Ask...and Ye Shall Receive

Last night I received a very special gift. It made it more special, for the fact that, I thought it was lost to me forever. But let me explain...

The last few days I had been fighting a flu bug or something of the sort. It started with a sore throat that made it hurt to talk or swallow. That night I started with the chills but the next morning I felt much better. However, as the day wore on, my throat started hurting again and the sinuses were also affected. It was hard to rest well because of a stuffed up nose. The next morning I felt bad enough that I took a sick day from work. Once again, during the day I felt a lot better, but by evening I was quite miserable. 

I went over to Dad & Mom's place for the evening to help relieve the boredom and loneliness. It helped! A lot! When I was ready to go home, I was thinking, I wish someone would pray for me. Just like that, I felt in my spirit that I should ask Dad to pray. I immediately went over to his chair and told him that I have a cold and asked if he would pray for me. He very readily agreed. His prayer was simple and to the point, asking God to show me what to do for my cold. 

Now Dad, you must understand, is probably in what you would call the last stages of Alzheimer's (although we have never had him diagnosed by a doctor). There are very few things that he remembers and he will often spend most of the day just sitting quietly in his chair. Questions asked him are most often answered with, "I don't know." When asked to say grace at the table, more often than not, he will decline, but on occasion will say a short prayer.

Needless to say, I felt blessed indeed! What a gift to have that prayer from Dad! It's another precious memory to store up for the time when he is no longer here.

Mom and Ann also said beautiful prayers for me and the 2 things that I feared most that night, not being able to sleep due to coughing and stuffation, never happened.

"Ask, and it will be given to you...for everyone who asks receives..." Matt. 7:7a & 8a 

Thanksgiving

I wasn't sure I wanted to write about Thanksgiving this year...

I was planning to have a day catching up at home and then go to Dad & Mom's place for Thanksgiving dinner. As it so happened, I spent most of the day traveling, 6 hours, of which, were at the O'Hara airport in Chicago.

When I found out the day before that my flight was delayed, causing me to miss my flight in Chicago and overnight there or wait till the next day to fly out, I was feeling anything but grateful. In fact, I was downright grumpy. I had my plans all made and now they were spoiled! What fun would it be to sit in airports on Thanksgiving instead of enjoying a feast of good food with my family?

A few years ago I had decided that Thanksgiving is a good time to reflect on the last year about what God has done. Well, I had plenty of time to reflect as I sat there waiting for my next plane. I grabbed a pen and decided to write some of my thoughts on paper. As I wrote, the thankfulness started to come. No, I still didn't like having to travel on Thanksgiving but still there were lots of things to be thankful for.

Steppin' Up!

I saw these adorable boots when I was out shoe-shopping the other night. At first I told myself "no" but the more I thought about it, the more I thought, "why not?" For a 40-year-old it's called: Living life dangerously!

Today was the funeral of a woman several years younger than myself. She enjoyed singing and the service was liberally sprinkled with songs. I can only imagine how happy she must be, worshiping and praising God around the throne...free from pain...

You might say she has been "steppin' up", too, but in a slightly different way. That truly will be the biggest step we ever take and...THE BEST!

"Precious (carefully watched over) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Ps.116:15

Pain

The only way to survive is to keep bringing my pain to Jesus. He surprises me again and again by reaching down and touching...his touch brings healing and then He uses it for His glory. Not only uses it for His glory, but transforms it into JOY!

Friends

My lack of writing isn't due to nothing happening. Sometimes it's just hard to put it into words. So many things God has been teaching me...

One thing I've been thinking a lot about is friends. Some friends are closer than others, but the closer you are, the more you share. I think it is the same way with Jesus. He wants us to tell him EVERYTHING and the closer we are to Him, the more He tells us, too.

Maybe another time I will tell you more...

Faint-Hearted

Caring for the elderly is not for the faint-hearted but I was feeling faint-hearted today...

An unplanned shower in the middle of baking cookies and fixing lunch, is not exactly my idea of fun. It makes  me wish to go back to taking care of triplets and 3 Labs (minus the Labs!). Thanks to Mom, the cookies got baked and lunch on the table while I was occupied elsewhere. (I will spare you the gory details.)

However, this is where God has called me, now, and I count it a privilege to care for Dad & Mom in their later years. No, it's not always fun. It's not always easy, but still...I love them!

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isa.40:31

Wants

The other day I asked Mom what she wanted to do. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "I don't know. What do you want to do?" I was frustrated. I wanted to know what she wanted to do. It wasn't about what I wanted to do. How could I make her happy if she didn't tell me what she wanted? I realized that at least part of the problem was that she didn't know what she wanted. Maybe another part of it was being afraid to say what she wanted.

This sounds way too familiar. Isn't this exactly how I relate to God? I'm afraid to say what I want. I say, "Whatever you want, God, that's what I want." It sounds so pious. But, He says, "No, what do you want, Pauline?" Or maybe I don't really know what I want, so I want Him to just tell me what He wants me to do.

I believe that as we seek God He puts longings and desires in our hearts and He wants to fulfill those for us, but He also wants us to realize and express the desires of our hearts so that we know, as well as Him, what it is we really want.

Christmas and birthdays can be hard because I often struggle to know what gift to give a person. However, I LOVE to get/do something for someone when I know it's something they really want!

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!" Matt.7:11

'Tis the Season...

...to lock your car doors lest unwanted garden produce appear on your front seat. But then...it could also be wanted, very wanted produce. As in my case.

One night I went out to my car to go home and found a box of canned green beans! I squealed in delight and ran back in to find out who the guilty party might be. You never can tell about sisters...they do the strangest things...but I love 'em for it!

So Much Bigger!

Dusk was falling and the light fast fading as I headed home Sunday night. The refreshing breeze and bright moonlight beckoned to me as I pulled in my driveway. I jumped out of my car, ran inside, grabbed an apple and headed back out.

As I pulled my lawn chair out of its dusty corner I thought I detected a faint sound of music. I looked up to see 6 neighbor children headed down the road, 5 with instruments and the youngest on a bike. They were just at the end of my drive and called out to me, "Would you like some music?" Without hesitation I replied, "Sure!"

I pulled my chair out of its bag and settled on the deck as they gathered round. They proceeded to play 3 numbers for me. Sitting out on the deck, lovely breeze blowing, moon brightly shining, moonbush blooming, heavenly music...what more could I want??

Much too soon it was over and they went on their merry way, probably never knowing how much this weary heart had been touched. For a very long time I sat there, with tears streaming down my face, whispering, "Thank you, Jesus, thank you!"

Suddenly, the week I had been dreading, with an overwhelming amount of work, didn't look so big because MY GOD IS BIGGER, so much BIGGER!

Still Counting

#1166. Taking Mom to church on Mother's Day.
#1167. Shopping at Wal-Mart at 7:00 A.M.

#1176. Cookies on my doorstep.

#1183. Bunnies playing tag in backyard.

#1186. Dad drying dishes again.

#1191. Driving around to watch wheat harvest with Dad, Mom & Ann.
#1192. Cones at McDonalds.
#1193. Hearing Dad say, "I love you."

Another Day

A hot wind is blowing...it's summer in Kansas...

I was staying with Dad and Mom today. Dad is getting more active and alert all the time. He takes careful watching. Today I caught him standing in the middle of the living room floor with nothing to hold on to. I scurried to his side and demanded rather sternly, "What are you doing??" He replied, "Nothing."

After supper Ann & I were chatting while washing dishes and putting food away. Dad was still sitting at the table, or so I thought, when I suddenly looked up and with horror discovered the walker idly standing by and no Dad in sight! He had calmly walked to the utility room to wash his hands and comb his hair. He couldn't figure out what I was so excited about.

Later I was sitting there and said to Dad, "I'm trying to figure out what you'd be interested in doing." His reply was, "Right now I'd be interested in thinking of going to bed!" I assured him that 6:20 p.m. is too early to think of going to bed. I got out a book and read some stories aloud.

And then there is Mom...
She can't remember what you told her 5 minutes ago but she can remember to tell Ann that I forgot to turn the water off in the flowerbed. I didn't really think it was necessary to be broadcasting that small detail of the day. Hey, they only got 6 hours worth instead of half an hour. No big deal. At least I got one thing done today. I. watered. the. flowers.

But I love them...Dad & Mom...it's great to spend more time with them. I treasure each day I have and I'm tucking away the memories to be gently opened and reviewed on some future day.

I Can Remember

Some days I feel discouraged because I can't "see" anything that God is doing. Worse yet, some days I can't "see" and neither can I "hear" what God is saying. But I can always "remember". Remember what God has done in the past and how He has brought me through.

I admit, though, that at times, even my memory is a bit foggy. A nudge from a friend or rereading my journal can help in jogging the memory.

Right now I'm remembering a year ago when I was looking for a place to live...I knew the place I wanted. I also knew it was more than I could afford and that it was a popular location and would probably be snatched up quickly. But God was bigger than all that. Of all the people that looked at it, every one fell through! And finally the price came down so it was affordable for me.

What do you "remember"?

The way to stay encouraged every day of the year is to remember what God has done and through that to see what He is doing for me today.

Rest

The fear of man makes it difficult to leave the crowd and go up the mountain to pray, as the fear of man prefers busyness over priorities. - Bill Johnson


Last night I was dreaming and in my dream I had so much to do. I was wearing myself out trying to get it done and still just couldn't do it all. I missed an appointment and didn't have time to eat lunch. Needless to say, I did not feel rested when I awoke. I felt like I had been working all night.
 
I've been thinking a lot about the need to abide in the "secret place" of God and rest. I believe it's the only way to survive. When the craziness of life hits and I don't know which way is up, still I can come back to that quiet place and rest, knowing that God holds it all in His hands.

My Mom

I had the rare privilege of taking my Mom to church today. Even better yet, was saying a word for her for Mother's Day.

She has such a servant heart. She wore herself out giving to us through the years. Her hands, that once cooked meals, crocheted doilies, did laundry, washed dishes, now are crippled with arthritis. Her eyes, that read many stories, are now growing dim.  Her ears, that listened for many a cry, cease to hear much at all. Her knee, that helped her walk many a mile, threatens to give way. Her brain, that helped her do the many tasks of the day, has forgotten and gets confused.

Now her heart is sad for she feels like she can't do anything. On the other hand, my heart is glad because finally I get a chance to serve her! She is my mother and no matter what she can or can't do, I will always love her!

And...in case you wondered...she means the world to me!

At the Courthouse

I hurried to the courthouse Friday afternoon, visions of getting off work early, floating in my head. My boss had sent me to renew his 30-day tag for the RV. Although I had many papers in hand, I was a bit nervous as to whether I had everything I needed. As I opened the door and saw the line, my heart sank a little. It wasn't too bad, but still...

Twenty minutes later found me at the counter presenting my request. The lady lost no time in telling me that she needed the owner's signature in order for me to accomplish this assignment. I groaned inwardly and pulled out my phone to see if, by chance, my boss was in town. As luck would have it, he was at home eating lunch, so I speeded out that way to get the required signature.

When I returned the line was considerably longer. As I waited, it was interesting listening to the comments around me. The 2 guys behind me kept up a pretty good running commentary and I couldn't help but insert a comment now and then. Before long an official-looking man came along and told us to move the line over this way. After awhile a lady working there asked us to move away from in front of her window so customers could get through. When she heard who had told us to stand there she said that man isn't in charge down here. So...we moved again. Hey, at least we were moving. It makes you feel better when you're standing in a long line.

Slowly the line crept forward. When the line moved 2 people-spaces at a time, the guys behind got excited! "Can't you see the black skid marks on the floor?" said the one. The other guy replied, "I can feel the wind rushing through my hair!"

Well, one hour later it was my turn at last! When the lady at the counter saw what I needed, she sighed. They had just implemented a new system and it was agony to try and figure out all the new codes and numbers that the system required. She bravely toiled through it but after 20 minutes declared that it was impossible to finish without an NAIC number from our insurance company (which I was unable to procure since I could not reach either my boss or the insurance company).

As I walked out the door and down the steps, I said to myself, It's enough to make a person cry. But I didn't. Instead I went and blew off to a few people and after that I felt much better.

Needless to say, I did not get home early (it was now 4:30 instead of 12:30) but the afternoon was not wasted for if it had not happened I wouldn't have had a story to write!

A Very Large Stone

Do you have any "very large stones" in your life?

"But when they looked up they saw the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away." Mark 16:4
I'm not sure why, but this one verse is what struck me this week. To get a better picture of this story read verses 1-8 in Mark 16.

Here are some things that I gathered from this story:

1. They started out even though they had no idea how the stone would be moved.

2. When they looked up, they saw...

3. When they looked inside the tomb, they didn't find what they were expecting.

4. Even though it was so much better, they were afraid.

5. Because of fear they didn't say anything to anyone.

My friend, don't be afraid when God is moving "stones" in your life and doing things you weren't expecting, because what He wants to do is so much bigger than what you could ever ask or think or imagine! Don't let the fear keep you from seeing the life He wants to give.

A Horrible Night & an Amazing Day

I went to bed at an early hour with a pounding headache. I don't know when my head has ever hurt so badly. I tried to lie perfectly still for I was afraid of throwing up any minute. I felt too bad to even get up and take Aleve. I prayed every prayer I knew to pray, all to no avail.

I must've dozed off and on but it was a very restless, fitful sleep. At 12:50 a. m. I awoke with my head still pounding but my stomach feeling more settled so I got up and took Aleve and munched a cracker, since I hadn't had much supper. Wrong move. It wasn't long till I was in the bathroom gagging over the toilet. Yuck! Let's just say I hate vomiting. It's been years since I've been sick like that but I decided I still don't like it. However, after that I began to feel a bit better and soon went back to sleep.

I awoke again at 5:00 a. m. and was overjoyed to discover my headache was gone! How I thanked Him! Although I was still quite weary, I got up and had an amazing time talking to my Jesus. After awhile the hunger pangs became quite intense. I was reminded of the story of Elijah where God woke him up and told him to eat, for the journey was too great for him. (I Kings 19:1-18) Although, it was only 5:45, I took that as a sign, and got up and fried an egg and toasted some bread to make a delicious egg sandwich.

There wasn't even a hint of dawn in the sky and yet I heard the birds beginning to sing. How interesting, I thought, the birds start singing while it's still dark just because they know the dawn is coming.

My stomach satisfied, I decided to try for a few more hours of sleep. I was awakened at 7:48 a. m. by the phone ringing. Although still feeling a bit groggy, I decided it was time to get cracking for there were many things to do. As I prepared for the day I prayed, Jesus, please show me who you would have me minister to today.

Soon I was speeding on my way to town. A stop at Dollar General for a card and then on to the chiropractor to get my tailbone fixed. (It's not much fun when it hurts to sit down, just so you know.)

After that I headed to the clinic to meet Dad for a doctor's appointment. He was already there and waiting, sleeping in his wheelchair. He told me, "I'm ready to go back to bed." "But we need to see the doctor first," I replied. We sat there and waited and were finally called back to the x-ray waiting room. As I wheeled him in, he said hi to the people already there, much to their surprise. When finally we got called in to see the doctor a male nurse came to check him out. He pulled and pushed on Dad's bad leg and then asked, "Does that hurt?" Dad replied with some consternation, "No, it doesn't hurt but don't do that!" I laughed. I couldn't help it!

With Dad taken care of I was off to do a bit of shopping and then to the hospital to visit the grandma of a co-worker. I had only met her once before and didn't know her well but she seemed pleased by my visit and had tears in her eyes as she read my card.

By this time it was nearing 1:00 o'clock and so I swung by the bank and library and then ran in at Subway. As I sat eating my Chicken Bacon Ranch sub I reflected on my day this far and all the things I still wanted to do. It didn't leave me sitting there long.

A quick stop at work was next on the agenda, for although I had the day off, my boss had called that morning to see if I could take care of an urgent matter that had come up. It didn't take long and then I headed to the Manor to see Mom. Upon arrival I couldn't find her and so visited another lady there that I knew. When I returned to the dining room, Mom was deep into a game of Bingo so I didn't linger long.

As I headed towards home I made another stop at Choice Books and left a container of pretzels since this IS "National Pretzel Day".

One more stop to see my dear sister, Ann, at work and check out her new desk, catch up on the news and drop of a bag of chocolate covered pretzels.

Weary, but happy I arrived home at last, "planted" my tree (the prize find of the day) in the living room and lay down for a nap.

Who says you can't have a good day even after a horrible night?

"Weeping may remain for a night but joy comes in the morning."

Trust and Peace

The following 2 verses struck home with me this week:

Proverbs 3:5-6
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I never realized before how trust and peace are so closely related. Trust comes first, then the peace.

I would've said I trusted God. I knew I should. I knew (in my head) He is trustworthy. I wanted to trust Him, but when it felt like things were out of my control, I lost it. Totally lost it. I got very angry.

It happened this week. I didn't understand why I was reacting in this way but I said that I want to get to the bottom of this. As I was praying and asking God to show me, He did! (And then I was amazed!)

He took me back to a time, nearly 14 years ago, when something happened and I was very hurt. I felt like God had let me down and He wasn't there for me in my darkest hour. Instead of giving it to God, I took things into my own hands and tried very hard to "make life work" on my own. All the while, I was harboring anger and bitterness towards Him.

Can you trust someone if you are angry and bitter at them? NO! It doesn't work, believe me!

Finally, in brokenness and repentance, I came back to God and confessed it all to Him. He didn't condemn, but His eyes held a hint of sadness as He gazed at me with tender love. And these were His words, "You never gave it to me. You were too afraid. How much more I wanted to give you, but ye would not."

Why do I have the idea that God is trying to take things from me when really He wants to give?
If I'm hanging on to something, there's no way He can even give it to me.

As I let go of that anger and bitterness and wept tears of relief, I felt this incredible peace. A peace like I've never known before. God is trustworthy. Totally. Completely. There is nothing, NOTHING to fear!

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isa. 64:4

And...

It's not the end of the story.

Worth It

Today the wind hit.

I had no idea until I went over to Dad & Mom's place that it was even windy. I wanted to hang out my wash. As I observed the wildly flapping clothes already on the washline, I began to have second thoughts. But still...I wanted to hang out my wash. The wind continued to blow with a vengence as I struggled to pin the clothes firmly enough to keep them from taking flight. I thought for a minute I might take flight along with the sheet. Being whacked on the head by the clothes on the other line didn't exactly improve my mood. I began having more second thoughts. Is this really worth it?

Looking out the window several hours later, someone observed a sheet hanging on the ground. Ann went out to rescue it. She put it in her basket and then went to retrieve another piece of clothing that had taken flight. In the meantime, the wind picked up the basket and dumped the sheet on the ground, the basket rolling merrily on its way.

I ran out to help and we laughed as we fought with the wind, chasing errant articles of clothing. We found clothespins half gone, bravely clinging with all their might. At last all was safely gathered in.

Next time...I will use the dryer.

This is Kansas. The wind always wins.

Speaking of second thoughts...wasn't it worth that laugh with a sister?

Golf

Mom's

Mine.

It happens every time. Well, almost. I like golf. It gets my blood pressure up. No doubt it's better exercise than walking. There are moments that I ask myself, "Why?"

I would be better off following Dad's example.

Unworthy vs. Worthless

I've been thinking about the difference between feeling worthless or unworthy.

When I feel worthless I'm believing lies that I'm no good, no one loves me, I'm not worth anything, no one even LIKES me. It makes me feel like crawling in a hole and hiding. Withdrawing from people.

On the other hand, when I see how God loves me so unconditionally, forgives me again and again and never gives up on me, it makes me feel unworthy. I want to fall on my knees and worship.

The whole focus is different. Worthless is focusing on ME. Unworthy is focusing on GOD.

If Jesus DIED for me how can I say I'm worthless? That is like saying that He didn't know what He was doing.

Still Counting

Coupons from Arby's.

Fresh home-made bread from neighbor lady.

Winter sunset, sky all aflame.

Gifts. All from God. Endlessly given. Thank you!

How Great Is Our God!

I don't think there is such a thing as over-emphasizing God's love. I know some people would disagree with me. That's fine. I still argue that we need to hear more of God's love, not less.

What is it that draws you to God? Fear that He's angry at you and will suffer His wrath if you disobey? We can obey God out of fear but I don't believe that is what He wants.

To me, it's the overwhelming love of God that brings me to repentance. His love doesn't make me think I can do anything I want and He will excuse it because He loves me. No. His love shows me where I've gone astray and gives me the courage to come back to Him and in my unworthiness ask for forgiveness. Again. And because of that forgiveness I am set free and can go on, instead of wallowing in fear, doubt, self-pity and such things.

Today the song "How Great Is Our God" kept ringing in my head. If only we could see Him as He truly is!! I get glimpses now and then and it makes me want to see more...

God's Plan

Just because we can't see or understand God's plan doesn't negate the existence of the plan. It merely means that we must continue to faithfully walk with Him to discover its fulfillment.

Another Saturday

It started at 3:30 a.m. when I heard my small charge calling for her daddy. I was staying with a 4-year-old, Emma, and her new, Great Pyrenees puppy, Kep, for the night while her Mom was away and her Dad was working. She got out of bed and went looking for her daddy. I pulled myself out and went after her. Emma wasn't interested in my offer to let her crawl in with me. (Her mom had given me permission to do "whatever it takes" to get her back to sleep.) Instead she said she wanted to be left alone and on that note crawled back into her bed. My heart went out to her but as there didn't seem to be anything more to do, I went back to my bed as well.

A few minutes later I heard a small voice calling, "Miss Pauline, can you read me a story." Although I couldn't be her Dad or Mom, this was one thing I could do. I got up once more and Emma happily ran to get me a book to read. She listened attentively and when the story was done, I turned out the light and we both went back to our own beds. No more was heard until she bounced out of bed at 6:45 a.m., came in my room and loudly declared it was time to get up and then switched on the light. No more sleeping that night!

Emma ran to check on Kep, who was cooling his toes outside since 4 a.m. when I had let him out. He was only too happy to come back in and romp and play with his beloved mistress. We got dressed and very soon her Dad arrived and I was free to go.

I headed for Wal-Mart. I must say shopping at Wal-Mart at 7:30 on a Saturday morning is the way to go! You can find a parking spot close to the door, there are clerks available to help you find things and no long check-out lines. I whizzed through there in short order and then was on my way to meeet my sister at IHOP for breakfast. What fun to have a leisurely breakfast, catching up on the happenings of the week.

The rest of my day was spent catching up at home, relaxing, and later going over to Dad & Mom's place.

Gotta love Saturdays!

A New Year!

Happy 2012! A new year!

My theme verse for this year is: "...Though she may forget, I will not forget you. See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." Isa. 49:15b-16a (NIV)

This was a very special day 42 years ago when God began writing the story of my life. He is still writing that story and the more I see of it, the more I marvel at His awesome plan for my life.

I know I've said this before but I just have to say it again. "God is good and I am always loved!" - Ann Voskamp

The best to you and yours in 2012!

The Last Day of the Year

It was the last day of the year and I was feeling frazzled. So much to do and not enough time. I had worked late the night before, doing inventory, and badly wanted to sleep in on Saturday.

There was a funeral that morning... an elderly man...long-time neighbor, friend and former employer. I didn't really feel like going and yet...I wanted to go. By 9:30 I was on my way to pick up Mom. We arrived at the church in good time but still the only options were to sit in the balcony or fellowship hall. I chose the balcony, thinking we would have a good view from there. We did...of the ceiling fans. We were 3 rows back and even when asked to stand, the 2 rows of black-suited men in front of us were quite effective in blocking off the view. This DID NOT improve my mood. What's the point of going to a funeral if you can't even see what's going on, I grumbled to myself. This is ridiculous!

But I could hear. And I think I may have put my ears to better use for not having been able to see. The music was beautiful, although I couldn't "see" who was singing. The sermon was inspiring and encouraging, carefully planned out by Eli before his death. Hearing about his life inspired me to persevere in living for God.

As I sat there wishing to "see" I thought of how this is much like life. Very often we can't "see". We don't understand what God is doing. That's where faith comes in. Faith to believe that God is working even when I don't "see" it. And if I open my ears I can hear God in so many ways.

I'm glad I went to that funeral. It helped put things in perspective again. And even though I didn't have time to clean my house or do other things on my list, I still had time for the most important things...spending a couple hours with an aunt & cousin and families who took time to come visit was a pleasure and the New Year's Eve party at a friends was a great way to end the year with sharing and prayer at midnight.

It's been a good year. I feel truly blessed beyond measure by a God whose love never fails.

P.S. Just in case you wonder, I reached my goal of "1000 Gifts" list by the end of the year.