Hello Friends,
Do you find, like me, that time is traveling way too fast and you would like to stop the
merry-go-around and get off for a little while just to take a deep breath and slow down?
If you're zipping along through life, it's daily tasks and troubles, to get to the "next thing", ask yourself what the next thing is. Is it tomorrows daily tasks and troubles? Next years? Death? Life is happening RIGHT NOW. What we really need is simply to just be there for the day-to-day moments.
We are all feeling the effects of the recession these days. Marvin and I have been experiencing some belt-tightening, unsure moments lately as well. But, I don't want to simply focus on the what-ifs during these difficult days. I want to be also be able to focus on each moment and find joy and gratitude NOW; to experience the "good parts" as well and seize the moment--THIS ONE.
Isn't life lived breath by breath? One thing I have learned in my 63 years is that God never fails. He meets my every need when I trust in Him. When I focus on that, I always find "my attitude of gratitude" and once again am reminded of all that I do have, which is likely all that I really need!
Take a long look today------what we seek is already here, right under our noses-----our blessings and experiences of day to day living! What really matters to you? THAT is what makes life good.
I love you guys, EVERY DAY,
Judy
Quote for today: "Enjoy the little things. One day you may look back and realize they were the big things!" by: Dorothy P.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
A NEW YEAR
Happy New Year,
I must start out this note with an apology to all of you who never received my annual Christmas greeting. Long before the first of December, I went out and purchased my boxes of Christmas cards and even began jotting notes and addressing many of them but----needless to say, I never got back to finishing them all and getting them in the mail on time. When I realized that time would not permit me to get through my list of friends and family, I just returned the unopened boxes to the store. While I was there (as I entered the store) my eyes caught a big tree filled with many cards hanging all over it. When I went to investigate, I found a "Wish Tree" for a local Senior Citizens Facility. That's when I knew, all was not in vain! At that moment I decided with the money I would get back for the return of the cards and the postage expenses I would save, I could take a few wish cards off of the tree and purchase some items for those precious people who lived there. They didn't ask for much; a lap blanket, some hard candy, some skin lotion and a box of tissues. All in all, "WE" were able to provide those items for several of those people this Christmas. I say "we" because, even though you didn't know it at the time, YOU had a part in making this possible as well. So, thank you for understanding my lack of time management and for knowing that you were still in my heart at Christmas even though the cards never arrived in your mailboxes last year!!
"Last year"--yes it was last year! 2009 has come to an end and a new year has already seen eleven days. How quickly time does fly!!! Every January I find myself pondering what may lie ahead in the coming days of the new year. What opportunities lie ahead? What events may occur that will test our resolve? What new and wonderful blessings will enrich our lives? What will I do that will "really" make a difference? Right now I truly must say I'm still seeking for the answers to many questions. Since God does not allow us to look too far into the future, I must pray and wait for God's direction, ask for His wisdom and then, surrender to where ever that may lead. Some nights I even wake during the very early morning hours with a thought or an idea or a question on my mind.
In our bedroom we have very tall windows with transoms over them so the light always comes in. I'm never sure what hour it is because the sky seems so bright on the nights when the moon is full. It looks like day-break but is really only 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning. I was thinking about that the last time I was awake in the wee morning hours by the bright light outside. What ever I do in 2010, I want to be like the moon--reflecting the "Son"--glorifying my Heavenly Father in all things! One by one we can brighten this world and share His light in the year ahead.
Happy New Year to all of you. May your life reflect "His Light" and your blessings be many in 2010!
I love you guys,
Judy
Matthew 5:16 --Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
I must start out this note with an apology to all of you who never received my annual Christmas greeting. Long before the first of December, I went out and purchased my boxes of Christmas cards and even began jotting notes and addressing many of them but----needless to say, I never got back to finishing them all and getting them in the mail on time. When I realized that time would not permit me to get through my list of friends and family, I just returned the unopened boxes to the store. While I was there (as I entered the store) my eyes caught a big tree filled with many cards hanging all over it. When I went to investigate, I found a "Wish Tree" for a local Senior Citizens Facility. That's when I knew, all was not in vain! At that moment I decided with the money I would get back for the return of the cards and the postage expenses I would save, I could take a few wish cards off of the tree and purchase some items for those precious people who lived there. They didn't ask for much; a lap blanket, some hard candy, some skin lotion and a box of tissues. All in all, "WE" were able to provide those items for several of those people this Christmas. I say "we" because, even though you didn't know it at the time, YOU had a part in making this possible as well. So, thank you for understanding my lack of time management and for knowing that you were still in my heart at Christmas even though the cards never arrived in your mailboxes last year!!
"Last year"--yes it was last year! 2009 has come to an end and a new year has already seen eleven days. How quickly time does fly!!! Every January I find myself pondering what may lie ahead in the coming days of the new year. What opportunities lie ahead? What events may occur that will test our resolve? What new and wonderful blessings will enrich our lives? What will I do that will "really" make a difference? Right now I truly must say I'm still seeking for the answers to many questions. Since God does not allow us to look too far into the future, I must pray and wait for God's direction, ask for His wisdom and then, surrender to where ever that may lead. Some nights I even wake during the very early morning hours with a thought or an idea or a question on my mind.
In our bedroom we have very tall windows with transoms over them so the light always comes in. I'm never sure what hour it is because the sky seems so bright on the nights when the moon is full. It looks like day-break but is really only 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning. I was thinking about that the last time I was awake in the wee morning hours by the bright light outside. What ever I do in 2010, I want to be like the moon--reflecting the "Son"--glorifying my Heavenly Father in all things! One by one we can brighten this world and share His light in the year ahead.
Happy New Year to all of you. May your life reflect "His Light" and your blessings be many in 2010!
I love you guys,
Judy
Matthew 5:16 --Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
LOOKING AT A MIRACLE
What a beautifully, awesome and wonderful day the Lord blessed me with yesterday. I just have to share my thoughts with you today or my heart will explode with the wonder of it all!!
Jill, Mark and little Nathan will have a new member of the family to join them in June. She had an appointment with her doctor yesterday and invited me to come along to view the sonogram with her. Since all my girls were born before something like this was ever heard of, I jumped at the chance!! When Chad was born (my first grandchild) I saw a "photo" of a sonogram and of all the other grand children since but, I had never seen a "live" test performed until yesterday.
My heart was in my throat as soon as the nurse started running the scanner over Jill's little tummy. There on the big screen I witnessed the miracle of that little baby that God was building for us. It was as if I was looking right into that little face, my heart melted!! Then, the baby started reaching out those little hands, and stretching out those little legs and then there was that tiny heart going "thump, thump, thump" right in front of my eyes. (Who could ever doubt the truth of a life even at this early stage of development)? I could have stayed there and watch those moments unfold all afternoon; it was hard to leave and turn that machine off again. I just wanted to reach out and hold this precious gift in my arms. But, alas, God's plan takes nine months and I must wait. I am so thankful to know that no matter what tomorrow may hold, I have already seen this little baby; the baby God has chosen to bless our family with and the baby that we all have already begun to love.
How amazing it was to witness such a beautiful picture of God at work. Thank you Jill for allowing me this moment and thank you, Lord, for numbering my days so that I might behold this moment. Life is precious and each life He creates is truly a masterpiece. I have seen first hand---"The Miracle of His Love".
I love you guys,
Judy
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created...
Jill, Mark and little Nathan will have a new member of the family to join them in June. She had an appointment with her doctor yesterday and invited me to come along to view the sonogram with her. Since all my girls were born before something like this was ever heard of, I jumped at the chance!! When Chad was born (my first grandchild) I saw a "photo" of a sonogram and of all the other grand children since but, I had never seen a "live" test performed until yesterday.
My heart was in my throat as soon as the nurse started running the scanner over Jill's little tummy. There on the big screen I witnessed the miracle of that little baby that God was building for us. It was as if I was looking right into that little face, my heart melted!! Then, the baby started reaching out those little hands, and stretching out those little legs and then there was that tiny heart going "thump, thump, thump" right in front of my eyes. (Who could ever doubt the truth of a life even at this early stage of development)? I could have stayed there and watch those moments unfold all afternoon; it was hard to leave and turn that machine off again. I just wanted to reach out and hold this precious gift in my arms. But, alas, God's plan takes nine months and I must wait. I am so thankful to know that no matter what tomorrow may hold, I have already seen this little baby; the baby God has chosen to bless our family with and the baby that we all have already begun to love.
How amazing it was to witness such a beautiful picture of God at work. Thank you Jill for allowing me this moment and thank you, Lord, for numbering my days so that I might behold this moment. Life is precious and each life He creates is truly a masterpiece. I have seen first hand---"The Miracle of His Love".
I love you guys,
Judy
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created...
Friday, November 13, 2009
CANCER CHECK-UP
"Cancer" the word that started this blog; a word I don't mention very often in my blog anymore thanks to God's amazing grace and your many prayers!! So why mention it now? Yesterday was "cancer check-up day" for me and I thought I'd give you a quick update.
Since completing my chemo treatments two years ago, I find myself measuring my progress in "3-month increments". Every three months it's off to the doctor for blood tests and examinations. You see, the problem with cancer is that you can feel terrific and still have the disease. Then there are other times you may have symptoms, (like a persistent cough, or an unexplained long lasting pain), which in time proves to be "nothing at all". Eventually the symptoms go away, making you feel silly about ever mentioning the problem to anyone, especially your husband or your doctor!! And so, doctor visits are essential for figuring those things out and for watching this disease.
I am so thankful that I am able to give you a good report today--all tests were still normal, another milestone met!! As I walk away from the cancer center each time my heart is filled with gratitude and a deeper trust in my Creator. He knows everything about me and I trust Him.
My time for thanksgiving. I'm thanking God for another day, another opportunity or another challenge "to extend and enjoy a life worth living"!! Happy Thanks-living to all of you.
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the Lord. Call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Since completing my chemo treatments two years ago, I find myself measuring my progress in "3-month increments". Every three months it's off to the doctor for blood tests and examinations. You see, the problem with cancer is that you can feel terrific and still have the disease. Then there are other times you may have symptoms, (like a persistent cough, or an unexplained long lasting pain), which in time proves to be "nothing at all". Eventually the symptoms go away, making you feel silly about ever mentioning the problem to anyone, especially your husband or your doctor!! And so, doctor visits are essential for figuring those things out and for watching this disease.
I am so thankful that I am able to give you a good report today--all tests were still normal, another milestone met!! As I walk away from the cancer center each time my heart is filled with gratitude and a deeper trust in my Creator. He knows everything about me and I trust Him.
My time for thanksgiving. I'm thanking God for another day, another opportunity or another challenge "to extend and enjoy a life worth living"!! Happy Thanks-living to all of you.
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the Lord. Call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
VETERANS DAY--"A TIME TO REMEMBER"
As my flag proudly waves in the wind this morning, my "heart" salutes the brave men and women who have proudly defended and protected this great land. I love America, a compassionate land founded as a Christian Nation. I love America for it's great diversity, for the opportunities to do and become whatever we choose, for the wonderful people who enrich my life and most of all for the freedom she offers. "The land of the free and the home of the brave---MY AMERICA"!!
Where would we be today without our brave Veterans? I wish my dad were still here so that today I could put my arms around his neck and tell him one more time just how much he means to me (still). He served in the Marine Corps for over 20 years and fought to make life better for me and for all of us. So, "Thanks Dad for your love, not only for me. but for your country as well."
In honor of all the Veterans who gave their lives and to all those in service who still fight today for our freedoms, I salute you with a grateful heart. If you are out today and see a Veteran go over and shake their hand and thank them for their service; even better buy their lunch if you happen to see them while on your lunch break. I'm mailing gift cards! What will you do today to honor your special veteran? "America the Beautiful"---let's all do our part to keep it that way.
I love you guys,
Judy
Romans 13:7-Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Where would we be today without our brave Veterans? I wish my dad were still here so that today I could put my arms around his neck and tell him one more time just how much he means to me (still). He served in the Marine Corps for over 20 years and fought to make life better for me and for all of us. So, "Thanks Dad for your love, not only for me. but for your country as well."
In honor of all the Veterans who gave their lives and to all those in service who still fight today for our freedoms, I salute you with a grateful heart. If you are out today and see a Veteran go over and shake their hand and thank them for their service; even better buy their lunch if you happen to see them while on your lunch break. I'm mailing gift cards! What will you do today to honor your special veteran? "America the Beautiful"---let's all do our part to keep it that way.
I love you guys,
Judy
Romans 13:7-Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
"CHILDREN'S CHILDREN"
Seventeen years ago today my first-born grandchild entered this world. Not only was he the "first born", he was our first "boy baby". After raising four beautiful daughters I wondered, "What do you do with little boys?" Well, it didn't take long to realize that boys enter this world different in every way. Chad was a little red-haired bundle of energy who never stopped moving!! I was determined, with God's help, to be the best grandmother ever. I was going to keep up with him savoring every second knowing we would make lots of happy memories together and that is just what we have done.
As I look back down the road we have traveled, my mind is filled with precious pictures. When he was just a little guy he loved to spend the night with Nana and Pop. Every morning when he would get up he wanted to share a cup of "milk-coffee" and sit at the front door to watch for the school bus to pass by. He couldn't wait to be old enough to ride that bus. Of course, now he drives his truck to school every day !!
He liked the Veggie Tales stories and songs and whenever we were in the car we were usually singing along with our Veggie Tales tape. (We didn't have CD's yet!!). At home we played with Thomas Trains for hours and with every year he seemed to find a new "favorite" interest. There was the dinosaur stage and playing rec soccer and t-ball, then it was the NASA Space Program stage and later came Star Wars. During those early years of his life one of my favorite memories was the week we were able to travel to Florida and witness a shuttle launch together. Later that week we took he and his sister, Rebekah, on their very first trip to Disney World and what fun we had watching those little faces as they took it all in. We've been blessed to see countless ballgames, school programs, Christmas programs at his church and most importantly, witnessed his precious baptism at the young age of six.
Today Chad is a junior in high school. Where has the time gone?!! He is still very active; an excellent student who enjoys playing football, wrestling and as Lt. Colonel of the ROTC in his school he serves as Corp. Commander. He is equally involved in the youth group at his church in South Carolina and on December 26th he will leave for a mission trip to Africa. We will miss him as we gather to celebrate the Christmas holidays but we are so proud of him for answering God's call to GO. (Please pray for his group even now as they make the necessary preparations).
Since Chad was born, God has blessed our lives with four more precious grandchildren; each one special in their own way and each one loved beyond measure. (Rebekah 14, Ashlyn 7, Carter 4, and Nathan who is 3).
But, today is YOUR day Chad, and I write this blog as a testimony not only of my love for you but in honor and praise of the fine young, Christian young man you have become. Your Pop and I could not have ever imagined just how much God had blessed us that morning as we held you in our arms for the first time. Every day we lift you up in prayer, thanking God always for you. We encourage you to continue on your journey. Follow Christ in character and in conduct and you will find abundant blessings along the way. It will be exciting to watch just where God leads you next. And as I close, my love for you only grows deeper. No matter where you are........
I forever hold you close within my heart. "Happy Birthday Chad!"
Love,
Nana
Proverbs 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men
As I look back down the road we have traveled, my mind is filled with precious pictures. When he was just a little guy he loved to spend the night with Nana and Pop. Every morning when he would get up he wanted to share a cup of "milk-coffee" and sit at the front door to watch for the school bus to pass by. He couldn't wait to be old enough to ride that bus. Of course, now he drives his truck to school every day !!
He liked the Veggie Tales stories and songs and whenever we were in the car we were usually singing along with our Veggie Tales tape. (We didn't have CD's yet!!). At home we played with Thomas Trains for hours and with every year he seemed to find a new "favorite" interest. There was the dinosaur stage and playing rec soccer and t-ball, then it was the NASA Space Program stage and later came Star Wars. During those early years of his life one of my favorite memories was the week we were able to travel to Florida and witness a shuttle launch together. Later that week we took he and his sister, Rebekah, on their very first trip to Disney World and what fun we had watching those little faces as they took it all in. We've been blessed to see countless ballgames, school programs, Christmas programs at his church and most importantly, witnessed his precious baptism at the young age of six.
Today Chad is a junior in high school. Where has the time gone?!! He is still very active; an excellent student who enjoys playing football, wrestling and as Lt. Colonel of the ROTC in his school he serves as Corp. Commander. He is equally involved in the youth group at his church in South Carolina and on December 26th he will leave for a mission trip to Africa. We will miss him as we gather to celebrate the Christmas holidays but we are so proud of him for answering God's call to GO. (Please pray for his group even now as they make the necessary preparations).
Since Chad was born, God has blessed our lives with four more precious grandchildren; each one special in their own way and each one loved beyond measure. (Rebekah 14, Ashlyn 7, Carter 4, and Nathan who is 3).
But, today is YOUR day Chad, and I write this blog as a testimony not only of my love for you but in honor and praise of the fine young, Christian young man you have become. Your Pop and I could not have ever imagined just how much God had blessed us that morning as we held you in our arms for the first time. Every day we lift you up in prayer, thanking God always for you. We encourage you to continue on your journey. Follow Christ in character and in conduct and you will find abundant blessings along the way. It will be exciting to watch just where God leads you next. And as I close, my love for you only grows deeper. No matter where you are........
I forever hold you close within my heart. "Happy Birthday Chad!"
Love,
Nana
Proverbs 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men
Sunday, September 6, 2009
SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE
Greetings Friends,
Last month while I was relaxing for a few days at the beach I discovered a new and favorite author. Her name is Karen Kingsbury and the book I was reading was titled: One Tuesday Morning. It was a work of fiction based on that awful day we all remember....September 11th. As I started reading the book all those memories came flooding back and I could see that day as clearly as if I had just turned on my TV. The story followed the lives of several people who had lost loved ones at the Twin Towers and the more I read, the more tears began to fall onto each page. That was one day in our memory that we will never forget but.........have we??
I was reminded of September 11th once again just the other day when I turned on my computer and read an email that someone had sent to me. It was a challenge for everyone who read it to fly their American Flags on September 11th this year as a reminder, and in honor of, all the brave men, women and children who lost their lives that day. Do you remember watching the news or driving around the neighborhoods shortly after 9-11 and seeing our flag proudly waving everywhere you went? What about as we drove past our churches and seeing all the cars in the church parking lots? Why have we so quickly turned from wanting to stand up and testify "YES, we are a Christian Nation. Yes, we are a nation founded on the God we trust, a nation proud of it's very flag that has flown on our battlefields as far back as we can remember"? Oh, how precious are those freedoms! Oh, how many lives have been sacrificed so that we may enjoy those very freedoms!
Every year on Memorial Day and July 4th I fly my flag but, beginning this year, it will also fly on September 11th as well. As a matter of fact, the more I think about it, I am going to keep my flag up and let it proudly wave EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR! How about you? Wouldn't it be great to be driving around town on 9-11 this year and see the American Flag proudly waving everywhere we go?!!
I love you guys,
Judy
2 Timothy 1:7-For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Last month while I was relaxing for a few days at the beach I discovered a new and favorite author. Her name is Karen Kingsbury and the book I was reading was titled: One Tuesday Morning. It was a work of fiction based on that awful day we all remember....September 11th. As I started reading the book all those memories came flooding back and I could see that day as clearly as if I had just turned on my TV. The story followed the lives of several people who had lost loved ones at the Twin Towers and the more I read, the more tears began to fall onto each page. That was one day in our memory that we will never forget but.........have we??
I was reminded of September 11th once again just the other day when I turned on my computer and read an email that someone had sent to me. It was a challenge for everyone who read it to fly their American Flags on September 11th this year as a reminder, and in honor of, all the brave men, women and children who lost their lives that day. Do you remember watching the news or driving around the neighborhoods shortly after 9-11 and seeing our flag proudly waving everywhere you went? What about as we drove past our churches and seeing all the cars in the church parking lots? Why have we so quickly turned from wanting to stand up and testify "YES, we are a Christian Nation. Yes, we are a nation founded on the God we trust, a nation proud of it's very flag that has flown on our battlefields as far back as we can remember"? Oh, how precious are those freedoms! Oh, how many lives have been sacrificed so that we may enjoy those very freedoms!
Every year on Memorial Day and July 4th I fly my flag but, beginning this year, it will also fly on September 11th as well. As a matter of fact, the more I think about it, I am going to keep my flag up and let it proudly wave EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR! How about you? Wouldn't it be great to be driving around town on 9-11 this year and see the American Flag proudly waving everywhere we go?!!
I love you guys,
Judy
2 Timothy 1:7-For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
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