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The Spider Web

This morning on my morning walk I was amazed at the number of huge and I mean big spider webs!  It was almost creepy and I absolutely hate walking into them!!!!  :~(   There were even patches of cob webs on the hedges I passed.  But it was amazing as I would look up at the sun coming up and catch a glimpse of a spider web fanning out in it's intricate web design reaching all the way up to the power lines from the ground.  The first one that caught my eye came down from the power line by the pole and expanded to about four feet wide midway down and then it looked like one tiny thread of web attaching it to the ground.  It was totally awesome! I wanted to get a picture of THAT - but how in the world do you capture all of that on a cell phone camera??!!  And as I was trying, I am sure the people driving by me were thinking . . . what is she doing - there is nothing there . . . what is she taking a picture of . . . the heat and humidity have already gotten to her!!!!  LOL!!  Needless to say - no photo of that one. 

I continued my walk and saw more cob webs on the fences and the trees, flowers, and bushes I passed.  I could feel the ones that I couldn't see on my arms and face as I walked through them.  YUCK!!  I decided it was better to walk in the street this morning to avoid the crazy cob webs!  But just before I changed my course, I came upon another web which again stretched all the way from the ground to the top of the power pole.  I stopped to watch as this one had a spider busily working at spinning this web.  The spider and web seemed to glisten, almost sparkle, as the sun was shining down on them.  This time I thought . . .  just maybe I can get a picture the way the sun was illuminating it.  I couldn't get the whole expanse of the web but did catch part of it along with Mr. Spider at work!  Well, the picture actually didn't turn out too bad, did it??!! 

"Mr. Spider"

Once again, I am sure the people driving by were wondering . . . what is she doing just standing there staring into space . . . she better drink the rest of that Gatorade . . . she's lost it!!!!  But they couldn't see what I could see.  And I must say this moment in time was worth my whole walk this morning.  It was so beautiful seeing that huge sparkling web and then as the sun illuminated the busy spider working so hard. You talk about "web design"  - that spider has his groove on!! I wonder how long it took Mr. Spider to form that masterpiece and I wonder how long it will stay intact before the wind or the rain (glad I went walking early - I just looked out and it is sprinkling!) or before an object dislocates the web. Do you ever get bored doing the same old job or routine day after day?  I know sometimes I do, but what about this poor old spider.  Does his job of web design ever end or stay in place?  Must be kinda like cleaning the house!!  LOL!  

Anyway, today I saw something that most  people could not see as they passed by. I saw a part of God's creation. Part of His master design. He designed that spider in such a way so it could spin that web and crawl from the ground to the top of that power pole on its very own tight-rope!!!  God just thought of everything, didn't He?? 

Life isn't always what we think we see as we look out over our days, weeks, and years.  Sometimes there are things that we cannot see or maybe things that we see that no one else sees - like Mr. Spider and his web this morning.  But God sees - God knows - God brings to our attention the little things like this cob web or even the bigger things that we need to see as we go through life.

What do you see today? What is God bringing to your attention?  Take time to stop and see something that those around you cannot see - it just might be God!   

"Come and see the works of God; He is awesome"  
Psalms 66:5

The Apple Tree

I sat in the back yard at mom and dad's and was taking in all of the surroundings.  The tall corn swaying back and forth with the soft blowing breeze across the corn field, the birds sweetly singing their nature melodies, the fruit trees in the orchard, the grapevines clinging to the guide wires in two neat little rows - the sights and sounds too many to mention.  But as I sat there scanning the back yard and orchard, my gaze stopped short at one of the apple trees.  Several of the original fruit trees have already been cut down for one reason or another and cut into logs. Probably already burnt in the fire place or in a bon-fire.  But I couldn't help but notice this one tree over in the corner of the orchard.  It stood out. It was different. It probably had a story all it's own to tell - if only trees could talk!!!  There wasn't much left of the tree, just a few main branches here and there.  It was obvious that this tree had been more than "pruned". It had some major branches cut from the main trunk of the tree.  I had to take a picture of it so you could see for yourself! 

I told mom that there wasn't much left of that tree.  She said, "no, too many storms had hit it and broken limbs out of it".  I sat there looking at what was left of the tree, thinking of the many, many storms and the bolts of lightning that had passed by that tree down through the years. Some lashing out at it's very limbs - bending and breaking them, leaving some of them hanging from the tree and some falling to the ground with a thud.  I've seen dad go out to the trees many a time with his trusty saw in hand, climb up his ladder, and finish cutting out the bent and broken limbs.

The storms of life can take a toll not only on trees but on you and me as well. Sometimes the storms hit us with great force bending and breaking us, sometimes the lightning strikes, sometimes the wind just blows us to pieces but we have a great God that will see us through the storms of this life.  Sometimes we may need a little pruning and some dead branches cut away so that we can bear fruit.  John 15:1 says, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."  Just as dad cut away the rough, torn, ragged dead branches so does God take away the rough, torn, ragged dead branches of our life that will only drain the good from us and hinder us from bearing fruit. 

As mom and I sat looking and talking about the sad looking apple tree in the corner of the orchard, she made a very positive encouraging statement - she simply said, "we can't cut it down - - - it's still bearing fruit"!!!  WOW!  It's still bearing fruit! I like that.  It doesn't have a pretty picture-perfect shape - but it is still bearing fruit! It is not very tall since so many branches have been cut off - but it is still bearing fruit!  It doesn't yield bushels of apples - but it is still bearing fruit!  It doesn't offer much shade to sit under - but it is still bearing fruit!  It doesn't even offer many branches for the birds to sit on - but it is still bearing fruit!  Mom was right, we can't cut it down because it is still bearing fruit!  And you can bet that mom will be picking those apples off of that somewhat wounded-looking, battered up apple tree and making dad some mouth watering home-made apple pie!  And it will be one of the best apple pies you ever tasted!! 

Yes, it is still bearing fruit and so can you and I - no matter what or where we have been.  God will prune us so we can still bear fruit just like the tree in the corner of the orchard that is "still bearing fruit"!!

Dieting

Old Barns & Peoples

I have a great love of old barns like these in this video.  I guess because I spent so much of my childhood days climbing around in our old barn. Crawling through tunnels we made in the stacked hay. It is a wonder that the whole huge mound of neatly stacked hay did not fall in on us kids and smother us as we removed bale after bale and continued tunneling up, around, over, and through the huge stack of hay until we reached the top of the mound clear up in the rafters of the old barn. Many chores centered around the barn.  Milking old "Spot" and the other cows each morning and evening, feeding the cats the fresh warm milk, slopping the pigs, putting hay out for the cows and horses, etc. There was  so much activity in and around the barn. What joys, what memories, what storms, what blessings we have all weathered down through the years - just like the old barn!

This video brings back a lot of memories as I look at the weathered old barns which are getting to be a thing of the past these days.

But to me, these barns represent a lot of hard work and time spent, usually by a hard-working family that worked together and played together. A family that was brought together to get the jobs as hand done and enjoyed working together and reaping the benefits and the blessings or the "harvests", you might say, of  "Good 'Ol Country Living".

Rhubarb Cake

Well, I mentioned the other day about the rhubarb my dad picked for me. I was going to try this "yummy-sounding" recipe for Rhubarb Coffee Cake. Well, I tried it and there was really nothing special about it. There was no “pour me another cup of coffee and pass the coffee cake” response at all!!!! So needless to say that recipe was NOT a “keeper” in my book! So I will make my mother’s Rhubarb Cake with my frozen rhubarb because it is a tried and tested "thumbs-up" recipe that the whole family enjoys – especially my dad!! Here is mom’s recipe:

Rhubarb Cake

Prepare 8x8” pan:

1/3 C butter - melt in the pan & add 2 C rhubarb
Spread in pan and sprinkle ½ C sugar plus 2 Tbs of flour over rhubarb

Batter:

1 1/3 C flour
1 C sugar
2 Tbs Baking Powder
½ tsp salt
Add 1/3 C butter
2/3 C milk
1 tsp vanilla
Beat for about 2 minutes
Add 1 egg and beat another 2 minutes
Spread this batter over the rhubarb

Bank for 40 minutes at 350 degrees

So, get this cake in the oven, make some coffee and when it’s done – “pour yourself and a friend a cup of coffee and pass the cake”!!! Enjoy!

Can't Recover . . .

Four things you cannot recover:

The stone.........after the throw.
The word.........after it's said..
The occasion........after it's missed.
The time..........after it's gone.
 
Stop, think, listen, learn, live each day one day at a time!
 

Trust

We lived out by the river for a while and one of the most awesome things about that was each year the majestic bald eagles would gather and roost in the trees across the river.  Sometimes 30-50 of them!! I was so facinated by them that I went out and bought some binoculars so I could watch them up close!  They were amazing as they sat in those trees so "stately" with keen eyes watching everything around them.  Then all at once one would take flight and soar high above the trees, then just as quickly, would dive down to the river and in a split second snatch up it's prey soaring once again up into the heavens and back to it's stataely perch in the tree.

The eagle's keen eye sees all around him from his vantage point and then acts at the specific, appropriate time. His timing is perfect as he sees it. One thing I noticed with the eagles as I watched them was that they really did not seem to fly.  They would soar!  There was not much flapping of the wings like you see other birds doing to take flight.  The eagle in one slow, delicate move mastered the air, took flight - up, up, and away with very little movement of the large outstretched wings.  They seemed to float higher and higher with just a tilt of the wing. 

The dictionary says to soar is: "to sail, fly or hover in the air at a great height; without loss of altitude; to move upward; to ascend to a higher more exalted level; to rise to a majestic stature".   That is exactly what I saw as I watched those eagles across the river as they took flight and would "soar to the heavens" and back to their perch high in the tops of the trees.  Very seldom were they "on the ground".

To soar with eagle's wings . . . I can't imagine the sights, the sounds, the view from above!  But I do know that I can put my trust in the Lord and know that His keen eye sees all, hears all, understands all, and knows all. I can trust Him to take me to (& through) great heights - without loss of altitude!!  He can and will help me move upward to a new level.  My feet may not get off of the ground but my heart and soul can rise to the heavens above where I can soar like the eagles in God's great grace, love and mercy.  Trust in the Lord and we shall soar . . .

Fruits of the Harvest

I went to the farm a week or so ago to see mom and dad and help them get their air conditioners in so they could keep cool. It was Saturday and my timing was perfect – just in time for “Saturday morning pancakes” - a family tradition! I knew if I went early I would be just in time for breakfast! Must be the “kid” in me – I still love to go “home” for Saturday morning pancakes!! We ate breakfast and visited over coffee, catching up on all that they were doing out on the farm and all that was going on with me in town.

It was an enjoyable day talking and sharing our thoughts, picking each others brain, laughing, sharing recipes, planning, etc. I think we covered it all over a several cups of coffee!! Anyway, it is always good to hear their stories, their advice, their outlook, their wisdom, their knowledge, their love and support in whatever is going on in my world. I have learned through the years that I can learn so much by just “listening”. Someone once accused me of “not” listening just because I didn’t do what they said! One thing about listening is that when you’ve listened to all the options - you then have the choice of what to do with what you have heard. But just because I choose to do something other than what you tell me does not mean that I have not listened and heard you! So, please don’t ever be offended by my choices!!! LOL!!

Anyway, as we were talking mom shared her latest Rhubarb Cake recipe and I must say it was very tasty. Before I left that day to head back to town, we headed out to the garden. All of this rain has been good for the garden. Dad pulled me some rhubarb. Fresh rhubarb is the best. I went home and froze some since I didn’t have time to make up anything right then. But I took a bag of it from the freezer today. I’m going to go home tonight and try this Rhubarb Coffee Cake recipe that looked and sounded really good! If it’s a “keeper” I’ll post the recipe for you all. That same day, we left the garden area and headed out to the orchard. Yes, the apricots were nearly ready. We ate a couple but decided they were not quite ready to pick yet but would be in about a week. Guess what? You guessed it – the next week when I went out to the farm I came home with two ice cream buckets of sweet, juicy, ripe apricots. Mom has been making apricot pie and preserves and has also put some in the freezer. Busy, busy, busy with dad picking the fruit, mom putting it up, and all of us enjoying the blessings of the fruits of the harvest. I am looking forward to the apples. I think I only have two jars of apple butter left so its time to make some more this year! It tastes so good on warm oatmeal bread!!!

Some years the fruit just doesn’t produce like it does other years. That is why dad always says, “make the most of the good harvest – next year’s may not be so good”. So that’s why we pick, peel, can, freeze, etc. all that we can while the getting’ is good. Next year there may not be enough rain. Or there may be too much. Or the worms or birds might get the fruit before we get it picked. But if we keep a close eye on the fruit and veggies like my mom and dad do, they usually get a good harvest! When there is "much fruit" we can and freeze it for later - apple pies, apple crisp, apple sauce (like Cracker Barrel's!), apple butter, apricot pie and jam, frozen corn, rhubarb, squash, etc. – believe me it all tastes good!

I enjoy eating the fresh fruit and vegetables from mom and dad’s garden. It always tastes so much better than what is in the store. Maybe it is because of all of the time and effort they put into it! I know they spend a lot of time tilling, planting, weeding, watering, checking it, & picking it. They stay close to the "vine" keeping watch over every aspect of the garden and orchard. This reminds me of John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing". As we stay close to the vine (God), we too can spread our branches and bear much fruit. But it takes that constant faith, trust, dependence, and direction from "the vine" to bless and use our fruits. Remember, no vine - no fruit!

The fruits of the harvest are exciting as mom and dad watch the vines grow in their garden, as the fruit trees blossom and the fruit appears, as the kids pick it, and as we experience it on our taste buds with new recipes. What a blessing! How is YOUR fruit tree? Are you seeing some blossoms - some fruit? If not, just draw a little closer to the "vine" and let God work in and through your life . . . and wait for the blessing of the fruit!

Mom and dad enjoy the fruits of their harvest. And best of all – mom and dad love to share the “fruits of their harvest”!!!! And for that, I am truly thankful!

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

5 to 6 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 c. milk
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
8-oz. container sour cream
2 t. dried parsley
1 t. garlic salt
1/4 t. nutmeg
3/4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
12 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled

Cover potatoes with water in a large saucepan; bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well. Mash until light and fluffy. In a large bowl, beat together all ingredients except Cheddar cheese and bacon until smooth and creamy. Spoon into a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan; sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Serves 10 to 12.

(And don't forget to carefully take out all of the extra calories before serving!!!! Yeah, right!! Enjoy!)

Stop Laying Eggs!!!

And that my friends is why the chicken crossed the road . . . now you know!!!!!!                                          

Walking by FAITH not by SIGHT

A poem by Ruth A. Morgan . . .

Sometimes I'm sad. I know not why
My heart is sore distressed;
It seems the burdens of this world
Have settled on my heart.
And yet I know...I know that God
Who doeth all things right
Will lead me thus to understand
To walk by FAITH...not SIGHT.
And though I may not see the way
He's planned for me to go...
That way seems dark to me just now
But oh, I'm sure He knows!
Today He guides my feeble step
Tomorrow's in His right...
He has asked me to never fear...
But walk by FAITH...not SIGHT.
Someday the mists will roll away,
The sun will shine again.
I'll see the beauty in the flowers.
I'll hear the bird's refrain.
And then I'll know my Father's hand
Has led the way to light
Because I placed my hand in His
And walked by FAITH...not SIGHT.
                   -Ruth A. Morgan

Do you ever catch yourself walking by sight and not by faith? These past two weeks have been very stressful for me and in these difficult moments I find it easy to look around and "see", with these "human eyes" of mine, all of the circumstances surrounding me - forgetting to look through my "eyes of faith". I watch the struggle, the rebellion, and the hurt of those close to me and it is easy to get caught up in the crisis/moment - trying to help, to ease the pain, to give support and guidance and seeing beyond the outer image to the heart and soul of what is really going on beneath the surface. At these times, when I am frustrated, when I receive an alarming telephone call at 2:30 in the morning like last week, or when I feel the blunt edge of total rebellion - at these disheartening times, I am reminded that faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." -2 Corinthians 5:7. It is this that keeps me going, that gives me strength to carry on, to reach out and trust that God is at work in each of our hearts and lives - even when we seem to see no progress, no relief, and satan would like us to feel total defeat. It's then that I realize once again that God gives the strength to "press on". He gives us the understanding and the love to put our circumstances into His perspective.

I was sharing with someone this past week and they made a statement that hit me full force. They said that "God loves my children far more than I do" - I know that in my heart but do I really comprehend the extent of God’s love for them in my head? Or do I look at them through my "sight" and not my "faith"? These past two weeks have brought one major incident after another to my attention - definitely putting my faith to the test.


There have been times I have felt like the person standing on the highway flagging people down to tell them, STOP! - the bridge is out ahead. And as I stand there some cars slow down and take heed but some speed on by only to drive off of the road into the ravine that was once spanned by the bridge. Unwilling to stop and find out what danger lies ahead, they continue on their own to the destination they are embarking upon. Unwilling to listen and take heed of the danger signs, the warnings, the futile attempts of those standing on the highway frantically trying to stop them. Only to realize, many times after it is too late to stop, that their destination will be cut short or altered by the ever present danger ahead of them. Why don’t they stop and take heed? I don’t know . . . but God see’s the whole picture – I see only what my physical eyes can see! And sometimes it scares me. It’s at this time that those words echo in my head and deeper into my heart . . . “Diana, God loves your children far more than you do”!!!  Oh, that I would never forget that.

2 Corinthians 5:7, is my prayer today – “to walk by faith . . . not by sight”. The Message version says, “It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going.”  To truly trust God and His "fathomless love"  (fathomless means . . . too deep to fathom or understand!)  WOW!  So, to walk by FAITH and not by SIGHT is to truly trust God and His “fathomless love” to reach out and touch, give guidance, influence, direction, and “love” in ways I, as a mere mother, cannot!

So today, I’m placing my hand in His and going to walk by FAITH...and not by SIGHT. God's love is fathomless!

Soul-mate

Tonto

"Even the Lone Ranger

had Tonto!" -Unknown

Who is your "Tonto"? We all need a "Tonto" - a BFF as the kids say today - "best friend forever!!! As Anne of Green Gables would say - a friend of "kindred spirit". I'm thankful for the "kindred spirits" in my life that are there for me when I need them. They pray for me, they call me, they check up on me, they hold me accountable, they listen to my problems, they encourage and counsel me, they laugh with me, they also cry with me, they lend a helping hand when I need it, they look out for my best interests, they tell me when I've goofed up and they still befriend me!! Thank you to all of my BFF's - love all you "Tontos"!!!!

Farmers by Robert Duncan

Check out this slide show "Farmers by Robert Duncan". I love these paintings. They remind me of my growing up years on the farm. They are so true to "farm-life". Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Check them out . . .

The Kick-Back

This past Memorial Day the guys were down by the pasture edge doing a little target practice. I decided I had never shot a gun so walked down there to watch them as they took turns with the handgun. I didn't realize how loud they were! Heather finish her round and Matt and John looked at me. Matt gave me the yellow protective glasses and the ear plugs to put on. Matt explained the gun and the safety lever, showed me how to stand, how to hold it and aim for the tree which was the target. Bracing myself, I placed my feet firmly in the tall trampled down grass, raised the gun, took aim, and pulled the trigger! I do believe that the minute the gun went off I closed my eyes - it was so loud! Much louder than the gunshots I've heard on TV or in the movies!! I couldn't tell you if I hit the tree or not. That was my practice shot!!! The kick back of the gun was quite strong - I had always heard people say that but now I knew what they ment first hand. I felt the power of that explosion push the gun back at me! On one of the shots I actually felt something hit me on the forehead. It felt like a small spark or something! Powder burn!?! On the next shot I actually kept my eye open and on the target and saw a small piece of bark fly off of the side of the tree - WOW!

Anyway, that was a new experience for me. I guess I can now mark that off of my bucket list . . . shot a gun . . . check!!!! LOL! I also commend all of those in our military and law enforcement areas of work that have to handle guns as part of their job. May God bless and protect you each and every day! I don't think I could ever shoot a rabbit, squirel or anything else. So don't count on me to "rough it" and bring in the "game" for supper unless it's from the grocery store!!! Or maybe I could just bake some gun shaped sugar cookies like this cookie cutter!

John took his turn and fired the gun as we watched. He was a much better shot. Matt caught one of the small goldish bullet casings as it flew up in the air and handed it to me. It was still hot to touch from the explosion in the gun chamber.

As I thought about this powerful experience - the whole process of the small but powerful bullet when placed in that chamber. The exchange that takes place as the trigger is pulled and the bullet is discharged with the loud deafening sound. The flash of the explosion along with the kick of the gun. Not to mention the impact of the bullet as it hits it's target destroying and devastating whatever is in it's path. One small but powerful bullet - one loud explosion - one powerfully deadening impact! Wow!

The dictionary says, "impact" means: Collision, The force transmitted by, The effect or impression of one thing on another, To strike forcefully, To have an effect or impact, To push.

As I thought of the powerful force of the bullet, my thoughts went to other areas of life that have a powerful impact on us. So many experiences in life impact our lives. Some impact us in a good-positive way, some in a bad-negative way, and some barely effect us at all. Depending on where we are in the line of fire we feel the effects or impact of many of these life experiences. Some hit us true to target and we feel the "kick-back", we hear the "deafening explosion", we feel the "collision" first hand. But sometimes even when we are not the target but may be close to the target we still feel and see the impact, the push, the force of the collision. It may be angry explosive words, actions, thoughts, or feelings being pushed through the bullet chamber of life and pushed to the surface. Watch out! Move! Stay out of the line of fire! Find safety!

Some of the smallest words and actions - just like that small bullet - can be devastating. Choose your words carefully and act accordingly. Ps. 19:14 says, "May the words of my mouth and the meditaions of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh, Lord, my rock and my redeemer." May this scripture be our prayer and motto. May the impact we make on those around us be a positive, up-lifting and good experience. May we encourage and help those we come into contact with and be a blessing to those walking this journey with us.

Sometimes when we cry - no one sees our tears. Sometimes when we are in pain - no one sees our hurt, Sometimes when we are worried - no one sees our stress. Sometimes when our heart aches - no one feels our racing heartbeat. Sometimes when we can't see the light - no one knows the darkness we feel. Sometimes when life is overwhelming - no one is there to offer a helping hand. Sometimes when we are happy - no one sees our smile. Sometimes when our cups are overflowing - no one is there to share it with. Sometimes when things are going good, no one seems to notice. Sometimes when we are excited - no one is there to give us a pat on the back or a "high five"! Sometimes when life is just routine - no one seems to know we are there. Sometimes when we need a push in life - no one is there to give direction and support . . . to impact us.

Sometimes when we live by faith, no one but God understands! But thank goodness He sees and understands and God will have a definite effect - a definite impact on each of our lives. He is like that one small but powerful bullet - that one loud explosion - that one powerfully deadening impact. He - that small baby born in Bethlehem so long ago. He whose ministry exploded and impacted the world and through God's plan for redemption carried sin's cross to calvary. That act of surrender and sacrifice made a powerfully deadening impact on the sin of this world - yours and mine!

His impact on us will help us impact those around us. We may be only one small bullet in this chamber of life but we can each one have a positive impact on those around us. Let's reach out and "be there" for those we see need God's touch through us!

Sleeping at Desk

Five Best Things To Say If You Get Caught Sleeping At Your Desk:

Number 5: They told me at the Blood Bank this might happen.

Number 4: This is just a 15 minute power nap they raved about in the time-management course you sent me to.

Number 3: “Whew! Guess I left the top off the White-out. You probably got here just in time!"

Number 2: Did you ever notice sound coming out of these keyboards when you put your ear down real close?

Number 1 and My all time Favorite: (Raising your head slowly) . . . in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ziploc Omelet

This works great, is quick and easy with hardly any clean-up!!!

Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them. Add your favorite ingredients: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc. to the egg mixture in the bag and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it shut. Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for 13-15 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake.

Step Out of the Traffic

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nation, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge”. (Ps. 46:10,11)

A couple of other Bible translations say it this way.
Our God says, "Calm down, and learn .. (Centemp. English)
God says, "Be quiet and know .. (New Century)
Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me .. (Message)

Be still . . . Calm down . . . Be quiet . . . Step out of the traffic! No matter what translation I read this verse from, it comes down to “me” and what I am doing and it tells me this one thing. “God says . . . be quiet – calm down – be still – step out of the traffic . . . and know that He is God, that He is with me and that He is my refuge!

I must admit that the past few years of my life have been quite overwhelming at times. I have had some very draining times, some times of hard questions, times when there seemed to be absolutely no answers, times of physical, mental, and emotional overload. I’ve had times of weariness of body, mind, and soul – when I was just simply “tired”!

Have you ever been there? Have you ever been in a place where you just needed some protection and strength to draw upon? Life can sometimes be overwhelming – major life changes, whatever they might be, can do this to us. But we can trust God’s Word to be true and know that God says - He will be with us, He is our refuge, He is our God.

In the midst of all that life gives me I sometimes have to remind myself of this verse - of these words – be still, calm down, be quiet, step out of the traffic! I sometimes forget and get busy - busy talking, working, doing things, having fun, worrying about the grass that needs mowed, the gutter that needs fixed, the “how’s” and “when’s” of getting these things done – the list could go on and on! You know how it is, there is always something pressing us. But again and again I’m reminded to be still, calm down, step out of the traffic, and be quiet!

If you have read my blog, you no doubt know that I started the year trying to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Some days I make it, some days I’m a little short, and some days I go beyond the 10,000 steps!! Lately my walking schedule has been interrupted by all of this rain we are getting. I’ve been amazed at the number of times I will start out with the sun rising and shining through the trees and then after I get back home the rain will start! Thank you, God – You are my refuge!! Other times I have to walk in the evening. But “weather” early morning or later evening I have come to look forward to this special part of my day. Yes, I did start walking to get in shape and loose some weight and I’m thanking God for every pound lost and for helping me get healthy! Believe me, after two knee replacements it feels wonderful to be out there walking every single mile every single day!

But more important than that – I’ve come to enjoy that hour of my day because it has become my quiet time – my “calm down time” – my “be quiet time” - my "step out of the traffic time". I’m walking every day with God who is with me and I see, feel, and sense the many ways He is exalted in this earth of ours. I take it all in as I walk - I feel the soft breeze blowing against my face, the sunshine, the clouds, the sprinkles of rain, the sunrises full of His special palette of “sunrise colors”, the birds singing, the smell of the flowers, the squirrels running from fence to tree, the ants at work along the sidewalks busily going in and out of that little pile of dirt – their ant-hill. Too many sights and sounds to put down here but God brings so many things to my attention as I walk and I know that HE IS WITH ME – HE IS MY REFUGE!

I love music – I enjoy listening to music as I walk. Max Lucado once shared something about music. He talked about playing the piano and how you can pound out every note, add runs and arpeggios, add triplets, trills, accidental notes, etc. but you can’t forget the rests that are written into the music. Sometimes amongst all of those notes written on the sheet there comes a “rest” where everything stops – all music pauses – it is quiet for that one rest and then it begins again. That rest is important. That pause in the music adds depth, dimension and dynamic to the music that follows. That one little “rest” builds for the remainder of the song making the music more distinct and sweeter after the rest . Ps. 27:14 says, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord”. That is kind of like a “rest”. Take time to wait, take time to be still, take time to calm down, take time to step out of the traffic, take time to be quiet, take time to rest . . . to do nothing – like the little black "rest" on that piece of music.

When you are weary and need a “rest”, a place of refuge, be encouraged and know that God is with you – just “wait” for He is your strength and your refuge! “Be still and know that I AM God” Ps. 46:10
As you walk through your day-to-day routine and life seems to be swirling around you – stop – be still – wait – do nothing – calm down – step out of the traffic . . . and don’t forget to “rest”!! Then continue on and enjoy the music this life and God sends your way! Take time to really look, listen and hear it – it is for you! God is with you and He is orchestrating a very special symphony just for you . . . TODAY!

Every Good Gift

Life is a Theater - Who's in Your Front Row?

Life is a Theater...Invite Your Audience Carefully.

Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a DISTANCE.

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of, or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not going anywhere relationships or friendships.
Observe the relationships around you. Pay close attention. Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill?

When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know or appreciate you?
The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you...the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

Remember that the people we hang with will have an impact on both our lives and our income.
And so, we must be careful to choose the people we hang out with, as well as the information with which we feed our minds.

We should not share our dreams with negative people, nor feed them with negative thoughts.
Who's in your front row? ~author unknown~

This unknown author penned some very interesting thoughts, especially in our day and age of neglect and abuse. There is so much of that out there and I believe it has become so common place that some people just accept it as “this is the way life is”. When in all reality, we need to recognize the neglect and the abuse that is all around us. Many times we never question we just carry on like all is well. People around never know and we find it hard to accept the fact that some relationships are not healthy. This can be a cold hard fact when faced with the possibility of an abusive relationship, whether it is visible physical abuse and neglect or hidden emotional, verbal, or financial abuse. It is hard to understand – hard to cope with and does not affect just you. Its impact is felt by those close to you as well! So never, ever think it is just impacting you alone.

Unhealthy relationships must be “fixed” before something gets “broken”. Take a look at your theater . . . who and what is in your audience? Look at your relationships. Are they healthy, loving, truthful, uplifting, and encouraging? Or do your relationships beat you down, drain you of all ambition and health, belittle and smother your self-esteem keeping you from being “you”? Any relationship that keeps you from being “you” and growing as the person God created you to be, need to be looked at closely.

If you are dealing with visible or invisible wounds in your heart and life, seek help from those people in your audience that will lift you up and that you can lean on when needed. Trust God to direct your every step to recovery and healing. He will guide and direct you and restore your very self. God isn’t fooled by our exterior – He sees what’s inside and He cares! Psalm 44:21 says, "He knows the secrets of the heart” and “nothing is hidden from Him” - Hebrews 4:13. Yes, He knows, He loves, and He cares about each of us and our circumstances whatever they might be!! Look to Him and His Word, the Bible, for the answers you need. If you are struggling with some relationships - take a look at your audience and the impact these relationships have on your life and your family’s.

If you are not struggling in this area, stop and look around you. Who do you know that may be feeling trapped in some unhealthy relationships? What can you do to help them break this unhealthy cycle? Let God open your eyes to see an audience of people that need your encouragement, strength and prayers! Then come along side of them and let God use you in miraculous ways!

Life is a Theater - Who's in your Front Row?? God is the source of our life and He above ALL should be front and center in our “Life Theater”. How is your theater?

Normal

I've often wondered . . . .

what makes "normal", normal?

What really is normal?

Does anyone really know for sure?

I once heard that "normal is just a setting on the dryer" ! ! ! !

What do you think?

Memorial Day

I love holidays - special times when family gathers for good food and wonderful fellowship! Our usual destination is "the farm". Those from out of town and those of us nearby find our way to "Honey Creek" where farm life is truly "sweet as honey"!!! Family and friends gather at mom and dads where we catch up on what's going on with each other. We gather around the picnic tables, sit in lawn chairs, we laugh, the kids play, the adults tease and play too, the guys grill and we all eat the abundance of food the ladies brought! Why is food such an intrical part of fun and fellowship???!!! Just look at us and you can tell we have plenty of fun, food, and fellowship!!! LOL! Well, anyway, I think all of us had a wonderful day together at the farm - fun, food, and all!

Some of us go on hikes, John usually has his camera in hand as he heads across the field to who knows where! He gets some really nice pics and video, I must admit. The kids usually hike down to the pond and take a swim and stop at the "bungee-swing" hanging from the big tree down in the pasture before they head back up to the house. Sometimes we have a good old "jam session" and gather around with guitars, keyboard, harmonica, mandolin, sax, auto harps, etc. and play and sing the good old songs we grew up on and love! The enjoyment of music has always been a highlight of our lives whether it was as kids singing songs all the way into town or a backyard jam-session. We all have a love for music! We didn't have a jam-session this Memorial Day but we may have to plan on one July 4th. Mom bought a keyboard at a yard sale! I told her and dad that they better get practiced up for the next jam-session - mom can play and dad can sing along!!! LOL! This Memorial Day we just enjoyed visiting with each other, relaxing, and just simply enjoyed the day! It is so relaxing to go to the country and enjoy not only family and friends but also God's wonderful creation!

I always enjoy sitting by dad's pond listening to the water cascading down into the bigger part of the pond. The waterfall sound is kind of like "music therapy" to this brain of mine! I was sitting there enjoying the sound and looking for the fish when dad came over and asked me if I brought my fish with me ? ? ? What? He laughed and said if I wanted to enjoy any fish in his pond I would have to bring my own. The racoon got all of his fish. He had some really big ones in there so those old coon must have had a feast! It was still nice relaxing there in that corner of the yard.

As the day passed and the food was once again brought out for the evening left-overs, those that wanted something got another plate. The afternoon turned into dusk and the sun began to set across the hills. There are always beautiful sunsets on the farm! I have always loved the early morning sunrises and the evening sunsets on the farm! A constant reminder to me of the vastness of our God and His creativity! Where did He get the colors to put in each sunrise and sunset?? Oh, that's right - He made them - every one of those beautiful, breath-taking colors!! Master Artist among other things, I would say!! What an awesome God we have that every single day brings this kind of beauty into our lives if we will take the time to stop and notice. Thank you God!

We had a wonderful Memorial Day! Those that had to travel back home left and those of us living close by gathered around the fire ring. Uncle Bob "loves" to build fires! A while back, around another campfire, I told him that when I was a kid my mother and grandmother told me that if I played with fire . . . I would wet the bed!! He didn't even care!! He kept poking at the logs and throwing more on until we had the perfect campfire for roasting marshmellows and making S'mores! What a wonderful end to a awesome day with family and friends - from gathering around picnic tables earlier in the day to gathering around the campfire talking, laughing, sharing, and visiting with my loved ones! Oh, and eating S'mores!!! Can't forget that food - even if it is 10:00 at night! Thanks, Bob, for "playing" with fire! We all enjoyed the blazing warmth and smell of the campfire! I will always keep these special heartfelt family times forever ablaze within my heart and soul. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful family that is always there offering me encouragement and support. I am so thankful for each and every one of them - see you all July 4th!!

23rd Psalm

A Sunday school teacher asked her class if anyone could quote the entire 23rd Psalm. A golden-haired, four-and-a-half-year-old girl was among those who raised their hands. A bit skeptical, the teacher asked if she could really quote the entire psalm. The little girl came to the front of the room, faced the class, made a perky little bow, and said, "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want." She bowed again and went and sat down.

What a great interpretation of the 23rd Psalm!

The Lord is my Shepherd = That’s Relationship!
I shall not want = That’s Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That’s Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters = That’s Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul = That’s Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That’s Guidance!
For His name sake = That’s Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That’s Testing!
I will fear no evil = That’s Protection!
For Thou art with me = That’s Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That’s Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That’s Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil = That’s Consecration!
My cup runneth over = That’s Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That’s Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That’s Security!
Forever = That’s Eternity!

I think the little girl had it right . . .
. . . The Lord is my shepherd, that’s all I want!!!

Robin and Worm

In walking yesterday morning I came upon a robin on the sidewalk ahead of me. It didn’t want to move. As I approached I saw why – there on the sidewalk lay a great big fat earthworm! The robin didn’t want to move but I was a threat to it so it hopped over into the grass about a foot from the sidewalk. As I got closer it hopped all around but it was evident it did not want to leave that worm. It kept watching me and kept its eye on the worm. It fluttered up on the nearby fence as I stepped over the worm. I turned to look back at the bird and the worm and immediately the robin flew down to the sidewalk and hopped around the worm knowing I was no longer a threat!

I finished my walk, got ready for work and didn’t think about that robin and worm until later last night. When I got to work the air conditioner was not working in the office so it was about 84 degrees! That is a little warm for me! Since it was so hot I passed up my morning “cup of coffee”. The repairman didn’t get there to fix it until about 2 pm so as the day progressed so did my headache. I usually go home for lunch. The mailman was just walking up so he handed me my mail and I went on in the house feeling a little drained - still sporting the headache. I had a bite to eat then upon opening my mail was even feeling worse after opening a letter I had been waiting for. Well, not exactly what I had anticipated – just a little more to add to my "everything" list to think about!

Have you ever felt like posting a comment on Facebook like “I need some encouragement – is there anybody out there???” That is kind of what I was feeling right then. When in all actuality, I know there are many people around me that are there offering me lots of encouragement. But isn’t that just like satan - to come at us when we are feeling down physically, financially, emotionally, spiritually - when we’ve pushed ourselves to the limit? He knows just when and how to attack us from every angle possible. He is the great deceiver. A liar!

I sat there thinking about “everything” and decided to go in and play through the praise team music for Sunday. As I sat there at the piano playing through the songs the words just seemed to speak to my heart. Seems there was something in each one of those songs that said, Diana, I, your God, am with you right this very moment. I will see you through. I will be there for you. I will not fail you or forsake you. I will provide for your needs. What a friend we have in Jesus! That time at the piano was just what I needed before I headed back to work. My office was still hot when I returned to work and I still had my headache but my heart felt lighter - my load didn’t seem as heavy! After work I went home, took a couple Excedrin and laid down. Sometimes we just need some rest and renewal! And, I must say, I felt much better after my nap!

Later in the evening, I read this scripture that once again spoke to me. God knows just when and what we need to encourage us. “Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking-around-life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him . . . fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out!
-Romans 12 (Message)

God wants my everyday, ordinary life! My sleeping, eating, going to work, paying bills, overseeing kids etc. - my walking-around-life – He wants me to place it before Him. . . offer all of it to Him. Am I offering all of the “everythings” in life to Him and embracing all of what God is doing for me? Yesterday I was a little overwhelmed with the “everythings” going on in my life. I needed the reminder from that verse in Romans “to fix my attention on Him and He will change me from the inside out”. What a faithful God we have!

As I continued reading I came to this verse: “Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder” -Romans 12 (Message)

Just the words I needed to end my day. I thought back to my morning walk and the robin and the worm. That robin had fixed its attention on that worm and was not going to get very far away from it. I was a threat to it but the robin walked away from me while still keeping its eye on the worm. Then when I was past the worm, that robin in its alertness flew down to that worm! Oh, that you and I would keep our attention fixed on God and be alert, expectant, fueled and aflame for the “everythings” in our life.

Do you ever feel like quitting in the hard times – do you every want to say “Is there anybody out there? I need some encouragement!” Don’t give up – pray harder and fix your attention on God. . . Remember, God wants ALL of our everyday, ordinary, walking-around-life!!

Church Gossip

Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose in to other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told Frank (and several others) that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing.

Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny... he said nothing. Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house...walked home...and left it there all night.

You gotta love Frank.

Old Farmer's Advice

* Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong. **Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.**Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.** A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.** Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.** Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.** Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.** Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.** It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge..** You cannot unsay a cruel word.** Every path has a few puddles.** When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.** The best sermons are lived, not preached.* Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.** Don't judge folks by their relatives.** Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.** Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.** Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't bothering you none.** Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a Rain dance.** If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.** Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.** The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'.** Always drink upstream from the herd.** Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.** Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.** If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.** Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.*

*Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.*

Eternity

Bulls-Eye

I remember one year my older brother, John, got a bow and arrow set. We put targets up on the hay stack beside the barn and started taking turns to see who would get the bulls-eye! Of course, John had the edge on me, he hunted and aimed at squirrels, rabbits and varmints all the time! But, with a little practice I was able to hit the target and actually wasn’t to shabby – even got so I could hit the bulls-eye more times than not! I can still picture it . . . standing straight and tall, arm outstretched holding the bow, placing the arrow on the string, stretching the string and arrow back while aiming at the target. The bow armed and aimed in the right direction! Then there was the “swishing” sound of the arrow as it was released and hurled toward the target. Then “thug” into the “bulls-eye”!! What excitement I felt!

I read this Bible verse this morning and my thoughts went back to those bow and arrow days as a kid. I remember studying that target and aiming for that bulls-eye and adjusting the angle of that arrow before I ever let go of the arrow.

“What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every GOD-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him makes it. Is there any god like GOD? Are we not at bedrock? Is not this the God who armed me, then aimed me in the right direction?”

-Psalm 18:30-32 (Message)

These verses intrigued me as I read them. There are a lot of action words in them – stretches – runs – armed – aimed. And look at some of those other descriptive words – straight – smooth – bedrock.

What do all of those words mean to you? When I think about the meaning of those words and how they are used in the scripture, it encourages me in my daily grind through life.

Stretch: to lengthen, widen, or distend by pulling; to cause to extend across a given space; to reach or put forth; to flex one’s muscles; to strain; to extend the limits; to prolong. Does God want to lengthen me, widen me (let’s hope not!!! LOL!), extend me? Is He wanting me to flex my muscles for him and extend the limits in my Christian walk with Him?

Run: To move on foot at a pace faster than the walk; to retreat rapidly; flee; to move without hindrance or restraint; to make a short, quick trip; to hurry, hasten; to continue; to pass, to persist or recur; to be effective. Is God wanting me to move on foot faster than a walk, retreat, flee? Does He want me to move without hindrance or restraint? Is He telling me to hurry, to hasten, to continue, to persist, to be effective for Him?
Arm: A weapon; a branch of military force; to equip with weapons; to prepare for. Do I have faith enough to believe that God in His wisdom will equip me with what I need for what lies ahead of me and not send me on my way unprepared for my journey?
Aim: To direct (a weapon, remark, etc.) at someone or something; to direct a weapon; to direct one’s efforts or purpose; intention. Do I know that God wants to direct my efforts, my purpose and my intentions and use them for His purpose?

What about you? Do you know God wants to do all of this for you also? Maybe He is wanting to stretch you and help you run faster. Do you know His presence and know He will arm you and aim you in the right direction if you will let Him? God wants to walk with you every minute of every day. He wants to prepare the way for you and me . . .

Straight: Extending continuously in the same direction without curving; having no waves or bends, Erect; upright; direct and candid; uninterrupted; correct or accurate; honest; fair; neatly arranged; orderly undiluted or unmixed.
Smooth: Free from irregularities, roughness, or projections; having a fine texture or consistency; having an even or gentle motion; having no obstructions or difficulties; ingratiating; to make smooth; to rid of hindrances, difficulties, etc; to make calm.
Bedrock: Solid rock that underlies the earth’s surface; the lowest or bottom level; fundamental principles.

Wow - How exciting to know that it is God that arms us. He is equipping us with the weapons we need for our journey through this life. What an awesome and loving God!

Whatever obstacles are out there - He is preparing me and you for what is ahead – He’s arming us. Then the scripture says He then aims us in the right direction! He directs us and our efforts, our intentions. God in His wisdom has aimed us where He wants to use us, where the road stretches straight and smooth. His way is “road-tested”. It leads to bedrock! Bedrock: Solid rock that underlies the earth’s surface; the lowest or bottom level; fundamental principles.

What better place is there to be than on the solid rock of our Lord and Savior! Together we can handle whatever comes our way . . . me and God -we can hit the “bulls-eye!

Change in Weather!

This is “Gertrude”, my office goose that watches over my desk and helps keep everything in order! She has a set of seasonal clothes. The preschool children coming in enjoy making sure she has the appropriate outfit on for the season. This morning I had to take off her pretty pink bonnet and spring flowered dress and put her yellow rain coat and rain hat on – since the weather has drastically changed and brought us cold, wind, and rain!

It would seem that we have regressed back to “pre-spring” conditions! Our nice warm sunshiny days are gone and it sounds like we are in for a week of this “change”. We are back to the cold, windy, rainy days like we usually have before spring actually hits. Brrrr . . . I had to bring out the sweaters and sweatshirts again! Just when we thought we were heading into summer the weather has made this unexpected drastic change.

I wasn’t ready for this. I was enjoying the nice warm sunshine on my shoulder! Then just like that the change hit. With the cold change I also came down with a really bad cold! Last week I missed two days of work, couldn’t talk most of the week – to which, I'm sure, many counted it a “blessing”!! I am better this week and back to work but still fighting the cold a bit. I absolutely hate spring and summer colds – they should only get you down in the winter!

Anyway, like it or not – change happens! It can be the weather, a cold or our health, job situations, financial responsibilities, divorce, an unexpected addition to the family, a wayward child, a car accident, an ailing parent, or any number of other things that happen in life. We can’t always control these changes no matter how hard we try. Change just happens. Sometimes it is really tough and hard to deal with and other times it is for the good. And sometimes it is hard to see that it really is “for our good”!

In the midst of change we can rest in the promise found in Heb 13:8 (Msg) – “ For Jesus doesn't change--yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself”. Life would be no challenge if there were no change. But with each challenge and change that comes our way we can know that our Lord is right there with us leading and guiding us through to the end. When we seek Him with ALL of our heart, mind, soul, and strength – He will be there to walk beside us each step of the way. He will give us the wisdom and knowledge to know what to do in each situation and the understanding of what we are experiencing. He wants to give us the strength to carry on in spite of the obstacles we may be facing and the courage to just “keep on keeping on” until we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

He will give us the faith we need to put our trust in Him and know He loves us, He cares for us, He sees our struggle or “change” and He will give us the “peace that passeth all understanding” and we can rest and know He is with us no matter what changes we experience in our walk through this life.

The definition of change is: to be or cause to be different; alter. If you have experienced something that has “changed” your life, if something or someone has caused your life to be different – it has altered your life, accept it and put your trust in the One that doesn’t change – Jesus. He is our answer to any and all change that may come like cold winds and rain, the drastic things in life that want to defeat us. So many times I want “change” - I want the cold, the wind, and the rain to go away this week – I’m ready for springy weather! But I must remind myself that “constant sunshine causes a hot, parched dessert”!! Change is a part of life – accept it and trust God to meet your needs and see you through!

Mother Dear

MOTHER’s DAY is just around the corner once again! It seems to roll around quicker every year. I was thinking about my mother and my mind reeled back to so many times and places that really stuck out in my life as I look back. Times when I was afraid, alone, overwhelmed, happy, worried, sick, sad, silly, etc. Times when she understood me better than I understood myself during those growing-up years. Of course, I’m sure there were many times I thought I knew myself better!! I never had a sister to share my thoughts, my dreams, my girlhood secrets like some girls. But I had Mom – she was always there – thru thick or thin.

Those early dates – Mom would be awake when I came home (it’s a “mother-thing” I realized I had also inherited when my girls were that age!) Mom would get up, come in and sit on the edge of the bed and we’d talk, laugh, and discuss the evening. Did I have fun, was he polite, did he treat me like a lady . . . was this one “Mr. Right”!!??

I thought of the time I put her “classy-looking” black car in the road-ditch along the highway on my way to school – She and a neighbor came to my rescue and she didn’t say a word – except how did you ever line that up with the fence?! In fact, that was the same car I remember getting out of at school, slamming the door shut and the glass “just shattered” - for no reason at all! And that is also the same car that a man ran a stop sign and hit me and I didn’t know what to do except get his license number, get back into the car, and cry because he wouldn’t get out of his car or even talk to me! In spite of all of this, she still let me and my girlfriends cruise Broadway on Friday nights!

There was the summer I was going to camp for a week. I wanted a new dress to wear on Sunday. So we went to the store and picked out a pattern and some material. I worked so hard on it but ran out of time. I didn’t get it finished before it was time for me to leave. I was so sad – all the other girls would have “new- Sunday Best” to wear and I would have to wear my “old- Sunday Best”!!! So we piled into the car and off we went to camp. They dropped us off for a week of fun. I still remember feeling bad come Sunday morning because I didn’t get my dress finished. I was sitting in the dorm moping around like it was the end of the world! (it seems so trivial now!) But it wasn’t then. Then one of the other girls came in and hollered for me – said someone was outside waiting for me. You guessed it . . . Mom & Dad had driven up for Sunday and guess what mom had in her hand? Yes, she had finished my dress. She handed it to me and said to hurry so we wouldn't miss the service. She recognized my disappointment and acted upon it out of a “MOTHER”S HEART”. Perfect fit – perfect dress – perfect day!!!

Mom had quite a hand at sewing and she also taught me how to sew. I used to sew nearly all my clothes, my dolls clothes, curtains, bedspreads, crafts – it was kinda like “have material – will sew . . . something!” We worked on many, 4-H projects down through the years. I think mom deserved those ribbons as much as I did! Did I mention that one time mom even sewed up a baby pig that the mother pig stepped on???? Yes, she took her needle and thread down to the barn and stitched that little critter up. He lived - he had a wicked looking scar and was a little crippled but he fattened up just right and he sure did taste good !! LOL!

I think one of the most special gifts MOM ever gave me was for my 50th birthday. She brought me a package and when I opened it I was totally overwhelmed. I was absolutely flooded with a lifetime of memories. She had taken the scraps of material that we always saved from our sewing projects and cut them in long strips and then she crocheted them into a rag rug. It was absolutely amazing! I could follow one strip of fabric on to the next and the next. With each different fabric strip I saw the dress I made for my 8th grade graduation, for my freshman concert, for Easter, for my first double date, for the FFA Sweetheart Banquet, for church camp Sundays!!! Material from dresses I had made for my college days, for the Mowery Four when Donna and I wore matching dresses, material for various crafts and occasions we would work on, etc. Each strip of material bringing memories to my mind clear on down to when I had my own girls and sewed for them and left scraps for mom. That rag rug carried with it a lifetime of events and memories of my life – my growing up years. Mom could not have ever given me a gift more special than that rag rug. What a wonderful reminder! Thanks, Mom - you’re the greatest! We have some of the warmest and most special memories as we both look at the rag rug. I do believe MOM crocheted lots of love in each and every one of those stitches!

Oh, I could go on and on, but not now. As Mother’s Day approaches, I am truly grateful for a mother that took time to be with me through life’s up’s and down’s, taught me to trust in a God that is bigger than I can ever imagine, a mom that was there to talk to and laugh with. I’m grateful for a mother that loves me and that I can love back. And for the “memory” of that love down through these many years! “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, MOM” – I LOVE YOU SO MUCH - I’M SO THANKFUL YOU ARE MY MOM!!!!

Maybe you don’t have a rag rug to look at that brings memories of your growing up years, but you must have something that brings those memories to your mind. What is it? How are you cherishing the memories you are making today with your children, your family, with yourself? Are you leaving landmarks that you can look back on to see where you’ve been, where you came from, where you are right now, and where you are going?

If you are not, maybe you should think about crocheting a “RAG RUG”! If you don’t know how to crochet, ask your mother to show you how. Moms know almost everything!!! LOL!