January 1
“For I know the plans I have for you,” Says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you future and hope.”
~ Jeremiah 29:11
Have cabbage rolls in the oven. They are our traditional feast for New Years’ Day. HMMMM HMMMM they sure smell good. This is my daughter’s favorite food. I was surprised to see Tre and Kiara eating second helpings this year. I always have plenty because Dreama loves to have leftovers so she can eat them all week long. One or two days at the most for Bob and I are quite enough.
Another new year, 2009, has arrived, another year to try and “get it right.”
We are so blessed to receive unlimited chances to start over…we have new paths to tread, dreams to dream, prayers to pray, opportunities to help others, time to embrace my faith more fully, a time for forgiving freely and unconditionally, and time for growing in virtue and goodness…
January 2
“For I know the plans I have for you,” Says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you future and hope.”
~ Jeremiah 29:11
Planning to start a diet on Monday. Tried this years ago and it helps to jump-start your weight loss. It is the cabbage soup diet.
With the new year I know resolutions, goals, and decisions are made to develop new habits and toss out old ones. Unfortunately, many of us go by the wayside before the last day of January. (Hoping I do not become a “waysider”)
First, know we may fail with trying to keep those resolutions to change. When we fail, just do not give up.
Second, know that you can go to God and ask for what you want. He may be the big Guy in the sky, but He wants to give us the desires of our heart.
Third, know that God will always follow up as He has a plan for us in mind. It is only when we walk in blind faith and give thanks to Him for what we do have, that we find we have more abundance than we could ever ask for.
Count your blessings and know that He has more in store for you. His plans are not always our plans, so we must hang in there in 2009 and have faith in the Father.
January 3
“There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you.”
~ John 14:2
We spent the day with Dreama and Kiara. They had Christmas gifts to return at Polaris mall. Of course, when we make the trip there, we always have to eat at Molly Woos. (Bob’s favorite place at the moment.)
On our way home we were almost hit several times, by busy shoppers returning there Christmas fares. After almost being hit by another driver, it made me stop and think about the following topic.
If you died tonight or tomorrow, are you satisfied with your life right now and what you are doing?
Who are you waiting for to give you permission to live your life without guilt, burden, and unhappiness? God has given His permission, but if you are life most of us, you are holding back with what you should be doing. Pray about this over the weekend. Pray over the next few months. There is something you are supposed to be doing, lives you should be reaching, and a joy you should know…are you ready? Give yourself permission to live. Serve Him and He will provide constant abundance and joy to your life.
Death is the equalizer here on earth. It matters not whether you are poor, rich, foolish, wise, great or simple, all of us die. There are two types of death, the physical and the spiritual. The physical is to leave your earthly body and life here on this planet. Spiritual death is to miss eternal life with God.
Store your treasures in heaven.
January 4
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy and my mouth shouts His praises!”
~ Psalm 16:6-8
We were up early this morning preparing to attend church. Dreama and Kiara could not join us today. Kiara has been coping with asthma and a bad cold.
We always enjoy our time at church. We leave with an uplifted spirit and joy and happiness in our lives. It seems to warm our hearts and prepares us to face another week.
What is the difference between Happiness and Joy?
Happiness seems to be the thing we search for our entire lives. My father often told me it came from within and especially when you do for others. I remember so many times how he helped other people. It was just part of his nature.
He explained to me that Joy is a far deeper, richer feeling than happiness. Joy can be felt even if the darkest moment when you are buried in the depths of your problems.
Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but Joy…my child, is based on God’s presence within each of us. Contentment is found within you and it is there but we are usually too busy chasing happiness to know joy is within us right now.
January 5
“But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” ~ James 3:17-18
Our Kiara has pneumonia. Dreama took her to the doctor this morning. She will not be starting back to school for a while. She is a sick little puppy. We are praying she will be feeling better soon. I made an enormous pot of cabbage soup today. It should last me all week. “The Cabbage Soup Diet” has begun. Wish me luck!
Today before me are unlimited possibilities in my life and in the lives of those around me. Help me Lord, to light the way today for others to feel the grace of the Lord.
January 6
“Then the Lord said to. Him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own to inherit everything I am giving you.” Then the Lord brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, ‘Look into the Heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that ~ to many to count!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith.” ~ Genesis 15:4-6
Dreama started back to school today. Kiara is home on the couch still not feeling well. Grandma Connie stayed with her today. We took over lunch to them and checked on Kiara.
I have been rearranging my house, changing things around. Everything was such a mess after taking down all the Christmas decorations. Was talking to Bob today about how we used to use Rainex on the motor home and asked him if he had any left to use on the car. It is a wonderful product to use on your windshields. It lubes the surface of the window and the rain literally rolls off on its own.
I began relating it to God. Our relationship with God is our Rainex. Our prayers and constant communications enable us to allow the rain and storms in our life to hit us but not affect us spiritually inside. The rain cannot destroy our vision ahead. God keeps everything rolling off of us as we weather the storms in our lives. God never promised us an easy life without the storms, but He did promise to walk through the difficult times with us. He is our eyes when we cannot see, and He is our guide when we are lost. He is our constant provider of all we need. With Him we can let that rain roll right off without running in circles, simply because we believe.
January 7
“Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His presence continually.
~ Chronicles 16:11
I am aching from work yesterday…one day at a time. Been moving furniture around. Making all new flower arrangements. Old ones were rather dusty and ready to bite the dust. They all look nice and much fresher now. Cleaning house, washing clothes, arranging things in the dressing room, I am worn out.
Kiara remains at home. She is feeling somewhat better. The diet is coming along. I feel like I have more energy. Could it all be in my mind?
Bob is sick of eating the soup. He will have something else tomorrow. He just can’t take it day in and day out…LOL
As I take a moment to pause and realize God is in control. God is present around me and He is keeping me safe, even from myself and overworking today. Wherever I am, God is. The truth of this will sustain me through the day and every day! No matter where I am, I know this. Scrubbing the tub, running the sweeper, going to the store, God is always with me.
January 8
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him."
~ Isaiah 30:18
Preparing today for Tiffany’s birthday. She will be 23 tomorrow. What a precious and loved child and young lady she has been. She and some friends will be joining us tomorrow night for dinner at a restaurant of her choosing. They will all probably spend the night. Looking forward to a nice evening with her.
Of course, I am still cleaning and doing some last-minute shopping with the help of Bob. I find myself worrying about the weather for tomorrow night and if I have enough space for everyone to spend the night, Weathermen are predicting a winter storm for the area. Those are just little worries. I won’t even call them worries, more like concerns. However, I have had some really big worries in the last half of my life. At times I did not think I would make it through the grief and disappointments. God picked me up and carried me, when I could not go any further.
I am more guilty than most about worrying so much and lose so much of my life to worry or guilt. There are times I could not help myself. I often became discouraged by situations and knew things could not stay as they were and anxiously awaited the change I knew was coming, bracing myself for the fallout. The uncertainties of the future have always weighed heavily on my mind. The “What Ifs” has always sent me into a panic.
Resolution is in God’s time, not ours. It is not easy to sit back and wait upon the Lord; when we make the decision to make changes on our own without praying about it first, we invite in the pain that results.
January 9
“The Lord will keep you from all harm---he will watch over your life, the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
~ Psalm 121:7-8
We spent most of the day on the phone and watching the weather report. Yes, a winter storm is supposed to hit this evening. Snow and ice predicted. I had a feeling this might happen. Soooo, Tiffany’s birthday dinner is postponed for next week sometime. I am happy they are not going to risk driving in this, disappointed we won’t be together for her special day.
Jump into life today! You cannot know what lies ahead in the day, so meet it in Faith and the Lord is next to you. For a reason, for a season, our life has meaning and direction, although it may not be predictable, it is our life and we cannot be afraid to find the joy and live it to the fullest.
God is Good all the time, God is Good.
Picture below is from previous birthday celebration (2008)
January 11
“Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
~ 2Timothy 2:22
Bob is still under the weather with a cold. We did not make it to Church this morning. We have been attending Grove City Church of the Nazarene since we moved here in 2005. We go with my daughter Dreama and granddaughter Kiara. Today they are also home sick. We are able to watch the service through a simulcast on the computer. It is the first time we have used this technology at home. It came through very well and it was like we were right there. Think about all the folks that are disabled or out of town, that will be able to turn in and watch their home church service live.
January 12
Talked to almost all of my family tonight, Chris, Tiffany, Connie, Betty, and Dreama.
With writing that first line, it reminded me of an old friend, “Sondy.” The night she died, she talked to all of her family members and friends before falling asleep. She simply died in her sleep. Without being sick. Without warning.
I suppose this is just a reminder that any of us could slip away without telling a friend or family member how much you love them. Life is so fragile…let’s be sure to tell our loved ones each day how much we love them. Someday we may not be able to tell them.
Everything that happens in life has a reason. Even when you think you have wasted your time. Even with the bad stuff. We never know the outcome of situations and the whys, but everything has a purpose, and time passes and what is to come finally surfaces and we begin to slowly understand the why and the outcome. God has a plan, and although different from ours, we must stay steady with our faith and believe in Him. Do not waste time. This is your life and every moment counts and has a purpose. Live life to its fullest.
Be Happy!
Mom's sister Betty and niece Connie in 2010.
January 13
We did venture out today. I needed to go to the grocery store and had to get my nails done. I tried to insist that Bob stay home, but he wanted to come. He is feeling some better.
It was very, very cold, the wind could practically blow you away. It felt like little razor blades cutting at your exposed skin. I have yet to understand how people live in areas where it stays so cold all the time. I guess they just get used to it. Thank God we only have to endure about 3 or 4 months of it. This kind of weather makes me yearn for warmer weather and sunshine.
We are still hoping we can get to Arizona, by the end of February. Have some loose ends to tie up before we can leave.
Will leave you with this thought today. (I have had this writing for a long time, since the farm days. Kept it hanging in my dressing room so I could read it every now and then…)
Attitude
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude is more important than facts. It is more important than education than money than circumstances than failures than success than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearances, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.
January 14
"Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and the parents are the pride of their children."
~Proverbs 17:6
EGADS!!! The snow has arrived. The weathermen finally got one right. It has snowed all day and continues to snow tonight. We have between 6 and 7 inches as I write this evening.
We slept in late late today. Don't know how that happened. I guess both of us must have needed the rest. It seems, as I get older I am requiring more sleep than I used to. I've always been one to stay up very late. I know the reason I did so... Do you? I truly need time all to myself with nobody around, to do whatever I want to do. Just to have time to think if nothing else. I accomplished more in the wee hours of the morning, than I do all day long. I love the quiet time.
Tiffany called tonight. She sounded a lot better, not as anxious as the other night. She told me, she had talked to the guy that is trying to get her financial medical help with her pregnancy. She needs to see a doctor again by the 27th. They told her they are waiting for confirmation that should arrive anytime.
She and Matt have looked at apartments close to Leanne. They are planning to move on the 1st of February. I am so relieved to hear they are getting their own apartment and I'm glad they will be close to LeeAnn. I was worried as to where they were going to live. Tiff sounded excited to move. She said it had two bedrooms and she would be able to start decorating for a baby's room soon!
After taking all this news in and thinking about the baby... I have finally come to my senses... I told Tiff tonight how proud I was of her. I'm finally realizing she is a wonderful young woman now and not my little girl as she has always been. She is going to be a mother! A mother, can you believe it! She is going to be a wonderful mother! All I want and wish for her is to be happy.
Picture of baby Jonas, after he was born in 2009.
January 15
"Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live"
~ Psalm 146: 1- 2.
We woke this morning with freezing temperatures and six or seven inches of snow on the ground. We will be having Sub-Zero temps for the next few days. It was too cold for the dogs to go outside. It is tough on the dogs and on us when they can't get outside, especially the first thing in the morning. We have a lot of pee and poop to clean up!
Bob and I spent the morning rearranging the living room again. Last night I froze sitting at my desk because of it being situated on two outside walls. With temperatures that low, the cold was coming right through. I am much more comfortable tonight with the new arrangement. It might not look as nice, but at least I am staying warm.
We were not able to get out of the driveway today. The roads were passable but it was risky trying to maneuver the driveway. It is such a tight space and any slip could run us into the gates. We were not able to pick up Kiara from school. Dreama called Kim and Ed her neighbors who also have two girls Kiara's age said they picked up Kiara for us.
Dreama and Kiara and I went to Kim's this evening to get our hair done. Dreama got hers colored and cut the new style looks so cute on her I got mine completely blond again. It was getting too dark. I think it looks much better. While we were there Kiara was messing with Dreama’s hair, combing it out for her, when somehow she got the comb all tangled up in the back of her hair. It took him about half an hour to get it untangled. Kim had to break the comb in four places to get it all out... LOL
Dreama and I had planned to go out to eat tonight but after we were finished and went outside and hit those cold temperatures we decided to just get home. Bob had already eaten. So I fixed some soup and a fruit salad, cuddled up with some blankets and watched our dear President George Bush give his farewell speech may God bless him.
January 17
"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."
~ 1John 4: 8
God is a god of love. He puts the interest of others first. He desires the best for us.
Today we celebrated my birthday. I am 68 years old... My my where have the years gone I don't feel like I am 68 today however there are days I suppose I do. Bob got me the most beautiful birthday card. It was very touching. Dreama and Virgil, Tre and Kiara, took Bob and I to Bucca's for a late lunch Bucca's is a well-known Italian restaurant in Downtown Columbus. I have not had any meat all week with the diet I am on right now and I ordered the lemon chicken, broccoli and Italian salad. It was yummy! Virgil ordered huge pieces of red velvet birthday cake. I had a small piece and ignored the guilty feelings about eating it. Dreama gave me the cutest rock that you use outside for electrical extension cords. It will look and work very well around the pond. She also gave me a deck of odd-shaped playing cards with dogs on them.
This evening I talked to Tiffany about making plans to get together for our birthdays. We are either going there or she is coming here on Monday after her doctor's appointment about my ankle.
Dreama’s friend Leticia came over last night. We had a nice time talking and telling stories. She redid our fingernail color. She is a sweet lady and enjoyable to be around. Kiara spent the night at a neighbor's house with Kim's girls for a birthday and PJ party this is the first time she has ever spent the night without her mom.
Today's scripture is about God's love. This was a big part of my father's Ministry God is love. It may have been his favorite verse. I know it is one of mine every time I hear or read it I think of my dad.
January 18
"We must never be weary of doing well. For in due time we shall reap a reward, if we do not get discouraged."
~ Galatians 6:9
Today is Sunday and we watched our church service from the computer. FYI Dreama’s bubble bath was mentioned! We had a very relaxing day staying at home Dreama wanted us to meet her and Kiara for lunch but we just decided to stay home. The temperatures are still in the teens and it is snowing again. We watched a few movies and watched Arizona win the bid for the Super Bowl.
Dreama and Kiara went to the farm after church to see Trixie. Kiara rode her today, unbelievable with it being so cold, but she did. Dreama’s horse silverfish died yesterday. He was a birthday present from Virgil after their marriage. He was pretty old and we think he died of old age, plus the weather has been so terribly cold. Dreama was very sad.
I called Tiff this morning and she and Matt are coming up tomorrow afternoon and hopefully spending the night. We are going to celebrate both our birthdays. I have a doctor’s appointment at 9 in the morning and I will know more about what they're going to do about my ankle if anything?
I have to somehow get more money to Chris tomorrow. He says he has no food in the house. God help me take care of him...
January 19
"The Lord will keep you from all harm... He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
~ Psalm 121: 7-8
Had an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon this morning to have my ankle x-rayed and see what they are going to do about the screw that is trying to come through the skin. I have been scheduled for surgery on January 30th. The doctor thought it needed to have the plate and pins removed. I will be glad to get it all taken care of and be over it. Hope it helps with the pain and with the swelling that is never gone down around the scar. He said I would have arthritis sometime down the road.
Tiffany came down and we were finally able to celebrate both our birthdays. Tiffany, Dreama, Kiara, Bob, and I went to Red Lobster for dinner. Tiff and I decided we wanted crab legs. Dreama got Tiff books and I gave her a portable bed desk for her computer and a pillow for her to sleep with. She brought me the most beautiful red roses. They were not like the regular red roses, they almost looked like Silk roses... Very pretty. She gave me a gift certificate to PF Changs.
Tiff and I stayed up that night talking and I let her sleep until 10. We got ready and met Dreama for lunch and then she had to leave to drive back home. Bob and I picked Kiara up from school after that and went to the bank for Dreama. Dreama has no money this week. I don't know what is going on... Poor thing... I don't think Virgil is giving her any money anymore. I don't really know what is going on with that.
Virgil stopped over after we got back home and brought me some weights and exercise stuff, a big ball and this pull thingy. Don't know when I will be able to use it. I can't do much with the way my ankle is.
January 20
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance."
~ Psalm 33:12
Watch the inauguration of Obama and Biden all day and through midnight. It is still hard to believe. It is going to be an interesting four years to say the least. God be with us and God bless America.
George and Laura Bush, their daughters and President Bush's parents flew to Midland, Texas, where there was a celebration and their honor, welcoming them back home. They will leave from there to the ranch for a rest. I pray God be with them... Keep them and bless them.
History will someday show what a great president President Bush truly was.
January 21
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~ Matthew 6:34
Had a restful day. Had a “do anything you want day!” I just love those kinds of days when you don't have anywhere to go, don't have to do anything, and can do whatever you want.
I called Chris tonight, he had not called to let me know he received the money I sent him. I wanted to make sure he had picked it up out of his mailbox. He told me he thought he had called me. He was talking about Virgil wanting to buy his Harley and what he was being offered, whatever it was he said it wasn't enough so I do not know if it is really sold or not.
I have so many worries concerning him... I just need to turn them all over to God. He seems unhappy most of the time. I don't know what to do for him anymore, he never seems like he has a good day. Praying for him tonight and always.
January 22
"These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer I have overcome the world. "
~ John 16:33
Had a busy day, ran all day! Started with an appointment with Dr. Harper. Had to get blood work, blood pressure, and locate my prior EKG test from Doctor's Hospital. I then waited 1/2 hour to get in to see Dr. Harper. He took a look at my ankle and said, he hopes removing the hardware will help it from swelling so much... I hope so too! From there we went to Bath & Body Works to pick up my "Lay it on Thick" cream. This was supposed to be on sale the month of January for half price, it was not on sale! They misinformed me back in the fall! We left there went to Staples then Bed Bath & Beyond, Giant Eagle, and RadioShack to get a battery for my watch.
We drove home to put all of our stuff away and then ran back out to pick Kiara up from school. She was rather quiet today. She didn't want anything to eat but came home and started immediately on her homework project. Dreama picked her up about 4:30 and I gave Dreama the pedi– egg I picked up for her at Bed Bath & Beyond. I hope it helps her poor little feet.
I had dinner ready to put on and went and laid down. I rarely have to take a nap during the day, but I could not hold my eyes open today. When I awoke, Bob finished up dinner and we ate around 7:00.
Chris called tonight, he said he is coming up tomorrow and bringing the Harley to Virgil. I guess he really is selling it this time... I feel so bad for him, on the other hand, I know this is probably what he needs to do. He needs the money. I pray every night that Chris will find the peace that somehow eludes him. I know God keeps his hand upon him and watches over him. I placed him in God's hand a long time ago. True peace in our lives can be hard to find at times, but through faith in Jesus Christ we can know peace even in turmoil. That's because... He Himself is our peace. Ephesians 2:14
January 23
"Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door will be opened."
~ Matthew 7:7-8.
Made it through the day yesterday... And now today... I will be cleaning house, making dog food and washing clothes and meeting Drea,a of for lunch at Red Robin. She has half days off on Friday and we usually meet somewhere for lunch.
Been wanting to get back to my paintings. Fall and winter is when I really love to paint. I always paint in the sunroom and it is heated by a space heater. It has been way too cold to spend much time in there. It seems once you haven't painted for a while it's hard to get going again though. I have always wanted a studio where I could leave everything set up and paint whenever I had the creative urge.
When thinking about painting it brought to mind how an artist starts with a blank canvas. Most of the time there is a vague idea in mind of what you want your painting to look like. I visualize the white canvas with lines and colors beginning to take form. I stand back and analyze the painting, often reaching in and changing a stroke here and there, firming up and giving shape to form.
As the artist begins to play with the form and adds colors, values, and textures the unconscious image truly becomes visible and the form now identifiable as it comes "to life." The viewer is in awe watching the process of the Artist as she layers each area with values and highlights. Once complete we become attached to the final painting, no longer seeing the original sketch, or the layers of colors and values building on the surface, from the underpainting to the top layer finish paint and varnish. But, it is still all there...now and visible to the naked eye, but still there in reality. The end result of the picture could not be where it is without the layers of work. Such is true with ourselves and God. We are so busy on the surface of our lives at this moment, we forget the under layers of ourselves and our true nature from God. There are creative layers of gifts he has given us that we have "painted" right over. There are experiences we have had in our lifetimes that are part of that layering of ourselves that brought us to be who we are today. Every day you are evolving to a new point and a new place. The only unchanging thing in our life is God with his ever giving Grace and love for each of us.
As I sit here typing this evening, I realize that God is working right now and I am still painting on this layer of my life preparing for the next layer. I want to stay close to Him and prepare in the right ways for what is ahead of me and I can only do that through Him.
When he came and saw the grace of God he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion. Acts 11:23
January 24
"But first, seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you."
~Matthew 6:33
Surprises and events when you least expect them can catch us off-guard whether they are good surprises and events, or bad.
I had an event that happened today and I am trusting, that it was a good event. However, right now it seems to be very bittersweet. The motor home that we have enjoyed and made so many memories in, and seen so many places was picked up today. There were some tears as I watched it pull away. I have to look at it like it was a wonderful layer of my life and now we must move on to the new layers…
It is time for me to figure out my priorities and dreams and get down to simple requests from God... Such as family, joy, abundance, love, grace and comfort. And He surely has granted me all of these... I am blessed.
It is time to simplify. Sometimes we seem to invite complications and busyness into our lives and we become overwhelmed by the responsibility that we have added to our life, which includes debt and overbooked schedules. I'm trying to figure my way out of all of that and find a gentler way of life.
Chris had an event yesterday. He had no alternative but to sell his most loved possession, a Harley motorcycle, he built from scratch. Hopefully, someday, he will understand that this too was a blessing from God. I am trusting, the money he receives from this will make it possible for him to start over and start looking for a new job. I pray he will find peace and know how much he is loved. I have placed him in God's hand…
January 25
It was snowing as we left for church this morning. Pastor Fuller was still not back from his vacation in Phoenix and then onto a cruise with other ministers. He will be returning next week.
I did not leave church today with an uplifted feeling like I usually do. I really cannot put my finger on what is bothering me. This heavy burden, that is dragging my shoulders and spirit down.
It was really snowing and starting to accumulate as we left for home after church. It has continued to snow all day. We have four or five inches right now and the weathermen say another winter storm is coming in tomorrow night. I cannot begin to describe my dislike for winter and these dreary, dreary gray days. I enjoy winter until after Christmas, that is about 1 month of winter and then from January through April seems like such an endless period of snow, ice, slush, rain, and grey skies. I am eagerly awaiting spring, but it is a long long dreary time until then…
I know I am missing out on a lot of joy and Good Times by wishing days to pass by quickly during this time of year. It is very depressing this time of year... I just cannot help it.
I am one of those, that tries to fix everything for everyone so everybody's life is good. I plan and look ahead for pitfalls and try and avoid the worst ones whenever possible. As I've gotten older I recognize the fault with this but it is so hard for me to correct. I know God puts those pitfalls there for a reason. The pitfalls for me and for those I love, I realize I am spending too much time worrying and trying to look ahead for all of us that I am missing things right here right now.
Was I born this way or did this rub off for my mother? I believe as I re-think and regroup I have to keep in the present, in the moment with a direction in mind but be able to relax and let things unfold in my day, my wee,k my month, and my life.
Relax today and let the day unfold.
January 26
"Why aren't you in awe before me? Yes, Me, who made the shorelines to contain the ocean waters."
~ Jeremiah 5:22
Today is Monday, and Dreama is always off on Mondays. Bob and I met her for lunch at Longhorn. She is always such a joy to be around. What a light she puts forth. She and Bob both... They rarely have a bad day. Recently she started a diet and I can tell it's working for her! She has lost around 10 lb so far. She will reach her goal because her mind is set to see this through. We both have a lot of errands to run today, so we each go our own way after lunch.
I made chili tonight for dinner. Dreama Kiara and Tre joined us for dinner. I made angel hair pasta for the kids and Bob, the kids eat it plain but Bob likes to pour chili over his. Also had sugar-free Jell-O and whipped cream for dessert.
Dreama and Kiara left right after dinner, they were off to the barn for Kiara's riding lesson.
Virgil came to pick Tre up. He came in and stayed a while going over exercises for me to do with the dumbbells and large ball he had gotten me for my birthday. After that, he went over a complete diet plan for me. Hope I can do this??? This diet is very mundane. Same thing for 5 days then off for 2 days. Or as he is doing it now with Wednesdays and Sundays off. I am pondering tonight, whether I can start this diet before my surgery or not, I don't think so. I can't expect Bob to do all the extra preparation it takes for this diet. So I'll watch what I'm going to eat of course and started when I'm over the surgery. I imagine we will be ordering carry-out quite a bit in the next few weeks.
I talked to Chris tonight he has enough money in his pocket now to pay bills, eat, and buy gasoline. He is even looking for a job now. I do worry so much about him. I have to remind myself all the time that he is in God's hands and I have to trust God to shelter and take care of him.
Have you heard about the "fat virus?" All over the news this morning saying people are heavy due to a "fat virus." I think I've heard it all! Next, we will hear that they are putting addicting powers in Graeter's ice cream or in Starbucks! To me, it is black and white. If you eat too much you gain weight. It's not rocket science.
January 27
"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
~ Psalm 19:14
Another snowy, icy, day and evening. I am quite sure Dreama and the kids will not have school tomorrow. However, their school is still not on the school's closed list. South-Western schools in Franklin County never close until the last minute! So we will not know until morning if they have school or not.
We will be staying in all day tomorrow. I love days like that, when you don't have to get up at any particular time and don't have to go anywhere. We finished all of our shopping earlier today, to make sure we did not have to go back out after the snowstorm hit.
I'm trying the diet Virgil gave me today. We'll see how that works out. I will be eating five times a day. That will be very different from what I am used to.
Have you ever been listening to somebody talk and had something you really wanted to say and you could not get a word in edgewise? It is frustrating isn't it? Bob loves to talk and sometimes nobody can get a word in. I think sometimes we get so busy with our lives that God feels that way too... That He can't get a word in and if He did, we just were not listening. When we finally do stop to pray or talk to God, it is usually when we want something and we again are busy talking and not listening. I want to try listening more and talking less. Be quiet and just listen.
All my life I have found you can learn and find out so much more if you stop talking and just listen…
January 28
"He has made your lives rich in every way. Now you have power to speak for Him he gave you good understanding."
~ 1Corinthians 1:5.
Wishing I were in a warmer climate today. Ice and snow surrounds us this morning.
Why is it we wish for something that we don't have and then when we get it, we don't want it? If I were living in Florida or Arizona right now I probably would be wishing to be back home with my loved ones. I am thankful when I pray, that God knows exactly what is best for me. I put my trust in him and the path He places in front of me.
The diet, it's not going so well. The chicken I am fixing on the George Foreman grill is so dried up it's like chewing a piece of leather. I had grilled chicken and a salad for dinner. I could not eat all the chicken. I make my own salad dressing that consists of red wine vinegar, lemon juice, flaxseed meal, and Splenda. Yummmmmm!
Yesterday went really well with all I had to eat but today it was okay except for dinner. Now I'm hungry and I started eating the dried cranberries and almonds which are not on my diet and loaded with calories…. oh my! I am afraid my power is dwindling this is not good I must persevere. If I could quit smoking, I certainly can handle this measly diet.
Dreama and the kids must have gone someplace to ski or play in the snow today I have not heard from them. I have lots to do tomorrow. We'll try to get everything in place for my surgery on Friday. We'll be mopping floors and Windexing tabletops and dusting.
Do not know what kind of shape I will come home and, nor how long it will take me to recoup...
January 30
"I am a friend to all who fear You, to those who keep your precepts."
~Psalm 119:63
We arrived at the hospital at five instead of five-thirty. The roads were so bad that Bob was not taking a chance getting there late. The hospital entrance was not open. The security guard was just getting there. We had to sit in the car and wait until they opened...lol (Believe me, Bob is never late.) Once inside there were a lot of questions, many of them I answered over and over, It was a process of hurry up and wait. I was moved from one holding area to another all leading to the surgery room. Surgery took place on time. After surgery, my vital signs were low; blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. So doctor decided to keep me overnight. There was a mix up in my pain medications all during my stay. I cannot take Percocet. (pain medication)
I let nurses, doctors, know I could not take this, but they always ended up giving it to me anyway, therefore making me sick. They were sending a prescription home with me for this until I caught it. Then it took another hour and a half to get the prescription changed before I left.
Oh my home sweet home looks so good!!
I was thinking while in the hospital, how one things compliments another. Like several paintings in a room together. the drapes, accessories, etc., they play off each other through movement and color. They literally bring out the best in each other. Reminds me of our relationships in life. We are blessed with the ability to stay positive and focus on the God-given good in every individual. If there are two paintings in a room that literally clash in color and style, nobody ever looks at them or has an interest to view them. It is no different if your friends are living without God in their lives, they could possibly pull you away with their lifestyle if you are not cautious. If your closest friends know the Lord, then you will bring out the best in each other. The spirit within reflects outwardly and when there is a common element in the foundation of the painting/person, the best is always brought out by the strength of the common threads...I can remember my dad telling me this. However, never paid much attention to it until recently.
I am so happy my daughter, has friends in her life who are Christians. SHe needs them, as they need her.
Be encouraged to spend time seeking the good in others. Reflect on the great gifts God has given you. Find friends that help you grow stronger in God's Love.
January 31
Back Home!!! Glad to be here!! All is well!!
Arrived home in the middle of the afternoon. After F-I-N-A-L-L-Y getting out of the hospital. We stopped on the ways home to have prescriptions filled.
The dogs were excited to see us after Bob finished cleaning up the peed pads. He pulled the hide a bed out in the front room and the dogs and I just laid down there. There is nothing like laying down with your dogs. The love and joy they show you just warms your whole being. My adorable babies...Rosie, Noah and Kipper. What great companions they are.
