I LOVE BLOGGING!

With time pressures as they are I have little time for "me" but I am finding I spend any extra moments reading and writing blogs instead of playing Spider Solitaire or Free Cell! I guess it is because it is all about "relationships" and real life ... telling it just like it is. I love it!

I am so sad when I scan the blogs of those I love and see no new postings. I love it when I read their comments on mine ... It's like they just reach out and touch the innermost chords of my heart. A comment is kinda like an "on-line hug".

But, woe is me, I have spent so much time reading blogs and comments on blogs, and commenting on blogs myself, that "my time" is depleted and I must return to my duties. But I feel warm and fuzzy inside because some of those comments I read were made on my blog and, thus, I have been "hugged" by those far away. Thank you for blessing my day!

REMEMBERING MY MOM

We had such a great weekend with our kids as we dedicated our granddaughter. I believe God worked the timing of that weekend to prepare me with an overflow of joy to carry me through a flood of sadness last night. On our way home from Newton Falls from our care group I saw Christmas Lights out on a home in Champion and I wanted to say, "Hey, Mom, look at the pretties!" But ... she wasn't there. And she won't be this Christmas ... this Thanksgiving. I never thought the holidays would bring such sadness to me this year but it makes sense ...My first year without my mom.

It was't like this with my dad but my husband reminds me that Mom was with us for the past 9 years. She went to church with us regularly, we visited her and she us, we went shopping together (which she loved to do and I actually don't enjoy so much anymore) and she found such joy in the simple things of life I often would overlook ... like the Christmas lights. It is such a blessing to know that I took time last year to drive her around to look at them ... I never dreamed it would be the last time. From the time I was little she and Dad would take me out to look at the lights ... to celebrate the season.

And life goes on. God's grace is sufficient! His joy is new every morning!

Have a good day basking in His presence!

IMPATIENCE

It is so exciting to see the cement truck outside this morning pouring cement for Jim's shop floor. I went out and took pictures of the actvity in the building. But my heart is so impatient, wanting it to be DONE NOW so we can get on the road to see my son and his family ... to hug and kiss all of them and to hold my little granddaughter in my arms!

What a mixture of emotions! It almost makes it impossible for me to function. I know I should be packing right now but I know it will only take 30 minutes at the most and then I will become even more impatient in waiting for a release from this task and to hit the road. Well, perhaps if I get it done I can psych myself out to think it will get us on the road quicker! And then I could work on school demands and not have to do them on the way. Okay! That's what I'll do! Look out Findlay, we're on our way soon!!!

IF YOU RUN TO HIM, HE WILL RUN TO YOU!

My daughter has been going through some real strenuous times being the mom of two little ones, trying to care for her new home and husband, and trying to keep up with the demands of her job in teaching at the college level ... and that's not to mention church. As a result she has been "stretched thin", just like her mom. We were talking on the phone the other day and she shared with me how exhausted she is and feeling like she will never "catch up". Of course, like me, she has been going through a lot of frustration and exhaustion. As she talked I only had to listen for she knew what her greatest need was ... to make time for the Lord. As we do that daily, He will make a way for everything else to eventually get done and, most of all, He will give us a peace that can carry us through it all. The next day she started "making time" for the Lord first thing in the morning, as I seek to do, explaining that she realizes that is when she needs to be strengthened to prepare her for all the day may hold. And, guess what? Her day went absolutely FANTASTIC! She got more done in that day than she even dreamed was possible, even though she gave up an hour or so to spend it with God. The next day she did the same, starting the day in reading His Word and prayer and He brought her a blessing in providing for a need that she had been waiting on in a ... well, I would say a MIRACULOUS way. It's just like Jesus to do things like that, ya know?

God is good! Thank you Lord for blessing my children even as you continue to bless us. Keep them in Your will, doing Your work, reflecting Your love and dwelling in Your presence daily! Amen.

What a joy it is to pray God's "umbrella of protection" upon my children and grandchildren. We live so far apart I get frustrated at times that we cannot "be there" to lend a helping hand in their special times of need. But we can pray for God to send someone their way and know He will do it! I do that alot. Do you? If not, you are robbing yourself and your family of blessings beyond your wildest dreams. He is in control of the whole universe yet He cares for each of us individually and longs to meet our needs as we call on His name. Stop now and say a special prayer for someone you love but can't "be there" for them right now. Then sit back and watch what God does ... It is AWESOME!

May God bless you in your journey through this life. Remember, only YOU can "take the time and the trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit".

DEDICATION OF BABIES

I am so looking forward to heading towards Findlay tomorrow to see my little grandbaby! Jim (alias "Grandpa") is so looking forward to being able to hold her in his arms as her mommy and daddy dedicate her to the Lord. I am also looking forward to the rare but wonderful joy of hearing my son preach! And then, as always, I look forward to some "girl" time with my favorite daughter-in-law (my ONLY one, to be truthful) Kelly who is more like my own flesh and blood than a daughter-in-law.

Dedication. A time to make a vow to the your loved ones, your church, but most important to God, that you will do all you can to raise your child in the church and to know and love the Lord. I have seen so many make those vows and never step foot in the church again ... or only on special occasions. Don't they realize the seriousness of making a VOW before the Almighty and then following through on it? Why do they just go through the motions? I am so thankful to know that when my children and their spouses make that vow they do so with great seriousness and sincerity. It is a joy to know that my grandchildren will hear about the "King of Kings" from a young age and not just from their parents. It is good to know that when they come to those rough times of their lives when they can't seem to understand their parents and why they are so strict, etc., they will have spiritual leaders who love them and care for them and will help them through those rough times. Some young people have no idea the available help they are robbing themselves of by not raising their children in the church.

I believe our family - Jim and I and our children Sunshine and James - have always been a CLOSE family. I believe that even they we may have disagreed and been at "wit's end" with each other at times, our love was strong enough to carry us through anything. However, I also know there was a time in both of our children's lives when we did not see "eye to eye". It was such a comfort to know they had other Christian family members who loved them, cared for them, and were always available to help them through those times. What would I have done without a Christian family to help raise our kids? What a joy and blessing that is! What amazes me is how you can tell your kids something and it just doesn't seem to make an impact. But let someone else tell them the very same thing, and it's the GOSPEL TRUTH! Weird, huh? I can't honestly cite any such incidents with my kids but I have no doubt that it happened time and time again because I know it happened when I, myself, have worked with teens and they will "listen" to me and take my advice better than their own parents. Of course, nine times out of ten I am just as strict and "hard on them" as their parents, if not More. That is the joy of "being there" for each other!

So, DEDICATION is not something to be taken lightly. It is a most important event in a child's life, especially if the parents follow through on their vows. Thank you Lord for "family"!

A DAY TO "CATCH UP"

I often wonder, "Will life ever slow down?" Perhaps it is the class that I have this year (That's what my husband thinks) but I just can't seem to truly "catch up" no matter how hard I try. I started my day at 6:30 AM this morning (slept in a whole half hour on my "day off"!) It was good to be able to get my exercise, devotions and breakfast all done by 8:30 AM. Then I made myself close my eyes to the disarray of my home and close my ears to the inner part of me that can not stand such disorganization and I set down to devote myself to some "catching up" on school demands. Here it is shortly after noon and I feel I have only touched the "tip of the iceberg". Can one truly ever "catch up"??

I started thinking about what my husband said he had heard in a training session at work yesterday. Essentially, "Stress is caused when we don't take time to do those things we value as important." WOW! I immediately left my table and called my daughter-in-law. Then I sat down to blog a little. I will not loiter long, but I must "take time for me".

What do I value that I must take time for?
My Lord ... daily reading and meditating on His Word and talking to Him in
prayer. (It pleases me that, after struggling with this the
majority of my lifetime, I am finally prioritizing it as it should be
the past few years.)

My Family ... I do "okay" with this. I do best in "being there" for my husband.
I get stressed over not being able to "connect" as often as I'd
like with my children and grandchildren. I realize I am limited
in this area due to their busy schedules and demanding
responsibilities, as well as ours. We just have to keep trying!

My Church Family ... I have really failed in this area lately ... phone calls,
cards, visits I feel I need to make and I desire to make ...
but where is the time? This is also a Christian responsi-
bility I am failing on which I highly value!

"My Time" .... I long for ... NEED ... time for ME. Time to do "my thing"..... to
go for a walk just for the sheer pleasure of enjoying the outside
and all God has created ... to go for a bike ride with no
restrictions by time ... to spend time with my husband alone ...
to have the opportunity to read a book for the sheer joy of
reading let alone to read my Prevention magazines - the past 5
or 6 issues have not been opened! The list could go on and on...

Will "LIFE" ever slow down??? NO, I believe our culture ... our society ... will only continue to pressure us to a faster and faster pace. But this one thing I know ... When Christ returns or when He "takes me Home", whichever comes first, I will at last be away from all stress because He will set all my priorities straight and give me all I value ... all that will make me happy. He knows what I truly need and I trust Him to provide me with it!

Meanwhile, I will continue to keep on "keeping on", trying to prioritize my values and live above stress. I figure the best way I can do that is my keeping myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually fit by starting EVERY DAY in HIS PRESENCE. Lord, place me where You want me today and open my eyes to the opportunities you give me to serve you. You are my life! Amen!!

EARLY TO BED, EARLY TO RISE!

Remember that "age-old" comment: "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."? Well, the wealthy and wise part is yet to be realized but the "healthy" part is proving to be true! Since Jim started working day turn, we head to bed every night between 9:00 and 10:00 PM. I get up no later than 6:00 AM ...Today I got up at 5:30!!! I have had my prayer time with the Lord, walked 2 and a half miles, blogged on the internet, caught up on my children's blogs, and am still ahead of what I would normally get accomplished by this time. I feel rested, energetic and all around GREAT! Thank you, Lord, once again for giving my husband a "day" position!

CRYING DEEP WITHIN

Last Sunday, the day after my husband's first marathon, I felt a heavy oppression ... I was crying deep within my innermost being ... and I had no idea "why". I am usually very bubbly and upbeat and I tried hard to put on that exterior but those who know me best asked me what was wrong. As I told them I didn't know the tears came to the surface.

What causes one to feel such a heavy oppression? I thought it might have something to do with my the marathon, and all of its intense training, was behind us. But that does not make sense because I know he will keep on training for the next marathon he can locate for Spring. I figured it was most likely my "trying" class this year, but I didn't feel that could cause me so much inner turmoil. I finally concluded it must be overall stress, even though I can't pinpoint all of its causes and I don't really feel how I think I would feel if I was truly under stress.

I do know that once I was able to sit down and try to recapture my "vision" for the Literacy Conference I will present at in November, I felt a huge relief. As I tried to figure out why I had lost that "vision" when I was so excited about it at the end of the school year, I realized that Mom's death, 3 days after the ending of the school year, was probably the cause. It is hard to believe that a tragedy could erase a vision so completely ... a vision that was also a passion deep within me.

Anyways, I just kept praying and made myself sit down for 45 minutes straight Sunday afternoon, reviewing my entries on the computer and all my chicken scratches of thoughts and slowly my vision reemerged and my tears within began to dry up. I realized I had not had 45 minutes in the past month, at least, to myself to just sit down and think due to the heavy demands of our church people's needs: accidents, illnesses, surgeries ... deaths. Wow! It made me just want to "run away" from everything church related. But by the time we got through the evening service I was already getting fired up to find another area in which I could serve the Lord. (smile)

My class has done so much better this week. Could it be because I am doing better on the inside? Probably so. Well, my husband needs the phone and this is long enough anyway.
May God meet your every need deep within as He does mine!

MY HUSBAND'S FIRST MARATHON!

Well, today Jim ran his first marathon in Akron, OH with a final time of 4:30:38! WoW! And right by his side was our "adopted son" Marc Staton who had never completed a straight run of more than 8 miles straight before today ... I bet he is not walking too well right now.

It seems our lives have revolved around Jim' s running/training for nearly a year now ... I wonder if it will change? I kinda doubt it ... He is already talking about his next one (smile) - I am so proud of him doing this and for the first time, at age of nearly 53, he did it in an awesome time! I "ran my tail off" trying to catch him at different spots along the route and I guess I was more stressed than I thought I was over it all so that when we got home I "crashed" and Jim was still going strong! After about an hour nap, I decided I better walk for about 40 minutes then I felt better.

It was so good to know our kids were both thinking about their dad during the day and proud of him. For some reason it means alot to have your kids "keeping up with your life" and what is "happening" just as much as it means to them to have their parents "keeping up with" their lives and what is "happening". That is so hard to do, isn't it? We all have such busy lives that it is hard to schedule things where we can all work it into our schedules and, when you have worked so hard to do just that, it is a real "let-down" to realize that somewhere along the line someone misunderstood someone else and we all end up feeling frustrated. We are going through that right now as a family. One thing I really appreciate about our kids is how they try to forgive and forget and rebuild their relationship ... They have had some major hurts and disappointments between the two of them through the years, but they always try to work through them, put the past behind, and build new bridges in their relationship with each other. I have seen too many families let such things drive wedges between them to where they just stop talking to each other. I know the Lord helps, but we are human and sometimes our emotions make us believe things that aren't true ... like perhaps our loved one did something on purpose to hurt us. I know Sunshine has felt James has done that to her in the past and I know that James has felt Sunshine has done it to him as well. I just keep praying they keep on loving, forgiving, and growing in their relationship with each other. I know they will. I just wish I could make "life" easier for them. They are so precious ... so very precious to both their Dad and me.

I know my son will read this, and smile, and say "There's Mom, kinda preaching at me again. And yet he will take it well and love me anyways cause "I'm his mom". That's awesome! To feel assured I can just be "me" and he will accept it and love me as I am. I'm so blessed. I also know my daughter will most likely not read this. She is so busy with her job and her family pressures that she doesn't often get "on-line" ... not that she is not interested ... she just is pressured by the demands and "have-tos" of life. My husband would call it priorities. My daughter will call me almost every day and talk cause she can do "other things" while we talk and accomplish more in her time spent with me. My son will spend time blogging with me and others, and call on the cell phone usually when he is enroute ... but he has lots of pressures from his church responsibilities that demand his attention during many of those times he can call which require that time to be spent on others than family. But that's okay with ME, because when he does make contact with me ... It is so special. He helps me know I am loved and we sure are getting more and more "gut honest" with our feelings and understandings toward each other and "life" in general.

Relationships ... That is what makes life interesting, isn't it?