The Promise of Spring

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

Frosty Frolics

Don't you love snow days?

Gratitude Tuesday

I am thankful that the basketball net is finally assembled...remember the one that required "two capable adults" to assemble? I arrived home on Sunday afternoon to see the "assembled" state.
I am thankful that my children are back home after being gone for 11 nights. I was able to have them for most of Mother's Day. They are with me for three nights now and will be gone again for 7. We will be back on our regular weekly rotation soon.
I am thankful that I went for a bike ride tonight with Austen.
I am thankful that Rebekah asked to do a sleepover with me tonight.
I am thankful that Rebekah wants to do lunch with me tomorrow.
I am thankful that I was able to reschedule Rachelle's orthodontic appointment after Steve requested a change in our regular schedule, which meant the ortho. app't. had to be rescheduled as well.
I am thankful that I had lunch with Audrey S. & Linda C. on Sunday afternoon. We had lots of laughs!

The Happy File

The Happy File
By Luann Prater

“Be joyful always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)

Devotion:
It wasn’t what some would call a perfect day, but to her it was special. We had spent the day together just hanging out around the house. Simple things like lunch on the deck, soaking in the sunshine, and giggling over funny memories traced the outlines of our shared moments. That’s when she whispered a few words as if she were telling herself a secret, “This day is going in my Happy File.”

She explained that her Happy File was a record kept of God’s simple blessings, those moments in time that beam with a little extra spark. You know the ones. When no one else would get it, but whenever you recall it… you smile. Her collection was spilling over the top.

Often we choose to hang onto the bad memories. We relive the abuse. We replay piercing words. We carry the guilt and hold on to the shame. We forget the promise of Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (NIV). No condemnation. Period, nada, zip, none!

She found the Happy File very helpful when darkness came creeping into her life. Satan loves to fill our minds with negative thoughts and trip us up with stumbling blocks. A stash of happiness works like a flashlight in the middle of the night. The evil one can cloud our world with gloom, but when we open the file that holds God’s blessings, the shadows are shattered.

So what are you choosing to keep on file? Here is the deal. Start a collection of Happy Files! God’s fingerprints are all over each day. Look for them! Record them! Recall them!

Next, pull out those old musty files that have collected guilty dust and shameful mildew. One by one as they come to your mind plunge them into God’s thought-shredder. Second Corinthians 10:5 instructs, “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV). When you say this verse out loud, something amazing happens! The thoughts go away! God longs to give you freedom from guilt, shame, worry, and anything else that hinders your ability to be joyful.

When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can begin daily to rid your mind of the garbage Satan has dumped on you and replace it with Happy Files. Then you truly can BE JOYFUL ALWAYS.

Dear Father, thank You for forgiving us for every sin we have ever committed and promising never to condemn us for them! Help us each day to choose to live in the freedom of that promise and to be joyful always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Gratitude Monday

Some of last week's blessings:

Monday - receiving a bag a goodies from a friend, going for a walk
Tuesday - lunch with Rebekah
Wednesday - hosting lunch for Austen, Rachelle and their friends
Thursday - a friend volunteered to take me to my specialist's app't., buying new pants & jacket, lunch at Red Lobster
Friday - Rebekah stayed home sick; by afternoon she was feeling better; we enjoyed looking at photo albums, yearbooks and watching movies together
Saturday - support of siblings, Mom and a friend as I received an unpleasant letter
Sunday - having my children for Mother's Day, hearing my sister do an awesome job "sharing" at church, lunch with my children, my sister, brother-in-law and nephew

Quack Quack

I LOVE THE VIEW FROM MY SUNROOM!

Good News in the Mail

I received good news in the mail today. A friend sent me a card with a picture of a quilt on the front and the following verse:


Joy must be the shocking pink thread in our tapestry because people seem stunned by this flamboyant stitch.

When we exhibit joy during trying times, others view us as odd ducks 'cause everyone knows life ain't no ride on no pink duck.

- Patsy Clairmont

My friend also tucked in a gift of money and a personal note.

I decided to treat myself. (One benefit of being on my own is I have no one quoting Dave Ramsey to me while I shop!)

I bought a beautiful plant. It's funny, this morning, when I left to run errands I had the thought 'I would really enjoy a potted plant for my house which I could later plant outside'. God gave me the desire of my heart.

As I was looking at the plants in the store a lady came over and started chatting with me about plants. A few minutes later she referred to me by name. I had no clue who she was. It turns out she had prayed for me one time at The Healing Room (a prayer ministry). It also turns out that she has walked in my shoes too. She has been on her own for over 25 years.

I found a photo of the plant that I'm now enjoying. It's called a regal geranium.

Gratitude Saturday

I am thankful that I am a child of God. That truth is an anchor.
I am thankful for my three terrific kids. (I am thankful that my oldest child has called me twice this week, while on a school trip!)
I am thankful for family. Shari, I couldn't possibly ask for a better sister...
and Kevin, I think you qualify for brother-in-law of the year award again this year.
I am thankful for three brothers and a Mom who have stood with me.
I am thankful for Conrad & Donna, who have become like parents to me.
I am thankful for friends.
I am thankful for the opportunity to connect with friends....through blogging!!
I am thankful for Mickey. I thought I got a dog for the kids. It turns out that Mickey has become a pretty good friend to me.
I am thankful that the gadgetmobile continues to be reliable.
I am thankful for my new house.
I am thankful for my new whirlpool bathtub.
I am thankful for my little backyard pond.
I am thankful for good books, movies and music.
I am thankful that I received flowers this week. Thanks Shari!
I am thankful that I have chocolate and coffee in my house.
I am thankful for The Miracle Channel.
I am thankful for my computer and television.
I am thankful for laughter!!