Many Thanks

Many thanks to all those who have written with words of encouragement and scripture since my last blog.

We are still facing the same trials, but our load is lighter because of all your prayers and support.

Thank you.

Blessings

Barbara Jean

Peace in the Midst of the Storm

I mentioned yesterday taking a bit of time for myself. It helped.

But, as life would have it, today we are back to reality, at least the reality of this world.
It is hard to look around and see those we love suffering.

I know how much God loves us all, and that He can see the whole picture, and that He works all things out for good for His children.
I also know the word says that in this world we will have trials. We will suffer. So why should it surprise me when we do? Or maybe it's not that I'm surprised, but that I just get comfortable when things are going well. I sort of think it will always be that way. Or, really I don't think about it at all. I'm just busy enjoying the good life, and I'm grateful to Him for it.

So, when God is busy doing His thing to help us all grow, I don't much like it. So today I am fluctuating between sadness for my friends and family who are going through hard things, and a little upset that God isn't fixing it all according to how I think it should be. =0/

I know God understands how I feel, and His love for me doesn't change. He is a gracious and merciful God. Nothing we do or say changes His love for us, including how we respond to adversity, or others adversity.

Now I'm going to thank the Lord for who He is, and the good things in our lives. And I'll thank Him that He is with us in the middle of all life's other circumstances, and that He knows what He is doing. And I will try to trust Him.
I know it will help others have strength and peace , and will lift my heart too.

Thank you for letting me share with you.

Blessings on your day.

Rat Race? or Peace?

OK, how many of you are in a frenzy of getting things done for the Holidays?
And how many are having trouble keeping your priorities straight and having any peace and joy?

I've decided this morning to slow down a bit, and instead of racing to get to Sunday school, I will slow down and just go to church.

So you are probably thinking, "why is she sitting here writing on her blog when there is so much to do? And why skip Sunday school to relax?"
You know, I'm not sure. Just seemed like the right thing to do this morning.
And I thought maybe someone else was in the same boat I am in and could use a word of encouragement.

So this verse came to mind to share:
"Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".
Matt 12
I think that means spiritual rest, not necessarily physical, but maybe we need both.

So I'm taking a deep breath, asking for the peace that only Jesus can give,and for the filling of the Holy Spirit, and His fruit. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control."
If you are missing any of these, like I've been lately, take a deep breath with me,ask the Lord for His direction, His priorities, and enjoy today.

"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Blessings as you celebrate this day.

Barbara Jean

Another Birthday Idea

Here is another idea for a fun and different way to celebrate your birthday.

Several years ago, instead of waiting to see what everyone did, or did not, get me for my birthday, I decided i would get everyone else a gift. It was a very fun way to take the focus off myself, and surprise everyone else.

Needless to say, they were all surprised, and thought i should do that every year!!

Must be time to do it again. I have till September to think about it.

Right now, on with Christmas.

Some ideas about that next time.

Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to tell someone you love them, and why.

Special Gifts

Have you ever received a gift from someone that blessed you over and over and over again?

Well, I have that kind of gift from my daughter.

For my 60th birthday in September she gave me a small, decorated file box with a tag that said "60 Good Things".

Inside that box are 60 assorted hand-made cards, notes, photos, scriptures, and sayings.

There were no specific instructions for the gift. I could open and look at them all at once if I wanted. Or open 1 each day for 60 days. However I wanted to use it was up to me.

I decided to just periodically pull one out and look at it, and enjoy it for a few days, then put it in the back in the box. I pull out whichever one catches my eye that day, and when I am done with it I file it in the back of the box.

Some of the cards have said, "Dream Big", "Praise the Lord", "Never forget to pray" (that one was done by Isabel, our 8 year old granddaughter), and "I hate housework!" (so true).

There have been sweet pictures of family members, and some crazy pictures of family.

So, once in awhile I pull a card out, and it is amazing when it is just what I needed for that day, whether it triggers a memory, encourages me, reminds me, makes me laugh, or sometimes even cry.

What I love about this present is the time and thought and love that went into it, and the wonderful example to our grandchildren about what giving is all about.

It is a gift I will always treasure..

Thank you, Angie, for your gift of love.

Prayer

Well, I had a long story all written out, and decided what was important was to ask for prayer from all of you.

Scott's Mom is 91, and is not in good health. She has dementia, and her world right now is one of fear, anxiety, and not knowing those around her.

She is in the tender, loving care of Scott's brother and his wife in California.

We are so grateful to them for the home they have given her for years, and for their care for her.

Please join us in praying for Scott and Ron's Mom (Margaret) for a peacefulness beyond understanding.
And for strength from above for Ron and Kathy as they care for her.
Give us all wisdom and help us to keep our eyes on our Creator and Savior.

Thank you.

HELP!!!

Most of you know I'm a new blogger. My wonderful daughter set this whole thing up for me, and i have been learning to use it, but i am stuck on something.

I usually get an email that let's me moderate comments that have been sent.

problem: They are just being posted (spam) and i don't know how to get rid of them!
I receive lovely comments from people, and want to enjoy reading those without having to go through the spam first.

Any ideas how to either get rid of them, or get back to having them go through my email to moderate them?

Thanks for helping.

Have a wonderful day.