Bringing our Requests to Christ

BRINGING OUR REQUESTS TO CHRIST

We sometimes fear to bring our troubles to God, because they must seem small to Him who sitteth on the circle of the earth. But if they are large enough to vex and endanger our welfare, they are large enough to touch His heart of love. For love does not measure by a merchant's scales, not with a surveyor's chain. It hath a delicacy... unknown in any handling of material substance.

--R.A. Torrey

Great News for 2009

A German scientist is prescribing aimless sloth as the antidote to professional stress and the secret to a long life.

"People who would rather laze in a hammock instead of running a marathon or who take a midday nap instead of playing squash have a better chance of living into old age," Professor Peter Axt, co-author of the newly published study, "On the Joy of Laziness."

Axt, who teaches at a college in Fulda, emphasised that moderate exercise like walking -- at least if taken at leisure and not snatched hectically from the working day -- and avoiding overeating were nonetheless healthy. But overdoing it was not.

"Research shows that people who run long distances into their 50s are using up energy they need for other purposes," said Axt, a health researcher whose previous publications include "Just Stay Young" and "Eat Yourself Slim."

"They suffer memory loss. They risk premature senility."

Committing heresy in a country where many consider waking after sun-up a sin, he also slammed early rising -- getting up too soon leaves people stressed for the whole the day, he said. And keeping down stress is vital to good health, especially at work, added Axt.

His prescription? "Waste half your free time. Just enjoy lazing around."

Finally...Home for Sale

The long awaited day....house is on the market!

It looks great, the remodel is total perfection,

and I have an amazing Realtor!

He is so thoroughly professional, and I know he'll get this home sold.

I tease him because he is the best-dressed

Realtor this side of the Mississippi!

The man is stylin! So is his wife who is also a Realtor!

What a gorgeous and very nice couple they are!

I admit when I saw the sign go up I had the melancholy set in

that soon I will be leaving Jeff's home.

What a blessing it was for me to be able to care for him here.

I have many wonderful memories of our time together.

Laughter cuz he was the funniest person ever

and I was his best audience.

Laughter cuz of the times he and his son Kevin played

and laughed so much in every room.

Laughter with all his very special friends visiting us here.

Thanks for the memories

and for the incredible blessing you always were to me, my son.

The Legendary

Eartha Kitt

1927-2008:

Emmanuel

YouTube - O Come O Come Emmanuel - Sufjan Stevens

GOD WITH US!

Hallelujah

YouTube - THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS ( BROOKLYN TABERNACLE CHOIR )

Gingerbread Houses, Tears and Cocktails

The effort wasn't to produce extravagant Gingerbread Houses

for the holiday season!

No, just make a few simple gingerbread houses to give as gifts to

the children in our lives. Really!

Yes, something like this...

simple, pretty, festive and delicious.

Joann didn't know what she was in for when she said she would help Donna and me. She was an expert in all things baking, cooking, crafting. You need help? Ask Joann. She should have known about Donna's (in)abilities as they had known each other for eons. I was new to the mix but fit in with Donna quite well.

We received our instructions from Joann the night before. The recipe for the gingerbread and the patterns for pieces needed to assemble the houses the next day. Alone in our homes the mixing and baking began. I'm not much for detail so lo and behold I had a lot of pieces of gingerbread that were not exactly like the pattern pieces...actually they were similar in color and that was about it. We each were told what to purchase for the frosting and the candy decoration. We had a plethera of gumdrops, hard candies and cinnamon hearts ready to go.

We met up at Donna's early in the morning and began mixing the powdered sugar--that would be the cement that held these darling little houses together! It wasn't long before Donna and I were in deep trouble. Joann noticed that our gingerbread pieces were of different thicknesses, thus presenting the problem of a nicely squared house being stuck together with a minimum of frosting.

Joann had whipped up a few perfectly wonderful and very precise homes..a village in fact.

Suffice it to say I was sent to the store numerous times for two or three packages of powdered sugar EACH TIME. It was kind of funny at first, but that didn't last long. Picture in your mind the four sides of a little house.. .crooked. Now envision the roof being uneven so more frosting was needed on one side than the other to keep it all even...as even as could be, that is. There! You have the picture. And now we are a couple of hours into the process.

Joann's village was all set up in the living room on the floor...Could have been Switzerland. A few lopsided houses of mine were in the family room as well as Donna's. We were whacky by then...frustrated and then finding ourselves amused..much to Joann's chagrin.

At one point I was going to jump all over Joann's village so she couldn't have nicer gingerbread houses than we did. Joann who never drank in her life was found looking in the liquor cabinet!!!! Yes!!! We drove her to think the evil alcohol could help her state of mind! A bit later Donna, who is very short, was found trying to climb on top of her fridge to jump to her death. It was just all getting worse as the day went on.

At some point two husbands appeared (not the perfect Joann's) and did their best to hold back the snickers and sneers at our work! I cried, and that's not the first time I have cried trying to do a Christmas craft with Donna. One other time I had to do christmas sugar cookie decorating!

I think the husbands did help put on some candies...and we wrapped them in pretty cellophane with big bows and then I had the audacity to deliver them (I made 14) to unsuspecting children! I'm pretty sure a lot of laughs were had once that cellophane was removed, but nice thank you notes were received. I am laughing here remembering this fine day of baking and decorating and feeling very sorry for Joann and what we put her through!

I often have Food TV on in the background here...(why? never sure!!) Right now Sandra Lee just finished a baking deal that Donna and I should try soon! It's a donut tree. Joann moved far away to Boise ID so we would be on our own. The little donuts are those kind that you can buy premade,,,,,,but I read the recipe and it does involve powdered sugar frosting...

Then we can make the Glacier Cocktail which was on after the Donut Tree....and salute Joann!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Can you EVEN imagine?

And the angel came unto her and said, "Hail, thou that are highly favored.

The Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.

And when she saw him she was troubled at his saying

and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, "Fear Not, Mary; for

thou has found favor with God.

And behold, thy shall conceive in thy womb

and bring forth a son, and shall call his name

JESUS.

Luke 1:28-31

For with God, nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 1:37

And Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord;

be it unto me according to Thy Word."

And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38

Can you EVEN imagine? For the life of me I cannot!!!!!

Oh that I would someday have the heart of Mary: one of true submission and trust in my Lord and my God.

Last Minute Gifts for children...BOOKS

I think the gift of a book is one of the best gifts ever!

I have two recommendations...

Three little trees disappointed with their lives being so mundane. Each had high hopes and dreams for what they wanted to be someday. But God had something different in mind. Eventually each gets their wish, but certainly not what they had dreamed. God has plans for each one of his creation and the trees realize their meaning and purpose through what God does with them. This is such a beautiful and moving story. I loved the illustrations too.



A beautiful story of a lamb who is different but finds encouragement from his friend, the cow. Another fine story beautifully illustrated showing God's unique purpose for his own. Get your Kleenex!

***<>***

Someone you love will really be blessed

by one or both of these fine books!

Christmas Began

Christmas began in the heart of God.

It is not complete until it

reaches the heart of man.

Luke 2:10

Ok I hope you don't think this is irreverant, but it made me laugh. Jeff Larson is a minister. I'm just sayin...


This is the non 'ish' version:

10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

MEASUREMENTS

That title might bring some chagrin thinking the blog would be about our human measurements which tend to increase at Christmas with all the holiday parties, food and fun! It could suggest the measurements needed to bring forth some fine Scottish Shortbread. (On my second try I did manage to use 5 cups of flour and not 3 which made for a much better and more firm cookie!) Do not fret, today's blog is a reminder that God's love for us cannot be measured. Dwell on the blessings given to us as written in this Psalm.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever;

He does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed,he remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103:8-14 NIV

*Fear = reverence and awe

GREAT GIFT CERTIFICATE IDEA!

Enjoy dinner out with your family for a steal!

Restaurant.com is offering a new code for 80% off the purchase of gift certificates through them. Pair this with the cash back deal through Cashbaq, and you can get a $25 gift certificate for just $1.40 (or free if you’re new to Cashbaq – they are offering a $5 signup incentive right now)!

Taking advantage of this offer is easy:
Sign up with Cashbaq and click through their site to get 30% cash back from any Restaurants.com purchase.
Add your gift certificates to your cart in increments of $25.
Enter the code SANTA at checkout.

Use the gift certificate code generated to select and print out gift certificates to the restaurants of your choice.

Thrify way to eat out, give a gift, or stuff a stocking!

CHRISTMAS COOKIE RULES

I like these Cookie rules, how about you?

Christmas Cookie Rules...

1. If you eat a Christmas cookie fresh out of the oven, it has no calories because everyone knows that the first cookie is the test and thus calorie free.

2. If you drink a diet soda after eating your second cookie, it also has no calories because the diet soda cancels out the cookie calories.

3. If a friend comes over while you're making your Christmas cookies and needs to sample, you must sample with your friend. Because your friend's first cookie is calories free, rule #1 is yours also. It would be rude to let your friend sample alone and, being the friend that you are, that makes your cookie calorie free.

4. Any cookie calories consumed while walking around will fall to your feet and eventually fall off as you move. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.

5. Any calories consumed during the frosting of the Christmas cookies will be used up because it takes many calories to lick excess frosting from a knife without cutting your tongue.

6. Cookies colored red or green have very few calories. Red ones have three and green ones have five - one calorie for each letter. Make more red ones!

7. Cookies eaten while watching "Miracle on 34th Street" have no calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.

8. As always, cookie pieces contain no calories because the process of breaking causes calorie leakage.

9. Any cookies consumed from someone else's plate have no calories since the calories rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to their plate. We all know how calories like to CLING!

10. Any cookies consumed while feeling stressed have no calories because cookies used for medicinal purposes NEVER have calories. It's a rule!

CHRISTMAS QUESTIONNAIRE

Christmas Questionnaire:

1. Fresh Tree/Fake Tree? Fake with lights already on it!

2. Favorite Ornament- A small white ceramic dove

3. Favorite Christmas Song- O Holy Night

4. Favorite Tradition-Open as many gifts on Christmas Eve as the family will allow!!!!!!! I started begging at 3pm.

5. Favorite Gift Ever Received - A red Royal Portable Typewriter in its case!

6. Favorite Christmas Food - Prime Rib

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie - Shortbread, of course

8. Favorite Memory - Always having my parents, brothers and families over on Christmas Eve for dinner and sharing of gifts.

9. Favorite Place to be-Lake Tahoe

10. Favorite Christmas Movie-It's a Wonderful Life

Thanks Chachaneen for a fun idea...and good memories.

Scottish Shortbread

Shortbread Cookies

Today I'm really in the Christmas Spirit!
I think making Turkey soup yesterday, which turned out so delicious,

has made me go forth into the kitchen yet again today!

My grandfather from Scotland was a baker.

He had his own bakery when he came to the US

One tradition was the wonderful

Scottish Shortbread.

Each year at Christmas he would

make batches and batches of these wonderful treats.

The family mold was about a 5" circle

pewter I believe, which had an

impression of heather in it.

He would wrap up a couple and tie on a red ribbon

and give them to friends and family.

My uncle continued the tradition

I found a wooden mold exactly the same as the one my grandpa had

but I did pack it away so I won't be able to use that today.

Family members won't let me share the recipe, so I apologize for not including it.

Just know that today I'm filling the house with

a wonderful aroma and plenty of memories of Christmas past!

My girlfriends are coming up Sunday for a Potluck

and I'll have some Scottish Shortbread for them

all tied up with a red ribbon!

Blog Award goes to....

This is the special "Proximidade" award.

This award is a fine one because it focuses not on the glory and fanfare of blogging, but in the PROXIMITY to one another through this on-line world (kind of a Six Degrees of Separation sort of thing).

"Blogs who receive this award are 'exceedingly charming' say its authors. This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!

Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Well when I received my award from Chachaneen http://chachaneen.blogspot.com/
I was thrilled...my first award. When I read the criteria I was even more thrilled. I do believe in relationships. I covet my old friendships and am always wanting more than a surface relationship with people I meet.

Now I cannot choose eight bloggers because I do not even know eight bloggers well enough to give the award...so since Janeen already received one, I have one person left who truly fits the category specifics. And therefore I give this Proxi Award to my dear friend, Lori. (who actually helped me set up my blog..and that wasn't easy!)

Musings from a Proverbs 31 Wannabe

Hand-made Christmas Stockings!

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

I love Christmas stockings. I've already shared mine with you in a previous blog. I think I've also mentioned that I am also a wanna-be crafter. I try, but not much turns out well. Ever hopeful, I never give up. I have many stories about such 'crafts'...from blue pickles, to moldy christmas dough ornaments, and we won't even get into gingerbread houses! Well, maybe I will share the gingerbread house story with you another day in December!

One year I decided to make Christmas stockings for my family. Why should I be the only one with a special stocking? For some reason I had a sewing machine (shocking and that's a whole other story). So off I went to a fabric store (shudder) and found some cute material and trim. I was so excited!

I had no pattern of course; how hard could this be? I just drew the patterns and cut! Easy enough...looked great. Sewed the material and boom, they were finished. All I had to do was decorate with rick rack, buttons and fringe. Three darling stockings. I was so proud.

Then I turned them right-side out to begin the decorating. WHOOPS! I had not allowed the inches necessary to have a nice wide stocking, thus I ended up with stockings that were about 3 inches wide!!!! I didn't buy extra material so I was stuck. I went ahead and decorated them (wish I had a picture now) and they turned out so adorable...except for the width, of course.

Let's just say, no orange ever fit into one of them. We had a lot of laughs because each and every year I put in a banana.

Unique, that's it!

The home-made stockings were adorable and unique!

We can spin anything to a positive!!!!!

Memories

Kevin and Jeff ** 2004

Recently I was encouraged by a dear friend to start journaling memories of my son so that I could bind them all up and have them to give to his son, Kevin when he is older. I thot it a great thing for Kevin since he was only six when his daddy died. This morning I wrote the first one and I'd like to share it with you.

***

People love to hear my Jeff stories, of which there are many! Because you lost your father early in your sweet life I want to share some of his life with you, Kevin. I love you, Mimi

SUPERMAN

I think the funniest one is when he was about three years old. We all lived in our first home in Phoenix, Arizona. He had his own small bedroom…probably 9x9. It had two twin beds in it with a window in between with drapes…by the time you read this they probably will have stopped making these types of hardware for drapes, but they were these very sharp pointy deals about three to four inches long that fit into a pleat in the drape, spaced every few inches.

Your father was good about playing in his room by himself so it went unnoticed by me that it had been quite some time since I had seen or heard him while I was busy cleaning the house. At some point I decided to look in on him.

Upon opening the door I was faced with a room that was totally in chaos and undone, and I mean totally. The drapes were off the rod, the bedspreads, sheets and pillows on the floor and the mattresses askew! I literally backed out and closed the door to regain my composure. Having taken a deep breath I reopened the door and indignantly inquired of your father, “Just who do you think you are, turning this room upside down like this?” The proud answer: “Superman!” What could I do but laugh?!

I said, "Well I’m going to put the room back together, drapes and all and then I would like you, Superman, to show me how you managed to take the drapes off the window, if you don’t mind!"

Eventually (and it took a while) the room was back in place and I said, “Begin!” Needing no further encouragement, he got up onto one of the twin beds and started jumping, jumping, jumping…with each jump managing to get a bit higher in the air…at some point he flew across to the other bed but in the process, grabbed one of those pleats on the drapes and lifted it hardware and all!

He continued going back and forth until each and every piece of hardware was out of its slot and the drapes all on the floor. Quite satisfied with himself he said: “That’s how, Mommy!!!” with great enthusiasm for a task well performed.

All I could think is what I had thought so many times before…what child is this whose mind is so imaginative? and then, oh brother am I in for it!!!

-oOo-

Move outside

Move outside your present circumstances if this Christmas season is a melancholy one for you.

It is a difficult time of year for people who have lost loved ones or find themselves alone.

Try to concentrate on the blessings you do have like

shelter, food, a pet, an old friend or make a new one

by serving at the local rescue mission to those less fortunate.

You don't have to wait til Christmas Eve or Christmas Day

to extend yourself to people...

to bring a smile, a loving touch, a listening ear

or a secret santa gift.

Spend time with God in the Word.

Ask the Holy Spirit to minister unto you as you dwell together.
Peace will come.

Sing!

"A meaningful life will not be found in the next job or the nextcar.

The way you get meaning in your life is to devote yourself

to helping others and creating something that gives you purpose."

Morrie Schwartz in Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner

you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus,

that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Acts 20-35

Be blessed ** Be a blessing

Come on In!

WELCOME!

THE PORCH IS DONE AND DECORATIONS INSIDE TOO!

IT'S ALL SIMPLE!

MELISSA AT The Inspired Room

HAS EVERYONE POSTING THEIR DECORATIONS

DROP ON BY AND SEE HOW CREATIVE THEY ALL ARE!

A bit of potpourri. The apple-cinnamon smells so good. I put it in a low vase and plopped it into an old candy dish of my Mother's.










Amazing what a bit of free greenery from Home Depot can do!
Smells good too!







The Santas take the best seats!
















Joseph must have wandered off.....








This is my most favorite of all time decoration. This handblown glass set was a gift from my friend Patti. She brought it to me from Norway over eleven years ago.

EMMANUEL!

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:23

Noel, Noel

For some reason this photograph of my Christmas stocking would not load into my blog yesterday. I just wanted you all to see how darling it is! I should have stuffed it full of gifts for myself so it was all puffed out and easily readable...but you get the idea. Each time I see it I can't believe I hadn't ever lost it in 65 years. If you knew me well, you'd know I have misplaced or lost forever things of significance.

Noel, Noel

Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel

OK I DID IT!

I can't believe it! I actually took down my fall harvest decorations and put up Christmas. Now nicely packed away for the move are all the orange, browns and bronze colors and out comes the red, green and white making way for a shinier and brighter motif bringing forth the LIGHT of the World.

My favorite thing to unpack and hang is my Christmas Stocking. Its a knitted stocking in red, white and green stripes with my name knitted in there. It was a gift from my Godmother for my first Christmas ever! I am astounded that I haven't misplaced that all these long 65 years! Then a nativity set that was my mothers...Joseph got lost though.

I'm keeping it simple this year...no tree, no elaborate lights and just using what I have kept over the years (and I got rid of a ton of that while packing...off to Goodwill it went). I just saved some of my favorite things -- I think no more than 10. I did dress up the geese on the porch though..so cute.

I am learning simple. I am beginning to appreciate it so much. It's a much easier and peaceful way to live. As I've sorted though everything and I mean everything in the past couple of months, discarding the unnecssary, keeping only what I cherish or need, shredding til I'm shredding in my sleep all the papers of years gone by of my life and Jeff's, eating on a schedule, going to bed early and sleeping all night, becoming organized in all areas of my life I feel as though the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders.(And 40 lbs off my body) :)

Sure, the 'situations' still exist that cannot be reconciled quite yet, the lack of money, the tribulations of the world in just being alive in 2008 are extraordinary and yet I feel peace and joy, deep within. Thank you Christ Jesus. You came into the world in the most simple way. Let me learn from that.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27 KJV)

But to His disciples He said, "My peace, I leave that with you; that is My legacy. My joy, I give that to you."

Black Friday

Nothing can get me out of bed at 4 am and certainly not to stand in line with a zillion other people looking for the bargains! ONCE I went to a sale at a furniture store..it was a great store, good merchandise, so I got there about 30 minutes before the store opened and waited in line. I was pretty close to the head of the line. The doors opened and people pushed from the back rushing you into the store. They were like madwomen rushing around. I tried to just walk over to the bedroom stuff because I had seen the ad for a nice headboard that was all curliecue and white wicker == just perfect for my young daughter. I touched it first, I really did...and a nanosecond after me another woman touched it...we just looked at each other...no one let go...I finally said in a nice quiet calm voice, "I believe I got here first." She said, "You did not!" Her LARGE HUGE HUSBAND said, "It's hers!" I said, "As you wish, I dont fight over a $13 headboard" and strolled off. As I left the store I decided that was my last rush for any deal at any store. Things have only gotten worse with this Black Friday situation. Stores opening earlier and earlier...why don't they just stay open all night?

I do like shopping on line = no lines, no rude employees, no pushy people and often free shipping! Today I found a wonderful 'deal' at Fitz and Floyd... fitzandfloyd.com ... 100 items on sale under $20. I found a perfect $30 canape plate for $5.99 and another for $6! If i had an extra $12 I would have bought them both! I also understand many online deals are better than what the stores are offering.

Tragically, today someone who worked at Wal-Mart in Long Island was trampled to death as 200 shoppers rushed in...four were injured....and people continued to push ahead and shop before that store was closed. Shameful. Sometimes it's best to just stroll away, you know?! Or just be like me and stay away. Makes for a better Friday.

Do any of you remember the 'good ole days' when the day after Thanksgiving seemed just an extention of the day before? More turkey, more everything and games with the family, tossing a football back and forth or playing in the leaves? Of course way back then,(pre-60s) stores weren't even open on SUNDAY let alone offering deals on Friday.

And to think for some, these are the 'good ole days'...

A Fast Cookin' Recipe for that Big Turkey

Next week is Thanksgiving and I just wanted to share with you my tips for a fine turkey dinner made in no time at all! My goal in life is to one day have my own cooking show on FOOD TV...watch for me there!

Prepare your turkey as you normally would but do not stuff it. Make your stuffing and use a different container to do the baking. Place a tinfoil tent over turkey and place in the oven. Place on CLEAN and as soon as you smell the turkey wafting throughout your home, rush and take off the tinfoil....continue on CLEAN for another 10 minutes and bam! It's done!

This is one of the funnier happenings in all my years of cooking. While I've set fires, forgotten to turn the oven ON, forgotten ingredients, added fresh pineapple to JELLO (a big no-no), as well as other assorted accidents and problems, this one took the cake (or should I say turkey)?

I am not sure HOW the oven was set to CLEAN because I never pulled that safety lever over to ensure no one opened the oven..but while the wings were a nice black and burned to a crisp..the ten extra minutes without the tinfoil tent allowed us to actually EAT (yes EAT) the breast and let me tell you, it was super moist and yet cooked just fine! Fortunately I had made an extra pan of stuffing because what was inside this turkey was wet and soggy! Sometimes you just have to laugh when you have experiences like this!

I think the products to the left are great ideas to give as gifts for Christmas!

Another Goose Episode...

Yesterday I told about the geese, small groups and an episode with Patti. Late last night I was reminded of another time that our friend Rose Marie was so sick in the night that she could barely move. She and Patti lived in the same town so she called Patti to ask for help in getting dressed and getting to the hospital. The hospital she went to was near my home so they called me as well and I met them there. I think Rose Marie was in that hospital four-six hours. Patti and I hung out in the lobby and they let us see her once. Eventually they diagnosed her problem and fixed her up and Patti took her home.

This is just another example of why it is good to dwell in unity with fellow believers. God knows what he is talking about. We were not meant to be lone rangers. Sometimes people have a hard time trusting others because of childhood issues or just because someone hurt their feelings. That's just what the enemy wants! Stay alone, don't trust anyone, be depressed because then he doesn't have to worry about that person accomplishing much for the Kingdom of God. No fear of them sharing Jesus with anyone. No fear of them feeling bonded in community giving of themselves and receiving tenfold back.

Live in the freedom God provides and enjoy those around you. Reach out and take a chance -- you might just be surprised!

Goose the enemy today!

Be a goose!

The Goose Story

Next fall, (or maybe they are still passing over us now)whenyou see geese heading South for the Winter, flying along in V formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way:as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

When the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.

For years I facilitated a small group bible study for women through my church. Some years it was held at the church and others at my home and usually there were groups of 6-10. At the beginning of each year I handed out The Goose Story. I love the way we can learn great lessons of encouragement, love, sacrifice, fellowship and love from the geese. Most often it wasn't long before we were living the analogy.

No one was felled by gunshot but as life hit us round the head from time to time or for a season, our bond was close enough that we stood by each other, prayed for one another, listened, and encouraged as best we could.

I remember my friend Patti's daughter who had a new baby that ended up in the icu for newborns. We were there for her in prayer and in person. That baby is now 14 and healthy and happy. Patti's mother died this past week and I was so upset that my car was broken and I couldn't get down to the Bay Area to be with her while her mom was in the hospital. I knew her brothers and sisters had all come to be together, but I really wanted to be with her too. I prayed and sent emails to let her know I was there in spirit.

We all have our struggles and our victories and need to share life with each other at deep levels.

Reach out and be a goose! ;)

* PSALM 85 *

"O God, You have indeed been good to us. You have prospered our land.

You have opened your heart to us in love. You have forgiven our sins and adopted us as Your sons.

But now our country is in turmoil. We no longer have the confidence in our leaders. Our citizens are in revolt. Our young men are spilling their blood in foreign wars. People are turning away from You and are being enslaved by strange doctrines and godless philosophies.

We know that You have not turned away from us. You touch us with joy and peace the hearts that are open to you. You stand ready to show Your salvation to all who will trust in You. As we speak to You in faith, You respond in loving concern. You will give us what is good and will prosper us with gifts from Your hand.

You are holy and just. You love your children and will guide them in Your course for their lives.

Renew our faith, O God.

Forgive us our many failures and infidelities

May our land continue to be a place where we can be free to love and serve You."

Memories

I thought this was the cutest little Mary Engelbreit poster. I downloaded it for my desktop. It brought back a great memory of when my granddaughter, Rachel was two-and-a-half...Leaves were falling rapidly in our yard and I was taking care of her everyday then while her parents worked. I asked her if she wanted to go pick up leaves with me and of course, like any wonderful child, she did! Kids are so helpful when they are small...I'm not sure what happens at age 12. Before we gathered the leaves we pushed them into a big pile and she ran through them playing.

Anyway, I gave her a basket and she began filling it up. I grabbed my camera and took some photos which came out so adorable that I knew we would make a craft with those leaves. So that's what we did. We went and got a few picture frames and glued a variety of leaves on the frame...she dutifully pushed them til the glue 'took.' I had the photographs enlarged and ready to put in the frames a couple of days later. Then we wrapped them up and gave them for Christmas to her mommy and daddy and her other grandparents. I don't know how long those leaves lasted but it was a fun couple of days we shared making something meaningful for those she loved so much.

BEFORE WINTER HITS...

It's a beautiful fall day and the garden which was so full and lush in the summertime is preparing for winter. I thought I'd take a few pictures of my autumn tree and what is left flowering in the yard.

Soon approaching is a new season for this yard and for me. Like the tag in my blog: I am A Woman in Transition. The house will be sold and I'll be moving along. A new season for me for sure.

I have spent the last almost-seven years here caring for my son and lately the packing up has been difficult. I know closing the front door on Jeff's house for the last time will take its emotional toll as well, but also am secure in the love and grace of God who promises in 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."

Pretty Petunias

I think these are paperwhites, but I'm not sure. They are SOOO fragrant!



do dads on a wall - See it's 70 degrees!!!!

a lovely corner spot

Is this a gorgeous rose or what?!!!!

japanese maple in a wine barrel

Beautiful yellow daisies

That's it for the yard. By Spring I'll have planted and hopefully have some beautiful new flowers in the Pacific Northwest!