January Happenings ~

Is it just me, or is it truly hard to believe we are at the close of another month and in a brand New Year? Not that other month's don't have their ups and downs, but this month has been hectic with happenings, and with all that goes on in our lives we've been blessed.
Blessings come in many forms. When you think of blessings what do you think of? You might only think of things you recognize; like an unexpected gift, surprise visit from an old friend or maybe being rewarded for a job well done. Some of our blessings are our children -- a true gift from God -- or enjoying the sunshine, or feeling a soft warm breeze blow over our face. Laughing is a blessing (a merry heart) it's truly good medicine for you as stated in Proverbs.

Dictionary.com lists nine different dictionary results for the word blessing; the definition that I'm looking at today is "the act or words of a person who blesses, as well as, a flavor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness." One of my study Bibles defines word's -- bless as "to bestow blessing upon;" blessed as "the object of God's favor;" and blessings as "the gift of Gods graces as used in (physical & temporary, National & Israelitish, spiritual and eternal)."

A favorite verse of mine is found in *Ephesians 1: 3 ~ "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ," (I used to say Ephesians was my most favorite book of the New Testiment; I've been finding out more and more that I have many favorite books in God's word). Think of how awesome this is to the child of God!

In my previous post you may have read that our son, Mathew, was here with his fiance for a visit. It was a wonderful blessing to have them with us, if only for a short time. He and his brother, Aaron, along with their Dad, spent a stressful time working on his truck. The repairs took much longer than anticipated (as always) and the weather was such that even in the shelter of a garage it remained below freezing most of the time. The whole process proved to be stressful on all of us. However, if one were to look at it honestly and objectively, there were many blessings to be found. I had a good time getting to know Dannielle better, we had fun checking out a few wedding gowns, and a little creative crafting. Since we only had boys I never got to do that -- at least looking at wedding gowns. Thank you Dannielle, if you're reading this I really liked the first dress you tried on, it was beautiful and you looked beautiful in it. All of this was a blessing for me.

*(The footnote found in my Bible states: "blessed...blessing, Jewish people used the word "bless" to express both God's kindness to us and our thanks, or praise to Him. (Zondervan's INV study Bible))

Winter is a happening season for sure and can be hard in its own right. This winter is no exception and is suppose to be one of the hardest we've had; so far its been holding true. When you mix this harsh winter with trails you're going through it makes things that much more daunting. Overall I'm weathering quite well (I believe) and I thank the Lord for His helping me through. My husband might think differently (as far as suffering with the blues) everyone has their good days and bad. But there are many blessings to help weather the winter; God has blessed me with a wonderful friend who for a Christmas present gave me a gift certificate for a local beauty salon, and I was able to get my hair done this past Tuesday.

Another blessing was going to see my very best girl Monica's 6Th grade choir and band program. Monica loves to sing and it showed as she and the sixth grade class did a beautiful job -- it was hands down best winter program I've seen in years - maybe ever. Dannielle who's also been involved in drama and singing said it was the best sixth grade program she ever heard, including a number of grades on top of that! Watching Monica made me cry, I was so proud of her. I have been watching her grow since she was 4 and I feel so blessed to have her be a part of my life, let alone a small part of hers.



I'm often asked if I like living here in Ohio, I usually always answer "No." Let me say that out of all the places we've lived Ohio has been my least favorite. Every place we've lived I've been able to find something about it I like - even Ohio, although it has been the hardest place for me. It may be that from moment we first move here it seems as though there's been one bad/negative thing after another happens. I really didn't want to move here; I did leave NM with anticipation of being closer to family and getting to know them better. I've also been asked, "What made you leave NM? The reason for moving was to allow my husband to take a job which allowed him a rare opportunity to move from the consulting world to executive management which he was by any objective measure extremely successful; unfortunately it was his success that ultimately caused his boss to feel so threaten that he forced him to resign. We have been blessed with God's provision through all this. Even with most recent hardship, his service connected illness that has ultimately prevented him from working for the past two years. God has supplied all our needs.
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in aany and every circumstance I have learned (almost [my word]) the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and sufffering need. Phil.4:12, 19
Even before dealing with the past couple years, our youngest son had to retire from the USCG at a young age due to a serious illness. Praise God he's had a full recovery! We've also had to deal with aging parents and their eventual passing. But perhaps the greatest disappointment of all has been that despite my hope that by living close to my family I was unable to fully reconnect with them. I've always had such wonderful childhood memories my family, that I hoped to relive. I do get to see them from time to time but it's not what I expected. Nevertheless, God has been so amazing in our lives. His grace has been sufficient for me/us. He has met our needs and continues to daily. To Him be all praise and glory.
I guess you could say this was a rather lengthy post. I just wanted you to look for and SEE the many blessing God has for you. Granted not everyone goes through the same thing. God NEVER changes who He is.

When I was looking up the definition of blessing, I noticed the word of the day was yielding. This is also a blessing. Its a blessing for the man or women to yield themselves to the Lord and for His good purpose. Have you yielded to His call or have you been resisting? Being shaped by Him gives you all you need to face life's challenges and this is a blessing.

Word of the day
Wednesday January 28, 2009

yielding \YEEL-ding\, adjective:1. not resisting; compliant2. not stiff or rigid; easily bent or shaped

It's still snowing here in Ohio, but wherever the Lord may lead us, I'm happy to say that all though Ohio hasn't been a favorite I still can find something I like. I have been truly blessed with dear life time friends.

Blessing come in many forms,

Many shapes and sizes.

The best blessing -

is to know the Lord;

and follow His horizon.

VLB 1/30/09

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanses declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their utterances to the end of the world. In them He placed a tent for the sun. Psalms 19

What's To Say!

Sometimes there's nothing to say but - ahhhh - the glorious sun. It seems like forever since we've seen it in the morning and when you can fill it's warmth. You also know it's warmer (in the 20's) because Sophie's out and she LOVES the snow. The pictures were taken a couple hours ago and the SUN is still shinning bright. Thank you Lord. I hope you're saying - ahhhh - in your neck of the woods. Enjoy your day.

Here's a few pic's from last years snow fun.

The sun was shinning brightly

For all the world to see.

It was heaven sent today

With Love for you and me.

The Lord He cares for us below;

He knows when we are feeling low.

He sends His beauty or a friend

He will be with us until the end.

VLB 1-22-09

Yesterday Was Yesterday!

Yesterday was yesterday
And, it still holds true.
But today is on the lighter side;
Just for you.
VB 1/20/09


Yesterday's Blog was a bit on the heavy side of things as I was very tired. Thoughts, emotions, etc. . . all still important to think and write about. Given some of the feed back I received, it appears I must have painted a grim picture of doom and gloom. We've been going through some rough times over the past year or so and the emotions sometimes get the better of me. However, God is faithful and helping us through; I was hoping that the verses would have provided balance and inspired all of us to be hopeful. I don't believe God ever promised and easy life ~ He did promise his faithful, to help us through if we put our trust in Him.

Winter can be truly winter, with its dark cold days and even colder nights, can and often does change a woman's mood.

So back to the "lighter-side" of things.

I've decided that I've reached the part of my life that I've heard other women talk about and I'm sure many of you have heard of this too:


"I just go and go all day doing the same thing -- Cleaning and working in this kitchen and I never get done. It never seems to look red-up (Pittsburghese for "clean up") or "picked-up." "

I've enter The Zone where my kitchen always looks the same. . . that place I only heard about and thought I'd never enter. NO, NO, NOT ME! I've personally seen women toil all day long, and I'd just shake my head in disbelief because at the end of the day everything looked the same from when they started. Now I've joined the ranks of these women. I worked very hard trying to keep my kitchen red-up all day, and I mean all day yesterday, but at the end of the day, and to my dismay, I feel I didn't accomplish anything I had set out to do. I did spend time blogging, which just now occurred to me as a reason why nothing was getting done -- LOL ("laugh out loud" for those of you who aren't into text messaging)

It seems like most days are like that, trying to get things done. What makes it worse is that my husband took pity on me last night and cleaned the kitchen for me as I was hiding (not really). I don't want to over look what a blessing this was -- as he's surprised me before, which was a part of one of my April 21st post last year. But to a woman in the Zone, can this truly be good thing?

Anyway - moving on.

Having help is always a blessing. And speaking of blessing's we've, been blessed with our son Mat and his fiance Dannielle being here for a visit for the past week now. That could be another reason I'm in the kitchen as much as I've been. We were also able to celebrate Mat's birthday and we also had an awesome dinner with our pastor and his wife. Of course the ones that weren't here we surely miss.






Me and Mat taken with my phone.






Mat and Dannielle









Aaron and Mat










Jim and Aaron









The awesome Chocolate Stout Cake I made. The candle credit
goes to Julie @
http://www.juliescandleshop.com/





And -

Here's something fun and easy to do. I made the bags from Tee-Shirts I planed on getting rid of. I found the idea on line. So easy to make too. Sew bottom, cut sleeves off and make a larger opening around the neck. I placed a pocket on one to use the logo.


Oh the zone thing also seems to affect your mind. The birds in the picture on previous post were Eastern Blue Birds. That's something else that's missed watching birds. Keep looking up!

Winter ~

Well ~It’s cold here in Ohio and with another day of watching snow coming down. Being - We’ve had several days of frigid temperatures, it’s hard to imagine that in other parts of the world – as well as here in the US - experience much colder weather than this.

This winter has been particularly hard on me and when I look out seeing the snow, though it is beautiful, I feel I no longer see the beauty in it. And I’m reminded the verses 17 & 18 of Mark 13. “But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babes in those days! “But pray that it may not happen in the winter”. Jesus is talking about the things to come in this chapter, they seem to stand out in my thoughts lately.

Be Ready ~ Are You?
When I think over the past couple years of all the things my family has gone through and is still going through. I sometimes find myself growing weary - or possibly sad. Maybe - even thoughts of hopelessness enter my mind, though only for a short time. When I stop thinking in this manner and stop focusing on “our problems,” I always find by giving it to the Lord helps me to see just how truly blessed we are. And all is not hopeless.

For: I know what it’s like to be with and without. Having a paycheck one day and wondering if you’ll have enough to live on the next. But each day He meets or needs, our trust is in Him. Psalm 37:5

I know the mental anguish and physical struggles of a loved one living with an illness. And, how God's mercies are new every morn. Lamentations 3:22-23

I know how Satan can use a lie to TRY and separate bonds or destroy a family that God had brought together in the first place through prayer. And, that He is faithful giving us strength to combat this enemy! Ephesians 6:10-11

I know what it’s like to be wrongly accused of something. And in Jesus I have comfort knowing that He understands. Hebrews 4:5

I know what it’s like to have a loved one believe the world and not in the freely given gift God has for them. Ultimately not receiving you and believing the love in your heart; being rejected. He understands and we haven’t given up yet. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. I realize none of this may even come close to what many others are going through or suffering with - but is only a taste. There are so much bad and evil things going on in this world. - So many things we don’t have to deal with in our own lives; yet affects us just the same. Even if what we are going through is troubling and hard don’t lose hope. Don’t be in fear! Fix your eyes on Him.

As the nearing of the Lords returns (that is if you believe in what the Bible says to be true) these things need to take place.

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus tells us not to worry or be anxious.


This isn't the best shot I was too late, but on the Hawthorn Berry Tree it was loaded with Robins. God even takes care of the birds of the air - Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor do they gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. are you not worth more than they? Matthew 6: 26

19. “For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created, until now, and never shall.”

Time is of the essence~

20. “And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect whom He chose, He shortened the days.”

If you’re a believer (having assurance in Christ) - count your BLESSINGS.
If you’re a believer be thankful you KNOW the love of a Savior. If not don’t refuse Him who is CALLING, you.

Is He knocking at your door?
Revelations 3:20

"Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Sorry :( And, Here Again - Ramblings

I feel so badly for not posting more regularly. And - for what seems like an eternity. There has been so much going on, I can't even begin to explain or even know where to start. Added with ALL the SAME old stuff; it does get old. I'm still hopeful things will improve and the sooner the better. But if not I'll have to learn to be more patient.

Patience ~
And, what is patience?

1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.

2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner.

3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience.

The state or quality of being patient; the power of suffering with fortitude; uncomplaining endurance of evils or wrongs, as toil, pain, poverty, insult, oppression, calamity, etc.

The act or power of calmly or contentedly waiting for something due or hoped for; forbearance.

Well the few lines I posted is what Dictionary.com had. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/patience

Being patient is something I haven't quiet mastered yet but, I've been getting a lot of practise.
The word patient, in dictionary.com, is very similar and worth checking if you're interested or just need to refresh yourself in the learning department.

Have you been learning to be patient lately? Or maybe you have already mastered it?

Psalm 37:7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

Psalm 40:1 [ God Sustains His Servant. ] [ For the choir director. A Psalm of David. ] I waited patiently for the LORD;And He inclined to me and heard my cry.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

2 Corinthians 1:6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;

1 Thessalonians 5:14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

2 Timothy 2:24 The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,

Maybe this would be something we all could work on in this New Year. So many things are happening in the world. Much of it doesn't seem to be good or even hopeful. You always have hope. But there may come a day and even soon, that hope might run out. Trust in the Lord.


Things might look bad.
But God's promises are true.
Jesus is the answer.
It's the only one for you.
Just - Look how much He's done,
And, not just for you; but all of us.
Can we trust Him?
Yes, we must!
January 7,09 VB

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Aren't you thankful that He is patient with us?

Now on a lighter note. If for some reason you do feel troubled about something it's good to read your Bible, pray and give all your troubles to God to do something with. It also helps to keep your mind busy, help others or even be creative.
One of the things that I did this Christmas was make things. Below are pictures of just one of my memory board that I do. This particular board may just be my favorite. One it was made for some one very special to me, as well as, the material used. I recycled some old jeans of my. It was silly to almost think I couldn't part with them. But, they go way back with many memories and adventures. Letting go is another story! As is not holding on the past.

You can also go to BibleGateway.com and read more on patience. http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=Patience&version1=49&searchtype=all

I'm hoping to post again, but much sooner. Meanwhile, if you need prayer or have a comment, you know what to do.