Final Resting Place

I recently took a trip up north and visited the cemetary where my mom and dad are buried. Just a little place in the country. It is surrounded on two sides by cows, the back side by trees, and a farmhouse across the road. A quaint little out-of-the-way place, a quiet resting place for some very special family members. Along with my parents, my grandparents, an aunt, an uncle, and a cousin are also resting there.

It was a beautiful day for a drive. The sun was shining, the wind softly blowing, the trees swaying in the breeze, and the cows mosing about in the pastures. It has been quite some time since I have been there to visit their graves. My mom was always worried that no one would come to visit her grave since it is so out-of-the-way in the country. However, I do not really think of them as being there. I know that their physical body is resting there, but not their spirit or soul. Still sometimes it is nice to go visit. It is a link to them, a tangible final resting place for someone who was so very important and significant in my life.

Death seems such a permanent thing, Or is it? Is it just the beginning of a new life? As for me, my hope is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep,

that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died

and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this

we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto

the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself

shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the

trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain

shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so

shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

My Niece

This picture reminds me of my niece Endora. We were the bestest of friends. She was only 5 years younger than me. She was so bubbly, so funny, so compassionate, so caring, and so full of life. She was more than family - she was my friend. Just a few of the many times I remember - making quilts for Christmas presents, playing games, going swimming, going shopping, trips to the park, building snowmen, making cookies and fudge, the late night phone calls, and so many more memories. Memories of all the good times, the happy times, the sad times, the laughter, the tears, the joy, the sadness. So many little things will trigger a memory - will bring her to my mind. Sometimes it is hard, but I find that as time goes by - I cherish each memory, each image that brings her to mind ----and I Smile.

I Want It Now

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14 KJV)

Waiting - Patience - Waiting. I am not good at either one of these. Growing up in this society with fast food places on every corner. We live in a "I want it now society" - impatience is more the norm than not.
On any given day, you can go through a drive thru at any fast food eating joint, a drive thru at the bank to withdraw or deposit money, a drive thru at the pharmacy to drop off or pick up prescriptions, and so many more places. The wait time is short and if the wait is too long, then people often will just get out of line and drive off. No one likes to wait for long.
However I do realize and understand that some things are better over time. For instance, some food like watergate salad or chili - are always better the next day once the flavors mix together more. A marinate takes time for it to flavor a piece of steak. Quilts - buying one is an easy fast fix. However, taking the time to find perfect material, cut out each piece, place and sew each quilt block then piece them together - all the makings for a unique special quilt for a loved one. Even in nature - tilling, fertilizing, planting a seed, then watching, watering, weeding - all to get the end product of a juicy flavorful piece of fruit or crunchy vegetable.
None of these are fast fixes, but all are worth the wait. If time and waiting can bring about such enjoyable and pleasurable things - Just think of what time and waiting on the Lord can bring about - his promises are sure. We can trust His Word and stand on each promise written there.

Father's Love

Last night and today have not been good. I am just not feeling up to par - physically okay, but emotionally just blah and out of sorts. Even when around friends - it does not seem like we are connecting. I seem to be on the outside looking in at all transactions or communications that are taking place - not really a part of it - not really fitting in or connecting with anyone else. The solution? Not sure, but coming home after being gone for awhile - I find Miss Cleo here. She is always loving and wants some attention. She wants held, to snuggle, and to be petted. Her motor just purrs away. After a short period of time, she is ready to get down and play. She races from couch to chair to table. She chases her toys. She runs over by the door then back to where I am sitting at the computer. She is such a joy. I know that she seems oblivious to what I am doing, but know that as soon as I get up to leave - she will follow me. She will be right there to make sure I am not alone.
When everyone seems so distant and far away, when I am feeling like a LONER with no connection to anyone on this earth. When I feel like no one cares - I can look at this kitten (a gift from God) and know that I am NOT alone. I am cared for by my heavenly Father. I am loved and will continue to be loved. Miss Cleo may be just a kitten, but she helps me to see and feel the Father's love for me. I praise God and thank Him often for bringing me a small furry bundle of love and joy.

Trusting Sleep

Yesterday was absolutely beautiful! The temperature was just a little on the cool side, but oh my how the sun was shining brightly. I decided to take a drive and went to visit my old neighborhood. My neice and her husband live there now. It was so much fun and seemed like old times. Thanks girl I enjoyed it very much and we will have to do it again soon.

The drive home was so long (about an hour). I left before it got dark but that all changed soon. I am finding out just how old I am getting - the darkness, the car lights, and me do not get along that well anymore. It doesn't help matters that I seldom drive after dark anymore. Or that the road I traveled went through the country with lots of twists-n-turns and wooded areas so is a frequent hangout for wildlife. However, I did only seen one deer on the whole trip and I did arrive home safe and sound. Albeit, I will admit I said quite a few prayers during the drive and ended up calling a friend for the last leg of the trip. Thank God for friends.



Do you ever have your sleep pattern interrupted? I work night shift (12 hour shifts) which makes my sleep time to be very erratic at times. On the nights I have to go into work I try to lay down for at least a few hours so I can function during the shift. Other times, my sleep can be effected by what is going on - if I am stressed out, worried, or thinking about the past, the unknown, all sorts of things that will overflow into my sleeping/dream time. However, I know that there is always someone there watching over me. Someone who will protect me even when I am sleeping. On those particularly bad days/nights - a scripture I like to read or recite to myself before going to sleep is found in Psalm 4:8.

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me
dwell in saftety. (KJV)

I know I can stand on his promise - the promise of peace, of sleep, of safety. He is an awesome God.

God on the Mountain

God on the Mountain is one of my favorite songs. The song has such meaning and Linda Randal puts such feeling and depth to the song. Each time I hear it the song just touches my soul.

Field of Flowers

While driving through the park I seen this large patch of flowers. They were so numerous and so very beautiful. Just looking at them brought to mind the scripture from the book of Matthew.

And why take ye thought for rainment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 6:28-30 KJV)

Sometimes I do not think I have very much faith, I tend to worry about the daily cares of life, the bills, my health, my job, my family/friends. All things that are important. However, I find that I need to trust God more - to trust him to supply my needs. Sometimes it just takes something like seeing a field of beautiful flowers to remember his Word and his promises.

Beginning the Journey

The Beginning of Lifes Journey Starts with a Soft Caress of Gods hands. Molding in who you become, and what you will do.