GO FOR IT !

This past Sunday at church, we had a missionary guest speaker, Robert Wallace. Robert talked about God's plan for our lives. How we should pray for God to make it clear and obvious. When God does make it clear, then GO FOR IT ! Robert talked about Moses. I've been in church all my life. I know the story of Moses - have even sung the song "Go Down, Moses." Sometimes you forget the details - just shows I need to read my Bible more - even the familiar stories. God told Moses to ask Pharoah to "let My (God's) people go." Pharoah said no - then came the difficulties for the Egyptians including the plagues and death. The part I never really focused on was how many times Moses went to ask Pharoah to "let My (God's) people go" and Pharoah said "NO." 9 times ! How many times do I give up if something doesn't seem to work out after a couple of times? Sometimes, I'm not sure if maybe I got my wires crossed and it was my will not God's. Maybe I misunderstood. If I'm sure it's God's will, then I should go for it. Pray with me that I will know without a doubt God's will for my life - that I won't take the reins and go "God, I've got this one" or give up when I should go on. I want to grow in my walk with the Lord even more this year...

The Moon

I "love" the moon. My favorite one is a full, orange moon. This week God has blessed me with a most beautiful scene. Each night that we've had a full moon, I've looked in our backyard and seen something amazing. The moonlight was so bright it created shadows of our oak trees on the snow. It was like you were looking at a black and white photo - only better (it was 3 D). I couldn't help but think about how awesome God was to create the moon. I know it has something to do with the ocean waves - which are also one of my favorite creations; but looking at the moon or its effects on the landscape brings me such pleasure. (Not to mention, a full moon is romantic.) In my mind, I imagine people throughout time who have looked up at that same moon. What were they thinking when they looked at the moon? Did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem by a full moon? Did the pilgrims have a full moon to watch as they crossed the ocean? I think of those who explored the West, walking behind covered wagons, and then seeing the full moon over them as they slept beneath their wagons. I think of soldiers around the world who are looking up at the same moon as their loved ones at home. When I looked out the window at the moon and its light this week, I couldn't help but feel that God was bathing the Earth with His night light of love. Each time, I uttered a prayer of thanks to God for giving me the privilege of seeing His beauty here on Earth...

Lunch with Irene and Ms. Jean

Ms. Jean and Irene picked me up about 11:30 for lunch today. We went to the Olive Garden. We had great food and a great time. It's always fun to get together with them. Telling stories about our younger days and sharing present-day experiences. Ms. Jean and I were confessing, but Irene was keeping quiet on her escapades. I really miss seeing them. We grew up together as family and went to the same church. Irene was my first piano teacher even though she's not much older than I am. By some standards, we are in the senior citizen category, but we're young at heart. Most folks would tell you I don't act my age - it's only a number anyway. Since it's only a number, it means I don't have to pay particular attention to it. I really liked the ages between 28 and 32 so some days I chose to "be" that age. Other days, my body reminds me I'm older, but my heart is always young. God gave us beautiful weather to celebrate our friendship today. He is spectacular! (Thought I was wearing out "awesome.") He blesses us with friendships that last a lifetime. I'm thankful for Ms. Jean and Irene. They have played a major part in my life. Can't wait to have lunch with them again. Next time, we are going to get Irene to share voluntarily or we will have to do some detective work. Either way, can't wait until we do it again. Love you ladies!

Surprises

I love surprises. My Mom's 80th birthday was Saturday, the 19th. On Friday, the 11th, Julie & I took Mom to Fredericksburg, VA, for a birthday adventure. We surprised my Mom with my sister being there. We had a wonderful time - went to a tea house for lunch, Bonefish grille for dinner, and spent lots of time playing games and having fun. We had been busy collecting photos, scanning them, sending them to my sister, and she fixed up an album for my Mom. I wrote a poem for the book. That's why in my earlier blog I said I had been so busy, but you'd have to wait to find out why. We had a blast - lots of stories and laughter, a cherished time together. Then yesterday, Chris and his family joined us at Mom's church to surprise her. Irene Mills and I played an offertory as special music. We had a good time worshipping together. So for my Mom's 80th birthday, we had about a 10-day celebration. My Mom said "when you get to be 80, you can't celebrate all in one day." She was surprised and very appreciative of all our efforts - with the usual "you all went overboard" speech. I told her you only turn 80 once. We only turn any age once, but she bought it so I let it stand. Or maybe she just let me off easy this time. Love ya, Mom

Surrender again...

Surrender just keeps reappearing - think God might be sending me a message??? (Read my December 3rd post) My daily devotion talked about surrender again today. How we can be beating our fists on God's chest (probably complaining about something in our lives), and He still has His arms around us. How wonderful it is when we just surrender and relax in His arms. We had our first measurable snow today. I've been longing for snow. It just blankets everything and looks so beautiful. It reminded me of God's love and how He blankets us with His love. Just like He did when He died for us and His blood washed me as white as snow. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and wants His best for me. I just need to surrender and let Him lead me - basically, I need to get out of the way. Lord, help me to surrender to Your will for my life - let Your will blanket me like the snow blankets the ground. And Dad, thanks for the snow - it is BEAUTIFUL !

What a mighty God we serve

I've been thinking about what a mighty God we serve - this phrase is the title of a praise chorus that keeps running through my mind. He is in control and knows the best plan for our lives. Why do we get so caught up in the worldly things? He provides for the birds, the squirrels, and other wild animals, keeps the sun coming up every morning, and keeps us from flying off into space. He surely can handle our everyday needs. I received some flowers from a friend this past week and they still are beautiful. I was looking at them yesterday - each part of the flower is amazing. The colors go from a pale lavendar to a bright yellow - only God could create such beauty. The day lilies (not the official title as Julie would attest) have dark stamen which perfectly contrast again the bright yellow. If God could handle such detail in one simple flower, how can we not rely on Him to take care of us. I remain in awe...

The first week of 2008

It has been a busy time already - you'll have to read future blogs to find out why - it's a secret right now. Amelia, our granddaughter who we affectionately call AJ, turned 12 yesterday. We had a great time at her party. Her parents gave her a bra tucked inside a shirt. She excitedly pulled out the shirt and the bra went flying into the air - much to her embarrassment. We all cracked up. Her party was at Pizza Hut. Well, she quickly grabbed the bra and put it away. Cliff, Julie's hubby, snuck it out when she wasn't looking and held it up over her head to try to get a picture. She looked up and grabbed it. She put it away and then was looking for a safe place to put it. Several people said they would hold it including me. I told her to give it to me and I'd set it on the table. She trusted me - first mistake when there is an opportunity for laughter - serious things I can be trusted. When she was preoccupied, I held it up over her head for her other grandma to snap the picture. AJ grabbed it and announced we were obsessed with that thing. Which only caused us to laugh even more. I also told AJ that there was a table right behind us with two young men sitting at - she just rolled her eyes. Toward the end of the party, a gentleman (who was sitting with two young men) came over to me. He asked how many generations were represented - I said 3. He said he had really enjoyed watching the family interact especially over the one episode (meaning the bra). I told him there is nothing like family and explained AJ was our granddaughter. I said family is one of God's greatest blessings. He quickly agreed. As you know from reading my blog, I love being with my family. And have I told you recently what a joy my grandchildren are and how much I love them? There is nothing like hearing them say, Nonni...

Happy New Year

We had a great New Year's eve. Did some shopping for some upcoming birthdays, grabbed some dinner, and came home to have some sparkling grape juice and watch the ball drop in Time Square. Tonight (New Year's Day), we had our good friends/family, Pastor Mike and Ms. Deb, over for supper. We had a wonderful time eating and visiting together. It was our first time to eat off the new dishes and use the new glasses. Got to say - totally enjoyed the experience. We're going to start getting together on a regular basis. I enjoy cooking especially now that I have a remodeled kitchen and new dishes. It's hard to believe another year has passed so quickly, but exciting to think about all the possibilities and adventures that lie ahead. God is awesome and I know He has great plans for all of us.