Blog Closed

I am sorry to have to close this blog due to time constraints. I will continue to share stories of God's love working in today's world on my other blog...Inside the Writer's Mind.

Thank you for your understanding.

Strong Enough to Bend

I enjoy listening to country music. One song I remember from several years ago is "Strong Enough to Bend" sung by Tanya Tucker. The lyrics tell of the ups and downs of a relationship and compares that to a tree. When storms buffet the tree, it must be strong enough to bend under the assault in order to survive, in order not to break. It is the same with relationships.

Sometimes we take the easy way out and walk away, rather than to bend. But, when we do, the pain of "what might have been" can eat away at our soul. God can give the strength required to withstand the storms of life. He doesn't promise we'll always have a clear, and beautiful day, but He does promise to be with us as we endure the storms.

"Such a Grouch..."

Last night, I struggled with falling asleep. I dozed in the state where you're not deeply asleep and aware of every noise. When hubby came to bed, I heard him enter and felt him sit on his side of the mattress. Then his hand reached under the covers. He touched my leg, then withdrew his hand. Then he did it again.

"What are you looking for?" I grumbled.

"I was just feeling how warm the mattress is."

We have a latex foam mattress and when you first get under the covers, it's cold. But soon your body heat warms the mattress and it gets nice and toasty. After his comment, I rolled back over and closed my eyes. Then I heard him mutter "..such a grouch."

At that moment, I realized the truth. I had become a grouch. When I worked, people told me all the time how they enjoyed seeing my smile. What had happened to that smile? I've been sharing it with my friends, with church members, with strangers, with family...but not so much with my husband.

Our lives have changed since I retired. I've had to assume all the responsibilities of running the house, including the yard work, because of my husband's illness. Over the months, I've become...well, a grouch. It's not that I don't enjoy doing these things, but I have become impatient with my husband. He doesn't do things the way I'd like. I have to pick up after him. I have to remind him of things. And I have to repeat myself over and over again. So, I rarely share my smile and my feelings of love.

Last night I asked God to forgive me and to help me remember the important things in my life. I woke up this morning with a smile in my heart and on my face. Life is good. God is good. And, I intend to share my smile with the most important person in this house...my wonderful, loving, husband.

Hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Hope is found in the Bible. Romans 15:13 "May the god of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

At times we are filled with despair. During those times, some people give up. But, God would want us to turn to him, to trust him. I learned this so well during the month of December. My husband nearly died from an enlarged prostate blocking his bladder. This happened when I had already given notice to my employer that I was retiring at the end of the year. Little did we know then, that we wouldn't be able to get my husband under Part B Medicare until the middle of the following year. Faced with unsurmountable bills and no income to sustain us through the hard times to come, I refused to give up hope. I trusted God to walk with us through this time of darkness. I prayed for God's mercy, healing, and direction.

My mother had moved in with us several months prior due to her illness. My plan of retiring was to be able to care for her. Her spirits had lifted during the Christmas season, but on December 30th, my husband and my 30th wedding anniversary, God called my mother home. Dealing with her loss, and my husband's dire illness, nearly drove me to the depths of despair. But God lifted me up and walked with me through the trials. He showed me a path to gain medical assistance for my husband. He sustained me through the grief of losing my mother.

During all the pain, I knew He walked beside me, and at times He held me in His arms. And He brought us through the darkness into the light.

Hope is eternal through God's grace.

Living with a Happy Spirit

Yesterday, I stopped at church to get the meeting info to add to the bulletin. I had the entire bulletin completed except for inserting these items. I walked into a full blown crisis.


The printer wasn't working. Someone forgot to get postage. Postcards needed to be in the hands of members by Saturday. Our poor ministry coordinator. She's a wonderful, cheerful, lady and I felt her tension, though she didn't reflect that onto others.

She showed me "special" paper she'd purchased for the July 4th bulletin. Yikes! I would have to seriously do some realigning to fit everything into the smaller viewing area. But, I smiled, measured the new margins and noted that on my paper. Then I moved on to the book of meetings and wrote down everything that needed added.

Next the children's ministry leader entered the room. She's lovingly known by all as "Barbie." She told me she had something to add to the announcements for the bulletin. Oh, no. Now smaller margins, I'd already had everything in place and I would have to find a way to add one more announcement. I didn't know how I'd manage, but I knew also that I would do it. So, I asked her to email me the info as quickly as possible since I was finalizing the bulletin.

She looked at me and smiled. Then she said, "It's so nice to have a bulletin coordinator who has a happy spirit."

I hadn't thought much about how others perceived me, but that comment gave me a lift.

I did finish the bulletin, with the added challenge of adding more info and fitting the entire thing into a smaller space. And, I did it with a happy spirit.

When God is in your heart, that love shines out for all to see. I'm blessed in so many ways, and I thank God for giving me a happy spirit.







God is good.

God Came Knocking

When God knocks on the door of your heart and calls you to act, do not turn your back.

Since my retirement, I've found myself avoiding writing time. I find time to write blogs, post on Facebook, but when it comes to working on my manuscript, I've been finding excuses. Yesterday, I carried my laptop outside and started working on a newly developed story idea. When I stopped, I had nineteen pages completed and it felt wonderful. I've been turning my back on God's calling for me to write. Now, with prayer, I'm finding my joy of writing again.

But, God didn't stop there. He has called me to ministry within the church as well. I'm coordinating the publication of our weekly bulletin, coordinating the typing of a revised Church Staff Handbook, visiting with members who are in nursing facilities, crocheting prayer shawls and lap robes, and I'm a member of the Staff Parish Relations committee.

God has blessed my life so many times in recent months. And, He's opened doors to utilize my talents. I may be retired from one job, but I've been called to others.

Have you been listening to God's knock on your heart?

Things to Smile For

Nothing brings a smile to my face quicker than watching children at play. Perhaps it's the memories of once being young and carefree, with an active imagination. I also enjoy watching one of our outdoor feral cats, Molly, as she jumps and plays in the garden outside my office window. My office is on the lower floor of our bi-level, so the garden is at eye level when I'm sitting. She's a calico cat, so she blends perfectly with the pretty orange and yellow cone flowers. There's a beautiful rose bush and a butterfly bush as well. She sits in the garden and waits for the monarch butterflies. It's so fun to see her jumping and cavorting as the butterflies tease by staying just out of her reach. God's paintbrush created my view, and it's worth smiling about.

The Joy of Giving

When I was a child, I remember hearing "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I kind of knew what it meant, but I didn't fully appreciate the words until later in life. Now, I make prayer shawls, visit friends who are in hospitals, take friends to therapy, and volunteer for church services. But these are just little token things I'm able to do now that I don't go to work every day. But giving is so much more.

We touch other lives every single day. Sometimes we don't know what impression we've made on another. We might be viewed by a total stranger without our knowledge. What might they remember about us?

In Sunday School, we talked about how we have influenced others to follow Christ. That's a hard question to answer. Most times we won't even know. That got me to thinking about how I might appear to a total stranger as I walk through a grocery store, or pass on a street or in a car. Do they see a joyful person? Or do they see the disgruntled person who is annoyed at having to run another errand? When someone cuts me off, do they see anger? I believe it's the little things that really make the difference. Stopping to let someone into a line of traffic. Allowing the person who has only a few items to purchase move ahead of me in the line. Trying not to judge others by their inconsiderate actions and put things into perspective. I mean, after all, if someone cuts me off, what will that matter in the future? But, if I show anger, call rude names, then I've become even angrier and that remains with me, amping up my reaction to the next affront.

Yeah, I know, easier said than done. But, definitely something to pray for. It all boils down to "it's better to give than to receive." Give a smile instead of a rude gesture. The return will be so much greater.

Thanks for stopping by!

God's Garden

I'm sitting at my desk, after my morning devotionals, and when I looked out my window I was blessed to see two beautiful yellow finches flitting in the butterfly bush. They are so petite and graceful. How can I not smile?

My home office is on the lower level of our bi-level home and right outside my window is a beautiful flower garden filled with roses, coneflowers, a yellow and orange flower (I'll have to ask my hubby what the name is), hostas, and the lovely butterfly bush. God has blessed me with a lovely view. When my office was upstairs, I didn't get to enjoy the garden. Now it's at eye level. Occasionally, one of the outdoor cats walks by and peers in at me.

Sometimes we look for God's blessings in the wrong places. We look for spectacular miracles, when He gives us glimpses of His love every day. My garden is a blessng from God. His hand created the beauty in my garden. Each morning, I look out and see God's face smiling back at me.

It reminds me of the hymn, "I Come to the Garden Alone," one of my favorites. I remember signing this in church as a child, but now the words come to life when I gaze out my window each morning.

I hope you see God's smile today.

Friends are Blessings

My heart sank when my dear friend told me she had to go back in for a second mammogram on her right breast. The doctor had seen some dark tissue. After the mammogram, if he still found something irregular, they would immediately do a sonogram. I prayed, I cried, and I tried to give her courage.

The day of the testing, I waited by the phone for her call. I kept praying for her along with others who've been on my prayer list. The clock's hands moved slowly.

When the phone rang, I answered quickly. Her first words brought tears of joy. The shadow had been fibrous tissue...nothing to worry about. She thanked me for my prayers and we praised Jesus together.

I find myself thanking God so many times through the day for His many wonderful blessings. My friend is one of those blessings. I know He wants me to thank Him by sharing His love with others, and I try to do that. But, when my eyes close and I'm on my knees, I not only lay my burdens at His throne, but I give thanks as well.

God is good, all the time.

Praising Family

Every day, I feel so happy and blessed with what God has given me. I have a wonderful husband and we are truly best friends. We fuss at each other and we disagree sometimes, but most times we laugh together and make decisions together. We support each other and care for each other. It's wonderful to have someone I can share anything with and know that whatever I say, he won't turn his back on me.

The blended family we have created is awesome! Together we have eight children. Through the years we made a lot of memories. Now, we can sit together at family gatherings and reminisce and laugh. Even now, we learn things our children did which they didn't tell us at the time! I love the sense of belonging to a family.

We are also blessed to be a family of Christians. And we have a wonderful church family. As I close my eyes, I see all of our families blended together into one huge family, surrounding us with love and protection. And I see God's loving arms wrapped around all of us.

I opened my bible this morning and this is what I read in Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 (NLT, Tyndale Red Letter)

"I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, 'Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?' It is all so meaningless and depressing.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

Look! Grapes!!

Two years ago my hubby planted a grapevine starter. Last year, the vines produced one tiny bunch of grapes. This year the vines have grown substantially, climbing up the arbor which supports a "porch swing" hanging on chains. The grapes are so cute, like tiny little green balls. We aren't experienced in growing grapes, but we will do our best to nurture and care for the vines, pruning as necessary, in hopes of having a bountiful harvest.

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

HIDE AND SEEK

Romans 10:20 And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, "I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me."

When I first became a Christian, I loved the feeling of being among fellow believers. Church was a warm, safe place to go and have my spirit renewed. All my friend spoke the same language, asked the same questions, sought the same reassurance. I opened my heart and welcomed Jesus to bless me. He has provided for me in my times of need, carried me through my times of trouble, and restored my faith, time and time again.

Lately, I've started to worry that I'm not carrying His word to others to bring them into His fold. I'm not a preacher. I'm a faltering Christian. But, I know that I am doing His good deeds when I reach out to others and share what I can--a smile, a helping hand, forgiveness, love.

Just as the scripture above says, I am showing God's love to those who may not be seeking Him, and in doing so spreading good seeds for His harvest.

Thank you for visiting and remember to thank Him for all the blessings He bestows.

Anything Can be Bought For a Price

I look in the mirror some mornings and wonder if I should color my hair. I see a lion's mane of white, sometimes unruly, locks. Coloring my hair would give it more body, more fullness and controllability. But it would also mean having to spend money for vanity's sake.

I have friends who are always longing to change their bodies. Some want unnaturally white teeth, some want larger breasts, less wrinkles... All of these can be purchased. Just look at the television and magazine ads. For a price, most anything can be bought.

This morning, determined to call my hairdresser for a change, I opened my Bible and my eyes fell on this verse:

Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.

So my hairdresser will not receive my money today. I was reminded that God created each of us in His image and that He loves us just as we are. The biggest price has already been paid. Jesus paid the price for our salvation by dying on the cross.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that what others my see as flawed, You see as beauty.

Rejection Hurts...

I moved from a friendly small town in the midwest to a suburb of Washington, D.C., when my children were not yet old enough to attend school. My first shock came when we entered a grocery store and I smiled at the clerk who waited on us. No return smile! I tried smiling at people I'd pass and found not one friendly face. Weeks and months passed. Still whenever I reached out to smile or share a friendly word with a stranger, the only thing I received in return was a cold, or distant return glance. That was a very hard time of life for me.

I wonder if that's what God feels when He smiles down on us and we ignore Him. Jesus walked the earth and people refused to listen, denied Him, and killed Him. How His heart must have hurt to be dying for our sins while being rejected by the people He'd come to save. Each and every day, God smiles down on us with the blessing of another sunrise, another sunset, clothing on our backs, food for our stomachs, shelter, and more...so much more. Yet, few thank Him.

Today, I still smile and speak to strangers. Sometimes I get a smile in return, sometimes we strike up a conversation, but sometimes I get rejected. It still hurts. Sometimes I think an ungrateful word, or silently call them an unkind name. That isn't what Jesus would do. So, each day I try to remember to share my smile and kind word without expecting anything in return. How can I love others less than God does?

Open Your Clenched Fist and Offer Your Hand Instead...

My husband and I had the wonderful experience of hearing Don Piper give his testimony on Saturday night. For those who might not know of Don Piper, he is the author of "Ninety Minutes in Heaven," and several other books. If you haven't read "Ninety Minutes in Heaven," run, don't walk, to the nearest book store and get it.

I received the book at a writing conference. After reading it, I offered it to my husband. He was having a difficult time accepting the limitations his health imposed on his activities. He was angry and bitter. My husband doesn't read books, but he read this one. I believe God was at work in our home. The book changed my husand's perspective and ultimately our lives. Now my husband realizes that he can still do things he likes to do. It may take a bit longer, but who puts a time limit on our actions but us? Having realistic goals based on our individual limits makes sense.

One of the things Don Piper said during his testimony really hit me. He said we could raise a clenched fist high and cry "Why, God?" But then he took that clenched fist and opened his fingers, extending his hand down and said, "Let me help you." What a wonderful thing to remember.

What good does it do to feel sorry for ourselves and place blame on God for the bad things that happen? Better that we take that negative energy and turn it into good. Offer your understanding, your support, and your love to others. You will be blessed so much more than if you dwell in anger and negativity.

We tend to forget all the wonderful things that God does for us...and many times we don't even notice them. However, God always listens to our prayers. And He answers, if we listen. Sometimes His answer is no, and sometimes it takes a long time for Him to answer. But isn't it wonderful to know that God ALWAYS listens to us?

A Little Rose Bush...

As I look out my window, I see a little rose bush covered with green leaves basking in the morning sunshine. Just two months ago, the bush looked dead. Snow buried the ground, and ice covered the branches. The bush painted a desolate picture.

Spring is one of the most loved seasons of the year. It's a promise of new beginnings, rebirth, and nature's beautiful bounty. The anticipation of the beauty to greet my view in a few short weeks lifts my spirits. I wonder if this is the same feeling that filled the hearts of those who looked at the empty tomb. Surely, God's promise had been fulfilled. Jesus had risen to give all who believe the promise of a new life in heaven.

Spring is here. Jesus is with us.

A Testimony to God's Grace

I have learned that Jesus always hears our prayers and he answers if we just listen. Usually my husband and I take turns saying grace, and many times he will ask me to do it because he says I pray more eloquently than he does. But, we should remember that Jesus hears what is in our hearts, not just the words we say aloud. It is what is inside that matters. Many people "speak" the words, but they do not carry the words within their hearts. Mere words are meaningless unless they are backed by a true belief, a true faith.

Joseph M. Scriven, in 1855, penned the following lyrics which are so very dear to my heart:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

It is a privilege to carry our burdens to God in prayer.

Since December, my husband has had a serious illness. His bladder stopped functioning and he was admitted to the hospital with acute renal failure. I found myself in constant prayer. I wasn't ready to lose my husband, but I knew that God was in control. Worse, I had retired from my job and only then learned that my husband was not eligible to enter into Medicare Part B. What were we to do? I turned the burdens to God and He lifted us up. The VA accepted my husband under hardship due to the drastic change in our income since we would only have our social security to live on. It took months of getting through all the necessary steps with various doctors to finally get my husband scheduled for surgery. But, we waited patiently knowing God was the ultimate physician. On March 29, my husband has surgery. We learned on April 6, that the surgery was successful! Finally, after nearly four months of having to live with a catheter, my husband is healed. God is so gracious! He knew the outcome, and we just had to trust in Him, be faithful, and patient.

I don't know how we would have survived if we hadn't turned to God in prayer. Hallelujah!

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

Thank you, Mr. Scriven, for such a heartwarming reminder of the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

A King's Burden

Today, I'd like to share a poem I wrote which I hope touches your heart on this glorious Easter Sunday.

A King's Burden
by Carol Ann Erhardt

Whenever life may get you down,
And you want to smile, but wear a frown,
And burdens heavy on you lay,
Your headache just won’t go away,
Just fall upon your knees and pray.

Beaten with a lead-tipped whip,
Skin laid bare in criss-crossed strips,
Fists of iron struck His face,
They mocked to put Him in His place,
A crown of thorns to add disgrace.

A wooden cross He bore alone,
Stumbling through the streets of stone,
They nailed Him to the cross that day,
He, who was born in a bed of hay,
“Forgive them Father,” he was heard to say.

They laid Him in a tomb so dark,
And rolled a stone upon its mark,
To seal His tomb would be in vain,
On Easter morn He rose again,
Leaving behind the earthly pain.

So when your life you start to dread,
Remember the whip with tips of lead,
The crown of thorns upon His head.

And when your heart is full of pain,
And you feel your life has been in vain,
Remember how He rose again.

And when your burdens heavy lay,
Remember the cross He bore that day,
Then fall down on your knees and pray.

A March Toward Death and Salvation

Today marks the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem, knowing His fate, and accepting it...for you and for me. Can you imagine the crowds gathered along the road waving palm fronds and laying their garments to pave His path? As they praised Him, they didn't know He was riding toward His death for their salvation.

I am so humbled when I picture this scene. I imagine the sun shining down, glinting off His dark hair, tears rolling down His face. He cried for all those who did not accept the opportunity for salvation. He'd taught them all He could, yet many still did not believe.

Today, I will go to church, sing praises, and worship. Jesus lives in my heart. As this Holy week unfolds, Jesus is looking down, aching for His lost sheep to open their hearts and let Him come in.

Family Gatherings Warm the Heart

Today is going to be a wonderful day in our home. Our children and their families are coming over for a get together. Son and daughter-in-law from WV will be visiting. I always look forward to having the family in one place. Grandchildren running through the house, laughing and having fun, grown children sharing memories, new stories, and lots of love and laughter. Nothing compares to warm my heart.

I can't think of a better way to spend Sunday afternoon. Many time I wish I had lived back in the days when entire communities would put on their Sunday best and head to a little wooden church to praise God for their blessings. Then everyone would gather around long tables filled with food and share fellowship.

Our family is large enough to represent one of these gatherings. There will be 25 people in our home. God has truly blessed us.

Creative Energy and Spare Time

Years ago, I spent my spare time working on crafts. I've knitted clothes for my children and grandchildren, crocheted afghans, painted ceramics, woodburned pictures, created candle and flower arrangements, and painted rocks into animals. Since I started writing, my crafting time disappeared and I poured all my creative energy into my books.

It seems I do have more spare time now that I've retired from the day job, and with hubby being "tied" to the house, I don't like to spend too much time down in my office away from him. So when I sit upstairs to watch television with him, I needed something to make me feel productive. I heard about prayer shawl ministries and started reading up on what it involved. Now, I have a stash of yarn and a drawer of prayer shawls. As I work on the shawl, I pray for the person who will receive it. As I hear of women in my church who are facing surgery, I pick out the shawl I believe they will like and pray for them while holding the shawl. I visit the person in the hospital and present them with the gift.

Now what would be an unproductive time has turned into a labor of love.

A Splintered Tooth

I had a tooth on which a crown which had come loose because the tooth split. The roots were in two separate pieces and it looked splintered near the bottom. My dentist told me there was no hope for the tooth and it would need to be pulled. We set an appointment for a week later. I worried because I'd had another tooth pulled years prior and the dentist hadn't been able to numb me completely. That dentist didn't believe that I could feel the nerve pain. They said I only felt pressure.

I prayed and asked God to be with me through the upcoming ordeal. On Friday, I drove to the dentist, a little nervous, but knowing that whatever happened, God was with me. I shared my prior experience with my dentist and she assured me she would ensure I was completely numb before pulling the tooth. And she told me she would stop at any time if I felt pain. She also offered laughing gas, which I refused. While I sat and waited for my mouth to numb, I prayed and then opened an inspirational novel to read.

Finally, the time came to pull the tooth. I felt nothing beyond a little pressure when the tooth came out. The splintered half came out in one piece, and so did the other half. The dentist told her assistant, "God was with us today. This was the toughest extraction we've ever seen, yet it went the smoothest."

What an uplifting experience to hear my dentist say those precious words. God was with us. He'd assured me he would be with me. God never lets us down in times of need.

God lifts us from sin as easily as the dentist lifted the tooth from my mouth. All you need to do is believe in Him.

Offer Deeds and Gifts with a Humbled Heart

Have you ever met someone who does good things for others? True, there are many who do so. But, there are also those who boast of their good deeds.

Consider the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. They both went to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed giving thanks to God that he was not a sinner for he didn't cheat, sin, or commit adultery. He held himself above others, especially the tax collector. But the tax collector only stood at a distance and beat his chest in sorrow, not even daring to look up to heaven as he prayed. He asked God to be merciful to him, a sinner.

God says that those wo exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

When good deeds are done, they should be with the right heart. We should not give and expect to receive in return, nor should be boast of what we have done. Doing so is not pleasing to God.

Yet, I know many people who profess to be faithful followers of God; who say the right things, and do the right things; but afterward they exalt themselves by letting everyone know what wonderful things they have done for others.

I would prefer to offer my gifts without acclamation, for a humbled heart is a happy heart.

May you offer yourself to others with a humbled heart.

Enjoying the Fruits of Labor

I never dreamed my husband's health would deteriorate to the point that I would become caregiver during the time we planned to enjoy doing things together, traveling, and being free. My once active, healthy love is now bound by oxygen tubes and other health issues which leave him trapped in our home. At times I feel like I'm caring for a baby again, and sometimes I feel cheated. That's when I'm wallowing in self-pity because I'm longing for "our dream," which will never be. At these low times, I pick up the Bible to receive the strength and regain perspective.

The real truth is...we ARE spending time together. We may not be traveling to new places, but where better to be than in the home we made together? Hard labor remodeled each room. My husband spent his life working long and hard hours, and in his off-time, he worked just as hard to make this house a home. Now, we have the luxury of being united to enjoy the fruits of his labors.

I'm grateful each and every day for his presence, for his sense of humor, for his unconditional love, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as ransom for many."

How can I not do likewise?

Thanks for stopping by!

What is Hope?

When I started this blog, I wanted it to be about hope and how to keep hope alive. These are trying times for many throughout the world. The media plays upon these events through television, newspapers, magazines, and radio. Experiencing second hand tragedies through the media can be very depressing. So, how do we keep hope? And what is hope?

There is a wonderful passage in the Bible which truly speaks to my heart about hope. Romans 8:22-25 "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

Hope is the faith within our hearts and souls, the belief in Christ Jesus that God is with us and will provide. God's word through Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, tells us that in order to have hope, we must learn to be patient. We must be still, have faith, and wait without grumbling to keep hope alive.

God bless.

Looking at Each Day with Expectation

Every day is a new day. A new beginning. A new chance at making a change in your life.

Life is an adventure. When I go on vacation, I am full of eagerness, looking forward to what I'll see, what I'll do, although I have no idea what that might be. There are so many new adventures we embark on every day if we only look at what is presented with an open, eager mind.

Only God knows what is in my future. Worrying about what will happen tomorrow only takes away time from today.

I'm looking out my window. The sun is shining. My spirit is smiling.

I don't know what God has in store for today, but I know it will be a grand adventure.

Facing Fear

Yesterday our preacher's sermon dealt with how we encounter fears in our lives and how we approach facing them. In the past month, I've had to face some very painful issues. First, my husband became very ill and I've had to watch his health deteriorate. I was approaching the last two weeks of my employment, since I'd turned in my resignation to retire at the end of the year. Trying to balance work and home life became a challenge. Then, my mother, who also lives with us became ill. On my husband and my 30th wedding anniversary, Mom was taken to the hospital, and she never returned. She went to be with Jesus. Difficult, dark days. Without my strong faith, and the knowledge that Jesus was with me, that He had his arms wrapped firmly around me to keep me from falling, I could have fallen into a deep depression.

When we are at our lowest times in life, if we take our eyes off Jesus, then Satan worms his way into our mind and tries to remove our faith with doubt and fear.

Remember Peter when he stepped out of the boat in the midst of the storm and began walking on water toward Jesus? Why did he begin to sink? Imagine the scene. He steps out in faith, and then he realizes that waves and wind are battering him. He looks at the surroundings and fear sets in. He immediately begins to sink into the water. He holds out his hands and asks Jesus to save him. Jesus, always loving, takes Peter's hand. How saddened He must have felt to know that Peter had taken his eyes off Jesus and allowed doubt to take control.

My husband and I are still waiting resolution on his illness. We don't know what might lie ahead today, tomorrow, or next month. But, we do have faith. Faith that Jesus is with us, that He is not allowing us to go through this alone. There are times when I cry alone, when I worry, and yes, even when I feel fear. But those are the times that I turn to prayer. And Jesus comforts and lifts me up.

It is my prayer for each of you, that you keep your eyes turned to Jesus. He will bring you through the fears that assail your lives.

Thanks for stopping by.

My Goals for 2010

• Welcome each new day with a smile.
• Treat each day as a new beginning.
• Brainstorm with feet on moving treadmill.
• Write something.
• Read something.
• Hug family and friends tell them I love them.
• Do for others with a joyful heart.
• Thank God for His many blessings.

As you move into 2010, remember to relax deeply, dream big, and believe with all your heart.