"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!