Yesterday I was carrying on a conversation with a friend on facebook about quinoa. I left and when I got home went straight to bed.
This morning when I got up, I checked facebook and found that my friends 15 year old son was in an accident and died shortly after our conversation.
I was shocked and horrified and saddened. Life is short - much too short for some! But, even after living to an old age, life seems short. I think of my mama. She was 88 when she crossed over to see the face of Jesus. It was certainly her gain - but our loss.
The same for Nathan. He is dancing on streets of gold and praising loudly as he did here on earth.
Not sure what my point is. Where my thoughts are going.... just thinking that friends and family are precious. Life is eternal. We should live each day as if it were our last. I know kind of cliche'ish.... but never the less.... true.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The Middle of August!
Well, here we are at the middle of August and the "end" of summer! It used to be that summer lasted until September. I loved those nice long lazy summer days! I still do - there just don't seem to be as many of them!
This has been a glorious summer! The kids have LOVED being in the pool this summer. It has all connected and they have learned to swim and jump and play in the water. That is a major break through! Watching them play and swim and get so excited is what we dreamed of when we got the house with the pool.
It is hard to believe that they start back to school already! One starts tomorrow and 3 start on Friday! We have 2 First Graders, 1 in Kindergarten and 1 in K-4! That leaves 3 that still are not in school. It's nice to have them all close in age and living close to us.
Summer meant travel. Summer meant projects. Summer meant lots of activity.
We put sod in the back and side yard AGAIN. Since the last 3 years things have happened to destroy the sod, we figured we would replace it one more time!
Then "we" (as in Hugsum) resurfaced the pool deck with concrete and paint. What was to have been a fairly easy, inexpensive job took a nice turn. As my sister once told me, "When doing a project calculate the time and cost then double that and you will come close to about half what you can expect to spend" ... turns out to be accurate.
We also re-carpeted the patio area. It is a nice covered porch right off the living room. It sure makes it look much nicer. When we moved here the rained caused a river to ran right through it. Hugsum worked and figured and dug (a french drain) and now the drainage issues are solved. The carpet that had been there was very old and dirty and rotten. So, it's nice to have a clean area.
I think the next project will be to screen in the area. That will make it nice in the fall and spring to eat outside. Also, it will keep the leaves from blowing through to the pool. What I'd LOVE to do is make it a sun room and put windows all around. Then, we could use it year 'round. What a nice addition that would be.
So many plans... so much we want to do... so many dreams ...
This summer has brought it's challenges. It has brought it's accomplishments. It has brought it's fun and excitement. It has brought it's rewards. It has brought it's travel. It has brought it's changes.
We have had much family time. We have had a good summer.
Now I'm looking forward to fall - not to cold weather, but to what the future holds.
Father's love and His mercy and grace have abounded toward us this summer. His goodness never fails. His blessings are evident. We are more than thankful! We are overcome with gratitude!
What does the future hold? Blessing!
What are you looking forward to the rest of this year?
This has been a glorious summer! The kids have LOVED being in the pool this summer. It has all connected and they have learned to swim and jump and play in the water. That is a major break through! Watching them play and swim and get so excited is what we dreamed of when we got the house with the pool.
It is hard to believe that they start back to school already! One starts tomorrow and 3 start on Friday! We have 2 First Graders, 1 in Kindergarten and 1 in K-4! That leaves 3 that still are not in school. It's nice to have them all close in age and living close to us.
Summer meant travel. Summer meant projects. Summer meant lots of activity.
We put sod in the back and side yard AGAIN. Since the last 3 years things have happened to destroy the sod, we figured we would replace it one more time!
Then "we" (as in Hugsum) resurfaced the pool deck with concrete and paint. What was to have been a fairly easy, inexpensive job took a nice turn. As my sister once told me, "When doing a project calculate the time and cost then double that and you will come close to about half what you can expect to spend" ... turns out to be accurate.
We also re-carpeted the patio area. It is a nice covered porch right off the living room. It sure makes it look much nicer. When we moved here the rained caused a river to ran right through it. Hugsum worked and figured and dug (a french drain) and now the drainage issues are solved. The carpet that had been there was very old and dirty and rotten. So, it's nice to have a clean area.
I think the next project will be to screen in the area. That will make it nice in the fall and spring to eat outside. Also, it will keep the leaves from blowing through to the pool. What I'd LOVE to do is make it a sun room and put windows all around. Then, we could use it year 'round. What a nice addition that would be.
So many plans... so much we want to do... so many dreams ...
This summer has brought it's challenges. It has brought it's accomplishments. It has brought it's fun and excitement. It has brought it's rewards. It has brought it's travel. It has brought it's changes.
We have had much family time. We have had a good summer.
Now I'm looking forward to fall - not to cold weather, but to what the future holds.
Father's love and His mercy and grace have abounded toward us this summer. His goodness never fails. His blessings are evident. We are more than thankful! We are overcome with gratitude!
What does the future hold? Blessing!
What are you looking forward to the rest of this year?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Happy New Year!!! (a month or so in...)
WOW! Have we really already made it to 2012?`
What happened to 2011? and 2010? Well for that matter, what happened to 2000?
Obviously I have not been around the blog much lately! When I reconnect I realize how much I enjoy blogging and sharing. I love reading your blogs and comments!
Through the years I have made some wonderful friends who have enriched my life and I'm so thankful that those friendships have lead to facebook friends and even pintrest friends... Wonder where we will go next?
So, what has been going on in your life? I'm sure that there have been many many things - good and bad!
In my life, we have had life changing events. We have grown by leaps and bounds. We have reached highest highs and lowest lows. But, through it all we have found Jesus is faithful! He has not left us nor forsaken us. He has been our strongest strong one. He has been our high tower. He has been our hope and joy and peace.
In the midst of storms He is there. In the midst of celebrations, He is there!
Life is exciting. Life is good. Life is worth sharing.
Thanks for checking in on me again. I'll try to be more faithful to share.
Please let me know how your life is going!
Blessings~
What happened to 2011? and 2010? Well for that matter, what happened to 2000?
Obviously I have not been around the blog much lately! When I reconnect I realize how much I enjoy blogging and sharing. I love reading your blogs and comments!
Through the years I have made some wonderful friends who have enriched my life and I'm so thankful that those friendships have lead to facebook friends and even pintrest friends... Wonder where we will go next?
So, what has been going on in your life? I'm sure that there have been many many things - good and bad!
In my life, we have had life changing events. We have grown by leaps and bounds. We have reached highest highs and lowest lows. But, through it all we have found Jesus is faithful! He has not left us nor forsaken us. He has been our strongest strong one. He has been our high tower. He has been our hope and joy and peace.
In the midst of storms He is there. In the midst of celebrations, He is there!
Life is exciting. Life is good. Life is worth sharing.
Thanks for checking in on me again. I'll try to be more faithful to share.
Please let me know how your life is going!
Blessings~
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Things Learned and Eternal.
These last few years have been stretching times. Hopefully, I've grown in wisdom and mercy and love.
There is no way that I can explain, nor would I. Just suffice it to say that God's grace is sufficient. God's mercy is new every morning. He never leaves us and never forsakes us.
When He forgives, it is for everlasting and thorough. He does not remember it - but forever forgets and forgives.
He is just. He is righteous. He is sovereign. He is all good... all the time. There is no darkness nor shadow of turning. He is!
That is all I need to know... He is. He is. He is. He is. HE IS!!!!!!
Because of He is - all is right with the world and everything will be all right.
There is no way that I can explain, nor would I. Just suffice it to say that God's grace is sufficient. God's mercy is new every morning. He never leaves us and never forsakes us.
When He forgives, it is for everlasting and thorough. He does not remember it - but forever forgets and forgives.
He is just. He is righteous. He is sovereign. He is all good... all the time. There is no darkness nor shadow of turning. He is!
That is all I need to know... He is. He is. He is. He is. HE IS!!!!!!
Because of He is - all is right with the world and everything will be all right.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Extravagance!
A story of love so deep it took my breath away!
As I mentioned, we have been appointed to CnC. We no longer go to Oz.
Yesterday, Hugsum had a funeral in Oz for a precious saint who lived past 100 years old. As he was leaving the funeral another precious saint approached him. I've shared about her before and her extravagant love.
Charlene is about 95 years old. She is uneducated, but a pure heart and she loves deeply. She crochets and gives it all away. Her former pastor shared about a family who had no TV. She gave them hers. She listens to the radio and her record player.
Her husband died after they had been married for 13 years. So, she has been a widow well over 50 years and maybe even 60! Her activities include the simple things in life. She plays cards, crochets and takes care of her dog.
Through the years she has loved me. Sunday after Sunday she has some little something to give me - a card, a bookmark, some banana bread ("I forgot to put the sugar in it, but you can just sprinkle some on it when you eat it."), a pot holder, a book, a calendar, etc.
Her last name is Kendall. I have a granddaughter named Kendall. Some how, Charlene got the idea that my granddaughter is named for her. Charlene never had children and lives alone, but always wanted a little girl. So, she began sending gifts home to to her. Things like stuffed animals, dolls, coloring books, etc. Occasionally, she would bring me something "really special" that I was to take care of for her. Once she brought me a very old vase that her husband had given her with flowers. It has the Lord's Prayer on it and it was treasured by Charlene.
Our last Sunday, she gave me a plastic bag all wrapped up tightly and told me to be VERY careful with it. It was to be given to Kendall - ALL to Kendall. I was told this was special and to make sure I took care of it. It was a "porcelain" heart box filled with butterfly pins and necklaces.
So, this brings us to yesterday. I did not make the trip to Oz and she was looking for me. She approached Hugsum very serious and solemn. She held a sealed envelope tightly in her hand. She looked him straight in the eyes and gave him strict instructions. "This is a very special gift and it is very special and valuable. I want you to give it to Merrie for Kendall. Kendall is too young for it now, but Merrie will know when she is ready for it. I want her to know that I gave it to her and that I love her."
Oh... another thing, Charlene always signs her notes to Kendall saying, "to Kendall, love Kendall". She has taken on her last name as her first so that she can reinforce their connection.
Well, when he handed me the prized envelope, I opened it, gasped and sobbed. Charlene had given Kendall her wedding rings! I have seen Charlene with the rings on all the time. I could hardly breath at the extravagance and sacrifice of her love for a little girl she has never met.
These are some of the treasures: A picture of Charlene playing cards, a note, the heart box, some of the butterflies, and the rings.
Mind you, it is not an expensive ring. It is not really valuable to anyone but her - and now me.
How do you say thank you for something like that?
As I mentioned, we have been appointed to CnC. We no longer go to Oz.
Yesterday, Hugsum had a funeral in Oz for a precious saint who lived past 100 years old. As he was leaving the funeral another precious saint approached him. I've shared about her before and her extravagant love.
Charlene is about 95 years old. She is uneducated, but a pure heart and she loves deeply. She crochets and gives it all away. Her former pastor shared about a family who had no TV. She gave them hers. She listens to the radio and her record player.
Her husband died after they had been married for 13 years. So, she has been a widow well over 50 years and maybe even 60! Her activities include the simple things in life. She plays cards, crochets and takes care of her dog.
Through the years she has loved me. Sunday after Sunday she has some little something to give me - a card, a bookmark, some banana bread ("I forgot to put the sugar in it, but you can just sprinkle some on it when you eat it."), a pot holder, a book, a calendar, etc.
Her last name is Kendall. I have a granddaughter named Kendall. Some how, Charlene got the idea that my granddaughter is named for her. Charlene never had children and lives alone, but always wanted a little girl. So, she began sending gifts home to to her. Things like stuffed animals, dolls, coloring books, etc. Occasionally, she would bring me something "really special" that I was to take care of for her. Once she brought me a very old vase that her husband had given her with flowers. It has the Lord's Prayer on it and it was treasured by Charlene.
Our last Sunday, she gave me a plastic bag all wrapped up tightly and told me to be VERY careful with it. It was to be given to Kendall - ALL to Kendall. I was told this was special and to make sure I took care of it. It was a "porcelain" heart box filled with butterfly pins and necklaces.
So, this brings us to yesterday. I did not make the trip to Oz and she was looking for me. She approached Hugsum very serious and solemn. She held a sealed envelope tightly in her hand. She looked him straight in the eyes and gave him strict instructions. "This is a very special gift and it is very special and valuable. I want you to give it to Merrie for Kendall. Kendall is too young for it now, but Merrie will know when she is ready for it. I want her to know that I gave it to her and that I love her."
Oh... another thing, Charlene always signs her notes to Kendall saying, "to Kendall, love Kendall". She has taken on her last name as her first so that she can reinforce their connection.
Well, when he handed me the prized envelope, I opened it, gasped and sobbed. Charlene had given Kendall her wedding rings! I have seen Charlene with the rings on all the time. I could hardly breath at the extravagance and sacrifice of her love for a little girl she has never met.
These are some of the treasures: A picture of Charlene playing cards, a note, the heart box, some of the butterflies, and the rings.
How do you say thank you for something like that?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
New Life
We have moved into a new stage in our life. I'm not sure if we have moved forward or backward. You see, we have come out of retirement.
The truth is, I guess, we never fully retired. We just did something different. Hugsum still pastored, but we were not there full time. For 2 1/2 years we made the 90 mile trip to what I affectionately called "Oz", and spent the weekend. But, since October, we changed and only went up on Sunday mornings. He went up once or twice a week and visited and did other things.
That all changed with a single phone call. As of June 12, we now serve two churches full-time. This is quite a challenge and only something that God can do! I refer to our new appointment as CnC. It is only about 15 miles from our home.
We are excited at what God is doing. He orchestrated the whole thing. We know He is working and moving and has great plans for both the churches.
We covet your prayers. We move ahead boldly!
Do you have new changes in your life? Care to share?
The truth is, I guess, we never fully retired. We just did something different. Hugsum still pastored, but we were not there full time. For 2 1/2 years we made the 90 mile trip to what I affectionately called "Oz", and spent the weekend. But, since October, we changed and only went up on Sunday mornings. He went up once or twice a week and visited and did other things.
That all changed with a single phone call. As of June 12, we now serve two churches full-time. This is quite a challenge and only something that God can do! I refer to our new appointment as CnC. It is only about 15 miles from our home.
We are excited at what God is doing. He orchestrated the whole thing. We know He is working and moving and has great plans for both the churches.
We covet your prayers. We move ahead boldly!
Do you have new changes in your life? Care to share?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Aging ...
Unfortunately, I seem to be seeing the results of age. It is not pretty!
In my younger years, people always seemed to be surprised at my age. They seem to be surprised now, too. The difference is that I USED to look younger than my age. Not so much now.
Last night I went to my "Tuesday Club" meeting. (For those who don't know - at Ross stores the Tuesday Club means that the over 55 bunch gets 10% off their total purchase!) I happen to be older than 55. A few years ago I had to show my ID to get the discount. Now, there is no question. They just automatically give it to me. The last 6 1/2 years have aged me.
The beautiful sun tans that I used to work so diligently to have are showing their ugly side. The chicken skin neck and the droopy bat wings are far from attractive!
The other day Hugsum and I were riding along discussing the aging process. I stated that I really don't MIND getting older. In fact, I don't FEEL old - until I look in the mirror. I despise the old look! He looked at me and stated, "you don't like the way you look, huh?" Then he glanced in the rear view mirror and said, "well, I still look pretty good!"
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry or slap him! I figured that the last two options were not good ones, so I just laughed.
I've determined that I'm going to enjoy "me" in whatever state I'm in. I enjoyed my tan. I would do it again. I feel better with a tan. I might not do the tanning bed as often to maintain my golden brown, but I would use it for a starter tan... the main thing is DO NOT BURN! That is where the damage does the most harm.
As I've said, I don't feel my age. When I think of how old I am, I normally think that I'm 23. Not so much ... try 61 ... I've enjoyed my life. I've been blessed and I don't have many regrets. (except the ugly age showing up - hehe)
I'm learning to cope with it. I'm learning to accentuate the good parts and help the other ones. First - I'm drinking more and more water and tea and skipping the cokes (or soda or pop - depending on what you call it). I'm trying to "move" more - as in exercise. Get more aerobic activity into my life as well as stretching. I'm trying to eat better. Cut out the fried foods and sugars - eat more natural. FRESH is always better for you. White stuff is bad.
I plan to age gracefully and thankfully...
In my younger years, people always seemed to be surprised at my age. They seem to be surprised now, too. The difference is that I USED to look younger than my age. Not so much now.
Last night I went to my "Tuesday Club" meeting. (For those who don't know - at Ross stores the Tuesday Club means that the over 55 bunch gets 10% off their total purchase!) I happen to be older than 55. A few years ago I had to show my ID to get the discount. Now, there is no question. They just automatically give it to me. The last 6 1/2 years have aged me.
The beautiful sun tans that I used to work so diligently to have are showing their ugly side. The chicken skin neck and the droopy bat wings are far from attractive!
The other day Hugsum and I were riding along discussing the aging process. I stated that I really don't MIND getting older. In fact, I don't FEEL old - until I look in the mirror. I despise the old look! He looked at me and stated, "you don't like the way you look, huh?" Then he glanced in the rear view mirror and said, "well, I still look pretty good!"
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry or slap him! I figured that the last two options were not good ones, so I just laughed.
I've determined that I'm going to enjoy "me" in whatever state I'm in. I enjoyed my tan. I would do it again. I feel better with a tan. I might not do the tanning bed as often to maintain my golden brown, but I would use it for a starter tan... the main thing is DO NOT BURN! That is where the damage does the most harm.
As I've said, I don't feel my age. When I think of how old I am, I normally think that I'm 23. Not so much ... try 61 ... I've enjoyed my life. I've been blessed and I don't have many regrets. (except the ugly age showing up - hehe)
I'm learning to cope with it. I'm learning to accentuate the good parts and help the other ones. First - I'm drinking more and more water and tea and skipping the cokes (or soda or pop - depending on what you call it). I'm trying to "move" more - as in exercise. Get more aerobic activity into my life as well as stretching. I'm trying to eat better. Cut out the fried foods and sugars - eat more natural. FRESH is always better for you. White stuff is bad.
I plan to age gracefully and thankfully...
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