Just a prayer

Father, thank you for peace today,
a few months ago I realized to start each day asking for this.
But that prayer led to asking for other things,
wisdom,
strength,
a heart for forgiving,
a fullness to show more love to others.
I realized over time, I began smiling more,
things don't always have to be perfect,
let others shine,
stop complaining,
stop comparing.
I pray for others more, deeper.
Father, thank you! Thank you!

Time away and new beginnng!

What happened 2009? Last post? Since then, I have been blessed ….a thousand times over! I have lost my Dad. It turns out he was a highly decorated WWII survivor,(we didn't know that, he burned everything when my Mom got cancer back in 1977) but that story I'll save for a later date. My youngest graduated college. My eldest is a tenure teacher. Their stories too, I will save for later. My marriage is 37 years strong. I have lost weight, gained weight, lost weight but now I am stronger in both mind and body. I have grown as a teachers aide, working with autistic classrooms and in emotional support. My in-laws are dependent on much from their kids these days. So why do I post now? I cleared all my sidebars. I picked a quick new theme on layout. I added an email subscription toolbar. Then I started typing. Yesterday I received my first formal, yet standard, rejection letter for a children's book I submitted. New start! So to start, a prayer.




Father, thank you for new beginnings.
For the warmth that connects us each day to others.
For the surprises and disappointments,
For smiles and puppies (I love our new puppy!)
For your word that tells me I am more than anything I can imagine.
I am loved beyond all description I can put into thoughts and words!
I am sorry for being selfish, wanting so many things.
I am sorry that each day I will probably commit that greed again in my thoughts,
someway and somehow, I'll want someone or something to go my way.
Yet you will know and I'm okay with that. I know those thoughts are far less than they were in 2009!
Father, set upon us those new streets, avenues to follow for you! To reconnect, with the love of Jesus burning
inside us, to reach out to those in need. Holy Spirit, I need the wisdom to stop all, in mouth and thought, that hinders
faith and trust in God.
Each day I will say "I Am" to refocus from my human flesh to that which you, Father, can do.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

I'm not going to lie. I'm starting this because I want to look into e-book submissions for a short lovey dovey novel I have yet to finish. I only know one thing right now. Take one more step. I'll resubmit my two children's books, possibly revamp them again, but today this is my one step. I plan to take another one tomorrow, I better in case some Holy Spirit power jumps on in this and someone actually subscribes! ttyl
Love, Carol

Part 2

Last week I was very confused by another's actions. I started finding fault in myself over this and began asking God to show me out of this funky mood. Today, with great gratitude to Brent Riggs, God's grace was sufficient!

Grace is part of the attitude of God.

It was in my attitude all summer when:
my van blew a hose late one evening...all alone,
running errands,
standing next to an impatient lady,
dealing with financial hardships during a strike,
baking for a loved one,
handling my teenager,
worrying over my traveling eldest,
replacing my in-laws toilet,
attending my first ladies night at church,
reuniting with old friends...
and this list could go on and on!

Today it only took a few blogs to get me thinking and journaling.
I am exceedingly happy to go see the Pirates play this weekend!
Hoping hubby snags his first MLB foul ball!
Now that is grace!

Pic, verse and thought

Psalm 86:3 From: A Prayer of David

"Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily."

The pic is from my daughter's trip to Italy this summer, near Cortina.

The reason for the chosen verse is it's connection to many...
new Christians,
established members of the Church,
those hurting and seeking understanding,
those of unbelief but desperately seeking help,
and a King.


My point is that often I see God's beauty all around me, but often
I let the pain of those I love, and my own flawed thinking get in the way
of God's embracing love for us. Before I know it, I too, am seeking His council just as an Israel King did.

PS...
Psalm 86:10-13

"For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell."
KJV

Linking up

Earlier today I read a devotional of the dangers of spending too much time on the net,
and not enough time in study of the Word. In total agreement, because of an unsettling feeling in me, I hit the Book!

Thankful I did. Thankful I did more tonight...searching various commentaries on the internet to explain more of what I was reading.
Mathew 5:13-17

I have to admit it was something in an e-mail ad for roses and growing that hit me.
"3-5 days of deep watering"

Truth!

But guess what-I got three communications this week from old friends!
Loving it!
Two were in my wedding!
Got a lunch date set!
I did the Facebook thingy.
More updates on gals I love from work!

Tomorrow we are going into the woods...ON BIKES!
Yesterday I did my first real workout via FIT TV!
Slightly sore thighs today!
AGHHH...hubby says its a 12 mile ride tomorrow-geocaching on bikes!
I hope they wait for me!

God is GREAT!

Best quote of the week...my Dad
He has Alzheimer's...yet he stared into my face
"you are good-looking"
then wheeled away a few feet and turned
"aren't you glad you came"

I'm thankful for much!

Fav Photo Hop

Today is pick your favorite photo and place it on the hop.

We love at least one yearly trip to Niagara Falls, especially Cave of the Winds!




Same predicament...two different perspectives!!!!

I love them both equally!!!!


Thanks for stopping by!

Love and Blessing to all!

Carol
>

Recipe swap! Yum!

Okay, I am in dire need of blog help. I bet somewhere there is a "Blogging for Dummies" book out there. I did get me some tunes and made a list of blogs I want to follow that didn't have e-mail subscriptions. Twice I hit to subscribe and realized they came up on our home page. Hubby wouldn't stand for that! Live and learn...I swear that is my life motto!

But here is today's recipe for the swap! Thank you Anissa!
(Thank God I found this on my e-mail because I couldn't find it in my recipe box or tucked in one of my books)
It is Yummy!





Butterfinger Grape Salad


2 lbs. of green seedless grapes
2 lbs. of red seedless grapes
8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese (softened room temp.)
1/2 Cup of white sugar
8 oz. of sour cream
1/2 cup of chopped pecans
1/2 Cup of brown sugar
3 reg. sized Butterfinger bars-chopped

Wash and dry grapes-must be completely dry!
Mix cream cheese and sour cream into white sugar until blended.
Add grapes and mix until well coated.
Place grape mixture in 9 X 13 in. pan.
Mix chopped nuts, brown sugar and chopped Butterfinger bars together and sprinkle on top.
Refrigerate until serving.

That's it! Enjoy...looking forward to what pops up on the swap!

Have a great day...thinking I should clean the pantry out!!!!

Love and Blessings!