Paul started a church in Thessalonica and in one of his letters to them he recommended that they pray without ceasing...what good advice this was!!

 Romans 12:12  says to us in the Amplified Bible version

  constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength],

Keeping in mind that Christ bringing us to the Father gives us the confidence of knowing God, our Father, is eager to share Himself with us, to be our strength while the Spirit comforts and holds us tightly as we go through our times of troubles and despair with Them there all the way through. 

However, it's not only through despair and troubles and being up against adversaries that He cares for us....it's when we're seeking our day to day way through the mundane and mindless areas of life. If we find things are boring and the same old grind, then we're obviously NOT looking to the God of wonders for our inspiration.  I wonder why this is? Too used to thinking from the same old box? Even when we guide others into seeking their best by asking our Lord for help...do we forget to do this for our own selves?

Maybe so.

If you want a life that is different...ask.

If you want a life more filled with knowledge...seek.

If you want a life that is more....be persistent and expect to exercise some muscle...whether physical or spiritual.

Hey...He wants our attitudes to be eager with love!

maybe this is where being like a child comes into play...there's nothing more persistent than a curious child. And, nothing more eager than that child recognizing the answers are being given freely by the One that Loves him....right there...right there...just go ask! Listen! receive!

ahhh...another point to ponder... 

Today's scripture is from James

Chapter One

Verses Five and Six

The Easy To Read Version(ERV) phrases it like this.....

  Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. ⁶ But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind.

Which goes right on along with where I stopped yesterday.

Our go-to source for answers to any problem or wisdom on a subject should be God. And...I feel, though it's not saying so right here, that they're speaking of God as the Trinity Godhead. All facets of God in His being.

Just my thought.

Beyond that...am thinking it's OK to read material you feel led to...assuming it stands up to the test of being consistent with the Word.

AND...once He leads you to a revelation...believe Him. 

Sometimes things are such a strange idea from our normal pattern that we want to doubt, but when we do that we're not trusting and when we're not trusting we're calling God a liar. He's not, but we know who is and where this doubt is coming from.

humm...think I'll stop here.

Today's scripture is I Peter 2:2

It is a very familiar passage, especially to those of us that have sat under teaching for very long at all...or...taught. 

The International Children's Bible phrases it like this...

 As newborn babies want milk, you should want the pure and simple teaching. By it you can mature in your salvation.

Nothing is more pure or simple than the Word of God. However, over time we've come to realize that many men have adulterated this with their own phrasing. This is why I try to stay as near to the language of that time, with the translations being as near as I can find. I also read many versions of these to try and stay as close as I feel the Spirit leading. I'm not a scholar, however, I do know enough to try and be as close to the source as I can find. Trusting in God's leading in this as I do. 

One other thought...there's nothing wrong with  studies by many people. However...consider their source...are they going to other men for their ideas or using God's Word to make their points?

OK...I'm now to the point where I think I'm getting off track with my thoughts. I don't want to do that, but...oh well...sometimes it happens.

I think more to the point...do you find yourself eager to know more, study more from the Bible, about the Bible...the people in the Bible. 

Is more of your time spent doing other things??

Points to Ponder!!

 

I Chronicles 28:20
 ²⁰ David also told his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or terrified. The Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not abandon you before all the work on the Lord’s temple is finished. 
This is a sneak peek into a father and son discussion where the elder father is speaking to his grown son....my goodness!! Who would have thought that Solomon in all his wisdom would have needed this type of encouragement after witnessing all he surely had seen of his father's walk with God by this point in their lives.  Goes a long way calming my irritation with my own self in what I see as my lack of character after all these years of studying and witnessing so many strong people of God and the direction of those that did NOT pay attention to trying to live a better life through following the Lord.....how they turned out. 

So...um...that last portion is a bit more garbled than I'd intended but it'll have to stand as as good as I can do right this second! LOL  

I want to do better...I want to see myself thinking of others as a natural thing instead of a conscious decision I've had to force myself into acting upon. Good grief!! I can be such a pain in the butt to myself sometimes! most times, at that!  Wanting to do better, but fighting with my own inclinations toward being a self-centered buttface.  ok, I know I can come up with better phrasing there...but, it works.

Giving of oneself to another....always heard it is more worthy if done anonymously... or, at least without fanfare....what would you advise a small child when faced with this as a learning situation? 
Play nice?
How do you feel when someone does something unexpectedly nice for you?
How do you feel when you've done nice things and you're witnessing their reactions?
How much nicer would you feel knowing it's done naturally and all the praises goes to our Lord?

hummm...good starting points...let's see how I can get this to go from here!! 

July 7, 2016

I'm going to try hard to go for following this book for it's 100days. 

Humorous in that it's Linda O's birthday, too. Maybe this will aid in keeping this in the forefront of my memory so I will get her a present in a more timely manner?

 

The name of the book is...

100 Days to a Radical Change.

God First...Others Second and Me Last

 

and....yes..it did include the period after Change on the front cover!!!

 

I'm not good with Bible studies on average. Could be I'm too harsh with myself, but I don't think so. Studies should produce some sort of change and rarely have I noticed enough of a change to make a dent in this hard head and heart.

 

Oh..not saying there's been NO change...just that it's not nearly as drastic as I'd have hoped for.

 

So...why not try something that is claiming to be more radical than not...maybe my stodgy studies have been the problem all along. Not appealing enough to produce that sea change we hope to see.

 

Do not know...we'll see...

 

First Day's verse...

Matthew 6:33 ERV

 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.

 

bewildered

I just do not understand grandparents that don't like their kids or grandkids to the point of not wanting to help them when they're in trouble. I can see getting frustrated with the kids...I've been frustrated with mine more than once throughout the years, and, I can see not liking certain personality traits that you see being manifested. But, I can't see not liking the person at all...or, at least it seems to me that they don't. And...carry that on down to not doing whatever you can to help the g'kids when they obviously need extra loving and extra care at the moment. Just walking away doesn't seem to me to be an option...I could better understand not putting yourself into a position to know their condition in the first place, but once confronted with the need...to just walk away? Incredible behavior for an adult.

I could expand...but, as I'm pushed for time right now, I won't.

I'm just going on the record as being disillusioned....it's so sad.

I found this in my drafts...and...am surprised it was there...I do recall writing this, but thought I'd posted it too...Had to have been about 5yrs ago at least...I dealt with my feelings at the time, but never trusted this person as much as I had in previous years. Now....so much has changed...it's not an issue for this person any more. I'm posting this for me...as a reminder of how people aren't who we put our trust in.

Today I thought I'd follow fellow blogger, Holly's idea of listing some sensations and thoughts..observations...Let's see how this goes...oh, and also...am using her template for my first effort!

 Outside my window:  widdle birdie singing spring time song!

Thinking:  of this little bird...how happy he sounds

Thankful:  for so many greeting card choices I found

In the kitchen:  tickled I emptied DW and refilled already...cleared deck for upcoming supper duties!

Wearing:  jeans and sandals

Feeling:  thirsty

Seeing:  blue...screen keeps turning blue to go poof on me

Hearing: Scott rattling around as he's dealing with his project

Reading:  in here, Scottish Highlander book...The Hawk; along with Prince Charming by Julie Garwood on audio in back room

Listening: to that bird...he's still singing his heart out

Knowing:  God cares about the little sparrow...and me.

I can see where this could become addicting...switches each moment...Kaleidoscope of thoughts and impressions

vacation time is over

Okey Dokey

It's time to consider ways to energize and enthuse myself in the direction of reclaiming this house with the goal of being company ready.

ummm...

Not something I'm just raring to jump onto!

However...staying in this state isn't pleasing and beyond that it's irritating me that a grown woman will act in such a juvenile fashion to do anything she can to get out from under this task.

If I'd spend as much effort in just doing it, it would have been done a long time ago and kept up, too.

John Smith said

“He that will not work shall not eat.”

Well, we all know how well I like to eat! Maybe I should enforce this rule upon my own self to see some constructive activities happening around here!!

Either that or weight loss...one or the other!!

How does a person decide which book to read next??

For me...it's not anything I can put my finger on, but...assuming we're discussing already owned but unread books....

What did I read last....done with that style or go for more?

time period?? ready for a totally new feel or something out of my comfort zone?

I read a lot of different types of fiction. Rarely non-fiction. Rarely something that would be considered a "classic" as I've discovered those are normally hard work and depressing.

I don't read to be saddened. Nor to have my heart jerked around, either.

This is one reason I do not normally go for the current "best sellers" either...as they all feel that they have to make a statement or shock you.

So, lighter...fluffier...or, fast pace action...also, I do some fantasy because I know it's not real...will never be real.

 Last three books I've picked up to read...

Frontier western set in Minnesota...I stopped reading it as I figured out it has to be the 2nd in a set...want to read the first one first.

Contemporary set in the Hudson River Valley...two chefs, formerly married...deals with them opening an out in the country event destination and how they get back together....obviously still in love, but hurt from miscarriages and drinking problems. Handled lightly but thoroughly.

And...current book...Dragons and humans and countries pitted against each other....this around story number 5 or 6 in set. It's raw, humorous and rough. Not for the squeamish...though the humor helps tamp this down some. I normally stay away from magic, but she handles it in a way I don't find myself offended..it's more Harry Potter-ish than not. Sexy, but not nasty. Read more than half of book when it hit me, I've read this before! Hate that! They're also getting ready to kill off a main character, which is a main no-no for me, but, I recall they handled it OK, not as well if they'd left him alive, though.

I've picked out a bunch of books to take on vacation...yes...books...hard copies.  I'm a happy camper!!

I've been thinking of other types of house plans I might consider living in. One, which only comes up infrequently, is the idea of a condo or apartment. What would this need to look like, at this age right now, not later on in life..which no doubt would change a lot from what works now.

 

I won't go into location...much. Probably across the street from a fantastic beach with a small chance of flooding would appeal greatly. However, isn't very likely.

Would need to come with more than just 2 lonely parking places, though I realize that most people feel lucky to have just one.

And, I think it would need a minimum of 2 bedrooms with 2 full baths.  Preferably 3 bedrooms with an additional bath or at least another half. And...decent sized closets.

Maybe even an additional locked storage area included somewhere on the premises.  

I'd want a full kitchen, and plenty of cabinet space, especially if there's not a dedicated pantry area.

Not sure about an eat-in kitchen...probably not important.

I'd like laundry facilities...would really like them inside the unit, but realize that this takes away space you can use elsewhere, like pantry! However, I'm getting too old to be sitting in a laundry room or traveling back and forth between unit and laundry. Gets old fast!!

Plus...a lot of times those are pay machines and who knows what people will try and clean in them!

I would also like some sort of decent view of something pretty. Just not the side of a building or even worse...the parking lot or machinery.

Wonder how people in large cities stand being cooped up in high rise apartments? What if the power goes out?? how are you going to manage the stairs then?

Hummm...things to think on!!

OK..assuming I'm not stuck on the 131st floor...I think I'd like to do a living room in blue, white and yellow.  I've always like that combination, but I was looking at photos the other day and also stopped when I saw a room done in shades of red, green and white...it was really pretty. Not the Christmas hues, but more subtle than that.  

What would you do...would you carry a theme throughout the unit or...each room separate? Here it's a combo...some tying into each other while others will blend being next to each other.

I think I'd like a balcony that's deep enough to be in the shade while having enough room to have some in the sun.  Maybe the penthouse unit with the whole top?? whoaa!! That would take some work, wouldn't it??!!! might be worth it!

 

 

 

 

we stayed in a very small cottage while vacationing in Savannah. 

the cottage was very old, and had been renovated to bring things up to date for the modern renter.

The hardwood floors had been sanded and refinished.

The walls repaired and freshly painted.

A closet in the kitchen area had been taken over as a washer/dryer and water heater cubby.

Neither Scott nor I can recall what was immediately on the right as we walked into the kitchen, so trying to remember if there was a pantry, or just long counter with cupboard above isn't being verified through either of us. Like he said.."we have pictures, don't we?" yes...we do...somewhere.

The things is...we both prefer large accomodations, but this was a great vacation home for us for the time spent there.

Cuddled on the couch and watched TV and eating.

Never used the dinette set for anything other than storage.

Back in the bedroom the room only had bed, two sidetables and a chair.

The bedding was high and fluffy and spa-like.

The closet was a walk-in with shelves and hanging space, both.

Door to the outside leading to a small handkerchief sized deck. Which would have been perfect for later in the year to get out and experience the balmy weather while indulging in a morning mug of coffee.

The back pocket sized yard was fenced in...large enough for the deck and a couple of bicycles and maybe a tiny garden area..and, the garbage cans.

There was a small front porch, but big enough for small chairs or deacon's bench.

The outside wasn't as well renovated and we were very nervous at first sight, but going inside...wow...it just was awesome. 

Higher end materials(compared to area, not luxury level)

and...photos matted and hung all along the hallway. Many of weddings, others of scenery. 

Very comfortable, leading you to think...

I really don't need that much to make my day lovely!

How about that log cabin at the edge of the woods...maybe up high enough to have a view but not so high you'd have trouble getting to it in winter. Nor...do we want to be a lightening rod, either.

Whenever dreaming about one of these homes...I keep wiggywagging between a really big one, oh..not lodge-sized, but close. And...a nice cozy one...

Bedroom big enough for King bed, once again. Not all logs everywhere, either. As, I can't figure out how to keep that clean....or...getting tired of the "look". Insides should have some smooth walls to hang pictures on.  And, well designed large windows, so you can stay there in the seasons without burning up or freezing to death. Plus, something a bear can't break.

Would want the porch to wrap. But, can't decide if it needs to be all the way around, or partial. I'm thinking maybe 3 sides...the portion that looks over the prettiest view would need to be screened in and wide and deep.  A swing large enough for a Grandmother and child, of whichever age, to swing with her. And at least two or three other areas to sit comfortably. Whether couches, chairs, or stools. Also...a couple of tables for flowers...and, plants too.

The baths would be modern, but with a homey feel to them. Lots of cabinets to store things and counter space to maybe dry a sweater on.

Kitchen would need to be big enough for a good sized frig and freezer. But, also have a super large Hoosier cabinet. Just for atmosphere. A place to keep a few pieces on display, but hold some linens, too.  Plus all the dishes you'd need.

Sounds like this house is bigger than the smaller size I had in my head...sounds like it's the almost lodge sized one.

I'm thinking that today I'd go with decorations similar to what you'd find in the Plow and Hearth catalog. Rustic and homespun, but updated materials so you're not ruining anything from inability to clean easily.  Maybe not rustic so much as just kind of lost out in a meadow or on edge of those woods.  Maybe a glade with ferns.  So...part of the year lighter colors..maybe sage and white or even pale yellow with light blue and white...and flowing fabrics and later on, darker colors...lots of reds or deep blues. Thinking scalloped edges, but either flowered or damask..maybe even paisley. Probably not too many stripes or plaids...but, maybe checkered. I dunno...maybe plaids altogether, as you can switch moods with color tones. Hummm...

Warm tones with furniture as I can't abide blond furniture. I can deal with painted white over that. Maybe a mix, though that's been done and maybe overdone.

Would you even need a TV in a place like this? I can't even picture watching movies here. I can see curled up reading a good book in front of the fire, or....playing board games with the kids. Or...working a jigsaw puzzle. 

In summer you'd have to have a babbling brook....nothing like a pond that gets stagnant. But, moving water, that's clear with a clean bottom...where you can watch fish and tadpoles. Nothing deeper than probably a couple feet and far enough from the house that there would be no chance of any flooding hassles.

An area large enough where you can have flowers...either in a garden or just naturally growing out in the meadow. 

OK...this would have to come with a caretaker, as I hate messing with the woodstove and I'd prefer a fireplace, too...and, any wood building needs a LOT of attention to stay nice and protected from elements.  Plus, those gardens...and, keeping the kitchen clean. Yeah, maybe more than one caretaker.

Guess we'd need room, or cabin for them, too...as, with us aging, they'd need to be on call.

Dormer windows. Log homes need dormers to go over top of the porch roofs...add interest. Guess that's where the kids' bedrooms would be?

this is just one out of a gazillion choices!!

I've been thinking on all the different types of homes I would ever want to live in. And, there are various ones. Naturally, this is all pure speculation and fantasizing as I type.

 

I think a medium sized home is actually the perfect size for me, IF it comes with a housekeeper as I age.

Probably traditional in furnishings while more Mediterranean in style of home. I do like the open concept in the main rooms, but not everywhere. 

Ideal bathroom would have a walk in shower with no barrier on the floor...immediately requiring some space to not mess up rest of the room, right? Maybe even one of those where it's cloak room style, taking up one side of the bathroom with a door on each end and room for a wheelchair to go through to the other end. Large shower heads, but not so high up where you can't reach them to rearrange. But...for the person that may end up in that wheel chair...a good shower system set lower too.  Hummm...option of handheld? Once you get old you don't have the strength to hold that. 

Definitely two sinks...grinning...but, who wants to clean two? Housekeeper wouldn't think of it, but prior to that!! Maybe one, with cost of the other going into making sure the shower area has tons of light instead of the common habit of one small teensy light in showers.  How do those people with small light way up high added to that dark tile ever see the hair on their legs or pits to shave?? By feel, I guess? Why worry...my hair is about gone anyway. Except for this week, where it's waving in the breeze of the ceiling fan.

 

Humm...kitchen?

How about path through where you won't get trapped when the relatives come to visit and want to talk while you're trying to cook?  Prime importance to keeping your temper intact!  Big sis is just like Momma was...comes into your personal space and just stands there...in the way! gah!

LOTS of cabinets and counter space, but not so much you're walking yourself to death getting what you need. Definitely a "room pantry" nearby. Also, so you're not walking yourself all over.

Not sure about choosing between gas or electric stoves. I've used both and liked both for different reasons. Can see where a double oven would come in handy. These newest types...not sure I could learn how to cook on one easily enough to want to mess with this. However...if I were to have a COOK/Housekeeper...or both...whoohoo! OK, not happening. Have hubs, that's sufficient for this right now.

What about main portion of home?

I'd want two things near both front and rear (or side) entrances. Coat closet and potty facilities. Many times as a senior Mom had troubles getting from car into house and then to commode in time. Plus, if you've been shopping you're going to want some sort of "dumping off" area where you can put your purse and bags and then run.

Living room....and....Family room....and...Media room....and...Library. 

Not all in one room!!

Bedrooms...well, one would be the Library, probably.

then...large enough for king beds or at least queens. I've found that even kids deal better with this size room...and, if these are bigger you can do away with one of the rooms above! Make their bedrooms the play rooms when they come visit.  

Lots of couches. You can eliminate a bedroom with this going for you.

I'm done for now....still have thoughts swirling and think I'll post more on this subject later...but, need to check the woodstove right now!

Yipes!!
Just noticed my photo...it has to be at least 12yrs old or more.  You think I should try and update?? 
um...wonder how you do that?? Guess I'll be clicking tabs trying to remember how this all works! LOL

Hey!

It's cold here, but you can't really tell by looking out the window.

 

Jeans are finally dried.

Time has come to force myself to get ready and go into the bookstore today.

 

Not washed up..not dressed...no makeup...but, am up on meds and mugs of coffee...you know..the important things! I did have an orange, too.

 

Boring myself!!

OK..here I go...sigh... 

NO...wait!

It's a gorgeous day...

I'm healthy enough, loved, and have all my needs met.

Life is good,

God is Great

All is under His control!!

it's amazing to me that so many years can pass by with not much change going on in a person's life. Same general things happening.

same thoughts running through that same head.

However...

one main thing is different.

The bookstore where I've worked for 28yrs is closed and now we're just facing packing up, clearing out and cleaning up before handing over the keys.

Lisa will be searching for a new place of employment.

I'll be retiring.

hum..

Not sure I'm ready for this, however...I've basically been retired for years now anyway!

I might be back again later on....don't hold your breath.

4yrs is a long time to do that!