An "Event-FULL" Year

Christmas Greetings! It's hard to believe today is December 26 and a new year is just around the corner. Whew! 2010 has really flown by for me, and I've heard others say the same thing. ~ As I reflect over this past year, I realize my family had many major events! In May my middle child graduated college and my baby graduated high school! SO proud of both kiddos (thankfully they're much smarter than their mother!). ~ After being out of work for almost a year, my husband was hired by another company in June---which was a tremendous blessing! ~ In late June I had 4 spinal surgeries in an 8-day period at a major Atlanta hospital. Although that was the most difficult thing I've ever experienced, I saw the Lord's hand at work in so many ways, and numerous blessings have come out of that experience. ~ My middle child got her first teaching job and moved out in July, then in August we moved our baby into his dorm at college (a very emotional time for me---but again, the Lord's hand was at work throughout all of this). ~ November was very special for our family as our middle child married in a beautiful, sweet wedding. We adore our son-in-law and their wedding day was perfect! And again we knew the Lord had blessed us abundantly. ~ Now as we enjoy the Christmas season we are again reminded of how very blessed we are. And as I think of the various events of this past year---both the happy and difficult---I know without a doubt the Lord was with us in everything---just as He will be in the coming year. What a comforting thought! ~ May you have the peace of knowing whatever events you experience, the Lord is there with you.

In Every Heartbeat

Author Kim Vogel Sawyer has written yet another historical fiction book that I loved! Set shortly before World War I, In Every Heartbeat tells the story of three friends who grew up in the same orphanage and have gone off to college together. As in all of Kim's books, the events are never predictable! Her characters always come alive for me, and when I have to stop reading I look forward to "jumping back" into the story to see what happens. Fans of historical fiction and romance will enjoy this (and ALL of!) Kim Vogel Sawyer's books. Her books not only entertain, but offer messages of the hope we have when we have Christ in our life.

Wedding Countdown!!!

I cannot believe my middle daughter Becca's wedding is in only 4 more days! Seems like she and Shaun (her wonderful fiance we adore) just became engaged. ~ As I look back over their years of dating, I truly see the Lord's hand at work. He could not have brought a young man into our daughter's life who we'd love more than we love Shaun. In fact, I already consider him as my "4th child"! In spite of the busyness and sometimes "headaches" of planning a large wedding and reception, I try to stay focused on the fact that this event will truly be a blessing, and afterwards I feel certain we'll have happy memories to cherish for years. I am truly blessed!!! Thank you Lord.

Within My Heart

Since I am a fan of historical fiction, I love the books written by Christian author Tamera Alexander. Her latest release, Within My Heart, was another delightful story that transported me back to Colorado in the late 1800s. This author's style of writing always sweeps me into her stories and I thoroughly enjoy them so much that I don't want them to end! And at the end of Within My Heart, I let out a "sigh" of satisfaction, as I do when I finish each book by Tamera Alexander. The setting, characters, and events kept me turning pages and not wanting the story to end. I highly recommend reading this book, and feel certain you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

Weeds...or Daisies?

On my deck sits an older flower pot--which used to hold a house plant. Sadly, the plant succumbed to some type of plant disease, so we sat the dirt-filled pot out on the deck- - ( I keep thinking that maybe one day I'll need it to re-pot one of my growing plants). As summer came to an end, I noticed tall stems growing up in the deserted pot--which I assumed were weeds. About two weeks ago as I glanced out my back door onto the deck, I noticed those tall stems now have lovely bright yellow blooms. Daisies!! Well...maybe not, but they could certainly "pass" for daisies! They are really pretty and definitely cheerful-looking. So I've decided even if they are some type of weed, they still add a pleasant touch of color to my deck (which needs painting!). ~ Thinking about this plant encouraged me to compare it to my life: Am I like a "weed" or a "daisy" to others? Do I just take up space and not really do anything, or do I "bloom" and brighten other peoples' days? I would hope that even in some small way I can uplift those around me....just as those "daisies" do when I look out my back door!

Finally feels like Fall !

It's almost mid-October, and here in my part of Georgia we've been having warm temperatures---until today! Finally, the air is cool and there's a strong breeze blowing, and even some of the trees in my backyard are beginning to gradually turn shades of yellow and orange (with some red peeking through). ~ Although each season has its own special beauty, Fall has been my very favorite season for years. Mainly because of the cooler air and the beautiful leaves---but also I just seem to feel better in the Fall! ~ As I looked out my window this morning and noticed more leaves were changing color, I couldn't help but reflect on the Bible verse from Psalm 19: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. ~ May I never take for granted the beauty that God has created!

Staying on Track: Lessons from a Zipper!

As I sat by my bay window this morning, enjoying bright Georgia sunshine and working on my latest needlepoint project, I realized the zipper on my needlepoint bag had gotten off the track. I hoped it wasn't actually broken, as I really enjoy using the bag and use it a LOT! My husband gave it to me about 8 years ago to keep my current needlepoint project(s), yarn, and scissors in, and not only is it cute, but it's handy to carry around--and has been on quite a few vacations with me! Anyway, I hastily attempted to restart the zipper, hoping to get it on track. In my haste, I hadn't returned the zipper to the edge of the bag (in other words, the beginning of the "zipper track"). So in my hurrying I wasn't helping a thing - - the bag still remained open and my yarn was falling out. Then I realized the problem: I had to start the zipper at the very edge--or very beginning--of the zipper track. Once I slowed down and did that, the zipper worked perfectly, my bag now stays closed, and the yarn doesn't fall out! ~ I couldn't help but think how my life is kind of like that zipper: When I get "off track" (try to handle things myself and don't spend enough time in God's Word) it's like trying to close my sewing bag with a messed-up zipper - - useless! BUT....when I stay "on track" by spending time with the Lord and seeking His guidance for my life, things flow so much easier - - just like a zipper that is doing its job! May I always strive to stay ON TRACK and follow God's leading and direction for my life.