Just Thinking

We went to a memorial the other day, for a lady from our church that had passed away. It was a beautiful service.

There were friends and family that shared memories...it was obvious that this lady loved the Lord, loved his word and loved to worship. There was no doubt where her hope had been and in the process God was glorified.  I was blessed, encouraged and provoked.

The lady also journaled, apparently for many years. One of the things that was done as part of the memorial was to read a few excerpts from her journals. Some of the entries were everyday things that made me smile, but what I was struck with the most was her utter dependence on God...a place we should all be, yes?  I think about her family, those journals are a window into her life and will always be a memory of her.

What does your journal say about you? I can tell you mine shows that life has lots of twists and turns, failures, heartbreaks and struggles.Times of stability and praises and times when my plans were not his plans. Most importantly though, I hope my journals show that God is always faithful. That he is my strength, my peace, my hope and my joy. That yes I have failed but He never has. That God gives much grace. That he can be that light on the darkest days...that he gives me a future and a hope and is the one who sustains me.

Time to be Thankful

Today I just want to take the time to list some of the things I have to thankful for, to give thanks to the Lord for what he has done and continues to do in our lives

• Thankful to our pastors who are not ashamed of the gospel and are faithful to preach God's truth. This can be difficult to find these days and we are very thankful for them
• Thankful for the godly women the Lord has put in my life, so many are encourager's
• Thankful for some "down time" with sweet husband, we got to spend several days together, away from jobs and responsibilities
• Thankful for coworkers that assisted me while I was gone, they kept my work up to date
• Thankful for the days when my body feels its years...strange as it may sound...it loosens my grip on the things of the world and makes me think of "home"
• Thankful for the squeals of delight that we heard when we knocked on the door of my son's house to pick up our dog. Grandchildren were excited to see us.
• Thankful for today, it's a gift....may I treat each day as a gift. Lord do not let me waste my days.

We have a friend who lost his wife this week, the news took us by surprise. I still have a hard time believing it. Her passing has helped to remind me that we don't know what our future holds....if there will even be a tomorrow. It has also made me realize I had much to be thankful for...I needed to focus more on my blessings then what I perceive as need

Now listen you who say Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. James 4:13-14

Good News

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God   Romans 5:1-2

Our Sweet Lady

There was the medication that was supposed to help her memory...but it made her withdrawn, irritable and lethargic. She didn't want to interact with anyone, wasn't participating in the activities.

Then there was the doctors office that was slow to respond and reluctant to stop the medication, the doctor and my husband had a difference of opinion...the doctors point... it COULD slow the disease process... our point.... at what cost??.. so she remembers a little longer but is miserable....she made her wishes known above the debate...the medication has been stopped. (wondering why we didn't just stop the med ourselves, because she is in an Assisted Living facility and they will not stop a med once it's started without an order)

Then there was the holidays, more time away from that which is familiar. Spending more time with  family that is pretty laid back when it comes to schedules....when you need routine, this can be unsettling. What we thought would be enjoyable was actually more stressful to her.

Things are getting back to normal for her....routine....She took a picture of her grandparents farm off her wall to show a staff member the other day. The staff member said it brought a tear to her eye....she knew Sweet Lady was back.

My Daughter In Love

I never had any daughters.... that is until my oldest son got married. Our relationship was messy in the beginning, she will be the first one to tell someone that, her honesty gives encoragement to others, I know this because I have heard from those that she has talked to.

She is a breath of fresh air, doesn't take her self too seriously and is someone you can relate to. I love her compassionate heart, her creative spirit and the way she loves her family....we are blessed to be part of that family now.

Thankful to this daughter of mine, she may not be part of my flesh but she is part of my heart.


                                           Happy Birthday to my dear daughter in love