PAW IN THE FACE!!

As I indicated in a post not long ago, we have been out of town on an emergency visit to help family.  Well, we are back home!  There really is NO PLACE LIKE HOME:)  As some of you know, I have a cat named "Leon".  He did not take too kindly to our leaving him home alone for three weeks, as was made most evident last night while trying to sleep.  First, he'd lay on me, then go over and lay on hubby, than back to me, back to hubby.......you get the idea. 
I realized he was suffering from "cat anxiety" and wanted to make sure we did not try to get up and leave again.

However, the old cat paws and LOUD purring at 3:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m. is what had me up so early this morning. 
 By 4:30 a.m. I could take it no longer, so I got up and sat down with God's Word!  You know, some of the most precious, intimate times I've had with the Lord Jesus have been early in the morning (in Jewish tradition-during the 4th watch- 3:00am-6:00am).
I am getting ready to make a very difficult decision in my life and I need His guidance and could use your prayers! 
When I was a junior in High School, I gave my life to total service to the Lord with the musical talent He gave to me.  I went to a Christian college and received a Church Music degree (which you cannot get there now).  I have played the piano or organ somewhere every Sunday and Wednesday since I was a teenager.  My husband and I have longed to work in a ministry TOGETHER.  You see, I usually end up in the music ministry at church and he ends up working with children's church or young people's class.  We have a deep desire now in our latter years (not too latter...lol), 62 and 63, to either work together in a nursing home ministry or somewhere where we can minister to others in a one-on-one situation TOGETHER. Please pray for me as I plan to resign from my current position at our church and branch off into another area with my husband.  Please don't misunderstand me, because I think traditions are a good thing to a certain point-- but I am beginning to think we have "traditioned" the Holy Spirit right out of our services.  I, at this point in my life, am not so interested in belonging to a denomination, as serving a living Lord.  That doesn't mean I've not been able to serve Him in a denomination, I have.  But I have a sense of urgency about sharing Christ with others in more ways than just with my music.  HE IS COMING SOON!!  And we, my husband and I, want to have a more "hands on" approach to sharing  Christ with others. 
When Joshua was at the point of assuming Moses' responsibilities and lead the Jewish people into the promised land, the Lord said, "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Whenever I have earnestly sought God's will, He has never led me astray.  So I am trusting Him to take us in the direction He wants us to go.
He can do the same for you, my dear readers.......just have faith.........and if you don't have enough faith, He will give you that too!  He says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."  Don't forget to spend special time with the Lord each and every day!

COLD MORNING - BUT BIRDS DIDN'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

This is what I woke up to this morning..........

Now who but me could find beauty in red-winged black birds:)  I'm enamored by all God's creation!

And let's not forget the Robin, first sign of Spring to come!

"Let Everything that has breath Praise the Lord!"

My Wish For You Today

DaySpring E-Cards-click here!

Please Forgive Me

Please forgive me for not having posted in a while.  I was sick over Christmas and then very shortly after the New Year we had a family emergency which took us from home for about three weeks.  My cousin was in intensive care for over a week and then my dear Aunt discovered she had cancer.  However, I want to praise the Lord for putting my husband and me in a position where we could go and help.  He took an early retirement - we got rid of,  gave away, sold most of our "things" and moved into a trailer next to my brother.  What a relief to not have so many "things" to cling to.  AND, because we sold our nice home, we are now completely out of debt! 
You know, it's so comforting to know that  Jesus sees so far into my life and makes a way, a path to do His will.  I have looked back over the years and, what seemed at the time like tragedies, have ended up "working out for our good."   Because in our weakness, He is made strong! 
Yes, it's very hard when you are in that trial or valley to truly understand all the "why's" and "what if's".   But isn't that where our faith comes in? 
Well, just wanted you dear folks to know I've thought about you.....I do pray for any needs sent my way, and hope this post finds all of you well and joyful.
Please pray for my husband and me as we continue to seek His will for the "now" time in our lives.
And, by the way, I haven't seen my grandchildren since before Christmas.....and I miss them so much!!!   Hopefully, we will be able to return home soon and then "Mimi" and "Grandpa" can go visit their little "munchkins!"

Special New Year's Bloom!

MY SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S BLOOM!

Now why would I be so excited over one tiny bloom?  Because this special "Christmas" cactus, that did not bloom until yesterday, was a re-root of my mother's original.  And, since my mother passed away 13 years ago this past October, I have tried to keep her plants going.  When her vines or flowers have begun to wane, I would take a cutting and, after gaining new roots, would plant again.  All had been successful except this particular plant.  It is from a re-rooted leaf.  I'm not sure why it has taken so long to put out blooms, but I think once I changed the type soil it was originally started in, and then placed it outside during the Summers, I now have a blooming "Christimas" Cactus!  It was well worth the wait, and looks as if there will be several other blooms coming soon.

You see, I'm just kind of a flora nut.  I love flowers, birds, fungi, trees, well  I guess just about anything God has made brings me to an "awestruck" stage.  Can't wait until the crocuses, daffodils and tulips come up!

If you have a pic of a special flower of yours, and possibly a story to go with it (or not), send it to me, would love to see it:)

Laminin- A life Changing Miracle!

Louie Giglio has put out a 5 part series of his "How Great Is Our God Tour".  If you want to see all 5 parts you can see them by going to Youtube and typing in his name.  Some of you may have seen this and if you have, you know what a life changing event it can be for the Christian and the non Christian.  Please take about 10 minutes to watch this video.  You will never be the same:)

COOKIE BAKING AND MEMORY MAKING!

We (hubby and myself) spent a wonderful two days with our 3 oldest grandchildren - Joseph, 9; JoyAnn 6; Jesse 6, over the week-end.  So much to do,and so little time!  We had been working on some ornaments to give  to their Mom and Dad, as we were learning that it was "more blessed to give than to receive."  There was flour flyin', measuring cups rattling, laughter and more laughter as we proceeded to make decorated pressed cookies!  

Then on to decorating!

After a trip to see Christmas lights, it was on to baking Gingerbread Cookies!

And experimentation with lavender and lime icing......lol........loved it:)

After watching some Christmas t.v.and listening to Christmas carols, it was indeed a beautiful time together. We talked quite a bit about the true meaning of Christmas and you can believe they got lots of hugs and kisses while visiting.  I must say, they were pretty worn out by the time we took them home the next day. 

Their two little twin brothers,  Jonathan and James will turn one year old on the 20th.  There are  just some things a mother and grandmother cherish in their hearts.  Memories of the last time I saw my youngest son skipping to the bus and KNOWing that would be the last time he would skip.  Seeing my little James put his little fist into the air and,  after a little thought, point his tiny index finger up, indicating  he would be "1" soon!

So many memories, and so little time. And if, per chance I should lose those precious memories here on earth, I know my heavenly Father will hold them safe until I go to  be with Him.