KATTS KOMMENTS

THE GIANT REDWOOD

2012-01-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we had the privilege of attending an adult Sunday school class. I love teaching our teens, but it was a nice change to be with adults that Sunday morning.
One of the things I took away from that class was about Giant Redwood trees.
I've never visited California (except the airport), but it's on my "bucket list".
What Pete shared was about the strength of the Redwood trees root system.
I was intrigued and came home to look up more information about these amazing trees.
How have they survived all these years? Some of them are over 350 feet tall and need lots of water to sustain themselves.
The constant upward flow of water from the roots to the top of the tree is amazing to me, to say the least. It seems the plumbing within the tree itself carries the water and nutrients up into the tree. The interaction of water molecules with the sides of the capillary tubes creates a bond which drags the water up with it. At the same time the water evaporating from the leaf creates a vacuum which also pulls the water up into the tree. The redwood roots are very shallow, only about five or six feet deep. So what sustains this giant tree?
The roots are thick, and thrive in thick groves, and intertwine with other roots.
Pete reminded us, that's exactly what we as Christians do. We intertwine with other roots---Christians.
I don't think I will ever look at a Redwood tree the same. I've always loved their history, but never really understood the make-up. Just what makes that tree so strong, and able to survive.
Just like the Redwood tree, I count on my Christian friends to sustain me, and help me over the "dry" spells.
Jeremiah 17:8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-20T08:15:00.000-05:00

Several years ago I traded pine trees and snow for palm trees and sand.
The first Christmas away from the cold and beautiful white blanket I was homesick. Nothing seemed the same. Nothing felt right. I missed my family, I missed wrapping up in layers and traipsing through the snow. I missed caroling and snuggling around the fire trying to remember what my toes felt like.
I was engulfed with memories taking me back to times when I rushed out of bed, sliding my feet onto an ice cold floor and rushing downstairs to get warm.
I closed my eyes and remembered Grandma's kitchen warm from bread coming out of the oven. The Santa favors she made from apples, sitting at the head of each plate.
While shopping one day, sorting through a pile of wall plaques the words, Bloom Where God Plants You, stared back at me.
Hmmmm.....
I wish I could say that was the day I realized Christmas isn't about pine trees and snow, or palm trees and sand, but about the way I feel.

Earlier this week I heard myself say, I can't wait for Christmas this year, it's on Sunday. I felt joy in my heart, knowing we would start the day worshiping and celebrating Jesus birth. The reason for Christmas.
And spending the rest of the day surround with friends I love.

BESIDE THE STILL WATERS

2011-12-15T12:57:00.000-05:00

My new book, Beside The Still Waters is now available, and just in time for Christmas.
Years ago my dream was to write poetry. I had visions of becoming the next Elizabeth Barrett Browning, but try as I might I could never get past "roses are red, violets are blue".
One day the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said, "write these words". I went to the keyboard and typed as fast as I could. At times the words were coming faster than I could keep up.
Most of the poems in this book happened the same way.
One of my favorites is Those Three Wisemen,
The sky was black
On that eerie night
We wondered then
What was that sight?
There was a star
That led the way
Those three men
They stopped to pray
Those Three Wisemen
Who came to see
A sight to share
With you and me
They each brought gifts
To share with You
They saw a babe
So brand new.
In the manger
On that night
That tiny babe
What a sight.

How could we know
When we saw His face
He'd be the one
To change this place?
We offered frankincense
And myrrh
On that night
No one did stir.
The eastern light
That guided them
Is there until
He comes again.

Heroes

2011-12-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

When I was a little girl my hero was my aunt. I always looked up to Aunt Dolores. She was a registered nurse who set up an Army hospital tent in South Africa during WWII.
After the war she worked in a hospital during the night. I remember her coming home very early in the morning, wearing her white uniform. She was coming home and getting ready to sleep as I was getting up ready to start my day.
One day I mentioned to my Grandmother I wanted to have my picture taken with Aunt Dolores wearing her uniform.
By the time that information got filtered down to Aunt Dolores she was already crawling into bed after working a long shift.
I found that picture a few days ago. It brought tears to my eyes when I remembered that morning.
Aunt Dolores crawled out of bed, put on a fresh uniform, placed her nurses cap on her head and called for me to join her for a "photo shoot".
Over the years I've had many "heroes". Some of them are still here with me, and some of them like my dear Aunt have already gone to be with the Lord.
Who has been a big influence in your life?
I am also wondering if I have been a good influence on someone else life?
I hope my aunt realized how much that little six year old girl looked up to her.

BRIDGES OR FENCES

2011-11-07T13:52:00.000-05:00

Our pastor had a fabulous message yesterday. It was about bridges and fences.
He reminded us of friendships that may have ended due to a misunderstanding. And how important it is to build bridges to recreate that relationship.
I know in my own life there have been times when someone has hurt my feelings. And in my "human-ness" (is that a word), it is easier to build a fence than a bridge to "reconnect" with each other.
It is often easier to protect ourselves behind a fence, rather than expose our hearts by offering a bridge.
I wonder how many times though when we attempt to build a bridge and learn that person on the other side has erected a very high, impenetrable fence.
What to do now?
That's when you need to hand your hammer and nails over to the Carpenter. You know the One.
Proverbs 6:3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend.

2011-11-05T12:53:00.000-04:00

Oswald Chambers wrote "If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a multitude of experiences that are not meant for you at all, they are meant to make you useful in His hands, and to enable you to understand what transpires in other souls so that you will never be surprised at what you come across."
People say to me all the time, actually over the years, "why has this happened to me?"
I don't always understand Oswald Chambers. In fact at times I have to re-read what he has written to let it soak in. I think this message is one of those.
As I thought about it, I could relate to a few things in my own life. God has been "preparing" me for so many years.
When He calls us to do something, and we feel unqualified, I always hesitate to say that. I'm always afraid He's going to qualify me.
What kind of experiences have you had in your life?

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future says the Lord.

ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER

2011-11-04T10:11:00.000-04:00

It's funny, you can tell by the tone of a friends voice what's going on in their life. They don't have to tell you.
I didn't know why he was upset, or sad, but I knew something was up.
"I've been rejected." He said. "I feel like a loser."
"First of all my friend, they did not reject you. They don't have a "fit" for your work right this minute."
Every time one of our author friends gets that exciting news "I'm going to be published", we all rejoice with them.
When that author sends out the publicity, : "I'm so happy to tell you, (whatever publisher) has picked up my book. It will be released next summer..... that's what they send out. What they don't send out is: I queried seven hundred and fifty publishers before that one asked to see my manuscript.....and that one finally said, yeah, we'll publish you!
My friend was laughing before we hung up.
That's what we do, as friends. We encourage each other.
I reminded him to stop calling, or thinking of himself as a "loser". They didn't reject him personally. Besides how could anyone reject that sweet adorable person that he is.
I know the next call he gets will be an acceptance. He's a terrific writer.

GODS PERFECT SYSTEM

2011-10-27T10:26:00.000-04:00

I remember when my baby first started crawling. I sat on the floor with her, coaxing her to crawl. One day, on her own she pulled herself up to the couch, and tried to walk over the few short steps to the coffee table. I clapped and shouted. I think I scared her. She fell on the floor and a few tears welled in her eyes. I rushed over to her, held her in my arms and encouraged her to try again.
She was the happiest baby. I rarely remember her crying.
She wasn't afraid of anything, including stairs.
As she grew, and learned a few of the dangers, some of them on her own, I think I grew too.
One of the hardest lessons for parents to learn is we have to let them "fall" a few times. That's what makes each of us stronger.
When my son was born a few years later, I wasn't as cautious. I tried not to shelter him as I had my daughter.
I'm so glad my Father has been there to "catch" me. And cheer me on.
As I've grown older, and I hope wiser, I've learned to be safe in His arms.
It's like making a wrong turn, and learning you're on the wrong road. How did I get here, and where do I go from here?
Now that I'm old, I know where my GPS is. Gods Perfect System...
He answers my prayers working them out in His perfect timing. It's not necessary for me to know where I'm going, I'm a follower.
John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

PATHS OF PEACE

2011-10-25T13:57:00.000-04:00

I tossed around in bed, looked at the clock, 3 a.m. I rolled over on my back, scooted two dogs over and attempted to fall back asleep. However, the harder I tried, the more the wheels were set into motion. Too many things to do, should be up and attempting to check them off my "to do list" for the day.
I settled into a comfy chair in the office and began reading my daily devotionals. The first one I usually read, not that I'm a creature of habit, is Sarah Young's Jesus Calling.
The first words I read were, "Lie down in green pastures of Peace. Learn to unwind whenever possible, resting in the Presence of your Shepherd. This electronic age keeps My children "wired" much of the time, too tense to find Me in the midst of their moments.
Before I started reading that morning, I turned on my phone to see if I had "missed" any calls.
After reading the fist paragraph, I reached for my phone again and turned it on vibrate.
I don't need to check email, text messaging, or missed phone calls. At least not first thing in the morning.
I need to sit and be still.
My friends and I carry our phones in our hands, ready to answer the next text message. Constantly in touch with "someone".
When I opened my email that day and had two or three hundred from that morning, I knew why I was feeling stressed.
Where do you start slowing down? Who to you tell no? What goes to the top of the pile, or the bottom?
It wasn't easy, but I did it. Started saying no. Feeling a little guilty, but I think that too shall pass.
Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.

The Big Pink Ribbon

2011-10-24T16:34:00.000-04:00

I was one of 2,334 people who tried to break the Guinness Book of World Records for Human Awareness. Saudi Arabia now holds the title with over 3,000 people in the ribbon. Our goal was 5,000. Unfortunately we didn't make the goal, but the spirit was there.
Seven of us traveled over an hour to participate in the "Big Pink Ribbon". We donned our pink tee shirts, headed for our tent, and waited to line up.
The people who organized it began a year ago. And in fact, one year ago, the first annual event, they had over 800 people show up. So this year to have over 2,000 participate, I'm sure by next year we'll have over 5,000, and we'll break that record!
As I stood in our section, 7a, and their were 7 of us, tears welled in my eyes. I stood there for my Aunt Dolores who passed away several years ago. Her battle with breast cancer was a valiant one. Unfortunately the drugs to fight the type of cancer she had were not available twenty years ago. As a tear slid down my cheek I looked straight ahead of me. There stood my friend who has been battling cancer since February. She has gone through surgery, chemo, and another surgery just last week. Participating in this event was important to her. She has not been cleared to drive, so we shoved (very gently of course) into the car, and headed north.
I looked at her smiling face. She was dressed in socks, long pants and sleeves, a wide brimmed straw hat topped her "bald" head. Her smile warmed the entire state of Florida. I praise the Lord for her continuing recovery.
I turned my head to the left to see the face of another smiling friend who fought the fight several years ago, and is today cancer free.
I said a prayer thanking the Lord for my sister-in-law, my niece and two other friends who are all , so far, recovering from this ugly disease.
Even though we didn't break the record, I think we set a new one for ourselves.

It was a day of celebration and rejoicing.

LOVELIGHT

2011-10-12T10:16:00.000-04:00

When I was a little girl I thought my grandmother was the Esther Price of the candy world. In case you don't live in Ohio, Esther Price makes the best candy in the world. I think the "home" office/factory is still in Dayton, Ohio.
Grandma and my Great Aunt Helen spent an entire day in the kitchen making "dipped" chocolate drops. They spent hours mixing the creamy center, rolling them, by hand, into little balls and then dipping them in the melted chocolate. After this process they placed them on round trays and stored them in an unheated bedroom upstairs just weeks before Christmas.
Grandma didn't tell me Aunt Helen was coming for the day, she wanted to surprise me with the candy. However, I was not allowed to "sample" it before Christmas.
From my perspective I didn't quite understand how Grandma knew I had been "in that bedroom". How did she know "one piece of candy" was missing?
Grandma turned on her "lovelight". Don't bother looking that word up, because as far as I'm know....it isn't a word. It's one I made up to describe Grandma. Her love used to shine through the light of Jesus.
I was reminded of Grandma's "lovelight" this morning when I baked chocolate chip cookies for a friend who had surgery yesterday. Chocolate chip cookies seem to be my "lovelight".
What's yours?

HAPPY WHATEVER

2011-10-10T15:06:00.000-04:00

We took the flag down a few days ago during a rain storm. This morning, wanting to show my "patriotic" enthusiasm I hung it back up.
My hubby thought it would be best if we drove separate cars to his doctors appointment, that way he wouldn't be late for his tee time. I had several errands to run anyway, so it wasn't a problem for me either.
When I looked at my watch and realized I was right on schedule, I breathed a sigh of relief. Just one more stop and I can go home. I started chatting with the lady beside me, and I have no idea how two strangers started talking about what "holiday" today is. I mentioned hanging the flag again, because I always want to support the Veterans on Veterans Day. She and another person gave me a funny look. Then she said, "I've been telling people today is Columbus Day." I started to disagree and said, "no, November 11, isn't that Veterans Day? She smiled and nodded, "it is, but today is October 10th."
I knew that......

WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK

2011-10-08T11:47:00.000-04:00

My hubby got up, showered and dressed, ready to play golf. He walked outside looking at the ominous sky, and came back inside.
"What's wrong?"
He shook his head, "I'm thinking with those black clouds over head, we're going to get a nasty storm."
He sat in his recliner and flipped through the channels, looking for local weather. He picked up his phone, called the golf course. "Don't know buddy." His golfing pal said.
My hubby sat in his chair trying to decide what to do. Finally, he sat back and picked up the morning newspaper.
I walked into the living room. "Not playing today?"
He shook his head. "I don't think so. It's windy, and I think it's going to rain."
As the morning unfolded, the black skies dissipated, the wind died down, and my husband sank a little lower into his chair.
"I should have gone."
I wonder how many times that has happened to me? I don't do something because I'm anticipating the worst?
In my husbands case the day couldn't have been more beautiful. It didn't look like that earlier.
What's holding you back?

One is Silver, The Other Gold

2011-10-03T09:28:00.000-04:00

One of the four daily devotionals I read everyday is Ellen Miller's Inspiration for Girlfriends.
This past week Ellen has shared about her grandmother's group who called themselves the Forty-Two club. This group of friends got together at each others home for over twenty five years to play a game of dominoes. Twenty-five years..
As I read the devotionals this past week with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye, memories of a group of my own friends flooded my mind. We called ourselves the Golden Girls, after a popular TV show at the time. I don't know why, we didn't resemble any of the original golden girls, but perhaps because we were close friends. We met once a month for dinner to share what had happened over the past month. We talked about boyfriends, and then husbands, eventually children and grandchildren. We laughed at weddings, bridal showers, births, and hugged each other over illness and funerals. We shared concerns about our aging parents and their health issues, and finally we moved to the head of the line with our own health issues. Today we are spread out across the country. We were separated by jobs, the need to care for aging parents, or an opportunity to move to a warmer climate. The Golden Girls no longer pull out our calendars at the end of dinner to plan our next "meeting". We do attempt to keep in touch and pray for each other, even though we are separated by miles.
I realized this week, after reading one of Ellen Miller's devotions, how the Lord has orchestrated a "new group" of friends for me. One by one He arranged them all. We call ourselves the "Sista's". We are creating new memories as friends. I look forward to the precious moments we spend together, laughing and praying.
I have been more than blessed with friends. I thank the Lord everyday for the precious hearts He has brought into my life.
When I was in Girl Scouts we used to sing a song, "Make New Friends, but keep the old, One is Silver and the other gold."

Chad Varga, If You Only Knew

2011-09-30T21:11:00.000-04:00

I woke yesterday with what I can only describe as what I think swallowing razor blades might feel like. As the day progressed a slight fever and headache followed. To say my schedule was slightly rearranged would be correct. I had planned to spend the entire day editing.
My girlfriend called offering to drop off "the book" I showed interest in reading.
Chad Varga entered the picture. I spent the day getting to know all about this young man's life.
From the first page of his book, "If You Only Knew" I was hooked. I read with tears in my eyes what this "child" endured. He shared his life growing up with a Mother was was hooked on both drugs and alcohol.
It seemed fitting that just a day or so ago I wrote about teenagers who complain about "nothing". Ones who have not lived with abuse. They need to walk in Chad's shoes.
This man shares his love of the Lord. He explains how the Holy Spirit moved time after time in his life.
If you haven't read this book I highly recommend it. Whether you grew up with a Mother who was an addict, or perhaps a Father who was an addict, or if your life was less than perfect, Chad shares, if he could do it, so can you.
His love of the Lord is contagious. What a blessing reading his book is. I'm praying for his ministry. I'm praying for him. Let me know if you've heard him speak.
What an inspiration you are to me Chad Varga.

PROPER WAY TO COMPLAIN

2011-09-29T09:17:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago my purpose was to get our teen Sunday school class to "stop grumbling like the Israelites". Before our class began, thinking I could get them into a different frame of mind, I asked them to share with the class "just one good thing that happened to them that week." Just one.
The first person said, "Nothin." Hmmm
I said to her, "I forgot, your parents lost their jobs, you were evicted from your home and you had nothing to eat this week."
She sat up in the chair, "what are you talking about? My parents are working, we had lots to eat, even pizza one night, and we're still living in our home."
"Well, I guess you do have something to be thankful for then, right?"
I decided to do an experiment on my own. I went to Facebook, and checked what some of their friends were saying. I also reminded them I would be checking from time to time what they say on Facebook. A few of them slid further in their seats.
I couldn't believe some of the comments I read. One said, "it just keeps getting more complicated, or nothing good ever happens in my life, I have nothing to look forward to."
I reminded our class the Israelites grumbled for forty years, when it should have only taken eleven days in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy 8:2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
I found a picture to share with them about complaining about their jobs. First, they should be thankful in this economy that they even have a job, and secondly I don't think any of them has a job like this one.

SHOULD I BRING MY WIFE

2011-09-27T15:56:00.000-04:00

Many years ago when I worked in customer service, and spoke on the phone for eight plus hours a day, the last thing I wanted to do when I got home was get back on the phone. So when my friends would say, "call me", that usually didn't happen. I was so happy when email evolved. In fact, my friends who don't have email, yes there are a few, I don't do a very good job of keeping up.

When my friends started talking about texting, I remember thinking, I'm already as technical as I want to be, no texting for me. Well, times change, and I realized I needed to keep up or get left behind.

After a year or so, my husband's old phone needed updating. I got the brilliant idea to give him my old phone and get a new one myself. Advancing another step, I was telling myself.

My husband loves texting me. I get two or three from him everyday---sometimes when he is only one room away, telling me he's cold or needs a drink of water.

I supposed because we are together a lot, and because we write notes to each other or text each other, our text messages have been reduced to a lot of short-hand.

A few days ago, I decided to surprise him. I didn't think he had plans for lunch after his round of golf, so I sent him a text. It read something like this.

"Showered, smell great, love you bunches, wanna do lunch?"

I was surprised when I didn't hear from him right away.

What I got was a text that said:

"Didn't know you were dirty, never noticed a smell, would love lunch, should I bring my wife?"

Oh my goodness.

Note to self, when I'm texting my husband, make sure no one else is trying to send me a text. Better still read the name to make sure you are texting your own husband.

I'M GROWING

2011-09-26T12:49:00.000-04:00

My hubby left for golf at about 6:15 a.m. one morning. I slept very little the night before and decided to go back to bed, just until 6:30. My normal time for waking is usually 5:30 to 6. So, sleeping until 6:30 would be unusual for me. The other unusual thing would be for me to fall asleep after getting up. That just never happens. Imagine the look on my face when I rolled over after just a "few minutes" and read 8:30 on the clock. I couldn't believe it.
The repercussions of sleeping that late weighed heavily on my schedule that day.
My normal routine is reading devotions, praying and then reading the Bible until 8:00 every morning. What to do, when I'm not starting until 8:30?
The first, or should I say second snag in my morning was when I finally sat at my desk to "print" my latest work in progress. I'm trying to edit it to send it off to an agent, or publisher. I finally got everything copied to one location, and was ready to print. I hit the button, pushed my chair back, walked to the kitchen for a glass of iced tea. Came back into the office, feeling refreshed. What? Document failed to print.
Okay, excuse me, not today. I'm already running behind. I called the company. The printer is wireless, and I have to call them about once a week because every time it rains my printer goes off line. Sometimes I can restore it, and sometimes I get frustrated and have to call in the troops!
I was already at the "last step" of trouble shooting, and I tried to explain that to the rep. But he was frustrated with me and told me to call my ISP (Internet service provider). Dealing with this same problem almost weekly, I knew my ISP would tell me to call them. I waited a few minutes and called them back. Now, what are the chances I would get the same customer service rep? About 1 in 1000, I would say. I should have bought a lottery ticket that day, because I got him. He transferred me to someone else who actually listened to me. I explained to the second tech that I realized, in all fairness to the first guy, he has instructions that he reads through. When I was already at the last step, he didn't know where to go. We got the printer back on line in just about 3 and a half minutes.
I took a deep breath. Why was I feeling so agitated, so frustrated?
Ok Lord, I hear you. I need to call one of my friends who has a real problem.
One who is dealing with cancer, Parkinson's Disease, or is in a nursing home for rehab.
Another friend reminded me one day how lucky I am. She said, "bad things never happen to you?" What, is she kidding?
Bad things happen all the time, but it's the way I deal with them. I realized years ago that we all need equal amounts of sunshine and rain to make our flowers grow. I'm growing everyday.
The Lord reminded me the very name of my new book alone should have been enough to calm me down. Beside the Still Waters......

DID YOU PROOF READ THE MINUTES

2011-09-21T16:09:00.000-04:00

My hubby called me on the way home from the board meeting. "Honey, did you read the minutes before you sent them to the board?"
Well, I wanted to assure him that of course I read them. I did as I always do. Type them from his notes, proof read them, print a copy for his approval, and then send them out.
I remember thinking, why is he asking?
After all, I am not the secretary, only the wife of the secretary. I type the minutes in order to help him out. Every man needs so many hours on the golf course. If I type the minutes, dear, that leaves you extra time to play.
I scanned through my big brain, and all it's files trying to remember the day I typed the notes. If I'm remembering, it was one of those days I was doing several things at once, as usual. I think I also had a meeting that day myself, in addition to meeting someone for lunch.
He is a great note-taker, but not always easy to read. He inserts things and hopes/expects me to figure out where he really wants to put it. When he talks about "cutting and pasting" he's referring to using scissors.
By the time he got home, I had forgotten about his phone call. He walked into the office, "so how was your day, sweetie"?
Oh, oh, he NEVER calls me "sweetie".
I turned to face him. "So what's up?"
He was holding the minutes in his hand. "Did you forget the signature?"
Of course I didn't forget YOUR signature.
From the look on his face, I wasn't sure what I had done. I slowly read through the last paragraph.
Respectfully submitted by Stud Muffin......
Oh, I think I see the problem......

THE ERASER

2011-09-19T11:57:00.000-04:00

I listened one night at dinner with friends while my husband shared, "give her a screw driver or a hammer and she can fix about anything." We all laughed. He went on to say, "over the years she's saved us a lot of money. I just yell for her before I pick up the phone to call a repairman."
However, in his eyes, my status as "handy woman" was short lived.
I think when you have no money, you learn to be self-reliant.
One day while he was golfing, someone called to tell me my favorite movie's were going to be on. I love Robert Parker's "Jessie Stone" series. Any of you who are a fan know that Tom Selleck is Jessie Stone.
I immediately turned on TV, and searched until I found them. Hooray! I was so happy. My husband is the TV guru. He is the one who records all the movies on the DVR. He's the one who makes sure my favorite programs, Gunsmoke and The Virginia are also recorded because we aren't always home everyday when they come on.
I have watched him record them a few times. It can't be that difficult. Remember, he's the "button pusher", and usually doesn't know (mechanically) what he's doing. So I thought, I can do this.
I refused to call him on the golf course----unless the house is on fire.
When he came home, it may have been the first thing I told him. And I probably said it with a little "ha ha, if you can do it, I can do it" in my voice.
This morning I heard him laughing in the other room. Then he said, "honey, can you come here a second."
He was scanning "My Recordings". There they were "Jessie Stone......yeah I did it.
I was sure he was calling me in there to compliment me. I did it by myself.
He said, "look honey, you're movies are here." Then he laughed. Somehow you deleted everything else.
I thought he meant all his pre-set recordings. Well, that's not a big deal, just record them again.
Then he pointed to the "three-hundred-thirty-eight hours available."
Oh no! I deleted everything he has ever recorded.
He's calling me The Eraser!

ANGELS AMONG US

2011-09-16T09:58:00.000-04:00

When twenty-one year old Brandon Wright left home that morning, he never expected it to be his last. The graphics design student at the Utah State University in Logan Utah rode his motorcycle to school that morning thinking it would be an ordinary day.
That all changed when a car ran into him, knocking him off his bike and under the car.
Immediately upon impact,the car and bike exploded.
Construction workers nearby,hearing the explosion rushed to help the now, unconscious Wright who was trapped under the vehicle.
A dozen or so by-standers risked their lives to help Mr. Wright. Some of these courageous men lifted the burning car off his body, while another pulled his lifeless body from under the car.

Are there angels among us? Ask Brandon Wright.

ANGELS TO WATCH OVER ME

2011-09-15T14:07:00.001-04:00

Riding the school bus is a big deal to a five year old. In fact the enthusiasm in her voice often excites me.
The first day, when she didn't show up at home on time, her parents were concerned. My son called the school to see where she was. It turned out, they put her on a different bus, one going in the opposite direction.
By her own account, she wasn't afraid. Her Momma was afraid she would get off at the wrong house. But my little granddaughter assured her Mom she knows her own address, and "that's not my mailbox". So she sat promptly on the bus. In fact, after a small nap, one of the other passengers, a little boy in her class, gave her paper and some crayons. She drew a picture of herself on the bus, riding around the city.
When she finally arrived safely at home, and after hugs from her baby sister and her Mom and Dad, she showed them the picture she had drawn.
Her Mom asked her, "weren't you afraid?"
My little granddaughter smiled at her Mom and said, "I don't have to be afraid. Nana prays for me everyday, and she sends angels to watch over me."

We Weren't Christians Then

2011-09-14T15:01:00.000-04:00

He leaned up on one elbow, "I'd like to share something with you", he smiled.
Thinking he heard a new joke, I settled back in my chair.
"Many years ago when we were at a convention in Texas," he began, "I don't know if you knew I had a heart attack."
I nodded.
"In the room next door there just happened to be another group of people." He hesitated and his wife reached for his hand.
"That group of people happened to be cardiologist from all over the world gathering for training and a meeting."
He had my full attention now. I scooted closer so as not to miss a word.
Tears pooled in his wife's eyes as he continued.
"They rushed me to the hospital where they told my wife there was little hope. Of course I don't remember any of that."He paused and cleared his throat. I looked at his wife who was ready to continue the story from there.
She took in a breath, "when the doctor came up to me and said there was little hope, I remember feeling terrified. What would I do without him?"
She went on to say, "a nurse came up to me while they were working on him and asked me if I would like to pray? I remember thinking, I'm not sure I know how to pray. But I followed her."
She paused for a moment while they sat holding hands and smiling at each other.
"We went to the chapel in the hospital. I remember thinking what beautiful prayers she was praying. I felt warm, and safe."
As they were telling me the story, I remember thinking, what an angle, to come and take her during that horrible time, and offer to pray with her.
"Well," she continued, "you won't believe what happened next."
He smiled and squeezed her hand.
"When I walked back into his room he was alert. The doctors and nurses told me he was going to be all right. We got him to the hospital in time."
I shoved my chair back and said, "That is an amazing story."
She said, "wait, I'm not finished."
By then they were both smiling.
"I went to the nurses station looking for the nurse who had come to me, and taken me to the chapel to pray. I described her to them. I will never forget the way she looked, even what she was wearing."
I said, "Did you get to thank her?"
She shook her head. "No one knew her. They all said, I'm sorry, but there is no one here who even vaguely fits that description."
"We knew then, that God had saved my husband."
He said, "The pastor came, and prayed with both of us. We both gave our lives to the Lord that very moment."
I still get chills writing this beautiful story.
I was shocked when he said, "we weren't Christians then, because they are indeed devout believers today."

Inspiration or Distraction

2011-09-13T10:36:00.000-04:00

Recently while sitting outside reading a book, and willing myself to stop working for a while, this little butterfly came for a visit. As I sat watching this little guy flit from flower to flower I rested my head, and closed my eyes for a moment. Imagining what that would feel like, springing from one flower to the next. Not a care in the world. Well, maybe a few. Maybe another butterfly swooping down to take over her territory.

It didn't seem to matter to either one of them. In fact they paid no attention to each other, went on about their business. Peace and tranquility.
Sarah Young in her book "Jesus Calling" reminded me of just how to obtain that peace and tranquility in my own life. I don't have to be a butterfly---She said, "Receive My Peace. It is My continual gift to you. The best way to receive this gift is to sit quietly in My Presence, trusting Me in every area of your life. Quietness and trust accomplish far more than you can imagine: not only in you, but also on earth and in heaven."
So while I was distracted from my book by the butterflies, I was inspired by the peace and tranquility the "quietness" of their presence brought.
What inspires you?

Happy 94 Years Dad

2011-08-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to you Dad. I can't believe you are 94 today. I hope and pray for peace and joy in your life.
He plans to celebrate with lots of cake.
I'm not sure if you still have a "Bucket List", or if you've already done everything you've wanted to do.
I've never heard you mention sky-diving, or swimming with the dolphins. You've got plenty of time to do that !
You've been a great Dad, and a great Grandfather. Oh, and you are a Great-Grandfather.
You are important to us Dad. We love you more than you will ever know.
Happy 94th Birthday to you.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

2011-08-26T10:49:00.000-04:00

Even though I cry each time I see this image I felt I had to share this heart warming story too. I first saw this picture on Fox News last night. The picture of this devoted canine companion brought tears to my eyes, and a lump in my throat. I was unable to speak at first, but knew I had to learn more about the man in the casket too.
Jon Tumilson was born on July 1, 1976 in Osage, Iowa. He died August 6, 2011 when a rocket-propelled grenade disabled the helicopter he was in, killing 30 Americans and 8 Afghans.
The picture was taken by his cousin, Lisa. "I took this picture and that was my view throughout the entire funeral. I couldn't not take a picture", she told US television network ABC News.
Lisa also went on to say, "It took several attempts since every time I wasn't crying and could focus on taking it, there was a SEAL at the microphone and I didn't want to take a picture with them for security and respect reasons. Our family is devastated to say the least."
This devoted canine, Hawkeye led his family down the aisle into the funeral service in Rockford, Iowa. As Scott Nichols rose to deliver a eulogy, Hawkeye heaved a sigh and dropped to the ground in front of Petty Officer Tumilson 's casket.
A total of 38 people died when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down on Aug 6 in the eastern province of Wardak, including seven Afghan troops and an interpreter.
My heart aches for the family of Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson who was laid to rest on Friday. Hawkeye's devotion to his owner will remain in my heart for a long time.

Rest In Peace, Jon.

GOD'S AMAZING GRACE

2011-08-25T14:17:00.000-04:00

One definition of Grace is: A favor rendered by one who need not do so;
And another definition of God's Grace is: the kindness by which God bestows favors and blessings upon the ill deserving, grants to sinners the pardon of their offenses.
Several days ago I read through tear filled eyes, the journal entry written by my friend. She said she was feeling a "little blue" that day. This precious friend has breast cancer. She has the surgery behind her, and the chemo behind her. She is still facing several surgeries, as she continues to be isolated from all of us because of her compromised immune system. She continues to struggle with excruciating pain, sleeplessness, and low energy. In spite of all that she remains ever hopeful, compassionate and a devout Christian.
The day after she wrote that entry, she wrote about being blessed with flowers from a friend, phone calls from other friends and words of encouragement from yet other friends.
I was so touched by her words, and by God's Grace. There are so many of us praying for her everyday. It was refreshing to see how God answered our prayers by sending her the love she needed.
God's Grace is Amazing.
If you would like to pray for her, or follow this lady's incredible journey, you can find her at http://www.caringbridge.org/
You must log in and go to Diana Furr.
Let her know you are praying for her.
You could also mention maybe, that you love her too! Just like I do!

Liebster Award

2011-08-25T10:44:00.000-04:00

One of my friends notified me yesterday that she had awarded me the Liebster Award.
What an honor to receive from a fellow blogger. Thank you Carol Ann...you're the best!

You can follow Carol Ann at :
http://carolannerhardt.com/cae/treadmill-writer

The rules:
1. Thank the giver of the award and link back to them.
2. Give the Liebster to five bloggers and let them know with a comment to their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award onto your blog.
4. Have faith your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5. Have blogging fun!

I'm supposed to honor five other bloggers. I can think of many more blogs I read everyday which offer, hope, love an inspiration. It was difficult to choose just five. These aren't in any particular order, you are all number one in my heart.

1. Carol Ann
http://carolannerhardt.com/cae/treadmill-writer

2. Dennis Brown
http://dbms-inotherwords.blogspot.com/
3. Deb Lees
http://dalees107.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/being-married-to-you-is-like-riding-a-bull/

4. Joylene Nowell Butler
http://cluculzwriter.blogspot.com/

5. Dave Ebright

http://jaxpop.blogspot.com/

Thank You Antonio Diaz Chacon

2011-08-22T12:36:00.000-04:00

I will never forget the picture of Caylee Anthony. The one with her little cheek resting on her fist. I think it will always be etched in my heart. Nor will I forget the pictures of her mother, dancing, and seemingly unaffected by her daughters "disappearance", sporting her new tattoo, A Beautiful Life. during the time she claimed the imaginary nanny had her child.
It is refreshing to read a commentary of a hero. In case you didn't read the story, the young man's name is Antonio Diaz Chacon. He is married to an American citizen, but has given up his attempts to gain citizenship because of the expense and the difficult process.
This young man didn't hesitate to think of his own safety the day he witnessed a man abducting a six year old child. Antonio jumped into his vehicle and chased down the suspected child abductor. The suspected abductor eventually lost control of his own vehicle and wrecked the car.
Antonio hopped out of his vehicle, ran to pull the little girl out of the vehicle, while the abductor fled on foot.
Antonio then drove the little girl to the Albuquerque Police Department, where she was later reunited, unharmed with her parents.
One young man's quick thinking and lack of regard for his own safety saved a child from who knows what may have happened to her that day.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Antonio Diaz Chacon. May your life be filled with many blessings.

Hurricane Warning

2011-08-20T14:01:00.000-04:00

This time of year, especially, we in Florida pay close attention to the weather. I don't mean to say I'm obsessed with it, but I do listen and take heed.
I'm sometimes confused between "watch and warning", though.
I was thinking the other day how great it would be if we had the same type of Doppler warning in our lives. Well, maybe not. I'm not sure I want to know when the next hurricane is blowing through my life. Right at the moment, I'm between tornado's. Things are calm, right now.
As a child we aren't afraid of falling down the stairs. We've never fallen down the stairs. But in order to "grow and get stronger (and smarter)" at some point we need to "fall down the stairs."
For when I am weak, then I am strong. The Lord reminds me to lean on him during the storms in my life. No matter what's going on. I will never leave nor forsake you.

Exodus 19:4 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to Myself.
No matter the size of the storm, there is always hope.
Genesis 9:13 I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.

Stop Pushing the Buttons

2011-08-19T09:11:00.000-04:00

My husband is a button pusher. It doesn't matter which remote he's holding in his hand. And I might add, if it's not working he just keeps pushing buttons. When he's on the computer, it's the same thing. He asks me to find a web site for him. I leave the room, only to be summoned back to aid him within fifteen minutes. I can hear him yelling from the other room, "this stupid computer....I don't like this new computer. I can never make it do what I want it to do."
This morning I turned on the radio in my office. Actually, I should say, I tried to turn on the radio in my office. He was sitting in here the other day, listening to it. I remember thinking I was surprised he turned it on, found the AM station he listens to, completely without my help.
When I wanted to listen to a few of the jazz CD's, and turned it on, it only played for about 15 seconds and turned off. I picked up the little remote and couldn't believe how long it took me to figure out what Mr. Button Pusher had done.
I came home from the hair dresser a few days ago. When I walked into the living room he said, "you know, I think that's the best your hair has ever looked, maybe since I've known you."
When she spun me around, after cutting my hair and blowing it dry, I didn't despair. I thought to myself, I can fix it myself.
The reason he likes it is because it had a "fifties" look to it.
I've had a re-make, picture below---just to please the Button Pusher.

What'd ya think?

Cry Out to ME

2011-08-18T13:05:00.000-04:00

Sarah Young wrote this morning in her devotional, Jesus Calling, "expect to encounter adversity in your life, remembering that you live in a deeply fallen world."
She also went on to say, "the main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me."
Wow. The past few weeks I have been talking to people who have been facing enormous giants. A few of them have been feeling not just overwhelmed, but one of them ready to give up on life.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness;be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
One person said to me one day, "you know, I wish we had a handbook for life. They make a cookbook, to teach us how to cook, and mechanics have a manual, so why can't we?"
Oh my goodness. We do have a manual, but I call it The Bible.
"Really?", he asked.
And I went on to say. The more you study the Bible, and learn verses, the more those verses will come to you during times of trouble.
He smiled and said, "I might have to check that out."
I hope you do, my friend, I hope you do.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

He's Not Worthy

2011-08-17T15:18:00.000-04:00

A friend forwarded an email message to me a few days ago. Normally I don't read forwards. I have too many messages to go through, and I just don't take the time to read a forward.
However, the message in this particular email was worth reading.
I don't know who wrote it, so I can't give credit where it's due, and I can't remember the entire story, only the highlights.
Two men were ship wrecked. They were able to swim to a remote island.
Each day they stayed on their own section of the island, and prayed.
The first man prayed for food, and was abundantly blessed. He then prayed for shelter, and he had a house. Next he prayed for a companion and another ship wrecked and a woman was able to swim to his side of the island. Lastly he prayed for a ship to rescue both he and his wife. They boarded the ship, and were ready to sail away when a voice said, "aren't you going to bring your companion with you?"
To which the first man responded, "no, he's not worthy. You didn't answer any of his prayers. Therefore, I think he should be left on this island to fend for himself."
But wait, the voice continued. "Everyday that man prayed for you. He prayed, 'Dear Lord, Please answer all his prayers.'
Who is praying for you?
James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective , fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

I've Just Been So Worried

2011-08-16T13:48:00.000-04:00

"I don't remember closing my eyes last night. I think I tossed and turned all night long." he said.
What's up?
"I've just been so worried."
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
He went on to share that he was facing the giants. (My words, not his)
He had a meeting with a former employer, and he needed to ask forgiveness. He was sure the former employer would not be receptive.
"I hate controversy", he continued.
I assured him he was doing the right thing. I also reminded him how difficult it is to step out in faith.
Many times in my own life when I've been tempted to ignore a problem, and just go on as if it never existed, it continues to haunt me. I needed to trust the Lord.
Before the Israelites could cross over Jordan on dry land, the priests first had to put their feet into the water. The waters were at flood stage. Without faith, I'm sure they felt their demise was eminent.
Joshua 3:13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.
So many times, we too have to stick our feet in the water, knowing the Lord will be there to part the waters.

Are You Kidding?

2011-08-15T12:05:00.000-04:00

A phone call to the doctors office a few days ago went something like this:
Me: Hi, I have a problem and I need to make an appointment with the doctor.
Receptionist: She isn't here today. She's only in this office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Me: Good, could I make an appointment for tomorrow?
Receptionist: No, you have to call back tomorrow.
Me: Are you kidding?
Receptionist: No, thanks for calling, dial tone......
Hmmmm. I guess she wasn't kidding. Not only did I not get an appointment, but I felt disappointment at not getting anywhere.
A few months ago my doctor ordered blood work. I received a bill from the lab for over $1,200. I couldn't believe it. I called the doctors office wondering what the results were. The receptionist told me "if no one called you, then everything is okay." She must be clairvoyant---she knows someone looked at the results. A week after that, my doctor sent me to a specialist. I'm still waiting to hear the results from those tests that I would hear from the "next day".
I'm not sure what's going on in each of these doctors offices, they must be busy and over worked.
It occurred to me how blessed I am to get answers from the Lord. When I pray, He never puts me on hold. He never puts my "test results" in a pile on His desk. He is my constant companion.
2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Elvis Has Left the Building

2011-08-14T13:32:00.000-04:00

I looked into the mirror yesterday and saw three more wrinkles. How did I get this old, this fast?
No, it's not really about Elvis leaving the building, but life just seems to be racing at a high rate of speed.
My Grandmother used to tell me, "you know, she's not always going to be that cute." I don't remember who she was talking about, because she said it a lot. I think to drive home a point, that inner beauty was more important than the face staring back at you in the mirror.
Aging is a natural process. Wrinkles and gray hair seem to come with it.
I'm happy I'm no longer sixteen or even twenty. I've learned so much on this journey I've been on.
Tomorrow when I find another wrinkle, I'm going to celebrate. My youth has "left the building", I'm hoping it has moved to my heart.
My perspective on life has also changed. I'm able to recognize the things that are important and the things I need to let go.
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

The Phone Call

2011-08-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

"He collapsed early this morning. He's paralyzed, unconscious and is on life support. Please pray for him."
It can't be, I got email from him just hours ago.
When the phone rings before eight o'clock it's either one of my neighbors checking to see if I am going to the store that day and giving me her list, or someone with an urgent prayer request.
Yesterday I wrote, reminding myself too, that when I give someone a gift it's exactly that "a gift". I no longer have control over it, it's theirs to do with as they please.
I'm reminding myself today, not to wait to receive a phone call like I received a few hours ago, to tell someone I love them.
John knows I love him. I'm praying for his complete recovery. But if the Lord calls him home I know I'll see him again.
Don't wait until "tomorrow". Pick up the phone right this minute and tell everyone in your life you love, just how much they mean to you.
Yours might be The Phone Call they are waiting to receive.

THAT'S THE BEST NEWS EVER

2011-08-08T11:26:00.000-04:00

The Pastor sent me an email about a golfer who just played in a PGA tournament. With his winnings in his hand a lady approached him and said,"I have a dying baby." Upon hearing her plight he didn't hesitate to sign over the check to her, hoping she could "buy" some happiness and peace before her child died.
Later in the clubhouse some of his friends gathered around him and said, "you know that lady?" He nodded. "She has no dying baby."
He pushed back in his chair and said, "no dying baby? That's the best news ever."
I wonder how many of us would have reacted like that? Or would our human side surface and we would have wanted to track her down.
Matthew 6:3,4 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
The golfer gave her all his winnings that day, in good faith. She however, did a bad thing. It's not up to us to judge her. I like to call it an observation rather than a judgment.
2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

TEMPLE GRANDIN

2011-08-05T15:58:00.000-04:00

Dr. Temple Grandin is probably the most accomplished adult with autism.
My husband and I watched the movie last evening by the same name, Temple Grandin.
Temple's Mom, Aunt and Uncle were a wonderful influence in her life. Her mother said, "Temple is different, not less."
Those profound words stuck in Temple's mind. One of her professors encouraged her to see challenging situations as "doors" that needed to be opened.
I don't often write about movies, but if you haven't seen this one I suggest you add it to your list to watch.
I know very little about autism, but I fell in love with Temple Grandin. The struggles she faced and the mountains she climbed in spite of being "different", are not only inspiring but also encouraging.
She is a famed animal behaviorist and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins.
Her story is heartwarming to say the least.

HOLD MY HAND

2011-08-04T09:34:00.000-04:00

My little granddaughter reached for my hand before we crossed the street. "Hang on to me Nana, I don't want you to get hurt." She was four years old at the time.
This morning one of the devotionals I read reminded me of that moment with my precious little granddaughter.
Sarah Young's devotionals Jesus Calling, where Jesus reminded me to "Hold My hand, and walk joyously with Me through this day."
He also reminds us He already has our path marked. You don't need to worry, just trust in Him completely. He knows where He is going, and His plan is to bring you along beside Him.
What joy and comfort I felt after reading that this morning.
A friend called one day telling me about a few opportunities she had been given, but she wasn't sure now which choice to take. "How do I know if it's the Lord leading me?" she said.
I replied, "You sound a little stressed."
"I can't tell you how stressed I am."
I'm already thinking, none of these choices is from the Lord. He doesn't want our days to be filled with stress. When the choice is one He wants us to make, it just feels right. Not anxious, not stressed.
She continued, "well, what's my answer?"
"Keep praying. Your answer will come when you least expect it. In God's time, by His clock."
I realize that advice needs to also be my own. When I pray sometimes it's like driving through a fast food restaurant and expecting instant results. The Lord doesn't have a "drive-thru".
I'm remembering last week when He kept reminding me, "Be still and know that I am God......"
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

I REFUSE

2011-08-03T11:05:00.000-04:00

My best friend, my roommate, my lover, the man I share my life with, the man who supports and encourages me, my husband. We are usually in agreement on most things. He prefers an old-fashioned Church service. He loves the traditional hymns. I, on the other hand love a contemporary service, especially with all the music and instruments. I also love the old hymns, but I wake up singing some of the new ones.
"I Refuse" By Josh Wilson, is my absolute favorite right now. I sing that from morning to night. "I refuse to let someone else, do what God has called me to do myself."
One of my girlfriends and I were able to have lunch together yesterday. She reminded me of a Bible verse she holds in her heart everyday.
Philippians 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I receive lots of email, or phone calls that start out like this: "I'm so worried about my job, my Mom, my daughter, the tests I'm taking tomorrow, losing my home, etc."
Every day we will be faced with trials. And it's pretty hard to sing when you are facing a mountain. You may not be going through the "fire" right now, but trust me, it's coming.
And when it does, remember also Hebrews 13:5 ....I will never leave you nor forsake you.
A hymn my husband and I both agree on is Amazing Grace.
And His Grace is Amazing.

BURN OUT

2011-07-30T09:48:00.000-04:00

Webster's dictionary defines "burn out" as physical or emotional exhaustion, often the result of stress.
Hmmmmm. Do any of us have any stress in our lives?
She leaned on her elbows, chin resting on her hands. "You know several years ago I suffered burn out."
What, you?
I couldn't believe it. She's one of the most out spoken people I know. Always lets you know what's on her mind. She doesn't keep anything inside, just blurts it all out. How could she be stressed? By taking on too much?
Yup! That'd be it.
When she described the things that were happening to her several years ago, not eating, not sleeping, etc, I could relate.
I sat for a moment taking it all in. She was right.
I had to slow down. Haven't so many people been "suggesting" I slow down?
One of the devotional books I read every morning suggested we take a day for ourselves. Wow, that's an idea! When I thought about it, I tried to imagine what I would do for a day, something I would enjoy. I thought about it that day, and for several days after that.
I knew I was in trouble when the only thing I could think of, that was fun, involved work.
Does that mean I'm a "workaholic"? Probably. But not to worry. I'm going to spend the day doing fun things.
As soon as I finish editing, answering email,.....
What do you do for fun? How do you unwind?
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
I'm coming Lord!

It's Okay to Date

2011-07-29T14:06:00.003-04:00

In the past when I have counseled couples, I used to recommend that they "date". Before my husband and I were married, I suggested the same thing to him. I said, "I think after we are married, we should still date."
From the look of horror on his face I added, "each other, honey."
I've encouraged couples to remember the feelings that brought them together as a couple. They way they felt about each other.
I've also suggested they write notes, or text, or email to each other. "I can't wait to see you tonight." How great would that make your spouse feel.
One of my dear friends has started blogging about her own marriage. I'm so proud of her.
It's not easy to witness to the world issues in your own marriage, but in addition to that Deb shares the joys they also share. She includes how their love for each other has grown, and what it's taken to accomplish that.
I don't often include a link for someone else blog, but I feel Deb does such a good job, that even if your own marriage is secure, you can still gain something inspirational from following her new blog.
Let me know what you think.
I know you won't be disappointed.

http://dalees107.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/love-life-for-every-married-couple/

When You Get to the Bridge Run

2011-07-28T11:26:00.000-04:00

When You Get to the Bridge Run

Another day, no car. It's not that big a deal, because I work from home. However, I guess I didn't realize how many errands I run during the day. Or how many people call me asking for some type of help.
Me: "Sure, I'll be right over, oh wait, my car's in the garage again. Can I do it tomorrow?"
My husband had already solved the problem, according to him.
While at dinner the other night, he said, "You know, if you want, you could drop me off at the golf course and keep my car."
That wouldn't be a problem, I'm up early anyway. Hmmmmm.
I didn't answer him right away, so I could see him working on the next plan.
He shoved his plate over and leaned his arms on the table.
"You know, it's not really that far, you could always walk to the dealership and pick up your car."
Thinking his idea is a great one, he continued. "There are sidewalks all the way."
I raised an eyebrow. "You are kidding, right? If they called me early in the morning, it wouldn't be a problem. But have you noticed the humidity is a little high right now? I'm sure they won't finish my car in the morning. And besides that, the sidewalk stops at the bridge."
He leaned closer." I thought about that too." He said.
I leaned back from the table, waiting.
"It's only about two miles to the bridge, the dealership is another half mile. So you walk to the bridge, and then you can run the last half mile on the highway."

ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN

2011-07-28T07:54:00.000-04:00

Tears pooled in my eyes as I read her latest journal entry. My friend Diana has over 5,000 hits (number of people who have read) her journal. I read most of what she had written, but scanned quickly to the specific entry, "I've been cleared for my next infusion".
Praise the Lord.
When her latest news started sinking in, I reflected on the 5000 plus, hits. If each time one of those 5,000 people read her journal entry, they prayed for her, imagine what the results would be. Actually, see what the results are.
Time and again the "experts" have warned her "this may not work out", or that "may not work out", stalling her chemotherapy. But time and again, her blood work has at times exceeded their expectations. When she had a respiratory infection once again they (doctors and nurses) warned she may not be physically able to take the next infusion.
My precious friend Diana continues to be a beacon of hope to the rest of us. She is battling breast cancer, enduring the horrific, at times, pain that comes with some of the medication she must take. She's the one who offers everyone she comes in contact, "HOPE".
The Lord continues to put people in her life she can bless. Everyday she meets someone new to share her story with.
Those of us who love her continue to pray for God's blessing on her. We pray this cancer will completely leave her body and her health will be restored.
We can't actually touch her, to give her hugs right now, but in my heart I am hugging her right this minute. This morning she is receiving infusion #7.
Please stop right now and say a prayer for my precious friend Diana. I'm smiling right now at the thought of all of us flooding God's "in box".
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

SHE MADE A DIFFERENCE

2011-07-24T15:00:00.000-04:00

I read an article several months ago about a man who had been found, I think by a postal worker. The gentleman had been dead almost a month.
What bothered me the most about this man was the fact that no one missed him for a month? I wondered at the time how alone he must have felt. People obviously weren't checking on him if no one realized he had died a month before.
My girlfriend Debbie and I were able to attend a memorial service yesterday for Shirley Furr. She would have been 98 on August 1.
I never had the opportunity to meet this lady. I've only know about her through her family. And yesterday, from many friends who came to celebrate her life.
This incredible lady wrote the program for her service. She picked out the scripture as well as the songs we were to sing.
One of the questions Pastor Breylinger asked us to think about was, "who will step to the plate now?"
She was a teacher and after her "retirement" she co-founded the Avon Park Community Child Development Center and served as President of the Center's Board of Directors until 1995.

According to most who knew her she was out spoken. Everyone knew her thoughts. She was a devout Christian and advocate for children.
What a legacy she has left.
And by contrast, I'm wondering about the gentleman at the beginning of this story. What legacy did he leave?
What legacy will I leave?
Rest now Shirley, I know where you are. And I know the Master is saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."

GOOD MORNING ROOSTER

2011-07-22T08:23:00.000-04:00

In the darkness of early morning light, I sat waiting for the sun to come up. The only sounds are trucks off in the distance, rushing to deliver an early morning load. The birds aren't awake yet either. I leaned my head back on the cushion and closed my eyes.
"Was that a rooster crowing?" I said to no one.
From that morning on I sit waiting for him to "come alive" and let me know it's time for everyone to start their day.
Maybe it's the memory of my childhood that rooster triggers. I've always been an early morning riser. Even as a child. When I heard the rooster crowing, I knew that was my "approval" to climb out of bed. Ready to face the day. I love the warmth of the sun on my face as it peeks over the horizon.
Why had I never heard that rooster before? Because I wasn't listening.
How many times Lord have you tried to awaken in me your plan? I'm listening Lord, I promise I am.
Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The rooster is quiet now. He must be resting, thinking whatever chickens think about. Maybe planning tomorrow. I'm content.
Jesus doesn't sleep, He's with me now, ready to help me start the day.

MOLD ME

2011-07-21T13:55:00.000-04:00

I punched the dough a few more times and then rounded it off and dumped it into a bowl. Covered it with a thin cloth and let it rise.
There's nothing in the world, in my humble opinion, better than fresh bread baking. It permeates the house, and seems to linger for hours. I can almost feel the melting butter, dripping on my chin. Anxious to pop that loaf into the oven, I had been anticipating warm bread all day long. A phone call changed my plans. I was needed elsewhere, just for a little while.
However, by the time I returned home, the bread dough had fallen into an ugly mess. Uhgggggg.
Looking at the bread and remembering how disappointed I was, it reminded me of my prayer life.
When I tend to it, and give it the attention I should, my life runs pretty smoothly. However, when I don't it's just about like the fallen bread dough.
It reminds me how sometimes Jesus needs to let me "fall" before He can make something wonderful happen in my life. Even though sometimes I don't feel like I "need" to be "kneaded", it's necessary for my growth. Just like the bread dough. The more I knead it, the better it is.
And just like the Potter, I am the clay.
The more I NEED Him, the better I am.
Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your Hand.

COME AWAY WITH ME

2011-07-18T10:28:00.000-04:00

Every morning as the sun is coming up I open my prayer journal. And in addition to praying for several friends I also pray the Lord will direct me. Give me guidance for the day, lead me where He wants me to go that day, do what He wants me to do. And as I do every morning, I also ask Him to lay on my heart anyone He wants to touch through my blog.
Normally, by the time I am through reading devotions, praying and reading my Bible, I have several ideas for my blog.
He not only leads me to a verse, but will also trigger a memory of a phone call, an email or an event in my life. This day the still small voice I have come to know kept saying, "be still and know that I am God".
Several times that morning, because I still had no idea what He wanted me to write about, I kept praying. He continued to say, "be still and know that I am God".
I remember thinking, I can't just sit down again Lord, you know my schedule today. It's crazy. I've got too much to do. In fact, I may not be able to finish all that I have to do. And I didn't slow down.
By mid-afternoon when nothing had come to me to write about I attributed it to the fact that He probably wanted me to do something else, not write my blog that day. Okay, Lord, I think I understand.
One of the devotionals I read everyday is by Sarah Young, "Jesus Calling". It is a 365 day devotional. It is written as though Jesus is talking to you personally.
I stood to attention on the day I read this devotional from her book.
Come away with Me for a while. The world, with its nonstop demands, can be put on hold. Most people put ME on hold, rationalizing that someday they will find time to focus on Me. But the longer people push Me into the background of their lives, the harder it is for them to find me.
You live among people who glorify busyness; they have made time a tyrant that controls their lives. Even those who know Me as Savior tend to march to the tempo of the world. They have bought into the illusion that more is always better; more meetings, more programs, more activity.
I have called you to follow ME on a solitary path, making time alone with Me your highest priority and deepest Joy. It is a pathway largely unappreciated and often despised. However, you have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you. Moreover, as you walk close to Me, I can bless others through you.
You've got my attention Lord.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TOOLS

2011-07-16T09:44:00.000-04:00

While visiting a friend one day, I asked upon my arrival if there was anything I could do. Thinking along the lines of laundry, errands, perhaps grocery shopping. She smiled and dropped the crutches beside her chair. As she lowered herself to a semi-comfortable position, she said, "would you mind cooking lunch for us here?"
"Of course not, I volunteered."
She sat with her injured leg propped up while I attempted to cook lunch.
I know where everything is in my own kitchen. And I have "favorite tools."
It occurred to me that cooking in my friends kitchen is little bit like my writing.
I have favorite tools, and even though I am often using my lap top somewhere other than home, I have tools I use all the time.
What makes you a better writer? What "favorite tools" do you use to help you?
Are you comfortable writing somewhere else? Or do you always sit in the same chair, at the same desk to write?
I'd love to hear from you.

MISS MINNIE

2011-07-12T10:24:00.000-04:00

I remember very little about this little lady, except for the fact that she smelled like lavender. She probably stood about 5 foot tall and maybe weighed 100 pounds. My Grandma slid me onto the pew beside her. My feet did not touch the floor. I watched Grandma's back as she slid out of the pew and walked up on the platform to play the piano for the Church service. Grandpa was sitting in the back with the rest of the ushers.
The tiny one room Church with it's ten pews on each side of the aisle smelled like "coal oil". The old furnace has now been replaced.
As the service began, Miss Minnie held out her white gloved hand to help me stand. When I couldn't see over the pew directly in front of me, she attempted to help me stand on the pew, much to my Grandmother's horror.
As the pastor made his way down the center aisle to the podium, my eyes rested on the picture hanging on the wall directly between him and my grandmother. The picture was "Jesus at the door knocking".

All through my childhood, my teen years and early adulthood that picture was part of my life.
One day while I was waiting for the Church service to begin, basking in the sun coming through the stained glass windows, I looked at that picture and saw it for the first time.
There is no handle on this side of the door. The door must be opened from the inside.
From time to time I have the privilege of visiting that little country church. My heart still swells with pride when I walk through those doors. My grandparents are long gone, but their memory lingers there.
And that picture remains on the wall. Waiting for me to open the door and invite HIM in.

GOT 'CHA

2011-07-11T13:59:00.000-04:00

For the past three weeks I have been hiding in the bushes, crouching behind a tree, and standing in the shadows to capture this little guy.

And his brother, or whoever his friend is there on the left.
I'm sure the neighbors are relieved that I finally got pictures of these two little guys. I'm sure they are wondering what I'm doing lurking around in the bushes. That's really not normal for me.

Are you fascinated by any unusual birds in your backyard?
My husband compares me to a "child with a new toy."
When I see either one of these guys I grab the camera.
I have plenty of pictures of the bushes and the yard, especially under the feeder, right after they fly away.
I can almost hear the two of them laugh when I "miss" the shot!
When I came flying into the house, doors slamming behind me shouting, "I got them"! My husband was a little nervous---for a minute.

HE'S NORMAL

2011-07-09T12:27:00.000-04:00

His email began,"please pray for me. I've had an argument with Ben (not his real name). I said lots of things I should not have said. I need your prayers."
He also went on to say he hoped the Lord would forgive him for all the things he said to that man. I assured him the Lord had already forgiven him because he asked the Lord's forgiveness.
But he needed to work on forgiving himself.
I love to hear other people share with me about the times when they have also said or done things that were not Christ like. We are human beings. We are tempted. We are tired. Our nerves get frazzled. We are frustrated. Not one of us can always react the way the Lord wants us to.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And HE said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

THE FINAL JOURNEY HOME

2011-07-07T11:18:00.000-04:00

I woke earlier than normal this morning, about 5 a.m. My favorite thing to do is sit outside on the glider in the screen room, read three devotionals, pray and read my Bible.

Unfortunately at 5 this morning there wasn't enough light. So, being the creature of habit I am I forced myself to go out of order. I prayed first. There are several people I am praying for right now that I felt needed extra prayers anyway.

As I sat outside, waiting for the sun to come up and the birds to "wake up" I also prayed that my "editor" (the Lord) would lead me today. Before I start working on my latest "work in progress" manuscript, I pray for His guidance.

One of my friends who is battling breast cancer herself is now sitting at the bedside of her 93 year old Mother-in-law. She is not expected to live through the day. My friend has been reading scripture to her. Her son has been talking to her as she "walks through this valley".

While in the screen room this morning, waiting for the sun.....

I felt a joy in my heart and have never felt closer to my Father. Death is no longer a sad thing for me. It's a joy.
Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
He's waiting for you Shirley, go in peace my friend.............

COME BACK HERE....please

2011-07-06T14:30:00.000-04:00

They flock to the bird feeders in our back yard by the hundreds everyday.
Little finches, sparrows, Scrub Jays and Cardinals. Come one come all. But the two little birds I have been waiting for only show up a couple times a day. They don't sit on the fence, or linger at the feeders very long. Whenever I reach for the camera, no matter how quiet I am, they fly away before I can take their picture.
I am head over heels in love with those two Painted Buntings.
This is actually an Indigo Bunting and I haven't seen one of them at our feeders this year.

This is a Painted Bunting.

Not the one in my yard however. The little guy taunting me has more green. And the little guy hanging around with him is a blinding yellow.
Just a little while ago I had been sitting outside with my camera, waiting for them to show up.
They soar through the air together and land in a few of the trees around our house.
It's very hot today, and the humidity is high. I didn't care. I was a woman on a mission. I sat the camera down, and came in the house to refill my iced tea glass.
Guess what I saw through the kitchen window?
Come back here!

LOVE MR JOHNSON

2011-07-02T10:07:00.000-04:00

He tapped his cane on the front porch to get my attention. He shook his fist at me, "stop it Missy, you're gonna ruin them bushes".
I tried to assure him I was only pruning them, but my explanation fell on deaf ears, literally, as he shuffled back inside the house. The screen door banged behind him.
From his perspective the bushes looked just fine. But from my perspective they were overgrown and the weight of the new flowers were weighing the new growth down. I continued, in spite of my neighbor's protesting.
I continued pruning for over an hour. And picked up three huge bags of branches and leaves. As I sat back on my heels, resting, I thought about all the times the Lord has tried to "prune" me. From his perspective He needed to get rid of the dead branches, or just "trim" me up.
Several days later I wanted to redeem myself with Mr. Johnson. With two mugs of hot steamy coffee, prepared just as he likes it and a plate of chocolate chip cookies, fresh from the oven I knocked on his door.
He sat on the rocker farthest from the door and pointed with his cane for me to take the one beside him.
He shoved a cookie in his mouth and took a sip of the hot brew. He looked out across the banister into my yard and nodded.
"See, I told you to leave 'em alone. Look how pretty they are."
I smiled, I love you Mr. Johnson.

TWO HUNDRED POUND ROTTWEILER

2011-07-01T12:38:00.000-04:00

The reflection Meko sees in the mirror is a two hundred pound Rottweiler.
By day he is fierce and mighty. Don't try to walk past our house. He's usually on alert.
However, by night, my four and a half pound Maltese is a different "person".
For instance, the other night he needed to go outside to do whatever dogs do outside. It was in the middle of the night. In spite of the fact that we have dog doors, and he doesn't need me to take him outside, he waits for me to go with him.
I waited in the moon filtered ambient light in the screened room. He must have lost sight of me, because he ran past me, as quick as if I had used the word "treat". I quietly followed him back into the house. However, I waited while he ran around the dining room table, a couple end tables and finally stopped suddenly in front of me jumping on his hind legs. My cue to lean over and pick him up. His little heart was still pounding in his chest. Scared to death, but as I held him he relaxed. Safe in my arms.
I'm wondering how many times the Lord laughs at me. Running around in the dark, afraid of the "shadows". The unknown facing me. And struggling to get back to safety. When HE was standing there all the time. Just waiting in the ambient light. HIS ambient light.
I'm reminded of a song, "Safe in His Arms."
Meko was almost fast asleep in my arms before we got back to the bedroom. Safe in my arms.......

HERE COMES THE BRIDE....

2011-06-29T09:56:00.000-04:00

Last weekend my girlfriend was one of the models in a bridal show. She invited us to attend. My husband and I are a little old to be "in a wedding party". In fact we fit right in as grandparents.
I took my 35mm camera to take a few pictures of Bev. While she was dressing and having her make-up touched up, I walked around to where the vendors were. Several of them gave me big smiles.
My husband took my purse and sat in a corner with Bev's hubby. I continued walking around taking pictures.
It finally occurred to me the reason so many of them were smiling and posing is because they thought I was the photographer.
When I thought about that a moment it made me smile, because I'm no more a photographer than my little two year old granddaughter. I love taking pictures, but that's about as far as it goes.
I realized that just carrying a camera doesn't make me a photographer any more than carrying around my Bible makes me a Christian.
I have to work at both of them to become proficient. I need to study and practice.
Both of them are like my writing career. Just because I have a computer doesn't make me a writer. I have to work at that too.
I pray the Lord will help me become a better writer. I also pray He will mold me into a better Christian.
However I can see from some of my photographs the Lord is leading me to sunsets and water to capture His work.
The bridal show? That was just for fun.
(By the way, that's not my photograph)

HE CHOSE ME

2011-06-25T09:53:00.000-04:00

Many years ago a call came into our office. A patient needed to be evaluated, and I drew the "short straw" that morning.
I needed to meet with the lady at her house and decide if we could help her, or if we needed to call another agency.
Her caregiver greeted me at the door and led me through the house. The lady was in a hospital bed in a room which had been converted from a two car garage to a bedroom.
As I walked into the room, I was overwhelmed by the flowers. I had never seen, nor to this day have I seen that many flowers in a room other than a flower shop. There were at least two or maybe three hundred vases of fresh flowers and potted plants. Each vase had it's own little card wishing her well.
As I sat to do the intake, I thought this would be the easiest case I had ever done. With that many friends who love her I was sure, at that moment I would have no trouble recruiting help.
As we talked the smile on her face disappeared and tears erupted. It seemed she had been an only child, and both her parents were dead. She lost her husband six months before and they were never able to have children.
I reached for her hand when I realized she just needed me to listen.
When I first walked into her room and saw all the flowers, and what I thought was an outpouring of love I did feel a twinge of jealousy. So many people love her.
As the weeks went on, I learned a horrible secret. She was sending the flowers to herself.
It seemed strange to me at the time, that I was the one from our agency who "had to go" that morning.
But later, I knew exactly why HE chose me.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you

AMERICAN IDOL

2011-06-24T08:57:00.000-04:00

My favorite episodes of American Idol were the very beginning. When they were selecting singers to "go on".
Lots of people didn't like Simon for his brutality. However, many times when I saw him shake his head and say, "no way", I have to admit I did agree with him.
I used to smile at people who argued with Simon. "I can sing, are you crazy? What are you thinking? I've got talent."
I'm sure at some point someone encouraged that person into thinking they actually could sing.
Sometimes when I get another rejection from a publisher I can almost hear Simon's words, paraphrased, of course. "Why do you think you can write? Sorry, this isn't what we're looking for right now."
I wonder how many times writers have given up, because someone said, "no thank you" to their manuscript?
Writing isn't the same as singing. You either have a voice, and a good ear, or you don't.
Writing is a skill we can all hone. If you really want to be a writer the first lesson to learn is develop thick skin. Know who to listen to and who to turn a deaf ear to.
When I look at some of my early manuscripts I laugh at myself. What was I thinking?
If you have just recently received a "rejection", call another pair of eyes to look over what you've written. Do not give up. Contact other writers for their support and encouragement.
One of the things we share as writers is disappointment.
So open your laptop, take a deep breath and sing!

YOU SHOULD HAVE ASKED

2011-06-22T09:38:00.000-04:00

When I was in grade school the teacher called my Mom for a conference. I was too young to be invited to that meeting, but from what I understand it went something like this.
"Mrs. Neff, I don't know how to tell you this, but your daughter is very depressed. We feel she needs to be "checked" by someone."
I'm sure my Mother did not leave that meeting turning handsprings. She probably felt a little depressed herself after that.
During the weeks that followed, my Mother reached out to family members, church family and probably lots of other people I will never know about.
Finally after about of month she took me to a doctor.
He asked me so many questions. Some of them seemed silly, even to me, a six year old child. I remember how his glasses were perched on his nose, and he always nodded his head before he asked me another question.
He asked me questions about my family, and I believe one of the last questions he asked me was, "what's your favorite color?"
I smiled, finally a question that made sense to me.
"It's purple", I smiled.
He nodded, and then said, "Well then why do you color everything black?"
And my obvious answer, to me was, "because all the other crayons in my box were broken. That was the only one I had, I never used it."
They should have asked.

I PROMISE

2011-06-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

It seems about every afternoon my hubby and I have a discussion about working in the yard. By mid-afternoon it's pretty warm. However the mornings are beautiful. Usually in the 70's with a breeze. So I always want him to work in the mornings, or late afternoons. He thinks because he plays golf he's in "good shape". I'm thinking, it has nothing to do with the shape he is in, but how hot and humid it is outside.
Many afternoons I have gone outside and begged him to please stop. I take glasses of water for him to drink, and wet towels for his neck.
Today is no different, a beautiful morning. I headed outside to plant three new flowers.
The last words my husband said to me this morning as he was backing out the driveway on his way to the golf course were this:
"Promise me you will not plant that tree until I get home." I raised my hand and told him I would not plant the tree.
As soon as he left, I dug three holes for day lilies. After I watered them, I realized how much there is to do before we can actually plant "the tree."
There is about three inches of river rock that needed to be moved, and then of course the hole needed to be dug. We live in Florida, the "dirt" is sand. So I can almost move the "dirt" with a hose and water.
I filled six five gallon buckets with the river rock. It was still early and cool, in the mid 70's. So I thought why not? I dug the hole.
Now I know how my kids used to feel. If I had asked them not to plant the tree.
I didn't plant the tree, but all he has to do when he comes home is slide it into the hole and dump the river rock around it.
I think he'll be happy!

FRUSTRATION

2011-06-17T12:08:00.000-04:00

I shoved my chair away from my desk. I had been pouring over a manuscript for months. Meeting my daily word counts, and feeling somewhat satisfied with that goal.
However, something just wasn't right. No matter how I changed the story line, it just wasn't happening.
I remembered a line from Stephen King's book, On Writing, and I'm not quoting, throw the manuscript in a drawer for a while.
How could I possibly do that? How could I just put my "friends" away and forget them? They are "real people" to me. I have lived with them for months. I wake up with them, and fall asleep with them.
Something just wasn't right. So I took Mr. King's advice, reluctantly.

I tucked that manuscript away for a while. I tried to forget all about it. In fact, I started, and finished another writing project.
Whenever I thought of the manuscript in the drawer, visions of paper shredders and scissors came to mind.

I decided yesterday was the day to pull that manuscript out of the drawer and dust if off.
I found a comfortable chair, glass of iced tea and sunglasses.
As I began reading the manuscript I was even more upset than I remembered. Who wrote this? Ugggghhhhh. I think I was more focused on word count than content.
Anyway, I labored on and started liking it again. I also realized what I needed to cut and what could stay.
I would rather write than eat, except chocolate.
I feel refreshed and renewed and ready to tackle this project to the end.
After reading with "fresh eyes" the problem I had been dealing with for so many months became so obvious.
Putting this manuscript in a drawer for a while was the best present I could have given myself.

Comfort In His Arms

2011-06-15T09:31:00.000-04:00

Sunlight dotted the highway ahead. We had no warning of the approaching storm. As we continued, the storm clouds surrounded us.
Bailey is terrified of loud noises. Thunder clapped around the car as the windshield wipers slapped against the windshield.
I tried to hold him, offer him comfort, but my little Westie continued to pull away from me. He shook from fear.
The rain turned into hail as my husband pulled to the side of the road. However, try as I might, Bailey continued to pull away from me.
We sat along side the road with the other travelers, waiting for the wind and hail to subside. I watched in horror as my puppy continued to shake from fear.
He could have relaxed in my arms. I would not let anything hurt him.
That storm reminded me of the many times I've been like Bailey. Afraid of the storm in my life. All I had to do was climb into His arms.
Isaiah 51:12 I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid....
As the storm passed, Bailey quickly jumped back onto my lap. Content that all was again well. However, he could have been content all through the storm.
Just like me.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

2011-06-11T12:33:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure but I think I heard my two puppies, Bailey and Meko click their heels together as we pulled in the driveway late last night. I was busy clicking my own heels. It's great to visit family and friends, but oh so great to be back home.
I've been plowing through laundry and two weeks worth of mail today. The boyz are resting from all the excitement.
The flowers look brighter, the grass greener and my bed, ahhhh yes. It was so good to collapse into my own bed last night.
This morning as I fell back into my normal routine, reading three devotionals, praying for the people I've added to my prayer journal and reading my Bible, it felt comfortable.
I need to dust and run the sweeper and finish the laundry. I'm thinking I may do all of that after my afternoon nap. Another thing I missed while on vacation.
I missed all of you too.

Yup, there's no place like home.

FREE GIFT

2011-05-24T09:56:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but when someone offers me a "free gift" I'm always skeptical. My Grandmother used to say "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
A friend recently shared with me that she got "free makeup". Her husband argued that it would not be free, and she would be charged. When it came in the mail, she held it up. "See, I told you it was free."
Later that month, her husband called to tell me the company is now charging their credit card monthly for the "free make-up" his wife received.
This morning however, I did receive a "free gift."
Several weeks ago I scheduled two appointments at the same time. I sometimes forget to update both the calendars I have. One is in my purse, the other on my desk. After several phone calls, I was able to move one appointment to a different time, allowing the second appointment to happen. This morning, the second appointment canceled. That left three hours on my appointment book free. I took a deep breath and smiled.
When I was much younger time really didn't mean that much to me. It was just "something that happened."
Today, I treasure every minute of everyday. I still cram 32 hours into 24 everyday, but I try not to take anything or anyone for granted.
I cherish every moment the Lord gives me.
I pray I will use the three hours, the "free gift" I received this morning just as the Lord intended.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

RUNNING THE RACE

2011-05-19T08:32:00.000-04:00

He sipped his coffee and then stabbed his fork into another bite of omelet. "You know, honey, you really need to slow down. I've been noticing this morning you haven't stopped."
I nodded.
His motto is if you can do it tomorrow, why do it today. That's usually what he tells me as the door closes behind him on the way to the golf course.
He doesn't realize the deadlines I have, the organization it takes to accomplish everything in one day.
I remember when the kids were young. If for whatever reason I had a day off, and spent the day at home, by the time they got home I might be sitting in the family room watching TV or reading a book. That meant to them, that's what I did all day. They didn't realize no one dropped off groceries, or came in to wash, dry and fold the clothes. No one dropped off "Meals on Wheels".
I'm thinking my hubby may be of the same mind set. When he comes home from the golf course, dinner is on the table. He has clean clothes, there is no longer a path of sand on the floor. And I may be sitting in my chair reading.
What he doesn't see is everything I've done in between.
I smiled at him and explained I needed to get everything done that morning because after we deliver Meals on Wheels, I needed to work on a manuscript.
I watched his face. I think he gets it.
We finished breakfast, delivered Meals on Wheels, and came back home. I changed clothes, poured a glass of ice water and headed for the office. Ready to dive into my manuscript.
My hubby came in the office to tell me good-bye as he left for the golf course.
He turned quickly and walked back in the office.
"Honey, I forgot to tell you," he began as he opened his briefcase. "You need to type these minutes from my meeting last night."
I looked at him with disbelief.
He smiled, "It's okay, darlin, you've got all afternoon."
Ya gotta love 'em.

HE REMOVED OUR SINS

2011-05-18T09:04:00.000-04:00

"I cried for two days," she began, as tears pooled in her eyes. "I don't understand how I failed."
She went on to share how tortured she felt over the next few days, just reliving the situation.
I reminded her the enemy loves shooting darts at us. When he learns of anything bad happening in our lives, he loves to keep replaying it in our minds, and to remind us what failures we are.
In Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you continually And satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.
I am so thankful the Lord forgets my sins and mistakes. He's forgiven me everything.
Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
What I'm still trying to learn is how to forgive myself. How do you stop that memory that wants to keep re-winding in your head?
Oswald Chambers said, "If you want to be of use to God, get rightly related to Jesus Christ and He will make you of use unconsciously every minute you live."
How is the Lord moving in your life today?
Helen Grace Lescheid said in her daily Guideposts devotional today: Thank you, Father, for using our suffering to grow our love and empathy for others.

SUNDAY CHRISTIAN

2011-05-17T13:03:00.000-04:00

Aletha Hinthorn of Come to the Fire fame wrote one of the most powerful blogs I ever remember reading. If you don't already follow her blog, I recommend it.
In essence what she said was this;
Two older ladies were talking about a third lady. One of them said, 'when she prays, God listens'. When a little girl heard this conversation she really wanted to get to know the lady they were talking about. She didn't feel worthy to approach her, so she rode her bicycle past the ladies house one afternoon trying to muster the courage. Finally, as luck would have it, this wonderful woman walked outside her house to water the flowers. The little girl sucked in her breath and cautiously walked across the lawn towards this wonderful Christian lady. When the lady saw the little girl she screamed at her, "get off my grass can't you see it was just planted?"
How many times am I guilty of just that behavior Lord? When I'm waiting in traffic. When someone almost knocks me down in a store to get in front of me to the check-out lane. Am I the one who knows how to pray in Church? The one who sings in the choir, but then yells at my neighbor when her trash blows in my yard?
My grandmother used to call people like this lady a "Sunday Christian."

It's so easy Lord to "slip". Please keep me on the right path following you and doing Your will.
We never know who is "watching" us. But most importantly Father, I pray for acceptance through your eyes.
Mark 3:35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.

Space Shuttle Endeavour

2011-05-16T11:06:00.000-04:00

I shouted for joy as we stood in our back yard this morning watching Space Shuttle Endeavour enter into its final launch. Several neighbors who were working in their yards shouted across the street, "What do you see?"
I pointed to the vapor trail.
It occurred to me the reason they didn't notice the shuttle is because they weren't "looking up".
During the past few days I have been feeling a little overwhelmed. In the past weeks I have prayed with friends who are going through some very difficult times. This weekend, I received even more requests and it occurred to me I can't help them.
During my prayer time as I lift each of these people to the Lord I have been praying for myself. For the Lord to lead me, give me wisdom and strength to help them. Logistics makes it impossible to give each of them a hug.
This morning as I sat in silence, waiting for Him, I didn't get an answer, right away. So I went on with my morning routine. I opened the Bible to Isaiah. He led me to Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the Glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be sun upon you.
I'm a fixer. If I can't fix it I become frustrated. I can't "fix" cancer, broken bones, the sore on a diabetics foot-who has already lost part of his other foot. Or what do I say to a Grandmother, through her tears, as she shares the news that her unwed granddaughter is pregnant.
What I can do is continue to pray.
A friend shared with me the other day that warm chocolate chip cookies are comfort food to her.
I can't take away the cancer that is ravaging her body nor the pain she is enduring from the aggressive chemotherapy, but I can bake chocolate chip cookies. We are going to sit on her front porch, eat chocolate chip cookies, laugh and pray together for a few hours this afternoon.
Thank you Lord for reminding me what I see when I "look up."
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

GIVE THANKS

2011-05-12T11:54:00.000-04:00

As I was walking through the valley of the shadow this morning; I reached into my purse for something else when my hand brushed across a card a friend had given me a few days earlier. While standing there, I read her comforting words of encouragement again. As tears were about to brim over, the soft voice of Jesus reminded me of his words in Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
I felt an instant peace, knowing He was right there with me, and willing to carry the load. A load I didn't need to carry at all.
When the caller I. D. display read, 'no name available', I pushed the "block" button on the phone. We don't need any more insurance, or lawn care, or anyone to come check for bugs, inside or out.
But the phone call reminded me of the times God sees my name on His "caller I.D."
I'm wondering if He says, "On no, not her again! I just talked to her this morning, listened to her prayers, and now here she is again with the same request. What's a Savior to do?"
I'm sure He shakes His head and wonders about me.
He's given me the greatest gift of all, His Grace, His Love, His Patience and understanding.
Okay Lord, the next time I call, I promise it will be a new request, right after thanking you for everything you have given me.
I had to walk through the shadows this morning before I could enjoy the sunshine.
Thank you Lord for everything.

THANKS FOR COMING OVER

2011-05-11T09:16:00.000-04:00

I heard the fear in her voice before she told me the problem. She had just received a call from the Vet telling her about several tumors they found during surgery on her little dog.
Those of you who aren't dog lovers will not understand this blog today. For those of you, who are like me, feel they aren't "just" pets, but members of your family.
My heart ached for my friend. She's many miles away and waiting for another phone call. We have been friends for more years than I can remember. She is one of a group of my friends that Ellen Miller (Inspiration for Girlfriends) calls "refrigerator friends". She can come to my house and feel comfortable enough to open the fridge and say, "what's to eat?"
She asked me if I thought it was okay to ask me to pray for her little dog. I said, of course, she's "family".
We have a special bond, a friendship that has lasted for so many years. We call each other during happy or sad times.
Jesus is my "go to" friend. The one I lean on in sad times or happy times. He's the one I "call" when I'm happy. I feel His arms around me when I am sad.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Early in the morning as I sit, waiting for the sun to come up, I feel His presence. Warming me, just like the sun (son).
Thanks for Coming over.

DID I SAY NO?

2011-05-10T09:26:00.000-04:00

One of the emails I get consistently is about being tired. My friends are tired. Over-worked, frustrated, too busy, always on the go, no time for her/himself. Wow, can I relate? I think so.
One of the things my husband says to me on a regular basis is, "you need to learn to say no."
I'd like to know how to do that. When an elderly friend calls and needs help with her computer, she has no money to hire someone, is she where I start saying no? Or what about the friend who calls when I'm working on another project and "just needs to talk a minute". She's lonely. Do I say no to her? Or what about the fellow writer friends who want to send me parts of their manuscript for my critic? Do I tell them no?
I know you understand where I'm going. How do you divide your time? How do you say no?
I developed a plan of my own a few years ago. It's called PRAYER. Yup, that's "all" I do.
When I am feeling weary and frustrated and overwhelmed, I realize it's because I haven't included God in my plans that day. I've tried to "fix" it all myself. I can't do it. In fact, I never could do it by myself.
The hard part is not letting myself feel guilty about re-arranging my priorities. The laundry can wait. Grocery shopping doesn't have to be done this minute. Several tasks I've got on my list can be put off until tomorrow.
That's one of the things my hubby tells me all the time. "Do you have to do it today?" He's right. It can wait.
I'm baking chocolate chip cookies for him, but I think I can do it tomorrow.

THE VINE

2011-05-09T08:45:00.000-04:00

John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Reach out to Him. Cling to Him.
Just recently I heard two messages about forgiveness.
Not other people, but yourself. Jesus wants us to forgive ourselves. Don't continue to live in the past. Or suffer from mistakes we have made. In other words, let it go. Give it to Him. I love the way He puts people in my life to love.
None of us knows what is going on inside someone else head. Or the torture we put ourselves through because of mistakes we have made. Bad choices are a part of growing up.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. I Corinthians 13:7.
Regardless of the mistakes we have made, He is still in love with us. He created us in His image.
Reach out to Him.
Don't worry about yesterday, it's a waste of time and energy. Pray about today, now, and tomorrow.
Give your heart to Him and hang on for the ride of your life.
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T09:25:00.000-04:00

I woke feeling a little sad this morning. Probably because I no longer have a Mother to wish Happy Mothers Day. Her birthday would have been next week. She loved purple flowers, as do I. I think of her when a new purple bloom opens up in my own yard.

Looking around at the people in my life, I realize there are lots of people just like me. Missing someone special in their life.
I decided this morning before and after the morning Church service to make sure I give all the ladies in our congregation a special hug. Some of them have also lost their mothers, some still have their mothers, and some are too young to be mothers. But each of them needs a hug anyway.
I am hoping you will look around you, and notice how many sad people there are today, because they are missing someone special. It may be a spouse they are missing. It doesn't matter, you need to be the arms of Jesus this morning.
Thank you, I feel your arms around me too.

MEET ME ON THE PLAYGROUND

2011-05-07T09:25:00.000-04:00

While at dinner with friends the other night, I shared my "lunch story."
As I waited out front of the restaurant for my friend, a man approached me and said, "if you don't have anyone to eat with I would love for you to join me."
I smiled and thanked him for his kind gesture. About the same time my girlfriend walked around the corner. "I heard that," she smiled.
My husband didn't see the humor, but our friends at dinner thought it was funny. One of my friends said to my husband, "it's just her smile. She smiles at everyone."
My husband shared, "I know, but when we are in a store, I'll go down one aisle and when I catch up to her again, there is always someone there trying to help her."
I shrugged my shoulders, "They usually think I'm lost."
My husband continued, "we have been in the check-out line, lots of times in fact. People will turn around to talk to her and share the most personal stories about their family, friends or themselves. We walk out of the store and I ask her, 'who was that' ?"
I raised my eyebrow and smiled.
"She always says, I have no clue. I've never seen them before in my life."
I'm sure it goes back to when my own children were growing up. I used to tell them to pay attention to other people. Notice if someone is eating alone or by themselves on the playground. Invite them to join you, or if they are shy, join them.
You never know what is going on in someones heart by the look on their face.
Proverbs 11:25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.
I didn't like Grandma's advice when I was a child, but one of the things she used to say to me is "You have to be a friend to have one."
Maybe there is still some of that little girl in me. I'm inviting you to meet me on the playground.

JESUS CALLING

2011-05-06T18:39:00.000-04:00

If you don't have this book in your library, I highly recommend it. A precious friend gave me a copy this week, and even though it's a daily devotional, I can't put it down.
I crave time alone every morning with the Lord. I love sitting in my room, facing the east as the sun comes up. It's quiet. The birds are singing, and maybe off in the distance I can hear a dog barking. Be Still and Know I am that I am God, Psalm 46:10.
I hear from people everyday who are facing giants. They have lost their job or have just been given a medical diagnosis that none of us wants to hear.
But even in the midst of all that, HE is there.
I read several devotionals in the morning, write in my prayer journal, pray for a growing list of people, and read my Bible for about forty-five minutes. This daily ritual begins at 5 or 5:30 every morning. It lasts until 8 or 8:30. I do this each and every day.
The first day I read Sarah Young's Journal, "Jesus Calling", I felt as though HE were sitting on the love seat with me.
People say to me often, "I wish the Lord would speak to me as He does to you."
And my question to them is always the same. "How much time do you spend alone with Him? How often do you sit with no phone, TV or radio?"
When they give me the reasons or excuses, I smile. "He's waiting for you. But don't make Him wait too long."
I feel a rush of joy and a sense of peace coursing through my veins. I walk with Him and talk with Him, just like the old hymn, HE LIVES.
And He does, in my heart.

TODAY IS THE TOMORROW...

2011-05-05T09:21:00.000-04:00

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. Anonymous
I rolled over and looked at the clock, 2:48 a.m. Great I have two whole glorious hours to sleep.
As I rolled over on my back and snuggled closer to my five pound Maltese, Meko, my mind started churning.
My wireless printer is off line again. It takes about a half hour to go through all the steps to get it back on line. I have to re-write several pages of the manuscript I'm working on, and the mountain of responsibilities kept flowing in my head.
I remember thinking I might as well get up, I'm awake and I have so much to do.
But Lord, I've been so tired. I fell asleep at 8:30, woke up at 10:30 and went to bed.
As the thoughts continued in my head, that precious voice said to me, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me" John 14:1
Those words were soft and soothing to me.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, Psalm 150:6.
The next time I looked at the clock it was 5:04 a.m.
Right on time, Lord. Thank you for a great nights rest.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever. Psalm 145:21

TRUST ME

2011-05-04T09:03:00.000-04:00

As soon as someone calls me about a speaking engagement I pray. "Lord what do you want me to talk about? Who do you want to reach through me?"
Almost immediately He goes to work. One time I remember going back to Him several times saying, "Lord, we don't have much time left, it's next week, and I'm still not clear what you want Your message to be." And almost just as clear was that still calm voice I've grown to love answered me, "we've got plenty of time."
I had the awesome privilege of having lunch with another Christian Motivational Speaker yesterday. When I shared with her my experience, she agreed that same thing happens to her.
One time, after I was introduced and on my way to the platform, the Lord said, "I've changed my mind."
You're kidding, right Lord?
It was from that experience that I knew I had to trust Him. I had to surrender to Him. He would guide me. He has already given me life experiences to draw from. He touched my heart and led me that day. He knew exactly what He wanted me to say, and He knew who He wanted to touch.
I'm also learning He has a sense of humor.
Trust in the Lord. Just like Psalm 118:8 says, It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
If you ask me later what I talked about, most of the time I don't have a clue. A lady came up to me one day referencing something I had said, and I remember thinking, 'I said that?' hmmm.
It's like hanging on to the crag of a rock. Where is your next foothold? Is it safe, am I going to fall?
I remember thinking to myself, take a deep breath. If I fall He will catch me.
And you know what? He has hundreds of times. Thank You Lord for Loving me.

I THINK I CAN......

2011-04-30T09:15:00.000-04:00

Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't you are right."
That simple sentence is so true.
I have always said, You can choose to be a winner, or you can choose to be a loser, a victim.
None of us has control over our circumstances. And sometimes I think that's a good thing. There are times when I make a decision, that if I had waited a week, or even a day, I might have decided differently. But, even though we sometimes have no control, we can still choose joy.
And our state of mind. My mind doesn't work the way it used to. Sometimes it takes more than a few minutes to remember someones name. I eventually do remember. But I choose to remain positive. To think positive thoughts. I choose to think I can.
Whether or not that is true, I'll find out later if I can't. Knowing I can gives me a different perspective on the outcome.
But again, we don't always have control over the outcome either. Thinking we do is a more pleasant ride than thinking we don't.
I would rather spend the day with someone who thinks she's a winner than someone who claims to be a victim. We can all be victims.
My friends who are fighting cancer, or a broken neck, or Parkinson's disease. Each of them is still fighting the good fight. Giving all their energy to thinking, 'I think I can'.
I'm betting on them. I'm proud of them, and love spending my days with them.

FUD

2011-04-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

FUD is a marketing term coined by Gene Amdahl in 1970, and from what I understand is still used today. It stands for Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. In marketing terms it is used to persuade you to buy something you think you must have.
I am wondering how many times I have been persuaded by fear, uncertainty or doubt?
I am guessing too many times to count.
One of my friends who is facing chemo had doubts and probably a little fear about whether or not chemo was the correct route to take. While she was sitting on a bench at a cancer center, she just "happened" to sit beside a patient who also had a double mastectomy. However, her surgery was a year ago, and she did not take the doctors advice about continuing with chemotherapy. Today that lady learned the cancer had spread to her bones and now she is having chemo. It took lots of planning on the Lord's part to put those two people on a bench for the two minute wait for their cars.
I've always know God is everywhere. But that reality came to life this week, as my husband and I stood at the launch pad waiting for our friend to be air-lifted to a different hospital. That morning, his wife called to tell me her husband had 11 staples in his head and the E.R. doctors said his neck was broken. We drove two and a half hours to the hospital, praying most of the way.
I realized God is sometimes like a bus driver. You are standing there at the bus stop, maybe not really knowing where you want to go. HE pulls up, opens the door and it's up to you to climb on the bus, and go with HIM. Or wave the bus on.
He was there at the same time for my two friends this week. In different areas, God was still there with both of them. HE was also with their families giving them comfort, joy and peace.
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation, so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

JUST LIKE YOU

2011-04-26T13:06:00.000-04:00

Tears pooled in my eyes as I listened to her story. What an amazing testimony of faith, love and devotion.
I leaned back against the booth, took another sip of iced tea and shook my head.
Whenever we get together, I leave feeling so inspired. She shared what's been going on in her life and what's coming up. She'll be leaving to work as a missionary for about three months. Even though it's here in the United States the people will be total strangers.
She feels the Lord has called her to this mission.
It's not the first time for her. She has done mission work before. She and her husband spent many hours, days, months, weeks and years serving the Lord, in many capacities.
She spoke to me with enthusiasm in her voice and a twinkle in her eye. She smiles easily.
God introduced me to this woman years ago. In a parking lot she wanted to pet my dog. There's a lot more to the story, but that's how it began.
In the time I've known her, many changes have occurred in her life. The biggest change was losing her husband of forty-nine years. Just a month and a half short of fifty years together.
In fact, most of the women I know, who are her age are slowing down. She says, "Why do that where there's still lots of the Lord's work to do." She reached across the table and patted my hand.
"I wasn't sure at first", she began, "you know, that it was the Lord calling me back to missions."
I waited for her to collect her thoughts.
"But then, everything just came together. I even have somewhere to live." She laughed, "in fact, it's with a lady who is ten years older than me."
My friend is in her eighties.
I'm praying for her.
She told me this morning her kids think she's never grown up.
I wrapped my arms around her and said, "Well, when I grow up, I want to be just like you."

REJECTED

2011-04-21T08:36:00.000-04:00

He sounded like he was in the bottom of a well.
"What's up?" I tried to say in a cheery voice.
"I've finally decided I can't do this any more. I think I need an agent." He blurted out.
"Another rejection?"
He laughed. "Yes. What I want to know is how do you do it?"
"I'm not sure I know what you mean?"
"You always seem to be up beat. Don't you ever get rejections?"
I smiled and looked at the stacks on the corner of my desk.

"Do you mean the rejections from publishers I've queried, or just the agents?"
He said, "you're kidding, right?"
No, darlin, I don't think so. I wish!
Rejection is not the same, in my humble opinion, as rejected. Rejection just says to me, we aren't looking for what you're "selling" right now.
I continued, "don't take it personally. They are not rejecting you the person. And maybe they aren't rejecting what you've written. They just don't have a "fit" for it at the moment.
I remember when I was sixteen. I asked Dad to borrow the car. He said no. Do you think that was the last time I asked? I don't think so.
It's the same thing with an agent, or a publisher. Just keep trying. Do the research, look at their web site. See what, or who they are looking for. And most importantly, never give up.
If you get rejected today, work on your manuscript. Don't dwell on the "rejection". Keep working on your craft. Polish your skills.
What keeps you motivated?

The Love of My Life

2011-04-19T10:25:00.000-04:00

My husband sat across the table from me eating breakfast. We were talking about our day ahead of us when Father Nick walked into the restaurant.
I raise my hand to wave at him and he walked across the floor to our table. In his Scottish brogue he said, "top of the morning to ya."
I smiled. "How are your girls?"
"You know," he began, "the girls are the love of my life."
I know exactly what you mean Father. "The boys are the love of my life too."
Every Wednesday my husband and I deliver Meals on Wheels. We all meet at the Catholic Church to pick up the meals we will be delivering that day.
We always take "the boys" with us. I drive while my husband takes the food inside to the clients. While we are waiting for the food to arrive, we walk across the driveway to see the two little "girl" Chihuahuas.
Bailey runs along the fence to greet the "girls", while Meko hides behind me. One of the girl's likes us, while the other one wishes we would go away forever.

From another table at the restaurant that morning, we heard, "excuse me sir, what religion are you?"
Without missing a beat, Father Nick said, "I'm Catholic."
She said, "I heard you talking about your children."
My husband laughed out loud. Father Nick smiled.
"They are the love of my life." He said.

Me too, Father Nick, me too.

ORCHID'S

2011-04-09T15:17:00.000-04:00

Over the years I have developed a deep affinity for Orchids. I'm not sure why, but it might be due to the fact that they bloom for several months and then don't bloom again for another year.
This little beauty is in my office, notice the clutter behind it.

And then there's this little guy who has been sitting outside, patiently waiting to bloom again. It hasn't bloomed since last May. The flowers are larger this year and there's still one waiting to open.

But wait, what about this one? This one is growing in a small planter, hanging right outside my office window, but has no medium (bark or moss) inside. It is simply growing. The down side to this one is it requires a cup of water daily.
I do love flowers, and I just realized each of these orchids is some shade of purple.
It also occurred to me that even though each of these orchids is blooming now, each one of them takes special care. One requires water everyday, the other one a special kind of moss and the third one I "water" with ice cubes, but yet each of them is blooming and thriving.
I wonder if that's how God sees each of us, as special and different? I wonder if HE also cares for us in the same way. In other words, HE knows exactly what we need in order to make us bloom and thrive.
I wonder if I'm an orchid in God's eyes?

Childlike Faith

2011-04-07T11:10:00.000-04:00

She folded her hands in front of her as she bowed her head, and in that sweet little four year old voice prayed, "Lord, please send rain. Nana says we need it. Amen."
The innocence of a child.
We pushed away from the table and walked towards the door. I stood gazing outside thanking the Lord for the sunshine on this beautiful cloudless day.
I reached for my granddaughters hand, but as I turned towards her she had disappeared into another room. When she reappeared she was carrying her pink Barbie umbrella.
She had just prayed for rain, and she expected that would happen before we returned from our walk.
I wish I had the faith of a child. I wish I could pray the simple unassuming words that seem to flow from her lips. She closes her eyes and bows her head and tells the Lord exactly whats on her heart. "Take care of my family Lord, because I love them. Amen."
Sometimes I think we as adults, myself included get stuck on "how to pray." We seem to think our prayers won't be answered if we don't pray the "right" way.
I believe there isn't a "right or wrong" way to pray, as long as we are praying the way Jesus taught us. Matthew 6:5-13 Pray like this....
God does not ignore our prayers, Psalm 9:12
Our prayers bring us into God's presence, Psalm 145:18
A sincere prayer brings wonderful results, James 5:16
AND
God hears our prayers when they are in line with his will, I John 5:14
So my prayer today is "Lord, thank you for your Grace. And please take care of my family and friends because I love them. Amen."

SIMPLE IS BETTER

2011-04-06T09:17:00.000-04:00

She held up her new Iphone and Ipad. "You've got to join this generation" she smiled at me.
I used to call one of my friends "Amish" because she didn't have a cell phone or email. But now, I'm thinking I may be in her ranks.
My friend called the other day. She is always positive and upbeat, but from the minute I recognized her voice I heard the frustration.
"What's up?"
"I am so frustrated."
Her children bought a new computer for her birthday. A very nice and thoughtful gesture, except that now she has to learn new technology. She was a missionary for over forty years, and still has many followers. She types newsletters, and emails some of them but the rest of them she has to mail. The computer kept locking up, and she had to re-boot it. She finally said, "I just want my old computer back." This precious lady is in her eighties. Change isn't always better.
I fought email, for a while, next it was texting. Now, I answer email from my phone, or I send someone a quick text.
My printer is wireless, so I can access it from anywhere in the house, when it's working.
Yesterday, I was preparing for a meeting. I needed to print several copies. I sent it to the printer and waited. In fact, I went to the kitchen for another glass of iced tea. When I came back and read the error message on the screen, document failed to print, I wanted to call my eighty year old friend and see if she could help me!
The two of us decided yesterday that sometimes, simple is better--especially at our age.

My Precious friend, Diana

2011-03-31T10:41:00.000-04:00

I had the privilege of spending a few hours with a special girlfriend yesterday. I went there, thinking it was to help her develop a new blog. I scheduled two hours, between other commitments.
We have become special friends over the past few years. We were introduced by God. Yup, that's what I said. HE orchestrated our meeting, and HE has kept our hearts entwined ever since. At first I volunteered as a Chaplin at the clinic where she was the Executive Director. Later I took on the task of writing their (the clinic) story. I'm still working on that project, together with Diane.
Yesterday, we met at her house thinking we would be working on her new blog.
We shared several God Stories happening in own lives. We laughed, shed a few tears and prayed. When I looked at my watch, realizing I only had a few minutes to get to the next appointment it occurred to me we had not done what I planned to do.
I apologized to her, telling her I would come back to help, if she needed me. She said, "I know that, but I think our time together was more important."
She is a friend I can always go to for support, and special hugs of encouragement. Her faith is stronger each time I see her. I felt so refreshed and inspired by her, just being around her is like a Spring morning after the rain.
Did I mention, this precious friend of mine is facing a journey of her own? I didn't think so.
She will be having a double mastectomy next week. But yet, my precious friend gave me encouragement. In spite of surgery for cancer, she remains upbeat and happy. She chooses JOY.
I choose to be her friend forever.
Diana Furr, we all love you and are praying for you, my sister. The Lord will be with you next week as HE is now, and so, my friend will we.

That Was You, Wasn't It Lord

2011-03-22T09:29:00.000-04:00

My prayer journal laid across my lap, my hands pressed the tattered pages. My fingers traced the first eight names on the page. Each of them have cancer, six of my sisters, breast cancer.
I leaned my head against the soft cushion, my heart heavy. "Lord are you hearing my prayers? Am I praying the right way? I lift these precious people up to you everyday, but I'm not sure you are hearing me."
In the stillness of the morning light, two birds chirped across the yard. They seemed to be saying, "good morning, why are you sad?"
As my eyes glanced at the first name on the list, I remembered her circumstances. She wasn't able to have a mammogram at her regular time. She had it two and a half months later. They would not have found the spot, so tiny even the radiologist had trouble seeing it. That was you, wasn't it Lord.
And then the second name on my list. She had surgery, almost died from the Chemo. Spent a week thinking her husband was the doctor. Later, after surgery, finding another lump which was also milignant. She is now finishing her "last round of chemo", and there's no sign of cancer anywhere in her body. That was you too, wasn't it Lord.
The third name on the list said to me last week. "This cancer is a blessing." I couldn't believe my ears. "Why", I said.
Because, she continued, "I'm going to meet lots of new doctors and nurses I can testify to about the wonderful love of Jesus."
That was you too, wasn't it Lord.

BLESSED

2011-03-13T09:02:00.000-04:00

I had the honor and privilege to speak at the New Life Christian Church in Wildwood, Fl on Saturday.
In the past, after someone calls me to speak I pray asking the Lord for His guidance. Well, I asked for His guidance this time too, but this time was different. Normally, He lays on my heart almost immediately what He wants me to share, and we (the Lord and I) work on it together.
During the six weeks or so from the time they called, until yesterday, He changed my message many times. I prayed, "Lord you know the time is close, and I'm not sure what you want my message to be." I thought he was telling me, "don't worry, we've got time."
And so it went. I continued to pray, and listen to His voice. He continued to lay ideas on my heart. I prayed during the two or three hour trip there.
When I got there I was welcomed with open arms. I've never felt so loved. I continued to pray the Lord would guide me, because I was still not sure what my message was to be.
I tried to "rehearse" in my head, but still did not feel comfortable.
By the time I made it to the podium I was feeling pretty nervous. Not quiet as bad as the very first time I ever spoke, but I had that same lack of confidence.
I took a deep breath, and the Lord took over.
I spoke about things I had "rehearsed" and several things I had not planned to talk about.
There have been times when something has come out of my mouth and I've wondered "where did that come from"?
Afterwards, when I closed, I wondered, Lord, did I say exactly what you had planned? I hope I didn't let you down.
Several ladies met me with hugs.
One particular lady, waited for me, pushing her walker. Donna had tears in her eyes, she said, "you've given me hope."
We talked for a moment and she shared what's going on in her life. I wrapped my arms around her and prayed for her right there.
Thank you Lord, I've never felt so blessed.

Twenty-five Miles

2011-03-08T18:48:00.000-05:00

My husband leaves notes on my desk all the time. Like, could you send someone email, or check on this or check on that.
I came home from a meeting this afternoon and sat at my desk wondering where all the "stuff" came from. I was only gone about forty-five minutes.
I started sorting through the top layer and came across a gas receipt.
I should have told you, that since we've been married I don't think I've ever put gas in my car. I know, I know.
Anyway, he always takes the car and fills it up.
As I was heading out the door today, he said, "when was the last time we put gas in your car?"
Gee honey, I don't know, that's your job. I shrugged my shoulders and headed out. He shouted, "you better check before you leave."
I got in, adjusted the seat belt, started the car and waited for the needle to move. And I waited. Hmmmm.
I went back into the house and told my husband I would be taking his car to my meeting.
I looked down at the gas receipt in my hand. In my husband's handwriting he had scrawled across the bottom. "The tank holds 20 gallons, you had 1.787 gallons of gas in your car."
So what's the big deal, honey? I could have driven at least twenty-five more miles.