Rambling Friday: He Died for Us!

Good Friday

 

And they crucified Him. -- Matthew 27: 35

He died for our sins that we might live.

Jesus, the King

Rambling Friday: One Step at a Time

 As those who read my blog have learned, I had covid this winter. 

Hubby and I talked about many things on the phone before I could have visitors in the hospital, and we came to some decisions that we've needed to make for a while. 

One of the decisions we made was to slow down. And when I say that, I mean Hubby wants to semi-retire. Along with that decision comes this one: we want to pick up on our traveling. 

Now what I want you to know, we've traveled a LOT in our marriage, what with ministry and fun vacations, especially with family. But we've allowed ourselves to slow down on the fun things in life because of work. We forgot that all work and little play make the Browns dull people. We were drowning in all work and little play. 

But in the midst of that decision, I also made my own personal decisions. 

* I wanted to downsize, and what I mean by that: I have too much stuff! In storage, I have dish sets I've never used. Etc. Etc. I have things that I've thought about for years: someday I might use these. Really? Why do I have these? Why am I keeping all this stuff? So my family will be burdened with getting rid of it or deciding who wants it? I already know the answer. Sell, give away or trash. Now. I can see myself dusting my hands now...

* Another decision I made was to create heritage books for my two sons. I've wanted to do this for a while, but was always too busy with other things. This year is the year to do it...I made notes once I was able to do so in bed. I talked with hubby asking him questions about his ancestors. Since I've always wanted to do more family research (and I LOVE research), this is one I believe I will enjoy! 

*  One other decision I will list today is stop allowing myself to be stressed over my writing. My style is my style. I don't have to do everything, be involved in everything. So prioritizing is a priority for me. I need to remember that I don't have to write a book (and mine are not novellas) in a month. I can take my time, enjoy the research and the writing and feel fully satisfied when it's ready for publication. I can pick and choose what activities I want to participate in, that pertain to writing. 

 

I can enjoy my talent, my heart's desire, and my very favorite "job" that I've ever had. 

Of course, our decisions may adjust or change. Life happens. But in my heart, I know that we've made some great decisions. For now, that's good enough for me. 

Have you made changes in your life? 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Dust if You Must

Dust if You Must

By Rose Milligan

Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better                                 to paint a picture or write a letter,                                              Bake a cake, or plant a seed,                                                    Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time,                   With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb,                             Music to hear, and books to read,                                                Friends to cherish, and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there,                                                                                                     With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair,                                                                                        A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,                                                                                                                    This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,                                                       Old age will come and it's not kind,                                                       And when you go (and go you must)                                                     You, yourself, will make more dust.  

Sunday Morning Sunshine: A Thought to Ponder

 Life is the sum of all your choices.

--Albert Camus

Rambling Friday: A Cup of Wisdom

 How much happier and contented would we be 

if we all followed these words of wisdom 

on this mug? 

Think about it! 

Have a beautiful day!

Serious Wednesdays: Life and Death

Why is it that sometimes there's someone who passes through our lives--just for a moment, a week, a month, maybe longer, who affect us profoundly? Who touches our lives in such a way that we don't--can't--forget it or them?

That's what Amanda's mother for me. Don't get me wrong; I didn't know the woman; hadn't met her yet. That's right I didn't know her, yet I did. In the last few days, I heard more about her than possibly I would have learned had we had a chance to talk. Maybe.

How did she affect me? I've thought about this and realize it's not been something I've necessarily wanted, yet the details of her life, her death, her influence on so many in the community, it's all impressed me whether I desired this touch on my life or not.

• She's made me want to be a better person. Less complaining, more generous, more loving . . .
• In spite of her physical problems, she put others first. I don't want to ever live selfishly.
• She made me aware--again--or my own mortality. And of those around me.
• She's made me want to be friendlier. She loved everyone. She never met a stranger. She remembered those she met, even if just for a moment. I want to be like that. Or at least strive for it.
• Her death reminded me what I've missed; what I'll never get a chance to experience.
• She's helped me more than ever to appreciate each day that God gives me.

There's more. Much more. But that's enough.
Thanks, dear woman I never knew, wonderful person, who in our eyes (those who knew her and those of us who didn't) should have lived much longer, but who in God's eyes was wanted in heaven. We'll miss you.

Blessings!

Rambling Fridays: What of Life?

Yesterday was my birthday, and I don't know whether I should be happy and satisfied that I achieved another year or be sad because I'm another year older.

Right about now, I tried to make a list of the pros and cons, and other than the usual life's problems, I couldn't think of much to add on the "con" side, so I'm going to share some of my joys of having birthdays.

• I get flowers almost every year from my sweet hubby. I totally love plants and flowers. They cheer me, they're esthetically nice to gaze upon. They make me feel loved. They boost my emotions. 

• I have a ton of wonderful memories to enjoy and reflect upon.  One of our favorite things to do while traveling is remembering. And all the pictures I've taken through the years makes the past come alive!! We could have missed out on this blessing, but we didn't. That is something to be thankful for.

• Sometimes, but not always, I get ice cream cakes! Oh, the anticipation of getting one. Will it be this year? Has my husband forgotten I love them? And the delicious first, cold bite...

• The presents and cards from my son and his dear friend...and my close friends. What fun! Knowing that I have a wonderful son who cares about me. Knowing I have friends who love me. God's blessings for sure. It might be a beautiful card or a simply signed card by an elderly hand, but knowing I have those who care enough to remember...I am blest!

• Knowing that I've been given another year from God is a miracle of love! Thank you, God, for loving me and giving me so many wonderful blessings. 

Life is good.

Sunday Morning Peace: Flowers in my Life

Let the Earth be Glad!--the Psalms

Bradford Pears

My earliest spring flowers

Rose of Sharon


Blessings!

Sunday Morning Blessings: Thoughts for the Week

Happiness is made to share with another.

You can't be happy long before you want someone else to know it.

When God made the trees, animals and birds, 

he said they were very good.

The vine is for grapes,

the wheat for bread,

the bee to give us honey,

and the sheep for wool.

Even the cat is good to catch mice.

All God's things are good!

"Go break to the needy sweet charity's bread

For giving is living," the angel said.

"And must I be giving and giving again?"

my peevish and pitiless answer ran.

"Oh, no!" said the angel, piercing me through,

"Just give till the Lord stops giving to you."

In the Bible, there is more that finds me

than I have experienced in all other books together.

--S.T. Coleridge

Have a blessed week!

Moving On...

Christmas is over. The shopping and planning and most get-togethers are finished for now. The
stress of what to buy, of spending what you don't have is done with...for now.

So what's next?

Next, for me, is taking stock. I'm facing, with God's blessing, a new year. Brand new and sparkling white and clean. So how to take advantage of it in the best possible way?

Take stock. Figure out where I am and where I want to be this time next year. 

1. In my writing, decide reasonable goals on what I want to accomplish. How many books will I be putting out there this year? One? Two? More? Then I must be diligent. Remind myself often that goals cannot be met without constant work. Every day get something written, and if I have to miss a day, there had better be a good reason!
2. In our ministry work:  how can I be a better helper to my husband? When I need to take initiative, can I do with it humbleness and wisdom? Is there someone I want to focus on in winning them to the Lord? What about encouragement? Who is God placing on my heart? 
3. In my own personal life?  Am I allowing laziness or negligence to contribute to missed devotional times with my God? How can I be more diligent in pursuing time alone with Him? What can I do to eliminate hindrances that prevent this? 
4. With my body? Yes, I need to lose a few pounds. Yes, I give way to eating unhealthy foods when I know I should refrain. How can I tighten up these faults? What can I do that will help me gain momentum in this area?

Enough? Of course. If I can attain these goals, I will have improved. Can I do it? I hope so. I'm going to try hard. 

What is one goal you're hoping to accomplish this year? 

Blessings and wishes for a wonderful New Year!

What Did I Do With My Summer?

What Have I Done With My Summer?

misThat is the question, is it not for all of us?

"The Joy of Harvest" from Isaiah

• Vacations: besides the fun and joy of being with family, did I do what I could to encourage my loved ones toward godliness? Did I lift up their spirits? Did I speak words of kindness rather than criticism? Did I show appreciation for the glorious scenery, the wonder of their smiles and the good times?

• Church Camps: Did I do my part in celebrating the spirit of revival in hearts? Did I take the time to speak to those fighting trials and disheartening times? Did I enthusiastically participate in events to encourage others to do the same? 

• Home Life: Did I keep up with devotions? Did I ask for help when needed, whether from my God or from others who were willing to do so? Did I accomplish what I planned on doing throughout these weeks? Have I grown spiritually, mentally, and even physically (by keeping up with the right training and eating for me?

• Ministry Work: Whether in weekly church services and/or events such as Vacation Bible School, etc., or special services of music or ministry, did I volunteer willingly? Did I put my all into the work, or begrudgingly complain that I was too busy; why couldn't someone else do something? Was my heart totally lifted up to HIM in obedience? 

Can I say positively "yes" to all these questions (and more)? Probably not. Have I learned lessons I needed through these past three months that have taught me to be more willing, less out-spoken, more encouraging, etc? I hope so. 

Whether we had a busy, constantly on-the-go summer or quiet, relaxing times alone, we need to be vigilant in keeping ourselves ready and obedient to harvest what God has for us. 

And it's never too late! :)  Autumn is coming--the time of reaping. Let us look forward to good times ahead. 

Abundant blessings!

Tidbits of my Life from this Summer

This has been another eventful month? 

Where has time gone?

Here's a few things that made this month special for me:

Anniversary roses from my sweet, sweet hubby

Fishing and pontooning at the lake!

Ye ole swimming hole :)

Riding on the Polarus

This is my world!

Finally here.

Living dangerously! 

Mr. Reese

Seeing Jonah

Fantastic!

Recommended!

Eating healthy!

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace: Quiet

Enjoy yourself.

These are the "good ole days"

you're going to miss in the years ahead.

--Anonymous

Beyond the Clouds

Most of the battles

of life are won

by looking 

beyond the clouds

to the sun,

And having the patience

to wait for the day

when the sun comes out

and the clouds float away.

all nature heeds 

the call of spring

As God awakens

everything.

--Helen Steiner Rice

May your day be filled with sight that sees beyond your clouds!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Healing
The precious words from our grandson
Playing tag with LJ
Sharing a DQ meal with hubby and LJ
Every day God gives me
Scriptures that speak to me
Freedom so far in our country
Any encouragement I get.and can share.


Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

God's awesome earth
The green fields we pass when traveling
The brave and early spring flowers
the hope that builds in my heart for a coming spring
Warm days that cause calves, and lambs, and little boys to frisk up their heels and laugh
gentle breezes
for what I do have

Blessings

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Beautiful sunsets
Rain instead of snow
Snow instead of landslides, hurricanes and tornadoes
a smart hubby who's also patient and kind
a church to worship God
yesterday: a day with grandson playing and being carefree!
a lovely evening
a new recipe

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Another long, but good, month gone with safety, God's personal help, good memories, two birthday celebrations, a new year begun, prospects for the future.
God's help for our country
Protection on the roads as we travel
Protection for our family
Sweet notes of love from others
progress on various tasks
special treats now and then

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace: Winter and Promises!

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though.

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep.

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

--Robert Frost

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Answers!
moments of peace and relaxation
five years of blessedness in having a grandson--God's gift!
food on the table and shoes on my feet! Lol but true
another day of life
more progress on my next novel
marking off my lists!

Blessings