Today I am doing what all grandma's do, I'm babysitting. Okay, so most grandchildren have two arms and two legs and can be cradled in your arms, if they're really young, or sit and do puzzles with you, if they're older. My granddaughter, at one year of age, probably weighs as much as me and has four long legs, no arms and answers to the name of Beaulah, the blue Great Dane. Christina and Joe have had her over a year and she's beautiful. Mark and I enjoy her immensely. My four little white furballs, however, do not.
It was a difficult week for me, especially after Monday's battle. But, I did want to add my thoughts about that. As a bluebirder, I must remember to be ready to protect these little birds entrusted to my care at all times. Because i had a guard around the pole, I thought they were safe. Now, we have reinforced our bluebird house, and in addition, I will have the weapons necessary to take care of predators if that time comes.
We, as Christians, need to be prepared to be battle ready at all times as well. Ephesians 6:10-19 are wonderful verses of the Bible that tell us how to put on the Armor of God and prepare ourselves to do battle with the evil of the world. It reads as follows, in the closing paragraphs, as Paul finishes up his letter to the Christians of Ephesus:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. NIV
Tomorrow is Father's Day and we will be celebrating with my Dad and also having a birthday party for my sister, Kathy, and my son, Dustin. Mark will be giving his Dad a call to Jupiter, Florida. We are truly blessed to have these two special fathers still very much in our lives. I hope you are able to spend Father's Day with dads, children, grandchildren, grandpuppies, and all those special people in your life that have given you love, support, wisdom and guidance. I am also thankful for a loving God who does just that every day of our lives. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
ALWAYS BE BATTLE READY
June is here and I'm loving it! Each day is a little bit longer than the one before and I'm usually outside enjoying the daylight as long as it lasts. I wish I could say that I've been enjoying the recent days watching the bluebirds and having occasional sightings of the deer, but it has been such a busy time that I've rarely been able to do so the last couple weeks. I blame the Henderson County baseball team for my lack of leisure time. Because they played so well this past season, they made it to Lexington for the state tournament played at Whitaker Bank Park. I attended Monday, Wednesday and Friday enjoying time with friends that I hadn't seen since before leaving Henderson over five years ago. It was wonderful catching up with them and their families and I wouldn't exchange it for bluebird watching. The team got beat in the semi-finals, so they were a couple games short of winning another state title, but I hope they make it back in the years to come as I have two young Colonels for whom to root. Go Jace and Tyler!!
We also had family visiting this past week as Mark's oldest brother, Rich and wife, Leslie, visited while in the state for a family funeral. It was great seeing them and we look forward to seeing them again in a couple weeks when we hope to see them and the rest of the Libby's at Mom and Dad's 65th Anniversary celebration. Should be a great time!
I'm continuing my country walks, usually getting in three five mile walks a week. The flowers and critters that I see provide me with many picture taking opportunities. I've got lots of iris, roses, peonies, wisteria, snapping turtle, lunar moth and many, many horses that have been my subjects.
Since my last post, we have discovered that our feisty mama doe has not one fawn in our yard, but two. They usually come out late and do their romping around in the grass while we're all sleeping. But, occasionally, we see them out or hiding in the tall grass of their "corner" of the yard. We try very hard to give them their space and keep the dogs from intruding on their turf. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to get a picture of them romping together before they make the leap over the fence in the weeks to come.
The bluebirds started laying eggs for their third brood right after the Memorial Day weekend. I was really looking forward to seeing the parents go back and forth feeding the nestlings in the box, but I'm afraid we will have to wait for another time, as all hell broke out here yesterday afternoon when I saw a snake wrapped around the top of the bluebird house, making a meal of the bluebird eggs. My first reaction was to yell, scream and throw big rocks up at him. This did nothing. My second reaction was to run up the hill to the garage to find something like a shovel. I found a paint roller on a pole. I pounded the top of the house with the roller, thus knocking him into the house. Not what I had planned. I then pulled the whole house on a pole out of the ground, leaning it over til he finally spilled out onto the ground and slithered beneath our rock wall. This was not going well at all!
I wanted to look into the birdhouse to see if there were any eggs left so I walked back up the hill to Mark's building and got a big step ladder. As I came back down the hill with the ladder, I noticed the snake was slithering up the pole toward the birdhouse. I ran, again with ladder, and used the bottom rung to knock him back to the ground. Back under the rockwall he went. There must be some eggs left for him to make a second attempt. I prepared to climb the step ladder but it didn't go so well. After just about taking me, the birdhouse with pole and the ladder out completely when the bottom sunk into the soft ground, I was able to reposition it and check what was inside.......one little blue egg in the nest. It was now my job to make sure he did NOT get this last little egg.
As all of this mayhem is taking place in my yard, the bluebird pair and their juvenile babies are flitting above trying to figure out what to do. At this point, I now know what to do. I go again to Mark's building, taking the ladder back. I choose my weapons, a garden rake and a shovel. I figure I just have to sit under the deck and watch and wait for my opportunity. When I see some movement, I check the binoculars and sure enough, he's making his move from atop the rockwall to the pole and begins his way up. However, this time before he even makes it to the snakeguard, apparently useless against a four foot snake, I use the garden rake and knock him to the ground and pin him down with it. Then, with the shovel, I am able to finish the job. I told him that he messed with the wrong bluebirder.
Once I know I've completed the kill, I run back up under the deck and watch the inevitable writhing and twisting while his body continues it's final struggle with death. I check once, from a distance, just to make sure, once all movement has ceased. I let Mark, who gets home hours later, dispose of him and put the weapons away. I'm just glad it's over, not my favorite chore, not at all. The bluebirds are still checking over the situation. They even land on the house, though they don't go in. I believe the one little egg is still in there, but the parents can't bring themselves to go back in the house to finish the job of sitting on it til it's hatched. It was a rough afternoon.
Today after my walk I spotted the deer and one of her fawns in the tall grass in their corner of the yard. I'm still seeing the bluebirds flying here and there from tree to yard to get insects. I don't think they've gone back in their birdhouse. Maybe Mark and I will take it down and put up a new one in a different spot and see what happens. It's still a beautiful day and the hummingbirds have been visiting their feeders. A pair of carolina wrens were checking out the area between the patio ceiling and deck above. It would be nice to have baby wrens. I hope you are enjoying the springtime wildlife in your area. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
We also had family visiting this past week as Mark's oldest brother, Rich and wife, Leslie, visited while in the state for a family funeral. It was great seeing them and we look forward to seeing them again in a couple weeks when we hope to see them and the rest of the Libby's at Mom and Dad's 65th Anniversary celebration. Should be a great time!
I'm continuing my country walks, usually getting in three five mile walks a week. The flowers and critters that I see provide me with many picture taking opportunities. I've got lots of iris, roses, peonies, wisteria, snapping turtle, lunar moth and many, many horses that have been my subjects.
Since my last post, we have discovered that our feisty mama doe has not one fawn in our yard, but two. They usually come out late and do their romping around in the grass while we're all sleeping. But, occasionally, we see them out or hiding in the tall grass of their "corner" of the yard. We try very hard to give them their space and keep the dogs from intruding on their turf. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to get a picture of them romping together before they make the leap over the fence in the weeks to come.
The bluebirds started laying eggs for their third brood right after the Memorial Day weekend. I was really looking forward to seeing the parents go back and forth feeding the nestlings in the box, but I'm afraid we will have to wait for another time, as all hell broke out here yesterday afternoon when I saw a snake wrapped around the top of the bluebird house, making a meal of the bluebird eggs. My first reaction was to yell, scream and throw big rocks up at him. This did nothing. My second reaction was to run up the hill to the garage to find something like a shovel. I found a paint roller on a pole. I pounded the top of the house with the roller, thus knocking him into the house. Not what I had planned. I then pulled the whole house on a pole out of the ground, leaning it over til he finally spilled out onto the ground and slithered beneath our rock wall. This was not going well at all!
I wanted to look into the birdhouse to see if there were any eggs left so I walked back up the hill to Mark's building and got a big step ladder. As I came back down the hill with the ladder, I noticed the snake was slithering up the pole toward the birdhouse. I ran, again with ladder, and used the bottom rung to knock him back to the ground. Back under the rockwall he went. There must be some eggs left for him to make a second attempt. I prepared to climb the step ladder but it didn't go so well. After just about taking me, the birdhouse with pole and the ladder out completely when the bottom sunk into the soft ground, I was able to reposition it and check what was inside.......one little blue egg in the nest. It was now my job to make sure he did NOT get this last little egg.
As all of this mayhem is taking place in my yard, the bluebird pair and their juvenile babies are flitting above trying to figure out what to do. At this point, I now know what to do. I go again to Mark's building, taking the ladder back. I choose my weapons, a garden rake and a shovel. I figure I just have to sit under the deck and watch and wait for my opportunity. When I see some movement, I check the binoculars and sure enough, he's making his move from atop the rockwall to the pole and begins his way up. However, this time before he even makes it to the snakeguard, apparently useless against a four foot snake, I use the garden rake and knock him to the ground and pin him down with it. Then, with the shovel, I am able to finish the job. I told him that he messed with the wrong bluebirder.
Once I know I've completed the kill, I run back up under the deck and watch the inevitable writhing and twisting while his body continues it's final struggle with death. I check once, from a distance, just to make sure, once all movement has ceased. I let Mark, who gets home hours later, dispose of him and put the weapons away. I'm just glad it's over, not my favorite chore, not at all. The bluebirds are still checking over the situation. They even land on the house, though they don't go in. I believe the one little egg is still in there, but the parents can't bring themselves to go back in the house to finish the job of sitting on it til it's hatched. It was a rough afternoon.
Today after my walk I spotted the deer and one of her fawns in the tall grass in their corner of the yard. I'm still seeing the bluebirds flying here and there from tree to yard to get insects. I don't think they've gone back in their birdhouse. Maybe Mark and I will take it down and put up a new one in a different spot and see what happens. It's still a beautiful day and the hummingbirds have been visiting their feeders. A pair of carolina wrens were checking out the area between the patio ceiling and deck above. It would be nice to have baby wrens. I hope you are enjoying the springtime wildlife in your area. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Saturday, May 25, 2013
DANGER: MAMA DEER NEARBY
It's Memorial Day weekend! You wouldn't know it from the weather, it's in the forties outside this morning. Spring has been crazy. We have always enjoyed this time of year and are aware of the new life that surrounds us out here in our country setting. Each year we delight in the bluebirds, as they multiply their number, and we enjoy any sightings of newborn fawns around our home. This year, however, we've managed to incur the wrath of one particular mama doe.
We first started noticing our dog, Pudge, playing some unusual games with this particular deer. He would be on his side of the small fence surrounding our expansive yard and the deer would simply stand on it's side, just staring him down while he barked incessantly at it. When we would intervene, the deer would bound away and we'd carry Pudge up to the house. I figured it was some sort of game at first. Then I noticed the deer apparently stalking us. It would come out of the heavily grown over areas and peer across the yard to see what we were up to near the house. Okay, I figured, this was a mama doe and she must have a baby somewhere near. We'd be on the lookout.
Then it happened! I was sitting under our deck on Mother's Day evening reading a book when I heard a commotion out front in the driveway. As I turned to the left to see what was going on, this mama doe came right around the deck posts in hot pursuit of poor Pudge, who was running for his life! He had to run around the patio, which is also contained by a small fence, and enter in the opening at the back of the deck. Thankfully, Mark encountered the attacking mama deer in the back yard and shooed her into the woods at the back of the house. Pudge was relieved and shaken by his encounter. He had two muddy hoof marks on his back and backside. Apparently, she meant business. Mama doe was seen stalking around the house the remainder of the evening.
For now, Pudge is not allowed freedom in the yard. As I was taking him on his before bedtime walk in the yard, I noticed something at the top of the driveway to Mark's new building. It was the fawn that mama doe had been , apparently, riled over. How unusual to see it right there in the open, curled up in front of the building. By morning, it was gone. Mama doe continues her stalking and we continue to keep Pudge tethered during his outings in the yard. Yesterday, the fawn was again left out in the open near the building, but again, was later gone. I believe this is the first year that a mama doe has had her baby within the confines of our little dog fences. It has sure made Spring a lot more exciting. I'll be glad when the little one learns to clear the fence so things can get back to normal around here.
As far as other happenings, the bluebirds are already working on their second brood. After only one set of babies last year, this is a wonderful blessing for us. I'm working at our flower and vegetable gardens. The gerbera daisies and morning glories from last year are doing well. And, finally, it looks like I'll have beautiful hollyhocks, after two unsuccessful years of anticipating the colorful blooms.
We continue our Esther Bible study and hope to have a summer class for this, in addition to our Sunday morning class. I've been reading a C.S. Lewis book, which I hope to reveal more about at a later time, as it's been a very curious journey which has led me to this particular book. And I might add one last thought that I have concerning the UpperRoom devotion readings. God continues to enlighten me with the verses highlighted each day. I was especially enthralled with the focus of Thursdays reading, which reminds us to not become like the Pharisees of Jesus' time. We must be careful to remember that the reason for the law was to bring us closer to God. If we lose sight of God's overall purpose of loving others, we are getting ourselves off track, just as those woeful church leaders had gotten dangerously off track.
It looks to be a beautiful day, though cool outside. I'll be remembering the services and sacrifices of our military families and those we've lost protecting our freedoms. Have a blessed holiday weekend. Stay safe. love, Susan
We first started noticing our dog, Pudge, playing some unusual games with this particular deer. He would be on his side of the small fence surrounding our expansive yard and the deer would simply stand on it's side, just staring him down while he barked incessantly at it. When we would intervene, the deer would bound away and we'd carry Pudge up to the house. I figured it was some sort of game at first. Then I noticed the deer apparently stalking us. It would come out of the heavily grown over areas and peer across the yard to see what we were up to near the house. Okay, I figured, this was a mama doe and she must have a baby somewhere near. We'd be on the lookout.
Then it happened! I was sitting under our deck on Mother's Day evening reading a book when I heard a commotion out front in the driveway. As I turned to the left to see what was going on, this mama doe came right around the deck posts in hot pursuit of poor Pudge, who was running for his life! He had to run around the patio, which is also contained by a small fence, and enter in the opening at the back of the deck. Thankfully, Mark encountered the attacking mama deer in the back yard and shooed her into the woods at the back of the house. Pudge was relieved and shaken by his encounter. He had two muddy hoof marks on his back and backside. Apparently, she meant business. Mama doe was seen stalking around the house the remainder of the evening.
For now, Pudge is not allowed freedom in the yard. As I was taking him on his before bedtime walk in the yard, I noticed something at the top of the driveway to Mark's new building. It was the fawn that mama doe had been , apparently, riled over. How unusual to see it right there in the open, curled up in front of the building. By morning, it was gone. Mama doe continues her stalking and we continue to keep Pudge tethered during his outings in the yard. Yesterday, the fawn was again left out in the open near the building, but again, was later gone. I believe this is the first year that a mama doe has had her baby within the confines of our little dog fences. It has sure made Spring a lot more exciting. I'll be glad when the little one learns to clear the fence so things can get back to normal around here.
As far as other happenings, the bluebirds are already working on their second brood. After only one set of babies last year, this is a wonderful blessing for us. I'm working at our flower and vegetable gardens. The gerbera daisies and morning glories from last year are doing well. And, finally, it looks like I'll have beautiful hollyhocks, after two unsuccessful years of anticipating the colorful blooms.
We continue our Esther Bible study and hope to have a summer class for this, in addition to our Sunday morning class. I've been reading a C.S. Lewis book, which I hope to reveal more about at a later time, as it's been a very curious journey which has led me to this particular book. And I might add one last thought that I have concerning the UpperRoom devotion readings. God continues to enlighten me with the verses highlighted each day. I was especially enthralled with the focus of Thursdays reading, which reminds us to not become like the Pharisees of Jesus' time. We must be careful to remember that the reason for the law was to bring us closer to God. If we lose sight of God's overall purpose of loving others, we are getting ourselves off track, just as those woeful church leaders had gotten dangerously off track.
It looks to be a beautiful day, though cool outside. I'll be remembering the services and sacrifices of our military families and those we've lost protecting our freedoms. Have a blessed holiday weekend. Stay safe. love, Susan
Thursday, May 2, 2013
WISTERIA OR LILACS? I LOVE THEM BOTH!
I love Spring! I always said that Summer was my favorite time of year, but when Summer rolls around each year, I've already started to feel a bit anxious about what is coming. It all starts with the first day of Summer being the longest day of the year. I just know that each day after is counting down to Winter and that alone just sends shivers up my spine. So, now I realize and declare that Spring my favorite season. As each day progresses, I know that the days continue to get longer and longer, no reason to fret over the coming seasons. I rejoice over all the signs of renewal that remind us each day of how our God loves us and is with us. We can compare all the difficult times in our lives as Winters of sorts. They're dark and cold, we feel abandoned and alone, but when we realize that God gives us hope and the opportunity of a new beginning, we can feel that joy that comes with renewal and reawakening of our spirit. Amen for that!
I made my second annual trek across the state of Kentucky recently. It is my plan each year to visit Henderson and visit friends and former neighbors. As I've always said, I love my neighbors, and just because I move away, that never changes. It brings me such joy to visit them! After a day in Henderson, I travel to Paducah for the Annual AQS (American Quilters Society) Quilt Show. Last year seemed to be a long drive to the far western portion of the state. This year was so much different. My friend, Ann, made the trip with me. We had a great time catching up with each other's lives since my move to Georgetown almost six years ago. Hopefully, next year, we'll even have one or two more join us on the trip.
When we arrived in Paducah, we drove to my friend, Lori's house. If you read last year's blog, you'll remember that she was my next door neighbor in Henderson. She and husband Mike built the house catty-cornered from us. When they moved to Paducah, they built the same house, only the mirror version. Anyway, Lori made us feel so welcome and even packed us a nice lunch for the quilt show. Wow, the quilts were amazing and we had a wonderful time viewing the handiwork of so many talented men and women. I especially love the handquilted and traditional quilts. Sad to say, the trend is towards machine quilting and non-traditional, but still, the quilts are amazing! In addition to the annual quilt show, Paducah also hosts the Dogwood Festival and the AQS Quilt Museum, which houses all the previous grand prize winners of the show. I'm already looking forward to next year.
I've finally been able to resume some nice long walks with the improving weather and also working out in the yard. I've been enjoying lilacs on my walks and also cutting and arranging them, thanks to generous friends with overflowing lilac shrubs. In addition to lilacs, I've been especially enjoying a sighting of a previously unnoticed wisteria vine that has overtaken an old car frame located in the driveway of a house I pass on my walks. Again, if you've read my previous springtime blogs, you know I experience a terrible case of not only lilac envy this time of year, but also wisteria envy. Hopefully, this year I'll figure out how to obtain some of the early blooming wisteria to go with the late blooming wisteria that grows up some of the trees in our woods.
I've been feeling somewhat anxious lately about "wedding plans". I've asked God to help me with these feelings and this morning he gave me the answer to my anxiousness. Thanks to the fruits of the spirit that come with being a Christian, I've been blessed with patience in most aspects of my life. God has reminded me to use that patience and to place my relationships with other people above my desire to help plan the "perfect wedding" for my daughter and her fiance. I will continue to use His guidance as I go forward with the plans. Jesus performed his first public miracle at a wedding and I know He will be with me as this special day approaches.
It is beautiful outside and it will be a busy day for me. I hope you're enjoying your day and if you haven't lived the Springtime of spiritual renewal in your life, today could be the day for you to celebrate the joy that comes when your savior, Jesus Christ, becomes the center of your life. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
I made my second annual trek across the state of Kentucky recently. It is my plan each year to visit Henderson and visit friends and former neighbors. As I've always said, I love my neighbors, and just because I move away, that never changes. It brings me such joy to visit them! After a day in Henderson, I travel to Paducah for the Annual AQS (American Quilters Society) Quilt Show. Last year seemed to be a long drive to the far western portion of the state. This year was so much different. My friend, Ann, made the trip with me. We had a great time catching up with each other's lives since my move to Georgetown almost six years ago. Hopefully, next year, we'll even have one or two more join us on the trip.
When we arrived in Paducah, we drove to my friend, Lori's house. If you read last year's blog, you'll remember that she was my next door neighbor in Henderson. She and husband Mike built the house catty-cornered from us. When they moved to Paducah, they built the same house, only the mirror version. Anyway, Lori made us feel so welcome and even packed us a nice lunch for the quilt show. Wow, the quilts were amazing and we had a wonderful time viewing the handiwork of so many talented men and women. I especially love the handquilted and traditional quilts. Sad to say, the trend is towards machine quilting and non-traditional, but still, the quilts are amazing! In addition to the annual quilt show, Paducah also hosts the Dogwood Festival and the AQS Quilt Museum, which houses all the previous grand prize winners of the show. I'm already looking forward to next year.
I've finally been able to resume some nice long walks with the improving weather and also working out in the yard. I've been enjoying lilacs on my walks and also cutting and arranging them, thanks to generous friends with overflowing lilac shrubs. In addition to lilacs, I've been especially enjoying a sighting of a previously unnoticed wisteria vine that has overtaken an old car frame located in the driveway of a house I pass on my walks. Again, if you've read my previous springtime blogs, you know I experience a terrible case of not only lilac envy this time of year, but also wisteria envy. Hopefully, this year I'll figure out how to obtain some of the early blooming wisteria to go with the late blooming wisteria that grows up some of the trees in our woods.
I've been feeling somewhat anxious lately about "wedding plans". I've asked God to help me with these feelings and this morning he gave me the answer to my anxiousness. Thanks to the fruits of the spirit that come with being a Christian, I've been blessed with patience in most aspects of my life. God has reminded me to use that patience and to place my relationships with other people above my desire to help plan the "perfect wedding" for my daughter and her fiance. I will continue to use His guidance as I go forward with the plans. Jesus performed his first public miracle at a wedding and I know He will be with me as this special day approaches.
It is beautiful outside and it will be a busy day for me. I hope you're enjoying your day and if you haven't lived the Springtime of spiritual renewal in your life, today could be the day for you to celebrate the joy that comes when your savior, Jesus Christ, becomes the center of your life. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
I'M FIFTY SEVEN !! ( Much better than the alternative )
The last two weeks have been busy for me. I turned 57 and my friends and family have spoiled me with fun greetings and celebrations. I am very blessed. As my friend Mildred says, "If I stink, it's because I'm so spoiled!".
Easter has come and gone. I always enjoy our Easter services at church. It's wonderful to see our little country church practically full. Thankfully my sister, Pam has Easter dinner at her house, so I only need to show up with the green bean casserole and some candy and cards for family. We always have a fun time together. This year we finally put an end to the 20-40 something grandkids having an Easter egg hunt, thank goodness for that. I actually looked at little Easter baskets that were on sale after the holiday for next year, but decided I had til the following Easter, at least, to be concerned about making up any little Easter baskets.
Our weather, as everyone knows, has been nuts. Sometimes it's hot and humid, then it's cold again. My flowers and budding trees don't know what to do. I would like to say that I've begun routine walks again, but haven't even been able to start doing that. It has been nice seeing the bluebirds tending to their nestbox. I'm hoping to find a wisteria plant or tree or vine in the coming weeks and plan to sow a bunch of flower seeds in some of my gardens.
We are progressing with some wedding plans for Christina and Joe's island wedding. Again, I am thankful to my friends because neither Christina nor I have a clue when it comes to such affairs.
The University of Kentucky made it through March Madness without winning the SEC Tournament or making it to the NCAA Tourney. We also managed to lose our first game in the lowly NIT Tournament. Angry, disappointed fans made a point to fill the social media and letters to the editors with their opinions of our team. I was just upset that we managed to give away home court advantage for our NIT game, thus making a difficult situation for our young team "down near impossible". I prayed for these young men that God would protect them and keep them safe with all the media hype and fan hysteria over our lackluster basketball season. Years ago, I learned the valuable lesson that Kentucky Basketball is just a game. God has given us sports to enjoy, use athletic abilities for His glory and learn valuable life lessons. And, yes, I did root for the Louisville Cardinals, both men and women. I was sorry to see UConn women beat UK's Women and then again when they beat UofL's women. They have a freshman player that looks pretty much unstoppable, but I thought that about Brittany Griner.
I must say the UK Football Blue and White game was awesome. Unlike so many of our home games this past season, the parking lot was full of tailgaters and cars. The stadium was practically full and rocking. Much different than that cold, drizzly Saturday when we capped off a painful home season with a loss to Vanderbilt. Looking forward to a new era of Kentucky Football with our new head coach, Mark Stoops, and his staff. Go Big Blue!! And as important as the turnout for the game, for me, I was able to visit with some special Henderson friends before and during the game.
Our Sunday School class is making our way slowly through our Beth Moore Bible study on Esther. It's amazing how much we can get out of such a seemingly short book of the Bible. Hopefully, we'll have a couple more join us for the summer break.
I hope you are enjoying this special season of renewal. The past couple days have been difficult for this country and the city of Boston. Deaths related to wars and terror attacks are all so sad. I pray for recoveries and peace for all concerned. You have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Easter has come and gone. I always enjoy our Easter services at church. It's wonderful to see our little country church practically full. Thankfully my sister, Pam has Easter dinner at her house, so I only need to show up with the green bean casserole and some candy and cards for family. We always have a fun time together. This year we finally put an end to the 20-40 something grandkids having an Easter egg hunt, thank goodness for that. I actually looked at little Easter baskets that were on sale after the holiday for next year, but decided I had til the following Easter, at least, to be concerned about making up any little Easter baskets.
Our weather, as everyone knows, has been nuts. Sometimes it's hot and humid, then it's cold again. My flowers and budding trees don't know what to do. I would like to say that I've begun routine walks again, but haven't even been able to start doing that. It has been nice seeing the bluebirds tending to their nestbox. I'm hoping to find a wisteria plant or tree or vine in the coming weeks and plan to sow a bunch of flower seeds in some of my gardens.
We are progressing with some wedding plans for Christina and Joe's island wedding. Again, I am thankful to my friends because neither Christina nor I have a clue when it comes to such affairs.
The University of Kentucky made it through March Madness without winning the SEC Tournament or making it to the NCAA Tourney. We also managed to lose our first game in the lowly NIT Tournament. Angry, disappointed fans made a point to fill the social media and letters to the editors with their opinions of our team. I was just upset that we managed to give away home court advantage for our NIT game, thus making a difficult situation for our young team "down near impossible". I prayed for these young men that God would protect them and keep them safe with all the media hype and fan hysteria over our lackluster basketball season. Years ago, I learned the valuable lesson that Kentucky Basketball is just a game. God has given us sports to enjoy, use athletic abilities for His glory and learn valuable life lessons. And, yes, I did root for the Louisville Cardinals, both men and women. I was sorry to see UConn women beat UK's Women and then again when they beat UofL's women. They have a freshman player that looks pretty much unstoppable, but I thought that about Brittany Griner.
I must say the UK Football Blue and White game was awesome. Unlike so many of our home games this past season, the parking lot was full of tailgaters and cars. The stadium was practically full and rocking. Much different than that cold, drizzly Saturday when we capped off a painful home season with a loss to Vanderbilt. Looking forward to a new era of Kentucky Football with our new head coach, Mark Stoops, and his staff. Go Big Blue!! And as important as the turnout for the game, for me, I was able to visit with some special Henderson friends before and during the game.
Our Sunday School class is making our way slowly through our Beth Moore Bible study on Esther. It's amazing how much we can get out of such a seemingly short book of the Bible. Hopefully, we'll have a couple more join us for the summer break.
I hope you are enjoying this special season of renewal. The past couple days have been difficult for this country and the city of Boston. Deaths related to wars and terror attacks are all so sad. I pray for recoveries and peace for all concerned. You have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
I'M SO CONFUSED............NOT
What happened to Spring? The groundhog saw his shadow and predicted an early Spring. I think I recall a couple days of reasonably warm weather, but then the chill of Winter returned with all the trappings of cold, snow and miserably raw days. I heard someone say that the groundhog was charged with fraud and we are left with confusion and uncertainty with our outdoor Spring plans.
It is Holy Week. Unbelievably, I am watching snow fall on the trees on our hill and the roofs of our out buildings. Schools are delayed or closed. The daffodils and hyacinth that were opening their blooms are bowed down and covered with snow. Yes, I'm confused having all this cold and snow the week of Easter. This is not how I envisioned the days leading up to the holiest day on the Christian calendar. But, thankfully, I have clarity and certainty about this week of remembrance, if not the season change from Winter to Spring. No matter what the weather, this week is remembered for the most cataclysmic events in the history of the world. Our God and Savior made himself known to the world and the world rejected, betrayed and abandoned Him.
I have the Blessed Assurance of knowing that God came into the world as an innocent infant and lived His life among His people before making the ultimate sacrifice on Good Friday. Our God was willing to take the sins of the world upon Himself to bridge the gap between Him and His creation. God's plan was perfect because it left the undeniable message to us that our creator loved us so much He would give His only son in order to have us with Him.
I'm trying to follow Jesus' final days throughout the pages of the Gospels. I know Palm Sunday marked his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, complete with the foretold ride on a donkey and the cheering crowds with their palm branches. I believe Monday to have been the day He visited the temple and cleared the moneychangers from the Holy place. I hope to get some new insight on the events that occur as I follow Jesus' footsteps that then lead him to His Last Supper on Maundy Thursday and the heartbreaking actions that then occurred on Good Friday.
Yes, I may have some confusion and uncertainty about this crazy weather, but I have nothing but absolute belief and faith in the one remarkable act that our God performed that third day following the crucifixion. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of our God, where He intercedes for us, because He loves us. Of that, I'm sure!
I'm wishing you an awesome day and the rest of the week leading up to and including Easter. Take care and stay safe. luv, Susan
It is Holy Week. Unbelievably, I am watching snow fall on the trees on our hill and the roofs of our out buildings. Schools are delayed or closed. The daffodils and hyacinth that were opening their blooms are bowed down and covered with snow. Yes, I'm confused having all this cold and snow the week of Easter. This is not how I envisioned the days leading up to the holiest day on the Christian calendar. But, thankfully, I have clarity and certainty about this week of remembrance, if not the season change from Winter to Spring. No matter what the weather, this week is remembered for the most cataclysmic events in the history of the world. Our God and Savior made himself known to the world and the world rejected, betrayed and abandoned Him.
I have the Blessed Assurance of knowing that God came into the world as an innocent infant and lived His life among His people before making the ultimate sacrifice on Good Friday. Our God was willing to take the sins of the world upon Himself to bridge the gap between Him and His creation. God's plan was perfect because it left the undeniable message to us that our creator loved us so much He would give His only son in order to have us with Him.
I'm trying to follow Jesus' final days throughout the pages of the Gospels. I know Palm Sunday marked his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, complete with the foretold ride on a donkey and the cheering crowds with their palm branches. I believe Monday to have been the day He visited the temple and cleared the moneychangers from the Holy place. I hope to get some new insight on the events that occur as I follow Jesus' footsteps that then lead him to His Last Supper on Maundy Thursday and the heartbreaking actions that then occurred on Good Friday.
Yes, I may have some confusion and uncertainty about this crazy weather, but I have nothing but absolute belief and faith in the one remarkable act that our God performed that third day following the crucifixion. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of our God, where He intercedes for us, because He loves us. Of that, I'm sure!
I'm wishing you an awesome day and the rest of the week leading up to and including Easter. Take care and stay safe. luv, Susan
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
IT'S WONDERFUL TO FEEL HOME
I'm looking out my window at a wooded hillside covered with snow. It is beautiful falling on the cedar trees and blanketing the ground, but give me a break here, it is almost a full week into March. I am so ready for watching the buds on the trees and the flowers push up out of the earth. Instead, we have taken a couple giant steps back into winter. I will say I'm blessed to be in a warm house with four little white dogs to help keep me company.
The Upperroom devotional reading for today gave me a wonderful reminder about my life. The writer was from a family whose father's career kept them moving around the country. This subject was brought up at the Amen House on Monday. Our new volunteer, Bob, was an Airforce brat, as he put it. His family moved around so much that he can't even pick a place that he feels he's from. He said he went to five different schools in the second grade and five different high schools. I could understand this, as we moved several times during my school years and I always felt like the "new kid".
When Mark and I were married, a career promotion took us away from Kentucky, to New England. I thought that sounded romantically exciting for newlyweds, so off we went. After two years in Massachusetts and six in Rhode Island, the romance had worn off and with two small children in tow, I was ready to head back home. Thankfully for us, Mark's company was able to relocate us back to Kentucky, where we spent the next twenty one years raising our children. I was determined that they would go kindergarten through graduation in one school system. I didn't like being the "new kid" and didn't want them to have to experience that. Henderson, Kentucky was home for them, but it never felt completely that for me. Now that I'm back in Central Kentucky, close to my family, I feel like I'm finally home.
As Christians, however, we have a more permanent home. We realize as we grow into our identity that this world is merely temporary and we will not truly be home til we reach our heavenly home and our eternal life with our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. When we get there, we will be welcomed home by all those wonderful saints who have gone before us. I believe that home isn't defined by the geographical location of your dwelling, but by the relationships of those around you. I was able to feel "at home" wherever God led us, whether it was Bowling Green, Kentucky or Chepachet, Rhode Island because we made wonderful relationships with those around us. As I look back, God had a reason for us to be every place we were led. I am so thankful to have been a friend and neighbor to those special people He brought into our lives.
As we were brought to each place, I sought out my church because I knew that I would have so much in common with the people who worshiped with me. I was not disappointed by my home churches in Henderson or here in Georgetown. God has a way of leading us where we belong, if we're willing to follow. I got a kick out of watching the Southland Hour on Sunday, as our little church was cancelled due to snow. Their minister, Jon Weese, was identified as the "lead follower". I like that. We are sheep, He is our shepherd, may we be willing to follow Him.
I'm sorry to ramble, just wanted to share my thoughts on the morning reading. I am convinced that we should start each day with some sort of devotional and prayer time. It's also important to end each day with thanksgiving and reflection. As someone who works with fabrics, I know the importance of hemming in your day so it won't tend to unravel. If you don't want your day or life to unravel consider spending a little time at the beginning and the end with God and His word. It only takes a few minutes to let Him show you how much you are loved unconditionally by Him. Today's devotional reading is from Psalm 139. I choose verse 5, "You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me." My day is more manageable when I know His hand is upon me.
Time to get moving this morning. I'm sure the birds have the food that was out for them almost gone by now and I know the deer will be coming by for some corn. I hope you have a wonderful and safe day. Take care. luv, Susan
The Upperroom devotional reading for today gave me a wonderful reminder about my life. The writer was from a family whose father's career kept them moving around the country. This subject was brought up at the Amen House on Monday. Our new volunteer, Bob, was an Airforce brat, as he put it. His family moved around so much that he can't even pick a place that he feels he's from. He said he went to five different schools in the second grade and five different high schools. I could understand this, as we moved several times during my school years and I always felt like the "new kid".
When Mark and I were married, a career promotion took us away from Kentucky, to New England. I thought that sounded romantically exciting for newlyweds, so off we went. After two years in Massachusetts and six in Rhode Island, the romance had worn off and with two small children in tow, I was ready to head back home. Thankfully for us, Mark's company was able to relocate us back to Kentucky, where we spent the next twenty one years raising our children. I was determined that they would go kindergarten through graduation in one school system. I didn't like being the "new kid" and didn't want them to have to experience that. Henderson, Kentucky was home for them, but it never felt completely that for me. Now that I'm back in Central Kentucky, close to my family, I feel like I'm finally home.
As Christians, however, we have a more permanent home. We realize as we grow into our identity that this world is merely temporary and we will not truly be home til we reach our heavenly home and our eternal life with our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. When we get there, we will be welcomed home by all those wonderful saints who have gone before us. I believe that home isn't defined by the geographical location of your dwelling, but by the relationships of those around you. I was able to feel "at home" wherever God led us, whether it was Bowling Green, Kentucky or Chepachet, Rhode Island because we made wonderful relationships with those around us. As I look back, God had a reason for us to be every place we were led. I am so thankful to have been a friend and neighbor to those special people He brought into our lives.
As we were brought to each place, I sought out my church because I knew that I would have so much in common with the people who worshiped with me. I was not disappointed by my home churches in Henderson or here in Georgetown. God has a way of leading us where we belong, if we're willing to follow. I got a kick out of watching the Southland Hour on Sunday, as our little church was cancelled due to snow. Their minister, Jon Weese, was identified as the "lead follower". I like that. We are sheep, He is our shepherd, may we be willing to follow Him.
I'm sorry to ramble, just wanted to share my thoughts on the morning reading. I am convinced that we should start each day with some sort of devotional and prayer time. It's also important to end each day with thanksgiving and reflection. As someone who works with fabrics, I know the importance of hemming in your day so it won't tend to unravel. If you don't want your day or life to unravel consider spending a little time at the beginning and the end with God and His word. It only takes a few minutes to let Him show you how much you are loved unconditionally by Him. Today's devotional reading is from Psalm 139. I choose verse 5, "You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me." My day is more manageable when I know His hand is upon me.
Time to get moving this morning. I'm sure the birds have the food that was out for them almost gone by now and I know the deer will be coming by for some corn. I hope you have a wonderful and safe day. Take care. luv, Susan
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