Bittersweet Gratituesday

Yesterday I said goodbye to our home of almost 15 years.
I am so grateful God allowed us to live in such a nice house for so long.
This home holds so many memories, good and not so good.
Our youngest daughter lived almost all her growing up years in this house. It must be hard for her to say goodbye. She lived here from Kindergarten through her first year of College.

We adopted our 3rd daughter while living in this house. We would not have met her if not for living in this particular place at that particular time. Isn't God's timing great?

Our oldest daughter graduated high school in this house. She also moved away from home from this home. She and her husband and son came back from Guam and lived in this house for a period of time with us.

Our 2nd daughter lived here until she decided to leave.

Good memories of pool time in the back yard. Good memories of the girls friends.

We loved living here but it is just a house, a place to dwell, a shelter.

Now it is time to move on...

God has never let me down. He has given me shelter all my life. I have no fear nor anxiety for the future.
So now we will look forward to the plans He has for us...


Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Are we really living or just surviving?

Have you ever pondered your life?

I want to live my life not just survive day to day.
What about you?

I think I will make Thursdays for the next few months about living life vs. just surviving.
Let's start with a disclaimer...sometimes you just need to just survive so don't beat yourself up if that is the season you currently find yourself. I've been there and strength is sometimes just moving forward day to day. It is sometimes all you can do to just get through one day and then wake up and face the next day. If you are in this season now Remember Joy Does Come in the Morning. You are not alone.

My first thought about living life is....Be in The Word Daily.

Ta-Da! Exciting! Right?

If the foundation is not solid there will be no living life. It will always end up being just survival.

I have read and heard so many ideas regarding personal time with the Word. Many say you must do it first thing in the morning. Most say it must be a routine and you must be regular every day for 21 days or one month to make it a habit. These probably work for many people however I always just felt like a complete failure trying to do it someone else's way.

I am so not good in the morning. I can't think as clearly first thing. I need to eat and have some tea. I need a shower to wake up. By the time I did those things morning was either chaotic or gone.

If you are a morning person it may be the very best time for you to have your quiet time with God. I do have some friends who are chipper and awake first thing in the morning. I don't have any in my family but I do know people who love mornings.

So I tried the other time of day - evening.

Nope, not a good time either. Husbands, children, meetings, concerts, parents, sisters, etc... needed me in the evenings. After retiring to the bedroom is not good either. Husbands should have priority there.

I am sure evening works for a lot of people also. If you are single it may work well. If you need some wind down time at night it may be just the answer you are looking for to get a good night's sleep.

The routine part has also been a stumbling block for me. It felt too much like a chore. I don't know why but I guess I'm not a routine type. I enjoy change. The "make it a habit like brushing your teeth" took the joy out of my time in the Word.

If you are a routine type then please make a routine so you are in the Word every day. There is nothing wrong with either type. We need to learn that we are all made unique and individual and work with our own type.

I will share what I do just in case there are some of you beating yourself up every time there is a sermon, book, women's retreat etc... that pushes their way of quiet time as the best way.

I am not convinced that one way is necessarily better than another way. I think that the best way is to do it every day.

For me grabbing snippets throughout my day has been the answer. Let me share what I mean.

When I wake in the morning before I open my eyes I take some time to pray. I pray for anything that comes to my mind or has been on my heart. I pray for Christ to be with me and guide me throughout this day.

I usually have a study book in the bathroom.

While doing household chores I can worship with music or listen to a sermon.

If you home school your children you probably have Bible as part of your curriculum. Just be careful that that is not your only every day. I will admit it was my only for short periods of time. When the children were young I spent time preparing for their lesson and then did the lesson with them and thought that was enough. It is not enough for every day. It is enough some days. You know when you are having one of those days.

I have had baskets and bags. In the bag would be a study and Bible that I was currently attending. In the basket would be a Bible and some kind of devotional. I placed them where I sit the most. More than one place...by bed, by computer, by couch...

Before going to sleep I will go over my day and confess my shortcoming to the Lord, ask for forgiveness and help for tomorrow.

I am only sharing some ideas that I have used that worked for me. You must find your own best way to spend Daily Time in The Word. It can be traditional or non-conformist. The main thing is it must work for you.

The rewards when you find your way to have daily time are incredible. You will find a verse and then think about it throughout the day. You will find that what you are reading is applicable to you that very day. You will be able to recall lessons you have learned and pass them on to others just when needed. You will find strength and peace in the midst of turmoil.

Be Encouraged! Read The Word Daily

Why do you think I don't serve God?

I guess I just don't understand.

I don't judge your walk with God. I accept your word that you serve Him and walk with Him daily. Why do Christians feel the need to judge other Christians?

I know we are not to judge the world as they are in the darkness so why would we expect them to walk as if they are in the light. But what have I done or said to imply that I am in the darkness? I am not good at confrontation. That is the personality God knit into me when He formed me. I can be bold when I need to be bold for Christ. He does not seem to give me boldness just for my own self protection but when His Word needs to be spoken. I love the Lord my God with all of my heart, mind and soul. It wounds me when Christians truly believe I don't.

I realize that we are to lovingly confront a brother or sister in Christ when they stumble into the dark. Lovingly is a key part of this concept. Why would my brother or sister want to come back into the light if there is punishment and condemnation in return for repentance?

The Lord Jesus Christ said that in this world we will have trouble. Sometimes it is not sin on my part that trouble has come...

I accept the consequences when I have sinned. I also accept the grace afforded me. Jesus did not pay the price lightly and I do not accept it lightly but with sincere gratitude. I am also humbled by the fact that He paid this price even if just for me alone.

I am not a perfect person. I have never claimed to be perfect. I have never thought to be perfect. I have past pain and wounds just like you. I strive to be like My Lord Jesus Christ. He says to forgive those who hurt you. Why would anyone think that either A - I am blinded and need to see the light because I have forgiven others or B- I am in denial of being hurt?

God has given me peace in this time of trial and no man can take away what God has given. My God is big enough to take care of me and I certainly have learned in my life that I should not stand in the way or take over. I love the Word and desire to immerse myself all the time. (by the way just because I can't quote the book and verse does not mean I do not know the Word, I have finally accepted that this is just another way God made me when I was formed.)

I have examined myself and do so often. I have not failed the test. Can you say the same? I will not be the one to examine you or judge you. Only you can examine yourself and only God will be your final judge. I will love you no matter what because God has grown this love inside of me. Please do not misunderstand this to be prideful. I could not love and forgive others without the Spirit within me. I could not do this if I allow myself to get in the way. The pain I feel when Christians judge others and want to punish others is not for myself as much as it is for others. I am confident in my faith and walk with the Lord. I am ever concerned for my fellow brothers and sisters that they do not fall away and become lost forever.

Please do not take this personally any of my dear ones. This is something that has been simmering in my thoughts for a very long time. Nothing any one of you dear loved brothers and sisters has said or done have pushed me over the edge. I just feel led to express my thoughts regarding this issue and even though I would prefer to remain private I feel an urgency to warn and encourage. We are in the last days even still and need to be alert and ready. My heart feels a heavy burden and wants to gather you all like chicks under the HUGE bosom of God for safety and protection.

What do we hold on to?

We are selling the house. Yes we love this house but we are selling it. We have lived here for 14 years and the last daughter is moving out this weekend. So we are downsizing.

Have you ever had to go through the accumulation of 14 years of STUFF?

Actually it's more like 30 years of stuff because we just moved the stuff from one place to the next. This time is different because we always moved up but now we are moving down.

Why did we keep some of this stuff? What purpose does it really have? Did I really think my children would want to dress their children in the same clothes they wore? Did I really need to save the wrapping paper from my bridal showers and baby showers?

Why is it so hard to let go of stuff?
Why am I having such a hard time with some of it?
I don't even remember some of it so I wouldn't have known if I had it or not.

Well it has to be done. So back into the thick of it I go...


Trash is the easy part...or is it? What actually constitutes trash? Some is obviously trash, now don't laugh at me but I have been scanning stuff before I actually throw it away. How ridiculous does that sound?

I have neat receipts so anything that is a receipt or document is getting digitized.
Now that doesn't sound so bad. Does it?
Except where do I draw the line? I have scanned receipts for McDonalds from 1979! Why?
I have no idea why I can't draw the line. I don't need those and now I have digitized trash.

Do we do this in our spiritual lives?

I like to think that I can deal with the trash in my life. But do I really?

How many times do I watch trash on TV when I really should just turn it off?
Do I really believe I can handle it and sort out the bad and keep the good?
Isn't that just justifying my carnal nature because I want to watch it?
I can say that I don't gossip but then why watch "reality" shows filled with gossip?
I can say that I don't stir up trouble but then why watch shows that are nothing but trouble between people?
I can say that I don't dwell on evil but then why watch shows filled with murders and violence?

Wow! It's amazing the trash we allow into our lives and then actually have trouble throwing it away.

I think I will make an effort to deal with all the trash in my life. Thank you God for dealing with my trash.

Why Do We Hurt Each Other Like That?

Why?


I really want to know. Why?
Why does one part of the body hurt another part of the same body? Shouldn't we build each other up? Why are we the ones who bring the pain and condemnation to our brothers and sisters? I weep with sorrow over the pain all around me. Why?

I know that we live in a fallen, sinful world. I see persecution from the world on the body of Christ. But why does the body of Christ inflict pain on itself? Make it stop! Please make it stop! I am begging you to think before you speak. I beg of you to stop and think before you judge another. Are you without sin yourself? Do you really believe God told you to kick one of His little children when they are already falling down? Just STOP IT!

Christmas is Coming

The Geese are getting Fat.

What's that you say? The geese? We live in the city. There are no geese.

That's how I feel this Christmas. There are no geese! They certainly are not getting fat!

Bah Humbug and all that rot...

Well Christmas is coming anyways. It comes every year rain or shine. Geese or not.

The only decorating so far this year has been my desktop. My computer desktop. Oh, I do have 3 Christmas cards on top of the computer monitor. One doesn't really count as it is from our Congressman.

What do you do when you just aren't in the Christmas spirit? This has never happened to me. I am Mrs. Claus! We are the first up with our lights and the last out. Where are those lights anyway? I know...I'll blame it on the rats that keep taking up residence in our garage. Of course if the lights were put away last year they wouldn't be in the garage; they would be in the attic with the other decorations.

I am trying. I'm watching White Christmas and later I am going out to see the other houses with lights. My daughter and son-in-love are even bringing the sushi and coffee, and of course the grandchildren. Two of  my other daughters are at work.

Hmm White Christmas seems to be helping. I'll let you know how the rest of the evening goes later...

30 Days of Thankfulness

 I was challenged by a few friends on facebook to post a thanksgiving each day for the 30 days in November. I did it and am so glad I did! I thought I would share them with all of you and also archive them so I can look back and remember. Isn't that what God had the Isrealites do to remind them of His blessings? The Jewish Holidays are all in remembrance of something God did. I remember always that everything I have is from God.

 

30 days of Thankful - 
Day 1 - I am thankful I have a house to live in.
Day 2 - I am thankful for my children who are walking with the Lord even today.
Day 3 - I am thankful for the bi-polar weather we have in SoCal. High of 101 low of 57...humidity 11% yet rain by the weekend. Love variety then... this is where you want to live.    

Day 4 - I am thankful for the pot of tea my hubby makes for me almost every morning since our wedding, and he always makes sure I have supplies for tea when he is gone.

Day 5 - I am thankful my college daughter still comes home for the weekend sometimes and that she is not embarrassed to take me to the fortuna bowl at her school.

Day 6 of 30 days of Thankful - I am thankful I have the privilege of singing on worship team at KACC. This weekend I get to be an alto again. (note to the real altos, you probably should not listen too carefully because Chuck is my tenor and he lets me sing whatever I can find and he fits in) whatever I find is usually Tenor.

Day 7 - I am thankful I have freedom to worship openly in my country.

Day 8 - I am very thankful for 30 years today married to the same guy. ;)

Day 9 - I am thankful for friends who share wisdom just when I need it...
"Stuck between a rock and a hard place....the Cleft of the Rock."

Day 10 - I am thankful for the grown up relationships I have with my grown up daughters. I am so blessed to have daughters who love and care about mom and make me feel special. :)

Day 11 - I am thankful for all the veterans and current service members who put their lives on the line for us.

Day 12 - I am thankful my hubby is home for a while at least.

Day 13 - I am thankful for chili cook offs even/especially when I don't have to cook. ;0

Day 14 - I am thankful for my warm comfy bed and pillows and fluffy blankets.

Day 15 - Thankful for homemade yogurt, kefir, bread...whole foods...yummy and fun to make (and eat).

Day 16 - I am so thankful for my grandchildren. They are so sweet. I love being Mimi!

Day 17 - I am thankful for total strangers who share their garden babies with me freely. Today I got 30 Aloe plants from one generous freecycler. They are huge too!

Day 18 - I am thankful I have in-laws who love me for me.

Day 19 of Thankfulness - I am thankful God knows better what is good for me and sends me on the right path for my own good.

Day 20 - I am thankful for AAA especially when the car catches on fire...on the 91...

Day 21 - I am thankful for Holiday Starbucks Coffee!!! and Cranberry Bliss Bars...and the daughters who buy them for me!

Day 22 & Day 23 - A double blessing - I am thankful for the rain! I am thankful for the sun!

Day 24 - I am thankful for friendships.

Day 25 - Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful we have this day set aside to be thankful.

Day 26 - I am thankful to see my brother become the man of God I always knew he could be...Love you Van.

Day 27 - I am thankful for the little pleasures in life ie funnel cake, baby feet, loved ones screaming on silly rides.

Day 28 - I am so thankful for the Grace of God. I don't deserve it but He gives it to me just the same.

Day 29 - I am thankful my parents love me and have wisdom from their years that they are willing to give out when asked.

 

Final Day of 30 Days of Thankfulness - Committing to share blessings for 30 days has been a blessing to me and lifted me out of the blahs. I am thankful for all of you in my life.