Thursday, March 26, 2009

We Can't Always Be So Serious!




I've been trying not to always make my entries so serious and most know I always say it's good to laugh. I just wished somebody would say something funny! Like just a moment ago I said to my husband, "I guess next time I want support I'll just go out and buy hose!" This week seems to be a continuation of last week's share of problems. Yes, in my last post I "in all seriousness," do very much believe what I write - (preach).  However, you can and do at times have a moment or two where you may experience relapse. ARGH ~

Last week - Tuesday was St. Patrick's Day and we decided since Aaron wasn't going to be around that we would just have our "traditional" meal Wednesday. Of course, being that this family is so Irish why we only have Irish inspired foods on St. Patty's Day I don't know. My husband says that its "bland and bland with a side of boring!" But as needless as it may, dinner was going to be Wednesday so Aaron would be around.

Wednesday morning, I started with getting a few jobs around the house going. This was after my morning routine (I usually get up around 6 and sit with a cup of joe, read and plan the day). Then a knock came from the front door in which the girls (Miki and Sophie) took off running and barking. I carefully started opening the front door and it was some Realtor wanting to show the house. She immediately added, "Oh didn't your realtor get a hold of you? NO, I said. Then she mentioned oh, the man that she was wanted to show the house to was afraid of dogs! He actually was standing close enough that, if need be, he had a good shot to the car. As I told her, knowing full well she already guessed for the crazed look I had, this wasn't the best time. She said she'd be back another time. At that point I went further into my crazed frenzy! 

This house is always a mess! The Realtor - when she does call- always says," is it OK for someone to stop by in about 20 minutes?" I don't know about you, but we always need more time than 20 minutes!  It's really a joke but not a funny ha ha kind of one.  So, in my fit (just in case someone would be back) I started to mop the floors up etc. so I could get started on my "Irish meal."  A little time went by, with Jim asking, "do you hear water running?" I quickly ran into the laundry room after him and to our surprise the tub was overflowing with the mop in it. WHAT WAS I THINKING! I'll get the wet vac I added to the rest of the gibberish that was coming from my mouth. Off I went.

Down to the basement I flew and into the back where Jim's wood working equipment was, I freaked! It was raining everywhere - and as I'm trying to get its top to stay on it kept hitting my leg!  I finally managed to get the vac up to the laundry room to help clean up that mess. Then rushed back to the basement to suck -up the water from off the equipment. We had a time of it! I just kept saying I was sorry. . >>>> Now on the good note.

I was so happy that my dinner turned out, "it was the best I think I made and with a loaf a soda bread to boot." That was Wednesday and Aaron didn't make it home till Thursday - no comment- but there were plenty of leftovers. 

As for the Realtor, she never returned, and we haven't heard from ours. Whatever!
Moving on.  .  .
This week - and as time really goes by way to fast, I've been dealing with my taxes to my web-based business. With all that's been going on around here, as with most of my life, it seems to be the same or similar scenario as depict in the above story. And boy do I have stories from everywhere I've lived, or I've gone! Things of this nature not only happens to my mom but my dad also. I usually tell those I'm talking to I've been plagued with a double whammy! Truly there is a lot I've (we've) being dealing with in our lives here so those times as above can make for an extra stressful time to say the least. 

So much of how we feel, David's description in Psalm 69 pretty much hits the nail on the head.  Times when overwhelming feelings are so unbearable. I'm truly blessed with God's grace; He is faithful to help us bear up and get through even when we may feel abandoned. He promised though in His word that He would never leave or forsake us. He is faithful to His word.

But for the taxes, argh, I'm current with my sales and usage tax except for last year. As I explained to the person "helping" - that considering I only sold a small amount (so small the last half of last year equaled a sale of 24. + dollars - tax would be around a dollar something), my taxes were the last thing on my mind. As I continued to explain that we're in the process of selling and had packed much of our things (not thinking we were still going to be here). Since we are the ones moving ourselves, we have to be ready when we need to leave. But as in all states, they will send you an estimated amount based on someone's (other than me) exploding business. LOL They will just have to stand in line like many others... After all you can't get blood from a turnip even if you try! It also was very pathetic to have a sale so low I just haven't been working the business as I should have been.

I do, however, very much stand behind the products the quality is outstanding; to keep loyal customers is a different story. I finally stopped mentioning to family that they can purchase what they already buy online through my site, and I sometimes joke - if I can't sell to my family how can I believe others will buy. Doesn't the Bible talk about not being welcome with family. No; that's not right it's a "Prophet is not without honor expect in his hometown and in his own household." So true is this statement from Jesus. (I'm not making light of this it just makes me sad). Though back to the business the Lord sent me another customer and I happy. Is that weird?

Anyway, this is just tip of the iceberg, so to speak, of what normally goes on. I have to find humor in life our I could go coo coo I don't think I have gone coo coo yet! Ha And with the Lords help I know I'll will prevail.

It's good for me to post things like this once in a while. You didn't think stuff like this only happens to you now, did you? LOL

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Collecting My Thoughts ~

I’ve been collecting my thoughts while being serenaded by a beautiful song. Every morning now since just before the beginning of Spring I’ve been graced by a year around friend; the song sparrow. Sometimes we do have our Cardinals that sing and with the springtime visits from our welcomed friend the Robin, it sounds like a beautiful symphony and makes waking up the perfect time to collect your thoughts.

I’ve had many thoughts this past week and I feel my mind sometimes has endless amounts as if to come in like a flood. I’m sure you also have many thoughts that you are collecting - taking captive. My hope is that your thoughts are good ones -- the kind of thoughts that would put a spring in your step with a cheerful merry heart.

There are many different references in the Bible about thoughts – thoughts that we wrestle with and are troubling, or giving care to our thoughts and thought to our steps, “our ways.” How about God’s thoughts towards us and how our thoughts compare to His.

How precious also are Thy thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139:17
Just think of how precious the Lord is and how He loves us so much that He knows and cares about our thoughts.

O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Psalm 139: 1-2

For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11

The wonderment of it all, oh how our spirit yearns and sometimes grieves with our thoughts.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 1Corinthians 2:12-13

We need to step up to the plate and exercise who we are not just in deed but in our thoughts.

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5

What are our thoughts? Another area of thought is for those we hold dear, this week many of us said goodbye to a sweet girl who had been ill for a long time. Nora just 16, was a young sister in the Lord, an example to everyone. Her thoughts were that of love and concern for others as Paul said in Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.. Love ones will think it maybe just a short while, we miss and long for those we love, but in our thoughts they are ever present.

But we, brethren, having been bereft (deprived) of you for a short while – in person (body), not in spirit (thought) –were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. 1 Thessalonians 2:17

Are you wrestling with your thoughts, are some troubling to you “Turn your eyes, upon Jesus.”

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider (fix your thoughts on) Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest on our confession. Hebrews 3:1


For and older post of interest you might like to read "Be Still" http://refractedlite.blogspot.com/2008/04/be-sill.html

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Cornerstone's Women's Retreat

Today was a blessing, speaking for myself but I believe, for many of the ladies who attend Cornerstone Bible Church. Every year the women have a retreat headed up by wonderful ladies from church. In years past the ladies would choose a location, like a lodge or hotel, and there would be a minimal charge to use the facilities. It would include over night and food accommodations – one year we had an opportunity to stay at Mario’s International Spa and Hotel. This year to keep the costs down, free to all who’d like to attend, was held at Agape Christian School. Friday evening was at one of the ladies homes with option to stay the night. Saturday we resumed at the school with Continental breakfast and lunch. There was a sign-up sheet at church for the food and all were generous for there was enough to feed and army- or should I say Christian soldiers. Ha We had teachings from three different ladies and the topic “Living by Faith, Not Fear” fear is something I’m sure everyone can identify with. There were also testimonials from some incredibly strong women of faith (I know they might not agree) but what an inspiration. A lot of us, if not all, go through things and much of it isn’t great - especially if you’re the one going through it. We learned about “healthy” forms of fear and of course the fear that can harm your walk, keeping you from moving forward and from being the person you were ultimately meant to be. And, most importantly what God has to say about it, who He is and where our help lies. There’s so much out there that can cause a person to fear anywhere from the economic problems that face this nation, how about violence or fear for a lost loved one, even fear you may place there by wrong beliefs. Some of the questions asked really cause a lot of us to think. Like what are some fears you are personally facing? Or what fears are most common among women? When is fear needed? When fear rules, where are my thoughts? And - Do you know who you are in Christ? It was much to cover over a short period of time and much to consider. It is always wonderful to fellowship with other believers. You are encouraged and recharged. Maybe God is saying something to you? Here are some of the scriptures we went over if you’d like to look them up. Psalms 91, Exodus 25:17-22 (protection, covering), Ephesians 6:16 (shield), 1Peter 5:8, Rev.12:9, Romans 16:20, Matthew 7:13-14, John10:10, Hebrews 11:1-6, 12:2 (fixing our eyes on Him), John 14:2-3, II Tim.1:7 (what God has not given us), John 14: 12-14, Phil 4:6 (the importance of prayer), John 14 (just read the whole chapter >>>AWESOME! Psalms 86:11, Psalm 19:9 (when fear is needed), Col. 1:15-22, 23, Ephesians 1:2-6, John 15 (abiding in Christ), Matthew 6:31, Phil 4:6-9 (be anxious for nothing), Romans 12:22, James 2:14-26 (faith in action) Hebrews 11:6 (without faith it’s impossible to please God) If you ever have the opportunity to go to a Women’s retreat I highly suggest you do so. It will truly be a blessing to you. As far as anyone is concerned - I really don't think anyone missed going to a Lodge or Hotel this weekend.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

This Evenings Sky

Isn't it amazing how the sky can change in just a short period of time, let's say in five minutes. It sure is beautiful. I am a morning person for the most part but the evening sky has a lot to say, but all I can think of is beautiful and the pictures below don't even compare to this gift from above. A time to rest from the day as colors streak the sky and clouds move along; truly an awesome sight to behold.


I hope everyone takes some time to sit, rest, and check out your evening sky. Be thankful for your day - whatever it was like. Enjoy your evenings.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Slideshow!

Not much other than the same is going on in my neck of the woods. I've been to busy with the whatevers and don't want to sound repetitive. Which leads me to trying something new on my post. "Slideshow fun." When I got back from my son and daughter n laws and mentioning I would try to get more pictures up; I just didn't seem to get around to it. I had so many that you could be scrolling for sometime a slideshow was just the ticket. I was very pleased when a fellow blogger had it on her site that made the task less daunting. I tell people I'm not blonde just intermittent! LOL I hope you enjoy what I have so far. If you click on the slide show it will take you to the main site enlarged.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

A New Spot


I'm writing from a new spot in the house today. We've decided our home computer, after years of awesome service, needed a tune-up (I was moving faster) and since the room I was using needed painting we thought we might as well use my husbands - placing it in the family room for now. Jim has built a number of computers and our home computer was one of his earlier ones. It was being used non-stop since and even more so recently. At the moment I kind of like being in the family room, I have more windows to look out, thus more light and maybe even more inspiration. I also see a few of my birds I've been missing terribly. If I'd only known we'd still be here I might have been able to continue feeding the birds but it was better that I weaned them away. It's still a happy/sad emotion for me when a few stop to visit.

We've had a couple people look at the house but no one is biting at the moment, as it is around many places. Still people are buying and building. It would be nice to think people were not buying due to the zero degree temps outside. It's even more surprising that we are still here! I have to believe there's a reason for everything and I've always believed that Gods plans are not always ours and timing is everything. Besides, His plans for us are always for the best even if we don't fully understand the whys - those answers are always soon to follow.

As many of us in the Northeastern part of Ohio long for that weather change; we know that Spring is just around the bend and we endure knowing it's there and coming. We don't always see it but we know and believe. In life you may be going through a long winter and you're in need of that change. Maybe you're just close to coming out of that winter but things are moving slow. The world is spinning faster - while answers seem to be coming slow, you endure knowing it's there and coming. Spring! You don't see it but you know and believe that winter will one day be over. The winter we've been going through has been too long I won't lie and say it hasn't. But, Spring is on it's way! So I'll continue to believe an trust in someone greater than me. Enduring all the more.

7. Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and the late rains. You to be patient; strengthen you hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 11. Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealing, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. James 5:7,11

SPRING is on it's way! Oh, happy day! I tell myself be patient and endure. Let there be LIGHT!