Optimism...a choice

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...

 

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!
 

 

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...

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.

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.

It's March and it has been eventful.  After a winter with no real measureable snow, the weather men were saying we were going to get a major snow storm on Wednesday (the 6th).  I like snow and was ready to have my hubby home with me and him still get paid.  Well that part came true, but the snow was a bust.  Our area was supposed to get up to 12 inches.  We got maybe 3 which melted quickly with the rain/wintry mix.  Bring on Spring!

God continues to bless our family!

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!

 

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. 

Daffodil - a sign of Spring

The daffodil is one of my fav springtime flowers.  Yellow was my grandfather's (Pappy's) favorite colors so it adds a special meaning to the color.  Daffodils are planted in my backyard thanks to a previous owner.  I can sit at the dining room table and look out at them.  This has been an unusual winter (not much snow or really consistently cold weather).  The daffodils broke through the ground with their bright green shoots a littler earlier this year.  It's amazing how their thin, bright green shoots can seem so flimsy yet are so strong.  They endure the wind and the weight of their beautiful yellow trumpet flower.  The contrast between the bright green and yellow is just another sign of God's designer eye.  The pallet He uses is like no other.  When the daffodil is first getting ready to bloom, it reminds me of a paintbrush or pencil.  The long straight stem with a hint of yellow at the end.  Then as you watch from day to day, the yellow slowly enlarges until you see the gorgeous bloom.  It's also an encouragement.  It is determined to bloom where it's planted and herald the arrival of Spring!  Let's all give that a try - live for Jesus and bloom where were planted!!!

2012 - Set A Fire Down in my Soul

It seems this past year flew by.  It's hard to believe it's 2012.  The weather has been crazy this winter.  It's near 60, then it's 30 with snow flurries.  A winter battling bronchitis.  Prices of everything going up.  One thing I know for sure is God is in control!  Our daughter, Julie, turned me onto this song "Set a Fire."  We sang it Sunday in church and it has been in my mind ever since.  I even was singing it in bed the other night.  "No place I would rather be, no place I would rather be, no place I would rather be, than here in Your love, here in Your love (repeat).  So set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, that I can't control; I want more of You, God; I want more of You, God. (repeat)"  If I could just remember this everyday and live my life this way.  That's my goal for 2012!  PTL!

Falling Leaves

As I set in my dining room looking out the window, I see the beautiful leaves - golds, oranges, deep reds, rust, and those still tipped with a touch of green.  What a wonderful paint brush our Heavenly Father uses to cover the landscape.  A small leaf fluttered to the ground, then another, and another.  I couldn't help but think God was saying "I love you, I love you, I love you."  The leaves are beginning to cover the ground.  The more I thought about the season and the falling of the leaves, I thought of the symbolism.  God's love for us is beautiful and colorful just like the leaves.  He loved us so much, He sent Jesus to die for us.  And Jesus, laid down his life on the cross - just like the leaves are falling willingly to the ground and will make it richer because of their death.  Christ has made our lives richer by dying for us - He gave us eternal life.  How can I not be thankful on a day like this?  Thank you Father for loving me so much!  Thank you for giving me eyes to see the beauty of the landscape.  Thank you for letting me hear the laughter of my family and friends; and for the gift of music.  I love you, Father!

God is in control...

How blest we are.  It never ceases to amaze me how God is in control.  We will pray for something and we believe when we pray that God can and will answer.  Why is it when He does, we seem so amazed.  I've been rejoicing in answered prayer recently.  You cannot credit anything or anyone, but God.  How He works in our lives.   Baby Ben was born less than 3 weeks ago.  For years, his parents tried with no success.  Then the long awaited news.  Then the word there was a fibroid and maybe a C-section would be needed.  Ben's Mommy didn't want a C-section.  Because of a mixup in the insurance which supposedly couldn't be fixed, the cost to the parents went from $3000 (which they had planned for) to $10,000.  Ben's parents and grandparents weeped and couldn't understand how this could be.  How would Ben's parents pay for him...worry, tears, fret; but they tried to trust that God would handle it all.  Ben's Mommy's needs a C-section and the cut is made.  Ben's Mommy's uterus is oddly shaped and they had to make a second cut.  The doctor delivers Ben.  Then the doctor tells everyone if it hadn't been for the fibroid blocking the birth canal, there wouldn't have been a baby.  Ben's Mom would have probably miscarried.  Another bonus, C-section is considered surgery and surgery would be covered by the insurance company.  We just need to rest in God.  He has everything under control !  Thank you Jesus for all your wonderful blessings.

September 11, 2011

Sometimes it is hard to believe it has been 10 years; the emotions can be so strong, so quickly.  Watching and to some extent reliving the events of that day make me cry.  How all our lives changed that September morning.  We all remember where we were when we found out about the twin towers, the Pentagon, and Somerset County, PA.  I was working from home that day and my hubby (a Federal police officer) was at work.  His ordinary work day turned into 12 hr shifts. The lives that were lost that day - the families forever impacted.  It was so unbelievable. 

We've had so much rain this past week that I couldn't help but truly appreciate the sunshine and the beautiful blue sky.  Then I thought about the dark smoke against the blue sky 10 years ago.  Our Country seemed to reach out to one another and most importantly, to God during that time.  None of us know how many days we have on this earth.  I just pray I make the most of my days and live for Jesus.  Without Him, I could do nothing.

Springtime

Springtime is always a special time of year.  It reminds me that things which appeared dead were just asleep. The beauty of the crocus, daffodils, tulips, and forsythia present such a vivid picture of color against the green grass.  Some of the forsythia I've seen this year look like bushes of golden buttered corn on a plate of green grass.  The tulips fascinate me because they open up early in the morning and close at night.  Each day they repeat their routine until they die.  They give their all each day - what a wonderful goal to give my all each day.  God, thank you for the beauty of all your creation!

Letting Go...Letting God

Why is it so difficult for us to let go - for me to let go. Some things I just trust God and keep on cruising; others, I sometimes pause (for moments, hours, maybe days) and try to deal with it before turning it totally over to Him. I have been experiencing some awesome answers to prayer recently and it just encourages me to trust more. To just put it out there that I love Jesus! I'm not ashamed, and I need to remember the power I read about in the Bible still exists today. Our daughter, Julie, and I have had conversations about this very topic. We have shared how God has answered prayer or given insight. God made us, He loves us, and He certainly will take care of us. The freedom this brings to our lives. I'm asking God to let me live in the present, giving Him total control of my life. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Feel The Spirit

Today at church was amazing. You could FEEL God's presence in our worship service. I felt if God's Spirit would suddenly take on a color to be visible to human eyes, you would see it permeating the whole sanctuary. I didn't want it to end. The music, the prayers, the preaching, the worship - awesome! God is so good. I pray I will reflect His glory daily...

Where has the summer gone?

It's hard to believe it is nearing the end of August. It seems this summer has flown by. Memorial Day picnic, then John's birthday/Father's Day, 4th of July, beach vacation, and it's almost our 28th anniversary. School has started for 3 of our grandbabies, and the other 3 will go next week. They are growing up so fast. As I get older I really try to appreciate each day - the beauty of God's creation in each season, the time with loved ones and friends, and the little things we often take for granted. I want to use my life for the glory of God every day and every season.

Mother's Day 2010

Becoming a mother is one of the greatest gifts God has given me. I have three wonderful children - Scott, Chris, and Julie. Each one of them is special to me for many reasons. Scott is my oldest and an almost Christmas baby. I believe he can do anything he puts his mind too and he remembers all these facts he learns from the Discovery channel (and similar stations). He can talk about things for hours or he can be quiet and reflective. Scott always pays attention to kids and gets down on their level to talk to them. He is an excellent father. Chris is my Valentine baby. He is full of compassion for people. Chris is always willing to help others. He will walk up behind me or one of the "girls" in the family and start rubbing our shoulders unless we tell him it feels so good and then he almost always stops. I think he just likes to keep us guessing if he will continue or not. If he's interested in something, he's all in. He's the family computer geek - seems he can fix it all. He also is a great Dad. Julie is my March baby - born just 2 days after my Dad's birthday. She is beautiful inside and out. She's artistic and it shows in her profession as an event decorator. Julie, like her brothers, also enjoys a challenge. She takes on so many projects and does them all well. Julie is sweet and tender hearted. Like me, she loves to laugh. She is an awesome aunt and will someday be an awesome Mom. I'm proud of my children and love them very much!

A beautiful day...

The day is beautiful - the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the grass is green, the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and God loves me! Too often, I take all these things for granted. I'm trying this year to be more appreciative of everything. I have a wonderful family. Spending time with family is one of my priorities. I am so thankful for my relationship with God, my family, and my friends - what a wonderful world!

Spring is beautiful!

I really enjoy all of the seasons - each one has it's own beauty. Spring is God's way to remind us of life anew. After the dead of winter, Spring brings the green buds to the tree limbs and the yellow of the forsythia. Like newborn babies, these plants and trees bring life and joy to us. It seems one day they just look like brown sticks and then you start to see the green fuss of new growth. Soon the forsythia's yellow blossoms look like bushes of sunlight standing proud against the green grass. They stretch their branches of yellow flowers up and out embracing the blue sky. It always makes me feel happy to see the forsythia and daffodils with their bright colors reminding us spring is upon us. I'm not fond of the pollen (especially from the trees) because it really gives me grief, but I do enjoy the beauty of spring. I can't help but think of God and His love at this time of year. How much He loved me that He sent Jesus to die for me. Jesus gives me love, forgiveness, and hope. Just like the forsythia, I raise my arms in praise to Him, in honor of Him, in love to Him, and in awe of Him. Spring makes me feel happy, but Jesus and my life with Him makes me more joyful!

2010

It's already a brand new year. It really is true that as you get older time goes much quicker. I can remember being in school and thinking the summer was a nice long break. By the end of August, I was ready for school to start again. Sunday afternoons seemed to be longer than they are now. My Mom celebrated her 82nd birthday this week. I'm thankful I still have her. Sometimes she seems like the energizer bunny, but other times I can tell she is slowing down. At 82, you are entitled to slow down. Julie and I took her to the Serenity Tea Room for her birthday. We had High Tea - didn't even know what that was. Basically, it was: soup, little cucumber sandwiches, shrimp salad in tiny filo cups, chicken salad in tiny filo cups, golden raisen scone, pumpkin nut bread, chocolate covered strawberry, caramel pecan cookies, and a special treat (filo cup with custard filling with kiwi/strawberry/blueberry sliced topping. It was delicious and we couldn't eat it all. We each tried a different tea. Julie had pina colada something, Mom had the Queen's Buckingham Palace Garden Party, and I had the Earl Grey Cream. Julie and I really aren't hot tea drinkers, but we drank some to celebrate with Mom. She loves her hot tea. She enjoyed hers so much, she even bought some to take home. After celebrating like the Queen, we took Mom to a paint your pottery place. I told her she had celebrated 82, now she was returning to kindergarten. Mom and Julie painted a vase; I painted a little tea pot which I plan to use as a spoon holder. It was fun and we made lots of memories. We are anxious to see our creations next week after they have been fired. God is good and we had a blast!