Oooops! Looks like it’s been a while since I’ve posted a blog entry. So...here I am, checking in!
It seems that at my age, all I would have to keep me busy and occupied would be sitting at my computer, writing; or sitting in a rocking chair, crocheting or knitting; or even keeping a clean, tidy, stack-free home. But none of those things are happening. Retirement for me is not what it's cracked to be!!
I suppose the biggest change in my life came last spring when my sister started talking about retiring and moving ‘back home’. At first, I thought it was just “talk”. Then she asked me to start looking for a small place for her to live.
Ummmmm….sounded like it was more serious than I thought. So, I began to scout around; found a small house for reasonable rent; took some pictures to show her.
Yes….that should work (she said) Next thing I knew, she was boxing up; giving to charities; throwing away; downsizing as much as possible. By July 14, she was moved back to her beginnings; just as I did 13 years ago.
Needless to say, we have had a good time….well….all except about a month of her being sick and in the hospital! That wasn’t much fun for any of us. But she is doing well now.
If a blood test shows that you’re low on sodium, you’d better not ignore it…..low sodium can be treacherous!
Instead of driving 150 miles to see her, I now drive about ¾ mile…which I do every day.
Why drive? Why not walk? Yep…we’ve talked about that, also. AND, we’re gonna do it when we get “a round tuit!”
Would someone please send us a round tuit?
Have a great day and a Blessed Christmas!!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Ways of God
Next door to her lived an atheist who would get so angry at her proclamations he would shout, "There is no Lord!!"
Hard times set in on the elderly lady, and she prayed for God to send her some assistance. She stood on her porch and shouted, "PRAISE THE LORD. GOD, I NEED FOOD!! I AM HAVING A HARD TIME. PLEASE LORD, SEND ME SOME GROCERIES!!"
The next morning the lady went out on her porch and noted a large bag of groceries and shouted, "PRAISE THE LORD!"
The neighbor jumped from behind a bush and said, "Aha! I told you there is no Lord. I bought those groceries, God didn't."
The lady started jumping up and down and clapping her hands and said, "PRAISE THE LORD!! He not only sent me groceries, but He made the devil pay for them. Praise the Lord!"
*********
I thought this was a cute, meaningful story because I forget that God's ways are NOT my ways. He is always working behind the scene and all we have to do is have the faith that He's with us and will never forget us.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Gabe and his Forever Home...
On April 1, I posted about a local couple who were in the process of an international adoption. For background on this adoption you want to vist that entry again: http://backhometostay.blogspot.com/2011/04/loving-gabe-home.html#links
On July 23, Gabriel Dimitri Decker (lovingly known as Gabe) found his forever home all the way from an orphanage in Russia. He has been with his forever family for a week and is touching the hearts of everyone in our community.
Following are pictures that I have"confiscated" from the blog of Gabe's forever mom...and from Facebook. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet, so I drool over every picture I find of him.
Here he is all dressed up for his new sister's wedding!
This is the first picture that was released from the orphanage.
Gabe and his mom still at the orphanage.
Waving to everyone in his new home.
Smelling flowers...
Having fun blowing bubbles...
Gabe's "first friend" in his new home.
Gabe's forever family waiting for him to arrive on July 23rd
His big brother reading to him...
This event has been one of the high lights of our summer. Amidst all the doom and gloom that we face every day from the media PLUS the extreme drought and heat, Gabe and his family have brought newfound smiles to faces in our community.
WELCOME HOME, GABE!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Crown of the Aged
Our Grandson, and wife Amanda
with our Treasure,
Audra Jane
The Grandmother, Our daughter, Michelle
The First Great-Grandchild
"You will always be the ONE,
who renewed my heart and soul.
Holding a new generation,
a great grandparent, my new role.
♥
The grandchild I once held,
now holds a child all their own.
My life is so richly blessed,
by all the children I have known.
♥
So joyful to hold you,
and touch your sweet baby skin.
It brings back long-held memories,
of parenthood once again.
♥
So many years have past,
but the love one never forgets.
When you hold a part of you,
it is as good as life can get.
♥
You will make me smile,
and delight me as you grow.
You will be the sunshine,
that leaves my heart aglow.
♥
You will always be the FIRST,
to give a generation its start.
You will always be the great-grandchild,
who renewed and warmed my HEART.
"Children's children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children."
Proverbs 17:6
Proverbs 17:6
The Grandfather, Al
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Just A Ramble
I’ve got to get back to writing on this blog. It has been neglected for too long. At this moment I have no idea of what I’m going to say. There is no specific topic about which I plan to write. So…I suppose I’ll just ramble.
“For Love of Home” has been a progressive work for 6 years and I want it to continue. In the beginning, I was inspired to write about my Hometown by a blogger in Tacoma, Washington. He was walking the streets of Tacoma and praying over the whole city. As far as I know, he’s still walking, praying and posting. In my inspiration, I used “I’m Inspired” as my signature name, which I've recently changed to my nickname.
Through the years, and especially the past two years, my inspiration and motivation to write has waned. Yesterday, I was browsing through the archives of my blog and reading past entries. I thought to myself…” It’s time. It’s time to write again.”
Why have I been uninspired? I think because of the unrest in families, the unrest in our community, the unrest in our nation, and the unrest worldwide. Everyday, it seems to get worse….so many problems which I’ve let ‘nest’ in my mind. I stopped looking for the good and have focused on the bad.
This is all I have to say for now. I’m going to bed and see what God puts in my mind to write!
My prayer is for God to give you that read this “a peace that passes all understanding“.
“For Love of Home” has been a progressive work for 6 years and I want it to continue. In the beginning, I was inspired to write about my Hometown by a blogger in Tacoma, Washington. He was walking the streets of Tacoma and praying over the whole city. As far as I know, he’s still walking, praying and posting. In my inspiration, I used “I’m Inspired” as my signature name, which I've recently changed to my nickname.
Through the years, and especially the past two years, my inspiration and motivation to write has waned. Yesterday, I was browsing through the archives of my blog and reading past entries. I thought to myself…” It’s time. It’s time to write again.”
Why have I been uninspired? I think because of the unrest in families, the unrest in our community, the unrest in our nation, and the unrest worldwide. Everyday, it seems to get worse….so many problems which I’ve let ‘nest’ in my mind. I stopped looking for the good and have focused on the bad.
This is all I have to say for now. I’m going to bed and see what God puts in my mind to write!
My prayer is for God to give you that read this “a peace that passes all understanding“.
Friday, July 29, 2011
It's So Hot!
IT'S SO HOT IN TEXAS THAT...
...the birds have to use pot holders to pull worms out of the ground.
...farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard-boiled eggs.
...the cows are giving evaporated milk.
...you learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron.
...the temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly.
...you discover that it takes only 2 fingers to drive your car.
...you discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window.
...you notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
...hot water now comes out of both taps.
...it's noon, kids are on summer vacation, and not one person is out on the streets.
...you break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m. before work.
Yes. It has been HOT! The sweltering heat zaps the energy and motivation right out of a person's body. Hopefully, this will come to an end....soon! A whole month has passed since I posted last. It's not that I haven't had subject matter to write about...I've just not been motivated.
But, as my mama used to say..."This, too, shall pass".
...the birds have to use pot holders to pull worms out of the ground.
...farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard-boiled eggs.
...the cows are giving evaporated milk.
...you learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron.
...the temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly.
...you discover that it takes only 2 fingers to drive your car.
...you discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window.
...you notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
...hot water now comes out of both taps.
...it's noon, kids are on summer vacation, and not one person is out on the streets.
...you break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m. before work.
Yes. It has been HOT! The sweltering heat zaps the energy and motivation right out of a person's body. Hopefully, this will come to an end....soon! A whole month has passed since I posted last. It's not that I haven't had subject matter to write about...I've just not been motivated.
But, as my mama used to say..."This, too, shall pass".
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Time Flies...
WOW! Does time fly! I used to hear my mom say that and I would think…”Mom, you’ve GOT to be kidding. It drags on forever”. Well, I’ve reached the stage of life when her words ring true. Time does fly…even when you’re not having fun.
There have been so many troubling events in the past few weeks…even months. And, yet, time is still flying by. Summer, by the calendar date, is quickly approaching; yet, it seems like we’ve been experiencing summer during the whole season of spring….except for the drought that has been plaguing us for weeks and weeks.
Let’s reiterate. Within the past few months, we’ve seen earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, erupting volcanoes, wildfires, protests in the Mid-East, the death of Osama Bin Laden…just to hit some of the national/world highlights.
On the home front, we struggle to maintain some order of normality. Thankfully, we are blessed by living in a small, rural community, where it’s easy to isolate oneself from the craziness of the world….though there’s some craziness that abides in our little town. There is much to do in a small place…Always a need for volunteerism in various aspects, always the sick to be ministered, always the needy, both materially and spiritually.
Welcome, June! Our calendar is already on the way to being filled.
With the passing of time, fall can’t be far behind!!
There have been so many troubling events in the past few weeks…even months. And, yet, time is still flying by. Summer, by the calendar date, is quickly approaching; yet, it seems like we’ve been experiencing summer during the whole season of spring….except for the drought that has been plaguing us for weeks and weeks.
Let’s reiterate. Within the past few months, we’ve seen earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, erupting volcanoes, wildfires, protests in the Mid-East, the death of Osama Bin Laden…just to hit some of the national/world highlights.
On the home front, we struggle to maintain some order of normality. Thankfully, we are blessed by living in a small, rural community, where it’s easy to isolate oneself from the craziness of the world….though there’s some craziness that abides in our little town. There is much to do in a small place…Always a need for volunteerism in various aspects, always the sick to be ministered, always the needy, both materially and spiritually.
Welcome, June! Our calendar is already on the way to being filled.
With the passing of time, fall can’t be far behind!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Memorial Day 2011
Going To The Gone
A Checklist For Memorial Day
By Greg Asimakoupoulos
Go look in on your children still asleep
within their bed.
Remind yourself they're safe and warm
because of some long dead.
Go for a walk through cemeteries
lined with little flags.
Take time to ponder homebound heroes
flown in body bags.
Go stand between those granite stones
engraved with names and dates.
Imagine all who died defending
our United States.
Go on and kneel beside a marker
offering a prayer
with gratitude for those who gave their lives
defeating terror.
Go home and count your blessings
from the hands of those now gone.
Then vow to the Almighty that their
mem'ry will live on.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Fun Weekend...
So.
It has almost been a week since we made another trip, not spontaneous this time! It had been planned for several weeks. The event was a wedding of one of HK’s great-nieces…Amy Kate. I had been following the preparations for this event on Facebook. In reading Amy’s status updates, I could tell she was ecstatic and so in love. After attending the wedding, I knew that I hadn’t “misread” her enthusiasm.
The whole event was definitely an “Amy Event”…family and close friend oriented. It was held in the back yard of close friends, with other friends catering the meal. Music was provided by other friends…and on, and on, and on.
The evening was so relaxed, fun-filled, and family loving. Just exactly what a wedding should be. I pray blessings on the marriage of ....
There are many more photos that I could upload but "sparsity" is my mantra. Just wanted to share a fun, worry free moment of our lives.
Blessings to all of you who intentionally or by accident click on "For Love of Home".
It has almost been a week since we made another trip, not spontaneous this time! It had been planned for several weeks. The event was a wedding of one of HK’s great-nieces…Amy Kate. I had been following the preparations for this event on Facebook. In reading Amy’s status updates, I could tell she was ecstatic and so in love. After attending the wedding, I knew that I hadn’t “misread” her enthusiasm.
The whole event was definitely an “Amy Event”…family and close friend oriented. It was held in the back yard of close friends, with other friends catering the meal. Music was provided by other friends…and on, and on, and on.
The evening was so relaxed, fun-filled, and family loving. Just exactly what a wedding should be. I pray blessings on the marriage of ....
Amy and Nick Govea.
HK visiting with great-nephews.
Dad and Daughter
HK and me..
Blessings to all of you who intentionally or by accident click on "For Love of Home".
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Flying Kites...
Often times, we, as Christians, get so caught up in following all the rules, obeying all the commandments, doing what we think pleases God, and being what we believe other people expect us to be, that we forget that we were given a freedom to be who we are, what we are, where we are...because of God's gift to us.
A dear friend reminded me of this by sending me the following story of inspiration written by Wayne B. Lynn. I wonder how different my life would have been if I had realized I could soar like an eagle; if I had flown my kite more often.
Freedom To Soar
One windy spring day, I observed young people having fun using the wind to fly their kites. Multicolored creations of varying shapes and sizes filled the skies like beautiful birds darting and dancing in the heady atmosphere above the earth. As the strong winds gusted against the kites, a string kept them in check.
Instead of blowing away with the wind, they arose against it to achieve great heights. They shook and pulled, but the restraining string and the cumbersome tail kept them in tow, facing upward and against the wind. As the kites struggled and trembled against the string, they seemed to say, "Let me go! Let me go! I want to be free!" They soared beautifully even as they fought the imposed restriction of the string. Finally, one of the kites succeeded in breaking loose. "Free at last" it seemed to say. "Free to fly with the wind."
Yet freedom from restraint simply put it at the mercy of an unsympathetic breeze. It fluttered ungracefully to the ground and landed in a tangled mass of weeds and string against a dead bush. "Free at last" free to lie powerless in the dirt, to be blown helplessly along the ground, and to lodge lifeless against the first obstruction.
How much like kites we sometimes are. The Lord gives us adversity and restrictions, rules to follow from which we can grow and gain strength. Restraint is a necessary counterpart to the winds of opposition. Some of us tug at the rules so hard that we never soar to reach the heights we might have obtained. We keep part of the commandment and (pardon the pun) never rise high enough to get our tails off the ground.
Let us each rise to the great heights our Heavenly Father has in store for us, recognizing that some of the restraints that we may chafe under are actually the steadying force that helps us ascend and achieve.
by: Wayne B. Lynn, Life, Free To Soar
A dear friend reminded me of this by sending me the following story of inspiration written by Wayne B. Lynn. I wonder how different my life would have been if I had realized I could soar like an eagle; if I had flown my kite more often.
Freedom To Soar
One windy spring day, I observed young people having fun using the wind to fly their kites. Multicolored creations of varying shapes and sizes filled the skies like beautiful birds darting and dancing in the heady atmosphere above the earth. As the strong winds gusted against the kites, a string kept them in check.
Instead of blowing away with the wind, they arose against it to achieve great heights. They shook and pulled, but the restraining string and the cumbersome tail kept them in tow, facing upward and against the wind. As the kites struggled and trembled against the string, they seemed to say, "Let me go! Let me go! I want to be free!" They soared beautifully even as they fought the imposed restriction of the string. Finally, one of the kites succeeded in breaking loose. "Free at last" it seemed to say. "Free to fly with the wind."
Yet freedom from restraint simply put it at the mercy of an unsympathetic breeze. It fluttered ungracefully to the ground and landed in a tangled mass of weeds and string against a dead bush. "Free at last" free to lie powerless in the dirt, to be blown helplessly along the ground, and to lodge lifeless against the first obstruction.
How much like kites we sometimes are. The Lord gives us adversity and restrictions, rules to follow from which we can grow and gain strength. Restraint is a necessary counterpart to the winds of opposition. Some of us tug at the rules so hard that we never soar to reach the heights we might have obtained. We keep part of the commandment and (pardon the pun) never rise high enough to get our tails off the ground.
Let us each rise to the great heights our Heavenly Father has in store for us, recognizing that some of the restraints that we may chafe under are actually the steadying force that helps us ascend and achieve.
by: Wayne B. Lynn, Life, Free To Soar
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Spontaneous Trip...
On Mother’s Day, we were getting ready to go to Sunday School/Worship. The telephone rang and my sister’s voice came across the ‘wire’….”Since you’re coming to Lubbock anyway (on Tuesday) why not come today and make it a Mother’s Day Holiday“?
“Why not?”….we thought.
So…we changed gears, threw some clothes in a duffle, gathered up our toothbrushes and toothpaste and took off for a 150 drive…normally, a 2 and a half hour drive.
Upon reaching the State Highway that goes directly into our destination , we began to see a haziness and cloudiness in the direction we were going. Our first thought was “RAIN”…it’s going to RAIN!! Texas has been plagued by drought for so long, that anytime we see any change upon the horizon we immediately think….”Rain”!
But as we drove closer, the haze and cloudiness issued an odor….an odor of smoke! Sure enough, a few miles further, the highway was blocked to all through-traffic. DETOUR!!
Wildfires! Well…this shouldn’t have been a surprise. We’ve had these fires for months and months.
The 2 and a half hour drive turned into almost 3 and a half hours!
“Why not?”….we thought.
So…we changed gears, threw some clothes in a duffle, gathered up our toothbrushes and toothpaste and took off for a 150 drive…normally, a 2 and a half hour drive.
Upon reaching the State Highway that goes directly into our destination , we began to see a haziness and cloudiness in the direction we were going. Our first thought was “RAIN”…it’s going to RAIN!! Texas has been plagued by drought for so long, that anytime we see any change upon the horizon we immediately think….”Rain”!
But as we drove closer, the haze and cloudiness issued an odor….an odor of smoke! Sure enough, a few miles further, the highway was blocked to all through-traffic. DETOUR!!
Wildfires! Well…this shouldn’t have been a surprise. We’ve had these fires for months and months.
The 2 and a half hour drive turned into almost 3 and a half hours!
On the return trip, Wednesday, May 11, the following pictures were taken. We drove through miles and miles of burned out pasture, ranchland. WOW! We had heard on the news that 170,000 acres were taken out on that one fire.
Yes, Texas is dry. But we thank God that He has spared us the devastation of the floods of Alabama, Mississippi, and all the other states. But....the erratic weather patterns aren't over. If/when a weather phenomenon strikes in our area, I pray that we will show the bravery, the courage, and the faith that others have displayed in the face of disaster.
May the Spirit of Peace hover in your household...
Saturday, May 07, 2011
The reason for my Love of Home.
Yes.
I know.
It’s past time to update this blog. I’ve been thinking about what to write.
Wars. Rumors of wars?
? Earthquakes. Tsunamis. Floods. Tornadoes. Fires. Economic depression. Terrorism. Drought. Famine?
What have I left out?
Oh, yes! The subject of my blog…”For The Love of Home”
.
Though things get kind of “iffy” in my hometown, I still have a deep love and respect for this place. People get sideways with each other, organizations sometime seem as if they want to be “top dog” and delegate all the goings-on, bicker and back-bite.
But when there’s a great need, our community shows what we’re made of by pulling together and uniting as a family.
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, 2011...a time of remembrance for many; a time of yearning for many; and a time of joy for many. But for whatever circumstance, I pray that every mother will be remembered with love and respect.
The joy of my life are my two daughters, the mothers of our five precious grandchildren. I pray God’s blessings fall on all of them in a special way….. The reason for my Love of Home.
I know.
It’s past time to update this blog. I’ve been thinking about what to write.
Wars. Rumors of wars?
? Earthquakes. Tsunamis. Floods. Tornadoes. Fires. Economic depression. Terrorism. Drought. Famine?
What have I left out?
Oh, yes! The subject of my blog…”For The Love of Home”
.
Though things get kind of “iffy” in my hometown, I still have a deep love and respect for this place. People get sideways with each other, organizations sometime seem as if they want to be “top dog” and delegate all the goings-on, bicker and back-bite.
But when there’s a great need, our community shows what we’re made of by pulling together and uniting as a family.
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, 2011...a time of remembrance for many; a time of yearning for many; and a time of joy for many. But for whatever circumstance, I pray that every mother will be remembered with love and respect.
The joy of my life are my two daughters, the mothers of our five precious grandchildren. I pray God’s blessings fall on all of them in a special way….. The reason for my Love of Home.
Me and my girls
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday, April 01, 2011
Loving Gabe Home
On the sidebar of my page, I have a quote by Jan Karon:
"The real issues of life aren't the ones in the national headlines but the ones in our small personal spheres of life."
Well, the national headlines have been teeming with issues of life for the past year that may very well affect us in the future. But in our small personal sphere of life, there are issues that are taking precedence over wars and rumor of wars.
It’s the stories of people like our own Rick and Kim Decker that can give us hope and put a smile on our face.
If you live in our area, you may see people wearing little brown and blue Love Gabe Home bracelets, or you might have read tidbits of news on Facebook. I’m sure there are many who are wondering, “Who is Gabe”? Here is the story, paraphrased from our local paper this week.
Gabe is a four year old boy with Downs Syndrome who currently lives in an orphanage in another country. He is just one of more than 147 million orphans in the world who are waiting for someone to choose them, rescue them, and love them. Sadly, special needs kids like Gabe are often institutionalized because their government and culture find them “undesirable” and of no worth. They go from orphanage to state institution when they are about 5 years old, and sometimes their living conditions are utterly unspeakable.
But with the love of Rick and Kim, Gabe’s story will not end this way! They have spent months praying and preparing to become Gabe’s forever family. The many friends and family members who are praying for this family have formed a group called Friends of Gabe. One of the things this group is committed to is raising some of the funds required for the adoption through the sell of Love Gabe Home bracelets for $20. These Friends of Gabe are well aware that is a big price for a simple plastic bracelet, but this is about “redeeming the life of a child”.
"The real issues of life aren't the ones in the national headlines but the ones in our small personal spheres of life."
Well, the national headlines have been teeming with issues of life for the past year that may very well affect us in the future. But in our small personal sphere of life, there are issues that are taking precedence over wars and rumor of wars.
It’s the stories of people like our own Rick and Kim Decker that can give us hope and put a smile on our face.
If you live in our area, you may see people wearing little brown and blue Love Gabe Home bracelets, or you might have read tidbits of news on Facebook. I’m sure there are many who are wondering, “Who is Gabe”? Here is the story, paraphrased from our local paper this week.
Gabe is a four year old boy with Downs Syndrome who currently lives in an orphanage in another country. He is just one of more than 147 million orphans in the world who are waiting for someone to choose them, rescue them, and love them. Sadly, special needs kids like Gabe are often institutionalized because their government and culture find them “undesirable” and of no worth. They go from orphanage to state institution when they are about 5 years old, and sometimes their living conditions are utterly unspeakable.
But with the love of Rick and Kim, Gabe’s story will not end this way! They have spent months praying and preparing to become Gabe’s forever family. The many friends and family members who are praying for this family have formed a group called Friends of Gabe. One of the things this group is committed to is raising some of the funds required for the adoption through the sell of Love Gabe Home bracelets for $20. These Friends of Gabe are well aware that is a big price for a simple plastic bracelet, but this is about “redeeming the life of a child”.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Ash Wednesday: What Does It Mean To You?
Today is Wednesday, March 9, 2011....Ash Wednesday.
What does that mean to you? Anything?
Four years ago, it didn't mean anything to me, either....just two words I would occasionally see on the calendar. Actually, I wasn't even motivated enough to even "wonder" about
Until...
my younger daughter told me that she was participating in Lent. Without going into a long, wordy note about her reasons and how she inspired me, I decided to do the same. The practice of Lent is primarily a discipline of the Catholic Church and, not being Catholic, the whole concept was foreign to me. But, I did know that Lent meant "sacrifice" for 40 days something that is very important to you. Well...don't we ALL know that food, in some form or fashion, is "the" most important thing?
For 3 years, I "gave up" desserts or eating anything with added sugar or artificial sweetener. This was a challenge because I have been a sugaraddict most of my life. But, through these 3 periods of sacrifice, I have lost my craving for sweets. SO.....I've been studying about what to "sacrifice" for Lent this year. Giving up sugar again is certainly not a sacrifice. At first, I considered my wasted time on the computer, and especially on Facebook! I've begun to believe that, for myself, the amount of time I waste is an abdominal sin. And then I thought..."O.K...O.K....maybe that's carrying it a little too far!" (my human condition...lol)
AND THEN....I had an epiphany! Instead of "taking away", why not "give back"? In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul the Apostle writes to the Church of Corinith:
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him, for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple".
Without going into a lengthy explanation, I haven't taken very good care of God's temple for the past couple of years...no exercise, not drinking enough water to keep by body hydrated, not eating nutritionally correct for my high cholesterol.
So...this is what I'm giving back...my body; God's temple. And, in retrospect, I'm really sacrificing also; sacrificing laziness, lack of motivation, and self pity.
40 Day Agenda (and hopefully a life-style change by Easter):
1. Making time for WALKING
2. Drinking a minimum of 4 bottles of water (believe me...that's a LOT for me)
3. Keeping a journal of what I eat, how far I walk, and water that I drink.
I will update this note after Easter just to let you know if my word to God is true or will I have to ask His forgiveness...AGAIN!!
Praying for peace in your household..
What does that mean to you? Anything?
Four years ago, it didn't mean anything to me, either....just two words I would occasionally see on the calendar. Actually, I wasn't even motivated enough to even "wonder" about
Until...
my younger daughter told me that she was participating in Lent. Without going into a long, wordy note about her reasons and how she inspired me, I decided to do the same. The practice of Lent is primarily a discipline of the Catholic Church and, not being Catholic, the whole concept was foreign to me. But, I did know that Lent meant "sacrifice" for 40 days something that is very important to you. Well...don't we ALL know that food, in some form or fashion, is "the" most important thing?
For 3 years, I "gave up" desserts or eating anything with added sugar or artificial sweetener. This was a challenge because I have been a sugaraddict most of my life. But, through these 3 periods of sacrifice, I have lost my craving for sweets. SO.....I've been studying about what to "sacrifice" for Lent this year. Giving up sugar again is certainly not a sacrifice. At first, I considered my wasted time on the computer, and especially on Facebook! I've begun to believe that, for myself, the amount of time I waste is an abdominal sin. And then I thought..."O.K...O.K....maybe that's carrying it a little too far!" (my human condition...lol)
AND THEN....I had an epiphany! Instead of "taking away", why not "give back"? In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul the Apostle writes to the Church of Corinith:
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him, for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple".
Without going into a lengthy explanation, I haven't taken very good care of God's temple for the past couple of years...no exercise, not drinking enough water to keep by body hydrated, not eating nutritionally correct for my high cholesterol.
So...this is what I'm giving back...my body; God's temple. And, in retrospect, I'm really sacrificing also; sacrificing laziness, lack of motivation, and self pity.
40 Day Agenda (and hopefully a life-style change by Easter):
1. Making time for WALKING
2. Drinking a minimum of 4 bottles of water (believe me...that's a LOT for me)
3. Keeping a journal of what I eat, how far I walk, and water that I drink.
I will update this note after Easter just to let you know if my word to God is true or will I have to ask His forgiveness...AGAIN!!
Praying for peace in your household..
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