Pondering.... again

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

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

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

I Love to Teach, & Ponderings

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

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

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

“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

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

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

Sunday Blessings

Thanks for Prayers

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

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

hugs to you all.

barbara jean

Beautiful Art, Wonderful Message

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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....

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

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

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!!

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

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"

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.