Sometimes our thoughts are better left untold!

Sometimes our thoughts are better left unsaid, at least that is a good excuse as to my more than a weeks absence of writing on my blog. I have had so many thoughts it has been difficult to sort them all out. There are moments when I think I have the mind of Christ on a subject but all too soon I find that is not the truth. I heard a famous preacher say the harder the future the more difficult the decision to surrender to God's way is. I do not want that to be the case in my life, I want to enter into the way God has for me....I am desperate to find HIS place for me in this life. Vague ministry is not something I enjoy, neither is the denial of what I am called to do with a passion. If God is not going to release the calling could HE at least remove the desire. All of this babbling to most of you and thus you now understand why I have been hesitant to blog. I have moved through some trememdous wounding in the past few days and realized that if God does not rise to my rescue, there will be no rescue; I will not destroy others in order to save myself. Now, that leaves lots of questions in your minds doesn't it? I am sure all of you can relate to incidents where you are accused and even blamed for things that you had no part in...what do you do? People's perspectives become their realities; interesting enough their perspective is often skewed by their emotions. Having said all that, explanations are sometimes vain and lack usefulness. Only God can change the hearts of men and that is why the scriptures exhort us to pray for those who dispitefully use us and to pray for our enemies.....it frees us from offense and allows God to deal with the other person. God you do what you do best, deal justly! I want to be made in HIS likeness and sometimes I must enter into sufferings in order to be made. I have rambled on quite sufficiently for one night. Look for more thoughts in the next day or two. NONA

Just thought I write a line or two for those who faithfully read my thoughts!

Today has been an interesting day! I spent much of it reflecting on my grown daughters and their reactions to their growing up years. I am not passing judgement in any way....I am simply observing them and some of the comments I hear them make. I cannot help wondering if God does not spend a lot of time contemplating our growing into HIS likeness. I always intend to write a simple little blog without any spiritual overtones, but it simply will not do....that is not who I am. I have been looking back over my growing up years, I know my parents did the best they knew how...I like everyone else wish they had done some things different, but that is the past. It is the future that lies ahead of me and at this stage of my life...I am responsible for my own choices. Taking responsibility for oneself is a big job. It took me many years to figure out I cannot make other people do anything...they get to choose. I hope sometimes in vain, but other times I am pleasantly surprised by the responses I see in others. Commitment and covenant are two words people say they understand, but I tell you I see very little evidence of true covenant among Christians especially. We have all become as self-centered as those who have never met Christ. The Christ of Christmas is one who gives, and gives, and gives again. I want to be a giver of myself and all that I possess. Try investing yourself in others and you will find true happiness. Besides sharing yourself is a great gift. Once again, one of those disjointed little discourses that this Nona takes on quite a regular basis.

Holiday Nona!

Yes, I know it seems like I am always on holiday; but the truth is that life is just plain hectic. My mother has had some health issues and I have been traveling over 230 miles each week just to be present during some interviews that are necessary at this stage in her life. Next week promises to be more of the same! Popa had to have an epidural injection today, then another doctor's appointment this afternoon, then home for a few hours and out to dinner. Tomorrow we are off to eldest daughter's house for our family Christmas. Middle daughter will be traveling to New York next week for a residency interview and then Christmas with her sister-in-law and family. We are excited to get the hub-bub experience in parts and parcels this year. It will be fun to see all the grandchildren open their Christmas presents. I wonder if God is excited to see us experience the gifts HE has for our lives? I am sure HE is doubly delighted when we use the gifts HE has given. I want to encourage you all to be open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit this year and to use them as the Lord leads you. I made fudge, almond roca, and bon bons today. It is always enjoyable to see the labors of your hands turn out. You all realize that each one of us is the workmanship of God's hands. I wish you all the joy of knowing Christ this year. The Nona of five adorable and excited grandchildren.

More tired thoughts!

It's Thurdays, I returned the twins home yesterday and then went to my Mom's to meet with the Physical Therapist, who reiterated that my mom should have someone with her 24 hours a day. This produced much anxiety in my mom. I pray that God grant her peace and strength in the coming days. Popa and I will be spending Christmas early with our girls and then be with Mom and Joe for Christmas Day. I am trying to get out a Christmas letter to those who live far away...if you live within 25 miles of me here is your card....MERRY CHRISTMAS...MAY JESUS FILL YOUR LIVES THIS YEAR AS NEVER BEFORE! With my love, the Nona of you know who! Popa rearranged my family room furniture while I was away...it's ok for the season, but I will rearrange it in the near future while he is away. Popa also brought some things home, vases of sort, after I have feverishly worked at decluttering my moms. Which believe me is no small task. Anyway, Popa will be getting rid of his trinkets in the very near future...the last thing we need is more trinkets....my current motto is "if you can't wear it or eat it, you don't need it" (and I'm sticking to it). Of course a lot of wearables need to be tossed from my closet as I have not worn them in over a year at least. So like us, I wonder if God ever wonders if we will get rid of the flesh that we hang onto. I am sure HE is more committed to the process than we are or HE would be long gone from the relationship by now. Oh, how I love Jesus and the good news is Oh, how HE loves you and me. NONA

Tired Thoughts

I am so thankful that God is never tired, the scriptures says HE neither slumbers nor sleeps. My mother had an episode with her heart about 10 days ago and I spent 5 days in Portland. I arrived home late one night to realize that the following day required a trip back north to celebrate the 90th birthday of a beloved man of God. Popa and I are honored to have known this man, his integrity, his love for God and family, and his sincere heart for righteousness. Happy Birthday Verlin! On the way home we spoke with our eldest daughter and found out she was pretty sick. We went to fix her children dinner and put them to bed...it ended up being dinner in the car and bed at our house. The following morning found me with one of her twins at the after hours clinic, long story short, antibiotics for strep. Eldest daughter ended up in Urgent Care the same morning with strep also. We have used several packages of Lysol wipes around here and washed everything in sight. Tomorrow the twins go home and I return to Portland to help with a couple of appointment for my mother. I have done lots of praying this week on the run....but God listens anyway. HE is faithful even when we aren't. HE is always available and so willing to be involved in our lives. If my blogging has mistakes, please grant me grace and pray that my life return to some sense of normalacy soon. Love and Grace to you all in this Joyous Season of our Savior's birth. More, hopefully sooner than later. Nona

Tuesday's Thoughts!

Hopefully they are not my own! My mother had a heart stress test today; she was in nuclear medicene for over two hours. She desperately wants to go home from the hospital and so we anxiously await answers. Hooray for me, my mother was a real mother like the one Dr. Laura actually approves of. She has loved me unconditionally over the years and still voices her approval of my choices when they are wise. She never fails to tell me she loves me and that she is proud of me. She encourages me to live out my faith on a daily basis, therefore painting a picture of my relationship with God rather than merely talking about it. I am sad that my mother has faced hardships that have left her wounded and scarred but grateful she found my step-dad to love her and care for her. I still find comfort in her warm carress and smiling face. Today will end with the only surety we can hold on to...God is God and HE will be with us. HIS promise is sure, HE never leaves us or forsakes us. I am sure I will have more thoughts before the day ends. NONA

Thoughts?

I just read my oldest daughter's blog and found out my grandson is again having problems with his feet. You can find her link on my blog page under swimming in laundry. I am at the hospital with my mom, Herbie is home waiting for more tests on Wednesday and I am in ernest search of God's thoughts. I am back to this ... God is God! Help me Lord be willing to accept your perfect plan for my life. Grant me hope and peace!

Do our thoughts really even matter?

Since I blogged last....grandson is doing well. The typical three years old is reappearing. Thanksgiving came and went with two turkey meals, one with middle daughter in Portland and one with our entire family at our home on Saturday. Middle daughter in Portland set a beautiful table and with the help of an awesome mother-in-law fixed a fabulous meal. Due to the medication I was taking I hear I was a looney woman. I have had a viral infection and have not quite been myself, I am feeling better and looking forward to being pain free wthout medication that affects my sanity. I have come to a few realizations lately....our thoughts are just that, our thoughts, and they may not be shared by anyone else. So....the fact that God's thoughts are above our own is profoundly significant. God help me to follow your ways, and to pursue finding your thoughts. The holiday season is upon us and the best news for me is that my shopping is all done. I will still have to write the annual Christmas letter and do some end of the year bookkeeping, but life should be less stressful. Finding some simple stocking stuffers is an option I may or may not engage in. I am looking forward to warm cozy nights in front of the fireplace with good friends and family. My prayer for each of you is that you find yourself tuned into God thoughts.

A Vareity of Thoughts!

Popa and I were visiting a friend in Sheridan, Oregon, when we got a call that our grandson was in the ER in Mayberry with some very disturbing news. It appears that an x-ray showed a suspicious spot on his hip...add that to his inability to walk and well he was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Portland. Stress, stress, and more stress! Popa and I were devestated as we drove to ER trying to reach our little guy so we could kiss him and pray over him before the ambulance took him north. We prayed every selfish prayer a grandparent can pray when their off-spring is sick. IT is very difficult to pray "if it be your will" when the outlook is dismal. We did get to see our little prince and pray over him...it was very comforting to see him with our own eyes, to see his shy little grin and to hear his little boy phrases. I must say this little guy loves his Popa and was delighted to see him. It was very hard on Popa and I to see our daughter and her good husband suffer through this experience. What do people do in crisis without God? After a lot of blood test and exams by specialists our little guy was sent home without a diagnosis. The doctors don't know, one doctor said on Tuesday he was not the same little boy he had seen on Monday evening. Prayer does work! At his check up on Thursday they think it is synovitis caused from post viral trauma, it causes arthiritis type symptoms and is self limiting. Providing the symptoms abate in the next couple of weeks and our grandson has no more problems walking the ordeal will be part of his history. On Monday night at the hospital I began to feel like my back was "going out" and sure enough by Wednesday morning I was almost unable to stand up. After two days in bed I went to the doctor today and found out I have severe muscle spasm and needed two prescriptions and physical therapy. I did have a revelation this week in the middle of life as it was swirling around me. I tried to bargain with God, HE doesn't bargain, Popa offered his life for the life of our grandson, God doesn't make trades, I tried to pray "if it be possible let this cup pass", God is not detoured in HIS plans, I did pray "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" hoping against all hope HIS plan did not entail the loss of my grandson....and then smack in the middle of my I need to pray frenzy...I asked God to heal not because our family has been through enough, not because we would serve HIM no matter what...but simply because HE IS GOD...HE IS IN CONTROL....and because HE CAN! My thoughts all boiled down to one thought...GOD is GOD, there is no other, HE alone hold the keys to life and death. So, for all of you who are facing difficult days, God is God, HE is more than able to accomplish what concerns us today. More later, Nona

Some thoughts that might make me think I am older than I realized!

What does all that mean? I've forgotten! Could that possible be a thought that age is upon me? I do know that I do not have the stamina I had as a younger woman. Notice I did not say young? I said "younger" because it was not all that many years ago that I could leap over a tall building with ease. Now I can hardly see the tall buildings. It has been an eventful week. I have not been feeling well and then we had a young couple get married this week-end and my daughter and I helped with the bouquets and setting up(and tearing down) the reception hall. Thank you Linda and Sharon for the extra hands and transportation. Let's just say, not long ago this would have been a piece of cake, at midnight last night however, my back was screaming and my feet were swollen. Today, I am almost back into the state of denial and believing yesterday was just a fluke, I really am 29 with the energy to conquer the world. One thing age has taught me is this: life is fleeting and it only what we do for Jesus that counts. Eternity is just that e t e r n i t y....forever without end. I have come to realize I want to make this life count for Christ down through the ages. Lord, help me to dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is listening and love to love like you are keeping track. Help me to worship you with my feet, my voice, and my whole heart. The grandsons were here tonight and we all played computer games, ate popcorn, and signed onto lego mission.com. More later from an almost young Nona.

God help me to have your thoughts!

This morning as I read my bible (Acts 16:14) I was struck with some thoughts regarding Lydia, the scripture says God opened her heart. What an awesome thought....God can actually open our hearts to HIS Kingdom. 26 verses later, after Paul and Silas have been released from prison, it says they returned to Lydia's home where they were comforted and refreshed. Lord, my prayer is that you would open my heart and cause me to be an oasis to your people in whatever state I encounter them. God has been speaking to me about "Kingdom" and how different it is than church. Doing church does not build HIS Kingdom, but doing Kingdom does build HIS church. Kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17) The essentail evidence that one is experiencing God's Kingdom is a life of righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Righteousness is right standing with God and with mankind; peace is the ability to rest in the knowledge of the ONE who is able to lead us and guide us - it is born out of total obedience to God; and finally joy is found when our emotional well being is based solely on the fact that our names are written in the lambs book of life. Paul and Silas rejoiced and praised in prison and their restraints were removed. No matter what circumstances you are facing...praise the ONLY ONE WHO IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE and you will find yourselves released and in a place where you can be strengthened and refreshed. God is asking me to get my stuff together....in other words "focus on Kingdom". God's thoughts about us are all that really matter and I know that my God loves me, is plentiful in mercy, and HIS grace never comes to an end. The good news is HE feels just the same about you. So, begin to live out HIS kingdom right where you are. Much love and grace to you in Christ Jesus. The Nona of FIVE adorable grandchildren. Thanks girls for blessing me with your offspring.

Just a simple thought from Nona

Life is full, but is it meaningful? Busyness does not equate with effectiveness, usefulness, or satisfaction! I have been busy, but is it a life that is satisfying? I am forever changed by the events of our trip to China and realize that what really matters in life is what we are storing up for the next life. My children and grandchildren are the primary reasons for my life here in Oregon. I love the fact that we as a family have been able to traverse the often difficult transition in adult relationships with our daughters and their husbands, Well now, the grandkids are easy....who doesn't love adorable little people? I do ramble on don't I? I have been gone this week for a couple of days, spent some time with the grandchildren in Mayberry, as my daughter likes to call the little city where they live. I realized why we have children when we are young, they have tons of energy and creativeness that I can hardly keep up with. My friend found herself in Federal Court this week, sometimes one must ask??????where is justice oh God? I trust God will deal with people who think they are above righteous decisions! It is hard to keep up with all that is going on around me and yet not hear the cry within for a life that brings glory to God. I am ruined by being in God's presence and I long for it on a 24/7 basis. Please do keep reading my blog, I will get my head on straight here shortly and return to a good blog of sorts. More later! A Nona with not many thoughts for today.

Unsure Thoughts!

Wow! I can't believe that I have not posted to my blog since September 25, 2007. Well here I am, we left for China on Oct. 1st at 7:15 a.m. from the Eugene Airport. We got up at 4:30 a.m. after going to bed after 1 a.m....we started out tired but very excited. Our airfare tickets were a great price, but the seats were so close together it was a long trip from San Francisco into Beijing, China. Popa's epidural wore off five days before our trip began, so his doctor arranged an emergency injection on Friday before we left on Monday. It worked and Popa was able to walk the many hours we spent on our feet in China. The trip was probably the most awesome trip we have ever taken, it seems surreal and we have only been home a week. We met many wonderful people, had a fantastic interpreter, and a more than gracious hostess. Our accomodations were more than we expected and we were even able to do a load or two of laundry in the Chinese washing machine provided in our bathrooms...thank goodness for a western toilet. Even some of the finest businesses in China still have the "squatter style toilet". I can honestly say that two weeks of practice does not make perfect. We felt that our FATHER did a wonderful job of planning our entire trip. We were privileged to get to spent 4 hours at the University of International Relations with the English students in a one on one English speaking exchange. The Department Head treated us to a lunch fit for royalty, literally! They honored us with beautiful gifts in exquistely wrapped boxes. Our trip to the Great Wall was a day to remember for so many reasons. We had an excellent van driver that FATHER so graciously arranged and beautiful sunny weather. I was amazed to stand in that spot and realize that the sky is the same everywhere, as are the mountains, the bodies of water, the vegetation, and the cycle of life....it is simply the people and the culture that vary. We found the Chinese people to be very warm and accepting of us and we formed many loving relationships with those we met. we returned home on the 13th of October with a borrowed suitcase to hold all our trinkets. We did a day of shopping at the Pearl Market, it was fun and exhausting all at the same time. It is our intent to return to China in the Spring of 2008. I would love to share more details with any of you who are interested in person. I will return to my bloggers state of writng on a semi-regular basis. We missed the grandchildren and their parents. We have seen them all this past week and are happy to report that they are still the delights of our hearts. Nona

Just Thoughts!

For those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, pray for us while we are in China October 1 through the 13th. I won't be blogging while we are gone. I have left a complete itenerary with my daughters. I returned my son-in-law's pocket knife to his wife tonight, met her in Salem for dinner and a quick visit. She gave us each one of her (first) professional business cards. It is hard not to be a little overbearing in our proudful boasts about her pursing her PhD. Not sure I will blog much before leaving for China as Popa and I have lots to get done before we leave. Daughter #3 is taking us to the airport...yeah we get to fly out of Eugene. I need to get in some extra visiting with the two grandsons here in town, we are pretty use to seeing each other everyday. Got a good revelation from my favorite book today....ask me about the "goodness of God"! Hint: it has to do with Moses wanting to see God. God allowed HIS goodness to pass before Moses! God is so awesome! I marvel at HIS great deeds in our lives. I submit to HIS plan when it is different than my own and I allow HIM to restore my soul...to plant new hope within and that causes me to want to see HIS glory. NONA

God Thoughts!

It is late on Saturday night, almost Sunday morning and here I am sitting at the computer thanking God for HIS faithfulness. HE alone is the answer to life. Was invited to a 40 year telephone company reunion in Myrtle Creek, Oregon today; for some of you who don't know I worked at the telephone company in Myrtle Creek as a service representative in the business office for the first four years of my married life. It was a wonderful experience and it provided some lifelong friendships. I was aware all day long of how wonderful it is to know Jesus and how empty life can seem for those who don't know HIM. I am grateful for HIS care and direction in my life. Yes, we got our visas for China and will be leaving in eight days. What is in store for all of us? Part of the attraction is our total trust in God orchestrating our days. We trust HIM to provide opportunities and divine appointments. I plan to keep a daily journal of events and will record some of my thoughts right here on Nona's Thoughts when we return. I pray each of you will celebrate the goodness of God in your lives on a daily basis and will take hold of the opportunity to worship every chance you get. Good night after a very long day, which followed a rather long week. NONA

Scattered Thoughts

We are less than two weeks away from our departure to China. I can hardly think of anything else. Went to see my Mom on Sunday, spent the night and took her to a doctor's appointment on Monday before driving home in three hours of stop and go traffic. I have been making a little jewelry with daughter #3. Oh happy Day! Going tomorrow to Silverton again to help daughter #1 with some move in projects while Popa helps son-in-law build some shelves in the shop so they can get the barn stuff organized. Moving is a lot of work!!!! Found Popa the "CROC's" he wanted for the trip to China, he has not felt well for the last couple of days. Tomorrow will be better I'm sure. Hosted two young couples groups this week and am amazed at the wonderful friendships I see God building. Had a wonderful meal with some of them tonight and enjoyed every bite. Grandchildren are doing grrrreat! More when my brain can focus. Nona

Thoughts of days when all is done!

Spent a couple of days in Silverton with daughter #1 and her lovely family. I had the privilege to repay some long overdue wallpaper stripping, ugh! Popa and son-in-law took the twins to the farm for what we called "only for boys days" and it gave daughter and I some needed time to attack the five layers of paint and wallpaper on the entry way. We rented a steamer....not sure where to weigh in on it's effectiveness. The 1st part of the task is done and now paint and some redesign are next. Ate good food and enjoyed being with Violet. Interesting how life repeats itself in our children and grandchildren. Popa and I came home last night and crashed and spent most of the day resting. Little grandson from up the street came for a little while before school and after school today; he and I sat in the hot tub for a little while...it felt so good. Then off to Costco to spend money I should be saving and home again for another nap. Next subject....if you know me at all you know I love to jump subject frequently without any precursor....Feeding on the faithfulness of God means to rest in the fact that HE is in control, that HE will provide and that HE knows our names and where we live. Oh God help me to taste and see that YOU are good! nona

Excited Thoughts!

Booked tickets today for a trip to China beginning Oct 1, 2007. I cannot believe it is actually in the works and we are going with wonderful friends. God wonderfully connected us a little over a year ago to a new friend in China, actually she is an old friend of one the ladies we are traveling with. Anyway she teaches English in Beijing and we will be visiting her in her fine city for 12 days. The best news is we get to fly out of Eugene...no overnight in Portland in a Hotel the night before departure. I looked up tours of The Great Wall, it is very convenient out of Beijing and only about $20. I do not know what all awaits us but I know the ONE who does and feel this is the beginning of something....what does something look like? I don't have a clue; I just feel a strange anticipation. It is exciting to see God fulfill HIS word over my life...HE spoke to my mother 48 years ago about my going to China! Isn't HIS faithfulness awesome? Tomorrow is a day of work as we go to the Salem area to help clean out "the barn" at "the farm". My joy will be seeing the three grandchildren who belong to daugher #1. More later. God spoke to Popa and I and said to "feed on HIS faithfulness"....so far it tastes exquisite. Nona

Late Night Thoughts!

We had a very busy day. Church in the am, friends over for lunch, then a jewelry class for me while Popa watched a tennis tournament. Then we rode like the wind down to Rosebury to attend church with some old friends. It was a "body building" service and very profound for us. We got to minister to others but were very blessed by their ministry to us. The prophetic voice of God restored hope and vision and brought peace to the anxious areas of our lives. Popa was especially enriched by the healing power of God as it flowed over his emotions and spirit. A visiting pastor gave us a word out of Psalms 37 and there were several confirmations regarding what God is doing....God has been forging us, not a pleasant process but one that produce what the forger desires!!!!! Onward in God we go. Then Pastor C said he wanted to "honor us" before his people and before God. Rich deposit as those words flowed from his lips. God is so very faithful! It is now after 1 a.m. and I should go to bed...am still trying to warm up after the ride home on the motorcycle. Plan to be in Salem a couple of days this week as Popa helps son-in-law move the barn contents from the farm to a shop in town. It will be fun to see Violet, Big Weld, and Herbie. More thoughts later. Nona

Random thoughts or should I say ramblings?

We spent four days in the Salem/Portland area with family friends. Popa and I took the twins home on Saturday, then traveled to a Federal Prison to visit a longtime friend. Sunday found us in morning worship with our Indonesian friend and pastor, who had asked Popa and I both to share and exhort his congregation...it was a wonderful worship service, followed by communion and the word of the Lord. How blessed we are to be honored by just a delightful body of believers! The church always serves us a customary Indonesian meal and we were privileged to visit with Pastor O and his family. Back to Silverton with daughter #1 and more unpacking and yard work. Monday was a little more laid back and we did some organizing then Popa and I drove home at separate times. Yesterday we spent most of the day laying around trying to catch up on our rest. Today found us going to doctor's appointments and keeping one little grandson, visiting an old friend and getting some veggies from her garden. It has been a quiet and peaceful day. We are waiting on God and expecting to see HIS plan for our lives unfold. For some of you who may not know, Popa and I some friends are pursuing going to China towards the end of September/the 1st of October. Please be praying for us. God is faithful and good, HIS mercies are new every morning. Nona

Nona is tired!

Yeah! yeah! what is the big deal? Everyone is tired at the end of a busy week. I had the grandchildren from Portland, while their mommy and daddy moved the household to Silverton. It was strange not really being involved in the moving part, but how better to help than to remove the constant clamor for attention. I am certainly not used to children 24/7. I find it very interesting when Popa says he doesn't know how the girls do it...I did it for him and the girls when I was their age and I don't think the work level was less back then...anyhow, it seems different when you are 50 something. The children are delightful and maturing way to quick. I can't believe the difference in their behavior in just a few short weeks...they have actually become little boys instead of toddlers. Yeah for Potty trained 3 year olds. Yeah for their mommy and Nona I should say. I have been so busy this week I only have a few spiritual thoughts to convey....God is never tired, HE delights in our growth, and HE remains constant in grace and mercy towards each one of us...May we as parents and grandparents mirror HIS example as we serve our families. Love to you all, the Nona of five.

Nona's back?

Don't faint, after an absence of more than a month I will attempt to blog and share my thougts. I have found myself in a deep profound sadness that I cannot explain. It is often difficult to share in the seasons of emotional and spiritual barrenness. Some say that there is not barrenness when we are still serving God and others. Yet, I find that the despair of the soul often has nothing to do with what we are doing but more to do with lack of satisfaction in our inner most being. I do not have answers to any of the above...I like you must simply trust in an all powerful God who first loved me. Maybe my soul is asking where do I belong? Have I run a good race? Is there still more for me to do for the Kingdom of God? Is the frustration part of God Almighty's process to provoke me on in the destiny HE has for me? My eldest daughter is moving closer to Popa and I, in fact she will be exactly 77 miles from us. We had her 3 children until last night when her eldest was overcome with a need to be with her mommy. Auntie drove her home and left us with the twin boys. They are a delight, loving to swim and eat, they can chow down for three year olds. So, I am busy, but busyness is not the answer to the longing in my soul....so I have decided like the Psalmist to encourage myself in the Lord. HE has all the answers to my longings and I will rehearse for myself HIS loving kindness and tender mercies. May each of you find yourselves basking in HIS love today. NONA

God's thoughts toward us do not inclued failure.

Popa is always telling me that we never fail with God, we just get to take the test again. The consequences are costlier each time we journey through old familiar territory. Who of us would be so committed to the process of success in another? Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that HE, the faithful one of Israel, has a hope and future for us. I trust that the grace of God will abound in each of us allowing us to make the grade of being formed into HIS image. Families are usually the training ground for life, often the burial ground for relationship, and sadly the area in which we refuse to enter into Christ-likeness. I have learned, the key word here is learned, we are incapable of making others do right. Free-will was given by God who is the author of all truth. A very wise woman once told me that there are always three sides to any story....my side, the other person's side and God's side which is the only side that is honestly accurate. May I encourage each of you to pursue God's vantage point when you find yourself in a strained relationship.
I am missing the sunshine, as I live in Oregon and am encountering rain again today. God is God and HE is good even on rainy summer days in Oregon so I will look for my destiny in HIM today, maybe I will encounter some of you along the way. Wouldn't that be fun? I have heard that my lovely little granddaughter, Violet, has discovered the word of the day on her other grandmother's internet browser and is busy using her new vocabulary....yesterday's word was huggermugger....it means secret! I am never too old to learn and thus I will find a huggermugger to share with Violet today! Violet is her blogger name as her mother wants to protect her identity...Violet is her name because she loves the Incredibles....Violet is her name because I can follow suit. Have a blessed day!!!!!!

Thoughts are sometimes more than we can bear!

This week-end my mother celebrated her seventy-fifth birthday. Mom triumped through the day with deep appreciation of family and friends. I have wonderful memories of the most devoted mother a child could ever have. She was faithful to pray for us (her children) at least one hour everyday. I attribute much of my success in life to her diligent prayer life. She taught me how to serve others and to study the word of God with a heart open to revelation. I am grateful for her love and support down through the years. The sunset of life will surely find us all, may we traverse it with grace. God is good and HIS mercy endures forever. I am spending the week with momma and her younger sister, it will be a week of remembering the past and reaching for the future. I pray each of you will be blessed by the endurance of love.

Thoughts of today 33 years ago.

Thirty-three years ago I gave birth to my first child. A lovely young lady who has given me three wonderful grandchildren. I will never forget the dawning of those first feelings of motherhood. She has been a delightful child, a second mother to our other daughters, not always by choice but sometimes by necessity. She faithfully attended college and got her degree and along the way met and married a man God had destined to be her husband. Together they have followed Christ through the good and the not so good days of life. I think what has brought the most joy to my heart is the fact that they have pursued God in all the avenues of life. It is a joy to be in relationship with them, to have them share their joys and their griefs with us. We, Popa and I, wish her a year of peace and shelter from the storms of life. May the twins quickly finishing potty training and may big sister have a smooth transition as she starts a new school this fall. Congratulations to hubby for making it through his year of probation with SWA. May the new house in the new town be a blessing and may life present many joys this next year. Daughter #1 you are still a delight and we are so grateful to call you ours...your wit and encouragement have meant a lot to us. mom aka: the Nona

What do you believe?

What do you believe? Your beliefs and belief system can hold you captive. The Song of Solomon talks about the beloved coming leaping and skipping upon the mountains... and about flowers appearing...etc. You have a part to play, you can stay locked up inside your house and miss the sunshine and all the joy that the seasons bring, just like you can choose to stay locked up in your belef system and miss the SONshine. Sometimes, I have to join the Psalmist and say like in does in Chapter 86 verse 3 "Rejoice the soul of your servant," Hey God, I need you to intervene in my life and cause my soul to rejoice; grant your grace in such measure that I begin to rejoice in "my maker". God come and overwhelm me body, soul and spirt with YOUR goodness. Cause your goodness to pass before my eyes that I might rejoice in you. Later down in verse 11 it says "unite my heart to fear your Name" gather the fragments of my heart, oh God, and cause me to know you will perform the very things you have put your name to. Our hearts are fragmented, we need the Holy Spirit to run a defrag program on us. So that we begin to rule and reign from the vantage point of Heaven! Defrag programs keep the necessary operational files and move out the files that are damaged, unnecessary, and causing gliches. Song of Solomon 2:8-13
8. The voice of my beloved! Behold he comes Leaping upon the mountains, skipping on the hills. 9. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he stands behind our wall; HE is looking through the windows, gazing through the lattice. 10. My beloved spoke and said to me: "Rise up, my love, my fair one and come away. 11. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. 12. Flowers appear on the earth: The time of singing has come and the voice of the turtledoe is heard in our land. 13. The fig puts forth her green figs and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell. Rise up, my love, my fair one and come away! WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? Psalm 104:1 says Praise the Lord, O my soul, O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. WHAT FILLS YOU WITH WONDER? New life tends to render me speechless, which is why I love the wonder of sping. Tulips, hyacinths and irises press through hard cold clumps of earth in resurrection wonder. Baby robins show up wide-eyed with hungry chirps in anticipation of the worm the momma bird is bringing. Even the sun hovers longer, not wanting to miss the unfolding of a new season. Our peek-a-boo glimpses of God fill us with a sense of divine reality, like a preview of things to come. We are promised that one day the veil will be lifted from our eyes and we will see the Lord face to face. Imagine that! Try as I might it is difficult to grasp that kind of holy revelation. But until the day when the mysterious becomes known, God bestows us with encounters in which for a moment we are aware that we are on holy ground. Speaking of Holy Ground, isn't all of the earth God's territory? All we know of creation is the Lords. Therefore, each step we take is on holy land, which means we are all and each one individually on a sacred journey. Sometimes this is hard to remember when we are struggling up a craggy mountain, our shins raw and our hands bleeding. Then we thrust our bruised bodies onto the moutaintop, pull ourselves upright and see the view...the wondrous view. The very sight God has prepared for us to see. In this season, let us run, walk and tiptoe if necessary barefooted (in total reverence and awe) but totally aware that we are on Holy Ground. IT is not a particular place; IT is an attitude of divine assignment. Whether we are planting gardens, flipping pancakes, racing to a forty hour a week job, cleaning the church, or participating on the worship team may we be tuned into the wonder of it all. Is it any wonder that God has a plan for us? NO! HIS plan has been set from the beginning with us in mind. Praise God! Be Blessed. I will try to be more faithful to blog on a regular basis.

Almost 30 year old thoughts!

Tomorrow is daughter #2's birthday. I cannot believe she will be 30. She is a fine young lady with a very good handle on life. She was a wonderful baby, very content and happy with her thumb in her mouth. Full of energy and innocense that lasted well past infanthood. She loved to wake up early in her childhood and would quietly play in her bed until the rest of the sleepy headed family woke up. Her favorite blanket was a yellow and white blanket a friend had made...I believe she still has it. She carried a "lolly doll" when she was very little because she walked around the house at night and the rattle in the "lolly doll" helped me know where she was. She still loves to snuggle and is a very good cook despite the fact that she told me growing up that she was never going to cook...she was going to marry a man who did the cooking. Nothing could be further from the truth about her husband. She did marry a Godly man with a great heritage, I am very proud of her for her decision to pray God's man into her life. She has been a very hard-working young lady with lots of education under her belt. We call her Doctor Karapy...because she has faithfully pursued her PhD in psychology. She is very committed to pursuing truth and adhering to it in her personal life...she is ever growing and changing taking personal repsonsibility. Happy Birthday to one of my favorite people. MOM i.e. NONA

Thought I wanted to be like Christ, did I?

What on earth made me think that? Was I crazy? Did I not believe life had held enough challenges this last few years? Every opportunity is capable of producing more of Christ in us! I have to remember it is about me choosing to do what is right. My reward is not temporal it is eternal and the only righteous judge will preside over my choices in life. Two wonderful young ladies showed up on my doorstep today and needed prayer...what an awesome privilege to get to speak the name of Jesus over friends in need. I have a spider bite on my upper right arm that is painful. My own insurance company has decided not to pay my medical bills and that I and Popa are medically stationary...I am glad they are not in charge. God I will trust you in this situation, You are able to make even crooked paths straight. Being like Christ is the ultimate quest of my life, I cannot abandon that goal now. I am tired this week, the flesh truly is weak but spirit is willing to follow Christ! The best news is this...in my weakness HE is made strong! I am not alone! Tomorrow will produce more opportunities to choose righteousness. God is good and you are not alone either, take heart and pursue on you Christ-followers!

What Thoughts?

This has been a difficult week, the pollen count in our area is high and my allergy symptoms have flared into asthma on several occassions. My inhaler has had more use this past two weeks than the previous 11 months. The nebulizer has found its way between daughter #3 house and mine more than once. The gift of lungs filled with air is precious. The ONE who gives life blew into Adam the breath of life. It is an amazing mechanism that God created in the human body. Lungs that take in oxygen and sent it into the blood stream for the entire body to use. Lord, help to value this life you have given me...make me aware of your divine purpose for me! I have been reading the book of James almost daily for the last 2 weeks, there is a verse in Chapter 3 (v.18) that talks about the fruit of righteousness being sown in peace by those who make peace. Just some food for thought. I have been contemplating righteousness for several weeks now and am on a quest to have God reveal to me how to sow righteousness into my own life. The time has come for me to find myself making my way to bed, I have got to quit this night-owl stuff. Tah-Tah!

Lots of thoughts, very few conclusions.

It's Friday, when I worked at the clinic that meant something. When I worked at the church it meant something different. Today is simply means it is Friday. Popa and I had an interesting week. We saw a doctor who stated emphatically that Popa could not have PAN's disease and still be alive after 17 years...our spirits were assaulted but God in HIS faithfulness has helped us gain a different perspective. I talked to my oldest daughter in Portland and found out her girlfriend from high school is visitng her this week-end...true friendship still exists! My grandson has a double ear infection after a two week battle with asthma...enough already! I spoke with my auntie in Texas about a surpirse visit for my mom's birthday. My back flower bed looks much better....I bought flowers with money I received from daughter #2 for Mother's Day! I have a new fushia on the front porch from daughter #1, she specifically requested anything but pink or purple...I had those colors last year....(and didn't want them again)...the green of this year's plant is lush and vibrant the flowers are pink and purple. Life is like a box of chocolates....you never know what you are going to get...to quote one of my all time favorite movies. The only real constant in this life is the Lord Jesus Christ, HE never changes...HE is the same yesterday, today, and forever, Blessed be HIS Name! For those of you who work a conventional week...enjoy the fact that today is Friday and you have the next two days off...for those of you who Pastor or work the week-end enjoy the joy of ministering to others. For those of you like Popa and I who have no real deadlines to meet...may you find yourself enjoying the days as they unfold. God is the author of everyday...and HE wants HIS signature all over your life. An authentic autographed life's story.

Too much time between blog thoughts!

I do not know where time goes! I have grandiose thoughts about faithfully blogging at least three times a week but it has been eight days and here I finally am to once again participate in the addiction of blogging. Four of the eight days I have spent in asthma world. My three grandchildren from Portland were here for 48 hours literally. They are precious and such innocent delights. Popa and I were forced to go to an IME (Independent Medical Exam) uh-huh, you guessed it...it was not independent...the insurance company hired their contracted people to perform the exam. I actually had a chiropractor tell me that I had not experienced a concussion. I don't believe he is qualified to make that determination. He said it was based on my recall of the accident 10 months ago....I have news for him...I did not even know I had bumped my head or how I got out of the car...the other details I may have assimilated into my memory from other sources over the past several months...oh well, it is really good to know WHO is in control and I am here to tell you it is not mere men. Jesus said if you know the one who sent me...then you know me....If you know me, then you know the one who sent me....I and the Father are one. Dear God, how me to trust you more and more....it sounds like an invitation for more conflict in me life...it is not that at all, it is a prayer from my innermost being that truly wants to know God. I have been reading the book of John and then continuing to reread James almost daily...much food for thought! Is any weak among you...the word weak means frail in any sense of the word....frail or lacking in finances, frail or lacking in faith, frail or lacking in trust, frail or lacing in health, frail or lacking in any area of our life...then we should call for the elders of the church to anoint us with oil, lay hands on us and pray the prayer of faith that we might recover....food for thought isn't it? May the life of Christ invade your life and cause you to be a Christ follower compelled by love! I do ramble on, don't I?

Thoughts for today!

Today is another one of those days that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. The Lord is Good and HIS mercy endures forever. I am amazed at HIS great love for me. My grandson had a serious asthma attack today, it was unbelievable to watch the nebulizer treatment take immediate affect. One moment he was struggling for breath, the next he was calm and back to his normal little jovial personality. I could not help but think about the affect the breath of God has on our lives. Thank you God for your breath, breathe on me more and more. Met with some previous fellow laborers in Christ at church today...the knitting of "the SPIRIT" is so undeniable. I do not try to figure out whether this is a beginning of something new or a continuance of something old...all I know is that God has a hope and a future for all of us....plans to prosper us! It is sometimes difficult to continue the good fight of faith....trusting day by day in the faithfulness of God but it is the path HE, my God, has chosen for me. Lead on gentle savior, I will follow you. You are good and your mercy endures forever! Forgive me for the rambling from one track to another, it is really descriptive of who I am and how I function...God loves me this way and I am confident in HIS love, I pray you all will choose to love me too! I really wanted to end with this The LORD is GOOD and HIS MERCY endures forever.

Thoughts and Questions!

I wanted to post for myself our travels for the last month....we started out in Springfield, Oregon....drove to Grants Pass where we encountered our first rain. Spent the next night in Turlock, California then on to Hanford, California...then to Bull Head City, Arizona...on to Sun City West. Left Arizona and found our way to Gerome, New Mexico and then to Sedona, traveled North and found ourselves in the Pan Handle of Oklahoma spending the night before traveling towards Ponca City...where our motorcycle had to be repaired at Performance Plus, on to Miami, Oklahoma and into Joplin, Missouri...then to Salina, Kansas...then to North Platt, Nebraska, on to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming for a trip down memory lane...spent the night in Laramie, Wyoming and rode to Lander, Wyoming the next day, found ourselves passing through the Tetons on our way to Yellowstone where we spent two days and took a wonderful bus tour seeing lots of wildlife...out the West Gate into Montana and then into Idaho Falls, Idaho....planning on spending tonight in Nampa, Idaho and riding back into home turf tomorrow....spending two days riding home probably through Bend, Or. It has been a wonderful trip....we ran out of gas three times, always within sight of a gas station...twice we coasted to the pump itself, one time we had to push up hill about 1/2 mile. Sometimes exercise is good for you...this was not one of those times...dressed in full leathers in about 40 mph wind....it was an experience and we survived with a good story to tell. Life is really all about how we handle various circumstances that are introduced into our routines...take care my faithful readers to make sure you please God in your reactions to life's situations. Have we really been gone 28 days...I think so, but I am not ready for it to end. Seeing the grandkids will be awesome and I am anxious to see the girls face to face...cell phones are amazing for staying in touch. Thanks for praying for our safety...keep up the good work...Popa has done well. God has been faithful and Popa's health has allowed him to enjoy the "ride".

Finally able to convey my thoughts!

We stayed inside Yellowstone National Park for three days without wi-fi or television; it was pretty isolated. We felt totally cut off from all we find familiar. It is so comforting to know that we are never cut off from God. HE has promised to never leave us or forsake us. I had some thoughts as we were riding out the West Yellowstone Park Entrance today. First off, several days ago in my blog, I made a reference to seeing a jack-a-lope, I expected to get several comments on the non-existence of such a creature, but alas my readers seem to take me at my word. Today, as I was conversing with God I realized that often we take the word of others as gospel, when the important factor is to know the word of God for ourselves. It is so nice to glean from the revelation of scripture when others share, but it imperative that we know the basis of the revelation for ourselves. Now, back to the jack-a-lope, what I saw was a rabbit with feet as big as his body bounding through the open range, locals call them jack-a-lopes. When in Rome,doing as the Romans, could get us into trouble. On the flip side, it was affirming to have you my readers take me at my word. Yesterday, we rode a tour bus around Yellowstone for nine hours. Our guide was touted to be the most knowledgeable guide in Yellowstone (he has headed up the guide department for eleven years). It was truly delightful to have someone who knew their way around the park tell us everything we wanted to know. I cannot help but parallel this with the spiritual events we all traverse everyday...our guide, the Holy Spirit, knows all things and will lead us into all truth. Jesus said, if I go, I will send another. HE is not only our guide but also our comforter. There is such great confidence in embracing the personage of the HOLY SPIRIT. I had another thought today as we were traveling down the road, but I have forgotten it momentarily....uh yeah, it's back. We saw countless wildlife yesterday; Bison, bulls, cows, and babies; antelope, mule deer, coyotes, and yes, a grizzly bear, I have a picture to prove it. The vastness of God's creation is a marvel. I was struck once again by the creative power of our Heavenly Father! God is a never ending mystery...we learn of HIM, about HIM, and about HIS creative work; yet there is no end to the vastness of WHO HE IS! May you feel compelled to know HIM more and more. The last thing we saw on our guided tour was Old Faithful, people stayed around to witness hot water spray up into the air over 100 feet. I am comforted to know that I am personally acquainted with the genuine OLD Faithful, HE is often call the Ancient of Days and to HIS Kingdom there shall be no end, HE is from everlasting to everlasting, HE is the Alpha and the Omega, and in HIM there is no shadow of turning....HIS creation was a delight to see but it does not compare to personally communing with the CREATOR! In HIS service, Nona

I am still capable of thoughts!

Today is the May 24th, four days since my last blog. We have been outrunning stormy weather once again. On Monday we left Miami, OK around 5:30 p.m. because of the threat of rain...we traveled to Salina,KS....it was one of the best rides of the whole trip....fair weather, no wind and we found a wonderful hotel and good espresso the following morning...the next day we found ourselves riding through very fierce wind and finally arriving in North Platt, Nebraska in a good hotel with a "tornado watch" interupting the TV station at about 10 minute intervals...the tornado finally touched down about 80 miles from us in Ord....then we left Nebrasks and found our way through more wind than I can adequately describe in route to Laramie, Wyoming....we stopped in Pine Bluffs and found the church my Dad pastored when I was in 4th grade, the old brick school I went to was torn down a few years back. Eleanor Johnson, my teacher, taught for many years after we moved away from Pine Bluffs. The people were very friendly and informative; then on to Cheyenne where we spent three hours in a Harley Davidson Shop buying a communication system...the hotel in Laramie was the best yet...we left Laramie this morning after stopping at the Harley Shop (owned by the same people as the Cheyenne store) to return the communication system which failed to work. We are back to yelling at each other over the wind. Through wind and thunder storm we found our way to Lander, Wyoming where we had a great dinner prepared at the Oxbow Restaurant. One small event today...we ran out of gas and had to push the bike about 1 mile to a gas station....it is a long ways between stations in Wyoming. We bought a little orange gas can that will hold 1 and 1/2 gallons of gasoline...better than pushing a loaded bike I can assure you. Our daughter friend says we are too old and too tired not to enjoy life...so we decided to protect our hearts from over exertion. As we have spent the last four days in what I would describe as arduous travel...I have reflected on the knowledge that God does not want our spiritual journey to be hard and laborious....HE says HIS yoke is easy and HIS burden is light. An easy yoke is a yoke that does not gall or rub a blister on us. HIS burden is light...it is not cumbersome or heavy, not a chore to bear. I would like to have those easy light characteristics spill over into our natural travel for the next several days...we are heading for Yellowstone tomorrow where we will be staying in Grant Village with a booked Circle of Fire tour on Saturday. It is a 9 hour bus tour around Yellowstone and takes in Old Faithful...we are currently traveling in weather that is about 50 in the daytime and down into the 30's at night, can I say I am glad I left the liner in my leather jacket and brought my long underwear. We had a delay today that left us thanking God for HIS protection even in things we do not understand. Follow Christ with all your heart and enjoy the journey with the perfect partner...ONE who promises the load will be light and the harness of the spirit will be comfortable. Jesus is still the sweetest name I know. More in a few days!

What are my thoughts?

Today is another beautiful Sunday; a day to rejoice and bless the Lord. We made a three hundred mile round trip yesterday to pick up our motorcycle in Ponca City, OK. It was a reminder of God's grace and mercy in our lives once again. The shop where we took the bike for repair has a very good reputation and the people were fair and honest. It is sobering to realize that God actually kept the wheel assembly together until we pulled onto their property. So now, we have two new tires, a new bearing in the rear wheel, and new spokes...the next 3500 miles should be a breeze. We are mailing some of our belongings home tomorrow, just to lighten the load a bit. We have realized that weight is a big factor in cross country travel on a motorcycle. We are going to church this morning in Joplin, Missouri, looking forward to praising our Savior together with friends. Good friends are a wonderful part of our lives. It is like 15 years have not passed since we saw them last...we have laughed and cried together, talked about the Lord together, and shared stories of children and grandchildren. We promise ourselves that another 15 years will not pass before we visit with each other again. God is up to something that will build HIS kingdom in this visit and we recognize HIS hand in all of this. Continue to pray for us as we start west...Go West, young man would be such a delightful command. It is the young we are the most interested in....our low backs were very tired yesterday when we arrived back to one of the Most Comfortable beds we have ever slept in. (Lady Americana is the brand of bed) Most of you will not care about that last tidbit of information, but knowing I am a "sometimer" I have included it in the blog so I can find the bed when we get home again. I am glad God is never forgetful of who or what I am...HE KNOWS MY NAME and WHERE I AM! Thanks, God for keeping track of me...Your love constrains me to respond in obedience. More later...today is the birthday of the woman who brought my wonderful husband into the world...Happy Birthday, Mom!

Quick thoughts

Psalms 62:11 makes a reference to the "power of God". we have spent 3 days experiencing the wind of this earth in a way that has been challenging. I know wind is a powerful force that can produce positive energy and thus have been contemplating whether I have actually perceived the "WIND of the SPIRIT" adequately...let me just admit....I think I have underestimated the "wind of the Holy Spirit". At times the wind has almost blown us off the road and our necks are sore from the strain of holding our heads up straight as we prepared for the next truck to pass us. The scenery has been beautiful and the glimpses of animals a delightful surprise. We have seen jack-a-lopes and very large rabbits hopping along the roadside. Very little traffic and lots of friendly people. I have had to acknowledge that God's wind has been blowing in and across our lives....we are having to buy a rear tire today, after 3,000 miles on the road we have cord showing and are delighted to have been spared a blow-out. It is 20 miles to the motorcycle shop! Continue to pray for our safety. We are having a great time and will meet up with our old friends later today. A few days of rest will do us good. Challenging messages on our home phone cause us to continue to trust God even miles away from those who present challenges to our peace. Life is fleeting....I have lots of time to consider the word of God on this subject and to ponder my contribution to the Kingdom of our God. Make sure you are depositing into the eternal realm on a regular basis. Only what we do for Christ will last! Blessings on you all...make you know the "wind of the Spirit" in a new dynamic way today.

Thoughts of wondering where tomorrow will take us!

It is amazing to travel through this country we call America and see the various landscapes displayed in splendor. The deserts are varied and many, the rivers wide and narrow, the mountains massive and lofty, and the vegetation varied and beautiful. I am in awe of my God and HIS creative work. As it unfolds before me I cannot help but think of HIS never ending wonders in the earth and wonder at the vastness of what Heaven will be. Eternity with HIM in a place HE has prepared for us will be more than we can currently imagine. Thank You God for the packaging of this earth and the life that allows me to discover your treasures. Look up and see the handiwork of our creator.

Personal note: we are moving across New Mexico. It rained on us for 3 minutes today and we dried out in 1 minute. So much for "flash rain". Today was a good day, we were treated by total strangers to free Starbucks. People really are very hospitable and friendly. It is so good to finally have a hotel with wi-fi. I read all my daughter's blogs and now must get some sleep if we are going to make tomorrow another travel day. Oklahoma here we come!

Hot Thoughts!

It is very warm where we are now. I actually am enjoying the heat; it won't last long. It is difficult to find an area where my computer can pick up a wireless connection. I am currently sitting outside in 99 degree weather with a very low signal. Walking around the house I found a place on the front porch that will let me hook up to an unsecured link. It is interesting to me to realize how dependent upon this little notebook I have become. Feeling cut off from the world when I cannot blog. Our eldest daughter and her children will be here tomorrow for a visit. The children will meet their great grandparents for the first time. God is always filling our lives with little delights...may we each find contentment where ever we are. In seasons of abundance or abasement, may we like Paul count it all joy to serve Christ. Hopefully, this spot will work tomorrow and I can blog early in the morning. My goal tomorrow is to beat the heat. Later! Nona in Arizona

Thoughts to ponder!

I was reading Colossians today and was struck once again by the importance of knowing what the cross of Christ purchased for us. Exhortation to "reign with HIM" in the here and now leaped off the pages and into my spirit. So many of us think that we will not reign until we get to heaven but the benefits of the cross begin immediately, there is no probationary period. I had to repent as my life of late has not reflected that of a kingdom dweller who knows how to rule and reign with her elder brother, Jesus Christ, in Father God's eternal Kingdom. I trust the Holy Spirit will breathe life upon this revelation for each one of you personally.

Personal note: It is finally hot where we are and getting hotter everyday. I am looking forward to our trek into new territory this next week. We will spend a few days in Phoenix and then on to New Mexico. Popa's new glasses arrived! Yeah!

God really does not need our help!

David was incited by the devil to number the men of Israel. It was David's pride that caused him to want to know how great "his" kingdom had become. Joab certainly did not think it was a good idea but he obeyed the King. God was greatly angered by David's actions and HE offers David three possibilities for judgement. David chooses that the Hand of the Lord be raised against the children of Israel for three days. God looks down on the suffering of His people and stays HIS original plan of punishment. HIS mercy triumphs! The prayers of David are heard and he begins to make preparation for his son, Solomon, to build the temple. David purchases property for the building site and he passes onto Solomon the promise of God that God will be in covenant with their lineage forever. David then begins to exhort the leaders of Israel to devote their heart and soul to seeking the Lord so that a place would be estblished for the ark of the covenant. I was greatly impacted by the revelation, God knows how many are with us and how many are against us. Being puffed up in our own pride brings suffering. God alone is the only righteous judge and HIS mercies never come to an end. My prayer for today is that I do not allow myself to be incited by the devil. To declare God's goodness even in the midst of judgement, that I exhort myself on a daily basis to make/build a place for the presence of God to dwell and that I pass onto my lineage the covenant promise of God. Provoke me to good works Oh Lord Most High!

Personal note: still in Arizona, going to a mining town today, celebrating an auntie's birthday, and promised sunshine and heat.YEAH!!!!!! Missing my grandchildren! I talked to the little dumplings yesterday, music to my ears. Love is so wonderfully expressed in the heart of a child.

Hot Manna Thoughts

Acts chapter 2 is full of life! As I read it this morning I was struck by several tidbits....I asked myself this question - What does it mean when the Holy Ghost falls upon mankind? From my study of this passage I believe it means there is a fresh empowerment with tangible mannifestations following. That is signs, wonders, and miracles taking place that we can see with our natural eye. The passage quotes from the book of Joel that men and women will prophesy, that there will be wonders in the heaven...wonders is always deduced by mankind to be positive signs, but what if it actually meant something like a tornado? (just food for thought) Then it says there will be signs on the earth...Lord, help me to be so tuned into you that I recognize the signs. Then the writer uses the words of David to exhort us to call up on the name of the Lord and to be saved...this is more than salvation, I believe it is God's eternal victory in every situation. David says...the Lord is always before us....HE is at our right hand and we will not be shaken, our hearts will be glad and our tongues will rejoice, my body (this fleshly body) will live in hope. It says that HE (the Lord) makes known to us the paths of life, the paths of life are the ways that will bring fulfillment to us....then it states so matter of factly that in HIS presence we are filled with joy. We are presented with choices everyday.
Today I choose to prophesy the goodness and the favor of God into my own life and the life of my family. I am laying hold of a new empowerment to do the signs of God upon the earth that I possess. Father God, let your power be made mannifest as I make myself available to you. Teach me to recognize the wonders in the heaven and the signs on the earth...give me your eternal wisdom. I will daily call upon your name, I walk in new found confidence today that you are always before me and at my right hand...I purpose today to find you present in my life...I will not be shaken, my heart chooses to be glad, I will use my tongue to rejoice in your goodnesss, my physical body will live in hope, you will make known to me your paths of righteousnes and I will pursue your presence so that I might be filled with joy.
On a personal note...we are in Bull Head City, Az, on a real vacation. Being refreshed in body, soul, and spirit. It is still not hot enough for me, but it is in the near future. Looking forward to following the Lord into HIS richness and grace. Blessings!

Thoughts on the Lord's Day!

Today is not really the original day that God called the sabbath. Today is, however a day set aside to rest from the everyday toil of life. It is also a day that the Lord has made and we have the awesome privilege to rejoice and be glad in it. We worship on Sundays and try to rest on Sunday giving one day in seven back to the Lord. I personally love Sundays, I love the church of Jesus Christ, I love the people that make up HIS bride, and most of all I love the presence of God. Popa and I traveled through a lot of wind yesterday...in fact almost every mile was windy. It was difficult at some points to keep the motorcycle pointing straight ahead....I wish the wind of the Holy Spirit would blow that strong in my life. I received an email from a friend this morning and she was talking about being righteous, God has been talking to me about righteousness and what it really means. God is looking for people who will live "right" before HIM in all of their ways. God heard Job's prayers for his three friends because he was righteous man. Take heart faithful people, God wants to blow across our lives with the wind of HIS Spirit, to release a new level of faith as we walk righteously and to help us enter into a sabbath rest.

2nd Blog of Thoughts in the month of May!

My husband and I are on a motorcycle trip down through California, into Nevada and Arizona and then on to New Mexico and Oklahoma, up through Kansas and Montana, into Idaho and then back to our home in beautiful Oregon. It is an adventure everyday. WE outran the rain as we left Oregon, experienced powerful winds in Northern California. Visited with a niece who recently adopted twin boys from Viet Nam! The provision of God is amazing. The boys are adorable and sweet and bring such delight to an entire family, fulfilling a mother's heart for offspring. Tomorrow we set out for Nevada and hopefully some hot weather....I would like to dry out these Oregon bones for a little while. We will be in church on Sunday in Bull Head City, Az. It is an amazing church with people who are in love with Jesus. Then we will be on our way to see my father-on-law for a few days. I am looking forward to doing some mining in New Mexico and to seeing some old friends in Oklahoma. I will blog when I can. Take care and I will catch you up to date on our journey as I can.

Thoughts away from home!

I read a short devotional yesterday morning out of Psalms and was challenged to believe that God really does want to direct my life. HE wants me to follow HIM! Seems simple enough doesn't it? Well, after many years of being a Christ follower it is still a challenge. As humans we are really good at the directors role, but the command is "Come follow ME!" Lord, help me to follow. I am always impressed by obedient children, Heavenly Father, help me to submit to YOUR ways and to love obedience. Your word declares that obedience is better than sacrifice. I want to obey. Ultimately, I believe God is really impressed only by our obedience to HIS will. May each of you find yourself with a willing heart to obey the Master! Peace and grace to you all.

My thoughts are of my daughters.

I don't wonder if any other Mom could be as proud of her children as I am of mine. My daughters are the richness of my life, their children are bountiful blessings on a regular basis. I love each of my three offspring. They independently delight me with who they are! Amazement fills me as I watch them navigate change and growth. I see myself in them and so much more, thank God! I recognize their father in them also and I know God has added HIS own bloodline to theirs too. The God contribution is ever unfolding and brings great joy to my heart. I love the men in their lives as well and am so thankful to know each one of them. God is at work in each one of us and is doing HIS good work in us. It is so comforting to know HE is with us. Life is rich and full for me. I have the things that matter the most. I have what money cannot buy. I have three beautiful daughters who still choose to be in relationship and to honor me. God is faithful and has answered this mother's prayer. Thank you, girls, for being who you are!

Too much for mere words!

I recently sent a card to a friend that said "sometimes the loss is just to big for words"....even that simple message could not convey the horrific shock of being told your husband would never be returning to your life. His life continues in that dimension we call heaven, but for those left behind his life ended before we were ready. I had this man's grandchildren with me for four days and they informed me they were ready for grandpa to come home from heaven. In their little two year old minds he has been gone long enough. We all face loss of some kind, the loss of a spouse, the loss of health, the loss of a vision or dream, the loss of a child when they close out Mom and Dad in rebellion, the loss of life as we thought it would be. In those desert seasons of our lives, God's faithfulness is sometimes realized in unexpected ways. A flower out of context in a sea of sand, a gentle word spoken in the middle of an argument, a neighbors smile, even an unexpected kindness from a total stranger. God is at work even when we cannot see HIM! Psalms 34: 1-4 says I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt HIS name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. One of the greatest affects of loss is fear as we navigate unchartered waters, but God promises to deliver us. HE is faithful and worthy of our praise.

I need some new thoughts!

There are times when there is just nothing to say! Yet, as humans we find a way to open our mouths and fill the noiseless space. Yuk! Yuk! and double Yuk! We become a tinkling cymbal. The scripture calls those without love sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. That is because without love our lives are empty. Love is the greatest virtue of all. God loved us first so HE gave us HIS only SON. I find it difficut sometimes to respond in a manner worthy of the great sacrifice and then I remember HIS love is based on HIM not on me. If I try to earn HIS love I am simply being religious....HE delights so much more when I simply bask in HIS great love. May you know the joy of HIS love today and may silence be sweet to your ears as you listen for HIS words of life.

P.S. more thoughts on John 21

As the days have passed and I have continued to meditate on John 21. I realized that in the midst of fleeing and simple survivor instincts the disciple found themselves on that early morning with the biggest catch of their lives. Isn't God amazing, HE shows up with an abundance in the middle of our chaos? I am always trying to plan for the harvest of God, being watchful and careful to plant all the seed I can....yet, I find the truth of Scripture is HE and HE alone gives the increase. God is busy on our behalf, making preparation to presnt HIMSELF to us at every opportunity. It is apparent to me that God is at work in our lives and that it is vital to our spiritual well-being to continue to trust HIM unequivocably. I want to trust....God help me with my lack of surrender! We sing "I Surrender All" but do we live it? What does all mean? Even our loved ones and our own lives. Do we lay down our lives even unto death....not if we have a choice! God must order the universe with HIS great wisdom, I certainly could not be trusted with the responsibility. I must lean on HIS divine character and nature. HE alone is good! I am looking for HIS abundance in this season of my life....not because of me, but because of who HE is!

Just my Thoughts?

I read a passage in John 21 this morning that I so readily identified with. The disciples are out in a boat on the lake fishing. It was following the death of Christ and in their grief they fled. The nets are empty after a whole night of toiling and a man yells from the shore line..."Do you have any fish?" no, they reply and to this HE says "Let your nets down on other side!" I am sure the disciples thought yeah, right, like there would be fish a boat's width away, but they obeyed and the results were staggering. Like so many of us who flee in our grief, Jesus shows up and asks us to do what may seem strange. I could not help but notice the disciples did not cop an attitude, they simply obeyed and then hauled their catch up to the shore where there were coals of fire ready. Jesus then says, "Come and Dine"....this is the third time the disciples have seen HIM since HIS death. I am sure the disciples were amazed by the results of their obedience to what seemed liked a ridiculous command, yet Jesus still calls out to us those same kind of instructions.....love your neighbor as yourself, forgive seventy times seventy, bless your enemy, and yet though you die, you will live. When we see HIM again....HE will be calling out to us "Come and Dine" at the banquet table of Heaven, Oh what a blessed hope we have. My prayer is that each of us are willing to hear the directive's of our loving Savior as HE walks along the shores of our lives.

What are thoughts?

I just read my son-in-law's first blog following the death of his father. I am struck by the simple but powerful acceptance of his love for flying. His father taught him to be a honorable man by modeling a life built around honesty, integrity and honor. I am confident grandpa's character will be handed down by his son to his grandsons. This afterall is the legacy we leave, a righteous man teaching his son to live righteously so he can teach his sons to live righteously. Grandpa Larry lives on in his son, his granddaughter, and his grandsons. We cherish the parts of him we see in each of them. May God's solace engulf those left behind and help them to carry on a lineage of righteousness.

I want to have good thoughts again!

It has been more than a week since I posted my last thoughts. It hardly seems possible that the days are running past. When death strikes, our world should stop and sort out the loss of the one we love but it doesn't. The clock keeps ticking and the days come and go. I am once again feeling the sucker punch of life! That does not mean that I am not aware of the ever present nearness of my God. I am aware that HE is omnipresent! I can trust HIM to be with my children in this season of loss, I can trust HIM to be with the shocked widow. I cannot help it...I don't want to have to trust HIM! I want HIM to somehow intervene in the insanity of events and change the outcome. The reality is this....I have to trust HIM! If I do not trust God there is no rhyme, no reason to any of our days here on planet earth. So, like the Psalmist I rehearse for myself....I am in anguish, yet you, Oh God, rescue me! YOU alone sustain me, YOU alone deliver me from the snares of the evil one. I do want to state that heaven received an honorable man that we miss more than words can describe. Heaven is richer, we are poorer, but it is our eternal hope to walk through the doors of Heaven and be greeted by those who made the trip earlier than we expected! Bless your Name, O Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth. YOU give and YOU take away. Bless your Name!

Even thinking can seem difficult!

This blog has become my journal...it seemed like just the right outlet for a frustrated writer. Now, I find myself wanting to hibernate. Do I really have to go on with the day to day thought processes? Life really makes no sense at all. We love, we hate, we laugh, we cry, we want stuff, we dispose of stuff...no wonder the Song of Solomon reflects on the folly of it all. There is only one constant lasting presence we can attach our lives to...it is a vibrant relationship with Almighty God! Everything else is fading away...and let me tell you the older I get the quicker the fading aspect seems to be. Oh, Lord, please cause us to be content in whatsoever state we find ourselves. May our joy be in you and you alone. We cannot even trust our own thoughts. Meet us in our moment of need. Your word declares you are our sufficiency. We are relying upon that truth.

Oh God, Cause my thoughts to be only of YOU!

There is no pain like watching your children suffer. It is so hard to see the grief of our children. The mind wants to question, the heart is screaming, and the flesh is overwhelmed with achiness that cannot be described. Sleep is fleeting at best. The days seem endless and yet life on planet earth continues on. The Bible is so accurate in its description of life here on earth...it is but a vapor. Last Friday, Larry was so very present in the lives of his family and on Saturday he was so present with his Heavenly Father and Elder Brother, Jesus. Our hearts want to rejoice with him, but are so burdened down with the grief of loss. Jesus knew this pain as He stood with Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus. The Bible says HE wept. God Almighty, Maker of the Universe impart to those left behind your great comfort. May each one find their thoughts fixed on YOU, the author and the finisher of our faith. Only in YOU are our lives complete. We rehearse for ourselves your awesome nature on a regular basis so that we might continue on in this earthly race until you call each one of us into your literal presence! You are good, You are faithful, You do have a hope and a future for us, You do all things well, there is no shadow of turning with YOU, you are our peace, You are the light in our temporary darkness, You will never leave us or forsake us...we are not alone in our sorrow, You will continue to sing over us with joy, You will be faithful to the end and You alone reign in our lives. We submit to your will Oh God, cause our thoughts to be only of YOU!

24 hours later....

Within 24 hours of my last post, we received one of those middle of the night phone calls you hate to get. Our eldest's daughter's husband's father was killed in a airplane accident on the coast. Our youngest daughter lost her father-in-law in 2004 and the grief is enormous. We are once again mourning with our children and our friend, the faithful wife. We are praying that the body is recovered. My little granddaughter asked me... "aren't you glad grandpa is in heaven?" For him, unequivocably yes...for the wife, the children, the grandchildren, the sisters and brother, and the friends....NO! He was a very honorable man who loved the LORD and served him faithfully. It was a privilege to know him and to have our daughter marry his son. His character and integrity was evident to all who knew him. We are grateful to have shared grandchildren with him and know he lives on in each one of them. The twin boys were eager to be his constant shadow at the farm and his granddaughter adored him. We are back to the theme of this season of our lives...and that is ultimate trust in God Almighty. We ask that HIS peace would be rich in our extended family as they adjust to the unexpected change. God be merciful and pour your great love out on them...may they find themselves totally enveloped in your all sufficient grace.

What a beautiful day!

Today was beautiful. My grandchildren are in the next room sleeping, the beauty of the whole thing is that they spent the day with their auntie up the street. I had their mother's tires rotated at the local tire store and then vacumned out the range rover. I fixed Popa and I lunch and dinner the little twin boys came to our house fed, clean and ready for bed. Not to finish the day in ease I gave them jagged little hair cuts at their mother's request which required another shower for each. They are such little sweethearts. All week-end long they have both been saying "I love Nona most". Does it get any better than that? I think not! Let me just say that God is so delighted when we say "we love HIM most!" I love you Lord, the very most! I love you, MOST! God is more than good, HE is just and faithful, merciful and kind, loving and tenderhearted. I am grateful that our relationship assures me that HE loves me with great intensity. May you know HIS love more and more each day.

Thoughts of Communicating with my Maker!

I have been contemplating what it means to really communicate with God. Is it a once in a while thing, is it even something we chalk up to a daily activity? I think not! It is a lifestyle of making sure HE is involved in every second of my earthly existence. Some would beg to differ I am sure. However, for me it truly is about recognizing God is always in every aspect of my life so I am totally aware of HIS presence. The tricky part is to include HIM in the conversation that exists around every decision I make. We sometimes think because HE is unseen that HE is not really there. HE is there for everyone who knows HIM personally twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. Praise HIS matchless name. HE is an immediate counselor, an immediate help in the time of need. I just breathe HIS name and HE demonstrates HIS availibility in my life. I can make room for open dialect or I can ignore HIS almighty wisdom....it is my choice. Today, I made some decisions without HIM, not much time as elapsed and I am disappointed in the outcome of my choices. These were not earth shattering decisions, to most of you they would seem trite and foolish; but to me it is about learning God is concerned about the smallest detail of my life. I have no trouble including HIM in the big details. My quest is to be led by the very Spirit of God in every aspect of life. May you be encouraged to find God always available to your cries. HIS grace is sufficient and available to all who ask. Take care and follow hard after God, HE cares for you!

Who's interested in thoughts?

Some days I just want to be clever. I want all my thought to find their way onto the page in a professional writer type of way. Today is one of those days when it would be nice if my writing inspired even me! The pain in my left leg and ankle is 8 on the scale of 1 to 10. I am not particularly fond of the pain scale and yet find it interesting that I can identify the pain in my leg accurately with it. Walking a couple of different times today is the culprit. The titanium rod feels like is coming out the botton of my foot. All the wonders of modern medicine and my leg still screams in pain after 3 years and 84 sessions of Physical Therapy. Won't heaven be wonderful? No more pain, no more sorrow, no more dishes, no more laundry, and no more bills to pay. I did enjoy the embrace of two of my grandchildren today. I found a wonderful revelation in the book of Mark and celebrated the goodness of God in my life with Popa. Today is not a clever or professional day in my life it is simply a day that God provided for me to experience HIS love. I told HIM I loved HIM today and HE told me HE loved me! It was so satisfying. My prayer is that Jesus find HIS way into your life every day. Blessings!

Thoughts are far and few between!

Life is often much more hectic than we plan for. I hardly have time to think these days let alone record my thoughts for others. The more determined I am to bring discipline into my daily routine the more harried I become. I have truly turned into "one of those" Nonas. God is gracious and kind, HE never gives up on me (or you for that matter). I am taking some time to simply rest from the busyness of life and focus more on the blessed Savior of my soul. Popa has had more energy this week and the strength of God was made mannifest in his own weakness this week. Thank you my awesome friends for your targeted prayer....keep up the good work. We had lunch today with some old friends. We first met in 1971 at the telephone company in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. It was a delight to share a meal together and then take a ride in the beautiful sunshine to visit our friend's mother's birthplace. A old and well maintianed farm house out along the McKenzie River. A lot of history has been recorded about the old homestead. As I contemplated this natural history...I was stirred to remember the history of a living God who sent HIS son to die on a rugged cross so that I might know freedom. My heart swelled with pride as the mere thought of my Savior's name; HE is not only my Savior, but the Bible records for me that HE is also my elder brother. What an awesome family tree I have! God is currently looking for those who would like to be adopted into HIS family. If you are interested please contact me through my comments link, I would love to introduce you to HIM!

Surprise - I can still have thoughts of my own!

It really has been eight days since I last posted a entry on my blogspot. This seems appropriate considering I made a commitment to blog at least three times a week. Why is that life seems more challenging in the midst of our making commitments? A couple of days last week I spent in Portland helping daughter #2 finish tiling the downstairs shower. Actually, daughter #1 was the helper as daughter #2 had school and work to attend to. Saturday was spent with a friend who has found himself contained in a place where they let you have visitors only during visiting hours. It was bittersweet, his hopes were dashed this past month and he finds himself facing uncertain waters. His emotions were more visible than usual and tears filled his eyes several times during our visit. Sunday was church in the a.m. and I taught a class on Sunday evening. All the grandchildren (5) were here on Monday, Tuesday the two little boys up the street spent the afternoon with us. Wednesday Popa had a couple of epidural injections done on his back at the surgery center and today we went to see the retinal specialist in hope of finding Popa's vision was improving. His eyes have not improved, however, they have not gotten worse; it will take about a month for Popa to wean himself off of the eyedrops. In four months the specialist will scan Popa's eyes again...in the meantime, we are going to order some new eye glasses. Popa and I also started eating healthy foods this week and are engaging in an organice lifestyle...another one of the commitment things we hope works out. Oh yeah, we met a lady from China last Thursday on our way to Portland, she teachs English at a university in Beijing. It was so rewarding to hear her talk about the avenues the Lord has provided for her to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. China is strongly calling our names and we are planning on making a trip there in September of this year. I was reminded this morning that writing is something I should be doing on a daily basis. Pray for me in this venture. May your hearts be refreshed today as you reflect on the commitment Jesus has made to you.

At least one thought?

The days have gone by almost unheeded and my thoughts have been less than idealic. I will try to get myself together and blog at least 3 times a week....that is 1/2 of my original goal. The more I try to be disciplined the harder it seems to fulfill the everyday basics. A few years ago it would have been unheard of to consider blogging a daily basic. My thoughts on the subject are rather simple...it seems an easy way to record my life and mental journeys and a convenient way for those I know to at least have some idea of what is going on in this Nona'a head. We celebrated my youngest daughter's birthday this week and I was reminded of what a joy she is. She has brought laughter and pure joy to our hearts in the most difficult seasons of our lives. Her honest and pure heart are a reminder of the delight God must find in his creation when they openly embrace HIM! Popa got some trigger point injections this week and will have an epidural injection or two next week. We are going to Portland tomorrow to see daughter #1 & #2, hopefully finish tiling daughter #2 downstairs shower...pray for me that it turns out well. We will also be transporting some cabinets that son-in-law painted out of the goodness of his heart. Being a family is wonderful and demanding all at once. May Jesus bless you as you traverse life this next few days...my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Obviously, if you have read this blog...you can tell how scattered my thoughts are...oh well...I am not going to change anything now. Blessings!

Too Busy for Thoughts!

Life seems so hectic sometimes it is hard to stop long enough to collect my thoughts. I am always extememly grateful that God is not too busy to consider who I am and what I am in need of. Two sweet little boys spent the day with me and Popa yesterday. We bought a movie in the cheap bin at Wally World and it was a little scary for the boys but they braved it. My friend from Grants Pass came and we visited another friend who has had some real health challenges this year...it was a good visit and we prayed together. Then there was a baby shower this morning and guests for dinner. I finally got the hot tub cleaned and filled with fresh water. I clipped my rose bushes, pulled a few weeds, and swept the front porch. I read 27 email messages and sorted the mail. Yeah, a birthday check from my momma. Hmmmmm! I might even spend it on myself. God is good, the devil is bad, and life is all about the choices we make. In all the busyness I delight in knowing God is in control. I am looking forward to a day of celebrating JESUS tomorrow. May you all be blessed by knowing Christ. Forever HIS servant...ME!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A day for love and romance. Amazingly, that is God design for every day. HE wants to love us and romance us with HIS grace and mercy every day of our lives. I picked up a book last week-end from my middle daughter entitled Sacred Marriage with a subtitle of What if marriage was intended to make us holy rather than happy? God commands us Be Holy, even as I am Holy! Easy to say, hard to live out! The truth is not easily woven into the fabic of our beings. Repeating the lesson that drives truth home is often necessary. I always intend to be a quick learner, it is just that my intentions don't always pan out. I probably should give some thought to mailing my siblings birthday cards sometime today...afterall my brother shares his birthday with me and my sister's birthday is in three days. I am not very good at card sending...I think every year I'll get better at it. So far, that has not been the case....well, maybe next yeart. I might be too familiar with grace. May you all know the love of Christ today...may you have a fresh revelation of how much you are loved and treasured by the sweetheart of heaven.

Taking responsibility for my own thoughts!

Last night was a night of repetitious dreams. I awoke several times and my thoughts seemed to run rampant in regards to the dreams I had. Suddenly I realized that I needed to stop the rabbit trail in my brain and go back to sleep. It was that simple to control my thoughts. Side note: I have not figured out how to control the dreams. We can choose to think on good things, things that are honoring to God, and things that will provoke positive change in each one of us. I had lunch today with a very dear friend, who will always be my friend, who will love me no matter what. Those friends are hard to come by...it is always a joy to be with her, to be loved by her and to know our relationship is secure. Seems trivial to point out...but the Bible says Jesus is that kind of friend. HE is closer than a brother, his company is always a delight and uplifting, HE loves me with an unending love, and I am secure in the knowledge that HE will never leave me or forsake me. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and also my birthday. I am grateful that God has blessed me with such a awesome family. I have a really amazing husband who loves me lots, 3 daughters who make my heart soar, and 5 of the most delightful grandchildren on the planet. (I should also mention the 3 Godly son-in-laws who complete our family.) Boys, you are such a blessing, my heart is at peace knowing you love my girls. I need nothing and want only to make my life count for eternity. Take heart as you celebrate "love" tomorrow...the best way to get love is to give it.

My first thought was to correct yesterdays typos.

I wonder if God has the same thoughts about us. Does HE look down on HIS creation and think, I wonder if today they will let me come into their lives and put right all that has been wrong? It maybe something as little as a typo, but it is important to God that we be made into HIS likeness in every detail of our lives. I was challenged yesterday by some very astute young people, challenged to make sure my theology lines up with the word of God. So, often we are simply satisfied with the idea that our theology lines up with our interpretation of scripture. Truth sets us free.....I am after truth in the inner woman! God is committed to each of us...no matter how old we get, HE wants to bring revelation on a daily basis. I encourage you to make your thoughts center on the ONE TRUE and LIVING GOD! My youngest child is experiencing the latest flu bug and I am praying for a fast recovery. I hate it when my children or grandchildren are sick. God hates it when we are not operating at the optimum level HE designed for us. Engage in change for the better, follow after God will all your heart. HE loves you!

What Thoughts!

I am too tired to manage my own thoughts! This has been a very full week. I quess so...I haven't blogged for several days. I spent a few days in Portland with my middle daughter who had some medical test done on Wednesday. We had some really quality time with very few thoughts as she tried to sleep off the effects of anesthesia. I watched a really good movie while she slept on my shoulder. The next day was full of thoughts as she went off to a conference and I stayed at her house to try to tile her downstairs bathroom shower...my current thought is I will finish that task maybe next week. Much to do when you buy a house that is clearly defined in everyone's thoughts as a "fixer upper". God purchased all of mankind as "fixer uppers" we all need HIS loving care and continual molding to make us what we should be. The good news is HE is not constrained by lack of funds or energy. Off to bed I go because I am so aware of this one thought...I need sleep. Tomorrow will have new thoughts, I'm sure!

Too many random thoughts.

I was a bit overwhelmed today with too many random thougths. The day was challenging, my thoughts were so varied I had trouble discerning their origin. Funny how these things work...I am teaching tomorrow night on "Taking your thoughts captive". I found myself overcome with a sense of grief. At the end of the day I can only say...it is so important to trust God with every detail of our lives. God's strength becomes the sustaining force in my life as I throw myself on HIS mercy. Popa has had a very difficult and trying day...my thoughts have run once again to....is this the darkest before the dawn or is God up to something else? I pray I allow myself to be prepared for whatever HIS plan is. HE is faithful and trustworthy. I am in the care of a faithful Heavenly Father. One of my girlfriends added some of her strength to me in the early morning...what a delight to have good friends. Actually, I consider my girlfriends family...but we all love the term "girlfriend" now that we are actually old enough and wise enough to really be friends. I warned you in the title of this blurp that today was a day of too many random thoughts. May Jesus be your all in all