Life can be hard sometimes. 2017 has not been the best year so far: New Year's day - septic tank backed up and need new drain field; coffee pot died; crock pot died; DVD Blu-ray player died; I was diagnosed with severe anemia - required iron transfusions and still not feeling better; my hubby's car 1992 Toyota died - requiring a new engine which our sons are putting in this weekend; John's parents health has severely declined; our son's car died requiring a new-to-him purchase - said car then has a deer jump into it causing $3K worth of damage and we are only into April.
That being said, God is good. Got a septic guy to come out that day; gifted a new coffee pot; had an extra crock pot we could use; my doctor is practicing right up the road; our kids are fixing John's car; his parents are holding their own in their 90s; our son-by-love was not injured when the deer jumped into the car door; my hubby John, our children/grandbabies/great grandbabies are all healthy, we have a roof over our heads and food; and God is still in control.
My heart grieves for those friends and family who are battling cancer and other serious illnesses. Of course, I want God's healing hands to touch them and make them whole again. Sometimes the answer is not what we want selfishly. There are friends/family members who are not making the wisest choices which breaks my heart, but I can only pray and offer guidance if asked. I am not in control.
The phrase "but I can only pray" caught my attention after I typed it. I do not mean to diminish the power of prayer. I feel I'm a prayer warrior and know many others. The power of prayer is a mighty, mighty tool. I've seen so many answered prayers - not all have been answered the way I would have chosen, but I'm not God. There is a song by Garth Brooks which includes the line "Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers...Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." I thank God for unanswered (according to my will) prayers. God in His wisdom has not answered all my prayers in the way I thought I wanted; oh, but His plan was so much better!!! A verse I use often with my prayer warriors is Isaiah 55:8-9:
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,"
says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My
ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." (more on this in the future)
I have always
been a cup half full type of person. Sure I have health issues, but God
has me here for a reason and I hope I'm fulfilling His purpose for me. I
like to think I'm the type of person who encourages others.We all know people who can make a situation be the final straw or think the worst things happen to them. When I was widowed in my 20s, I heard or read the saying "What doesn't make you better, makes you bitter. The difference is "i." The choice is mine and yours.
I choose to be optimistic! I chose to believe 2017 is still going to be a great year! God is still on the throne and He is in charge!!! Here is a Natalie Grant song as a reminder (chose this video because I'm a visual person and liked these graphics):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcRRmkXiyAk
Until next time...
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Monday, December 12, 2016
Well, it's been over two years since I posted. Oh how life has changed for the better.
Our daughter Julie ended up in the hospital for 10 days before the twins arrived on November 14. Kyle was moving around and put a kink in his cord that would make him pass out. Eventually, Julie had to have a C section to get the babies out safely. Hailey weighed over 6 lbs, but Kyle only weighed 4 lbs, 1 oz. They had to spend a week in the NICU and actually Kyle came home a day before Hailey.
These past two years have seen many firsts with these little ones living in our home. They are now talking (although there is still some lingo we can't understand). The thrill of hearing them say your name and running to you has no comparison here on earth. It is true about the pitter patter of little feet. JOY, sheer JOY!
The babies are very excited about the Christmas tree and other decorations. It will be a very fun Christmas this year. How many times over the past two years have I thanked God for answering our prayers in a way we didn't even imagine. Hailey Rae and Kyle Greyson are daily reminders of the power of prayer and the goodness of God.
Enjoy life - look around and don't miss all the God moments that happen everyday.
In case I don't get back to this again for a while, Merry Christmas and a very Happy and healthy New Year!
Our daughter Julie ended up in the hospital for 10 days before the twins arrived on November 14. Kyle was moving around and put a kink in his cord that would make him pass out. Eventually, Julie had to have a C section to get the babies out safely. Hailey weighed over 6 lbs, but Kyle only weighed 4 lbs, 1 oz. They had to spend a week in the NICU and actually Kyle came home a day before Hailey.
These past two years have seen many firsts with these little ones living in our home. They are now talking (although there is still some lingo we can't understand). The thrill of hearing them say your name and running to you has no comparison here on earth. It is true about the pitter patter of little feet. JOY, sheer JOY!
The babies are very excited about the Christmas tree and other decorations. It will be a very fun Christmas this year. How many times over the past two years have I thanked God for answering our prayers in a way we didn't even imagine. Hailey Rae and Kyle Greyson are daily reminders of the power of prayer and the goodness of God.
Enjoy life - look around and don't miss all the God moments that happen everyday.
In case I don't get back to this again for a while, Merry Christmas and a very Happy and healthy New Year!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Answered prayer
Well, I promised myself I'm going to do this more often and then I don't. Facebook has taken the place of blogs - it's a quick way to put your thoughts out there.
We live in a world where speed is of utmost importance. I can remember when we got an oven that you could program to start and stop. It meant Sunday dinner after church wouldn't take so long. Then the microwave, cable TV, the internet, cell phones, text messages, etc. Now I find myself urging the microwave to hurry up or a little frustrated that my cell phone or computer is taking so long to load. There are some things that are worth waiting for and God teaches us as we wait.
For the past 7 years my hubby and I have prayed faithfully everyday (or even multiple times a day) for our daughter Julie and her hubby Cliff to have a baby. Sometimes it was difficult to watch another year or month to go by without seeing an answer. There were tears followed by more prayers and then more hope. When others were getting pregnant, my feelings would be mixed - happy for them, sad for our kids. Our Ladies Prayer Group prayed faithfully with us too. We felt God was going to answer our prayers and bless them with children. I and others had a vision or revelation seeing them with children. And another year would go by.
I'm thrilled to say, God has blessed in ways we didn't even imagine. Our prayers have been answered. Not only are Julie and Cliff pregnant, they are expecting twins. A boy and a girl. God is so good. As our daughter-by-love said, we got a blessing and a bonus! It has been 9 years since we had a baby in our family. Our whole family is excited. My other 6 granddaughters can hardly wait for the babies to arrive. I will be just as excited to welcome the 7th granddaughter as I will be to welcome our first grandson! As I type this, it still seems surreal. The babies are due December 16th (Pastor Mike's birthday), but the doctor thinks it will probably be the last week of November. As a bonus, the kids are moving in with us for awhile. I'll get to hold these precious gifts everyday and watch them grow.
One thing I know for sure is everything happens in God's time - not ours. And oh the joy the floods my soul...
We live in a world where speed is of utmost importance. I can remember when we got an oven that you could program to start and stop. It meant Sunday dinner after church wouldn't take so long. Then the microwave, cable TV, the internet, cell phones, text messages, etc. Now I find myself urging the microwave to hurry up or a little frustrated that my cell phone or computer is taking so long to load. There are some things that are worth waiting for and God teaches us as we wait.
For the past 7 years my hubby and I have prayed faithfully everyday (or even multiple times a day) for our daughter Julie and her hubby Cliff to have a baby. Sometimes it was difficult to watch another year or month to go by without seeing an answer. There were tears followed by more prayers and then more hope. When others were getting pregnant, my feelings would be mixed - happy for them, sad for our kids. Our Ladies Prayer Group prayed faithfully with us too. We felt God was going to answer our prayers and bless them with children. I and others had a vision or revelation seeing them with children. And another year would go by.
I'm thrilled to say, God has blessed in ways we didn't even imagine. Our prayers have been answered. Not only are Julie and Cliff pregnant, they are expecting twins. A boy and a girl. God is so good. As our daughter-by-love said, we got a blessing and a bonus! It has been 9 years since we had a baby in our family. Our whole family is excited. My other 6 granddaughters can hardly wait for the babies to arrive. I will be just as excited to welcome the 7th granddaughter as I will be to welcome our first grandson! As I type this, it still seems surreal. The babies are due December 16th (Pastor Mike's birthday), but the doctor thinks it will probably be the last week of November. As a bonus, the kids are moving in with us for awhile. I'll get to hold these precious gifts everyday and watch them grow.
One thing I know for sure is everything happens in God's time - not ours. And oh the joy the floods my soul...
Thursday, October 17, 2013
This year has gone by so fast. Can't believe it is October already. The leaves are starting to fall. I miss the brilliant colors this year. It seems we've had so much rain lately and that discourages the coloring of the leaves.
I lost a dear childhood friend this summer, Sherry Pleasants Stiles. As kids, we used to watch Red Skelton. My cousin, Carol, and I would repeat the "Gertrude and Heathcliff" seagull jokes he told. From that time on, Sherry called me "Gertrude" most of the time. So much that if I left her a voicemail, I just say "it's Gertrude, call me." The first time I visited her flower shop, she was out on a delivery or for a consultation. I asked for a piece of paper to leave her a note. I signed it "Gertrude" which is not a common name these days. Her staff looked at the note - I could tell they were looking at the signature. I just told them that's not my real name, but she'll know who it is! Sherry told me as soon as she got back, they were telling her there was a lady here named "Gertrude." Sherry laughed and said I know who it is. Sherry's daughter even called me Gerturde half of the time.
I miss her so much. Sherry had a smile that lit up a room. Her eyes sparkled like no others. Sherry was loved by everyone that met her. Her facial expressions were priceless and usually produced a laugh. We always laughed when we were together.
As the seasons change, I'm reminded of her. Sherry was a nature lover. She owned a flower shop, loved her kids, grandkids, and people in general. Sherry was always up for an adventure. She was a wonderful cook and had cooked for a hunting lodge out West. I'll never forget the day she called and asked me if I'd like to go with her one day. (I told her considering I need my scooter for long distances, this could get interesting - she just laughed and said I'll call you when I go again.) She was hoping to open a lodge where underprivileged children could experience the outdoors and learn about plants and nature.
Lou Gehrig's disease tried to rob her of her joy, but it couldn't. It may have stolen her ability to talk and walk, but it couldn't steal that sparkle in her eyes. The last time I saw her, she struggled to make her hand write on the dry erase board. She wrote "I'll see you in Heaven." Yes, you will! I love you my friend - I'll see you again someday, Gertrude.
I lost a dear childhood friend this summer, Sherry Pleasants Stiles. As kids, we used to watch Red Skelton. My cousin, Carol, and I would repeat the "Gertrude and Heathcliff" seagull jokes he told. From that time on, Sherry called me "Gertrude" most of the time. So much that if I left her a voicemail, I just say "it's Gertrude, call me." The first time I visited her flower shop, she was out on a delivery or for a consultation. I asked for a piece of paper to leave her a note. I signed it "Gertrude" which is not a common name these days. Her staff looked at the note - I could tell they were looking at the signature. I just told them that's not my real name, but she'll know who it is! Sherry told me as soon as she got back, they were telling her there was a lady here named "Gertrude." Sherry laughed and said I know who it is. Sherry's daughter even called me Gerturde half of the time.
I miss her so much. Sherry had a smile that lit up a room. Her eyes sparkled like no others. Sherry was loved by everyone that met her. Her facial expressions were priceless and usually produced a laugh. We always laughed when we were together. As the seasons change, I'm reminded of her. Sherry was a nature lover. She owned a flower shop, loved her kids, grandkids, and people in general. Sherry was always up for an adventure. She was a wonderful cook and had cooked for a hunting lodge out West. I'll never forget the day she called and asked me if I'd like to go with her one day. (I told her considering I need my scooter for long distances, this could get interesting - she just laughed and said I'll call you when I go again.) She was hoping to open a lodge where underprivileged children could experience the outdoors and learn about plants and nature.
Lou Gehrig's disease tried to rob her of her joy, but it couldn't. It may have stolen her ability to talk and walk, but it couldn't steal that sparkle in her eyes. The last time I saw her, she struggled to make her hand write on the dry erase board. She wrote "I'll see you in Heaven." Yes, you will! I love you my friend - I'll see you again someday, Gertrude.
Monday, March 11, 2013
February and Beyond
February was a busy month. Started out with an eye exam and finding out I needed a change for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and the astigmatism. The excitement of getting new glasses, but not looking forward to the cost. My new glasses are blinged out! It's a must for me. Then I got a new haircut. My hubby gave me a beautiful bouquet of roses and candy for Valentine's Day.
Our youngest son Chris' birthday is on Valentine's Day - we celebrated the weekend after Valentine's Day. We had a wonderful family time together. Then 10 days later, we celebrated Chris' youngest daughter Abby's 8th birthday. One week later on March 3, we got together to celebrate our daughter Julie's birthday which is actually on March 5. March 3 was my Dad's birthday so we all thought of him too.
God continues to bless our family!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
January 2013
January has quickly passed by. Just took the Christmas Tree down this past weekend, Jan. 27; and yes, we do have an artificial tree. My record is February 13! I just love the sparkling lights.
My Mom celebrated her 85th birthday. My sister - Dina, my daughter - Julie, and I surprised my Mom with an adventure to Toby's Dinner Theater. We saw a musical show of songs thru the decades. The cast, who are also your waiters and waitresses, really get a work out. After serving, this particular show involves singing and dancing the whole time with lots of quick costume changes. We had a great time!
Was trying to make it through this January without seeing the doctor, but it was not to be. I do have a great doctor - Dr. Jason Lowery! I had a stomach bug and upper respiratory infection. The stomach bug was so bad I thought I was trying to give birth to something that didn't want to get born (ha, ha). Worst stomach pains since giving birth. Still working on recovering.
Julie and I lead a Ladies Prayer Group. For the first time in 2 years, I missed a night. I was just too sick to go and didn't want to share what I had. Julie called me afterwards and said what a great prayer time they had. God was revealing Himself to them and it was exciting to hear how our newest members are growing in their prayer life.
Another surprise for my Mom was to treat her to a movie at the theater (we hardly ever go to the theater). We saw "Parental Guidance." It was so funny and also had some great messages.
Until next month, may God's blessings be poured out on you!
My Mom celebrated her 85th birthday. My sister - Dina, my daughter - Julie, and I surprised my Mom with an adventure to Toby's Dinner Theater. We saw a musical show of songs thru the decades. The cast, who are also your waiters and waitresses, really get a work out. After serving, this particular show involves singing and dancing the whole time with lots of quick costume changes. We had a great time!
Was trying to make it through this January without seeing the doctor, but it was not to be. I do have a great doctor - Dr. Jason Lowery! I had a stomach bug and upper respiratory infection. The stomach bug was so bad I thought I was trying to give birth to something that didn't want to get born (ha, ha). Worst stomach pains since giving birth. Still working on recovering.
Julie and I lead a Ladies Prayer Group. For the first time in 2 years, I missed a night. I was just too sick to go and didn't want to share what I had. Julie called me afterwards and said what a great prayer time they had. God was revealing Himself to them and it was exciting to hear how our newest members are growing in their prayer life.
Another surprise for my Mom was to treat her to a movie at the theater (we hardly ever go to the theater). We saw "Parental Guidance." It was so funny and also had some great messages.
Until next month, may God's blessings be poured out on you!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Merry Christmas 2012
I can't believe I haven't written anything on this blog since March. I guess Facebook has taken over short quick updates. I directed the choir in singing "Changed By A Baby Boy" on December 16. They did a fabulous job. I think it was one of the best times as a choir - we had so much fun. This musical was very upbeat and we were all dancing to the beat!
It's just after Christmas and the house is very quiet. We had so much fun on Christmas Day. We ended up having two meals (lunch and supper) together with the boys and their families. My Mom wasn't feeling well and she went home after we opened presents; Cliff and Julie went to his parents before supper. I had some good discussions with my grandbabies - always a favorite time. We had planned to play games, but ran out of time. Besides celebrating Jesus' birth, the best thing this Christmas was spending time with family.
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