Thoughts of how quickly and slowly time pass!

We are coming up to the 1st anniversary of Joe's death, (Oct 2nd) can a year really have already passed? There were moments this past year I thought would never end and yet in reality they have passed all too quickly. For Joe and Mom time is no longer a factor, they have left this temporal realm and entered into the presence of the ONE who will reign throughout all eternity. They have left behind all the trivialities of life here on earth and are enjoying the splendor of heaven. We who are left behind still measure our days in the passing of seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, and years. I am reflecting on the life Joe led, serving my mother throughout her long illness and loving Jesus for providing him the opportunity to do so. What a man!

Thoughts of what it means to ride a motorcyle and actually be the driver!

Yesterday Popa drove the Harley and I drove the Yamaha to Silverton, Oregon the back way. It was about 180 miles round trip. I actually made it! My calfs hurt, my hands hurt and my back side hurts. I do not know if I am really cut out for this. It is a bit overwhelming to keep it all together....I could definitely use some improvement on starting and stopping more accurately. I did not enjoy the scenery as I was too busy concentrating on keeping my speed up and the bike upright. Should it really be that much trouble to enjoy something? I wonder if I work this hard at enjoying God? I should, I do know that relationship with HIM is where real fulfillment and enjoyment exists eternally. All of this other stuff is simply the "fluff" of life, here today and gone tomorrow. Lord, help me to spend my life in pursuit of YOU!

Long hot day thoughts!

Today was a long hot day that followed an extremely long night. Who would have thought that a Saturday in Oregon would be so hot by noon? Popa and I were attempting to put the hot-tub back together, it suffered an internal electrical fire a few months back and needed some TLC to get it back into soaking shape. The night was long because we were so over tired we could not sleep, then when we finally fell asleep we were met by the bright light of day in our bedroom long before we were ready to get up. Long day yesterday as we met with the attorney, the accountant, the hot tub repairman, and our good friends. Then on the trip home there was an accident blocking I-5 and we had to detour around. The two hour trip home became three. Life is full of the unexpected and yet that is exactly why it is called life. It is what we do in those moments of unexpected drama that determines the quality of life. We put the hot-tub back together successfully, watched the grandkids swim for a few minutes then went for a motorcycle ride out through Marcola. Yep, you know it, I am finally riding my own bike. It is a bit intimidating but you know me, I love a challenge. Anyway, the day is winding down and we are looking back thankful for the accomplishments and feeling drowsy enough for a good night's sleep tonight. God is always with us and therefore life is never beyond HIS control. We are grateful to be HIS children and delighted to ride through life together. Be content in your life and find the hidden treasure in every event.

Thoughts about Momma

Today is my Mom's first birthday in Heaven. I miss her! I know she is infinitely better off but there is nothing like a Momma's love. Today was her earthly memorial service and I am grateful to our Heavenly Father for HIS provision in this arena. HIS portion is more than enough. Pastor Jess did a superb job and I am grateful he was momma's shepherd for the last six years. God is so wonderful in HIS care for each or us and I marvel at HIS never ending grace. Momma, thank you for a life that spoke volumes about Jesus!

Thoughts of what?

Well, as you can see from the passage of time, my intent to post on a more regular basis was more intent than follow-through. I am convinced this is the case in most of our human efforts to improve. We plan to do better, we even hope to do better but the truth of the matter is this...life is hectic and we rarely slow down enough to have a rational thought. Popa and I have been home one week, I have new glasses, have seen the dentist twice, had a facial, had jury duty and have managed to avoid doing the six loads of laundry waiting in the dirty clothes basket. See what I mean, life is crazy and we all are just going through the motions of keeping up. I want to slow down and smell the roses not just pick up the decaying petals from the garden where they have fallen. I am reminded of the ONE who does not operate within the boundaries of time and I am grateful for HIS constant care in my life. HE is never to busy with details to care for me and HIS mercies never come to an end. Oh, how grateful I am that HE is my friend. Thank you, Jesus, for you truly are a friend who sticks closer than a brother. I won't promise to do better, I will say I want to do better. May you each find yourself enjoying your days, friends and family. Our six grandchildren have run through the house with the lightheartedness that fills the young and we have delighted in their company. They have found their way into the swimming pool and into our busyness. Thank you, Lord, that our children and their children have made our lives rich and sweet. May our lives enrich you in some small way today. YOU are eternally good!

My thought!

It has been a little while since my last post and it is always my intent to do better. The key word here is intent. Life has been busy and yet good. Time passes no matter where we are or what we are doing. The issue really is, has the time passed with a change for the better within our sphere of influence? Most often this question is best answered by those who are observing our lives from a close proximity. I have been increasingly aware of the importance of wisdom in our living among others here on earth. Has my knowledge and wisdom increased? Most of us traverse through life without a conscious awareness of the benefit of wisdom. I say this from firsthand experience. I have spent most of my days just trying to survive the current situation. Now, as I am aging and facing some of the realities of this temporal life I realize the importance of wise decisions, wise living, and even wise thought processes. Popa and I are finding ourselves content with less and less which is the complete opposite of our younger years when we were always trying to get more and more. More and more money, more and more things, more and more enjoyment, and more and more self satisfaction. There is never enough money, or enough things, or enough enjoyment or self satisfaction to make our joy complete and in the end none of it is lasting. My thought is this: simply enjoy the moments God grants you with family and friends; ultimately live your life to glorify your Maker and you will find true wisdom. From an ever learning Nona.

Mother's Day Thoughts

This is the first Mother's Day of my life that my Mother is not somewhere I can call and say "I Love You!" She is with the lover of her soul and enjoying her heavenly home. Her passing has brought an even keener sense of how fleeting this life really is. I can honestly say I miss her but I do not mourn for her. She is in a much better place with a infinitely better life. She was a selfless mother when I was a child and she prayed for me daily; my depth of knowing God was fashioned by her input. God graciously gives and HE graciously takes away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. I am away from my three precious girls this Mother's Day and yet I rejoice in knowing the heritage of knowing Christ has been passed down to their generation and their children's generation. God is ever faithful and I am content in knowing HIM, in whom life is eternal and not constrained to this current world. May each of you Moms find your joy is complete. Be Blessed!