Welcome, to 2020

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A brand new year!  Hard to believe we're more than a week in and yet here we are...my first post for the year.  But, if you're like me... I'm having a hard time getting started, obviously.  I've been wanting to amp up my consistency in blogging but, truth is... I've been lollygagging.  Truth is.  My blog has had to undergo a bit of a "rearrange"... if you haven't noticed?

If you haven't, it's okay.  It's probably time for it to not seem "so busy" and go a bit more streamlined.
All that to say.  I sorely miss my "old look" and yet... I hope I can continue sharing here  - as the good Lord leads - without feeling the loss too much.

***

So, how are all my readers?

If you're new here... I say Welcome!!
Thanks for coming by and sticking around - this long.
To my faithful ones... thank you for truly sticking around - this long. :)

Can we talk about a Word for the Year?!?!

Do you have one?  Have you ever had one?
I have, only in the last couple of years...
with words like Grow or Growth, Strong or Courageous...

But... this year.  I keep thinking or feeling the word:

C U L T I V A T E

What do you think this word entails?

I look forward to sharing more about this word for me - in the next post or two.  Until then... God Bless!

Never lose the wonder...

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Being drawn outdoors, this morning, from looking out the kitchen window, I knew I wanted to capture the beauty that was quietly "landing"... and, I almost landed myself.  On my backside.  I didn't.  Thank goodness.  But, it was close.  Icy back decks and bedroom slippers don't mix, too well.    BUT.

In other ways... adventure isn't really that unless there is that step to the unknown and with it, there is a "falling" that takes place.  It's the only way to really "take it all in" what just happened. 

Think about it.  Babies just don't wake up one day and start walking.  There is a desire that is taking place, in their little hearts and minds, to learn to walk.  They're watching.  They're waiting... and as things progress...as they are growing... the desire and the will to try is growing and getting stronger.   They start by assuming position.  Their little knees are wobbly and shaking.  They teeter, they tip...they plop.  GUESS WHAT!??!!   They get back up again.  ** And, they have cheerleaders (a circle of Encouragers) along the way.  Very important!!

Adventure awaits.  Falling down is a repeated part of the process.   The question is - are we ready and able to get back up again.

***
I'm not sure why all of this, this morning.  It is just that "adventure" and "conditions" and "outcomes" are always par for the course.  The process by which we all are in - whether we like it or not.

Here are instructions for life: 
1. Pay attention
2. Be astonished
3. Tell about it
~as shared, by Mary Oliver

I do think of a verse in Scripture... Galatians 6:9... that reads.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
 harvest if we do not give up.
***
Here is to the rest of your week and that you will never lose the wonder of the season!!

Work at it!

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Have you ever heard these words by Benjamin Franklin - they're said to be famous.  I don't recall hearing them before reading them, to the kids, this morning... but.  Let me tell you - they're about to become quite famous in this household.  I smile.  But, it is true.   These words are  most likely based on Scripture - I'm sure.  Maybe someone can share in the comments where they think they are found.  One verse I thought of is quoted in the photo I shared below.

Here is what Benjamin Franklin pens...

"Work while it is called today, for you know not how much you may be hindered tomorrow.  One today is worth two tomorrows; never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today."

(as discovered in the pages of The Book of Virtues, by William Bennett)

To be honest, Procrastination has been known to take root in this homes heart-soil.  It goes in spurts - the "weed" yanked out... but, by golly, it reappears from time to time!!  And... it, never fear, will get someone in trouble.

Let's just say - it created some lively conversation around the breakfast table, this morning,  as we took this "lesson" in and I simply pray - it will be truly taken to heart by all of us.  There never really is a good excuse.  Ever!! 

Working a home-based business reveals all the true colors.  I have to ask myself,  How hard am I willing to put in, what it takes, to see the harvest that I'm expecting!?!

I also like this scripture from 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)...

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Here is another quote by Admiral "Bull" Helsey... from the same book; The Book of Virtues.

"The Lord gave us two ends to use, one to think with and one to sit with.  The "war" depends on which we choose - heads we win, tails we lose."

~~

Have a wonderful and productive week!!

Kindness really matters!

Oh my word.  I don't blame a single soul for falling off "my bandwagon" - here at Treasured Up and Pondered.  In fact, if you are reading this... I'm impressed.  Because, I've fallen off... as well.  Obviously.

So, for that... dear friend and reader...I say, if you're here and still "desiring to hear" anything from me - I say THANK YOU!   Yes, thank you for your kindness.... and your patience ... and your prayers.   Please feel my {hugs} and see my smiles...

Truth is.  Our plates are full.   I don't like to say we've been busy - because everyone is and can be "busy". Instead of busy I'll refer to it as - we've been "investing" ourselves into lots of different areas...

We're wrapping up the school year, with the kiddos, in just a few more short weeks.   My husband has also recently finished up a 15-month stent on taking up some Theological studies... he graduates, here, in early June.  His desire in this course has been for himself to grow - as a husband, a father, a leader, a friend; a way to better connect all the dots.  I think he's really grateful and blessed to have gone through this course.  I'm glad he did it and stuck to it.

Our home-based business continues to keep us on our toes... with its highs and lows.  All is fine!!  We continue to learn; grow ourselves as better individuals and leaders...we still LOVE what we do and what it is all about and why.  It's been life-changing, for us!!
We're always willing to share with others - a better way!!  Health and happiness is everyone's hope!!!

Church life is full of changes and challenges.  There are lots of things to be a part of...and areas to serve and mature in.   We don't live super close to our church, anymore - so there is that distance factor that plays a part in how much we can logistically be involved.  We're so grateful to have a wonderful church family...who understands and still encourages us! 
Something to keep in mind.  It really does matter how much you offer in as to what you you'll receive out of church.  There is no perfect situation.... BUT GOD!!! 

One of our most recent endeavors has been the invite to join a family/friends, of ours, in Revolutionary War reenactments.   This is mostly on account of our 11 yr old son.  His passion is beautiful combo of history and music.  So his role, in this "new hobby of ours" is an acting hornist for this particular regime; while the rest of us consider ourselves as camp followers or sutlers.    Doing this as a family allows us all to be involved; all going the same direction - with activities and such.   So far it has been a process; keeping to authenticity is very vital.  I really appreciate learning and understanding all of this.  It really has been fascinating.    How do I mean?    I've been helping to do the sewing for a lot of our 18th century garb.  Any visible seam needs to be hand-sown.  But, not only that... the cloth needs to be 100% wool or linen or cotton.  Only certain colors are of the time period...
So, there are lots of things to learn and lots of events to participate in - and new and interesting people to get to know.   ** I realize, I really should do some posts, with photos, on these, in effort to better preserve our memories - that we've been making as a family.

What else?

Of course - we're gearing up for summer and all its activities. Hoping for a couple of trips... one business related the other a family vacation.
We're also honing in on a few lingering house projects.... such as settling our side flower bed, putting up a washline (I cannot believe I've gone this long with out one! - kinda driving me cray-cray!!) and hopefully getting an outbuilding shed type thingy.   I'm sure there is a longer list...

My hubby and I just celebrated our 14th Wedding Anniversary!!  Yay!!!   Looking forward to forever...

Our son - is getting soooooo tall.  AND, his voice is deepening every. single. day.   It's so crazy how fast they change.  Caught in that place of wanting to still play with matchbox cars and nerf guns while busting out of shoes and his clothes - like a young man, should!!
Oh - and our two girls (ages 10 and 7) both donated 12" of hair.  Their first time of EVER getting their hair cut... even trimmed.  So, of course, the gal probably took a total of 14", till it was all said and done....
I was proud of them.  Of course, this mama shed a tear ever so slightly.  I thought I'd tear up more.  I am sure it was because we talked about long and hard enough to finally just "do it".   Right?   They still have pretty long hair and could almost go for a "round-two" already... but, they don't want it any shorter, at this point. 

***
 Why all this ramble?   I have no idea -- other than, I just needed to get it all out there - as a way to play catch up. Get my fingers back to the keyboard.  I've really missed it.   This quiet, reflective space...   

I will say.  I was having a chat with my 10 year old, this morning.  She "unloaded" it all... the tears were flowing and I was holding her and listening.  The things she shared were real, and raw; things I could easily relate to - as I've been there myself, many times.     One of things I shared, with her,  in return, is that as you grow into a young woman - you will find that this may happen again - over and over and over again!   Relationships and friendships will come and go.  Being kind through them all speaks volumes.  But, yes!  There is what feels like a footprint left on your heart.  Sometimes it hurts.  Sometimes it really leaves an impression.  Sometimes that is all that it is... but sometimes... its meant to be blessing!!!

May someone's kindness towards you - leave an impression - today!!   How about you - for someone else...okay?  It really matters.  I pray my daughter shines like the sun, today!!!

fmf | place (what if...)

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I realize this favorite phrase of mine - is also a place where many of us dwell but not to many take the leap from.   Would you ponder this with me, today?  What if...

What if...You didn't always have to feel that sickness come on for that oh-so long and oh-so often amount of time?

What if... YOU were the one to feel stronger, feel better and able to smile again?

What if...you prayed and this was your answer?

What if...you could dream again?   This time, BIGGER!!

What if...you thought you were to go here or there and do this or that...but instead, THIS!  This is your place and you fit!!

What if...you decide instead that you are totally worth it - not your things or your stuff... but YOU!

Listen, friend.  I want to tell you something.

All of these  things used to be my "what if's" and now they are my reality.  What if the change you see in me -- could be the change you see in you?

I offer #hope!  A #solution.  There is so much potential.

There is a time and a place to pay attention.

***

Joining with the Five Minute Friday community and taking on the prompt word: Place  

Thank you for reading!

Strong (and Courageous) - word for 2019

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Here we are, a few days in 2019 and I have yet to share my word of the year with you!!

Funny.  I haven't always taken hold of a word so surely as I have been the past year and now for this one.  If you have been reading here - you may remember my word last year was GROW or Growth!

This year... along the same lines is that I want to keep growing... but the word that comes to mind is 

STRONG!

However.  In order to grow STRONG - one needs courage.

COURAGE is another word that keeps coming to my heart and mind.

I'll take them both!!  

Be Strong and Courageous.

I cling to the verses from Joshua chapter 1 starting loosely in verse 3 and continuing through verse 9.

Not wanting to take Scripture out of context, in the least.  I do, however, see these verses as a message of encouragement to myself as a leader of team.  A business builder.  A woman of influence.  As a wife.  A mother. A friend.

(I encourage you to open your Bible and read these verses for yourself. Perhaps you will reap the encouragement for you - as well.)

I feel such hope.  Such encouragement.  Such confidence - from our Lord... that HE will be with just as he has promised.    They say that things that cause fear to rise up in you are really what is your calling.

I believe that.
There are things that I get white-knuckled about, have fear for and the knees begin a-knocking.  While I want to be and do - all these things... there is something that still holds me back.

I want to have faith for this.

A faith that is unwavering.   My heart cries...

Lord!  Let me faith be marked by these three things.

1. A quiet spirit (no questions asked!)

2. A gentle spirit (no details needed)

3. A sweet submissiveness (no struggling against the unknowns)

** found these "marks" in a book somewhere a long time ago and have had them written in the sideline margins of my Bible ever since.  So, I can't give credit, here.  My apologies.

I believe, Lord.  Forgive my unbelief.  Help me... Slow down and take the time to grow - STRONG!!

Wrangling the courage to go through it and emerge.  Trusting the process.

***

Look out 2019!!

fmf | with

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Emmanuel - God with us!

I may have shared this thought here before but it bears repeating... 

"When you're not with someone - you're at them."

Jesus alludes to this in Scripture... (I'll have to go look it up again) but, how true!  Right?  Christmas is here -- and while a wonderful time of year, it also can be quite stressful.  I know, our home - has felt that. Let me be a bit vulnerable here and share... the stress of schedules, studying for tests, work related issues, meal prep and all the other household things that need tending to can really play a toll.  One of our biggest stressers gets revealed when early mornings come and we're getting the kids up and at em - for school.  There are distractions by books and papers, toys and even each other.  If we get up "too late"... then that puts on the crunch for everything.  And, you've got one - who doesn't know what to wear, the other who is "so cozy"...and, "can't get up!!"...  "can't find my shoes"... and because of feeling the pressure... the clock ticking FAST... panic sets in.   And, Mamma... well, Mamma's voice isn't so quiet anymore.

Right??  All the things.   

So, recently... I was thinking about this.  Why do we have this kind of tipping-point stress in our lives? I do believe it comes down to the whole thing of not being WITH people (our hearts are not united) and so we're AT each other.  When and where we're at each other "throats"... loud.  Hurtful.  Always "picking a fight", trying to better ourselves - one-upping another instead of building each other up...

This is why Jesus came.  To unite our hearts.  To beat as one.  TO CONNECT.  Built together to keep each other strong.   These fence posts do no good all piled up on one another.  But... unless they're positioned in, with and for each other... does it make an impact.

We've been working on.  Whispers.  Warm hugs.  Well-wishes.  Being amazed... and encouraging each other instead of critiquing, complaining and conjuring up "trouble".

I have to tell you.  This morning!  I was joking with my kiddos... that it MUST be that Christmas is coming, or something!!!!   I mean, it felt like such a gift.   EVERYONE... was up... on their own.  Got dressed...on their own. Hair done and combed...on their own.  EARLY - before time.  ALL was quiet and calm - working together - as if they were excited about their half-day, last day before Christmas vacation begins.

Jesus was WITH us!  

He still is, and always will be!!

**
Joining with Five Minute Friday... a community of writers, taking a word prompt and sharing their thoughts.  Today's prompt was: With

fmf :: routine

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This past week began like any other and excitement was building for all that it entailed.  The first day of Spring... nature's way of celebrating routine...was Wednesday!

School days in session... an expected thing!!

Evening events.  The calendar says - "things are happening"!  Things planned for a really looonnnng time!!!!

Then bam!

The weather changes and who knew - we'd all be out of sync with our routine!!  Here we were anticipating Nor'easter #4... and boy, did we get some snow!  Changing everything.

Two days - out of school.

No plans of travel.

No keeping up with "our" schedule - as planned.

I was reading to the kiddos' one morning, this week - over breakfast.  Words from the book of Proverbs about how a man will plan his days but its the Lord who orders his steps.

(In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9 NIV 

Or like the ESV says: The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps.)

It just shows that what think IS and SHOULD BE - are really our own rote routines.  But God, our Heavenly Father, truly is Sovereign and HE KNOWS his ways are higher than our ways.

We just need to sit back and (enjoy!) trust the process!

 Looks like Spring is on it's way after all!!   

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater. 

 ~ Isaiah 55 :10

***

Joining up with Five Minute Friday - writing in five minutes 

our take on the prompt word... routine!

{Grow or Growth} Word for the Year :: Reflections of old and Anticipating the new

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Its not too often that I think of a title before writing my post!  But, this came to mind and I began to ponder the past year and began to anticipate what this new and upcoming year will bring.  Pardon me, that I am a couple of days into the New Year, before this was posted.

Of course, no one knows, what a new year will bring.  But, it doesn't hurt to "dream" and hope, right?

As I reflected on the past year... there were oh so many changes.

Many were planned and anticipated. Lots of plans went into these anticipated changes.  Then, many parts of it - were not.

As in the words of my husband to our three kiddos....

"one of our BIGGEST blessings is the fact that Mamma is still here", (referring the car accident I was in the night before our big house move)...well... this, keeps me humbled.

Yes!  I think of it often.  I am grateful to still be here and part of this plan that God has me in.

So.  With that...comes the proverbial Word of the year!
Do you all do that?  I think of it, sometimes.   But, this year... a word has come to me, pretty clear and strong.  Which... that kinda scares me.  It's like its telling me to do something... I haven't been doing...?  But, I have.  I don't know.  Obviously, I need to more.

The word is Grow!  Or, Growth!

Eeks.  Yes.  I know there are some things I definitely see happening... areas where I need to see growth.
And, then there are areas were to grow any more in would make me feel stretched quite thin.  LOL!

I like the verse from Isaiah 43:19... it speaks of something happening. 
Could it be growth?

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.





One of the poems I do think of, at the start of every New Year, is this.

Your Future lies before you like a field of fresh fallen snow.
Be careful how you tread on it, for every step will show.

That can be said - true - of any field "of growth"... a path made through tall meadow grasses will show as well as somebody stepping on newly planted plants.   Growth is meant to happen and fortunately, for a field of grass or a new plant... it should spring back up.  I know this year will have some "downers"... but, I am anticipating a field of dreams and a whole lot of daises to pluck petals from.

I have a God who loves me and wants to see me blossom!!

***
 Happy and Blessed New Year to each one!!

Here we come a caroling...

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This photo (mix) has got to be one of my most favorite of moments and memories!  Caroling.  I loved it then and always will.

This evening I had the privilege to load my three kiddos, along with three of their cousins to attend a choral production with some home school families, from our church.  We knew quite a bit of them and I tell you - it feels so good to support friends, like this and this is only one way.
However,  on our way home, you can imagine - everyone wanted to sing and pretend they, too, were part of such a beautiful production and so we all took turns leading out in song one of our own favorite tunes.
Of course... those Christmas Carols are ALL so beautiful... and it took me right  back to my childhood days of when caroling in our church community or our neighborhoods was a REAL priority.   I found myself sharing this memory with my carload of choristers...

It was one of the most anticipated events of the year, for me.. to go Christmas Caroling.  Oh, the memories this evokes... Here is what I shared...

We always went Christmas Eve - with our church - to the large local community.  No matter the kind of weather.  I can remember going in the bitter cold, times of heavy snow (lots of memories on this one), even in the rain... however, the community KNEW we were coming. They expected us.  Prior to going our youth group would get together, a couple of nights before, to make up fruit baskets and bake cookies to take to folks along the way. 
This event involved bundling up (little kids and all), carpooling and still there would be what seemed like a mile of cars following each other with their four-ways on... we'd all get out of the vehicles, trudge carefully to the front door, with flashlights and song sheets (though not really needed, as we sung from memory anyway). Someone would knock or ring the door bell.  Someone else would lead us out into song.  Joy to the World, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels sing, etc.
We'd all gather closer together our harmonious voices echoing through the night sky.  Sure enough the front door would open and huddled in the doorways were the elderly, the growing family, a single person and every now and then, the surprised or "unsure" person (of what to make of all of this).   Some would ask us inside for a cup of hot chocolate ( I remember one year, someone offered chili) ... SERIOUSLY! 50 + plus people getting served... sometimes we were asked to come indoors because of someone to sick to come to the door and they simply wanted us to sing our hearts out- and they with feeble voice did their best to join in. 

It was beautiful.

We'd always end our four-part harmony caroling, at each home, with:

We wish you a Blessed Christmas,

we wish you a Blessed Christmas,

we wish you a Blessed Christmas

and a Joyous New Year. 

Glad tidings we bring to you and your kin,

good tidings for Christmas and a Joyous New Year. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

(said in said- shout unison)

It seemed like forever - but starting at 6pm sharp! and ending more times than not at 10pm (getting to the last folks on the list) was a long time, but worth it - we'd all head back to our church to finish up any remaining cookies and fruit from the fruit baskets & cookie baking.  Someone usually would stay back, usually an older grandmother or two who didn't want to make the trek into the bitter cold or "inclement" weather - they were the ones who "had everything ready" when we returned; the kettle steaming of hot chocolate, the trays of cookies and a roaring fire in the fireplace.  Yes! there was a fireplace in the "auxiliary building".   Someone also had prepared a (handmade) Pinata for the final activity of the evening.  We ALL took turns from youngest to oldest (adults included) to take one turn at bat.  Chaos erupted... as we all dove to get pieces of candy and nuts.

Oh, what fun!

I wish I had a better picture to show - to share of my memories better.  I wish I could make these memories the same, for my kids... maybe one day, we will.

****

Do you go caroling?  Have you ever considered going?  Bundle up.... let's go.  I'll go with you.
Here we come a caroling... among the leaves so green.

October Blessings

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***

That time of year... when the weather is funky.  Cooler in the morning (or, should I say - down right cold-ish?) and warmer in the afternoons.  The sun sets and rises differently.  There are different smells to the air.  Even the heart of the home (the kitchen) finds itself busier than usual.

Dishing out comfort foods, yummy breads and other fall festive fare.  Reasons to get together with family and friends.

And...so!  The warmth of the season is here.  Full of changes.  Full of Blessings.

I love October!!! 

((Shhhh!!   I know.  We're half way through the month and I'm just saying this all now? You know...I'm just trying to slow it all down.  If only I could.))

Practice makes it happen..

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Healing can sure take a lot out of you!!  I feel like I've been sleeping my life away.  Or, if not actually sleeping ... I'm super duper tired and I can't wait to go back to sleep.

I never realized how this accident would affect me.  

This morning, I decided to get up, with my hubby.  Had to, anyway, to pack his lunch.  But, here of late I would crawl back in bed and sleep a couple more hours... before the kids got up.

However, this morning, I decided to hop on to the blog (reading list) and just take a sneak peak at a few favorite blogs that I've "followed"... and just see where people are at and what I've missed.  Oh wow!!

Tears.  Smiles.  Surprises.  Inspiration and Creativity.
Fun and exciting times...
 I saw

Faithfulness.

Commitment.
Consistency.

Others, though, going through changes.  Hard times. Pain.

But, I also saw another theme...
Inactivity.

For some it had been weeks, months, years...
Of time spent away from blogging.
 I saw I haven't been the only one.

Why do I share all of this?

I recognize it as seasons.

My healing from this accident...is taking its time and toll.  But, I'll be back.  Rest needs to happen in order for myself to make a sure and full recovery.  And, every day - there is obvious improvement.
I had been on a Go- Go- GO track.  Really active with life, activities, and family..

Blogging has been the same way, for me.  For years, Treasured Up and Pondered had been going strong.
Faithfully.
Committed.
Consistently.

Yet, seasons of sleepiness and rest should not surprise me or anyone for that matter.
Our souls weary of doing and we feel faint...

Yet, the ones that remain active and strong - are encouraging and uplifting.

I don't know.  I just came away -refreshed by my discovery - that I'm not alone.  I like what the quote says... and, agree!  It's true.   Happening comes by practicing.  Practice makes it happen.
Just start doing... right?   Note.  I didn't say anything about - being perfect. 

***
If you are reading this and you relate to my struggle of "coming back" and feeling inspired and impressive.  LOL.   Tell me, what fills you to full and overflowing...?

"Blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing."

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This quote (in the title) spoke to me... and I just had to share!!

** feeling today, a sense of calm in the midst of storm.   thank you for your considerate thoughts and prayers!  I will elaborate, in time, as time goes on...

The Gift of Listening...

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To fully give someone a listening ear is the best thing someone can do for another.  It's not easy to stop and always give someone the full, apt attention they need, or that they're asking for. 

As a mom... this following quote-for-thought has given me pause.

Do you listen to understand?  Or, do you listen to reply?

I can remember my youngest - Jayne - a couple of years ago.  Imagine, the baby, seeking to "be heard" amongst everyone else's chatter and clamoring...

She'd be sitting on my lap and would try to be telling me something... then, because I wasn't listening, she would take her chubby little hands and grab my face - turning my whole head towards her own... so that I would really have to LISTEN to her!!  

(smile)

I can remember on more than one occasion my own "demand" for a listening ear.  I had a dear friend who would willingly take hours into the night, sometimes, just to listen...to me ramble and pine and dream...

It was a season, for sure.  One that didn't last forever.  And yet, I'm sure that I took way more of her time than necessary.

But, she had a gift.  The gift of listening...

Her friendship was dear.  And, still is.

It's something I'll never forget.  A blessing I'll cherish long into forever!

I do want to be this "gift" to someone else.

Willing and ready to set life aside; to truly listen to someone - with where they're at.  With kind understanding.  Listening with questions that draws them out even more...

Obviously, for this mom, this starts at home!! 

In all of that, though, the above mentioned quote - reminds me of how and where I need or want to grow.  I realize I reply to readily... and am not patiently listening.

I'm so quick to be thinking of a reply - my reply - while someone else is talking - that I really miss what they are saying.  It's humbling to have to go back (within seconds of the conversation) and say, "I'm sorry - what did you just say?"   I've done this on more than one occasion...

I have so much room to grow...

**

So - this Christmas Season... with this Gift of Listening... 

To master this...what do you say we slow down and really turn our gaze to the one who truly LISTENS!  I know I need His help.

Listen to what the psalmist David says in Psalm 5:1-3...

Give ear to my words, O Lord, 

consider my sighing.

Listen to my cry for help.

my King and my God,

for to you I pray.

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you 

and wait in expectation.

The Psalms are full of examples of prayer and petition... to the Lord.  Here's another, of David's words, found in 

Psalm 27: 7-9

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; 

be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"

Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger;

you have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me, 

O God my Saviour.

Oh friends...in JESUS, we have the greatest example; the Gift of Listening!!!

Doesn't that give you such peace?

**On a side note...

Have you ever stood outside on a snowy night and truly took in the quiet of the moment.  Snow softly falling.  If you hold your breath, pause.. and truly listen.  I promise, you can almost hear those snowflakes falling...one right after another.

That too is such a gift.  Try it sometime, you'll see... it stills you and all is right with the world!!

Click HERE to follow along with the other posts in the series..

Eight Gifts That Do Not Cost You a Cent!! {mini series}

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Hello Friends... are you ready?  Christmas Time's a Comin'.  The season we all love...of gift-giving, celebration, family and friends and yummy food!  Of course, Jesus is the REAL reason for the season (the Greatest Gift) and I don't say that lightly.
 He is mine for sure...

I got to thinking what this particular season may look like for our little family.  Our kids all know that Christmas will be a little "light" this year, in terms of (tangible) gift-giving, simply due to the fact that we're wanting to buy a house.  It makes it easier to explain all of that, and abide by it- since we're all a part of the impending decision. :)

It also marks one year that our landlord passed away... which adds its own dimension in and of itself.  It's now a season with even more (raw) mixed emotions and change... but God is so good!!

In the past - here on the ole blog - I had a couple of meme's that I would do for and throughout the month of December.  One year was of sharing favorite Yuletide Carols (2013), another was the December Photo Project (2011)...or, of course there were favorite Holiday cookies sprinkled throughout.   Do you remember any of those?  lol..

This year, I thought I would dust off the old keyboard and share my thoughts regarding Eight Gifts that don't cost a thing!!

Not one single cent.

So, over the next couple of weeks - hopefully, I can keep up and get them all in before Christmas - I'll be posting a little more often (smile), as I share these eight different gifts that have made a difference either in my life or that can be given to bless someone else for this Christmas-time of year!!

Do you want to know what these gifts are?

1. The Gift of Listening
2. The Gift of Affection
3. The Gift of Laughter
4. The Gift of a Written Note
5. The Gift of a Compliment
6. The Gift of Encouragement
7. The Gift of Solitude or Time
8. The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition

***

So, do you think you'll join me - as we reflect on this gift-giving season? ** these may or may not be coming to you in this order...

Perhaps, you can think of a few gifts yourself - that won't be costing you a cent.
I would like to hear your thoughts..

To him that gives generously... He himself will be refreshed.  
~ Proverbs 11: 24-25 (paraphrased)

HAPPY 1st DAY of DECEMBER!!

Changes Marked with Gratitude

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You know how they come up!!  Sometimes too fast, sometimes slow.

Changes.

Here we are facing some "new" ones, all - in our face - again.

Oh, they've been expected.  It's just that when it's happening - you don't always feel as ready as you'd like to think or hope.

Why do I talk about this so much?

Because, it's where we're at.  The challenge of change.

{I'm so glad my kiddo's got a chance to see the Supermoon of 2016 - this morning!}

However.  Here is what I'm learning - through these changes.

If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you!!


It's amazing... 

When you choose gratitude in the moments that are hard... then, the changes that come aren't so severe in the making.

Here is what's going on.  My Mother-in-law has found a place to relocate to.. so she is moving from her little apartment, beside us. She is a ball of mixed emotion, and rightly so.  Missing us and yet longing to feel truly settled "one last time" (she swears she's not moving again!).  

The thing is.  We'll be moving, too.  Though we don't know when or where.  We think we'll ride it out until we absolutely have to move... but, the days are ticking down for this.
We've got word - about this land (property), that it will be developed...

and, that too is change.  The kind I don't like.  The process will still take time.  So, a lot of unknowns... for sure!

Back to gratitude.  We're just grateful for God's timing.  That we can trust HIM.  Because, he never changes.   We're grateful we can count on his blessing.  His goodness.  And, he knows...
He knows our need before we even ask.

This is what He says.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord,
"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.
Plans to give you a hope and a future."
~ Jeremiah 29:11

**
In the meantime, Life goes on.  It must.
But, my challenge is to keep my days focused on HIM.  Being ever thankful... grateful for his blessing that never ends!!

Thank you for your continued love and prayers!!

Be Different

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It's time for another analogy.  :)  I like these. I need the reminder just as much as anyone else.

Earlier this morning - I was hanging laundry on the line, and noticed the majority of my flower bed had succumbed to some hard times.  The recent frost got to them.  But, not the snapdragons.
They're still beautiful!!  Amazingly.

I wondered about it, for a moment.  And, quickly thought...
You know? I am like this flower...SURROUNDED by the dead and dying.
Hard times have hit and devastation is everywhere... Yet, I CAN still make a difference.  I WILL continue to bloom...offering HOPE; bringing life and light, when and wherever I can.  I WILL bloom where I'm planted and continue to make a difference (of influence) with whomever I come in contact with.  Whatever my sphere of influence is.  On the job, at home, out and about...

This is my prayer.  At least.

Look at that!  All around - is "darkness" and decay.  Yet, through the dismal, and in what looks like a war-zone, are those that stand firm.  Strong.  Alive.  Radient.  Ready to keep going..

So, WHO is my greatest example of this?  Jesus.  Like the lyric of the old hymn says; When all around my soul gives way... He then, is ALL my hope and stay.

What a blessed thought.  Amen?

Makes me wonder.  Do I have what it takes to stand out and be different?  Let alone, make a difference for the cause of Christ?  I SURE hope so.