Gifts From My Children

In the last week and a half, I received many gifts from my children. Every call, e-mail, and IM makes me smile - well, most every one!

449.  Hearing that Chad wants to go fishing with Dad on break, and Cristin wants to go hunting on the property. This surprised their dad and I'm sure blessed his socks off ! :)

450.  Getting a "safe arrival" call twice during the week. The thought of my kids looking forward to just hanging out together and willing to spend 8-10 hours in the crazy holiday traffic each way to do it is a gift.

451.  Getting a call that a phone interview for a summer internship IN MICHIGAN went well. The thought of both kids being within day visit produces anticipation and joy that is difficult to contain.

452.  Getting a message stating he got the internship at American Axle and Manufacturing - YAY God! It looks like Chad will be home for the summer.

453.  "New Bible" topping the Christmas list for both kids.

454.  A humorous e-mail from Cristin that made both Craig and I laugh. The Lord knows, we need to laugh more.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
        the fruit of the womb a reward.
    Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
        are the children of one's youth.
    Blessed is the man
        who fills his quiver with them!
    He shall not be put to shame
        when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
 (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV)

Thank you, Lord, for my children. They are a precious gift from you!

Scrapbooking Until it Hurts

Today, I stayed home and scrapbooked to my heart's content - or rather, until my hands hurt, my eyes started blurring, and I ran out of tape - amazing how it all happened at the same time. :)

448.  I am thankful to have had a day, pretty much to myself, without anywhere to go, no one to see, and nothing else to do. OK, I really should have cleaned house, but I played "hooky" instead! I looked through pictures, tried to remember names of people from six years ago (my memory is not so good, these days), and tried to come up with creative ways to display them in my scrapbook. Did I say I "played" today? I take it all back...This creating thing is hard WORK!

I am exhausted, and ready to relax on the couch with a good movie or a good book. Or, maybe I'll just enjoy watching the backs of my eyelids. =D

What a great day! I am blessed...

A REALLY old picture of me doing the limbo on a cruise we took BEFORE kids. I better start practicing...leaving in 3 weeks. YAHOO!

A Different Thanksgiving and Black Friday

This year, Craig and I spent Thanksgiving at the home of  friends and with their extended family. We were not the only "orphaned" family they took in this Thanksgiving.

My character and thankful attitude was challenged on several occasions - yet, I still praise His name!

440.  Failed pie crusts are just a cup of flour an a little shortening - thankful it's easy to start again, and thankful for the www. to figure out what went wrong! (I've made dozens of pies, so I was stumped!) Could it be the old, old flour?

441.  Pumpkin pie mix spewing out of the base of my blender splattering everything within a square foot area. I had checked the seal but failed to see the huge crack through the plastic blade mount. *sigh*  I guess it served me well for the last 25 years. I'm thankful it's easy and inexpensive to replace, and I now have something on my Christmas list. :)

442.  "Helping" Craig carry in our food, only to spill turkey juice down the front of me before we got to the house. Thankful that a little water and rag got it out, though it was a little sticky when it dried.

443.  Being unbelievably embarrassed in front of a roomful of people I had just met by something I had no control over. Nothing like a BIG dose of humility and being thankful to be an adult and not a teenager. Some day I'll get over it and may even be able to laugh about it.  :-/

444.  Thankful for gracious hosts and the opportunity to meet and get to know some new people.

445.  Thankful for phones and phone calls from my kids. And thankful they miss being with me- almost as much as I miss being with them.

446.  Calling our very best neighbors ever and having a long conversation to catch up. We'll never forget them even though they live across the country. It's still fun talking to them and we're so thankful for the impact they had on our young family.

447.  Spending the day scrapbooking and visiting with my sister, thankful I was not out navigating the crowded streets, parking lots, and stores. Just being with her is the BEST! (But I actually accomplished something, too.)

Sometimes, you don't appreciate things until you don't have them, anymore. I have always been thankful for my family, but never so aware of the void they fill as this Thanksgiving when we weren't able to be together.

This may shape future Thanksgivings...

With Thanksgiving

Giving Thanks with a Grateful Heart for:

421.  My God and Savior, Jesus Christ, without whom I'd have no hope in this world or for the next.

422.  My one and only husband of 25 years...and they said it would never last! Thankful for the adventure we're in.

423.  My "kids" excited to spend a few days together; excited to cook, and bake.

424.  Seeing my children grow up and what they are becoming. It's a blessing to see that them making some of our values their own.

425.  Seeing my children flourish where God  has placed them and knowing that even though they are so far away, they are right where God wants them and trusting Him to care for them.

426.  My Dad recovering from a mild stroke.

427.  The love and support of my family and extended family.
428.  Many happy memories of large family Thanksgiving gatherings.

429.  People who look out for my kids while they are so far from home.

430.  Blessed to have been able to stay at home and raise my children - the memories are precious, irreplaceable, and forever.

431.  Sitting under the teaching of a godly pastor for the last 4 1/2 years. 

432.  Old vehicles that are paid for and still get me to where I need to go. (And a husband that can figure out how to keep them running!)

433.  Learning to be content in all circumstances. 

My new job at the NEW GM - Who could ever imagine that I could get back into a career after 20 years of retirement AND back with that same company I started with 25 years ago?! 434.  Unbelievable in human terms, but predictably a "God thing".

435.  Awesome, helpful co-workers!(Thanks Jess and Joan for all the "training".)

436.  Financial provision to be able to help our kids pay for college so they won't graduate with a load of debt.

437.  Seeing people grow in their faith as they read, study, and "do-do" the Word.   :)

438.  Mentors and mentees who challenge me to live out my faith loudly, and encourage me in word and deed.

439.  Friends who open their homes and hearts to others.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Sending Dad "Butterfly Kisses"

420. Yesterday, Dad (Gramps) gave us a scare. I am thankful for my dad and so thankful we are a family that expresses it often and in many ways. We don't just wait for holidays or Hallmark Days to say, "I love you, Dad." or "I've been blessed to have you for my dad."

I remember the flood of tears that flowed the first time I heard this song - it reminded me of my relationship with my dad: 

You did lots of things right - I LOVE YOU, DAD!

Silver and Gold Friends

"Make new friends,
but keep the old.
One is silver,
the other is gold..."

Today, I'm thankful for the gifts of my Forever Friends, and for the Spirit that binds us!

These are the gifts I received yesterday:

416.  A Facebook message from a "golden" friend introducing me to another song with the same title as the one I posted. 

417.  A visit with a "golden friend", my "Bible study mentor. We can pick up just where we left off, a year and a half ago, we speak the same language, I love her heart. I am moved by her passion. I left with a knitted hearts dishcloth and a scrumptuous recipe I can't wait to try - Cupcake Bites - simply sinful! They are like chocolate truffles...Maybe I'll share the reciple. ;-)

418.  Walked four miles while talking with a silver friend. It was a beautiful fall day to enjoy together.

419  Spent the evening with a circle of silver friends. These are precious women I meet with every week to share what God is teaching each of us, to hold each other accountable to live according to His Word, to encourage each other to "hang in there", and keep the focus on the One who is able to do abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine!

 

Why Go to Church?

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

These are a few of the blessings I received because I was in "church" yesterday-not in any particular order: 

410. Getting to hear a young man share his gift of music as he shared a piano solo during corporate worship. It is a huge encouragement to see families involved in worship, serving the Lord and His people together; their love for the Lord radiates and invigorates! 

411. Talking to a young gal who would like to learn to knit. (She is desperate, if she's asking me, but I would LOVE to spend time teaching her the little that I know.)  :)

412. Encouraging others and being encouraged to "fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith". 

413. Catching up with friends who have been traveling or recovering.

414. Getting lots of hugs. (We need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth. ~ Virginia Satir)

415. The blessing of being led in worship through the gift of song:

Amen!

Led with Stong Hands

409. This week I was blessed to listen to my husband's end of a difficult telephone conversation.  I came away praising God for the work He has done in my husband because I observed a godly (not perfect) man who has been transformed by the grace of God, speaking with great patience and restraint, love, and wisdom - Biblical wisdom.

There is nothing more appealing to me, a woman who loves the Lord, than to see my husband walking with Him, growing in Him, and leading under His authority.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

Lord,
I am in awe and forever grateful for your grace and mercy to us, who are lost and without hope in this world. Thank you for the change you've made in my life and in those most precious and dear to me.  Lead me in your way, everlasting!  Amen!

Sometimes It's the SimpleThings

These seemingly simple things are treasured gifts in the busyness of this life I now live.

399. Getting a full 8 hours of sound sleep - two nights in a row!
400. Being able to finally leave work on time.
401. The excitement of receiving vacation details and confirmation packets in the mail.
402. Relaxing, face to face (well, foot to foot) and talking with my hubby under the cozy cover of one of our wedding afghans, without any other distractions-no t.v., radio, projects...
403. An invitation to join another family's Thanksgiving dinner and celebration.
404. Washing floors and doing household chores while listening to an exciting Michigan Football game on the radio. Brought back lots of memories of my high school Saturdays on "the farm" in Fenton.
405. Working in the kitchen side by side with my mom, baking an apple pie from scratch as we caught up on life.
406. Watching my dad and hubby having some side-by-side time, sighting in firearms off the deck, and the look of pride on my dad's face as his first shot was reported a bullseye!
407. Enjoying leftovers with company - more like enjoying company while eating leftovers. No need to get fancy after a busy day of chores.
408. Corporate worship and the confirmation of the Lord's Word to me all week through song:



My Scripture memory for this week:
"Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"(John 4:13-14 ESV)

Lord, I know you are more than enough - help me live like you are more than enough!

The Gift of Freedom

Blessings I'm counting today...

391.  Having the freedom to work out of my home.
392.  Getting a paid "Holiday" from work just to vote!
393.  Living in a country where I have the freedom, the right, the responsibility, and indeed the privilege to vote - to have my opinion count in the selection of the leadership of the greatest country in the world!
394.  Getting a tip from a friend about how to get coupons for Restaurant Deals and Discounts!
395.  Enjoying a leisurely lunch with a friend.
396.  An amazing dessert that isn't even chocolate! (And enough to feed four easily! A take home treasure.)
397.  A brisk walk in the brisk fall afternoon with a dear friend and her dog. I miss my Lucky. :-(
398.  Three calls from my daughter friend just to catch up on life. :) <3

I had to go to my archives to find this song, but it's been on my mind all day:

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1 ESV) 

Masks - What Are We Afraid Of?

The lesson for today's family worship was about wearing masks - the premise is that we all do it. We heard about three types of masks - reasons we wear masks:

     1) To try to emulate others to be what WE WANT to be, 

     2) To "fit in" to our society and what other people want us to be,

     3) To look more spiritual than we are...

The challenge was to think of which mask I am wearing, and get rid of it this week; be who GOD wants me to be - who He created me to be, because God doesn't make junk! He designed me perfectly and has a plan for my life. That plan and purpose doesn't necessarily come without pain and discomfort as he sculpts me perfectly for the work He has prepared just for me!

God’s Chisel « Videos « The Skit Guys

Gifts received today - 

386. Family Worship Service at Life Fellowship Chapel.

387  God's chisel at work in me - He loves me and cares enough for me to change me.

388. Removing masks today at home...life is just plain hard, right now, but it's ok. We have each other and Jesus walks with us.

389. Ladies' LIFE Monday night - new study, Living Free by Beth Moore. No coincidence that what we get in worship complements what we study in LIFE Group.

390. A relaxing afternoon at home.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

God's Plan NOT My Plan

Well, life is quite different these days, since I started back to work full time, as a permanent employee for the NEW General Motors. This wasn't in my plan - it wasn't in my wildest dreams - to be back to work as a Materials Engineer for a large company after 20 years as a stay-at-home mom. No, it wasn't my plan, it was God's plan, and I am beginning to see some of the work He has prepared for me;
     it's scary,
          it's exciting,
               it's exhausting,
                    it's humbling,
                         it's challenging,
                              it's overwhelming
                                   it's in HIS hands!

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:21

I can't begin to relate all the blessings I've experienced these past few months, but here are a few...

386. All expense paid travel to places I've never been.
387. Experiencing restaurants I would never step in on my own - the price tag would keep me at a distance.
388. A dinner cruise around Manhattan.
389. The awe of seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time...and then again all lit up at night.
390. The beauty of the New York Skyline lit up at night, understanding how it got it's nickname, "the city that never sleeps" (and being Glad that I don't live there!).
391. Meeting fun people from all over the world - everyone say, "We're GLOBAL!"
392. Feeling those "professional" skills starting to come back.
393. Confidence building.
394. Helpful suppliers.
395. Coming home to dinner on the table. (Role reversal!)
396.  Awed anew by blazing fall colors against a clear blue sky.
397. Coming home from a long week away on business to find a cozy fire, dinner cooking, and open arms waiting for me!
398. Having an opportunity to get to know my co-worker who comes from a very different culture and has very different beliefs than me.
399.  "Knowing that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Letting Go and Loving Life

"I’m letting go...it feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe...Trusting and trying to embrace The fear of the unknown, Beyond my comfort zone...Knowing You are holding me, I’m not afraid..."

And because I'm not afraid, I'm free to live and love life:

372. Catching up with co-workers - they're all awesome!
373. Garden goodies from friends - yummy!
374. Cooking dinner with my mom
375. Gramps' Funny Faces - I laughed so hard! He looks(and acts) more and more like Papa every day!
376. Friendly "feuding" family card games
377. Gazing at my husband across the table as he grins, smiles, and laughs
378. Laughing the night away with my parents and my love
379. Sunshine, blue skies, and cooler weather
380. Leisurely shopping
381. People Watching: Elderly couples shopping side by side as they steadied themselves by the cart, a dad carrying his son, a granddaughter, walking hand in hand with her grandpa, a mother and daughter who looked like best friends, a family of four all dressed up for something special
382. Seeing people you know in unexpected places
383. Being able to wish someone "Happy Birthday" in person after being clued in by Facebook :)
384. Installing new technology and having it work! YAY!
385. Being "helpmate" to a wonderful man

 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

Finding Wings

As a parent, my goal was to raise my children to be responsible, independent adults who love God with all their heart and live to serve Him and His people. As the time came to nudge them out of the nest, my protective nature took over, and it became clear this "letting go" was going to be much more difficult than I had anticipated. This weekend, God allowed me to witness the strength of their wings and the wind beneath them. He also gave me peace to unfold my own wings, which will allow me to soar to the new heights and new adventures He has been preparing for me.

Today, I'm thanking Him for these gifts:

362. Seeing my kids maturing and flourishing as they spread their wings and begin to fly; Thankful for the opportunities God is providing for each one of them.

363. An uneventful college road trip and caravan to Alabama (UAH) and South Carolina (CSU).

364. A gracious and helpful Holiday Inn Express Hotel manager who remedied my booking mistake with a smile.

365. Spending a couple hours with both “kids” and listening to the familiar “banter” between them.

366. Aunt Carol’s gracious hospitality offering a drop in room for the night with a goody bag of healthy fruit and muffins for the road.

367. The gift of a loaf of fresh home(dorm)-baked bread from Chad as we said goodbyes for another 3 months.

368. Hanging out with Cristin’s roommates in their awesome Super Senior Suite while they unpacked and shared stories of summer.

369. Safe, uneventful flights to a wonderful husband waiting to whisk me home.

370. An understanding boss.

371. The flexibility of working online and off-site.

It's time to move on to the new adventures God has planned for all of us. I'm finally ready!

“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

Riding the Roller Coaster of Life

Since Friday morning, I have been riding a roller coaster of emotions. The highs are exhilarating; the lows...not so much. But still, I look to find whatever..."whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

352. News that Chad got the RA job for next year at UAH. Lots of other encouraging talk.

353. Picked up my NEW GM EMPLOYEE ID! It worked - YAY! Looking forward to beginning a new chapter in my life, back to work as a Materials Engineer at General Motors on Monday.

354. Got a flat tire as we were merging onto I-75 during Friday morning rush hour. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

355. Was rear-ended by a semi-truck while stopped for a red light after replacing all tires. So discouraged that our "best" vehicle (though it is a '98 with 150,000 miles) has a buckled trunk, bumper, and broken taillights. Very thankful that it was still driveable for our weekend getaway.

356. Sad to pack up my Warren office - I'll miss my awesome Materials Lab co-workers! Thankful I will have many opportunities to continue to work with them as their "customer".

357. Connected with Craig's college friends and their family, then with my college roommate and her husband who hosted us at their Bed & Breakfast.

Melanie & Tony Barnard

358. An opportunity to catch a couple of salmon on Lake Michigan. Yummy!

359. Waking to a rainy Saturday - perfect weather for Craig to enjoy.

360. More vehicle issues - Thankfully, Dad arrived to the rescue, just in time to fix the brakes.

We had the WHOLE cabin to ourselves!

360. Hanging out with Cristin and getting a private trail ride to the outback. Getting to play euchre with Cristin and her friend. (AND got beat!)

Cristin leads with Dexter

Cristin gets Dad situated on Rowdy while Mom and Red watch.

Waiting to worship.

361. Coming home to find my faithful friend, Lucky dog, rapidly deteriorating healthwise...not looking forward to what the next couple days will require. :-(     

I'm focusing on the great memories of my faithful shadow - a great dog!

....Still I will PRAISE Him!

Precious Memories

Memories - reliving old and making new - are opportunities to thank God. These are just a few of the blessings this week.:


335.  Our summer vacation beginning at the Knable Kottage with Nonna and Gramps.

336.  Two of my very favorite men (Hubby and Gramps) working together most of the day Friday troubleshooting the trailer wiring, repairing the problem, and cleaning up. Thankful for the wisdom we glean from working with an older generation.

337.  Nonna and I having the "chore" of "snail hunting" along the lakeshore and soaking in lots of vitamin D! It was a gorgeous day at Bear Lake and I always enjoy our conversations while we "work".

338. A Friday morning bike ride with Gramps, joining him during the second half of his ride. Time spent with my family is so precious to me, and I thank God for the relationship I have with mine.

339. A leisurely drive up and over the Mackinac Bridge. It was so neat to see the roadside packed with parked cars and the sandy Lake Huron beaches scattered with families enjoying the sunny day together. Thanking Him for families and fun times together!

340.  Arriving safely on Drummond Island after hauling a 30' trailer behind a truck with a 14' boat on top.

341. More "older generation" wisdom and advice from Uncle Carl as we continued to learn new things about RV camping. :)

342. Thankful to be able to "catch up" with good friends, Annette and Lynn.

343. Thankful for the USA, and the show of patriotism at the parade.

344.  Spectacular fireworks! It gave me a new understanding to, "the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air"!

345.  Reliving precious memories of days past with Grandma Julie and Grandpa Dale.

346.  Spotting an eagle and watching it soar.

347.  Getting up close to an eagle, and a family of loons. Oh, they were so pretty, but I wasn't able to capture them on my camera.

348.  Catching the first fish of vacation! We spent two hours scouting for fish, avoiding the floatilla of fisherman, until we finally gave in and joined them. I no sooner had my line down, and was receiving instruction, when I interjected, "Like that?!"  - my bobber disappeared from view and my line was taking off away from me! We were all laughing so hard as I worked to get the first one in the boat. YAY! We had to stop 3 short of our limit of 48 herring/whitefish because there was a smoker full that needed to get checked.

349.  Fun with friends and a good laugh.

350.  Health to bike around the island and a beautiful evening to do it.

351.  Appreciating God's beautiful handiwork in creation - flora and fauna. I startled a deer as I passed her on the side of the road and she startled me!

352.  Playing "Pied Piper" to the campground labs...They were just like little children playing in the sand and water.

353.  Enjoying the chatter of my friend's 2 1/2 year old granddaughter, Sarah - so precious!

354.  A boat ride with Craig and Lucky - It was another beautiful evening.

355.  Playing cards until midnight and laughing with friends. :-D

 O Lord My God, You Are Very Great!

Growing in Grace and Knowledge

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2Peter 3:18

Over the last several months, I worked through Chuck Swindoll's book and study, "The Grace Awakening" with my Ladies' LIFE group. As I walked through these lessons, I was convicted that I too, have been the rigid, critical, self-righteous, judgmental "grace killer" that Chuck describes, and it grieved me. In the past year, I, and several people I care about, have been "attacked" by "grace killers". It has been a stretching, growing, and sometimes painful year of discipleship, struggling with moving myself and others to grow in righteousness and holiness, while always speaking and acting with overwhelming grace flowing from the grace poured into me by my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I followed the study by reading Beth Moore's, "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things". It reinforced being a grace receiver and grace giver. We have an adversary who wants to destroy us, the church, and the work of God. Much grace is needed, not only in reaching out to those who need God's redeeming grace, but also to help restore our fallen "brothers" and "sisters". I am often reminded of the saying, "But by the grace of God, there go I." In the name of God and His righteousness, we beat up the brethren when they fail to meet our expectations, whether they are valid or not. We judge their hearts and intentions, best left for God since He alone knows the heart. *sigh* I have been on both sides of this, as well.

I am forever changed by the Truth I learned as I stumbled through these two books.There are so many broken people in the world. I am so thankful that God is full of grace and mercy for all who cry out to him. I am forever grateful to my God for rescuing me, and His patience as He is faithful to complete the work He began in me.

While I have been singing so many "Hallelujahs!"  to God, lately, this song has really touched me, knowing that "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." 

 Sometimes, there are things better than a "Hallelujah!"

Lord,

   Help me to continually, day by day, grow in the grace and knowledge of you, and allow that grace and knowledge to flow freely and extravagantly onto those I come into contact with.

Having the Right Perspective on Getting Older

Thanks to my friend, Dawn for sending me this!

******************************************************************************

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love .... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

Chick Flick Night

Last night we held our Ladies' LIFE Group reunion - a "Chick Flick" Night. I was looking for a movie about women's relationships and was trying to steer clear of romantic type movies, since most of us are married. I originally picked "Steel Magnolias", but after fielding some objections raised by a scathing moral review, I decided to choose a different movie so that no one would be offended. Have you ever tried to find a movie that is acceptable to a group of women from varying backrounds and at different life stages? I watched more movies in the last two weeks, than in the last two years combined. Here are some of the titles I reviewed:

Miracle in the Woods 
Hidden Places
Love Comes Softly
Sense and Sensibility
The Ultimate Gift
Come What May

They were good movies, but not what I was looking for in a "Chick Flick". The movie that was most recommended as a good "Chick Flick" from outsiders, and even by some of the ladies in the group, was "Pride and Prejudice" with Kiera Knightly. That is what I settled on. It is definitely a chick flick - Craig would have very little interest in sitting through it.

I have not had much interest in historical fiction because I am not a big history fan, and I can't really relate. I did enjoy the movie, and realized as the movie played on, I had actually seen it before! My favorite parts of the movie - the balls, where there was formal dancing. I would have loved them! The end where Elizabeth is talking to her father about her love for Mr. Darcy. It was very much like my conversation with my father.

Of the two Jane Austin titles, I actually liked "Sense and Sensibility" better. I think I will watch it again. :)

The best part of the night was visiting with my friends before and after the film. It was great to catch up with the ladies in the other group and ladies who can no longer attend due to current circumstances. The evening fufilled it's purpose and that is to maintain our connection and friendships as women.

Adding to my list of gifts:

331. Women friends - to laugh, cry, pray, and rejoice with.

332. A friend recognizing that I needed prayer, stopping everything to pray for my immediate need. Thank you! Your prayer made a difference.

333. A special young man willing to "babysit" three active boys so that a young mom was able to fellowship with the ladies. What a blessing you are!

And this morning,

334. Finding a reasonable plane fare to FL for my sister-in-law with departure within the week.

Lord,

Keep me humble under your mighty hand. Help me to cast all my anxieties on you, because I know that you care for me. Help me to be sober-minded and watchful. My adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Help me to resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by my "brothers" throughout the world. I trust that you, the God of all grace, who has called me to eternal glory in Christ, will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish me.

With all my heart,

Cheryl

His Grace is Enough

It's been a tough couple of weeks for both me and my hubby. I am thankful for my savior Jesus Christ, God of mercy and grace, and for His people of grace. I am living by grace, today! Here are some gifts of grace I've received -

316. Familiar WMUZ Christian music from the car bay as I walked by, first thing in the morning.

317. A supervisor who encourages me regularly.

318. Co-workers patient through my mistakes.

319. Receiving help and instruction from my co-worker, husband.

320. Hanging out with the work group eating chili and talking.

321. Open participation at a planning meeting.

322. Women humbly and honestly sharing their thoughts and opinions.

323. A long winter walk with my hubby.

324. Needed grocery items on sale at Meijer.

325. Sisters in Christ who are gracious and support me, even when I use poor judgment in leadership.

326. Friends who call me just to say they understand, and to encourage me.

327. Amazing, wonderful parents whom I can call and get support and encouragement from even when they are thousands of miles away.

328. Pastors with great wisdom, who ALWAYS make time for me, as if I were the only sheep in their flock.

329. Co-workers who encourage me with their stories of "fail" when I feel like a big "FAIL"!

330. A boss who "wants" us to make mistakes...though I don't think he is talking about the ones I made this week. But he does understand, and openly acknowledges that I am on a huge learning curve, right now. He uses encouraging words, often. (Words of affirmation is near the top of my "Love Language" list.)

His Grace is enough...

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Help me to be a grace giver.

A Quiet House & "ME" Management

It's week two of 2010. I've been trying to manage my time better...*NEWSFLASH*... from this morning: Time cannot be managed, it's actually ME that needs managing. I really knew that. That's why it's so hard. I have to change.

Right now, it would be easier to focus on the negative that seems to surround me, but this is the place where I share the positive, the "Gifts" I have received from God.

307. Drinking coffee and knitting with my neighbor and good friend.

308. Listening, for a change, instead of doing all the talking. *I need to do more of this. Make a note...

309. The guys (our nephew and three friends) accepting Craig's invitation to attend a "Wild Game Dinner" at a local church.

310. Quiet time at home, alone with the dog.

311. Mia snuggling up behind me while I work on the computer.

312. A walk in the sunshine with my hubby and dog on a cold, snowy day.

313. Getting to the halfway mark in my knitting project - that's an accomplishment!

314. Hugs from lots of women at church.

315. A call from Mom, who is vacationing in Hawaii.

I confess that I stumbled a bit today, having a little "pity party" over what I have "given up". It is nothing compared to what I have gained in You, Lord! Thank you for helping me to re-focus on the principles of this morning's message: "God's schedule never distracts, destroys, discourages, disappoints, or defeats." Lord, help me to live this out loud! 

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20