It is raining.
A tad dreary for a summer day and I have three huge piles of clothes to transfer upstairs, yet my little one is still asleep. This is the first day she has slept in since returning from camp. She has many bruises and scrapes on her now 5'11" frame.
I am letting her sleep. Oh....to be a teenager and not have guilt from sleeping late. I'm happy to oblige this teenage luxury.
Hubby is visiting his parents next door, caught in this rain shower.
I found out this morning I am truly jealous of his body pillow. I awoke early around 7 AM and just watched him sleep. But to my surprise, I watched as he rolled over and physically put a bear hug on his pillow. Granted that pillow has helped him tremendously get a better nights sleep and snore less, but when I told him what I saw he laughed and said I was jealous. Speechless...I eventually agreed.
Hey, she is up!
Anyways...I must have subscribed to Beliefnet.com sometime back. Today in my inbox was "10 Inspiring Quotes for a Depressed Heart"
I usually don't opt in on much from that website, some content just doesn't agree with the me that is me today. But today, I enjoyed reading those quotes. Years back quotes like these made me even more depressed. I was so settled into a pattern of defeated thinking that it angered me to hear uplifting messages. Yet over the these past few years I see that messages of hope said to me years ago by family, mental health professionals, and those closest to me was truth. Early this morning, before hitting this e-mail, I was thinking back on a couple things that had a definite change in my heart and mind. Truly forming an attitude of gratitude, coincidentally one of the first books to begin a change in me and the methods I learned in the book "The Papa Prayer" by Crabb.
I haven't glanced at the second mentioned book in quite awhile but basically to me "PAPA" prayer time stays the same each day.
P-Present myself before the Lord...the Lord's Prayer helps me on days and nights when I am drained.
A-Acknowledge all the blessing and praise I can muster to Him. Telling God I know He is God...all-knowing...all-present!!!!
P-Praise...more lists of all I have to be thankful for. Sometimes I drift off to sleep after this part, I have come to realize that this is all that is asked of me.
A-Ask...ask for forgiveness, ask for others, then ask for myself.
Now this is pretty much my shortened and altered version of the book but isn't that what spending time with God is all about, making it personal. Taking seeds and planting.
Well this was a little seed of me today.
I once hated much, found joy in so little.
Depression is curable.
Never dismiss something that easily gives offense one day because someday it will make the most sense of all!
WooHooo!!!! The sun is out! The child is fed...I was up early and hit the store before anyone was awake...bought a couple pastries and fruit. She is happy!
Needs being met...not falling behind...got too much to be thankful for to dwell on our current financial situation!
Update:
hhh... I pulled "The Papa Prayer" by Larry Crabb from my shelf and I have altered his version quite.
Present
Attend
Purge
Approach
I must read this book again this summer...I have a feeling I will find something new!
Thankful for hard work!
Thankful for some unexpected bucks in our pocket today!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Not Me Monday
First time for everything...a blog carnival.
So what did I not do today...
hmmmm...
I didn't serve rice and chicken made with garlic and bean salsa I found in the fridge and forget to check for an expiration date.
I didn't empty the dishwasher just before dinner and use my hubby's 2X T-shirt to dry a fork.
I did clean my bathroom!!! But I didn't decorate using duct tape and a hot glue gun.
I did pick up some ice cream confections at the grocery but didn't eat the last cherry turnover!
I spent time entering contests tonight but didn't think I had a chance.
Thanks for the fun, MckMama!!!!
I do know how to blog...or do I?
Had fun!
Always hopeful!!!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
God uses dictionaries!
So...after a day of geocaching, then a full day of cleaning my basement, then a day of rain and shopping in preparation for our youngest's first trip away from home this weekend to volleyball camp...today I couldn't exactly get the physical fire going to tackle our cluttered attic.
Anyways, it's Thursday and this morning Lysa TerKeurst came up on one of my subscribed morning devotionals. Gossip and the junk that comes forth from us was the topic. She opened her daily devotional with Philippians 1:9. It worked.
Hubby is home, sleeping now after picket duty...we were up late playing board games and his early morning awakening at 5 AM has taken its' toll. So I felt the urge to stop my messing around from room to room and google the word melancholy. That led me to a whole list of words; pensive, optimistic, listless, quixotic and a few others to boot. The only one I didn't like was exanimate: meaning spiritless.
The succession of words up to that point had meaning. Ironically less than two hours after reading Lysa's devotional and her blog, something happened that usually sends our emotions flying in this household. But this time I didn't feel the offense or bitterness I usually feel. So to put this story in the short version: 1. All is well, we're disappointed but not troubled. 2. I had another reason to explain to my daughter the power of Holy Spirit. 3. This mood I am in led me to finding something in the Scripture.
Every Christmas I have this handmade plaque I did years ago with John 3:16 on it. It's one of my favorite objects to arrange around with greens and silk flowers. But today 1 John 3:16 popped into my head and there it was...the succession of God's love for us.
1 John 3:16
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
That means laying down our thoughts before God and our tongues.
Thankful I felt a pulling to check something out and putting a quick fix on it!
Thankful I took the time to do something that seemed somewhat foolish.
Thankful my youngest daughter just called on her cell laughing joyously!
Thankful my hubby agreed with me not to go geocaching three days straight next week, so now I have breathing room of another day until the sale next weekend.
Thankful my eldest got to ride a Vespa through a Milan suburb with her wonderful host parent yesterday. How cool is that!
Anyways, it's Thursday and this morning Lysa TerKeurst came up on one of my subscribed morning devotionals. Gossip and the junk that comes forth from us was the topic. She opened her daily devotional with Philippians 1:9. It worked.
Hubby is home, sleeping now after picket duty...we were up late playing board games and his early morning awakening at 5 AM has taken its' toll. So I felt the urge to stop my messing around from room to room and google the word melancholy. That led me to a whole list of words; pensive, optimistic, listless, quixotic and a few others to boot. The only one I didn't like was exanimate: meaning spiritless.
The succession of words up to that point had meaning. Ironically less than two hours after reading Lysa's devotional and her blog, something happened that usually sends our emotions flying in this household. But this time I didn't feel the offense or bitterness I usually feel. So to put this story in the short version: 1. All is well, we're disappointed but not troubled. 2. I had another reason to explain to my daughter the power of Holy Spirit. 3. This mood I am in led me to finding something in the Scripture.
Every Christmas I have this handmade plaque I did years ago with John 3:16 on it. It's one of my favorite objects to arrange around with greens and silk flowers. But today 1 John 3:16 popped into my head and there it was...the succession of God's love for us.
1 John 3:16
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
That means laying down our thoughts before God and our tongues.
Thankful I felt a pulling to check something out and putting a quick fix on it!
Thankful I took the time to do something that seemed somewhat foolish.
Thankful my youngest daughter just called on her cell laughing joyously!
Thankful my hubby agreed with me not to go geocaching three days straight next week, so now I have breathing room of another day until the sale next weekend.
Thankful my eldest got to ride a Vespa through a Milan suburb with her wonderful host parent yesterday. How cool is that!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Very Early Start
Wow...I haven't posted in months.
It has been 6 months of testing and trials at work yet moments of pure joy.
I was placed at my school as a classroom aide in an autistic support class.
Enough said on that-God was there with us! Hallelujah!
So here are some pics....
There goes my little girl...off to Italy to teach for 5 weeks!
Did I cry? Yes, but not until Saturday while we waited to get word that she was in Italy and settled into her hotel...that didn't come until she was able to hit an internet cafe on Sunday. Now she has a cell, so grateful...talking to God, resting in trust and peace over this and a real eye-opener to His power.
Next...
An elk...where do you find an elk in Pennsylvania?...in Elk County! Actually they were roaming around this town like a tame herd of beef. This one was standing along the road feeding near a house. We happened along this geocaching and today we are off again, picnic lunch to boot!
No big vacation plans this summer...hubby is on strike. Crazy as it sounds...today's local paper has it's first letter to the editor on why these guys and gals should be so thankful to have a job that strike shouldn't be an option. Actually it isn't the money that has their union in an uproar and I don't know anyone my husband works with that isn't thankful for their job. Going to have to do some repair once he gets up and sees the paper, I just know others will take the pen up and defend. Thankful he is listening to me more about God supplying our needs, as a matter of fact, I am receiving my last paycheck today for the summer too. So... today we are going out into the Pa. forests and hamlets happy to just be getting by. There is a strange outlook of joy and laughter in this crazy household these past couple weeks. What's God up to? One thing is teaching us not to be slaves to our weekly income!
So that is all for now. Going to get myself together with some prayer,a bath, make us some egg salad sandwiches and then get the other two up for a day of geocaching. Next week we will be getting ready for a yard sale. Thankful this may finally break the spell of keeping things no longer in need of! I just got another "Amen" on that too!
It has been 6 months of testing and trials at work yet moments of pure joy.
I was placed at my school as a classroom aide in an autistic support class.
Enough said on that-God was there with us! Hallelujah!
So here are some pics....
There goes my little girl...off to Italy to teach for 5 weeks!
Did I cry? Yes, but not until Saturday while we waited to get word that she was in Italy and settled into her hotel...that didn't come until she was able to hit an internet cafe on Sunday. Now she has a cell, so grateful...talking to God, resting in trust and peace over this and a real eye-opener to His power.
Next...
An elk...where do you find an elk in Pennsylvania?...in Elk County! Actually they were roaming around this town like a tame herd of beef. This one was standing along the road feeding near a house. We happened along this geocaching and today we are off again, picnic lunch to boot!
No big vacation plans this summer...hubby is on strike. Crazy as it sounds...today's local paper has it's first letter to the editor on why these guys and gals should be so thankful to have a job that strike shouldn't be an option. Actually it isn't the money that has their union in an uproar and I don't know anyone my husband works with that isn't thankful for their job. Going to have to do some repair once he gets up and sees the paper, I just know others will take the pen up and defend. Thankful he is listening to me more about God supplying our needs, as a matter of fact, I am receiving my last paycheck today for the summer too. So... today we are going out into the Pa. forests and hamlets happy to just be getting by. There is a strange outlook of joy and laughter in this crazy household these past couple weeks. What's God up to? One thing is teaching us not to be slaves to our weekly income!
So that is all for now. Going to get myself together with some prayer,a bath, make us some egg salad sandwiches and then get the other two up for a day of geocaching. Next week we will be getting ready for a yard sale. Thankful this may finally break the spell of keeping things no longer in need of! I just got another "Amen" on that too!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Snow Day Ramblings
Well...what a morning! I had three dreams last night, all called for an impending snow day, and in all three cases it did not happen. Then I awoke at 5:30, to be ready for hubby, who was asked to prepare for at least a 3 day call out for power outages by having his bag packed on arrival to work this morning...and school was cancelled! We weathered wind chills of -15 degrees by having school a couple weeks ago, one of the few districts in this part of our state to do so, so last night I really didn't plan today would be any different.
But here's the thing. (that was improper grammar)
I actually saw another personal financial gain if this storm turned for the worst in this part of the country. It didn't settle well. Then this morning we saw that from Ohio to New Jersey there isn't anything so damaging and widespread that teams of workers from our area need to attend to. I just hung up the phone with dear hubby and admitted, "I was so stupid to want financial gain from the misfortune of others."
Thank God!
Thank God another fleshy, worrisome part of me fell away.
*******
Both girls are sleeping still.
One of them needs, needs, lots of rest!
Fighting a nagging cold and managing a full schedule has taken it's toll.
*******
Tapped into another Proverbs 31 blog...Renee Swoop...much needed revelation came from that. I have been asking God to show me a place, to share, to bless others, by testifying with a humble heart to others on how He has helped me along these past 14 years. This place may be walking distance from my house!
*******
Speaking of walking....I estimated we walked 3 miles in snow, wind and wind chill factors near zero last Saturday. There was a local winter carnival and the local Geocachers had their version of the Amazing Race incorporated in the event. We didn't win and like many things of God, had we checked the batteries of our GPS we would have noticed that our signal was incorrect and saved my youngest and I a half mile walk through unentered National Forest land. "Oh Mom, you know your loving this", she piped back at whiny ole me. Of course when we didn't reconnect with the other two...they ventured up the toboggan hill and followed our footprints. We were four tired puppies by the end of our day. Wishing so much the digital camera hadn't died again.
**Saw sled dogs races.
***Walked across a small frozen lake. That was so surreal...like nomads...everyone was moving across after witnessing the triumphant plunges of 90 daring men, women and teens who bared it all for charity and ran into the icy waters!
****Didn't do the snow sculpture, but people asked ...I guess our second place finish last time was memorable.
*****Got snow tackled!!!! Giggled and laughed until I cried again. The smaller one, who even though she carries the adult weight of a full time teacher got me down. Then the bigger one, all 5'10 and still growing held me there. I wanted so much to say...let me up or I'll pee my pants but I knew there were other people in the woods.
Thankful we all still have the little kid in us still!!!!!
******And....ate a chocolate cricket to boot! Wasn't too bad, but part of the game. Don't think I would tackle a whole handful of them though.
Well....that's enough for now...can't do much, or make too much noise...so I decided to blog.
So blessed!!!!!!!
Amen
But here's the thing. (that was improper grammar)
I actually saw another personal financial gain if this storm turned for the worst in this part of the country. It didn't settle well. Then this morning we saw that from Ohio to New Jersey there isn't anything so damaging and widespread that teams of workers from our area need to attend to. I just hung up the phone with dear hubby and admitted, "I was so stupid to want financial gain from the misfortune of others."
Thank God!
Thank God another fleshy, worrisome part of me fell away.
*******
Both girls are sleeping still.
One of them needs, needs, lots of rest!
Fighting a nagging cold and managing a full schedule has taken it's toll.
*******
Tapped into another Proverbs 31 blog...Renee Swoop...much needed revelation came from that. I have been asking God to show me a place, to share, to bless others, by testifying with a humble heart to others on how He has helped me along these past 14 years. This place may be walking distance from my house!
*******
Speaking of walking....I estimated we walked 3 miles in snow, wind and wind chill factors near zero last Saturday. There was a local winter carnival and the local Geocachers had their version of the Amazing Race incorporated in the event. We didn't win and like many things of God, had we checked the batteries of our GPS we would have noticed that our signal was incorrect and saved my youngest and I a half mile walk through unentered National Forest land. "Oh Mom, you know your loving this", she piped back at whiny ole me. Of course when we didn't reconnect with the other two...they ventured up the toboggan hill and followed our footprints. We were four tired puppies by the end of our day. Wishing so much the digital camera hadn't died again.
**Saw sled dogs races.
***Walked across a small frozen lake. That was so surreal...like nomads...everyone was moving across after witnessing the triumphant plunges of 90 daring men, women and teens who bared it all for charity and ran into the icy waters!
****Didn't do the snow sculpture, but people asked ...I guess our second place finish last time was memorable.
*****Got snow tackled!!!! Giggled and laughed until I cried again. The smaller one, who even though she carries the adult weight of a full time teacher got me down. Then the bigger one, all 5'10 and still growing held me there. I wanted so much to say...let me up or I'll pee my pants but I knew there were other people in the woods.
Thankful we all still have the little kid in us still!!!!!
******And....ate a chocolate cricket to boot! Wasn't too bad, but part of the game. Don't think I would tackle a whole handful of them though.
Well....that's enough for now...can't do much, or make too much noise...so I decided to blog.
So blessed!!!!!!!
Amen
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Hubby got a "Wubby" and other stuff!
Well to start...I did let go of the forest scenery on here...too cluttered.
New Years resolution #1--Get rid of clutter...
clutter of the brain, the heart, my emotions and my house!
**got two new books this Christmas- Joyce Meyers: "100 Ways To Simplify Your Life" and Don Piper: "90 Minutes In Heaven".
Now to Hubby...hehehe
We definitely pulled the wool over his 50 year old eyes!
Surprise party...my eldest took him shopping the Sunday before his 50th B-day (Christmas Day) and used the excuse she needed to buy gift cards at our favorite Italian restaurant. Well...stubborn Joe refused to enter the restaurant when he recognized a couple cars in the parking lot (he didn't want to be seen buying gift cards). Well, 22 yr old girls can still have hissy fits! She even resorted to stomping her feet in the car to get him to walk in with her. SURPRISE!
Then Santa came...
Then he got his "wubby"...this is what a gal gets her man when she tires of nagging him about his old dusty T-shirts...not an original idea...got it from an old sitcom.
To end this post all I have to give is thanks.
Thanks to a wonderful seamstress. It was worth it!
Thanks to my family.
Thanks to God for much laughter shared, for trials and minor pitfalls during this hectic season, thanks for memorable events, thank you God for great food (even for the return of power Christmas Eve just minutes before dinner was to be served-the butternut squash soup got pureed to perfection), thanks for just enough funds and our first Christmas without using credit cards, thanks for the two words to ponder on this past week when I was weakening.
"Power hungry"... it's true meaning isn't quite defined but every time I get frustrated with people and events around me...those two words bring calm to a hectic situation. I see where I need to let God take control.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Dear Sweet Father of Creation!
Happy New Year!
New Years resolution #1--Get rid of clutter...
clutter of the brain, the heart, my emotions and my house!
**got two new books this Christmas- Joyce Meyers: "100 Ways To Simplify Your Life" and Don Piper: "90 Minutes In Heaven".
Now to Hubby...hehehe
We definitely pulled the wool over his 50 year old eyes!
Surprise party...my eldest took him shopping the Sunday before his 50th B-day (Christmas Day) and used the excuse she needed to buy gift cards at our favorite Italian restaurant. Well...stubborn Joe refused to enter the restaurant when he recognized a couple cars in the parking lot (he didn't want to be seen buying gift cards). Well, 22 yr old girls can still have hissy fits! She even resorted to stomping her feet in the car to get him to walk in with her. SURPRISE!
Then Santa came...
Then he got his "wubby"...this is what a gal gets her man when she tires of nagging him about his old dusty T-shirts...not an original idea...got it from an old sitcom.
To end this post all I have to give is thanks.
Thanks to a wonderful seamstress. It was worth it!
Thanks to my family.
Thanks to God for much laughter shared, for trials and minor pitfalls during this hectic season, thanks for memorable events, thank you God for great food (even for the return of power Christmas Eve just minutes before dinner was to be served-the butternut squash soup got pureed to perfection), thanks for just enough funds and our first Christmas without using credit cards, thanks for the two words to ponder on this past week when I was weakening.
"Power hungry"... it's true meaning isn't quite defined but every time I get frustrated with people and events around me...those two words bring calm to a hectic situation. I see where I need to let God take control.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Dear Sweet Father of Creation!
Happy New Year!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The trees are staying.
Earlier today, I spent some time checking out other blog downloads but could not part with the tree theme. When I was a young girl, living on my father's farm, I spent much of my free time combing the wooded areas with my dog. I was the leader. Bruce, the dog, wandered some but always was earshot away. I chose the paths we took.
Then last night, I was reading Lysa Terkeurst's book, "What Happens When Women Say Yes To God". In one of her chapters, she repeats the story of Jesus directing Simon Peter and others to lay their nets into the water even though they had worked throughout the night with nothing in their catch. In obedience, yet not fully convinced, Peter followed Jesus' command and in return hauled such a catch that the nets "began to break".
Lysa then directs her teaching to Luke 5:10-11
"Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
When I finished the chapter I began writing my responses to the bible study questions that followed. One question inspired me the most...
"How does their response inspire you?"
Well the first word that popped into my head was "breathtaking".
So before I logged into my blog tonight I hit "breathtaking" into Google and took the definition from www.thefreedictionary.com site.
Breathtaking
1. inspiring or exciting
2. astonishing; astounding
syn: amazing, striking, exciting, brilliant, dramatic, impressive, thrilling, overwhelming, magnificent, sensational, awesome, and WONDROUS!
I took the day off today...a wintry mix left me too afraid to venture out. Some good did come from this though. I did nothing but relax, study, read and reheat leftovers.
This actually was a tough thing to do with Christmas so close away. I had guilt at first but realize now that this day of tossing all fears, all worry of what needs done away was good!
I apologized to God for being that ragamuffin kid with her dog, constantly choosing a new path. I need to have my sight on One, to complete the journey and follow!
I asked to see His "wondrous" son, Jesus Christ in a new light this Christmas season.
I pictured the three men who dropped all to follow Jesus. They saw the brilliance, the magnificent, the awesome.
Glorious! Glorious! He must had seemed!
To live this truth, day to day, is a Christmas wish for all!!!!
So.....I want to finish today's post with some belated Thanksgiving offerings.
*Great turkey!
*All the leftover's are gone!
*Outdoor lights are up! What a job! Actually took out the CD player and rejoiced with some holiday music to serenade us!
*Hey, our digital camera started working...pics to follow soon!
*Hubby did the dishes, while I slept! I was whipped last night! That actually is a prayer answered!!!! He usually doesn't help out around the house. Tomorrow he plans on helping me clean and decorate inside!
*Deer season...no school tomorrow...hey...in rural Pa. the school districts realize that attendance is very limited on the first day of hunting season!
*Lysa Terkeurst's book!
*Lots of board games and fun!
*Holiday DVD's!
*Christmas humming! Do it...it is good!
Thank you Father!
Then last night, I was reading Lysa Terkeurst's book, "What Happens When Women Say Yes To God". In one of her chapters, she repeats the story of Jesus directing Simon Peter and others to lay their nets into the water even though they had worked throughout the night with nothing in their catch. In obedience, yet not fully convinced, Peter followed Jesus' command and in return hauled such a catch that the nets "began to break".
Lysa then directs her teaching to Luke 5:10-11
"Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
When I finished the chapter I began writing my responses to the bible study questions that followed. One question inspired me the most...
"How does their response inspire you?"
Well the first word that popped into my head was "breathtaking".
So before I logged into my blog tonight I hit "breathtaking" into Google and took the definition from www.thefreedictionary.com site.
Breathtaking
1. inspiring or exciting
2. astonishing; astounding
syn: amazing, striking, exciting, brilliant, dramatic, impressive, thrilling, overwhelming, magnificent, sensational, awesome, and WONDROUS!
I took the day off today...a wintry mix left me too afraid to venture out. Some good did come from this though. I did nothing but relax, study, read and reheat leftovers.
This actually was a tough thing to do with Christmas so close away. I had guilt at first but realize now that this day of tossing all fears, all worry of what needs done away was good!
I apologized to God for being that ragamuffin kid with her dog, constantly choosing a new path. I need to have my sight on One, to complete the journey and follow!
I asked to see His "wondrous" son, Jesus Christ in a new light this Christmas season.
I pictured the three men who dropped all to follow Jesus. They saw the brilliance, the magnificent, the awesome.
Glorious! Glorious! He must had seemed!
To live this truth, day to day, is a Christmas wish for all!!!!
So.....I want to finish today's post with some belated Thanksgiving offerings.
*Great turkey!
*All the leftover's are gone!
*Outdoor lights are up! What a job! Actually took out the CD player and rejoiced with some holiday music to serenade us!
*Hey, our digital camera started working...pics to follow soon!
*Hubby did the dishes, while I slept! I was whipped last night! That actually is a prayer answered!!!! He usually doesn't help out around the house. Tomorrow he plans on helping me clean and decorate inside!
*Deer season...no school tomorrow...hey...in rural Pa. the school districts realize that attendance is very limited on the first day of hunting season!
*Lysa Terkeurst's book!
*Lots of board games and fun!
*Holiday DVD's!
*Christmas humming! Do it...it is good!
Thank you Father!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)