Stir Up The Sugar!

Sometimes time seems to pass slowly and other times I wish I could pause or even rewind. There are things I would have done different but there are also things that I did right and even in spite of my imperfections there has been grace enough to see me through and light enough to shine on whatsoever things are lovely. It's a thankful time of the year although the glory Autumn is fading into the preparations for winter. I've been moving out my summer clothes from my drawers and closets and replacing them with warm sweaters and comfy winter things. As I type this I see through the open curtains my neighbor all bundled up walking her little dog. She has the little Yorkshire Terrior type that look so cute with sweaters. My dog is pretty much a cold weather breed. She is in the family room converted from our garage. It's cooler out there. She doesn't mind. All she really has on her mind now is nesting and she has been scratching in her box we have set up for several days. It's getting more now as the puppies will come anytime. I got one of those really huge boxes that our lawn mower came in and even added a big piece of cardboard on the side to give her privacy. It's like a little cave over her dog bed but she has moved the blankets up to the front. She has the back cleared of anything. There is extra cardboard and paper, old sheets , blankets whatever I may need to help keep things as comfortable as possible. Right now she just wants alone time. I occasionaly peek in to check on her and I am home and close if for any reason a vet needs to be called for help. I have already called and asked some questions. We knew when we got her there was a possiblility of her being pregnant but just couldn't seem to come to the point of taking her in to spay her. There's something about it that isn't right to me. I believe in good time we'll find homes for the puppies. I think when we do what gives us peace and a good conscience things have a way of working out. I pray about all sorts of things. I even prayed about the dog when I was weighing the pros and cons of taking her in. She's worth the extra effort it's taking right now. I've come to love her. I have a friend from years ago that I met in a Christian chat. A whole group of us met right here in southern Indiana at Christmas Lake ( I think that's the name of the place) but we had a couple cabins. We had fun time and prayer time. If anyone doubts that there can be wonderful on line friendship I have no doubt at all. I have met several of my friends and I thank God for each one.

This is Barbie and Barbie and I at our weekend with friends. She is at home now with hospice care. Her husband is keeping us informed. She's ready to go to be with Jesus. She has fought a battle with cancer for several years . I just feel so helpless, there's nothing I can say or do that expresses what I feel inside and how much I wish things could be different. It's time to accept what is in God's hands . These times remind me once again how important it is to embrace the ones you love and even if it isn't a close friend if God lays it on your heart to send an encouraging word or call do it!!! All we really have is here and now but love remains and there are actions that can make an eternal difference! When I lose someone this side of Heaven I wish I had more time yet I know in my heart time is in the Father's hands so I pray to remember the best and blessed of days and to go on in the strength of the Lord. the strength that He has placed within us all. I read a story once at a Nursing Home service about the depression and rations. One lady shared how she was annoyed that her elderly father who lived with her would put too much sugar in his coffee..I so much wish I could remember more of the story but the theme was to stir up the sugar in our life, in the hard times and whatever we are facing and don't let it sink to the bottom of a dark place. Be light and shine love. That is what I pray for!

Sunlight Through the Process

Good morning! It is a cold crisp Autumn day. My grandchildren are asleep so far but at anytime I may have to cut this blog short to attend to other things! I awoke with crazy dreams in my head. I suppose one could call them night mares but somehow thankfully they weren't the kind that seemed real, Some dreams are so vivid! This dream was probably just me trying to work things out in my mind or due to over researching on the internet. My Siberian Husky (which I adopted from my son in a pregnant state) is ready to have puppies. She is AKC which really makes no difference to me. Our first dog was a German Shepherd Mutt, Mix and one of the best dogs ever. The AKC register just may or may not make it easier to find homes for the mixed breed pupppies Nanook will be having. Nanook is Siberian Husky and has all the features but her register is limited. The different thing about her is that her fur is longer than most which is referred to as a Wooly Siberian Husky. It happens sometimes along the line of huskies, makes no difference to me either. I think the longer hair is pretty but it takes a lot of brushing because of the dense undercoat. It's important to keep her brushed so she doesn't get matts or clumps in her fur. I'm a happy homemaker. Very happy since I quit my job. I have lots of time to devote to share time and care time with my dog. My youngest college age son also calls her his dog lol so it is our dog! Nanook can't be a show dog because her longer fur is unacceptable but I love it and people are always telling me I have a beautiful dog. I don't want a show dog anyways. Nanook is a friend. part of my family and loveable. My dream was about her and I was away and trying to get back because I was afraid she would be having pups and need to be there incase any trouble happens so I can call a vet. We did stay home this weekend and trade places with our oldest son and his wife so they could go with my daughter to MO. Her boyfriend which I am quite sure will be her official fiance soon is moving here to Indiana. He'll finish college here. The only thing we are going to do is go to Lincoln Park a little while with the grandchildren and it will give Nanook a little peace and quiet which she needs! I have her whelping box all set up and she is spending more time in it. I arrange all the old blankets and she rearranges them. She only wantes them infront of the box so I say "OK Nanook whatever makes you more comfy." She is 4 and this is not her first litter. It is only her first mixed breed litter which I have a feeling will be adorable! My dreams even took me to the VA Home where my Dad spent a year before he passed away. I went in the home on my way to get to my home. Not likely for Marquette, MI is a 15 hour drive from here but it was a dream! I saw on the wall two little wreaths hanging , kind of like ceramic hand painted. One had my Mom's name, one my Dad's name. There were little bears int he center. I told the staff my Dad passed away in May and I really want to bring these home or to my Mom. How crazy is all this? They for some reason asked if I had time to get my blood pressure taken because they were doing free checks. I said OK but I need to go soon, my dog is going to have puppies. Last thing I remember I had a clothes basket full of Dad's stuff and I left with it. Then I woke up! I miss my Dad so much. I think I want to go to the VA Home when I am up if Dad's roomate is still there and I got to know his wife pretty good over spending a month in MI the last summer. Somehow I can't describe I just need to go there for some reason. I get to feeling at times almost like all this is not real and he lives on there. It's so hard living far away. I didn't get to spend as much time with Dad but we had a tremendous closeness. There are so many people in my life who are close and going through hard things. My Mom who is 6 years younger than my Dad was and in pretty good health is having troubles with hers. Trouble with anemic and losing weight, trouble with blood pressure, trouble with kidney levels which her last meds made worse. Depression and grief and something they need to check with too high of calcium levels. My sadness is hurting for her and wanting to be closer but we talk and keep in touch. The grandkids made cards and wrote letters for her. Life sure can hurt but I believe in sunlight through the process. Sunlight a nice visit over the phone with Mom and knowing things are improving some. Sunlight , she recieved the last letters and drawings the kids sent and loved them so much. Sunlight though she is saddened about the sale of the farm which she isn't living in for some time yet has attatchment too she is very happy for the couple buying it. (For awhile my niece and her husband lived there but it didn't work out too well for them and with moving)The couple buying it is in their 50's about the age she is when my Dad and her bought it. (It was Dad's dream to have a country home and lots of land like he had growing up and he had it for over 20 years ) The couple has horses and wanted more room for them. Their children are grown like I was when Dad and Mom remodled the farm. They will have grandkids visiting. They invited Mom to visit when the sale is final and they move in. The man was her meter reader and wanted the farm for years. Sunshine is the horses too. Oh my gosh my Dad LOVED horses so much. One of the things he told my sister not long before he died is that he was going to get a modelT and saddle up some horses! Yes, he had his moments of being in another place but when that happened we didn't correct him. He had joy and hope and talked about going home. You just don't mess with someones hope and joy. Some things matter and some make no difference. If someone goes back in time and has pleasant memories why not just let them have those moments. The blessing is that Dad NEVER forgot who we were. I know some do and it would be hard! If that would have happened we would have all been there for him because we would still know who he was and love him deeply. I have to go here! The grandkids are up and my son is getting ready for work. The sun is shining

PS Excuse the typos posting as it is because I can't get blogger to work , can't seem to locate the edit button to correct wrong spelling...I Still have problems making sense of blogger..but I'm looking for the sunshine and the sunshine is you !

Hmm, what's up today? The windows are open with a nice breeze coming through. It feels like Spring but it is definately not. I raked piles of leafs , earlier I was in a baking mood and made some chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin ones. I'll freeze some for later. Since I had to taste test the cookies the raking probably helped .It's too pretty outside for the gym, saving it for another day. I have got to get my hours changed back to full membership. This 11:30 am to 4:30 PM is keeping me away more. I miss the early morning workouts or even early evening.

It's such a beautiful day !

Have a good afternoon everyone!

Elections Countdown

It's almost that time again!

October 23

I lost my train of thought here when my internet went out on the blog I started and all it has saved on draft was these 2 pictures I uploaded from Spring Mill State Park in Indiana.

I have been away most of today but driving home I was listening to the radio and heard today in history.

Today in history 1915 U.S.A. Suffrage Movement
23rd October, 1915: As part of the women's suffrage movement 25,000 women march up Fifth Avenue in New York City demanding the right to vote..

Let us exercise our freedom to vote!

Have a great evening everyone!

Sunday Morning 10_21

You're Already Amazing
-  October 23 & 24  -
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Jesus doesn't want us to be exhausted.
He doesn't expect us to be all things to all people.
So take a deep breath, lean back into His love, and ask Him what your heart needs to be filled with today.

Daily devotional excerpts from You're Already Amazing by Holley Gerth.

   I recieved this little excerpt in my email today from Day Spring. It's fitting for today. I feel so tired!
Have lots of family spend the night..later today a nap!
  Have a great Sunday everyone! That's all for now!

Miracles Unfolding

Each new day is a brand new start so lift up your eyes and open your heart,
Miracles happen, they are everywhere, some are just gifts , some answered prayer.
New life begins not only in Spring but where there is love and hearts that care.
The world has it's riches it's plain to see but the greatest treasure is within you and me.

                                      Cheryl Nunn

I've been thinking about the things that happen in life that we don't always expect. Some of them shouldn't even take us by surprise but they do anyways. How many times have you prayed a prayer and went about your daily tasks and maybe even daily worries trying to fix a situation in your mind and wondering how something good can come out of something that seems to have gone all wrong? I sure have! When the prayer is answered and I am sometimes surprised. Why is that? I think there are times I don't pray in complete faith . I know God can do anything yet somehow I don't accept the fact that He will do it for me.
I thank God that He sees the part of me that longs to trust but perhaps has been hurt in some area and is struggling because He also sees that spark of faith and hope and shows me His grace and mercy through His  answers. Some answers are just what I hope for , others come in ways that seem unlikely blessings yet the end result shines Gods wisdom, He knew all along!

Perhaps some of the hardships of today are miracles unfolding . It's happened before and He can do it again!
God has never failed me.

Through It All lyrics

I’ve had many tears and sorrows,
I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
there’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consolation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.

Chorus:
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

Verse 2:
I’ve been to lots of places,
I’ve seen a lot of faces,
there’s been times I felt so all alone.
But in my lonely hours,
yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus lets me know that I was His own

Chorus

Verse 3:
I thank God for the mountains,
and I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I’d never had a problem,
I wouldn’t know God could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.

“Some knowledge is too heavy...you cannot bear it...your Father will carry it until you are able.”

Corrie Ten Boom

Arrayed In Splendor

Life is funny sometimes. We grow and we know so much more than when we were small children yet there is always so much more to learn. I don't know why things pop into my head sometimes but as I was driving to the ladies Bible study group I attend Thursday morning I began thinking about how beautiful the Fall colors were this year despite the dry hot summer we have had. The verses came to my mind where Jesus talks about the lilies in Matthew chapter 6, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say to you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. "  Our Creator has made so much beauty and we are His precious creation, His workmanship. I thought about how we often overlook the simple yet intricate things. I remember when my children were little and they would bring me a dandelion or flower just to bless me. I have one pressed between the pages of a book. In one little flower there is so much information that if I were to study as a scientist or botanist I would have to conclude that life is a wonder and it would have to come about by something much greater than I could ever comprehend.

Today's study was from Proverbs31 verse 30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

It's nice to look and feel our best yet we all have times when everything seems out of place. What God sees first is not our outward appearance but what is within . God is love and love shines ! I pray that His love will shine in my life because it is the beauty that will last when all else fades. 

Love connects the dots

I know , I know , funny title but yesterday I was thinking about different religions, faiths , churches. It seems as though each one has one area they stress more and are stronger in. I'm not saying that is a bad thing. It can be good. That is why we all need each other as humans. Just think about all of the different personalities and talents in this world. Some of the most brilliant inventors excelled in one area yet struggled in another area. For instance Albert Einstein, he struggled with speech and was slow to speak yet was amazing in other areas. At age 5 he marvelled at the forces that turned the compass of a needle and at age 12 he read a geometry book over and over. You can read a biography and watch a video about him at the link below.

Albert Einstein Biography

One of my grand daughters has some trouble with speech. She does quite well and is an intelligent and delightful child yet she was slow to begin speaking and hard to understand sometimes but she is doing better all the time. She is 7. She had hearing tests and it isn't that. She is bright and learns easy enough but something I really notice about her is her capacity to show affection. She is the third child in a large family of 5 girls and one baby boy. (There are 2 sets of twins in there, she was born in the middle of the 2 sets of twins) She just eats up the attention like a sponge! She loves to cuddle and hug and have stories read to her. She has these soft brown eyes that will melt your heart! God has given her such a precious gift and she shines! God has given us all a gift and we are precious in His eyes!

This is Emma with one of her little sisters. She is the touchy, cuddle and love type.

I love all of my grand children yet each one has something special that stands out. Emma is the sweety as far as expressing her love.

Children are definitely a gift from God. My family is love, inspiration and life to me and of all the grand and glorious things there are to do in this world I believe that one of the greatest contributions we can make is investing our time and love in action towards children. We can also learn from them and be inspired in the wonder of life because growing up and experiencing the hurts we all do in different ways sometimes clouds our vision to the beauty of the simple things we fail to appreciate.

Psalm 145:3,4 NLT
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.

My Bible tells me that the kingdom of Heaven is within me and that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit so it's so much more than the places people gather, it is the people who are gathered there. Where ever we chose to make our place of worship and whatever we learn in the process the greatest is LOVE. Whatever we do should be in love. I like the quote by Mother Theresa 

“In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.”

The greatest LOVE that I know as a Christian is the LOVE of God towards me. What He has done is a GREAT thing for all of us.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Love is what connects the dots of all the good things that we can do whatever our religious beliefs . If there is genuine love and concern it makes all the difference!

1 Corinthians 13

New International Version (NIV)

1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Sweetness

My world is beautiful on this October day,
 colors so warm and bright along the sunlit way.
I love how the leafs crunch under my feet.
For a little while I am a child and life is so sweet.

Cheryl Nunn

The photos are my grand daughters last Fall after we raked leafs. All the little ones love to play in the leaf piles!

It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To

 There was a question presented on Web MD this morning,

The first thing that I thought of was getting out to walk in my favorite place along the river. I'm sure we all have different things that help in some way. As a Christian just making that statement makes me wonder why I didn't think about reading the Bible or praying  first but I believe it's because we are all so different . Walking for me calms my mind . It may take awhile but eventually I begin to notice the beauty around me and focus on something other than my troubles. I mentioned about prayer above but walking is a prayer time for me. Maybe and so often more of a listening time but that is needed as well. There's the listening of the heart which actually goes beyond words or even what I see with my eyes but definately being outside on a lovely and quiet trail does wonders.

Ah winter is coming and the southern Indiana cold rains are going to make this walking thing a challenge for me but there will be days ! I'll bundle up in a coat and gloves and warm socks and boots. (When I am up to it) Oh wait, I now have a dog and a cold weather breed at that so it will be more often that winter walks will happen! I already went one morning when it was cold last week with a warm coat and umbrella. This is different than a leisurely walk on a fair weather day. I don't know that I prayed but I endured!

Forgive my blog if my thoughts seem to go in all directions. I know I haven't blogged as much lately and it is however things pop into my mind in a random matter today. Walking will probably always be my number one thing to do but it isn't always possible but at those times I can remember the blessings in my life and focus on them. Maybe after I blow off some steam! Oh yes , I am very human! Ok next, some relaxing music classical guitar perhaps. It's such a beautiful gift that many have to be inspired to write music and play. Hmm or maybe something up beat to help me get out of the doldrums, hmm or maybe some annoying loud stuff so I can at least throw a few "safe" things across the room , hmm or maybe a good cry , hmm or maybe a funny movie. Who knows? What makes me feel better one time may be totally different than the next time or maybe like the song. "It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To"

From serious to silly here but out of curiousity , "When you are in a bad mood what makes you feel better?"

                                            My grand daughters at their birthday party


                                                                            

Thoughts of today

I love Autumn and the way the leafs crunch under my feet as I walk and the way the woods smell . It sometimes takes me back to childhood and I remember my Dad was always great about taking us kids for walks. There was plenty of woods around my grandparents house in Michigan.

Campfires are nice in the Fall on a chilly night . I think I would enjoy having the grand kids over soon for a cookout. Not this weekend though. We had grand kids the last 2 weekends and helped kids move the one before so that makes 3 busy weekends in a row. I need some quietness and relaxing.

Speaking of quietness I found a document I have saved when I was organizing on my computer.

I like it . It has some excellent thoughts.

Quiet Confidence
by tammie renea


Quiet confidence means...

Rather than scold myself for my imperfections,
I accept them and realize my ability to change them.
Accepting my own imperfections also allows me to accept those of others.

Quiet confidence means...

Rather than mentally and emotionally "sleeping" through each day,
I choose to be fully awake...
to be aware of my own thoughts, feelings, attitudes,
and the effects they have on myself and others.


Quiet confidence means...

I am becoming aware of and choose to nurture my own talents and gifts,
both to fulfill my own life and to give something of myself to the world.


Quiet confidence means...

I am willing to acknowledge the deep down pain and fear that keep me "stuck".
It means that I am willing to take the humble "baby steps"
it often takes to move myself forward.


Quiet confidence means...

Rather than beating myself up,
I will forgive myself when I fall back into my "old" ways
of negative thinking and behaving.
Doing this also allows me to be more compassionate and understanding of others.


Quiet confidence means...

I think for myself.
I ask my own questions and seek my own answers from sources that I consider reliable.
As I learn, I use my new knowledge in positive ways.


Quiet confidence means...

I am not a "people pleaser."
I do not carry the fear of rejection and abandonment
which would keep me from being myself.
This also helps me allow others to be themselves.


Quiet confidence means...

I make judgments through compassionate eyes.
I am not blind to injustice.
I am patient enough to allow the truth to come into focus,
and I am willing to take action whenever necessary.


Quiet confidence means...

Rather than avoiding judgment and criticism
by living within the safety of a tight cocoon,
I accept my responsibilities and my gift of freedom
by emerging and spreading my wings to fly.


Quiet confidence means...

I take full responsibility for my mistakes,
as well as for my accomplishments.
When I make a mistake,
I humbly make amends whenever possible.
When I accomplish a goal,
I respectfully share my success and tuck it inside my heart.


Quiet confidence means...

I know I can only change myself and set goals for myself.
I cannot change others to meet my needs or wants.
I learn to meet my own needs and to fulfill my own wants,
therefore avoiding false expectations and resentments.


Quiet confidence means...

I do not accept abuse of any sort from myself or others;
nor do I abuse myself or others.
A harsh tongue only hurts, never heals.
Physical punishment only reaps fear and resentment.


Quiet confidence means...

I appreciate the gifts of body and mind.
My spirit is the life of me which dwells within my flesh.
I care for my mental and physical health
without comparing myself to others
or setting unrealistic standards.






"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength"
Isaiah 30:15

 Some of my own thoughts,

Part of what quiet confidence means to me personally is that I can find joy in what I do and hopefully some of that joy will spill over to others just from the very fact that I am the me God created .

Confidence to me is also knowing that I am loved first of all by my Heavenly Father. His love so faithful and unconditional. Sometimes I goof up but His plans are perfect and His grace covers me.

To me confidence comes from nurturing all the God given gifts and talents and exercising the good things that we have learned through life. No matter what the mirror or the scale or the pocketbook or educational degrees say what really matters the most is the beauty that shines from a heart that reflects the lasting treasure of God's love and unfading grace,
 

Those are just a few things out of many . What does quiet confidence mean to you?

Sorting out Photos

I spent most of the morning going through documents and trying to make sense of my photos and get them in some kind of order. My daughter is still visiting for awhile today but as much time as I went through while she was sleeping this morning I just do not have time to read or blog until later today or tomorrow. My eyes hurt so that is it for now :)

Does anyone have any great suggestions as to saving photographs from the computer ? I need an external hard drive I guess. There are so many photos here!

I'll get to blogging soon enough but until then have a great day everyone!

The photo is last Autumn at Patoka Lake. I love thsi time of year!

Be Thankful
By Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

                                        3 of my grand daughters. I'm sure thankful for my family!

Just a simple good morning!

Good morning ! It looks like a sunny , beautiful Autumn day and one of the great things about it is that my daughter is home for a couple days visiting. Soon everyone will be up and I probably won't have much time for blogging for a couple days .

The picture is from this summer at Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. I love our Michigan vacations!

and this is Michelle on Sugar Loaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan overlooking Lake Superior

This is Michelle and her Daddy

I guess it is Michelle day ! I love and am proud of all my children!

A Poem about Daughters
A Daughter Is Born
by Judith A. Drew
Encircle your child with love
Offer your hand to guide her
Shower her with tenderness
Shelter away her fears

May she look for sunshine when
There seems to be clouds
May she take a step further to
Find the best in people and life

May she show kindness and patience
Towards others
May confidence and poise propel
Her in life

Teach her appreciation for small
Things in life
The abundance of nature close at
Her feet
Help her to learn the power of
Words spoken
The response to actions which
Might be awakened

Shower her with your love and
Your pride
Protect her as needed, but let
Her fly free
Free to stand tall with absolute
Dignity

As she grows and discovers
Keep memories keen
For times in the future
When she flies free

Remember too as she grows to
Be a woman
She's a reflection of yourself
A reflection of the joy, kindness,
And dignity
A reflection of a woman set free
To pass down her teachings
From no other than thee.

My daughter and I Christmas Ever 2012

Have a great day, hug someone you love! Share a smile!

Words of Gratitude

I found a site online during a search with Words of Gratitude quotes. I'm thinking of the things that have stayed with me through the years that have a great impact on my life. Little things sure mean a lot. The first job I ever had was at McDonald's and the second one was a s a waitress. Things got really crazy busy sometimes as a waitress and people were not always nice. One thing I have remembered from 30 some years ago was a compliment I received from a regular customer that I was the most pleasant waitress. I to this day believe the comment was genuine because I had made it a priority to be smile and treat the people I waited on with kindness. It was really hard when some people were downright mean especially since I am sensitive and tend to wear my feelings where everyone can see them. To this day I often try and compliment and encourage people and I have a soft spot for waitresses especially when it is really busy and it seems they may be having a hard day.

This is a quote I found that I like.

There will be days when we do not receive the appreciation we deserve but we can always encourage ourselves and try not to let the negative that sometimes surround us bring us down.

"Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence."
Og Mandino

I am enjoying the beauty of the Autumn colors. The photos are from Sunday afternoon at Lincoln State Park here in sothern Indiana.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

                               "Chase after your dreams because they won't chase after you!"

Discovering my Inspiration

   I'm on a quest of sorts as I mentioned in my last blog. There have been times that I have failed to express what is my joy and my inspiration in the process of what I think others would rather hear, see or expect me to be. I am quite sure that it is a good thing to be considerate but that shouldn't mean that we will always agree with others nor that we will even be liked by all. We can shine with confidence and grace so that even in those times we find ourselves in unpleasant circumstances we can be pleasing to God and win the respect of even those who differ in belief from us.
 I love Proverbs 3:3-4 
"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation."

Proverbs 3:3 -4 New Living Translation

   Much of what I am doing in my 50's I wish I would have done more when I was younger but this is the way life goes sometimes, learning is a long process! Perhaps it is God's way of preparing us for the hardest journey of them all the years that are referred to as "Golden" Though this time in life is probably as different for individuals as God created each of us so unique if we live for a long time (or what we perceive as very old age) most of us will go through some difficult times. This has been a hard year! I lost my Dad May 16 and he was someone I looked up to, my Daddy, my hero, one who lived his faith before me with love. Even in his final months I saw so much strength in him. I stopped calling his room if he was there by himself towards the end because he would often cough so hard because of the fluid build up in his body. I would find out when Mom or my sister or brother would be there so I could talk a little while and if he had a coughing spell he could hand the phone back. His voice was weak but his love for family was strong. He always asked about the kids and grandchildren and expressed his care and concern. I believe his prayers still covered me until the very end. I live so far away and I couldn't always be there but there was a definite closeness that I was blessed with. Today is a new time in life and what I have left is memories but those memories are living and they inspire me to care for the ones that God has placed in my life and to realise that every single day is a gift. I cry sometimes and I get depressed . I am not over grieving but I am not without joy and I am never without hope. I pray to God that the lessons I have learned in life including those which I learned through my own frailty and mistakes will spur me on to celebrate the woman that I am. In the 1970's it seemed everyone was trying to find themselves . As much as that phrase has been made fun of it is not all bad. The Bible tells us to stir up the gifts that are within us. Sometimes it is through a process that we discover just what inspires us the most and how that inspiration can shine and make a positive difference to those around us.
  I had my grandchildren here this weekend and one of the things I love is the way they joyfully express themselves. I do believe that there are areas that need to be disciplined yet with giving them room to grow and discover their gifts and what they can do that brings joy to them as well as blesses others. Sometimes in the process of becoming adults and having to go through disappointments and setbacks as well as the heart breaks of life we retreat into a safe mode. I have done that and perhaps it is healthy for awhile but to stay there we rob ourselves and others. God has so much purpose for each of us and we are all His precious jewels, sometimes we just need a lot of polishing!

   I'm trying to be open here and share my heart but it is a challenge. I find writing draws me out and things appear on the page that I am not sure I want everyone to know but so be it. If it flows there must be a purpose for it all. I'm going to try and continue this blog. It may not be everyday and the way things are going maybe  not even every week but I don't want to lose the inspiration because inspiration is life!
  Wishing you all an inspiring week!

My oldest grandaughter and grandson with me this weekend at the museum. We all played! One of the kids told me , "Grandma you are fun to play with!" I take that as a compliment and I told them about what their Great Grandma  said. Someone asked her what her secret is doing so well at her age. She just turned 99 in September. She answered, " Because I act like a kid!"  Thumbs up for my grandma!

                                          My daughter Michelle and her boyfriend and grandma
                                                                 July 2012

                                 Puppy Love (One Big Puppy!) My grandson and our dog this weekend

                            Adventures aboard the ship! Grandson Caleb.

A Great Trade

Yesterday I had this theme running through my thoughts about trading , refueling, exchanging, replacing something that I need to let go of with something else. The positive in exchange of the negative would be great. I was getting so inspired by all of the ideas coming to mind that I am going to begin a journal about the experiences along this quest for improvement. It seems such a simple thought yet it continues to grow. Really life is all about learning and growing. It has little to do with age. Sometimes things don't really have to be replaced, they need to be dusted off and polished and put on a higher priority list.

The beauty for me of growing older is having more time to do some of the things that sat on the shelf more. My readers who have followed me in Multiply and now here know that I love to walk and take pictures. That is something that inspires me. It's like fresh air coming through the window and freshining the room or sheets that you bring inside that have been hanging in the sunshine. That sunshine and clean air become a part of whatever room you use the fresh linen in. What a positive difference!

May I ask , "What is your inspiration?" Inspiration brings new life!

This is all I am going to write for today but it is a great start. Have a wonderful weekend!

This photo is kind of blurry I know but it is kind of funny because it almost loks like my oldest grandson is throwing something into the lake and the younger one is walking away clasping his hands in front of his heart in anguish . There really can be a freedom in letting go of something that was perhaps good for the time but times change and life goes on.  Enough said for now !