Remembering

            Today I went to funeral of my friend, Dot Sturdy.  She was one half of a loving couple who were regular greeters at my former church.  She was beautiful both inside and out.  I will always remember her kind and loving words on those Sunday mornings.
           As I read the poem above, I think of God's forgiveness and how we are to follow His example.  Love doesn't keep a record of wrongs.  Why do we in life harbor bitterness and in the end realize what time we lost?
         Our memories are our own...nobody can change them or take them.  You choose what to remember.  We all want to be remembered well so forget the petty stuff that doesn't amount to a hill of beans.  Love one another in both thought and deed.  

Friends Day

     

         Today was a friend filled day.  My friend, Charlene, was here last night and this morning.  My friend, Karla, was back today... Hallelujah Amen.  My friends, Betsy and Jessica, each brought their set of kids over for a playdate.  They brought me Peeps and guacamole as my very own special treats...yum.
        After an afternoon of puzzles, snacks and playing golf together, the kids hugged each other [on their own] before leaving.  What an important lesson of what friendship is that they are learning.  'Love one another' is teachable at any age.
       F.R.I.E.N.D.S...........[Fight for you].My friend, Zack, reminded me awhile back about how he stood up for me in junior high against a bully.  [Respect you].. My friends respect me just as I am.  [Include you].. Even tho I can't attend everything I'd like to, my friends still ask me.  [Encourage you]  My friends are consistent joy boosters to me.  [Need you]  My friends make me feel wanted in their lives.  [Deserve you]  My friends are given by grace.  [Stand by you]  My friends will back me up, pick me up, and lift me up whenever I need it.
      I hope these little ones are life long friends that will follow this motto with all their friends.

To Know Him Personally?

        Many people will say that they believe in God but how many of them 'know' God personally?  It is a difference in head knowledge versus heart knowledge.
       ' Job could not see physically through the whirlwind out of which God spoke (38:1; 40:6); he expresses a deeper meaning. He knew God with words, but he now experiences His living presence in his inner being. He meets Him as Savior and friend and, above all, God.'
       When we apply The Word directly to our lives then we too can experience God's direction personally.  Like Job, we complain of our hardships and the severity of which God allows us to suffer but will it humble us to submit to God as Job did?
       You are only truly suffering, if you're doing it without God.  I encourage you to get a personal trainer, God, and follow His lead.

Surrender

       Isaiah 55;8  ''“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.''
       Sometimes when we surrender things in our lives over to God, we can see His will being done.  It is not always how our will would have preferred it.  God is in control should be our surrendering thought.
       As one who feels so dependent on God, I can see God's hand in many things.  The bones and flesh may be weak but God can still do a mighty work thru you.  God's purpose in my life is definitely part of His thoughts and ways that are not my own.  I'm reminded daily of my physical weakness but also of His strength in me.  He who is in me is greater than anything in this world.
       May we all realize how much our lives are in God's hands and turn everything we are burdened with over to Him.

Foto Friday

Sorry the pictures are kind of dark this week but

you can enlarge them by clicking on them.

Karla's new grandson, Myles

My cousin's daughter, Sydney

Angie, Gloria, Cathy

Dave holding Jack

Lilly drawing on Maggie's bandaids

 

Vance cheesin'

 

 

Lilly holding daffodills from the yard

 

Hold On

        Good grief, I'm trying!!  Do you ever question God's timing?  I know it's probably self centered doubt because we don't see His whole picture in everything.
       'He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.' —Isaiah 40:29
        Sometimes we feel powerless in whatever we are going through and we need to rely on God's strength even more.  'In contrast to the strength that youth and health provide, the person of faith can persevere long after others have given up on the race of life.'  He promises us that, for each new day, “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
       I think that when we focus too much on ourselves, it can be a blinder to us seeing the good works God is doing around us.  Count your blessings name them one by one....... 1] I am well while others around me are sick, 2] Karla's new grandson, Myles, was delivered safely and healthy, 3]  We are working together as a family and feeling blessed, 4] His protection over us has kept us from all hurt, harm and danger, and 5] I'm a work in progress and I know that this is a part of the process in transforming me into who He wants me to be.
       I know if I lose my grip, He will catch me because 'we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' Romans 8:28

A Good Day

            Well it was a good day and I think we all benefitted from it.  My friends.... Cathy, Gloria, Charity and kids, and Dave... all came over this afternoon.  It would've been 'perfect', if the wind had died down but hey it's good to be outside for a change.
          Some highlights include......  Vance getting out of the car and saying.... 'Angie's.. I love Angie.'  Maggie fell on the driveway but my Dad got plain bandaids and drew smiley faces on them to cheer her up.  The bigger girls rode my old bike and gave each other handlebar rides.  Visiting together with all the adults is always a good time of sharing and swapping experiences.
          My friends are angels who lift me up when I need it most... this includes both those who were here today and those that were not.
          [Cliffhanger..... I'm saving the pictures for Foto Friday.....stay tuned]

Brighten Someone's Day

           Well it is a BEAUTIFUL warm day today.  As much as we've all awaited more days like this, it doesn't provide all the light to one's life that is needed.  In this world, there is still pain, grief and suffering even on a gorgeous day.  We are meant and sent to encourage and love one another.
          Hebrews 3; 12-14  ''See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.''
          Sometimes the trials meant to make us stronger in our faith can make us angry and doubt God's purpose in our lives.  That's when we as believers need to encourage each other the most.  'Tell the people around you what they could be with the strengths that are there, even if you only see a little bit of it. Because by naming it, you can nurture it.'
         You never know what battle some people are fighting so just be the Light to their darkness.

Who's Is It?

         
              Yes, April 15th is fast approaching.  If you're getting a refund then you've probably already finished your taxes.  If you owe, then you're probably postponing the inevitable till the last day.  As they say, there are two guaranteed things in life.....death and taxes.  It does seem like the chunk the IRS takes out is too large of a portion, huh?  Especially when Congress is so wasteful in their spending of it.
             All of what we have is God's, before it is ours. Leviticus 27;30  ''A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.''  We have temporary custody but it can all be taken from us at anytime.  We are to give freely and with the right spirit with what we are blessed with to further the Kingdom.  ''Jesus said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
             Our support of things includes both our verbal affirmation and our financial response.  We are blessed when we bless others by paying our blessings forward.

Walk With Me

      'Trust in God’s presence and know that He is with you every second.'  No matter if you feel alone or crowded, God is with you.  Dwell on that thought and feel blessed.  Sometimes the journey seems long and full of trials but just look forward to the trouble free eternity that awaits believers.  God is as close as you allow Him to be in your life.  'Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you.'

Foto Friday

A surprise visit from Eliana

Our better shot...  we've known each other
since her daughter and I were in 6th grade.
We go way back.

TCBY ... good to the
last drop

 

Karla's drive to work

A good long stretch

Let this be it!

Squirrel under my bird feeder

Renew

      Well this is definitely a verse that we can all turn to and relate with.  Who's with me?  We all know the worn out feeling of exhaustion.  Who hasn't said.... 'just give me five minutes'?  Even God needed a day of rest on the seventh day after creating everything into existence.
      We do get tired in more ways than just physically.  We are warned not to grow tired in doing good. Sometimes we get tired of our efforts not being appreciated but we are told to do things as unto the Lord, not for man.
     Our bodies are not sustainable forever and sometimes we are renewed in strength by the help of others.  As in Exodus 17;12..........''When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.''  We must not let pride stand in the way of how God uses others to help us.  I know for myself, I preserve the energy God gives me for the things that are of benefit to me and Him most.
    I asked my doctor once...'can you give me something for energy?'  He recommended just a Flintstone vitamin but I'm going to add this verse to my daily regimen too.

Move Forward

        Well I know some stubborn people, and I admit that I am one of them.  Sometimes we pray for God to make our situation better and yet we don't want any form of change. ''Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.'' When we hit rock bottom, there we can find our Rock upon which we can stand up against anything.
       God closes doors that no man can open but He also opens doors that no man can close.  Are you following His leading down your path or your own?  It takes courage to go where He leads but faith takes the first step to climb up that unseen staircase.
      We like familiarity and to be in our comfort zone but they aren't always a good thing.  Breaking the bad cycles of life and not repeating them are God's push to move you to better things.

Beautiful?

         What do you consider 'beautiful' in a person?  Is it the flesh, the attitude, the will or the reputation?  I think beauty is making the most out of what God gave you and using it for His glory, not just for your own pleasure.
         Have you ever thought of Mother Theresa as a 'supermodel'?  Probably not, but as this caption describes then she was one of the most beautiful people to have walked the earth.  'People' magazine does a 'Most Beautiful' issue every year but it is mostly just eye candy.  A good looking person can become 'ugly' in a brief second when they display their true heart by their words or actions.
        Are you beautiful to the ones who see you daily in all your forms?   'Take my life and let it be consecrated to Thee'.  May we use all the parts of our bodies in a beautiful way that strengthens and helps others

Snow?

         Hey, I'm over it too!  I've done my part to get spring here by getting my spring decor of bunnies out. There's no need to get violent.  'This too shall pass', so let's try a little patience till we thaw out in a day or two.  Just be thankful that your power is on to heat your home.
       Phillipians 2;14-16  ''Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.''
      It's hard not to grumble when our routines get changed by things we cannot change, like the weather.  As with our eternal future, we can look forward to better days ahead because they are coming.

Happy Dance

          This is my HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY frog dance.  I have been burning the candle at both ends lately due to my lack of sleep.  I can tell you that it takes a toll on you and catches up with you real quick.  So I don't know if I just collapsed from exhaustion or just finally had an all night of good sleep last night.  Either way, I am just grateful.
          Sometimes the little things we take for granted become the big things we desire when they're gone.  It's true that God won't bless you with more, if a person doesn't appreciate what God has already given them.
         As a child my prayer used to be...... ''Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray my Lord my soul to keep.  If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.''  I found a better version that's not so fatalistic for a child or for anyone.  I hope we all sleep well tonight and maybe this can be your prayer......

Foto Friday

Charlene in Oklahoma

 

Two is company, three is a crowd and you want on here
too Angie?

Ran into Belle at the Shoporama in Cabot

Bath n Body Works sale stash

 
 

Not In My Power Alone

"As we face difficulties, others can see that something - some power, some knowledge - enables us to handle them in a way that isn't natural. ANd when they ask, they find out that the difference is God. They see in us HIs grace, and this brings glory to the One who fills the vessel." (From "LOrd, I Give You This Day by Kay Arthur) 




          My friend, Cathy, posted this to me on my facebook page.  What a blessing to me that someone else could see God working in my life.  If there ever was an earthly goal to be met, it would be... 'use me for Your glory Lord.'
          From Spurgeon.....''It is a poor faith which can only trust God when friends are true, the body full of health, and the business profitable; but that is true faith which holds by the Lord’s faithfulness when friends are gone, when the body is sick, when spirits are depressed, and the light of our Father’s countenance is hidden. A faith which can say, in the direst trouble, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him,” is heaven-born faith. The Lord afflicts his servants to glorify himself, for he is greatly glorified in the graces of his people, which are his own handiwork. When “tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope,” the Lord is honoured by these growing virtues. We should never know the music of the harp if the strings were left untouched; nor enjoy the juice of the grape if it were not trodden in the winepress; nor discover the sweet perfume of cinnamon if it were not pressed and beaten; nor feel the warmth of fire if the coals were not utterly consumed. The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which his vessels of mercy are permitted to pass. Present afflictions tend also to heighten future joy. There must be shades in the picture to bring out the beauty of the lights. Could we be so supremely blessed in heaven, if we had not known the curse of sin and the sorrow of earth? Will not peace be sweeter after conflict, and rest more welcome after toil? Will not the recollection of past sufferings enhance the bliss of the glorified?''
        We would never choose suffering for ourselves but God has to break us in order to build us into who He wants us to be.  I certainly know that my journey has been paved by God's grace, mercy, strength and patience so I hope that my life shines brightly for Him for all to see.

DIY Jewelry Party

Charlene and I

Gloria's necklace n earrings

Karla's necklace n earrings

September's collage pendant

September's pendant and
Grace's necklace n earrings

Betsy's necklace with
her helper, Hank

Me, Gloria, n Grace

Hard at work/fun

             What a fun girl's afternoon we had on Tuesday.  Charlene was generous enough to bring and share her jewelry supplies so we could have a do-it-yourself jewelry making party.  September brought a bag of her jewelry supplies too.  These are some creative ladies.  We enjoyed smoothies and spinach dip while being artistically challenged with the wide assortment of beads and more.  We also enjoyed a good visit with each other.  Good girlfriends in your life are a true blessing and time spent together is a treasured memory.      [For a bigger view, you can click on the individual picture]