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...

Life...

My life is awesome. So many blessings. Sure there are trials, but I choose to look on the bright side. It is a choice we each make every day - will this day be a downer or an upper, good or bad, happy or sad, etc. I'm a glass-half-full type of person. My hubby is wonderful. God sure did give me a special blessing when he brought John into my life. Every day I'm trying to appreciate him more. We don't do enough of that in our lives. I'm really trying to make it a point to appreciate the good in everyone. The world is so busy pointing out the negatives. We are all God's children. I need to remind myself everyday to act like I'm His child. Love ya, Dad.

Just Like Jesus...

This past week I started teaching a small group on Tuesday nights (will meet every two weeks). We are studying the book by Max Lucado "Just Like Jesus - having a heart like His." My main goals in the small group are to grow fellowship with one another and with God. We had an awesome group of ladies and some wonderful sharing time. I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead and the path God has for us. Fellowship is how we get to know one another better. I told the ladies at the end of the evening that the devil wasn't going to like us getting together and studying God's word and application to each of our lives. We needed to be prepared for the attack and try to respond with a heart like Jesus. Sure enough, the next day the devil had his way with me. I didn't respond with a heart like Jesus - I let the devil use a situation. I have a choice - I could wallow in my defeat or I can choose to ask forgiveness and try again. I choose the latter. I was disappointed that I responded in that way, but determined not to stay in that place. I need to keep trusting in Him and getting to know Him better each day. Since Jesus is my Savior, I claim Colossians 3:10 "Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand Him better." Be patient, God isn't finished with me yet. Stay tuned...