Merrily, Merrily Through the Snow

Okay, Christmas bells aren't ringing and there's no snow to merrily glide across. However, imagine that you are living back in the midwest, it's winter and the sky is dark and dreary. No clouds are single, but all married to each other, forming one big family of gray. Blizzards are howling and clawing at your door, for three long days, until finally they're over and have left you a visual reminder of their presence with drifts of white, glistening snow, six feet deep. And, you've got to walk a mile to town... just like Laura Ingalls...

Sometimes, our problems and circumstances are so long and deep that walking through them is just like pushing through that soft, deep snow. Trudging, one step at a time. Will frostbite set in? Will your legs hold out? Will you ever reach your destination, where a warm fire awaits to relieve and revive you?

God has given us a safe assurance that the answer to all of the above is a resounding 'yes'! Isa 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."

And that's why we can go merrily, merrily through the snow - no matter how packed it is!

Ooops, I alway do this

I will write a title and then tell a story that has nothing to do with it. LOLOLOL!!! Okay, here's the popcorn Christianity story --- When we live by faith and not by feelings, God's grace and the Spirit's power just pop us out of our downcast, doubting, double-minded mood and out pops joy in its place. ta da... the end. :)

Popcorn Christianity

I was just sitting here reading my last blog, and guess what???? I could've written the exact one, all over again! I guess being a slow learner is better than being a fool who refuses to ever learn, eh? And as long as I'm sharing my shortcomings, I think you might like to know that I have the hardest time dealing with disappointment. My girlfriend laughed at me when I mentioned that to her this morning because she has noticed this in me, too. Drats and double drats.

However, let's not stop with those, because it doesn't end there. Oh, no! The good news is that when we become aware of our sins and failings, we just march our little selves right up to our jumbo God and ask for mercy and help. Now, I hadn't thought of this till I was just now typing, because, well, I was living by my feelings! Yep, I was weighed down with feelings of failings. (Does that make any sense?) But... smile, smile, smile... not anymore.

Nope, the burden has been lifted by our strong God. The blood of Jesus washes all scarlet sins white as snow, His power is perfected in our weaknesses (the more we have, the more His power is on display), and He makes our feet like hinds' feet, causing us to finally be able to flit right past our feelings onto the Rock of our faith - Jesus!

So, as you can see - even our failings and feelings can give way to faith, when we remember the truth in our Bibles!

Up and Running Again!

Whew! What a fiasco to get back on this blog site! They said it's all new, but it sure looks the same to me? What do you think???

Anyhoo, want to hear something interesting? Well, I was reading through one of my 2001 journals, and I had some of the same pleas then that I do now. One of them - "Restore to me the joy of my salvation." You know what conclusion I came to when I read that? - I need faith!

See, faith overrules feelings. Could it be that all these days I've been basing my joy on how I feel, and not on what I believe is real in my life -- that my name is written in the Lamb's book of life, that thanks to Jesus dying on the cross and rising again, I am accepted in the Beloved, called a child of God, brought from darkness into His brilliant shining light, and have lavished grace upon me, day by day?

So, there's just one more reason why journaling is beneficial - it does help your walk! Hey, had I not seen the same ol' questions and prayers repeated, I might've been a broken record in 2007, too!

But now, I can sing a new song and give thanks and praise to God! And who knows what interesting things I'll be able to tell you when I look back in this year's journal in 2008!

Here I Am!!

Shoot, it's been so long since I've blogged that it took me a while to figure out how to get to this page. Now, that's pretty bad. Not only this, they now have a new and improved version.... To get that, though, I would have to sign up with Google, and I really don't want to do one more sign up...not yet, anyway. So, I will stick to the familiar. :)

Now that spring is making an appearance, I've gotten back on my bicycle. I rode 8-9 miles on the bike trail on Saturday. Remember how sunny and warm it was (unlike today)? It was awesome. In the River Walk Park lake were miniature sailboats. I am assuming they were remote controlled. How I wished I would have had my camera with me, because it would have made a beautiful and fun picture for my sister's newsletter. Mabye they'll be out there on the next sunny and warm Saturday.

Let's see, what have I been up to since my last entry, which was two months ago??? Hmmm.... I finished my second quilt for the Quilts of Valor. My last one went to a male Marine, but this one will go to a gal soldier, since that's what the Lord told me. For some reason, I like making them for the men and I fought the Lord on making this one for a woman. However, the Lord always has the last say, and when the quilt turned out very feminine-looking, I flew the white flag. I should have it back from the longarmer (the gal who quilts it on a huge machine) tomorrow and then it will be on its way to cheer some wounded soldierette.

Well, I need to quit typing here and continue on with my Old Testament kings research. Talk to you tomorrow (or whenever lol). xo

It's beginning to look a lot like 2007!

I've got a secret!

And the secret is.... drum roll..... feelings don't have to dictate your life! Now, mine do, but yours don't! Hahahahahaha! Case in point: After getting my brows (ok, and face) tweezed at the pro shop, then working a bit, then returning home to a big, fat mess (I should find me a new maid!), I was really doubting that I would hop-to and whip this place in order. However, I prayed and then just moved one step at a time, one room at a time. Prayer worked! God answered! Not only is the home fire kindling softly its welcome, but while ironing a two-week pile, I memorized a verse in Daniel. Now, don't ask me which one, cuz i memorized the words only. Wanna hear it from memory??? (And I'm not cheating cuz my Bible is still by the ironing board.) Here goes - "Let the name of God be praised forever and ever. Because all wisdom and power belong to HIm." Quick, go look in the first chapter of Daniel and see if I'm right! :) Anyhoo, my computer room is still waiting for its turn, but I just had to say 'hi' first. Back to work! P.S. Holidays are nice but they sure do throw a routine around!

Sewing Saturday

Busy sewing today. But now I need a nap (my mantra these days). Perhaps a quick snooze, then back to sewing!

A Slow-Go Monday

Hi there! Even though the list of to-do's are longer than the paper (thankful am I for the back sides), here I sit, avoiding all of it. How can this be??? I did take Mika for a very frustrating walk. Clearly, she thinks she is Boss. I about whipped her neck off as I pulled her around this one time, and after that, she bowed to me, the Queen. She's such a sweet and loving dog, but oh.....

Mike and I have begun to plan our 27th anniversary trip to the coast in September. The dates aren't certain, but we will be gone for at least 3 nights, maybe more. When Mike first mentioned a trip, I was in shock, to say the least. Gosh, I thought, he's gotten so romantic. Then, as we got some plans on paper, it all became clear that he was in love with fishing! One full day of our trip will be so he can fish. In fact, all other plans are working around that one trip. I am beginning to see the light, and it's shining over a boat, not me. Drats!

Let's see.... what else? I've been quilting some, and that's been fun. In fact, that's what I'd like to do right now. However.... that list of chores is still waiting. Ta ta!

Jill Brisco Conference

This conference was awesome! I've heard Jill speak twice before - delightful both times - but this was totally heart-changing. It was very obvious that it had been covered in prayer, and the Spirit was doing His sweet convicting and encouraging through Jill, Anne Barbour, our worship leader, and the many who served us. If you've never heard of NEWIM, it was through this avenue of Jill's, trying to encourage those in ministry. And to think, I almost changed my mind and didn't go!

A fun day!

Ooops! lol Can you see what my mind is like these days? It's gotten so scary that I've begun doing all the little freebie games in the daily newspaper, in hopes that my mind will get flexed again. I am really depending on the Lord for sanity!!! See, He keeps us close to Him, one way or the other!

Noah moved back, did I tell you that? Well, it's been just dandy!!! Already, he has taken me to the movies - at night, normally my bedtime, and I actually kept awake the whole time! lol Then yesterday, mike, me, noah, kyle, all went to Stockdale and played golf. Now, those silly young bucks were just pos they could 'take' mike and I, so they bet us pizza at Plumberries. Well, Mike kept saying all night long how his back hurt from 'carrying' me during the golf game ( I golfed the worst ever). However, Mike played pretty darn good and we won!! Yep, those boys had to cough up the dough for the pizza dough. It was great! We actually ate AT THE RESTAURANT and OUTSIDE, my fav!!! See, it is a good thing Noah moved back, cuz he's getting mike and I out. Hooooray!!

Having to hang a billion garage sale signs today for theresa's Oaks neighborhood fling, I decided to ride my bike, and since amers got her a darling new bike, she came along....good thing, too, cuz i got too much sun and was not in good shape, till we pit stopped at jamba juice and the infused b vits hit my veins, then all cylinders were running again. It's fun to have a daughter!

Anyhoo, as you can imagine on this hot day, after being the sun for hours on end, floating int he pool with a mag felt mighty fine. yep, mighty fine. Oh!! I almost forgot to tell you - guess what I picked from our garden today??? Our very first crooked neck squash and zuchhinis. Now, hurry up tomatoes!!

Write me! xo

A fun day!

In the Good Ol' Summertime!!!!!

Let the fun begin!!!! It's summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime!!!

What sealed the deal for me, and changed my mindset from spring to summer were two things: 1> Shannon and I spent a whirlwind day at the coast yesterday. Zoom, zoom, zooom in fun! and 2> I cleaned out the pool and patios and pruned and raked and washed down the deck. Oh, and had bought two brand new noodles and two floating lounge chairs.

Now can you see why it's the good ol' summertime?? :) We are bbqing burgers tonight and playing cards with my sis, and maybe....jumping in the pool! Oh what fun!

But, before the fun, I must clean the house. During the week, i pretty much have a routine of upkeep with the house, wanting mike to come home to a welcoming peaceful haven. but then, on the weekends...well, it's party mode my mind slips into and the house goes to pot - when he's here all day. go figure. so, am cleaning it right now and then he can wallow in wonderful enjoyment. me, too. :) have a fun day, and get your flip flops on - it's summertime!!!!

Mom to the Rescue!

We have a beautiful Chineese Elm tree in our front yard. The other day, Mike pointed out the robin sitting in her nest. Good thing he did, too, because Tippers, kitty-o-mine, was inching her way up the tree just a bit ago. Before I could get out there and call her down, that mommy robin was out there dive-bombing that threat! It reminded me of how protective moms are, always coming to the rescue of their kids. That's all. Just thought I'd share that little story with you. Tippers is now sleeping on my bed, and Ms. Robin is singing from her nest, though I bet her heart is still racing!

Mom to the Rescue!

We have a beautiful Chineese Elm tree in our front yard. The other day, Mike pointed out the robin sitting in her nest. Good thing he did, too, because Tippers, kitty-o-mine, was inching her way up the tree just a bit ago. Before I could get out there and call her down, that mommy robin was out there dive-bombing that threat! It reminded me of how protective moms are, always coming to the rescue of their kids. That's all. Just thought I'd share that little story with you. Tippers is now sleeping on my bed, and Ms. Robin is singing from her nest, though I bet her heart is still racing!

There is Hope!

Something momumental just hit me this morning - God helps our weaknesses!!! I had been spending so much time on the computer, goofing off, basically, and had been neglecting (to ignore or disregard -check; to fail to attend to properly - check; to leave undone - gulp, check; lack of proper care - yep, check) my ministry/job at home. After reading Webster's this morning, I really can see why I had begun to call on the name of Jesus for help with this issue.

There were several ways the Lord gave help, most of them through varying situations, but the most obvious was writing this Bible study. There's just no way in the world to concentrate on this study and goof off on the computer at the same time! And, there's no way I could concentrate on this study with this house in unpeaceful dissaray.

So, with the Lord's prompting, I spend all of Monday, from early morning till late at night, getting this house in working order. What peace, I'm telling you! The fun part is that now it only takes a short amount of time first thing in the morn to whip this place in shape, and then.... my brain has been free to write. Had I not felt prompted to write this study, I'd still feel as useless as ever, wasting time at the computer. See how clever the Lord was to help me in my weakness!

My Favorite Day of the Week

Did you know that Wednesday is my favorite day of the week? Well, now you know. Monday's hump is over, Tuesday's day is work is done, and Wednesday is free. After that, Thursday rolls around and then - thank God, it's Friday - party day!!

The house is quiet and I am going to spend this day with Jesus, listening to His Spirit for words and directions for the last two chapters of Enduring Love. I'm getting excited to see what the Lord will do with it this summer.

The Riverlakes flyer, announcing the summer studies, came in yesterday's mail, and hoooooray - got my first sign up! There are three studies on marriage, and I found it interestng that they all seem to complement one another, none the same. Neat! Something for everyone!!

Oh, did I tell you that we are officially a couple again? Yep, Amy moved into a great-paying live-in situation, helping a commuting mom keep an eye on her two teens. It's just Mike and I now, with our furry and sweet 'grandchild.' Wierd, but good, too. Life changes and doesn't miss a beat. Have a fun Wednesday! (Oh, send me a card or a letter, would you? My mailbox needs some fun!! lol)

I've Missed YOU!!!

I don't care what anyone says - time DOES fly! Pigs don't, but time does! Have you given up on checking this blog? Who can blame you! It's been weeks since I've written, but I do have a very good reason --- I've been working on this summer's five-week Bible study. Here's the title...

Enduring Love Persistently Loving Till Death do You Part

Just yesterday, the Lord confirmed that title, and now my fingers are clicking away at the keyboard. I am getting so excited! My prayers are being kept in my journal for this study, because I want to be able to look back and exclaim over our God when faith becomes sight, by the end of the summer. Hurrah, I say... and will say then.

For those of you waiting for May's Encourager, well, you might receive a copy of the study, instead. I'm just one woman! LOL

Be sure to leave your windows down when driving, so that you can breathe in spring! We'll praise God together, over this delight!

Fast Food Frenzy Forsaken lol

I don't know how it is with thin folks, but for me, when I am hungry.... I am hungry NOW! Clicking furiously on the keyboard, there was no time to stop for lunch today. This editor had a printing deadline for my sister's newsletter. So, by the time I left work at 5pm, my stomach was sending me a stream of instant message!

From sheer pride, I will not share the mulitude of places I considered pulling in and winding my way through the drive-thru. However, I will tell you that I DID NOT consider JBX's chicken brushetta for more than a nanosecond. Wanna know why? Ok, I'll tell you - it has 50 grams of fat, according to somethign that said so on the net. Isnt' that shocking? I found that out one day AFTER I ate one. Cholestrol, ldl, and mayo...oh my!

But don't panic; I have my healthy salad and chicken right next to me as I write. God is powerful, even when I'm not. Pray for me, though! I need addiction-to-food healing, and I mean it!

Yawn!

It's a new beginning! Me, getting up early, that is - yawn. I can hardly stand it! Of course, I only have to do it on Fridays, but here's the reason for this too-early madness: I'm switching my office hours to the wee morn hours, because our little square is getting crowded with too many of us in there at one time. But that's not the only reason I've beat the sun up, today....

See, yesterday I wrote an article for the homeschooling newspaper. Guess what it was on?- Procrastination! It's the blind leading the blind, for sure, but I did pray and felt the Lord gave me some great ideas. So much so, that I started living them right after the article was sent off! yay

With Susan and Amy confirming I live in stress these days, I knew that my procrastining ways were heaping stress upon stress upon stress, among other debilitating things. So, enough, I say! I'm up early to attack my small to-do list, before I traipse off to work. yay for a new way of living!! I love new beginnings - and it's not even jan 1st!