Friday, May 31, 2019

Five-Minute-Friday ~ Name




Time for Kate's Five-Minute-Friday link-up, with the word "Name."

The rules remain the same, each week we write for five minutes, using a one-word prompt that Kate provides. Write with "no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write." then link up to her blog. 



"GO!"

I'm not sure, but I probably have said it once or twice, or more, what my dear Aunt Kitty would say to me when I questioned so many things..."Honey, God knows all, see's all, and takes all into account." It was always followed with words of love, helping me see it through His eyes. I think it is the main reason I say to my "Grand's," "If it makes God happy, it will make you happy."

It's been just over ten years since that first Bible study. Cleaning out closets, healing and helping broken pieces come together again.

Since I have learned He has known my name from the beginning.

It blankets me with comfort, knowing now, that He knew then where this path was leading! He continued to whisper in my heart, even when I didn't notice. Each time allowing something to grow within me. Even when I didn't measure up, He showed me I did. He is who blessed me with the life I have, instead of the life it could have been.

He knew everything, even my name.




Friday, May 24, 2019

Five Minute Friday ~ Culture


Time for Kate's Five-Minute-Friday link-up, with the word "Culture."

The rules remain the same, each week we write for five minutes, using a one-word prompt that Kate provides. Write with "no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write." then link up to her blog. 

For the next few Fridays, I will continue to be late in posting. Doctor's appointments in Phoenix might distract my ability to post, but not my thinking.

5-26-2019

"GO..."

During this weeks drive, we had numerous conversations on this weeks word, Culture. 

I've many friends who have gone off for missions. I believe, in our spreading the word of God, our abilities to teach them to help themselves, others got the desire to reach America, the only way they know how, by foot.

The first thing I thought about when was Culture SHOCK! 

When we moved here twenty-five years ago, from the Napa Valley, it was definitely a culture shock us! 

We can only imagine what it is like for these refugees and immigrants, trying to get here. 

We had the means, a U-haul truck with all our worldly possessions, and an income when we got here, they only have the clothes on their backs and a few items in a backpack, and little to no money.

God guided us here for the water, while at the same time, to grow as a family.

If you've been on mission trips, you have seen the culture, and you gave them God.

This is now their culture, with yearning, and the willingness to learn, they want to work in our culture...


Migrants who crossed the border near Yuma in tunnels under the border fence stand in line waiting for Border Patrol agents to process them on Jan. 14, 2019.
CBP Arizona
This is their culture shock, and it continues daily.

It's not an invasion. The majority are not violent. Line after line, they move through for the opportunity to live a life they have dreamt. They've stood in lines for food in their country, so they are patient. They've heard the missionaries, so they pray.

This is just down the street from us, yet we don't see it. After being processed and transported, our Salvation Army has been housing thousands of migrants, and refugee's in a once empty commercial building. Similar to what they do for a hurricane, a fire, or other natural disasters.

There are days we come in contact with some, as they begin learning our culture. I've been honored to help a few with directions, without understanding each other's words.

They're not coming to be criminals but citizens. And it is a long process.

They have faith. They have God.

"STOP"

Yes, I can see why some may think they are coming for the free handouts.

"Fake" news and propaganda has become louder than God. Hearts are hardened by the hatred preached daily.

However, how many of our citizens are sitting around receiving those same benefits.

The difference is these migrants and refugees want to work, they want education, they want the American dream.

By God's grace, they made it this far. By God's grace, they will make it further. We are just one of His stepping stones, in their journey.

Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV)

33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

...And for those who choose to run, attack, hide, throw rocks, or shoots at our Border Patrol...

Romans 13:1 (NIV)

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.


Sunday, May 19, 2019

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ May



Looking out my window...the days are starting earlier and the nights are getting shorter. It's one of my favorite times of the year. Things sleeping in the ground have awakened and are blooming. Pictures of the desert blooming are abundantly showing up on my FaceBook newsfeed daily. The garden store is full of color, and some of it has found it's way to my house.

The sun is changing direction, creating rainbows throughout the family area.


They remind us, that after a storm, be it by nature, health, finances, a death, or anything else that might disrupt our life, there will always be rainbows! 



It's been a while since my crystals have hung in a window. They use to hang in the corner where the cat now resides. The youngest "Grand" thinks they're pretty cool, especially when you spin them. The older ones remember making them dance across the floors, walls, and furniture when they were the same age.

They remind me of a movie from my childhood, "Pollyanna." Haley Mills plays Pollyanna and during the scene where upon visiting a sick neighbor, she strings them up across the window. She learned it at another neighbor friend who taught her about refracted light. The clips aren't the best video's but were the best I could find, along with these still photos.


I am thinking...what happened to April? We knew in March that there was going to be a change in many of our habits for just a bit. Even adding some new routines to the existing ones was expected. Hubby and I both thought we had prepared for just about anything, but we were still surprised when the recovery took longer than expected.


I am so thankful...for the many, many prayers said for us. I am even more thankful for the time's others asked if they could pray over my hubby, and right there in one of his favorite restaurants, he accepted the prayers. I wish I could have seen it, but just knowing he felt comfortable to share the experience with me was a big step. God has been tugging at my heart lately with a couples retreat, and I think we just might be getting closer to that being a reality.


I am wearing...jeans and one of my favorite tees. No shoes. 


I am creating...another mess! Transplanting can be a messy job. The reward that comes after is well worth a little dirt spilled because my hand decided not to hold the container any longer. I'm container gardening while my water source to my garden needs repairing. Container gardening has its plusses and minuses.

I am also creating word collages. I love adding certain verses to some of my photos as well, (like the photo above, and the one below). This one of me and my youngest "Grand" reminds me of all the times I have listened, cheered him up, and made a not so good day, a bit better! I have similar moments with the other "Grand's" but rarely does anyone take my picture during them. This one was captured by chance. And I LOVE it! I wonder if he will remember what we talked about?

The loving 'touch' of a grandmothers hand or words can usually turn almost anything around!


I was watching....my favorite hummingbirds humming around me as I watered! I have so many more this year, yet I haven't spent much time capturing them. It takes a lot of diligence to stay in one place, waiting for them to come, to snap a handful of pictures before they zip off again.


I am not reading...any books at this time. I am keeping up with the reading of the blogs I follow. Every now and that an article will catch my fancy. ."How To..." things get saved for later projects.

Speaking of projects, some that are getting our attention does require reading directions, does that count?


I was listening to...the TV (but not watching) as I typed. "Moma Mia, Again" is on rather loud so I can hear it outside while I was watering and enjoying the beautiful morning. Then I decided to grab my laptop and work on my "Simple Woman's Daybook."  The music from this movie just dances through my soul. Same with the "Greatest Show of  All!"


I am hoping...things continue to improve. I can bounce in and out of hoops for only so long before I will be needing a recharge. A recharge is planned for July, with prayers that nothing interferes with it. 


I am learning...I am a strong woman, even if I can't talk sometimes without crying, or I sound confrontational when I don't mean too. A soft voice isn't always possible. Hypothyroidism can tell you differently if you let it! 


In the garden...I have some color...

I love using the oldest "Grand's" first wagon as a flower container.

The silk tree is flowering.

So are the geraniums, still waiting on the lilies. Marigolds placed randomly around the patio.

Watermelon and cantaloupe. First time I have tried them in a container.

From the kitchen...there isn't much going on in there. Just the daily grind of deciding what to cook, and remembering to take something out of the freezer.

A while back, my daughter invited me to a "Pampered Chef" meal making party. A list of ingredients was sent out in advance. It cost the amount of the spices Pampered Chef offered in each recipe. Most of the guest made the 2-week family sized meals. Since it was just us two, I made 4-weeks by dividing the meal into two. Since then, we have shopped more in bulk and divide into meals when we get home.


One of my favorite things...thing this last month was when we got to go to this "Grand's" first Spring Concert. After we had dinner together, just her and us. She had never been to a Sizzler and we let her order whatever she wanted. It tickled my heart when, with her knowing, she ordered the exact same thing her dad would order when he was her age. Back then, once a month, as a treat we took our kids to Sizzler. It was one of our families favorite eating places.




Shared Quote...I'm keeping last month's quote up again, as a reminder.

There is still more ahead for us, where our faith, His grace, and all the prayers will continue to be a big part of it.

Thank you for having us on your prayer list. It means so much to us.


Ephesians 2:8-9 English Standard Version (ESV)

For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.


A moment or two from one of my days...

Watching this "Grand" hit the target. It might not be a bullseye, but he's getting close!
I love how this "Grand" shares his accomplishments with me. 
Watching one of my other "Grand" daughters do a photo shoot for a local boutique.

That about wraps up this months Daybook.

See ya next month!

Friday, May 17, 2019

Five-Minute-Friday ~ Promise


Time for Kate's Five-Minute-Friday link-up, with the word, "PROMISE."

The rules remain the same, each week we write for five minutes, using a one-word prompt that Kate provides. Write with "no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write." then link up to her blog. 

"GO..."

Promise...


It covers so much, and just not from within the Bible. 

When we buy a house or a car and take out a loan, we promise to pay the debt back through payments. 

When a serviceman comes to our house, we promise to pay them for their services.

Our wedding vows were the most important promise we made to each other, in the presence of God, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, to love and to cherish each other till death we do part. 

God's promise to us begins at our birth, When we accept Him into our lives, He will stay with us along our journey through life, all the way to our death as well, but the until death do we part, comes with eternal life! 

Sadly, only humans can break a promise, and a few have broken promises to me, as well as me being guilty of breaking some myself. However, God will forgive us of ours, but He will never break His promise to us. 

So, during my devotions this morning, I decided to use that time researching the word at Biblegateway.com. The results were 225 verses using the NIV Bible.

After reading a few of the many, many versesdecided I wanted to make a list of His promises. So I did a hit and skip kind of thing and began jotting down a few of my favorites. I have an idea of what I want to do with them.

"STOP."

+   +   +   +   +   +   +  


Saturday, May 11, 2019

Five-Minute-Friday ~ Practice


Time for Kate's Five-Minute-Friday link-up

The rules remain the same, each week we write for five minutes, using a one-word prompt that Kate provides. "no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write." then link up to her blog. 

A day late and a few dollars short, LOL!

 "GO!"

I've had a doctor's appointment scheduled in Phoenix for Friday the 10th for a long time.

It just so happened our granddaughter was having her Spring Concert the evening before. So we made our plans to head up early so we could attend.


Our son didn't tell her we were coming.


As she and the other band members walked onto the stage, they all were glancing out, looking for their parents. The minute she found her dad, she saw us, and the excitement she demonstrated by the look on her face, and the quick little jump step she took, will be something I know I will never forget. 


After an introduction by the teacher, describing the progress they had made since their Winter Concert, they began and simultaneously created this beautiful sound it was supposed to. The practice they had done over the last six months, showed and they shined!


For a few moments, my thoughts traveled back to a time her dad and uncle were

playing their first concert in Junior High. It was the theme from Jurassic Park. During practice, and in between some of those perfect notes, a few off-key squelches pierced the ears for just a moment. In time as they all continued to practice, it sounded spectacular on concert day and left us with the memory of that song forever. Anytime I hear it, I still go back to that day.

After, as she quick-stepped as fast as she could without actually running, the hug and love received filled the heart forever!


"STOP"

When asked if she would like to go to dinner with us, she excitedly answered with a "Yes! I wondered when it would be my turn." You see, the kids all have different schedules with different school activities. Her older sister and brother have already had a few private grandma and grandpa times. I explained how, as she continues to age up, things she's been waiting for will begin to happen. It's hard to be at four places at one time, which is how their schedules seem to work out sometimes. It's a pleasure to help them out on the crazy busy days. I only wish I could do it more often.

It's only the beginning, there is so much more ahead. 

Yesterday was a very long day! 

New doctor. 

New directions. 

And at times, I felt like I was the map!

GPS is an excellent tool if you listen and follow the directions it is giving. 

I can't even, nor do I want to imagine or count how many times I had to practice and pray for patience throughout the day. Being in the big city will surely get on every nerve if I didn't have a way to divert it! 

Hubby has become acutely aware that when I have reached a point that causes me to quiet and create prayer, it's best to just stop talking!

God has a way of stopping the bickering! Every time!

A deep breath, head back against the seat, a glance towards the heavens and a quick, "Please God..." will always send a calm throughout me and the car. I've even seen it calm him.



This will be our practice for a while, keeping track of all these appointments. I will be going back the next two Friday's, and again on Thursday the 30th, for yet another doctor. Hubby has his vein stuff here in town in between those dates. 

Doing the doctor dance seems to be the norm these days.  

I now know how, with what, and WHO I will be relying on!

Friday, May 3, 2019

Five-Minute-Friday ~ Opportunity


Time for Kate's Five-Minute-Friday link-up

The rules remain the same, each week we write for five minutes, using a one-word prompt that Kate provides. "no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write." then link up to her blog. 

I think I'm ready, I've set my timer (once again) for five minutes, and away I "GO!"

May 5, 2019, Happy Cinco De Mayo


I know, I know! 

It's not Friday, and it's not the first time I have been late. 


Our weeks lately haven't always been not even close to routine, so I'm not surprised. 


However, I have set a goal for myself this year, to be more consistent in my writing, and part of that included my participation here. 


Thursday night, when I checked my e-mail for this weeks "word" I had the perfect opportunity to start my post. I opened my computer. I pulled up my blog. Created my headers for this weeks write, hit return to set my curser. Reached for my phone to set the timer, and that was where I got distracted...


Since I hadn't checked my phone in a while, messages of what's been going on, and updates of plans ahead, to some jokes that made me laugh, grabbed my interest for a while and when I finally got back to my writing, I had nothing to type! After a minute of clicking some keys trying to form some type a sentence or two, the words being typed made no sense at all, so I stopped the timer. I was just too tired to continue!


Friday looked promising until our errands took longer than expected. I then took the opportunity to make up for a grandma day missed due to these unplanned doctor appointments.


Saturday was an all-day trip to Scottsdale for another "Grand." I'm so thankful to have the opportunities to watch these teen "Grand's" try out their wings. 


Knowing these moments won't last forever, I will always try to take advantage of any of the opportunities I can to spend time with them. With today's technology, keeping in touch is just a swipe or a click away. For a grandma, it's a whole new and definitely different kind of brag-book sharing era. I click the "save image" or do a screenshot of our facetimes or skypes often.


Had we not taken that opportunity...


"STOP"

...what would we have missed?


...where would we be?


...to help, what would they have down?


...to share our story, how would they know the journeys has a direction.


...how would they know of God's plan?


...therefore...




Here are a few of this weeks special moments.

3 ~ Generations attending her first runway walk.
@glamsquadsaz & @dressagirlaroundtheworld
What an awesome experience.

Helped the youngest "Grand" start his pumpkins.
Showed him how to cut the top off and then make holes on the bottom.
Leave the guts intact and fill with dirt.
Water.
Thin out the many starters that will sprout.
Believe me, there will be a lot of sprouts!
Some I make starters for others to have a pumpkin plant.
Others just end up in the trash.
This is our first year trying them in a container, but my gardens water supply needs work.
Every year I try to make a Grandma's Pumpkin Patch, and have yet to succeed!

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