What a Difference a Few Months Makes ...

Our beautiful Rose of Sharon in the summer....

Our Rose of Sharon in the middle of a snow storm...

It sure does look different! Both are beautiful! BUT, I much prefer the summer one!

I have had lots of weather. Snow... snow... snow...
We had a blizzard Christmas. The snow stayed on the ground for weeks. We finally thawed out and the snow melted. After it melted we even had some beautiful days of warmth. This week we hit over 60*! It was WONDERFUL!!!!

Even though I love the warmth, this has been a beautiful snow - once it started. It was predicted that we would have a big ice storm that could cause us to lose our power and do lots of damage. Then we would get lots of snow on top of that. It rained and rained and rained, but it we only got a little bit of ice.

We were blessed, yes, very blessed here. Other places in the path of the storms were not so fortunate. They lost power. They are still without power. We were in a special little "window" that evidently had high enough temps to keep the rain from becoming ice.

When the snow started, we got lots in a short time. It was so peaceful and comforting. I just went from window to window watching it. It is still snowing now. When it got dark I had to close the blinds and couldn't watch anymore. ... how sad.

I'm sure it will be there in the morning when I wake up. We will be going to Oz this weekend if the roads are cleared enough. The snow isn't hard to drive in. The ice is treacherous.

Anyway, thanks for reading my blog. Sorry I had to go "private". If I need to "invite" someone else, please get me their email. Thanks!

I hope that your winter is enjoyable....

Blessings~

South Georgia Girl

I laugh at myself quite often. It is easy to do and it sure makes life easier and more fun. I don't always admit to others what I do, but I sure do to myself!

This week we have had threats of "weather" all over the news. All you who know me, know that I love the nice warm weather of S. Georgia... and am not particularly fond of cold. I consider anything under 50 as qualifying as "freezing".

The other night at Walmart I was just buying "regular" things. I noticed extremely LONG lines and empty shelves. I needed paper plates, but there were NONE... the shelf was bare. Not only that shelf but there were no buns, very little bread... even meat was scarce! People had carts full of water and gas cans, batteries, candles, lanterns...

I had no clue. I was just happy with the nice warm weather we were having. I started talking to the lady in the line in front of me. (That's what we do in Georgia!) I asked what was going on, was I missing something?

It started a huge conversation between lines and people all over! I was quickly informed of the impending storm... threatening to be worse than the one they had in 2007!!!!!!!

The horror and fear in people was contagious! I had to fight off the urge to go and grab everything in sight "just in case"... I might need that pair of shorts on clearance or that ugly necklace on display, or 15 different magazines ... I even wanted to go and get all the organizational and storage bins ... a lady behind me had a VERY nice big bin with wheels that was "only" $10 and she was willing to run back to the shelf and get me the last 3 if I wanted!

I had to stop and go for peace and laugh at myself. I couldn't get the bins in my car, I didn't need shorts and I already have about 20 magazines waiting for me to read at home....

I didn't run frantically around grabbing everything in sight - I stayed in line and got out of there as soon as I could!

In case you don't know why the panic, I'll be glad to share (as it has been shared with me).

We didn't live here then. All our children did, though. In December 2007 (the fear producing date) they had a mammoth ice storm. It brought down power lines and trees and paralyzed the state for a long time. We began looking for a house in March of 2008 - 4 months after THE storm. Some of the neighborhoods still had piles of tree limbs that covered entire yards over 6 feet high! In our yard (before we bought it) there were 13 trees that fell! (Glad they are gone, that's for sure!)

People tremble at the thought of that storm. You can see the blood run from their faces as they talk about it.

The local news people have said that that storm, based on somebody's scale, was a # 3 and 4. They are saying we have the same weather conditions merging today and are saying it could be as high as #4 and 5 in some places.

I'm not receiving that report.

We are scheduled to get rain first (any minute now) - that they say will immediately turn to ice and cover power lines, bridges, and tree limbs. It will be heavy if this happens and can cause problems.... then the rain will turn to sleet and then snow... up to 12 inches...

My South Georgia blood runs cold at the thought of all this. I enjoy seeing it snow about once a year. After that it is no fun. We have already had a "nice" snow. We had a white Christmas and it threw everyone's plans for a loop!

I am thankful that I have gas logs and a gas grill. At least, we can cook some things and stay warm in the living room....

I have a roast in the crockpot, eggs boiled, a rotisserie chicken and lots of crackers... WHY crackers ???? you may ask... Well, I sent Hugsum to the store to get some batteries and snacks. So he came back with 3 (THREE) boxes of saltine crackers... ummm, yeah... right... we can put mayonnaise on them and ??? Well, anyway, another thing that makes me laugh.

It should be fun and interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing God's Hand in the middle of this. I know that He will protect, provide and prosper...

I'll keep you updated as I can!

Blessings~

Weather Questions and Random Dozen

I'm getting prepared for "weather". It is predicted that we are going to have some rough weather. I have weathered a blizzard recently and now "they" are saying we will have an ice storm and snow... 12" ... That should be interesting.

How do you prepare for such a treat? I was awakened this morning with the thought that I needed to be as a "wise virgin" and be prepared. ??????? UMMMMM I don't know what I need. I'm guessing, water, batteries, bread, sandwich meat. Any other suggestions?

Now, my response to the "Random Dozen" ... answering questions really makes me think....




Here are my answers to the Random Dozen by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?

I consider myself good at this. I can wait for what I really want.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?

I can turn down most any food if I am focused on being healthy and on a diet. The real temptation to me is a good cookie with nuts... one that is lumpy and bumpy with good things (not a store bought cookie). A homemade cookie will do me "in" before any other food made by man or woman!

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?

It depends on WHAT and WHO.
I am extrememly impatient with ignorance, stupidity and meanness - those frustrate me beyond measure.
I am patient with children who are honestly trying to learn and do what is asked.
I am impatient with (and don't like) people who try to control and manipulate or force me.
If it is something that I'm waiting on personally, I'm usually very patient - like in line at Wally or in traffic.

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?

YES! I have set my sights on something and when it came to pass been very disappointed that it was not what I expected or believed it would be. Reality is rarely as good as our fantasy!
Those hamburgers are never as good as they look in the commercials!

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?

Yes - as long as it does not effect the quality or outcome!


6. Which line is hardest to wait in?

The line to the bathroom!

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?

I'm telling my age now... Back in my day, it wasn't possible find out medically...
I did, however, KNOW the gender of my children before they were born. I was blessed to have an encounter with the Holy Spirit and He revealed to me amazing things about my children before they were born.

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?

Definitely children

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?

YES! I ruined so many Christmases for myself that I do not want to have a clue to anything I'm getting. I got so good that I could open any gift and rewrap it without any sign. I also knew all the hiding places for presents and checked regularly for new additions.

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?

The birth of my first son. He was 3 weeks late! Or, maybe it SEEMED like an eternity!
Oh, it could be the purchase of my house. Having been in the ministry and living in parsonages, I didn't have my "own" home. So, at age 59 I got to choose my house and buy a "starter" home.

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?

BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHHHAAA
I'd say that would be me!

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon
B) The Waiting by Tom Petty
C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx
D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

This questions is very hard for me. I love music and sing all the time, but I don't apply the words - or maybe LISTEN to them. I do not have a clue! Sorry... if I had to guess by the names it would be "D"... Wait for me.... LOL

Now, go to 2ndCup and check out more answers!

My New Old Book

One of my favorite devotional books got stuck back in a drawer and "lost". I have several that I rotate through but one has been my all time favorite since I first learned of it. I forgot about it.

Years ago a special friend read a devotional to a group. It was ALL Scripture! It went from one Scripture to the next in a theme and made perfect sense and really ministered to me. She told the story of it and so I went to my friend's store (The Shepherd Shop) and got one for me. Then, I got one for husgum and each of my children. It has been a favorite gift to friends since then.

The other day I was listening to one of my favorite Bible teachers (Beth Moore) and she made reference to it. She had been reading it. I remembered mine and began to look for it. I found it and it was like finding an old friend or wearing my comfortable shoes. It just fit!

It has a morning reading and a night reading. The story behind it is that it was originally compiled and published in 1794 by Samuel Bagster in Great Britain. Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham's daughter) has had it republished. It seems that her mother, Ruth, had received one as a child on the mission field. She had given one to each of her children and grandchildren when they were 10. No matter where they are in the world, or what they are going through they all are "on the same page" and reading the same scriptures.

It is Daily Light. I have loved having it and have been blessed by it. I hope that you might find one and enjoy it too! It has so many wonderful parts, prayers and Scriptures that minister in all sorts of situations. It has blessed me.

Blessings~

If I Could Say...

Just love...
Release everyone from your expectations and demands ....
Be yourself ....
Don't try so hard to please the world, but try only to please Jesus ...
Forgive quickly ...
It is not so important to be "right" ...
Love is the key ...
It really doesn't matter what you do to me, it matters what I do to you...
Give something away every day...
In the light of eternity - what does it really matter?
It all gets back to love - THAT will matter in eternity...
Jesus is the key to where that eternity will be spent ...

Blessings~

Loops

Have you ever had something happen that just throws you for a loop? It is so completely bazaar and something out of the blue that you just shake your head in amazement and unbelief.

This can be something wonderful and fun and exciting... things like a surprise trip, or gift, maybe a compliment - or one of my favorites, a great deal on something.

Last year I had a great surprise happen that was so nice. A friend I have known all my life called me. We had not talked in about 30 years! She had remarried and moved away. I had moved away. We had no way of finding each other. Then she decided to see if she could find my parents. She found their number in the phone book, called and got my number. We picked up right away. Some friendships just last beyond distance and time.

We also had some other not so pleasant things hit us, but we have found that God's grace is sufficient. His mercy and love enabled and strengthened us.

The wonderful thing about walking with God is that when something comes in and knocks us we may lose our balance briefly, but He is always there to steady and stabilize us and set us back on our feet! IF we turn to Him.

Good things can take our focus off as well as bad.

I have found that if I will step back and re-evaluate the situation, it is never as it seems. Sometimes that bargain is not really a bargain because it is not something I need or really like. I just want to get it because it is "on sale"!

Even a new baby can put things out of kilter for awhile. They are certainly good things, but require adjustments.

It is important when something hits that is devastating and disturbing that we wait before we respond. We may be misinterpreting things and it probably is not as awful and bad as we first think. Nothing is ever as bad as it first appears. NOTHING! God is always there to redeem, fix, repair, restore. He is loving, kind and good. He knows ... He KNEW it was coming and has a way to deal with it that will benefit us and glorify Him.

I am not proud of my responses at times. I have had to repent and ask for help and forgiveness. I have had to eat crow. I have been humbled. I have also received forgiveness and blessings and restoration.

I'm eternally thankful that I serve a loving, forgiving God! In my mess ups, He restores order!

Blessings~

Confession!

I have a confession to make.... lest you think that it is related to the previous post - don't worry. I'm not about to make full confession here !

I confess that I'm addicted to Facebook. I have become a Facebookaholic. I have to have a Facebook "fix" frequently throughout the day. I used to be addicted to blogging, but I have moved on to the harder, faster stuff of Facebook. I cannot do Twitter. It makes me crazy with all the @ stuff.

That does not mean that I don't still want and need blogging. It just means that I really crave Facebook and the comments.

I want to keep up with my friends and their status. I want to be a part of their lives and leave comments. I love the immediacy of the connection. I love that I can connect with people all over the world and know that they are okay or if they need prayer, I can pray. I love that I get to know who gets married and who is expecting. I love that I can share a need or hurt or pain and receive prayer and concern and support.

I apologize that somehow I did something and now all my blogs are posted on Facebook. I don't know how I did it or how to stop it. I really don't mean to. I really do not feel that every word I write must be published around the world on Facebook. It just happens now by itself. This Facebook has taken on a whole identity and control of it's own. It is very controlling and demanding! It calls my name. It begs me to come check and see who is online and what they are doing.

I apologize that I spend more time on Facebook than I do blogging. I have gotten lazy about writing long things and reading long things. I hope to do better. I can't promise that I will. I can promise that I will try.

Thank you very much for your loyalty and love and acceptance. You are very kind not to condemn me.

I leave you now to go and check my Facebook... I'm sure that someone else has posted some that I MUST know about and respond accordingly!

Blessings~

Redemption!

I have been watching Beth Moore on Life Today with James and Betty Robison. She has hit me between the eyes with every one of her teachings in this series. The last one just did me in!

It made me think a LOT!

I realized that I have withheld part of my testimony of God's grace and redemption. I have not shared so that I could protect the innocent ... yeah, right! I have not shared because I wanted to protect ME and MY image! Evidently, I had not truly believed in the Redemptive Blood of Jesus or that He could cleanse me and forgive me and change me.

Who I am is because of what I have done and been. It has shaped me and molded me and made me into what/who I am today. If I began as dirt... and acted like dirt and worse, but now I am being formed into the image of Christ, it can be nothing that I am or have done. It is a testimony of who Jesus is and what He has done.

I'm not proud of my past. I'm not pleased with my failures. I'm so incredibly thankful for His grace and mercy and forgiveness and yes, REDEMPTION!

One day, I might share more personally. Suffice it say now that I was a sinner. I have been forgiven. He (she) who is forgiven much loves much! I love my Jesus!

Just wanted to share today of my love and gratitude, of His awesome goodness to me. I pray that you have also experienced that love and forgiveness and redemption.

Random Dozen Answers and a mess up

Okay, so I have messed up and can't get it do be right! It will not line up and it won't let me add the Random Dozen button... or link up... sorry! Not very "techy" or computer literate obviously! Go to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee at www. 2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com and check out other answers!

1. Dorian Gray. Question: If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?

I would probably be 23. That is the year I met my hugsum and married. When I think of how old I am, the first number that pops into my head is "23". Then I realize just how really old I am... I never think of myself as being 60!

2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?)

My favorite food group is "cookie". So I feel most confident about my cookies. But, I do make a wonderful salad! (Yes, they do go together!)

3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal?

I pray (I would say "in tongues", but some would be offended). I try to get out of the house and into the sun and air. I'd love to go tanning, but ... well, you know why! I try to be around funny things and people and laugh.

4. When was the last time you danced in public?

At a wedding a few years ago. When in high school I hated to dance. I don't feel like I'm a good dancer, but I do enjoy it. My sister and her husband are beautiful dancers. They met dancing. Not so with me. I have tried to talk hugsum into taking ballroom dancing. He's not so excited about it.

5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?

I'm a real dreamer. I have lots of dreams but reality usually steps in and stops me.

6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well?

Some days I feel like I didn't do anything right. If I did anything right, I think it would be that I loved them unconditionally and taught them about Jesus. They all love Jesus today and serve him.

7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show?

I have a dog named "Andy" and we had a cat named "Barney".

8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Having grown up in the 50's and 60's in Atlanta, I probably know more than most do now. I'd say maybe 7... There is always more to know about a person.

9. Have you never been mellow? Have you never tried … to find a comfort from in side you? (Sorry, Jorge was singing that song just now, and it just seemed to be perfect timing as I was creating this week’s questions.) REAL question: What is your #1 driving pet peeve?

Slow people in the fast lane who won't get over.

10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate?

I'm wearing red. I tend to wear clothes to improve my mood. If I'm feeling a little down or tired, I try to wear brighter colors. But, red is my favorite color.

11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be?

He is loyal and loving and kind... I'd say a dog.

12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day?

Playing with grandchildren... fixing food... cleaning ...

Monday - a "holiday" for some

This morning I woke up thinking that I should blog. I have been trying to be more faithful at blogging and it has not been easy.

All my words seem to be vain and insightless ( that IS a word, I just made it up! It means that I lack insight - duh - like that was not as obvious as the nose on your face!)

I will let you know about our weekend. We went to Oz on Friday. I cooked a GREAT dish. Found the recipe on Southern Plate for beef tips. Easier than pie! Put cubed beef into crock pot - add packet of brown gravy and water. Cover and cook for the day. YUMMMM! So tender and juicy. I just cooked some rice and it was a hit!

It was the highlight of my weekend. Oh except for church... when I completely LOST it and laughed until I cried.

It is a small church. We have had much illness and surgery in the members lately and so our choir has dwindled ... to a group of 3... I'm in the middle - standing behind the cross. No get the picture, we have just come out and are prepared to sing our call to worship.

Our 82 year old organist begins to play something very unfamiliar. I'm thinking it is a strange intro to our song. Then I realize that she has forgotten to hit "chimes". She is just playing some random note ... about 11 times... (yeah, chiming of the hour - which she JUST started doing this year.)
So, as we are smiling among ourselves in the choir and waiting... about the 8th chime, my precious little 90 year old friend yells out from her seat on the back row ... "is it STUCK?????"
We all lost it. I laughed so hard I cried. Hugsum was sitting down and he was laughing so hard he could hardly stay in the seat!
The organist was not phased. She finished her chiming, played the intro and went straight into the song. It was a duet with a laughing hyena in the middle ... I laughed until I cried... I laughed until my "water broke"... It was hard to get it together after that!

I still giggle every time I think of it. It may be one of those times when you had to be there, but it was sure a joyous, laughing service!

Today I get to play with my newest grandson again. I am taking his mama to the doctor for her check-up. Tomorrow I start keeping my other daughter's three again because spring semester starts.

I'm blessed beyond measure. I'm busy and loved - and I love. What more can there be in life?

I pray that you are, too - enjoy your holiday (if you get to have one today).

Blessings~

Friday and ....

To most people it is TGIF! I enjoy Fridays... most of the time, but it has a different meaning for me. The weekend is NOT an "off" time for us. It is an "on duty" time. That goes with our gifts and callings - which is the ministry.

Neither do I dread Monday. Monday used to be my most favorite day of the week because after a weekend of being "on duty" and having 4 children who were active in sports, I looked forward to Monday when everyone cleared out and I could shovel out the house and have some peace and quiet to restore order.

With a semi-retired husband, my house doesn't clear out as much as it used to. I also get to keep grandchildren and that is wonderful and fun!

Also, we go out of town every weekend. Our church is about 90 miles away. I lovingly call it "Oz" because it is about as close to Kansas as you can get without actually being in Kansas. The majority of our members live in Kansas.

The other day I found something at Ross that spoke to me. I bought it and it is hanging in my dressing area. I pass it many times a day.

It says Imagine your life fulfilled, Dream the impossible, Believe the best is yet to be.

I find that very empowering and encouraging during these days of uncertainty and as we age. It gives me hope.

Now I leave you with a special look at something so sweet you just can't help but smile! On his first visit to grandmama's house ....

Blessings~

Random Dozen and Belated Birthday...

Yesterday was my 2nd son's birthday. I sent him a facebook message, emailed him and even went out to eat with him and his family. I somehow forgot to post on my blog about it. Shame on me...
One year, I totally forgot his birthday. He was in high school. I kept thinking all week that "something" important was on the calendar for the 12th. I even talked with him about it. He smiled and laughed... but didn't say a word. All day, I had this feeling that I was missing something. DUH! He was so kind. He forgave me. I made up for it. I felt so bad and like a stinking horrible mother! I even had his favorite foods ready to fix and a present for him... just somehow a glitch occurred and I completely did not realize it was his birthday!

So, in remembrance of that horrible day, I am once again feeling like a dog... Happy Belated Birthday, my son! I love you!

Now, in honor of Lid and her Random Dozen meme at 2nd Cup of Coffee, here are my answers.



1. When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave?

Last night I ordered fried pickles...

2. M & M's or Skittles?

I actually eat them together... Just started doing that recently. I am a "sneaky" eater. For some strange reason about 11 am I get very hungry. I must eat something. So, I keep a baggie of easily accessible snacks in my purse (especially for Sunday morning (: ). I throw in small, wrapperless things like M&Ms and Skittles... Thus started my enjoyment of eating them together. As I am paying CLOSE attention to what is going on in church and trying to keep my eyes on the speaker and not draw attention to what I'm doing, I slowly, carefully reach into my purse (where THE baggie is strategically positioned, and reach in without looking. I carefully bring the loot to my mouth and am always pleasantly surprised with a burst of fruit and chocolate together.... LOVE it!

3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through?

Yes... I think... I have been trying to for as long as I can remember. I am sure I have read it all, just not at once or straight through.

4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning?

I'm normally awake immediately.

5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to?

Never. Hugsum wants to go on one. We have talked about it for years, but just never had the resources at the right time.

6. Who is your favorite actress?

Right now, I like Sandra Bullock... depends on the day/movie... not really a big people follower.

7. ______ is something that I will just never understand.

Why some people act they way they do!

8. How much of a technology junkie are you?

Not much. I don't feel like I have to have the latest gadget. I do enjoy my iPhone, but not addicted to it.

9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you?

Choosing and sending cards is a real chore for me. I rarely find one that says what I want to say and mean. I end up getting several cards for the same person and occasion. Then, I have a difficult time writing what I want to say and getting them to the post office. Hugsum is super good at doing this. He just does it and I'm thankful!

10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut?

Every day... I never know how my hair will turn out. I go to get it cut in "the same way", and it doesn't ever end up looking the same. One day it is like a fluffy kitty and the next day it looks like a wet dog...

11. What do you enjoy shopping for most?

I shop for food more frequently than other things. I actually enjoy strolling along the aisles looking for new and exciting menu ideas... okay... NOT!
I like to shop for bargains. I don't care what it is, I go for the bargain and get a "high" when I find one. It doesn't matter if it is clothes, housewares, dishes, glasses, food... whatever - as long as it is a great deal, I'm happy.

12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house?

Do I have my keys? Where are we going? (If I'm not the one driving - like when Hugsum says, "let's go".) Or, sometimes I wonder if I know how to get where I'm heading. A common issue after living in so many different places. Sometimes, when I'm going to Walmart I visualize driving to one in a former town. Then, when I actually get on the road, realize I'm not there. It is a "great" awakening to where I am!


You need to click over to 2nd Cup and find more fascinating answers!

Blessings!

No Condemnation...

Lately I have been hearing lots of teaching on seeds and harvest.

I totally agree that you will receive a harvest on the seeds that you have planted. That you can expect to receive what you have planted... That is scriptural. It is a spiritual law. God will not be mocked, whatever you do will come back to you... good measure, pressed down and flowing over...

It is important to plant well and in good soil. You can expect to reap. You can expect a harvest.

What I have had a hard time with is that EVERYTHING in your life is a result of something YOU have done or not done. In other words, if bad things are going on in your life then it MUST be your fault and because of the seeds (actions) that you planted.

Recently we went through some trials. It could have been that we were reaping. It could have been that we left a back door open someplace and allowed it. It could have been something else entirely!

Those who set themselves up as judge and criticize others for battles they are in, just do not understand. They are not innocent themselves, they just haven't faced a battle.

What about the parable that Jesus tells of the farmer who planted GOOD seed and then the enemy came in during the night and planted weeds in his good seed. There was no way to tell the difference until harvest time - in other words until they began to bear fruit.

I think that one way to tell if you are reaping what you have sown or if it is something that the enemy has sown would be to look at the fruit... I mean, if it is ALL bad, then it would be something you did. If there are blessings along with the trials and sufferings, then it would be something the enemy is doing.

Either way, the end result will be good. BECAUSE, we are told that ALL things work together for good for those who are called according to HIS purpose.

I just wanted to encourage others who might be facing battles and trials. I wanted to remind us that there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are walking according to the spirit.

Also that we are not to think it strange when we are faced with trials and temptations like it were something out of the ordinary. We are to count it all joy. Our Father is working patience and character in us. He is using it for good. He will not leave us nor forsake us and He won't let it go without help and comfort.

If we are patient and faithful, we will not be put to shame. We will be vindicated and blessed. We will be able to bless others and comfort others with the same comfort we have received.

Please don't feel bad if you are having troubles, trials or battles... just know that in the end GOOD will come. We serve a good and faithful God. He has our best interest at heart and He will help us!

Blessings~

Ethan and Catching Up from Oz...

We are in Oz and I'm online!!!!! YAY! I can blog!

Here is the first look at our newest grandson, Ethan Asher Hamilton. He is our youngest daughter's first child. His daddy is bringing him to us to see.

Here he is with his momma.... it is still hard to believe she is old enough to have a baby. I remember well when she was that age. (WHERE does the time go????)

This is precious little Ethan (6 pounds and 10 ounces, 18" long) in my lap... Having slept through all the kisses and snuggles and adoration.

I finally got him to open his beautiful eyes and look at me so he would recognize me when he sees me next time - when we get home from Oz!

I know I have mentioned the snow. This has been on the ground since before Christmas. We have had ice and snow and FREEZING weather. Some of it did melt, but this is still there. I'm thankful for this. Hugsum was out putting some steaks on the grill and he wrote me a love note in the snow (he is such a romantic!). The "you" has melted, but the message is still very clear! I love that I can see it from the kitchen/dining room window.

We have been having a good New Year. Hope that you have been, too! Let me know what's going on with you!
Blessings!