Life's Transitions

A Topsy-Turvy Week!

2010-10-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

Haven't had much sleep the last few days. I think it's because of a new medication. Whatever the reason, it's made me a bit loopy, and the fibro fog is a bit thicker than usual this week! Did I say a BIT thicker! Actually, the last couple of days, it's been thicker than pea soup!

The blessings continue to flow though, so I'm not really complaining! We had several inches of much-needed rain in our area over the weekend, then Monday started out with a beautiful sky. There were a few small puffy white clouds, but it was mainly a clear blue ceiling above us!

Somehow, this topsy-turvy week has gotten me to thinking about some things, like why things happen the way the do. There have been times in my life when I've wondered why is it that the good always die too soon, and the wicked continue to prosper. Well, the truth is, they aren't really prospering, it just seems that way!

When you take the time to really sit down and think about it, you begin to realize just how sad it is. Some have more wealth than they will ever be able to use in a lifetime, while others struggle to have barely enough food to eat.

The problem with this picture is that while the rich have all their wealth, and all the possessions that it will buy, the one thing they may not have in abundance is happiness. There are some things that money just can't buy. If they don't have the Lord in their life, they don't have true happiness. If they don't have true happiness, then life is empty indeed. Think about it - all they have is their riches! How far will those riches really get them, and how long will they last.

Those riches won't buy them good health, or happiness, or life eternal. What they have here - that's all there is. Now what can be more sad than that?!

On the other hand, many of the poor are able to deal with their lot in life because they have the Lord to get them through whatever comes their way. They know that they are just travelers passing through, and once they reach their destination, they will lack for nothing!

What a awesome feeling. What a destination to look forward to. What a wonderful bundle of hope to sustain us on life's journey. There are many transitions that come and go during our journey through life, but if you have a heavenly Best Friend who will travel step-by-step with you, and you have eternal life to look forward to, what more could you possibly want or need?

Ahhhh . . . Fall

2010-10-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when Fall is trying very hard to peek around the corner, yet Summer is still trying to hang on for dear life! I'm so anxious for the cooler temperatures of Fall to come and stay, and for Summer to go into hibernation for a few months.

I'm one of those who has always had to march to my own music, my own drummer. While others are busily planning winter projects of crafts and baking, and preparing for the upcoming holidays, my mind is slowly transitioning into a season of renovation, followed by a season of rest. It's my slow time of year.

As Spring comes around each year, many are ready to move out of the gray doldrums of Winter and start working on their Spring cleaning at the first signs of greenery. For me, Spring is a lazy time of year, but come late Summer and Fall, I'm ready for new beginnings and ambitious changes before the restful Winter season.

As Fall prepares to show it's face, my thoughts are turning to my own personal Fall transitions. I'm no longer working this year, so have high hopes for a total transition in my home and within myself. Much to my joy, this is the year I have the time to make a lot of the changes I'd like to make. I've spent the Summer months slowly decluttering and downsizing. Nothing major, but just little things that need to be gone. Worn out shirts, books read too many times, old magazines, and all the little bric-a-brac that seems to appear from nowhere, or just kind of builds up when we aren't paying attention.

Since I recently moved, I have pictures that still need to be hung, decorative items to place here and there, and just a changing and settling in of everything in general.

Life is good, and I'm looking forward to a lot of positive changes taking place throughout the coming months. These changes will not only be environmental, but personal also. My spiritual life needs daily attention, and prayer and meditation upon the things that are important in my life - the things that really matter.

The things that really matter are not things that money can buy, or the gifts we share with each other, The important things are the people and experiences that have made us who we are, right down to the very core of our beings. It's about our priorities, our relationships, and most of all, our relationship with God.

Every season has it's special qualities, and for each of us, every season represents something different. For me, I like the peaceful quiet and slowness of the Fall and Winter months. It becomes a time to refresh and re-energize my mind and my body for the busy times ahead. For some, Winter is a time of sadness and doldrums, and they eagerly await the time of rebirth and freshness that is Spring.

Historically, Fall is a time of nostalgia and change for me. Nostalgia for me is a peaceful frame of mind - a time of memories, thoughts of changes to come, and hope for new beginnings in my future. I don't see Fall as a time of death and loss. For me, it is a time of preparation for a season of rest and quiet - a hibernation of sorts - before Spring pops up again, needing all the energy required for rebirth and new growth!

As the leaves change color and fall to the forest floor, I too, will peel off the layers of a busy Spring and Summer. Now is the time to prepare for a quiet settling in for the Winter months.

Life can be grand in every season, simply because each season has its own rewards. Every season can be what we make of it. Whatever your favorite and most peaceful season is, I hope that Fall will be good to you and bring you much joy!

Life is good, and every day is a blessing!! Enjoy it to the fullest!

Long time gone . . .

2010-10-15T01:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've been here. It seems after my mom died last year, the blog seem to die for a while too. Maybe for a while I just didn't have the heart, but now it feels like the time is right to start again and share the stories and notes about the transitions of my life.

As I sit here enjoying a cup of chamomile tea, I think about all that has happened in my life since I last blogged here. Some things haven't changed. The Lord continues to bless me richly with His constant care and guidance. My health has gone downhill a bit, but life is still good, and every day is a blessing from the Lord!

He has challenged me, comforted me, corrected me, and led me in the ways that I should go. He's been my Rock - from helping me pick up the pieces after mom died, to meeting new challenges in my life. He is definitely my Rock!

I am no longer working as the manager of the senior apartment complex where I live. I had to step down because of health issues, but I am now the assistant manager with new "subtitles" of Activities Director and Newsletter Editor. I enjoy both jobs and hope to be successful at both.

We are trying hard to get some new activities going and liven this place up a bit, but over the last couple of years, it's been hard to get enough people interested in any one activity - other than bingo - to make anything work. Even half of our bingo players are non-residents who come to enjoy an afternoon with us. Everyone enjoys the weekly bingo games though and that's what counts.

Over the last year or so, we have been going through a transition here, where a lot of our older tenants have had to leave because they aren't able to live alone anymore, or they have passed away. We are slowly but surely getting in a younger, or at least healthier, group of residents here, so I'm hoping we can get some things going.

Our new manager is a real asset to our complex and I'm so glad he is here. I couldn't keep up with the job anymore, but when he came on, he hit the floor running and is doing a great job! So many of the changes that I wanted to get done, but couldn't - he has been able to accomplish. That has made me feel very good, because these were things that we as residents needed, or that needed to be done within the complex. I'm so happy to see these things getting done at long last. Our new manager is so full of energy and great ideas. He and I think a lot alike on many things, so our working together is a good match! His wife is a real sweetheart and I enjoy talking with her also.

For tonight, I will stop and enjoy my cup of tea. But I'll be back and share with you more of the "happenings" in my life! May God be with you and bless your life as richly as He has blessed mine!

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Strangers On a Common Path

2009-02-17T21:15:00.000-08:00

By chance, I met a lady from Sicily today, who is going through the same transition that I have been going through. She lost her mother just a couple of weeks before my mother died, and we shared a lot of what we had been going through. She also works full time at the grocery store where I shop, and like me, she had to rearrange her life to care for her mother. Now that we are no longer under the burden of constantly juggling our time between work and caring for an ailing parent, there is a sense of relief, appreciation of more free time, and . . . guilt . . . because we feel the relief.

Neither of us begrudged our mothers the time they needed from us. We would still be gladly giving to each of them if they were still with us. At the same time, there's no denying that it was a difficult and exhausting time! We were both sandwiched in between two generations who needed us, and the responsibility felt very heavy at times.

We shared stories and emotions and understanding. Just a chance meeting of two hearts and minds full of the same emotions and thoughts regarding the transitions that we were experiencing since the passing of our beloved mothers.
It's interesting how a bit of unexpected conversation with another traveller on your path can truly be medicine for the soul. God has His own ways of bringing us relief from the stresses of our journey, and providing the encouragement that we greatly need to face the transitions that are ahead.

God is good!

Transitioning to a Simpler Life!

2009-02-16T23:36:00.000-08:00

I was enjoying a friend's blog earlier this evening and one thing led to another - literally. She had a lot of links to other blogs, so I checked out a few of those also. Most of them concerned homemaking skills, recipes, hobbies, and other varied interests along those lines.

The ones that seemd to grab my attention the most though, were the ones that spoke of simplifying one's life, and the many different ways to go about accomplishing that. These are the ones that seemed to touch a new need within myself, to declutter and simplify my own life.

I no longer have the desire to have my life governed by my job or my possessions. When I leave the office, I want to truly leave the office - both in body and in spirit. When I arrive at home, I want to relax in a clutter-free zone, and yet live in an environment that speaks of who I am. While my decor tends to be a bit eclectic, there is still the need for order and simplicity.

How is it that we pick up so many different possessions and collections of "things" over the years? How does it start? Does it start with the childish collections that began small, and grow with us, as we grow into adulthood? Can one enjoy a hobby or special interest without it taking over your shelves or your life?

I guess it all comes down to deciding what's important to you. Do you really cherish all those little knickknacks, or has the collection just become a habit that you don't know how to break? Do you really read, or intend to read, all those books, or listen to all that music that you've collected? What is really important to you - deep down within yourself? What gives you peace of mind and the ability to relax?

As always, it's a decision that must be left to the individual, and that individual's ability to prioritize all the "clutter" of life that surrounds us day in and day out. After all, one man's clutter may very well be another man's joy!

These are just the late night ramblings of a tired and cluttered mind . . . and yet, I sense the coming of another transition - just around the corner . . .

Sunshine Beautiful

2009-02-16T01:35:00.001-08:00

Outside it was a gray, wet, and very windy day yesterday. Yet, in my heart, it was sunshine beautiful, because I am getting daily reminders of God's love and comfort. He reminds in so many ways, not only of His constant presence, but also of the lessons that my mother taught me during the last year of her life.

Growing up, I remember that my mother was both stubborn and impatient, but in her later years, she really mellowed a lot. By doing that, she taught me that there is hope for her stubborn, impatient daughter!

In the last year of her life, it seemed at times, as if the Lord and my mother were teaming up to show me a better way of life. She had mellowed to the point that very little ruffled her, and when something did upset her, she would say, "I can't allow things to upset me, I just have to pray about it and leave it to the Lord."

It was the little, every day things, that showed me how much my mother had allowed the Lord to make changes in her life. We mended some serious rifts during her last year, and grew closer than we had ever been. Maybe it was the "mending of the fences" that made me more attentive to what she had to say. Yet, it wasn't so much what she said, as what she did. She constantly looked to the Lord for her strength, and by her actions, she helped to strengthen my spiritual walk. I told her that one time, and her response was that she couldn't have made the changes without the Lord's help.

After having a massive stroke a year before her death, she felt very blessed to still be alive. Every day she gave credit to the Lord for another day of life. She almost died again four months later, but the Lord blessed once again. My mother often told me that she didn't know why she was still here on this earth. She figured it was either because the Lord had something He wanted her to do, or that she still had lessons to learn. Whichever it was, she was grateful for each and every day.

I'm thinking maybe He had lessons for ME to learn . . .

Hear my instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Proverbs 8:33

He's Always There . . . He's Everywhere!

2009-02-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

Every day is a different day now. Each day is another day without our beloved matriarch, and the loss for our family has been great! When the phone rings, I wonder if it's her. When I hear something amusing, or something interesting, my first thought is to share it with her.

Now especially, I am so thankful for my heavenly Best Friend! He has been my Comforter and my Rock through all of this. Sometimes when I lie in bed at night, I can almost physically feel His arms around me, comforting me with His love and understanding. After all, He's already been down that path. He knows all about the emotional pain of loss.

No matter how great the loss, or how deep the pain, He can and will, ease the hurt. I've seen His love in the faces of friends and family who shared our grief. I've felt His comfort in the touch of those who have sympathized with our loss.

He is everywhere! No matter where I turn, day or night, He is there! His Words of scripture comfort me in the early morning hours, and my evening prayers thank Him for the strength He has given me to get through another day.

God is good. He is everywhere. He is my Rock.

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14.

Death of a Generation

2009-01-26T03:23:00.000-08:00

My mother passed away a little over a week ago, and it was the end of an era for our family. Her parents were long ago deceased, and she was the last of six siblings. It was the death of a generation.

She was our matriarch, our rock. She was the one we all turned to with our joys, our sorrows, our troubles, or just because we had something we wanted to share with her.

She encouraged us, sympathized with us, and was our leader in her spiritual faith, but she was never our judge.

I don’t think my mother ever had a full realization of how special people thought she was. She went through life just doing what she thought needed to be done, without expecting anything in return. While she was small in stature, she wore some very big shoes that no one else will ever be able to fill.

On the night that my mother died, my niece, Candice Danforth Horton, wrote a poem that I think speaks very accurately of who my mother was, and how her family felt about her. I'd like to share that with you now.

Margie

All my life you were there when I needed you
But somehow you slowly slipped away
Part of me feels the sadness
But mostly I feel the pain

And sometimes I feel the rage
Some days I feel just the love
In small moments I see a light shining
And sometimes I just feel numb

All the bittersweet memories flood my mind
As I sit alone in this empty room
I used to think that we’d have forever
But forever came far too soon

There’s so much that I needed to tell you
So much I never got to say
Yet I know that you always knew
That I loved you anyway

You brought out the best in everyone
And you were the best of us all
You never lost your faith in anyone
No matter how far we’d fall

You touched more lives than you knew
All your children young and old
Small things may in time be forgotten
But no one will forget your heart of gold

If ever you were given the chance
You would give all that you could
You put yourself last in everything
Holding to all that was pure and good

No one will forget the many children
Who you so gently took into your care
Nor will we forget the work you did
Or the faith you were so willing to share

You were the matriarch of our family
The center rock on which we all could stand
And no matter where there was a need
You always lent a helping hand

Everyone to you was important
You were unbiased and kind, full of truth
Giving everyone a chance, only seeing good
And your smile brightly lit every room

Wisdom and love were your tools
As you had lived many lifetimes in one
A depression and a war, family and church
86 years and now your work is done

You had many names; mom, grandma, great grandmother
And Grandpa called you honey, wife and dear
You were aunt, teacher, nurse and friend
But it’s Margie we lay to rest here

~ Candice Horton ~
January 17, 2009

Is It Really Thanksgiving?

2007-11-19T18:39:00.001-08:00

Is It Really Thanksgiving?

Is it really Thanksgiving, or is it simply a holiday full of food, football games, and family reunions? Do you ever really think about what Thanksgiving means to you, or do you just go through all the motions of the family traditions – who’s going to cook the turkey, who’s going to bring the pies, and who’s going to figure out the seating so there are no arguments or hard feelings?

Well, to me Thanksgiving is more than just a date on the calendar, and a day full of food and partying. To me, Thanksgiving is a day that I traditionally give thanks for all my blessings, and believe me when I say that I often feel as if I’ve had more than my share of blessings!

To me, Thanksgiving is being thankful for all the Lord’s blessings. It’s being thankful for my family, and thankful for those who serve us at the risk of life and limb. Our firefighters, police officers, and emergency service personnel.

It’s also about being truly thankful for the men and women of all ages who really do sacrifice life and limb for the freedoms that we enjoy! It’s being thankful for the active duty members of our military, as well as the veterans who gave their all!

Do you have any active duty military personnel in your family, or any veterans? Have you ever thought to thank them for what they have done for YOU? When they chose to serve our country, they did it for YOU, not just everyone else. They left behind mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands, wives and children, and gave their all for us!

I spent twenty years as a military wife, and my children grew up as “Navy brats” so I am quite familiar with the sacrifices made not only by the military personnel, but by their families! I’ve seen the mothers and fathers who spend months on end being a single parent – trying to be both mom and dad and hold it all together! I’ve seen the mothers and fathers who pray every day that their son or daughter will make it home. I’ve seen the children who cry for the missing parent. I know about the heartache of the parent who is overseas and is missing not only his or her child’s milestones, but the little every day things that take place in a growing child’s life. I know about the missed birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays!

Although Veteran’s Day was November 11th, well before Thanksgiving Day, I hope that you will take a few moments out of your festivities on Thanksgiving Day to say a prayer for our Veterans, as well as all of our service personnel who will be spending the holiday far away from their families, in a dangerous situation in a strange country. Better yet, take the time to personally thank a veteran for what they have done for our country – meaning YOU!!

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Old People

2007-10-21T22:11:00.001-07:00

Old people are slow.

Old people are grouchy.

Old people talk too much.

Old people are our past - our history.

Old people are often an untapped goldmine of treasure.

Have you ever sat and talked with an old person? Have you ever listened to what they have to say? I don't mean with half an ear on the television, or giving an occasional "uh huh."

I mean, have you ever really listened to what they have to say? Have you heard their stories - their history?

I guarantee you, that if you will take the time to listen - really listen - with a genuine desire to hear, you will find such a rich resource of treasured gems behind the graying hair, well-earned wrinkles, and the dimming eyes.

God has given you an endless, unbelievable resource of knowledge and stories. Stories of adventure, romance, humor, courage. Stories of our history, ancestors, and culture.

Old people have a lot to give, if only you are willing and able to accept the gift.

Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father . . The elder women as mothers;

1 Timothy 5:1, 2

Give Thanks

2007-10-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

"When you arise in the morning, give thanks

for the morning light . . . for your life and strength.

Give thanks for your food . . . and the joy of living.

If you see no reason for giving thanks . . .

the fault lies with yourself."

~ Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief ~

Comforting Scriptures

2007-10-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 has always been a favorite scripture of mine, as you may have guessed by the theme that is set in the title of my blog. These scriptures, set in a seldom read book of the Bible, have provided comfort for me many times throughout the years.

It was especially comforting to me after my father died. Even though I had not been walking with the Lord at that time, I instinctively turned to the scriptures for comfort. To me, these scriptures say that no matter what is happening in your life, it will pass, and change - or transition - will come. Like the rainbow behind the clouds, better times will come.

I was devastated when my father died. His death pretty much brought me to my knees, but it also brought about unexpected changes in my life. I hadn't been living the life of a Christian for many years, but at the ripe old age of forty-two, I started thinking about my own mortality. I often pondered the fact that if I was to die in my present state of living, I would die without hope. Sometimes it really scared me to think about it, and I would actually tell God to leave me alone. Because of His love for me, He just couldn't do that. For eight years, the Holy Spirit "nagged" at me, until I finally gave up and decided to give God a chance!

What wondrous surprises He had in store for me! What awesome changes He made in my life! This "strong" person who had lived behind walls of protection for many, many years, cried like a baby for the first time since childhood, when God tore those walls down. He showed me that it was okay to trust Him and give all my pain and sorrow to Him. He would never abuse me, or abandon me. He really was different. I really could depend on Him. He would be there for me at all hours of the day and night, every day of the year! Wow! I had never known that kind of dependability from anyone in my whole life!

I had spent my whole life having to work for everything I got. In my world, if love was available, it was conditional. God showed me that His love is not only everlasting, but unconditional. Now how much better can it get than that?!

Life has become so much easier and simpler for me with God at my helm. If I am hurting or sick, and need to be comforted, He is always there. If I'm having happy times, He's there to share those too! No more stressing about decisions, because He makes all my decisions now, and He's never wrong! If I need words of cheer or comfort, He leads me to the portion of His Word that I need.

The life of a Christian is not carefree, but it is certainly a simpler life, with twenty-four hour support, and the Lord has all the answers for all my questions. He has all the love and comfort and strength that I could ever need!

He's my Best Friend!

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

2007-10-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

To every thing there is a season, and a time for

every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to

plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down,

and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and

a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones

together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from

embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time

to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and

a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time

of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV)

Let Go Already!!

2007-10-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a boss who gave you an assignment and then proceeded to stand over you with advice or criticism every step of the way? You knew, and so did he, that you were quite capable of doing the job and doing it well, but he's a micromanager who just can't let go. A simpler, less polite term would be "control freak!"

Have you ever given your children chores to do, then stood over them telling them how to do it every step of the way because you just knew that they couldn't do it as well as you? That's a perfectionist!

Have you ever prayed and asked God for His help and guidance, then told Him how you wanted it done and when? That's called an inability to LET GO, and too many of us seem to have that affliction!

You know, God is the worker who is quite capable of doing the assignment without supervision. He is the child who can do those chores better than you think! And we are the boss who stands over Him and tells Him how to do it; the mother who wants nothing less than perfection.

Well who could be more capable and more perfect than God Himself?! When you ask God for help, are you willing to accept the help, or are you just wanting to "put in an order" for what you want Him to do and how He should do it?!

Do you think God feels any less respected and honored than we do, when the boss stands over us and tells us step-by-step how to do the job? I imagine it must be even harder for God to deal with us at times, than it is for us to deal with the boss. After all, the boss is only human and he's no better than you really - aside from his title and position.

On the other hand, God is NOT our equal by any means, and we are certainly NOT capable of doing the job that He can do! Yet, because He has given us the power of choice, God can do nothing to help us until we are ready to step aside, and let Him do what He does best - guide our lives!

Since turning my life over to God, I've found that life has become so much simpler! I no longer have to go through the awful experience of learning things the hard way, because if I let Him, God will do it right the FIRST time! Now isn't that an awesome thought?! Imagine having the power and knowledge to be able to do it right the first time and every time! The point is, we humans DON'T have that power or knowledge, but the good news is that we have that power and knowledge available to us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Why in the world would we battle against help like that?! Because we're control freaks!! We seem to have the idea that no one can run our lives better than we can.

Friend, I'm here to tell you that we just don't have what it takes to run our lives well. If we did, we wouldn't be asking God for help in the first place, would we?

Happy Fall to You!!

2007-10-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

A woman was asked by a coworker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"

The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine, for all the world to see.

Nature's Transitions

2007-10-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

The beauty and transitions of Fall make it my favorite time of the year. The cooler temperatures, the kaleidoscope of nature's colors and the falling leaves all bring on a sense of nostalgia for me. Not necessarily a sad nostalgia, but a very thoughtful time indeed.

As I look back over the years and think about all the transitions in my own life, I see that most of them fit the old cliche that there's always a silver lining behind the cloud. While many of life's transitions deal with loss in the same way that the trees lose their leaves, think of these transitions as a preparation for something better. The leaves fall from the trees, leaving the branches looking sad and barren, but come Spring, there will be a rebirth of new growth everywhere.

If we can look beyond the moment, we will be able to recognize the fact that each change and each transition in our life has a reason, and sometimes a very pleasant consequence if we can just hang in there and ride it through. The pleasant consequences may be nothing more than a valuable lesson learned, but it's a consequence that can positively affect the rest of our life.

I sometimes have to remind myself that like the song says, "the God of the mountain is still God in the valley!" Whether I recognized it at the time or not, God has been with me through each transition of my life - both difficult and good - just like He oversees the transitions in nature. The difference though, is that God considers us to be much more important than the things in nature. What a wonderful blessing is God's love and care for us through all the transitions of our lives!

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:26

Life Is Meant to Be Lived

2007-09-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

Life Is Meant to Be Lived

Life is to be lived. No excuses. No reservations. No holding back.

An enchangint story about violinist Fritz Kreisler tells how he once

came acrss a beautiful instrument he wanted to acquire. When he

finally raised the money for the violin, he returned to buy it and

learned that it had already been sold to a collector.

He went to the new owner's home in order to try to persuade him to

sell the violin. But the collector said it was one of his prized

possessions and he could not let it go. The disappointed Kreisler

turned to leave, but then asked a favor. "May I play the instrument

once more before it is consigned to silence?"

Permission was granted and the great musician began to play. The

violin sang out a quality of music so beautiful that the collector

himself could only listen in wonderment. "I have no right to keep that

to myself," he said after the musician finished. "The violin is yours,

Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world and let people hear it."

William Arthur Ward said, "If you believe in prayer, pray; if you

believe in serving, serve; if you believe in giving, give. For you

and I are exquisite violins - our music is meant to be heard."

I want to live my life that way - to take it into the world and live

it fully. I'd rather burn out than rust out. I'd rather be used up

than die not having done whatever I could . . . wherever I would.

I'm not talking about wearing ourselves out on over-activity.

Happiness is never found in excessive busyness. But it is found in

investing our lives in others. Saying YES when asked for a hand.

Volunteering some time for a worthwhile organization. Spending an

hour with a lonely relative.

In the end, I know that my happiness will not have been

about my ability or my inability. It will have been about my

availability. My life is meant to be lived.

~ Steve Goodier ~

Something Special

2007-09-24T21:51:00.001-07:00

Although the way be lonely,

And dark the shadows fall;

Wherever it may lead,

My Father planned it all.

The sun may shine tomorrow,

The shadows break and flee;

It will be the way He chooses,

The Father's plan for me.

He guides my halting footsteps

Along the weary way;

For well He knows the pathway

Will lead to endless day.

A day of light and gladness,

On which no shade will fall,

All this at last awaits me,

My Father planned it all.

I sing through shade and sunshine,

No matter what befalls

His way is best, it leads to rest;

My Father planned it all.

~ author unknown ~

The Changing of the Seasons

2007-09-20T12:48:00.001-07:00

I don't know why, but for some reason, when Fall comes, it always make me feel nostalgic. Don't misunderstand, Fall is my favorite season of the year, with it's earthy tones and colors, but somehow it leads me to wander back through the years and look at the seasons of my life.

I remember quite well being adopted as a toddler. It was like the second Spring of my life - figuratively speaking. It was a rebirth for me, like the rebirth you see in an earthly Spring, when all the annual plants once again make their way up through the soil made hard by winter snows and freezes. In some ways, I too, had already been through the hard times of winter, and now I was able to look at the world through new eyes. It was definitely a season of rebirth for me as I took in all the joy and happiness of a new home.

It seems like it wasn't long before I passed into the summer of my years with all the "busyness" and eagerness of youth, followed by the teen years with their whirlwhind of activities and changes. Those years were followed by the transition into adulthood and all the responsibilities that come with it. We graduate from high school and maybe college, and eventually move into the adjustments of careers and marriage and parenthood.

It seems like all too quickly we find ourselves settled into the Fall of our lives. Our children have reached adulthood and are settling into lives of their own - graduation, career, marriage, children . . . Oh wait - children?! That translates into a new and wonderful transition for us! Oh, the joys of being a grandparent! One of life's best and most enjoyable seasons! We have reached a maturity that allows us to be a softer and gentler, yet wiser, role model. Our experiences through the seasons of our life have created in us an ability to handle life with more patience and understanding, and with a softer touch. These are also the years when we look toward retirement and a very real "slowing down" in life. Life is more relaxed in the Fall of our lives, and I think once again, like children, we learn to appreciate the little things in life more.

Ah, but next comes the winter of our lives - the later years when we start to realize more fully our own mortality. It's a time when we look back over our lives and often wonder about what we did and how we did it. Did I do it right? Would I do it differently now? Well, unfortunately, life is not a dress rehearsal. Each season is a one-time transition. If we had it to do over again, would we do it differently? I don't think so. I believe that most of us give it our best the first time around. We may have been good at everything we did, or maybe we weren't so good at anything; but we gave it our best, with whatever tools we had been given through life.

Whatever season of life you are passing through, enjoy it to the fullest, because each transition only comes once!

When I Travel With Jesus

2007-09-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

"Twill be easy to pack when I travel with Jesus,

Leave this old earth and take to the air,

Leaving the trials and doubts all behind me,

For nothing of these ever entereth there.

"Twill be easy to pack when I travel with Jesus,

Leaving behind all the worries and fuss,

No need to think as I wing my way upward,

"I wonder what others are thinking of us?"

"Twill be easy to pack when I travel with Jesus,

Easy to leave all the old life behind -

Easy to loose all the old ties that bind me,

For naught of the past shall be brought into mind.

"Twill be easy to pack when I travel with Jesus,

Be ready, O heart, as you press on the road -

Ready if Jesus should come now and call you -

Ready for Jesus to lighten your load.

~ John Ashford Hyde ~

The Beauty of Diversity

2007-09-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

We could learn a lot from crayons;

Some are sharp, some are pretty,

Some are dull, some have weird names,

and all are different colors.

But . . . .

They all exist nicely in the very same box.

My Navy Man

2007-09-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Last year, my son decided to follow in the footsteps of several generations of men in his father's family, and join the Navy. He went through his boot camp training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Needless to say, boot camp alone took him through many transitions. The rigors of such difficult, structured training cannot be easy, but his dad and I were very proud that he was one of the Honor Graduates!

He is now stationed in Oklahoma and working hard to accomplish the goals needed for advancement through the ranks. Having grown up as a "Navy brat" he has an idea of the commitment and hard work required to live the Navy life and succeed at it. As a Navy man, his life will be one that is full of transitions! New bases with new jobs every few years, and lots of moving around. Since he has a touch of the wanderlust, I'm sure he'll do fine!

He has already done a lot of growing in the last year, and I'm confident that there will be more personal changes coming in the future. After all, he's a Navy man!

A Very Special Mother and Daughter

2007-09-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

I'm very proud of my daughter! She's a single working mom, who's also a college student. She has been through many transitions in her life, some of them very difficult, but she has come out on top! I think my daughter is an awesome young woman. She's ambitious, hard-working, and a top-notch student who has been on the Dean's List since she began college in her twenties. After graduating from Junior College with Honors, she was nominated to, and selected for, the National Dean's List and is also a member of the National Honor Society.

As you can see by this picture, my daughter and granddaughter are very close. It's just the two of them, so they take good care of each other! My granddaughter is a precocious little gal, and is very aware of all that her mom has to do in order to be both mom and dad to her.

They've been through a lot of transitions together, but they are strong and determined, and both will go a long way in life!

My BaileyGirl

2007-09-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

She's the light of my life, and a fun kid to be with! She came this afternoon to spend the night with me, and it's been fun, as usual. We've played games and talked away the hours like two good friends, and tomorrow we're going on a picnic!

It seems that I learn something every time she comes. For instance, I learned today that the color purple is just not where it's at any more. Her new favorite color is pink! Sigh . . . who can keep up?!

Of course, at this point in my life, it's getting hard to believe that my daughter is a thirty-something, and my son will be celebrating his 28th birthday tomorrow. Where in the world have the years gone?!

At times, it seems like the experience of raising children lasts forever, but just turn around and those little feet that pitter pattered all through the house, are now filling adult shoes. The little hands that left fingerprints on our walls are holding their own children, or at least cleaning their own fingerprints now!

Yes, it seems once again that life is one transition after another. We spend their infancy wishing that our children could walk, so that they didn't have to be carried all the time. then they begin to run, and we are weary from chasing them everywhere. Soon those feet don't want to walk or run anymore. They'd much rather take the family car!

Don't forget to slow down and enjoy each transition of your child's life. It doesn't necessarily get better or worse as they grow and move into another transition and stage of life - each stage is just different, with it's own set of joys and challenges! They only go through each stage once, so enjoy it for all that it is for the first time around, because that's all there is!

As they say, life is not a dress rehearsal. This is it, so enjoy every moment, and every transition for all it's worth, and when you look back on the years of your children's growth, you'll be glad that you did!

Happy Grandparent's Day!

2007-09-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Grandparent's Day!

September 9th is Grandparent's Day and you know what? It doesn't matter whether you're a brand new grandparent with one precious grandchild, or if you've been in that role for years and have twenty grandchildren - it's still an awesome experience!

Being a grandparent is like no other experience in life! It is full of unexpected wonders and challenges. I remember the thrill of being invited to attend my granddaughter's birth! She is almost nine years old now, but I remember it like it was yesterday! To enjoy the thrill of a new little life without the labor and stress of motherhood was exciting and exhilarating, scary and humbling - all at once!

I can't describe to you the myriad of emotions that I experienced that day. I felt sympathy for my daughter, who had been in labor for three days, I felt joy at being able to be there in the birthing room, I felt excited about the new baby's arrival, and yet, when she came, there were complications and sudden concerns for her health and safety, so then anxiety set in. The relief of getting her to finally breathe, and the tears of joy to see the pink face of that prcious, tiny little life with such a perfect and beautiful little body, and all was well with the world! Now that little girl is rapidly growing, and we are good friends! The hours during our weekend visits are filled with games, and movies, and crafts, and sometimes just talking. What a joy those visits are!

Life is good when you're a grandparent! You learn, once again, to see life and the world, through the eyes of a child. The wonder, the amazement, and all the learning there is to do. Life through the eyes of a child is so much different. They don't have the baggage of all the cynicism and callousness that the world inflicts increasingly upon the adults with each passing year! They don't have the biases and the closed minds of those who are older and more experienced at life. To them, the world is a kaleidoscope of life and learning! There is so much to see, and do, so many things to investigate and taste and try!

Wouldn't it be fun to be young again, just for a day, and to see the world through the eyes of a child? Every day is a new beginning for children, and what a wonderful world it would be if we could live our lives as the children do! Imagine waking up without yesterdays burdens, yesterdays hurts and hates, and all the baggage that we adults seem determined to carry with us from day to day.

Life was meant to be lived through the eyes of a child. Grandparent's Day is coming soon. Grab the grandchildren, and spend the day looking at the world, and at life, through the eyes of a child who has no baggage, no biases, and no darkened lenses.

Enjoy life to the fullest and for that one day, live it through the eyes of your grandchildren!

Friday the 13th

2007-04-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday, the 13th, typically a day clothed in superstition and thoughts of bad luck, etc. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia (a word that is derived from the concatenation of the Greek words Παρασκευή, δεκατρείς, and φοβία, meaning Friday, thirteen, and phobia respectively; alternate spellings include paraskevodekatriaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia) or friggatriskaidekaphobia, and is a specialized form of triskaidekaphobia, a phobia (fear) of the number thirteen.

To me, it’s simply another day that the Lord has blessed me with, and it’s one of the most beautiful days we’ve had this week. It was supposed to rain today, but instead we have blue skies with high white clouds and a slight breeze!

God gives us the choice of being free from the superstitions and fears that often plague our lives. The rituals that we sometimes go through to avoid certain situations and places that could bring us “bad luck” or difficulties, are a weight that we don’t need to carry. We don’t need incantations, or protective spirits or amulets of any kind to protect us. God’s love does that for us, and much more! All we have to do is ask – that’s the blessing of His love!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Psalm 46:1

Those Special Moments

2007-04-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes those special little moments that we all treasure, can come upon us quite unexpectedly, in unexpected ways and places.

I have found that the people here in my new “home town” are quite friendly and seem to always be ready to help a newcomer. I’ve found them in shops, parks, and on the buses.

I remember when I was just moving here and had to take a city bus to my apartment. One of the passengers was obviously a “regular” and was chatting away with the driver. Suddenly he slowed the bus a bit and pointed out to us a white squirrel in a yard along the route. Sure enough, it wasn’t a cat or any other kind of critter - it was definitely a white squirrel. I know they exist, but as far as I knew, none had been seen in this area before, and I had certainly never seen one! What a moment that was!!

I was riding the city bus again yesterday to take care of some errands. When we arrived at the main transit center downtown, the bus driver and I had a chance to chat a few minutes, as we waited until it was time to go again. There was only one other dozing passenger on the bus at the time, so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and ask him where I could find certain things in town, and about some of the bus rules and routes, etc.

He was a nice personable man and I enjoyed his company. He was very helpful and even went out of his way to show me where to get off to get to particular stores, etc. After leaving the transit center, I knew I had a while to ride yet before reaching my destination, so pulled out my book and got comfortable.

Suddenly the driver spoke up and said “Look at the deer!” There we were, only blocks from downtown and standing in the open, in a partially wooded area were two deer! What a neat surprise for this city-living country girl!!

Man and nature coming together, if only for a short while. As we continue to infringe on, and take over their homeland, more and more creatures are coming closer and closer – both in fear, and out of need of space and food. Yet, it created a very special moment for those of us just riding a city bus to somewhere.

Two very special moments, in two very unexpected places . . . another of God’s daily blessings!

It’s Spring, and that always holds the promise of very special moments, in very special times and places. Watch for them, with family and friends – and even with the occasional stranger!

This is the day which the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

A Future Full of Hope and Promise

2007-04-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

I have finally moved forward through the transition of relocating to a new home and new life in a new town! In answer to many prayers, God has led in this transition, and it just feels right!

My new home is in a nice, quiet neighborhood. It’s a friendly apartment complex where neighbors look after each other – like the good ol’ days! Friendships seem to be easily made, and some have been nurtured and treasured for years!

Life here is quiet and peaceful – flowers blooming outside my window, and birds singing away throughout the day! It’s a bright and beautiful day out today, and there is happiness in my soul. I see a promising future with new friends to add to the longtime and treasured friends that I’ve collected over the years.

Now comes the time for unpacking and settling in for the long haul. There’s a true sense of satisfaction in being able to get my own creativity flowing as I decorate and set up my new home in a way that reflects who I am, and what I like! Hopefully my new apartment will soon be my own little haven of serenity.

God has truly blessed me with wonderful friends who have been very supportive during this transition, and I think there will be more treasured friends in my future! God is true and dependable in His leading on our paths along life’s journey. We can rest assured that in our relationship with Him, we will always find a trusted Friend who blesses us each day with His Presence and guidance in our lives!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Who Am I?

2007-02-23T13:40:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had an experience that makes you feel like you’ve just had the rug pulled out from under you? Maybe it was a hurtful experience, or a shocking experience, or maybe a revelation about your life that just seemed to come out of left field.

We generally move through childhood believing what we are told by our parents because, after all, why would we not believe them? It’s a well-believed thought that they know more about us than anyone, and why would we think that we would not be told the truth?

All of this is generally true, until you consider the life of an adopted child, which is often enshrouded in mystery and secrecy. There again, the child is left with no choice but to believe, or at least accept, what they are told by social workers or the adoptive parents. You grow up with all the usual questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Who is my family? While these questions are not really an issue for most families, for the adopted child it stems from a deeper curiosity of wondering “Why was I given away? Who are my ‘real’ parents? Didn’t they love me? Why didn’t they want me anymore?” Within that child is a very real need to know.

It’s up to the adoptive parents whether to be honest with this child about the details of the adoption, or to sugar-coat the situation, or to just avoid the questions altogether! Each choice has lifetime consequences in the life of that child. If you are honest with the child, the child learns to trust and knows that you care and understand about his or her feelings. If you sugar-coat the situation, and the truth comes out later, then the adopted child feels that maybe their whole life was a lie. For the adoptive parents to avoid the questions, leaves a child wondering, “What is wrong with me? Why CAN’T I talk about my ‘real’ parents? Why are there secrets about my adoption? Was I bad? Were they bad?’” The questions that go through a child’s mind are endless.

When those answers come to light later in life, and they are different from the answers that were given throughout the life of the child – chaos reigns within that child, even as an adult. It can be a very overwhelming experience to find out that you aren’t at all the person you thought you were. It doesn’t really change your character or your personal integrity, or even who you really are inside, but it changes how you look at yourself, and once again, it creates more questions than answers.

Transitions can be good, or they can be bad. Sometimes they are neither good nor bad - they’re just transitions. Life is full of transitions, and how we handle them, no matter how much they may shake our world, is important to our well-being. Can we stand strong, in spite of the often overwhelming changes these transitions bring to our lives, or will we cave in to what seems like an absolute shattering of everything we have ever known or believed.

The choice is very personal and differs with each individual, but it’s a choice that will have lifetime consequences.

Very Special Treasures

2007-02-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

I think most of us will agree that friends are a valuable part of our lives. A good friend shares our joys, our sorrows, our ups and downs – sometimes for only a short time, sometimes for a lifetime.

I have been reminded though, that there is nothing more precious than a friend who will pray with you. I received a phone call today from a friend I had not talked with in quite a while, and she had called to check on me and see how I was doing – both emotionally and physically.

We talked for a while about things that have been going on in our lives – then came the best part of our communication. Before we ended our conversation, my friend asked if she could pray with me before we parted once again. It really meant a lot to me that my friend had not only called to check on me and encourage me, but that she also wanted to take the time to pray with me.

I have some very special friends who have found some very unique ways to pray with me - and for me. Some, like my friend today, have called and prayed with me, and some have sent me very special prayers through e-mails. I have even had friends awaken in the middle of the night and pray for me while I was on the road traveling.

Praying friends are an amazing source of strength and blessings!!

Praying friends are special treasures sent to us by God, and He has richly blessed me with a strong and caring group of these "very special treasures". They have brought a lot of peace, comfort and encouragement into my life.

I pray that God will bless them as richly as He has blessed me - by bringing some “very special treasures” in their lives also!!

Patience and Trust

2007-01-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

We humans tend to be an impatient lot, don't we? We want God's support, and we often pray for His guidance in a decision, but . . . too many times we want the answer we want, and we would certainly like to have it NOW! Seems to me that we are pretty lowly creatures to be going up against God! I mean, there are people here on this earth that I wouldn't want to confront or hand an ultimatum to, yet we often have no qualms about "laying it all out there" to the One who really does have our best interests at heart.

Well God, this is what I need and this is how I want it to be worked out, and by the way, I'd like to have that as soon as possible! Imagine our response if one of our children made a request in this manner, yet how often do we approach God with this attitude.

Due to the wisdom that comes from maturity and experience, parents often have the ability to "look down the road" and know in advance what the consequences would be of fulfilling a child's request - whether good or bad. What we often fail to realize is that God has an even greater ability to see the whole picture of our lives - where we've been, and where we are headed. In our human impatience, how easy it is to forget that, like a parent, He really does know best.

I'm at the point in my life where I realize that I've really done a lot of "messing up" in trying to run my own life. As my friend used to say - hindsight is always better than foresight." But why learn everything the hard way, if we don't have to? I've found that my life is made so much easier by praying for the Lord's guidance in my decision-making, and then actually standing back and letting Him lead! He has never once steered me in the wrong direction!

As I stand at the point of another transition of my life, with another move and all the changes it entails, I'm finally learning to stand back quietly and allow the Lord to give the help that I have requested. Instead of being stressed about what might, or might not be, down the road for me, I've decided to leave it in the Lord Hands, and let Him lead me along in my journey through this transition. It has made things much easier to face and cope with - including the one who is the cause of this transition and the mixed bag of emotions it has created.

God's ability to love and nurture His children is even greater than that of an earthly parent. He will never lead us in a way that is not good for us, or that would bring us in harm's way. He wants to give us the best of what He has, and He has love and strength overflowing!! He is never too tired or too busy to hear and honor our requests for help. All we have to do is step aside, put our trust in Him, and let Him lead where He will.

~ If God is your co-pilot, you'd better swap seats! ~

The Joys of Friendship

2007-01-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
for he has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10

I have recently been reminded again of the value and joys of true friendship. Today, after a very busy, and sometimes frustrating morning, I spent the afternoon with a very dear friend. She needed help setting up a new phone, and I needed help getting some business taken care of in town. We helped each other, and greatly enjoyed the company during our "exchange of favors." Afterward, I was rewarded with the blessing of sharing a meal with her at her home.

During recent weeks, with the necessity of a sudden move thrust upon me, it has, at times, been difficult to gather my thoughts, and the strength, to accomplish what needs to be done. There is so much that needs to be done, and so many things that need to be acquired or purchased in a short time, in order to set up housekeeping in a new apartment. Once again, friends have gathered around me and come to my rescue with loving support in the form of encouraging words of wisdom, loving hugs, and gifts of household items.

I truly believe that friends are "angels on earth" that God has put in our lives to give us the added spiritual and emotional support that we need. God created us to be social creatures, needing companionship and support from one another. Man was not meant to be "an island unto himself." God has given us many gifts and talents to share with one another, that enable us to give each other just what is needed.

God has truly blessed me with friends who are true, and not afraid to be part of an honest, healthy relationship. I think more than anything else in my life, other than my relationship with God, I am most thankful for the friends who have been with me through thick and thin! They have truly made my life a blessing, and they are to be greatly treasured!

May God bless my friends as richly as He has blessed me!

Prayer for Your New Year

2007-01-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But my making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God's love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

~ anonymous ~

The Top Ten Predictions for 2007

2007-01-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

1. The Bible will still have the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-appointed preaching.
6. There will still singing of praise.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

A New Year

2007-01-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

It is the beginning of the New Year - 2007. As we begin a new year, we usually think of it as a time for resolutions, new beginnings, and hope for better times. It's time for turning over a new leaf, and thinking of the changes that will come.

As I move forward into this new year, I think about the changes that are coming into my own life. I'll soon be moving to a new apartment, in a new town, and in the coming weeks, I will officially become a senior citizen! The new year already shows promise of being a season of many positive changes for me. I look forward with eagerness, to this new chapter in my life.

As I begin this new chapter in the book of my life, I will share with you bits and pieces of my journey, and my thoughts and reactions to what life reveals during this journey into new horizons. My prayer is that it will be a better year for all of us, and that God will richly bless us with the gifts of friendship and love.