Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

Today will be a new beginning of a wonderful love affair.  Today, we become new parents to a Labrador Retriever puppy whom we've named Riley.  It is an incredibly exciting day, as we have looked forward to having her for quite a while now.

But, the day is also a little bittersweet because even a new, precious puppy can't replace our beloved Katy.  And, that is the way it should be, isn't it?  My heart still aches sometimes when I think of her and wish she was still beside me.  She will hold a permanent place of honor and love in my heart and mind. 

Riley will be loved just as Katy was and is, not as a replacement, but as a new unique member of our family.  My prayer is that Miss Riley will live up to the standard of intelligence, companionship, kindness and unconditional love set by my sweet Katy girl.

Katy, watch over this new girl and help us remember how to teach her to be not just a good dog, but an exceptional friend, as you were. 

 

 

Be love and be blessed,

 



Oh My - I Went On A Shopping Spree!!

The very few people who read my blog know that I've challenged myself to a year of non-consumerism, of frugal living, of being grateful and focused on all that I have instead of wanting and buying more.
 
Now, before you get judgmental about the title of this blog, let me explain myself.  I've done quite well since January with my pledge to not buy new.  There have been some exceptions, particularly when it comes to my grandson, but I put him on the "does not count if I buy him any amount of clothes or toys" list before I ever agreed to this endeavor.  Though I'm proud to say that I mostly buy his clothes at baby consignment sales.
 
Back to my confession of my tremendous, excellent, stupendous, amazing shopping spree, the likes of which I've never experienced in my life!  You ladies who like to shop will just laugh and think I'm loony, but I really HATE shopping.  Yet, this was the most fun I've ever had shopping for clothes.  The good news is......

I DIDN'T BREAK MY PLEDGE!!

My closet really has become sparse when I discount all the shirts with holes in them and the clothes that don't fit anymore.  It was time.  I had to get some new duds.

Thank God for a wonderful resale clothing store in Tyler where I spent 4 hours shopping (folks I've NEVER spent 4 hours shopping for clothes) and tried on at least 100 pieces of clothing!  To my surprise, absent was the pressure I would've normally felt shopping at Macy's to find the perfect ensemble at a price that didn't give me buyer's remorse.

It was also surprising to me how I felt a new sense of freedom and adventure in choosing what I liked.  When a name brand skirt is $6 or $8, you can venture out and try a style that is a little different than what you would normally do, with no guilt.

I left the store with 17 gently used pieces of clothing, including one pair of dress shoes that looked like they had never been worn, spent about $170 before tax, and felt like a million bucks! 

Now, I have 2 dilemmas. 

The first is when I'm going to wear each of my new items!  And, the second is will I ever go back to the old way of living and consuming?  I feel so much better shopping this way where I save my family money, reuse items that are still wonderful and viable, and feel like I'm being a much better steward of all that God has given me. 

It's something to think about.....

Be love and be blessed,

Waiting for Blessing

I was reminded today that sometimes we must wait for what we desire. We are normally an inpatient lot, aren't we?  We want what we want and we want it now!

But, what if we were to wait for God's timing?  The mere discipline of waiting for Him to reveal His gifts can be a blessing all on its own.  When we wait patiently, it forces us to slow down and take notice of our surroundings, our feelings, our hopes and our blessings.

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope."  - Psalm 130:5

This morning I took the kayak out on the lake in hopes of seeing the eagles and getting some decent photographs. I even managed to take my camera with a charged battery this time!

As I paddled along the shoreline, I took my time and enjoyed the solitude and beauty of the morning. There were no motorboats on the water and the only noises were the sounds of my paddles hitting the water, the bubbling and splashing of fish hitting the top of the water and the various water birds calling and heading off in flight to a new fishing perch.

Soon I was in front of the eagles nesting area, but I saw no sign of them in the tall pines. I brought along cold water and a granola bar, so I sat patiently in the kayak and slowly ate my breakfast.  Because I had no place I had to be and was in no hurry, I simply enjoyed the moments.

I savored the taste of grains and nuts, listened to my silent breath, and sat still, a quiet (though not invisible) observer of the amazing beauty around me. The great blue herons were peacefully walking along shorelines looking intently for neighboring fish who might swim close enough to become a meal. Two pelicans were lazily floating in the shallow inlet. Cattle were grazing in the fields and venturing into the water to get a drink.

The world is at peace.

For this moment.

Praise you Lord for your wondrous works and your gifts of grace and mercy.  Even though I did not receive what I desired (eagles) I was blessed by Your presence and the gift of serenity.

Be love and be blessed,

Of Gardens, Wasps and Bald Eagles

Yesterday started as one of those fairly mundane Saturdays that unexpectedly turned into a day I will always remember.  It's funny how an ordinary day can be transformed in an instant.  When unplanned things happen and suddenly your day has transformed into something altogether different that you anticipated.

That is exactly what happened yesterday.

It's July in Texas and we have a garden.  That normally means getting to those garden chores on Saturday mornings before the heat index reaches "swim in your sweat" level.  So, after coffee and breakfast we headed to the garden to clean up, weed and pick produce before the worst heat of the day settled upon us.

I began by picking peas and tomatoes and cleaning up the mess the squirrels had made.  Plants were drying up from the heat and drought and I was examining the cucumber vine, trying to decide whether it was a goner or not, when out of nowhere a red wasp dropped down on my arm like a blowtorch. 

The pain was instantaneous and sharp.  I jumped up and down like an Indian doing a war dance and headed over to get help from my husband who must have thought I was crazy as I danced around waving my good arm at him.  He couldn't hear my yelling over the tractor and his iPod, so the crazy dancing was definitely necessary to get his attention. 

Bruce jumped on the golf cart with me and raced me to the house where he put a soothing paste of baking soda on the sting.  It did help the burn, but it was still very painful.  But, not liking anyone to think I'm not tough, back off to the garden we went. 

I had the nagging feeling that maybe I wasn't supposed to be in the garden that day.  As I continued cleanup - at the farthest point from the cucumbers as possible - something bit my leg.  Examining the area I couldn't see anything, but it was itching and uncomfortable.  Within a minute it began to swell and the itching grew intense.  "God", I said, "are you trying to tell me to get out of the garden?  Is there a snake around here and are you trying to keep me from getting bit?  Or, am I just looking for an excuse to get out of this hot work?"

After a few minutes of feeling like I was supposed to leave the garden I walked over and told Bruce I was taking the kayak out for a short while.  I'm not sure how pleased he was to learn that while he continued working, I would be leisurely paddling around the lake, but he tried not to make me feel too guilty (only because I had been wounded by the aforementioned devil wasp).

After changing clothes, filling an insulated jug with ice water, and loading and unloading the kayak into the water, I was paddling north for a short adventure on the lake.  Since my goal was a short, leisurely trip I decided to follow the shoreline of our next door neighbor's ranch and watch for wildlife.  His lakefront is not accessible in most boats due to the tree stumps and shallow water, but it would be no problem to navigate in my kayak.

Immediately, I saw two giant blue herons, a common, but still always remarkable sight.  I love the grace of these birds, but they are easily spooked when we are in our power boat.  Now, as the kayak quietly slipped through the calm water, they remained perched on the tree stumps in shallow water, alertly scanning for their favorite meal to swim by.  I was no bother to them at all.

Three sweet mallard ducks were nestled in the weedy grass at the shore, preening themselves and enjoying the quiet of the inlet.  They didn't seem to notice me and my bright green kayak as I slid by. 

The familiar cormorants were swimming and diving into the water for fish.  A few were scouting for a meal from tree stumps scattered throughout the inlet.  There were a few of another interesting bird that I didn't recognize but will certainly investigate.  Perhaps a bittern?

There were cattle grazing along the shoreline who typically don't enjoy humans coming toward them, but contently watched as I quietly passed them in the water.

As I rounded a corner where I had planned to start heading back toward home, I studied the last part of that shoreline, admiring the new stand of young pines growing in front of an older stand of majestic tall pines. As I gazed from the young pines to the taller ones, I caught a glimpse of white and did a quick double take. There she was with her white crown of glory atop her head, an American Bald Eagle!

She literally took my breath away! Though I wasn't moving fast, I pulled my paddle out of the water and just sat in my kayak watching and admiring this gorgeous and powerful creature.  My mind just kept screaming "WOW!" as I held my breath in an effort to be invisible.  She stayed for a good while, turning her head in all directions with such precision and alertness.  Finally, I watched as she flew out of the trees and across the water, such grace, and power, and courage showcased within an 8 foot wingspan.

I sat still, unable to move because my heart was so full of wonder and amazement.  After a couple of minutes, I saw her returning toward me in flight.  She landed in the exact spot from which she had launched moments ago, as if she were tethered so precise was her landing. 

Immediately I heard it, the cries of baby eaglets!  What amazement!  What joy!  What beauty!  I couldn't believe there were baby eagles right next door to my house.  How blessed am I to witness this glorious bird in person?

After watching until I felt I was invading on mother's privacy, I rushed back in the kayak to tell Bruce what I had witnessed.  My suggestion was that he take the kayak and see for himself, but he wanted us both to go in the canoe.  So, we did.  This time, not only did we see one majestic Bald Eagle, we saw both parents!  The two of them stood in the trees, beautiful white crowns on display above their powerful brown shoulders.  The sun reflected off their yellow beaks and their fierce eyes didn't miss a single detail in the landscape. 

Through a comedy of errors we did not get a photograph of the eagles.  But, we will quietly and respectfully venture there again to watch and admire them.  Hopefully, pictures will be in the future.

For now, I have vivid, powerful images etched into my brain of the day when God nudged me out of the garden and into the wild.  Painful wasp sting?  Baaahh!  It would have been worth several to get me on the lake to behold the majesty God created.

Try going where He nudges you.  You may just find that you are filled with amazement and joy!

Be love and be blessed,

 

Life Transforming Love

My husband and I returned a couple of days ago from a junior high mission trip in La Porte, Texas.  Neither of us has ever participated in a youth mission trip, even though our daughter went on several when she was in high school.  Back then she did NOT want her parents along to "ruin" her fun.

When our church announced that adults were needed to go on the trip, it was as if God said to me "Get your bags packed, you're going."  I told my hubbie that I had to go with or without him, but I preferred it to be with him.  He obliged, naturally.  :)

My eagerness and determination to go should not be construed to mean that I had a lack of fear or anxiety about accompanying our youth on their first, and my first, mission trip.  I was plenty scared.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

Boy, is that verse true!  God answered our prayers, strengthened us and helped us.  We aren't spring chickens any more, but with God's presence we were physically, emotionally and spiritually strong enough for anything that might happen.

We're so thankful that we listened to God's calling and accompanied our youth on their  trip!  We are both forever changed by our experience.  Let me just list a few of the things we learned in those 3 days.

• Youth want non-family adults to take an interest in their lives.  Not only do they "want" that, but they need it. 
• When you take time to get to know kids, when they understand that you truly care about them, they will let you into their world.  That may include asking your opinion about an important issue (when is the last time your own teenager asked your opinion?), or asking you what the Bible says about a specific topic, or just sharing how they feel about something or someone.
• Kids will follow your example, even if at first they are fearful.  If they see you encourage, they will encourage.  If they see you love unconditionally, they will love unconditionally.  If they see you worship God with abandon, they will be comfortable in connecting with God.
• It doesn't matter your age or circumstance or ability, everyone can make an impact in the world and bring the love of Jesus to others.

Our worship experiences at camp were absolutely incredible!  At times, there was not a dry eye among the 116 attendees.  Worship was always about God and showing Him how much we love and need Him.  It is never about us, even though we try to make it so.

But true to God's nature, He always has more to give than we understand or anticipate.  So, even though our intent and purpose was to worship Him, He filled us with to overflowing with His joy and love.  Teenagers flocked to the altar, raised their hands to heaven and praised God with tears pouring down their faces. 

What a joyous and fulfilling sight!  If I died tomorrow, I would be at peace and happy with the gifts of abundance that God has given me.  The last night of worship with everyone on their feet at the front of the sanctuary, praising God, I thought this is exactly what Jesus was talking about when he said,

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."  - John 10:10

Be love and be blessed,

The Messenger

Sometimes I feel alone.  I bet you do too.
 
But, we're not.  Our loving Father is always with us.  Many times though I neglect to be still, to quiet my mind, to seek Him. 
 
He is there.  He is waiting for me to slow down and spend time with Him.  He longs to hear from me (and you) - and to speak to us.  If only, I would quiet myself, and give Him my time.
 
Recently, I've felt a sense of loss in some relationships.  I reach out to some whom I love, with caring, and find a void.  There is no acknowledgement, or gentleness or return of loving gesture or feeling. 
 
It is nothing that I can change, He has told me.  He has encouraged me and affirmed me when I'm saddened by this lack of human caring or return of love. 
 
And so I was in the garden, feeling a bit sad and alone, wondering about the way people treat one another.  On my back I had strapped a backpack sprayer with 3 HEAVY gallons of organic plant food.  With one hand I pumped the sprayer handle up and down to keep pressure in the tank, and in the other hand I held the sprayer nozzle. 
 
As I began spraying my tomato plants, a beautiful small butterfly landed on my left hand.  I stopped what I was doing to admire and study him, thinking he would fly off in a few seconds. He didn't.

He doesn't look colorful here, or particularly beautiful with his wings together on his back.  But, occasionally he would open them ever so briefly and I'd glimpse a gorgeous kaleidoscope of color and pattern.

But his beauty was not the wondrous thing about this encounter.  For this little butterfly was a divine messenger.  In my heart, I heard God telling me, "You are not alone.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.  I will always love you."

Instantly, I felt joy and the sadness melted away.  I thought, "Okay, I hear you Lord.  Thank you for that reminder."  But, He wasn't done encouraging me.

You see, my little winged friend refused to leave me.  At first, I wouldn't use my left hand, not wanting to scare him away.  Then, I decided to go about my chore, though gently.  As I used my hand to pump up the sprayer, he hung on to my finger.  I thought he would surely fly off any moment, but he stayed on my hand while I sprayed plant after plant.

"Wow God! You really know how to send a message!" 

As I finished the garden and started to load the sprayer onto the cart to drive back to the barn and use the remaining spray for our blackberries, my friend flew off my hand.  I smiled.  How special our time together had been - He had cheered me so!

When I arrived at the barn, put on the backpack again and walked to the blackberries, I thought I saw a butterfly.  Flutter.  There.  It was a different one on the blackberries.  "Oh well," I thought, "it couldn't have been the same one."

At that moment I a felt a tickle on my left hand.  I raised my hand, and there was my friend holding my hand in the very same spot as before!  "This is amazing." 

He stayed with me as I finished my chore.  I carried him through the yard to show my husband and to take his picture.  Finally, I told him thanks and let him know it was okay to leave now.  Only then did he fly from my hand.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”   Deuteronomy 31:6

Father, you are so kind and generous with your love. You ALWAYS take time to show us your love if we stop to seek you and quiet ourselves in your presence.  Thank you for the messenger of love you sent my way.

Be love and be blessed,

Something New

I made it to April before I bought something new!  And, technically, I haven't broken my "compact", but I was a little disappointed nonetheless.

My walking/running shoes had holes in the toes of both shoes, so a new pair was in order.  It just so happened that we received a reward card from REI so I was able to buy a new pair of running shoes (and some running shorts) with the card without spending any money from our bank account.

 

 

I have to confess it felt nice to have something new, but I was also a little disappointed that it was necessary to buy something.  It's funny how after a while the goal of being a non-consumer is just part of who you are.

Thanks to a friend of mine who is trying to be more frugal, I found a nice resale shop that I visited.  They have great clothes and shoes, so if I really want something "new" I will definitely shop there first. So far I've resisted the almost new riding boots and a couple of cute dresses - for now!

Now for the real confession - I bought a new souvenir t-shirt while we were on vacation.  :(    But, I think it's a lucky shirt because look what happened the first time I wore it!

Now that's a bass! 

I'm continuing on the frugal journey and enjoying moments of life, instead of "stuff".  It's amazing the sense of freedom you gain when you let loose of possessions.  When you stop chasing things and realize all that surrounds you, it is humbling.

May you let loose today and be free to fill your soul with the beauty of creation, the laughter of loved ones and the love of God.

Be love and be blessed,



The End is Near

Events are still unfolding in Boston.  One of the Marathon bomber suspects is dead and another, his 19 year old brother, is on the run with hundreds of police and military personnel working to apprehend him.

The end is near.

Either the brother will be caught, killed or will disappear.  But, one way or another this terrible saga will be over, at least for a time.  I am still convinced that we will not receive the answer we desperately want to understand - Why?  Nonetheless, we will all breathe a sigh of relief, even while grief still holds our hearts in its grip, that these criminals have been stopped.

But, what about the next enemy?  When will another individual choose terror and murder as the path for their life?  How do we protect ourselves from these enemies?

The importance of our well trained and courageous law enforcement can't be overstated.  I'm so thankful for the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe from our enemies.  We must always pray for them, for their safety, for their families.

But from a spiritual perspective, what are we to do about these enemies?  Scripture is clear.  We are to pray for our enemies.

In Matthew, Chapter 5, Jesus tells us:

"love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"

It seems absurd in this situation doesn't it?  The Alpha and Omega, the Word who has been present since the beginning of time and will be present for eternity, knew that we would need to hear and heed those words in this perilous time in history.  Why would Jesus tell us this?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

We pray for our enemies so we may be sons of God.  We pray for ALL because ALL are God's children and He grieves over the Lost.

If you believe in the power of prayer, then you should be committed to praying for our (and your) enemies.  I believe Jesus also knew that we would need to battle spiritually against the dark forces in this world that would threaten our very existence.  He knew there is no greater power than believers fervently praying to the Father for help, deliverance, protection and praying as interceders for the Lost.

We must pray for our enemies.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will enter their hearts and lives so that hatred and evil would be replaced by love and God's goodness.  Pray that those who are Lost and vulnerable to be used by Satan for evil would instead be found by the God who loves them so much He sacrificed His own Son for them so they might be saved.

That kind of prayer is the way to change hearts, and changing hearts is how we make the world better.

Pray for your enemies.

Be love and be blessed,

What Remains?

In the wake of yesterday's horrific tragedy we are plagued by questions, the biggest and toughest of which is Why?  Why do humans hurt one another in such senseless acts of violence?  Why would a person or persons think that to harm innocent bystanders, minding their own business and enjoying an American tradition, yields anything of value? 

In the coming days our authorities will analyze the mountain of leads coming in and will find those responsible for this act of terror, of this I have no doubt.  But, I am just as confident that even if those who are responsible tell us "Why" it will not answer the question.  We will still be left stunned and saddened and, unfortunately, perhaps a little more hardened ourselves.

So often we discover after an event such as yesterday that those responsible for the evil destruction upon others have in some way been impacted by hate, violence and bigotry in their own lives.  Don't jump to conclusions - I'm not defending these heinous acts or the perpetrators in the least.  I'm simply questioning on another level - Why?  Why do human beings, whether in the name of God or justice or plain hatred, decide that murder and maiming are ways to a better life or to positive change or even to furthering their agenda? 

I can't make sense of it.

How can so much evil and vileness exist in the same human heart that can respond with goodness, generosity and love? 

We are already hearing the stories of courage and selflessness that inevitably occur in the midst of tragedy.  Bostonians and visitors rushed to give blood that would save the lives of the injured.  The citizens of Boston opened their homes to complete strangers who had lost their belongings in the explosions.  Many of these stories will be nearly identical to those we heard after that fateful day in September that forever changed us and forever changed our nation.

We need to hear these stories of love because the question of Why hangs in the air like a shadowy noxious gas.  If that question was all we were left with, we would suffocate under the weight of the burden of knowledge that mankind can be so incredibly cruel. But, it's not all that remains.

1 John 4:16
We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them.

Let us stand strong together.  Let us seek justice for these horrible crimes against innocent citizens.  Let us be courageous and resolute.  Let us always fight the evil that exists around us.  But, let us not forget that we are not just capable of great love in tragic times, but it is our responsibility to keep that love alive in us no matter the circumstances.  That is how we overcome evil and hatred, by allowing God to remain and grow where bitterness and hatred threaten to take hold.

Don't allow it.  Don't give up.  Don't lose faith.  Don't stop loving others.  Everything will end one day and strife will no longer be.  But, love never ends.

Now faith, hope, and love remain—these three things—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Be love and be blessed,

In case you don't know the meaning of my closing, I always use the same one, "Be love and be blessed".  Some have thought I meant "be loved", but I have intentionally used the phrase to mean that we are to be love in this world and by being that love we not only bless others but are blessed ourselves by showing and sharing our love.

Pelicans and Eagles, Oh my!

Yesterday, with 80 degree temperatures, blue skies and calm winds, we couldn't resist taking a boat cruise on the lake.  Oh, I've been craving an afternoon like that for months!  The simple bliss of feeling the warmth of the sun on my bare arms and legs was AMAZING!

There were other spectacular joys too, and that got me thinking about all the gifts we enjoy freely. (You were wondering when I was going to get to the free, frugal, saving money theme weren't you?)

Words can't describe the incredible sight of watching not one, not two, but three bald eagles soaring over our boat dock as they glided across the gleaming water on the lake and ascended high above the tall pine forest.  What a treasured moment to see these magnificent birds literally in our own backyard!

Oh, but God had more excitement in store for us. As we motored slowly north on the lake, we came upon a half dozen or so white pelicans, a common sight in the winter and spring months since they began migrating to our lake seasonally several years ago.

It was on the way back south toward home when we again saw the pelicans that we spotted one floating atop the smooth water right on the path we were taking. The picture isn't the greatest, but we didn't want to get too close and scare him away.  But, WOW! Another uniquely beautiful creature!

Our creator has fashioned a world of glorious beauty and unmatched artistry for us to behold. If you're struggling with ways to save money on entertainment, try spending afternoons and evenings in a natural park setting, on a lake, or sitting under the expansive arms of a giant decades old oak tree.  It's the perfect time of year in Texas to take those outdoor opportunities and develop an appreciation for nature's free "theme parks". 

Pay attention, listen, and meditate on the quiet and gentle splendor of creation. If you settle your soul and rid your mind of your day's worries, you may even hear the whisper of God, and that is a priceless treasure indeed.

Be blessed,

Heating Pads and Other Necessities

How am I doing with this frugal living challenge?  I'd say fair - maybe give myself a B+.

It's been moderately easy to keep a grip on my wallet when it comes to new clothing, books, music.  But, let's face it, I have plenty of clothes in my closet.  They may not be the latest fashion, or what I want, but I'm certainly not in need.

However, I'm learning there are modern conveniences that we don't want to go without.  And, some things I don't feel good about buying used even if I could.

Our 25 year-old heating pad that finally died is one example. First, I'll give my hubby some kudos because he did take apart the electrical control to see if he could fix it.  But, alas, 25 years is apparently all the life you get from an electric heating pad.  This thing looks like it was actually made in America - that should tell you how old it was!

Even if I could find a heating pad at a consignment store, I don't think I would buy it unless it was in the original box and came with a warranty.  Something about safety and electrical appliances just doesn't feel right.

So, we bought a brand new heating pad.  If this one lasts 25 years, I'd say that's a darn good investment and, although it's not an absolute necessity for survival, with all our aches and pains from gardening and overdoing it taking care of a large property, a heating pad gets plenty of use around our house and keeps us going for another day!

This was how the pain occurred for the most recent heating pad occasion.

I digress. 

The modern convenience of a solar powered gate at the entrance to our property also required the purchase of something new.  The control panel went bad and after spending months charging and changing batteries every week, we finally ordered the new part.  Costly!  And, not anything fun to spend money on.  But, we want the security and convenience of that automatic gate, so we paid.

Enough of these boring purchases, have I told you about the children's consignment sale we went to a few weeks ago?  Now, that was a fun place to spend money!

Here is my sweet grandson in the high chair I bought for our house at the sale. This is a $150 high chair that was in perfect condition, had all the features I wanted, and cost $45! 

I couldn't resist buying him clothes and he was ready for 6-9 month sizes.  How does $46 for $300-$400 of clothes sound?  Not a stain, tear or fray on any item.  Why would any sensible person not shop at these sales for children?

There's no new Easter dress for me this year, but that's OK.  I'll give myself an A for that effort though.  There is a lovely pink dress in my closet that's only been worn two or three times and that will do just fine for Easter.

How are you doing with your budget?  How are you doing in simplifying your life?

P.S.  Did I mention that my hubby's computer was run over?  Literally, run over in the driveway! Guess what the next new purchase is?

Be love and be blessed,

Choose To Be Happy

This morning I saw a post one of my friends put on Facebook.  It was about what happy people do differently.  What makes them happy.

Happiness isn't difficult.  It doesn't have to be elusive.  It's not a secret puzzle that can only be solved by a few.

Happiness is all about attitude and choice.

We choose to be happy or to be miserable.  PERIOD.

Each day when we get out of bed, we can have a glass half full attitude, or we can see everything as half empty.

I'm sorry, but it really is as simple as that (serious mental illness excepted).  Don't try to tell me that YOUR circumstances are different and that's why you aren't happy. Baloney!

Don't start with the "well, ifs".  You know its not true and I ain't buyin' it!

"Well, if I felt better I would be happy."  Brrrrp! (That's supposed to be that game show sound meaning "wrong answer".)  You can be happy when you feel terrible. You can choose to find the good things in life despite your health.  Examples of people overcoming physical disabilities and diseases and having a great attitude abound.  NEXT?

"Well, if I had more money I would be happy."  Brrrrp.  How much did you pay for that last package of Happy you bought at Walmart?  It's not a matter of money, or even whether you can pay your bills. It's about gratitude. Happiness comes from a truly thankful heart. Choose to live minimally and within your means, no matter how modest.  Focus on the gifts God gives - love, relationships, nature.  Next?

"Well, if I had more time for me I would be happy."  Brrrrp.  You choose how to spend your time. You're in control of allocating your time. If you're overwhelmed, you are the one who can change your calendar and your commitments.  Oh, I'll hear a lot of excuses here, but we waste a ton of time - Time we can reclaim for ourselves. 

You get the idea.  Happiness is your choice and only you can make it.  No one can ruin your day unless you allow it.  No one can give you gratitude - you must nurture that yourself.  No one can wave a magic wand and make all your troubles disappear.  But, you can choose to smile and be kind no matter what trouble the world brings.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? ...Matthew 6:24-34

I think the worry the Lord was warning us about was the kind of unhealthy focus that we allow to steal our happiness.  When we spend our time worrying and focusing on all that is negative, it becomes harder to experience gratitude and joy.  Jesus tells us that we are the most important thing in creation to God.

If we think about the greatness of the love from a God who would suffer and die so that we can enjoy a relationship with Him forever, how can we choose anything but happiness?

Be love and be blessed,

You Hypocrites!

Forgiveness. We all want it.

But, we don't always offer it.

In our Bible study this week, we discussed persuasive arguments people give as a reason they don't go to church or why they aren't Christian.  One argument people give is that "Christians are hypocrites."

As a Christian, let me confess.  I'm a hypocrite.

That's right.  I believe in a standard set by Jesus Christ, a standard with a bar so high that I cannot possibly toe the line without mistakes. I profess to believe in something, and yet I sometimes act in contradiction to those beliefs.  I'm an imperfect human.

And so are you. We are all hypocrites, aren't we?  At times, each of us simply fails to live up to standards we have set for ourselves.  It is the nature of fallen mankind.

But, I'm a hypocrite saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus.

Back to the issue of forgiveness.  I've always wanted forgiveness when I make a mess of things.  When I know I've done something wrong, or I've hurt someone, I want to be forgiven for not getting things right.  I want to know that just because I'm a temporary hypocrite doesn't mean that I'm worthless, unlovable or unforgivable.

Am I extending that same forgiveness when I'm the one who's been hurt or wronged?  Not always.

But, I'm getting better at it. And, that's because I'm getting better at giving the hurt, the anger, the betrayal, the unfairness to God.  He will carry my burdens if I let them go and lay them at His feet.

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:29-30

When we forgive others, we are made right with God. It is not about letting someone off the hook.  It is about knowing and living in the standard set by our Redeemer, who has called us to "love others as we love ourselves."  So, that's the other part of the equation.

Forgive yourself.  We are called to forgiveness.  Of others and of ourselves.  In forgiveness you will find true freedom, for when we give our burdens of anger, sorrow, hurt, sadness, betrayal, and frustration completely to the Lord, we are free to feel love, peace and joy knowing that our burden is gone.

Be love and be blessed,

Torture at the Hands of Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung at Target!  Are you kidding me?  Was this new clothing collaboration created just to torture me while I try to live in my self imposed non-shopping, nothing new, reuse, recycle, repurposed life?

Have you seen the commercials?  The.... cutest..... little.... dresses.... around!!  So colorful, springy, fashionable - so ME!  It hurts......  Okay, not literally.

Last week I went into Target to pick up a couple of items (nothing for me - and no clothing).  I knew Prabal Gurung was on the premises when I walked in the front doors. Beware, I told myself. Be on guard. Wouldn't you know it?  Of course those clever marketers placed the springy, colorful, flowing, lovely, sweet pieces of clothing just inside the doors where you almost have no choice but to walk right by!

Did I mention how unbelievably affordable Prabal is?  Well, you didn't expect that I could walk by and NOT look at the price tags, did you?

As I quickly flipped through the hangers just to see if this designer was worthy of my attention - I mean I flipped those hangers so fast - my mind raced. Cute, yes, ohhhh, ahhhh, my goodness, omg, $39.99 for this dress?, no way, I need to get this ... for Sara. She would look so cute in this.

I mean really, look at this! Easter dress?  For less than $50?  That's a steal!

It's a trap. What are you doing? You don't need that! Sara can buy her own clothes. Stop    looking     at      P R A B A L!

Joking aside, I find myself longing for a colorful spring outfit.  Maybe I do that every year at this time because I'm ready to celebrate the warming of the earth. Colors are ever so slowly teasing us and letting us know that just below the surface of winter and grayness is new life, color and abundance.

God is moments away from amazing us with his annual display of new beginnings, of rebirth. I look forward to watching those first green leaves unfurl from the native oak trees, and the dark green heads of spring asparagus pushing through the last layer of rich earth to reveal goodness and life that was hidden for a time from our sight, but life that had never stopped or left us.

So, I will resist buying a new dress for Easter, and instead focus on the exciting display of color, variety, freshness and life that will soon burst forth all around me.  And, I will say "Thank you God! You make Prabal Gurung's designs look like a pre-schoolers scribbling."

Keep your eyes open for blessings and your heart open with gratitude.

Be love and be blessed,

My Friend Katy

The tears haven't yet stopped completely.  I miss my friend so much.

I miss her in the morning when she would either wake us with "face sugars" or with the sound of her toenails clicking happily on the wood floors as she moved through her merry breakfast dance. 
 

Labradors live to eat and Katy was no exception to this endearing characteristic.  "Breakfast", "dinner" and "treat" were her favorite words!  Her tummy always knew the time to the minute.  At 5:00 p.m., she would sit and stare at you as if to say - "Hello, don't you have a watch?  It's time for my dinner."  If she were ignored while trying to get your attention as to the time, she would become quite vocal in her demands that you remember the well rehearsed meal routine.

Since I'm able to work from my home office, everyday is bring your dog to work day.  I miss Katy reminding me to get up from my desk and take a little break.  "Come on Mom, let's go for a short walk and stretch our legs."  Since she's been gone, I've forgotten to get up for long stretches and then suffered through back pain as a result.

She always took good care of me. 

When Sara went off to college and left us with an empty nest, Bruce was required to travel extensively, leaving me home alone.  But, I was never entirely alone.  Though devoid of human companionship for long stretches, I always had my loving and cheerful Katy May along with my sweet boy kitty Frodo.  She kept loneliness at bay with her never ending love, her cheerful nature, her beautiful smile and her sweet hugs and kisses.  More than once her thick yellow fur absorbed the tears falling from my face and she turned my sadness into smiles as she licked the salty moistness from my countenance.  Oh, how you loved me.

I don't know how I will enjoy our boat rides this spring without our First Mate, Katy.  She was the Queen of the Boat!  Next to all her food related words, "boat ride" was her favorite.  She was born to live on the lake where she could boat and swim at her pleasure!  I'll never forget the hundreds of times we would let her outside only to find her at the door a few minutes later soaking wet, with a huge smile on her face, waiting to come back into the house.  Of course, she knew that we would have to towel her off before she could come inside and that was nearly as wonderful as the swim itself.  "And, what happens when I go for a swim Mom?  That's right, a milk bone treat!"

Good Girl!

I miss her when we walk to the mailbox and come back through the gate.  I want to turn around and watch her promptly sit her rear down in the grass as soon as she was inside the gate, waiting for us to "go her way".  She stubbornly sat until we turned right off the paved driveway and headed toward the meadow and woods, the path she preferred to take on the way back to the house.  We hardly ever refused her insistent request. 

I miss my friend when I'm sitting on the closet floor putting on socks and shoes.  Katy made it a real challenge to get my shoes on because she strongly viewed sitting on the closet floor as an open invitation for a large yellow Labrador to roll all over my legs and keep me from being able to put on my shoes!  And, I always accommodated her by letting her roll on my lap, rubbing her belly and kissing her face.  "Good Girl Boo."

We nicknamed her "Boo Boo".  I couldn't remember how that got started so I asked Bruce the other day.  He reminded me that when she was a puppy she would clumsily run into things and it always looked like it hurt, so we called her "Boo Boo". 

I said before that Katy was full of courage and never complained.  She had bad hips at an early age, but she never let her pain get in the way of living a full life.  She was my brave warrior.

Katy had a heart of gold and lived to please us and make us happy.  And, in that she was magnificently successful.  I'm thankful we made her happy too - and were blessed to be able to spoil her rotten every day.  I thank God for our precious, furry, sometime smelly, itchy, lovable, ridiculously smart, happy, joyful, kind, courageous, beautiful, always shedding, funny, miraculous FRIEND - KATY.

I miss you everyday.  You will keep a piece of my heart with you in heaven until we are reunited.  I'll always love you Katy.

Be love and be blessed,

A Need For Wisdom

In our current Bible Study of Colossians we talked about walking "worthy of the Lord" and how we can't possibly do this on our own.  We must ask for guidance and wisdom from the Father in order to lead lives that honor Him.

Today, Lord, I need your wisdom and direction.  I'm faced with a heartbreaking decision and I really need your help.

Katy's condition seems to be getting worse.  She is having prolonged coughing episodes that seems to make it difficult for her to breathe and she sometimes expels pink tinged mucous.  We must assume that the lymphoma is progressing.

I knew she would get worse, but my mind couldn't comprehend the agony of making the decision to help her cross the rainbow bridge.  How will I know when it is the right time?

 

Being the tough girl she is, I don't know what kind of pain she is experiencing. She still wags her tail when I talk to her or come home from being gone.  She still eats her meals, though slower and with some difficulty.  She isn't losing weight or unable to walk.

But the horrible coughing and respiratory distress is alarming to witness.

I told Bruce that day will not be a good day.  But the Truth is that everyday is good.  Some days are just extremely difficult.

Please Father, give me strength and discernment to understand what is best for Katy, not for me.  Allow me to put my desire for her companionship aside and focus on mercy and compassion.  Let me know your goodness in each moment, even in the midst of my tears.

"Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope."

Be love and be blessed,