Pondering

And it is Wednesday already......

The past few days have gone by in a blur....work, meetings, sleep....

I've been pondering on the verse I posted on Monday, and concentrating on all things good, lovely, pure, worthy of praise. 

As I've been thinking of these, the doldrums have passed and joy is filling my heart and mind.  I can feel the difference in myself--not only emotionally, but also physically--I have been pain free for the past two days!!

And this in itself is a big praise!!  I'm still watching my diet very carefully, and gradually adding some things back into my diet with good results....and I am very thankful for this.

Peggy left a comment regarding whether it was too early to remind me of CHRISTmas.  No, it's not too early....I should have been working on this CHRISTmas starting on December 26th of last year!!

I've been searching for ideas for my girls, Andrew's Danielle, and now--three children to make something for. 

The search continues...although I do think I have found something that Cara would like.  I'm running out of ideas having made their gifts for so many years. 

Mittens for all three kids....they will all need new mittens for the winter...and beyond that I am clueless. 

Guess I'd better be keeping my eyes and ears open for hints dropped here and there from them....

Have a wonderful day in Him....



strong as a lion; weak as a lamb

Read more...

Anticipation

Ahhhh....It was so wonderful to step outside onto the deck this morning!

The temperature is only 67 degrees and no humidity--compared to the wet sponge I've been walking into with temps in the low 80's before the sun rises!!

As you can see, I've added a 'vacation countdown"....only 59 days until we leave for our vacation on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. 

I am so looking forward to this...haven't been here (or on any 'go-away' vacation) in over 10 years!!

Cara, Lydia and Lindsay are coming with me.....Danielle, Andrew, Brooklyn and Jackson will be visiting for a few days during our trip.  I cannot wait....well, I have to wait 59 days, but the anticipation is growing for me and all my family members!!

We've rented an adorable cottage on the island....the beach just a quick drive away on Assateague Island , and a time of relaxation, family and fun.

And on an even more positive note....I've been totally abdominal pain free for the past two days!!  Thank You, God!! 

Last night, I even decided to test this new medication the gastroenterologist prescribed for me and eat a regular type dinner instead of my usual cottage cheese or some other food that is soft and unchewable.

I didn't go crazy with this...just some macaroni and cheese and a hamburger....first 'real' food I've had since the beginning of June....

And no pain, not even a twinge of discomfort!!  I even slept through the night without being awakened by the pain that has been plaguing me for two months!!

Yes, God does answer prayers!!  I've been praying, and I know many other people have been praying right along with me.....and these prayers have been met by God's promises, faithfulness and love!!  A big 'thank you' to all who have been praying!!

See you tomorrow!!

Read more...

Third Birthday

On Saturday afternoon, we celebrated Jackson's third birthday...

Brooklyn reading Jackson's birthday card to him...

Brooklyn and Jackson...before their lips turned totally blue from the cake icing....

Lindsay and Lydia checking out one of the birthday presents...

All in all....a wonderful birthday celebration for a wonderful little boy!!



Read more...

God Whispers

These were the most awesome clouds...taken a few weeks ago.  The colors just took my breath away!!

And the moon on that same evening.  I don't think you can see them, but there are firelies all among the trees--flickering on and off. 

Two cats--Scout and Miles--lounging....

My daylilly--which finally bloomed!!



Lydia, Jackson and Brooklyn--one of the very few times that actually sat yesterday....

Yesterday was hot--over 90 degrees--and very, very humid.  We cooked outside and ate inside.  Lindsay took command of the grill, and she was drenched by the time she finished.  I would have taken a picture of her fanning herself with a paper plate, but she declined this opportunity. 

Brooklyn did ask "if this a cook-out, why are we eating inside?"  I told her that we did "cook out", but that it was just too hot to eat outside...that some of us are old and prefer air conditioning.

Which led to the discussion of all of our ages....she checked out Lindsay and Cara's age....which she could accept since they are about the same age as her mom. 

She then proceeded to ask me how old I was.  I countered this with "How old do you think I am?"--a loaded question to be sure.  She said she thought I was 50. 

Close quess, but when I told her that I was actually 57, her response was "WOW!!  That's almost into the 60's!!!"  We all laughed.

Brooklyn and Jackson came into our family along with Andrew's girlfriend, Danielle.  We love and enjoy them so much--very active, fun-loving kids.  For some reason, they both have decided to call me "B"...just "B"...and I kind of like this...

A good day, to be sure...and Lydia, upon getting ready to go home, said to me in this order....

Kiss

Hug

More kisses

More hugs

Love you (which really sounds like 'of you' since she is still having a bit of trouble with "L's")

The very best part of this day was this:

All of my kids and myself together once again--no harsh words, no mean looks, no tears, no one leaving in frustration or anger--just all of us together--enjoying each other's company. 

What a change can be made in our lives when we listen and obey as God is whispering into our hearts and minds......

Read more...