Friday, January 29, 2016

Tuesday @ Ten - DOUBT


Time for Tuesday @ Ten again!  Always excited to join my friend, Karen Beth, for this weekly prompted-post.


Karen has set up a new Facebook group for her Tuesday @ Ten followers.  We can "meet" and share our posts, comment, encourage, and just "be" together!  Check out the group here.


This week we will share our posts written on the prompted word:

DOUBT


"How blessed are those who mourn, because it is they who will be comforted."  (Matthew 5:4 - ISV)

In the face of death - ours, as we struggle through a life-threatening accident or disease; or a loved one -

We may face doubts as to our ability to handle things.  We may feel as if we are not equipped to be there for others who may also be affected.

The one thing we can do is pray...

Pray for the comfort in our mourning;

Pray for the strength to do what needs to be done;

Pray for guidance to know what to do next...

With the Son of God by our side; with God's help and assurance, we will do those hard things, that which must be done in times of "mourning".



Perhaps I haven't had doubts about death - mine or a loved ones - but I have had many doubts throughout my lifetime; especially my adult life.

Doubts about the ability to do a task that was asked...

Will you take on the task of {fill in the blank} - I've been asked to be secretary or treasurer or even the leader of a church group...and I've doubted I could actually do what was expected of me.  Especially in following in the footsteps of someone I admired for the "job" she did!

She encouraged me and assured me I could do it!  I agreed to the task; and - with God's help - I did it!

Or, in a new field during my career (banking), asked if I felt I could "be a teller"...

I told my supervisor that I thought I could do it; I'd worked with money before as a cashier...

So, I learned what was required of a teller; I worked at several different banks or credit unions.  And, I did the best job that I could possibly do for the multi-tasking involved...

{Not only was I expected to be a teller, but I was also expected to call members and do loans and open accounts and, still be available to run to the teller line when needed...which was often!  Well, enough about all of that!}

During my adult life, I doubted my ability to take classes and earn a certificate of completion for finishing all of the series required.

And, I completed all but one through the credit union; the only reason I didn't complete the last one is because I was leaving and going to a different job.  I even offered to pay for it myself so I could have that last one completed.  {So much for that certificate!}



Yes, I have had many times in my life when the doubts were there, for whatever reason or situation...I doubted my ability or the outcome of whatever was happening.

I still have doubts!  Don't we all?

I'm in my sixties...I don't have to "impress" a boss or supervisor!  I don't have to multi-task unless I want to do that around my own home, or in my crafting, or in whatever else I may be involved in doing.

I don't have to try to achieve earning a "certificate" to show I have completed a series of classes.  I can do so if I choose to do so!  But, it's not something that is required of me.

I also don't have to doubt my ability to serve as a leader, secretary, treasurer or any other office in a club, or group.  I have served well in several positions, especially in our church women's ministries.

As for doubts in the face of the death of a loved one, or the struggles of a life-threatening accident or illness...

I'm sure I have doubted my abilities in this area of my life as well.  But, I had the love and support of my family and friends, and just as importantly, a church family: my mom, when my dad passed; we supported each other.  My brothers, daughters and son when my mother passed were there for me as well as that church family.

I haven't really had a "life-threatening" accident or illness - well, that isn't true; back in 1998 when I was attacked...I had the help and love and support of my family, friends, church family, and many people that I did not expect to be there for me!

But, what I think I failed to always remember...in all of these instances, is that the one who is able to give me all that I needed to get past the doubts, is the one I did not always remember to call on!



I won't go as far as to say I won't continue to have doubts; we all do, and we all will!  But, well, perhaps I am "preaching to the choir", so to speak!  Perhaps I am trying to reassure myself that He is the one who can - and will! - give us the comfort, strength, hope, cheer, abilty...whatever it is that we need to get through it; He will give that which we need!

Praying that you can overcome your doubts...




Thursday, January 28, 2016

WORD WEDNESDAY - Outward Joy


My Word of the Year for 2016 is JOY!  Each week I will share in a "Word Wednesday" post as I discover the JOY in my life - and yours!  Please join me during this year-long journey...





Laughter, giggles, shouts of excitement!

Jumping up and down, and dancing all around...

Outward signs of joy...

Unimaginable joy!

So, what would cause someone to laugh and giggle and shout with excitement?

What would cause someone to jump up and down; to dance all around?

Found on Pinterest

That's a little hard to say...

But, just watch as a two-year old falls into the arms of his mother, giggling excitedly as she cuddles with him.

Listen to the shouts of a little child that has found what they were looking for...maybe a ball that was missing; or the kitty or puppy on the next page of the book they were "reading".

Or, just watch two little boys playing "good guy/bad guy" as they run around trying to catch the bad guy; or maybe they are the bad guys running away from the good ones!

Yes, it is easy to find joy when you are a child.  That joy is waiting right around the corner; it's whatever game they find to play next...

Because a child knows joy and joy knows a child!

Found on Pinterest
From Disney/Pixar's
"Inside Out"


As adults, it is a lot harder to find joy in the everyday routines of our life, isn't it?

But...we need more joy in our lives!  We need to take the time to make sure we find joy.

"Laughter is the best medicine," right?  Isn't that what "they" say?

Laughter is an outward way of showing joy!  Giggles and shouts of excitement...

When was the last time you laughed out loud?

For me, it was while watching a movie on TV not too many nights ago.  It was not a movie that I would have chosen; but it captured my attention, reeled me in, and caused the laughter...not just once, but several times!

While it didn't have me jumping up and down, or dancing all around, it created the outward joy that was missing.

And it felt good!

The key is to "take time to smell the roses"...

Found on Pinterest

Really!

Just take the time to stop and look for joy in your every day life...

So...

And, once you have found your joy, be sure to share it...

Found on Pinterest


I would love to know what gives you joy ...please share in the comments!

And join me nexty week for another post on the word "JOY".

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Simple Woman's Daybook - January 25, 2016

Linking up with


FOR TODAY
January 25, 2016


 Outside My Window: A sunny - chilly - "winter" day...at temps in the 40's, it is a wintry day in Florida.  The temps will get warmer in the next couple of days...actually, it will be nearly 60 degrees this afternoon; oh, well, so much for our winter "day"!

{There were "visions of snow flurries" in parts of town over the past few days when the temps were lower!}


I am Thankful for:  My family and friends...no matter how bad - or good! - I am feeling, they are there to bring my mood up - or help "celebrate" the good!

Enjoyed the afternoon yesterday with my two daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren!  It was even "warm" enough in the sun for the kids to ride bikes, push (toy) shopping cart and stroller, toss the ball, or just sit in the grass and enjoy! 

In My Kitchen:  Dishes in the dishwasher; waiting to fill it up later before running it.  Dinner?  Since I am babysitting this evening, leftovers are on the menu...or perhaps a sandwich!

I am Wearing:  A pair of jeans; a long-sleeved shirt I've had for years...missing buttons, holes in the front...but, it's soooo comfy!  And a pair of dark pink and white socks...no crocs today!


I am Creating:  Still working on my cards for the card swap; one project to try to complete at the up-coming retreat {less than 2 weeks away!!}.


I am Thinking About:  How to handle our budgeting, when the "second-half" of this couple doesn't have a clue about budgeting, or how to stretch the "dollar" throughout the month... 

I am Praying for:  Continuing to pray for our church's Pastor Search committee; we have the profiles of seven possible ministers that we will be reviewing tomorrow night and next Tuesday night.

I am Going: To a retreat!  OK, so I am always "going to a retreat"!  But it has been a few months; so I am getting excited...


I am Wondering:  What projects and supplies to take with me to the retreat.  Time to get it all together; this one is out-of-town, so there's no bringing stuff into the cropping area after sleeping at home!!

I am Reading:  Finished reading (in approximately 2 weeks!) "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand; picked up "Girl Meets Change" by Kristen Strong to finish reading it.  Barbie Swihart was doing a book study using this book; check it out here

I am Excited for:  An up-coming scrapbooking retreat...out of town!

I am Learning:  {Or trying to learn} to take care of myself whenever I feel sick; but it doesn't always work with my scheduling!

I am Hearing:  "Property Brothers" on HGTV...I sit down for a couple of minutes to watch; then go back to other chores.

A Quote for Today:

"I don't know how to be thankful in all circumstances.  Does that mean I'm supporsed to be thankful I...{fill in your own 'crisis'}".

This is a great question!  Does it mean I should be thankful I lost my job.

The author continues:  "...it does say to give thanks in all circumstances, so I think that includes circumstances of broken bones...You can be thankful that your story doesn't end in something broken but instead in something healed.  You can be thankful for what God worked through that situation and that your {crisis} brought about many good things...

"This is how you give thanks in all circumstances:  you believe that God's goodness is in all circumstances, and you show you believe by telling God Thank You!

A Scripture Thought:  "Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  (I Thess. 5:17-18)




I am Pondering:  These words...do I give thanks in all things??  There is always, always, always something...


And join me next week for another Simple Woman's Daybook.



Monday, January 25, 2016

Tuesday @ Ten - EMBRACE

Time to join my friend, Karen Beth, for Tuesday @ Ten!   Karen has set up a new group Facebook page for her Tuesday @ Ten followers; a place where we can "meet" and share our posts, comment, encourage, and just "be" together!  Check out the group here.


This week we will share our posts written on the prompted word:


EMBRACE

And, I have decided to try something different this week...a poem!  So, here goes:


Embrace your dreams,
The long ones and the short.
Embrace what you dream to be;
Or what you dream to do.
Embrace
What is ahead.
Embrace your dreams.

Embrace life;
The life that is yours.
The life that is sometimes good,
And sometimes...
Not so good.
Embrace
What you have;
Embrace Life.

Embrace the moment.
Though it be but only a moment;
Though it rushes by...
Don't let the moment pass.
Embrace
Quickly.
Embrace the moment.

Embrace your loved ones.
They drift away from you;
Don't let them leave
Without knowing...
They are loved!
Embrace them lovingly;
Embrace them often!
Embrace them...
Now!




Ever since the sudden death of a member of my church, I have felt the need to "embrace my dreams; my life; the moments; and my loved ones"...to embrace "lovingly, often, and NOW".


Thursday, January 21, 2016

WORD WEDNESDAY - A Joyful Noise



My Word of the Year for 2016 is JOY!  Each week I will share in a "Word Wednesday" post as I discover the JOY in my life - and yours!  Please join me during this year-long journey...




I Love to Sing!





I think I have always loved music!  Growing up I would sing along with my many records, or the radio or TV shows.  I think I was always singing...

In fact, even now I sing along with my CD's or the radio as I am driving around town.

In school, I was in chorus and learned a lot about singing and music...


...that knowledge must have been forgotten after graduation!


I don't really know what the notes are ~ middle C or A or whatever; just that they "go up or down" the scales!  But, somehow I get it right...

I am not ~ nor have I ever been ~ a good singer.  Certainly not going to sing a solo...and there's no way I'd compete on American Idol or The Voice or any of those other shows!


Singing in a group works best for me...


And I've enjoyed many years of school music classes and choruses, and Church choirs.  With voices blending together to make beautiful music, mine doesn't "stand out" above the others...which would not be beautiful.



Chancel Choir
Riverside Ave. Christian Church
(I am the 3rd from the right)

The past few years I've suffered with allergies, sinus infections, bronchitis and asthma, causing a lot of coughing and breathing issues.  And, my voice has suffered greatly from it; sounding quite raspy...

I haven't been singing as much as I did at one time; but, when driving in the car alone, I do still (attempt to) sing!

Before she had to go into a nursing home, my mom attended church with me every Sunday.  In fact, I guess I attended with her because it was originally her church when she was a teenager!


My mother loved to sing, especially the praise songs she learned at retreats and on the Walk to Emmaus.*  But, well, let me just gently say, she definitely made "a joyful noise" because she did not have a very good singing voice.  Years of smoking gave her a very raspy voice ~ and it was not really all that pleasant when she sang.


{I am not talking ugly about my mother; she knew this about herself!}


But, still she would raise her voice to God ~ as I do every Sunday morning ~ and "make a joyful noise", whether singing with the choir, or just in the congregation.



Found on Pinterest
Shared by etsy.com

Whenever I am able to, I do still sing with the choir; but it's been a while since I've been able to sing.  This past Sunday, as I was leaving church, another member told me the choir would be singing for a memorial service on Monday...and I already knew the song!  So, I joined them for a quick rehearsal after church.

It felt good!  I enjoyed lifting my voice and joining with the others...


But, I was the only alto!  The other two were unable to be there for the rehearsal; but will be singing, and I can follow them for the service on Monday!


When it was pointed out that I was the only alto, I said I was singing quietly; and our leader told me he had heard me, and it was awesome!


Talk about feeling good; it sure made my day!!


I don't know that it was that awesome; or if he was just happy there was an alto to carry the harmony...

But, what I do know is this:  When we lift our voices to God, I think He hears our voices as if being sung by angels.  Even if I am "making a joyful noise", I think God loves that noise because to Him...


It is awesome!  We are lifting our praises to Him, and He is a God who desires our praises.


"Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy."  Psalm 47:1 (NRSV)

So, let us all "make a joyful noise to the Lord"!


Found on Pinterest


And, before I end this post, I'll share a beautiful voice for sure...Jordan Smith, winner of The Voice, singing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah":




Absolutely beautiful!



*
From the brochure "Join us on an Emmaus Journey with Christ" from "The Upper Room":


"The Walk to Emmaus seeks to inspire, challenge, and equop leaders for Christian action in their homes, places of work, and communities."

Read more about The Walk to Emmaus here.



Thank you for following my Word Wednesday posts!  Check back again next week for another post on "JOY"!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Simple Woman's Daybook - January 18, 2016


Linking up with


FOR TODAY
January 18, 2016



Outside My Window:  A nice breeze, almost 60 degrees at 3:oo pm; the sun is shining and it's a gorgeous day!


I am Thankful for:  My family; I want to hold them closer and closer because you just don't know when your time will come...

I'll share more of that feeling later...

In My Kitchen:  Dishes to be washed; laundry to go into the dryer...guess I'd better go do that...

I am Wearing:  Jeans and a dark purple shirt with a flower, a palm tree, and a star fish; and my crocs!


I am Creating:  Spent time with my daughter last Friday working on a couple of her projects to share on their Disney cruise in March.  Also, figured out a design for my card swap...a "Thinking of You" card.


I am Thinking About:  How quickly life can be taken away...


I am Praying for:  The family of our church member whose memorial service was held today...


I am Going: {Have Gone...} to church to help prepare for a reception following a memorial service; and singing with the choir during the service.


I am Wondering:  When my life is over, what will I be remembered for?  Will I leave a legacy of love and faithfulness and loyalty; or one of hatred and neglect and indifference?  I wonder...


I am Reading:  Over half-way through "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand.  It is an excellent book!  Even though I am not that much of a historian, it is an interesting read.  Almost a "can't put it down" kind of book; but it is hard to keep reading about what happened to these POW's back in WW2.



I am Excited for:  A scrapbook retreat coming up the first weekend of February...excited, but not ready!

I am Learning:  To hold onto those you love; hug them a lot, while you can; tell them how you feel, while you can!  Life does not give us guarantees that we will be here tomorrow or the next day or the next...

In an instant, our life can be over.  Make it count while you can!


I am Hearing:  The TV; of course!  Doesn't matter that it is after 3:00 pm and hubby has decided to "take a nap"...he left the TV on!

A Quote for Today:  During the memorial service today, the minister shared a lot of "golfing" stories; it seems our church member was an avid golfer, playing often with his friends of many many years!

He was 90 years old!  {Last week when I made reference to a member who had died as a result of a car accident, I erroneously stated he was "in his 80's"}.

The minister ended his message with these words (my para-phrase):

"When leaving his friends after playing a round of golf on Saturday, he said, 'I'm going home now...'

"And, he did."

{On his way home from this golf outing, he was hit by a car driving almost 100 mph.  The 18-year-old driver of that car died at the scene.  He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.  He died on Sunday night...

If you wish to read the newspaper report on this accident, click here.}

A Scripture Thought:  The 23rd Psalm (KJV); one of the scriptures used in today's memorial service.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters;
He restoreth my soul.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff - they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of  my life,
And I will dewll in the house of the Lord for ever."

I am Pondering:  Today we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.  I can't leave this post without a quote that a friend posted earlier:  "Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve.  You don't have to make your subject and ver agree to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace.  A soul generated by love."

Ponder that thought...


And join me next week for another Simple Woman's Daybook.





Friday, January 15, 2016

Tuesday @ Ten - TRUST




So, it's another week and another opportunity to write a post on the prompted word; join my friend, Karen Beth, for Tuesday @ Ten! 

Karen has been working hard on a group Facebook page for her Tuesday @ Ten followers.  Check out the group here.  

This week's word is:  TRUST


It's hard to trust; especially when your trust in someone has been shattered.  It's hard to get that trust back once that has happened.  It affects your relationship, not only with the one who has shattered your trust; but also with others that you may be unsure whether to trust them or not.

Actually, I am pretty trusting of almost everybody I come in contact with, unless they have given me reason not to trust them.  And, I've had a number of incidents throughout my life where my trust of someone was shattered.

But, most of the time, I just continued to trust...even if I was the one that ended up hurt in the process.

I'm just a very trusting person...

And, I am also a very trust-worthy person.  Tell me your secret(s), and they'll go no further than where you shared them!  You can be suer that it stays with me!

And no matter how many people I have in my life that I feel I can trust, I know that there is one that I can trust without a doubt...


Found on Pinterest


So, whatever the situation is in your life, whether there are those that you find are un-trustworthy or those you trust without a doubt...

Remember:  There IS one that we can trust with all our heart!

We don't have to understand all of life; God has our best interests in His capable hands.  Just "trust in the Lord with all your heart!"



Thursday, January 14, 2016

Gifts Found in October 2015 - Part 4




Part 4 will complete these posts of the "Gifts Found in October 2015".  Be sure to read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3, as the journey continues...






October 22nd
A Gift Silent, Still, Strong

The Gift of a Surprise - When I opened my drawer at Our Craft Place, there was an envelope with my name onit...with a gift certificate for a local craft store.  A "silent" surprise...from my Elfster!




October 23rd
3 Gifts Begun

1.  The Gift of a New Day - As I wake to a new day, I know another 24 hours has begun; another opportunity to "start over" - perhaps to make a wrong...right!


Or, complete something not completed...or, do something not yet done.


A new day...to begin again!


2.  The Gift of Grey Hair - I've resisted for many years, not wanting to let my hair go completely grey!  It has begun to show again...and, I need to decide what to do!


I know it really doesn't matter - I'm 64 years old, and I'm getting old - older!  And, I shouldn't be so vain; yet, I'm just not ready to be all grey!


3.  The Gift of Completion - It will surely take my whole life; but I can be certain that...



Found on Pinterest
Shared by flickr.com

Of that...I am certain!  Thank you, God!



October 24th
3 Gifts Accomplished

1.  The Gift of Writing - Though it is only the 24th, I have a few posts scheduled and some drafted - though many are "ideas" forming in my brain...


Yet, I feel confident that I will accomplish - I will complete - the "write31days" challenge.  With God's help, I will persevere; and I will accomplish the task!


2.  The Gift of Crafts - The days I get the chance to work on my crafts are usually very productive; and I usually accomplish what I wanted to, most often a "project" for a swap!


Thank you, God, for friends, for sharing, for creativity...


3.  The Gift of Song - My favorite shows to watch on TV are the competitions...especially those showcasing accomplished - gifted, talented, skilled singers.  They share their voices with song, and compete to see who will be the winner.  They may all be accomplished singers, but there will only be one winner!


Thank you, God, for all the beautiful singers who entertain with their accomplished voices.




October 25th
3 Gifts Enjoying

1.  The Gift of Friends - I'm sure I've lifted up my friends - many times - as a "gift"...and that's because I love them and feel "comfortable" with them.  My main circle of friends are my "scrappy" ones; but there are others at church, from work (former co-workers) and on-line.


It was a blessing to end my Sunday enjoying my friends!


2.  The Gift of Family - Many of my Fun Times are spent enjoying my family; the more (family members) who are together in one place, the better!  From birthdays, no special days, holidays...


Just days enjoying my family are a great big blessing!


3.  The Gift of Alone-ness - As much as I enjoy my friends and family, I love being alone at times...


Enjoying the quiet, the "freedom" to do what I want to do, when I want to do it; or just do nothing!




October 26th
3 Gifts Extravagant

1.  The Gift of Enough - Perhaps I do have enough; perhaps I am extravagant...buying things when I already have things!

I know we/I can cut down what is spent on groceries...I vow to do that!


And, I know I can cut down on what I spend on crafts...I vow to use what I already have!


And, perhaps I need to cut down on the events...but, they are so much FUN; and I am often blessed with help from others (to be able to attend these events).


Lord, help me to plan better; to spend more wisely; to be satisfied with enough!  Thank you that we do have enough!


2.  The Gift of Plain - I'm not an extravagant dresser!  My clothes are not expensive; I don't spend tons of money on make-up and hair and nails and spa treatments!  I am just plain old me...


Thank you, God, for the "me" you have created!


3.  The Gift of Home - Our home - our apartment - is nothing extravagant...just a simple two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment.  Our furnishings are not extravagant...most are things bought second-hand, or even given to us.  It works for us; and we have what we need!


The most extravagant piece is the TV that was bought for us by my daughter and son-in-law when our old, ancient set went out!


Thank you, God, for our home and all the furnishings...new, old, second-hand, hand-made!




October 27th
A Gift Humbling, Honoring, Happy

The Gift of Encouragement - I write my blog because...well, I love to write!  I certainly don't consider myself a good writer...


Yet, I receive so many uplifting comments that encourage me to continue writing.


Today, actually the 28th since I am behind (and actually, writing this in my post on January 13th!!), I received this comment on the "write31days" challenge, written on the word "HOPE":


From my freind Helen at "Iwillbloom":


"Am so full of admiration that you've managed to write for so many days, so consistently and such high quality writing!!!"


WOW!  I would never have defined my writing as "high quality"; so humbling!  Honoring me with such words of admiration and that my writing is "high quality"!  It certainly humbles me, honors me, and makes me happy!




October 28th
3 Gifts in Christ

1.  The Gift of Compassion - Jesus showed compassion...we should do as He did and show compassion to others.  Tonight, as we interviewed a candidate for an interim minister, I felt a bit of compassion - pity - for him as he struggled with answering our questions.


God, I thank you for this person, and others we will be contacting.  Be with our committee in this process of calling an interim minister, and subsequently a senior minister.


2.  The Gift of Acceptance - I find it quite easy to accept most people.  Jesus shows us His acceptance of people in many stories...such as meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.  He spoke with her, accepted her, even though she was a Samaritan, and a woman!


This is what He expects of us; and I thank God for accepting me!


3.  The Gift of Faith - I have faith in Christ; He walked this earth as a human, just as we do.  He ministered to others, and shared the love of God.  He died so that we could all have eternal life...and having faith in Christ doesn't mean I won't suffer:




October 29th
3 Gifts on Time

1.  The Gift of a Surprise Package - Today, I am thankful for a package of Goodies I received from bloggin' friend and "planner" Dawn, who blogs at http://enthusiasticallydawn.com/.


Actually, two of the items were books I won on a giveaway a few months ago; "Tuggie the Patriot Pup" and "Tuggie the Patriot Pup - The War of 1812".  I plan to check out their website livefreelovetuggie.com and see if there are other books; perhaps ask for a donation for Patriot Service Dogs...which is where these two books are going for the next Puppy Crop in April 2016!


Thank you, God, for surprise gifts - also included in my surprise package were a booklet of 25 devotions with a pen, and note sheets for each month!  And a sweet note from Dawn.


2.  The Gift of God's Master Plan - "For I know the plans I have for you..."


Yes, He does have our lives in His hands; and when we mess up, or choose a different road for our journey to take, He works that into His plans.


Thank you, God, for your loving care; and for planning my journey in life, even if I don't always listen or obey.


3.  The Gift of Rest - I think I've finally got it!!  To listen to the signs of my body that I am getting sick...and to rest!  I have been resting for three days now; and am feeling much better!  Richt "on time", I began resting, and it's working!



October 30th
3 Gifts Overjoyed

1.  The Gift of Fall - The weather is finally more Fall-ish than Summer-y; but still warm.  The trees are showing just a little bit of color, besides green.  I am overjoyed with the weather changing, except it also (always) brings on a cold or sinus infection...

But, I thank God for Fall!


2.  The Gift of Accomplishments - Coming to the end of October, I have successfully accomplished two challenges:


     1) The "write31days" challenge for the second year!  This year's topic was a bit more light-hearted, "31 Days of Free Writes", using the Five Minute Friday word prompts.  For a fun, silly post, read today's here.


     2)  I have (almost) completed another month of discovering God's amazing gifts.  November will be the 8th month; and I have listed a total (so far) of 554 gifts!   God is amazing!  His gifts are infinite!  I am overjoyed!


3.  The Gift of His Great Love - 



Found on Pinterest
Shared by etsy.com


So, I am overjoyed at all the great things He has done for me...for all the awesome gifts He continually gives...

Thank you, God, for all!!


October 31st
3 Gifts Hallowed

1.  The Gift of Our Conference Center - "We are standing on Holy Ground..."

That's what I think (sing!) whenever I step onto the grounds of the conference center - The Retreat at Silver Springs.  I feel at peace whenever I spend time there...

Thank you, God, for those people past and present who brought this beautiful place to be a part of our church!

2.  The Gift of Preaching - We have enjoyed the preaching of Pastor Larry, who has guest preached for times during our transition...

As we continue to search for an interim pastor, and ultimately a permanent senior minister, we are blessed to have many who will guest preach for us.

3.  The Gift of the Lord's Prayer - "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen."

Your name, Oh God, is Hallowed...Holy and Blessed!  Praise be your name on all the earth!


And, another month of Gifts has been completed!