Tick Tock Tick Tock as I am writing this post, the only sound I hear around me is the clock going Tick Tock Tick Tock. Time is something we can never take back, but can always hope for.
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3 that There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.an indefinite, frequently prolonged period or duration in the future: Time will tell if what we have done here today was right.
What have you done with your time? Have you spent it well? Did you take the time to tell those you love how much they mean to you? Did you do your work as unto the Lord? Did you tell others of God's love? Did you enjoy looking at a rainbow? Did you listen to God speak through his Word?
These are just a few of the things that came to mind today, there are countless ways in which we can use our time here on earth.
Over the past 2 weeks, I have lost 3 friends who were all beautiful Christan women. They all used their time wisely and for the kingdom of God. What they did and how they carried their lives was reflected in the outpouring of love when they each left this world. Their time was well spent. They each touched lives for God and they showed love to their love ones. They were hard workers and they carried God's love to their workplace. They loved their families and trained their children in the ways of the Lord. They were all Proverbs 31 women, whom loved life and the beauty that God created for them to live in.
Tick Tock Tick Tock.....What will you do with your time left here on earth? What kind of legacy will you leave? What will people say about your life when you are gone? And most importantly .... What will God say about your life?
Will he say "Well done tho Good and Faithful Servant, Enter In"....Tick Tock Tick Tock.....
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Place in Time
Our beautiful Mema has Alzheimer's and after a visit with her today, I realized the Mema we all love who knows us all by our outward appearance no longer is able to do that. We have to tell her who we are and then she is taken back in time to a place where she remembers.
Mema is 89 years old and told us with tears in her eyes, that she had been saved at the early age of 15. She recalled the times of her childhood where she yearned for her Daddy to be saved and how excited she was the day he gave his life to the Lord. She can tell you all of her children's names and remembers so many detailed things about their lives growing up, but just moments later, she is trying to recall who the face before her is.
The Alzheimer's Foundation states that Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time. I find this disease so interesting. Observing Mema the woman we have all grown to love is slowly slipping away, but the beautiful christian spirit that she has lives on. While visiting with her, she quoted scripture after scripture with us and sang songs to us of God's love. The spirit of God that lives within each and everyone of us cannot be broken. The Bible tells us "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
The legacy that Mema is leaving for all of us is far beyond any disease that would try to rob her of her testimony. I found this poem today and thought it was befitting for such a wonderful person whom I love so dear - Willa Lee Thurmond (Dink) A Devoted Christian, Mother, Grandmother and Friend.
Do not ask me to remember.
Don't try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you're with me.
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I'm confused beyond your concept.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose you patience with me.
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting,
Can't be different 'though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me 'till my life is done.
- Unknown
Mema is 89 years old and told us with tears in her eyes, that she had been saved at the early age of 15. She recalled the times of her childhood where she yearned for her Daddy to be saved and how excited she was the day he gave his life to the Lord. She can tell you all of her children's names and remembers so many detailed things about their lives growing up, but just moments later, she is trying to recall who the face before her is.
The Alzheimer's Foundation states that Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time. I find this disease so interesting. Observing Mema the woman we have all grown to love is slowly slipping away, but the beautiful christian spirit that she has lives on. While visiting with her, she quoted scripture after scripture with us and sang songs to us of God's love. The spirit of God that lives within each and everyone of us cannot be broken. The Bible tells us "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
The legacy that Mema is leaving for all of us is far beyond any disease that would try to rob her of her testimony. I found this poem today and thought it was befitting for such a wonderful person whom I love so dear - Willa Lee Thurmond (Dink) A Devoted Christian, Mother, Grandmother and Friend.
Do not ask me to remember.
Don't try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you're with me.
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I'm confused beyond your concept.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose you patience with me.
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting,
Can't be different 'though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me 'till my life is done.
- Unknown
Friday, February 4, 2011
Why doesn't God answer all our prayers?
After a long battle with cancer, a friend of ours went home to be with God today. She was a very strong woman of God, she never waivered in her faith and believed that God was going to heal her right up to today. When I think of this, I as a lot of others ask "Why doesn't God answer all our prayers?"
I think when we look for answers like this, we only are looking at the result - the healing, never looking at how through the unanswered prayer God had a purpose had his own answer.
Through my friend's unanswered prayer God taught us all faith, endurance, dedication and love. Lavonne was dedicated to her family and her God, she endured a lot of pain and suffering and the love she had for her spouse, her son, her grandchildren, her family, her church and her friends. The example of her Godly life was a legacy none of us will ever forget.
The prayer for Lavonne to be healed went deep into God's heart, he cared enough about us that he was willing to let another one of his own suffer so that we might come to know him more.
I dedicate this blog today to a woman of God Lavonne Dilmore-Gause. May we all be as trustworthy with our lives to God, the way that you were.
I think when we look for answers like this, we only are looking at the result - the healing, never looking at how through the unanswered prayer God had a purpose had his own answer.
Through my friend's unanswered prayer God taught us all faith, endurance, dedication and love. Lavonne was dedicated to her family and her God, she endured a lot of pain and suffering and the love she had for her spouse, her son, her grandchildren, her family, her church and her friends. The example of her Godly life was a legacy none of us will ever forget.
The prayer for Lavonne to be healed went deep into God's heart, he cared enough about us that he was willing to let another one of his own suffer so that we might come to know him more.
I dedicate this blog today to a woman of God Lavonne Dilmore-Gause. May we all be as trustworthy with our lives to God, the way that you were.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Faithful Friday
Today is Faithful Friday. Faithful Friday is a day in which I can look back and share the way our Heavenly Father has been faithful to us. Deuteronomy 7 vs 9 says "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."
Looking back over my life it is almost impossible to list all the ways in which God has been faithful to me.
I love the song "He's been faithful, faithful to me, Looking back his love and tender mercies I see. In my heart there have been questions, even failed to believe but He's been faithful, faithful to me."
1. After several years of marriage, I so wanted a baby and got pregnant and then miscarried. I was very hurt and even a little mad at God (that's alright God understands when we get mad at him, after all He made us.) In time I got pregnant again and God was faithful to me, he brought me a beautiful baby girl (Kelly) and 3 years later he brought me another beautiful baby girl (Holly).
2. The Economy has hit us all pretty bad and sometimes I am get discouraged and think "When will this ever end and why is this happening?" I wonder how will we get through this? But looking back I see the Faithfulness of God and how he has carried me all these years.
3. Holly went through a difficult divorce and I prayed and prayed for a true 'soulmate'. In God's timing he brought into her life a wonderful Christian man. God was faithful to her and to me as a Mother whose love and concern never grows old for their children.
4. I lost my job several years ago and God provided me with another one.
5. Kelly at a young age went through a horrible accident outside our home with some other kids playing wiffle ball. She was hit in the eye with the ball and it tore her retina. The Doctor's said she would probably not be able to see 100% out of that eye because of the tear. After much prayer, she left the hospital seeing 100% and now in her thirties she can still see at a 100%. God was Faithful.
There will be more Faithful Fridays to share even more of the Faithfulness of God.
Looking back over my life it is almost impossible to list all the ways in which God has been faithful to me.
I love the song "He's been faithful, faithful to me, Looking back his love and tender mercies I see. In my heart there have been questions, even failed to believe but He's been faithful, faithful to me."
1. After several years of marriage, I so wanted a baby and got pregnant and then miscarried. I was very hurt and even a little mad at God (that's alright God understands when we get mad at him, after all He made us.) In time I got pregnant again and God was faithful to me, he brought me a beautiful baby girl (Kelly) and 3 years later he brought me another beautiful baby girl (Holly).
2. The Economy has hit us all pretty bad and sometimes I am get discouraged and think "When will this ever end and why is this happening?" I wonder how will we get through this? But looking back I see the Faithfulness of God and how he has carried me all these years.
3. Holly went through a difficult divorce and I prayed and prayed for a true 'soulmate'. In God's timing he brought into her life a wonderful Christian man. God was faithful to her and to me as a Mother whose love and concern never grows old for their children.
4. I lost my job several years ago and God provided me with another one.
5. Kelly at a young age went through a horrible accident outside our home with some other kids playing wiffle ball. She was hit in the eye with the ball and it tore her retina. The Doctor's said she would probably not be able to see 100% out of that eye because of the tear. After much prayer, she left the hospital seeing 100% and now in her thirties she can still see at a 100%. God was Faithful.
There will be more Faithful Fridays to share even more of the Faithfulness of God.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year 2011
Wow, another year has come and gone. Looking back over the year I would like to list some of the great moments of it.
1. God's hand of protection and provision has been with us all. God never ceases to amaze me with the way he keeps us in his care and in his will.
2. Daniel and Holly (and Macy) got married.
What a beautiful wedding and a true testament of how God can make something Beautiful in our lives and the lives of our children.
6. Jesse places 1st of Floor, 1st on Vault, 3rd on Bars, 6th on Beam and 3rd All Around at Gymnastics State Meet. What a proud moment for all of us.
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| My Family |
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas 2010
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| Christmas Cookies |
Christmas was wonderful. We started out the holiday with our annual cookie baking. This is a tradition I started years ago when the girls were little. There is usually flour all over the kitchen and way to many cookies made, but what fun we all have.
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| Remembering the Birth of Jesus |
Christmas Eve is always a special time for us as we gather with my family and enjoy really just being together. Eating caroling and the annual Christmas play put on by the little ones make for a warm and loving Christmas Eve. Just being together and being thankful for each other and remembering what Christmas is really about, the Birth of Jesus, this is what makes Christmas.
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| Stockings Hung by the Chimney with care |
The Christmas Magic really starts happening at Papa and Grammy's house. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, hoping that little ones will soon be there.
Papa wakes up early and helps Grammy prepare a big Christmas Breakfast. The little ones can hardly get breakfast down before they are begging to open presents.
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| Jesse |
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| Macy |
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| Cole |
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus !
Monday, November 15, 2010
My Mother A Woman I Will Always Cherish
On this 2nd Year Annivesary date of Mom's passing, I wanted to give you kids a little insight into the life of Gertrude M. West. My Mom, your Grandmother and your Great-Grandmother.
Mother was the daughter of a John and Jenni Henry and was raised up in the deep south. She came from a very large family, she had 1 sister and 5 brothers. Her Mother passed away when she was 5 years old and she was raised primarily by her Father and her brothers and older sister. I often have thought what that would have been like for her, to not ever really remember having a Mother. I guess being so young, she never had that special Mother/Daughter bond that we all so many times take for granted. She was very close to her Father (Pa) though. When he passed away at the age of 95 she was devestated.
Mother only went to school through Elementary and never received a High School Diploma. Yet, she was one of the most successful women that I know of. Her success came in the way of being a great wife and and a great Mom to myself, my sister and 2 brothers. She took such pride in all of us kids and was always there for us. She never worked outside the home, however she did keep others children for them. Growing up, we always had someone's kid or kids at our house.
Mother was a great cook and every meal we had was her home-cooking, not drive-through like you guys do today. Another one of Mother's things she loved to do was shop. When I was a little girl, we would go on vacation and we would have to stop at just about every town, so Mother could shop for chanille bedspreads. Her favorite store was a department store we use to have called Gayfer's. I remember after getting married, that I would go into Gayfer's and a lot of the times while in there, I would see Mother browsing around in there. She was so funny about buying things, she would buy a piece of furniture, try it out for awhile and if she didn't like it or the color, she would take it back. My sister and I at Christmas time would tease and say "Just buy Mother anything, she is going to take it back anyway".
Mother was a Christian woman and she loved God. She didn't always understand the Bible like she wanted to, but she believed in the Word and applied it to her life daily. I never heard Mother say a unkind word about anyone. She loved everyone and you knew it. She loved unconditionally and her life was a great testimony of her faith in God. At an early age of 35 she became really sick in her body with arthritis which led to many many years of pain and suffering for her. I never heard her complain, she never let us know just how much pain she was really in.
Mother loved you all very much, she was so proud to be a Mom, a Grandmother and a Great-Grandmother. She is in heaven now looking down on all of you and is so pleased with all of you.
I miss you Mother, but I am so thankful you left us with such a great Christian legacy.
Mother was the daughter of a John and Jenni Henry and was raised up in the deep south. She came from a very large family, she had 1 sister and 5 brothers. Her Mother passed away when she was 5 years old and she was raised primarily by her Father and her brothers and older sister. I often have thought what that would have been like for her, to not ever really remember having a Mother. I guess being so young, she never had that special Mother/Daughter bond that we all so many times take for granted. She was very close to her Father (Pa) though. When he passed away at the age of 95 she was devestated.
Mother only went to school through Elementary and never received a High School Diploma. Yet, she was one of the most successful women that I know of. Her success came in the way of being a great wife and and a great Mom to myself, my sister and 2 brothers. She took such pride in all of us kids and was always there for us. She never worked outside the home, however she did keep others children for them. Growing up, we always had someone's kid or kids at our house.
Mother was a great cook and every meal we had was her home-cooking, not drive-through like you guys do today. Another one of Mother's things she loved to do was shop. When I was a little girl, we would go on vacation and we would have to stop at just about every town, so Mother could shop for chanille bedspreads. Her favorite store was a department store we use to have called Gayfer's. I remember after getting married, that I would go into Gayfer's and a lot of the times while in there, I would see Mother browsing around in there. She was so funny about buying things, she would buy a piece of furniture, try it out for awhile and if she didn't like it or the color, she would take it back. My sister and I at Christmas time would tease and say "Just buy Mother anything, she is going to take it back anyway".
Mother was a Christian woman and she loved God. She didn't always understand the Bible like she wanted to, but she believed in the Word and applied it to her life daily. I never heard Mother say a unkind word about anyone. She loved everyone and you knew it. She loved unconditionally and her life was a great testimony of her faith in God. At an early age of 35 she became really sick in her body with arthritis which led to many many years of pain and suffering for her. I never heard her complain, she never let us know just how much pain she was really in.
Mother loved you all very much, she was so proud to be a Mom, a Grandmother and a Great-Grandmother. She is in heaven now looking down on all of you and is so pleased with all of you.
I miss you Mother, but I am so thankful you left us with such a great Christian legacy.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Hang Tough Hayley
Leukemia. On August 12, 2009 Hayley started on her own personal journey in life that would lead to days of pain not only for herself but for the family and friends that love her. Hayley has touched so many lives and inspired us all. She is currently undergoing treatment and is well on her way to beating this disease.
Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's evening walk and fundraising event. It is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost.The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds lifesaving research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and treatments for other types of cancer, such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. New targeted therapies that kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue are providing drugs and procedures that are improving quality of life.
In fact, in 2009 alone, LLS researchers were conducting more than 90 clinical trials, a critical step in the development of new treatments and cures that will help patients live better, longer lives.
A donation of $25 provides patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
A donation of $50 makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.
A donation of $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.
A donation of $1,000 makes possible one- on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care team.
Please make a donation to support my participation in the Light The Night Walk and help by visiting Hayley's page at http://pages.lightthenight.org/ncfl/Tallahas10/HayleysAngels
Friday, October 29, 2010
Why do I Blog?
Why do I keep a Blog?
Is it to get the applause of someone else commenting on my post or is it a place to share my thoughts? I have been thinking a lot about that lately and I have decided this blogspot is going to be a place where I can record the things that are important to me. Hopefully one day in the near future my children and Grandchildren can look back on it and remember me for the moments I have captured here.
So from now on I will address my blog as if to my beautiful children and adorable Grandchildren.
I am reminded of the song by Nicole Nordiman "Legacy".
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...
Is it to get the applause of someone else commenting on my post or is it a place to share my thoughts? I have been thinking a lot about that lately and I have decided this blogspot is going to be a place where I can record the things that are important to me. Hopefully one day in the near future my children and Grandchildren can look back on it and remember me for the moments I have captured here.
So from now on I will address my blog as if to my beautiful children and adorable Grandchildren.
I am reminded of the song by Nicole Nordiman "Legacy".
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Random Act of Kindness
My husband who is a small-business owner has had his fair-share of this crazy economy. One day is great and the next can be really slow. It is at times like these, that we really have to rely on God and his provision for us on a daily basis. I have been reading and studying Psalm 23 and last Sunday our Pastor preached on Psalm 23. I think sometimes we take this familiar verse for granted and don't really look into what it really means.
Verse 4: "Yea though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" Do you know that when you are walking through something, that you are not standing or staying in a holding pattern...You are walking. Walking through your problem or circumstance, so there is no need to fear. I love verse 5:"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies". I can just imagine God preparing the table, laying out the silverware, putting fresh flowers on the table and cooking the finest dinner for me, all the while the enemy is having to look on and see the provision that God is making for me.
My husband and I just experienced yesterday God's preparing a table before us. Two weeks ago our truck had a rod thrown through the block of the motor and we were down to one car to drive. While waiting and relying on God to help us get the money to buy a new motor, a long-time friend stopped by our place of business. My husband proceeded to tell him about our truck and the man said "I want to give you a gift to help you with the cost of a new motor". This friend gave my husband a check for a $1,000.00 and said God wants you to have this. Just one random act of kindness on this man's part was part of the miracle we had been praying for. God provided and prepared our table through this man. What the enemy meant for harm, God turned into a blessing for us.
I pray that as we have been blessed by this random act of kindess, that we can turn around and pay it forward to someone else.
Verse 4: "Yea though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" Do you know that when you are walking through something, that you are not standing or staying in a holding pattern...You are walking. Walking through your problem or circumstance, so there is no need to fear. I love verse 5:"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies". I can just imagine God preparing the table, laying out the silverware, putting fresh flowers on the table and cooking the finest dinner for me, all the while the enemy is having to look on and see the provision that God is making for me.
My husband and I just experienced yesterday God's preparing a table before us. Two weeks ago our truck had a rod thrown through the block of the motor and we were down to one car to drive. While waiting and relying on God to help us get the money to buy a new motor, a long-time friend stopped by our place of business. My husband proceeded to tell him about our truck and the man said "I want to give you a gift to help you with the cost of a new motor". This friend gave my husband a check for a $1,000.00 and said God wants you to have this. Just one random act of kindness on this man's part was part of the miracle we had been praying for. God provided and prepared our table through this man. What the enemy meant for harm, God turned into a blessing for us.
I pray that as we have been blessed by this random act of kindess, that we can turn around and pay it forward to someone else.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thankful Thursday 10-21-10
Thankful Thursday
So today is Thankful Thursday over at Greg's Place.
While I was driving to work this morning praying, I have to admit I was kind of having a pity party with God day. I sometimes feel like God is a thousand miles away and no where to be found. I know that is contrary to what I really believe, because in reality he is here beside me every moment of every day. So today on Thankful Thursday I am going to be thankful for the little things he did for me today.
1. A warm cup of coffe
2. A 30 minute peaceful ride to work listening to christian music
3. A friend at work that really cares about me.
4. 4:00 quitting time
5. A comfortable recliner to fall into when I get home
6. Take-out dinner brought home to me by my sweetheart
7. A comment made by one of my daughters on how she liked my last post.
8. Knowing tomorrow is Friday and I don't have to work.
9. Knowing that when I lay my head down tonight I will get atleast 5 hours of sleep
10. And the best knowing that in the morning I will wake up to God's New Mercies again.
Not all days are exactly how we want them and sometimes a little disappointing, but all days are filled with ways we can be thankful.
So today is Thankful Thursday over at Greg's Place.
While I was driving to work this morning praying, I have to admit I was kind of having a pity party with God day. I sometimes feel like God is a thousand miles away and no where to be found. I know that is contrary to what I really believe, because in reality he is here beside me every moment of every day. So today on Thankful Thursday I am going to be thankful for the little things he did for me today.
1. A warm cup of coffe
2. A 30 minute peaceful ride to work listening to christian music
3. A friend at work that really cares about me.
4. 4:00 quitting time
5. A comfortable recliner to fall into when I get home
6. Take-out dinner brought home to me by my sweetheart
7. A comment made by one of my daughters on how she liked my last post.
8. Knowing tomorrow is Friday and I don't have to work.
9. Knowing that when I lay my head down tonight I will get atleast 5 hours of sleep
10. And the best knowing that in the morning I will wake up to God's New Mercies again.
Not all days are exactly how we want them and sometimes a little disappointing, but all days are filled with ways we can be thankful.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Lessons From A Child
Cole tried baseball for the first time this year, we were not sure if his attention span would allow him to actually play and entire game. Through the season he also learned a lot, he mastered hitting the ball off the tee and running the bases was a cinch. He loves to run. But, when Cole got tired of the game everyone knew it. He would wonder off the field chasing bugs or just lay down on the field and look up into the sky. Yes Cole learned a lot this year about baseball.
Jesse, being our oldest has settled into the sport she likes. She is a gymnast and does quite well. It wasn't like that at first, she had to learn the sport and fall from the beam several times until she got the hang of it. She has won several medals and seems to really enjoy it. Jesse practices for 3 hours 3 times a week and the other day she told me "Grammy, my Mom and I have a Bible verse that we say to each other about my gymnastics" and I said "Really, what is is?" and Jesse proceeded to tell me I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. Isn't is just like a child to teach us lessons in life? Macy has reminded me this year that even tho you may face a giant in life, like trying to kick a soccer ball, to just keep trying. Cole has taught me that when the game of life gets to crazy, just lay down and rest. And Jesse has reminded me that I can do all things through Christ.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Fall Is Here
Fall is here, one of my favorite times of year. A time when the leaves of fall wave goodbye to the long hot days of Summer. The cool mornings revive me somehow. It is funny how so many of us look forward to summer and by the end of it can't wait for fall.
Some of my favorite things about fall are:
1. The changing of the leaves. I posted once about how the leaves turn from green to reds and oranges and how we can relate this to our lives. The Bible tells us to be instant in season and out. Our lives should reflect the goodness of God no matter what our 'leaf color' is.
2. Fall puts me in the mood to decorate my home. I love to get out my pumpkins, indian corn and fall leaves and place them in various places of my home. I love family traditions and my Mom loved decorating her house for the different seasons and that is why I guess I love it so.
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3. Halloween, a fun time to get together with family and friends and just be silly. We have a tradition of dressing up. In order to come to our Halloween party you have to be in costume. This picture is of my sister and I. She came as a clown and I was the infamous 'Octo-Mom'. My sister, my two brothers and myself always went Trick or Treating. Back (in the stone-age) we would get a large brown paper sack and off we would go into the neighborhoods (right by ourselves) and fill them up with all kinds of candies and delights. Things have changed now we wouldn't dare let our little ones go out Trick or Treating without an adult.
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| Adults Being Silly |
The babies love it, they love dressing up and pretending to be Barbie or a Rock Star or a Transformer. Yes, Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a time for family to come together and share in fun and laughter and most of all love. Just like a warm October fire, love burns brighter if shared with family and friends.
T
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
BC Powders and Vicks
I can't remember when I started taking BC Powders. Years ago my Mom took them and they were the household thing you would grab when your head was pounding or you felt like pounding someone. They were great at relieving pain and stress.
I must confess I have been taking them for over 20(+)years and have over the past few years taken 2 or 3 per day. Why do you take them? (my Doctor asked of me). Do you have a headache....No......Do you have pain?.....No, I just take them, my Mom took them so now I take them. Isn't it funny how we do something just because our Mother did it or our Great-Grandmother did it.
That brings up something else I do just because. My Grandfather years and years ago got me started on Vicks vapor rub. He would lather it on his chest and under his nose and assured me that you couldn't go to sleep at night without doing this ritual. So at night before I say my prayers, I lather on the Vicks (of course my husband just loves the romantic aroma that it brings into our room). I have now passed this on to my Grandchildren, when they spend the night with me and we all 4 climb into my warm and comfy bed, we pass the jar of vicks around and each one of them wipes a swipe under their little nose.
Passing down things to each other through this life-cycle is what makes us unique and quirky. I can't imagine my life without the many priceless things my parents and grandparents passed down to me. And I look forward to many more nights of climbing in bed with Jesse, Macy and Cole and the minty smell of Vicks. Now for the BC Powders, I have finally had to give them up. I just found out I have an ulcer from the years of taking them. Oh well, the ride was good while it lasted. The BC's did what they were meant to do, even tho I have an ulcer - I will always look at a box of BC's and think of my dear Mom.
And later in life, my Grandchildren will go to bed and beside their nightstand will be a jar of Vick's and they will think of me.
I must confess I have been taking them for over 20(+)years and have over the past few years taken 2 or 3 per day. Why do you take them? (my Doctor asked of me). Do you have a headache....No......Do you have pain?.....No, I just take them, my Mom took them so now I take them. Isn't it funny how we do something just because our Mother did it or our Great-Grandmother did it.
That brings up something else I do just because. My Grandfather years and years ago got me started on Vicks vapor rub. He would lather it on his chest and under his nose and assured me that you couldn't go to sleep at night without doing this ritual. So at night before I say my prayers, I lather on the Vicks (of course my husband just loves the romantic aroma that it brings into our room). I have now passed this on to my Grandchildren, when they spend the night with me and we all 4 climb into my warm and comfy bed, we pass the jar of vicks around and each one of them wipes a swipe under their little nose.
Passing down things to each other through this life-cycle is what makes us unique and quirky. I can't imagine my life without the many priceless things my parents and grandparents passed down to me. And I look forward to many more nights of climbing in bed with Jesse, Macy and Cole and the minty smell of Vicks. Now for the BC Powders, I have finally had to give them up. I just found out I have an ulcer from the years of taking them. Oh well, the ride was good while it lasted. The BC's did what they were meant to do, even tho I have an ulcer - I will always look at a box of BC's and think of my dear Mom.
And later in life, my Grandchildren will go to bed and beside their nightstand will be a jar of Vick's and they will think of me.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
I Love You To The Moon and Back - Grandparents Day
I woke up this morning and lying in the bed next to me were three of the most beautiful children in the world, my Grandchildren. They love spending the night with us and I usually just go ahead and have all three come and stay at the same time. Jesse is 9 and tends to be the more sensitive one of the group, while Macy who is age 6 is the class clown of the group and Cole who is also 6 tends to be the loner of the group. Now by that I mean, give Cole a transformer and you don't see him for hours. How he ever takes those things apart and then puts them back together again is a mystery to me. Jesse and Macy play well together, they have their moments and really remind me of when their Moms were little. Play a little...fuss a little.
I love being a Grammy to these kids, I use to think I could never love anything like I did their Moms, but I have been proven wrong. The love a Grandmother has for her Grandchildren is indeed priceless. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I am now older and when I was younger, I was too busy working, raising two girls and trying to be a good wife all at the same time. I am still working now and trying to be a good wife (well some of the time), but I feel like I have more time to be goofy and silly and let these three get away with a lot more than their Moms did. They definitely have a way of pulling at this Grammy's heartstrings.
Yes today has been a good day - Grandparents Day - my day. My day to do what I love best, spend it with my Grandchildren. Love you Jesse Macy and Cole to the Moon and Back!
I love being a Grammy to these kids, I use to think I could never love anything like I did their Moms, but I have been proven wrong. The love a Grandmother has for her Grandchildren is indeed priceless. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I am now older and when I was younger, I was too busy working, raising two girls and trying to be a good wife all at the same time. I am still working now and trying to be a good wife (well some of the time), but I feel like I have more time to be goofy and silly and let these three get away with a lot more than their Moms did. They definitely have a way of pulling at this Grammy's heartstrings.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
We Will Never Forget 9/11/2001
I remember September 11, 2001 exactly where I was when our country was attacked. I was at work and I got a call from my husband telling me "you have to find a TV or a radio, our country is under attack!" I immediately shared this with one of my co-workers who was sitting by me at the time and she got really scared. She asked me "Is this the end of the world, are we all going to die?" I didn't have all the answers for her, but of this one thing I was sure, no matter what the outcome God was going to see us through this horrific time. I was able to share with this co-worker the love of God and that nothing man would ever do to us or our country, would ever take away his love. Life in the United States would never be the same, so many innocent lives were lost, so many families were broken. But one true thing became a constant in all of our lives, we were all aware of the great sacrifice that was made for us all by our fellow US citizens. In the words of President George Bush "Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.“ We will never forget!Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thankful Thursday
I was just letting my friend Greg over at the General Store know that I am so 'Thankful' that he is the host every Thursday for 'Thankful Thursday'.
What am I thankful for:
I am so thankful that in this crazy world we live in that we can still find peace. I am so thankful that my children do rise up and call me Blessed (well atleast most of the time). I am so thankful that God gave me 3 of the Best gifts that I could ever ask for...My 3 Grandchildren. I am so thankful for a great marriage to my sweetheart of 39 years. I am so thankful that I have a job, while so many are without work. Yes life is crazy and in the world's eyes things look bleak, but through the eyes of God we have hope and a future...for this I am very Thankful.
What am I thankful for:
I am so thankful that in this crazy world we live in that we can still find peace. I am so thankful that my children do rise up and call me Blessed (well atleast most of the time). I am so thankful that God gave me 3 of the Best gifts that I could ever ask for...My 3 Grandchildren. I am so thankful for a great marriage to my sweetheart of 39 years. I am so thankful that I have a job, while so many are without work. Yes life is crazy and in the world's eyes things look bleak, but through the eyes of God we have hope and a future...for this I am very Thankful.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Let God Calm the Storm or Calm You
Okay, so today I feel like a sermon is coming on :) If this is not for you, then I can promise you it is for me!!!
Sometimes God calms the storms and Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:21-22
We may never know why some requests are not answered the way we expect them to be answered. It is hard to understand how God seems to move mountains to change one situation and then in our next request he simply seems to be beyond our reach. All we can do is to continue to present our requests to God and believe God will hear our plea and answer. If what we are asking for isn't in line with what God has for us, then I believe He will give us something greater than we could have ever imagined.
Most of the time we have no clue how hard God is working to move in our situation. And for this very reason and because of our belief and faith, we cannot give up on God and what He can do on our behalf. I heard someone say on the radio the other morning, that we all have BIG needs and BIG problems, especially with the economy like it is, BUT, we also on the other hand have a BIG God. He is able to move mountains, turn water into wine, part the seas, the list goes on and on... I think as we look back in life, we are able to see all the ways in which God 'Always' answered the right prayer or request for us. Sometimes God's saying 'NO, not now', was exactly what we needed. And then there are the times that God just says 'NO'. God knows what is best for us and his 'NO's' turn out to be actually the best thing for us.
Today, my prayer for you is that you will exercise your faith and confidence in God and allow him to work in your life. Allow God the opportunity to either calm your storm or to calm you. Like everything in life, it is always about 'timing'...God's timing!!!
Sometimes God calms the storms and Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:21-22
We may never know why some requests are not answered the way we expect them to be answered. It is hard to understand how God seems to move mountains to change one situation and then in our next request he simply seems to be beyond our reach. All we can do is to continue to present our requests to God and believe God will hear our plea and answer. If what we are asking for isn't in line with what God has for us, then I believe He will give us something greater than we could have ever imagined.
Most of the time we have no clue how hard God is working to move in our situation. And for this very reason and because of our belief and faith, we cannot give up on God and what He can do on our behalf. I heard someone say on the radio the other morning, that we all have BIG needs and BIG problems, especially with the economy like it is, BUT, we also on the other hand have a BIG God. He is able to move mountains, turn water into wine, part the seas, the list goes on and on... I think as we look back in life, we are able to see all the ways in which God 'Always' answered the right prayer or request for us. Sometimes God's saying 'NO, not now', was exactly what we needed. And then there are the times that God just says 'NO'. God knows what is best for us and his 'NO's' turn out to be actually the best thing for us.
Today, my prayer for you is that you will exercise your faith and confidence in God and allow him to work in your life. Allow God the opportunity to either calm your storm or to calm you. Like everything in life, it is always about 'timing'...God's timing!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Social Networking + I am Back !!!
Okay so I admit it has been along time since I have blogged, not because I haven't had a lot to say or report. I have been trying out the latest crave Facebook. It has attacked me like a thief in the night. At first it started out slow ... I found a couple of people who would accept me as their friend (of course they were my daughters). Then a few of their friends and some of my family members requested me and I was well on my way into the world of Social Networking.
When I joined no one told me there would be a daily status, comments, games and likes. A status..I have to think of a daily status? I can hardly decide in the mornings if I want vanilla caramel creamer or 2% milk in my cup of coffee and they want me to share a status. They never told me that after I got home from work the first thing I would do is go to the computer get on this social networking thing and go back to work Farming, taking care of a Zoo, Baking and digging for lost treasures. Another thing I didn't know was that I would have to decide to 'like' something. I thought I liked everything and that people knew what I stood for, but I guess you have to make it known by pushing the 'like' button.
I tell you after a year of this, my head hurts from all the farming and plowing I am doing, our laundry has been neglected, dinner...what is dinner?
I think I need to solve this once and for all go back to blogging because it never took up any of my time. I only need to check in with Linda at 2nd cup of Coffee and see what she has got brewing for the day. Check in with Fuschia for my daily devotion and be sure and get my Thankful Thursday in and check in on all my blogging buddies and comment on their post.
Yes that is what I need to do as a matter of fact I might just try and do both (but give up the farm, the zoo, the bakery and the Island of Treasures).
When I joined no one told me there would be a daily status, comments, games and likes. A status..I have to think of a daily status? I can hardly decide in the mornings if I want vanilla caramel creamer or 2% milk in my cup of coffee and they want me to share a status. They never told me that after I got home from work the first thing I would do is go to the computer get on this social networking thing and go back to work Farming, taking care of a Zoo, Baking and digging for lost treasures. Another thing I didn't know was that I would have to decide to 'like' something. I thought I liked everything and that people knew what I stood for, but I guess you have to make it known by pushing the 'like' button.
I tell you after a year of this, my head hurts from all the farming and plowing I am doing, our laundry has been neglected, dinner...what is dinner?
I think I need to solve this once and for all go back to blogging because it never took up any of my time. I only need to check in with Linda at 2nd cup of Coffee and see what she has got brewing for the day. Check in with Fuschia for my daily devotion and be sure and get my Thankful Thursday in and check in on all my blogging buddies and comment on their post.
Yes that is what I need to do as a matter of fact I might just try and do both (but give up the farm, the zoo, the bakery and the Island of Treasures).
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
By Maya Angelou
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian'
I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living,
' I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.
' When I say... 'I am a Christian'
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian'
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say.. 'I am a Christian'
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... 'I am a Christian'
I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
When I say.... 'I am a Christian'
I still feel the sting of pain... I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... 'I am a Christian'
I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow! Pretty is as Pretty does...
But beautiful is just plain beautiful!