - how can you say I'm selfish? "You are selfish."
As I sat there and thought about it, God revealed to me why He said I was selfish. I wasn't selfish with material things. I was being selfish in wanting my children and grandchildren with ME first thing on Christmas morning. The grandchildren were not even opening their gifts at home - they were being awaken to come to grandma's house first. They would then either go to their 'other grandparent's house' or home to open their own gifts. As God revealed all this to me, I realized He was right. I was being selfish.
I called my children over and told them I was sorry, that God had revealed that I was being selfish. Of course they immediately said 'you are not!' - so I had to explain. I told them from then on, they were to have their Christmas at home first, and then stop by whenever they wanted to later Christmas day. It was hard for me to tell them that, for I love being with them all and seeing all their excitement.
But Christmas is not about me. It is about Jesus, his birth celebrated on Christmas day. That is what we are to be celebrating - not giving gifts to each other. But, of course, I still do that, just not in that quanity. It isn't the number of gifts, it is being with family that you love. (and perhaps some you don't!)
This year, think about what you do Christmas morning. We start ours off with just Tom and I. We open our stockings from Santa (yes, I still believe in Santa Claus) then gifts from each other. Tom brings my coffee before we even start (is he trained or what!) I fix lunch now - and whoever stops by around that time opens their gifts and eat when they want to. Then later in the day we head out to our daughter's for a few hours. They insisted on starting their own tradition of everyone going to see them. Kind of like I was doing first thing, I think, but it is what they wanted. It's not the same as by then it is crazy and everyone opens their gifts at the same time and I miss getting to see their faces seeing what I searched so diligently for them. But, each family has started their own traditions. And I have to let go.
Think about what you would like to change from Christmas past, then make that change. Take time to celebrate Jesus and remind your children and grandchildren the reason for the celebration. It isn't just about gifts, it is about loving each other too. What is your tradition?
Blessings!
Finished up two of the grandchildren yesterday and got a good start on a couple others. No, I don't buy a lot of gifts anymore - just a couple per grandchild now. I try to focus on my children and their spouses - they do without all year to provide for their children - now I want to bless them. Just being a 'mom'. Which reminds me of a true story...
One Christmas, many years ago, I was struggling with strept throat. I didn't know it was more than a sore throat so I continued to bake, to can, to shop - just like every year. At that time, I think we had only 3 grandchildren. Anyway, I wanted everyone to come to "grandma's house" for Christmas morning first thing - just like when I was growing up and everyone came to my mom's house. (I'm big on traditions.) After we married, we always got the children together around 6AM on Christmas morning. This Christmas was no exception to that. I would cook a big breakfast and after opening gifts, we would all eat together, then they were free to go wherever they wanted for the rest of the day. I would buy so many gifts - sometimes buying silly things to ensure that everyone had the same number of gifts. Exactly. Didn't matter how much I spent (which was never a whole lot), but everyone got the same number of gifts. That year I remember it was 27 gifts apiece. Of course we had to open each one - one person at a time - so it took us a little while to get through all the gifts. I loved watching it all - but being sick, I could only sit in my chair and watch.
After the gifts were open and everyone went in to eat, I continued to sit in my chair when God spoke to me. Yes, I know without a doubt it was Him. "You are selfish." What? Me selfish? How can you say I'm selfish? Look at all these gifts I bought and all these things I made - how can you say I'm selfish? "You are selfish."
As I sat there and thought about it, God revealed to me why He said I was selfish. I wasn't selfish with material things. I was being selfish in wanting my children and grandchildren with ME first thing on Christmas morning. The grandchildren were not even opening their gifts at home - they were being awaken to come to grandma's house first. They would then either go to their 'other grandparent's house' or home to open their own gifts. As God revealed all this to me, I realized He was right. I was being selfish.
I called my children over and told them I was sorry, that God had revealed that I was being selfish. Of course they immediately said 'you are not!' - so I had to explain. I told them from then on, they were to have their Christmas at home first, and then stop by whenever they wanted to later Christmas day. It was hard for me to tell them that, for I love being with them all and seeing all their excitement.
But Christmas is not about me. It is about Jesus, his birth celebrated on Christmas day. That is what we are to be celebrating - not giving gifts to each other. But, of course, I still do that, just not in that quanity. It isn't the number of gifts, it is being with family that you love. (and perhaps some you don't!)
This year, think about what you do Christmas morning. We start ours off with just Tom and I. We open our stockings from Santa (yes, I still believe in Santa Claus) then gifts from each other. Tom brings my coffee before we even start (is he trained or what!) I fix lunch now - and whoever stops by around that time opens their gifts and eat when they want to. Then later in the day we head out to our daughter's for a few hours. They insisted on starting their own tradition of everyone going to see them. Kind of like I was doing first thing, I think, but it is what they wanted. It's not the same as by then it is crazy and everyone opens their gifts at the same time and I miss getting to see their faces seeing what I searched so diligently for them. But, each family has started their own traditions. And I have to let go.
Think about what you would like to change from Christmas past, then make that change. Take time to celebrate Jesus and remind your children and grandchildren the reason for the celebration. It isn't just about gifts, it is about loving each other too. What is your tradition?
Blessings!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens....
bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens..... sigh.... what is it that Julie Andrews said when she sung this song in The Sound of Music? When you are feeling sad, to think of your favorite things?
I'm not sad, but frustrated somewhat. Cobra insurance is giving me fits this morning and hubby needs his eye meds. So, if I go around singing about my favorite things, will that help me feel better? I checked on this before I 'retired' and was assured no problems. Yes, I mailed the check for the cobra insurance within a short time after receiving the information. Perhaps it is caught up in the processing. I sent Aetna an email this morning - and they have, in the past, been pretty good about getting back right away. Hopefully we can get this quickly resolved and his eye meds in the mail.
Hubby has gone for a morning meeting with a friend and I have a little time alone. Then he wants us to go to the gym. I should have gone earlier this morning - I've been up since 4AM. After that, I may run away and try to get some shopping done. I tried to do some shopping yesterday, but I have no clue as to what anyone wants or needs. I just walk up and down the aisles and have been walking out of the stores empty handed. They had best speak up soon or they may get nothing. Not that the children will care, but the grandchildren might!
I've decided that I like - and don't like - being 'retired'. I enjoy the freedom of being able to do things I couldn't do before when working without scheduling specific times to do it. I don't like my time being managed for me. I miss working with others. I enjoy people and miss the interaction. I sent my resume to one place last week and will be checking out other places today. If it wasn't for medical insurance, I wouldn't be so concerned about it, but at end of year, I will have none. Although I am in good health, it is good to have 'just in case'.
Regardless of how long it takes me to find employment, I know it will be in God's timing. I trust Him. When He provided me this opportunity to retire early, He showed me it was 'time' for me to leave where I was. I began praying then that He would prepare where and what He wanted me to do. I'm trusting in Him to provide. Maybe it isn't in His plans for me to go back to work. I don't know. If it isn't, I'm still trusting in Him to meet our needs (not necessarily wants). I will continue to look until He makes it clear that I don't need to. To keep my sanity, I'm sure He will provide something soon! LOL I keep talking Starbucks - I hear they have great benefits!
A few of my favorite things... getting away for a few days later this week for a retreat with God... Hubby and I watching chick flicks... Spending time with my children... Spending more time with my grandchildren... Being available to serve whenever God sends me somewhere... Having extended time each morning with God... Baking and giving it away... Being with friends... Getting my fingernails painted by my granddaughter..
What are your favorite things? What brings you joy?
Blessings!
I'm not sad, but frustrated somewhat. Cobra insurance is giving me fits this morning and hubby needs his eye meds. So, if I go around singing about my favorite things, will that help me feel better? I checked on this before I 'retired' and was assured no problems. Yes, I mailed the check for the cobra insurance within a short time after receiving the information. Perhaps it is caught up in the processing. I sent Aetna an email this morning - and they have, in the past, been pretty good about getting back right away. Hopefully we can get this quickly resolved and his eye meds in the mail.
Hubby has gone for a morning meeting with a friend and I have a little time alone. Then he wants us to go to the gym. I should have gone earlier this morning - I've been up since 4AM. After that, I may run away and try to get some shopping done. I tried to do some shopping yesterday, but I have no clue as to what anyone wants or needs. I just walk up and down the aisles and have been walking out of the stores empty handed. They had best speak up soon or they may get nothing. Not that the children will care, but the grandchildren might!
I've decided that I like - and don't like - being 'retired'. I enjoy the freedom of being able to do things I couldn't do before when working without scheduling specific times to do it. I don't like my time being managed for me. I miss working with others. I enjoy people and miss the interaction. I sent my resume to one place last week and will be checking out other places today. If it wasn't for medical insurance, I wouldn't be so concerned about it, but at end of year, I will have none. Although I am in good health, it is good to have 'just in case'.
Regardless of how long it takes me to find employment, I know it will be in God's timing. I trust Him. When He provided me this opportunity to retire early, He showed me it was 'time' for me to leave where I was. I began praying then that He would prepare where and what He wanted me to do. I'm trusting in Him to provide. Maybe it isn't in His plans for me to go back to work. I don't know. If it isn't, I'm still trusting in Him to meet our needs (not necessarily wants). I will continue to look until He makes it clear that I don't need to. To keep my sanity, I'm sure He will provide something soon! LOL I keep talking Starbucks - I hear they have great benefits!
A few of my favorite things... getting away for a few days later this week for a retreat with God... Hubby and I watching chick flicks... Spending time with my children... Spending more time with my grandchildren... Being available to serve whenever God sends me somewhere... Having extended time each morning with God... Baking and giving it away... Being with friends... Getting my fingernails painted by my granddaughter..
What are your favorite things? What brings you joy?
Blessings!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Day after Thanksgiving....
What a fun time we had yesterday with family and eating more than our fill! Mary, Tom, Stuart and I played a game of scrabble - and in spite of bickering on whether words are authentic, using Mary's 1982 edition dictionary (which made us laugh for at the top it says 'for those who want to be right') that is very outdated - Mary won the first round. Then Mary, Tricia (with Stevie's help) and I played another round of scrabble - which I won. It was a lot of fun, food was delicious, and just being with family is priceless.
Reading on facebook it looks like a lot of friends ate too much - and then late last night went to the "black Friday shopping frenzy'. Not me! I figure I wouldn't save anything for I don't know what to buy anyone yet - and I would just buy because it is on sale - and then would spend more than I would otherwise! I already have each of the couples their 'big' gift. (Now when they read this they will try to figure out what it is! LOL) I just don't know what to get individually. I like to shop with the person in mind, looking for that special something that I either know they want, or would really like. Going shopping just to get a good deal without anyone in mind to get it for - is useless to me.
I did do the Black Friday shopping thing one year. A girlfriend talked me in to it so at 5AM we were at a WalMart which was already across the front, down the back and going up the middle when we arrived. When we got inside, me - having no idea what I even wanted to buy - just wandered up and down the filled aisles - finally found a VCR I thought I would give to someone (I think) that I got for $25 (this was maybe ten years ago) and stood in line. For 45 minutes. For just a VCR. S T U P I D. Decided that was the last time I would do that. And it has been. If I feel the urge to go shopping, I wait until late in the day - most of the items are still on sale and I don't have the crowds up against me. I can't stand being surrounded by people pushing and shoving. I have been known to put everything back out of the cart and leave the store empty handed!
There have been a couple things that have come to mind to pick up - and I may head out later this afternoon to check them out. Then again, may just put on some chick flick and stay at home and watch it too. :-) I have other things I probably need to do instead of shopping and watching movies. I'm speaking at Pioneer Village on Sunday so should continue to review and work on my message. My real focus on it will be tomorrow and again Sunday morning before heading up.
Had a wonderful visit with Ralph and Ralphie, Nathan and David this morning for breakfast. I love being with family. After breakfast we headed to JCL-NM to visit a friend in the hospital. Now we are back home and just getting caught on on things. It is a beautiful day outside with the sun shining. I think it is to be 70 today. Maybe I can get Tom to go for a walk later.
What are you up to today? Busy out doing the Black Friday shopping thing? Getting your Christmas items out of storage to work on putting up? (Hope I can do that this next week!!) Take some time to remember someone who may not have had family and friends to be with yesterday. Visit someone in the hospital. Pick up the phone and just say you care to someone.
You may get a call too.
Blessings!
Reading on facebook it looks like a lot of friends ate too much - and then late last night went to the "black Friday shopping frenzy'. Not me! I figure I wouldn't save anything for I don't know what to buy anyone yet - and I would just buy because it is on sale - and then would spend more than I would otherwise! I already have each of the couples their 'big' gift. (Now when they read this they will try to figure out what it is! LOL) I just don't know what to get individually. I like to shop with the person in mind, looking for that special something that I either know they want, or would really like. Going shopping just to get a good deal without anyone in mind to get it for - is useless to me.
I did do the Black Friday shopping thing one year. A girlfriend talked me in to it so at 5AM we were at a WalMart which was already across the front, down the back and going up the middle when we arrived. When we got inside, me - having no idea what I even wanted to buy - just wandered up and down the filled aisles - finally found a VCR I thought I would give to someone (I think) that I got for $25 (this was maybe ten years ago) and stood in line. For 45 minutes. For just a VCR. S T U P I D. Decided that was the last time I would do that. And it has been. If I feel the urge to go shopping, I wait until late in the day - most of the items are still on sale and I don't have the crowds up against me. I can't stand being surrounded by people pushing and shoving. I have been known to put everything back out of the cart and leave the store empty handed!
There have been a couple things that have come to mind to pick up - and I may head out later this afternoon to check them out. Then again, may just put on some chick flick and stay at home and watch it too. :-) I have other things I probably need to do instead of shopping and watching movies. I'm speaking at Pioneer Village on Sunday so should continue to review and work on my message. My real focus on it will be tomorrow and again Sunday morning before heading up.
Had a wonderful visit with Ralph and Ralphie, Nathan and David this morning for breakfast. I love being with family. After breakfast we headed to JCL-NM to visit a friend in the hospital. Now we are back home and just getting caught on on things. It is a beautiful day outside with the sun shining. I think it is to be 70 today. Maybe I can get Tom to go for a walk later.
What are you up to today? Busy out doing the Black Friday shopping thing? Getting your Christmas items out of storage to work on putting up? (Hope I can do that this next week!!) Take some time to remember someone who may not have had family and friends to be with yesterday. Visit someone in the hospital. Pick up the phone and just say you care to someone.
You may get a call too.
Blessings!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thankfulness...
I have many things I am thankful for. My life, for one thing, and certainly the life of my daughter, Mary. God healed her ten years ago and we are so grateful to Him.
I'm thankful for my husband, Tom, who among other things, does the dishes every meal for me, makes the bed every day, does the laundry every week. I'm thankful for my son, Ralph, who is always available to come check out our computers and anything else that starts acting crazy. And I'm thankful for my son, Stuart, who always calls to tell me he loves me.
I am thankful for my childrens' spouses - that they encourage my children to keep in touch and let me know what is going on in their lives. They are willing to share their family with us.
You know I am thankful for precious grandchildren that God has blessed me with! I love and adore each and every one of them. Princess Bethany has been with me three days this week, helping me clean out cabinets and painting my fingernails and just loving on me. I have been so full of joy with her being with us. This is the first time she has actually stayed with us - and stayed longer than a short evening visit. I had so much fun with her - and I hope she enjoyed it as much. She made Tuscany Bean Soup for dinner tonight - and my special salsa to take with her, share with her daddy, and left some here for grandpa. She is such a blessing to me, such a joy.
Not to say the others aren't! Stevie and Princess Tricia stopped by tonight with mom and dad - and I'm a sucker for their hugs. They give REAL hugs, not the quickie where you think they squeezed you but aren't sure.
I'm so blessed. God has indeed blessed my socks off! He has brought me so much joy with my grandchildren, my children, my husband. Thank you, Father.
How are you feeling this Thanksgiving Eve? Do you realize how precious you are to others? How precious your family is to you?
The greatest thankfulness that any of us can have, greater than even grandchildren, is that Jesus Christ went to the cross to die for our sins, that we can have eternal life. All we have to do is confess our sins, repent, and ask Jesus into our hearts - and give Him control. Doesn't mean life is going to be easy. One thing for sure, if you give each day to Him, it is His responsibility to help you through it, but you have to take your hands off and let Him work. Trust Him. He works for you! He loves you!
I am truly thankful for God's forgiveness for my past and that He gives me hope for tomorrow. His mercy is far greater than my sins.
May tomorrow before you eat, you will pause to thank God for what He has blessed you with. I will.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessings!
I'm thankful for my husband, Tom, who among other things, does the dishes every meal for me, makes the bed every day, does the laundry every week. I'm thankful for my son, Ralph, who is always available to come check out our computers and anything else that starts acting crazy. And I'm thankful for my son, Stuart, who always calls to tell me he loves me.
I am thankful for my childrens' spouses - that they encourage my children to keep in touch and let me know what is going on in their lives. They are willing to share their family with us.
You know I am thankful for precious grandchildren that God has blessed me with! I love and adore each and every one of them. Princess Bethany has been with me three days this week, helping me clean out cabinets and painting my fingernails and just loving on me. I have been so full of joy with her being with us. This is the first time she has actually stayed with us - and stayed longer than a short evening visit. I had so much fun with her - and I hope she enjoyed it as much. She made Tuscany Bean Soup for dinner tonight - and my special salsa to take with her, share with her daddy, and left some here for grandpa. She is such a blessing to me, such a joy.
Not to say the others aren't! Stevie and Princess Tricia stopped by tonight with mom and dad - and I'm a sucker for their hugs. They give REAL hugs, not the quickie where you think they squeezed you but aren't sure.
I'm so blessed. God has indeed blessed my socks off! He has brought me so much joy with my grandchildren, my children, my husband. Thank you, Father.
How are you feeling this Thanksgiving Eve? Do you realize how precious you are to others? How precious your family is to you?
The greatest thankfulness that any of us can have, greater than even grandchildren, is that Jesus Christ went to the cross to die for our sins, that we can have eternal life. All we have to do is confess our sins, repent, and ask Jesus into our hearts - and give Him control. Doesn't mean life is going to be easy. One thing for sure, if you give each day to Him, it is His responsibility to help you through it, but you have to take your hands off and let Him work. Trust Him. He works for you! He loves you!
I am truly thankful for God's forgiveness for my past and that He gives me hope for tomorrow. His mercy is far greater than my sins.
May tomorrow before you eat, you will pause to thank God for what He has blessed you with. I will.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessings!
Monday, November 21, 2011
My Great Love Story
We watched another movie last night which was 'odd', yet I was able to follow the path - going from what 'was' to what 'is'. It was a story of love, yet lost. Before we watched it, I had read an email from my little sister who commented after reading my blog, that like my granddaughter, she felt I should write a book. Of course I laughed at that although that has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl.
So what happens? During the night I wake up and begin thinking about the movie, and about my life. I decided, in my sleepiness, that perhaps I would write a book and that the title would be 'My Great Love Story'. I began thinking back as far as I could remember, and what I would want to tell in the story, discarding many things. The one consistent thought that kept coming to me throughout my entire life, is God's love for me.
I smiled as I thought about how God has interwoven the threads of my life into a tapestry of beauty. Not of me, of course, but my life before Him. Yes, it has a lot of stretched threads where I have chosen to go my own way, but the consistent thing is His love is woven throughout the tapestry, even in those difficult times. I remember a story.....
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been! My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
See, He is my great Love Story. He has never left me, nor forsaken me. As I run into His arms daily, He supplies all that I need, whether I realize it at the time or not. He is Faithful to all who come to Him.
What would be your great love story? I pray it will also be a tapestry of love, woven together by the angels and displayed for all the world to see.
Blessings!
So what happens? During the night I wake up and begin thinking about the movie, and about my life. I decided, in my sleepiness, that perhaps I would write a book and that the title would be 'My Great Love Story'. I began thinking back as far as I could remember, and what I would want to tell in the story, discarding many things. The one consistent thought that kept coming to me throughout my entire life, is God's love for me.
I smiled as I thought about how God has interwoven the threads of my life into a tapestry of beauty. Not of me, of course, but my life before Him. Yes, it has a lot of stretched threads where I have chosen to go my own way, but the consistent thing is His love is woven throughout the tapestry, even in those difficult times. I remember a story.....
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been! My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'
What would be your great love story? I pray it will also be a tapestry of love, woven together by the angels and displayed for all the world to see.
Blessings!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
What if....
We watched a movie last night titled 'What If''. It is a story about a man who got a glimpse of his life had he made another choice. A movie much like 'Family Man' that we also enjoy.
As I thought about what to share today, the 'what if' keeps coming to me. What if. What if.
What if you had chosen someone else to be your spouse. What if you had chosen to remain single. What if you had decided to have children. What if you decided not to have children.
What if you decided to live your life your way and ignore God and His plan for you.
What if you decided to take a job that helped financially but you didn't really like. What if you decided to take a job that didn't pay much, but you loved it.
What if you chose to live your life surrendered to God.
What if..... What if......
Think about it. What would change, if anything, if you got a glimpse of what your life could/would have been like had you made the choice to do something different than what you did?
Would you really change the important parts of your life? Sure, we all have made wrong choices about some things, but for the really important things, would we want to change them? I feel there are pros and cons to every decision, good and bad. Are they bad enough that you want to change them? Was your choice so wrong? Or was your choice so right there is no question about where you are right now?
Each decision is yours alone to make. The final decision is yours. You may discuss it with someone, but right down to the line, it is your decision to make.
If you stop and choose now to change direction, who all will it affect? Your spouse? Your children? Your parents? Your family? The dog?
Will it be a GOOD change?
Before you make that final decision, really think it through. What if..... What if....
Blessings!
As I thought about what to share today, the 'what if' keeps coming to me. What if. What if.
What if you had chosen someone else to be your spouse. What if you had chosen to remain single. What if you had decided to have children. What if you decided not to have children.
What if you decided to live your life your way and ignore God and His plan for you.
What if you decided to take a job that helped financially but you didn't really like. What if you decided to take a job that didn't pay much, but you loved it.
What if you chose to live your life surrendered to God.
What if..... What if......
Think about it. What would change, if anything, if you got a glimpse of what your life could/would have been like had you made the choice to do something different than what you did?
Would you really change the important parts of your life? Sure, we all have made wrong choices about some things, but for the really important things, would we want to change them? I feel there are pros and cons to every decision, good and bad. Are they bad enough that you want to change them? Was your choice so wrong? Or was your choice so right there is no question about where you are right now?
Each decision is yours alone to make. The final decision is yours. You may discuss it with someone, but right down to the line, it is your decision to make.
If you stop and choose now to change direction, who all will it affect? Your spouse? Your children? Your parents? Your family? The dog?
Will it be a GOOD change?
Before you make that final decision, really think it through. What if..... What if....
Blessings!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Gratefulness
As I sit here at my computer, I am listening to the sound of the clock ticking in the background. I am looking outside the window at the beauty of the sky. I am feeling the warmth of the sun as it shines through the window upon me. And, I think, this is good. Silence. Beauty. Warmth.
I love these moments that come when I can be quiet and just 'be'. I don't have to be doing anything (although I am typing this as I process what I'm feeling and thinking), and as I pause to enjoy what I have at this moment, I realize again how blessed I am.
So many people are so busy, and even more are gearing up for the holidays to overwhelm themselves with things to do and things to buy and places to go and people to see. But, do they just stop and allow peace to flood them. Do they stop long enough to hear the birds singing their sweet notes. Do they stop to gaze at the beauty around them, the sky, the flowers, the trees. Do they stop and take a deep breath and let go of the cares they have been carrying far too long.
I'm blessed for at this moment I am 'retired'. I have been able to have several moments where I can stop and see and hear and breathe in the goodness of God. The thought occurs to me - how long can I drag this out? Time to be able to just 'Be'. I have said I want to be home through the holidays, but I probably should start looking next month. Some days I think I need to look sooner for I'm not used to so much time available to me and I find I can get bored easily. Not that I don't have several things I could be doing.
Yet, I also find I have many things that I am doing that I didn't have time for when I worked. And those, I feel, are good things. Things like spending time with my children, my grandchildren, shopping for loved ones, planning meals and cooking, attending concerts, spending more time in my quiet time with God. These are good things. Things I enjoy.
I'm so grateful that I have had this time made available to me. I feel it is a gift from God, my reward of sorts, that I can have this time to grow in Him and get my heart in tune again with my abilities to serve. I'm limited, extremely limited, in what I can do for various reasons. But what am I doing with the gifts He has already given me and made available to me to use? I need to quit using my usual excuses of being too busy and focus on how I can be His servant.
What about you? Has busyness taken over your life that whenever you are asked to serve you just can't seem to see when or how or what you can do? Do you not realize we are called to serve? Whether it be to serve in any capacity at a church (greeter?), to help serve (Food Bank?), be available (do I hear children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews?), to prepare a meal (is someone in need of encouragement?), or just to listen (is someone hurting that just sitting and holding their hand is what is needed?), we all can be used.
I think of my little sister struggling to get her life back after the fall down the stairs. She isn't used to having someone wait upon her, she is always the one wanting to serve. God is teaching her some things; I pray she sits back and listens. Family can encourage her to not give up.
I think of my daughter-in-law's mother and what she is going through on a daily basis with a loved one, and the recent loss of her sister. My heart aches for her. I don't know if I could endure what she is experiencing. She is living her Christian walk by serving her loved one. Her children raise up and call her Blessed, for that is what she is. She is an inspiration to me. Her children encourage and love her.
I think of my neighbor who is daily put in a chair to watch TV. After leading a very active life, in her 30's was stricken with MS and has not been able to walk in over 20 years. She has a caretaker who watches over her and serves her every need. Her children have deserted her for they are of the world and want only what they can take from her. We both love chocolate. Our conversations are interesting. She never feels sorry for herself. She has friends who stop by occasionally and bring her things.
I think of many friends and family members who have much going on in their lives. Perhaps their spouses are not doing well, their own jobs are difficult, money seems to be non-existent, they feel very much alone. I think we all have friends and family somewhere in our lives like that. Learn to serve by being an encourager, a listener, a servant. Be grateful that you can. Give of what God has blessed you with.
I am grateful to God for so many things. Sometimes He has to shake me up to get my attention in some areas, and I give Him permission to do so. Each struggle that He allows me to go through (usually each struggle is from my own wrong choices) I grow stronger because I try to learn from my choices. But I must go through the struggle to learn it.
I am grateful because God doesn't give up on me. Nor does He give up on you. No matter what you are going through, whether it is because of wrong choices, whether it is because of sickness or results of others' decisions and actions, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Honest. His Word says so and God does not lie.
Think about being grateful - and thanking Him for always walking you through the valleys as you head up the next mountain. How great is His faithfulness to us. Share that gratefulness with others, how can you serve them today.
Blessings!
I love these moments that come when I can be quiet and just 'be'. I don't have to be doing anything (although I am typing this as I process what I'm feeling and thinking), and as I pause to enjoy what I have at this moment, I realize again how blessed I am.
So many people are so busy, and even more are gearing up for the holidays to overwhelm themselves with things to do and things to buy and places to go and people to see. But, do they just stop and allow peace to flood them. Do they stop long enough to hear the birds singing their sweet notes. Do they stop to gaze at the beauty around them, the sky, the flowers, the trees. Do they stop and take a deep breath and let go of the cares they have been carrying far too long.
I'm blessed for at this moment I am 'retired'. I have been able to have several moments where I can stop and see and hear and breathe in the goodness of God. The thought occurs to me - how long can I drag this out? Time to be able to just 'Be'. I have said I want to be home through the holidays, but I probably should start looking next month. Some days I think I need to look sooner for I'm not used to so much time available to me and I find I can get bored easily. Not that I don't have several things I could be doing.
Yet, I also find I have many things that I am doing that I didn't have time for when I worked. And those, I feel, are good things. Things like spending time with my children, my grandchildren, shopping for loved ones, planning meals and cooking, attending concerts, spending more time in my quiet time with God. These are good things. Things I enjoy.
I'm so grateful that I have had this time made available to me. I feel it is a gift from God, my reward of sorts, that I can have this time to grow in Him and get my heart in tune again with my abilities to serve. I'm limited, extremely limited, in what I can do for various reasons. But what am I doing with the gifts He has already given me and made available to me to use? I need to quit using my usual excuses of being too busy and focus on how I can be His servant.
What about you? Has busyness taken over your life that whenever you are asked to serve you just can't seem to see when or how or what you can do? Do you not realize we are called to serve? Whether it be to serve in any capacity at a church (greeter?), to help serve (Food Bank?), be available (do I hear children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews?), to prepare a meal (is someone in need of encouragement?), or just to listen (is someone hurting that just sitting and holding their hand is what is needed?), we all can be used.
I think of my little sister struggling to get her life back after the fall down the stairs. She isn't used to having someone wait upon her, she is always the one wanting to serve. God is teaching her some things; I pray she sits back and listens. Family can encourage her to not give up.
I think of my daughter-in-law's mother and what she is going through on a daily basis with a loved one, and the recent loss of her sister. My heart aches for her. I don't know if I could endure what she is experiencing. She is living her Christian walk by serving her loved one. Her children raise up and call her Blessed, for that is what she is. She is an inspiration to me. Her children encourage and love her.
I think of my neighbor who is daily put in a chair to watch TV. After leading a very active life, in her 30's was stricken with MS and has not been able to walk in over 20 years. She has a caretaker who watches over her and serves her every need. Her children have deserted her for they are of the world and want only what they can take from her. We both love chocolate. Our conversations are interesting. She never feels sorry for herself. She has friends who stop by occasionally and bring her things.
I think of many friends and family members who have much going on in their lives. Perhaps their spouses are not doing well, their own jobs are difficult, money seems to be non-existent, they feel very much alone. I think we all have friends and family somewhere in our lives like that. Learn to serve by being an encourager, a listener, a servant. Be grateful that you can. Give of what God has blessed you with.
I am grateful to God for so many things. Sometimes He has to shake me up to get my attention in some areas, and I give Him permission to do so. Each struggle that He allows me to go through (usually each struggle is from my own wrong choices) I grow stronger because I try to learn from my choices. But I must go through the struggle to learn it.
I am grateful because God doesn't give up on me. Nor does He give up on you. No matter what you are going through, whether it is because of wrong choices, whether it is because of sickness or results of others' decisions and actions, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Honest. His Word says so and God does not lie.
Think about being grateful - and thanking Him for always walking you through the valleys as you head up the next mountain. How great is His faithfulness to us. Share that gratefulness with others, how can you serve them today.
Blessings!
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