New Years Resolution!

Christmas has come and seemed to be over in a blink of an eye! Now I am making a list and checking it twice for New Year's resolutions. I have discovered from my many years of making lists that I am better off if I stick to one good New Years resolution instead of trying to work on a miriad of things. So here is my plan: I write down everything that comes to me that I feel I should change in the year 2012. Then I choose the one that glares out at me with a red blinking light that says "work on me". The following are some of the areas I would like to improve on or change: Lose weight, eat a healthy diet, exercise, don't ever judge anyone, think positive, restore a lost relationship, make out a budget and stick to it, pay only with cash and leave the credit cards at home, watch less tv, read more, etc.
The above are all worthwhile resolutions and most of them I am already working on but would like to improve, so the one that glares out at me with the blinking red light is: Eat a Healthy Diet!
If I resolve to eat healthy and leave all sugars and carbs alone then I will lose weight and feel all around healthier. I will then have a more positive attitude about the things that come my way and cause me not to judge anyone or indulge in shopping. I will have more energy so I will want to exercise more and get out of my lazy boy and watch less t.v. Isn't it amazing how choosing just one resolution and sticking to it will reverberate and bring about changes in the other areas of my life and help me to accomplish the many goals I wrote down in the first place. How do I know this? Well, two years ago I began a healthy eating plan and all of the above took place, but then I began to indulge in sweets a little here and a little there and soon put on ten pounds. Then I didn't have the energy to exercise and that caused me to sit more and watch more tv than I know is good for me, etc. So if you like my plan I urge you to give it try and see what wonderful results will come about. I plan to keep you informed on this blog how it is working for me! Stay tuned and have a Happy New Year!

Whiter than Snow

In the early morning, it is such a beautiful sight to pull up the shades on the window and look out to freshly fallen snow! It reminds me of the scripture in Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us set things right says the Lord. Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow" What a beautiful promise from our Lord that we too can have that purity we see right after the snow has fallen and can pray like the Psalmist in Ps 51:9 "Wash me and make me whiter than snow". God is such a forgiving God and all we need to do is ask for his forgiveness and he grants it. Are we that forgiving with one another? I believe if we truly desire to be pure and white as the new fallen snow, we must forgive as Jesus forgives. We can still be ourselves, but we will be transformed into a much more caring, loving and kind person if we strive to be whiter than snow! The following is from my book "Living Waters: Writings from the Heart of a Christian" and is found on page 19. "Your sins are forgiven. Your guilt is covered over by the blood of the lamb. You are set free from past sins and burdens. I remember them no more and neither should you. Be free my child! Be carefree and happy! Let my spirit soar within you, filling you with my love and grace". May the Lord Jesus bless you and help you to become whiter than snow!

A Time to be Thankful

This is definitely the week to pause and think about what you are thankful for. In fact one should give thanks to God everyday and not wait until Thanksgiving Day. I thank God each morning for another day to live for him and to do whatever he asks of me. I thank God for the day whether it is warm or cold, sunny or snowy. I thank God for the food I have to prepare and eat and the way it is provided. I thank God for family and friends and whatever the day offers. I thank God for good health and the ability to move about and come and go as I please. I thank God for a warm home and my husband that shares it with me. I have many many more thanks that I offer unto God and I know that you do too, so together let us praise and thank the Lord for all that he has provided and for the love that he showers us with each and every day! Have a wonderful and thankful Thanksgiving Day!

Heavenly Light

Are you aware that Jesus wants to fill you with his living waters? He also wants to fill you with his Heavenly light so that you can dispel the darkness around you! Jesus is the light of the world and as his disciples we can bring light to areas that are groping in the dark and stumbling and falling. When a person sees the light, they can then begin to see the path ahead of them more clearly and begin to walk the straight and narrow road. During these times of turmoil and uncertainty it is more important than ever to be able to see spiritually; so my advice is to call upon God to come and help you and he will deliver you from the darkness. Remember also that angels are round about you protecting you. You cannot see them for they are spiritual beings sent by God to watch over you. Call upon the Lord and he will answer you! Repent and believe the Good News that Jesus died for your sins so that you might have life, life aboundant. Be ready my readers for you know not the hour or the day that you may be called to leave this earth! I invited Jesus into my heart when I was 33 years old and have always been so happy that I made that decision. God loves you more than you can ever imagine!

Snowy Scene reminds me of love

As I looked out our patio door this past week I beheld a winter wonderland! For some reason it reminded me of a scene in the movie Dr. Zhivago. I haven't viewed that movie in many years but the snowy, cold scenes have never left my memory. As the sun sparkled from the snowy, glittering trees, I was remembering how very much God loves us and the many ways he shows that love in the outdoor scenery we view and that is why the movie came to my mind. Russia was in the midst of great turmoil and upheaval , yet love still permeated among the people and especially with young Doctor Zhvargo and his wife. We are going through times of turmoil in our own country and it is felt strongly by many who are out of work. We all experience the price increases when we go to the grocery store and when we put gas in our vehicles. Yet Godly love doesn't change and it is always there for us to warm our hearts and help us through these difficult times. So as I gazed out my door that snowy morning, I thought of love (not shoveling snow or the other things connected with a snow storm ) for God's ray of sunshine was sparkling on the trees and I knew it also sparkles in my soul and yours!
The first chapter of my book "Living Waters: Writings from the Heart of a Christian" is titled love and gives an indepth view of God's love for us. The following is an excerpt from one of the messages in Chapter I. "My child, you are my precious dear one. My love for you is everlasting and endearing. I long to show my love to you in many ways. Open your hands and your heart and receive what I have for you. It pleases me to see you delight in my love, to bathe in it as a person bathes in the morning sunlight. Take my love and share it with those you hold close to you."

Birthday prayer

Tomorrow I celebrate the day the Lord chose to have me enter this world. I truly believe God knows everthing about me and watches over me. He has a plan for my life and I try and be obedient and follow that plan, however sometimes the road gets a little bumpy and curvy and then I wonder if I am on the road that brings about His plan for me. Whenever that happens I realize his great love even moreso, for he is always by my side cheering me on. God is all forgiving and forgetting and not like us humans who tend to hold back and not totally forgive or still on occasion bring up that offense that hurt us. My birthday prayer is that the Lord God will grant me the grace to not look back but keep my eyes on the present. I am very thankful for my life and all that has transpired in my seventy three years. I realize more and more that God's hand has been guiding me and leading me and I praise and thank him. I thank him for my life and for all life, for he is our creator and we are all made in his image and likeness. May his peace surround all of you this day and all of the days to come!

Mothers and daughters

This past weekend I was the guest speaker at a mother/daughter luncheon and was able to share how my book "Living Waters: Writings from the Heart of a Christian" came about. It was a beautiful sight to see mothers and their daughters enjoying this special time together. It was refreshing to see a special time set apart from their busy schedules to just enjoy being together and have that special bond as mother and daughter. I remember going to a mother/daughter banquet with my mother when I was about thirteen years old. I was so happy to be there with her and so very proud of her because she won the door prize for having the most daughters! (I was the fifth of six daughters) In today's society we seldom honor women who have many children, in fact they are often the object of ridicule and scorn! I decided to honor my deceased mother by giving my book to the woman present who had the most daughters. The woman who won my book was the mother of five daughters and was most pleased to receive "Living Waters". I couldn't help but wonder if anyone had ever complimented her on raising five daughters. Raising a large family involves many sacrifices for both parents, yet the reward of love and devotion from their family more than makes up for it. I speak from experience because I am the mother of three daughters and three sons and I feel deeply loved by each one of them.

Being prepared

Yesterday my husband and I raked and bagged the pine needles that were on the lawn and patio and generally got ready for winter by putting in storage some of the patio furniture. etc.   The day was a beautiful, warm fall day and I even had the thought we may be a bit premature in preparing for winter. Not so, not so, as today we woke up to a light snow that soon became a big snow storm!  As I sit here writing, I am thinking it is always good to prepare ahead of time for most things.  We prepare ahead of time for a trip, holiday meals, parties, weddings, babies, reunions, special gatherings, etc. One thing we don't prepare ahead of time is an unexpected death in the family. It is a shock like none other when a healthy, young person dies suddenly.  Everyone close to the deceased can hardly take it all in and are struck with a grief they didn't know was possible. Questions abound why would this person with so much talent and potential die so young?  None of us know when our time to leave this earthly existence will be, so be prepared is a good way to live each day that we do have.  How do I prepare you may ask yourself?  I like to think that living each day as though it may be my last day is a good way to start and by that I mean: 1.Start and end my day talking to the Lord.  2. Follow his commandments that he has given me in scripture.  3. Make sure that the Lord is truly my Lord and Savior and first in my life. There are many other things one can do to be prepared,  but for me these three simple steps give me peace knowing that I am ready and prepared ahead of time.

Blessings and Graces

A good time was had at the mountain wedding this past weekend.  The weather turned out to be very pleasant and the scenery was magnificent! My grandson and his new bride said their vows down at the river and after the ceremony all of the guests returned to the wedding tent to enjoy delicious food, beverages, and dancing to a live bluegrass band. It was a fun weekend and a beautiful wedding.  I am so thankful that my husband and I are able to attend our grandchildren's weddings and special events.  This is all part of the life cycle that we all enjoy so much.  I look forward to someday being a great-grandmother and seeing and loving these little ones too!  Only God knows how long  each one of us will be on this earth, so I try and enjoy each day I have and each celebration that our family has. We all are given so many blessings from the Lord and graces to meet each challenge that comes our way.  I cannot do it on my own, but with Jesus I can do all things!  I am thinking today of the many things I have to be thankful for and the list goes on and on.  Have you tried writing down everything you are thankful for?  If you haven't you will be pleasantly surprised just how long the list becomes.  Even if you are upset with someone that has hurt you it is a good idea to list all of their good attributes and soon you realize they are special and you can love them regardless of what they did to you.  God calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves and sometimes this can be quite a challenge, however with God's help we can do all things!  May your week be filled with many  blessings and graces and may you remember to thank God for each and every one!  Have a great week!!

Weather and a wedding

I am excited about another grandchild getting married this weekend and I am also praying for good weather.  The wedding is being held in the mountains and today it is rainy and on the cold side!  The weather in the mountains is usually cooler and could possibly get snow rather than rain. However, Jesus is Lord of all things and can command the sun to come out and provide a beautiful day for the wedding.  He commanded the wind to calm down as the disciples were fishing on the sea, so I ask myself do I have the faith to believe he will do that for us if the weather doesn't get better?  I believe God answers prayers and does it according to his will for each person or situation.  So I will continue to ask and then leave it in his hands, for  he knows what is best for every prayer that comes before him.  There will be a tent with heaters, so we will all be toasty warm if the temperature doesn't warm up.  Of course these are all really very human concerns before any big event, however I recognize that the most important event of my grandson's life is about to take place as he promises to love, honor and cherish his future wife.  It is a BIG deal to promise to live the rest of your life with this one special person. In my fifty five years of marriage, I have found I didn't have to do it by myself as the Lord was always with me.  In good times and in bad, he gave us the guidance we needed to get through whatever we were dealing with.  He has been with us throughout our marriage and this is the only way we could have reached the milestone of so many years together.  I trust he will do for my grandchildren as he did and is still doing in my marriage. Marriage is like the uncertainty of the weather for this mountain wedding as they may have to wait until the last minute to see if it will be warm and sunny and in marriage you sometimes have to wait for the Son to come and help you solve a pressing problem. Dear Lord, please grant them a long and happy life together!

Sisters

I have spent the past week with three of my five sisters and all I can say is that it has been a warm, wonderful, sharing time together. We have had great fun together and some of the things we did, besides sit and reminese, was an afternoon golfing together, scouring the flea markets for just that certain gem, shopping, going out to eat, having fun at the Farmer's Market, the art displays at UW, and viewing the Wyoming Broadcasters Hall of Fame. We sat on the patio visiting and drinking tea and eating goodies. We watched a movie and some news, but mostly the television was off. As I am writing my blog this morning the song "Sisters" comes to my mind. The one sung by Rosemary Clooney in the movie "White Christmas". The first line begins: Sisters, sisters
There were never such devoted sisters
Never had to have a chaperone, No sir,
I'm there to keep my eye on her. Caring, sharing
Every little thing that we are wearing.
I know that we did alot of that growing up. My sister Jane and I double dated and did many things in High School together and we did keep our eye on each other, and stuck up for each other. This past week has been a caring, sharing week and I loved every minute of it. We are all getting older and don't move as fast as we once did, but patience, love and forebearance always was upper most in each of our hearts. I also wonder how much longer we can have these times of reunion with each other and then I thank the Lord for this one. Another line in the song comes to my remembrance and I will close with it. "All kinds of weather, we stick together The same in the rain or sun. Six different faces, but in tight places We think and we act as one!"
Please enjoy your sister today and the rest of your life!

Family Photo Wall

I took all of the framed photos down from the family wall of photos when we recently had wood floors installed, so now I am in the process of putting up a new photo wall. I decided it is time that the high school graduation pictures be stored away along with all of the framed photos of generations past, family group photos, etc. Now I am left with wedding pictures of my six married children, two married grandchildren, my husband and myself, my parents and my husband's parents, which means eleven 8x10 wedding photos. I also want to display an up-to-date photo of each of my ten grandchildren. So here's my dilemna! Can I successfully arrange twenty one framed portraits on one hall wall and have it look attractive, neat and tastefully arranged? I decided the best thing for me to do is to call my daughter, who loves to decorate, to come and do it for me! It will look beautiful and the family will all love it when they come home to visit. The main objective of all of this is for my husband and I to love it as we pass by the hall many times a day. I am sure I will miss all of the pictures that hung on the hall wall for many years but it is time for a fresh new look! Sometimes I find my spiritual life is the same way as I settle for what I have always done for years, yet I know God wants me to have a fresh start each new day with him. So like the new photo wall, I have decided to freshen up my time with the Lord and add a new dimension to my prayer life. Some things I am pondering are: Begin the day with a song of praise, spend my time thanking and praising God for all he has done and naming them one by one. Meditate on scripture passages and see how it speaks to me. Spend more time in quiet and waiting upon the Lord. Listen to spiritual music as I pray for others. These are just a few ways to change my prayer life and give it a fresh new boost. Have a great week!

The new floors are in and I must say they look exceptionally beautiful! What would I do without family that so graciously came and moved the furniture to the garage and then came back and moved it back in when the floors were finished? My daughter came by for several hours today to help me with decorating. She is very talented and although she isn't officially a decorator she very well could be one! She and my son-in-law also cut down a dead tree in our front yard and then hauled it off! I didn't expect them to do any of this, but they came because they wanted to help us. It is a beautiful blessing when families rally around and help each other and my husband and I are truly blessed! The chapter titled Family in my book "Living Waters:Writings from the Heart of a Christian" I feel is well worth reading. I sought the Lord and he answered me while raising our children and he will do the same for anyone seeking his help.

White Carpeting

The workers just finished pulling up my white carpeting to put down oak floors. The pounding has been going on all morning as they have to tear up the sub floor also. I have been pondering, since I made the decision to get wood floors, if I made the right decision! I love the warmth of carpeting and yet I dislike how it gets dirty so easily. The bottom line is: Don't get white carpeting! My thought was that the children are all raised and on their own, so now I will get something really luxurious like white carpeting! Somehow I forgot that we adults track in everything that is outside too, and also we don't live on an island by ourselves and many people come and go here, so it is hard to keep it spotless! I have always known that God opened the door for us to have our present home and that it really doesn't belong to us but to Him. So therefore, my desire is to have it reflect His glory. I know that God is a God of order and cleanliness so by replacing the white carpeting and putting in oak floors I pray it will have a fresh, clean look to it! It is a lot like my spiritual life, in the respect that I need to keep it fresh and renewed daily! Have a wonderful week with many of God's blessings!

Summer is going by all too fast and I find myself wondering how can it possibly be August already! I believe it is a lot like life in that I often wonder where did the years go to and did I make the most of them? I tell my children quite often to enjoy each day that they are raising their children because you turn around and they are going off to college or getting married. Also enjoy your mate because you never know how long you have to be together. My husband and I just returned from visiting our youngest grandchild and every time we see her, we are so amazed at all of the new things she is doing. We so want to be here to witness all of the big events in her life, yet we haven't any assurance that will happen, so we know that enjoying the small things right now is very important! My question is: Do you enjoy the little things in life or are you always waiting for the next BIG event? There is so much joy and happiness to be had in each new day we are allotted here on earth and to me the BIG event will be when I meet Jesus face to face! So I ask myself am I ready? Have I lived my life each day to the fullest and been obedient to whatever God has asked of me? Have I been loving and kind to the people who cross my path each day? Have I passed on Jesus love to others? Do I feel that whatever I have done I will be greeted at the Heavenly Gate with "Well done, my good and faithful servant, please come in." A lot to think and pray about but is attainable if you live one day at a time with the Lord at your side helping you and rooting you on!

The Lord's strength

I took a 20 minute nap today and I seem to be falling into that habit more and more. I don't know if it is the warm summer days that we are having that make me tired or if it is just age related! I do know that I find myself relying on the Lord's strength and help more and more. There are many scriptures that refer to the Lord's strength and I find them helpful to recall when I am feeling weary and need his strength. Some of them are: Ps 46:2 God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Ps105:4 Look to the Lord and his strength, seek to serve him constantly! Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, I am your God, I will strengthen you, and help you and will uphold you with my right hand of justice. Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always. Exodus 15:2 My strength and my courage is the Lord.

I love the song that sings of the joy of the Lord and it has one simple line that you sing over and over and it goes like this: The joy of the Lord is my strength, The joy of the Lord is my strength, The joy of the Lord is my strength, Oh the joy of the Lord is my strength! If you are feeling tired on these hot summer days, call upon the Lord and He will strengthen you for it is a promise in scripture!

Special Times

Recently my husband and I attended our first grandchild's wedding and I must say it was so very beautiful! Everything was done exquisitely and took many months to accomplish the final results. I am very happy for the bride and groom and this new beginning they have embarked upon. I couldn't help but reflect how life cycles come and go. We had the joy of planning and celebrating our children's weddings and now we sit back and observe with amazement our children helping plan their children's weddings. I am so thankful that I am still alive and able to be a part of these celebrations. I say celebrations because our first grandson will be marrying this fall also. Weddings are a beautiful time for families to come together and enjoy being together. It was so heartwarming to have my family all here celebrating this very special event. I am also wondering if our going home to be with our Lord is a bit like a wedding celebration. Our loved ones that have gone on before us all joining together to welcome us home and celebrating our being together. Life is full of many celebrations and gathering together and I am so thankful for these special times. I believe it is love that binds us together and gives us the joy we encounter when our loved ones come home to be with us. I thank God that He is all love and has such tremendous love for each one of us. As we draw close to Jesus we receive His love to share with our family and friends. I also believe that it is love that heals the broken relationships that were stolen from us. Jesus tells us to "Love one another as I have loved you" Good words to remember each and every day!

Reunion

This past week was one that I will remember for a long time as my entire family was home for my granddaughter's wedding and a family reunion! We were all so very happy to reconnect again and just spend time together visiting and enjoying one another's company. All of my grandchildren came so we had a grandchildren picture taken with their grandparents! Our grandchildren range in age from 31 years old to 9 months old, so it was fun to have little ones laughing and playing in our home once again. It reminds me of the scripture that tells us to become as little children. They are so trusting that they will be fed, bathed, and taken care of. They don't need to worry about a thing as they know their parents love them and care for them and their every need. God wants us to trust him in the same way, yet we worry and stress over so many things! How much more does he love us than we love our children and we take good care of them. In my book "Living Waters" Jesus tells me that it is when you are as a little child that your prayers are most readily answered. Something to think about!

Anniversary

My husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary this past week and we reflected upon the many years together. (55) We were married on a Sunday afternoon in June and it was so very hot! Air conditioning wasn't prevalent as it is today, so the church was hot, the reception was hot and our car was hot! We weren't used to air conditioning so didn't think anything of it other than we were sweating and I didn't want to ruin my beautiful wedding gown! We went to Estes on our way to Denver so the mountains were a wonderful relief and so very beautiful. We attended a double header baseball game of the Denver Bears. I wasn't sure about sitting that long watching baseball and little did I realize this was a foreshadowing of the many sporting events we would attend in the years to come! Many years later when major league baseball came to Denver we were able to attend the Rockies games and I loved every minute of it. Some of our children were very involved in playing sports so my early introduction to sports was a good thing! We introduce our spouses to the things we love to do and it is always good to give it a try so you can enjoy those things together. We have been through many experiences such as camping, fishing and enjoying the outdoors with our family. Vacations were always fun and a great time to have quality time with the children. So many wonderful memories and how quickly the time went by. Enjoy your spouse and children and treasure every day that God gives you!

Forgiveness

This past week my church held a Healing Mass and the celebrant was a priest from Rhwanda, Father Ubald. During the ethnic cleansing or genocide in Rhwanda he escaped in the middle of the night to the Congo. He lost 80 family members and most of his parishioners, which was over 4000. He came back with the gift and desire to heal his people. The man that killed Fr. Ubald's mother was in prison and while Fr. Ubald was ministering in the prison he forgave him for killing his mother and later that man asked Father for his forgiveness. The man's wife died while he was in prison, so Fr Ubald took care of and provided for his children. We may never be called to forgive to that extent, but we all are called to forgive those who have hurt us. Forgiveness sets us free and brings healing to us. Let this be a healing week for each one of us as we forgive and act upon it. Have a great week!

Coming together

This is the beginning of the wedding season for many and it is so fun to watch and listen to all of the activity that happens before the actual wedding day. I have two grandchildren getting married this summer so this is an exciting time for our family. Early planning began last summer and now they can just relax and enjoy all the pre-wedding activites. It is so wonderful for families to get together and enjoy being together. As gas prices continue to climb, the expenses of coming together is getting very pricy so it may be longer between visits. That makes me appreciate the sacrifice, time and energy it takes young families to travel to come home just to visit or for a special occasion like a wedding. I appreciate my family and I am so thankful for each one. I pray everyone reading my blog will be able to visit their family sometime this year and if you can't please call them more often and enjoy hearing their voice and just enjoy visiting with them. The following is a quote from my book, Living Waters: "Do not let the enemy of your soul entice you to think on the negative, but embrace the positive." I look forward to our family reunion this summer!

Sharing

Last evening we shared a meal with friends! The food was good and the sharing of our lives in conversation was even better. Jesus shared a meal often in scriptures and of course the greatest meal was the Last Supper, which we all can partake of today. I love to cook and then enjoy the results with others. Tonight some family members are coming by for leftovers as I cooked way too much for the dinner party the night before. It really won't matter that the food was cooked the day before, but what matters is that we will be together and sharing what is going on in our lives. I hope you take time to have friends or family come to your home for a meal and enjoy a delightful time together. After Jesus died and rose from the dead he cooked fish over an open fire on the shore for the disciples as they came ashore with their net full of fish. (John 21:9) He not only fed his disciples then, but he still feeds us today. We can read the Bible and be fed and we can receive Him in Holy Communion. We can listen to Him in prayer and be fed with what He speaks to us in the silence of our heart. My book "Living Waters: Writings from the Heart of a Christian" is all about Jesus speaking to my heart and feeding me Living Waters.

Weather

The sun is shining and it is lightly snowing! Guess I am ready for some warm Spring weather, but in Wyoming, Spring doesn't come easily and sometimes not at all. I have learned over the years not to put out the summer plants until after Memorial Day because they might freeze. Oh well, our summers in Cheyenne are worth giving up a warm Spring. I love the fact we don't have extreme heat and we have mostly pleasant summer days. So much sadness and devastation being experienced in the South right now that I need to be more thankful for the weather we are having. May God comfort and bless all who have lost loved ones in the tornadoes and may our country rally around and help the suffering and hurting that were affected by them. Perhaps we should all say a special prayer of thanks right now for the home we are living in, the food we have on hand for our next meal and that we and our family is safe. Thank you Lord Jesus for keeping us safe and in your care right now. Please help all of those that are without a home because of severe weather and are worried, afraid and not sure what they will do next. Help us all to reach out with a helping hand to someone in need.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Such wonderful news that Jesus died and rose from the dead. That is my hope and my salvation. He died to save me from my sins. My part is to accept Him as my Lord and Savior, confess my sins and turn away from them and follow Jesus. I invited Jesus into my heart forty years ago and my only regret was that I didn't do it sooner! Following the Lord isn't always easy, but it is the way to peace, love and joy. He is my source, my inspiration, my everything and comes first in my life. My husband comes next and then my family. The other things follow, such as being obedient to the tasks the Lord has called me to do, like spread the Good News by the way I live and speaking up if it is needed. My task this year has been to get my book "Living Waters: Writings from the Heart of a Christian" out into the public so others may experience the beautiful messages God has given to me in prayer. It has helped many people already and the messages will speak to the reader if one allows God to do so in the silence of their heart. May God richly bless you this Easter Day and may His graces abound in your life. Jesus is Lord and has triumphed over death!

The wind has been strong the past two weeks and it always feels so good to get home and out of it. Come to think of it, I always love to come home. I even love a good snowstorm that keeps me from leaving the house for several days. Just something about one's home that is comforting and cozy. How blessed I am and probably everyone else that is reading this post to have a nice home that is warm and comfortable. So many people the world over can't say that and even if they have a home aren't as warm as they would like to be. The economic crisis is affecting people in so many different ways and keeping the heat turned down is one of them. Eating less and eating inexpensive foods is another way some people have to budget. In these difficult times it is easy to become worried and afraid and wonder what is next, yet God loves us and wants us to have his peace, love and joy. God's word tells us that he will never leave us or forsake us, so no matter what you are going through you can turn to him and trust that he will see you through. So if the turmoil of life has you feeling like you do on an extremely windy, cold day, come into the Lord's house and rest awhile and let him speak to you and comfort you.

Gossip

Have you been affected by gossip? Have you been the gossip-monger? The dictionary definition of gossip is: "Rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature. A gossip is a person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors." I think two key words in all of this is rumor and habitually. So beware when you are tempted to gossip or listen to gossip that is a rumor and designed to ruin the person that is being gossiped about. Jesus was a victim of gossip and accused of many things, yet he went about doing the Father's business. He also says that if we follow him we also will be persecuted and in my opinion being gossiped about is persecution. So stop and think when someone is relishing in revealing some juicy, intimate news about another, is this of Satan and designed to harm one of God's little ones? Also, be bold and speak up and say this sounds like gossip to me and stick up for the person that is being gossiped about. I am thankful for a friend that recently did just that!

In my book "Living Waters" there is a message on page 48 that is titled "Love not as the world" and so it is good to remember that love will show others the way to Jesus!

Change

It seems to me nothing ever stays the same. I go along for quite sometime and things are the same and I get used to it, then I notice a store I loved to shop in has closed or else no longer carries the brand that I liked. People change too! We not only grow older but we sometimes grow wiser and change some of the stupid things we once did. Sometimes we even discover that we need to grow closer to God as He is our helper and our shield. This often happens in times of stress, sorrow or perhaps even just being discontent with life. I love the scripture that states: We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who have been called according to his decree. (Rms 8:28) When things happen that I don't understand I can recall this scripture and know that God is in control and he will bring good from it. Have a good week!

Importance of cousins

My first cousin, who is five years younger than me, died this week. He died in his sleep and was found by his son when he didn't answer his phone. We will be going to his funeral in a few days and I was pondering if I could work it in because of other plans. Well, I began reflecting on scripture and remembered how Mary, who was with child (Jesus) went to the hill country to visit her cousin Elizabeth who also was with child (John the Baptist). My answer was to go to the funeral and it was in that reflection that I felt it was important to go. It would have been difficult for Mary to go, but her cousin meant a great deal to her and God was directing her to go. I feel now that God is directing me to go to my cousin's funeral and to be with my other cousins that will be there. Cousins were important in scripture and are still important. Time and distance often prevents us from seeing our relatives very often and we lose touch, however, the fact remains they are still family and should be treated as family. In my book "Living Waters: Writings from the Heart of a Christian" the third chapter is all about family and how important they are to us and how to love them with God's love. So now I am wondering why I even had a fleeting thought of not going to the funeral as other plans can always be changed, but a funeral is only once. Have a great week!

Yielding to God's will!

Yesterday (Thursday) I was on the Public Pulse radio program here in Sheridan. The interview went really well and by the end of the 30 minutes I was so amazed at how it all turned out. I had certain things in mind to talk about and the interview seemed to go in a different direction, God's direction. I was very pleased, but pleasantly surprised. God knows who was listening and what needed to be said! We can be his hands, his mouthpiece, his feet, etc. if we yield ourself to him and allow ourself to be his instrument so that his plan comes about. I have a book signing tomorrow morning at a bookstore here and hopefully my talk will be what God wants and not what I want! Have a good week.

Lent

Lent begins this Wednesday, March 9th and lasts until April 23rd which is a period of six weeks. The ashes I will receive on my forehead on Ash Wednesday is a reminder that I am dust and to dust I will return. It also reminds me that it is time to do some special things and to get started right away because six weeks goes by extremely fast! Matthew 6:1 states that we should take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them. So it can be tricky in my estimation to do good things and not boast about it or let people know you are doing it for lent. It is a good idea to start thinking about some ways you can make a good lent and then begin on Ash Wednesday. I will share with you some ideas that came to me in the mail recently as I feel they are good and helpful. "Do something kind and anonymously for someone; Read the scriptures daily; Fast and pray during a mealtime that you have given up; Pray for the unfortunate; Resist temptation; Help a homeless person; Make peace with a family member that you are estranged from; Confess your sins; Ask forgiveness from someone you have wronged. Offer words of encouragement; Donate to the less fortunate; Give up eating between meals; Make Jesus the center of your life." There are so many others things a person can do, but hopefully these few will help you get started and on Easter Sunday you will feel like you too have risen from your old way of life and new things are in store for you. Happy Lent!

Healing

I have been reflecting and reading scripture verses on healing because I have been praying for healing for some of my loved ones that have been sick this week. God's word is sharper than a two edged sword and will not return void, so praying scripture makes a lot of sense to me. I particularly like a verse in Acts 4:30 that I came across: "By stretching forth thy hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus." Lk 6:18 says "People came to hear him and be healed of their diseases." Lk5:17 "One day Jesus was teaching, and the power of the Lord made him heal." 1stPeter 2:24 "By His stripes you were healed" James 5:16 "Declare your sins to one another, pray for one another, that you may find healing." Jer 30:17 "For I will restore you to health." These are just a few of the many scriptures on healing in the bible, so it is good to exercise your faith and pray for healing whether it is physical, emotional, mental, inner healing, etc. God will hear you and answer your prayers. I am not advocating that you only pray, if you need to go to a physician then that is a course of action you should take. I believe God gave us doctors and I use them when I am sick and need a doctor, but I also add prayer! I had an eye inflamation earlier this week and I went to my eye doctor and medicine took care of the problem, so I highly recommend both!

Are you sad or lonely?

Are you sad, lonely or filled with despair? Then come to the life-giving waters that are waiting for you to drink. Jesus is the Living Water and he will refresh you and lift you up. Let him shoulder your burdens for he cares for you. He promises that he will carry our burdens and will not give us more than we can bear. How do we find this life giving water? Read the Holy Scriptures and meditate upon them. Jesus will speak to your heart and give you what you need to lift your spirit. He will speak to your heart if you sit in silence and let him in. The following is from my book, Living Waters: "Turn to me completely, and I will fill you with my love. Your joy will be complete. Rivers of Living Water will flow out from within your very being and all my blessings will be yours."

I have been praying this week for my two little granddaughters that have a bad cold/virus. It breaks my heart to see little ones sick and I know it is hard on their parents. It is wonderful that we can bring our concerns to Jesus and ask for him to help them to heal. Prayer is such an integral part of my life I can't imagine living one's life without calling upon Jesus for help. He is always with us and hears our prayers when we cry out to Him. Philippians 4:6 says "If there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving." The following is from the chapter on Prayer in my book, Living Waters: Writings from the Heart of a Christian: "My followers are very precious to me. Your prayers are sweet smelling incense, a pleasing aroma that rises to my nostrils. When you smell good perfume that pleases you, a smile comes to your mouth. So it is with the sweet smell of your prayers, they bring a smile to my lips."

Jesus: Help us all to remember how pleasing our prayers are to you.

Childlike trust

This past week my husband and I had the privilege and joy of being with our 4 month old granddaughter. There is just something special about a baby's smile and grin that melts your heart. They are also so very trusting, loving and cuddly. I had a hard time leaving her so we could return home. Jesus calls us to be like little children and have the same complete trust in Him that a baby has with its parents. Many people are afraid to trust because of the rejection they felt at some point in their life, yet Jesus has never rejected us or forsaken us. Scripture tells us to become like a little child with our faith in Him. Being with our grandchild reminded me how to have that baby like trust. Are you trusting God with all of your worries, concerns and cares each day?

Cold weather

I have enjoyed the warmer weather this past week! Makes me realize how much I love Spring and Summer. Extreme cold is moving into our state starting today so I am thinking we will fire up the fireplace! It is always a cozy, warm feeling to curl up in front of the fire and read a good book and perhaps sip a cup of hot chocolate. Another warm feeling I love is the warmth of the Holy Spirit. There are times in prayer one can literally feel the Holy Spirit hovering and his warmth on my shoulder. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, is my comforter and leads me into a deeper prayer life with Jesus. I received the Holy Spirit at Baptism and then again at Confirmation. I also received a greater fullness when I asked the Holy Spirit to come and grant me the baptism of the Holy Spirit in all of its fullness. That is when the gifts of the Spirit began operating more fully in my life. You can read about the gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians Ch 12:4-11. They are: wisdom, knowledge, faith, gift of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, gift of tongues, interpretation of tongues. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is found in Galatians 5: 22,23, which is love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness and chastity. So you can see the Holy Spirit is powerful and gentle and deserves a greater place in all of our hearts. Come Holy Spirit renew us again with your power and your love. Have a great and blessed week!

Talents

I started an art class this week to do acrylic painting. I have painted with watercolor for a number of years, but never tried any other media, so this will be a challenge for me. I am looking forward to trying something new. I think it is good for all of us to branch out and try something different and see whether our hidden talents may be ready to come to the forefront. I have discovered over the years that following Jesus always seems to lead to some new and exciting adventures. He seems to always have a fresh word for us to reflect on and is always leading us onward. In my book "Living Waters;Writings from the Heart of a Christian" there is a chapter on Talents, and I will quote a few sentences from it. "The special talents I give each of my children are deep within the heart. Do not be envious or jealous of someone else's obvious talent, but pray that I may help you recognize and develop your special talent. Many of my children have grumbled and complained that they were left out when special abilities and talents were handed out. I would not slight any of you." I pray you all will develop a special talent this year and pray that the Lord will help you with it. Blessings!

Love is a powerful weapon

Do you believe that love heals? Martin Luther King told us all to love to heal the divisions in our country. He stated " Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Today we honor this very brave man who lost his life preaching what he believed. Jesus also has told us to love one another as He has loved us. Wouldn't it be great if this new year everyone made a decision to love more? The following is from my book Living Waters: Writings from the Heart of a Christian: "Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I love you with an everlasting love. My love flows freely and mightily. Pass this love along to those you live with, and to those whose path crosses yours. My love will bring about healing to those that are hurting inside. My love will bring about wholeness. Love is a powerful weapon when fighting the evils of this world."

Does anyone else feel like one week flows into the next so quickly that it becomes hard to remember what day it is? I can't decide if it is because I have been so busy or if it is just age related. (We all know that time seems to fly by as you age.) I would like to think it is because I have been super busy. My book "Living Waters; Writings from the Heart of a Christian" needs ongoing marketing tasks so that it gets into the hands of readers. I am busy marketing it because I feel it is the work God has called me to do and also because it is a book that will help the reader know God's tremendous love and peace. His love is beyond our human understanding, for it is far far greater than any love we are able to give. How does one understand laying down one's life for another out of love? How does one understand forgiving us as He hung on the cross? Or how does one understand God coming to earth as a baby to save us from our sins? I can go on and on but these are just a few things to contemplate when thinking of how much God loves us. God calls us to love one another as He has loved us, so go forth today and reach out in love!

My husband and I took the Christmas tree and decorations down yesterday and today my sweetheart's back is hurting. I thought I did all of the lifting and putting the boxes in storage, but I guess he did some behind my back. So today I pampered him and prepared a very special dinner tonight. We both started our "after the Christmas Season diet" this morning, but I felt the back ache deserved a good hearty meal come dinner time. So we start over tomorrow with the diet!

In Chapter three of my book there is a message about being one with my husband that I will quote here: "You are one with your husband. It is good to support him in his decisions. He needs to know that you stand behind him and support him" I hope that message applies to a hurting back because I know he needs my love and support when it hurts. Prayer is also a healing balm to relieve some of the pain! Jesus please grant my husband a good nights sleep and help him to awaken tomorrow free from back pain. Thank you my Lord!