Tuesday @ Ten - FORGIVE

It's "Tuesday @ Ten" time with Karen and her weekly link-up!  I love to join these weekly prompts and jump-start my writing.  Some weeks, the words come quick and easy; others, not as quickly...so glad she gives us a week to get our post written!




Be sure to check out Karen's Facebook group for the Tuesday @ Ten followers here.


This week's prompt is FORGIVE!


"I forgive you," I hear my 5-year old grandson say to his 7-year old cousin.  They were probably having a bit of a spat, as they usually do when together!

But, he is learning to forgive.

Have we - I - learned to forgive?


Remembering a post I'd previously written on "Forgiveness", I found that on February 3, 2015 I posted one for Tuesday @ Ten.  Though I am writing a new post for this week's prompt, I wanted to share what I wrote regarding a few incidents in my life that I needed to forgive someone:

"I knew that if I didn't forgive those who hurt me in these various ways...

"I would continue to be their "victim";  I would be the one destroyed by their hurtful ways because I continued to harbor it all in my head and my mind and my heart.

"God doesn't want this for me - He doesn't want this for any of us.  He wants us to forgive one another because He has forgiven me - and you."

To read this entire post, click here.

I am happy to say that I have forgiven those persons; though I wouldn't quite say I did it in person, as my two grandson's situation.  I have, in my heart and to God, forgiven.

Even the most unlikely person that hurt me has been forgiven...

The one who attacked me almost 20 years ago...

So, why is it so hard for me to forgive the way my husband is - and has been - treating me??

I can only pray that God will help me to forgive him...

And I pray that if you have those you need to forgive that He will also help you.

Just had to include this image I recently found:

Forgiveness brings us peace; and we deserve to have peace, don't we?


Join me next week for another look at a prompted post, linking with Karen for Tuesday @ Ten!

Simple Woman's Daybook - April 25, 2016

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today

April 25, 2016

Because of the recent retreat I attended, and this week's trip to Epcot in Orlando, FL ... I skipped a couple of posts for Simple Woman's Daybook.

The next few months will continue to be busy; in fact, things will be busy for the rest of the year!

I prefer busy-ness; so, I'll take it one week at a time with my writing!  But, for this week...

Outside My Window:  A beautiful day; temps in the 80's and increasing as the week goes on.

I Am Thinking:  About a few things that have happened over the past few days.  I am needing to feel God's presence as I continue to try to understand my husband's behavior towards me...I know it is not really "him", but the "dementia"; but that doesn't make it hurt less.

I Am Praising God for:  The feeling of assurance He gave me on Sunday during prayer at the end of the service.  Though others were going forward and being prayed for by the "prayer warriors", I stood alone and lifted my silent prayer to God.  As I asked god for strength, understanding, patience and peace, and thanked Him for all of His many blessings, I felt a peace, a real assurance that only God can give.

I Am Wearing:  A pair of black stretch pants and a hot pink top; plus my crocs...I won't say anything more about these!

I Am Creating:  During our first evening in Orlando last week, we were relaxing in the hotel room, getting ready for the day-long visit to Epcot the next day.

We each brought a bag of projects to work on while relaxing; I cut out and "dressed" two more mermaids, but need to add more bling and make a tag to put them on.

A Few Things for the Week:

Monday:  Staying home until around 6 pm when I meet a friend to pick up an item I am buying from her.  Just one more unit I can use to organize my craft supplies!

Tuesday:  Continue to be home, organizing things for a yard sale on Saturday.  Also, reading a couple more profiles for the Pastor Search Committee in the evening.

Wednesday:  Spend a few hours with my friends, crafting...I have ideas for my pictures from Epcot and need to start work on them!

Thursday:  No plans yet!

Friday:  No plans for the day; but meeting my brother and sister-in-law for an early dinner as they travel "through", heading to Port Canaveral for a cruise!

Saturday:  Spending the day at a yard sale at our church; after that, resting!

Sunday:  Attending church...

I Am Wondering:  What the rest of the week has in store...today has been a fairly good day; but it didn't start out that way, and I just ignored the "not so good" parts of it!

I Am Reading:  "The Yearling" by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings...another book from the list I am following: "a book written before you were born"; this was written in the 1930's, which is definitely before I was born!

I Am Hoping:  To get the rest of my stuff together for the yard sale tomorrow so I can "play" on Wednesday!

I Am Looking Forward to:  A couple of weeks that are not quite as busy as things have been lately...hmmm?!  Will it happen?

I Am Learning:  It is not easy to be a "caregiver" to someone who does not appreciate anything that is done for them.

At least he doesn't seem to  appreciate me... 

I Am Hearing:  The news; always, the news!  I do not like the news...it is always the same stuff!

In My Kitchen:  Well, since I am finishing this post in the evening, before I head to bed, the kitchen is actually clean and the dishwasher is running - the last thing I usually do before heading to bed!

A Fave Scripture Thought:  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow" (Romans 15:13).

I Am Pondering:  This scripture...God is the (our) God of hope and He will fill us with "all joy and peace".  I must trust Him; because He will do as this verse says: "...fill (me) with all joy and peace"...to over-flowing!

So ends another week with the Simple Woman's Daybook; check back next week for another post...and don't forget to check out the other links here.

Tuesday @ Ten - HOPEFUL

Time to join Karen for her weekly prompt link-up...so glad she gives us a week to get our post written!  Since I was away from home (and the computer!) the first part of the week, I am behind...again; but, I am HOPEFUL that I will get it done before Monday night when the link closes!


Be sure to check out Karen's Facebook group for the Tuesday @ Ten followers here.


And, as you see, this week's prompt is HOPEFUL!


Most of the time, I am a pretty positive person.  I am hopeful that things are going to work out - for the good; just as they should.

But, it's getting harder and harder to be hopeful when all around me isn't.

I'm not a depressed or unhappy person.  I have a family and friends that love me.  I enjoy doing things with all of them.  I have a husband that - as far as I can tell - loves me; yet, it's hard for him to show that.  He has never been a very demonstrative person.  Once in a while he surprises me...

But, I know he cares; he helps me in many ways.  It's just that ...

Well, he needs me.  In so many ways, he needs me!

{I don't say that to be bragging.  I watch the things he can't do; the things he can't remember; the things he does that are so odd.  Yeah, he needs someone; and that someone is me!}

I am hopeful that we can find ways to continue this journey - a journey I started writing about in Oct. 2014 during the "write31days" challenge.

Actually, I started writing those journal entries more years ago than I want to think about.  That's when I started seeing the odd behavior.  That's when we received a diagnosis of "vascular dementia."  That's when the journey began...

And, the journey continues.  As we move from "vascular dementia" to a possible worse diagnosis, I am hopeful that...

• Perhaps it is not what I fear;
• Perhaps it will "get better";
• Perhaps I will have the strength and understanding and patience to handle this "whatever it is";
• Perhaps my "children" will understand and not be affected by the behavior.

I know that the only way I - or we - will make it through this journey is with God's help.  I remain hopeful, knowing that He is the one that can guide us through this walk.

And so I continue the journey...

Into the unknown.

WORD WEDNESDAY - Choose Joy

My word for the year is JOY...

And, today I choose JOY...

But, today I find it so hard to keep the JOY that I have chosen.

Today my heart hurts because I am hearing of another shooting.

Today I am hearing of a 7-month old dying at his home, while his mother falls asleep with him next to her...in the bath tub!

Today I hear of a musical genius dying on his 79th birthday after being ill for some time.

Today I listen to a documentary about another musical genius, stricken with Alzheimer's disease; performing in his last concert, writing his last song...

Today...I cannot find the JOY, though I want to.

Today, I want to choose JOY;

But, today I just can't do it!

I can't get past the fact that around me there are people who are hungry; or homeless; or out of work; or lonely; or sick; or grieving...

I find it hard to choose JOY when so many are suffering.  I keep coming back to that...

How can I be joyful when so many are suffering?

In her Facebook post on April 9th, Ann Voskamp says:

"Yeah, do I hear you - your circumstances and situations aren't easy...I get how you want to desperately change some things.  Thing is, sometimes you can't change circumstances - but maybe, you can change how you see.

"And there's ridiculous relief in that:  Situations can't make joy - but how we *see* can.  We may not be able to *change a situation*...but we can *change how we see*.

"So that's quietly all today: see grace, see good, see God.


"Circumstances don't determine joy - *as much as how you see*.


"And honest, Joy isn't about how much our lives *have* - but how much we *ENJOY our lives* ... how much we *enjoy God.*"



As hard as it is to get past all of the "circumstances and situations", and to actually find something that makes us joyful...

We don't have the ability to change those "circumstances and situations".  They are just there, stealing our joy.

But, how we "see" the "circumstances and situations" - if we will "see grace, see good, see God";

How we react to the "circumstances and situations" - if we search for the joy that can still be found in spite of them...

We can find joy; not in overlooking those "circumstances and situations", but in embracing them...


In closing, I share this prayer, found on the Facebook  page for Prayers for a Woman's Soul:

"Today, Lord, help me to choose joy.  When situations pop up and my joy threatens to evaporate, help me to redirect my thoughts to You and hold on to my joy instead of letting it go.  God, Your joy is my strength, and I need it today.  Thank you for filling me with Your joy - May I have a holy surplus of joy that splashes onto those around me.  In Jesus' name, Amen."


Thank you for joining me in my "weekly" Word Wednesday - though I have skipped a week!  May you find your joy in Him!

Tuesday @ Ten - TIME

Because I will be out of town the first few days of the week, and really busy this weekend getting ready for that mini road trip, I wanted to link up with my friend, Karen before the time gets away from me!  So, here I am...




Be sure to check out Karen's Facebook group for the Tuesday @ Ten followers here.



This week's prompt is:  TIME

Found on Pinterest

There are only 24 hours in each day!  That's all...

Nothing new there, but how do we use that time?

Well, however we use it, time still seems to fly away from us, leaving us wondering what we did just yesterday.

Just yesterday, my grandson was turning 4 years old and we were taking him to Disney World to celebrate!

Shayne and MeMaw

2003

That's right!  It was 2003...just yesterday!

Now, he is 16 years old, a Sophomore in High School and an amazing young man - not that I am partial or anything!

Shayne and MeMaw

2015

Yes!  Time really flies - when you are having fun!  Time flies when you look back at what was and look to what is...

I see it in all of my grandchildren; not just this one!  Since those days in 2003, I now am the proud "MeMaw" to six grandchildren: 2 girls {the oldest 18 and the youngest almost 2}; and 4 boys {the oldest 16, almost 8, 5, and 3}.  Fortunately, all but one (my oldest granddaughter) live in the same town I do.

I see it in how my life has changed over the past few years...

How do we stop time?  Actually, we don't stop it!  We use it to the fullest!

Found on Pinterest

Posted by www.examiner.com

We are given 24 hours in one day; what will we choose to do with those 24 hours?

I choose to live them to the fullest - and anyone that reads very many of my posts will know that I fulfill that choice!

In my retirement, I want to do as much as I possibly can to enjoy it...

Though how that will play out will greatly change as my husband's dementia worsens.  But, being available to do things with him will allow him to enjoy his retirement!

So, whatever I do with the time I have been given, I choose to enjoy it!

How about you?


These are the thoughts I have on Time...and time really does fly away in a heartbeat.

I WILL NOT FORGET YOU

Easy to say, isn't it?  "I will not forget you!"

But, what if circumstances beyond your control were to take that memory away from you?  What if you do forget?  What then?

Taking some time to relax this afternoon, I began to hear a program on TV about Glen Campbell and his final tour and concert.

Mr. Campbell has the dreaded disease, Alzheimer's.

He is not the man he once was.  His memory has taken away much of what he once knew.  He doesn't even know the names of his wife, children or other family and friends.  He can't name simple things that we use every day...a cup, or a toothbrush, or a comb.

But, what he does still have, lingering in the far reaches of his brain, is the memory of his music.  As he began to sing at what was to be his last concert, his memory allowed him to sing - somewhat - the songs from his awesome past.  Well, his memory and the ingenious tele-prompters that were installed within his sight!

Honestly, it wasn't the best of concerts; it was a "train wreck", as his daughter described it.  But, he did it.  And, that was that...

Speaking of the reason for the documentary, Kim Campbell said, "The more we learned about Alzheimer's, the more we wanted to shine a light on it and the more we became aware of the potential of this movie to be a catalyst for change."

Nobody wants to forget everything they know; nobody wants to forget their loved ones or the things that had once made them happy.  Nobody wants to be reduced to being cared for by a loved one who they don't even know - a stranger for all they know!

This documentary had me in tears even before I sat down to watch it.  As I sat at the computer, I knew this was speaking to me!

I am a caregiver...not something I asked to be!  I wanted to be a wife and a mother; I wanted to spend my life and my retirement with someone who would enjoy doing things with me.  Instead, this is the life we have; I am a caregiver and he is the receiver.

Well, no more than Mr. Campbell chose to "catch" the dreaded disease, my husband did not plan to either.

The truth is, he hasn't actually been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.  He was diagnosed years ago with Vascular Dementia that will not get worse unless he has more strokes.  The fact that he has been showing signs of his memory getting worse leads me to think it is getting worse.  So, when and where did these strokes happen?  Or, did they?  And, has "vascular dementia" suddenly become "Alzheimer's disease"?

Well, I know the next step for us is to get to the right doctor to have the tests done - again! - and have the diagnosis confirmed.  Then, perhaps we can find ways to move on along the journey that is ahead.

The last song Mr. Campbell recorded is called, "I'm Not Gonna Miss You."  Written with Julian Raymond, Mr. Campbell wrote this as a love letter to his wife, Kim.

You just cannot listen to this song without crying your eyes out - I know I couldn't hold them in.  I was glad my back was to my husband; he would not have understood the reason for the tears.

These are the words:

"I'm Not Gonna Miss You"

"I'm still here, but yet I'm gone

I don't play guitar or sing my songs

They never defined who I am

The man that loves you'til the end

You're the last person I will love

Your're the last face I will recall

And best of all, I'm not gonna miss you

Not gonna miss you.

I'm never gonna hold you like I did

Or say I love you to the kids

You're never gonna see it in my eyes

It's not gonna hurt me when you cry

I'm never gonna know what you go through

All the things I say or do

All the hurt and all the pain

One thing selfishly remains

I'm not gonna miss you

I'm not gonna miss you."

No, I don't think, in the end of it all, that he or my husband or anybody else afflicted with Alzheimer's disease will "miss you"...

Because they won't even remember.

But, no matter what happens in the life of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, or the life of Mr. and Mrs. London...

There is one who will always remember:

Ann Voskamp says it this way:  "Though we forget...You never forget us, You never abandon us, You never give up on us.  You have written us, our very names, on the palm of Your hands, written even me right into You - though we forget, You remember us..."

Though we forget, though our loved ones may forget, God will always remember.  He will not forget you or me.

My journey continues; my writing slows for inspiration to hit.  And today, it did.

Thank you, Mr. Campbell and family, for your heart-felt documentary.  Thank you, God, for allowing it to enter my heart and soul, and give me that inspiration.



Check out the website here for more information on the documentary, "Glen Campbell, I'll Be Me."

Tuesday @ Ten - BREAK

A last minute effort to link up with my friend, Karen, in writing from her prompt this week...well, last week!  It's Monday afternoon, and here I am getting it done!





Be sure to check out Karen's Facebook group for the Tuesday @ Ten followers here.



This week's prompt is:  BREAK


This word can be used in several ways:

1.   Break into the bank...oh yeah!  Like I would?!  Or, break into the house - I forgot my key; so I'll break into the house; it's my house, anyway!
2.   Take a break for a while...oh yeah!  Like I need a break?!  Actually, I could use a break; I'm feeling a little tired right now!
3.   Give me a break...oh yeah!  A break?  A hand-up?  An easier way to...

Well, if I were to choose one of these, I think I'd pick number one - make that number two!

I do need a break at times...a break from the routine of "no routine" days.

I love my retired life; a life that can be slow and boring if I'd let it.

I love just being home and doing what I want when I want if I want!

But, those days get tiring after a day or two or three in a row!

I prefer to take a break from those types of days; and do something fun.

I love being able to hang out with my daughters and grandkids.  I love being able to go somewhere and do something with them, make last-minute plan and just go!

I love being available to attend a baseball game, or a karate event, or even to babysit one of the younger grandkids, if that is what I want to do, or if I am needed.

I love meeting my friends for some crafting, or even some shopping; not to mention a road trip to Epcot, during the week when others may be working or in school!

Take a break?  Yes, I also take those when I am tired from household chores - which I do very little of; I hate housework, but it is a necessity.

When I take a break, it's usually to watch a TV show or read or maybe even do a little crafting or coloring.

Today, I am getting some computer work done; reading...and that makes me tired!  I am also trying to get some writing done; a couple of posts that I need want to get written.

And, I am tired!

So, I think I am going to take a break and go relax for a while; and maybe I will take a nap!

And, that is my Tuesday @ Ten post for Break!

Thank you, Karen Beth, for stretching my brain and getting this post done in time! 

Simple Woman's Daybook - April 11, 2016

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today

April 11, 2016

Outside My Window:  A beautiful day outside awaits me.  At least I'll go out for a short errand to the post office and to pick up a prescription...

I Am Thinking:  About some projects I can do for the upcoming Puppy Crop - a celebration of the first birthday of the liter of puppies born last October:

The Five Puppies

Born at

the "Real" Puppy Crop

Oct. 2015

The projects I want to do are "party favors" for all of the attendees; can't wait to celebrate!

I Am Praising God for:  The Riverside Children's Art Center held year-round at my church.  We celebrated the 10th anniversary this past weekend; 10 years of  amazing children that have come through this outreach program.

I Am Wearing:  A pair of capris and my gray "Challenge Accepted" t-shirt from the "write31days" challenge October 2015.  And, of course, my crocs!

{I really really really want a new pair of "something" that I can wear around the house!}

I Am Creating:  While at the retreat recently, I spent an entire day experimenting with {playing with} my Prima doll, Sea Sallie, the Mermaid:

I had so much FUN "playing" with this little Mermaid...and gave away all of the ones made!  Guess I'll have to make some more...

A Few Things for the Week:

Monday:  Stay-at-home doing laundry and a bit of other chores; perhaps a little stamping and coloring?

Tuesday:  Attend the monthly breakfast with my husband and his high school classmates - c/o 1957!

Then, I have a doctor's appointment followed by some "free time" hanging out, maybe browsing the consignment/antique stores before grabbing a bite to eat and heading to a meeting at church.

Wednesday:  Perhaps another stay-at-home day; or I may hang out with my daughter.

Thursday:  Glad to see that this is a light week; but you never know what may come up - would love to get my hair cut!!

But, I'll either stay at home or hang out with my daughter...whichever I didn't do on Wednesday!

Friday:  Scrapbooking with friends in the afternoon and creating a layout in the evening for our "ugly paper" challenge...how can paper be "ugly" when the theme is "butterflies"?!  We will see what is done in this creative challenge!

Saturday:  Attending the 1st birthday of my niece's son; they have lived in Washington state for a number of years and we haven't even met the little guy yet!  But they have recently moved back to this area...and my brother and sister-in-law will also be here!  Think:  "Almost" family reunion!

Sunday:  Attend church; out for lunch with friends...then, relax and get ready for the next few days...a road trip to Epcot in Orlando, FL with a friend!!  YAY!

I Am Wondering:  Where to go for a mini vacation with my husband?  I'd love to have a real vacation; but I do find things to do that I enjoy.  I just need to get away with him for a few days; he needs time away from the routine, too!

I Am Reading:  "A Likeness in Stone" by J. Wallis Martin, the first novel for this author.  It's a mystery, a favorite of mine to read.

I Am Hoping:  To finish a couple of other posts after I write this one.  I have been struggling with writing lately...

I Am Looking Forward to:  A road trip to Epcot in Orlando, FL for the International Flower and Garden Festival...

I Am Learning:  To be content where I am...thanks to my blogging friend at iwillbloom.

I Am Hearing:  "Rachel Ray Show" on TV...I think it's really funny that my husband always "complains" that I watch HGTV or Food Network all the time; yet, when he goes out walking, he leaves it on Food Network (a "cook show", as he calls it)!

In My Kitchen:  Pulled hot dogs out for dinner; hubby went to the store for buns.

A Fave Scripture Thought:  The scripture says, "Give thanks in every situation because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  (1 Thess. 5:18 CEB).

I Am Pondering:  The need to give thanks to God for all things...because it is His will that we do so.  And, in giving thanks, as Ann Voskamp would say:

Grace + Thanksgiving = Joy

We have grace through our Savior, Jesus Christ; and we are to give thanks for that and all that we have been given.  That leads to the Joy we feel in Jesus Christ when we give thanks for the grace...

Hmmm...a tongue-twister, for sure!  But, one leads to the other and the other leads to the one!  {OK!  I'll QUIT!}

And another week with the Simple Woman's Daybook has concluded.  Join me again next week for a new post full of more fun things.

Don't forget to go to Peggy's blog and read all of the other fun and interesting posts for her link-up.