tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81023724490163282212024-02-07T11:40:10.845-08:00PrairieMouse's PonderingsThis blog is blending of my life; family, my walk with Christ, and the journey of my life through highs and lows. I pray that those who read my writing are strengthened and encouraged by it.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-47501166099424332632024-02-07T11:33:00.000-08:002024-02-07T11:33:41.500-08:00Time Passes -- Transparent Moments<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I have had an odd series of emotional ups and downs recently, I think today, I am finally understanding them. As I take time to reflect back, I realize that this time of year has a variety of memories/moments that I now associate with it, some aren't always at the surface level, but this morning, I think I get it, I see it all... and more importantly I can now process through it, prayerfully finish release the painful part of it.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The beautiful part of this, the wonderful memories and moments... going back to Feb 14, 1980, 44 years ago on Valentines Day of my Senior year of High School. That was the day Glenn showed up at my house with a bouquet of flowers, and the card that said, "Will you be my steady Valentine?" (I know I've shared that part before.) We had been introduced 6 months before, just before my 17th birthday, an introduction that was going to begin our lives on an amazing journey. Short story on the next 30 years: The financial ups and downs, crazy life moments, blessings of 4 kids, the grandkids and most importantly learning to walk with the Lord and stay steady on that walk. That walk is what enabled us to face everything that came along.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Now to the beginning of the pain; 12 years ago, this month we knew something was wrong... we didn't know exactly what, but we knew there was some sort of challenge that we would face, but we were determined to face it together with the Lord as our anchor. A month later in March of 2012 we found out the deadly giant we were facing. We faced it with our eyes open and yet the determined faith that we believe in a miracle working God. The next 14 months were difficult ones, full of ups and downs, victories and then the pain of loss.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Next in the cycle of this time of year, it was Feb of 2013 that the doctor began to try to prepare us for what he saw was coming soon. The chemo was no longer working. Well, both Glenn and I, being naturally stubborn knew that we wouldn't give up fighting the good fight for Glenn's healing until he was healed, or home with the Lord. Well ultimately Glenn lost the battle here on earth but we did have a miracle, the fact that Glenn had lived about 13.5 months longer that the doctors had hoped for. And I know that He has been with the Lord since he left me on May 4th of that year. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Forward 5 years to February 2018, I get a call that my dad wasn't doing well, I contact all my siblings and we converge to see him, for the first time in decades we were all together. It was a time of healing for my dad. He didn't pass then but about 2.5 months later at the end of April, he passed.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As I reflect on these things, it gives me a path through, I have processed a lot through these years but, there were still a few things open that I didn't realize, and they have allowed a "funk" of sorts to settle in every year. I will prayerfully get victory over that funk and move on from it. Not that I will ever forget those moments, but I will focus on the good that has come into my life since them and in spite of them.</span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">My decision is to focus on the fact that what it says in Romans 6:28 is true. I have said over the years that there grief is like waves at the ocean, I feel like I have finally found a way to see the 'sneaker' wave and stop it from flattening me emotionally. To relate, to another analogy of grief... the polished stone. I have finally found a way to take the the rough rock of grief, now polished with time, out of the tumbler and look upon the beauty of it without pain from the rough edges-- they are gone.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">May all of you that have gone through anything similar, also gain the victory from the lesson of the polished stone.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tf0OuOIWQphguXdAdJYwvXcZnd8JbmgBt2DXIEEZLj2ycBX_Kq-31tZpc6a1Ce6AV9gA0v1SGhAWzAqqundRzhCcEwkvqiZSdA0njhyphenhyphenmCSqJr5bJK6kE4c9XVlNU36LojFpompvoRzcMPiPZ0qqzXyqvNI5Cjjf8_R1V5nMO1P-E1h5lv3_jTApt5xQ/s688/romans-8-28-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="688" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tf0OuOIWQphguXdAdJYwvXcZnd8JbmgBt2DXIEEZLj2ycBX_Kq-31tZpc6a1Ce6AV9gA0v1SGhAWzAqqundRzhCcEwkvqiZSdA0njhyphenhyphenmCSqJr5bJK6kE4c9XVlNU36LojFpompvoRzcMPiPZ0qqzXyqvNI5Cjjf8_R1V5nMO1P-E1h5lv3_jTApt5xQ/w643-h336/romans-8-28-2.jpg" width="643" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-79290182034573074182023-12-05T11:12:00.000-08:002023-12-05T11:12:41.551-08:00Separating the Heart From the Chaff<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5jW4RoJwOPweGuwyqWWziIKtXeP9SF_qFXUE9Px7tnIJjOublTrqVyiSfGPDsMJAMLfr-1sLJ7HJPfUqk4ZJm1iOaWbp-IUZzj6BKT3JVF-l3HLXC-cdyga0F4ArFBkH7Z3cxJwBs4cNUwQriFT9nGt86J_la6zC24rN-sPgw_cJfj1eLuxmhA1egkEo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wheat and chaf" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5jW4RoJwOPweGuwyqWWziIKtXeP9SF_qFXUE9Px7tnIJjOublTrqVyiSfGPDsMJAMLfr-1sLJ7HJPfUqk4ZJm1iOaWbp-IUZzj6BKT3JVF-l3HLXC-cdyga0F4ArFBkH7Z3cxJwBs4cNUwQriFT9nGt86J_la6zC24rN-sPgw_cJfj1eLuxmhA1egkEo=w640-h384" title="Separating the heart from the chaf." width="640" /></a></div><b><i> </i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><i>Many of us have heard the parable of the wheat and the tares; they look alike when the plants are small but as they grow, the difference becomes more evident. The chaff, is part of the wheat plant, and it must be sifted for the grain to be used.</i></b><br /></span><p></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">I have been pondering this intensely lately, wheat and chaff. When we think of wheat, we think of the wheat hearts that are used to make flour, the excess that surrounds that wheat heart is the husk and the stems, basically, chaff is the inedible parts of a grain-producing plant. <span style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><a style="animation-name: none !important; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>And this is what is taking up a lot of my thought process... at some point the wheat and chaff MUST be separated. I believe that we are beginning to see this on the national stage at this time, but it is important to take a look at ourselves and make sure that the chaff in our own lives and walk with the Lord is sifted and allow our heart to be what remains.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">The winnowing process requires thrashing the wheat and involves throwing the mixture into the air so that the wind blows away the lighter chaff, while the heavier grains fall back down for recovery. In the natural the chaff gets blown away... think about it, it's not heavy enough to stay put, even a light breeze can blow it away. The wheat heart can withstand stronger wind, because it's solid. It is the good part that can be used. In the spiritual, the chaff is what gets in the way of our walk with the Lord and what I want to see in my life is to have that chaff blown away, I want what GOD wants in my life... not the distractions.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Much like the difference between having a life built on sand, as opposed to one that is ANCHORED on the Rock, Christ Jesus. There is a difference. Like the chaff, sand will sift and move, but a rock stands firm.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">So I guess where my mind sits, is for those who call themselves Christians. Are you wheat or chaff? The last few years have certainly been 'breezy' so to speak, and the question is, are you closer to the Lord in your walk, or have you been blown out a ways? This is something that we all have to think about. In a time that many churches closed up, and then stayed that way, we saw many around us have their faith challenged in a way that none of us ever expected. It has became a time where the 'habit' of church on Sunday was thrown seriously out of alignment. In many ways, the tossing of the wheat began. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As you look back over the last few years you can view it another way; In our spiritual life, when the rubber hit the road what happened? Did it spin like a bleach burn out? (All show no go.) Did it spin out of control and off the track? Did it fishtail a bit but then get back on course? Or was the driver in control enough to grip instantly and keep going forward, and maybe even gain position. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Each person must look at their own walk with the Lord, for we will ALL (Christian or not) answer to Him for what we do. Do we press in, and see what the Lord tells us to do, or do we let men tell us what is "right". Many of the things that the media says are right are diametrically opposed to the Word of God. The world has a different standard than the church. The Lord is the final say in my life, I choose to follow what HE tells me over the media.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Call me old fashioned, square, too churchy, whatever, I really don't care about what people think, as long as they can tell that my first priority is what God thinks of me. Yes, I want to be a wheat heart!</div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-44738079456289411872020-05-30T19:37:00.000-07:002020-05-30T19:41:02.977-07:00When Life Takes a Pause Moment<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrX5hrIvVJOW1CdKsutMJaFG1OhQLClxmNvbCYz6rGg9DrqbrCR5ViAx_vOH_yTE50RG59OwnZCywaYeofFeO2ikfiFsNfLhHyfRCfEUX_lJEcUEhC3DtVcfiHsdKvQdduENouO0oVTA/s1600/pause-button-e1376172552682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Pause Points": A clip from Sara Sherr's (Online) Classroom - Teach ..." border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrX5hrIvVJOW1CdKsutMJaFG1OhQLClxmNvbCYz6rGg9DrqbrCR5ViAx_vOH_yTE50RG59OwnZCywaYeofFeO2ikfiFsNfLhHyfRCfEUX_lJEcUEhC3DtVcfiHsdKvQdduENouO0oVTA/s200/pause-button-e1376172552682.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I actually started this post in March and forgot to post, some things have been changed, but really the heart of things is still where I'm at.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been sitting here pondering a lot of things over the last couple months... hasn't everybody?</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Decisions I've made, if I had known 4 months ago what was going to happen, would I have made the same choices about things. Maybe I would have, and maybe I wouldn't. It's hard to look back and guess. The reality, we only can make decisions on what we know, right now.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Right now, we can chose to cower, and live in fear. Or we can chose to trust God, and walk in faith, using wisdom in the days ahead. This has meant, stepping back in our life and doing our part to flatten the curve. This required what we thought would be a 2 week hold on our lives becoming 2 months before we could even begin to get back to 'normal life.' </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was among the unemployed due to the virus and it's restrictions and my little home based business works about 90% with restaurants so it went almost silent also. I was lucky, I was able to get unemployment, but I will be honest, I am very happy to be back at work, even though it is very different.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We all faced a lot of time on our hands, separation from those we care about, and loneliness, especially, for those, that like me, are in a house with no other human beings to talk to, it has been incredibly hard. And for me, the anniversary of Glenn's passing really amplified the quiet of my house. It physically hurt, I'm not gonna lie. All people need the human touch, that's the way God designed us. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am thankful that we are blessed by the fact that we live in a day and age where this kind of thing doesn't have to leave us totally cut off though, we can chat with friends, by phone, texting, messaging or one of many forms of video chatting. And though I haven't been able to sit on a pew since March, through livestream I have been able to join with others in watching services, prayer meetings and worship times online, these all bring joy to my heart.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One perspective of this event is to look at this time as a pause, one that allows us to look around and count our blessings. It has given us time to read or listen to the Bible, and spend some time in prayer. We can join worship services electronically, listen and/or watch preaching, live and recorded via the internet. Using this time to grow closer to God. Maybe this virus is really the Lord slowing us down to get that 20/20 vision in our life, and for our life. I am believing that I will come out of this stronger in my walk with Him.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My heart for each of you today, take a moment, and goodness knows even as thing begin to "reopen" for many, there are lots of "moments" available, so use them to rest in the Lord, and if you don't know the Lord, grab a Bible and start with the New Testament, Psalms or Proverbs and start learning about Him. If you don't own one go to blb.org and you can read it online or listen to it, there are a lot of versions, my favorite is NKJV. Of course you can also ask me about Him or another person you know that has a relationship with the Lord-- most of us are more than happy to share the Good News of Jesus and what He did for us.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A final note here: In January I laid out some goals for myself that I posted in that blog... and I am happy to say that honestly, I am on track, not at the level I want to be, but much further in them than I might have been, had not the pruning of all of life's extra curricular activities happened- so in that case, maybe it was a good thing.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This thing's not easy, and I want to whine as much as the next person, and I have done my share of griping, but I began to consciously try to take those moments and refocus to prayer instead of complaint.- I still have a ways to go here.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I pray we all adjust to the "new" normal with hearts and ears that are ready to hear what the Lord speaks.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have an amazing day and a Blessed week!</span></span></span></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-91972264748302040092019-12-29T17:02:00.002-08:002019-12-29T17:02:44.844-08:002020 Vision<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d5sdfZjXhbVLgg3Gk-OS1hJPa6GwQ5D5DZ9IS-z_dH5NTeUV6f-GlypKYIXyPUNo3wTsZa9yKaZw5-W_TY-ktfhZy81vHuoI-yEeKkS_qlbOpY3eUo3JtcwuRX5xly6DQuUVYzwNDlc/s1600/sign-eye-chart_zJrAtw_O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d5sdfZjXhbVLgg3Gk-OS1hJPa6GwQ5D5DZ9IS-z_dH5NTeUV6f-GlypKYIXyPUNo3wTsZa9yKaZw5-W_TY-ktfhZy81vHuoI-yEeKkS_qlbOpY3eUo3JtcwuRX5xly6DQuUVYzwNDlc/s320/sign-eye-chart_zJrAtw_O.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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2020 Vision</h2>
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It's so hard to believe that the year
2020 has arrived. The new year always brings with it the thoughts of
what is ahead. Goals are set, resolutions will be made, and broken,
lol. Seriously only 25% of people will still be on track with their
resolutions after 30 days, and only 8% will actually stick to them.
Ouch!</div>
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As I look back at 2019, I'm not
disappointed, I made some positive adjustments in my life, though no
where near what I wanted... A friend once told me, shoot for the
stars, if you only hit the moon you still have gone forward. – to a
point, he was right.
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Going into 2020 I am NOT setting
resolutions, I am setting goals, goals are realistic and incremental.
I am desiring to change my vision... not my eyesight, but rather my
vision of my life's path. I want to move forward in the vision that
God has called me to live, I want His vision for my life to become
more clear to me.
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This is something that will require
much more than making a resolution, it means taking forward steps
toward the goal. In doing this, I must remember those incremental
steps that will add up to the desired result, a life submitted to the
Lord, following His will for my life, not my own.
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The amazing thing is that this is
something that anyone can do, the trick is, it takes the decision to
do the steps, and they aren't hard to do, but yet I have found myself
choosing the easier path of not doing them diligently in the past. –
However, I have a deep stirring in my soul to press forward in a new
way this year. I really want that 20-20 vision!!</div>
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</div>
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The steps I know to make at this time: (You can too, if you choose.)</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7NB5CUXG-npK-PtsRjzKVDmI9zVVEuWrg0JrjEI-ULaSDIQlSjDMm9DY2L7kCOg_y3lgvMA0PEt64jb8MwPwffLWd0YLqNvmGFqef8ui3boaB_v2vyP5YK6mpWaTWMqfA_nZSM80Lo4/s1600/The-Annual-Guide-to-Biblical-Counseling-Resources.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7NB5CUXG-npK-PtsRjzKVDmI9zVVEuWrg0JrjEI-ULaSDIQlSjDMm9DY2L7kCOg_y3lgvMA0PEt64jb8MwPwffLWd0YLqNvmGFqef8ui3boaB_v2vyP5YK6mpWaTWMqfA_nZSM80Lo4/s320/The-Annual-Guide-to-Biblical-Counseling-Resources.jpg" width="212" /></a>More time in prayer – this can
start with increasing by a little a day, or just starting, 5 minutes
increase is still increase, and as time goes on, add more. If I do
just 5 minutes more a day, that's 35 minutes a week, and that nets
over 30 more hours a year, minimum. That's a lot more time in the
Lord's presence!!</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
More time in His word. Same
principle as above.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Studying the word with more
purpose.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Journaling more, my prayers, hopes
and visions. Writing these things down allows for focus, and also
allows for reflection as time passes.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Being active in the house of the
Lord. – A plant grows better when it is planted. I know, that in
my life, the extended family I have acquired in the house of the Lord
had been irreplaceable.</div>
<br />
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Yes, I want 2020 vision for my life,
His perfect vision. Will I walk 100% in God's will this year? Of
course I'd like to think so, but I know me, and the battle I have
with my will. So, what I will do, is press in and press forward, I
will take any forward progress I can make.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I am excited for the year ahead, a new
decade, new beginnings!!</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
My heart for all of you is the same,
new beginnings, just start where you are and take it a step at a
time.</div>
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<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-59505784933275177192019-12-02T13:46:00.001-08:002019-12-02T13:46:13.097-08:00Searching for the Perfect Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTX0wtgsWbuic6WXrqgn2kTtTxqOjHF5Bl4IUA6OeR8w47y3JBMuIgHsecED5NYTVYjMEfVNrC64GabqysDx1WrEm5b8CCg2OQu5sxADM-Kl-8c4lB0w12wMKHVEzJDutRPgJrYIIUCs/s1600/Christmas-Tree-Farm-creativecommons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="810" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTX0wtgsWbuic6WXrqgn2kTtTxqOjHF5Bl4IUA6OeR8w47y3JBMuIgHsecED5NYTVYjMEfVNrC64GabqysDx1WrEm5b8CCg2OQu5sxADM-Kl-8c4lB0w12wMKHVEzJDutRPgJrYIIUCs/s320/Christmas-Tree-Farm-creativecommons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<b>It's that time of year, the time when we set out to find the 'Perfect Tree.</b></h3>
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F<span style="font-weight: normal;">or some that means a trip to the woods, always fun and quite the adventure, memories of doing this with my own family over the years, sometime with snow, and sometimes without... they always make me smile.</span></div>
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Or maybe it's heading to a department store to find the right size, color of lights, price and style of artificial tree. (When we bought an artificial tree there was a debate... colored or white lights, lol.)</div>
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Whether you choose a natural tree or an artificial tree, you want it special, because... well let's face it, the tree, and all that goes with it, on it and around it, is a huge part of this season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY_eW1d846eE4mMZzKWRboXYKd8S2BPfKDKEhp7nOoUQg6t3SWOiBsHWgGbYmt5JZts8xIAivk8AnAXLG3CZSKZ1q_FcS_-wH7nipYsFLNG2lSWZXx5Fnw_1He-72xvLQfZ2_pi6MPnQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY_eW1d846eE4mMZzKWRboXYKd8S2BPfKDKEhp7nOoUQg6t3SWOiBsHWgGbYmt5JZts8xIAivk8AnAXLG3CZSKZ1q_FcS_-wH7nipYsFLNG2lSWZXx5Fnw_1He-72xvLQfZ2_pi6MPnQ/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sometimes it's fun to decorate a tree in the yard too... I know I love to see the lights on people's trees, and house's, during this time of year, they always bring a smile to my face. As a matter of fact, they bring the memory of a 2 year old child in a car seat constantly, and delightedly saying, "Oh, Pretty!!!!" as we went light looking many years ago.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But I was struck recently with a thought of a different tree... A 'tree' that was the most perfect tree. It was not perfect because of it's shape, size or decoration, it was/is perfect because of what it represents, the completed work of the greatest Christmas gift ever given.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Gift of course, is the reason we celebrate this season, the gift was a tiny child born on dark night so many years ago. A child that was born for one reason. He would grow up to be Savior of the world for all who choose to call on Him. JESUS. And the tree I speak of, the cross that bore His body through the crucifixion, the ultimate sacrifice, His life for ours.</div>
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From my heart to yours this season: Merry CHRISTmas!!! Remember the Reason for the Season!</div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-27640040685505185672019-10-06T17:29:00.001-07:002019-10-06T17:29:15.666-07:00Fantastic Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILzjnZo5YkmW6xdFpmoMpO-yvxq2DTAdCmF00bS8PnDl8g_xyxx_xccrOhzfel3tUTiip7gRqESB4EeGpm9TgwPrP81jzbQNdl3gQ6ZTGWkN3c9hlWEiUVaihWTD7u07XsE-lVd-bLHI/s1600/fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILzjnZo5YkmW6xdFpmoMpO-yvxq2DTAdCmF00bS8PnDl8g_xyxx_xccrOhzfel3tUTiip7gRqESB4EeGpm9TgwPrP81jzbQNdl3gQ6ZTGWkN3c9hlWEiUVaihWTD7u07XsE-lVd-bLHI/s320/fall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
I love fall!!</h2>
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Everyone has their favorite season... for most it's probably spring or summer... for some it's winter, but as for me- I love the fall!</div>
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I enjoy the other seasons (for the most part) but I feel rejuvenated in the fall. Weird, I know. I just can't help myself, as the Lord begins to wave His paintbrush over the landscape my heart leaps. There is nothing that can match those colors, seriously!<br />
<br />
God made each season unique, and to me the fall is the culmination of things.<br />
<br />
Winter is the time of rest in many ways, most of the plants go dormant, the weather does it's best to keep us indoors. The daylight is less, we tend to be more willing to take time to be quiet... yes, like nature we know it's a season of rest.<br />
<br />
Spring is a season of rejuvenation, new life is blossoming around us, it is a time to plant. Whether that is in the natural and we are preparing to plant our garden, or seeking the Lord to plant new dreams in our heart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeg9sYGGJ2-UAy4C9Bs-iJBa0daeLib3QC8Cg-se1oe8C7drjENveUg3yMvWbks2Csu2rf4wPLY_vomWgzBE16nBzfnMEbMU_XmIJ7r5fy6DZR2TyObyX7_PAEMt4TCvImMq5S6UwHAk/s1600/harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeg9sYGGJ2-UAy4C9Bs-iJBa0daeLib3QC8Cg-se1oe8C7drjENveUg3yMvWbks2Csu2rf4wPLY_vomWgzBE16nBzfnMEbMU_XmIJ7r5fy6DZR2TyObyX7_PAEMt4TCvImMq5S6UwHAk/s320/harvest.jpg" width="320" /></a>Summer comes with the warmth of the sun and longer hours of daylight, and this gives us time to play and allows the plants to grow.<br />
<br />
Then comes fall and with it the wonder of the harvest... something that began months before with the turning of soil and planting of the seeds is now bursting for with produce.<br />
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I am reminded in this season that we also go through seasons, though they may not always align with the season of nature we are in at the time.<br />
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In my personal life I have seen seasons of winter, with it's darkness and sense of loss, I have gone through seasons of spring with new life and optimism... prayers of new dreams for my life.<br />
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Then comes a summer season... a time to rejoice in the beauty around us, maybe a trip to the coast to watch the ocean and ponder the power of the Lord. It is a time to allow the dreams that the Lord has put in our hearts to grow. To trust that, if He gave us the dream, He will bring it to pass.<br />
<br />
But the best time of all, the one that is so exciting to come into, a fall season!! Sometimes we know when these are coming- maybe it's the completion of a project we have been working on. But sometimes, and these are the best, are those times of dream harvest... That moment that the Lord brings into being those dreams He gave us in that "spring" however long ago it was that we got the dream.<br />
<br />
So back to the physical fall outside, yes, I love the colors, the sounds and smell of this time of year, what I really love is that I see it as the Lord's reminder that He will bring my life into it's season of harvest in His timing. And His timing is always best!</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-75304424679434700752019-07-21T14:56:00.001-07:002019-07-21T14:56:04.088-07:00Winds of Change<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Change happens, it is as inevitable as night and day. The Bible tells us that this is natural.</span><br />
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<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Ecclesiastes 3:1<br />To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.</i></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We all have seasons of change in our lives, the obvious ones are changing from childhood to young adult-hood, then there is going from single to married, to parenthood, then empty-nesting. Sometimes we have moments that our lives are interrupted by unexpected events; loss of a loved one, sudden job changes and more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All I know is that change happens, and the only control we have over it is simply how we respond to it. I was encouraged today at church when the young woman that was teaching, spoke on change, it stirred a confirmation in my spirit. You see, earlier this week I posted on Facebook how lately I have felt that it felt like things were about to change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My statement was this: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Do you ever get that feeling, like in Mary Poppins... where you feel the wind of change beginning to hit the sails of your life. No clue, why or when it's coming, but simply feel like it is? </i></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pondering this morning what the road ahead will bring, I feel a shift and I'm not exactly sure what it means, it may just be my job change, but I feel it's more than that...</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I have been feeling is that things are changing, I'm not sure exactly what is going to change, or why things are changing, I just know that they are, and I feel like they are going to be big changes. This doesn't mean fast, but they will be big. Good thing that my trust is in God. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Change can be stressful to some, and exhilarating to others. For me, my goal is simply to trust God and rest in Him as I move forward into whatever the change is.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At this point in my life I feel that it's a realistic goal, over the last 6 years the Lord has helped to grow me in this area. It hasn't always been so, I can honestly say that 15 years ago I was a person that, hmmm, how do I say this? Was, well, change resistant.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We need to remember that change is going to take us to where the Lord wants us to be. </span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In this last 6 years God has taught me that no matter what is happening, no matter what I face, He is with me... I have learned the importance of responding rather than reacting.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Ephesians 20 Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't exactly learned to embrace change, just appreciate it and give thanks for it as I go. I can say that, I no longer stress when something comes along to seemingly turn my world upside down... I remember that God is my provider. I understand that it is through a thankful heart that I can rest. Thankfulness allows me to become content.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My prayer for anyone who reads this; Embrace life, and all the changes that come with it. Rejoice that you are on a journey, and that, if you trust God, you will arrive at the destination that He has for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my post the other day, I also posted these scriptures and why I draw much strength from them as I face the future and any changes it may bring.</span></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">Isaiah 40:31 </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">But 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. </span><span style="color: #1c1e21;">---</span></i><span style="color: #1c1e21;">Because it remin</span></span></i><span style="color: #1c1e21;">ds me that God will always be faithful to give me the strength I need. </span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">Proverbs 3:5-6 <i>Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.</i></span><span style="color: #1c1e21;"> </span></i><span style="color: #1c1e21;">- Reminds me that I can trust my life to Him, and He will guide me.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic;">Matthew 19:26 <i>But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”</i> </span><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><i>--</i> God gave me this verse during Glenn's cancer battle and has shown me it's truth in many ways since his passing 6 years ago.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">Jeremiah 29:11 <i>For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.</i></span><span style="color: #1c1e21;"> -- I can rest in the fact that God has good plans for me.</span></span></i></i></li>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-14468710930585628572019-05-15T13:32:00.001-07:002019-05-15T13:32:42.949-07:00Reflections...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA3ocov2Xs7JyrbAaMOsDmffEkN6k_8TDKJSR3J0QgpxjJmHy4wsUBUUPR7_SkoLreluxC_fpB26WJXMldIH9POIRMqXq_81FKFtQqTLHqhSRnv2x8fiKOUs7UtAdjBEJVOub4FSmKtA/s1600/reflect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="674" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA3ocov2Xs7JyrbAaMOsDmffEkN6k_8TDKJSR3J0QgpxjJmHy4wsUBUUPR7_SkoLreluxC_fpB26WJXMldIH9POIRMqXq_81FKFtQqTLHqhSRnv2x8fiKOUs7UtAdjBEJVOub4FSmKtA/s400/reflect.jpg" width="400" /></a>When we think of a reflection, we think of looking in a mirror, or maybe on still water and seeing a copy of the item in front of it. Or maybe we think of it as taking a moment to think about something in greater depth.</div>
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This morning as I was wandering through Facebook-land, I saw a post by my nephew, he was reflecting back to when he was 15 and his mom had passed to breast cancer. She was only 38 when she died.-- My husband was only 52 when he passed, yet my dad was 93.</div>
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It again made me reflect on the briefness of life. Life is so short, no matter how long our life is, it is still just a blip on the grand scale of things. It is how we use our lives that determines our impact here on earth. </div>
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As I reflect on those I have known over the years, and the lives they led I find myself reflecting on my own life. I want to live a life, that when I am gone, has left a positive impact on those around me.</div>
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For my children I want them to go further and do more than I have done... I think this is something that I think all parents want for their children. I want my children to have watched me, make the choice to follow the Lord first and above all other things, and have faith in Him. I want them to have memories of the funny times and the more serious moments where we came together, trusting the Lord and seen His hand move on our behalf.</div>
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I want to be a person of integrity, someone who is a friend that adds something, anything, positive to the lives of those around me. I want to be a person that is trustworthy because of the Lord in my life, I choose to pray for others because I know the power of the Lord in my life and I want to see it in others, I want them to know who HE is. I want to reflect the love of God, I want to see others as He see them. </div>
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Am I there yet... no. Am I trying, yes. </div>
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To become the woman that the Lord wants me to become, means taking that look at who I am, and being willing to let Him adjust me. It means doing the hard thing at times, and sharing that side of me that I prefer to keep hidden, with someone that I trust. This in itself can be a challenge, because people can, and will fail us, but it's because of my faith in God that I must push past the desire to close myself off. Because, if I allow myself to withdraw from people and things, then I become ineffective in what He wants me to do.</div>
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We were not placed on this earth to live life alone, we were designed to live in community with others. So press in, live, love and laugh with others; create memories, live a life worthy of the gift that it is. </div>
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As for me, I want to live my life so that when I look in the mirror I can see me the way that God sees me. I am His child, and I want to be a good reflection of Him.</div>
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Blessings!!</div>
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Mary</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-1911694115789559992019-04-22T19:24:00.001-07:002019-04-22T19:27:00.677-07:00Easter Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Easter is probably my favorite holiday, don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the 4th of July. But Easter is, to me, the best of them all. It is the celebration of the risen Lord, Jesus the Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was on what we call, Good Friday, that Jesus was Crucified, and put to death in one of the most painful ways possible. But on the 3rd day, the day we celebrate with Easter, Jesus rose from the dead!! He conquered death and through that victory His shed blood on the cross made available to us, the gift of eternal life!! And that is why it is my favorite! (For more on the gift of Salvation, take the link to "Meet My Best Friend.")</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/57438119_10218252276996916_4004854495811993600_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=e59536f7b603c4204b939b5987055564&oe=5D77DA9A" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Image may contain: 1 person, standing and outdoor" border="0" height="200" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/57438119_10218252276996916_4004854495811993600_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=e59536f7b603c4204b939b5987055564&oe=5D77DA9A" width="112" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For my family, Easter is also a time to get together and have fun! In our family, since the weather was co-operating this year that meant a BBQ and yes, egg hunting! Our family, extended family means aunts and uncles and cousins... a group that loves getting together and hanging out!! My children and I first had a stop at my daughter's house and a bit of time with just us before going over to join the rest of the family in Grants Pass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had a heck of a time getting a photo of my kids, for some reason I managed to continuously get pictures of them with someone closing their eyes... that's the reason for the exaggerated eyes photo. LOL, I really was laughing so hard that I had tears in my eyes at one point.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqfLaQZJDJK7awj0ut8hw53UnQ4qQatcIcZiMe-_-hXUxMcZMyFkyxwJuK4op178UbnCs3ud3ZV7h0dWHNH7Z6CdBDCTAhfVyu7IwrgfWe-_xKFSbl1r875P5_n2-cQuMuR14H-sFTP4/s1600/20190421_121138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="800" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqfLaQZJDJK7awj0ut8hw53UnQ4qQatcIcZiMe-_-hXUxMcZMyFkyxwJuK4op178UbnCs3ud3ZV7h0dWHNH7Z6CdBDCTAhfVyu7IwrgfWe-_xKFSbl1r875P5_n2-cQuMuR14H-sFTP4/s200/20190421_121138.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My daughter taking a sibling selfie.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKU4UdyJKfix_CFB_5Gnf1VWbFY5N0eBqCgvsbIMaqH-RhCvrfPfIbWispGXeDdJq38HSODQqtFC2XRQU9pyV0jtnKFPJ0ENe9O9jMomI2bGg_eETaLQ-M2NoNIv53JuSYxmju5B7e9Q/s1600/20190421_121426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKU4UdyJKfix_CFB_5Gnf1VWbFY5N0eBqCgvsbIMaqH-RhCvrfPfIbWispGXeDdJq38HSODQqtFC2XRQU9pyV0jtnKFPJ0ENe9O9jMomI2bGg_eETaLQ-M2NoNIv53JuSYxmju5B7e9Q/s200/20190421_121426.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KirJSDL90hw-jS6iNCUHNh2YfJtevS78r5uLi4-uubsmQqkTxJcjtmPWPrGNu50xuFHb-YudSVTFpKRBaYPgmbeUuvXc7lZz5MjPMKEszGaPkttkzfA8D6A8D5fuVLvZCtrkTLVvov0/s1600/20190421_121450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KirJSDL90hw-jS6iNCUHNh2YfJtevS78r5uLi4-uubsmQqkTxJcjtmPWPrGNu50xuFHb-YudSVTFpKRBaYPgmbeUuvXc7lZz5MjPMKEszGaPkttkzfA8D6A8D5fuVLvZCtrkTLVvov0/s320/20190421_121450.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My four blessings.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year, at the full family BBQ we were blessed to have 4 generations represented, my kids, my sister-in-law's kids and all their kids as well as my in-laws. The youngest generation refers to the generation above them as Aunts and Uncles, they decided to do this since my kids and their cousins are almost as close as siblings. And that is another blessing, it is a relationship that has come about by many holidays spent together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3Hc4UL61hvXfcxKslfAVjNcZ_VwAQdLw1jDPaHKKL3n4GBP_8sVGH11B3DBPLV3mV2XgshndDyW0QnYDIux8J3gbqu6K_0aQCbW2EUii9dsUiHaBJvdAXzo6GQxA162O_V1XSMjZXo8/s1600/IMG_0157+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3Hc4UL61hvXfcxKslfAVjNcZ_VwAQdLw1jDPaHKKL3n4GBP_8sVGH11B3DBPLV3mV2XgshndDyW0QnYDIux8J3gbqu6K_0aQCbW2EUii9dsUiHaBJvdAXzo6GQxA162O_V1XSMjZXo8/s400/IMG_0157+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year was especially dear to my heart... it was the first time in over a year that all 4 of my kids and their families were all here with me at the same time. One of my sons is in the Air Force and the other moved out of state a year ago. So this was a joyous occasion indeed... and one I took advantage of, I made sure to get a picture of all of us, it is the first, full family photo since the February before my husband passed, that was 6 years ago in 2013. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is so very important to enjoy time with the ones you love, in the grand scheme of things, life is short. So make the most of it!! Gather together, play games, talk, laugh, have fun, and make memories!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time to hunt!!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-tJoZZCkhFxmAxHt_E8bzSabtYxMpWxzqDlOcKGxaznHfNssDEMpvrqtDcL7Qe-xYgWGtx5jn4bNEjt2_6ObwDHrRvFcQ2rQm9_Px2mORXIjaGxfACPgCp6CxGuFTX8-qLkNkPr_mLM/s1600/IMG_0135+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-tJoZZCkhFxmAxHt_E8bzSabtYxMpWxzqDlOcKGxaznHfNssDEMpvrqtDcL7Qe-xYgWGtx5jn4bNEjt2_6ObwDHrRvFcQ2rQm9_Px2mORXIjaGxfACPgCp6CxGuFTX8-qLkNkPr_mLM/s320/IMG_0135+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL-Y4mMvd3GYrfJqC-wnToJ5wmsHNMoPER1nwoW2aacVL1IYKgjnWis2uOwgSYbWbXwez3E-0I-667qcfgm3eRpqYjoVKaJWLRFmFC5vTqtnWK3sy_qZ7oR-vjv9gntG_Rh6CmHiYkVE/s1600/IMG_0136+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL-Y4mMvd3GYrfJqC-wnToJ5wmsHNMoPER1nwoW2aacVL1IYKgjnWis2uOwgSYbWbXwez3E-0I-667qcfgm3eRpqYjoVKaJWLRFmFC5vTqtnWK3sy_qZ7oR-vjv9gntG_Rh6CmHiYkVE/s320/IMG_0136+%2528Custom%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seek and Gather!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The parents hid the eggs and then the kids were set loose to find them! The littlest of the girls got a little bit of help but for the most part, none was required, they knew their mission! <span style="text-align: left;">Nothing quite like the joy on a child's face and the sheer excitement of everything.</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My hope and prayer for all of you is that you may enjoy your family as I enjoy mine and that you create memories to last you all for years to come!!</span></span></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-62544312870772886122019-03-21T19:04:00.001-07:002019-03-21T19:04:31.772-07:00Grief and a Polished Rock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrT76Rhja8T0q7TduTA7ZW2_P439kYKlawVLTEZGtGyl2raAMNxrpSZTg3xdelEIJZ6mS-mSe1MMWuYpEwz5gfAmj_Bnjwl48hA9s0VKMW4LyzoCSoY3nWtxWkI0rtPL6ky8wIE6h-tV8/s1600/ctJBMRMg%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="500" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrT76Rhja8T0q7TduTA7ZW2_P439kYKlawVLTEZGtGyl2raAMNxrpSZTg3xdelEIJZ6mS-mSe1MMWuYpEwz5gfAmj_Bnjwl48hA9s0VKMW4LyzoCSoY3nWtxWkI0rtPL6ky8wIE6h-tV8/s200/ctJBMRMg%255B1%255D.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
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Recently I was cleaning out my purse and I reached in and grabbed what looked like a Milk Dud. I couldn't figure out where it had come from, lol. When I actually picked it up, I realized it was a polished rock. Then I remembered where I had gotten it, it brought a wistful smile across my face.</div>
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Last year when a dear friend lost her husband I joined her in attending a Grief Share group, at the end of one of the sessions we were handed a polished rock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfuRUnEOxhVC_hHAHCUjnZjHsa7l2XaJYeWImvo7qKuq7HaYRfrC8KlZ_BuVu25s6j5xgzkeRPfZUo-vaSByJQS97bWf07gEXwphqmy5-b_oYkgFQOF8Lk3g2XroZRHLCRMqQFF17sKw/s1600/rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="467" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfuRUnEOxhVC_hHAHCUjnZjHsa7l2XaJYeWImvo7qKuq7HaYRfrC8KlZ_BuVu25s6j5xgzkeRPfZUo-vaSByJQS97bWf07gEXwphqmy5-b_oYkgFQOF8Lk3g2XroZRHLCRMqQFF17sKw/s320/rocks.jpg" width="212" /></a>This simple little rock was to remind us that grief is like a rock. When you pick up a rock from the ground it is rough, and craggy, and it can have sharp edges. However, when you put that rock in a rock tumbler it begins to smooth out, until it is so smooth, it almost seems soft, at least to me. Grief is like that, when it is new, it is sharp, raw and painful. Over time, it gradually becomes smoother, the bumps are fewer and the edges have become smooth and not sharp anymore.<br />
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Over time the grief process allows us to reflect back on the memories of the one we loved and see the beauty of the life they led, the times we spent with them, and all the little nuances that made them... well, them.<br />
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The timing of finding the rock in my purse, and recalling the lesson behind it was quite timely, I was having one of my 'bumpy' moments, the Lord knew just what I needed at that moment, I needed a rock.<br />
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As I think about this lesson, and hold this rock, I also reflect on another rock, it is the Rock that I anchor my life to, Jesus.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>2 Samuel 22:2
And he said:
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;</i></span><br />
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<i style="color: #660000;">Psalms 18:46
The LORD lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted</i><br />
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Take the lesson of the polished rock, remember those rough places will smooth over time, they will become something beautiful.<br />
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Blessings!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mary</div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-75585579856855209532019-02-06T13:53:00.001-08:002019-02-06T13:53:11.357-08:00Do You Dream<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you dream? I am not talking about the visions that flow through your head while you sleep... I am talking about the big things, the things that capture your imagination... that maybe you think are impossible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you dream? I hope so!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes we are afraid to dream, we fear disappointment, at least I do at times, I admit it. I have had times throughout life that I was afraid to dream... I had seen to much disappointment. That being said, I have learned the joy of dreaming. Are all the things I dare to dream going to happen? Probably not, but some of them will and that's exciting!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a little girl, I had an amazing imagination, I could dream up all kinds of things... how the future would turn out. Has my life gone as I dreamed it would? No. But I have been blessed!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always wanted a big family, I was one of 5 kids, I have 4 children, two bonus kids by marriage and 5 grandbabies... so that dream. Check.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to own a home, my house isn't big, but I do own my home, so... Check.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46082601_10216983188110487_1458158044285239296_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_eui2=AeE6xfA4nKiihyXz1T209ov6m3iSCqx0WSUCZ01vIZ03KVMTu2DP4MrEtuNosMTrTqvxGKNfHJm9Ej22IgDGLR4dD4dFbrX1AQeHvL4xOH6jpw&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=98a67746e2b8bedee8c395c75a0c15a0&oe=5D018F57" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Image may contain: text" border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46082601_10216983188110487_1458158044285239296_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_eui2=AeE6xfA4nKiihyXz1T209ov6m3iSCqx0WSUCZ01vIZ03KVMTu2DP4MrEtuNosMTrTqvxGKNfHJm9Ej22IgDGLR4dD4dFbrX1AQeHvL4xOH6jpw&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=98a67746e2b8bedee8c395c75a0c15a0&oe=5D018F57" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Found this sign at Hobby Lobby in Nov of 2018.<br />A dear sweet friend blessed me with it for Christmas.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I dreamed of going places, and I have. Before Glenn went home to the Lord we were blessed to go to Lake Tahoe on several occasions (a place I think is one of the most beautiful I have seen). We traveled to Los Vegas, Disneyland, Hawaii, and we took 2 cruises to Mexico; in addition we had many camp outs with the family. I have wonderful memories from those days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Glenn passed, my world was rocked, I wondered if I would ever dream again. By that point of my life those things I had dreamed about were for both of us together, and they could never be. The challenge was to overcome those dreams and readjust, learn to dream about<i> my life</i>, with out him. It hasn't been an easy thing to learn, but through God's grace it has come, incrementally. I didn't wake up all of a sudden one day and say... "Hey, I can start dreaming again." Nope, didn't work like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How it did work, was a step at a time, God took me through small steps, teaching me to trust Him along the way. Guiding my path as he promised to in Proverbs 3:5-6<i> (Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your was acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.) </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God had given me the scripture <b>Matt 19:26</b> that says, <b>"With God all things are possible,"</b> during Glenn's illness, little did I realize that it would truly become the anchor in my life.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have held fast to that scripture and seen the Lord move in my life... in spite of the appearance of obstacles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2017 I was able to sell the manufactured home that we had bought in a manufactured home park and I purchased another one, on it's own lot... no one can raise the rent on me and price me out of my home. (That happened to a neighbor of mine.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been blessed in the last almost 6 years to continue to travel and see places that I didn't think possible. I have been blessed to travel to Alaska, and drive the Al-Can Hwy with my son and his wonderful wife, I went Hawaii, and also a Mexico cruise with friends, I went to Savannah with family to see my niece graduate from college, and most recently I saw the fulfillment of a dream that I have had since I was a 10 year old child, I went to Sydney Australia and then cruised to New Zealand with my sister-in-love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember once a friend said to me, if you shoot for the stars and only hit the moon, is that really a failure? ... I think not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still have dreams that have yet to be realized, and I have more that I am beginning to dream about doing. What will happen in reality and what will forever stay a dream, I don't know... but that's okay, I know that God is a big God and He wants the best for me. So I choose to dream and trust Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart for each of you-- Dream!!! And</span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> DREAM BIG!!!</b></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-69903992617155588562019-01-09T15:46:00.001-08:002019-01-09T15:46:14.929-08:00New Year, Fresh Beginnings, and Choices<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New Year, Fresh Beginnings, and Choices</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qSVV0V9sC7HjxyKtceysLnLOkfI1NbmQMzCgr0UpSBWx4OFCeOE-iF_yehTo2ehQaSZUL_xgcl1315r-qJ-VsKbBkiiRKDz3-Ugfiv_XG4CsNaoSM1mcjTWDJeMLa1DITLjs79eMukg/s1600/Heb+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qSVV0V9sC7HjxyKtceysLnLOkfI1NbmQMzCgr0UpSBWx4OFCeOE-iF_yehTo2ehQaSZUL_xgcl1315r-qJ-VsKbBkiiRKDz3-Ugfiv_XG4CsNaoSM1mcjTWDJeMLa1DITLjs79eMukg/s400/Heb+12.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">January 1st is always recognized as an opportunity to have a fresh beginning. A Chance to choose to walk a new path in your life. As the new year begins, probably 95% of the population makes their New Years Resolutions. These are quite commonly related to healthy eating, losing weight, exercising more, and others associated to the physical body. These are good choices, I do want to live more healthy. But more importantly to me are those decisions I associate more with my spiritual being. That being said, what I consider it to be is not a resolution, but rather my hearts desire, that is to live a life of following the Lord more closely. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Doing this means making choices every day-- choices in what I watch, what I read, what I listen to, and the very words I choose to speak. Let me state now,<i> <b>I am not perfect by any means</b></i>, I am just trying to consciously choose to do my best to walk upright before the Lord. I feel a burden to boldness in a new way this year, and it will be reflected in some of my blogs as the Lord leads, and that begins today. <br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">(You have been warned.)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We know that the Lord has given us a free will, we can choose to live whatever lifestyle we want. But, that doesn't make them all good. Some things feel great at the time, however they can destroy our physical being, and in the long run, they can separate us from the very presence of the Lord. Fortunately, for as long as our body draws breath we can choose Jesus.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-llD9nP9Bzqu2dfQBMdDJJaf2xRcK__9QBwV5TPbBoON0MIeYiT1vH1N399BKF4QABPow8SefNUdCnnIwJf_k63Dp5mLw7Uvvj0FcGort8xjrnqGKKclECkb6AgZK5J3UrE40JdhYFE/s1600/upright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="800" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-llD9nP9Bzqu2dfQBMdDJJaf2xRcK__9QBwV5TPbBoON0MIeYiT1vH1N399BKF4QABPow8SefNUdCnnIwJf_k63Dp5mLw7Uvvj0FcGort8xjrnqGKKclECkb6AgZK5J3UrE40JdhYFE/s400/upright.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The thing that I keep hearing in my spirit lately, both in my prayer time, and in words I have heard spoken and written by others, is that we are living in a perilous time, a time when many people are willing to compromise their walk with the Lord for momentary "happiness." Some may think it old fashioned, but I believe that doing my best to walk in righteousness is a good thing. That means I have chosen a life of no compromise... I won't compromise my values. I don't feel that as a Christian, people should sleep together outside of marriage, I don't believe in drunkenness, 'recreational' drugs or similar things that modern society finds quite acceptable. Sorry, not sorry, when I read God's word this is how I see it, and the way I have chosen to walk. It is a choice we all have to make for ourselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lately what is breaking my heart is, that almost daily, I am seeing a complacency toward righteousness... Many have become afraid to preach the Gospel that includes living a life with out compromise. Yes, we have forgiveness, but we are told in the Bible <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">not to practice sin, that means to choosing to continue in things that God calls sin</u>. My perception when I see a person who says they are Christian choosing to sleep around, shack up or get drunk, or other things that the word says not to do; well in short, it brings a sadness to my soul. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we say are Christian then that means we are saying that we have chosen to become Christlike. I am not talking about new believers, they need instruction to leave the life of practiced sin behind. I am thinking of those who claim to have had a long term relationship with Jesus as Lord, and yet seem to en</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">joy living a life o</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f active compromise. -- I just don't understand it. Why? There is joy in living a life lived by the Word of God. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCyRCW6hS2fy644XbuRdBj1nGjM1IQFWer6kZBmtpqoGzfITxERVxa-MwLBAoEbm83-LtK78uuVFPmDOrsx0ec05arozZozPb1iUl4U4b6BYQFgMWp3gJPhIXIKAgksJxrG5sPCSLqDY/s1600/sin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="667" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCyRCW6hS2fy644XbuRdBj1nGjM1IQFWer6kZBmtpqoGzfITxERVxa-MwLBAoEbm83-LtK78uuVFPmDOrsx0ec05arozZozPb1iUl4U4b6BYQFgMWp3gJPhIXIKAgksJxrG5sPCSLqDY/s400/sin.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are told in the Bible that we are to rule over the sin in our lives, not let sin rule over us... the choice is ours, do we chose to run the race of faith in an way that is pleasing to the Lord, or do we make light of the gift of salvation and live as though we never received the Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What will your new beginnings be in 2019?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blessings!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mary</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Romans 6 <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(NKJV)</span></span> Reads as Follows</i></span></h3>
<b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Dead to Sin, Alive to God</i></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-llD9nP9Bzqu2dfQBMdDJJaf2xRcK__9QBwV5TPbBoON0MIeYiT1vH1N399BKF4QABPow8SefNUdCnnIwJf_k63Dp5mLw7Uvvj0FcGort8xjrnqGKKclECkb6AgZK5J3UrE40JdhYFE/s1600/upright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></i></a><i><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God</span></b></span></i><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? <u><b>Certainly not!</b></u> 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-3791139070075308552019-01-03T08:53:00.001-08:002019-01-03T08:53:21.838-08:00Full Steam Ahead<div style="text-align: justify;">
My last blog gave a brief overview of last year, highs and lows. From the loss of my dad, which was both a good and sad thing at the same time, followed by my trip to Australia & New Zealand, and ending with the loss of my job. Through all of it, I have to look back and say... Full Steam Ahead.</div>
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As each of us looks at our life, we often view it like a card game, we all have a different hand dealt-- it is up to us how we play it out. We can choose to dwell on the low cards or get so focused on the high ones that we forget that all will have to be played. What we need to do is to look at the full hand, and remember that this hand will play out and a new one dealt. Well it's January and time for a new deal, what it is, I haven't a clue, lol. But what I do know, is that I will not face it alone. I will play it through with the Lord right at my side.</div>
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I wish I could say that I never have doubts when I look forward, but that would be a lie. I am human, I deal with all the same emotions of fear, trepidation and dare I say depression that anyone else does, and sometimes I even get overwhelmed by them. However, it is at those points that I take a deep breath and adjust my focus, and remind myself that I am not in charge, I do have control over my actions, but not of those around me-- I choose at that point to trust the Lord. I need to remember to press in at those moments and listen... listen to the Lord and what He is telling me.</div>
<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e8/43/a9/e843a9c5d6def7736a2eef943242fa93.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="Image result for Ace" border="0" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e8/43/a9/e843a9c5d6def7736a2eef943242fa93.png" width="150" /></a><br />
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If I remember to listen, then I will remember that I have a great partner in the card game of life, His plays trump all. He is the author of all things and His word promises me that I will ultimately win, Salvation gives me that.</div>
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In the meantime, His word also lets me know that there will be good times and rough times to come in my future, but that is okay, He WILL be with me through it all. Knowing that, I know that I can look to my future with joy, so as I said earlier-- 2019 I will enter it like a ship on the ocean, going Full Steam Ahead.</div>
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Happy 2019!!</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-58609082466349761352018-12-26T13:27:00.000-08:002018-12-26T13:34:06.994-08:00Dreams, Good-bye's and 2019 Ahead <h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #660000;">Proverbs 3 moments - </span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ppU1mXsgdBoLBAWAkLnZsALficJkuswaA1aDTqPgcdV-wBtb6945AQ7fzqXNsEF1BodhWLFnDwLDHyM0KC7hWDUhkzyNew2ZCiAZEz4tGbFA28MaIIqj-WUBXnBzyLT1KiXL59cs0ds/s1600/IMG_8524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ppU1mXsgdBoLBAWAkLnZsALficJkuswaA1aDTqPgcdV-wBtb6945AQ7fzqXNsEF1BodhWLFnDwLDHyM0KC7hWDUhkzyNew2ZCiAZEz4tGbFA28MaIIqj-WUBXnBzyLT1KiXL59cs0ds/s320/IMG_8524.jpg" width="315" /></a><span style="color: #660000; font-size: small;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.</i></span></h4>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Christmas is over, and the family has gone home, the paper is waiting to go into the trash can when it becomes empty again, my heart is full and I am blessed!!</span><br />
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What a year 2018 has been!! It has been a year of highs and lows and again bringing changes ahead. </div>
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The year ahead was to bring a variety of things, the one I knew was coming was a trip I had dreamed about since I was a child. I also knew it was likely that at some point I would say my last good-bye to my dad... other than that, I had little thoughts on what the year would bring.</div>
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My dad was ready to go, he had made peace with the Lord, and since my stepmom Carol had passed in April of 2017 he had told me then that he was ready to go anytime the Lord saw fit. He promised me at that time that he wouldn't do anything to shorten his time here, but he wouldn't do anything to extend it either.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdQf-YeKtsrbNtcyUd5lB3Eg2N2NFH1vMPtKnZ7P0JCZfTyra8r4B-iGbzz5SkQIX7p7tMFWRhaGo_6kfj_TXmH_0S0tVTY_xCBsXZ38zR-uuqFEgGJNYGJ7pnyE_STDZmCq9ZQFvzfs/s1600/daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="576" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdQf-YeKtsrbNtcyUd5lB3Eg2N2NFH1vMPtKnZ7P0JCZfTyra8r4B-iGbzz5SkQIX7p7tMFWRhaGo_6kfj_TXmH_0S0tVTY_xCBsXZ38zR-uuqFEgGJNYGJ7pnyE_STDZmCq9ZQFvzfs/s320/daddy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In February, I got a call- it looked like my 92 year old dad was passing, I got on the phone to my siblings, made some hotel reservations and headed north to Vancouver, WA. I arrived, and within a couple days all 4 of my brothers along with some of their kids and all of my children and grandchildren had made it there to let my dad know they loved him and say their good-byes. Each of us had time to spend with him one on one, as well as surround him with the craziness that is our family when all together in a small space. It was a bit overwhelming for him at times, but he loved it. When it got to be a bit much, he would just sit back and enjoy the chaos. With his hearing he couldn't really follow it all, but he told me it made him happy just to see us all together.</div>
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It was a fun time, with dad sharing stories and also a healing time for my dad, emotionally, he was able to release some spiritual baggage that had been building up for years... forgiveness is an amazing thing. He did some rebounding that weekend though he was started on hospice, we knew the end was coming, but at least not that February weekend.</div>
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Over the next few weeks I made sure to call him between 3 & 7 times a week, we would talk of many things, and almost always the conversation would end with me saying I would call in the next day or 2 and he would finish by saying something like... "yep, I suppose I'll still be here." His humor coming through... he was tired but always liked it when I would call, he would also let me know if any of my brothers had called. </div>
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About mid-March I let dad know I would be coming up and we would have a StarWars weekend, in our family we are all StarWars fans and I told him that we would make sure that he was all caught up, because if he was still around when the new one came out, I was going to come up and take him. Well this was a goal for him I guess, since I drove up on a Saturday after work and then on Sunday, my youngest son and I spent the afternoon with dad watching movies. I will cherish that afternoon. I saw something that day that told me that dad would be leaving soon, so the next day when I was leaving town I wasn't surprised when I got the call that dad had less than 72 hours left. I knew it would be that day, and it was. Yes, I was sad, and I miss my dad, but I know he had lived a long life, and he told me that he had accepted Jesus as his Savior many years before-- so I was/am at peace with his passing.</div>
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The time between his passing and the memorial at the end of June presented me with many emotional/physical and fiscal challenges, however the Lord got me through all of them. Family was so important in the physical side, stepping up to help me move the last bits of my dad's stuff by the deadline that was set before me. -- I will be ever thankful to them, Jacob, Jake, Russ and Debbie, thank you so much!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxVZaYOmiCGzh4coEpht7Et-ulewhfhucV9zKNlmas0giRKBaoWuMUCOCiMmBKY124H13Hzg842K9eqFQIUkoivhz1M8IOQloPkPnTbC8UWo6YpID-RkbmNS3oQqDpuzyLY66kTy35Ko/s1600/38911600_10209746735983754_7840980166313508864_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxVZaYOmiCGzh4coEpht7Et-ulewhfhucV9zKNlmas0giRKBaoWuMUCOCiMmBKY124H13Hzg842K9eqFQIUkoivhz1M8IOQloPkPnTbC8UWo6YpID-RkbmNS3oQqDpuzyLY66kTy35Ko/s200/38911600_10209746735983754_7840980166313508864_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-wY4zSiFPf2tLTCknXPi1QU9v9rMeDxxw_Zqun6wvR_R42YMBEWxItW49EK8NgRoEQVYT_daCcICgH0pH7sRKlwFuulDdjhwtSUZk94XiG1VvvJAS0BOPxEiaL7FrO8b_hFlWoTubLo/s1600/38672571_10216222643377344_5042598768680108032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="960" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-wY4zSiFPf2tLTCknXPi1QU9v9rMeDxxw_Zqun6wvR_R42YMBEWxItW49EK8NgRoEQVYT_daCcICgH0pH7sRKlwFuulDdjhwtSUZk94XiG1VvvJAS0BOPxEiaL7FrO8b_hFlWoTubLo/s320/38672571_10216222643377344_5042598768680108032_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Moving forward, the summer was busy with work and a fast trip to the coast to connect with the family for a couple days of the annual camp out, always fun!! This trip is an annual event with family coming in from all around the country, a time to hang out, and have fun, just playing... all ages, together.</div>
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I wasn't there for the whole time but it was a lot of fun to see the kids working together building a dam on the beach. Family games like Pctionary, and a variety of others... of course there were many marshmallows to be roasted and snacks to be consumed, it was a great time!</div>
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The coast was a great break from the smoke that had consumed the valley during the summer. I just wish the ocean were a bit closer, though 2 hours isn't bad.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rjM3Ur67qG-Jt3_YjJQVNkbrdZ7jHmp2UKngW6qzPde48RcTu86z_8gV8mLfdsb-Gol0QkaM2WQ08FIts1iv8HM3yQxAFPdMfkFqNFeKWRCB-q4cB3ZUjvRftWiyw8YPgXzFouVpDYc/s1600/33869008_10209339357559548_5544442680487968768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rjM3Ur67qG-Jt3_YjJQVNkbrdZ7jHmp2UKngW6qzPde48RcTu86z_8gV8mLfdsb-Gol0QkaM2WQ08FIts1iv8HM3yQxAFPdMfkFqNFeKWRCB-q4cB3ZUjvRftWiyw8YPgXzFouVpDYc/s200/33869008_10209339357559548_5544442680487968768_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>During the summer I traded in my little red car and got a car that is a bit bigger, I like it! </div>
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As the summer progressed, I was busy prepping for the trip that I was going to be going on in the fall. October was to bring a trip with my Sister-in-law, Teresa. We planned parts of our adventure, knowing some things that we really wanted to do, planning much, but not all things-- you have to leave some flex room in life, lol! This meant some coffee and meal dates to plan our adventures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWucUk1ZruLcHWu-dJxeJpQMmvv4wSXnXTsHQpUES-WB_m9znLH1q9AM8MuHko7HPNKqc6pLAjdB_EbEMnmJTirnt-jEmHaLM38KU43Vi7W4p6VpLTZQBTJMacNiwhdBWHOEHt2jRhXzw/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="713" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWucUk1ZruLcHWu-dJxeJpQMmvv4wSXnXTsHQpUES-WB_m9znLH1q9AM8MuHko7HPNKqc6pLAjdB_EbEMnmJTirnt-jEmHaLM38KU43Vi7W4p6VpLTZQBTJMacNiwhdBWHOEHt2jRhXzw/s200/Untitled-1.jpg" width="153" /></a>...We were headed to Australia and New Zealand. So much excitement, and after over a year in the planning, we took off for our adventure on Oct 24, 2018, landing on the other side of the world at about 7:30 a.m. on Oct 26. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAoGGxJ4NiaMTmR_5w2Id_uDLe1lf_03z8SUi2iHs2cbiiKqD5GkWr8P6h-b30r-XrSCmczP2I6bIZMwTBpatzW2N8vhUJcD-WYDwn-REi-PcRJ2crpkeOL5nBBAfNSNAa0kXrNmFET8/s1600/IMG_8745alt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAoGGxJ4NiaMTmR_5w2Id_uDLe1lf_03z8SUi2iHs2cbiiKqD5GkWr8P6h-b30r-XrSCmczP2I6bIZMwTBpatzW2N8vhUJcD-WYDwn-REi-PcRJ2crpkeOL5nBBAfNSNAa0kXrNmFET8/s320/IMG_8745alt.jpg" width="320" /></a>Flying to Australia and then cruising to New Zealand was an adventure!! It was so amazing explore Sydney and to see in person things I had only seen on TV or in movies... we only had a couple days in Sydney and it made me want to go back some day. After a couple days we got on the cruise ship and headed for New Zealand, and during the trip we were blessed to explore small parts of New Zealand, and again be left for a craving for more of the country. -- <i>More about the full trip will be left for another blog, when I get through the more than 1200 pictures, lol.</i></div>
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Coming home from the trip meant returning to my job and life, and that's okay too, I had many of my regulars at the restaurant that were excited for me and wanted to hear how the trip went. I got to share the joy of my adventure with them.</div>
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However, arriving home meant finding out that I had another change coming in my life, the job that I had come to love over the last 4 years was going away. The final days of that job I found myself in tears more than once. It's not often you work a job that you truly love, a job you look forward to going to each day.</div>
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I found myself having to look for work again, I have found a job, though not likely to be the one I will be in for the long term. And I am once again in a more obvious faith walk moment, much like I was in when Glenn passed. Life is always a faith walk, but when I (or anyone for that matter) find myself in a position to have to trust God in a level that others can see, we are in a, "rubber meets the road," moment. Do we believe what we say or is it just words.</div>
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In my life, I want to live a life of faith, and that means being ready to let go, and let God. It means that I need to be willing to trust the Lord each day for provision in all things. It means being thankful in all things, accepting that He is in charge. It doesn't mean I don't have any moments of fear, or sadness, because I most certainly do. But ultimately it means that I have decided to trust my life into the Lord's hands. </div>
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So in looking forward to 2019, I am curious as to what lies ahead in my life, but I have decided that I will continue to trust in the Lord, I know that if I want to grow closer to Him, then trials like this will inevitably be a part of my life, and I am okay with that.<br />
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<b>May the Lord bless you with an amazing 2019!!</b></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-46431244221736202722018-11-22T19:31:00.000-08:002018-11-22T19:31:24.427-08:00Thanksgiving Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanksgiving is here once again, and though we learned in school that it was the celebration by the pilgrims celebrating the arrival, harvest and first year in the "New World" giving thanks to God.<br />
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I try to make sure that thanks to the Lord is on the top of my every day list, not just Thanksgiving day.<br />
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What it has become is a day of family, and you know, that's not bad. Family is something to be thankful for.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEUt_X-gvR2Ll8m_9pj4a5dgOF3OBs4ox_eBr49Jn9_KXhpRm6ISA9Nqx5SzlganFUNTiFJ6Q4BTud2qpQZE89zCdTuPolIC58dme2Wx9KhN5Al2PmJF-EX9wTwre5n8WyJd9SA0hKm8/s1600/46525442_10217051561179771_331492160090144768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEUt_X-gvR2Ll8m_9pj4a5dgOF3OBs4ox_eBr49Jn9_KXhpRm6ISA9Nqx5SzlganFUNTiFJ6Q4BTud2qpQZE89zCdTuPolIC58dme2Wx9KhN5Al2PmJF-EX9wTwre5n8WyJd9SA0hKm8/s200/46525442_10217051561179771_331492160090144768_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tvZeSwK5sF6K20bXYITatcb71cBIl7y2Ygyrv6JLMgrM_Gi6lgAUK7T05Eby1QhLK2Zs2TWOFqQcSFBadHCiWTi2L_Ea3zNU45q5ro4jZ8KExC1tnaF7tlVJmnQM9Ec90TpneIT3Bhg/s1600/46503930_10217051561459778_5156637529142722560_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tvZeSwK5sF6K20bXYITatcb71cBIl7y2Ygyrv6JLMgrM_Gi6lgAUK7T05Eby1QhLK2Zs2TWOFqQcSFBadHCiWTi2L_Ea3zNU45q5ro4jZ8KExC1tnaF7tlVJmnQM9Ec90TpneIT3Bhg/s200/46503930_10217051561459778_5156637529142722560_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>It is the number one traveled time of year, people looking 'homeward' where ever that may be. Gathering with parents, siblings, extended family-- the laughter of children of all ages!<br />
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I was blessed to be among about 23 family members today, covering 3 generations, a group that gets together for it's own brand of family fun and insanity each year, and I am thankful that they are mine.<br />
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Traditions like who gets the first deviled egg make it fun.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-GUkX7lmKo8uVUlGoixDZg-MbIbFCS_J6ZbPgCn8EvIpXYidSSxo8mR51C2rZQmz3-ANz1Bw9dZbph81yUIMTZW3Fep5zKCT3sIGqNtsqgEdwf4NEghJDAEHTi_pWNdFFHaMRDz-jh8/s1600/46522535_10210297121983060_8147556104428060672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-GUkX7lmKo8uVUlGoixDZg-MbIbFCS_J6ZbPgCn8EvIpXYidSSxo8mR51C2rZQmz3-ANz1Bw9dZbph81yUIMTZW3Fep5zKCT3sIGqNtsqgEdwf4NEghJDAEHTi_pWNdFFHaMRDz-jh8/s200/46522535_10210297121983060_8147556104428060672_n.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaIh3-Q05okbVy_kURX7pSALWDKjPnSkup76lQ_5fEOJVGhxcb9zUclxNwsTc4C4CfDa4n3AYEGOsKuYnu-UNfhTmL6_A-poEfKf0kwu_cyx3GwjeAlohA26wTsv0JfFZcy5bmTSiVv0/s1600/46498285_10210299619485496_4261064507792556032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaIh3-Q05okbVy_kURX7pSALWDKjPnSkup76lQ_5fEOJVGhxcb9zUclxNwsTc4C4CfDa4n3AYEGOsKuYnu-UNfhTmL6_A-poEfKf0kwu_cyx3GwjeAlohA26wTsv0JfFZcy5bmTSiVv0/s320/46498285_10210299619485496_4261064507792556032_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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This is a time of year that stirs memories for many, I know it does for me... memories of many childhood Thanksgivings filled with my watching the parade on TV, then my Dad, Granddad and Uncle taking us kids to breakfast so 'the ladies' could get the food in the oven and most of the prep out of the way. And if the weather permitted, football in the yard with kids from the neighborhood until it was feast time.<br />
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Memories of my children small and us eating our cinnamon rolls in the morning, out of the oven they came and in went the turkey when we would host the family. Memories of so many happy times. Those memories are especially cherished now that some of those that were with us, are no longer here.<br />
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Take time this holiday season to make some memories, those around you will not always be there. Love them while you can, enjoy, appreciate and laugh with them!!<br />
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Keep the feeling of thankfulness in your heart all year, an attitude of gratitude makes life so much better.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas season!!!<br />
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Mary</div>
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A.K.A Prairiemouse</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-80225506230271598512018-10-09T17:15:00.001-07:002018-10-09T17:16:57.242-07:00So Thankful, So Important!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Driving along today, I found myself almost in tears... but these were not the tears I have gotten used to dealing with; those are the ones that come from sneak attacks of grief and loneliness... Today's tears were from the most profound feeling of thankfulness!!</div>
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I was driving along, running an errand and all of a sudden I felt something familiar, tears, welling up-- but there was something different going on inside of me, it wasn't the sadness that is usually there when this happens, it was a different feeling. I was literally shocked to realize why the tears were welling up, they were coming from, for a lack of a better way to describe it, an overwhelming sense of deep thankfulness within.</div>
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I have tried to make thankfulness a big part of my life, but recently I decided to begin a journal that has one purpose-- recording the things in my life I am thankful for. The decision to do this had come after one of those other moments of tears, I decided that I was going quit allowing myself to wallow in my loss and to start changing my focus, I chose to go back to the time of losing Glenn to cancer, and start journaling those things that the Lord has done since I started this chapter of my life... and there are many!! (I may share more on that in the future.)</div>
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I know the reality, I will still have those other tears, but I am making an effort to take a life of thankfulness to the next level. I want more of those overwhelming moments of thankfulness to hit me. </div>
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My encouragement to anyone, no matter what is happening, no matter how dark the moment, there is always something to be thankful for, it may be something very small-- maybe just the fact there is coffee for the coffee pot, or it could be something very big... but there is<b><i> <span style="color: purple;">ALWAYS something to be thankful for!</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Blessings!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Mary</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">A.K.A - Prairiemouse </span></div>
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<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-25724163855105552672018-06-10T13:04:00.002-07:002018-06-10T13:06:58.860-07:00Childlike Faith<div style="text-align: justify;">
This morning at during worship service at church I observed a small child, just doing what they do. She would leave the security of her parents arms, and bounce and clap with the music, then she would wander, just a bit, look back, and return to that safety spot, close to their side. As parents, we want to see our children gain the boldness and confidence to move out from that tight spot in our arms, or close to our side, knowing that we are there for guidance and comfort when needed. The reason- this is how they grow to eventually become independent adults, and move forth into their own lives.</div>
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And as I watched her it got me thinking; I want to be like that, not afraid to step out, yet all the time, knowing that I am safe with in view and reach of my Heavenly Father. God is ever present, His eye is always on His children. When we need Him, all we have to do is to run to Him.</div>
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I know, I have those times that that I just want to stay there, in the security of His arms. And when I need this, He is there for that... but He is also there to encourage me to step out, moving into all the things that He has called me to do. </div>
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That is what I am trying to do that with my life, I want to follow His lead and walk the path He has set out for me to walk. I want to do all that He has called me to do, and this means that I will have plenty of moments that I need to step out in Faith, knowing that He is always there for me to run to, because He is close at hand. I want to always keep moving forward, but to do this, I must keep my heart on Him and my eyes and looking closely at Him.</div>
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His grace is so amazing, He sent His Son, Jesus, to give His life for me. Through my act of receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I became a child of God, through the spirit of adoption. And as such I have the full blessings as a member of the family... </div>
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So, I guess what I'm saying is that I want that Childlike Faith, and the confidence that comes with it.</div>
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Blessings!</div>
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Prairiemouse</div>
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A.K.A - Mary</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-53229929229362358092018-02-22T20:10:00.001-08:002018-02-22T20:18:51.457-08:00The Trip No One Looks Forward To, But....<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M9iB_wIk0aXX1aH8KxuV2doXubEUa4-Sqon05mcP8rSPVZNPdod7Hev2n_wI2jJzfmLoK2fHVwl2NdXHv6lgnLwEoZCrtjnN2WXgjB62dpaJ3SNnWkoTheE1ODtmZrkEmO4w1yKrlzY/s1600/20180216_122624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="691" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M9iB_wIk0aXX1aH8KxuV2doXubEUa4-Sqon05mcP8rSPVZNPdod7Hev2n_wI2jJzfmLoK2fHVwl2NdXHv6lgnLwEoZCrtjnN2WXgjB62dpaJ3SNnWkoTheE1ODtmZrkEmO4w1yKrlzY/s320/20180216_122624.jpg" width="320" /></a>When we take a trip, it's something that we usually look forward to, or are at least excited about. Last week, however, I took a trip that no one looks forward to. It's a trip that you may simultaneously want to take and not want to take... but you never look forward to it.</div>
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The reason you don't look forward to it, is because it's the journey of the last good-bye.</div>
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How do I share all the things going through my heart and head... I knew it was coming, but I kept hoping that it wouldn't. It isn't that I haven't had time to prepare, I have had nearly 10 months, if I am honest with myself.</div>
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It was 10 months ago that my stepmom passed away, and at that point my dad felt that his job was complete and he was ready to go, anytime God was ready to take him. I know this, because he told me it at that time. I am the eternal optimist, and I wanted to think he would change his mind and that he would decide to try to gain strength. But at 91 years old he had made up his mind. He wasn't going to do anything to shorten his time, but he wasn't going to try to extend it, even though he knew if he exercised he could get stronger.</div>
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Let me share a bit of background-- </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n3VlfM74eQbccnFf_GQSjuV086ruD5T0dv80loQJnMStsrKc99rhMIFTrZO4UeHVJrT4feqFc8dju5a44cljHhAIQl8ABf9f8sGTZ1Ibdyzy5n__SA_Y_O7HF6_EkJcsxZvcu8RHL_o/s1600/pat_sam_price_ca1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n3VlfM74eQbccnFf_GQSjuV086ruD5T0dv80loQJnMStsrKc99rhMIFTrZO4UeHVJrT4feqFc8dju5a44cljHhAIQl8ABf9f8sGTZ1Ibdyzy5n__SA_Y_O7HF6_EkJcsxZvcu8RHL_o/s320/pat_sam_price_ca1987.jpg" width="241" /></a>I love my dad, and he has shared with me many times that he has felt doubly blessed in life. First, he was married to my mom for 40 years... the last 3 were spent watching over her as the demon of Alzheimer's stripped her to a mere shell of the amazing mom that I remember. He did his best to juggle taking care of her and running the small sewing machine store that was to be their retirement business (they had moved from my childhood home to Longview, WA just a few short years before she was diagnosed). Finally the disease had progressed far enough that she had to be moved to a nursing home... During her time there, my dad went and spent time with her everyday. On those rare occasions that he couldn't go, he saw to it that one of their friends could. Yes, he took care to make sure she had someone near that loved her. She went home to the Lord in 1994.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NsFt6bzDxOCEXmUjr5vu6vxSPMd_53jQtqCueOW-cW9gtSlTpdTSI5o3ud9UnLXd0hJUABPZUCWNy9BhFfqX0nk2ntl3m-kHQwRn8dEUCfGopl9piO7Vpr9ToMhJR2Iay267Tf2V76o/s1600/carol_and_sam_price.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="366" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NsFt6bzDxOCEXmUjr5vu6vxSPMd_53jQtqCueOW-cW9gtSlTpdTSI5o3ud9UnLXd0hJUABPZUCWNy9BhFfqX0nk2ntl3m-kHQwRn8dEUCfGopl9piO7Vpr9ToMhJR2Iay267Tf2V76o/s320/carol_and_sam_price.jpg" width="320" /></a>Forward 6 years, he meets Carol, an amazing woman, very different than my mom but such a perfect match for him. She literally saved his life during their courtship period by getting him to the ER where they gave him an IV of Antibiotic... if she hadn't taken him to the ER, then we would have lost him in about 20 years ago... instead, he was blessed with a 2nd marriage to a wonderful lady that I loved very much. We used to tease that it was an "online romance," they had 'met' online, in a Lion's chatroom. Though they did have real-life friends in common. They were married on a January day, and it brought a smile to my heart that my dad had found love again. (I pray that I am so blessed.) I was also blessed with a big sister through this union, and what a blessing she has been!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR_8vC-F3392jhpcBp5Qy3neSTg9f6bCaJtdelLRLQjgfXyisMxc6bOM9p_R46ttBUhXrk3e57BKDeGPkUBgdyjugoy0Prs25gKHAoyW2dJ0ZOzic7NfNJ3Qck9Y_6P5zUeDGdvAT-fE/s1600/20180218_131619_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="561" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR_8vC-F3392jhpcBp5Qy3neSTg9f6bCaJtdelLRLQjgfXyisMxc6bOM9p_R46ttBUhXrk3e57BKDeGPkUBgdyjugoy0Prs25gKHAoyW2dJ0ZOzic7NfNJ3Qck9Y_6P5zUeDGdvAT-fE/s200/20180218_131619_001.jpg" width="200" /></a>During their marriage they traveled and lived, life together, They cared for each other, and when one was ill the other stepped up, including 3 years ago when my dad began to bleed internally and had to be resuscitated. - He woke up and thought, "Why is this guy beating me up?" He recovered from that and got better. When Carol began to grow more frail, I watched my dad, once again go into the mode of protector. He knew that the Lord was keeping him around to take care of her. </div>
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Now forward to the present... Once Carol had passed he then felt his job was done. Now he is ready to go, the same thing that almost took him 3 years ago, now has happened again, he is bleeding internally... this time he isn't worried about being here to take care of anyone. His only thought when I spoke to him 10 days ago was to let us know; If any of us wanted to see him, sooner would be better than later. This gave me my directive... make it happen!!</div>
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I had been planning on going up at the end of the month, but I then knew I needed to move my trip up sooner, or not be able to say good-bye to my dad. I also then began to do what I could to reach my 4 brothers. At the time of reaching out to everyone, they were spread over 3 states. My dad lives in WA and 2 brothers live in OR as do I, one brother was in AZ and one in AK. But I am so glad to say that they made it, everyone got there to say good-bye and spend some time with him. In addition, 6 of his grandchildren and 5 of his great-grandchildren made it also. For the first time since the loss of our mother 24 years ago, all 5 of us were in the same place at the same time. My dad was so happy!! </div>
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Even though he was tired during the time we were visiting, he was so happy to see everyone, he shared stories, and got a bit of one-on-one time with everyone. At times he was just simply happy to have everyone there and talking together. It was, a happy, crazy, loud, and sad time... and I wouldn't trade the ability to have that gathering for anything.</div>
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Yes, it was the trip that no one looks forward to, but they are happy that they make it. At least I am happy that I did.</div>
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I am now calling my dad everyday now, he sounds weaker by the day, and I know that, one day, very soon, he won't be there to answer. Until then, I will look forward to the sound of his voice one more time. </div>
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When it's all over, I will have my memories of him. He was the man that taught me what love and respect were, and showed me the kind of man I wanted to marry, and I did. He demonstrated a life of service that I have tried to show my children. He and my mother, took us to church my whole childhood, a place where I first began to love God. As an adult, I no longer attend that church of my childhood, but church and the Lord are a major part of my life... It is the Lord first and everything else after that.</div>
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My parting thought here, you we need show those that you love how much you care when you can. And above all else, if you have a chance to do it... make "That trip."</div>
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Blessings!</div>
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Prairiemouse....</div>
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A.K.A Mary </div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-86314854470005162702017-10-08T16:22:00.000-07:002017-10-08T16:22:13.801-07:00Changes and New Chapters<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcorkx4NMHAIMvfAjUUUvL4AJwr5riXUGkgsE9pzyQB-MfA4y7VWzdeO77hPitlOyl04e8uFWMg0EeX6jgdHjMoA19-Uf9oMdNxvJl0d_oFcn4ldLXQyyHs3MOs2FIKN-9lwwehzGVd8I/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="710" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcorkx4NMHAIMvfAjUUUvL4AJwr5riXUGkgsE9pzyQB-MfA4y7VWzdeO77hPitlOyl04e8uFWMg0EeX6jgdHjMoA19-Uf9oMdNxvJl0d_oFcn4ldLXQyyHs3MOs2FIKN-9lwwehzGVd8I/s320/house.jpg" width="320" /></a>I began a new chapter journey in my life without Glenn this month... I moved into a new home, one that I was able to purchase through God's grace. It is something I wouldn't have thought possible 4 years ago.</div>
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Let me take you back to the end of the 'last chapter' and start of this one... it began late last year when my elderly neighbor had decided to sell his house. I owned a manufactured home in a park, it was the last home that Glenn and I had bought together, and subsequently our last home before he passed.</div>
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Our previous home went into foreclosure when the economy tanked, and it was in that process when Glenn was diagnosed with cancer. It was because of the combination of events that we found the manufactured home in a wonderful park, a place that would give me a safe home to spend the last months of Glenn's life with, then say good-bye to him, and begin to move forward without him.</div>
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I was happy there, and thankful to be there since we had no life insurance on Glenn, at least knew I 'owned something,' even if I didn't own the land it was on. I enjoyed the security of living there, I felt safe.</div>
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Over the last nearly 4½ years the Lord has been stretching me, and growing me in financial disciplines that were getting me ready to make this change in my life.</div>
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This major change began late last year. My elderly neighbor listed and sold his home, not so much because he wanted to, but because his wife had gone into an assisted living home and he couldn't afford his home anymore with the annual park rent increases. This got me thinking about my life, and where I might be in 10-15 years when I was to old to work like I do now. What would I do, if I was priced out of my home? So I went online, and found out what he had sold for... and I was shocked, we didn't have insurance but the Lord had worked it out so that I had SOLID equity. We had purchased at the bottom of the market and it is now on a upswing.</div>
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It was not easy, but I had wonderful realtors (including a very good friend) that were amazing through the process from the fiscal side, and even prayed for me as I worked through the emotional side. When I listed I didn't think about the fact that when I started into the paperwork, there was Glenn's name... that was a moment that caught me off guard. The reality of closing that chapter of my life was suddenly very real, but I still felt it was the right thing. </div>
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It was the end of January when I made the decision, and early February that I listed. Selling a home is always hard, but doing it alone brought challenges that I wasn't prepared for, however with God's grace and strength I made it through getting things ready to list. Then came the waiting process, showing, waiting, showing, hoping, waiting, showing, lol... Time passed and it was April and coming up on my vacation. I was getting exhausted with the showing circle and impact on the household. So I decided that if it wasn't sold by the time of my vacation that I would remove it from the market... and then boom, 3 days before, I got an offer and we came to an agreement. -- little did I realize that would be the easy part.</div>
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Finding a home in the budget I was given was the big hurdle, it was a modest budget and one that flippers hunt in... and with the requirements of FHA on top, I had no idea how hard and emotional it would become, but in spite of the ups and downs I was trusting that the Lord would take me to the right home. I put offers in on:</div>
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<li>One that I liked okay, wasn't 'in love' with it, but liked it and it would work well for me. -- lost it to an offer that I found out $1000 less but conventional financing.... this one frustrated me.</li>
<li>The next one, again, I liked and it would work, but I had moved into a 'settling for' mode. Again I was beat out by a similar offer that had conventional financing.</li>
<li>The 3rd one, I liked the situation but didn't really like the house- I was beginning to panic as my buyer had now been put on hold. -- This one fell apart due to a variety of circumstances-- PRAISE GOD! It was so not the right house... God had better things in mind.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtsgWFgbOAMEpQFZMg512PToyui1_SC-NthjJUdoCLiwDdXDNjhPFElIAAP1IGhZPwaJpUW01YpKMV4sgKrszq6DM9Rnu0Vt6VgdCfOFxHKWJ269eEBEqTwk3Gp-vx1GWdDkFUdieCOQ/s1600/key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="533" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtsgWFgbOAMEpQFZMg512PToyui1_SC-NthjJUdoCLiwDdXDNjhPFElIAAP1IGhZPwaJpUW01YpKMV4sgKrszq6DM9Rnu0Vt6VgdCfOFxHKWJ269eEBEqTwk3Gp-vx1GWdDkFUdieCOQ/s200/key.jpg" width="138" /></a> Well, I had finally decided that I was done and was going to try and unwind my sale... that was a Friday night. Saturday I was at an anniversary party and a friend told me that as she had been praying for me, she kept hearing the Lord say for me not to settle. Monday I was at a baby shower and I got a call just before it started, my buyer was willing to wait until I found something (mind you this was August.) Then it happened, the right house! I got home from the shower, I was looking on line and I found a house that I wanted to see, it was the right price and it didn't need work so that meant I wouldn't be competing with flippers. When I stepped up to the door I saw a small plaque something from one of my favorite verses: <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Joshua 24:15 But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”</span></b></i> That was a great start and then the moment I stepped inside I found peace. This house, I really wanted, it was the one!<br />
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Then the real fun began, lol, the buying process... talk about stretching!! I don't remember praying for patience but it was an experience in gaining it. The offer negotiations were the easy part, then came the fun; inspection, good! Waiting for FHA appraisal to be done, ugh, waiting for it to come back, ugh. Then another inspection for FHA, waiting for results... finally all in, all good, then more waiting for the paperwork, early, yeah, oh, nope, on time, okay, nope, delay, boo, finally done, just in time, lol. Got out of the old place, got in the new... Thanks to so many friends and family that helped with loading and moving!!<br />
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I am now in my new home, no, I am not all unpacked yet, but that's okay, I love it and I am happy... tired, yes, but content. I now have a glimpse forward - I have a home where I own my dirt... may sound silly but it's important to me. I now have something that I can afford in the future, and something that in the future I can leave to my children or if my life changes, it may become an investment. To top it all off my payment is now $75 less than the house and space rent that I had, and the park rent would have gone up each year. </div>
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I can say this as I look back, the Lord gave me a scripture that I mentioned in my first blog, just over 5 years ago, and I know it's still true today. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>Mark
10:27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible,
but not with God; for with God all things are possible." </b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></span></div>
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I have said it before, my life is not necessarily perfect but I am so blessed in life. The Lord is my provider and my everything. He is my best friend at all times.</div>
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Blessings!</div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-653704650219247302017-03-05T18:26:00.000-08:002017-03-05T18:34:34.460-08:00Created By the Past, Not Ruled By It<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">2 Corinthians 5:17 </span><span style="color: #660000;">Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In doing some reflecting lately I began to think about a saying I have heard, and have repeated at times. That saying: <span style="text-align: center;"><i>We are the sum total of our life experiences.</i> This is a true statement, however, we need to look beyond this statement to the future.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Some people continue forward in life and want to shift all responsibility for their decisions and actions to everything that took place in their past... I don't accept this. Sadly society has accepted this, and even encouraged it, unintentionally I would hope. When people refuse to accept that they are responsible for their actions, and not all the events of the past, then they can move forward.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We all have those defining moments, or even series of events that we can allow to dictate everything that we do in life. Almost 4 years ago I lost the man that I loved since high school, he was part of my life for over 30 years. At that moment I had 2 choices, I could let his death put me into a "why me" cycle or I could make the choice to move forward and continue to live. That's what I did, I chose to move forward from the depth of a broken heart and walk forward into the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What that future is, I still don't know, but that's okay. What I do know, is that just like in years past, when something hurt me or angered me, as I chose to release it I would then able to move on to something good. Rom 8:28 tells me: "<i><span style="color: #660000;">And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.</span></i>" And that's what I have chosen to trust in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is nothing positive to be found by blaming things on events, people or situations in the past or allowing them to birth bitterness in our hearts.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGbqB1bpMwyxu_Cokbbwu8Z6BpxZz975paqDcwIFHEZypVp-2uWWGGzAXk8NBwLlONbXzDvoaXvLwym33iydh6Md4EWadcRWS_24Jvge_xfRgERn00vv2WcsOis3WVQobLJHBXiTWu04/s1600/13321662_10209123133014022_6483463264792960052_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGbqB1bpMwyxu_Cokbbwu8Z6BpxZz975paqDcwIFHEZypVp-2uWWGGzAXk8NBwLlONbXzDvoaXvLwym33iydh6Md4EWadcRWS_24Jvge_xfRgERn00vv2WcsOis3WVQobLJHBXiTWu04/s200/13321662_10209123133014022_6483463264792960052_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">Pro 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">Pro 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine,But a broken spirit dries the bones.
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luke 6:45 says “<i><span style="color: #660000;">A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.</span></i>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to have a joyful heart, so I chose to release
the past and let the Lord fill my heart with His goodness. I want to
speak life!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be Blessed!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Mary... a.k.a Prairiemouse </span></div>
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<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-87049486991818323472017-01-02T20:50:00.003-08:002017-01-02T20:54:10.271-08:00Life's Moments and Snow Storm Reflections.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Right at this moment I am sitting in a hotel room, instead of at home where I really want to be. But things like this happen at times... the trick is learning to respond rather than react to them... If I am honest, today was a bit of both. I was calm and practical in my response, but I then found out that if I had done, what Glenn and I would have done when it was the two of us, that I would actually probably be there right now.... and that moment evoked a short term attitude reaction.</div>
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Now I am sitting somewhere where I am forced to be alone with myself, and my thoughts... no friends, or family to distract me, yes, there is Facebook, but that's not the same as being close enough to others that you know that you can physically get together if you need or want to.</div>
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The reason I am here? Snow storms... they have been hitting off and on all up and down I-5, and due to a closure of the freeway, that the troopers said would be 3-6 hours, I made the decision to stay in a hotel rather than wait and chance driving a potentially icy mountain pass. This was the practical response... then I found out that the closure only ended up being about an hour and a half long. Of course by then I had already checked in, and I was frustrated with myself for not having waited longer and trying to press through, that's what would have been what Glenn and I together would have done... but then again, he's not here, it's just me.</div>
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This adventure started a couple days ago when I made a decision to take a short unplanned trip to see my dad and stepmom. They are in their 90's and she is in the hospital, it was important to me to go and see them. The: "love them while they are still here," theory completely dominates me at times... probably more so since Glenn's passing, and when you are talking parents... you need to cherish them when you have them. I still can't believe that it's been nearly 23 years since my mother passed. Life is short, value those you love. </div>
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Because of this love, I took the chance and made a trip knowing the weather forecast for the weekend, I had great roads north and of course that put me in a good mood, in spite of the circumstances for the trip. Admittedly it's still weird to check into a hotel by myself, and I knew that there was the chance of an extra night by myself, but I didn't think it would happen. Yes, I was alone up there, but it was just the evening when I got there and the next day in the evening when I left the hospital... kind of like the time frame when you get home from work... but this, sitting in a hotel room, in a little town with no reason to be here and a lot of hours... not what I like. I didn't really want to sit and watch TV, I also didn't just want to lurk on Facebook for endless hours. </div>
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So getting past my whining, some of which did end up on my Facebook page, I have taken a part of this time to look at myself, I realize that I need to learn better how to be by myself when I am far from my 'world,' I am taking part of this time to be transparent about the newest discovery that I have made since becoming the single me again. I honestly never had to face 'alone stuff,' until Glenn passed, because I went directly from my parents home, to my husbands and my home... No living alone, not even living in a college dorm. So it's all been a learning curve, and I feel I've done pretty good, but this... the silence, I really don't like it.</div>
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I have always been a verbal processer, when I am stressed, upset, worried, or happy I have always processed my feelings by talking... I was blessed with a husband that would talk with me, we always had the ability to have conversation... I remember once we missed a turn on the way home from Reno and ended up going 30 miles before we realized because we were just chatting. I still process out loud, I talk to myself and the Lord while I am in my car... A LOT! But it's not the same, this is the area I have had the most difficulty in adjusting to, and today I got smacked hard in the face with it.</div>
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I am really trying to enjoy my true alone time, really enjoy it, not just look for stuff to do to keep myself occupied until it's time to sleep... it's a process, but the realization is there, I learned some today about myself, and if I take the time, I will learn more and be able to rest more in the Lord during those moments.<br />
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Happy 2017 Everyone!!</div>
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Be Blessed!</div>
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PrairieMouse (a.k.a. Mary)</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-88038684630929952482016-10-23T14:13:00.000-07:002016-10-23T14:13:00.537-07:00What They Did and Didn't Do....<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Pondering today-- what are the motives behind the things we do in life.</h3>
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The topic at church lately is "Wise <i>Does</i>." Doing wise things in the eyes of the Lord is always the right choice. </div>
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Every day of our life we make choices, from the moment we open our eyes and choose to get up in the morning, to the choice of when our head will hit the pillow at the end of the day. Those choices that we make in between are what truly define who we are.</div>
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Today Pastor Steve mentioned Ananias and Sapphira from the book of Acts. They made a choice to do something deceptive, and it quite literally cost them their lives. Not every choice we make will result in something that immediate, but we never know. (Read below if you haven't heard that story.)</div>
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Why do I (we) do what I (we) do? The parable of The Sheep and the Goats" from Mathew 25 comes to mind, there were those doing things to be seen and there were those just doing things that came naturally as a part of who they were. (Read below if you are unfamiliar with the story.)<br />
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What is the motivation that guides the decisions that I make in my life? Are my decisions based on how I feel at that moment? Are they based on what will be most advantageous to me? Do they come from fear? Or, are they based on what the Lord would have me to do? The root of our decisions is based in our heart, that is where the very core of who we are is formed, it is where our integrity is set, and our motivations come from. The more we live a life of what the Lord would have us do, the easier it is to make the decisions that are going to take us in the direction that the Lord wants us to go.</div>
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I am sure that I have been guilty of making the self-serving decisions. However, that being said, the cry of my heart is to walk a life so firmly rooted in the Lord that all my choices would be based on what He would have me to do. I still have a ways to go before I do that every time. All I can do is continue to soak in His word, and listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance in my life.</div>
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Blessings! PrairieMouse (a.k.a - Mary)</div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Acts 3:32 - Acts 4:11</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;">Sharing in All Things</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"> 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">(Acts 4)Lying to the Holy Spirit</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="vnum" id="verse_1023001"><i><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></i>1 </span>But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. <span class="vnum" id="verse_1023002">2 </span>And he kept back <i>part</i> of the proceeds, his wife also being aware <i>of it,</i> and brought a certain part and laid <i>it</i> at the apostles’ feet. <span class="vnum" id="verse_1023003">3 </span>But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back <i>part</i> of the price of the land for yourself? <span class="vnum" id="verse_1023004">4 </span>While
it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in
your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You
have not lied to men but to God.”</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="vnum" id="verse_1023005"><i><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></i>5 </span>Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. <span class="vnum" id="verse_1023006">6 </span>And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried <i>him</i> out, and buried <i>him.</i></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="vnum" id="verse_1023007"><i><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></i>7 </span>Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. </span></i><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="vnum" id="verse_1023008"><i><span style="color: #990000;"></span></i>8 </span>And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">She said, “Yes, for so much.”</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="vnum" id="verse_1023009"><i><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></i>9 </span>Then
Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the
Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your
husband <i>are</i> at the door, and they will carry you out.” <span class="vnum" id="verse_1023010">10 </span>Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying <i>her</i> out, buried <i>her</i> by her husband. <span class="vnum" id="verse_1023011">11 </span>So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.</span></i></div>
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<b><i>Matt 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats)</i></b><br />
<i>The Son of Man Will Judge the Nations
<b> </b></i><br />
<i><i><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></i>31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’</i><br />
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37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’</i><br />
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41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
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44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” </i><br />
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<i>The Sheep and the Goats by Keith Green</i></h4>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-27942044551034596842016-08-21T16:52:00.002-07:002016-08-21T21:26:08.232-07:00Being Thankful and Learning to Dream<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B2MetsKoVfWIuJHH3Mt0hE0xK07CJ8mIUl_WwA2RBsg-BSWB30u0I05SiWSEsSpRjOVg8TU2YsnPIgCiIueaAlCjPerLgyQojmJYFe8RmFIldxbgTnKieRm9LI2K1C55deXqfsEQR0A/s1600/IMG_4311a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 2em;"><img border="3" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B2MetsKoVfWIuJHH3Mt0hE0xK07CJ8mIUl_WwA2RBsg-BSWB30u0I05SiWSEsSpRjOVg8TU2YsnPIgCiIueaAlCjPerLgyQojmJYFe8RmFIldxbgTnKieRm9LI2K1C55deXqfsEQR0A/s320/IMG_4311a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Over the course of the summer, I have been thinking about all the blessings in my life, they are many and I am so thankful for them. I know I have talked before of thankfulness but I have learned something new about it this summer.</div>
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<li><span style="text-align: justify;">I have an amazing family, my children, my grandchildren, and all the extended family. (Doesn't matter which were by birth and which I gained through marriage, I love them all<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">!!</span>)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify;">My church family, they may have no idea just how important they are to me<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">!!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify;">I am blessed with a nice home, in a safe area, a big deck and good layout. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify;">I have a wonderful job that I love, plus I still have my small business- that makes me smile, and together, the Lord uses them to pay my bills.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify;">Transportation: I was blessed with a car that kept me getting where I needed to go. Then this summer I felt it was time to do something that I have never done on my own, I bought a new car, not brand new but I have a cute little new car (2013) with warranties still in place. It's nice to know I can feel secure to get into it and drive long distance without worry.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify;">I have had the opportunity to take some wonderful trips.</span></li>
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I've always tried to be thankful, but not necessarily always been successful at it. I'm still not perfect at it, but I have gotten better at having a thankful heart. I understand better why the Word says in Ephesians 5:20<span style="color: #660000;"> <i>Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKLMlhXkSj15hsWkxf5e9yglIvhQ7YhvRTYY5JGSnVT8cIPfRiY3oH3EnSr8nlY8XP2r-kylfzP2hlUltNA1bLbo11Rtf1Mqvb858YBRtiFZHusJMXxUykokUqkUWxA_fkDdRg2QobZg/s1600/6cbd0b383270dbf6f4b1ab88e6b72cbb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKLMlhXkSj15hsWkxf5e9yglIvhQ7YhvRTYY5JGSnVT8cIPfRiY3oH3EnSr8nlY8XP2r-kylfzP2hlUltNA1bLbo11Rtf1Mqvb858YBRtiFZHusJMXxUykokUqkUWxA_fkDdRg2QobZg/s200/6cbd0b383270dbf6f4b1ab88e6b72cbb.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a>I have started seeing the blessings received better, by being thankful, it gives a me a greater appreciation for all the things that I have, and helps keep my focus to what I do have, rather than what I don't. It also allows me to be content in that. </div>
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Ironically, I have recently begun to realize that in becoming more content in where I am in life, I am beginning to dream again. I have begun to take simple, practical steps as I have felt the Lord lead, and this helps bring my heart peace, and courage. The courage to face the future and be proactive about it. I had been continuing forward day to day, not fearful, but not really looking forward. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiWOP4UVGDKPAecrm1wXqz9r07pg-wDXygdMyC6m21ivvtP1jw7b-y2pGJrdEfmmcuNmPiBQUZ0xjmS_utCqzoFI68XdQRjAkPnN8VoIkj9pYVG4cjARh7hxutnL-pRRinWCte2JfCdo/s1600/forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiWOP4UVGDKPAecrm1wXqz9r07pg-wDXygdMyC6m21ivvtP1jw7b-y2pGJrdEfmmcuNmPiBQUZ0xjmS_utCqzoFI68XdQRjAkPnN8VoIkj9pYVG4cjARh7hxutnL-pRRinWCte2JfCdo/s320/forest.jpg" width="320" /></a>Have you ever walked a path where you are in a crowded patch and the bushes really only let you see a step or two at a time, and then all of a sudden you break through the patch and the path becomes much more open, still a few branches, but now you can see quite a ways ahead? That's what has happened over the last few months.<br />
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I am now looking ahead to moving more than just a little forward and on into the complete clearing, seeing where the Lord is taking me. I give my heart and all that I have to use. I truly am thankful and more importantly TRUST HIM!! And I am beginning to really become excited about my future.</div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-5606573027830639702016-06-13T20:38:00.001-07:002016-06-13T20:39:02.576-07:00Rapids Suck. . . Thank You Lord for the Calms<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohc0992PB9lmhZlVlV6VoHMcHDgb-rZh80dFfpokdx81wLR8t8LmihyqhgkUOQsRN14t2P3qdAN1UHDFpOezRtl-V43nNpo49PXk9fsBjmHTDBNU1UEjIzyEJ7VrdOgQAbGpSh2JXKFc/s1600/IMG_6300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohc0992PB9lmhZlVlV6VoHMcHDgb-rZh80dFfpokdx81wLR8t8LmihyqhgkUOQsRN14t2P3qdAN1UHDFpOezRtl-V43nNpo49PXk9fsBjmHTDBNU1UEjIzyEJ7VrdOgQAbGpSh2JXKFc/s320/IMG_6300.jpg" width="213" /></a>As I said last time, I am thankful for the blessings in my life, they are many. What sucks is when a series of 'rapids' hits right in the middle of them.</div>
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It isn't easy to share from this side of my emotions, but I am sure that others go through this kind of thing, and it helps me to write about it. I am also sure that the Lord motivated me to write it here for some reason. </div>
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I have been truly blessed recently, I just got home from an amazing trip to Savannah, GA to see my niece graduate from college, and yes to see some sights... it was a trip that has left me longing to go again and really explore all the history of that area. Work has been good, and I have made some forward progress on some personal goals. I have had the joy of watching my oldest granddaughter dance in a wonderful ballet production.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK18r9N69z6c63b0VTMg5mvDRg0ndHjYjXYcbY4Ur3OOJZ585DjI4GrGFYzO-Ka1SUvTxjt_UmSwYRmHyiXLFu9PXpAr7nrUrF-10R_0JiWvamZCdWLzDw7RgNQDq00jShLupvMV0lGsU/s1600/20160610_211301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK18r9N69z6c63b0VTMg5mvDRg0ndHjYjXYcbY4Ur3OOJZ585DjI4GrGFYzO-Ka1SUvTxjt_UmSwYRmHyiXLFu9PXpAr7nrUrF-10R_0JiWvamZCdWLzDw7RgNQDq00jShLupvMV0lGsU/s320/20160610_211301.jpg" width="186" /></a>And then the rapids... something in life triggers a series of emotions that you weren't planning on. Just when I think I am over the deep swings -- bam, one hits.</div>
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It has been one of those days, and when the rapids hit, they were a class 4. It has been a long time since I had felt like I did -- heartache like it was yesterday that Glenn passed. Rapids are bumpy and they hurt, on the upside, they are often followed by calms.</div>
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And when the calm came, it came from an unexpected source. I was out in the yard pulling weeds- oh the joy, lol. Well, as I was in the front of my house, my elderly neighbor came out. He just recently had to put his wife, of nearly 67 years, into a Alzheimer's care facility. This sweet little old man, is heartsick and grieving the simple day to day absence of his love. As he was sharing with me about missing her, making daily visits to spend meals with her, how they met, and the Lord prompted me to share with him... You see, I get it, I understand his loneliness, and his fear of the future with out her, and the cruel beast Alzheimer's. (That's what took my mom.) </div>
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We chatted for a bit, I shared a bit about my life the last 4 years, you see though we had spoken a few times, we hadn't really talked much. He was sorry that he hadn't met Glenn and didn't realize that Glenn was sick until he saw him in the wheelchair shortly before he died. We both shed some tears and some smiles as we talked. I gave him a hug, and he thanked me for the chat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMW0smxk1TtsLHsCDvuHLoIanb0XRsTRq4Umo4SEi4Zs8u1gC7X8Yu5kUTLCW749S_i35KtQjQ20iAb2Lf2dI_TIuvS12bLnzS8ic2lWWURmT35sxYJzL_zXXQadXYG_UseTRGHc94OM/s1600/isa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMW0smxk1TtsLHsCDvuHLoIanb0XRsTRq4Umo4SEi4Zs8u1gC7X8Yu5kUTLCW749S_i35KtQjQ20iAb2Lf2dI_TIuvS12bLnzS8ic2lWWURmT35sxYJzL_zXXQadXYG_UseTRGHc94OM/s400/isa.jpg" width="400" /></a>He was then off for lunch with his love, and I was back at my weeding... pondering again both the pain in my heart and the goodness of the Lord, He had used a little old man to help remind me that He is with me in my joy and my pain, this done as I spoke to him the scriptures that have been a strength to me, and I shared them with him to help my sweet neighbor gain some strength for his journey.</div>
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God is amazing and He is always present, and I am thankful for Him in my life. Yes, Rapids suck, but calms will always follow.</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102372449016328221.post-23704409983135976472016-05-04T07:42:00.000-07:002016-05-04T07:42:02.656-07:00Blessings in the Journey<div style="text-align: justify;">
Three years have passed since I lost the love of my life. It's so long ago and yet only yesterday in my heart. This year, in the plans we had, we should have been going on our 35th anniversary, but instead, Glenn is celebrating 3 years in the full presence of the Lord and I am continuing on the journey that the Lord has for me. I can say this, I miss Glenn incredibly and think of him everyday, and wish that he were still here. I miss our conversations, our laughter, and time together... I could talk to him about anything and we would talk for hours. Ours was a blessed life...</div>
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That being stated, is not the focus for today's blog. I still deal with sadness at times, but the Joy of the Lord is my strength. Yes, I have joy, and the blessings of the Lord are the reason.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP8dz-TZObW6niEURM45lsmrleklfRIFSyi3rCesDi8bhenw4tQiSjzYqg9H_14yqLHEM6vPkJDkVEBG6Md3a7mvV5zpda7e5NfYyx7wTfaYyF9ak8LRNjXey9uTeoyHF1F40EulhMMM/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP8dz-TZObW6niEURM45lsmrleklfRIFSyi3rCesDi8bhenw4tQiSjzYqg9H_14yqLHEM6vPkJDkVEBG6Md3a7mvV5zpda7e5NfYyx7wTfaYyF9ak8LRNjXey9uTeoyHF1F40EulhMMM/s400/blog1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What I wanted to talk about is the blessings in the journey that started on May 4, 2013, that day 3 years ago is when my life was forever changed. The Lord has been a present strength, each and every day. He has given me grace for the journey, where exactly I'm going, I'm honestly not sure, but I place my trust in Him.</div>
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Since Glenn passed my life has been an interesting journey, one that I am still trying to adjust too. Being alone after so many years is still very strange, but through God's guidance I continue to move forward. I have had to learn to do everything, earn the income, keep up on car maintenance, do the yard<i>(definitely still battling that one)</i>, pay the bills and balance my budget-- the blessing, God has been so faithful in my finances. My bills have been paid each month, when I have needed something I have been able to take care of it, and I have even been able to have a little extra at times to do something special. </div>
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The Lord has blessed me with 2 new grandchildren since that day, and the others have grown so much. I love being a grandma, though again, I'm not living it the way I had in my imagination years ago. I am adjusting and learning to be the best grandma that I can be. I am truly loved by my family, immediate, extended and my church family as well. I find that with them, the walk is easier.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGU8tkUsbe5WdKpppmcgRmQjUzyjgiq1MgiZht0HImIp8wcEhQsjOatCVDWSTjVpRgPi6dR8ga6rcNJnehKxKSoj0FeH1SlYWUYZuVDMDYx-Vd1udMh6wOz7W66wxOmd6IKWWOeBlRpY/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGU8tkUsbe5WdKpppmcgRmQjUzyjgiq1MgiZht0HImIp8wcEhQsjOatCVDWSTjVpRgPi6dR8ga6rcNJnehKxKSoj0FeH1SlYWUYZuVDMDYx-Vd1udMh6wOz7W66wxOmd6IKWWOeBlRpY/s320/blog2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The last couple years have, at times, felt like going down a river in an inner-tube. Some parts are easy and slow moving, and some are rough rapids, and sometimes I am in control and others I am simply along the ride... boy am I glad God has been keeping me upright. (I flipped in an inner-tube one time when I was younger and that's no fun.)</div>
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As I sit here right now writing this, I know that the last 3 years have been preparation time, exactly what for I'm not sure, but preparation for the future, none the less. I know this because the Lord tells me that in His word. I have a future and He knows what it is and if I continue to follow His lead, then I will find it. -- Yep, the God of my Strength, in Him will I trust. And as I continue to move forward, I will rejoice in the blessings of my life.</div>
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Be Blessed!!</div>
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PrairieMouse--- Mary</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038727016298240312noreply@blogger.com0