A painted picture...

Every day God paints a new picture for us. How blessed are we to never see the same thing twice. This week I've noticed how beautiful the sky has been. Maybe it's because we had so much rain, I'm appreciating the sun shining more. One afternoon, it was as if the sky was a striped shirt - a beautiful blue with white stripes - I just had to take a picture. Soon after I took the picture, the clouds began to float into another more abstract shape. Then on the way home, the sunset across from our home was beautiful. It was as if there were swirls of fire right above the horizon. Isn't it amazing how it is the same sky or canvas each day, but God paints and changes the picture for us? Oh how blessed we are to enjoy God's awesome creations...

Busy summer

Wow, this summer has flown by. It's hard to believe the grandbabies are back in school. Because I had surgery, I've only been swimming once. I love to swim and it's been difficult not to be able to get in a pool. Last week was my first time and it is already the end of August. It's been a busy time at church, but very rewarding. We did a Vacation Bible School outreach in Baker Park - met some great families. Had a church planning session to plan our activities for the coming year. I've been busy picking a new book for our ladies small group which starts the second week of September. I picked Victoriously Frazzled by Cindi Wood - I think we are going to have fun and learn how to have a more balanced life by letting God handle the chaos. She gives us a scripture to memorize, multiple-choice questions (my fav), and compares a Bible character to our daily situations - reminds us how they handled it (how God helped them handle it). Exciting times ahead!

Family time

We went to the local park yesterday afternoon for a picnic. Potluck with the family. We had a great time. Missed Scott's girls - Katelyn has strep throat and Jessica thought she might be getting it. Hopefully, we'll get to see them later this week. We enjoyed roasting hot dogs and marshmallows - Abby & Stephanie roasted a couple to perfection; nice light brown where the insides come out and leave the shell - yummy! Then the family played volleyball. We had a blast! We were at the park for almost 5 hours! Thank you God for a beautiful day and a beautiful family.

What a great country!

I can't believe I missed the month of June. Time is flying by so fast. My Uncle Archie is staying with my Mom right now so there are a few challenges. My Mom had an episode where her blood pressure dropped suddenly and we had to take her to the hospital. She spent the night, was released, and has seen her cardiologist. Everything seems to be fine now. There for a moment I thought she was heaven bound. Then I had some more surgery and I guess I just lost track of time. Now it's July...We are so blessed to live in the USA! I've been patriotic all my life and proudly wear the red, white, and blue (wore it to church this morning). I think our flag is the prettiest one of all. It's a reminder of our freedom and what it has cost for us to enjoy this great country. I can't help but think about the music - God Bless the USA, It's a Grand Old Flag, America The Beautiful, The Star Spangled Banner, etc. Along with the freedom we enjoy in this country is the freedom we know through Jesus Christ. How could it get any better???

So many thoughts running through my mind...

It's hard to believe May is almost over. It has been an eventful month. I played for a funeral on the 7th and my Mom had some kind of attack during the funeral. My cousins and friends were around her, and I thought she was gone for a moment when I first reached her side. So did everyone around her. Thank goodness, she came around. She had to go by ambulance to the hospital and spent the night without any real diagnosis. She has been having tests ever since and will have an echo cardiogram after my sister and I encouraged her to ask her cardiologist to do the test. I have also been having health issues again and remember why I had to retire on disability. All reminders that we don't know how long we have on this earth. We need to value our time with loved ones and friends. It's Memorial Day weekend and I'm so thankful for all those who gave their lives so that we could enjoy freedom. It's a time to appreciate those who have served and are serving. For all of us, one day we will be gone in the twinkling of an eye. Let's make the most of our time here and share God's love with our families and those around us. I'm so thankful for my freedom (proud to be an American), my wonderful hubby, my family, my friends, and my church. Most of all, I'm thankful to know Jesus as my Savior! He loves me with all of my faults. He loves you too...

Once a month...

Seems like I'm turning into a once-a-month blogger - not at all what I want. April has been a busy month. Celebrated Easter with all the kids, grandkids, my Mom, and a college student who works with our daughter-in-law. We had a wonderful time, then headed up to John's family to do it all over again. Had a birthday and turned the big 6-0! Actually, I sometimes feel like 6 and sometimes I feel like what I imagine an older person feels like. I still love life and totally enjoyed my birthday. Went to lunch with my hubby, my daughter (Julie), and my Mom. We had a great time - Julie had decorated the yard to let the who neighborhood know exactly how old I was. I've been helping Julie with her event decorating business - sewing fabric for draping and dreaming bigger dreams - all exciting. I've also been helping another friend find her dress for her daughter's wedding. All exciting stuff. Isn't life grand - thank you Jesus for a wonderful life!

Spring has sprung

My how time flies. I can't believe I only posted one item the whole month of March. It continues to be a busy time. The trees are budding and the daffodils are blooming. Daffodils are one of my favorite flowers - the bright yellow offers such hope that spring is finally here. The Lord has provided so many blessings. John is now working 3 days a week and gets up at 5 AM. I'm usually awake before the alarm goes off. I saw the most beautiful sunrise. The sky was azure blue with wavy streaks of peach. No one could paint the beauty that God paints for us each day. I've seen a robin; and on Thursday saw a male and female red cardinal. I've heard the birds singing in the early morning and watched the squirrels scampering up and down the trees. All of these things remind me that God is in control. He cares for each one of His creations. Thank you, God, for all the beautiful things you have shown me this past week. You are an awesome God...