Travels With Papa'n'Mimi

Abundant Grace

2011-08-18T15:45:00.002-04:00

In referring to his "thorn in the flesh," the Apostle Paul wrote this:

"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses...for when I am weak, then I am strong."

I must confess that I have often asked God to take away the grief, the heavy heart, the loneliness, the sadness that I feel. I think He is doing that, gradually, and I am thankful. But I'm impatient and want instant healing. However, the Lord speaks through this passage and says to me, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."

I'm glad He doesn't say, "You need to be strong, and then I will be strong." Rather, He is saying, "I'm at my best when you have nothing left." All that is left is to rest in Jesus. To believe His Word. To allow Him to do His work. To know His timing is perfect. To thank Him for His faithfulness.

Changes

2011-03-30T21:23:00.003-04:00

I have not posted on this blog for a very long time. These have been very difficult and often dark months. In my last post I wrote about Christmas shopping and the anticipation of that holiday. Less than two weeks later my sweet husband of almost 41 years died unexpectedly, passing from this life to eternity in the presence of the Lord he loved and served. Devastated. Shocked. Heartbroken. Half of me missing. Indescribable sadness.

Yet, I have survived for one-and-a-quarter years. I praise the Savior who welcomed home the man I had shared my life with for more than four decades, all the while holding me in His arms so that I would not fall apart. He has proved Himself loving and faithful. He is a great God.

My blogging these past months has been on Caring Bridge, and I will continue to write there. Keeping two blogs? That would be a stretch for me. I don't know if anyone even reads this blog, but I likely will not be back here for a long time.

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." 2 Thess. 3:16,18

A Shopaholic I Am Not!

2009-12-12T16:10:00.002-05:00

Today I went Christmas shopping for the second time this season. (I am too smart to go on Black Friday, having done that once with my daughter. We agreed that we never wanted to repeat that experience.) I am pleased to report that I am done with my shopping except for a few snack gifts. We lovingly refer to these in our family as Wacky Food Gifts, and they are always good for a laugh.
When I was young I looked forward to Christmas shopping because at that point in my life I enjoyed going from store to store looking for the best bargain and the perfect present for my husband or one of our children. I was young. I am now old. It's work to do what I did today, and I am exhausted. So, next year I plan to shop starting in September. Wait, that's what I said last year. And the year before. And the year bef...
I was hoping to find in cyberspace a cute image of a stressed shopper that I could add to this post. But I've been away from the blog for so long I can't remember how to do that!! And my granddaughter isn't available to help me. See, I told you I was old.

The Last Quarter

2009-10-05T07:08:00.004-04:00

No, I'm not down to my last $.25, not yet at least. This is the last quarter of the year. That is hard to believe. I know all the Christmas letters you'll get (maybe even write) will say "Where has the year gone???" Well, I'm going to get a jump on those and say it now. Where has this year gone? How could October be here already?

Obviously time didn't pass more quickly this year than in any other year. We still have 24 hour days, 7 day weeks, etc. I think we just become so busy with life that our days seem to disappear and we stand back as if watching an express train fly through the station, mouths agape, wondering how it passed by so fast.

The Apostle Paul wrote this in the letter to the Ephesians:
"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

That's my desire as 2009 races to its end. I want to be wise in how I live and take every opportunity to tell others the good news of Jesus. The days are not only evil but they are short, with no promise of tomorrow. This could be the last quarter. Be careful, be wise.

Is Fall Really Here??

2009-09-28T22:05:00.003-04:00

I heard today that a cold front may push into this area tomorrow or Wednesday, bringing drier and cooler air. Could that be? Are we really that close to the end of this oppressively hot, muggy summer? The heat just wearies me.

My native Floridian soul is longing for a cool morning on my little porch with a cup of hot coffee and a dog at my feet. Ahhh. Just the thought of it lowers my blood pressure and pulse and puts a smile on my face.

Fall is my favorite season, and each year I can hardly wait for its arrival. Its signs are more subtle down here in the Sunshine State, but they are here: cardinal vine in full bloom, fuschia colored berries circling the stems of the Beauty Berry, yellow leaves dropping from the wild cherry trees. It is nothing like Vermont or even North Carolina, but there is color here in Autumn. You just have to know where to look. And you can see it best from the front porch, coffee in hand...

PS. The picture is definitely NOT Florida, but isn't it beautiful?

Finally Home

2009-09-18T22:22:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday night my mom peacefully passed from this life into the presence of her Savior. She had tried to fight off the pneumonia, but was far too weak to do so. Because of the care she received from Hospice she was without pain, and in those last hours was completely at peace.

There are few words to adequately describe our gratitude for the staff at Hospice House in Hudson, and at the Hospice Care Center in Spring Hill. The doctors and nurses at both those facilities were such a comfort to Mother and to me. I am so grateful.

I will miss my mother, but I know that she is with Jesus. Thank you for your prayers for our family. I felt the peace of God, a perfect peace, as I sat in Mother's room on her last day here on earth. I'm confident that was because of the friends who were lifting me up in prayer, and I am grateful.

Hospice

2009-09-10T15:16:00.002-04:00

My mom is now in the care of Hospice House. She is quite weak and tired, and I don't think she has a long time left before she enters the presence of Jesus. While she is ready to go and even asks God to take her home, she is naturally reluctant to leave those she loves so much here.
My prayer is that the loving Father will give her peace about coming home to spend eternity with Him, and that she will pass peacefully from this world. "For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

A Ride In The Ambulance

2009-08-24T07:11:00.003-04:00

This picture was taken at Jordan's birthday party two months ago, when my mom was feeling pretty good. The cancer doctor saw signs of remission, and her overall health seemed to be improving. That has changed in the past two weeks because of a small blood clot in her leg, and an injury to her back caused when she decided to move her bed without asking for help. (She tends to be a little stubborn and independent. If you know my mom, you aren't surprised by that statement.) Those things had caused a lot of pain, forcing her to use a walker at home and the wheelchair when away from home.
Yesterday morning when I checked on my mom, I found her struggling to breathe. Her blood pressure and pulse were high and she was quite weak. I decided she needed to go to the hospital and called for paramedics. When they evaluated her, they told her she should take a ride with them. I think paramedics must take "Compassion 101" in their training, because they were so kind and gentle with her.
At the hospital a very sweet nurse named Barb cared for Mama. After blood tests, EKG, chest x-ray and other testing, the diagnosis is "extensive pneumonia in both lungs." When I left her she was sleeping, her heart rate and blood pressure near normal and her breathing less labored.
After I visit her this morning, I will update again. Thank you for praying for her.

Mimi, guess what...

2009-07-25T18:04:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday night our 8-year old grandson called to tell us that his mommy is going to have a baby. He was very excited. We walked to their house because, well,it seemed appropriate to hug everyone. When we walked in, the three younger kids were sitting side by side in the dining room waiting for us. The baby, Jordan, who is three, said, "I'm gonna be a big brother!! We gonna get a baby. I'm gonna be a big brother!"

We are just so delighted to be blessed with another grandchild, number six for us. God is truly the giver of life. Because our daughter miscarried about this time last year, we cannot help but think of that. We have committed this tiny little life, already known to God by name, into His keeping, and pray for safety and health.

Summer Doldrums

2009-07-06T14:21:00.004-04:00

I didn't know it had been almost two months since my last posting. I think it's about time I get caught up.
My mom is definitely in remission. Her doctor told her last week that just looking at her blood tests, he wouldn't know she had anything wrong with her at all. I'm so grateful that God, through this doctor and cancer treatment center, has restored a good measure of health to her. She still continues treatment, but has more time off between chemo rounds than before. That gives a time of rest both to her and to me, the driver.

Our son continues to look for work. It is such a bad time to be unemployed, but at the same time, is exciting to watch how God will provide for him.

We had a wonderful family time for Independence Day. Todd and Jared, with help from friends, had the pool back up after the recent mishap and loss of water. So we swam, ate, swam some more, ate some more - you get the picture. I'm so thankful for the freedom to gather and celebrate with the people we love most.

Dan is better after the scare in church involving paramedics that happened three weeks ago. I pray God will be gracious and keep him here a very long time. We are monitoring his blood pressure, and I "nag" him to be careful as he works in the heat, to not overdo. My deep thanks for those of you who prayed for him, and who continue to pray for my mother.

My prayer is this: Lord, I want to make much of you in everything I do. So whether I'm rejoicing or disappointed, harried or calm, with others or alone, may I focus my heart on you and not on myself.

Remission???

2009-05-14T14:16:00.002-04:00

We saw the cancer doctor on Monday of this week and he said again that he believes that my mother is in remission, that most people don't have the results she seems to be having until they have had 5 or 6 rounds of chemo. She just finished her second and the blood counts are very encouraging.

We skipped Spring in this part of Florida and have run head-long into full blown Summer. Boy, is it hot! And until this week we have had extremely dry weather. But the past two days it has rained here in our little corner of paradise, and we are so very grateful. God is faithful to provide our needs.

"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." Psalm 57:10-11

On Second Thought...

2009-05-04T17:21:00.003-04:00

OK. I'm back. For now.

Today the doctor gave my mom a very encouraging report. Her blood counts were up to near normal range for the first time since she has been in treatment except for the platelet count - which IS in normal range. He was cautiously optimistic, saying that he will check her blood again in a week to make sure it isn't a fluke. But he believes that she is going into remission much earlier than he expected.

She still has no appetite and has to force herself to eat. (At this point I want to make it clear that this is not a problem that I share with her, although I wouldn't mind doing so for about, oh, twenty pounds!) So he wrote a prescription for a drug that will make her want to eat, and told her that it is "kind of expensive" and her insurance should cover it. Well, expensive is an understatement. The insurance company agreed to pay $321, which left her with a co-pay of - are you ready for this????? - $290 ADDITIONAL. I was dumbfounded! I don't know if she will have the pharmacist order it or not; that's up to her. That's just wrong!

This doctor told us that he is only the doctor, a tool used by God to help people. But God is the one who heals. I like this man.

So that's where we are today. Thank you again for praying for us.

Too Busy, Too Tired

2009-04-27T14:09:00.002-04:00

I can't keep up with this blogging right now. If you have been following to keep up with my Mother's illness and care, you can email me and I'll update you.
mimiof48@hotmail.com

One Really Bad Week

2009-04-21T14:19:00.002-04:00

After the blood transfusions on Monday, Mama's overall health went downhill. She has been put on oxygen at home because her oxygen levels were very low Tuesday when she saw her regular doctor. This shortness of breath, zero energy, weakness, no appetite went on all week. She spent more time in bed than out.

The doctor has determined that all this was a reaction to the injection she was given to boost white blood cell count, and he has switched her to something else. So far she seems to be tolerating that quite well.

It seems every day is the same as the one before - trip to the cancer center and/or the hospital for blood and/or platelet transfusion, followed by a long nap. She does seem to have more energy since that first drug was changed, but still has no stamina.

The journey is just beginning...count it all joy.

Not a Very Good Day

2009-04-13T17:54:00.002-04:00

Today my mother was very weak and tired. At the cancer center, her blood counts were so low that she needed to go to the outpatient facility of the hospital to receive two units of blood and one of platelets. The time necessary for the blood transfusions to be given is more than seven hours! When I left the hospital today about 2 PM, she wasn't even close to being attached to the first unit of blood. And after she receives those, she will be given one unit of platelets, another two to three hours. She will definitely have a late night.

Treatment Started

2009-04-03T13:26:00.005-04:00

Today completed the third day of the first 7-day cycle of IV treatments for my mother. Because this is only akin to chemotherapy, there are almost no side effects. She has been extremely tired and without energy, but we expected that. Because it is about 13 miles to the cancer center where she is being treated, this takes the biggest part of every morning, and she rests the remainder of the day. After the seventh day of IV's, there are 7 days of injections to help boost the health of her blood.

We will keep you informed of her progress and try to do so without being tedious. Thank you for praying for her.

BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE!

2009-03-26T13:30:00.005-04:00

Today Mother and I went to the cancer center and met with the doctor who will be treating her. He gave us very encouraging news.
*She does have myelodysplasia, and it's serious. BUT...
*It is not leukemia.
*It can be treated with drugs similar to chemo, but without the side effects.
WOO-HOO!
*This treatment will likely put her disease into remission.
*It will make her feel better, improve the health of her blood, and take stress off the heart.
*She does not need the care of Hospice at this point, but can continue with them for additional support. That is still to be decided.
*This is not a guarantee that she will recover. But it is a very promising outlook for improved health.

We are very happy with this doctor, who took at least 30 minutes with us, answering questions. He told her after he closed the door that until we had all the information we needed, she was his only patient. I like that. A lot.

We still rest in the unfailing love of the Father, and are so very grateful for what we learned today. Thank you for your prayers for our family.

Myelodysplasia

2009-03-20T11:52:00.003-04:00

I had never heard this word, didn't know it is a blood disease, didn't know that it leads to leukemia. I know now.

Just over a week ago my mother was admitted to the hospital to prepare her for a heart valve replacement operation. However, her platelet count was low and needed to be improved in order for surgery to be done. Through a bone marrow test it was discovered that she has myelodysplasia. It is in the process of becoming leukemia, and has been doing so for probably about two years.

Yesterday I brought Mother home under hospice care because this is an incurable disease. She will not recover from it. But she will go into the presence of the Lord when it claims her life.

God's Word brings our family great comfort.

II Corinthians 5:1 "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."

I Thessalonians 4:13 "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope."

Our hope is in the faithfulness of the eternal God; in Jesus, who defeated death on the cross; in the Holy Spirit who sustains us.

He Knows My Name

2009-03-04T12:01:00.004-05:00

You know how sometimes a song just gets stuck in your head? You can't get it out no matter what you do? Isn't it annoying when it's the obnoxious jingle for a commercial you hate, one of those that, when you see it come on the screen, you can't get to the Mute Button fast enough?
Or the extremely repetitive theme music for the ride in the amusement park, the one that plays approximately 72 times during a 4 minute ride (OK, I'm exaggerating just a bit.), where you want to get out of the little boat and swim to the exit. I'm not naming parks or rides, but you all know which one I mean, don't you?
This is not one of those songs. This is a song that has been in my mind the past two weeks as I've prayed for my friend and her family during the loss of their son. I have been reminded of the limitless love of God to me, beginning before I was born. To think that this God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe knows my name and loves me just blows my mind!
Be sure you turn off my playlist so you can hear this song. Hope you love it too.

What is your life?

2009-02-23T06:27:00.002-05:00

Late Friday night I received word via email that Andy, the son of a very close friend, had died on Thursday. His death, which came after a non-life threatening accident at his job, is at this point unexplained. He was in his late 20's.

My heart is broken for my friend and her family, and I can't imagine the pain they feel. She told me that it is the worst thing she has ever had to face. What they hold on to is their trust in God through Jesus Christ in all things.

After hearing this news, and being a mother, my thoughts turned to my own children and grandchildren. I was reminded to cherish my time with them because none of us knows when death will come. Scripture says that life is just a vapor that appears for a little time and then is gone.

All of us who knew this young man and his family are shocked. However, his death did not take God by surprise. And because Andy had put his trust in Jesus Christ, he is absent from the body but present with the Lord. What a comfort!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2009-02-06T07:56:00.003-05:00

We live in central Florida. You know, Florida: the Sunshine State. The place with Mickey Mouse, warm tropical breezes, palm trees, sunburned tourists and snowbirds.
Well, this morning it is 17 degrees here! We knew the forecast was for low 20's in our area, but when that happened before 11 PM, I told my husband that I would turn on the water at the kitchen sink to a trickle so the pipes would not freeze. (It usually works!) When I went back to check on it after an hour or so, there was no water running. The pipes were already frozen.
Fortunately, we still had a gallon of water in our hurricane supplies from last year and were able to give drinking water to the dogs and cats. But more importantly, I was able to make coffee. Yeah, gotta start the day out right, especially when it's this cold.
Now, I'm a Florida native, as were my parents and grandparents. Unlike them, I really like cold weather, so I'm not complaining about this cold snap. And it won't last long. We say that in Florida there are two seasons: Summer and two days of Winter. Just kidding. We also have Spring and Fall for two days each. (Wink, wink)
Wherever you are, stay warm. It's cold outside.

2009-01-15T22:35:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY (January 15, 2009)...

Outside My Window...It's sunny, but for Florida, it's cold!

I am thinking...about all the things I need to get done before the day is over.

I am thankful for...my warm, snug house.

From the kitchen...a Cuban dish called Picadillo. January is missions emphasis at church and tonight is the international dinner.

I am wearing...short sleeved t-shirt, sweat pants, warm socks.

I am creating... scrapbook pages. I say that almost every time, don't I?

I am going...to finish this and then get back to my "to do" list.

I am reading... Soul Survivor by Phil Yancey. WOW! Great book.

I am hoping... to get my closet cleaned this weekend. Too much stuff!

I am hearing... my washer and dryer, my snoring dog. How can he sleep all day, fall asleep beside me on the couch in the evening, then get into his bed and sleep all night?????

Around the house...it is quiet. I love quiet.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Take supper tomorrow to some friends who have a major illness to deal with. Hmmmm. What to fix????

I'm so glad to be able to participate with the others in this Notebook entry. You can visit The Simple Woman's blog

HERE!

Number One Resolution

2009-01-10T10:18:00.002-05:00

According to Fox News, the number one New Year's Resolution for Americans, according to a poll, is not to lose weight or stop smoking. It is to get out of debt.
Our church is among many across the country that is offering a 13-week program to help families do just that, become debt free. It is called Financial Peace University and is designed and taught via DVD by Dave Ramsey. It gives participants the information and tools they need to get their finances under control. It is an awesome program, and I recommend it to everyone, even if you don't have a lot of debt.

There isn't enough space here to tell you all that is covered in the lessons. Go to daveramsey.com, enter your zip code, and find a class near you. Then sign up and go. You won't be sorry.

Taking Inventory

2008-12-31T13:26:00.006-05:00

Everywhere you look, from newspaper artricles to television specials, you see the lists that always show up this time of year. You know the lists I mean: The Best of 2008; The Worst of 2008; The Weirdest of 2008, etc. I get so tired of them, and refuse to read or view them. But I have to admit that making a list at the end of the year isn't such a bad idea.

I think I will make my own list tomorrow, on New Year's Day. I want to remind myself of the good things from the past year, things given to me so lovingly by my Heavenly Father. Not all of those things would be considered good by many people, but they ultimately work for good in my life.

It's good to take inventory. Count your blessings. Count it pure joy. (James 1:2-4) Count yourselves dead to sin. (Romans 6:11) Count God's thoughts. (Psalm 139:17-18) Count all things loss, for the sake of Christ. (Philippians 3:7-11)

There is little optimism for the new year from the talking heads on television news programs. But, God has not changed. He has things under control. And we, as His children, will see that as we look into His Word, and we can rejoice no matter what is going on around us. Let's enjoy life in this new year. Laugh with others and at ourselves. Look for the good things. Have a tea party.

Happy New Year, friends.

Merry Christmas???

2008-12-25T11:38:00.005-05:00

Today is Christmas. Traditionally, we go to our daughter's house about 8 AM and open gifts together while sipping coffee or hot chocolate and munching on sweet rolls. But this year is anything but traditional. The above picture, taken when we were decorating my tree this year, has healthy kids hamming it up for the camera. Today is a different day!

A "bug" has invaded Todd and Tracee's house, and they are in various stages of illness: just getting over it, completely sick, or just coming down with it. YIKES! It's a major germ house. We tried to decide how to spend Christmas together without spreading The Yukkies to everyone in the family, and there isn't a good solution.

So, we watched via webcam as the kids opened the gifts that were under their tree. Later, we will take our gifts for them outside and have an open-air gift exchange, possibly reducing the chance of contamination as they open them. (Yes, we can do that, because it is once again hot in Florida for Christmas. In fact, we are using the air conditioner today.) Our Christmas dinner will probably be postponed until Saturday.

Is this disappointing? Yes, because we had planned for this day and always have so much fun together. But, I think of all the men and women serving in the armed forces who are separated from their families. They are willingly sacrificing time with those they love in order to help protect us. And there are many who can't share Christmas with their families because they have answered the call to missions and are sharing the story of Jesus in another country. Some can't go home for Christmas because of financial struggles, or illness, or other challenges. Others have lost loved ones this past year, and don't feel like celebrating at all.

This interruption of our Christmas plans is truly small. We will work it out. I'm so thankful for how God has blessed our family, and changing our plans is not a biggie.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and a blessed New Year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-11-14T09:05:00.003-05:00

We have been so blessed to have children who love and honor us, and who desire to live a life pleasing to God. They made the choice to seek after God when they were young. Our prayer for them has always been that they be godly and that they would find godly spouses. Our son, who is still single, continues to wait on the Lord for the answer to that prayer.

Our daughter, Tracee, has been married to Todd for almost nineteen years. Today is his birthday and I want to honor him as he turns 39. So, here goes.

Todd, you are a blessing to Dad and me in so many ways. We see you grow in your walk with Jesus and know that you desire to live for Him. You have matured as a husband to our "little girl" and as a father to the J's. You are so helpful to us as tech support for computer problems, tv glitches, and cell phone programming. And you can repair almost anything, analyze what is wrong with an engine no matter the size - car, mower, weed eater, air conditioner - and make it run again most of the time. Heavy lifting, you're there. Moving stuff, you're there. Building, tearing down, cleaning up - there. We depend on you for so much help, and thank you for always being there for us.

Most of all, we are so very grateful that you love Tracee and work so hard to provide for your family. You love Jared, Jessie, Juliana, Jacob and Jordan. And we know that you love us.

When you came to Dad and asked for permission to marry Tracee, remember what he said? He gave you a list of several things he thought you should improve on before he gave you an answer. Many young men would have bristled at the idea, been offended at the suggestion, and ignored what he said. But not you. You addressed everything on that list, and a few months later became our son-in-law.

We have weathered a few storms together as a family, and we have grown to love you as a son. We wouldn't trade you for anyone, and pray for you and for your family daily.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and much love from Dad and Mom II

PS. For anyone who is reading this blog and wonders about the picture - no, Todd cannot play the piano. But he fakes it well in a picture.

2008-10-28T14:59:00.006-04:00

FOR TODAY (October 28, 2008)...

Outside My Window . . . I see a few yellow leaves on a wild cherry tree. They are moving in the breeze on this beautiful fall day in Florida.

I am thinking... that the day has gone by very quickly, and I didn't get everything done that I had hoped to do today.

I am thankful for... the beautiful place we live. So thankful!

From the kitchen... the wonderful aroma of chicken and rice cooking for dinner.

I am wearing... jeans, tunic top, no shoes.

I am creating... a new scrapbook page with photos from this time last year.

I am going... nowhere. I've already been today for groceries.

I am reading... The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey. EXCELLENT book. I highly recommend it to everyone.

I am hoping... the cool weather will continue. It's nice to not be running the air conditioner.

I am hearing... snoring dog, curled up by my desk.

Around the house... my dinner is waiting for finishing touches.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week. . . prepare for my sister's stay with me during our mother's heart surgery next week.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Isn't it romantic? This is from the recent cruise we were on (see previous post) to the Caribbean. And there's nobody I'd rather have shared it with than my sweet husband.

I'm so glad to be able to participate with the others in this Notebook entry. You can visit The Simple Woman's blog HERE!

God's Faithfulness

2008-10-27T10:33:00.005-04:00

After saving and planning for almost a year, Dan and I were privileged to recently go on a cruise to the Caribbean. What a great vacation!! The food, the pampering, the opportunity to rest - all wonderful. And then there's the sunrise. Sunrise over the ocean has no competition from streetlights or landscape. It's just water and light, and it is an awesome reminder of the faithfulness of God.

Max Lucado is one of my favorite writers, and he is truly gifted by God to convey spiritual truth in a manner that is easy to read and understand. He wrote this in his book, A Gentle Thunder:

"God's faithfulness has never depended on the faithfulness of his children. He is faithful even when we aren't. When we lack courage, he doesn't. He has made a history out of using people in spite of people. I simply think God is greater than our weakness. In fact, I think it is our weakness that reveals how great God is."

The news is filled with accounts of faith-LESS-ness in every area of life, from the people in our neighborhoods to those in Washington. Weakness. Lack of courage. If our trust is in other people -or in ourselves - we will certainly be disappointed. BUT, God is always faithful. Scripture is filled with assurances of this truth. In the midst of great affliction, Jeremiah wrote, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23.

Whatever happens in the world, my confidence rests with The Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, The Ever Faithful Creator and Sustainer of the universe, whose mercies are new every morning.

Something For The Birds

2008-08-29T16:32:00.003-04:00

One of my great joys in life is watching birds in my yard. I'm not one of those "bird nerds" who dresses in Indiana Jones clothes, straps my field guide to my belt and goes to bird watching places around the world, my only weapons a camera and binoculars. (Sorry, nerds.) I'm content with the ones that come to my yard. I entice them with black oil sunflower seeds and Marvel Meal, all the while hoping that they don't fall prey to The Brothers Stealth-Cat, Pierre and Sylvester.

Let me share with you the recipe for this wonderful concoction that turns ordinary birds into peanut butter junkies. First though, the instructions for making the feeder.
SUPPLIES
*1 hardwood limb, at least 3" around (we used oak), length of your choosing
*1 screw-eye
*Power drill with paddle bit to make a hole 1" across
Make holes in the limb at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, staggered around so the holes aren't opposite each other. Drill a starter hole for the screw-eye and put it into the top of the limb for hanging. (I hope this makes sense. Email me if it doesn't.)

RECIPE
*4 cups plain, not self-rising, corn meal
*1 cup all purpose flour, not self-rising
*1 cup peanut butter (I use chunky)
*1 cup vegetable shortening
Mix with electric mixer until the consistency of cookie dough, and store in the refrigerator. To use, fill each hole on the Limb Feeder with this PB mixture. By the way, the recipe is not original. It came from a Birds and Blooms magazine several years ago.

You will love the assortment of birds attracted by this stuff. One day last week as I drank my coffee on the porch, I saw Downy Woodpecker, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Chickadee, Titmouse, Cardinal, Carolina Wren and Blue Jay. Three other birds that usually don't visit feeders but also love Marvel Meal: Brown Thrasher, Towhee, and Eastern Bluebird. And in the winter, the Goldfinches and Sparrows that vacation here literally fight for space on the feeder. The birds will sit in the tree where the feeder hangs, right above me while I fill the holes - as though saying, "What took you so long? We've been waiting."

Happy birdie watching, everyone. I'd love to know what results you get from this little project.

Gateway to the West

2008-08-16T13:27:00.004-04:00

St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. It was the stopping off place for many a pioneer as the West was being opened. During World War II, it was a transfer spot for GI's on their way to serve our country. But wait, you may be saying, the Statue of Liberty is in New York. Let me assure you - I am not confused.

Last week I had the great privilege of being in St. Louis for my travel company's annual convention. It was my first time in that city, and probably my first in Missouri. The weather was warm but beautiful, the people friendly, and the convention awesome. There were more than 18,000 people from my company, YTB, at the convention. Taking center stage was a near life-size replica of Lady Liberty that had been commissioned by the company, manufactured in Illinois, shipped in pieces to St. Louis, and assembled for the convention. This beautiful statue was just 21 feet shorter than the original, only because an exact replica would not fit into the Edward Jones Dome. At the end of the convention, she was disassembled and shipped back to Illinois, where she will have a permanent home. All I can say is, "Wow!"

The highlight of the trip, outside of the convention, was going to the St. Louis Zoo. I just wish I had had more time to spend there. My favorite part was the butterfly house, with an amazing assortment of butterflies from around the world. I could have spent an hour there just watching these beautiful creatures move. Seeing them from a Biblical perspective, that God is an all wise Designer and Creator, made me take notice of the diversity in just this one part of nature, God's creation.

Of course we visited the famous St. Louis Arch and learned how it was engineered and constructed. People said it could not be done, that it was impossible to build such a structure, that it would not stand the test of time. But it was built and it continues to stand. All of us have naysayers in our lives who tell us that things we want to do are impossible. They speak the loudest and most often. They seem to be full-time dream squashers. Negative people. Let's not listen to them. We will continue to love them, but tune out the things they say. That was my lesson from my trip.

I'm so glad I was able to go, but am delighted to be back in my little country home. Give me the simple life, with little splashes of adventure thrown in, and I'm a happy girl.

Consistency? What's that?

2008-07-16T11:13:00.001-04:00

When I was in high school - yes, they had them back then - keeping a diary was all the rage. I heard friends talking about theirs, how they hid them from their mothers and little brothers, how they wrote their deepest secrets in them. So I started one. I wrote in it a few times, and kept it locked and in the back of my closet. I really didn't have any shameful secrets to write about, thankfully, and found it difficult to find ANYTHING to put in it most days. So I skipped a lot of entries, then just stopped altogether. I don't even know what happened to that diary.

After our daughter, Tracee, was born, I started a journal (sounds more grown up than "diary") that I planned to give to her one day so that she would know what her childhood was like. I think I lasted about two months. I'm seeing a pattern here.

Now I find myself pressed to make time for blogging. It's hard to find anything to write about that might be remotely interesting to anyone else. Is this hard for anyone else???

So, as old-time story tellers used to say, the moral of the story is this. I'm reminded that I am a waverer, not completely reliable, inconsistent, in many areas of my life. I want to be more disciplined, but not to the point of becoming so predictable that I'm boring. (Ever know anyone like that?) I desire consistency. I find such consistency not in me, but in the Savior I serve. "Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:7,8 What a fantastic truth. Me? Not consistent. Jesus? ALWAYS CONSISTENT. NEVER CHANGING. ALWAYS HERE WITH ME.

Now that's worth writing about!

A visit from a friend...

2008-07-03T15:51:00.002-04:00

Today a long time friend came to my house for lunch. We've been friends for more than 25 years and live less than 20 miles apart. But we usually never get together more than two or three times a year. This year has been different, though. We saw each other about eight weeks ago, also for lunch.

I thought after she left what a refreshment to my spirit her visit was. We ate chicken, pasta salad, watermelon, and blueberry cobbler. We drank iced tea and laughed. Talked about her trip to the mountains planned for this Fall.

You know how it is, ladies, when you get to spend time with a friend who encourages you, loves you with all your flaws, genuinely likes being with you. (And I think it is a girl thing that men just don't understand completely.)

Paul, the Apostle, mentions the mutual encouragement of believers in several of his New Testament letters. Romans 1:11-12 "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." That is what happened today. Each was encouraged by the other. Built up. Edified.

I'm so grateful for the friends I have been blessed to have. But wait, there's more. The God of the universe counts me His friend! That is almost too much to grasp. But He does. Jesus said, "I no longer call you servants...instead I have called you friends." John 15:14-17. And better yet, He will never leave me. Never. Ever.

Awesome truth from an Awesome God.

2008-06-19T15:10:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY (June 19, 2008)...

Outside My Window . . . Clouds are building. I hope it rains.

I am thinking... Today seems to be passing so quickly. I don't think I've accomplished as much as I'd hoped to.

I am thankful for... the air conditioner. It's very hot and muggy outside.

From the kitchen...Soon there will be the aroma of chicken and veggies baking with a few fresh herbs from the garden. YUM.

I am wearing...shorts, tee top, no shoes.

I am creating...listings for eBay. Too much stuff in our house.

I am going...NOWHERE.

I am reading...a guide for small group leaders for church.

I am hoping...for a quiet evening with my husband.

I am hearing...the dryer buzzing, telling me my laundry is dry.

Around the house...an unfinished scrapbook page seems to be saying, "Hey, how 'bout me?"

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Finish filling out the Love Drawer packet from Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Aren't tea parties fun? The girls in our family got together for this one last Fall. I think it's time for another one. Yep, definitely!

I'm so glad to be able to participate with the others in this Notebook entry. You can visit The Simple Woman's blog

HERE!

2008-06-09T09:13:00.011-04:00

FOR TODAY (June 9, 2008)...

Outside My Window . . .A female cardinal is having a breakfast of black oil sunflower seeds, wet from last night's rain.

I am thinking... about my friend, Cora, and the scary week she is facing.

I am thankful for... the fellowship of believers, and for our church family.

From the kitchen... nothing yet except the aroma of the now empty coffee pot.

I am wearing... shorts, tee top and flip flops.

I am creating... scrapbook pages - from 2001! I don't know how, but these pictures were overlooked for, well, seven years.

I am going... to run errands this morning, as many as possible on one trip to conserve the liquid gold that now goes into the gas tank.

I am reading... Developing the Leader Within You, by John Maxwell

I am hoping... to be back home before noon today.

I am hearing... my little 10 pound, 8 year-old poodle snoring beside my desk. He loves being near me.

Around the house... there are sandy little boy footprints that need to be vacuumed up. Jacob was here this morning helping me with a chore so that he could earn spending money for Kids' Grace Camp next week. I love that!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... make calls for my travel business and have Jessie, my almost-thirteen-year-old gradddaughter come for sleepover.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." I Peter 1:24

I'm so glad to be able to participate with the others in this Notebook entry. You can visit The Simple Woman's blog HERE!

HERE!

Our Garden

2008-06-07T16:10:00.002-04:00

Things are very different for growing a spring garden here in Florida. We have already harvested all the cucumbers and green beans that we will get from this garden, and it is only the first part of June. For the rest of the very hot, hot summer we can plant okra and Southern peas, like black eyes, crowders, purple hulls and creamers. We already are planning our fall garden and are converting to a square foot method, like the one Tracee has planted.
It was so rewarding two nights ago when the only thing on the table from the grocery store was the chicken, rice and salad dressing. The garden provided us with green beans, new potatoes and a salad of cukes and tomatoes with fresh herbs. I sooo love being a country girl.

40 Years Today

2008-05-24T21:48:00.002-04:00

I almost forgot that today is our anniversary. Because we were away last weekend to celebrate (and avoid being away on a holiday), it didn't occur to me until I picked up the cell phone to make a call and noticed the date. By that time, Dan and I had already been up for a couple of hours. We had sat together on our porch, me drinking coffee - he's a tea man - listening to the birds, petting the dogs and chatting. Ahhh. What a way to start the day.
My preacher husband has a favorite joke he's told many times. Goes something like this: Cheryl and I have been happily married forty years. She's been happy for ten years and I've been happy for thirty. Seriously, we have had a happy life together. Not without disagreements, testing, sickness, difficulty. But so filled with love; the blessing of children, and now grandchildren, who delight us; the opportunity to minister to others as unto the Lord; the privilege of those early mornings on the porch.
I'm so thankful to have been married to Dan four decades. He's a loving husband who has brought great wealth into my life. I'm a better person because of him.

Survey says...

2008-05-21T15:58:00.003-04:00

The results are in for my survey asking what most people want to do after retirement. Six out of ten chose "travel the country." I know that's what I would choose if time and money were not a concern.

No matter where I am, at home or traveling, I am so encouraged to know that "the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." II Chron. 16:9

A break in the drought...

2008-05-20T16:58:00.001-04:00

We have been without rain for a number of weeks in our part of Florida, and it is obvious from the condition of lawns and pasture lands that a drought exists. But today we experienced a short reprieve from all that. It rained most of the morning! And though my feet got soaked as I ran to make a meeting, I didn't complain at all. What a blessing to have rain.

Weekend Getaway

2008-05-18T08:57:00.000-04:00

We just returned from a weekend in Orlando to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. How things have changed there during the past 4 decades! We were in Orlando for a couple of days on our honeymoon, pre-Disney days. Our motel then cost only - are you ready for this? - $12 a night. But it's good to remember that wages were also low back then. Dan's pay was only $75 a week. Puts things in perspective a little better.
We decided to go to the dinner show Arabian Nights, about which we had heard very good things. No matter where you are seated you have a good view of the show. The dinner was very good and the servers friendly and attentive. The horses are beautiful and the show appealing to all ages. You should go.
Our travels have brought us back to our little corner of paradise, and it's good to be home.
Papa 'n' Mimi

Opening day...

2008-05-14T16:38:00.000-04:00

Like the beginning of baseball season, or the premier of a new movie or play, this is the first day that we have been "on the air" and ready for business.
This is the beginning of the busy season for Dan and Jared as they work the lawn business. The grass is still growing slowly due to unseasonably cool nights and dry weather. But they will soon be sweating a-plenty. I am busy with our travel business, teaching piano to the grandkids, and some responsibilities at church. We love our home in the country, our gardening and pets, and having our family close to us.
God is faithful.