I am,I think Meme

I have been tagged by my dear friend Jo!So here are my answers to these wonderfully thought provoking phrases.I shall decline tagging anyone for Jo and I share many of the same blog friends and I got no response last time I tried this!

Blessings~Sharon

I am: A much loved child of an awesome God.

I think:God is the greatest artist there is.

I know: His plan for my life will be accomplished.

I have: Many who call me sister and friend.

I wish: I was thin.

I hate: Those things that separate people from God .

I miss: Many things and people.

I fear: Circumstances will remain the same.

I feel: Peaceful this morning.

I hear:The hum of our fans and husband's occasional snoring.

I smell: Freshly made coffee and the smell of a summer morn.

I crave: Books,books and more books.

I search:For God's will and for beauty as well as inspiration.

I wonder:What my family and friends are up to right now?

I regret: That I couldn't go to College.

I love:God,His creation,and all that is beautiful.

I ache: For those who need to be set free from sin's clutches.

I am not: Lonely.

I believe: God is good all the time.

I dance: Seldom.

I sing:Often.

I cry:When needing to release stress.

I don't always:Do that which I should do.

I fight: Seldom.

I write:Because I love it!

I win:In the end!

I lose:My patience sometimes.

I never: Say"never!"

I always:Try to remember to say "thank You."

I confuse:My priorities sometimes.

I listen:To beautiful or inspirational music most all the time.

I can usually be found:Writing or reading or cooking or cleaning.

I am scared: That inspiration in writing shall never return.

I need:To find Him once again.

I am happy about:My life in general.

I imagine:Heaven will be an amazing place!

Glimpses of His Grace

My husband and I have faced numerous losses in the last 6 years or so.Losses of health,employment,finances.Loss of friends and family members through old age and disease.Consequently we've faced times of fear as well as depression.It is a common thing,even among Christians.Sometimes we have even had to sell precious possessions to make ends meet.You do what you have to do.At least this has been our experience.But in the midst of all this grief,pain,sorrow and loss we've seen His grace as well.I was pondering this while in our bathroom yesterday.I was observing how pretty the stained glass angel night light was that one of my younger sisters had given me.They were a set of 2.One graces a small alcove in our living room.Sandy knew of my love of color,stained glass and angels.And she graciously bought these for Christmas last year.They have been a continual remembrance of His grace.How He provides light for us in the dark places in our lives.A bit of beauty in our day,just like the sun that rises and shines it's light on us.A reminder that He sends His angels,ministering spirits,to protect us and to guard us.And He reminds me of His love through the love of my sister.Glimpses of His grace.Sometimes they're small.Sometimes they're great.But they're always present in even the darkest times in our lives if we but look for them.

Blessings~Sharon

Summer's Rest

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. ~John Lubbock

We are off to the coast for some much needed relaxation and to enjoy this day's all too quickly fleeting beauty!Time flies much too quickly when one is middle aged.There are days I long for the seemingly eternal summer days of my childhood where time seemed non existent but for the ever changing position of that huge golden orb we call the sun.To lie on one's back and stare at summer clouds without fear of sun damage is a memory of my childhood I hold dear.What memories of summer do you treasure?
Blessings~Sharon

My Week

It's been quite a week here.Spring weather finally arrived just in time for summer to begin.God surely has a sense of humor.Smile.I ended up in ER again for my heart had jumped out of rhythm once again.I was shocked back into rhythm.But it took 2 doses of medicine to sedate me and three tries to shock me back into rhythm.That means my body is building an immunity to such things.I did not welcome that news at all.I am still in rhythm,praise the Lord.I see the cardiologist tomorrow.I do hope that he does not mention the dreaded"P"word.Pacemaker.I am too young and in many ways too healthy for such a thing. I know that is simply my non-medical opinion.And no one welcomes invasive surgery.But it is possible he will discuss it tomorrow.I am really hoping it all was just caused by a change of medications a few months back.What can I say,I am an optimist.Big grin.I know God is in control and that He loves me.I just don't understand His ways at times.It seems I have had need of a lot of sifting.And He has allowed it.I just must keep in mind that sifting purifies and refines us as His children.That it makes us fit for ministry and for heaven.And it is therefore necessary.We did some spring cleaning this week.I just love to look out of sparkling clean windows.It just brightens the day and allows for a clear,unobstructed view of the verdant beauty that is Oregon in the summer time.I feel so blessed,blissful really to live in such a state.I grew up in Sacramento CA and never thought, that at age 30, God would move me to Oregon.But He did.And I have been here ever since.Our apartment complex held a summer solstice festival here yesterday.I had thought of not going.It is very easy for me,a writer and avid reader to be what some would deem anti-social.My loves,my hobbies,my talents,my gifts,are solitary pursuits.I was created by God to be this way.I have never minded being alone.Consequently,I must sometimes force myself into the company of others,much to my husband's chagrin.He gently encouraged me to go and enjoy the festivities so I joined him,our daughter and granddaughter.And I am glad I did.There was a colorful parade of many of the children who dwell here and pets all decked out with balloons and such.Chalk art contests,hula hoop contests,prettiest pet contests.What fun I had!I chatted in the shade of a lovely tree with another tenant whom we used to attend church with years back.Occasionally a lovely breeze would grace us with it's refreshing presence, taking the edge off of the heat.Or an overly excited puppy would come over for some love and attention which I willingly gave for I adore animals.We finished off the festival with a donut provided by one of the tenants who works at a donut shop!And,Steve and I were also given pinwheels,along with the children to"play"with as we sat there enjoying the day's festivities.Huge grin now.They awakened a long forgotten childhood love of things that blow in the wind.They each now grace a pot of pansies on our patio,waiting for a delightful wind to set them in motion.I really needed this respite.This return to childhood.It's far too easy to become too mature,too adult like.I need to remember how to have fun.For this too,I think,is a gift from God.A way to alleviate the stresses that come with adulthood.Today we will babysit at noon.Right now I am enjoying the quiet hum of our air purifier and the gentle sleep sounds of my husband and cat.And I love it.It's peaceful.Comforting.Like a hug from God.May your day be filled with many hugs from Him too.

Blessings~Sharon

Potpourri

I titled this potpourri for it is not about one specific thing.It is about a variety of things that have all been blended together and have made up my life lately.I have not blogged in awhile nor have I been to visit many of your blogs.I miss it terribly but it seems that as of late the words won't come.They swirl about in my brain occasionally as if to tease me,tempt me,seduce,me,dare me to pour their content out upon this blank page.They come near,and then,like a skittish colt,they run off again,flying like the wind,and I am left alone to ponder their exit.Not completely alone for I know God is with me.But alone in that place writers know well at times.That place where the words seem frozen.Encased in ice as thick and unyielding as an Alaskan glacier.What does one do when the creativity seems to have vanished?When the words refuse to flow.For myself,I pray.I ask God to see me through this time of blank pages and seemingly dried up pen.And I await His warmth to once again blow His spirit,His presence, His breath,His"ruach"( a lovely Hebrew word)upon my life and writing.In this period of waiting I have helped hold a garage sale here in our complex.It was this last weekend.And I am glad it is done.We made a bit of money.And more importantly we were able to rid ourselves of things we no longer needed to hold on to.If we do that with stuff in our physical lives,how much more do we need to rid ourselves of those things that clog and clutter our spirit man.It was good to enjoy the sunshine and cool breezes God graced us with last weekend.We met some of our neighbors and their pets and children.And we survived all of it.If you've ever held a garage sale you know what I am talking about.Smile.Also during the last 2-3 weeks I finished my first ever proofreading job for a small,newly formed Christian publishing company called Revolutionary Disciples Media!They loved my work and want to hire me!That's pretty exciting for this 46 year old who has never worked in publishing ever.It will start small at first but God says not to despise the day of small or humble beginnings.I am rejoicing that I get to be a part of getting good writing out to those who need encouragement or need to be set free through the power of His holy spirit via the written word!If you are looking for a publisher please follow the link I have included above.I think it will be worth your time(of course I am slightly partial).Big grin.That's all I have for tonight dear readers.Be encouraged and blessed!Blessings~Sharon

Narrow and Less Traveled

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveller, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference...

Robert Frost

"Enter by the narrow gate;for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction,and there are many who go in by it.Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life,and there are few who find it."

~Matthew 7:13-14~

~Image from The Morgue File~

Rain

It's a lovely,cool and rainy night here.I am relaxing and listening to classical crossover on Yahoo music.And I am just enjoying the presence of the Lord.For me,sheer bliss,for I see His grace in every drop of rain that falls.

Rain is grace;rain is the sky condescending to the earth;without rain,there would be no life.

~John Updike~

Image courtesy of The Morgue File

Seeking the Sun

As I stepped out on to our small apartment patio this morning I saw our pansies had all been straining to reach what little bit of sun they could find.As I watered and tended to them I was struck with the thought that I too,as a believer in Jesus,must also seek the son.I must seek the Son of God.For it is then I will grow.It is then I will flourish.It is then I will bloom brightly for Him.It is then I will bless those around me.How about you,dear reader?Are you seeking the Son?
"Seek the Lord while He may be found.Call upon Him while He is near."
~Isaiah 55:3~
"As the deer pants for water brooks,So pants my soul for You,O God."
~Psalm 42:1~
~Image courtesy of The Morgue File~

Some Things Never Change

Some things never change.They really don't.They seem to span the generations.Passed down from Mother to daughter or Father to son.They just never seem to lie dusty and forgotten,tucked away in an attic somewhere.And forget about them ever becoming obsolete.They refuse to die it seems.I saw evidence of this recently as we watched our granddaughter Hope Ann after school one day.She came home to us as her Mom was at work.She was upset.Her face registered sheer mortification.The source of her distress?It was a song.A simple little song.Words set to music.And you'll never guess what song it was!?It was the"kissing song."You know the song from elementary school,I'm sure.I was surprised it was still around myself.And Hope was upset because someone had put her name in it.And horror of horrors it was in conjunction with her friend Shane's name.Her"recently declared"boyfriend.Love of her 7 year old life.Friend,defender and rescuer Shane.He,with the blond head and adorable grin.He who is shorter than Hope by several inches and yet above her in age and grade by a couple of years.They were both in a song about k-i-s-s-i-n-g.Hope and Shane sittin' in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g,first comes love,then comes marriage... this had ruined her day as well as her mood.When asked why this distessed her so much she boldly proclaimed that she hated Shane.That he was not her friend,much less her boyfriend.We do not know the reason or source for this change of heart.We only know it happened.And it happened quickly.Ah,some things never change.Like the fickle hearts of 7 year old girls.I am really glad God is not that way.Loving us one minute.Hating us the next.His love for His creation,and that includes us,changes not.God Himself boldly declares in Malachi 3:6"For I am the Lord,I do not change;therefore you are not consumed,O sons of Jacob."Yes,it's so good to know that some things never change.

Blessings,Sharon

Image courtesy of The Morgue File.

Lately

It's been crazy here lately.Last week Salem was sizzling under abnormally high triple digit heat and loads of sunshine.This week we are rainy and enjoying temperatures that are below normal for this time of year.That's crazy.Our lives personally have been crazy too.Unusually busy with appointments of various kinds.Unexpected trips to the doctor.Unplanned for times of babysitting our granddaughter Hope.Times and issues that have produced fear,and tears and disappointments.Crazy,stressful times.I am hoping that it will slow down soon.I long to be able to pursue those things I am passionate about like reading and writing and gardening.But time has not permitted it.My dreams at night have been reflecting the crazy pace we've had to keep lately.Busy,jumbled dreams that were hard to recall upon awaking.A vivid reflection of our busy,jumbled lives right now.In the midst of it all I have taken the time to thank God for His presence and His faithfulness through all this.We have seen Him smooth the way in the midst of all this craziness that has been our lives lately.Places that normally would require us to wait in long lines and such have been nearly empty!His kindness in the midst of chaos.I am so thankful He never changes.Though He may not remove the storm we can catch a glimpse of His hand reaching out to us in the midst of it's darkness and fear and pain.And it is then we truly realize we have a safe place to rest until the storm passes over.

Blessings all,Sharon

God Shouts?

CS Lewis said"God whispers to us in our pleasure,speaks to us in our conscience,but shouts to us in our pain;it is His megaphone to a rouse a deaf world."I felt compelled(led,inspired?)to share the following that happened to me around April 30th.Having just celebrated Mother's Day a week ago I thought it was timely,especially for those who did not have "Hallmark Card" Mom's.I was one who did not.I have accepted that fact.I cannot gloss it over,sweeten it up or even pretend it did not happen.I cannot look at it through the pale and pretty lenses of rose colored glasses.That would abort any healing that God may yet want to do.And it would be falsehood.Falsehood would allow the pain to fester and become poison in my soul.It would block the flow of His spirit to mine.So,if your youth was marred by the pain of woefully imperfect and inadequate parenting,whether maternal or even paternal,I hope you find comfort and healing in what is shared.From God's heart to yours~Sharon

God speaks often in our lives and sometimes it seems He fairly shouts.Smile.Yesterday was an emotional day for me and unexpectedly so.My eyes were awash with tears for much of the afternoon.We had run some errands and our last stop before returning home was to drop off a med list for refill.I waited in the van content to read a little while Steve ran the list in.As I sat there my eyes were drawn at one point by 3 women exiting the store.Obviously together I focused on the last one.She had the cart.She walked in a way that suggested a physical challenge.Her cart contained the evidence in the form of a quad cane.One of the women walked a few feet ahead at a good clip.Not intentionally but perhaps by nature she was a fast walker.And as I watched her walking ahead of the other two my heart and mind were arrested by the thought that this was me 20 or more years ago.I was the one walking ahead of my own disabled mother.I felt instant remorse and guilt.And pain for she has been gone many years now.And I was walking ahead at a good clip to avoid her.To avoid association with her in public.To avoid any appearance of a close connection.We did not resemble each other in any way for I took after my dad's Irish roots.This dark haired,darker skinned woman I called mom(or mother when I was angry)was someone I did not want to be near.For she had caused pain.Inflicted pain in the form of a dark,leather belt for what I as a very logical child deemed minor infractions.As these memories washed over me in the van I fought back tears and yet wanted to give full release to that which was just near the surface.As my husband returned I began to share with him my experience.And it was then that the dam within me overflowed it's banks and poured forth from my heart and spilled out of my eyes..I asked the Father to forgive me.I explained to my husband why I thought I was crying.I have never been super emotional so this torrent of tears left him confused and wondering what to do.Smile.Later in the day after my tears had dried I began to journal about this experience and once again the torrent came.This time in an even stronger way than earlier.But as I cried I felt as if I was,by this very act,washing away the pain and all the negative impact this had on me.I had not even known this was dwelling within me.But God knew it was there.Lurking in a dark,hidden place of my heart that had been locked down for many years.Waiting for full release from it's prison.And I,the prison guard,had to acquiesce,to the authority of the One who is greater than I.To the One who created this heart of mine and knew that such a thing could no longer dwell there without damaging me.And I am so very glad I did.

Happy Mother's Day !

Happy Mother's Day everyone,whether you are a spiritual mother,stepmother,foster mother,adoptive mother,or natural mother!Tomorrow is your day.I hope it is a blessed one for you!

Blessings~Sharon

6 Random Things Meme

I've been tagged by friend and sister in the Lord"Jo"over at"The Road Less Traveled."Here are 6 random things from yours truly:

1.)Though I live in the Pacific Northwest where coffee reigns supreme I cannot have nor do I like this liquid energy.The caffeine is not allowed due to the atrial fibrillation that has often gotten my heart out of rhythm.And I have never liked the taste of the stuff though I have tried it in many flavors in my youth.Give me caffeine free tea any day!

2.)I come from a large family.I have 4 half sisters,2 half brothers(one deceased)and one full blooded sister.My dad(whom I never knew) had 19 siblings!Most all of my siblings live in California but two of us live in Oregon.And we love it here.

3.)I cannot roll my R's to save my life.LOL I have tried but I just cannot.Smile.One of my junior high math teachers thought it a travesty that someone with Irish and Scottish roots, such as I have,could not roll her R's .I hope he got over it.I know I have.Big grin.

4.)I was a redhead as a child.I am the only one of my mom's six kids who did not get her darker Native American coloring.Imagine their surprise when I was born and took after my dad's Irish side!

5.)I am a huge fan of Josh Groban's music.His voice soothes me immensely.What a gift God has given him.I cannot imagine someone so young singing so well but he sure does.I thought he was much older until I saw his picture.

6.)I have been following the Lord as a Christian since my youth.Age 16 to be exact.That's almost 30 years.I should probably throw a party on July 21st.

I am now tagging the following friends:
Nancze
Adrienne
Brenda
Mimi
Shannon
Debbie

Tagging Rules:a. Link to the person who tagged you.b. Post the rules on your blog.c. Write six random things about yourself.d. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.e. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment at their blog.f. Let your tagger know when your entry is up

Sunday's Quiet

Sundays,quiet islands on the tossing seas of life.

-SW Duffield~

Image courtesy of The Morgue File

Springtime Psalm

Oh visit the earth,

ask her to join

the dance!

Deck her out

in spring showers,

fill the God-River

with living water.

Paint the wheat fields

golden.

Creation was

madefor this!

Drench the

plowed fields,

soak the dirt clods

With rainfall as

harrow and rake

bring her to

blossom and fruit.

Snow crown the peaks

with splendor,

scatter rose petals

down your paths,

All through the

wild meadows,

rose petals.

Set the hills

to dancing,

Dress the canyon walls

with live sheep,

A drape of flax

across the valleys.

Let them shout,and

shout,and shout!

Oh,oh

let them sing!

Psalm 65:9-13

(TMSG)

~Image courtesy of Free Stock Photos~

Humor for Lexophiles(Lovers of Words)

The following were sent to me this morning by a friend.I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.Laughter is good for us on all levels.Science and medicine have proven this.The ancient writers of the Bible also knew this for Proverbs 17:22 says"A merry heart does good like medicine,but a broken spirit dries the bones."So drink fully of this literary elixir and improve your health.And above all else have a blessed day in Him!

Much Love~Sharon

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.


Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.


Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.


The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir cumference.


The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.


To write with a broken pencil is pointless.


When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.


The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.


A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.


A thief fell and broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal.


Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.


We'll never run out of math teachers because they always multiply.


When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U C L A.


The math professor went crazy with the blackboard. He did a number on it.


The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground.


The dead batteries were given out free of charge.


If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.


A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.


BITS OF HUMOR #2 FOR LEXOPHILES (LOVERS OF WORDS):


1. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.


2. A will is a dead giveaway.


3. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.


4. A backward poet writes inverse.


5. In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.


6. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.


7. If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.


8. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.


9. Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.


10. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.


11. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.


12. A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.


13. You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.


14. Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.


15. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.


16. A calendar's days are numbered.


17. A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.


18. A boiled egg is hard to beat.


19. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.


20. A plateau is a high form of flattery.


21. Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.


22. When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.


23. If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.


24. When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.


25. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.


26. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.


26. Acupuncture: a jab well done.

Happy Campers

Okay.So we were'nt camping here.*Big grin*But we were happy.We were celebrating my husband and daughter's birthday at a wonderful Mexican Restaurant Thursday evening.Steve is now 56 and our daughter is now 29.That's yours truly in the rust colored shirt in back.Our granddaughter Hope is down front on the left.The only one missing is our son Justin.He lives in Arizona currently.Had they had another sombrero and my head was small enough I too would have donned one.The weather was nice that evening.Not so today.(nice segue,was'nt it?LOL).We have the potential for snow rain and hail this weekend.This is one weird spring.We will rejoice anyhow for we have much to rejoice over.I hope that you too are rejoicing this weekend.If you're in the winter time or season of life,take heart.Spring will return.It always does.

Blessings~Sharon

A Blessed Day

What a blessed day we had yesterday.My neck and shoulders have mended.And we got to celebrate my husband Steve's and daughter April's birthdays!Steve turned 56 and April turned 29!!I was just struck with the knowledge of what a gift that truly was.Steve was 50 when he had his mild stroke and triple bypass.We almost lost him that year.I could have easily spent yesterday at a cemetary or staring at an urn full of his ashes.I know that sounds morbid but it is true.Thankfully God was gracious and spared him so we could have more time with him.What an incredible gift for my Steven spreads joy wherever he goes.No one is immune from his teasing and humor.In his mind all are fair game.*Smile*We went out to eat twice yesterday.Husband and daughter got free meals so we ate well yesterday.It was truly a blessed day.

Ouch!

Please keep me in your prayers.I helped my husband lift a nightstand yesterday and now some neck and shoulder muscles are aching.It started yesterday afternoon.Consequently I had a rough night of sleep.I should have paid attention and lifted properly.But I was in a rush to get things done.It was really stupid of me and now I am paying the price for a moment of stupidity.I know there are far bigger issues to pray about.But I am thankful we serve a God who cares about the smallest things in our lives.His word says He even has all the hairs of our heads numbered.With my amount of hair that is not an easy task.*Big grin*No need is too small to bring to Him.And for that I am truly thankful.His word also says that He even knows when a sparrow falls to the ground.A tiny,little sparrow.One of His smaller birds.Some might say insignificant.But not to God.So I know He'll hear my prayers for my moment of stupidity and it's end result.Have a blessed day everyone.

Blessings~Sharon

Image from SOJ Graphics

Delightful Discovery

Praise the Lord!We are finally having some lovely,spring-like weather here in NW Oregon.It is currently sunny and 78 degrees and I am just loving this immensely.Those of you live in darker,rainy climates will understand my joy.I told my husband Steve this morning as we were out driving that I was in danger of becoming"high"on the sheer beauty of the day.*Big grin*When we left the apartment early this morning we donned sunglasses.And simple t-shirts kept us comfortable.No jackets or coats needed.Thank you Jesus for this most lovely and welcomed gift.And now to my delightful discovery this week.When we moved into our current apartment back on December 31st all the trees were bare.Void of visual life.Brown and bland.However I discovered that the tree just outside our bedroom window is a flowering plum and it has begun to produce blossoms!!Beautiful pink blossoms that greatly resemble the ones in this image.I could'nt be happier.Being the lover of beauty that I am I was simply thrilled at this delightful discovery just outside my own door.My pansies that I and granddaughter Hope recently planted are thriving as well.God is so good.

Blessings~Sharon

Today

I awoke today to skies the color of a pale gray dove.The trees just outside our patio were bursting with spring green and crimson leaves.No doubt eagerly anticipating summer's verdant glory yet to come.The apartment was quiet.The coffeemaker was dripping it's liquid,brown energy into the carafe below.Both husband Steve and cat Shadow were sleeping soundly.And I was thinking as I often do.I was thinking about how God cares for even the smallest little things in our lives.When we moved into our current apartment in late December we had no idea how warm it was going to be.We seldom used the heat this winter as it was toasty without it.Most likely due to this being a 3 story building and we are on the bottom floor with neighbors on both sides and an enclosed walkway.That in itself was a gift from God.But we knew summer was coming.How would we be able to sleep in this hot place with no AC(most places in Oregon that are rentals have no AC due to our wonderfully temperate climate)?Twin window fans!That would work in our small bedroom!So I began to research and look for the best price. And they would prevent our little Shadow from clawing up the screens too!I was not finding a price I liked.Anywhere.Most were $20.00 and up for one!Too much to pay for me.We then began our spring ritual of garage saling and guess what we found yesterday?Two twin window fans,in perfect working order,for $5.00 each!!!!One for each of our bedroom windows.Smile. God is so good.The cool thing was that this particular sale was not even on our list.Chance?I think not.I know it was our heavenly Father looking out for His children.It is said that God is in the details.I agree.For I have lived it time and time again.I have seen and therefore know that He truly does care about the little things that concern us.Like His children staying cool so they may sleep in summer's heat.And I relax and rejoice in His goodness and care for us.The God who has all the hairs of our heads numbered.The God who sees and knows when even a sparrow falls to the earth to die is also watching over you dear reader.I hope you too will take comfort in that knowledge.

Blessings~Sharon

~Image from www.morguefile.com~

So Glad

I am so glad my husband Steve and I are not superstitious people.For,had we been, we would have missed out on one of the greatest sources of joy in our lives.We"adopted" our cat Shadow from a cat and kitten rescue in a town just NE of here.Shadow came to live with us in March of 2007 and has been a blessing ever since then.He was 6 months old when we got him and black as coal.The photo above looks just like him but is not a photo of him.In fact I chose this one from http://www.morguefile.com/ because our cat Shadow just loves to ham it up like this.Big smile.Many think black cats are bad luck or whatever.I do not adhere to that belief whatsoever.He is simply a cat.A black ball of fur and purrs who adores us.The feeling is mutual.When we feed him he turns those gorgeous green eyes towards us as if to say"thank you."I really think I see cat-love in those huge green orbs.When we went to look at all the available cats it was as if he had chosen us.He turned on all the kitten charm he could muster and it paid off.For all of us.He just purred and purred and rubbed along the cage and stuck his silky soft paws through as if to say"I have chosen you now you choose me."We were smitten.And still are.He is a ham-extraordinaire.He loves to slap my husband's legs as Steve walks away to another room.We call him the Black Flash too for he loves to slap and run.Huge grin.Cat owners will know what I am speaking of unless this quality is unique to our little guy.He loves to jump up on me in the middle of the night for some petting and then take posession of my arm and hand with his paws and head for a short snooze.He is of course purring like a diesel truck the whole time.What a soothing sound to sleep by.He is right now asleep on our bed as I type this.No doubt resting up for a long night of cat antics.I believe he was a gift from our Lord to us.Our little guy was ill for about 36 hours this week.He has never been ill.We prayed over him and he is now better.I am glad God cares about animals just as much as we do.His word says In Proverbs 12:10 that"a righteous man cares for the needs of his animals...."So we pray for him when he's ill.We feed and water and bathe him.We brush him and stroke his soft fur and silky ears.We talk to him.We care for him.I think God is pleased.

Blessings~Sharon

Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year again.The time of birds singing their joyous songs of praise each morning as dawn creeps silently into town as if on little cat's paws.Of flowers waking from a long wintery slumber under dark,rich earth.The season of sunshine yellow daffodils.Regal looking purple crocus.And cotton candy pink cherry trees.It's also the time that we as humans often begin the annual ritual of spring cleaning.We clear out flower beds so each delicate beauty can shine in all it's God-graced glory.We remove the last bits of the previous Autumn's dead and decayed leaves.Or maybe we attack that closet that sits awaiting our attention.We open it's door and shine light on things long hidden inside.We rifle through piles of old magazines,outgrown clothes and photos desperately needing to be in an album.And we give away or throw away or organize these things long past their usefulness.Things we don't need.Things that are no longer serviceable to us.I did just that very thing this week.And it felt good.Though our calendar shouted that spring had officially arrived recently the weather outside was singing a much different tune.Skies were leaden and pored rain,then hail,then snow.Then the sun would shine.And it was cold.It was as if winter did not want to release it's icy grip on our little part of Oregon.It's chilling fingers wanted to continue to shroud us in darkness and clouds.It wanted to pummel us with it's ice pellets as if to shout"I'm here and I will not let you go."And so I stayed indoors and cleaned and organized.And as I worked I thought.Alot.I do that.I imagine you do to.I thought about life and trials and God's goodness.And yet somehow winter still wanted to keep my heart,my soul,wrapped in it's frozen grasp.Feelings and emotions churned.Discouragement tried to creep in.Big time.It seemed it was going to crowd out recent memories of God's goodness and provision.And it almost won.And I realized that I needed a spring cleaning in my soul.In my heart.That much as our physical lives often need a fresh cleaning and organizing,so do our hearts and souls and spirits.Clutter in our outer lives can often cause clutter in our inner lives I think.And it can weigh us down.Keep us mired in places we should not be;at least not permanently.And for me it often feels like a loss of flow.Loss of the flow of His Holy Spirit at work in my life.Loss of vision.A sense of almost hopelessness.It is then we need a good cleaning.A time of refreshing.Of opening the shutters on our windows and our hearts wide.Of cleaning up those dark and dank places that have slumbered too long in winter's bed.It is then that He can once again move and flow in our lives.And it is then that we once again feel renewed and full of hope and optimism.And we once again feel clean.Spring clean.

Blessings~Sharon

~Image courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com ~

Happy Resurrection Day !

May God grant each of you a most blessed Resurrection Day filled with joy and fun times with your family and friends as we celebrate our Savior's triumph over death itself!

Blessings~Sharon

~Image from SOJ Graphics~

Great Things Part 2 !

I received another unexpected gift from God this week.I was not expecting it.It was in the form of a phone call.A call telling me that due to changes in the federal poverty level my insurance was being reinstated!I had not expected things to go this way.I was shocked.And happy.Well,kind of happy.It is a bittersweet victory in a sense.In order for it to stay reinstated I must give up getting paid for the day care I do watching Hope,our granddaughter.Some have thought it odd that I would get paid to watch my own granddaughter.If we were in a better place financially I would agree with them.But not all Grammas are rich.God has allowed us to be in a very humbling place since my husband had to quit working due to heart issues.Though I do not believe it will always be like this for us for right now we are still in this place of humble circumstances.But even so I still consider this life a gift.And though this most recent gift came with a price I will still rejoice in His provision and goodness.And His grace.God's word says he reisists the proud but gives grace to the humble.So,if you too find yourself going through humbling times,rejoice for you may well see His grace in amazing and abundant ways.

Blessings~Sharon

Great Things!

God is so good and I just have to praise Him publicly here for what He's done for me!About a year ago I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea.This diagnosis required that I begin to sleep with a bi-pap machine at night along with some extra oxygen via an oxygen concentrator.This was not a problem as I had Oregon Health Plan insurance to cover the over $200.00 a month expense.This January I lost my medical insurance due to being $3.00 over income.This was likely due to my husband's yearly cost of living raise on his disability checks.I now had no way to cover the expense of my life saving machines.But God came through.After much prayer and some phone calls I had a used bi-pap in good working order donated to me by the company that makes them!I also just got word yesterday that the oxygen machine I have been using is now mine,free of charge!The company that rents them out said that basically the insurance company already had paid the cost for the machine and so they have donated it to me.They are losing out on the$194.00 a month rental fees but I am getting to live and have asked God to bless their business for the kindness to me!I also found out this week that some of the meds I take will be covered by Med Assist,a free meds program.Though I would not wish our present circumstances on anyone else I have seen miracles of God's provision.He has made a way where there seemed to be no way!He has done great things and we are indeed very glad!He has provided what was needed for us and He will indeed provide for you as well dear readers.

Blessings~Sharon

~Image courtesy of SOJ Graphics~

He Bids Us Sing

The world does not bid you sing,but God does.

Song is the sign of an unburdened heart;

then sing your songs of love unbidden,

ever rising higher and higher into a fuller

concept of the greatest,grandest fact

on the stage of time-

God is love.

~Oswald Chambers~

"The Love of God"

~Image courtesy of SOJ Graphics~

He Leads

The words of this hymn have been meandering through my mind the last 2 days.Consequently they have found their way to my vocal chords.Smile.It's a great song to sing while in the shower first thing in the morning.So,no matter where you are or whatever you're facing be assured that God is indeed leading you and is there for you,His child.It is my hope that you take comfort in this fact.

Verse 1
He leadeth me! O blessed tho't! O words with heav'nly comfort fraught! What-e'er I do, wher-e'er I be, Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me!

Chorus
He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me: His faithful foll'wer I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.

Verse 2
Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mind, Nor ever murmur nor repine, Content, whatever lot I see, Since 'tis Thy hand that leadeth me!

Verse 3
And when my task on earth is done, When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won, E'en death's cold wave I will not flee, Since God thro' Jordan leadeth me.

Blessings~Sharon

~Image courtesy of SOJ Graphics~

Love

It's Valentine's Day!A day to celebrate love.Let us remember the greatest love of all.The love of God for His creation.That includes you and me.Just want to let you,my readers,know how much each of you means to me this day and always.I love each of you like family.But then we are family,are'nt we?Smile.The family of God...

Blessings&Love~Sharon

~Image courtesy of SOJ graphics~

Pleasantly Surprised

I've received some pleasant surprises lately.And I'm just thrilled.The first was a"blog of excellence" award from Debbie Whitlock over at"Just My Thoughts"(www.debbiewhitlock.wordpress.com ).What a blessing and an honor.I'm truly grateful and humbled all at the same time.Thank you Debbie for your kindness.

The second surprise is we've had about 4 days of spring like weather here in the Willamette Valley.Partial sun and temperatures in the mid 50's.A real surprise and blessing for those of us who live here.Winter is usually dark,damp, and dreary.This winter has been like this.My husband is even more thrilled than I am as he absolutely hates winters here.He lived 20 years in Southern California before moving up here in 1991 and meeting and marrying me in 1992.So,these winters wear on him.We've also been noticing it's staying light past 5 in the evenings.Another sign of spring's nearness.I know,I know it's more than a month away on the calendar but try telling our temperatures and clearing skies that.Smile.

Blessings~Sharon

Winter's Beauty

But Winter has yet brighter scenes—he boasts;Splendors beyond what gorgeous Summer knows;Or Autumn with his many fruits, and woods;All flushed with many hues. ~ William Cullen Bryant

Image courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

One of Those Days

It's been one of those days here.The kind I seldom have thankfully.It was stressful and emotional.The tears poured from my eyes freely.Unabashed and unashamedly.Life trials weighed heavy.Misunderstandings and miscommunication happened.Please pray for us if you think to.If you've had one of those days too I hope that you too will take comfort from the following words found in Revelation 21:4(NIV)...

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away.

Image courtesy of SOJ graphics

How Great

How great is our God.

Sing with me,how great is our God.

And all will see,how great,how great is our God.

This wonderful worship song by Chris Tomlin was what greeted me as I turned on the stereo prior to cleaning our small kitchen this morning.I never cease to be amazed at how a sense of God's presence can make the most mundane of tasks a simple joy.God's presence changes everything,does'nt it?

Blessings~Sharon

Image from SOJ graphics.

Lyrics to chorus above by Chris Tomlin

Blessed is the Man

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields it's fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3 NIV

Image courtesy of http://www.freestockphotos.com/

His Promise of Joy

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone,O Lord,make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:7-8 NIV

...Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5 NKJV

Rest easy and be at peace,O weary one;Dare to live joyfully you who are in the dark night of the soul;For your Heavenly Father is faithfully watching over you.He who never sleeps or slumbers is ever aware of where you are and what you are facing.He is faithful and He will see you through.You can count on this as surely as the sun rises and sets each day.Joy,His joy will come again.

Blessings~Sharon

Image from SOJ graphics

Our Majestic Lord

"O Lord,our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens."

"When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars which you have set in place,what is man that you are mindful of him,and the son of man that you care for him?"

Psalm 8:1&3 NIV

Oh Lord,my Lord,how truly and wonderfully majestic is Your name in all the earth and in my heart.That You would care for one such as I is beyond comprehension...a flawed and oh so human woman...I am humbled...

Love~Sharon

Image from www.freestockphotos.com

Books,Wonderful Books

I've been tagged by Jo(http://www.followtheroadlesstraveled.blogspot.com/ ) for a book meme.Before I answer the questions let me say that if you want to read some beautiful writing please visit her blog.You won't be sorry.
And now onto the book meme questions:

1.)One book that changed your life?
Definitely the hands down winner is my Bible!

2.)One book you have read more than once?
Too numerous to list but I will say"Windows Of The Soul"by Ken Gire.

3.)One book you would want on a desert island?
Definitely my Bible.

4.)Two books that made you laugh?
Anything by Patsy Clairmont or Luci Swindoll.

5.)One book that made you cry?
I cannot think of one for I tend to read happy,optimistic books.

6.)One book you'd wished you'd written?
Anything by Jane Austen.

7.)One book you wish had never been written?
Anything that is occultic in nature or is just pure smut.

8.)Two books that you're reading?
I tend to try and read one at a time.I am currently reading"A Time of Departing:How Ancient Mystical Practices are Uniting Christians with the World's Religions"by Ray Yungen.He exposes the dangerous practices that have crept into the modern day church under the guise of things such as"Christian Yoga"etc. .Very good book.

9.)One book that you're going to read?
I am hoping to purchase and read LuAnn Budd's"Journal Keeping."I am an avid journaler and am always looking for good writing prompts or anything pertaining to keeping a journal or writing poetry,etc.

Well,there you have it.A little bit more about me.:-)I think I am supposed to tag some friends but I think Jo and I share many of the same blog buddies.So I will decline to do that and wish you,my small band of readers,a wonderful Sunday!

Blessings~Sharon

Image courtesy of Source of Joy Graphics

Whew!

Whew!!What a month it's been here.Busy as can be.In addition to celebrating Christmas and New Year's we made a move.On December 31st.In the middle of a small ice storm.We now live in the same complex as our daughter and granddaughter.Being closer to family is a really good thing.We're still unpacking but settling in quite nicely I think.Though we will always love small town life we are adjusting to big city life very well.Smile.It's nice having our loved ones much closer.

Speaking of family I got an amazing gift for Christmas.More newly found cousins.Since finding my half sister on my dad's side in 2003 I have also discovered a massive amount of cousins.And a couple of aunts as well.Turns out my paternal grandmother had a whopping 19 children!Whew.That's alot of kids.No wonder I have cousins across the entire US and probably Canada as well.It's been an interesting trip.One I am enjoying immensely.Though not all the info I have learned about my dad and his family has been good I am thankful to have a Heavenly Father who never disappoints me.Big grin.

So,it's 2008.A new year has begun.A year of blank pages in life's journal gazes up at me.Beckons me to enter in.Stop and stay awhile.Leave a mark,my own unique mark on it's many pages.I pray that the marks I leave behind will bless many.Both near and far.But most importantly I pray God Himself will be blessed.It's all about Him anyhow,is'nt it?Have a blessed day everyone.

Love~Sharon

Image courtesy of http://www.u-haul.com/

What Can We Give Him?

It's a timeless question.What do you give the man who has everything?And when that man is the Lord Himself it becomes an even deeper conundrum.What do you give the ONE who has everything,owns everything.?What do you give Him who holds all of time and eternity in His very capable hands?The answer is found in the following words penned by Christina Rossetti:

In the bleak midwinter, frost wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him: give my heart.

We celebrate God's greatest gift at this time of year.Christmas.The birthday of our Saviour Jesus Christ.We gather with family and friends around a table laden with food or a tree laden with packages.Yet,the reason we gather is often lost in the commercialism of the season.We give gifts to each other and that is good.But what about the Guest of honor?The Lord Jesus Himself.Enjoy,even relish time with your loved ones.But don't let the One who loves us with an everlasting love go away empty handed this year.

Blessings~Sharon

Merry Christmas

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.~Isaiah 9:6

Light in the midst of darkness.Love, pure and holy love was born that night in Bethlehem.Hope was born.We celebrate hope,the Light of the world,at this Christmas season.We celebrate Jesus.He is the only reason for the season.May His light,His hope,His love fill each of your hearts this season.And may you rejoice just as they did so long ago in Bethlehem.Merry Christmas to all of you.

~Image courtesy of Source of Joy Graphics~

Anger Management

Once again our Granddaughter Hope has provided fodder for a blog entry.Smile.We were watching her today as we do every weekend.I was in the kitchen cleaning up lunch dishes.We'd had sloppy joe's made with ground turkey on whole wheat buns and pears.I was enjoying the rare winter sun streaming in my kitchen window as well as the simple act of washing dishes by hand(my dishwasher was full).Hope was out in the living room playing a Sony driving game(some game where you race ATV's over various tracks both pro and amateur).As I finished up the dishes Hope came walking into the kitchen and gave me a hug."Is your game over?"I asked.""No"she replied.""I just find that it helps me to get rid of my anger if I hug someone."Hope was living out a biblical principle without even realizing it!I knew I had a blog entry with her statement.Big grin.I probed further.The source of her anger?Running out of time on her racing game.As she left the room I pondered what had just transpired.And I reached some conclusions.Would'nt it be nice if the worst thing we had to be angry over was running out of time on a game?And ,even better than that,would'nt it be wonderful if all the anger issues and results of that anger could be solved by simply hugging another human being?It's quite possible that all the world's ugliness,sin and sadness,caused by anger,could be eradicated in it's entirety.That's something to think about the next time we as humans are tempted to get angry over something.

~In your anger,do not sin.Do net let the sun go down on your wrath.~

Ephesians 4:26 NIV

Blessings~Sharon