Barb's Treasures

Another Step in the Process

2011-12-09T10:29:00.001-08:00

I've been posting lately on the passing of my Dad on Nov. 28th.
The previous 3 posts are about that, and what I am learning through it all.
This is about my last few days journey.

It was not as easy as I thought.
I was so excited, (and maybe even proud of myself) for the first week about how great I was doing.
Yes, I cried, but I experienced great joy also. Of course part of that joy was knowing my Dad was with the Lord, and singing those old gospel songs he loved so much. The ones he and my Mom used to sing at care centers for "the old people' (and he was one of them). =)

But it was also a joy deep inside me, the joy of knowing the Lord had brought me to a wonderful place with Him in the past few months. The wonder of actually being able to "count it all joy when we encounter various trials (suffering)...." as it says in James. My joy was so full I went around singing.
I thought I had this thing beat!! I was going to be a shining light for Jesus! He was going to use me mightily to help others.....

Well then it hit. I cried all day, except for when I slept. (worn out).
Then I spent hours on computer or watching TV as an escape from the feelings.
I was not only feeling the sad, but I was feeling so disappointed in myself.
What happened to being a light? How could I help others if I could not stop crying??

I did not count it all joy, I could not sing. I was hurting. . I had my quiet time with the Lord, but somehow we were just not connecting. I read the Bible, but the words just seamed empty, and I cried more. I knew He was with me, but I needed to feel Him. Instead I felt very alone.

Seeking Help and Receiving Blessings
I am blessed to have a Life Group who has walked with me through many things.
They are my life line when I feel things are more than I can get through on my own. I emailed for prayer.
And then there is Facebook, where I probably bare my soul a bit too often. But once again I bared it.

The great things is, that when you reach out, God honors that. It is humbling to have to ask for help, and God loves a humble heart. He blessed me not only with notes of prayer, but also so many words of encouragement and wisdom. People who have been through it, and so understand what I am going through.
(I'll share those on another post).
But for today.....

Remember:

Do not take pride in where you think God has brought you.(I had to repent of this)
God is with you even when you feel alone.
It's OK to feel Joy, and laughter, and tears. It is all part of the process.

Be humble; ask for help when you need it. God has a whole family of friends He has prepared to help you.

Blessings to you all, and praise to His name.

Barb

Change, Challenges

2011-12-05T20:49:00.001-08:00

The two posts previous to this are thoughts just before,
and right after my Dad's passing on Nov. 28th.
These are some things I am learning, observing as a result.

We are not alone.
Ever stand in a crowd or a room full of people,
and feel like no one knows or understands the pain you are in??
Or maybe they know you have had a sad event in your life,
but do not know how to deal with it, so they ignore you?
Or that is how it seems anyway.

That happened Sunday at church, at fellowship time between services.
I received a few hugs, and "I'm sorrys" which I know those
who said them truly meant. But as I stood by myself,
looking around the room, I wondered how many other people
were in deep sorrow over something, and no one knew. Or maybe
they had said something, but we are all so in our own world,
we did not really pay attention.

We have choices when things like that happen. (the feeling alone)
In the past, I might have closed myself off, protected myself,
gone into my little shell, where it is safe and I cannot get hurt
more than I already am. I would have felt even more alone.
Felt sorry for myself.

But this time as I looked around the room, I realized
there were probably others who were hurting,
over one thing or another, just as much as I was.
Others who felt alone.

I decided right then, that my sorrow would not be
more important than others needs, and I looked around me
to see who may need a kind word, a hug, or a prayer.
And there were some, of course.
And you know what happened?
When I reached out to them my pain became less.

Thank you Lord, for showing me that.
Please help me to see others needs before my own,
and please show me when I don't.

Blessings to all.
barbara jean

PS I will be sharing other insights as time allows.
Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Changes Continue

2011-11-29T20:44:00.001-08:00

Last week when I wrote we were putting my Dad in a care facility.
I wrote about life's changes, and the choices we have to make as they change.

Here is an update: (THIS IS ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S & MY DAD'S PASSING, SO MAY BE SENSITIVE FOR SOME).

Monday my Dad went home to be with the Lord, and
he is now seeing this sunset from the other side of things.

Alzheimer's had slowly taken his memory of things, then of us,
and he was in a whole other world all his own.
Then his speech slowly declined, and he had some time ago
forgotten the words to the gospel songs he and my Mom
used to sing at care centers like the very one he was in.
He finally could not walk, or even know how to eat his food.
He became frail, and tired.

I was with him for a couple of hours before my Mom came.
He was in that deep sleep he had been in before, but I
believe he heard all my words as
I told him how much I loved him. I sang to him,
(not nearly as on key as he could sing, but I know he liked it anyway) =).
I prayed over him, and told him he could go home whenever he was ready.

My Mom was there the last hour or so, and she prayed for him, loved him, and let him go.

Dad's breathing slowed....... till just one last breath, and he was gone.
He was with Jesus, and Dad and the angels were all singing together!!!

He was at peace, in the arms of His loving savior.

Mom and I comforted each other, as tears flowed.
We prayed, and then left only the shell of a man in the room.
A shell that had housed a man who loved the Lord, and his family.

My Dad will live always in our hearts, till we see him again,
and we all sing praises together to the Lord who loves us so.

Lord, I pray for comfort and peace, not only for our friends and family,
but for the many who have lost loved ones. May they know your
comfort, support and love.

Blessings in His name

barbara jean

Things Change

2011-11-24T11:29:00.001-08:00

Things Change....

This is a season of change for me.
Aging parents.....
Just putting my Dad in a care center.......the day before Thanksgiving.
The realization that he will not always be around, and with Alzheimer's has been leaving us for awhile already.
My heart is sad of late, and tears flow without warning.

Daughter and family moving out to the country....
Not a big change. They are still close......but my drop in visits do not occur often any more,
and I miss them.

A son who has moved to another country. Who is not here with family for Thanksgiving.
A granddaughter who is missing the dad who moved away and is feeling sad about change, too.

Changes, life is so full of changes.

In the midst of it all, realizing God never changes, He is forever the same, loving His children with a love we will never quite be able to grasp or fully comprehend.
And He uses the changes in our lives to change us, to draw us nearer to Him, to show a love and and peace that only He can give.

So yes, life changes. What will be my response??
Will I draw nearer to the God who loves me with an everlasting love??? Will I let that love touch my heart? Will I let Him change me? Will I be an example of His peace to those around me? Will I show the same grace to others as He has shown to me?? Will I use what I have learned to help others?

Lord, thank you for change. Thank you for using it help me grow.
I draw near to you, in this season of change.

Sweet blessings my friends, and His Love and peace in the midst of life's changes.

Barbara Jean

More Vacation Pics

2011-11-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

Huge hollowed out Redwood tree.

It was really not very comfortable, but a great photo op.

more of my gatherings

This old guy watched over the entrance

to the cabins where we stayed.

A very cool, old carved piece of driftwood.

I think there is a dog laying at his feet, kind of behind him on left side.

I know this looks sideways, but it is not.

And it is not a plastic mushroom as it might look.

On one of our walks, this real mushroom was placed on this branch.

Someone had ofund it in the woods, I'm guessing,

and palced it three. Maybe to come back later and get it.

We have never seen anything like it.

Anyone know about it???

This is an old water tower in one of the towns

I walked around while Scott played golf.

And here are some really cool trees.

Scott said they are Cypress.

He was showing me how these branches just grow up out of the ground,

or curve around and grow into the ground.

and we found lots of moss laden logs and trees.

I gathered lots for the sale in November at the store.

All for now. I think 1 more day of pics for you.

You will love what I will show you next time!!!!

blessings

barbara jean

Vacation Pics

2011-10-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a wonderful weeks vacation in sunny California.

The area is called Point Arena and it is about 140 miles north of San Francisco.

I was going to tell you the above picture was our cabin,

but I knew you would not believe me....

So, here is the outside of our real little cabin.

And here is the row of the other 43 just like it!

Our little kitchen.

bedroom

and living room. A total of 350 sq. feet.

Just right for two people who after 42 years have learned

to share quite well. =)

Here we are at breakfast.

Miss frugal ( meaning me) tore the paper towels in quarters to use as napkins.

This is my sweet fella 'complaining' sweetly about it.

"C'mon. Can't a guy even have a whole napkin around here?"

Sorry, hon, when you are frugal you are frugal,

whether the paper goods were bought by us or someone else.

(I did relent, and gave him whole paper towels the rest of the time.

After all, my fella deserves the best!) =)

Here are a few pics of the beautiful coastline.

In most of the area there were cliffs rather than beaches.

So relaxing to hear the waves hit the rocks.

We usually went for several walks a day.

We did find a couple of areas where little beaches were accessible.

Tomorrow I'll show some pics of the gorgeous trees we saw, and

treasures we found..

Thanks for coming by.

blessings

barbara jean

Outing at the Falls

2011-08-16T22:27:00.001-07:00

Last week we went to Silver Creek Falls and hiked around.

can you see the water on the left?
I was actually in a recess behind one of the falls.
It was a perfect day.

My sweet fella helped fix a picnic lunch,
and after we hiked, and ate,
we did our Bible reading there in the park
with the sound of a stream in the background.
It was a wonderful day.

Beautiful falls....

and we even saw a giant lizard!
Isn't it great!!!

blessings
barbara jean

Our Mini Coast Vacation

2011-06-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Yep. That's me, on a recent 2 day mini vacation.
We went to the coast.
Stood on the rocks watching the tide come in.
Splashing on the rocks.
Showing the mighty power of the Creator.
and that's me running away, when a wave got too close! =)
Here is my sweet fella enjoying the view too.
more waves. It was such a beautiful day.
Here is a whole pool of sea anemones.
It was a huge pool and I have never seen so many in one place.
My sweet fella being silly. =)

Even the simply Oyster shell fascinates me.
and little thingies attached to it.
Here we are going for a bike ride.
We had matching bikes. =)
Lots of sea gulls around....
till we ran out of crackers.

And here is my sweet fella again,
saying, thanks for coming by.

Blessings to all

barbara jean

This helped me, about my fear and anxiety

2011-06-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Courage is fear prayed for.

Everyone feels afraid many times during life. However, when the Bible instructs us to "fear not," it doesn't mean not to feel afraid; rather, it means to decide to press on even in the face of fear.

Several times, the Israelites were instructed to "be strong and courageous." For example, in Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses commanded Israel: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Even in the face of fear, we too must "be strong and courageous."

Indeed, we are encouraged in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to be men of courage; be strong. So, next time you feel afraid, overcome your feelings through prayer so that you can "be strong and courageous."

This is part of a morning devotional, Christ's Notes, that I read each day. It really helped me think about my fear (anxiety), in a different way.

That first paragraph, " Everyone feels afraid many times during life. However, when the Bible instructs us to "fear not," it doesn't mean not to feel afraid; rather, it means to decide to press on even in the face of fear." actually made me see I am a courageous person, a conqueror, because many times I have felt anxious, and I kept moving ahead with my day, my life.

I wake up anxious most mornings, and spend time trying to figure out why I am anxious, or trying to work through it, or beating myself up because the Bible said 'be anxious for nothing' and I feel anxious.

But, each day I do continue to get up, continue to function, continue to pray, continue to go on with life, continue to love and encourage and care about other people.

I do not take pills or drink to numb me, I do not just sleep the day away to escape the feelings I have.

I AM A CONQUEROR!!! AND I DID NOT EVEN REALIZE IT!!!

THANK YOU LORD FOR SHOWING ME THAT TODAY!

I hope this will help you see yourself as a conqueror too.

blessings
barbara jean

Life can be confusing

2011-06-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here this morning, with tears running down my face.

No, nothing horrible has happened.

That is part of what makes it confusing, hard.

If there were some big, sad thing, it would make sense.
It would make it.........OK? understandable? acceptable??

But there is nothing.

Then there is the soul searching.
What is causing the morning anxiety. The sad?

How much time to we spend on that? Trying to figure that out?

How many times we do claim the Lord's joy, and power, and peace, before we actually achieve it? Before we actually feel it?

How many hours a day can we work, how busy can we stay, to try to keep the feelings at bay?

Is there ever any understanding of what is going on?

Do we need to understand things in order to be healed?

If indeed healing is what needs to happen?

If there is wholeness at all?

Just wondering.

Tears have stopped, but emptiness? sadness? still there.

Time for my morning walk.

Thanks for listening.

I'm seeing color again

2011-05-31T10:41:00.001-07:00

I'm seeing color again.
For some time I have felt like I was under a cloud that was sucking the life out of me. As hard as I tried to focus on the Lord, it was like I just couldn't connect with Him. I either felt nothing, or felt like crying. I was going through the motions of life, but there was no joy.

Well, every moment was not like that, but the times of joy were fleeting. My grandchildren: they bring me joy. My sweet fella brings me joy. Serving others at the store brought me joy. But all in fleeting moments.
Anxiety overwhelmed me every morning when I got up, but waned as the day went on. Busyness would fill the spots where emptiness seemed to loom. But it only covered it up.
And the things that would usually cover it up no longer did it as well.

I prayed, I asked friends to pray. Still, some underlying darkness prevailed in my quiet moments.

Well, yesterday, and today I felt better. I felt like the cloud was lifting. I saw color again. I saw flowers instead of weeds. I saw the brightness of all God's creation around me. I saw hope.

Is there a secret, instant answer to how this happened? Did I do one certain thing that made yesterday and today better? No. I wish there was. I wish I could say to those of you who feel the same as I did, "do this, and it will all go away. Do that, and it will get better." But there isn't.

Saying to 'persevere', to 'hang in there', is easy to say, hard to do. But, we must do it.
We must continue to be willing to be healed, shaped, formed, loved.
I persevered. With the help of friends, I hung in there, although some days I slept extra, I watched TV more. I'm still here.

We must continue to cry out to God with out heartaches, our loneliness, our hurts. We must continue to praise and thank Him, even when we do not feel a thing when we say it. We must continue to have friends pray for us, even when we fear they are sick of hearing it. That is the enemy. He is a liar!! We are here to support each other in times of need. And we all have seasons when we need help. We need each other!

God knows our hearts. He knows our desire to please Him. He knows our desire to be whole, and healed. He is there, and willing. He is reaching out. He sees us as a blooming, and beautiful flower.
He rejoices over us with singing. He loves us.

Can you, will you, reach out to Him? Can you go just one more day? One more mile? One more step? YES. YOU CAN!!! YOU HAVE THE POWER OF THE RISEN LORD IN YOU!

God's blessings and peace as you walk with Him.

Barb

Dancing Before the Lord.

2011-05-19T07:30:00.001-07:00

My morning insight:

David shed his clothes to dance before the lord
His clothes represented encumbrances in his life.
Once removed he was free to dance.

Lord, Please help me not to be sidetracked by the things of this world.
Set me free from encumbrances, that I might freely dance before you.
Thank you Jesus. Amen

Sweet blessings friends.

barbara jean

Thank You

2011-05-14T19:17:00.001-07:00

Taking a moment to thank the Lord for all His blessings.
Among them, my friends who take time to read this blog,
and the 100 that have so graciously signed up to follow it.

May God Bless you all with an awareness of His presence
as you walk each day trusting Him.
His Peace and Grace to you.

Barbara Jean

Hearing His Heart Beat

2011-05-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

You know how a child sits on someones lap, and their head rests on that persons chest?
You can hear their heartbeat. It is very loud, and you can settle in and become focused on it.

This was my friends prayer for me today:

"Father, please show Miss Barbara Jean how special she is today. Hold her close to your heart, so close that the tempo and steadiness of its beat will calm her and give her peace. We thank you, because of your amazing grace, that we can come to you with our petitions and that you care about us so much! In Jesus name, Amen."

So, I closed my eyes, and envisioned myself as a child, sitting on Jesus lap. My head resting on His chest, His arms around me. I feel safe, and loved.
I was listening for His heartbeat.
Then I realized that the white noise of the computer was getting in the way. That I could not hear it clearly, or enjoy the peace it would bring.

So, as soon as I finish this, I am turning the computer off.
I'm going to sit with Jesus, let Him hold me tight, and listen to His Heart Beat. I'm going to receive the love and peace that only He can bring.

I hope you will take time to sit with Jesus. I hope you will quiet yourself, listen to His heartbeat, and feel surrounded by His love.

Blessings on your day.

barbara jean

Darkness or Light?

2011-04-29T08:03:00.001-07:00

On the way to see my parents yesterday, I could not help
but notice how dark the sky was.
These pictures do not even come close to what I saw.
There was such a thick darkness, and it seemed to be everywhere.

It made me think of how dark, foreboding, and overpowering,
it can seem in this life sometimes.

I saw the clouds as evil, covering this earth, and
how sometimes we cannot see past it.
The darkness seems to overcome us.

I thought of the word "despair".
How sometimes we despair in the darkness of this world,
and life's circumstances.
How there seems to be no hope in things to come.

Then I noticed the light.
It seemed very far away, but it was there!
And the more I looked, the more light I saw.
I had to look past the overwhelming darkness,
and keep my eyes on the light.

Jesus is the light of the world.
He has overcome the darkness and despair of this world.
Christ gives us the strength to overcome.

" ...in all these things we are more than conquerors
through Christ who strengthens us."
Romans 8:37

Blessings as you reach for His light.
Barbara Jean

He is Risen!!

2011-04-23T20:34:00.001-07:00

A reminder of the empty cross and of
Resurrection Sunday.

Christ our Lord has risen today!!
Hallelujah!!!

Resurrection Blessings and His Peace and Grace.

barbara jean

Jesus Gift To Us

2011-04-22T08:51:00.001-07:00

A friend sees your flowers,
not your broken down fence.

Jesus sees your beauty,
not the flaws we see in ourselves.

What a beautiful gift.

How wonderful to serve a risen Savior!!

Easter Blessings to all.

Barbara Jean

Struggles, and Hope

2011-04-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

This morning I want to share a part of a note a dear friend sent me.
It, and the prayers of my friends, have helped me get over another 'hump' in the daily grind, and struggles of life. I hope it may be a word that will help you too.

"You used the phrase in one of your last emails that you are so tired of struggling....I think that phrase is key. At this point anything that is not an immediate issue, put on the back burner. Make a list your immediate issues on paper. As in getting out of bed, showering, opening the store, etc. If the web site can wait, then let it wait. You are not in a race. There are no winners and losers here.
All struggling does is keep you going in circles, feeling like you're not getting enough done and coming up short at the end of each day exhausted and bereft. Such a vicious circle that we have all gotten stuck in throughout our lives. What I do when I am caught up in 'the circle' is take 2 or 3 giant emotional steps back from the struggling issues and ask God to show me the big picture. This helps me see what I have to do now, today, and what can wait. God will help you do this. Giving us a new perspective, His perspective, is something He delights in doing. Number one it stops the struggles and number two it gives Him and us joy. Ask Him for help making your list and taking some emotional steps backward so you can see the whole picture."

If you have time, here is more that may help. It is was one of the devotions I read this morning. Love how when God has something to say, He tells you more than once, so you get it. =) It is an excerpt from Christ Notes:

"In every situation, there are always two stories—the story you see and the story God sees.

Sometimes life seems to be taking us down a huge detour and everything looks like it's not going our way. In those situations, our life and our story seems to be a disaster.

This is exactly what happened to Joseph, whose story is found in Genesis 37-50. Joseph's brothers jealously hated him and sold him into slavery. Joseph was wrongfully put in prison for raping Potifer's wife, when really he refused to compromise his integrity by sleeping with her. Then, Joseph helped get the chief cupbearer out of jail; however, when the cupbearer had an opportunity to return the favor and get Joseph out of jail, the man forgot about Joseph. Joseph ended up spending thirteen years in jail for something he didn't do.

At this point Joseph's story was going haywire, but God's story was right on track. That's because God had an amazing plan for Joseph's life; God was going to use Joseph to save Egypt and the surrounding lands for seven years of devastating famine. What looked to Joseph like a huge detour was really a great plan of God to provide food for countless people, including the very brothers that had sold Joseph into slavery.

At the end of this, Joseph realized that God had a bigger plan for his life, and after his brothers come to him for food, he tells them: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

All along, God's story was right on track.

This same principle is also true in the life of Jesus. To the disciples, it looked as those Jesus would be a great king who would rule Israel and return the nation to greatness. They hailed him as a great leader. So, when Jesus was being crucified, the story they saw looked like a major train wreck—this great leader whom they had followed for the past three years was suddenly dead. However, God's story was at its peak—God was in the process of connecting humanity to himself.

There's what you see and what God sees.

When your life seems to be a major disaster; know that God has bigger plans to use your life for great things. The story you see may not reflect the long-term story God has planned. Therefore, trust God, knowing that he works for good in all circumstances (Romans 8:28)."

I hope these are encouraging words that will help you through your day.

blessings

barbara jean

A "new" Book

2011-04-07T00:34:00.001-07:00

My newest book.
Bible Symbols or The Bible in Pictures
It has the stories from Old and New Testament.

oops. sideways again.
1908

This wonderful book has 2 pages that tell a Bible Story.

Then usually 2 pages of it in pictures.

I tried to figure out some without reading the story first.
I think it is meant for kids,
cause I could not do them. =)

Can you figure these two pages out?
I thought these were easier.
And here are some of the beautiful pictures.

This will be fun to look through.

Thanks for stopping by

blessings
barbara jean

"Come, Rest" and Prepositional Phrases

2011-03-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

"Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest."
Matt:11:28

That is from the King James version,
which is how I learned that verse years ago.
When I was 'feeling weary' a few days ago,
I was not only feeling physically weary, but emotionally weary too.
And my brain felt frazzled on top of it all!

That is when I thought of the verse, and several
things about it.
I could not remember where the verse was to share
the reference with you.

First: if I were to try to look it up to share the reference,
how would I find it? Key words, I thought.
Which in my mind broke that verse down to Come, Rest.
Then I realized that all the rest of that verse is prepositional phrases;
phrases that add to the main thought.
(OK I am no English major, or even minor,
so if I do not have my thinking quite right on that,
just come along for the ride anyway.
It is the idea, not the perfection of English I am after here.)

So, how simple is that? COME, REST!

Now what I wondered,
"is that only for physical exhaustion?"
"I'm tired all over Lord."

So I looked up the verse.
(did not find it under "Come, Rest" by the way)

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls."
Matt. 11:28

^28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on life, religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life.
I'll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

²⁷All things have been entrusted and delivered to Me by My Father; and no one ^[a]fully knows and ^[b]accurately understands the Son except the Father, and no one ^[c]fully knows and ^[d]accurately understands the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son ^[e]deliberately wills to make Him known.

²⁸Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden

and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest.

[I will ^[f]ease and relieve and ^[g]refresh ^[h]your souls.]

²⁹Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me,

for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart,

and you will find rest (^[i]relief and ease and refreshment and

^[j]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.^(A)

^{Come. Rest.}

^{blessings and thanks for coming by}

barbara jean

A Word for Today

2011-03-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Ps 36:9

"For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light."

This morning I thought I would 'study' a different way,
and just look up the first verse that came to mind.
Instantly Ps 36:9 came to mind.
Then, I had to read more of the Psalm.
Here is an encouraging word from the Lord
for our day.

⁵ "Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
⁶ Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
⁷ How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
⁸ They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
⁹ For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light."

blessings,
barbara jean

"Dreams of Pure Love" insightful thoughts

2011-03-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

Do you see the Cross???

This picture is from Bevie's blog,
Dreams of Pure Love.

Click on her blog name for a wonderful post on
10 encouraging and insightful thoughts.

Thanks Bevie!

blessings
barbara jean

Waiting on the Lord

2011-03-19T07:07:00.001-07:00

"They that wait (expect, look for, hope)
upon the Lord will renew
their strength;(exchange, my strength with God's)
they will mount up with wings as eagles;
they will run and not be weary,
they will walk and not faint."
Is 40:31

Lord, help me to wait in hope and expectation, for the strength only you can give.

blessings on your day

barbara jean

Life Can Get Messy

2011-03-13T20:50:00.003-07:00

This is what happened to my sweet fellas bread
when it was left alone too long today.
It got messy!!

Sometimes we feel like that.
A big glob of messy stuff, not
feeling much good for anything.

But the Lord takes us just how we are,
and gently molds us, and shapes us,
and makes us into something beautiful.

And whatever stage of the process we are in,
He loves us, and uses us even when we feel unusable.

I'm in the big, messy glob stage.
What part do you feel today?

blessings
barbara jean

Remember

2011-03-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

Blessings on your day.

barbara jean

I'm praying for you

2011-03-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

If you are feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, confused, anxious, and cannot think clearly to do what needs to be done,
I am praying for you this morning. For God's strength, and peace, and clarity of mind.

Blessings
Barbara Jean

One Step at a Time

2011-02-24T08:54:00.001-08:00

One step at a time.
That is how God leads us.

Sometimes, we may see a few steps ahead as
God is giving us clear direction for where we should go.

Other times, the path may be confusing.
Too many choices. Uncertain of what His will for us is.

And sometimes it seems the path is invisible,
and we do not have a clue what we are supposed to be doing,
or which way to go.
It seems as if God is not even there, though
we call out to Him for His direction.
But, if we keep moving ahead, trusting Him.......

He will give His direction.
One step at a time.

blessings as you follow Him

barbara jean

Old Bibles

2011-02-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

I love old books, and old Bibles are even better.
Not only do you get the lovely aged look of them,
but they are most useful when opened and read.

You can see this one is not that old, or that special,
but it has been read many times and is still great to enjoy.

This second one is a King James version, like the first one is.

Worn with age.
A beauty you cannot buy.

This one a bit older. 1927. (sorry for sideways)

Well worn, and hopefully, words lived by the
person who owned it.

May you be blessed and have His word in your heart.

blessings

barbara jean

Word for Today Is.35:2

2011-02-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

I found this little bit of wisdom and sweetness at
Miss Gracie's House,
and loved it.
Now, to apply it. =)

Thank you for letting me share this Rene.

Blessings all

barbara jean

Am I Kind to God?

2011-01-21T08:58:00.001-08:00

"Am I as spontaneously kind to God as I used to be,
or am I only expecting God to be kind to me?

Does everything in my life fill His heart with gladness,
or do I constantly complain because things
don’t seem to be going my way?"

An excerpt from
My Utmost for His Highest.
January 21st.

Blessings

2011-01-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

His Eye is on the Sparrow

2011-01-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

The Love of God

2011-01-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

I love how God uses little things to show
us more of Him.

This morning:

Got up late
Car windows iced up.
Late for an appointment.
Could not find keys.

My sweet fella says,
"They're in the car".
I looked in question at why he would say that.
How would he know they were in the car?
(you have to know here that I have left
my keys in the car overnight before.)
He said he knew they were in the car
because he was warming up the car for me.

That small thing made me feel so loved and cared for!

As I drove off tears began to fall.
And I thought how much God loves us and how
He shows us His love every day, in so many ways.
How He takes care of us, and sends
His angels to surround and protect us.
How he sends friends when we need help,
and a shoulder to cry on when we need it.

Lord, help me to see the small things you
do every day to show your love for me.
Fill my cup so that I might share the love you give me, with others.

Blessings to you all

barbara jean

Pondering.... again

2010-12-26T00:38:00.000-08:00

I was pondering this morning when I woke up.

I thought, "I have 1/3 of my life left yet to live."

I wondered what they would be like.
Would they look the same as they do now?
Would I wake up each morning thanking the
Lord for the day, and His love?
Reciting His word, as I stretch out my stiff back?

Would my next thoughts be the list of things
that always need doing at the store?
Would I still have the store?
Would I still be crafting?
Would my 90ish year old hands still enable me to craft?

Will I have done anything exceptional for the Lord?

Hmmmm. "Exceptional".
What is exceptional to the Lord?
Does He expect that we will each do some exceptional,
earth shattering thing for Him?
Or is 'exceptional' something we put on ourselves?
Our expectation of us?

Or is exceptional us living every day for Him.
Sharing His love wherever we are,
whatever we are doing,
with whoever He puts in our path.
Doing our best in the mundane schedules of life.
Is it growing to know Him more, and accepting
more of His love and grace each day?

Yes, I think that is exceptional.

Lord, Help me to be exceptional for you today.

More pondering another day.

blessings to all

barbara jean

I've done it again

2010-12-23T08:41:00.001-08:00

Yep, I've done it again.
I've let myself be sucked in to all the commersialism of Christmas.
I've ended up with last minute running around.
I'm focusing on what to get the kids,
and grand kids, that will make Christmas special,
and who is bringing what to Christmas dinner.
(wonder what Mary and Joseph ate?)
I've been sidetracked from what it is all really about.

A CELEBRATION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIORS BIRTH!!

Jesus, What can I do to make this a special time for you?
What can I do to reach out to a hurting world?

Thank you Father, for the gift of your love,
presented in the birth of your sin.

My prayer for us all is that we may focus on Him,
and why He came.

Christmas Blessings

barbara jean

Morning Thoughts

2010-12-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!
I've been up since 4:30 this morning, so it seems like half the day is over now.
It's a good thing it's not though, since i have a list long enough for 4 days to take care of today.
Seem familiar?

I called an office to find something out this morning, and couldn't figure out why the lady came in so late. (It was only 8:30.) And can't these electric and phone companies come in early so i can get the bills paid before i go off and forget again?

Now, this is being written by the lady (me) who used to sleep till 9 or 10 every day! I can't even imagine how i did that and got anything done! But I did seem to get it all done, and I don't remember it being such an effort. My neighbor and i used to have our work done by 11 in the morning, and sit around in the afternoon and watch our kids play, (3 each) and drink ice tea. Now even getting up at 4:30 doesn't give me enough day. And i stay up till 11 most nights, later others. Mind you, I do not get up early to get things done, it's just when i wake up, and can't go back to sleep, so i get up.

So, what has changed. There are still the same number of hours in a day, still some of the same responsibilities, (minus the 3 kids, but add back in 4 grand kids). Gotta love that math!!
There are still bills to pay, yard work to be done, cars to be fixed, friends to help, church to serve at, errands to run, and pretty much the same things we had years ago. (won't say how many years).

There is the added element of opening my own business, but it seems i was busy before, just busier now. (a great kind of busy, meeting new people, creating new things.)
My husband is more helpful than he was years ago, (or maybe I've just learned to appreciate it and him more.) And he is trying to maintain 2 properties for the last 13 years.

Some of you are sitting there saying, "Yes, but you are older now. You've slowed down."
I DON'T THINK SO! You may be getting older, but I'm staying at 35, thank you very much!! =)

OK. Seriously, if I can't figure out what is going on, or how to change it, I'd better just figure out how to deal with it.
I can tell you right off the bat, that running around in a frenzy is not the answer! Nor is adding more things to the mix. That frenzy thing can just make us grumpy and hard to live with, and we just get more stressed in that frame of mind. No one can move fast enough or in the right direction when we are like that. Traffic is too slow, the signals aren't set right, the person in the grocery line is causing problems with her coupons, and the clerk doesn't know how to do things.
What in inept world anyway!! Can't anyone do anything right except me?

WHOA! Hold on there. I'm getting in a frenzy just thinking about all that!!

Back to the answer. Going faster doesn't work, so how about if we try slowing down??
Sounds crazy doesn't it? But I'm going to try it. I'm going to take a deep breath, fix myself a cup of tea, maybe even look at a magazine!! Or better yet, bask in the presence of the Lord, and thank Him for His many blessings.
HAVE I LOST MY MIND? No, Ive just found it. That list of things we deem so important,
how much of it really is? How many pumpkins do I need to make to sell? Who is gong to notice if my curtains are 'fluffed' just right at the store? Will anyone even care if my area rugs match?
Will my frenzy make me any friendlier when people come in for a visit? Should that letter of complaint wait till I'm not so upset?

Bottom line for me. I have to reevaluate my priorities. And here's a really hard question I've had to ask myself: What of all these things, all these pressures i put myself under, all my expectations of other people, makes me any closer to the Lord? What am i doing of any real eternal value?

With that in mind, I'm fixing that cup of tea now, and instead of a magazine, I'm just going to ponder that very hard question: what of all the things i do, has any real eternal value? It may be time to reevaluate some things in my life.

Blessings on your day. May it be peaceful, full of joy, and of eternal value.

Barbara jean

This is a reprint of a post I did in Oct of 09.
Just want you to know, I still evaluate that very thing:
What am I doing that is of real eternal value?

Holy, Holy, Holy

2010-12-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

I Love to Teach, & Ponderings

2010-11-27T23:12:00.001-08:00

These pictures are of spur of the moment class I had a couple weeks ago.
Above Is Tanja,
and this is Marilyn below.

And these are the lovely flowers they made.
(tutorial HERE)

I love teaching and believe that what we learn
is meant to be shared with others.
Whether it is crafts, or life's lessons.

We all go through hard things.
We go through them, not only for our own growth,
but also to help others as they go through them.

We need help to get through some of these things.
We need prayer, a kind and supportive word, someone to talk to.

As we are open about our own hurts and trials, others are
free to be open about what they are facing.

Instead of feeling shame, and loneliness and isolation,
we are all free to help and support and learn from each other.

Those are just my ponderings.

blessings

barbara jean

Thoughts to Ponder

2010-11-10T23:42:00.001-08:00

We just got back from vacation.
The first day, when we stepped outside,
there were 5 deer grazing about 30' from our door.

They did not seem to stir much, but just kept eating
and watched us as we watched them.

Later in the week I was thinking about this.
How they were not afraid because they were
used to humans being near by.

I wondered if that is how it is in our walk with God.
We are not afraid because we
are used to God being near by all the time.

On the other side of that:
If we are afraid, is it because we have not kept Him near?

Just thoughts to ponder.

Blessings

Barbara Jean

Sunday Word

2010-10-31T10:17:00.001-07:00

I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Is. 61:10

Sunday Word

2010-10-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

“Delight yourself in the Lord

And He will give you

The desires of your Heart.”

Ps 37:4

blessings on your day

trying to delight.

barbara jean

A Word for Today

2010-10-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been asking the Lord for a 'word' from Him each day.
Not a long, deep study, just a word.

Yesterday it was "Walk". Wouldn't you know it is just like the Lord to confirm the word He has given?
When I read my next devotion for the morning, there it was:
"Enoch 'walked' with God."

"The true test of a person’s spiritual life and character is not what he does in the extraordinary moments of life, but what he does during the ordinary times when there is nothing tremendous or exciting happening. A person’s worth is revealed in his attitude toward the ordinary things of life when he is not under the spotlight..."

That is a portion of a devotion from:
My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

So, Lord help me to walk in a steadfast manner before you and with you.

Do you have a word you'd like to share?

Blessings on your day.

barbara jean

Family

2010-10-10T21:01:00.001-07:00

Family Day.
A tradition I started 16 years ago.
First Sunday of every month all the kids, grand kids,
and now my parents, come over for Sunday Lunch.

It was a way for all of us to keep in touch.

A day of games....

And art.
Napping, and stretching.
Hugs
and eating, of course.
(Dessert after our little guys nap.)

What do you do to keep in touch,
and celebrate family?

blessings

barbara jean

LOVE

2010-09-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Sunday Blessings

2010-09-26T11:16:00.001-07:00

Thanks for Prayers

2010-09-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

Finally, a day without horrendous headaches,
and only minimal backache.
Still being careful, and will try not to overdo.

Thanks to all for your prayers.

blessings

barbara jean

Prayer please

2010-09-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

still down with my back, and now horrendous headaches.
Please continue to pray.

hugs to you all.

barbara jean

Beautiful Art, Wonderful Message

2010-09-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

This is an old train tunnel close to where
we spent the night Monday night.
It was our little 1 night getaway vacation.

I climbed up the steep steps on he left side of the
tracks to get the next picture.

And this is what was on the wall to the left of the tunnel.

Isn't this beautiful?
It was 'scratched' on the wall.
I think it would be beautiful in an art collage.
(feel free to borrow it if you would like,
and I'd love to see if you do anything with it.)
(see the steep steps?
Those are the ones I climbed!)

see the cross on the chimney?
Another beautiful treasure we saw on our walk.

We had a wonderful stay at the Westfir Lodge Bed and Breakfast.
I'll show you more pics another time.

Blessings as you focus on Him

barbara jean

Update on Cindy's Prayer Request

2010-09-07T17:48:00.001-07:00

This is for Cindy

It is her husband who is having the heart surgery tomorrow.

Also, Jan of Bobbypins Boardwalk just received word that her mother, Maxine is ill and she needs your prayers, as well...

Thank you for praying for these dear families.

blessings

barbara jean

Say a Little Prayer

2010-09-01T22:48:00.001-07:00

One of our new and dear friends,
Cindy, of I Owe It All To Him
is facing some trials right now.

Will you please join me in praying for her and her family.
I will share more as soon as I can.

Thank you and blessings

barbara jean

TODAY I CHOOSE JOY!!

2010-08-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

We are on the last day of a 3 day garage sale at the store.
And it took two days in mid 90's weather....
for my Mom and I to haul it all out
and get it set up,
with my Dad....

supervising from inside the store.

After these 4 days, I am tired!!!!
But, when I woke up today,
I CHOSE JOY!
I am choosing to be happy, and full of energy,
so that everyone I meet today
will (hopefully) see the light of Jesus in me.

God's blessings and "joy" to you this day.

Barbara Jean

PS I also want to say how good it feels to get out
from under most of the projects that have been in the garage needing to be done.
It will feel so good to start fresh.
hmmm. Wonder if there are areas in me that need to be cleaned out, and a place to start fresh.
Isn't just like our Lord to use every day things to speak to our hearts?
I love that.

We need shampoo

2010-08-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Don't we take the simplest things for granted?
Like reaching for shampoo and it is there? Or reaching into the cupboard to bring out a pot to boil spaghetti noodles; not a problem in most cases. Or going to the closet and cannot decide which outfit to wear today?

Simple things like silverware, toothpaste, towels, sheets, dishes to eat our food on, or clothes to wear.
These things are always there. We never even think that they might not.

But not so for my friend who just lost her home to a fire. The everyday things are gone, along with family treasures, photos, important papers.

Today I will shop for some of her necessities, and I will also notice, and be thankful, that I have a glass to get my water in, clean towels for a shower, and a choice of clothes to put on. And, in my life of luxury, even toaster for my breakfast.

What will you notice and be thankful for today?

Hugs and blessings to all

barbara jean

Update on Dad

2010-08-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

First of all, so many thanks to all of you who have been praying for my Dad and inquiring about how he is.

Big bandages are off so he can put his glasses on and read again.
At first he took his bandages off a lot, but is doing better about leaving them on now.

Each day he gets a little better. Mom said it is healing nicely, and I appreciate continued prayers for that.
Also for continued strength for my Mom.

My Dad's Alzheimer's is worse since the surgery. He may get a little better, but each trauma means we lose a little more of him. I am grateful for each day we have.

Many thanks, and blessings to all of you.
barbara jean

This is my Dad. He needs Prayer

2010-08-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Report on my Dad's cancer surgery.

My Dad went in for cancer surgery today and it was

worse than they had anticipated...
They did get it all PTL!
I am asking for your prayers for healing from the surgery,
and I hope, minimal scarring since it is on his face.

My father really loves

the Lord and I know he, and all of us, would greatly appreciate

your prayers...

Thank you so much for your care

and support.

blessings

barbara jean

If Nothing Else....

2010-08-16T18:51:00.001-07:00

today I walked.....

Then I went to visit family.

Hope your day is blessed,
and that you are more motivated than i am right now.

Blessings

barbara jean

This is too funny!
Did not even think till i saw it on my blog
how this sounded.
No, neither the Heron or the fungus growth are my family. =)

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

2010-08-11T22:59:00.001-07:00

Tuesday was my Mom & Dad's 63rd anniversary.
We took them to the coast for the day.

We ate lunch.

Watched the birds.
(click to see cool birdhouses on the poles.)

We ate ice-cream.
And listened to music.

We also saw a whale, and sea lions.

Very fun day!!

Congratulations Mom & Dad.
You are the greatest!!

Oh, and today was my Dad's 83rd birthday.
Happy Birthday Dad.
I love you!!

hugs and love
me
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have a super week everyone.

blessings

barbara jean

Little Birdy Blessings

2010-08-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

This is one of the comments on the little birdy story I posted previously:

"Hi Barb, Your group looks great, I guess I am more than happy with these beautiful creasiones own. The history of the bird is very sweet!, I see an analogy with what Jesus does with us, cares for us as a bird and when we are hurt heals us, home supplies, care of all kinds, and gives us to drink water of life! very beautiful gesture of pure love. Rose Marie greetings"

I love Rose Marie's analogy on the little bird story. (go here to read) About Jesus caring for us when we are hurt and heals us, provides for us, takes care of us in all ways, and gives us the water of life!
Thanks Rose Marie for allowing me to share that with my readers.

If you would like to read more of Rose Marie's incites on her lovely blog, please go HERE

Sunday blessings everyone

barbara jean

A Most Fun Day!!

2010-07-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

First this one landed in jail.

Then this one.

Then this one. (me)

Three people playing,
three rolls in a row,
3 people in jail!

In all my 63 years I have never seen that happen
in a game of Monopoly.

But oh so fun!!

And then this little one won all the jackpot in the middle.

That was the end of the most fun day
with two of my granddaughters.
Ava 6, and Isabel almost 10.

We thrift shopped, ate yogurt,
went to Michael's,
Got a pizza, played dolls, ate outside,
then I taught them monopoly.

I could have just stayed up all night playing with them,
but, bath time, praying, and bedtime, called.

I have to tell you, there is nothing sweeter
than sitting between two such precious girls,
while they take turns reading the Psalms out loud.

It brought tears to my eyes,
and such a gratefulness to my heart for our
daughter and son-in-law who are raising
their kids to know and love the Lord.

Saying it was a most fun day,
just does not cover how wonderful it was.

Blessings, and may He fill your cup to overflowing!

Barbara jean

Favorite Scripture Party

2010-07-16T21:53:00.001-07:00

Cindy, at
I Owe It All To Him
is having a favorite scripture party.

My very favorite scripture is Ps 139:17.18

"How precious to me are your thoughts o God,
How vast is the sum of them.
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the sands of time.
When I awake I am still with you."

Can you imagine?
He thinks of you, and me, more than there are are grains of sand?
He thinks of us every minute of every day.
A mind boggling thought.

And a wonderful way to share God's love with others.
Next time you are playing a game and using one of those sand timers,
it is a perfect opportunity to share this verse.
My granddaughters were amazed by the thought of this verse.

Here is a little art piece I made up.

And I have made Ps 139 jars too.
More about those later.

And this is my favorite word:
Remember

Remember:
It's my reminder word that:
God loves me
He died for me
He is always with me
He provides for me
He is my healer,
my guide,
my strength.
And anything and everything I could ever want.

Thanks Cindy, for such a great party.

blessings to all

barbara jean

"I Can't," or "I Can" & "If Nothing Else"

2010-07-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

Long Version
(for short version scroll to bottom)

I hear myself saying " I Can't" a lot lately.
Maybe even for some time, and never noticed how much I said it,
and I'm sure I thought it even more.

Negative messages.
And I send them to myself.

"I Can't, I Don't"

I can't possibly get all that done.
There just isn't enough time.
I can't handle one thing more.
I don't think I know how to do that.
I'm not good on the computer.
How am I going to add that to the list?

So many appointments, so many thing to remember.
Afraid I will forget some thing, some one.
Feeling behind all the time.
Like I will never get caught up.
Is this what life is all about??

All those negative thoughts.
Always seeing what there is to do,
instead of what I have done.

Well, how about putting some positive thoughts in there?
How about thinking about what I have accomplished,
even if it is the smallest thing.
How about thinking about what a blessing
it is to get out of bed in the morning?
To have the sunshine on my face.

Today I'm going to be grateful for the small things.
The small accomplishments.
The rest will still be there tomorrow. =)

Short Version

Don't say I can't.
Say I can.
Celebrate the small things!!!
Focus on the positive.

Blessings

Barbara Jean

Here is the beginning of my positive thinking.
Seeing what I did get done.

and HERE seeing what is important.

Favorite Scripture Party

2010-07-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

And I have made Ps 139 jars too.
More about those later.

And this is my favorite word:
Remember

Remember:
It's my reminder word that:
God loves me
He died for me
He is always with me
He provides for me
He is my healer,
my guide,
my strentgth.
And anything and everything I could ever want.

Thanks Cindy, for such a great party.

blessings to all

barbara jean

STOP

2010-07-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

running away

taking on too many things

neglecting yourself

and take time for Me.

and listen to how much I love you.

You cannot be healed,
you cannot take care of yourself,
you cannot hear God,
if you are always on the run.

That's His message to me today.
Does it fit for you?

blessings and Lord help us to stop.

Let the Games Begin!!

2010-07-05T23:48:00.001-07:00

I'M CELEBRATING BOTH MY STORE BLOG,
AND MY BRICK AND MORTAR BLOG WITH A CELEBRATION GAME.

GO HERE TO PLAY

BLESSINGS ALL

BARBRA JEAN

Sometimes Life Bites

2010-07-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

No cute picture today, just a story.

Sometimes Life Just Jumps Up and Bites Us.

I was going for my usual walk this morning.
A man and his little brown Dachshund were walking toward me.
It is the norm for me to greet whoever I see,
and should they have a friendly dog,
I take opportunity to give, and get some lovin' in.

This little guy was just jumping all over the place.
At the OK of the owner, I slowly knelt down,
and let him (the dog not the owner) smell my hand.
He was calm and friendly as I rubbed his belly
and talked to him.

As I stood up to go, the dog jumped 3 feet in
the air and bit me on the inside of my arm at the elbow.
"oh my gosh!" I said, shocked at what had happened.
"Did you see that?" I continued.
The man, concerned, answered, " yes, did he get you?"
"yes. He did", I said. "I cannot believe he jumped up that far."
He asked if I was OK. Said the dog does that sometimes.
He does not know why.
I of course took the blame, that I must have moved to fast.

My arm began to hurt instantly.
It did not look too bad, but was already swelling and turning red.
Since the skin was not broken, I said it was all OK,
and we continued on our separate ways.

As I walked on, it hit me.

Isn't that just like life sometimes?
You are just walking along, all is well,
and something unexpected just jumps up and bites you?
It can cause pain, shock you, throw you off the path.

You have a choice how you will respond to those times.
I could have gotten angry at the man,
I could have kicked the dog.
Life is full of choices.

So, I said the the Lord, "Help me to always be ready
to turn to you when the unexpected in life happens.
Help me to always have a good response."

Then I began to sob.
Much more than the pain of the dog bite.
The tears just poured out.
I realized that I was crying over other sad things in my life that
I do not usually let myself feel the pain of.
Mainly right now my Dad's declining health because
of Alzheimers, and another recent stoke.
And my Mom in her efforts to care for him.
It's very hard to see your parents getting older,
and closer to a time when they will not longer be here with us.

So, was the man, and his biting dog there,
so that I might pour some of my sad out in cleansing tears?

Was it to see how I would respond to that situation?

Was it God using every day circumtances to teach me, as He
has so many times before?

Whatever it was, and maybe it was all of those,
I hope I am learning what He wants to teach me.

Blessings

barbara jean

If Nothing Else....

2010-07-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

I strolled with the Lord this morning....

and enjoyed His wonderful creations.

blessings as you walk with Him

Barbara Jean

Remember

2010-06-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

Remember is one of my favorite words.

Remember:

He Loves You
He thinks of you every moment of every day
He is always with you.

He knows the plans He has for you.
He guides and directs your paths.

He wraps His loving arms around you.
He saves every tear in a bottle
and is with you when you cry.

He rejoices over you with singing.

He gave His Son for you.

He gave us His word to guide us in His ways.
He gave us the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.

And He has prepared a place for us,
to be with Him for eternity.

What does Remember mean to you?

Blessings

barbara jean

Thanks for prayers

2010-06-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who wrote and prayed.
I feel really silly about it all now.
I was just having an exhausting couple of days.
And the thing with my Dad and all got to me.

My Dad is doing better now.

Kids are over their strep throat.

I'm catching my breath.

all is well with the world

And yes, God is in control of it all,
and does give peace in the midst of the storm.

thank you friends

blessings

barbara jean

How are you today?

2010-06-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

What do you say when people ask you that?

It's Sunday morning. Time for church. I'm tired. Physically, and emotionally.
Friends will inevitably ask the question, "How are you?"
If I let them really know, or see, I would probably cry myself into a puddle on the floor.
So I keep my distance, so I do not fall apart.

Well, I'm exhausted! Should I say that? Or should I just say fine?
Often times I will just ask them back "How are you?", try to avoid giving them an answer altogether.
Sometimes I get away with that, and sometimes not.

I wake up in the morning thinking how tired I am, but anxiety for the day gets in the way of my sleeping any more.
I lay there in bed trying to give praise to the Lord, but not feeling anything.
The fact that the Lord is worthy of all our praise, feeling it or not, is the fact of the matter.
So I try to continue. But I am a feeling person, and all I feel, is tired.

So I wondered, maybe I am more tired because I say it, I focus on it. I tell my friends about it my list of things to do. Maybe that is like doing it all 10 times. No wonder I am tired.

Should I be like my Mom and just say I am great whether I am or not? (knowing with Dad having Alzheimers she cannot always be great). I call that postive confession.

Where does being honest come in?

I like what my friend Carol says when asked the "How are you" question, and life is not the greatest right then. She says, "not so well, but God is taking care of it."

So, How are you today??
What will you say?
Please share your thoughts.

I pray you will all be blessed as you draw near to Him.

Barbara Jean

If nothing else....

2010-06-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

I played Silly Face with my Grand kids.

Silly Face.....

Silly Face.....

Sleepy face.....

Grumpy Face.

A fun Time.

Blessings

barbara jean

If Nothing Else....

2010-06-23T09:19:00.001-07:00

My toilets are clean.

blessings

barbara jean

Thanks for Prayers

2010-06-09T19:39:00.001-07:00

old photo

My Dad's cancer surgery went well today.
It was not as bad as was thought.
Continued prayer against infection please.

Now, I need to catch up on my rest.

Thank you all so much.
blessings
barbara jean

I'm smilin' again

2010-06-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

I'm over the flu, and back to 900 miles an hour again.
thanks for your prayers.
Please pray for my Dad's cancer surgery on hi nose tomorrow.

More another time

thanks and blessings

barbara jean

Oh, That Flu Bug Bit Me!!

2010-06-04T12:46:00.001-07:00

This has been my home the past two days.
Yep. I've got the flu, and the couch, and bed are
about the only two places I've seen since
wednesday night. (except the bathroom)

I have not even been on the computer!
Now that is really sick!!!!

I'm glad to say, I ate some toast last night, and this morning,
so I am on the mend. Just achy and drained now.

And I'm REALLY glad to say, I hardly ever get sick!!

So thank you Lord for that,
and for whatever reason I am down now.

Blessings to all,

Barbara Jean

PS I am so grateful for my sweet fella who has
been watching the store for me.
(all the while praying no one comes in for tea.) =)
And for my friends who are helping today and tomorrow.

I'm doing OK. Thanks for Prayers

2010-05-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank those who have been praying for my 'sad'.
Life just brings sad things sometimes, but my walk with our Lord has been steadfast, and for that I most grateful!!!

I know He will never leave me or forsake me.
When I am up, He is there.
When I am sad, He is there.
When my bi-polar has me doing mood swings faster than I can keep up, He is there.
When life seems to be going in circles, He is there.

He is always there!!

I pray you will know the presence of the Lord and His grace, whatever you are feeling today.

hugs and blessings

barbara jean

It's OK to feel sad

2010-05-21T00:11:00.000-07:00

First of all, many thanks to those who prayed for me on my sad day the other day, and sent me words of love and encouragement.
I am feeling better.

Reflecting:
It is OK to feel sad.
Life is sad sometimes.

God knew I would feel sad. And it's OK.

He saved my tears in His bottle. (Ps 56:8)
He recorded them in His book.

When I cry for help He is there!

After I read Ps 56, I proceeded to Ps 57.

What a glorious Psalm.

I am safe under the shadow of His wing.
He will send help and save me.
He is loving and faithful.
He will rescue me.
He will destroy my enemies.

When I am focused on Him I am calm and confident.

I will sing praise to His name.
I will thank Him for His goodness to me, for His kindness and love.

Lord I exalt your name, and give you Glory.

Yes, sometimes I feel sad.
But He is always there.

Praise your name Lord Jesus!

Blessings to you all.

barbara jean

Life

2010-05-18T07:23:00.001-07:00

In life, sometimes things are just the way they are supposed to be, but that does not mean I like it.

Like aging parents, cancer, doctor's appointments, changes in relationships, declining health,
and so on.

Just the way life is. But sometimes it saddens my heart.
Other times, I remember God is in control of it all, and I have peace about it.

Today, is a sad day.

Blessings to you, and hope for a peaceful day.

barbara jean

Sunday Wishes

2010-05-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

That you will take time to sit, and have tea with a friend...

Time to sit, and watch the world go by.

sit... and enjoy God's creation.

Blessings on your day.

Barbara Jean

Baring Part Of My Soul About My OCD

2010-05-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

I know not too many people read this blog, but I also know God will send just the right people to read it today.

Those people who know about OCD. (for those of you who do not, it is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).
OCD manifests itself in different ways in different people.
It usually shows up for me when there are things I have buried and do not want/or know how to deal with, but it is time to deal with them. I would deal with them if i knew how.

I am fortunate, in that my OCD is not destructive to myself or others, but it does cause much anxiety for me.

All that said, and not being willing to share the signs of my OCD, (some would sound pretty ridiculous), I am asking for prayer as I sit here shaking, and crying, and feeling sick with it all.

My anxiety level is off the charts, and of course the only time you feel any relief is when you are doing the compulsive thing for a bit. But that causes anxiety because you know what you are doing is out of control. No matter how hard you try, you cannot seem to stop.

You can see it is a vicious circle, and makes me feel crazy and out of control, which makes it even worse.

I do not seem to be able to still myself when this comes on. To quiet myself before the Lord. Maybe it is fear. I don't know.

Enough said. Please pray.

Blessings,

Barbara Jean

PS I just have to tell you, one of my symptoms is too much computer time in blogland. A place I really love to be, but it is out of control. It must feed some need in my soul.
thanks for prayers.

Deja Vu

2010-04-26T07:29:00.001-07:00

Two years ago in May we opened our little gift shop here in Eugene.
During the time of getting ready I 'acquired' two herniated discs in my neck, unknown to me till I was in such great pain I could not function for two months.

My folks usually come up in the summer and they park their motor home at the store property.
So was the case that summer. I just have to tell you, my Mom

was a life saver. We had one 10x12 room that was filled to the ceiling (no exaggeration), with Christmas 'stuff'. Supplies to craft with, and finished products from a closeout that was too good to pass up.
That all had to be moved to another room so we could put displays in the new room.
My Mom moved it all. I stood and supervised. Dad helped where he could.

Well here it is two years later, and now we are opening another new room and doing some changes at the shop in order to serve Tea & Treats. And guess whose neck and back are acting up again.
Yep, mine. I'm not in the excruciating pain I was in then, but none the less, not able to do all I can usually do myself. ( footnote: Two years ago, after two months of pain, it subsided the week we went in to see the surgeon!) PTL

So my back and neck are hurting again. Is my Mom helping me again?
No.
Even though they moved up here last October, and only lives 15 minutes away, she has not done a thing to help me!
Am I complaining?
NO! Not one little bit!!
The reason she isn't helping is because now she is taking care of this guy, my Dad.

He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. That is why they moved here last Fall, so we could all help Mom care for him.

So this post, is a tribute and thanks to my Mom, for being there the many times we needed her.
A lot of them behind the scenes and unnoticed, to ourselves and others.
Now it is our turn to be there for her.

Thank you Mom, for all the support, help, love and prayers over the years.
And thank you now, for taking such good care of Dad.

And to all you Mom's out there, Happy Mother's Day.
May you all be blessed 10 million fold for all you have done and who you are.

And to all you children out there, remember:

Every day should be Mom's day.

Blessings

Barbara Jean

2010-04-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

Blessings,

Barbara Jean

Sweet Serenity

2010-04-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Nothing..

Like nature...

To calm the spirit.

Blessings and His Peace to you this day.

barbara jean

Stress Management

2010-04-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sharing this (on both my blogs!) because it is so good.
It is from my sweet friend at Tootsie Time. (thanks girl!!)
(Be sure to go visit. She has a really sweet blog with a lot of gardening tips and ideas and beautiful pictures.)

This is a brief, but I thought very helpful article on stress.

Stress…

When this came to my attention, it really hit home. I am sharing today as I know it will touch some of you as well.

Stress
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience,
Raised a glass of water and asked;
'How heavy is this glass of water?'
Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter.
It depends on how long you try to hold it.
If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.
If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.
If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.'
He continued,
'And that's the way it is with stress management.
If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later,
As the burden becomes increasingly heavy,
We won't be able to carry on. '
'As with the glass of water,
You have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.'
'So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.
Whatever burdens you're carrying now,
Let them down for a moment if you can.'
So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.
Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon,
And some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet,
Just in case you have to eat them.
* Always wear stuff that will make you look good
If you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be
"recalled" by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again,
It was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time,
Because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well.
Just get up and dance.
* When everything's coming your way,
You're in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you.
The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world,
But you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons...Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today..

hope this is helpful. love and blessings

barbara jean

Thank You Lord

2010-04-05T19:28:00.001-07:00

Thank you Lord, for all the beauty you surround us with...

and for family

My Dad and his great granddaughter Rowan.
He was thrilled she would sit on his lap.
My Dad has Alzheimer's, so family has become even more
important to him, and to us all.
We are learning to appreciate each day, whatever it brings.
All the girls in the family.
My Mom, Daughter, and granddaughters.
Four generations.
Easter Sunday.
The girls have on skirts our Isabel (almost 10) made,
(out of a valance off a curtain!!!)
Her other Grammy guided her through it.

Blessings to you all s you enjoy all God has given you.

barbara jean

My Walk With God This Morning

2010-03-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

my morning walk

I've been seeking direction about things in my life.
Asking God to confirm (for the third time!)
which direction I should go, with the store, blogging, creating.
Where He wants to use me.
Then I realized it is not direction I need
as much as knowing Him more.
Everything else will fall into place if I'm doing that.

With tears running down, and outstretched hand, I said,
"Lord, I just want to know you more. show me how to do that.

With the gentle touch of His hand on my shoulder He said,

"The more you share my love,
the more I fill you with me."

I'm holding that in my heart.

Then He said, "Keep your eyes lifted up,
and see all that I have for you today."

and

"I love you and I'm always with you."

May you be blessed with His presence this day.

barbara jean

Beauty for You

2010-03-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful free graphic from our friends at Green Paper.

And, she is having a giveaway!

I'm going to frame this picutre, and put a bird nest in one corner.
I'll show you when it is done.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

blessings

barbara jean

A Sweet Word For You

2010-03-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

I love Psalm 139:17 & 18.

I make these jars as a reminder that God thinks of us
more than there are grains of sand.

Amazing isn't it?

I hope you day is filled with God's Blessings.

barbara jean

What is Beautiful to You?

2010-03-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

I was visiting a new blog today,
and the question was asked,

"What is beautiful to you?"

In my thinking of what that answer would be,
I realized there were way too many things I thought of as beautiful.
It put me in such a grateful state of mind thinking of that.

Here is part of what I wrote:

A walk by a stream with my Lord.

The laughter of my grandchildren and
their excitement when they see us coming.

My husband's smile and warm welcome when I come home.

A starry night. A deep breath, and a sigh of quiet contentment.

A hand reaching out for help.

I guess you might say they caught me in a poetic mood.

But in thinking of those things,
it quieted my sole, and set my mind at rest.
It brought about a peacefulness in my being.

We do surely have so much beauty surrounding us,
if we only take the time to look.

What is beautiful to you?

God Bless You as You Follow After Him.

Barbara Jean

A Jesus Moment

2010-03-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

Divinely Appointed

The other day at the thrift store,
I had opportunity to give clothes and food to someone,
who was down and out.
A young man who had been living in the woods for 10 days.

I have been having a hard time connecting with the Lord for awhile.
You know, knowing He is there, and feeling connected.
Two different things.
But this helped.
An opportunity to give, and love as Jesus would.
Then realizing after, that I was actually giving
to Him and for when I did it.

That is what I told the young man as I bought him a pair of socks,
and gave him money for lunch.
That's what Jesus would do if he was here,
so I was doing it for Jesus.

He believed Jesus was a man,
not his savior.

I asked his name.
Joshua.
I said to him,
I will pray that you will know Jesus as your personal savior,
and that some day I will see you and your bike in Heaven.
(I know, not quite scriptural, but it was the thought.)

I gave him a hug as we parted.

That's all.
No long testimony,
No, these are the steps you should take,
just a simple encounter sharing the love of Jesus.

I know I was blessed even more than Joshua that day.
I saw what is really important in this life.
Sharing the love of Jesus with another.

Joshua is in my prayers now.
Maybe I will see him in Heaven.

May you have a Jesus Moment in your life today,
and share His love with another.

Blessings

barbara jean

2010-02-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

Bless and be Blessed this day.

barbara jean

Blessings

2010-02-16T23:12:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Blessings

Barbara Jean

LOVE.....

2010-02-13T23:32:00.001-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

to you...
and all those you love.

Blessings blogging friends,

barbara jean

Barb's Having a Giveaway!!

2010-02-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

GIVEAWAY

My Morning Walks With God

2010-02-01T11:41:00.001-08:00

I see so many interesting things on my morning walk.

Like this frog sitting on a fence post.
He made me smile.

Or these trees, and the tall grass in front of them.
I see potential nests there. =))

And this oh so perfect branch covered with moss.
or is it lichen?

As I was walking along, and asking the Lord what
He wanted me to do today,
This is what I looked up and saw.

The Lord said to me:
Please slow down.
Big, bright, unmistakeably.
It was there.
Please slow down.

But how do i do that Lord? What do I eliminate?
There are some things that just need to be done, need to be taken care of.
Big things. Important things.
Taxes, inventory.

Things i want to do,
like visit my parents, hang out with grand kids.

Things that are my ministry, like the store.

How do I slow down, Lord?

Then I got an email from a sweet new friend,
saying the same thing.
Slow down and say everything in your heart.

When God wants you to get a message,
He sends it all kinds of ways till we get it!

And He has done this before.
And I slowed down, and got back into His word.
You know what happened?

My spirit was calmed.
And it is as if He made more hours in the day.
I got the things done I needed to, even after taking 2 hours
out of my day to worship and spend time with Him.
He took care of me.
He lifted the burdens from my heart.

So, here I go again.
I will spend time with the One who Loves me most.
Cares for me most.
And wants to be with me most.
And His spirit will lift me to a higher place,
and show me what is really important in life.
My relationship with Him.

Thank you and blessings sweet new friend for the reminder,
and for your encouragement and support.

blessings to you all.

Barbara Jean

My Morning Walks With God

2010-01-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

On my walk a few days ago,
I saw, off in the distance,
running across a big pasture,
4 HUGE dogs.

My first thought was,
"Hope they are friendly".
Then,
"Is that pasture fenced?"
Then quickly realized it wasn't.

About then, they 'ran' across the road.
Only they weren't really running,
they were gracefully 'leaping'.

Yes, it was 4 deer.
Four beautiful, deer, crossing the road in front of me.

They were running into an area of trees,
and on the other side of the trees was a pasture.

I hurried down the road a bit,
and quietly moved into the area where they had crossed.

I could see three of them, a bit of distance from where i was,
then i saw one in the trees, closer to me.

I slowly walked across the manure filled pasture,
waiting, watching, slowly moving forward,
careful not to scare the deer off,
looking for the very best picture i could get.

The deer looked up,
and knew I was there,
but did not run away.

She would eat a bit, and look up to check on me,
Then eat a bit more.

And then finally she meandered off down the trees to
cross the meadow with her friends.

When we were done,
and as i walked my way back across
the area and to the road,
I was thinking about how i had been totally
focused on getting those pictures.
I had carefully taken every step.
Looking for the best picture i could get.

I was not thinking about anything else.
I was totally focused on one thing.
I had not one thought of the day's problems.
No anxiety, no worries.

" Lord to help me do that in my walk with You.
Help me to stay totally focused on You.
Waiting, watching, slowly moving forward
always looking for Your best."

Blessings friends,

Barbara Jean

This was re posted from last summer for you to enjoy.

God Whispers

2010-01-30T10:27:00.001-08:00

God Whispers

Listen Carefully

"Be still and know that I am God.
Ps 46:10

Blessings on your day.

barbara jean

I've Decided..... Raccoons would be fun!!!

2010-01-22T10:54:00.001-08:00

Since I do not seem to be posting much over here,
I decided to start showing you some of my fun, interesting,
or hopefully helpful, previous spots.

Let's start with this one:

My Morning Walks With God

OH SO FUN!!!

Friday I went out for my morning walk, as usual.
I had just asked the Lord what treasures He had for me today,
and i looked up and right there in the road ahead of me
was a family of raccoons!
There was a mama, (well i guess it was the mama),
and 4 little ones!!

First time ever I had seen babies!

They saw me about the same time i saw them.
Mama stopped, stood up on her back legs,
and started to herd her little group over to the side of the road.
She was watching me the whole time.

I started right away to get my camera out of my back pack.
As I hurried, she hurried, and
they were just starting to go down into
the blackberries into a little hole.

I said "Wait!! I just want to take your picture. I won't hurt you."

But she scurried them down into the hole anyway.

My plea went out again:
"OK. Just come out into the clearing
so I can get your picture."

They were meandering down the slope,
hidden under the blackberries;
I could hear them.
At the bottom was an old, overgrown stream bed.
And then they appeared again.

"There you are" I said.
" OK, now stand still so i can get your picture."

She stopped. Turned around, stood up, and looked over at me.
It was so awesome!!

There she was, just standing there, with her 4 babies around her.

She'd begin to wander off again, and I'd holler again.

She did that 4 times, with me snapping pics as fast as i could.
I do hope they will be clear when you click on therm.

What a fun way to start the morning.
Made me smile the whole day.

What treasures did God share with you today?

Blessings, and raccoon smiles to you!!

Barbara Jean

It's not too late!!

2010-01-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

IT'S A PARTY AND A GIVEAWAY!!

Donna, at Funky Junk Interiors
is celebrating over 1,000 followers with a big giveaway party.

Get on over there. Two more days of prizes,
and then still a few days to enter!!

blessings

barbara jean

IT'S A PARTY AND A GIVEAWAY!!

2010-01-15T01:12:00.001-08:00

Donna, at Funky Junk Interiors
is celebrating over 1,000 followers with a big giveaway party.

You will not want to miss this one!!

There will be prizes offered every day for a week!
And I am the gift giver on one of them. =0))

So get on over there and sign up, a
and don't miss a day of the giveaway!

Blessings

barbara jean

Taking Inventory

2010-01-12T12:48:00.001-08:00

Maybe some of you may have noticed, that I have not been posting much on this blog.
I have not been sharing my morning walks with God lately.

How do I explain that?
What can I say that will communicate with you why I have not been on here,
sharing what God has been speaking to my heart.
How can I explain that I have time for my other blogs, but not this one?

I have a list of excuses.

I'm taking inventory, my first ever counted inventory at the store.
We are changing to a computer system at the store.
I'ts tax time. Always extra bookwork then.

I've been spending a great deal of time visiting with my parents.
I want to see my Dad as much as I can while he still knows who I am.
And I want to be there to encourage and support my
Mom through this journey of Alzheimers.

I was sick, and depressed, over the holidays.
Obviously I cannot walk when I have the flu.
My morning walks with God are usually a wonderful time
of insights and drawing near to Him.

So, now I am walking again.
What is my excuse?

Is it that my mind is on inventory, and on my Dad?

Maybe it is because if I let God close enough to speak to my heart right now,
close enough to let Him touch me, I will fall apart.
All the pressures and pain will come gushing out and I will dissolve
in the puddle of tears I try so hard to keep down.

Maybe keeping busy is better than feeling everything I would feel right now.
The pain of watching my Dad go downhill.
The pain of friends who are also going through tough things.
The fear of having it myself.

We went to our first of 10 classes at the Alzheimer care center today.
It is hard to see where some of the patients are at.
To know that my Dad will be the same way.

I can be busy with other things, and have somewhat of a break at times.
Blogland and the store are wonderful for that.
But having family, someone you love so much, and seeing them slowly drift way,
makes you realize how unimportant other things are.
Like a store, and how much inventory there is,
or how to make another cute display, or get a few more wonderful
treasures made, or getting taxes done.

So, besides taking inventory at the store,
I am trying to take inventory of myself,
over come the fears that I am already starting down the road my Dad is on,
and figure out just how to stay close and hear My Savior.

I have not figured that out yet.

Lord, teach me how to rest in you.

Thank you for hearing my heart today.

blessings

barbara jean

A Word for Today

2010-01-02T08:39:00.000-08:00

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

he hears their cry and saves them.

Psalm 145:18-19 (NIV)