Summer Reading

One of my fondest childhood memories involves books. My sweet mother spent much time reading to me, and helping me learn to read. After I became school-age, every summer Mama took me to our town's small library where I'd check out a different stack of books to read each week.
After I had children, reading to them was my most favorite activity. I wanted them to have a love for books that I've always had! So each summer we'd participate in the "Summer Reading Program" at our local library---such sweet memories.
Now that my children are grown, I'm looking forward to having grandchildren (Lord willing) to read to and share my love of books with one day---that thought makes me smile!
As an adult, I continue to enjoy "Summer Reading"*smile*, and hope to share some blog posts in the next few months that feature a few of my favorite Christian authors. Of course I don't only enjoy their books in the summer, but all year long. So if you enjoy books as much as I do, HAPPY READING!!

Christmas in July

As I purchased some items in a store this morning, a friendly cashier and I chatted about how quickly this year is going. We both shared our amazement at the fact that it's already mid-July. I jokingly commented to her that before we know it, Christmas will be here again.
Now although thinking of Christmas is very pleasing to me (since it's my very favorite holiday as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child), I do not want to rush time. As the old expression says: Live one day at a time.
I will admit that I've always struggled with worry--especially if I've got a lot to get accomplished in a short amount of time. So many times in the past I've thought: Okay, I'll make the most of each day and enjoy life more after I get these things behind me (referring to whatever I had to do--whether it was a medical appointment or simply lots of projects to finish). But is that really how any of us are supposed to live? I don't think so! As I realized today how very quickly 2013 is zipping by, I decided that in the remaining days of this year, I will try my best to really and truly make the most of each day. And for me personally, that means seeking the Lord's guidance to do what HE would have me to do each and every day!
But I'll confess.....when it IS time to bring out the Christmas decorations and prepare for that special time, I'll have a joyful heart and be wearing a big smile!

    So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.    Psalm 90:12

Making Mountain Memories

I love the mountains. Living in the south, the Smoky Mountains are the closest to us, so for years my family has vacationed there. I have treasured memories of many trips to the Smokies when my children were very young. Since it had been seven years since my family had taken a vacation to the mountains, we decided to go again. So after finally finding dates in June that were convenient with ALL my family, we rented a cabin and drove up last week.
What a wonderful time we had! The days flew by too quickly, and now I'm back home again. But what sweet memories I have of this trip. This was our first vacation to the mountains since both daughters have been married, so my sons-in-law were with us, and seemed to really enjoy the mountains too.
Although we stayed on-the-go quite a bit (and ate a LOT!), one of my favorite activities while there was playing games around the large, wooden table in our cabin. My daughters, son, sons-in-law and I had many laughs as we played games at night.
Another favorite part of the trip was enjoying the mountain views from our cabin--especially when sitting on the deck behind the cabin. It was so peaceful as I sat out there one morning--enjoying God's beautiful creation.
This vacation helped me realize that even though I treasure the memories from my kiddos' childhood days, now that my children are grown there are still many wonderful memories to be made. For that, I am SO thankful!!
    The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork.  Psalm 19:1

Oh Susanna!

Two weeks ago, I never dreamed I'd soon welcome another "furry child" into my home--at least not anytime in the near future.
But when a dear friend contacted me to ask if I knew of a good home for a tiny kitten she'd rescued, I took one look at the photo my friend sent me and....that was it. I wanted this kitten myself.
Being an avid cat-lover, of course I think ALL kittens are adorable. But since I lost my beloved Tubby last summer, seeing a picture of this kitten reminded me sooo much of Tubby as a baby. So I prayed about it and told my friend I would try to give the kitten a home myself.
It hasn't even been a week yet, but I must say this precious bundle of energy wrapped in gray fur seems right at home in my house! Even with *large* cats around her---eyeing her curiously--the kitten appears to be happy and ready to play.
Choosing a name for a pet has always been important to me, so I began considering names

for the kitten. My oldest daughter had a suggestion, and I really liked her suggestion. But I still wasn't completely sure, so I sat in a kitchen chair, snuggling the kitten like a baby, and began to sing. Without giving it any thought, the words to "Oh Susanna" came out of my mouth (thankfully no other humans were home at the time, LOL, because they might not "enjoy" my music as much as the kitties do). As I softly sang, the kitten's eyes opened wider and she looked up at me as if to say, "I like that song" and I knew right then her name should be Susanna. In addition to that little incident, the name Susanna is also a Biblical name (most of my other kitties have Biblical names too).
In less than a week, Susanna has already brought so much laughter to our home--her antics are hilarious! (I'd forgotten how active and playful a kitten can be). I'm so thankful that God created precious animals for us to enjoy!
  And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.  Genesis 1:31

Time Flies

We've all heard the familiar phrase "time flies" and most of us have said that phrase quite a bit. With today being the first day of June, this phrase that I used to say jokingly now becomes very real, as I ask myself how this year can be zipping by so quickly! It seems that not long ago we were celebrating Christmas, and now summer is upon us. When I really stop and think about it, the passage of time is something to be taken seriously. Am I making the best use of my time? Am I doing what the Lord wants me to do? Of course, I'd love to answer "Yes" to these questions, and some days I really do feel that I'm using my time wisely and doing what the Lord wants me to do. Then there are other days....I realize that even though I got some productive things accomplished, I could've done better.
Recently my oldest daughter and I were reminiscing about the fun times when she was very young--activities we did together and special toys she had. Now she is grown, and it's hard to believe so many years have gone by since she was a pre-schooler. I wouldn't trade those days for anything, and I'm so thankful I was able to be at home with her (and my other children). But now that I realize how quickly the years pass, I often tell mothers of young children to treasure each and every day. Because as I've found out--children grow so quickly and time really does fly.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.  Psalm 90:12

Blessed or Stressed?

I do try to keep up with major events happening in the world around me, but at times watching the television news reports can be overwhelming, to say the least. Horrible suffering in war-torn countries, crime occurring in many areas, and natural disasters are only a partial list of devastating reports that news announcers tell us about. If we allow these reports to take over our thoughts, it can make for some really gloomy moods.
 But as Christians, we cannot pretend there's no evil or suffering in the world, and ignore all the bad things as we go about our lives. Nor should we go to the other extreme and focus on the negative events completely, allowing ourselves to be filled with stress.
So is it possible to feel happy and blessed in a world filled with negative news all around us (which can easily result in our feelings of stress)? I think the answer is YES!
As a Christian, I know my Bible is my guidebook for life--in all areas. All I have to do is search Scriptures and I can find answers, comfort, and hope. In the book of John, Jesus tells His disciples that in the world they will have tribulation, then He adds but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ~ WOW!! Those words spoken so many years ago are still true for us TODAY, because the Lord is still IN CONTROL. Even though daily news reports remind us of the strife, evil, and disasters happening around us, we can be blessed by knowing the Lord loves us and is watching over us.
I try to remember that when a particular news report leaves me feeling stressed, I need to pray about the situation and the people affected, then remember how blessed I am because I belong to a loving God, and He will never leave me.

Service With A Smile

How can it be May already? This year is zipping by too quickly, and I've heard many other people making that same comment. ~ As I look at my calendar now turned to the month of May, I am reminded that at the start of 2013 I chose a new "Word for the Year" which I want to make sure I remember

. This year my word is SERVICE. I decided (at the end of this past December) that throughout 2013 I really wanted to focus on serving God. And the way to serve God is by serving others. So I look for ways (yes, they're usually little ways) to do things for others. Sending cards and gifts for no special occasion is one of my favorite ways to help--and bless--others. I know how much a "thinking of you" card has meant to me in the past, so I always pray when I send a card (or gift) that the person receiving it will be blessed. Maybe if that person has had a rough day or week, my card will arrive at exactly the right time to lift their spirits. Even small acts such as assisting an elderly person with a shopping cart at the store, or picking up a toy that a small child has dropped can be a way of serving others. Of course taking a meal to a family in need is a way of serving others--the list could go on and on. But I'm also reminded that as I look for ways to serve, I need to have a servant's heart. Rather than wanting to do things for myself, I need to be joyful as I do things for others, because by serving others I am serving the Lord. So may I always serve others with a smile--not complaining or grumbling--but being truly joyful that I'm pleasing God by serving others.     ~     ~
                Serve the Lord with gladness.  Psalm 100:2