"The End is Near . . ."

Yikes! It's over. The end is here!

Today marks the end of the first quarter of this year! Can you believe it? One fourth of this year is already gone! Are you wondering how it got away from us so quickly? Well, for me, the first quarter of this year just dragged on and on relentlessly.

Winter is such a long time for me. As you may have noticed by things I've written, I've been eagerly awaiting springtime for awhile now. Winter in the Pacific Northwest is almost more than I can bear. It seems there is no end to the gray, wet days. Of course, our rainy season continues on for at least nine months of the year, but at least the spring season brings a sense of the newness of life. Springtime in the Pacific Northwest is one of it's biggest redeeming factors, for spring seems to come much sooner here than other places.

We've lived in three completely different parts of the country, so we've experienced three very different climates:

1. In the warm, southern states, it's nice outside year-around, which is wonderful because it allows you to enjoy being outdoors, soaking up the warmth of the sunshine as much as you want. However, because you have flowers in bloom all the time and no snow in the wintertime, you don't notice the great contrast between winter and spring.
2. In the northern part of the mid-west states, the winters are much colder than we experience here, but at least you have the beauty of snow. (Yes, I know you have to shovel it and drive through it, but at least it's beautiful when it's coming down, and when the ground is covered with a fresh blanket of white.) And, you can choose to spend some time outside playing in it, or ice-skating.
3. In the Pacific Northwest, wintertime is just plain lousy and depressing, unless you enjoy the heavy, gray skies filled with rain, and spongy water-soaked yards, and peering through the incessant swishing of windshield wipers while driving . . . day after day, week after week, month after month.

So, there you have it, whether you agree with it or not -- that's how I feel! Please understand that I have endured nine long, dreary winters of seemingly endless gray rainy skies, after basking in the beautiful "endless summer" sunshine of Southern California, enjoying the beach life (just 7 miles from the ocean) for fifteen years prior to moving here. (If God allows, someday we'll move back there--we hope, we hope.)

When the month of March arrives, my spirits begin to rise ever so slightly as I start watching for the first hint of spring in the air and on the ground. I get excited over each little green shoot that pokes its head up through the gray-brown dirt, and each little bud that announces a flower or leaf is about to be born. Whenever the sun happens to break through and shine for even a few minutes, I want to go stand outside and somehow drink the sunshine into my soul!

Today is one of those glorious spring days. This morning dawned bright and beautiful, as though the sun rose triumphantly to announce the end of the first quarter, and the end of winter. I love new beginnings, but I also enjoy the endings -- especially the end of anything unpleasant or difficult! The winter is past and spring has begun. Flowers are everywhere, and the freshness of new life is evident outside and inside--inside of me. I'm ready for a new start in this second quarter of the new year, hoping the second quarter will be better than the first.

Perhaps new hopefulness is always a good thing to have in our hearts and in our attitudes--new hope for each new day, for each new week, for each new month, for each new quarter, for each new year, and even for the very next moment--in our very next breath of fresh air! Yesss!

In this new season (the time of new beginnings), there is another new beginning happening in my life -- we have begun the search for a new church home, starting last Sunday. Since first impressions were good, we will visit that same church again this Sunday, expectantly waiting on the Lord to direct us in this quest. We felt certain about God leading us to the church we've been attending for the last year and a half (since moving to Oregon). However, it now seems clear that, just as God 's Word says, "to everything there is a season", our season at that church seems to be drawing to a close. What's next? Only God knows. We're depending on His guidance in this season of new beginnings.

Presenting . . . the Flicker

One of my favorite fine-feathered friends who frequents my front yard

This picture was taken on Wednesday morning, looking through my living room window. In the midst of trying to have my "quiet time", I was quite distracted by all the activity of the birds and the antics of a gray squirrel in my yard.

The night before had been a fitful, sleepless night, due to the frustrating frequency of hot flashes. I tried staying in bed in the morning, hoping to fall back asleep, desperately needing some good rest, but alas, none was forthcoming. So I reluctantly arose, bravely attempting to be cheerful about the start of a new day.

Sitting in my blue chair, sipping down a good dose of caffeine, I found my spirits lifted by the treat of an extra-exuberant and extravagant variety of birds (plus a very energetic little gray squirrel), all enjoying my yard at the same time. There were doves, sparrows, chickadees, nuthatches, junkos, various finches, blue jays, crows, a spotted towhee, and a hummingbird. I thought to myself, "All I'm missing are the quail and a flicker" (oh, plus a robin or two). I kept resisting the urge to grab my camera to capture this wonderful little bunch of wildlife "pets", thinking, "Taking pictures through the glass window won't do justice to what I'm seeing with my own eyes." But when the flicker showed up, I just had to run for my camera.

Besides the delight of seeing the flicker (a woodpecker), the real icing on the cake was watching the comical interaction of the squirrel and a blue jay--fighting over the rights to the corn in the squirrel feeder. (Yes, I also have a real, designated squirrel feeder, made by my son, as a Christmas present to me.) The blue jay was seriously determined to steal kernals of corn from the squirrel feeder, taking turns with the squirrel, who was repeatedly zipping up and down the tree, jumping in and out of the feeder--staying just long enough each time to take half a bite of a kernal of corn, and then scampering off to find just the perfect spot to bury the rest of it somewhere in my yard. It was hilarious! How on earth this silly squirrel expects to be able to find those little bits of corn again later, I have no idea! Perhaps he's getting ready for an "Easter egg hunt" for all his friends! (I wonder if they'll all show up with cute little baskets.) Maybe I should come up with a prize for the winner! Any suggestions?

Honestly Admitting to the Stages of Our Ages

We recently visited a different church, and filled out a visitor card. I cringed just a bit as I had to check the box for our age group, noticing that my age group is getting awfully close to the end of the age groups listed. (Not a very comfortable thought!)

To add a bit of amusement to this process, I suggest using the following list of age groups:

· Tickled to reach my teens

· Testing my way through the teen years

· Teetering on the edge of twenty and toasting my arrival in adulthood

· Tasting the freedom of the twenties

· Tiptoeing out of the twenties, but truthfully thrilled to enter the thirties

· Thrashing my way through the terrific thirties

· Thinking the end is near and fearing the forties

· Finding fun and fullfillment in the forties

· Finalizing the feats of the forties and facing the "fall" of the fifties

· Finding my way through the ferociously fiery furnace of the fifties

· Finally finishing up the fitfull fifties and secretly stepping into the sixties

· Savoring the simpler life of the sixties

· Slinking past the sixties and slipping into the seventies

· Sliding along the slippery slopes of the seventies

· Sailing past the seventies and easing my way into the eighties

· Enduring the extra efforts of the eighties

· Eagerly escaping from the eighties and nodding off into the nineties

· Napping through the nineties and holding on for dear life--hoping to reach a hundred

· Happily hanging in there after passing the 100-year mile-marker, but hoping for my heavenly home-going

Wouldn't this be a lot more fun to read through on a church visitor card? Perhaps there would be audible chuckling as visitors filled out the card, which would lighten the discomfort of being a visitor. Perhaps the chuckles would spread and little bits of laughter would be heard throughout the entire auditorium, which would make one wonder what others were laughing about, which would then bring smiles to the faces of most of the attenders, which would, in turn, make the visitor want to return to that church, dontcha think?

A further thought: All that smiling and chuckling might just cause people to be more cheerful givers! By George, I think this just might work!
If I get an opportunity, perhaps I'll suggest it.

Enjoying the Birds

In case, you haven't picked up on this yet, I just want to proclaim, once again, what an absolute bird-lover I am! They are wonderful little creatures that speak to me of freedom and cheerfulness. As I was sitting here at my desk (playing a computer game), I noticed little birds on the bird feeder hanging in a tree just outside my window, and then a big fat robin came to sit on the branch just above the feeder. I watch in wonder and amazement at these little "pets" of mine that fill my yard and entertain me throughout my day.

The question that haunts me is, "Why would anyone want to keep a bird in a cage?" God created birds to fly! Caging these fine-feathered friends seems like cruel and unusual punishment to little creatures who were meant to have freedom! Although I grew up in a home that had a caged bird, and know lots of people who have found enjoyment in that, I just don't get it! Birds were meant to fly, not just sit on a perch all day long!

Let freedom ring! Let the birds sing--outdoors where they belong! If you want to hear them sing, open the windows or get outside and enjoy them in their natural habitat! Watch them flit and fly freely, and thank God for bringing this bit of cheerfulness into your world! Feeding them brings cheerfulness into your heart as well! My birds know me as the hand that feeds them -- they watch me refill their feeders, and sometimes they come and "knock" on the window to let me know their feeders are empty. The Bible tells us that God feeds the sparrows. I finally figured that out -- He put it within my heart to be one of His "feeders". I love doing that!

My daughter's family gave me a bird book for Christmas, and she wrote on the inside of the cover, "May you always enjoy the beauty of the world around you. Happy bird-watching!" Yessss! I do, and I never tire of it!

Thanks, God, for the beautiful world you created for our enjoyment, and all the wonderful creatures you added for our benefit and pleasure!

Out and About - Again!

Today is the first day of spring vacation in our little part of the world. It's almost like summertime! It's been sunny and warm all day -- no need for a jacket on a day like this! So, I've spent the better part of my day outside. My weekly get-together with Roberta took place both outside and inside. Due to spring break (and her three sons at home), we changed our weekly routine. We met at a beautiful little pond, about a mile from our homes, and walked several laps around it, soaking up the sunshine. Then after our exercise in the fresh air, we treated ourselves to a long, leisurely lunch in the restaurant sitting at the edge of the pond. What a nice way to spend two and a half hours!

Now I've just come inside after spending an hour in my yard, looking for whatever excuse I could find to keep me outside. I just hated to come back inside -- it's just so incredibly nice outside today -- what a beautiful day! It's supposed to rain everyday for the rest of the week, so I took full advantage of the gorgeous weather today.

Planning is in full swing for my next three adventures:

1. Next week I'm going to Montana, (hopefully on Monday), planning to be gone for 10-12 days, visiting family and friends (and to meet my new grandpuppy)!
2. In May Larry and I are going to Florida to spend a week with long-time friends, Marcia and Scott. Our four-way friendship began in 1968 (pre-marriage days) when we lived in Michigan (where we all grew up), and spent much of our time double-dating as a "best-friends four-some". (Actually, I've been friends with Marcia since high school days -- we went to church together, and then college together in Alberta, Canada.) It's one of those wonderful, rare friendships that continues on through all the different stages of life, including several major moves around the country!
3. Then in July I'll be doing a road trip to Penticton, British Columbia for a family wedding and reunion. Unfortunately, Larry is unable to get away from work at that time, so I'll have to be a big girl and strike out on my own. It's been lots of fun to get the plans together for all of this, and have the excitement of all the upcoming travel! Can't wait!
   
   But, speaking of excitement, I guess I better get excited about getting some stuff done around here before this day is over!
   Oh well, there's always tomorrow to stay inside and get stuff done, right? Right! Who wants to stay inside on a day like this? (not me) Toodles!

Good Day - Good Week

Some days are better than others; some weeks are better than others, but today has been a good day and this has been a good week!

Larry is slowly getting over his sickness and has managed to work four and a half days this week. He's still coughing (or should I say hacking) most of the time, but gradually getting his strength back. He questions why I'm giving him cough medicine since he already has a cough, and doesn't want it any more, thank you very much!

Monday: I spent half a day with my friend, Roberta, doing our weekly get-together. We had to skip it last week since she was sick, and we both really missed it! This time of mutual sharing, both on a spiritual level and regarding the personal stuff of life is proving to be so beneficial in our lives!
Tuesday: I spent half a day with my friend, Debbie, doing brunch in Vancouver. We get together about once a month, although we're determined to do it more often, as we both treasure this friendship that began almost nine years ago (in April of 1997)! It has remained constant, despite the move we made nearly two years ago that put about an hour of distance between our homes.
Wednesday: I spent half a day doing catch-up at home, plus half a day out and about--went for a walk and ran some errands.
Thursday: I spent most of the day with my friend, Karen, doing lots of fun stuff: a few hours of visiting at her house, then lunch in a wonderfully charming Victorian cafe in the sweet little downtown of Hillsboro, then browsing antique shops and an old-fashioned drug store complete with soda fountain and lunch counter. We shopped till she dropped and then drove through one of her favorite neighborhoods, "oohing and ahhing" our way past all the pretty houses.
Friday: Today I've stayed home all day, but I've spent some time in my yard, inspecting spring flowers and refilling bird feeders. Plus, I got to visit with my daughter on the phone -- that's always a treat for me!

Yup, today's a good day and it's been a very good week! What a nice start to this new season of life called Spring--the time of new beginnings! Yikes--speaking of new beginnings, do you realize that the first quarter of this new year is just about gone? Well, that's okay...there's still three quarters left to it, and lots more enjoyment to be found!

Warmly thinking of YOU!

Well, today is Wednesday -- it's one-third gone already! I have laundry going, music playing (Southern Gospel -- yes, I do love it!), miscellaneous tasks have been accomplished, and I have a happy heart! But, I can't think of a thing to write about today!

So, I'm just saying "Hi" to anyone who clicks in here today. I appreciate my friends and family so very much! You are loved! You are a very welcome part of my life! I wish you well--happiness, peace, contentment, good health, and joy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome Spring!

So glad to see you -- I've been waiting for you to come!

Hubby is still a sickie, but we managed to get out in the sunshine for a short walk this afternoon. Sunshine is good for whatever ails ya, right? Put sunshine and the first day of spring together, and you've got happiness! Add a walk in the fresh air (especially with someone you love), and you've got an instant pick-me-up!

Flowers don't stay beautiful forever. Sometimes joyfulness fades too. But, God is always faithful; His beauty never fades; His love never fails, and His mercies are new every morning. I'll cling to that.

An Afternoon of Pure Delight

My visit to Pilgrims Bookstore today turned out to be a delightful experience! I spent, ummm...oh, probably about four and a half hours there, browsing to my heart's content! For the price of $24, six books came home with me:

1. "Expresso For a Woman's Spirit, Book 2", by Pam Vredevelt
(Encouraging Stories of Hope and Humor)

2. "Hugs from Heaven -- Embraced by the Savior", by Caron Loveless and LeAnn Weiss
(Sayings, Scriptures, and Stories from the Bible, Revealing God's Love)

3. "Abiding in Christ" by Cynthia Heald
(Becoming a Woman Who Walks With God -- a Month of Devotionals)

4. "A Joy I'd Never Known", by Jan Dravecky, with Connie Neal
(One Woman's Triumph Over Panic Attacks and Depression)

5. "Plant a Geranium in Your Cranium", by Barbara Johnson
(Sprouting Seeds of Joy in the Manure of Life)

6. "Living Somewhere Between Estrogen and Death", by Barbara Johnson (From Savoring the "here and now" to preparing for our glorious future in Heaven -- Your wise and witty guide to the joys and challenges of aging gleefully)

What a bunch of fun reading I have ahead of me -- can't wait to dig in!

Last night I finished the book I was reading ("Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy", by Barbara Johnson), and then started "Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life", also by Barbara Johnson (An invigoratiang spurt of encouragement and gentle reminder to splatter joy into the lives of others). Plus, I recently started "Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul--Book 2", Compiled by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and LeAnn Thieman (Stories of Faith, Hope and Healing).

Since I finished my quilt project, I've done a lot of reading lately. I have deliberately chosen books to chase away the winter blues and put a new spring in my step! Larry's always asking, "Okay, what's funny now?" because I frequently can't contain my giggles at the stuff Barbara Johnson writes. The icing on the cake to all this fun reading is that, twice in the night last night, I woke up laughing out loud in my dreams!

Laughter is so good for the soul!!! (It's my drug of choice.)
From Barbara Johnson, I have learned that:

• "Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face."
• "Laughter is like jogging on the inside."
• "A good cry is a wet-wash, but a hearty laugh gives you a dry-cleaning."

From Solomon of old, I learned that, ""A cheerful heart is good medicine." (Proverbs 17:22)

So, I'm taking my medicine daily by laughing my way through some good books! I highly recommend it to you, too -- it's a sure cure for the blues!

Not According to Plan

What a change from last weekend to this weekend -- and not at all according to plan!

Last weekend we had a houseful of noise and fun (our kids and grandkids). This weekend is rather quiet, and not at all like it was supposed to be! We had planned to be away this weekend, over at the coast, in a hotel room right on the beach. It didn't happen!

When Larry came home from work on Wednesday, he headed straight for the couch and has been a couch potato ever since -- hardly moving, hardly talking, hardly eating! So, I've been reading, shopping, reading, shopping . . . and more of the same is in today's forecast.

Today I plan to make my first visit ever to Pilgrim's Bookstore (in Portland--way across the other side of town). I've wanted to go there for several years, but just never got around to it, so today's the day! It's an old storehouse of "used", "bargain", and "new" books, and comes highly recommended by those who browse there.

Other than that, the day promises to be another quiet one, unless I find some mischief to get into! Any suggestions?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

and Happy Birthday to Ruth Chidwick !

Highly Recommended Reading

If you haven't read "Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy" (by Barbara Johnson, founder of "Spatula Ministries") -- I highly recommend you do so! This is, perhaps, the best book I have ever read!

Barbara Johnson has an amazing ability to be hilariously funny without even trying, yet deeply profound in her look at life (and the "cesspools" thereof)! While reading this, one moment I am laughing myself silly, and the next minute I am totally in awe of what she just said, wanting to share it all with someone else. I've had to continually restrain myself from running to my computer to post her writings on my blog. She has endured just about every pain life has to offer, has suffered beyond belief, but can still laugh at life and find joy in the process!

This book may be difficult to find, but it's well-worth the effort! It was originally published in 1990 and republished in 2004 by W Publishing Group. To entice you to read this book, here's a list of the chapter titles:

1. Pain is Inevitable, But Misery Is Optional
2. I Can Handle Any Crisis--I'm a Mother
3. It's Always Darkest Just Before It Goes Totally Black
4. I Feel so Much Better Now That I've Given Up Hope
5. One Laugh = 3 Tbsp. Oat Bran
6. Guilt--The Gift That Keeps on Giving
7. One Day I Shall Burst My Buds of Calm and Blossom into Hysteria
8. I Married Mr. Wumphee
9. Wrinkles are God's Little Way of Saying..."I'm Stepping on Your Face"
10. I Don't Recall Asking For Any of This
11. My Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

If you need a good laugh (and most likely you do), plus you need some encouragement to go on when life is hard -- you need to read this book! You won't be sorry -- I guarantee it!

Doing a Little Introspection

Yesterday I did a study of my blogging since I first began. I find this very interesting, as I look at my life, both in the past and now.

Began “Rascal Jack Stew” on October 7, 2004
Ended “Rascal Jack Stew” on May 16, 2005
Wrote 60 posts in 5 months, 9 days, which averages 11 posts per month

Began “Jeannie’s Joyful Journey” on May 16, 2005
Discontinued posting on September 16, 2005
Wrote 32 posts in 4 months, which averages 8 posts per month

Resumed posting on December 28, 2005
Continuing through March 15, 2006
Wrote 55 posts in 2 months, 15 days, which averages 22 per month

Probably no one but me will understand the pattern, but it gives me some insight regarding my life over the past year and five months. What I see here is pretty amazing to me, and actually, very good for me to realize. It tells me things about myself that are important for me to see. This is a good change!

My Irish Name (?)

Yes, I am part Irish! (Why do you think I have red hair?)
Actually, I am a combo package of: German, Prussian, English, and Irish.

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day fun, according to someone's tom-foolery,

My Irish Name Is...

Nicola Daly

However, my maiden name is:

Ella O'Donovan

How can this be, when the only thing that changed was the surname--not my first name. So, am I Nicola or Ella? Oh dear, now I have an identity crisis, on top of not feeling at home in Oregon! Hey, I just noticed something: both names end in "A", and so does California! Maybe that's a sign of where I really belong -- someday I'm going back "home".
(One can always dream!)

Happy St. Patricks Day! I know it's a day early, but I'm always up for a celebration--any ol' day! Hey! Even my blog is green!

Just for fun, to find your Irish name, click here: What's your Irish Name?

If only wishes could come true!

Sometimes I wish I could see you. I sit here and stare at this screen, visiting blog after blog of my friends and family, and think, "If only I could actually see the people whose blogs I'm reading....If only I could look right into their homes and visit with them for a little while....if only I could actually go and visit them for real!" Do you ever feel that way? I smile when I read your comments, and that in itself feels like a little visit, but my heart longs for face-to-face visits with you, to sit down and chat with you--in your home or in mine, whichever.

Most of my readers are well-known to me, but a few are not. I would love to get to know you better. Most of my readers live a great distance from me. I would love to see you more often. Sometimes I wish you lived right next door, so we could hang out together as much as we would like. Sometimes I wish I could just "hit the road" whenever I have the urge, and travel to your home to see you.

Sometimes I wish, if I could just wish hard enough, all my wishes could come true! Oh well, back to reality -- time to get on with my day.

God's Grace is Sufficient!

Last night at dinner, my husband told me that the wife of one of his co-workers has finally lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. We've been praying for her, and it seemed a year ago that God had answered prayer by giving her a miracle! (She was a Christian, fully committed to God's care and keeping.) When her cancer was first diagnosed, the doctors gave her only six months to live, but they didn't know what God could do. Her brothers and sisters in the Lord immediately began praying for a miracle, and God gave her a year and a half to live! While Larry was off work last Friday for a play day with our grandkids, God said to her, "Enough! It's time for you to come home." Now, God's grace will be sufficient for her husband and two teenagers left behind.

This morning I learned from a friend of mine that an important person in her life committed suicide on Sunday night. This "way out" of a very hard life for one person has just made an already very difficult situation much worse in the lives of others. There are many who have been negatively affected by someone who wrongly said, "Enough!" How my heart aches for my friend--for the pain this has caused in her life and the lives of those around her!

I've been there too, more than once in my life. Life is hard! Sometimes it just doesn't seem worth the effort required! Yet, life continues, day after day, year after year, until someone says, "Enough!" Who has the right to say that? Only God. God is the giver of life, and He alone is the One who should be allowed to say, "Enough!"

Can He be trusted to see us through the hard times? He is truly able (always) -- it is we, human beings, who are unable sometimes. Why is it so hard to fully turn it over to God and let Him take us through the hard times? Does God actually understand the pain and the difficulties we endure? He says that He does. He even says that suffering is actually good for us! But, nonetheless, it can be so hard, that we want to give up and say, "Enough!" Then what?

I have found help and strength to continue on when I have no strength left. In those times, my help and strength comes only from the Lord--from total dependence on Him. It requires admitting my own helplessness and crying out to Him for His help. It may also require admitting to someone else that I'm at the end of my rope, and accepting someone's loving help.

How sad to be so far gone, that you call it quits, without first committing yourself into someone else's care to keep you going when you can no longer keep yourself going. Believe me, I fully understand this feeling, but I also know the importance of letting someone else do for you what you cannot do for yourself -- because I also know the pain that is left behind for others to deal with when someone says, "Enough!"
(My life has also felt that impact several times.)

There is hope! There is new strength to be found! There are new lessons to be learned! There is light at the end of the tunnel! There is new joy to be experienced! Because there is God, and God's mercies are new every morning -- His grace is sufficient for every need (yours and mine)!

Just a Dream?

Were they really here? Nah, musta been a dream -- a really nice one!
Oh, but wait...I have the evidence: a small undershirt and a small pair of socks found in the sheets this morning. (Guess Tano got hot in the night!)

Whirlwind Weekend

In my daughter's words, yes, it felt a bit like a whirlwind for us, too!
They arrived Thursday night just in time for dinner and left early Sunday morning. We had one evening to spend with them as family time, and one whole day to spend with our grandkids. (We packed it full and had a great day with them!) Sunday was spent getting ready for our monthly "Home Fellowship" (church group) here.

Today I have an unexpected "catch-up" day since my usual Monday morning get-together with my friend, Roberta was cancelled (due to her sickness). So, I'm doing laundry--lots of it! The day began bright and sunny, but is clouding up a bit now. The forecast says "rain" (no surprise in that), but maybe I'll still manage to get a walk in if it holds off just a bit longer. Or, maybe I'll just go for a walk in the rain!

The house seems way too quiet today after a fun and noisy weekend -- good thing I have my cat to keep me company, plus the songs of the birds and the antics of the squirrels! Guess I'll turn on some music and liven this place up a bit! If you're in the mood for some fun, c'mon over!

Here Today--Gone Tomorrow!

Well, actually, they're not really "here" today -- they've gone to Vancouver for the whole day, to visit friends and cousins, and attend church at our former home church. Tomorrow morning, first thing, they'll leave to head home to Montana. This was a hastily planned trip out of necessity, with little time to spend here, but it has been so nice to have them here even for a short visit. (I'll take whatever I can get!)

This morning Grandma didn't tell them to make their beds and tidy up the room before they left for breakfast in Vancouver.
How I love seeing the evidence of my grandchildren in my home!
It makes me smile when I peek my head into "their" room. I'm thinking of ways to keep them here.

They're Here!

They arrived at dinner time last night. Today is Grandma & Grandpa time with the kids while Mom and Dad are off to Vancouver. I love popping my head in the doorway to "their" room and seeing this sight -- this is what I saw after telling them to make their beds and tidy up. Now we're heading off to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) -- a very fun "hands-on" place for kids and adults alike.

Winter Wonderland

How am I supposed to stay busy, getting ready for company, when it looks like this outside?Exactly one week ago today, I posted this same view when I was looking for beauty in an unbeautiful day. Once again the skies are very gray and somber (much heavier than before), but what a delightful difference some snow can make in one's outlook!

I think I hear my boots and mittens calling me. What's that old song say? "Are ya ready boots? Start walkin'!" . . . "Walkin' in a winter wonderland!"

Snow in the air, a blanket of white on the ground, a song in the heart, and grandchildren on their way here -- YESSS!!!

Merry Christmas!

That's what I heard from my husband in the middle of the night last night. I quietly mumbled, "Merry Christmas" in reply and quickly fell back asleep. When I got up this morning I discovered that winter had arrived in the night! Everything was beautifully blanketed in white! Our second snow of the entire winter (first one was just before Christmas), and this one arrives in the middle of March -- just a week and a half before the start of Spring -- when the crocusses and daffodils are blooming! Even now,
as I write this, it's snowing -- big, fluffy flakes filling the air and earth
with white. What a lovely sight! What pure delight!

Tomorrow's the day!

WOO HOO!!!

They're coming! (my kids and grandkids) I can hardly wait till they get here!

Strange but True!

This morning, as I was sitting in my blue chair, I happened to notice out the front living room window that it was raining -- a very soft, light mist -- a beautiful kind of rain. Then I noticed something else -- the sun was shining brightly! So, I quickly got up and headed for the kitchen to look out the back window (toward the west), expecting to see a beautiful rainbow. (I've only seen that once before in the morning, looking out that window, just a couple of weeks ago. In fact, it was exactly two weeks ago today -- I know that only because I mentioned it in my blog.)

I was disappointed to see no rainbow; however, I noticed something amazing -- it wasn't raining in the back yard! I thought, "Well, that was a very quick little rain! But, on the way back to my blue chair in the living room, I saw that it was still raining in the front yard! I went back and forth, from window to window (front, side, and back), several times within the space of about five minutes, in total disbelief of what I was seeing -- no rain in my side yard or my back yard -- it was only raining in my front yard!

Then I also noticed that it was only raining in one half of my front yard!!! I watched this strange phenomenon for several more minutes, checking every possible way to find the evidence of rain all around, but it just wasn't there! It was only raining in one small patch! How can this be? (No, my lawn sprinklers weren't on -- they don't even work! Nor was water blowing off my roof -- there was no wind!)

I finally concluded that God just loves to bring endless delight and amazement to His children who look for it! He is an amazing God, and He can do anything He wants! Thanks, God!

Things That Make Me Laugh!

My new "Woman's Day" magazine came today. I haven't even opened the cover yet, and I'm already laughing! Here's this month's stuff to ponder:

1. "10 Recipes You Can't Live Without"
Well, friends, I guess this is my "goodbye" because I don't plan to use these recipes, and if I really can't live without them, I guess I'll be going home to Heaven very soon! Finally! Just what I've been wanting!!
Woo-hoo!!!

2. "Lose Weight, No Dieting"
Hmmmm...just what I've been trying to avoid! I already lose weight too easily! My struggle is to keep from losing weight! Oh, boy. Let me know if you want me to mail this article to you.

3. "6 Cookies from 1 Easy Recipe"
Spend all that time baking and only get six cookies??? (How big are the cookies?) I think it's a whole lot better to get more than six cookies out of one recipe, preferrably about 3 dozen or so (better yet--double the recipe and get twice the amount for your efforts)!

If you don't see a new post show up here for awhile, it's just possible that either:
1. I died from going without the recipes I just couldn't live without; or
2. I lost too much weight (without dieting) and ended up in the hospital; or
3. I'm busy making lots of batches of cookie dough, since I can only get six cookies out of each batch!

Oh, but wait...there's another article that might be worthwhile here: "How to Take Charge of Your Happiness" (by Holly C. Corbett) . It's time to open the cover and check this out! Here's the basic plan:

1. Get inspired
"To figure out what gives you a rush, spend an afternoon browsing through a bookstore. It'll help you zero in on your interests and might even spark a new hobby." (I know from my own experience what that will do for me: It will cause me to spend my money buying some books!)

2. Know thyself
"The ability to highlight your good points, rather than relying on others to do it for you, helps build inner confidence. Our ability to promote ourselves is directly connected to our self-esteem." (Hmmm...I think this might lead to a problem with pride, yet I once heard a music pastor say, "He that tooteth not his own horn, same shall not be tooted!")

3. Reflect
"Each day, note three small triumphs...do it every night before bed as a reflective wrap-up to remind youself of your strengths and accomplishments." (Sounds like good advice!)

4. Slow down
"Spend some time doing nothing--whether it's for five minutes or half an hour. Stay in the shower a little longer; sit on the front porch and watch the sunset; or linger over your morning cup of coffee." (This one sounds wonderful!)

5. Listen to your gut
(Mine is usually rumbling because of all the problems with my digestive system. I'd rather listen to praise music.)

In conclusion -- my personal favorite:
6. "Give yourself the same encouragement that you would give a friend, to help you feel better fast!" (Think long and hard on this one!)

Today is a brand new day!

It has started out well, and good things lie ahead! How can it go wrong if my attitude is right? So much of how our days go has to do with our own attitude toward our circumstances, but that is so hard to remember! It takes strong discipline of our thought life -- taking control of negative and positive thinking!

I'm currently involved in a study (with Roberta) called "Battlefield of the Mind" (written by Joyce Meyer). It is an excellent tool for learning this discipline of the mind, but during this time of getting together with her, I've noticed something: The battle has only increased! Why? Because the devil would prefer that I not make progress in this area of my life. He would like to keep me bound up in negative thinking and discouragement, so that I am less useful in God's plan for my life. Oh, may it not be so! I will continue in this battle for good and right thinking!

Even my return to blogging has been an avenue for discouragement. When I post, I desire feedback. I want comments! It's the way I receive confirmation and encouragement to continue blogging. I've quit blogging a few times since I began in October of 2004, but when I returned to it in December of 2005, I was determined not to let lack of comments get me down. Determined, I tell you! Yet, once again, with few comments coming forth, discouragement set in.

Today I received an email from a dear friend (Sandy) in Michigan. At first I felt a bit like, "But, you just don't understand how important comments are to a blogger!" But, as I reread her letter and gave more thought to it, I knew she was right, and I knew I had just received wise, caring counsel from a good friend! She offered her permission to share any part of her letter with my readers, so, just in case it may help another blogger as well, here is a part of it:

"Please don’t get discouraged that you don’t get as many comments on your blog as you think you should. In my eyes, a blog is just a personal diary that you are writing for yourself and expressing how you feel on a particular day—you are just “unlocking” it for others to read, becoming transparent. God has given you a real gift of expressing yourself, and it is much better than holding it within. The most important “reader”, God, is reading it (your heart) and knows your joy or discouragements before you do, and He’s preparing a message for you. Might be through a sunrise or sunset, the promise of beautiful flowers in the garden you planted, through a meeting with a friend, or a date with your husband. All have a way of spreading brightness in our days. The choice is, do we wallow in the discouragements, or choose to take the joy that is given to us. "

Thanks, Sandy, I needed that!

Now, on with my day -- time to get over to Roberta's house!

Just out for a Sunday drive

and ended up in Detroit! (Detroit, Oregon, that is)We forgot to take our camera along, so this picture was taken with my cell phone -- not exactly top-quality, but at least better than nothing.

This is an area called Detroit Lakes (about 75 miles from home)-- quite a variety of beautiful rivers and lakes all connected together. Looking at this glassy-calm, serenly-quiet waterway, you would never guess how different the river looks in other spots. We took a walk along one stretch of wild and wooly white water, and reminisced about the time we dumped our canoe and nearly drowned (on a different river, in the state of Washington), in February of 1998. You never forget an experience like that, and you hope to never experience it again!

Room With a View

(Please click on picture to get optimum viewing pleasure!)

This was what I saw from my bedroom window when I went to bed last night. After some oohing and aahing, Larry went out onto the deck to capture the scene for me. Of course, the camera can't do justice to what the naked eye can see, so you'll just have to take my word for it -- it was lovely! How nice to have a room with a view!

Am I Sometimes a Little Too Joyful?

It has been an incredible day for me! I didn't realize it until just a few minutes ago, when suddenly my mind was flooded with recognition of all that God did for me today. Happiness has been waning lately, and I've been pleading with God to restore my joy. Today He has been at it all day long, but I didn't add it all up till now, nearly 9:00 P.M.

This morning I was treated to the great pleasure of finding a personally rewarding email from a total stranger. Yesterday I received an email (a "mass-mailing" type note) from someone I worked with in Michigan 36 years ago, asking for prayer for a baby girl who has an inoperable brain tumor. Although I don't know any of the people involved, I prayed and sent a note to the email address given. The email I received back today was a huge blessing to me, and exactly what my heart needed.

This afternoon I spent time at a Christian bookstore, intending to buy something written by Barbara Johnson -- "Pack Up Your Gloomies in a Great Big Box, Then Sit on the Lid and Laugh!". Although I didn't find that book, I did find two other books written by her, older books that were on a discount table at 60% off! ("Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy!" and "Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life").

Also, as I spent time browsing the bookshelves, I noticed a book on relationships that especially caught my attention. Skimming one particular chapter, I suddenly had full understanding of something that has caused me great consternation for quite awhile. What I read hit me like a ton of bricks, and suddenly a light was turned on in a dark room in my heart! There was no mistaking the truth, and as I drove home a great weight was lifted from my shoulders. The truth had finally set me free, and it had nothing to do with the reason I had gone to the bookstore! At least I didn't think so then, but now, as I think about it, I can see clearly that it had everything to do with why I went to that bookstore!
(I didn't know, but God did!)

This evening I had the unexpected pleasure of spending time alone with my son while my husband is working late. Oh, how I needed that time with him -- an opportunity to share my heart with him and receive his wise counsel.

After he left, I discovered a new comment on my blog (from my sister, Colleen), and it just blew me away! I read it several times, trying to figure out how she could possibly have known what to say, since we have not had any communication lately. It sounds to me like God must have told her my thoughts during the last few days. I just sat here shaking my head in disbelief and in the realization that God took care of my need without me expressing it.

Then I sat down with one of my new books ("Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy!") and began to read. Again, it's just what I needed! Barbara Johnson is known for her joyful attitude toward life, especially in the face of extreme difficulties and suffering. Although I've read only the preface and Chapter One ("Pain is Inevitable, but Misery is Optional") so far, I've enjoyed it immensely already! In light of my blog title (and some of my writings), the following was especially noteworthy to me:

Am I a Little Too Joyful?

"Sometimes people think I'm a little too joyful--that I'm ducking reality and ignoring the painful facts of life. But I simply tell them I'm not ignoring the facts--I'm just looking at them and trying to find joy, not misery." (by Barbara Johnson)

That's my viewpoint, as well. If Barbara Johnson can get away with it, then so can I!
It was during the reading of her book that it suddenly hit me -- God has been splashing my life full of joy all day long today! In answer to my desperate cries for His help, over the last few days, He is watching over me and providing a measure of His joy to meet my needs--my exact needs! He's like that, yes, He is!

Come close...

Another lesson from my cat:

She was meowing for my attention as she walked into the room, so I reached down to pet her. But, she stayed just out of my reach. I said to her, "You have to come near to me if you want to be petted."

Hmmmm...I wonder if God ever says that to me.

Lookin' for Beauty in an Unbeautiful Day

As I rounded the end of the bed, I couldn't help but notice the view out my bedroom window, on this gray, rainy day. The skies are somber (as is the mood inside), but there's still beauty to be found. One has only to look for it.

Joy in the Heart

When there's joy in the heart, there's beauty all around,
and every bit of laughter is such a pleasant sound.
Whether skies are sunny or rain clouds linger there,
when the heart is happy, there's music in the air.
But when sadness fills the heart, then all that's seen is gloom,
and laughter is just noise—unwelcome in the room.

If only we could see, though eyes are full of tears,
that God is in control, and wants to calm our fears.
Oh, how the heart is cheered when we remember Him;
then problems aren't so feared and cares begin to dim.
When we look to Jesus, He makes the gloom depart;
eyes behold new beauty and His joy fills the heart.

Popped out on March 1st!

It turned out to be a beautiful day -- what a nice way to welcome in the month of March! I ran errands, enjoying being out and about in the sunshine, coming home just in time to catch my cat watching a squirrel lunching at the feeder. While watching Pretzel watch the squirrel, I noticed a crocus was finally in full bloom! Not just one, but three! So, I just had to grab my camera. Quickly walking out into my yard, I almost scared away the robin that was sitting right next to the crocus I was about to take a picture of! He cautiously moved away just a bit as I readied the camera, but, fortunately, not out of view of the camera lens. Yup, spring has finally sprung in my yard!

Joy in the Morning

This morning I awoke with a song in my heart -- as though I was already singing a song before I became fully awake! What a wonderful wake-up call! It brought an instant smile to my face and joy to my heart! This is what I was singing:

Beautiful One -- I love you!
Beautiful One - I adore!
Beautiful One -- my soul must sing!

You opened my eyes to your wonders anew;
You captured my heart with your love;
And, nothing on earth is as beautiful as You!

Know this song? Sing it along with me. Go ahead -- sing it out loud! It may just lift your spirits and put a little joy in your heart! Here's the whole song (Beautiful One, by Tim Hughes):

Wonderful, so wonderful is your unfailing love
Your cross has spoken mercy over me
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart can fully know
How glorious, how beautiful you are

Beautiful one I love you
Beautiful one I adore
Beautiful one my soul must sing

Powerful, so powerful your glory fills the skies
Your mighty works displayed for all to see
The beauty of your majesty awakes my heart to sing
How marvelous, how wonderful you are!

You've opened my eyes to your wonders anew
You've captured my heart with this love
Cause nothing on this earth is as beautiful as you

My soul my soul must sing(x3)
Beautiful one

Beautiful one I love you
Beautiful one I adore
Beautiful one -- my soul must sing!

Then I sat down in my blue chair to spend some time with the "Beautiful One", and I read:

"As for me, I will sing about your power.

I will shout with joy each morning

because of your unfailing love.

For You have been my refuge,

a place of safety in the day of distress.

O my Strength, to You I sing praises,

for You, O God, are my refuge,

the God who shows me unfailing love."

(Psalm 59:16-17 - New Living Translation)

I didn't "shout with joy" out loud when I woke up this morning (because Larry would surely have come running to see what horrible thing had happened to his wife), but I did whisper it as I sang. And, although my head was throbbing with a headache, I couldn't help but smile and give thanks to Jesus for His wonderful love and special care for me.

The weather forecast is rain for today, but as I finished typing this, the sun came out and shone brightly, just for a moment. Yessss! Now I'm ready to get going in this new day!