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.