Two Years Ago

Two years ago today I was in a major Atlanta hospital, undergoing the first two of four spinal surgeries that would change my life for the better. My neurosurgeon had planned on completing the work on my spine in "only" three surgeries, but due to complications during the third surgery, he had to bring me out of the anesthesia and let me rest for five days. Thankfully the fourth surgery went well and was a success, so after that it was a matter of recovering and rehab. ~ My stay in the hospital was about three weeks, and there were some extremely rough, painful times. However, I have NO regrets at all about having the surgeries done, and my severe spinal conditions have been greatly improved as a result. There were also an abundance of blessings that came from that time in my life---and for those I am truly humbled. People I didn't even know were praying for me, and the acts of kindness shown to me still boggle my mind today. ~ The day before I went into the hospital I was filled with a mixture of emotions. Although I had an idea of what was to be done to me, there was still the anxiety of "fear of the unknown" and the dread because I knew there was the chance I could even end up paralyzed. So as I read my Bible that day, I re-read a verse in Isaiah that I clung to, and still do. This verse has give me (and continues to do so) great comfort and peace, and I've included it below. ~ May I always cling to The Only One who can truly give comfort and peace that we all need. ~ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

It's About Time

Time management has been something I've been working on for many years--in fact, I have a collection of books and articles advising me how to make better use of my time! Often I'll think I'm improving; other times I feel frustrated because I want to accomplish more. ~ Now that my children are older and I'm no longer teaching school, my schedule is completely different than it was even a few years ago. I still stay busy (somedays I'm convinced someone has sped up my clock because the hours zip by!) but don't have the constant rushing and hectic pace I once did. ~ Lately the Lord has placed thoughts on my heart that I'm taking very seriously: As a Christian woman, am I making the best use of my time? Am I spending my time as the Lord would have me spend it? It's really dawned on me that time management isn't just about "getting more things done in a certain amount of time" but rather accomplishing what the Lord wants me to accomplish--and meeting His standards rather than the world's. ~ Although I make sure to spend time daily in my Bible and prayer, could I spend more time? Are there other ways I can serve Him? For me personally, the answer is YES! So that's what I'm focusing on these days, and with the Lord's help--I'll be a faithful steward of the time He so graciously gives. ~ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16

Another Day in Paradise!

As I type this post, I'm looking out my bedroom/office window at a beautiful blue sky, bright sunshine, lush green trees, and my window box with pink Impatiens growing in it. A truly lovely view! As I was silently saying a prayer of thanks earlier this morning for this gorgeous day and my very nice view, it suddenly occurred to me that I have my "very own paradise" here next to my computer. Now that may sound silly to some folks--as many people would describe "paradise" as somewhere exotic or tropical. Sure, those places are great and can be fun to visit. But for me (okay, I'll admit I'm somewhat of a homebody, haha) being able to gaze out my window and behold the Lord's handiwork in my own yard is wonderful. Yes, a kind of paradise for me. So today I'm thanking the Lord for what some folks would call "simple pleasures": the gift of eyesight, a nice window with a lovely view, and my cats sitting close by as I type. MY kind of paradise! ~ ~ The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Psalm 19:1

A Weekend Getaway

This past weekend my husband and I had a weekend getaway to a lovely island on the coast of northern Florida. No meetings or schedule to follow--just sightseeing and exploring a different place! We drove around (yes, got lost a few times, but that's okay!), walked on the beach, explored the Historic District, and ate some wonderful food. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing a place we'd never seen before and not having to rush to be anywhere at a certain time. ~ After we arrived back home I was thinking about how important it is for everyone to take some time now and then to bask in God's creation. Relax and look around at the world the Lord has made for us. That also made me think about a passage in my Bible which tells about Jesus taking some time away from the crowds and busy-ness around Him. Since He was perfect but yet also needed time to be refreshed, we certainly need that time---because we are certainly not even close to perfection! I'm very thankful the Lord blessed my husband and me with that wonderful weekend. And...Lord willing---hope to enjoy more weekends like that one in the future! ~ The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1

The Queen of Clutter

Over the years I've jokingly referred to myself as "The Queen of Clutter" ~ a "title" I'm not proud of! I used to say the reason for my packrat habits was due to the fact I was a school teacher. I'd look at items that others might toss and always say: Hey, maybe my students could make something from that! But since I had to retire from my teaching career (due to health reasons) the packrat habits have continued. Not to an extreme, but enough that it has begun to really bother me. So I've prayed about this (and yes, I've read numerous books on getting organized) and have decided that clutter will NOT control me! Life is too full of opportunities for productive and enjoyable activities to feel that clutter has a hold on us. ~ I realize that many folks don't have this issue---they are organized and have everything in its place, no stacks of papers, etc. I think that's wonderful, and I'd love to have those tendencies. But since my packrat gene is so dominant, I'll have to do the best I can. Many times I've been determined to organize closets and drawers, but this time I'm REALLY determined! ~ Are you an orderly and organized person, or do you struggle with clutter and packrat tendencies? ~ Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40 

A "Lovely" Weekend

This past weekend I traveled with a few family members for a very quick trip to our Georgia coast. While there we stayed at Epworth-by-the-Sea on St. Simon's Island. Such a beautiful place! Although we've visited Epworth before, this was our first time actually staying there, and we definitely want to return. The inn where we stayed was very nice and had a great view of the Frederica River. One of the highlights for me was attending the Sunday morning service at the Lovely Lane Chapel. Oh my! That Chapel has gorgeous stained glass windows and you can just "feel" the history around you. Outside there are numerous large Live Oak trees, draped with Spanish Moss. I LOVE it there! ~ I'm including a photo I snapped on Sunday morning after the Chapel service. The Lovely Lane Chapel is in the background and I was in front of one of the many beautiful Live Oaks on the island. Even though the weather that morning was rainy and dreary, everything on the island looked so green and lush. I cannot wait to visit again! ~ The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Psalms 19:1

Spring Cleaning

When I was growing up, I often heard my mother and other ladies in our community refer to doing "spring cleaning." Since I've been an adult I too have enjoyed continuing this habit. After winter weather, it's refreshing to open windows and thoroughly clean during the springtime. ~ Thinking of doing a thorough cleaning in my home led me to thinking of another kind of spring "cleaning"--cleansing my heart. Am I holding onto emotions I need to release? Since I've always been a "worrier" I seem to have an ongoing battle with that. Yet my Bible tells me I shouldn't worry. Some folks hang onto grudges for years, and those need to be released. Other folks deal with fear, and seem to always be fearful of something negative happening. If you're struggling with worry, fear, holding a grudge, or anything else that you need to let go, then join me in a spring cleaning---let's try to cleanse our hearts and turn these emotions and feelings over to the Lord. You might think that's easier said than done--but with much prayer and searching our Bible, it CAN be done. So as I continue with my spring cleaning, I'm seeking God's help to cleanse my heart and mind--helping me to be worry-free, and instead rely on HIM in all things. Happy Spring! ~ Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7