Monday, Monday.........

Welcome to Monday!  It seems as if the weekends fly.  What I would give to work a 4 day week - I don't even have to have a 3-day weekend - just an extra day to 'catch up'!

We have been studying the book of Philipians in Sunday School for several weeks.  I have also been attending a ladies Bible study that is also centered around the same book.  If you know anything about Philipians and Paul, you know that Paul found JOY in everything.  While I strive to be more like Christ - I am also trying to remember to be joyful in all things like Paul was.  I am extremely blessed with health, family, a job, and a wonderful church and church family, but when your weekend seems too short and you just didn't get everything done you really wanted to - it's more difficult to be joyful!

I've read stories of victims of the Boston bombings and those victims are seeking to find joy even in their circumstances.  They are alive, they will recover, they will be able to lead productive lives............I can handle Monday!!

Have a great one!

Springtime!

Can you believe that it's nearly the end of April already?  I had a birthday this month, but it seems like the older I get, the faster time passes!  There are too many things on my to-do list for the time to fly like this - so I suppose I should get busy!!

We've had some beautiful weather here - I just commented to some friends at church yesterday about how I cannot get my mind around those who believe someone or something other than a living God could have made the gorgeous day.  I have irises planted in my flowerbed that came from plants my grandmother grew.  Now - purple has NEVER been a favorite of mine, but seeing those beautiful flowers not only reminds me of my grandma, but makes me appreciate all the more God's creation.  We are truly blessed!

May your springtime bring you blessings and thankfulness for all you have!  Just don't let it get away from you before you have time to enjoy it!!

Welcome to 2013!

Happy New Year!  This past year was full of highs and lows, but looking back - we were very blessed and have nothing to complain about.  My Daddy has always said that there will always be someone who is in worse shape than you are - so we should be thankful that our problems are what they are - my Daddy is a wise man who also always had a half full glass!

We usually spend the last evening of the year as a family of 2 plus the baby dogs - quiet, peaceful, watching a little TV, going to bed early.  This year, we had the priviledge of sharing it with family that we have just begun to know.  It was nice to share a good meal, to laugh, share pictures, stories, and learn more about each other.  We may have just started a new tradition!  Thanks B, B, and D for spending the last evening of 2012 with us.  We had a great time!!

As I was reading in a new Beth Moore devotional book this morning, I was reminded of two things:  the awesome blessing of praying scripture and the power of prayer.  I firmly believe that we should 'pray without ceasing', but something our pastor mentioned Sunday again hit home - we should pray as if we were having a conversation with God - just talking to Him.  My devotion this morning said that He wants us to talk to him - He already knows our thoughts, desires - but He wants us to 'tell' Him.  I believe that God will reveal to us opportunities, His Word, His desires for our life - if only we will 'talk' to Him.  Conversation is a two-way street!

I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start.  May you be healthy, happy, and blessed in the days to come.

The Start of Somethig New

As 2012 winds down and 2013 gears up, I decided to try my hand at something I've been thinking about doing for awhile - blogging.  I've always thought 'journaling' was therapeutic and while I don't think I need therapy right now, the start of a new year seems the perfect time to start recording my thoughts.  Thank you for taking this journey along with me.  Who knows where it will lead!

Happy reading!