"Rain, Rain, Go Away!"

I knew the minute I said I liked thundestorms, it would come back to haunt me! Although we haven't had but a couple storms lately, it sure has rained buckets. I want to get outside and finish my yard, but the rain just keeps coming! All the weeds I've pulled will be back with a vengence! I guess this is what happens when you slack on exercising - lol! I can barely stoop now - between painting baseboards in Ben's room and the previous weeding - let me tell ya - its uuuugly! If I looked as good as I feel bad! (Does that make sense?) I'm sure when it does stop - its going to be hot and humid - probably more humid than hot. Hopefully I can beat the next rainy day and get something done in my yard! Do I sound like I'm running in circles? That's because I feel like I am! ! ! ! I need a vacation - far, far away. White beaches, blue sky, warm, and very, very quiet. Oh, and sleep - lots and lots of sleep - whenever I want. Now, tell me, is that too much to ask for? I should think not - Now back to reality - I'm not complaining - just venting, and those of you who know me, know I like to vent. Only today, its trivial. So I am venting on paper (so to speak).
I have so many thoughts running in my wee mind, that I need to start letting them out. So, I feel some journaling coming on. You can stay tuned for my craziness, all you who are strong of heart - lol! If you are faint of heart, you may want to change the channel! ! !
I feel better already, just thinking about it!

Stand By Me

Yesterday when I logged on to check my email, on the news page, something caught my eye. Actually, it was a song title: "Stand By Me". A group of musicians from around the world were showcased singing this song. Neither had met the other, (that I'm aware of) and they were each performing the song on their own. I think the musicians are or could be street musicians - hence the title of the website: www.playingforchange. The producer "mashed" them all together, and I thought the results were great. This is one of several songs done this way. I checked out the website, and the one other song I listened to was equally as good. I am not promoting "rock" music, but when a song has a good message, I don't mind it (as long as the music doesn't make we want to throw my head against the wall - lol!) I think "Stand By Me" is a classic and personally, I like it, for what it says. We all need someone, at sometime. Hopefully, its the Lord we turn to, but when I need that "human" voice, its nice to know I have someone to "Stand By Me"! (And I do have two wonderful, encouraging, friends that stand by me - My Aaron & Hur!- My prayer warriors!)

20 Things That Add Joy to My Day

A little while ago Christie challenged her "blogging buddies" to make list of things that added joy to their day. Its not something that you would automatically think of so its kind of cool to have to stop and ask yourself: "What makes me feel joy?" So. . . . here is my joyful day!


*walking in the mornings (when I am in the routine) with a dear friend -Miss Carol Ann. Our conversations almost always center around the Lord * watching Helena eat- she truly enjoys her food! *sending a note or email to someone special *receiving an unexpected note, myself
* getting a craft or project completely done *standing still early in the morning on a spring day and listening to the birds sing * watching the little shadows play across the room as the sun shines in * snuggling with Helena on a dreary day and watching "her programs" with her * reading a random verse and finding it applies to a situation at hand * getting dinner done on time - yep, that's a big one! * reading my email and finding someone is praying for me at just the right time *window shopping *finding out one of my grandchildren has done something wonderful *putting on an outfit and feeling good in it *hearing a quote that touches me *listening to Ben laugh (he has a most unique laugh) *having a cup of coffee waiting for me when I wake up! (Bob is so good about this!) *reminiscing over photos as I scrapbook
*just knowing i have special friends *knowing God loves me - even when I am unlovely

I know at any given time there could be a dozen or more joyful things added to this list. I think I take the small joys for granted and I am really put on the spot to name them! I have really tried to stop a take note of my daily routine and all the hidden joys in it.

Thank you, Christie, for this challenge!

"What kind of package is he in?"

Right after Christmas Kelly called in a panic - the girls were in tears, I didn't know what was going on. When Bob and I got there we got the news. Their finch (Elizabeth Swan) had died. She was a present from Santa. So Bob put the bird in a shoe box and we brought it back home to bury. (Kelly lives in an apartment and didn't have a yard to use as a pet cemetary). The pain of the loss eased up until last week.
Last week our neighbors little dog died. Rease and Helena were quite fond of him. His name was Boomer - a cute name for such a little dog. Anyway - they talked about it a bit here and there. Today Helena told me she thought Boomer was too little to die. I said I know, and dropped it. She then casually asked me "what kind of package is he in?" I had to think for a moment - I asked her if she meant a shoebox like "Elizabeth Swan" was buried in and she said yes. She said "perhaps its brown like Boomer". I said "perhaps".
I've thought about this packaging thing. . . . . kinda like the ring of it

Never Under Estimate the Power of Prayer

Pastor's message in church this morning seemed to speak directly to me. It was about prayer and what we expect from God.

• God is always in control, but we let our emotions get in the way. The answer to our prayers may be right under our nose, but we can't see it because we basically choose not to.
• We think God isn't listening - but His ears are always open - He hears everything.
• Prayer is the turning point - we all need to pray for specific, earnerst things and look for the answer - because...
• God deals with everything.

My favorite book in the Bible is the book of James. These two verses tie in with Pastor's message:

James 1:6
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
James 4:2b-3a
"ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

God takes all our prayer seriously - so shouldn't we seriously pray to God?