Self-Sufficient Wonder-Woman

It took me by surprise last week when one of the men at work rebuked me for trying to be a self-sufficient wonder-woman! He went on to say that it's okay to try and figure some things out on my own but neither does he mind me asking for help.

It can seem like there is a fine line between asking for help and figuring it out on my own, but it feels comforting to know that there are people out there who are glad to help me when I need it.

My life has often felt lacking in "good" men. Recently God showed me that He has placed men in my life to help me. They are strategically placed for specific needs I have in this time and place in my journey. As I began to thank Him for these men, I began to actually see them.

So, thank you to the men (past, present and future) who have contributed to my life. May you be blessed as you bless others!

P.S. I'll let you in on a little secret: I may appear as a self-sufficient wonder-woman, but really I'm not. I truly want others to be an active part of my life.

So I Wait

There was a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The speaker tried 3 times to get started. Others were so excited about what God was doing they couldn't keep still. Pictures of angels circled the room. They were seen in the sky this last Sunday and here was living proof!

I, too, feel that sense of excitement and anticipation about the new year! GOD is moving in mighty ways. His hand is not shortened that He cannot save. His heart is for His people.

Here are some of the things He has been telling me:

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Isaiah 9:2

CONFIDENCE! I can step out in confidence because I know who He is and who I am.

This was one of Dad's favorite verses:

"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; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

I saw this picture the other day of soaring like an eagle, running and not getting weary, walking and not fainting. God said to me, "That is you."

And then He whispered, "The best is yet to come."

So I wait... I wait with open hands and open heart...to receive the good gifts the Father wants to give me this year.

And They Danced

Tonight I went to visit my Mom. I took along a white, pink-edged rose. For the woman who gave me life, 46 years ago! She doesn't remember. It makes me sad.

I took along my baby books and showed her the picture of her holding me as a newborn. She was smiling with delight. Oh yes! Now she remembered! We looked at my tiny footprints, stamped in ink. So small.Other pictures of my earliest years brought smiles and laughter. Me copying my "big" brother, Tim. Sitting on my big sister's lap. Tim giving me a ride in the wagon. Me looking at a book. Me with my arm around the dog, whispering in his ear. (I know, I know that one would be hard for some of you to believe!:)) Me standing on a stool drying dishes.

And Ann told my favorite story. Ann (5) and Tim (1 1/2) stayed at Grandma Schrag's house while Mom went to the hospital. When they got the news that a baby sister was born they danced around the dining room with joy!

It makes me feel loved. Wanted.

And my dear sister still makes me feel loved and wanted.

This morning I awoke at 7:28 and switched on my light. Almost immediately I heard singing outside my bedroom window. "Happy Birthday to you...!" I peeked through the blinds and there was Ann with a few other friends. The poor dears were shivering in the cold and begged to come inside. They then proceeded to tell me they were taking me to IHOP for breakfast! What fun! Others joined us there. What a delightful time, complete with a free hot fudge sundae! (Not every day I get to eat ice cream for breakfast!)

Then Ann and I were off to shop. Clothes shopping. Oh dear, this could be a very long day. I found some I wanted and some I did not. But what fun to spend the day with my sis. The "Cool Beans" plan didn't turn out so "cool" as they were closed so we had to go for plan B. We found another little sandwich shop and had delicious chicken salad sandwiches. We talked...of things that you don't have time for in the busyness of life.

When I got home I looked over my birthday cards and sweet little gifts. Two more cards came in the mail. My sister from Ontario called. My brother from Ontario called. An uncle from Oregon called. My mom gave me a gorgeous yellow rose.

But still, His love overshadows them all, for it is through people that His love is made known. And I can see the angels in heaven dancing over me, just as they did the day I was born.