The Cat

Alex, the cat, lives in the garage. He has a box, with a warm, cozy blanket, that works most of the time. On colder days the hood of a car that has just been running is good for warming toes. But some days even that doesn't do the trick.

And so...

He will park himself outside the kitchen door in hopes that it will open. He has learned that it opens quite frequently these days as dear ole Dad once again peers out to make sure that the garage doors are all securely closed and locked and the cars are residing in their proper places. As soon as the slightest crack appears, Alex will swiftly and silently bound into the kitchen, at times escaping the notice of dear ole Dad. However, he does not go unnoticed long by other members of the household and someone is soon yelling, "Who let the cat in again??!!" Dad quite innocently declares it wasn't him, while Mom scowls and Pauline tries to muffle the laughter bubbling up inside.

Now Ann, the cat lover, welcomes him with open arms as he leaps into her lap and purrs contentedly, revelling in the bit of extra attention.

After awhile he tires of that and wanders off to find a comfortable chair in the living room or if he's feeling naughty, he may try sharpening his claws on the furniture. Pauline, who is not a cat lover, takes a newspaper after him, which makes him very mad for he sorely hates to be disciplined. He then turns his attention (as in teeth and claws) to her leg and sends her off yowling and very mad, as well! She yells for Dad (who thinks cats do not belong in the house in the first place) to carry him out. He's had lots of practice and nearly has the technique perfected. This is how it goes.

And so...the house is once again peaceful and quiet, at least until Dad decides it's time for another "garage check"!

Cookie Baking

What better way to spend your night than baking cookies with friends?

I also spent a Saturday baking cookies with five children ranging in age from 2 to 11. I'm sorry I don't have pictures from that day. It was a blast, to say the least.

This Too Shall Pass...

A few weeks ago I was happily putting up Christmas decorations and lights, setting out candles and preparing for my first Christmas in my new home.

Last week those hopes and dreams came crashing down around my head as my house was declared a disaster area and unlivable for a time (how long that time would be, nobody knew).

I got the call Tuesday afternoon..."Bad news!" she said. The first thing I thought of was that my house had burned to the ground for I had been nervous about leaving my electric heater on while I was gone for the day. So when she said it was a flood, I actually breathed a sigh of relief. However, I'm discovering a flood in my house is no laughing matter! The carpet and some sheetrock was the worst, in my case. The furniture had to be removed, the carpet pulled up and the padding torn out and replaced. Some sheetrocking and painting is being done, along with rerouting water pipes so they do not freeze and burst again.

I am sincerely glad I do not own my own home and can leave the repairs to the landlord. They have/are working very hard to get things back into livable condition and for this I am extremely grateful! My hopes are rising that I may be back in before Christmas.

In the meantime, I'm hanging out at Dad and Mom's place, every now and then making treks to my house to collect some more of my belongings, trying to figure out how much I will need and feeling like a lost puppy with no real place to call home.

But I know, this too shall pass...

Thanksgiving

I wanted to write something for Thanksgiving. I thought of the usual list - food, clothes, family, etc. Yes, I was thankful for those things, but I wanted something more original.

Last night one word stuck in my mind - LOVE! "Is that enough? I wondered. Is that all I'm thankful for?" In thinking about it some more, I realized that love pretty well covers everything. It is the core of my existence. I couldn't live very long without love.

So...I will write about love. I don't claim to know much about it but the longer I live the more I understand what love really is about.

It shows up in surprising ways and unexpected places. It is seen in a smile, a friend taking me out to lunch, God providing money for a trip, someone buying hot chocolate because they know I like it, a friend stopping in - just to give me a hug, Dad wishing me a safe drive home and waving goodbye from the porch or teardrops in the eyes of a child who is sad to see me leave.

True love is unconditional. It forgives - even when I mess up and let people down. I'm afraid. I want to run and hide. I think there's no way they could love me any more.

That's how it often is with God. I think He must be furious with me and I shrink back in terror. I'm scared to even show my face. I feel so ashamed and disappointed in myself. I forget that His heart towards me is good. I forget that love forgives. At last I dare to lift my eyes and gaze into His face. I'm amazed at what I see - LOVE! Only love! I fall on my face and worship as tears stream down my cheeks. How He could love someone like me I'll never understand...

Thank you, Father, for your love!

May you be blessed with love today!

EVERY MINUTE DETAIL!

Do things just "happen" or is God planning EVERY MINUTE DETAIL of my life???

The other day I took a walk in the park. It was a gorgeous fall day with the sun shining and warm breezes blowing. And yet...my heart felt lonely and sad. Even as I talked with my Best Friend, the tears wouldn't stop rolling down my face. Life seemed hard. I didn't think I could climb even one more small hill. As I trudged along with my nose to the ground, suddenly on the sidewalk before me I saw this sign: I took a second look. I couldn't believe it! Did God put that there just for me?? I had to smile through my tears. Whether or not He did, I decided to take it.

A couple days later I was reading the story of the "Footprints" poem. I've always loved that poem. Here are a few lines:

"My precious child, I love you and will never leave you,
never, ever during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints
it was then that I carried you."
-Margaret Fishback Powers

You might call me old-fashioned, disillusioned, gullible or superstitious but I believe God is planning EVERY MINUTE DETAIL of my life! And He will use anything and anybody He chooses!

There is a time...

Eccl. 3:1a & 2a "There is a time for everything...a time to be born and a time to die..."

I took my dad for a physical today and I'm thinking maybe the doctor should've checked me out as well, but then maybe it's nothing that a good night of sleep won't cure.

My brain is going haywire and it is time for bed, but I WILL get back to blogging one of these days. My good intentions for tonight have just fled and so you will have to wait to hear this story.

A Hairy Day!

I was disgruntled as I crawled into bed. My shower didn't work and I had no idea why. I do not like "Hunny Do" lists without the hunny. Fixing things is not my thing. I don't have the brains for it and furthermore I simply don't want to do it cause it's not the woman's place and I wouldn't want to get out of line.

Well, the next morning my phone rang before I was even out of bed. It was my sister with some sisterly advice that her husband so kindly handed out. He thought it might be a calcium build-up that could be taken care of by simply removing the shower head and soaking it in some concoction I didn't have. Still, I thought, it might be worth taking that shower head off and looking it over.

I was still feeling rather disgruntled as I climbed in the tub and tried to figure out how to unscrew the silly shower head. I don't have time for this, I grumbled to myself. At last it came off and with a pliers and screwdriver (yep, I even have a few tools of my own) I took it apart even further. It didn't LOOK like anything was wrong, but then, what do I know? I decided to try the shower without the shower head and still no water was forthcoming. Then my imagination ran wild and all I could think of was a rat stuck in the pipe! Horrors! I wasn't about to deal with that! A man was needed, of this I was convinced! I washed my hands of the affair and called the maintenance guy.

I arrived at work and there I learned the real source of my problem was a water leak at the neighbors. The water is piped down for 6 households, so one leak can cause a lot of problems. My problem was simply a lack of pressure. It took me a very long time to put 2 and 2 together and realize what was going on. I was vastly relieved that once the neighbors problem was taken care of, mine was, too!


Little Ole Lady Crocheting

That same day there was a flurry of excitement at Miller Seed Farms. I was surprised to arrive at work to find a little ole lady calmly sitting in the office crocheting. Dolores was madly rushing around answering the phone, waiting on customers, doing paperwork and generally keeping things running, as she always does. Still this little ole lady sat there calmly crocheting. "Just let me know if I'm in the way," she kindly said, as once again we excused ourselves for reaching over her head, trying to get in a drawer and other such things as we madly raced around. And still this little ole lady sat there calmly crocheting.

Occasionally she made a comment or asked a question and I would pause in my mad rush to sit back, take a deep breath and drum up an answer. And then the phone would ring again or I would be sent on an errand and still the little ole lady sat there calmly crocheting. I vainly wished I could be as calm as her in the midst of the "storm".

When his wheat was loaded, her husband at last appeared and after paying the bill he departed with his calmly crocheting wife! Dolores' comment was, "That woman could sit and crochet in a hurricane!" And I thought to myself, I think she just did!

Counting or Dancing

"Don't count the hours, but make the hours count."

I think that's something like living for the moment instead of always wishing to be somewhere else, not longing for things to change so life will be "better".

Some days it works. Some days it doesn't.

Yesterday was a chilly, gloomy, very rainy day! I was not in the mood to work. All I wanted to do was go home, cuddle up in a blanket, munch on popcorn and watch a good movie. I mentioned this to my co-worker and then that was all we could think/talk about for the rest of the day. Work just didn't seem to have any appeal. I was counting the hours alright - the hours till I could finally go home!

I'm sure I've mentioned this song before but I REALLY DO LIKE IT so I'll mention it again. It's the song, "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. I'm not very good at dancing. I feel like I have 2 left feet. I step on toes. I stumble and fall. Sometimes I just sit on the floor and weep. I don't even FEEL like trying again. What's the use?????? But then someone comes along. He tenderly looks at me, stretches out his hand and asks me to dance again. I say, "I can't!" He says, "You can! I will help you. You'll be glad you did."

NOT blond

I am NOT blond! I may be a "bear of very little brain" but I am NOT blond! I know, I'm trying to convince myself. After today, even I, am having doubts...

My one and only dearly beloved cell phone died on me last night! I was distressed! How could I live without a phone??? I couldn't even call anyone to find out what to do! It said it was fully charged but then the screen went black as night and my heart sank within me. It must need a new battery, I thought. I didn't know. I may work at a computer repair shop but I know NOTHING about the technical issues of modern devices.

So this afternoon I took my cell phone and sinking heart and headed to the computer shop to have the guys take a look. And all it took was one look, punching the power button and wonder of wonders, my phone worked again! We all had a good laugh and those guys are probably laughing still! As for myself, I was vastly relieved that I didn't have to buy a new phone or even a new battery.

After that I went home and played a few rounds of Dominoes with Dad and Mom. At least that my poor brain could handle!

LOVED!

I feel loved-by the Father. He gives and gives and gives some more, even when I feel so undeserving. I don't understand why/how He could love me so much, but all I can do is accept it and pass it on to others.

I heard an awesome concert by the Gaither Vocal Band at the Kansas State Fair this week. One song they sang talked about how because we know we are loved by God we can risk loving others. They ended with the song, "Because He Lives". It says, "Because he lives I can face tomorrow, because he lives all fear is gone..."

What hope! What peace in knowing God is in control! The future is as bright as my God is big!

Weekends!

And then there were weekends...ahhhh!..a three-day weekend, at that!

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my jobs, and yet...it's nice to give the brain a break (especially a "bear of very little brain" like me, for I fear sometimes that if I use it too much someday there will be nothing left at all!). This new job is brain stretching, but in a good way, and soon I will be able to answer all your computer questions (well, I MIGHT have to refer you to Sanford or Kevin for some of the harder ones). Frankly, when I hear the guys at work talking computers, I think they're talking a different language. A language I fear I will never learn. Learning a new language was not on my list of things to do before I turn 40.

When my alarm went off at 6:45 this morning, I tried to recall what day it was. Surely not another work day-and it wasn't! I smiled to myself as I remembered that I was going yard saling with friends. It didn't take me long to scramble out of bed, at that happy thought. The morning was cool and cloudy, the fellowship rich and sweet and the yard sales plentiful. I think we all came home satisfied with our "finds". My best treasures of the day were a shower curtain and a small electric heater.

And now it is time to go home and do my Saturday work so I can truly have a holiday on Monday. I sure wouldn't want to labor on Labor Day!

"...and the Brook Dried Up..."

Here is my paraphrase of I Kings 17:7-9 "...and the brook dried up... Then the word of the Lord came to her, 'Stay just now in Hutchinson...I have commanded a successful businessman to offer thee a job...' "

A couple months ago it felt like my "brook" had dried up. There were rumblings of my nanny job ending and I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! I was sick and tired of looking for jobs. In fact, I didn't even know WHAT to look for! What I really wanted (or so I thought) was nanny jobs and I was fast discovering that they weren't very plentiful in this area, although I often saw interesting ones advertised in other places.

And so I questioned, "Is it time to move on again?" But, no, my heart was telling me to stay. I argued with God and whined, "This doesn't make sense! I'm supposed to stay here but the kind of work I want is 'out there'." The only reply I received was, "Wait and trust!"

In the meantime I was becoming a bit disillusioned with nanny jobs. I was tired of taking care of other people's children and having to go by their rules, which were different than mine, when it came to child training. I was also beginning to wish for a full-time more permanent position that I could depend on for years to come, instead of this job hunting every few months. I realized that nanny jobs would constantly be changing, for babies grow up.

At last I was able to leave it in God's hands and I felt the assurance that this nanny job would be here as long as I needed it.

So I settled down to wait...

A couple weeks later I got a call from a guy offering me a full-time permanent position at his computer shop as bookkeeper/accountant. Three days later I went in for an interview and was hired on the spot! To say I was excited would be putting it mildly!

I sat down and shook my head in disbelief, muttering to myself, "I can't believe it!" Did I lift a finger to get this job? No! God BROUGHT IT TO ME!! I knew he had done it before and he would do it again and yet I felt rebuked as I heard God saying, "Oh, ye of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

Turning 40

I, being a "bear of very little brain", could not figure out why the comment option was no longer available on my blog but suddenly the light came on and the comment option is back! Comments are optional but I love hearing from you! It makes writing seem more worthwhile.

And now I AM asking for your comments...
What fun, exciting things should I do before I turn 40?? I hit upon a brilliant idea the other day but that I will leave to your imagination. You would never guess it but if you want to try that's fine! If you guess correctly, I will let you know.

If life begins at 40, as they say, I guess I'm in for an exciting time for the last 40 years haven't been exactly dull (well, some more than others). Sometimes my life takes crazy twists and turns that leave me breathless with wonder or doubled over in pain and yet I keep going for the love of the Father is boundless and sure.

So...what are your suggestions???

A Very Long Day!

My day started at 3:15 a.m. I downed a bowl of cereal and a hard-boiled egg and then I was off to the Wichita airport to catch my 6:20 a.m. flight to International Falls. If only it would be that simple, but no, we have to go all the way to Memphis, TN and then to Minneapolis, MN and from there on to International Falls.

As I walked to my gate at the Wichita airport, I noticed the quietness of the morning. Everyone must still be waking up, I thought. I found a seat to start one of the many "waits" of the day. Before long two women and a man sat down close by. The older woman was not having any trouble waking up (or maybe she was trying to keep herself awake), for she kept up a steady stream of conversation with her companions. I was sitting there half listening and suddenly realized altho' the others had departed, this woman was still talking. And she wasn't talking to me. I guess if there's no one else to talk to, you just talk to yourself!

The first leg of my journey was uneventful and my seatmate wasn't any more inclined to early morning chatter than I was. At 8 a.m I landed in Memphis and had a leisurely time eating my 2nd breakfast consisting of banana and "airplane" cookies. (By the way, did you know that the earlier you get up in the morning, the more you can eat in a day??) I killed two and a half hours there and by 10:30 was on my way to Minneapolis.

On this flight I was seated by a very talkative lady. She pretty much kept things going for that 2-hour flight. When I was sleeping, she talked to the man on her right and vice versa. I had a good little nap but when the snacks came around she kindly woke me up so I wouldn't miss them. Never mind that I needed sleep much more than snacks! After awhile I got out my sudoku puzzles and she pulled out her crossword puzzle book. And so, side by side, we worked our puzzles, now and then pausing to help the other one out.

Ahhh...Minneapolis at last! How could it only be 12:30? I thought it must be time for another meal and so I bought a $3 hamburger at A&W and devoured that along with the "healthy" food I had packed in my bag, namely an apple and carrot sticks. Here I had a 2-hour lay-over and something like a 2 mile hike (or so it seemed) to my next gate.

By 2:30 I was on the last leg of my journey and, feeling rather weary, I settled down for a good nap. Upon arriving at International Falls, low in the hole, there was no one to greet me, only the other teacher from MN who wanted a ride as well and so we sat and waited together. We sat there (or shall I say paced) for another 45 minutes until they did appear. I sighed with relief and thought that at last we were on the homeward stretch, not realizing there was one more hurdle to cross. At the border we were kindly detained and sent in for questioning, to wait some more while they checked out our papers.

Needless to say, it was nearly 9 p.m. by the time I made my appearance in Hudson. I was warmly welcomed, to put it mildly, and got there just in time for rhubarb pie and ice cream.

And so after catching up on all the news, I at last dragged my weary body to bed and thought, This has been a very long day!

Of Dreams and Wheat Harvest

Golden heads of wheat waving in the wind...Combining...
Weighing in at the scale house...

I've been doing things I've never done before, going places I've never been, driving strange vehicles, being "on call", keeping crazy hours and watching the weather with great concern. It all comes with the new job.

Earlier this year I was wondering what new/exciting/different things I should do this year before turning 40. Meanwhile in the back of my mind a well-hidden dream was waiting for fulfillment. The dream of helping with wheat harvest.



You see, as a child, I loved to go out for combine rides or play on the fully loaded grain trucks of wheat with my brother and sisters. A ride to the elevator with Dad, to dump the wheat, was extra special. Sometimes I even got a free bottle of pop - in a glass bottle!



And so with great excitement I started my first day at Miller Seed Farms. It was challenging with learning lots of new things but I had a patient instructor and by mid-afternoon I was weighing in trucks of grain.



The second day I left for Great Bend around 7 a.m. to pick up parts. Then I was sent to Hutch. It started with one stop but by the time I left the office 4 more had been added. First to Cooper Tire to drop of 2 tires for repair, then to Napa for an alternator, to Metro Automotive for a starter, to Murdock Supply for a 75' cable, to Reger Rental for a trash pump and back to Cooper for the restored tires.



The combines were slow getting started that morning so I still got in on a lot of weighing in after my other errands were done. And that's one of my favorite parts of the job. Inbetween loads you sit and chat with whoever happens to be around, catching up on local news or listen on the 2-way radios to friendly banter going on among other workers.



By the end of the second day I was really getting into things and I was only too happy to comply when the boss asked if I'd consider working Saturday. However, the rain put an end to those plans and I was honestly disappointed. It wasn't easy to switch gears from wheat harvest to mundane tasks like cleaning and laundry.



In case you haven't guessed, I love my new job! The hours aren't really that crazy. In fact, when I left at 7:30 p.m., I felt like a real slacker knowing the others were working till midnight. I have a great group of guys to work with and a good boss.



So hold on to those dreams - big or little - they may just come true when you least expect it.

Celebrate God's Goodness

Thursday morning this phrase kept running through my head, as I was lying in bed trying to clear my foggy mind from the shackles of sleep.

It wasn't a very good week. I felt especially discouraged with wanting more work but not finding any. On Tuesday I was sent home at noon due to weather. I thought to myself, WHAT is going on??!! The more work I want, the less I have! This is crazy!

Obviously, God was up to something. But He wasn't telling me! Does He have to be so secretive?? And so I fussed and fumed and tried to understand. Two words stood out in my mind. Two words I've heard often. Two words I don't really like. Two words that often make me sigh in resignation, "Oh, that again!"

I'm sure you've heard them, too. WAIT and TRUST! Even though I know it's the best way and God always comes through for me, it's still hard to do.

Well, to make a long story longer...that morning I started thanking God for what He's done and what He's going to do. I remembered the miraculous way in which He brought me my last three jobs and wondered what I was worrying about.

Thursday evening I got a call from Laverne offering me a part-time job at Miller Seed Farms. I was excited! I love wheat harvest and had wished to be more involved. It's not the same as caring for babies, I may get dirty, I may have strange hours (working till dark), but Dolores told me, "It's fun!" and somehow I believe her, so I'm going out to have a party and CELEBRATE GOD'S GOODNESS!

Peace in the Storms

Last night we had a good old-fashioned, Kansas thunderstorm. Thunder, lightning, strong winds, hail and rain (no tornadoes this time)! I don't usually get scared very quickly by storms but last night I felt nervous. Maybe it's being in my own house alone and feeling "responsible". I don't know.

I went around and checked all the windows AND the doors! The doors had been cause for some stress, early on in my renting experience. Although they were supposedly fixed, there hadn't been a good storm to give them a fair trial. I went downstairs and sighed in dismay at the water seeping under the west door and oozing into the carpet. Nope! That one definitely wasn't fixed properly.

As the wind continued to shriek and howl around the corners of my little "barn", I tried unsuccessfully to get a weather report. I thought of calling the neighbors but that didn't seem like a very good option at 11:30 p.m. And so I crawled into bed, praying for peace in spite of the storm.

And God, my faithful Father, graciously granted that request. I didn't know if I'd live to see the light of day or be blown away in my sleep but I knew that whatever happened God would be with me.

This morning I was thinking of the storms of life that rock my boat at times and thankful again for the peace God gives in those storms, as well.

A "Pooh" Day

It was a lovely day for a picnic and since it was Memorial Day a couple friends and I headed out for a little jaunt. I felt like "Pooh" and his friends going out on an adventure. And so to be true to character, I left my watch and cell phone behind and determined to enjoy the day.

After we drove around the section and parked the car, we set off across the field toward the creek, sack lunches in hand. A shady spot was soon found and we spread our blankets, kicked off our shoes and settled down to enjoy the outdoors and a good time of fellowship. As we munched on our lunch we chatted of many and varied items of interest.

Then...it was time for a story! I pulled out my "Pooh" book and read the adventures of "Pooh" and friends searching for the North Pole. This, of course, put the adventurous spirit in our blood and we, too, set off to find the North Pole (or something of the sort).

Our exploration was temporarily delayed as we came to the bridge and decided on a game of "Pooh Stix"! (For those of you who don't know, this game consists of everyone dropping a stick into the water on one side and then racing to the other side to see whose stick comes out first.) It's great fun and you should try it! It doesn't matter if you're 5, 35 or 65, anyone can play!

It wasn't very successful as our sticks kept getting hung up, due to all the brush and debris in the creek. At last we went down the riverbank to see what was under the bridge. "Just as I thought," said Eeyore, "no better from this side. But nobody cares, what does it matter." And so we abandoned our game and sat by the water chatting. This went on for some time, till at last we returned to the road and decided to meander along the creek on the other side. It being a very warm day, that didn't last for long and soon we were headed home.

I must add this bit from our story about Eeyore - some just don't know what a tail is, he said. They don't appreciate it. They think it's just A LITTLE EXTRA on the end.

Roasting Marshmallows

There is more than one way to skin a cat...or...roast a marshmallow! We had to burn a small pile of brush and didn't want the fire to be totally wasted so I traipsed off to dig out some marshmallows. But then...where were the sticks...we burned them all and so we had to resort to the next best - a rake! It was a delightful perk to the evening. You should try it sometime.

And then there were ants...

I arrived home at 9:30 last night in a jolly mood, but as I climbed the stairs and rounded the corner, I was horrified to see a trail of ants making their way down the hall and into my bedroom. This was not just a lost sister and brother but a vast army. A very vast army!!

I thought it couldn't be! I had visions of ants in my pants... in my hair... in my bed...I was nearly dancing a jig just thinking about it. As I stood there gazing in disbelief and wringing my hands, I suddenly realized action was needed.

I bolted down the stairs and grabbed a can of Raid, rummaged in the drawer for ant traps and searched under the sink for the spray bottle of lemon juice. In a flash I was back upstairs armed to do battle.

Once again my mouth dropped open in surprise for the last of that vast army of ants was disappearing under the north door jam from whence they had come. I encouraged them in their hasty departure and then sprayed Raid to discourage their return. I went back to my bedroom to discover a lost ant on my bedspread. Not for long! I yanked back the covers and made a careful scrutiny of my sheets. No more ants were forthcoming, much to my relief.

The ants are diligent creatures and could be compared to the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. That woman often sounds a little super human and I pass over that chapter thinking I'll never measure up. But this morning verse 25 came to mind, "...she can laugh at the days to come," and I realized that's me. I am laughing (here meaning free from anxiety and worry) because of the great God I have that is taking care of me every day. Ants or no ants - I have nothing to fear as I trust my God.

Change of Plans

I am currently cooling my toes under Ann's computer, instead of working. It wasn't in the plans when my alarm went off at 6:25 this morning. How quickly a day can change!

I was just heading out the door when my phone rang and I was informed that I didn't have to work today. In some ways I was glad and in other ways not so glad. An unexpected free day was fine but, on the other hand, I found myself choking down a feeling of panic at the thought of less pay, while even now, the bills are stacking up against me. How can this be?? And yet...God told me He would provide and I have no reason to fear.

My mind was scrambling as to what to do with my unexpected day off. I considered going back to bed but that didn't really seem like a good option since I was already up and dressed for the day. I thought of making granola, which I had been putting off for some time already, due to the fact that I didn't have coconut. I called Doris to see about borrowing some and she went the extra mile (maybe half, in this case) and offered to bring it over. And so I made my granola and then went out to sit on my deck - the first time I did so in the morning! And what a morning! The sun brightly shining, a cool breeze blowing, birds singing and rabbits hopping.

I then headed to Quality Body Shop to get an estimate on my car. My dear beloved car, which I love very much, has a cracked head (windshield) and is in need of some stitches. I have no idea when this awful thing happened but I drove it home one night in fine shape and the next day this ugly crack had appeared. I'm quite sure it wasn't a night that it hailed or I could blame it on that. I guess it doesn't matter. All I need to do is get it fixed, which they will gladly do, for the lovely sum of $265.00! So here I am spending money at an alarmingly higher rate than that in which it is coming in.

I went over to Dad and Mom's and puttered around in the garden. Dad, with an unusual burst of energy, decided to go out and till. This time Mom went along and carefully showed him her row of beets so they would not meet the same doom as the strawberries. For Dad, wise though he is in many years, yet cannot see the tender young plants residing in the garden who wish to grow tall and strong and give of the best to their master.

Speaking of Dad...he was thrilled when I said I had something for him to do but I nearly regretted telling him so early for he has asked countless times, "When do you want me to give you a ride?" "Not 'til after lunch," I replied once again. And so he was ready for lunch at 11:30. His favorite thing for lunch (or any meal) is yogurt and today he ate it first since Mom didn't have the soup quite ready. By the end of the meal he couldn't remember if he had yogurt or not and would've had another bowlful if we had not stopped him. Yogurt is a good thing and yet Mom does not relish making it twice a week. At 12:20 he asked again when I needed to go. I told him 1:00 and he immediately went to put his shoes on.

And now I must go for it is 12:51 and poor Dad is probably waiting still for his procrastinating daughter who likes to be on time but not early. And so ends the tale of my mixed up day.

The Kind of God I Have!

Last night I picked up the book by Ron Mehl titled "Meeting God at a Dead End". He talked about waiting. Noah...for rain, Abraham...for a son, Joseph...for deliverance and Anna...for the Messiah. So I'm not the only one waiting, and even when I'm waiting, God isn't. He is working tirelessly on my behalf. He is fitting all the pieces of the puzzle together. I think there are too many pieces OR not enough. This one is the wrong color, that one is the wrong shape. It can't be right. But when God is done it will be the most beautiful picture ever seen.


And so...I went to bed with a sense of hope and I awoke this morning with that feeling. (I get it now and then but not nearly often enough.) The feeling that all is right with my world, that it's going to be a good day, that GOD LOVES ME! I grinned as I repeated it to myself three times. GOD loves me! God LOVES me! God loves ME!


Days like this I feel like ANYTHING is possible. Things I haven't even thought of yet. God is working on my behalf.


Yesterday I got off work early and went to the mall to do an address change on my driver's licence. The office was closed. Sigh! As I was walking through Sears I decided to check out the clearance racks. I spotted a lovely red sweatshirt. I thought to myself, I'd pay $5 for that. I looked it over. It was my size. It had a zipper down the front. It was warm and cozy. I looked at the price. It had been $36 but was marked down to $9.99. That was good but not quite the $5 I had in mind. I was disappointed. I put it back and looked some more. I came back and looked it over again. Yes, it was just what I wanted but I probably wouldn't get to wear it till fall. Should I wait? No, I decided to get it now. I took it to the cashier and she rang up the price. $4.99! I couldn't believe my eyes! I wanted to laugh. I wanted to cry! I did neither but walked out grinning.


That's the kind of God I have. He is working on my behalf. I'm convinced there is nothing that "just happens" but it is all carefully planned by him.

Life

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments...that take our breath away."

Yard Saling!

Henry, oh, henry! Did I ever have fun today!

I wasn't sure at first about getting up early on my day off but Aunt Esther needed to be at the Wichita airport at 8:30. I was profoundly glad that she planned it for a Thursday morning as that is prime time to yard sale in Wichita!

It didn't take long to drop her off and then Mom and I were off, keeping our eyes peeled for yard sale signs. It didn't take long before we hit a neighborhood sale and merrily went from one to the next, collecting items along the way. A hamper, an endtable, a floor lamp, a skillet and a Rubbermaid container were all safely stowed in my car, with room to spare.

And then...we hit a huge moving sale! I found the perfect white cabinet I'd been longing for! It would just fit behind my bedroom door. Mom looked at it doubtfully and said, "Do you think it will fit in the car?" "Oh, yes!" I replied, with more confidence than I felt. I knew it was the one, and one way or another it would go in. In a jiffy I had pulled out my tape measure and proceeded to measure the cabinet. Mom looked on in amazement. "Do you have a tape measure?" she asked in surprise. Oh, yes, we are prepared when it comes to yard saling! I then went to measure the car and rearrange the earlier bargains already hogging space. At last I said, "I think we can do! Let's give it a try.

Thankfully, there was a man and a strong woman willing to carry my prize purchase and shove it in the trunk. With a little manuvering it was ALMOST in. "We can fix that," the guy declared, and ambled off to get some rope. He kindly tied down the trunk lid and we were set! By this time I was grinning wildly to myself and could barely refrain from dancing a jig right there in the street. I bit my tongue to keep from saying, "I told you so!" to mom.

AND on top of all that, God gave me a little bonus. I found an adorable wooden chair/toybox! (Children come on over!) At this point Mom was beginning to wonder WHAT ELSE I might squeeze in that car. I was beginning to feel like it might be time to head home and yet I was having so much fun, it was hard to quit. We soon did, though, and a wastebasket was the last remaining bargain of the day.

I asked. God answered. He is faithful far above what I can ever imagine. Try it and see if He will not pour out of the riches of his storehouse, blessings more than you can receive.

Ducklings

Emma received two baby ducklings for Easter. Ernest and Olivia seem to like their new home, which was once a dog cage. It has been adapted to contain these two wee ducklings. They are temporarily residing in the laundry room off the kitchen and once they are older, will join the three ducks back at the pond.

Emma loves looking at them and would hold them, if given a chance. We aren't giving her a chance, for at her age squeezing is more like it.

So far they haven't been much of a problem. They make plenty of noise for such small creatures, but other than that, they really can't get into too much trouble. At this point, I prefer them over dogs or cats in the house.

Housewarming

Thursday night my sister planned a housewarming party for me. We didn't know at the time what the weather would be. About 5:oo the neighbor lady came over to tell me there was a tornado watch out for Reno County and to offer me the refuge of their storm shelter, should it become necessary. I had visions of my house full of people when the tornado struck and everyone making a mad dash for their cars, the culvert or running over to the neighbors. Thankfully, no such action was necessary.

The housewarming was a smashing success and I felt warmed inside and out by the generosity of family and friends. It meant even more to know they braved the weather just to come out, for even though there were no tornadoes, battling the wind and rain and manuvering the muddy roads was no easy feat. I received a lamp, broom, wash basket, grape towels, glass pitcher, cookie sheets, spice rack, silverware and many yummy food items, not the least of which was two boxes of Cheerios. These Cheerios go back to Choice Books days when Perry Lee's and I worked together. I can always count on them to keep me supplied. I laughed and clapped my hands in glee when I saw them walking in, Cheerios in tow.

As it was a come and go party and people came and went all evening, which was a good thing considering the size of my house. But at 8:00 there was a rush and these people stayed to visit and my house was bursting at the seams. What fun! I enjoyed every minute! One unlucky gal got her car stuck in the mud. There were some capable and very willing men who helped this damsel in distress.

It was fun having Emma and her family there. She was the center of attention and made the most of it, walking around waving and saying "hi". I think she was surprised to find me in this crowd of people and couldn't quite understand that this was my house. She kept coming up to me and saying "Pau", her shortened version of Pauline.

It was after 9 o'clock by the time the last person walked out the door and I was left with a popcorn littered living room and a muddy floor. But when I viewed the bountiful aray of goods on my overflowing table I felt blessed beyond words.

Thanks to all of you who made it such a wonderful evening!

The Barn

I've moved! And I love it! The big day has finally come and gone and it's nearly a week since I took up my abode in "The Barn".

This is the outhouse. We make them big in the ole wild west! (Just kidding!) Seriously, this is the catch-all shed. It's nice to have a little extra storage.

Here is a back view of my "Barn". Notice the balcony.

This is the view from my balcony! You can see for miles out here!

This is what you see when you drive in. All the watering

is paying off and green is starting to show.

Packing? or snow?

This is our garden. Or was our garden. In another time.
Flowers bravely fighting the snow!



Packing!

I should be packing. I'm not. I was packing, as you can see, earlier this morning before the snow started. It was fun while it lasted but there seems to be no end. The more I pack, the more I find to pack. The boxes keep stacking up and still I keep packing more. My bed is littered with binders, picture frames, shelves...the walls are looking bare in spots...my desk and dresser are stacked with things not usual to them. I'm going in 10 directions at once, or so it seems. I pull stuff out from under the bed, grab stuff off the wall and unpack boxes that were once packed for something I discover I need. Today. I wonder where that other box is with the recipe I wanted to make this weekend. I give up. We'll eat something else.







This is my life. For the moment. It will get better. The packing will come to an end and I will be happily settled in my own little house. I don't know when. It may be days or weeks or months, but it will come. I know it will.



In the meantime, I'm lovin' the snow! We got hit! We really did! Three inches in two hours isn't bad for the Kansas plains. And so we are frantically gathering containers to save water. They are warning us to be prepared!



I had to go to Fairview Service to pick up my car. The snow was swiftly falling and swirling across the road. It was freezing on my windshield. I was glad it was only a couple miles.


After lunch I dug out my boots, grabbed my camera and tromped outside for a few pictures. I threw a few snowballs, at no one in particular, particularly because there was no one to throw them at. (For some reason I couldn't get my 87-year-old Dad interested in a snowball fight! I guess fighting with Ann's cat this morning was enough fighting for him!)



And now I'm trying to get this post finished before the power goes off and I have to retire to my chair, wrap myself in blankets and settle in with a good "Pooh" story.

MY DAD!

Before you laugh at my laundry on the line, read the following story.

Mom, Ann and I got up early this morning to go yard saling. Before we left I put a load of laundry in the washer. That way it will be ready to hang out when we get back, I thought.

We returned some three hours later, delightedly discussing all the bargains we found and the amazing morning we had. As we neared home, Ann noticed the laundry happily flapping in the breeze. We started to question how it had found it's way to the line. If Mom had been home, it wouldn't have been hard to guess but Dad was the only possible answer. And Dad...hanging out laundry???!!! I had never in all my days heard of such a thing! Could it be possible??

I rushed into the kitchen and looked out the window just to make sure. Yes, the clothes were definitely on the line and not in the washer where I had left them. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry and so I did some of both. I cried when I thought of my 87-year-old Dad, who doesn't do much in a day besides read and sleep, hanging out my laundry. I laughed when I went out to take a closer look and saw the interesting arrangement of clothes hanging on the line.

My Dad...often forgets. He will ask the same question many times over. He won't remember people he goes to church with or has known for years. He can't remember events or will ask several times in a day, what day it is. He's stubborn and wants to do things his way. He doesn't understand or reason very well anymore, often reminding me of a 5-year-old boy.

And yet...MY DAD hung the laundry up for me, although I've never known him to do it before, even in his "better years". I'm proud of him. I love my dad. I realized this again today and just how special he is and how much I will miss him when he's gone. I determined to tell him so this very day.

Counting Flowers!

This is the first day of spring! I said it several times throughout the day to Emma. And then we went out to see how many flowers we could find. Along the front porch was a spirea bush - the smell brought back memories of my grandma who used to have a whole hedge of them along the driveway. In the corner we discovered one lone daffodil bravely lifting it's head. We wandered across the lawn and spotted wee, miniature flowers in deep blue, fushia and white. I don't know their names. They would probably be classified as weeds and yet, when closely examined, they were truly amazing in design. Of course, there were dandelions showing off their bright yellow faces. We nearly missed the gorgeous lavendar flowers residing in the flowerbed to the west of the house.

On the drive home I spotted a bright yellow forsythia bush. There were flowering trees, as well. As I pulled in the driveway, my gaze was drawn to the front walk. More daffodils, bright red tulips, pansies in purple & white and pink hyacinths.

I love flowers! I love spring! It gives me a sense of hope after the dry, barren winter. I need hope for my thirsty soul. Where is it that I lose hope? I get bogged down with the issues of living. I can't see past the whiny, fussy, teething one-year-old I care for day after day. I'm exhausted from working five long days. I have no time or energy for anything else.

But then...I remember...it's spring! There is hope! Counting the flowers today, renewed that bit of hope in my soul again. Try it! It might renew your hope, too!

New Baby

This is a picture of my newest niece, Joyce Valerie Steckly! She was born March 6, 2009, weighing 9 pounds and 4 ounces. She is welcomed by 6 brothers and sisters and the happy parents, Paul and Sarah.

At the Park

Kyle, who said I'm his very best friend, turned five on Wednesday. We met him (along with his mom and brothers) at the park and had a grand time. This is Kyle blowing bubbles while the rest of us were trying to catch them and Emma standing there laughing like everything. She loved it!

Emma having fun climbing steps.

We also took some stale bread crusts and fed them to the geese, walked along the walkway and over the many little bridges, played on the slides, monkey bars and teeter totters. After an hour and a half we were all hot, dirty and tired and headed for home.

What a lovely day and a lovely time with friends!

God's Heart Towards You is Good

"When things are going 'bad' that does not mean God has stopped doing good. It means he is shifting things around to get them in place for more good...He works all things together for good for those who love him."
- Strong Women, Soft Hearts by Paula Rinehart

Shopkeeper

For one brief day I was a shopkeeper! It was a fun challenge, especially since I had no orientation before the owner was out of the state. Only a few brief (very brief) instructions over the phone and I was on my own.

I got up in plenty of time that morning, stopped to pick up the key and headed to the store well before 9 o'clock. I had no trouble getting in but I searched high and low for the cash bag. I finally figured out I was looking in the wrong room and when I found the right one the instructions made a lot more sense. I turned on the cash register and played around with it a bit to make sure I knew how to operate it.

At 9 o'clock I took a deep breath, girded up the loins of my mind and went to unlock the door. Maybe there won't be much going on today, I thought, but it would be fun to have some business. Well, I had two phone calls and two customers in the first 15 minutes! I scarcely had my wits about me and so we hunted together for the items they wanted. I felt quite proud as I rang up the first sale of the day. The lady looking for bobbins decided to wait because she wasn't sure what size she needed.

After that little flurry of business there was an hour and a half lull. It gave me a chance to look around, write in my journal, read "The Carbohydrate Addict's Program for Success" and call my sister.

Just as I was starting to get bored another customer walked in and then another and another. I gave them a friendly greeting and asked if I could help them, fervently hoping they wouldn't ask something I didn't know. The one couple came to look at the heaters that were advertised. I could show them the heaters but I sure couldn't make any good sales pitches. They said they'd be back. Another lady brought a sewing machine to be serviced. In vain I hunted for the repair tags and finally took the information down on a sticky note. After she left I searched in earnest for those tags and at last located them in the workroom.

Later there was a phone call from an upset customer who said she had brought a machine in for repairs two months ago. I tried to calm her down and said I'd find out what's going on. After a call to the owner, a trip to the neighboring store for a phone number and another phone call, it was all taken care of and I sighed with relief as I sat down to eat my lunch.

But eating lunch in peace was not to be! I had just taken a big bite of sandwich when the phone rang again. I debated whether to spit it out or quickly choke it down. I chose the latter and after the third ring was able to answer in a fairly "normal" voice. I no sooner got off the phone then the UPS guy stopped by with a delivery. So much for a quiet lunch!

Dad and Mom stopped by with my camera after lunch and I snapped a few pictures. Before I knew it 2 o'clock rolled around and I was off.

What a fun, unusual day!

Friends

What is Valentine's Day without chocolate? I don't know. I don't think I've ever experienced it before but I will this year for my diet does not allow chocolate.

A friend who knew of my plight brought me a Valentine's card and a carrot tied with a ribbon. I love it! I'm glad for friends who encourage and support me in whatever stage I'm in.

Thanks to all you friends who help make life more worthwhile and bring a smile. I hope you have the best Valentine's Day ever, with or without chocolate!

More to Come

"There is nothing that hurts more than unintentional contact with a sewing machine."

Don't despair, there is more to come, I just can't tell you when.

I wrote that last line several hours ago and it seemed as though God spoke it back to me. Comforting? Sort of. I'm glad there's more to come, but I'd like to know when. The story isn't finished but which chapter are we on? It could be "Thirty-nine and holding" or "In the Depths of Despair" or how about "Stretched to the Limit and Ready to Snap"? "We Are Going Down the Valley One by One". That's what some of my titles would sound like. But what would God's look like? Maybe "Forty and on a Roll", "The Prince is Coming", "Brighter Days Ahead" or "Hope for the Hopeless".

I'm glad God's writing the story and not me. Some days I wish He would give me a sneak preview as to what's ahead. Some days He does, other days He doesn't. I don't understand. Maybe he wants it to be a surprise. God likes surprises. I've had a few already and they were good ones.

This afternoon I went out to gather fresh, clean laundry off the line. It was such a lovely day I could hardly stand to go back inside. I took the wash in, grabbed a carrot and sat on the front steps munching away, soaking up the sunshine. I wandered around the farm looking for new signs of spring - buds pushing out on the trees, a few flowers poking through the earth, warm air, greening field of wheat...

Munching carrots...ahhh, that's what I'm doing these days. The doctor put me on a sugar-free, low-carb diet and it stinks! I can eat all the broccoli I want (too bad I don't "want"). I can eat all the meat I want (and this household consumes very little meat. In fact, we are still working on our Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas ham from last year!). I can eat all the salad I want. I like salad but eating it day after day after day gets very old. I think I may soon be hopping around like a bunny.:) I can have cheese (but grilled cheese sandwiches without the bread just aren't the same, somehow). Corn and peas, my favorite vegetables, are off the list! In fact, some people don't even call them vegetables anymore! What is this world coming to??!!

The good thing about this diet is that I'm losing weight! I've wanted to do that for a long time and so I will stick it out in spite of sharp hunger pains at 4 am.

I cannot figure out how to end this post but I've got to go so...goodbye!

Nanny Tales

At times I think back to my Ohio days and caring for triplets. It was challenging but very rewarding! Most days I was exhausted by (or before) bedtime. Some days I didn't feel like getting up and facing those crying babies but that was usually when I wasn't feeling up to par myself. On good days I loved it!




Take bath nights for instance. Leigh would start the bath water, gather fresh diapers & pajamas and set up the scale. John and I would one by one strip the babies down and hand them to Leigh to be weighed and then plopped in the tub for a scrubbing down. (When they got a bit bigger they would all go in together and what a splashing fun time they had!) It didn't take long and soon she would bring out a freshly scrubbed baby securely wrapped in a towel and only the head peeking out. Sometimes I had to take a second look to make sure which one it was. I would quickly rub in the lotion, put on a clean diaper and yank on pajamas, trying to ignore the hungry wails. Then into the highchair, slap on a bib and silence at last as the food was shoveled in. Well, at least silence from that quarter. Brothers 2 and 3 might still be in the process. When all the little tummies were full it was time for a story, and how they delighted in those! Of course, the shorter the better, at this age, and then at the first sign of a yawn or eye-rubbing they were whisked off to bed. Tuck each one in and kiss them goodnight and breathe a sigh of relief.









This was hat day! How they loved hats, at least they were fun to pull off the brothers' heads.











Here let me take a turn! I want to be like Dad, too! Dad was the one that vacuumed the house and so the boys thought it was big stuff. How they fought over their play sweeper! John and Leigh only hope it lasts till they are able to do some good.



I am still a nanny but one 15-month-old seems like a picnic compared to triplets. I have time to read, do sudoku puzzles, email and take naps. I take Emma shopping, to the park or just for walks around the farm to visit with the horses, ducks, chickens, calves, cats or Dennis the donkey. I would never have attempted these things with three.


Grady, Gerut and Griffin will always have a special place in my heart. Emma is finding a place there, as well. There may be others along the way but I will always fondly remember my first nanny job caring for triplets! (We won't mention the three dogs. That in itself is another story and one that does not fill my heart with warm fuzzies!)

It's Worth It!

Well, I am still trying to figure this thing out. Details bother me and I just want to get on with the real thing so I guess I'll just write and hope to figure out some of the other stuff later (like how to post pictures!). In the meantime, I hope someone out there is enjoying my writing for I still don't know why there are problems making comments. I just kept trying till it worked so you may have to use some persistance, too. Signing in as anonymous worked for me in the end. So all's well that ends well.



I love the blue, blue Kansas sky! We may not have mountains, lakes and trees but you can't beat our wide-open sky! The sun was shining this morning and beckoning me out for a walk. I donned my coat and gloves and tripped out the lane. It was a lovely morning but I soon got bogged down telling God about my problems, which seem many and huge right now. As I trudged along with my nose to the ground, I suddenly thought to look up. What a gorgeous expanse of blue sky stretching in every direction. I strained my eyes to see if I might get a glimpse of God smiling down on me and wondered how far up there He really is? But is He "up there" or is that just some illusion we have? Whether He's up there or not I KNOW He is down here with me. And God who made the big, huge sky is bigger yet!



I heard the song "When I Get Where I'm Going" this morning. This is one of my favorites and I hope to have it sung at my funeral. No, I'm not trying to be morbid, just planning ahead. I'm going to post the lyrics here:

When I Get Where I'm Going

by Brad Paisley

When I get where I'm going

on the far side of the sky.

The first thing that I'm gonna do

is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,

and run my fingers through his mane.

Or I might find out what it's like

to ride a drop of rain.

Chorus:

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

there'll be only happy tears.

I will shed the sins and struggles,

I have carried all these years.

And I'll leave my heart wide open,

I will love and have no fear.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my granddaddy,

and he'll match me step for step,

and I'll tell him how I missed him,

every minute since he left.

Then I'll hug his neck.

So much pain and so much darkness,

in this world we stumble through.

All these questions, I can't answer,

so much work to do.

But when I get where I'm going,

and I see my Maker's face.

I'll stand forever in the light,

of His amazing grace.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

there'll be only happy tears.

Hallelujah!

I will love and have no fear.

When I get where I'm going.

Yeah when I get where I'm going.

Life

I've been printing church calendars, helping Ann make New Year's Cookies and forgetting the laundry in the washer. It's too cold to hang it out, anyway, so there's no rush. It's a bright, sunny day but the thermometer hasn't even hit 20 degrees.

Yesterday I went to the grade school spelling bee. Although I sometimes read about spelling bees, I don't know when I've ever seen a "real live" one. I enjoyed it immensely.

As I walked in, there was an underlying current of excitement. The air was filled with excited chatter. I found a seat beside Kyle, my best friend. (At least, that's what he called me the last time I saw him. Rest assured, he is only four, but quite charming, I might add.) The children took seats at the front of the room. Will announced the rules of the game. And then...they were off for a trial run. At first it was easy words like "dog" and "hog", but soon the real business of spelling began. Some plunged right in and spelled their word with a rush. Others started and then stopped halfway through to rethink the correct spelling. Some made awful faces hoping that would help conjure up the word in their mind. They would look at the floor in hopes of seeing it spelled out there.

The words got harder and harder and one by one the students dropped out. We sat on the edge of our seats and silently cheered the remaining ones on. At last there were only two boys left, but alas! one misspelled word and Shawn was the winner! Loud clapping ensued while he sat up front trying to hide a smile. He took a bow and we clapped some more.

But the spelling bee wasn't over yet! Will asked for volunteers from the audience to compete against the last three contestants. (No, I didn't volunteer. I'm only a good speller with a dictionary in hand.) Heather (a highschooler), Andrea (a teacher), Elizabeth (a grandmother) and Keith (a young father) took their places up front. Anticipation was mounting as one by one the words were shouted out and spelled back again. One down, two, three and four until at last only Shawn and Keith were left. Shawn missed a word and it was passed to Keith but he missed it as well and so the competition continued. The end was in sight and after a long battle Keith was the winner. Ahhh! that was fun!

I went home and called two friends and then went up to make supper. Chicken noodle soup, peas/carrots and biscuits were on the menu. I enjoy cooking but often get busy with other things and so it's easier to just let mom do it.

After supper we played a couple rounds of Dominoes for this is the one game that Dad likes. When I tired of that, I went downstairs to read and then off for an early bedtime. I won't tell you what time I went to bed but by 7:30 this morning I had 10 hours in so thought it might be time to get up.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

What Counts

"It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." -Abe Lincoln

I came across this quote the other day and felt encouraged, especially since I was feeling like the years were catching up with me. But how in the world do you put life in your years??

My nephew likes to buy candy. Oh, he doesn't buy it for himself, at least not for the most part, but acquires it to use to his advantage against his elder brother. He learned of his weakness/craving for chocolate and if he hits it just right is sometimes offered exorbant sums for a candy bar.

His mom, who has become streetwise (or shall we say child-wise), at times gets the benefits of her chocolate loving sons, as well. She has her own secret stash of candy, which is produced at the most opportune times. She, however, prefers exchanging chocolate for a foot massage, rather than loonies.

I must say I rather enjoy chocolate myself and like to have some on hand "just in case" a craving hits. What a waste of time and money to have to drive all the way to town just for some chocolate! Of course, that wouldn't be a problem if my nephew lived nearby. I'm sure I could obtain some from him if I named a high enough price. I never thought of such a thing, when I was a child, as making money reselling candy bars to my brother or sisters. Shoot! I could've been a rich woman by now!

Well, money isn't everything and neither is chocolate, but a little of either is rather nice now and then. I have some chocolate setting on my desk right now, as a matter of fact. I eye it every now and then and sternly tell myself I've had enough for one day.

This sounds like the life in my years is chocolate but it's really not. I think enjoying the little things every day is what makes life good. Living for the moment instead of regretting the past and dreaming about the future.

So...what puts life in your years??

Late?? or on time

Saturday morning I was feeling low enough to walk under a duck with my hat on. A dismal failure. Lonely and alone. Frankly, there didn't seem to be much joy in life. I poured it all out to God and after some time I felt a measure of peace.

A few minutes later a friend stopped in unexpectedly with a belated birthday gift. She apologized profusely for it's lateness. I assured her it didn't matter and delightedly opened the package.

After she left I got to thinking. Late. Was that gift late or not? The more I thought about it the more I thought, That was perfect timing! God knew how much I needed encouraging THAT VERY DAY! He is right on time even though it may seem late to me.

Some days I can't see it. Nothing seems to make sense. I whine, cry and complain in frustration that NOTHING is happening. And yet...when I stop to think about it I KNOW that God is still working and He has a plan in everything that happens to me.

"It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end." -Ursula K. LeGuin

Something New

I wanted to try something new this year so I'm going to try doing a blog. It may last and it may not. If I'm not having fun I'll quit doing it, for why do something if it's not fun?

Right now I feel more like going outside and enjoying the fresh air and warm sunshine than sitting down in the basement writing this post.

I was out for a brief space in time this morning to hang out the laundry. In fact, I was quite pleased with myself to think I had been out for breakfast with a friend and had two loads of laundry (one flapping in the breeze on the washline and the other dried in the dryer) done by 9:30. I might add that this is my day off and that is what makes it so unusual. I often like a more leisurely start to my day when I don't have to work but this morning I felt like the energizer bunny so I made the most of it because I doubted it would last long.

So long...I'm off to enjoy the sunshine!