Thursday, May 28, 2015

Gifts Found in May 2015 - Part 3

Moving on to Part 3 of Gifts Found in May 2015; check out Part 1 and Part 2!


May 15th
3 Gifts About You


{I think this one is one of the hardest Gifts for me ... to look at myself for the Gifts God has given; and, not necessarily talents ... Yet - }

1.  The Gift of Writing - I love to write ... journaling, blogging, poetry, whatever;

And I feel God has given me the Gift of the Words I share, words that encourage others;

Words that inspire others;

Words that help others know they are not alone in their struggles -

And these others encourage and inspire me!

2.  The Gift of Listening - I consider myself a good listener, most of the time ... hearing others' words of pain, hurt, illness, joy, happiness;

Whatever others need or want to share, I am available to listen!

And, I can "listen" to the hearts of my online friends through their blogs and my comments, as well as on Facebook.

3.  The Gift of Sharing - If I have it, and my friends or family need it ...

I will more than gladly give "it" to them!

May 16th
3 Gifts Found in His Word

1.  The Gift of Psalms - My favorite scriptures come from the Psalms, probably because they are so poetic, songs to our God!

Part of my morning devotions include a book, "A Daily Journey Through Psalms for Women."

We were also challenged at our recent Disciples Women's Ministry meeting to read Psalm 119 - all 176 verses!  This is a challenge I will love doing; and will use it for my other challenge, to "Journal Your Journey with Jesus"...

2.  The Gift of Prayer - God's Word shares many parables, and stories, and miracles;

His Word is a song, a psalm, a prayer; 

And the Lord's Prayer is the most remembered {and used} prayer in the Bible!

3.  The Gift of Promises - God's Word is full of His Promises:

To guide and direct our paths;

to BE with us;

to strengthen and comfort us;

to love and adore;

to clothe and feed ...

He promises to provide all that we need and want - withing reason, of course!

Just ask, and He will answer, just as He has promised He'd do.


May 17th
A Gift in a Box, a Bag, a Book

The Gift of Friendship - The bag sits on my dining room table, ready for the "date"!  A birthday has passed; but the celebration I will have with my friend is yet to be scheduled.

Friendship is a gift!  Sharing time with a friend is a precious gift!


May 18th
3 Gifts Unexpected

1.  The Gift of Time - Though it was nearly 10 pm, and we were all tired and ready for bed, my daughter sat and talked with me for a while after she and her husband came home from their "date night".

2.  The Gift of Cuddles - An unexpected - yet, an expected - gift from my grandchildren...

Hugs and Cuddles before bedtime!  Always expected and welcomed; yet a bit unexpected, as children are quite unpredictable!

3.  The Gift of Help - He always has to have money in his pocket; no matter how much I struggle to keep a handle on our budget, he has to have it!

Yet, he buys things we need...like putting gas in my car the day before payday!  {I actually had enough to go 'til the next day; but he wanted to "help" me.}

Of course, there are times he buys on a whim; like a candy bar (for me) or a coloring book (for a grandchild)...

But, I guess it's all in wanting to "help" - and I need to recognize that as a gift!


May 19th
3 Gifts from Your Childhood

1.  The Gift of Joy - Oh what joy is in the giving of a gift wanted...

One Christmas, my parents asked what I wanted...giving me a choice:  a bike or a pair of skates.  I don't recall which I told them or if I had actually asked for both, but was told I could only have one!

So, when I checked out a very heavy box under the tree, with my name on it, I knew to expect a pair of skates - and I was excited and happy...

THE REST OF THE STORY...

After all of the gifts were opened, my parents sent me into the dining room to get a cup of coffee for our guests...

And, there - propped against the wall - was my bike!

Oh what joy!!

2.  The Gift of Adventure - A girl, climbing a tree...one in front of my grandparent's house, not too high, with a sturdy spot made just right for a little girl to sit in...



Another tree in our front yard, a bit highter; yet I managed to climb up into its branches -

Higher and higher;

Only to need help getting down!

3.  The Gift of Acceptance - I have always felt that growing up in a military family -

Meaning we lived around, went to school with, played with all "kinds" of people -

Has given me the gift of acceptance of all people.

I could never be described as a prejudiced person; I am open and accepting of ALL, no matter age, sex, racial or sexual preference, whatever!

In my eyes, as in God's eyes, ALL are created equal; 

ALL ARE EQUAL!


May 20th
A Gift Sweet, Sour, Salty


The Gift of Taste

Days spent with my family are always "sweet".  Sometimes it becomes a bit "sour" if the boys begin fighting/arguing and not getting along; or can be a bit "salty", with some differences and opinions to "season" the day.

Today, sharing a delicious carrot cake cupcake from a new local shop called "YUM - A Southern Market" with my daughter who knows the owner...

All I can say is:  "YUM!"

May 21st
3 Gifts found in Little People


1.  The Gift of Music - Tonight I enjoyed a piano recital of about 10 children, ages 6 to 13; piano students of my daughter's.  Amazing talent; brings back memories of going to her recitals!

2.  The Gift of Excitement - This same group of students were so excited to be able to share their recital pieces with their families and friends.  What joy to see their excitement!

3.  The Gift of Life - Such a sad loss for the community to lose a precious 4 year old to cancer (and other issues).  He was so full of love and life; and such a joy to see him dance around and share his life.  What a sad day to lose this precious boy.  He will be missed; rest in peace, precious child...you are now in the arms of Jesus.



May 22nd
3 Gifts That Made You Laugh


1.  The Gift of Childish Innocence - A friend posted this little comic moment about her daughter:

Another day where "A" does something that makes me think 'WE ARE IN TROUBLE' ...

She just received a bubble gun from Disney; waws told she couldn't blow bubbles in the house ...

She seemed to have forgotten the rule; and Daddy reminded her.

So...

She walked over to the doggie door, opened it up, leaned out and blew the bubbles outside the doggie door while she held the flap with the other hand!

She is not quite 3 years old!!

2.  The Gift of Cultural Differences - My hubby had an old movie on, "King Ralph" with John Goodman.  I sat down to eat lunch and at first wasn't sure about the move...

I am not a big fan of John Goodman!

Then, the scene where the were showing "King Ralph" - a definite non-British king! - how to play their British game similar to baseball in the USA.

He stood on his mark, went through some preparations, much as a professional baseball play would, and then signaled to the "pitcher" that he was ready...

and swung...hitting a home run ball through the upstairs room!  (The poing was not to hit the ball UP, but more of a bowling hit).

Yes, I laughed so hard at this incident - and others!  It was a hilarious movie!!

3.  The Gift of Laughter - Not really sure what was so funny that we laughed so hard ...

but it's a guarantee that whenever I am with my friends, there will be plenty of laughter!

Tonight was no exception - the laugh out loud, seriously snorting kind of laughter ...

but not quite the next steps of tears and "peeing" pants!

And, while some days I find it hard to find all three of a category; today, I have an extra one that I must share!!

4.  The Gift of a Pet - Early in the morning, I was aware of two things:  My hubby was not in the bed; he was in the living room on the couch; and Midnight (our tuxedo cat) was lying beside me near my knees.

A short time after I was aware of these things, my husband came back into the room and went into the bathroom.  As soon as he opened the bedroom door and headed in, Midnight started inching her way up towards my head and huddled there...

When my husband came out of the bathroom and got in bed, he did not ever know she was lying there!

What a sneaky cat!!  She knows how he feels about her in the bed with us; and she also knows I don't mind!!



May 23rd
3 Gifts Found in Community

1.  The Gift of Prayer - Online communities, church communities, work and school communities; family, friends, acquaintances...

all come together in times of need and lift each other up in prayer.

2.  The Gift of Lifting Up - When I'm down, sad, depressed, upset, I can always depend on someone to lift me up - make me joyful and happy again.

3.  The Gift of Encouragement - And, there are many friends through blogging - writing - that encourage me ... to continue to write; to not give up (the journey with things I cannong change!)

It never fails ... and even reading others' blogs encourage me!



May 24th
A Gift in a Plate, a Pot, a Package


The Gift of Family - A pot, cooking a delicous meal we would soon put on a plate;

and gather around the table as a family ...

this surely is a gift to be cherished!


TO BE CONTINUED...




I AM LEARNING




It is time for Tuesday @ Ten!  Karen provides us with a word or phrase for us to write about, and a full week to get our posts written and link up with others.  

This week Karen has challenged us to write using the phrase: 



"I AM LEARNING..."



To "Be Still and Know..."


To Stop

and "smell the roses";

to sit quietly -

alone -

waiting...



To Be Silent

and Listen...

for God's voice.



To Take the time

and "be in the moment"

{whatever that moment may be}



As I sit by the window

in the quiet of a morning,

reading His Word,

and the devotion for the day,

sharing my heart in my journal...


Am I open to Hear?


How do I know

it is His Voice

that I hear?


How do I shut out my thoughts;

my "to do" list;

my needs and requests?


How do I completely shut out

Everything?!


Each word I read

assures me...

Whatever my need may be,

His Word is sure to speak to me.


And,

in the stillness of the morning...

I pray His voice breaks through

all of the "stuff"

that is cluttering my mind.


I pray to Hear

His Voice

in the stillness.


And I know...

it will come!





Saturday, May 23, 2015

I AM ENCOURAGED BY...



It is time Tuesday @ Ten - with a phrase or "open-ended" prompt to write about, and a full week to get our posts written!


This week Karen has challenged us to write using: 


"I AM ENCOURAGED BY..."


God's Word:

"God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course."  Psalm 119:33 (The Message)

"Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him"
Psalm 37:7 (HCSB)

"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

"Awake, my soul!  Awake, O harp and lyre!  I will awake the dawn."
Psalm 57:8 (NRSV)


These are just a few of the verses that have encouraged me the past few days as I continue each morning in God's Word - routinely; every morning!

It is not always easy to do that - 

When other things, places, people are "calling to me"; luring me away from His Word...

When the noises and disturbances of the world are invading the quiet that I long for...

But, each time I sit down - 

God's Word is faithful and comes through to show me His Way; to assure me He is always there, waiting for me; encouraging me to keep the faith and do that which I know I should do!!


My Family and Friends:

I am always encouraged by those around me...

Whether they encourage me to continue the tasks that are hard {finding quiet time};

or to try when I don't think I can do it {lose weight; walk for exercise};

or to find time for myself - alone or with family and friends; this is not a hard thing for me!  And whenever I do spend time with family and friends - they are always encouraging!


My Blogging Friends:

Actually, my blogging friends are included in the above category!  But I didn't include the encouragement I receive from so many of you to continue in my writing!

I often wonder {this was last week's prompt!} if what I write is even read or helpful to anyone else...

Then I receive comments from those who are reading, and the encouraging comments I receive assure me...they are read, and are helpful to others!

Thank you, Friends, for all the encouraging words - they keep me writing!







Friday, May 22, 2015

THE EYES OF TIME

Blue eyes -
Once bright
And sparkling,
Flashing to and fro,
Watching,
Taking it all in.

Now,
The sparkle gone;
The tiredness obvious;
What memories
Behind those 
Blue eyes,
No longer bright,
No longer sparkling.

Blond hair -
Thinning,
A spot balding;
Endearing.

Now,
No longer blond -
When did the gray
Become more prominent?
The balding spot
Filling your head?

You shuffle
Down the walk,
Slower and slower -
Steps once quick and sure,
No longer sure;
Which way to turn?

Did the eyes see...
When
You became...
Older?
When
Life
Slowed down...
A slower pace?

How long 'til slow
Becomes slower...
Becomes slowed...
Becomes...
Stopped?

Do the eyes know...
How long before
You no longer go...
On your own?

So much of life behind;
How much is left ahead?
How much?

The eyes of time -
They see...
So much!
They know...
So much!

The eyes of time...


{BJLondon - May, 2015}



Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Gifts Found in May 2015 - Part 2


Beginning Part 2 of Gifts Found in May 2015; check out Part 1 here!


May 8th
3 Gifts Inside a Closet

1.  The Gift of Clothing - A look into my closet doesn't provide much of interest; but the fact that I have plenty of clothes for my "retired" lifestyle - a couple of dresses for church or other dressy occasions; jeans, capris, comfortable tops for casual times - 

There are many who have far less than I do...

I am blessed to have so many clothes!


2.  The Gift of Footsteps - I do have several pairs of shoes, and long for a comfortable pair when I have to walk very much; but -

I have shoes!

There are those who have none, yet must walk to get anywhere!

3.  The gift of Warmth - Inside my closet are a number of blankets I pull out in the winter, or to make a pallet in the living room if the grandkids stay overnight.

These blankets provide warmth - and comfort - to all who use them.

There are many who have neither a blanket or the warmth they give.

Thank you, God, for the clothes on my back; the shoes on my feet; and the blankets to give me warmth.  Show me ways I can share what I can with others.


May 9th
3 Gifts Found in the Dark

1.  The Gift of the Night - As I gaze outside, at the beautiful cloudless sky, I see hundreds, thousands, probably more, little twinkling lights - the stars help the moon light up the night.

2.  The Gift of Light - No matter how dark my days (or my nights) may be, God will lead me to the Light.

3.  The Gift of Sight - When I awaken to the darkness of the night, my eyes quickly adjust and I am able to find my way.

Once the light of day begins to filter in, my eyes re-adjust to allow me to continue to rest or to get up to a new day.


May 10th
A Gift Outside, Inside, Upside Down

The Gift of Presents/Presence - Today was Mother's Day, and we gathered at my daughter's house for pizza and to hang out.  We enjoyed the presence of family; and the presents given to the mothers.

Thank you, God, for our mothers - those here and those already with you;

And for the ones who are, themselves, mothers - 

And for the fathers who help honor and celebrate mothers.


May 11th
3 Gifts About Your Parents


My Parents
on their Wedding Day
June 1950

1.  The Gift of Patience - My father loved to put together model airplanes!  After he had a stroke, he lost the use of one of his hands and arm.  But, he figured out ways to brace the pieces and continue to do what he loved.

He was so patient most of the time - as he was in raising us three children!

2.  The Gift of Self-less-ness - Always putting others first, always supportive and understanding...

Always there for me and my brothers, and others!

That was my mother, my best friend!

3.  The Gift of Loyalty - My parents were loyal - to each other; to their family; to their God; to their jobs.  They celebrated 40 years of marriage, just about a month before my dad passed away;

And my mother continued to be loyal 'til the day she died.

They are reunited now in their Heavenly Home - 

forever loyal to each other and to God!


May 12th
3 Gifts Held in Hand Today

1.  The Gift of Enough - My debit card in hand, I pay for our meal, knowing the money is available for this month's breakfast {with husband's high school alumni - c/o 1957!}.

God provides our resources - financial, physical; whatever needs we may have, He provides - and we have what we need and more...

We have enough!

2.  The Gift of Thoughts - As I put pen to paper, the words flow ... words that I feel - I know - have been given by God; words that express my thoughts.

What I think - I feel ... 

what I feel - I share ... 

what I share - I know He has guided by hand to write.

3.  The Gift of Freedom - I hold a set of keys in my hand; keys to our apartment and to my car.  Wherever my heart desires to go, I am only held back by time and money ...

And perhaps the logical idea of where I may want to go!  Yet, I have the freedom to do so if I could or wanted to.



May 13th
3 Gifts Found in Your Mother



1.  The Gift of Respect - As a young person, I saw the respect my parents had for each other;

And I respected them.

I never wanted to do anything that would disappoint them, or cause them to lose their respect for me -

2.  The Gift of Acceptance - Yet, I know my life took many turns my mother may not have completely agreed with;

But she accepted who I was; the direction of my life led me;

and...

3.  The gift of Support - My mother was always there for me, giving me the love and support she always showed ...

To my father, their children -

Thank you, God, for the respect, acceptance, support ...

My mother (and father) showed in their lives.



May 14th
A Gift Picked Up, Put Away, Put Back

The Gift of Shade - A big floppy hat - picked out by a loving daughter to help keep the sun from my face, neck, back ...

Picked up off the stool on Mother's Day; put away once I brought it home -

Only to be picked up and used, then put away, put back!

A thoughtful gift ... an appreciated gift!




Simple Woman's Daybook - May 18, 2015

Linking up with


Linking with The Simple Woman's Daybook again this week - 
Since I really missed reading others' posts and linking one myself!  So, here I am again this week!!

FOR TODAY:
May 18, 2015


Outside My Window:  The sun is shining on another beautiful day - not sure of the temp todya; but the last few days have been in the low 80's - not the high 80's like earlier in the week!

I am Thinking:  Of all the things I really should be doing: laundry; dishes; vacuuming; dusting...get the picture?!

I am Thankful:  For my friends who always have sweet, inspiring, encouraging words to say to me...

I am Wearing:  Gray light-weight "sweat" pants, a black and gray striped night shirt, and my crocs.


I am Creating:  A couple of projects: one is a patriotic door hanger to swap with a total of 10 people; the other will be a birthday "card" (or tag) to swap with close to 25 or 26 people!

I am Going:  To have another busy week; babysitting, crafting; and grocery shopping - it is payday week and our freezer is getting very bare!

I am Wondering:  What my cat is thinking...I keep moving her out of my way (she is laying in between the laptop and my larger monitor) - she is like the "Energizer Bunny"; every time I move her out of the way, she comes right back.  At least now she is laying down!

I am Reading:  I am almost finished reading Ann Voskamp's book, "One Thousand Gifts"; it has been opening my eyes to God's World, his Gifts, and the Everyday Things that ARE His Gifts!  I may grab a book to take with me when I go babysit tonight; but haven't decided what my next book will be!

I am Hoping:  To spend an evening with my friend this week; her birthday was the 9th and we haven't had a chance to go out to celebrate yet!

I am Looking Forward to:  Attending a Piano Recital my daughter is having for her students!

I am Learning:  To slow down more often and "smell the roses"; or at least look at them!  You never know what else you may find while looking!


Photo by BJLondon

In My Kitchen:  Let's just say, it needs my attention!  But, half of a roast is ready to be put into the crock post for dinner!

Around the House:  More attention needed...

I am Pondering:  God's Word - I have been attempting to follow along with Dawn {Enthusiastically, Dawn} with her "Journal Your Journey with Jesus" challenge...I am not completing the challenge as I should; which is sad!  I read two devotions, the scripture references and meditations every morning...some days I do not get it done (like before leaving for church).  I should be more into my prayer time with God and learn what He wants me to be pondering!

One of My Fave Things:  A flexible life-style; I should take more advantage of what I should be doing!

A Favorite Quote for Today:  

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.  They must be felt with the heart."  -Helen Keller

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:

Monday:  Chores around the apartment until around 5:0o when I go babysit for my 3 youngest grandkids so my daughter and son-in-law can go to a movie.

Tuesday:  Payday; grocery shopping; filling cars with gas...

Wednesday:  Babysit again...

Thursday:  Piano Recital

Friday:  An open day so far!

Saturday:  Plans have not been made for Saturday yet either!

Sunday:  Pentecost Sunday!  And, another week ended and beginning...just like that!

From the Board Room:  One of my friends posted this beautiful image and quote on Facebook -



Post Script:  A fave photo of yours truly - there aren't very many of them; but thought I'd share one for a P.S.

Photo taken by M.Young
Being Silly at Sweet Pete's Candy Shoppe