Do you ever

feel like your dreams are ALWAYS put on hold? 

The dream I have always had was shattered back in August 2004.  That is the day that my divorce became final from the man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. The love of my life and father to my children.  I  was a young bride of 17 back in 1982, and only dreamed of our future together.  I felt we had a good life together ahead of us. The military wasn’t part of that dream.  But I went along and made a home at every “base” along the way. After traveling the globe with him as he served in the US Navy, we finally retired in 2002 I thought our dreams would finally happen, sooner than later.  Our dream had always been to get back closer to family and I would finally be able to get that HOME, I so longed for after years and years of waiting and military housing, filling it with grandchildren and lots of memories.
But something changed.  My world as I knew it was over that day.

Fast forwarding a bit, through many hurdles and heartbreak I found myself struggling and confused.  I was a grown woman with no skills unless you count motherhood, I was a SAHM.  Which I had proudly been for all those years.  Raising three beautiful children. But my concern was how will I take care of myself.  I felt unloved and rejected.   I had many bitter and angry feelings towards myself and played the blame game.  Blaming myself.  Wondering why I wasn’t enough, and why didn’t I matter enough to try?  How he could throw everything we were together and been through together away?  Why she got his best years and I had the struggling ones?   I wanted my life back.  But he didn’t want me, did he ever love or want  me, really? (I really don’t think I could stand to hear the answer to that question even today)

Then on New Years Eve of 2005 my now husband asked me to marry him(I was in no hurry to rush into anything)  and through all that time I still questioned and wondered if I would ever be able to build my dreams with someone else. Memories, grandchildren and a home.  In 2008 we married.  In April we will have been married 5 years, and still waiting on some of those dreams.
In the last year, we finally moved closer to family a dream fulfilled(although all six of our children-his three, my three) are all over the map as well as our now 4 grandchildren (his three and my one).  Another dream fulfilled, whom God blessed us with,  we are still working on the home part of “our” dream.
In the last several years, since selling my home that I occupied with my first husband, I have been in limbo for a place to call “mine” again.  Sometimes my heart aches for a home of my own.  And I find myself “waiting” yet again….but I have seen how God has fulfilled many of my dreams in the last year and I am sure he is picking out the perfect house for me to make this dream worth waiting for.  God has blessed me in so many ways.  Today I am grateful for all he has done for me and given to me.  How do you “wait” on God when it seems to be moving so slow?   How do you deal with this? Please feel free to share your experience and your help tip.
Blessings,
     Cindy

2 Timothy 1:7“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Don’t fall over

 

 

cause I know it’s been A. L.O.N.G. time since I have made a post…..didn’t plan on taking another hiatus but that is exactly what happened. 



It’s hard for me to believe that it is the middle of August already and not sure about where you are living but here in Maryland our temps have been miserable.  However the last week we have been truly blessed by some wonderful rain and even storms and it has definitely cooled things off. It could stay like this until we run into fall.   Although I really hate the heat being so high, I prefer it over  the frigid cold and really do dread to see the onset of winter. 

Life has been very busy for me this summer, and I  like it when that happens.  We have made several trips this summer, one of which was out to Texas for my stepdaughter’s wedding.  We spent 10 days out there, traveling all over the state.  Oh what fun we had. It’s  was the first time in a long time I wasn’t ready to come back home even in the 108 weather. It was great.

Now back to bizness……

Today I am sharing my list for “One Thousand Gifts”, it is where you come up with 1000 things that your are thankful for (gifts in your life). It is to help you better recognize just all the little blessings we have each day that we take for granted.

Ann Voskamp has written a book called just that. She also has a lovely and well written blog “A Holy Experience” if you aren’t reading you are missing it folks. I love reading her blog, many hours have been spent hours there. And she is the most delightful person to listen too. (No, I haven’t met her personally, but I have watched via vblog her series on the book)

One Thousand Gifts .

80.a teachable heart and spirit.

81.for another day
82.listening to the sound of silence
83. listening to anything, (it means I can hear)
84.sharing a wonderful card game with my kids, unexpectedly
85.laughter with friends
86.sharing memories
87.going home
88.summer fruits
89. Iced cold coffee
90.Frozen yogurt on a hot summer evening

91.beautiful weddings
92.vacations with my hubby
92. watching hubby come into his element
93. sharing special moments with hubby
94. God's portrait of America
95. Ocean waves crashing on the shore
96. picking sea shells off the beach
97. walking hand and hand with my hubby
98. cool water on a scorching hot day
99. fluffy clouds that float through the blue sky
100. meeting new family members

101. delicious Mexican meals
102. Strolling the Riverwalk on a perfect evening
103. sharing a  sinfully delicious "Blizzard" with hubby
104. running down the road, listening to the radio
105. taking time to stop along the way of our travels
106. fun filled vacations
107. visiting with old friends over dessert
108. making new memories
109. Opportunity to give hugs
110. a nice warm bath after a tiring day

111. Smiles on my children's faces
112. Listening to my children
113. Watching them now as young adult making their way
114. Praying for them
115. Quiet moments of reflection
116. Being available to a friend in need
117. Ability to feel compassion
118. God's abundant grace in my life
119. Time spent singing God's praises
120. Opportunity to seek God's face

121. New shoes that I have been looking for
122. Watching my son and hubby play softball together on the church league.
123. Promises kept
124. Future opportunities
125. Open doors in life
126. Sometimes closed ones
127. A heart filled with gratitude
128. Being able to stay at home and type this list whilst looking out my window sipping my morning coffee.
129. Treasuring my gifts
130. Having my children over for a home cooked meal

131. unexpected Ice cream treat.
132. fresh picked peaches (the taste of summer)
133. homegrown produce to grace our table
134. Butterflies
135. Beautiful friends on the inside. 
136. Chocolate
137. relaxing evenings at home
138. celebrating my dad's birthday
139. traveling mercies
140. fun snail mail

141. a belly aching laugh
142. warm sun on my face
143. sharing stories with my kids
144. walking for exercise
145. A completed to do list
146. our country
147. the flag and what it implies
147. our founding fathers
148. bananas baked into bread
149. reading to sharpen the mind
150. a happy marriage

I believe that it is crucial that we be grateful and give thanks for all our blessings.

I hope you will have a very blessed Monday.

Romans 14:8“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

 

Cindy

What does your blog say about you?

I decided I wanted to see what my blog said about me

Here it is: (sorry it is blurred but the script they allow you to use unfortunately presents it this way.)
However if you click on the image, you get a clear version.

Want to find out what your blog says about you?  Go to Wordle and type in your URL, and it will give you the most used words/topics on your blog.  It allows you to see just what you are conveying to the world.

Kristy Stephens has posted some wonderful post about “what and how and who” our words effect, with the use of all the social media we have, do we stop and think about what we are conveying to others, through our IM’s, posts, tweets, etc. 

Are we busy building others up and glorifying God or are we busy building ourselves up and patting ourselves on the back.

When words are many, sin is not absent,

but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 10:19

 

Don’t know about you, but I need these reminders, thanks to Kristy for some great thought provoking post.

Romans 12:10“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

God’s Grace

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak.... 

"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. 

I stopped the lad and asked, "What do you have there, son?"

"Just some old birds," came the reply.

"What are you going to do with them?" I asked.

"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time."

"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?"

"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them."

The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?"

"Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister.

They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!"

"How much?" the pastor asked again. 

The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?"

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story:

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught a world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.

Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"

"And what will you do when you are done with them?"

Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly.

"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!"

"How much? He asked again.

Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life."

Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price. 

The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit. 

Hebrews 7:25“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Multitudes on Monday

 H appy Monday ya’ll.  

Today I am sharing my list for  “One Thousand Gifts”, it is where you come up with 1000 things that your are thankful for (gifts in your life).  It is to help you better recognize just all the little blessings we have each day that we take for granted.

Ann Voskamp has written a book called just that.  She also has a lovely and well written blog “A Holy Experience” if you aren’t reading you are missing it folks.  I love reading her blog, many hours have been  spent hours there. And she is the most delightful person to listen too.  (No, I haven’t met her personally, but I have watched via vblog her series on the book)

One Thousand Gifts

1.Jesus
2.My salvation
3.The love of my family
4.My marriage
5.Wonderful hardworking husband
6.Seeing hubby's smile
7.Having him bring me morning coffee
8.Praying for loved ones
9.Enjoying a great book on a rainy day
10.Daydreaming

11. good morning kiss from hubby
12. when he tells me how young I look
13. waking up to blue cloudless mornings
14. the opportunity to purchase my hubby a anniversary card
15. feel good music
16. wearing the first short sleeve shirt of the season
17. having the warm fuzzy feeling of being in love with my husband
18. conversations with my children
19. lunch with a long time friend
20. memories

21.reading the bible with new eyes
22.being loved by God
23.seeing God working my life
24.the chance to go to church without persecution
25. feel good laughter
26. Singing praise songs
27. Jesus' blood that washed away my sins
28. a quiet night home with my husband
29. the birth of a new baby
30. knowing that goodbyes on earth aren't forever.

Romans 10:9-10“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

“It is well with my soul”

For more than a century, the tragic story of one man has given hope to countless thousands who have lifted their voices to sing, It Is Well With My Soul.  This by far is one hymn that ALWAYS speaks to my soul. 

The story behind the song":

Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with a thriving legal practice, a beautiful home, a wife, four daughters and a son. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the Scriptures. His circle of friends included Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey and various other well-known Christians of the day.

At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.

In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters a much needed vacation and time to recover from the tragedy. He also went to join Moody and Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England. Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of him while he remained in Chicago to take care of some unexpected last minute business. Several days later he received notice that his family's ship had encountered a collision. All four of his daughters drowned; only his wife had survived.

With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving Anna in England. It was on this trip that he penned those now famous words, When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul..

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Horatio Spafford

Romans 5:6-8“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Recipe for Contentment

I am posting this as a reminder today. I really needed this.



Recipe for Contentment

time required: Hebrews 10:35-39
preheat at 1 John 3:1-3

Ingredients: 
Matthew 6:8, 32         Matthew 5:45
Matthew 7:9-11          1 Corinthians 10:13
1 Timothy 6:6-8         Romans 8:28-39
Hebrews 13:5-6          Proverbs 31:25
Philippians 4:11-13   1 Peter 5:10-11
Job 2:10

~~~~~~
Directions:
Matthew 6:9-21, 25-34   1 Peter 4:19
Matthew 7:7-8                    1 Peter 5:6-9
Proverbs 3:5-6                   1 Timothy 6:17
Proverbs 19:23                   Exodus 20:17
Hebrews 13:5-6
Philippians 2:14-15
Romans 8:24-25

Serves All: O taste and see that the Lord is Good! Psalm 34:8

*Can be made under all circumstances according to Paul’s not-so-secret recipe! Philippians 4:12*

Hebrews 1:3“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Devotions to make you think

This is a devotion that I received via email and thought it quite appropriate for “Thankful Thursday” posting as I have been thinking alot lately about how thankful I am for these little reminders that show up in my mailbox.

 

Thoughtful Living

PSALM 25:8-15

Psalm 25:8-15 (New International Version, ©2011)

⁸ Good and upright is the LORD;
   therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
⁹ He guides the humble in what is right
   and teaches them his way.
¹⁰ All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
   toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
¹¹ For the sake of your name, LORD,
   forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

¹² Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?
   He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.^[a]
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
   and their descendants will inherit the land.
¹⁴ The LORD confides in those who fear him;
   he makes his covenant known to them.
¹⁵ My eyes are ever on the LORD,
   for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Are you living thoughtfully and intentionally—or automatically? It's so easy to get up each morning, do our work, enjoy some relaxation or entertainment, and fall into bed each night without giving any thought to God's involvement in our lives. But to be ignorant of how He has blessed, guided, protected, and warned us is a foolish way to live. Just consider the benefits of keeping our spiritual eyes and ears open throughout the day.

Those who are aware of the Lord's presence during their daily activities enjoy the peace of knowing that He is always in control and working to accomplish His good purposes. Every day's experiences with Him teach them to know and love Him more.

When we learn to see God's footprints in our days, we will become aware of the scope of His involvement in our lives. Maybe He strengthened you for a task or opened a door of opportunity. Perhaps He guided your decisions or helped you respond in a godly way to a difficult person.

If our ears are open to the Lord's warnings and instructions, we won't repeat the same mistakes again and again. But those who are deaf to His voice will continue in unhealthy thought patterns, negative emotions, and foolish responses.

Each night before you go to sleep, take some time to reflect on the day's activities. The Lord is constantly with you, guarding and guiding your way. He wants you to see Him in everything and understand life from His perspective as you rely on His wisdom and power to face any challenge.

 

 

 

I’m always so thankful for anything that makes me sit back and reevaluate myself and my Christian walk. How ‘bout you?

I hope you will join us for Thankful Thursday.  Thanks Lynn for being a gracious hostess.

Galatians 2:20“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Thankful Thursday

Wow, I can’t believe it is already Thursday (and August at that) and time for another Thankful Thursday. I missed last week, with trying to get ready for our upcoming trip.

With so much to be grateful for I have chosen a few that are speaking to my heart this morning, I am so thankful for my home.  I love my home and being here. And God has graciously given me some time at home from a full time job, I am so grateful for that much needed break.  God has blessed me with a wonderful hubby who works hard at his day job, just to come home and work hard here.  With trying to sell our house, we are always tweaking something which keeps my hubby in a constant “to do mode”.  I am so thankful for him and his attitude.  No matter how he feels he never gives up or in.  I could learn alot from him. 

I’m also thankful for the new carpet we had laid in our basement yesterday.  What a difference it makes.  I wish we had of done it earlier.  My hope is that it will someday make a nice play area for another set of children to grow up in.

I’m thankful for the wonderful time we had this past weekend visiting with relatives at my hubby’s family reunion.  It was a great time sharing memories and food. 

Thankful for the bit of rain we got last night, and the promise of more today. 

Thankful for good friendships. A wonderful friend is moving away today, but I am thankful that God brought us together for a short time. 

Today we will be linking up at Laurie’s place, Women Taking a Stand.  Hop over and join us.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

Today in my world

Good Morning Ladies, here we find ourselves at the end of the week and another summer weekend on the horizon.  I am so thankful for my weekends, I love them, mostly because it is a time that my hubby is home and we can spend time together.  I always LOVE that.  Granted this weekend will have some little jobs that need to be done but for the most part nothing real pressing.

Today is filled with alot of little things I need/want to take care of.  Just a few little housework chores, but my big focus today is going to be on getting my “quiet time with the Lord” better organized. In recent post I have shared about my struggling with things and one thing I have come to realize is that my time with the Lord has been sporadic of late.  This MUST come to a stop. I am a person who NEEDS that nourishment every day.   I miss my quiet time on a daily basis and I do hunger for it.  But I  can get so sidetracked by life and the computer that I don’t seem to get around to it.  But I feel God calling me back to it, and nudging me to get myself back on track.  So I plan to start back with it faithfully on Monday.   (Although) I will get sometime in today, but normally my quiet time will be spent in the mornings with a devotion or inspirational reading before bedtime.  Not sure about you, but I am a list maker and I like structure and organization.  Those things help me keep my mind focused and on track.  So that is the main reason for putting together my portable desk of study materials.  I like having all my things in one place.

I love devotions and I have found two really good ones that I subscribe too and will be incorporating them into my quiet time.  If you are looking for or are in need of some great devotions check out the  Proverbs 31 Ministries and sign up for their devotional to be email to you daily.  How easy is that?   Another great devotion, you can sign up for is AnGel Ministries by Anne Graham Lotz.

My study time is more than just reading my bible.  As I have grown as a Christian, my quiet time has changed over time, Now I HUNGER for the word and the truth. I like to really research and get to meat of what God is trying to tell me.  My quiet time/study time looks something like this.  In my Bible time tool kit you’ll find:

• My Bible –  I usually use my NIV Scofield Study Bible, because this bible is marked up with side notes and any other pertinent information I have gathered over time.  It is highlighted throughout with passages that have “spoke” to me over the years.
• Pen and highlighter
• Journal – I record specific things God teaches or shows me from His Word. Then I can go back and review them. I also write down things He tells me to do. Writing them down makes me feel more accountable! And writing prayers or the main points of what I’m praying about helps keep my mind from wandering.
• Bible Reading Plan – I have tried several different ones, I have done Topical Reading Plans, Chronological Reading Plan, but for now, I think I will be continuing on with daily Proverbs reading, while hitting some topics
• Scripture Memory Cards – I usually write a verse that speaks to me on a index card, and meditate and try memorizing it through out the day. 
• Prayer Snapshots – Sometimes but not always I put a photo or a article or something tangible into my pray list.  This way it’s harder for me to forget it. 
• Also a book that I might be focusing on….Right now I am studying “The Power of Prayer to Change your Marriage” and “ The Power of Praying for your Adult Children”, both by Stormie Omartian.
• Prayer (I have tried many methods of prayer over the years, so that I cover all those situations, people, etc  using a schedule  ie Mondays-family, friends, marriage, Tuesday-sick, grieving, military, country, Wednesday, well you get the idea) but I think I am going to try a Prayer Calendar this time.  There are so many people and situations to be in prayer for I am scared I will forget…this way I can stay more focused.  Granted, I always pray for a specific need when it is needed.  To get a better idea of the approach I am talking about Teri Underwood has a great post on it here

If you are in need of some awesome helpful tips on your study time check out Kathy Howard, she has given us some great discipleship tools to use, and I recommend printing them out for easy access.

Ladies, even though we live in a troubled times with all that goes on around us.  We also live in a amazing time with all the technology that is afforded us.  The internet is such a great way to connect with our Christian sisters as well as finding the tools we need to be better equipped in our daily walk.  I encourage you to seek these places out and let God grow in you. Be all that God wants you to be. 

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:10 – 11

Hope you have a blessed day!

Colossians 2:9-10“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Thankful Thursday and other stuff

NOTE: Please note my Network Blog over in the right column, if you are on Facebook and would like to get updates from me, please connect with me.

Can you believe it?  I actually made it here to blog today. I have missed you all.  Before I give my list of thanksgiving, I wanted to update you all on all that is going around here.

Since my last post, it hasn’t been boring.  I have made a trip home to Kentucky to visit with family and witness my nephew become a legal member of our family.  That was a truly awesome day for my sister, and as tears strolled down our faces, she whispered to me “ I’m finally a mom”.  Thrilled and ecstatic don’t do justice to her feelings that day.

Although I made the trip alone, hubby had to stay home, it was some fun time with my mom and dad.  Spent alot of time eating out, watching some movies, and running to antique shops.  A very favorite past time for me and my mom. 

But since getting back home, some areas of my life I have been fretting over.  I hate to even mention it because I sound like a broken record.  But selling this house is taking a huge toll on me and making me question my trust in God. Is he listening to me?  Did I actually say that?  

Why is it so hard to trust God when things look so bleak.  I really don’t distrust God, I really do trust him, but I keep asking myself why certain things aren’t happening for us and everything is working out for all those around us.  Is selling this home some kind of lesson?….what am I suppose to be learning from it?  PATIENCE…..oh boy, I am not good with this trait.  I am finding myself getting disgruntle over the smallest of things.  I am getting anxious about everything.  All my feelings are so raw and I could cry at drop of a hat.  I just want to move on…..I want to start the next chapter in my life. But apparently I have unfinished business in this chapter.

So I am back to “trusting God” that he knows what’s best….I read “

“Trusting God actually takes effort. Trusting God actually takes work. It
takes reading the Bible. It takes meditating on Scripture. It takes praying
about things. It takes taking our own souls to task and stopping one kind of
thinking and turning to another kind of thinking. It takes work. It takes 
effort.”

this excerpt was taken from “Trusting God” by Carolyn Mahaney, Carolyn goes on to say “

The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb.
11:6). Fear is sin. And as my husband has often graciously reminded
me—God is not sympathetic to my unbelief. Why? Because fear,
worry, and unbelief say to God that we don’t really believe He is
“merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast
love and faithfulness” (Ps. 86:15). We are calling God a liar.” 

Ok, WOW I never really thought about that before.  How God views my lack of faith and trust.

If you are lacking in faith and having a hard time Trusting God” check out the whole article written by Carolyn Mahaney.

 

In saying all that, I have much to be grateful and thankful for:

• My nephew,Caleb
• Wonderful time spent with my hubby this last week, we have had a incredible time with some awesome discussions.
• The wonderful rain we received this week to make our flowers and gardens happy.
• Great friends to share a meal with.
• My DIL receiving her AA .
• Another great sunny day and seeing the flowers sprinkle the earth with color. God is a awesome artist.
• Home movies of my children taken 26 years ago.  I can relive their youth.
• And I am thankful for this house too, at least I have a nice home and I can make the payments because we have work. So even when I am disgruntled with having it, I am grateful that I do, because many don’t.  God has been so good to me.
• Thankful for my wonderful hubby.  (pic below was taken at our rehearsal for our wedding)

If you would like to participate in Thankful Thursday join us this month at “Spiritually Unequal Marriage”
Hugs,

James 1:21“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

The week is getting away from me

Good giggity Miss Wigity,where has this week gone?  I don’t have a clue.  I didn’t mean to stay away so long but I guess that is what happens when you are doing thangs.  :) And please don’t ask me what because I can’t remember. 

I have to tell you ladies, we woke up to the most beautiful weather here this morning, the temps were in the 60’s and just wonderful.  It was a welcomed break from the hot humid days and mornings we have been having.  I know that it is short lived, so I really was grateful and  gave a sweet thanks to Jesus.  Hubby even got outside and watered the lawn early this AM while it was still cool.  I think he was enjoying it too. (The photo to the right is my deck, this shot was taken several years ago, but it is still where I drink in the beauty of the  day.

This morning has been a very productive morning for me, I am getting ready for my upcoming trip to Kentucky.  Let’s see, I have striped the sheets from my bed and washed and dried and put them back on the bed, one load in the dryer and one more in the washer, suitcases are almost packed. Making list of things to NOT forget to take.  So when I am rushing out the door bright and early on Friday morning I am not forgetting anything.   Still have some other inside chores to do today, but thought before I started my afternoon, I would post.

Before I started my morning, I spent some time reading in Proverbs.  I am loving reading through Proverbs on a daily bases.  When you take the time to really read it and soak in all the wisdom that is there, it is incredible.  The last two days I have been meditating on a couple of verses that I thought I would share. Taken from the NIV translation.

Proverbs 28:13-

¹³ He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
       but whoever confesses and renounces them finds     mercy.

Proverbs 29: 20 -

²⁰ Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
       There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 30: 5-6-

⁵ "Every word of God is flawless;
       he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

⁶ Do not add to his words,
       or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Each one of these verses hold great impact on our daily lives. They give us something to ponder and really think about.  What are your meditating on today? 

Well the time has come to go back to my duties, the dryer just peeped as my que to get up and finish my work.

“She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.” Proverbs 31:17

Hope you have a blessed day, and thanks for stopping by to visit. I love your visits.

Zechariah 14:9“The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Crawling out from under the rock

I hope finally for good. Ladies, this has been a very trying time for me, alot of changes going on in and around me and I have felt a bit out of sync and a bit overwhelmed. Days filled with sadness and gloom.

I decided to share this with you because I need to be accountable for this feeling that I have been denying for way to long. Over the course of the last two months I have come to realize that I do suffer from depression and these feelings of inadequacy as a mother, wife have to stop, among other areas.

I get so "down" on myself and regardless of all the sweet gestures made toward me, I don't feel them. I hope some of you can relate to this, and can offer some words or guidance to me. My poor sweet hubby has tried to express this to me, but I would “cut” him off because I didn’t  want to believe I suffered from this. Not another flaw, not another character defect. Is is situational or permanent?  How can you tell?  How do you know?

Between family, work decisions, becoming a empty nester, my life as I have known it has changed majorly over the course of a few months. All the things that made me who I was, is no more.  I was always a mother, but now with all my kids on their own, and living there own lives, I don’t have that “label” anymore per se. I’m not needed like I was before. As well as a  employee, since I now am at home again full time (at least for now).  I don’t have that label either.  I feel I have to reinvent myself and I really don’t know how…where to start? 

I know the first place to look is in God’s word to see what he says on the matter of depression, so I have picked a few verses that spoke to me.

(Using  Bible gateway to research my verses)

Broken Heart- (NASB) Psalms 34:18, Proverbs 17:22

¹⁸The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
         And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

²²A joyful heart is good medicine,
         But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Can result from failure to confess- Psalms 32:3-4

³When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
         Through my groaning all day long.
⁴For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
         My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.

After spending time reading all the different scriptures dealing with depression that I could find, I didn’t stop there, I went in search for more biblical teachings from women who have been there.

As I was thinking about all I have been struggling with, I was reminded again of David and his struggles.  Instead of relaying it all again, Courtney at Women Living Well stated it wonderfully. (Psalms 69)  Back in February she started a series of post about depression and if you struggle or have been struggling, I hope you will take a look at them. 

I thank you all for being patient with me and for not given up on me and my blog….but I find myself at a crossroad in life, with alot of new adventures just over the horizon, and I don’t want to miss them, so the time has come for me to take action….so that I can live in the Joy promised by my Father.

God turns mourning into Joy – Jeremiah 31:13

¹³ Then maidens will dance and be glad,
       young men and old as well.
       I will turn their mourning into gladness;
       I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Love,

Summertime is here

and with that we tend to spend more time outside so with that  in mind, I thought I would share a little inspiration with you.

What better time to head to your local Diary Queen or other favorite ice cream spot, to have  a nice cold treat on a HOT summer day.

Sometimes my hubby and I like to take a walk in the evenings up to our little ice cream shack that is patronized by all the locals here.  It’s a great way to cool off as well as catch up with some of your neighbors. 

 

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.  ~Celia Thaxter

Now would be a great time to dust off that picnic basket and load it down with all kinds of goodies.  Maybe grab some books or a fishing pole.  Head off to the nearest lake, or meadow and just relish in the day.

You can’t have a picnic without food, so I have shared a few treats with you below.

"If a June night could talk,
it would probably boast it invented romance."
-  Bern Williams

Summer just wouldn’t be Summer without the “House Wine of the South”.  Ice Tea.  It’s always a favorite drink of mine, not only in the summer.  It is something I drink year round, but will tell you that it taste best on a HOT summer day when it is chilled with loads of ice and some lemon. 

Wine of the South-Sweet Iced Tea

Ingredients
3 Family size tea bags
2 Cups of cold water
1 Cup of sugar

Directions

I recommend Luzianne Tea Bags if available, if not Liptons is another great choice.

Place the two cups water in a pot and add the tea bags. Bring to a boil, do not continue boiling. Remove from heat and let steep. Pour warm tea into empty pitcher. Add the sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill remaining pitcher with cold water.

In summer, the song sings itself.  ~William Carlos Williams

And what about some fresh strawberry pie.  Yummy!

Ingredients

• 2 (8 inch) pie shells, baked
• 2 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin

Directions

1. In a saucepan, mix together the sugar and corn starch; make sure to blend corn starch in completely. Add boiling water, and cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add gelatin mix, and stir until smooth. Let mixture cool to room temperature.
2. Place strawberries in baked pie shells; position berries with points facing up. Pour cooled gel mixture over strawberries.
3. Refrigerate until set. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Summer has set in with its usual severity.  ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Or some good ole Strawberry Shortcake!  Delicious!!!!

Biscuits
3 1/2 cups (14 7/8 ounces) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup dried buttermilk powder*
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) butter or margarine, or1/2 cup shortening
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 large egg
1 cup (8 ounces) milk*
Shortcake
2 quarts hulled strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup (8 ounces, 1/2 pint ) whipping cream

*Or substitute 1 cup buttermilk for the buttermilk powder and milk.

The Biscuits: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Whisk together the dry ingredients, and cut in the cold butter, margarine or shortening. Whisk the vanilla and egg with the milk, then add all at once to the dry ingredients and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4 or 5 times, just until it holds together. Pat the dough out until it's about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick, and cut it into circles (using a sharp cutter for the highest rising biscuits). Place the biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet, brush the tops with milk or egg white for a shiny surface, sprinkle with sugar if desired, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes before serving. Yield: 9 biscuits.
To Assemble Shortcake: Mash 2 cups of the strawberries. Slice the remaining strawberries, and mix all of the berries with the sugar and lemon juice. Let rest 1 hour. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Just before serving, split open the biscuits, spoon half the berries and whipped cream on the bottom half, top with remaining biscuit halves, and spoon on remaining berries and cream.

Summer time an' the livin' is easy, Fish are jumpin' an' the cotton is high. Oh, yo' daddy's rich, and yo' ma' is good-lookin', So hush, little baby, don' yo' cry.
Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward

I hope you have a blessed day and weekend.  Get out and enjoy our beautiful summer weather.

Something is on my mind

and today I want to share it with you.  If you have been keeping up with me here, you know for the most part for a while now I have been struggling with much.  Either through post that I have written or lack of written post. 

I feel as though my whole world has been under attack lately.  Now I know this isn’t true, but the feeling remains the same. When times are like these, I just want to cling to God and his word and promises, but for some reason, I have been struggling with that too.  Maybe because sometimes, I just don’t get it.  But let me tell you a about a little find I have found.  It’s a book written by Lysa Terkeurst called “Becoming More than a good bible study girl”.  Wow…I have just started reading it and it’s wonderful and answers so many of my questions about my relationship with God. 

Take a peek at one of her videos

Just in the first part  of the book  “In My Heart”, she talks about….

1. Trying to Be Good Enough
2. Flitting To and Fro
3. When I Feel like I Don’t Measure Up

If these are topics that you can relate too, then you have to read it.  With each page I turn I am eager for her help in getting out of this “rut”. The rut of desiring and knowing God more intimately, and not knowing how to get there.  If you feel this way, then perhaps this would be a good read for you too.

If any of you have read it, I would love to know if and how it affected your “knowing God” better. 

Ok…off to have my quiet time now.

 

Oh BTW…

Courtney of Women Living Well, is hosting this challenge for wives. Every Monday, June 7 - August 9, Courtney will be sharing biblical principles about how to be the woman your man needs. Mark your calendars and join me in becoming the women our husbands need.

Be Still

 

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”  – (Psalms 46:10)

Be Still, and Know that I Am God,
My Father said to Me,
And I will fill you with My Peace,
And set your Spirit Free.

You are my Own; I’ve Chosen You:
You are Precious in My Sight.
Give Me your Heart; I Promise You
I’ll be Your Guiding Light.

My Love for you will Never Fade
By your side I’ll Always Stay.
My Joy will be your Strength and
Shield, If you’ll let Me have My Way.

I’m Standing here with Arms Outstretched
I want to Touch and make You Whole.
Of My Living Waters, Come and Drink,
And I will Quench your Thirsty Soul.

Peace! Be Still! I am with You now,
And no-one could Love You More.
My Love for you will never Die
Of that You can be sure.

That’s what my Father said to Me
And I know His Words are true.
I know that He has Set me Free
And He’ll do the Same for You.

So just Reach Out, ask Him to Forgive
And Pardon all your Sin.
Ask Him to be your God and King
And He will take You

Have a blessed Sunday!

 

I asked God

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said…Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Author: Unknown

 

Psalm 97:10“Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.