I started this story three weeks ago and, due to technical difficulties, haven't been able to finish it until now. If you haven't read the previous post, please scroll down, as this is a continuation of my dad's final days with us.
As per the previous post, my dad got checked into Baptist hospital in Lexington, on Saturday, May 21. By the time I arrived on Sunday, he was still alert and himself. The doctor informed us that his tests revealed that he apparently wasn't going to improve. After living the past year on oxygen and being very limited in his activites for more than two years, it looked like we needed to start our final farewells to our dad.
He was hooked up to all the vitals' moniters and we could keep track of his heart rate and his oxygen level. It was important to keep his heart rate down and his oxygen rate up. This was fine until Monday night when he started trying to remove his oxygen mask because he couldn't breathe. I'd struggle with him to keep it on, then the nurse would also continue to reason and work with him. This made the oxygen go down , the heart rate go up. They increased medication to calm him . This helped, but limited his being able to respond to us as he had been.
Because we had been concerned for years about his salvation, I had come prepared with my church hymnal. Daddy had taken us to church in Argenta, Illinois and then in Fort Worth, Texas. Finally, when we arrived in Paris, Kentucky, we attended a little country church because our dear friends, Walt and Catherine attended there. We are all from Argenta, originally. Daddy and Walt worked together in Illinois and our families are very close. Anyway, we attended church regularly at Herrington Methodist until sister Kathy and I decided we would prefer attending the Methodist church in town, as we went to the city school. Daddy wasn't okay with this, but he allowed us to switch, he just quit attending church altogether. As the years went by, he also began expressing doubts concerning his Christian faith.
Back to the hymnal, I remembered that the altar call each week from Reverend Marshall Crouch, at our little country church, was always to "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling ", so when I was alone in the room with my dad, I sat down next to him and sang each of the four verses softly into his ear. I figured if anything would stir his faith, that pleading hymn would. I believe that it was about Tuesday when they decided to turn off the monitors that told us what the oxygen and heart rates were, even though the nurses knew them at the desk.
When Daddy's medication would wear off, he would again begin to struggle and at one time, they called in a code, asking for help. This was upsetting all the way around, as many nurses and orderlies came in to restrain him from struggling with them. But, suddenly, in the midst of this awful moment, he said I'm trying to get to Heaven and you all won't let me." Of course, I grabbed his hand and said that nothing could stop him from getting to heaven, as long as he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. That was exactly what I had been praying for, something that would assure me that my dad was again open to accepting Jesus as his savior and having faith that he could go to heaven, even though he didn't understand it all.
This has been my story of my dad's final days. He passed away, peacefully, Wednesday, May 25th. My mom was right there with him. He had an amazing 90 years of life. He enjoyed 69 years and four months of marriage with his wife, Betty Ann. I personally, had the best Daddy for sixty years, my sisters had him a little longer. My mom, we three daughters, his sons- in-law and his grandchildren have so many wonderful memories. We all miss him so very much, but thanks to His wonderful grace on us all, we know that we will see him again in Heaven. For that, I will be eternally grateful.
Have a great day, stay warm and stay safe. If you're interested in the four verses of "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling", just let me know and I'll post them. luv, Susan
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
MY DAD, Appreciate One Day At A Time
The last time I posted on my blog, I, for the most part, considered my life to be just about perfect. I was watching my grandson a couple times a week, visiting my folks at least once a week with him, and enjoying a good life filled with family, friends, volunteering and an awesome church life. Then the latter part of May rolled around and things took a very stunning change. My dad, who had suffered with Pulmonary Fibrosis for over a couple years reached it's final stage. Daddy said on our Thursday visit that he felt really awful, worse than he had felt throughout his ordeal. Mom tried to make a doctor appointment, but was unable to and was told that if he continued to feel bad, bring him to the ER. She did, after some treatments, he was sent home feeling somewhat better.
Mark and I had a friend's wedding reception to attend on Saturday in Indianapolis. Knowing Daddy had been going back and forth to the ER for months now, we attended the reception. On our way home, sister Kathy told me that Daddy was in the hospital after feeling bad all day Friday and decided to check into Baptisit Hospital in Lexington. After getting home late Saturday from Indy, I made it up to the hospital Sunday. They were testing him out and he was trying to watch the French Open Tennis Tourney on TV. He was still being his ornery self and when the hospital chaplain came in, he told him that he didn't put a lot of emphasis on all that, but let him say a prayer for him. I was at a loss, at what to do to get my dad to make his profession of faith in Jesus and accept his salvation for his sins from God's precious son.
I have to interject here that I had been studying the book of Revelation at our BSF study each week and it had made it crystal clear that God was giving us the free will to make the decision of acceptance or rejection of His son, Jesus Christ. Because Daddy and I travelled to the Regional basketball tournament in Winchester, I took that opportunity with just the two of us in the car to explain the eternal weight of that decision. That was a tough talk to have with him and after listening to me for some time, he finally said that he didn't want to talk about it any more. Kind of how he dismissed the hospital chaplain just weeks into the his future.
Back to our time at the hospital in May, things starting looking really bad as results of his tests were coming in to his doctor. The conversation wasn't sounding good as he explained things to us. Daddy said that he had hoped to make it to January so he and Mom could celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. His doctor paused and said, "Let's just appreciate one day at a time." Guess we all knew what that meant, as silence filled the room.
As this story will continue, I'll wish you a great day in this new year of 2017. I've been recently spending time back in hospitals these past two weeks as a friend of mine is ill. I was brought back to the computer today because I'm trying to find directions to a friends house tonight. I hope by the next time I get on here, I'll have the opportunity to continue my dad's story. In the meantime, stay warm, safe and enjoy your blessings. luv, Susan
Mark and I had a friend's wedding reception to attend on Saturday in Indianapolis. Knowing Daddy had been going back and forth to the ER for months now, we attended the reception. On our way home, sister Kathy told me that Daddy was in the hospital after feeling bad all day Friday and decided to check into Baptisit Hospital in Lexington. After getting home late Saturday from Indy, I made it up to the hospital Sunday. They were testing him out and he was trying to watch the French Open Tennis Tourney on TV. He was still being his ornery self and when the hospital chaplain came in, he told him that he didn't put a lot of emphasis on all that, but let him say a prayer for him. I was at a loss, at what to do to get my dad to make his profession of faith in Jesus and accept his salvation for his sins from God's precious son.
I have to interject here that I had been studying the book of Revelation at our BSF study each week and it had made it crystal clear that God was giving us the free will to make the decision of acceptance or rejection of His son, Jesus Christ. Because Daddy and I travelled to the Regional basketball tournament in Winchester, I took that opportunity with just the two of us in the car to explain the eternal weight of that decision. That was a tough talk to have with him and after listening to me for some time, he finally said that he didn't want to talk about it any more. Kind of how he dismissed the hospital chaplain just weeks into the his future.
Back to our time at the hospital in May, things starting looking really bad as results of his tests were coming in to his doctor. The conversation wasn't sounding good as he explained things to us. Daddy said that he had hoped to make it to January so he and Mom could celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. His doctor paused and said, "Let's just appreciate one day at a time." Guess we all knew what that meant, as silence filled the room.
As this story will continue, I'll wish you a great day in this new year of 2017. I've been recently spending time back in hospitals these past two weeks as a friend of mine is ill. I was brought back to the computer today because I'm trying to find directions to a friends house tonight. I hope by the next time I get on here, I'll have the opportunity to continue my dad's story. In the meantime, stay warm, safe and enjoy your blessings. luv, Susan
Friday, April 8, 2016
I LOVE MY COUSINS
Years ago, I made a conscious decision to grow closer to God. I have spent my time since then not letting anything hinder my efforts to try to do the things that I have felt God leading me to do. These things include, praying, attending church and supporting my church family, taking Bible studies, volunteering to help others and trying, trying to be as Christ like as I can be. Yes, I fall miserably short on that last one, but I'll continue to try. Writing this blog is a continuous struggle to reach out to others, but I'll continue to try.
Today's UpperRoom lists "My Cousins" as the prayer focus. I was just telling my homemakers club yesterday how much I love social media because it enables me to reach out and stay in touch with my cousins, whom I love dearly. They are my reminder of my grandparents, their home and the awesome times we had in their loving embraces as children. We are spread out all over the country now, and I yearn for the opportunities to be with them all.
The devotional reading also reminded me of the awesome message in the story that Jesus told his followers of the workers in Matthew 20:1-16. The owner of the vineyard spent an entire day hiring workers for a denari to work his vines. Some were hired in the morning, some later in the afternoon, and some much later, with only an hour left to work. At the end of the day, he told the foreman to pay each man, the last hired would be paid first and the first hired would be paid last. Each received the promised denari for their work. Many of those who had been working since early morning were upset that they had not been paid more, yet the owner clearly stated that he paid what he had promised. Does this seem fair to you?
God offers us eternal life for accepting his Son as our Holy Savior and working in His kingdom spreading his awesome story. It doesn't matter if we accept Jesus early in our lives and spend many years spreading God's word, or if we acccept Jesus on our deathbed, we all will receive eternal life for the acceptance of our Holy Savior Jesus. It may not seem fair, but it is the Good News of Jesus Christ that you've heard about.
I hope you have a great day. The Upperroom is available at www.upperroom.org. Or, I could mail you a copy if you ask. Again, enjoy a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Today's UpperRoom lists "My Cousins" as the prayer focus. I was just telling my homemakers club yesterday how much I love social media because it enables me to reach out and stay in touch with my cousins, whom I love dearly. They are my reminder of my grandparents, their home and the awesome times we had in their loving embraces as children. We are spread out all over the country now, and I yearn for the opportunities to be with them all.
The devotional reading also reminded me of the awesome message in the story that Jesus told his followers of the workers in Matthew 20:1-16. The owner of the vineyard spent an entire day hiring workers for a denari to work his vines. Some were hired in the morning, some later in the afternoon, and some much later, with only an hour left to work. At the end of the day, he told the foreman to pay each man, the last hired would be paid first and the first hired would be paid last. Each received the promised denari for their work. Many of those who had been working since early morning were upset that they had not been paid more, yet the owner clearly stated that he paid what he had promised. Does this seem fair to you?
God offers us eternal life for accepting his Son as our Holy Savior and working in His kingdom spreading his awesome story. It doesn't matter if we accept Jesus early in our lives and spend many years spreading God's word, or if we acccept Jesus on our deathbed, we all will receive eternal life for the acceptance of our Holy Savior Jesus. It may not seem fair, but it is the Good News of Jesus Christ that you've heard about.
I hope you have a great day. The Upperroom is available at www.upperroom.org. Or, I could mail you a copy if you ask. Again, enjoy a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Sunday, March 27, 2016
BECAUSE HE LIVES
I just read my UpperRoom devotion with the sunrise peeking through my window. This is my second attempt at a blog. Yesterday's disappeared. I am wishing you a beautiful Easter Sunday. I have been enjoying my special Easter music this week. My favorite is "New Again" performed by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans, an emotional conversation between Jesus and Mary prior to the crucifixion. I've seen it on YouTube many times, with the visual from The Passion. Jesus Christ Superstar is also my go to for Holy Week. I'm sure it's not everyone's cup of tea, but having seen the rock opera in the eighth grade at Memorial Coliseum, it's always been special for me.
This is always my favorite time of year, preparing for Easter and Springtime weather and enjoying basketball, as the Cats make their final charge toward the Final Four. Sadly, this year, UK finished up the first weekend of the three week tournament and we are currently hoping we have some players left to help the new recruits out next year. Our women also ended the second week. Oh, well. It is still my favorite time of year, just not quite as exciting.
This morning at church, we will spend the first hour singing our favorite hymns while we decorate a cross with beautiful cut flowers. At the end of the hour, we'll have a "living cross" at the altar and then have our Easter sermon. This will be our minister, Evan's last Easter Sunday, he and wife, Emma, will be moving on at the end of May. We've had four ministers during my seven years at our little country church and they've all been awesome. Love them all!
I'm looking forward to Easter dinner and hopefully an egg hunt at my sister, Pam's in Lexington. It's a fun time for all the family. MJ is quite the entertainer and we have other little ones that will enjoy this annual tradition.
I've been able to read through an additional Bible Study on the crucifixion of Jesus and simply wanted to share one stunning event that took place as Jesus died on the cross. The curtain that was made according to God's instructions given to Moses in the book of Exodus hung in the Tabernacle of the Temple. It was elaborately woven with purple, scarlet and blue yarn and measured sixty feet long and twenty feet wide. Because of the elaborate designs worked into the fabric, it was as thick as a man's palm.
At the moment when Jesus exclaimed "It is finished" from the cross, this massive curtain was torn from top to bottom. It had been the barrier that kept God's presence separate from the priests and the Jewish people. As this barrier was now removed, because of Jesus' sacrifice for us, we are now able to be with God. Jesus can now live in us. God dwells with His people, through His Holy Son, our precious lamb.
I wish you an awesome Easter. Enjoy the baskets, the bunnies, the chocolate and the egg hunts. And take time to thank the Lamb, that's what Easter is all about. luv, Susan
This is always my favorite time of year, preparing for Easter and Springtime weather and enjoying basketball, as the Cats make their final charge toward the Final Four. Sadly, this year, UK finished up the first weekend of the three week tournament and we are currently hoping we have some players left to help the new recruits out next year. Our women also ended the second week. Oh, well. It is still my favorite time of year, just not quite as exciting.
This morning at church, we will spend the first hour singing our favorite hymns while we decorate a cross with beautiful cut flowers. At the end of the hour, we'll have a "living cross" at the altar and then have our Easter sermon. This will be our minister, Evan's last Easter Sunday, he and wife, Emma, will be moving on at the end of May. We've had four ministers during my seven years at our little country church and they've all been awesome. Love them all!
I'm looking forward to Easter dinner and hopefully an egg hunt at my sister, Pam's in Lexington. It's a fun time for all the family. MJ is quite the entertainer and we have other little ones that will enjoy this annual tradition.
I've been able to read through an additional Bible Study on the crucifixion of Jesus and simply wanted to share one stunning event that took place as Jesus died on the cross. The curtain that was made according to God's instructions given to Moses in the book of Exodus hung in the Tabernacle of the Temple. It was elaborately woven with purple, scarlet and blue yarn and measured sixty feet long and twenty feet wide. Because of the elaborate designs worked into the fabric, it was as thick as a man's palm.
At the moment when Jesus exclaimed "It is finished" from the cross, this massive curtain was torn from top to bottom. It had been the barrier that kept God's presence separate from the priests and the Jewish people. As this barrier was now removed, because of Jesus' sacrifice for us, we are now able to be with God. Jesus can now live in us. God dwells with His people, through His Holy Son, our precious lamb.
I wish you an awesome Easter. Enjoy the baskets, the bunnies, the chocolate and the egg hunts. And take time to thank the Lamb, that's what Easter is all about. luv, Susan
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
STILL, THIS IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR
I am so very happy to report that the groundhog was right when he predicted an early Spring. We have enjoyed beautiful warm days in the past month or two, but Winter has always reared it's ugly, snowcovered head. The last snow day was a mere six days ago when it was really coming down here in Central Kentucky, while MJ and I were at our monthly Homemakers meeting. Thankfully, the snow didn't stick around and now, it appears, we have at least a two week jump on official Spring. After hanging towels and jeans outside to dry, I walked around toward the garden and was stunned to see daffodils ready to bloom and some hyacinth already blooming. Thank you, God, for an early Spring.
Because I only posted eight blogs in 2015, you might make the assumption that watching my little grandson takes more time than I thought. Well, yes, it does, but it has more to do with simply enjoying my time with him and trying to get caught up when I don't have him. Unfortunately, his new daycare does not have a two day a week program available for him, so I have lost watching him on Mondays. I thought since I'm down to watching him two days a week, I might be able to squeeze in a blog a week, maybe.
I've mentioned previously that my Sunday School class has been working our way through Beth Moore's Daniel Bible study. The study took us into some prophecy and we actually spent time visiting Revelation. In addition, my Bible Study Fellowship this year has been studying Revelation. Before these two studies, I had always avoided Revelation, wanting to learn more about the rest of the Bible before I had to learn about the final chapter. It was actually a shock to me when I realized that the second part of the Daniel study was all about prophesy, thus going hand in hand with the final book as well. You might guess that I'm taking both of these studies very seriously.
The rest of my life is going along quite nicely. It is now early March, and Easter is just around the corner at the end of the month. It's time for me to start getting all my tax stuff together, so I can start thinking about spending more time outdoors. My dad turned ninety last month and we are all so blessed to have him still with us and in mostly overall good health, with the help of oxygen. He and I even made it over to a couple of the regional tournament games to see Paris win, then lose. And we have also been counting our blessings with my mom's health as she is cancer free after that terrible scare of cancer in her colon last year. She's bounced back better than you'd expect any eighty eight year old woman to do. MJ and I really enjoy going to Paris most Thursdays to visit them. They also celebrated their wedding anniversary in January. They've been married sixty nine years. Again, we are so blessed.
Like I said, I've got tax stuff to gather and beautiful weather to enjoy, so I'm gonna wrap this up. Hopefully, I'll get back to it before long. In the meantime, you have a great day. And, with the SEC Tourney starting this week......Go Cats!! luv, Susan
Because I only posted eight blogs in 2015, you might make the assumption that watching my little grandson takes more time than I thought. Well, yes, it does, but it has more to do with simply enjoying my time with him and trying to get caught up when I don't have him. Unfortunately, his new daycare does not have a two day a week program available for him, so I have lost watching him on Mondays. I thought since I'm down to watching him two days a week, I might be able to squeeze in a blog a week, maybe.
I've mentioned previously that my Sunday School class has been working our way through Beth Moore's Daniel Bible study. The study took us into some prophecy and we actually spent time visiting Revelation. In addition, my Bible Study Fellowship this year has been studying Revelation. Before these two studies, I had always avoided Revelation, wanting to learn more about the rest of the Bible before I had to learn about the final chapter. It was actually a shock to me when I realized that the second part of the Daniel study was all about prophesy, thus going hand in hand with the final book as well. You might guess that I'm taking both of these studies very seriously.
The rest of my life is going along quite nicely. It is now early March, and Easter is just around the corner at the end of the month. It's time for me to start getting all my tax stuff together, so I can start thinking about spending more time outdoors. My dad turned ninety last month and we are all so blessed to have him still with us and in mostly overall good health, with the help of oxygen. He and I even made it over to a couple of the regional tournament games to see Paris win, then lose. And we have also been counting our blessings with my mom's health as she is cancer free after that terrible scare of cancer in her colon last year. She's bounced back better than you'd expect any eighty eight year old woman to do. MJ and I really enjoy going to Paris most Thursdays to visit them. They also celebrated their wedding anniversary in January. They've been married sixty nine years. Again, we are so blessed.
Like I said, I've got tax stuff to gather and beautiful weather to enjoy, so I'm gonna wrap this up. Hopefully, I'll get back to it before long. In the meantime, you have a great day. And, with the SEC Tourney starting this week......Go Cats!! luv, Susan
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
CHANGING SEASONS, THANKING GOD
We are enjoying the final days of summer here in Central Kentucky. Football has started and we attended the newly renovated Commonwealth Football Stadium on Saturday and watched the Wildcats defeat the ragin' cajuns. It was a lot closer than we would have liked, but a win is a win, and we're gonna keep rooting for Coach Stoops and his troops.
I can hardly believe that my little grandson, MJ, is almost eight months old, he's the center of my universe right now, as I try to muddle through my life, doing what God has planned in advance for me to do. I believe watching MJ three days a week is exactly one of those things. I don't know what I'd be doing if it wasn't watching him on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays.
Right now, my family is making it through something of a health crisis with my mom, who was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her colon last month. After successful surgery to remove it, "Thank you, God", she has had something of a setback after her incision beccame infected. Right now she is back in the hospital, after being home a week, so they can get her back on the right track. I know that God is watching over us all, so I can feel at peace that He is in control.
I continue with my volunteer positions at church, the Amen House and Homemakers. Actually, homemakers was on hiatus for the summer and we picked up where we left off just this past Thursday. Our club struggles with age and health issues. MJ enjoys being at the meetings and I think they all enjoy seeing him there as well. We are also at the Amen House on Mondays, though I don't get a lot accomplished, except when my friend, Pat, holds him because she loves babies. Then I can sort clothes or whatever needs done and her spirits are lifted some.
My Sunday school class continues our journey through the Beth Moore study on Daniel, which has surprisingly for me, also taken us to Revelation. As Beth often says, our heads can be spinning with all of the information about the prophecies in these books. And, coincidentally, the BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) that we are beginning next week is on, what else, Revelation. If you know me, I pay attention when God presents me with coincidences.
Everything else in my life is stable. I am so blessed with all the opportunities that God places before me through the people and events in my life. I'm going to enjoy this beautiful, yet hot, summer day and continue to count my many blessings. Now that Fall is almost here, and it's a time of new beginnings for school and activities that have been on the back burner all summer, I am going to make every effort to remain faithful with my blog, whether anyone reads it or not. If I can encourage one of my friends in some way to strengthen their relationship with God through the things they read, the music they listen to or the things that they experience, I'll feel that I have fulfilled some of my purpose.
I hope you have a great day! Stay safe. luv, Susan
I can hardly believe that my little grandson, MJ, is almost eight months old, he's the center of my universe right now, as I try to muddle through my life, doing what God has planned in advance for me to do. I believe watching MJ three days a week is exactly one of those things. I don't know what I'd be doing if it wasn't watching him on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays.
Right now, my family is making it through something of a health crisis with my mom, who was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her colon last month. After successful surgery to remove it, "Thank you, God", she has had something of a setback after her incision beccame infected. Right now she is back in the hospital, after being home a week, so they can get her back on the right track. I know that God is watching over us all, so I can feel at peace that He is in control.
I continue with my volunteer positions at church, the Amen House and Homemakers. Actually, homemakers was on hiatus for the summer and we picked up where we left off just this past Thursday. Our club struggles with age and health issues. MJ enjoys being at the meetings and I think they all enjoy seeing him there as well. We are also at the Amen House on Mondays, though I don't get a lot accomplished, except when my friend, Pat, holds him because she loves babies. Then I can sort clothes or whatever needs done and her spirits are lifted some.
My Sunday school class continues our journey through the Beth Moore study on Daniel, which has surprisingly for me, also taken us to Revelation. As Beth often says, our heads can be spinning with all of the information about the prophecies in these books. And, coincidentally, the BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) that we are beginning next week is on, what else, Revelation. If you know me, I pay attention when God presents me with coincidences.
Everything else in my life is stable. I am so blessed with all the opportunities that God places before me through the people and events in my life. I'm going to enjoy this beautiful, yet hot, summer day and continue to count my many blessings. Now that Fall is almost here, and it's a time of new beginnings for school and activities that have been on the back burner all summer, I am going to make every effort to remain faithful with my blog, whether anyone reads it or not. If I can encourage one of my friends in some way to strengthen their relationship with God through the things they read, the music they listen to or the things that they experience, I'll feel that I have fulfilled some of my purpose.
I hope you have a great day! Stay safe. luv, Susan
Saturday, March 28, 2015
THIS IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR
I knew I should have taken a picture of my daffodils this past week. They were looking especially beautiful atop the rock wall of my two level garden Mark built for me. I was enjoying pictures of other friends' blooms on facebook messages and we are all so grateful for the warmer weather and the signs of Spring that are abounding. And, even though it got cold last night and the daffodils are bowing their blooms, I know there will be something of a recovery for them. Yes, it is my favorite time of year.
Kentucky has made it to the Elite Eight. We haven't had any real problems as of yet. Hampton, check; Cincinnati, check; and even West Virginia, who knocked us out in 2010, check check. I love being excited about the upcoming game and being able to talk to people that usually don't even pay attention to sports, about the game. I love watching the game and seeing the comments made on facebook from friends all over who support the BBN. I love the feeling after we win a game and hearing from family and friends who call because they know what big fans we all are. Yes, it is my favorite time of year.
I enjoy when God sends me a message through a silly little coincidence. I got one today. I usually perk up and try very hard to listen to what He is wanting me to do with the nudge He's just given me. Well, I did send my son a voice mail because, he is always on my mind anyway, and I am also writing this blog....so here goes. Today's Upperroom devotional reading was about Jesus arriving in Jerusalem," riding on a donkey,on a colt, the foal of a donkey". (Matthew 21:5, Zechariah 9:9) Tomorrow is Palm Sunday! Yes, it is my favorite time of the year!
The writer, from Massachusetts, wanted to share the feelings that she had sharing her testimony on Palm Sunday to her church congregation. She told them that their pastor had led her to Jesus and that the gift of salvation brings hope and healing. Aren't these two things that we all need? She continued, "that serving in God's kingdom brings purpose and peace". Those words stuck with me as I went on with my day. As I continued my morning ritual of feeding dogs, then finishing up dishes, etc. I watched and listened to some sports shows, after all, they talk about the undefeated Kentucky Wildcats a lot right now. Then a phrase caught my ear coming from the TV. It was that TV lawyer, Attorney John Morgan from Morgan and Morgan. He simply stated that because he had defended only injured people during his career, he had awoke every day with a purpose. Because of the work he's done, he has peace. I thought Wow, I just read those words. Do you get the significance of that coincidence ? God just wants me to share the message that we all need a purpose and that fulfilling our purpose will give us peace. Serving God brings us both. If we understand that we are here to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others through loving and serving others, then we will receive the peace of our salvation, which includes eternal life with Him. I can personally attest to that, because I have both!
Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, followed by Holy Week, including Good Friday and Easter. We live because He died for us!!!! It is my favorite time of year!!!
Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Kentucky has made it to the Elite Eight. We haven't had any real problems as of yet. Hampton, check; Cincinnati, check; and even West Virginia, who knocked us out in 2010, check check. I love being excited about the upcoming game and being able to talk to people that usually don't even pay attention to sports, about the game. I love watching the game and seeing the comments made on facebook from friends all over who support the BBN. I love the feeling after we win a game and hearing from family and friends who call because they know what big fans we all are. Yes, it is my favorite time of year.
I enjoy when God sends me a message through a silly little coincidence. I got one today. I usually perk up and try very hard to listen to what He is wanting me to do with the nudge He's just given me. Well, I did send my son a voice mail because, he is always on my mind anyway, and I am also writing this blog....so here goes. Today's Upperroom devotional reading was about Jesus arriving in Jerusalem," riding on a donkey,on a colt, the foal of a donkey". (Matthew 21:5, Zechariah 9:9) Tomorrow is Palm Sunday! Yes, it is my favorite time of the year!
The writer, from Massachusetts, wanted to share the feelings that she had sharing her testimony on Palm Sunday to her church congregation. She told them that their pastor had led her to Jesus and that the gift of salvation brings hope and healing. Aren't these two things that we all need? She continued, "that serving in God's kingdom brings purpose and peace". Those words stuck with me as I went on with my day. As I continued my morning ritual of feeding dogs, then finishing up dishes, etc. I watched and listened to some sports shows, after all, they talk about the undefeated Kentucky Wildcats a lot right now. Then a phrase caught my ear coming from the TV. It was that TV lawyer, Attorney John Morgan from Morgan and Morgan. He simply stated that because he had defended only injured people during his career, he had awoke every day with a purpose. Because of the work he's done, he has peace. I thought Wow, I just read those words. Do you get the significance of that coincidence ? God just wants me to share the message that we all need a purpose and that fulfilling our purpose will give us peace. Serving God brings us both. If we understand that we are here to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others through loving and serving others, then we will receive the peace of our salvation, which includes eternal life with Him. I can personally attest to that, because I have both!
Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, followed by Holy Week, including Good Friday and Easter. We live because He died for us!!!! It is my favorite time of year!!!
Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Saturday, March 14, 2015
I LOVE MARCH MADNESS
Today is gameday for the Big Blue Nation. To say that I'm excited about the game that starts in an hour is an exaggerated understatement. Kentucky beat Florida yesterday in their first game of the SEC Tournament in Nashville. Today we play Auburn. Auburn's coach is Bruce Pearl who was previously Tennessee's coach before he broke some recruiting violations and lied about it. What looked like a great fit for him in Knoxville ended abruptly. We had the opportunity to watch him coach when we lived in Henderson, Kentucky. He coached the Screaming Eagles of the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville. They had awesome teams year after year and usually scored over 100 points when we attended games.
My cousin, Deb Pope, was on the women's team at USI, so we went to quite a few games over her four years there in Evansville. I always wondered why such a talented and motivating coach was still in Division II and eventually learned of an unflattering history of causing problems for other teams, primarily Illinois, and being apparently black balled for many years from Division I. Eventually, though, he was able to impress enough schools that he got back into the game and I think came back to the big basketball league when a Wisconsin school gave him the opportunity. After taking them to Big Dance, he was given the chance of coaching in the SEC.
Anyway, we face his team today, who in the regular season lost four games in a row and followed that with three wins in three days in Nashville at the SEC Tourney. It seems he told the press that, at the beginning of the tournament run, his Tigers could beat any team in the SEC except Kentucky. Yes, he's still a motivational genius when it comes to encouraging his players to really give it their all. After watching them over their past two games, and especially last night, I'm beginning to get very nervous about this match up. Not only did Pearl refer to his players as midgets, it appears their best player is a strong Christian who gave all the glory to God after the game last night. That really makes me nervous. As much as I love our team, I haven't heard that from them in a while, though I believe they feel that way. Always good to hear it.........................................Go Big Blue!
Today's Upperroom devotion was called Hidden Treasure and is directed at Bible Study Groups. I have to share the hidden treasure we studied during this weeks Bible Study Fellowship that I attend with my sister. We are still studying Moses, but were taken to the New Testament for a comment Jesus made in the middle of his night time visit and discussion with Nicodemus. This section includes one of the most familiar Bible verses ever, John 3:16. I've mentioned in previous blogs that it was the first verse I remember memorizing and reciting it in front of my church congregation so many years ago. However, the study of Moses in Numbers 21:9 led us directly to John 3:14. I know I had read through this story of Nicodemus' visit many times, but had never noticed this unusual reference to Moses lifting up the snake in the desert. And further research led me to Genesis and the story of Adam and Eve and the serpent, when he tempted Eve into biting into the forbidden apple. Genesis 3:15 helps me understand why I've always been so disturbed by snakes and have found myself in battles with them on several occasions. I've also blogged previously about one of those incidents.
Its getting really close to game time, so it's time to get into my gametime mode. Yesterday I was only able to watch the recording of the game, as I had an International Homemakers Luncheon scheduled with my good friend, Mildred. It was wonderful. I hope you enjoy the day doing whatever you find to your liking. I'm gonna go watch the Wildcats, hopefully, win.
Take care. luv, Susan
My cousin, Deb Pope, was on the women's team at USI, so we went to quite a few games over her four years there in Evansville. I always wondered why such a talented and motivating coach was still in Division II and eventually learned of an unflattering history of causing problems for other teams, primarily Illinois, and being apparently black balled for many years from Division I. Eventually, though, he was able to impress enough schools that he got back into the game and I think came back to the big basketball league when a Wisconsin school gave him the opportunity. After taking them to Big Dance, he was given the chance of coaching in the SEC.
Anyway, we face his team today, who in the regular season lost four games in a row and followed that with three wins in three days in Nashville at the SEC Tourney. It seems he told the press that, at the beginning of the tournament run, his Tigers could beat any team in the SEC except Kentucky. Yes, he's still a motivational genius when it comes to encouraging his players to really give it their all. After watching them over their past two games, and especially last night, I'm beginning to get very nervous about this match up. Not only did Pearl refer to his players as midgets, it appears their best player is a strong Christian who gave all the glory to God after the game last night. That really makes me nervous. As much as I love our team, I haven't heard that from them in a while, though I believe they feel that way. Always good to hear it.........................................Go Big Blue!
Today's Upperroom devotion was called Hidden Treasure and is directed at Bible Study Groups. I have to share the hidden treasure we studied during this weeks Bible Study Fellowship that I attend with my sister. We are still studying Moses, but were taken to the New Testament for a comment Jesus made in the middle of his night time visit and discussion with Nicodemus. This section includes one of the most familiar Bible verses ever, John 3:16. I've mentioned in previous blogs that it was the first verse I remember memorizing and reciting it in front of my church congregation so many years ago. However, the study of Moses in Numbers 21:9 led us directly to John 3:14. I know I had read through this story of Nicodemus' visit many times, but had never noticed this unusual reference to Moses lifting up the snake in the desert. And further research led me to Genesis and the story of Adam and Eve and the serpent, when he tempted Eve into biting into the forbidden apple. Genesis 3:15 helps me understand why I've always been so disturbed by snakes and have found myself in battles with them on several occasions. I've also blogged previously about one of those incidents.
Its getting really close to game time, so it's time to get into my gametime mode. Yesterday I was only able to watch the recording of the game, as I had an International Homemakers Luncheon scheduled with my good friend, Mildred. It was wonderful. I hope you enjoy the day doing whatever you find to your liking. I'm gonna go watch the Wildcats, hopefully, win.
Take care. luv, Susan
Thursday, February 26, 2015
UNCLE.....We Surrender.......We're Ready for Spring
It has been a rough ten days weather wise around Central Kentucky. I think school was called off all of last week and we are just trying to get back into some semblance of a routine this week. It worked out well for me, as I had graphed out Mark Joseph's baby quilt, so all of that snowed in time was spent on cutting and sewing fabrics into my first quilt creation in many a year. It's almost ready to start the quilting, as soon as I add one little applique piece to the quilt top.
Church has been cancelled for the little country church, where I attend the past two Sundays, but as Mark reported, with the help of many, our parking lot may finally be cleared and I'm hoping for the opportunity to worship in church this coming Sunday. The Daniel Bible study has also been on hold, as our BSF class, studying Moses was also cancelled last week. Thankfully, we got caught up this week and I am so amazed at Moses, Aaron, Joshua and especially Caleb as the Israelites began their years of wandering in the desert. I had read Numbers before, but this time it really was striking to realize that out of the over 600,000 Israelite men who were with Moses when they left Egypt, only the faithful and courageous Caleb and Joshua would live to obtain the land of milk and honey that had been promised by God. I find all of this Old Testament study extremely fascinating, and so faithbuilding, as well.
Little Mark Joseph has already hit the six week mark and his parents are looking into the future aspect of daycares available to him. Because the facility that seemed to be the best fit for them, has a long waiting list, I'm going to be given the opportunity to watch him a lot during his first year. If I remember correctly, they don't run around too much the first twelve months.
My family continues to be blessed this year as we celebrated my dad's 89th birthday with a family dinner at Cracker Barrell. Everyone had fun passing little MJ around the table as we all enjoyed his squeaks and facial expressions.
After record breaking cold and snow accumulations, I think we are all looking forward to Spring, which is just about several weeks away. I'm going to try something new this year, by planting vegetable seeds indoors. I need lots of advice in that department as my vegetable garden seems to produce less and less with each passing year. Our church may even attempt a community garden this year, as our new pastor, Evan has gained experience this past year in helping with such a garden near Wilmore.
And do you feel the excitement in our commonwealth as we near the mad month of March? It is so awesome that we have a UK team of exceptional young men, who also seem to have a knack for roundball. We in the BBN are having a hard time controlling our united utopia as we root for our Wildcats and pray that they continue to play their best and maintain their admirable , everyday qualities as students, while they muddle through this throng to come that we call March Madness. I learned yesterday that the Paris Greyhounds are still in the hunt for their district championship, so I better get busy making phone calls, in case I'm needed at the next game.
As always, I wish you many blessings today and everyday. Stay warm and safe as we look forward to the most important time of the year. luv, Susan
Church has been cancelled for the little country church, where I attend the past two Sundays, but as Mark reported, with the help of many, our parking lot may finally be cleared and I'm hoping for the opportunity to worship in church this coming Sunday. The Daniel Bible study has also been on hold, as our BSF class, studying Moses was also cancelled last week. Thankfully, we got caught up this week and I am so amazed at Moses, Aaron, Joshua and especially Caleb as the Israelites began their years of wandering in the desert. I had read Numbers before, but this time it really was striking to realize that out of the over 600,000 Israelite men who were with Moses when they left Egypt, only the faithful and courageous Caleb and Joshua would live to obtain the land of milk and honey that had been promised by God. I find all of this Old Testament study extremely fascinating, and so faithbuilding, as well.
Little Mark Joseph has already hit the six week mark and his parents are looking into the future aspect of daycares available to him. Because the facility that seemed to be the best fit for them, has a long waiting list, I'm going to be given the opportunity to watch him a lot during his first year. If I remember correctly, they don't run around too much the first twelve months.
My family continues to be blessed this year as we celebrated my dad's 89th birthday with a family dinner at Cracker Barrell. Everyone had fun passing little MJ around the table as we all enjoyed his squeaks and facial expressions.
After record breaking cold and snow accumulations, I think we are all looking forward to Spring, which is just about several weeks away. I'm going to try something new this year, by planting vegetable seeds indoors. I need lots of advice in that department as my vegetable garden seems to produce less and less with each passing year. Our church may even attempt a community garden this year, as our new pastor, Evan has gained experience this past year in helping with such a garden near Wilmore.
And do you feel the excitement in our commonwealth as we near the mad month of March? It is so awesome that we have a UK team of exceptional young men, who also seem to have a knack for roundball. We in the BBN are having a hard time controlling our united utopia as we root for our Wildcats and pray that they continue to play their best and maintain their admirable , everyday qualities as students, while they muddle through this throng to come that we call March Madness. I learned yesterday that the Paris Greyhounds are still in the hunt for their district championship, so I better get busy making phone calls, in case I'm needed at the next game.
As always, I wish you many blessings today and everyday. Stay warm and safe as we look forward to the most important time of the year. luv, Susan
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
MY BEST BLESSING OF ALL......A GRANDBABY BOY!!!!!
Forgive me Father, it has been over a month since my last posting. Well, that's what it feels like, that I am in a confessional and it has been so long since I was here. I did have a rather hectic month, to say the least. My little grandson, Mark Joseph Alligrini Berry was born on January 13, eleven days past his due date of the 2nd. In that time, his little Libby cousin, Parker, whose due date was the 6th, managed to be born early, thus passing our little MJ up, and is now the older of the two, which seems weird. Anyway, it was a healthy labor and delivery. We are absolutely ecstatic about this little miracle that seemed so long in coming. It was nice having God's reassurance of a healthy mom and baby when a semi passed me on the way to Frankfort with the slogan, "Our number one priority in serving you is a safe delivery." It was an answer to prayer, for sure, as I had begun to get a little worried because this labor/delivery was taking longer than either of mine. I am very thankful to God for blessing us in such an awesome way. Mark Joseph has already turned a month old and we are indeed blessed.
Before my babies were born, I spent all my spare time in New England, working on baby quilts. I've managed to work on a quilt or two during the years, but nothing like when I was waiting on my babies, being a full-time new mom in Chepachet, RI. So, it's been a bit daunting to try to reach back into my creative self and try to figure out how to go about making a quilt for my first grandbaby. Well, thankfully, I can now report that I have started this project and hope it will be done in just a matter of days or possibly weeks....stay tuned.
As I reread my last posting, I was reminded that I had wanted to commemorate the anniversary of Mom Libby's passing on February 10th. However, I was busy that day taking my Mom and sister, Kathy to visit Mark Joseph and Christina. It's also difficult to go back to my last days with Mom because she was in an induced coma after suffering an aggressive type of infection. Every day was a one sided conversation about how much she was loved and needed on earth, yet assuring words of her place in heaven with Dad, if she was ready to accept Jesus as her savior. The talks we had in the times before her hospitalization never ended with the desired responses, but I have my faith that God reached down and accepted her delayed repentance and acceptance of His son during those final days in February when we prepared for her ultimate reunion with Dad. Their ashes were given their final resting place on the island where they first set eyes on each other, and I enjoy thinking of them spending eternity in youthful bliss on Lanes Island or enjoying their view of Old Harbor.
If you are in Kentucky, you are enjoying a beautiful snow covered picture out your windows. I can't begin to describe how awesome seeing the sun light up the sparkling snow is this morning. I have a quilt to put together and so many other things to do. I hope you are warm and safe and enjoying the blessings that God is bestowing on you today. Have a great day. luv, Susan
Before my babies were born, I spent all my spare time in New England, working on baby quilts. I've managed to work on a quilt or two during the years, but nothing like when I was waiting on my babies, being a full-time new mom in Chepachet, RI. So, it's been a bit daunting to try to reach back into my creative self and try to figure out how to go about making a quilt for my first grandbaby. Well, thankfully, I can now report that I have started this project and hope it will be done in just a matter of days or possibly weeks....stay tuned.
As I reread my last posting, I was reminded that I had wanted to commemorate the anniversary of Mom Libby's passing on February 10th. However, I was busy that day taking my Mom and sister, Kathy to visit Mark Joseph and Christina. It's also difficult to go back to my last days with Mom because she was in an induced coma after suffering an aggressive type of infection. Every day was a one sided conversation about how much she was loved and needed on earth, yet assuring words of her place in heaven with Dad, if she was ready to accept Jesus as her savior. The talks we had in the times before her hospitalization never ended with the desired responses, but I have my faith that God reached down and accepted her delayed repentance and acceptance of His son during those final days in February when we prepared for her ultimate reunion with Dad. Their ashes were given their final resting place on the island where they first set eyes on each other, and I enjoy thinking of them spending eternity in youthful bliss on Lanes Island or enjoying their view of Old Harbor.
If you are in Kentucky, you are enjoying a beautiful snow covered picture out your windows. I can't begin to describe how awesome seeing the sun light up the sparkling snow is this morning. I have a quilt to put together and so many other things to do. I hope you are warm and safe and enjoying the blessings that God is bestowing on you today. Have a great day. luv, Susan
Monday, January 12, 2015
A LIBBY ANNIVERSARY
Today is a Libby anniversary. It has been one year since we lost Dad Libby. He fell ill about the day after Christmas in 2013 and remained hospitalized for the next few weeks. For a while we really thought he would pull through, like he had many times before. We were so happy the day that he sat up and had some sherbert. It also seemed like a good sign that he was throwing pillows when he was having difficulty getting his point across to his caregivers. But, this was his last recovery, of sorts, and we received the phone call a year ago, today.
We had been there for a visit after Thanksgiving that year. I had a conversation with Dad about the book, Killing Jesus. He wanted to explain to me the general theme of the book about looking at the killing of Jesus like a death to be solved through present day methods. I wanted to use the opportunity to discuss his salvation. As I questioned him about his belief in Jesus and his acceptance of Christ as his savior, he got frustrated with me and simply stated, with emphasis, "Yes, I know all that, yes, I did that." To which I simply responded that was all I needed to hear from him, that he had accepted Jesus as his savior. We then talked about the book.
Now, today, we are still awaiting the arrival of our first grandbaby. My mom, sisters and I just got back from Illinois where we said goodbye to mom's younger sister, Mary Lou. We know for certainty that, she, too, accepted Jesus as her savior. I'm looking forward to seeing Dad Libby and Mary Lou in heaven when the time comes for me.
I hope you have a great day. Stay safe. love, Susan
We had been there for a visit after Thanksgiving that year. I had a conversation with Dad about the book, Killing Jesus. He wanted to explain to me the general theme of the book about looking at the killing of Jesus like a death to be solved through present day methods. I wanted to use the opportunity to discuss his salvation. As I questioned him about his belief in Jesus and his acceptance of Christ as his savior, he got frustrated with me and simply stated, with emphasis, "Yes, I know all that, yes, I did that." To which I simply responded that was all I needed to hear from him, that he had accepted Jesus as his savior. We then talked about the book.
Now, today, we are still awaiting the arrival of our first grandbaby. My mom, sisters and I just got back from Illinois where we said goodbye to mom's younger sister, Mary Lou. We know for certainty that, she, too, accepted Jesus as her savior. I'm looking forward to seeing Dad Libby and Mary Lou in heaven when the time comes for me.
I hope you have a great day. Stay safe. love, Susan
Thursday, January 8, 2015
January 8, 2015 - Happy Birthday, Elvis!
I normally don't like change, just some sort of human nature of growing accustomed to the people, places and activities I've been used to and enjoying them each day. However, there is one change that has me just giddy with excitement and that's the soon to be ( we hope ) birth of my first grandbaby. And with this birth in my family, comes a death. My mom is one of six children born to Davie and Cressie Pope, a farmer and his wife who lived in Forsyth, Illinois. Their children included Betty Ann, Davie Jr., Mary Lou, Jean, Linda and Carol. We have been so blessed as a family to have had them all right up to a couple days ago when we lost our Aunt Mary Lou. We'll be heading home to be with family soon.
In the meantime, we are getting into the new routine for 2015. I had dinner with my friend, Marti, on Monday, as we meet monthly to get together with our former PHS classmates from the Class of 1974.Yesterday my sister, Pam, and I had our first Bible Study of the year. However, today I was not able to pick up my friends for our monthly homemakers meeting, due to the frigid weather conditions.
I really didn't like this weeks Bible Study on Leviticus. As an animal lover, the sacrificial system used by Moses and the Israelites, as they roamed in the desert, is very hard to take. But because God cannot be near sin and we, because of our sinful human nature are unable to resist sin, there needed to be sacrificial blood to cover our sins. Sacrifices were mandatory to cover and then remove our sins, so our loving God could dwell with us. We are reminded that nothing but blood( life ), can cover our sins( death ), that separate us from our God. When hands were laid on these innocent animals, usually bulls, goats, lambs or birds, by the sinner, the sin was transferred to them and they were then killed for the sinner to be forgiven each and every time sins took place.
We watched some old videos on Christmas Day. I think it was Christmas 1984 at my parent's home in Paris with all our family present. Seeing my mom and dad holding a two year old Dustin and a one year old Christina were really sweet memories. A previous Christmas, we had watched a video of Mark's Grandpa Weeks talking about his life. He had worked in his younger years at a stockyard/slaughterhouse with another young man and it was their job to kill animals. Listening to this gentle, loving man talk about specifically killing a bull, and at another time killing little lambs, took me to a very dark place. I never intend to watch that video again and I wish I could erase it from my memory, but I've not been able to do that.
My favorite parts of the Bible are the gospel stories about the birth of Baby Jesus in the stable, surrounded by the animals. Wednesday, after Bible Study, Pam and I went shopping at a Christian Bookstore because I needed a new angel to top my Christmas tree. The previous angel, after lighting the past 30 Christmases or so, had been developing burned holes in the plastic cone surrounding the white lights. Thankfully, her white satin gown never ignited, but it was time for a change. Not only did I find a new angel treetopper, but I'm embarrassed to say that I've increased my nativity collection by three new sets. I only select the ones that include all the stable animals. Not only will my new little Sixlibbyberry be surrounded by it's animated Christmas animals, but a lot of new nativity stable animals as well.
And, mostly today,as every day, I am so thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for making His ultimate sacrifice on the cross to forgive us all for all our sins. Our sins are covered by His blood and we are forgiven because of Him, the perfect and innocent Lamb of God. The the shedding of the animals' blood is no longer necessary!
I want to wish Elvis a Happy 80th Birthday today. We welcomed in 2015 watching and listening to a documentary of one of his last tours. It was awesome! Priscilla and I both agree that if he had lived, he would have done so much more gospel music as he got older, Amen to that. The Libby family also welcomed a new little cousin for my little Sixlibbyberry. Congratulations to Steve, Carla, Steve Jr., and Andi upon the arrival of little Parker Steven. We'll have a great time in Maine this year for sure! Please stay safe and warm and have a blessed day. luv, Susan
In the meantime, we are getting into the new routine for 2015. I had dinner with my friend, Marti, on Monday, as we meet monthly to get together with our former PHS classmates from the Class of 1974.Yesterday my sister, Pam, and I had our first Bible Study of the year. However, today I was not able to pick up my friends for our monthly homemakers meeting, due to the frigid weather conditions.
I really didn't like this weeks Bible Study on Leviticus. As an animal lover, the sacrificial system used by Moses and the Israelites, as they roamed in the desert, is very hard to take. But because God cannot be near sin and we, because of our sinful human nature are unable to resist sin, there needed to be sacrificial blood to cover our sins. Sacrifices were mandatory to cover and then remove our sins, so our loving God could dwell with us. We are reminded that nothing but blood( life ), can cover our sins( death ), that separate us from our God. When hands were laid on these innocent animals, usually bulls, goats, lambs or birds, by the sinner, the sin was transferred to them and they were then killed for the sinner to be forgiven each and every time sins took place.
We watched some old videos on Christmas Day. I think it was Christmas 1984 at my parent's home in Paris with all our family present. Seeing my mom and dad holding a two year old Dustin and a one year old Christina were really sweet memories. A previous Christmas, we had watched a video of Mark's Grandpa Weeks talking about his life. He had worked in his younger years at a stockyard/slaughterhouse with another young man and it was their job to kill animals. Listening to this gentle, loving man talk about specifically killing a bull, and at another time killing little lambs, took me to a very dark place. I never intend to watch that video again and I wish I could erase it from my memory, but I've not been able to do that.
My favorite parts of the Bible are the gospel stories about the birth of Baby Jesus in the stable, surrounded by the animals. Wednesday, after Bible Study, Pam and I went shopping at a Christian Bookstore because I needed a new angel to top my Christmas tree. The previous angel, after lighting the past 30 Christmases or so, had been developing burned holes in the plastic cone surrounding the white lights. Thankfully, her white satin gown never ignited, but it was time for a change. Not only did I find a new angel treetopper, but I'm embarrassed to say that I've increased my nativity collection by three new sets. I only select the ones that include all the stable animals. Not only will my new little Sixlibbyberry be surrounded by it's animated Christmas animals, but a lot of new nativity stable animals as well.
And, mostly today,as every day, I am so thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for making His ultimate sacrifice on the cross to forgive us all for all our sins. Our sins are covered by His blood and we are forgiven because of Him, the perfect and innocent Lamb of God. The the shedding of the animals' blood is no longer necessary!
I want to wish Elvis a Happy 80th Birthday today. We welcomed in 2015 watching and listening to a documentary of one of his last tours. It was awesome! Priscilla and I both agree that if he had lived, he would have done so much more gospel music as he got older, Amen to that. The Libby family also welcomed a new little cousin for my little Sixlibbyberry. Congratulations to Steve, Carla, Steve Jr., and Andi upon the arrival of little Parker Steven. We'll have a great time in Maine this year for sure! Please stay safe and warm and have a blessed day. luv, Susan
Friday, January 2, 2015
My Day After Christmas Miracle
Yesterday was the first day of the new year. I thought as the day progressed and I hadn't heard back from Christina that possibly they were welcoming that new little sixlibbyberry into the world, but, no, they were just busy with their binge watching of Harry Potter movies. Today is the actual due date, but with a first baby, we really don't expect him/her to arrive yet, but I won't be separated from my phone, you can count on that.
Watching parades and football games yesterday, I pretty much let the whole day slip away without accomplishing much. Mark, on the other hand, managed to practically install an entire drop ceiling in our basement. Today I have prayed to not let that be the case today. Normally, I would be off to the Amen House, but we are closed, so hopefully, I'll have a list of things accomplished here at home. There's still so much to get done in preparation for the new baby. Also, there's all the decorations to put away and all the " new year responsibilities" that I have with my volunteer job at church.
It's gonna be sad putting away all the greenery and white lights that I spread throughout my house and the variety of nativities that I cherish. My newest nativity is a book and ornament that are interactive. As you read the book and push the appropriate pictures, the ornament lights up and the each animal of the stable tells it's part in helping Mary and Joseph on that holy night, as their little newborn enters the world. I actually have had this particular book and ornament for a couple years as I anticipated the birth of my first grandbaby.
After Christmas I also purchased some things for the baby's first Christmas which will be about a year away. My sister Pam had the cutest animated toy that she had purchased for one of their grandbabies. Because it terrified him, it still remained at their house Christmas day. It's a cute little white, fuzzy dog that has red antlers with jingle bells attached to them. Of course, when you turn it on it spins around excitedly shaking and playing Jingle Bells as it gyrates and jingles around. I knew that I had to have one of them for little SLB, so I asked where I could find one. She said she found it at Kroger, but was sure they were all gone.
The day after Christmas I met my sisters and my mom at Krogers to begin our day after Christmas shopping for bargains on Christmas paper and decorations. I didn't even look for the little dog there, but did get some paper and checked out their cards. After our traditional lunch and movie, I drove back to Georgetown where I stopped by our Kroger. I checked out the shelf with the stuffed animals and saw lots of bears and snowmen, but no little doggie. So, I again looked at the shelf and thought where would I be if I was the cutest little jingle bell doggie. So I looked lower and lower to the bottom shelf and looked back farther and farther, til I saw the fuzzy white fur sticking up among the white teddy bears on the bottom shelf. Yes, there it was, just sitting there waiting for me with it's red antlers and jingle bells. It was my day after Christmas miracle!
I now have to confess that I didn't stop there, but proceeded to Cracker Barrel where I found a cute animated Santa that moves his eyebrows while singing and a reindeer that shakes while it sings as well. And, at Wal-Mart I couldn't pass up the shivering polar bear that also comes with a book. So, for my little SLB baby for it's first Christmas I am prepared with four Christmas singing, jingling, shivering, shaking animals, two books, and an ornament. And, no, I do not intend to spoil this baby any more than any other grandmother would. I better go get something accomplished today. You have a great day, stay warm and safe. luv, Susan
Watching parades and football games yesterday, I pretty much let the whole day slip away without accomplishing much. Mark, on the other hand, managed to practically install an entire drop ceiling in our basement. Today I have prayed to not let that be the case today. Normally, I would be off to the Amen House, but we are closed, so hopefully, I'll have a list of things accomplished here at home. There's still so much to get done in preparation for the new baby. Also, there's all the decorations to put away and all the " new year responsibilities" that I have with my volunteer job at church.
It's gonna be sad putting away all the greenery and white lights that I spread throughout my house and the variety of nativities that I cherish. My newest nativity is a book and ornament that are interactive. As you read the book and push the appropriate pictures, the ornament lights up and the each animal of the stable tells it's part in helping Mary and Joseph on that holy night, as their little newborn enters the world. I actually have had this particular book and ornament for a couple years as I anticipated the birth of my first grandbaby.
After Christmas I also purchased some things for the baby's first Christmas which will be about a year away. My sister Pam had the cutest animated toy that she had purchased for one of their grandbabies. Because it terrified him, it still remained at their house Christmas day. It's a cute little white, fuzzy dog that has red antlers with jingle bells attached to them. Of course, when you turn it on it spins around excitedly shaking and playing Jingle Bells as it gyrates and jingles around. I knew that I had to have one of them for little SLB, so I asked where I could find one. She said she found it at Kroger, but was sure they were all gone.
The day after Christmas I met my sisters and my mom at Krogers to begin our day after Christmas shopping for bargains on Christmas paper and decorations. I didn't even look for the little dog there, but did get some paper and checked out their cards. After our traditional lunch and movie, I drove back to Georgetown where I stopped by our Kroger. I checked out the shelf with the stuffed animals and saw lots of bears and snowmen, but no little doggie. So, I again looked at the shelf and thought where would I be if I was the cutest little jingle bell doggie. So I looked lower and lower to the bottom shelf and looked back farther and farther, til I saw the fuzzy white fur sticking up among the white teddy bears on the bottom shelf. Yes, there it was, just sitting there waiting for me with it's red antlers and jingle bells. It was my day after Christmas miracle!
I now have to confess that I didn't stop there, but proceeded to Cracker Barrel where I found a cute animated Santa that moves his eyebrows while singing and a reindeer that shakes while it sings as well. And, at Wal-Mart I couldn't pass up the shivering polar bear that also comes with a book. So, for my little SLB baby for it's first Christmas I am prepared with four Christmas singing, jingling, shivering, shaking animals, two books, and an ornament. And, no, I do not intend to spoil this baby any more than any other grandmother would. I better go get something accomplished today. You have a great day, stay warm and safe. luv, Susan
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR ( The Great Flood Of 2014 )
I go back and forth as to whether I should continue my attempts at an encouraging and uplifting Christian blog. Originally, I wanted to feel still connected to those I left behind in Henderson, then I wanted desperately to reach my father-in-law in a manner that I felt uncomfortable with face to face, and now, I suppose, it is to do what we have been commissioned to do in Matthew 28:18-20. I don't exactly consider myself as one of the twelve disciples, but I believe that my part is to plant seeds and water or nurture those seeds that have already been planted in the hearts of others. So, I guess I'll carry on.
We had what my daughter stated as the end of an era here at our house a couple weeks ago. Our water bed that we've slept on for the past 36 years sprung a slow leak weeks ago which turned into an impending flood of sorts during the middle of the night last week. Mark, thinking that the waterbed mattress liner would contain the gallons of water that now filled each corner of the bed, said he would take care of it once he got home after work. I, also worry free, went off to the Amen House for my three hour shift that morning.
When I got home that afternoon, I checked on the bedroom and everything looked just as I had left it. The sheets and bedding had all been stripped and the heater had been unplugged, so I went on back downstairs to put away groceries and clean up the kitchen. Hours later, when I went back up, I noticed glistening coming from the corners of the bedliner and realized that the water level was actually coming up higher than the mattress itself. As I stepped closer to examine the situation, my foot touched down on squishy carpet. That's never good, so I, in full panic mode, called Mark with the update on our now code red level disaster.
He quickly learned that his confidence in the mattress liner was ill-conceived, as the water was leaking from several spots along the foot of the bed and saturating the carpet. He gave me the step-by-step instructions for draining the bed mattress with the water hose out front and then it was my responsibility to reverse this impending deluge.
The dogs thought it rather fun following me up and down the stairs and in and out the open front door as I ran up and down and in and out with the hose, and turning on the water, which seemed counter productive at this point, but eventually, I could see and hear the water from the bed liner draining down the hill in front of our house. Eventually, I had to do the steps again as I actually attached the hose to the mattress itself, as,it too, began draining and I could then go about sopping up the water from our squishy carpets and continually checking the ceilings that are beneath our bedroom.
I am guilty of an "I told you so" of sorts for Mark, as I had suggested changing from our waterbed mattress to the traditional bed mattress we brought back from Mom and Dad Libby's guest bedroom. He told me it wouldn't fit into the bedframe and that was the end of that.......until the day of the flood. Evidently, the bedframe needed only minor adjustments and the new, kinda, mattress fit just fine. Mark even thought that I may have actually sabatoged our bed in order to get my way, but of course, I would never do such a thing. It is nice to be sleeping on this new mattress, though, I will admit to that.
We had what my daughter stated as the end of an era here at our house a couple weeks ago. Our water bed that we've slept on for the past 36 years sprung a slow leak weeks ago which turned into an impending flood of sorts during the middle of the night last week. Mark, thinking that the waterbed mattress liner would contain the gallons of water that now filled each corner of the bed, said he would take care of it once he got home after work. I, also worry free, went off to the Amen House for my three hour shift that morning.
When I got home that afternoon, I checked on the bedroom and everything looked just as I had left it. The sheets and bedding had all been stripped and the heater had been unplugged, so I went on back downstairs to put away groceries and clean up the kitchen. Hours later, when I went back up, I noticed glistening coming from the corners of the bedliner and realized that the water level was actually coming up higher than the mattress itself. As I stepped closer to examine the situation, my foot touched down on squishy carpet. That's never good, so I, in full panic mode, called Mark with the update on our now code red level disaster.
He quickly learned that his confidence in the mattress liner was ill-conceived, as the water was leaking from several spots along the foot of the bed and saturating the carpet. He gave me the step-by-step instructions for draining the bed mattress with the water hose out front and then it was my responsibility to reverse this impending deluge.
The dogs thought it rather fun following me up and down the stairs and in and out the open front door as I ran up and down and in and out with the hose, and turning on the water, which seemed counter productive at this point, but eventually, I could see and hear the water from the bed liner draining down the hill in front of our house. Eventually, I had to do the steps again as I actually attached the hose to the mattress itself, as,it too, began draining and I could then go about sopping up the water from our squishy carpets and continually checking the ceilings that are beneath our bedroom.
I am guilty of an "I told you so" of sorts for Mark, as I had suggested changing from our waterbed mattress to the traditional bed mattress we brought back from Mom and Dad Libby's guest bedroom. He told me it wouldn't fit into the bedframe and that was the end of that.......until the day of the flood. Evidently, the bedframe needed only minor adjustments and the new, kinda, mattress fit just fine. Mark even thought that I may have actually sabatoged our bed in order to get my way, but of course, I would never do such a thing. It is nice to be sleeping on this new mattress, though, I will admit to that.
As for New Year's resolutions, I again will resolve to try my best to be closer to God with each passing day. I know if I do that everything else will fall into place for the best life that I could possibly live. I'm open for whatever He has planned for me to do. I hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve tonight and experience the most awesome 2015 possible. Stay safe, stay warm and have a great day. luv, Susan
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
MY CHRISTMAS WISH FOR YOU
Christmas Eve, it's here and, as usual, I'm not ready. I've known all along that it was coming and I've tried my best to get ready, but I'm feeling very overwhelmed right now. I did get the cards sent out, the house is decorated and I've baked and delivered cookies to friends and neighbors. I went to the wonderful Christmas program at church, listened to the special music on the Christian Christmas music station and read all my devotions from my upper room leading up to tomorrow, but I'm still not feeling ready for tonight, tomorrow morning or the celebration of the awesome event that is being commemorated. I want to feel the peace that comes with knowing that I've done everything I could do to pass on the good news that we as Christians have been commissioned to do.
Every Christmas I feel such an overwhelming sense of "did I do enough" and "did I do too much" concerning gift buying and giving. In addition to that I always feel a sense of guilt receiving the gifts given to me, because I didn't feel deserving of them. I would rather my time and their time spent thinking of how Jesus lived his live as our role model. He spent time doing good, being good, loving, caring, teaching. He knew his time was limited on earth and he tried his best to show the word, to be the word so that we might all see and know how to be and what God is expecting of us.
Have I sent that message to my family, friends and neighbors? I ask every morning to be the hands and feet of Jesus, do I ever accomplish that? Tomorrow's upperroom reading is about nursing home residents. My thoughts and prayers have been and continue to be for my friends and family members who are in this very position. Mark lost his parents at the beginning of 2014 and his uncle just weeks ago. Did I do enough to let them know the wonderful news of our savior, who died for us? I'm overwhelmed right now. Have I done enough? Have I done too much?
Dear Lord, please give me the peace that comes with knowing that I've tried to do what you've wanted from me each day, especially this time of year. As I welcome my first grandchild in the new year, I can't even imagine how I'll feel when I hold this new life. As with my children and all my family, friends and neighbors, I'll want this little life to know about Jesus. I want to do enough, yet not do too much. Not everyone wants to be told the good news. It's a weird world we live in.
My Christmas wish for you is that you've done enough this Christmas to have the peace that passes all understanding in your hearts. I think I'm feeling better. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and a blessed Christmas tomorrow. Stay safe and warm. luv, Susan
Every Christmas I feel such an overwhelming sense of "did I do enough" and "did I do too much" concerning gift buying and giving. In addition to that I always feel a sense of guilt receiving the gifts given to me, because I didn't feel deserving of them. I would rather my time and their time spent thinking of how Jesus lived his live as our role model. He spent time doing good, being good, loving, caring, teaching. He knew his time was limited on earth and he tried his best to show the word, to be the word so that we might all see and know how to be and what God is expecting of us.
Have I sent that message to my family, friends and neighbors? I ask every morning to be the hands and feet of Jesus, do I ever accomplish that? Tomorrow's upperroom reading is about nursing home residents. My thoughts and prayers have been and continue to be for my friends and family members who are in this very position. Mark lost his parents at the beginning of 2014 and his uncle just weeks ago. Did I do enough to let them know the wonderful news of our savior, who died for us? I'm overwhelmed right now. Have I done enough? Have I done too much?
Dear Lord, please give me the peace that comes with knowing that I've tried to do what you've wanted from me each day, especially this time of year. As I welcome my first grandchild in the new year, I can't even imagine how I'll feel when I hold this new life. As with my children and all my family, friends and neighbors, I'll want this little life to know about Jesus. I want to do enough, yet not do too much. Not everyone wants to be told the good news. It's a weird world we live in.
My Christmas wish for you is that you've done enough this Christmas to have the peace that passes all understanding in your hearts. I think I'm feeling better. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and a blessed Christmas tomorrow. Stay safe and warm. luv, Susan
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Checking Off My Christmas To-Do List
This week is arranged a little differently for me. Because there is no Bible Study on Wednesdays, I'm able to blog today. I couldn't yesterday because I was out Christmas shopping with my mom and sisters. We had a really fun day, they are great company and fun to be around. Now, if I could just make my Christmas shopping list, I could start figuring out how I'm doing.
One thing that is accomplished for the most part is my card writing and sending. I originally thought that four boxes would be plenty, so when I found a card I really liked at Wal-Mart in November, I bought them. But after sending all those out, it was time for a refill. I headed back to Wally World last week looking for the same card, but expecting it to be all gone.....I was right on that count. I remember seeing another one I liked as well, so I'd try to find it. After I went through all the "inspirational" card boxes that could be reached, I looked up to the top shelf and, of course, there was another box, just out of my reach. I could barely get my fingers on it as I pushed it gingerly from side to side, as I stood on my tippy toes. I had finally been able to ascertain the fronts of three of the four rows of cards from my vantage point, but just needed to see that front box on the inside right row. Just as I almost could see it, the whole box came down on me, sending boxes of inspirational cards all over the ,thankfully, empty aisle. As the Wal-Mart clerk came to help and see if I was okay, I told her that I was and that I'd get it all back together, no help from her was necessary. And as I got a good look at the final card that I was trying to see, I told her that I found just what I was looking for, to which she responded, "well, I'm glad of that". It is a beautiful card with a perfectly inspirational message for those who receive it.
It's time for me to finish up my decorating, do some laundry, some cleaning and then bake some more cookies for tonight's Christmas Program at church. It is so wonderful to have my little country church just up the road. Just minutes to get there and minutes to get back home.
I hope you're getting everything checked off your Christmas To-Do List. And take some advice, if you see something you need on the top shelf at the store, ask for help. Stay safe, stay warm and have a great day! luv, Susan
One thing that is accomplished for the most part is my card writing and sending. I originally thought that four boxes would be plenty, so when I found a card I really liked at Wal-Mart in November, I bought them. But after sending all those out, it was time for a refill. I headed back to Wally World last week looking for the same card, but expecting it to be all gone.....I was right on that count. I remember seeing another one I liked as well, so I'd try to find it. After I went through all the "inspirational" card boxes that could be reached, I looked up to the top shelf and, of course, there was another box, just out of my reach. I could barely get my fingers on it as I pushed it gingerly from side to side, as I stood on my tippy toes. I had finally been able to ascertain the fronts of three of the four rows of cards from my vantage point, but just needed to see that front box on the inside right row. Just as I almost could see it, the whole box came down on me, sending boxes of inspirational cards all over the ,thankfully, empty aisle. As the Wal-Mart clerk came to help and see if I was okay, I told her that I was and that I'd get it all back together, no help from her was necessary. And as I got a good look at the final card that I was trying to see, I told her that I found just what I was looking for, to which she responded, "well, I'm glad of that". It is a beautiful card with a perfectly inspirational message for those who receive it.
It's time for me to finish up my decorating, do some laundry, some cleaning and then bake some more cookies for tonight's Christmas Program at church. It is so wonderful to have my little country church just up the road. Just minutes to get there and minutes to get back home.
I hope you're getting everything checked off your Christmas To-Do List. And take some advice, if you see something you need on the top shelf at the store, ask for help. Stay safe, stay warm and have a great day! luv, Susan
Thursday, December 11, 2014
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
We all have our Christmas traditions. I am smack dab in the middle of trying to carry out the majority of mine before too many more days pass. I've dragged out the little artificial tree covered with colored lights from the back bedroom, where it sits covered in a corner year round. My mom helped me decorate it on Saturday with all the little Hallmark and glass ornaments that we can fit on it. The patchwork Christmas tree skirt is from my Grandma Sims. She gave one to my mom, my sisters and me. I like to sit lots of little stuffed animals under the tree. This little tree sits atop a table that is also covered by a red plastic tablecloth that used to drop all the way to the floor. This year, however, I told my mom that we'd position it so it would be several inches or more from the tile beneath it. Because, apparently, my dogs' Christmas tradition is to pee on this red tablecloth every year. Yes, I still have trouble with my little male doggies leaving their little accidents here and there, although I know they're done on purpose. I guess it has something to do with the tree sitting atop the table and the confusion with dogs and trees outdoors....oh well. I'll keep working on it, cause it's one tradition I'd like to see ended.
I just listened to a really beautiful song by a group called 4 Him, called A Strange Way To Save The World. I'm not sure how long it's been out, but it's one of my favorites that tells the Christmas story from Joseph's perspective. He's asking God why he is trying to save the world by sending a savior in such a strange way. I'm sure there are many through the years that have wondered this same thing. I'm just glad that 4 Him decided to put it out there for us in an awesome song.
Yesterday was the last BSF Study until after the New Year. Pam and I won't know what to do with all that extra time. I expect that once Christina has our little Sixlibbyberry, I won't have a lot of extra time, but that has not all been determined as of yet.
I've always stressed that one of the reasons that I blog is to try to keep in touch with family, friends and neighbors that I've left behind. So, you'd find it interesting to know that I lost touch with a very special friend some 19-20 years ago. I'm happy to report that I was finally able to find my friend, Debi's long lost address hidden away in a box of desk stuff that still needed to be sorted through. We had the most fun conversation Tuesday and I'm looking forward to possibly visiting with her sometime over the holidays.
I am so thankful that it is a beautiful, yet chilly, sunny day. And I really need to get busy with completing two of my other Christmas traditions, getting my nativity scenes out as part of my decorating and getting my cards ready to send. I'm really looking forward to sharing our news about the soon to come addition to our family in our cards. I also have the picture from our silly Thanksgiving picture that Christina posted on facebook. And I also have to go clean up some doggie traditions as well. You have a great day, stay safe and warm. luv, Susan
I just listened to a really beautiful song by a group called 4 Him, called A Strange Way To Save The World. I'm not sure how long it's been out, but it's one of my favorites that tells the Christmas story from Joseph's perspective. He's asking God why he is trying to save the world by sending a savior in such a strange way. I'm sure there are many through the years that have wondered this same thing. I'm just glad that 4 Him decided to put it out there for us in an awesome song.
Yesterday was the last BSF Study until after the New Year. Pam and I won't know what to do with all that extra time. I expect that once Christina has our little Sixlibbyberry, I won't have a lot of extra time, but that has not all been determined as of yet.
I've always stressed that one of the reasons that I blog is to try to keep in touch with family, friends and neighbors that I've left behind. So, you'd find it interesting to know that I lost touch with a very special friend some 19-20 years ago. I'm happy to report that I was finally able to find my friend, Debi's long lost address hidden away in a box of desk stuff that still needed to be sorted through. We had the most fun conversation Tuesday and I'm looking forward to possibly visiting with her sometime over the holidays.
I am so thankful that it is a beautiful, yet chilly, sunny day. And I really need to get busy with completing two of my other Christmas traditions, getting my nativity scenes out as part of my decorating and getting my cards ready to send. I'm really looking forward to sharing our news about the soon to come addition to our family in our cards. I also have the picture from our silly Thanksgiving picture that Christina posted on facebook. And I also have to go clean up some doggie traditions as well. You have a great day, stay safe and warm. luv, Susan
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Where Do You Find Your Puzzle Pieces?
I love puzzles. I remember when Dustin was developing into a toddler, I looked at the toddler puzzles and for his first puzzle, I selected a Pluto puzzle. It was a wooden board with a picture of Mickey's dog, cut into seven pieces, to be placed back together to complete the picture. Well, Dustin wasn't very good at it, so the next time I went to the store, I saw the puzzles for the youngest toddlers. They had four pieces, each was a picture of it's own, that neatly fit into the cut out of it's own picture. I think I bought four that day so Dustin could learn to do puzzles and not get bored. He got pretty good at placing the turtle, frog, fruits,farm animals and bath toy cut out pieces where they belonged. I thought he was a genius!
I've thought for sometime now that knowing what God wants me to do as part of His plan for my life is something of a puzzle. Some days it takes me longer than others to figure out exactly what the picture of that puzzle is, but I keep trying.
I picked up a couple pieces of my plan's puzzle in just the last week. The first was another statement that I received from our BSF class lecture. One of Moses' three requests to God, as he approached Him to get further instructions, after God had given the Israelites the Ten Commandments the second time. He asked God, after "teach me your ways" and "go with us" to "show him His Glory". At first glance, this request doesn't seem quite as important as the first two. But then our lecture leader, Mary Beth stated, " We can take God's glory into the darkest times of our lives". Hmmmm, that sounds pretty good.
Do you have favorite Christmas movies? Of course I do! One is White Christmas with our local celebrity of the past, Rosemary Clooney. She sang the most touching song with Bing in that movie, Count Your Blessings, Instead of Sheep. The song came on my radio station this morning as Mark was getting ready to leave. It was Amy Grant singing, not nearly as wonderful as Rosemary and Bing, but all the same, the words rang true.
Yesterdays Upper room reading was about a family dealing with a son's serious bout with depression. A counselor suggested that they try to list their blessings during this time when they felt consumed by darkness. They did so and and felt enlightened to remind themselves that God was still working in their lives through each and every day of their journey, as a family dealing with their son's depression. Doesn't this sound like God's glory shining in our darkest times.
I'm reminded to always be thankful for all the many blessings in my life, this is giving Him the glory, and when He knows we are doing this, He can let that glory shine light into the darkness of our difficult times. It's amazing how these puzzle pieces fit together to give us a wonderful picture of a loving God who wants to be with us, wants to teach us His ways through our savior, Jesus and also wants to show us His glory by lighting our way each time we acknowledge Him for the wonderful blessings in our life.
I still have so much to do to prepare myself and my home for Christmas. I hope you are preparing for the celebration of the coming of the savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Take care, stay safe and warm. luv, Susan ps Dustin did finally master the Pluto puzzle!
I've thought for sometime now that knowing what God wants me to do as part of His plan for my life is something of a puzzle. Some days it takes me longer than others to figure out exactly what the picture of that puzzle is, but I keep trying.
I picked up a couple pieces of my plan's puzzle in just the last week. The first was another statement that I received from our BSF class lecture. One of Moses' three requests to God, as he approached Him to get further instructions, after God had given the Israelites the Ten Commandments the second time. He asked God, after "teach me your ways" and "go with us" to "show him His Glory". At first glance, this request doesn't seem quite as important as the first two. But then our lecture leader, Mary Beth stated, " We can take God's glory into the darkest times of our lives". Hmmmm, that sounds pretty good.
Do you have favorite Christmas movies? Of course I do! One is White Christmas with our local celebrity of the past, Rosemary Clooney. She sang the most touching song with Bing in that movie, Count Your Blessings, Instead of Sheep. The song came on my radio station this morning as Mark was getting ready to leave. It was Amy Grant singing, not nearly as wonderful as Rosemary and Bing, but all the same, the words rang true.
Yesterdays Upper room reading was about a family dealing with a son's serious bout with depression. A counselor suggested that they try to list their blessings during this time when they felt consumed by darkness. They did so and and felt enlightened to remind themselves that God was still working in their lives through each and every day of their journey, as a family dealing with their son's depression. Doesn't this sound like God's glory shining in our darkest times.
I'm reminded to always be thankful for all the many blessings in my life, this is giving Him the glory, and when He knows we are doing this, He can let that glory shine light into the darkness of our difficult times. It's amazing how these puzzle pieces fit together to give us a wonderful picture of a loving God who wants to be with us, wants to teach us His ways through our savior, Jesus and also wants to show us His glory by lighting our way each time we acknowledge Him for the wonderful blessings in our life.
I still have so much to do to prepare myself and my home for Christmas. I hope you are preparing for the celebration of the coming of the savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Take care, stay safe and warm. luv, Susan ps Dustin did finally master the Pluto puzzle!
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Sharing God's Little Coincidences
Today is going to be busy for me. Yesterday was as well. The funny thing is that I don't like being so busy all the time. What I enjoy is a peaceful day at home with my doggies and a warm fire, getting things done around the house. Today, it would be nice to get out my greenery and white lights, the little Christmas tree tucked behind the door in Christina's downstairs bedroom and do some decorating. Then, with the Christmas Message on sirius, start my Christmas cards. But, on my calendar is the reminder of Homemakers Christmas dinner, so I'll be taking a chocolate cake, picking up my friend, Mildred, and off we'll go to our annual celebration with all the members of our homemakers group. Once I get on the way, I'll be glad to have the company of all these wonderful ladies and it will be special.
Yesterday, I was busy with my sister, Pam. We go to a BSF Bible Study each Wednesday in Lexington. It's a particularly highly structured organization that I had desired to attend when we lived in Henderson, but the timing didn't work out, so God gave me the opportunity to try it here in Central Kentucky. We are currently studying Moses, and it is fascinating. Turns out that Charlton Heston's portrayal of Moses in The Ten Commandments did not tell the whole story. Fortunately, God had everything He wanted us to know written down in the Bible for us to really know the whole story.
I was particularly interested when our leader, Mary Beth, mentioned a particular verse during her lecture that I was very familiar with. Many times in the past, I have sought out this verse in Lamentations because it is such a wonderful reminder for me not to waste mornings by sleeping in. The verse which starts with 3:22 and continues through verse 23 states "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness". Because of this verse, I've set my alarm to take advantage of the wonderful compassions or mercies, that await me in the morning. Thank you God for wonderful starts to our mornings.
I felt the need to share this because after I read my BSF study for the morning, I opened up my Upperroom and read yesterdays devotion, as I was off and running due to being a little late in getting started. Anyway, the verse highlighted was Lamentations 3:22-23. I checked my notes from the lecture, and there it was Lam. 3:22-24, a study on Moses brought me right back to the same verse that was the Upperroom devotion for me. When God gives you little coincidences like that, it's a good idea to share them with someone.
Yesterday continued to be busy as daughter, Christina came over for supper. I can't believe that we are counting down the days til the arrival of our newest little Sixlibby. But, like I said, today will be busy as well. I got my first Christmas card yesterday from one of the dearest teachers of all time. I look forward to when I can finally sit down and respond to her, but in the meantime I have to get ready for a Christmas dinner.
I hope you have a great day and are enjoying this special time of the year. Stay safe and warm. luv, Susan ps, Okay, we are getting ready for a new little Sixlibbyberry.
Yesterday, I was busy with my sister, Pam. We go to a BSF Bible Study each Wednesday in Lexington. It's a particularly highly structured organization that I had desired to attend when we lived in Henderson, but the timing didn't work out, so God gave me the opportunity to try it here in Central Kentucky. We are currently studying Moses, and it is fascinating. Turns out that Charlton Heston's portrayal of Moses in The Ten Commandments did not tell the whole story. Fortunately, God had everything He wanted us to know written down in the Bible for us to really know the whole story.
I was particularly interested when our leader, Mary Beth, mentioned a particular verse during her lecture that I was very familiar with. Many times in the past, I have sought out this verse in Lamentations because it is such a wonderful reminder for me not to waste mornings by sleeping in. The verse which starts with 3:22 and continues through verse 23 states "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness". Because of this verse, I've set my alarm to take advantage of the wonderful compassions or mercies, that await me in the morning. Thank you God for wonderful starts to our mornings.
I felt the need to share this because after I read my BSF study for the morning, I opened up my Upperroom and read yesterdays devotion, as I was off and running due to being a little late in getting started. Anyway, the verse highlighted was Lamentations 3:22-23. I checked my notes from the lecture, and there it was Lam. 3:22-24, a study on Moses brought me right back to the same verse that was the Upperroom devotion for me. When God gives you little coincidences like that, it's a good idea to share them with someone.
Yesterday continued to be busy as daughter, Christina came over for supper. I can't believe that we are counting down the days til the arrival of our newest little Sixlibby. But, like I said, today will be busy as well. I got my first Christmas card yesterday from one of the dearest teachers of all time. I look forward to when I can finally sit down and respond to her, but in the meantime I have to get ready for a Christmas dinner.
I hope you have a great day and are enjoying this special time of the year. Stay safe and warm. luv, Susan ps, Okay, we are getting ready for a new little Sixlibbyberry.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
PREPARING FOR TWO BIRTHS
Time marches on..........I hope everyone that reads this had an especially wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends and good food, and expressed your thankfulness for all that God has done in your lives. We did that here at my house with all 21 family members in attendance.
As chief cook and bottle washer, I felt a bit inadequate as the turkey still wasn't thawed after three full days in the fridge, nor when I fell behind peeling ten pounds of potatoes that eventually cooked down to almost potato soup before being whipped just minutes before we all sat down to eat. After being unable to host the dinner last year due to gallbladder surgery, I was out of practice getting everything done. Thankfully, with the help of my mom, son, daughter,sisters, nephews and their significant others, we got it all on the tables for everyone to partake. I consider it a successful day because everyone ate til they were miserable. Next time, I'll try to start earlier.
If you follow me on facebook, you know that my daughter, Christina is about a month away from introducing us to her and Joe's little baby. We still don't know the sex of our first grandchild, just praying he/she gets here safely and in good health for both mom and baby.
It is time to start preparing for the celebration of the birth of another baby, the savior of the world, God's perfect son, Jesus. I've got my cards ready to address and hopefully add a picture of our family. Of course, there is a picture of the babe lying in the manger on my cards, surrounded by the symbolic little lambs. As heartbreaking as it is to grasp it, Jesus was the perfect lamb who was slain for us so we could be forgiven for our sins. One sacrifice, given once for the entire world of believers. Jesus was present on the earth for about thirty three years, showing and teaching His children how to live their lives to enter into everlasting life with Him and the father, our God, in heaven. If we can grasp anything from this Christmas season, it is that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that who so ever believeth in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life". I live my life on that promise, the first verse I ever memorized. I hope you do as well.
There is so much to do this time of year, I better get going today. The UpperRoom readings for the past two days really helped me remember how loving, forgiving and present in my life, He is. I hope you're immersing yourself in the opportunities to hear his inspiring and encouraging words today and everyday. Have a great day and be safe and warm! luv, Susan ps, Happy Birthday, Taffy!
As chief cook and bottle washer, I felt a bit inadequate as the turkey still wasn't thawed after three full days in the fridge, nor when I fell behind peeling ten pounds of potatoes that eventually cooked down to almost potato soup before being whipped just minutes before we all sat down to eat. After being unable to host the dinner last year due to gallbladder surgery, I was out of practice getting everything done. Thankfully, with the help of my mom, son, daughter,sisters, nephews and their significant others, we got it all on the tables for everyone to partake. I consider it a successful day because everyone ate til they were miserable. Next time, I'll try to start earlier.
If you follow me on facebook, you know that my daughter, Christina is about a month away from introducing us to her and Joe's little baby. We still don't know the sex of our first grandchild, just praying he/she gets here safely and in good health for both mom and baby.
It is time to start preparing for the celebration of the birth of another baby, the savior of the world, God's perfect son, Jesus. I've got my cards ready to address and hopefully add a picture of our family. Of course, there is a picture of the babe lying in the manger on my cards, surrounded by the symbolic little lambs. As heartbreaking as it is to grasp it, Jesus was the perfect lamb who was slain for us so we could be forgiven for our sins. One sacrifice, given once for the entire world of believers. Jesus was present on the earth for about thirty three years, showing and teaching His children how to live their lives to enter into everlasting life with Him and the father, our God, in heaven. If we can grasp anything from this Christmas season, it is that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that who so ever believeth in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life". I live my life on that promise, the first verse I ever memorized. I hope you do as well.
There is so much to do this time of year, I better get going today. The UpperRoom readings for the past two days really helped me remember how loving, forgiving and present in my life, He is. I hope you're immersing yourself in the opportunities to hear his inspiring and encouraging words today and everyday. Have a great day and be safe and warm! luv, Susan ps, Happy Birthday, Taffy!
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