The Good and The Bad

I am amazed at how much learning I receive in just living this thing called life every day. Today has been a multi-faceted day. It began with a beautiful snow storm that snowed me in for a warm, cuddly, sweats wearing, cookie baking, present wrapping kind of day. Then I received a wonderful phone call from my beloved that was news of prayers being answered that have been prayed for at least 3+ years. Miracles of God....not being preachy..just stating the facts...for some things are just too miraculous to be coincidence. It was a phone call full of joy and amazement at seeing the hand of God move and begin to change the life of one dear to us. And then I received an email from a very close friend that means hurt, fear, disappointment and uncertainty for her in receiving word of a big loss in her life. And I just can't help but think about the opposing nature of the two different events that I have learned about and yet how much they can work together at the same time in strengthening my faith. I believe that the miracle of the first phone call can strengthen me for the times that I find out something bad that could make me question God's presence or why He allows certain things. He wants me to believe and stand on the truth that He is ALWAYS with me, with all of us and hold to that truth when the future seems bleak. I pray as I sit here with uncertainty in my own future that He will help me to hold on to the lessons that He has shown me today and that maybe they will bless and serve as a reminder for you when circumstances begin to make you doubt His love.

Painful Growth

I almost did not write today because Sunday is the hardest day of the week for me but then thought that it might be good to be transparent. I go to a women's support group that is for a specific form of abuse and it is very, very hard to go sometimes and afterwards I often feel so empty that I don't make any plans for Sunday evenings. But I say this, not to make you feel sorry for me or feel bad, but to make a point. I do this class every week because I am aware that there are things in me that keep me from being the best servant of the Lord that I can be, that keep me from being the best friend that I can be and keep me from loving Neil the very best that I can be. So I just want to encourage you to look and be willing to see areas where growth (although painful) is needed in you. The people in our lives are affected by the areas of weakness in us every single day and like I said yesterday, the people in my life are what makes my life so wonderful and worth living... so....in my book, they deserve the VERY BEST that I have to give!

Relationship

I just spent several hours having communication with my sweetheart and a couple of friends. I am amazed at how much time is required for relationships to be maintained as well as deepened. I can see that is why so many don't really view life as being about relationships
anymore. It takes time, effort, energy, commitment and desire to build relationship with others. But I become more aware all the time, that real life, truly living, is nothing but relationships! So I have made a promise to myself that I will not let time get away from me and cause me to forget what really makes my life worth living and that is you, the people in it.
I would encourage you to choose just one person that you care about but haven't talked to in a while and take 15 minutes out of your day today and make time to call them. Or maybe life has been so hectic the last week that you have not really "seen" your spouse or children all week. Then take 15 minutes to stop the craziness and just reconnect and say, "I love you and I am so glad that you are in my life". The reward will be worth the time I promise you. Have a wonderfully real day today.

Counting My Blessings

Hi! I am so excited that you came to see me and I just want to thank you for your interest and time! As I said before, I welcome any thoughts or even constructive criticisms whenever you feel moved to share. I am thrilled to have so many people to share my heart with. It is the minority that have a lot of people that are really important to them, you know? I am truly rich in the abundance of special "saints" that have played or are still playing important roles in my life....so today, I pay tribute to all of you and you know who you are! :-)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

As I prepare to leave to share Thanksgiving with the Harvey/Darlington family I just want to thank you for being on my list of things to be thankful for! I pray that your day is spent in love and joy and remembering all the things that you have to be thankful for this day for I know that you have things to put on your list. Stop and look around you today and look for at least 3 things of beauty around you! You will be surprised how easy it can be. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe in his care this holiday season.

This is the day the Lord has made!

Hello! I needed to write a note just to express what a beautiful day we are having here. It is 62 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and the mountains are incredible! I consider it to be an amazing gift to live in place where the beauty around me brings joy to my heart every single day! And each component that makes up such beauty is evidence of God's love for me and for you! This planet is absolute proof that He doesn't just want us to exist but He wants us to flourish, enjoy life and enjoy it abundantly! So it is my prayer for you, that as we approach Thanksgiving, you can begin to make a list of all the things that you have to be thankful for and decide to keep your heart focused on those things today. And know that you, dear ones are part of my list of things to praise God for!

The first day of the rest of my life

Thank you for embarking on this journey with me...I am excited as I anticipate all the miracles that you will witness thru this blog every day because I have found that every day does present some kind of miracle if I just look for it. After all, isn't life just in of itself a miracle? And even if I don't post something every day, all you have to do is look up at the sky when the sun is setting or stop and look at a flower in bloom or stop at night and look at the stars....that is all you need to do to change your whole view of your day. And along with that I know that I will have things to share that will bless you as well, for God's hand has been "seen" to move mightily in my life since the very day I was born. I hope that as I share my heart and perspective on life with you, that you will be richly blessed and maybe...just maybe you'll see some things that you have never seen before! May the rest of your day be richly blessed and don't forget... when you go out to your car...look up!