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