Long Day

Tonight I spent all night in the kitchen, first making a couple of messes then cleaning them up. The end result was supper and a big pile of chocolate chip cookies. Felt good to get some of that done...Jon was working all evening also so it was a good time to catch up. I got to talk to each of the girls. All in all, a productive night after a day at work. I didn't get my walk in though...oh well, maybe tomorrow.

Thought for the day

Sleep....everything will look better tomorrow.

TGIM or TGIT

TGIM. I remember mentioning that we need to be thankful for EVERY day, so TGIM, by the time you read this it may be TGIT. That is definitely more of a choice than a natural emotion, but making choices helps to build our faith. We choose to believe that He loves us and means well toward us on every day of the week.

Thought of the day

We sometimes get confused about what faith really is...we tend to see it as a force outside of ourselves that we have either been blessed with or must live without. Faith is actually much, much simpler than that. It's just a matter of believing that what God says is true. It does not depend on our feelings or observations but on the trustworthiness of God Himself. We say we believe the Bible, do we? Do we believe that He is working ALL things together for our good if we are His? Do we believe that He keeps our tears in a bottle? Do we believe that we are raised up with and seated with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus? I don't know about you, but my desk doesn't feel much like heavenly seating. Do we believe that we are His workmanship? Do we believe that God has made the same provision for us to live in Him today as He has made for the payment of our sins? He tells us to renew our minds in the truth, and the biggest part of that is simply to believe that what He says is true when it looks different than what we see in the mirror. His truth supercedes our "reality".

Keep Praying

This is Tre and Tru in front of a truck in the car show at Applefest on Saturday.

We had a very nice weekend. After going to Applefest with Tabbi and boys on Saturday I brought Tre and Tru to our house and they stayed overnight. There was lots of playing outside and they got motorcycle rides in the evening. We all went to church this morning and Tabbi came to get them later in the morning leaving around 12:30? The weather has been warm and sunny, nights down in the upper 50's. It's been a beautiful beginning to fall and I hope we get to enjoy it for a long time.

It's hard to wait for the things that we want and really hard to wait for the things we need---like house sales and healing bodies. Please keep Greg and Megan in your prayers. The house really needs to sell so they can at least get into their own apartment. It's really tough not to have any of your own space and it's been two months already with no definite end date in sight. There is no really way to change it, and we keep talking about how it will be better soon, but some days that's not much help.

In the meantime, we'll all keep doing whatever we can to encourage and support them. One of the good things about being close to these situations is it gives you a more sympathetic heart for other people and their situations. Lots of people are facing troubles; let's pay attention and pitch in where we can.

Thought for the day

Thank You, Lord, for the many ways that You bless us and take care of us. We have so much; even in the difficult situations we have more than most of the world does, and we too often forget to even thank You. So thank You, thank You, thank You. Help me to remember how much I have and share it all with those you put into my life. Help me to trust that the people in my path are put there by you and treat them with the respect and consideration they deserve.

What is Your Real Age?

The picture on the left is Emmy with Wrigley, on the right is Bria with Wrigley. I took a Real Age test online and found out that my dog makes me younger (thanks, Logan). The picture below is Bailey (Wrigley's big sister) and our dog Logan (the one on your right). Now I'm no expert, but it seems to me that this Real Age claim is working better for Emmy and Bria than for me. Maybe it's just because their dog is young and mine is old...right?

I'm glad it's Friday again...every week. Tomorrow I get to go to a nearby town with Tabbi and her boys to Applefest. I can't remember all that is going on there---I know there is a petting zoo and lots of kids activities, and it should be lots of fun. Afterwards I will bring the boys to our house to stay overnight while their mom and dad go on a date. It will be a great time, and I will be ready for a nap by Sunday afternoon. Megan may be here part of the weekend, but we don't know that yet for sure. Greg is holding down the fort at the house while they get rain from that big system out east. All is going well as of last night.

I hope you all have a great weekend ahead and enjoy these last warm weekends to the fullest. I love fall...our backyard has a full layer of leaves now. Jon does a great job keeping up with that stuff...he's not a raker, but has a great mower that powders those leaves to nothing...much easier than raking. Of course it's easy for me either way because he takes care of it. Thanks, honey!!

Thought for the day

I'm glad that God doesn't see us as less valuable as we get older. His Word says "The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." Psalm 92:12-15
Let's not give up in going on with God and letting Him keep us fresh, thinking, open, and living on the edge of a real vital relationship with Him. When we do that our "real age" will be measured not in years, but in things like wisdom, faith, power, caring, joy, and laughter. Let many other things take their place well down the ladder of concerns and priorities, but let us keep HIM and knowing HIM our primary aim in the midst of every other issue that crosses our path. Whether we face challenges at work, at school, at home, at church, in our health, in our finances, or in our country let's quiet our hearts to hear His voice and to find the way to know Him better in that very circumstance.

Hi, Bria!!

Giving Back

Well, yesterday was so much fun I have no idea how to follow up. That's what happens when you set the bar too high...the pressure, the pressure. It was sure fun though. And thanks, Bria, for liking my post.!!

So who's ready for the weekend besides me? I get to do something fun on Saturday, but I'll wait to talk about that till then. For now I'm just looking forward to it. Tonight I have to tape CSI while we watch ER. Wow, keeping up with the new season is a challenge!!

Tonight I'm really thankful. I heard from my daughter today about an extended relative from the other family who is very ill. Young man in his thirties (I think) who is now unemployed, uninsured, living far from family, and needing a liver transplant that he probably won't get and will die without. We all face challenges every day that can seem overwhelming, but I tell you what--we're all doing just fine. To listen to the news one would think we're on the brink of disaster...we're not. We keep going to work, be thankful for our jobs, our homes, our families, our health, and the blessings we experience every day.


Thought for the day

Lord, You give us so much that we take for granted. We've come to believe that our luxuries are actually our needs, and we've been spoiled in many ways. Help us to not hold so tightly and to be willing to share out of all that You have blessed us with--whether it's our time, our belongings, our love, our support, our forgiveness, our patience, our encouragement, a kind word, a soft answer, a human touch, a tight hug. You've poured out Your life and blood for us, help us do some portion of that for others.

Grandmas Beware

This is a public service announcement--don't let this happen to you. All grandmas should be on the alert. This is what can happen when your 6 year old grandson wants to take pictures with your camera and then tells you to turn around. This ugly incident was followed by lots of giggling and tickling. Thanks, Tre!!! There is also a picture of the culprit included, so if you see this boy with camera in hand DO NOT TURN AROUND!!!!



America's Got Talent finals were tonight. I really have enjoyed these finalists, but tonight one performance blew all the others out of the water. I'm betting on Nuttin' But Stringz for the title next week.

Thought for the day

I'm thinking about the way we live this Christian life. The fact that we refer to it as the "Christian life" shows that we are looking at it wrong. It's not a separate entity from the rest of our life, but it is at the root of every part of our life. I'm still working at finding the words to describe what I'm finding to be true. We try to do what a good Christian would do thinking that we are doing our duty. We keep hitting a wall and finding ourselves unable to keep up the show. We are sincere but taking the backward approach. Our good "works" are not the MEANS to becoming a godly person, they are the RESULT of already being what God says we are. God has redeemed us and declared us righteous. We are vessels of Himself. We died in Him and rose to a new life as a new creature. None of this "feels" true, but He asks us to believe that truth is what He says, not what we feel. We must begin to count on the reality of His truth and let His truth RESULT in a changed life. This is a process, takes time, but it is a life lived moment by moment in fellowship with Him and letting Him make the changes in His time and in His way. He is more pleased by our dependence and fellowship than by good works cranked out by our flesh trying to do better.

Season Premiere Week

Okay, apparently I'm at least a little bit of a tv junkie. I think it became that way while recovering from my back surgery 2 1/2 years ago followed my the stress fracture in my foot the following year and needing to stay off my foot. I'm not getting some other things done this week because of the season openers of some favorite shows. It seems there is at least one every night, and tomorrow night is America's Got Talent again. So many important things!! Maybe next week I'll get more walks in...Apparently my good intentions are sidetracked pretty easily. Any suggestions to keep me focused?


Thought for the day
Seems like I eventually manage to work myself back to the old grind of performing for God. Here I am feeling like I'm not "doing well" because I'm not keeping up with my good intentions (i.e. walking). It's hard to find a balance between following through with a plan and performing for points on the goodness scale. We already flunked that test...just read the Ten Commandments. If we are honest with ourselves we've broken every one at least in thought--each one of us has done that. But Christ took our sins on Himself and paid the price...death. In accepting what He has done for me and trusting that instead of trying to "be good enough" myself, I am received into His life and eternity. Even knowing that, after salvation, we turn and try to pay back what He has done for us. CAN'T BE DONE!!! STOP IT!!! He means for us to walk with Him in fellowship and joy and just let Him live through us. We're the ones who make it complicated.

You're Not Getting Older, You're Getting Better

This picture is Emmy and I at the splash park in August...what fun! The other is Jon with Bria, Tre, and Tru at our house in May. The kids are so much fun.

I was reading this morning in 2 Corinthians, chapter 5. It starts out talking about our earthly tent being torn down and the eternal house that God is preparing for us. I think the tearing down is a gradual process that I'm feeling some days more than others. But we walk by faith, not by sight, so we can walk in confidence that we have a future that is way beyond what we can imagine here and now. We make it our ambition in the meantime to be pleasing to Him. Because He died for us, as us, we are identified with Him now...we are new creatures in Christ, and the old has passed away.

Thought for the day

As we get older, we begin to realize that the time is coming that we will be weaker, slower, have more aches and pains, or face significant health issues. It's not a fun thought that the potential for "getting better" has mostly passed. While that may be true in the physical realm, we don't EVER have to settle for that mentality in the inner realities. Many of the things we attribure to "old age" don't have to be real for us. We don't have to become crabby, fretful, frightened, harsh, bitter, critical, needy, or demanding. As we walk with God year after year the opposite should be true. We have the opportunity to become women of power, prayer, intercession, faith, healing, wisdom, testimony, patience, kindness, love, and joy to name a few. That is what Christ provides if we are willing to let go of our own little pet agendas and expectations and let God take us on His adventure and surrender the process to Him trusting Him to do it all well.

Control

Wow, organized cupboards really are a thing of beauty, aren't they? I know you all have a deep appreciation for my special brand of "illness". We are sure enjoying having some down time with Megan--and, yes, we miss Greg. Very soon the house WILL be sold and they will both be in Iowa full time---we can't wait. Another beautiful day...will squeeze in a walk later...and maybe a nap. I hope you are all enjoying your Sunday and recharging both your physical and spiritual batteries. Me, I'm still enjoying looking in my cupboards and I also reframed a stack of photos and have new grandkid displays to show off. Thanks, everybody!!!

Thought for the day

It's okay to control the things we can control...like cupboards, but how do we cope with the things we can't control? The economic news, foreign affairs issues, empolyment concerns, health crises can invade and make us feel like we are out of control. And it's true...there are many things we can't control. But how do we address what we can control? I like to arrange my kitchen, but I don't think it's a control thing...I don't think... I do love the verses that encourage us to bring EVERYTHING that concerns us to God in prayer and to BELIEVE that He is on our side for our welfare. I don't believe that there is anything that we can't bring to Him and invite Him into. So when we pray let's trust that He hears and acts. Let's not just rehearse our worries before Him as if we are informing Him of what He apparently doesn't know. He knows, but He waits for us to invite Him into it really believing that He intends to be actively involved and work all things for good.

Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Saturday Time

Well, it's been a great day, and there's still plenty of it left. I've done laundry, cleaning, errands, and some work in the kitchen, but I feel like doing some more in my cupboards before calling it quits. We head to a wedding later, meet Megan for supper, and she'll be here with us till Monday morning. Nothing definite planned for tomorrow...just hanging out after church.

Thought for the day
Life is such a gift, and time is so precious; it's good that time does not have the final word. We feel as though we are controlled and dominated by time, and it is the master of all our decisions and considerations. Yet, it seems we have the time to do the things we really want to do...even if they are not the most worthy endeavors on our list. That's okay, but sometimes the things I choose make me wonder how serious I am about the things I say really matter to me. You know, things like prayer, lovings others, learning and growing in God, and of course rearranging those kitchen cupboards. Which reminds me.......gotta go...lots of cupboards calling.

Free Time

It's been one (maybe serveral) of those days. I must just be ready for the weekend. What would make me really happy is to spend tomorrow puttering around in my kitchen--you know, rearranging and organizing. It's not the usual recreational activity, I know, but it works for me. We have a wedding to attend in the evening out of town so we'll see what actually happens throughout the day. More gorgeous weather is on tap for the weekend, so maybe I can get some outdoor things done, too. There's always curling up with a good book or writing, too. The possibilities are there....When I do get a free chunk of time I always want to get the best out of it, but many times I have the nagging feeling that I let it go to waste.

Thought for the day
Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to do it all? We need to learn to let free time be free and to realize it as a gift from God and ENJOY it. It's okay to enjoy it without feeling that we should have done it different. I always know the time was well-spent if I was with kids and grandkids, but otherwise I question it. Part of the problem is that it's not very often that I get that kind of day without "a job" to be done. I hope I can learn to use my time in a way that brings a smile to God, others, and me.

Some Weather

Okay it's really Thursday, September 18, 2008...not sure why the post says yesterday...sorry. Hooray!! Our top five picks made the final five on America's Got Talent. Okay, so we get excited about the simple stuff. It's been a beautiful week--fall is always my favorite season, followed closely by spring. Today when I was home for lunch the trees in my back yard were dropping leaves like crazy. The leaves are only beginning to turn a little so I was surprised to see so many falling. Again, I get excited about the simple stuff. I love the overall change of seasons. I can't imagine living somewhere that didn't ever have both the highs and lows even though I don't enjoy the most extreme cold or hot days, but I can stay out of those elements most of the time. I really enjoy the different skies we get here along with the changeable weather. I have a wonderful friend who has taught Bible studies for years who used to ask the question, "When we complain about the weather, who are we really complaining against?" Ouch. (Thanks, Nancy) It really does make you think about all the complaining we either do or hear about the weather. Almost any casual conversation with near strangers includes whether God has any idea what He's doing in regard to the weather--isn't He paying attention? Doesn't He know? Wow, I guess that applies to lots of things besides weather--like everything. Complaining is a cancer of the soul that spreads and invades all that was healthy and whole. Lord, help me to resist every murmur and complaint that would rise from an ungrateful heart, for all murmuring comes from ingratitude.

Thought for the day
When I realize how many times a day I murmur or complain (at least in my heart) it makes me see how ungrateful I am. And worse, it's usually a "little" thing that I let stick in my craw...something that's not even important in the long run. Lord, help me keep my focus on Your goodness and grace.
Child, I know your heart...that you want to please Me, and that is the heart I see. Rest in My love and let Me fill your heart, and you will find that our fellowship will sweeten and soften all that comes into your life. If you will allow Me to rule in your heart, gratitude will be the outflow that will characterize your walk. This outflow will make you a blessing to the world around you and to My own heart. Start now.

America's Got Talent

Wow!!! I don't know if you watch this show, but wow!! We will occasionally catch some of American Idol, but this is so much better...the acts aren't all singers that sound a lot alike. We're down to the final ten, and even though all but one act is singing, there is such variety. We've got the old man who sings Sinatra, the Elvis impersonator who is really convincing, a 4 year old girl, an act of 1 sister and 2 brothers singing and playing strings, the opera singer, the middle aged singing car salesman, the great black lady that can sing with incredible power, the nice-looking blonde singer, the great piano player and singer who can put more emotion in it than I've ever seen, then there's Nuttin But Strinz--2 young black men playing violin, if you can imagine, like you've never heard violin and playing their own original music. I really need about 3 to tie for first. If you want to catch up watch Thursday night at 7:00 on nbc to see it go down to the final 5.

Thought for the day
We really do put talent on a pedestal in this culture. It's almost insane when you think about what we're willing to pay entertainers and sports figures so that we can be entertained. That's maybe not so bad, but it spills over into what we expect from real people, from each other. Our idea of what's normal or expected can be skewed by watching life played out according to a script complete with special effects, camera angles, air-brushing, makeup, and musical score. Have you ever noticed while watching a movie or tv the character's eyesight can actually zoom in on the precise detail he needs to see? Pretty cool---my eyes don't do that. No wonder that we grow impatient with real people who have real limitations and appearances. We can't tolerate a problem that goes on for years instead of being resolved in 2 hours. The people we deal and live with don't follow the script; we expect even ourselves to look and perform like the personalities we watch--who needs that kind of pressure? Let's think about what is realistic for us and for those around us and begin to see ourselves and them the way Jesus sees us all--precious and valuable and appreciate what God has created and loves.

Do I Really Want to be in Charge?

It was another beautiful fall day, but unfortunately, I spent it inside. I thought I would go for a walk after work, but I ran out of time. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just stretch out the nice days and let the not so nice ones go faster? It's probably a good thing I'm not in charge and deciding what's a nice day, or nice weather, or good economic conditions, or good health, or whether this or that whatever is the best thing...In short, it's a good thing that I'm not God. Who knows what kind of disasters I would bring on myself, the ones I love, or maybe the entire world. Of course, I would have the best of intentions, but I have no way of knowing what's best in the ultimate sense. This doesn't mean we can't and don't make decisions, but when we become convinced that only one option can be right we stop listening to God, and if we don't get what we "know" is best we can become bitter.

Thought for the day
Lord, I want to see life from Your perspective. I want to be satisfied with seeing only as far as I can see and knowing only what I can know. It's okay that I don't know all the answers and that I don't understand some of the things You do. It's okay because I choose to trust You. I choose to trust Your heart and intention toward me and to believe that You have a future and a hope in store through all the "uncertainties" that are not uncertain to You.
"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'" Jeremiah 29:11

Grain Inspection

The start of another work week and I was visited by my state grain inspector. I've worked at my job for 12 years and keeping corn records was the most challenging aspect of my work to learn. These inspections are always by surprise and they arrive needing all the records up to date and turned over to them immediately. They average a couple of inspections a year; my last one was in January. The lady that conducted my first inspection said that when she came in and introduced herself I turned white a sheet...I know I felt really sick because I truly had no idea what I was doing. She was a great teacher...many thanks, Gerry. These days the inspection is pretty routine and I generally enjoy it--today the inspector, Dan, was very satisfied with my work which is gratifying in an environment where not much seems appreciated. These inspectors are a pretty good group of guys...of course my favorite is Alex. He's never done an inspection here, but he raised a great son who married our daughter. Thanks, Alex and Corriene!!

Thought for the day
There are many different things that we may do well but no one seems to appreciate. I'm sure the fact that we notice the lack of appreciation means that we are too self-focused already, and there we are wanting others to notice us as much as we do. It seems that no matter what we do or where we go, there WE are getting in the way of our own walk with the Lord. We don't usually need Satan or the world to trip us up; we do a fine job on our own just watching ourselves so closely that we lose sight of Him. The truth is that God sees it all. He sees the small detail of a job well done, a kind word spoken, a thoughtfulness to a stranger that cannot be repaid or thanked, an extra hug for the child not ready to go out the door that morning, a smile in answer to a scowl or snarl, a patient word in the face of unfairness. Yes, He sees our shortcomings; but if we belong to Him there is no condemnation and He is drawing us into the light of His fellowship. He sees and knows it all, and He is for us not against us. Our sins are covered by His own blood, and He values us more than we can fathom. He appreciates everything about us and stands in our defense against the accusations of the world, the devil, and even our own self-loathing. We are to be on His side and love what He loves---us. When we don't feel appreciated by others we can know that the creator and redeemer of the universe is smiling on us and rejoicing over us. Bask in that love.
Romans 8:1-2; Romans 8:31-39

Race Nights

After a cold windy day the wind went down, the sun came out, and it was a perfect evening for a walk. The small town we live in has a 1/2 mile dirt stock car race track. I could hear the cars racing last night until really late...I know they were still racing at 12:30...then I heard them running this afternoon...and this evening. For many years we have had Friday night races during the warm weather months here. When I was a girl I went every week with my dad to the races...really loud, dirty, smelly, and lots of fun. Because my parents and aunt owned the A&W Drive In, we always had to leave before the last race to get back to the A&W for the "race rush". We had a parking lot with 30 stalls and intercoms, and in a little over an hour we would fill and empty that parking lot 3 times...and these were almost all hot food orders. Everything was cooked as it was ordered and served fresh. I would run the intercoms, and my dad would sit next to me adding up all the orders and passing them on to the cooks. We all made a great team. It was crazy, hectic, and a lot of fun. We made a lot of great memories there...most of them crazy. I will always miss my dad.

Thought for the day
I said I will always miss my dad, and that is so true. But knowing that actually makes me more happy than sad. I was blessed to have a dad that I really miss. We have lost people that we don't miss and I know the difference. It is a huge blessing to have people in our lives of such a quality that we miss them when they're gone. Hold on tightly to the people you love, laugh whenever you can, and make some memories.

Saturday

It's been raining the last few day here, but this afternoon we're seeing sunshine again. The rain was welcome, but now it's time to mow again. My husband's company has its Christmas party tonight, yes, I said Christmas. They do it in September and have golfing in the aftern00n for those who want. It's nice because it's one less thing to fit in in December. Been watching some of the coverage of hurricane Ike hitting Texas...wow, am I glad to not live in a place where I have to deal with that. I'm sure many are so thankful for warnings and evacuations...God help them all. What a mess. I'm baking cookies today--my world-famous oatmeal chocolate chip. I'm pretty sure that if I ever run out in my house that my family will just disown me. Iowa and Iowa State are tied at 3 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Got much more interesting in the 3rd.

P.S. Final score Iowa 17, ISU 5. My sons-in-law really know how to pick winners. Right, girls?

Thought for the day
You know, I'm not much in thinking mode today. I am really just enjoying being home and working around here. It's good to know that God is with us even when we're "just doing the normal stuff" and we don't have to be what we would think of as spiritual to know His fellowship and presence. "Lo, I am with you ALWAYS..."

Iowa vs Iowa State

I'm having some sort of problem with my website listed in my Great Places to Visit section. I'm in touch with my server and hope to have it resolved soon. Sorry for any inconvenience. It's time for the weekend again---yahoo!!! Iowa plays Iowa State tomorrow, and even though we ourselves are not great football fans, our sons-in-law are all Iowa fans. It works out nicely--no fighting. So, go Iowa!!!!

Thought for the day

"When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not be stumble." Proverbs 4:12

9/11

We were flipping through channels on TV tonight and the History channel is showing 9/11 video from all kinds of sources. It's very personal and chaotic and hard to watch, yet hard to look away. It's something you want to forget but must never forget. My heart goes out to all those whose lives were forever changed and lost. There are no words... How do we begin to honor the memories of not only the people who were routinely in those towers that day, but the hundreds who went there simply to help and then died? There is no sure answer. I guess for me it means to hug everyone you love very tightly and be thankful for every grace of God that lets us live and enjoy any part of life.

Thought for the day
Somehow God knows and cares. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

Iron on Iron

It's really true that we need each other. We may walk in the light for a while on our own, but our vision gets clouded; we stumble; we run into roadblocks; we get confused. We each have at least one someone in our life who is a good listener. Hopefully, that person does more than help us throw a pity party; hopefully, he or she can help us find center again--help us sort through the haze and fog and find what it is that God is telling us. Thanks to the handful of people in my life who help me stay on track. You are a blessing beyond words. If you don't have a person like that--find one!!!! Take some risks and make some mistakes; be that kind of friend (or daughter :) ) and God will see that there is someone there for you, too. People like that take time to find but are worth the effort.

Thought for the day
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man (or woman) sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong. Try to live in peace with everyone, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God. Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison." Hebrews 12:11-15

Perspective

My hooray for the day is our oldest granddaughter turns 8 years old today!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIA!!!
When I'm at home and in my element my perspective on things is positive. But I find that when I'm put under pressure I can quickly lose sight of all that seemed so clear at a better time. Is it just me, or do you do the same? How can we keep hold of the TRUTH in the midst of the daily stuff that requires most of our time and attention?

Thought for the day
One of my favorite books is "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" by Hannah Whitall Smith. It is a must read. The context is about laying our burdens on the Lord. "When I speak of burdens, I mean everything that troubles us, whether spiritual or temporal. I mean, first of all, ourselves. The greatest burden we have to carry in life is self; the most difficult thing we have to manage is self. Our own daily living, our frames and feelings, our special weaknesses and temptations, our peculiar temperaments, our inward affairs of every kind--these are the things that perplex and worry us more than anything else and that bring us most frequently into bondage and darkness. In laying off your burdens, therefore, the first one you must get rid of is yourself. You must hand yourself, with your temptations, your temperament, your frames and feelings, and all your inward and outward experiences, over into the care and keeping of your God and leave it all there.
He made you and, therefore, He understands you and knows how to manage you; you must trust Him to do it."
I guess that puts things in perspective.

Being Thankful

Do you ever struggle to remember all that you have to be thankful for? I'm so thankful for my husband, children, and grandchildren that you would think that I'd never be "unthankful". But it sneaks up on me, and before I know it I'm complaining (at least inwardly) about something. I really want to get better at not doing that, how about you?


Thought for the day
Sometimes it seems, Lord, that no matter how much You have blessed me all I can see are the things that "should be" different. One day it may be my work, another day it may be my church, another day it may be the way I look or feel, many days it's just "me". Then once in a while comes a day when it's all of the above. You have given me so much, and I KNOW that. That's why it makes me feel so guilty when all these other things crowd out the joy that comes from knowing You.

You have forgotten, my child, the source of your life. Your life is not made up of your work, your church, your appearance, your feelings, or even your list of regrets. When you look back you are wasting your time. When you look too far forward you lose sight of Me. I am right here, right now. I am in the middle of what seems to you to be a mess. I am walking you through the days that feel endless in their repetition and fruitless in their results.
Every piece of the texture of your life has a purpose. I am accomplishing what I desire as you surrender and trust. Sometimes, surrender feels to you like "settling" for what is instead of reaching for what may be. You are not called to surrender to circumstances; you are called to surrender to Me. It's true that I may not change your circumstances, but if you can place them on My shoulders you will find yourself walking through them with Me beside you. I know about living a life of obscurity and not feeling "successful". It's true that while on earth I generated a lot of interest, but much of it was directed at killing Me and all of it misinterpreted and misunderstood Me. Yet there was a reason for it all. There is a reason for all of what you don't understand as well. You may be setting a silent example for another struggler or experiencing a hurt or misunderstanding that will enable you to help someone else.
Perhaps the only "purpose" for some issues is to bring you to the end of your own strength and make you depend on Me. I long for your heart, and I seek it even through the midst of pain and hurt. When you feel strong and confident you may seem happy, but your happiness may be based on what is fleeting. As you learn to let your roots grow deeply into Me, you will find a reservoir of joy that no circumstance can overcome. Do not be discouraged but lift your head, for you are coming closer to that kind of intimacy with Me. This is what I have longed for.

New Member

Hi everyone. I'm going to try to include a picture of out daughter's new puppy. What a cutie. Their other dog loves the puppy, and their two duaghters are thrilled. Doesn't quite give me the bug for a new puppy, though. We got to go shooting again today and our youngest daughter went with. She hasn't shot in a while and did a great job. Cool and a light rain off and on today. Great nap weather.

Thought for the day

Did you go to church today? How was it? We had a presentation by a missions group. I think it's always very difficult to translate that experience to other people who weren't there. How do we share with others what God has done in our life? There is probably no more effective witness for Christ than someone's honest story and struggle. It's hard for me to be that open in most settings, but at other times it's easy. I don't know if that's God's timing or my hangups, but we are where we are. I do know that it should be easier to share the greatest part of my life than it is. I know He deserves my best. What a relief that our relationship with God depends on His grace, not our performance.

TGIF

It is good to be done with the workweek, and we have the extra treat of having our youngest daughter and her husband here for the weekend. It's still cooler than normal here, and today we had some rain--some great clouds, too. Tonight we are watching "Charlie's Chocolate Factory"--a little creepy but you've got to love Johnny Depp. I think my favorite Johnny Depp movie is still "Benny and Joon". It's an old movie and the first time I think I ever saw Johnny Depp, but a great movie. Best lines--"You're out of your tree." "It isn't my tree." You've got to see it sometime.

Thought for the day
Back to TGIF--I completely relate to celebrating the arrival of the weekend, but I can't seriously say "thank God it's Friday" without realizing that we must also include TGIS, TGIM, TGIT, TGIW, TGIT, and TGIS. Duh!! Every day is a gift from God and an opportunity to walk with Him, fellowship with Him, and know the miracle of His love and provision AGAIN. We have got to get over this idea that only what feels good to us is good by definition. The truth is that God does all things well, and an element of our faith is to choose to receive all things from His hand as His gift and with thanksgiving.

Fall is Coming

I got to go for a walk this evening. Fall is my favorite time of year and though it's a little early for fall here, I'm beginning to see the signs. Just a few leaves here and there are beginning to turn; there is a crispness in the air these last few days. It will warm up again, but I'm glad to see fall coming. One of my favorite things is to hear the crunch of leaves under my feet when I walk--that will come soon. I understand walking with a walkman or ipod, and I've done that before, but more and more I just enjoy hearing the sounds outside--the birds singing, the squirrels chattering, the dogs barking. Tonight I think I heard the local marching band practicing in the distance. Peace and quiet just ministers to my heart--I'm probably just getting old!!

Thought for the day
Through Christ, God brings us into fellowship with Himself to be partners in what He is doing. Some of what He purposes to do is described in Isaiah 61---bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to grant them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness, instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. As result they (we) will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. More about trees another time.

Are We Tired Yet?

Well, the week just gets crazier and crazier. This first week of each month is always very busy for me at work. Today that meant a ten hour day with laundry, groceries, and phone calls to follow. I don't know about you, but I'm tired. So when the extra stress comes and the questions that I can't answer are asked, it's hard to remember that Jesus lives in me and is equal to the task. I know I'm definitely not equal to it on my own, but the reality is that He does live in me and can face what I am facing. I am trying to learn how to depend on Him more in that way. How about you?

Thought for the day
Lord, life can be so relentless some days, and I feel l'm spinning my wheels. I want You to have Your way and live through me, yet so much time can go by before I have a chance to step back and consciously lay the moment before You.

I know your life, child, and the pace of your days. I do not only enter your life when you "have time" to deliberately acknowledge Me. I AM your life and am always present with you, and you can depend on Me, trusting that I am at work in your heart and circumstances even in the midst of your busyness. Give Me your day, your work, your heart, and all the messiness of stress and uncertainties. I am big enough to handle all of it and weave it all into the tapestry of your life. I waste nothing that is placed in My hands.

Back to the Grind

So how did we all do going back to the workweek? My day was busy and a little stressful. Had a couple of treats after work, though. Got a haircut (finally) and my daughter and two grandsons were here for almost two hours after that. She brought me a package of wonderful pictures we had done of our two grandsons and two granddaughters together all decked out in John Deere t-shirts. Of course they're the most beautiful kids ever!!! Did I tell you I really love being a grandma?
It's 20 degrees cooler today, and it feels wonderful outside this evening. I'm hoping all of you enjoy your shortened week and the approach of fall.

Thought for the day
You know how in Iowa we can get an ocassional stretch of cloudy days and not see the sun for a while? After about one day you hear people complain and say they wish the sun would shine. It always reminds me of the reality of God's presence. We may not see the sun for days on end, but has it stopped shining? Of course not, but our view is obstructed by the clouds. In the same way, God has promised to always be with us, to never leave or forsake us. When we do not see or sense His presence and we look for Him and see nothing, is He any less with us? We can count on Him because of His promise even when we see and feel nothing. Whether the "clouds" blocking our view are circumstances, illness, exhaustion, apathy, conflict, or even sin, we can count on His word to be true---He loves us and is with us. Let's count on Him and surrender it all to Him.

Happy Labor Day!!

I hope all of you are having a nice Labor Day as part of the long weekend. Ours turned out to be a mostly "labor" day. My husband has been working almost all day on a project for his job that can only be done on a Sunday or holiday. I spent the morning cleaning windows, which in my book counts for a full day of labor. The only one resting around here is the dog--Logan knows how to live--eat, sleep, eat, sleep.

We had kids on the road over the weekend who all made it home safely--always very grateful for safe travel...I just never take it for granted. Tomorrow we go back to our jobs and routine intending to be grateful for both the jobs and the welcome break of this long weekend.

My husband and a friend of his did some work over this last year helping with a new house project about 40 miles away. The family has a very sick little boy who is just turning 9 years old and could no longer live in the older farm house they were in. A gentleman in the community coordinated volunteers and got materials to build the family a new house. They are moved in now with the old house torn down and greatly enjoying their new home which helps this little boy's health issues. Saturday night we went to a supper they were having for the people who had helped them. There were well over a hundred people there during the time that we were with others coming and going. I got to meet this little boy for the first time, and believe me, if you have children who are even reasonably healthy and functioning, you have SO much to be thankful for. He's a tough and great little guy who has faced more these last few years than most of us will see in a lifetime. Never forget how blessed you are.

Thought for today:
God has given us each so much to be thankful for; look beyond the challenge you face to realize the blessing it means. Going back to work tomorrow means I have a job; cleaning windows means I have a house; being tired at the end of the day means there are people and things in my life worth expending myself for; piles of laundry mean I have clothes to wear; missing someone means they are (or were) a blessing to me.