Wisdom & Understanding

Over the river, and through the wood, To Grandmother’s house we go; the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow. Over the river, and through the wood, to Grandmother's house away! We would not stop for doll or top, for 'tis Thanksgiving Day. This poem was written by Lydia Maria Wilder and published in 1844, about the joy of her visits to her Grandfather's house for Thanksgiving. The words and (many more verses) were placed to music, along with changing the word "Grandfather" to become "Grandmother".  I guess someone along the way figured "Grandmother" was doing all the cooking, so she needed a song to her credit. :-) I think of this song usually around this time of the year, because believe it or not , it reminds me of the times when my husband, son and I would drive south for the Thanksgiving holidays!  We did travel over a few rivers and saw a few woods along the highway, but I loved our t...

Housework may not be my most favorite thing to do, but I do enjoy the end results and that feeling of accomplishment. The clean floors and windows, the polished furniture and the sparkling bathrooms all make for an awareness of how blessed I am to have a home and have the physical ability to maintain and take care of it. Whenever I hear someone talking about buying a home, I think and sometimes say to them, "It's not just about getting a home, but it's also about being able to maintain it, financially and physically."  I have seen so many times folks in their excitement to buy a house that may be out of their means, only to find in a few years the responsibility has left them frustrated. It is a responsibility that must be consistently maintained or you will find yourself in a very unpleasant situation to say the least...perhaps we sometimes do not count the cost (Luke 14:28) In "counting the cost", the responsibility must be maintained whether you fee...

Lying on the couch for a few days nursing a cold can cause you to do a lot of thinking, at least for me it does.  I don't know what it is about not feeling well physically that makes me do a lot of soul searching and inventory on my life. Maybe when I don't feel well, it reminds me of just how out of control I am. I mean, if I had anything to do with it, I would have nothing but sunshine, blue skies and perfect everything!  But we know that isn't life. Not real life anyway. So for the past few days, I've been thinking how the Lord has really helped me to let go of a lot of things. Now I'm not going to let MYSELF go, so you won't see me in the local Walmart with pajama bottoms on, my hair in large pink rollers, teeth unbrushed and no lipstick! (I was raised in the south by a Momma that taught us to ALWAYS make sure you have on lipstick, because it was a sure sign that you were letting yourself go if you didn't!) By letting go, I mean, releasing those thin...

"But those who wait on the  Lord Shall renew  their  strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 When did it happen? When did I stop worrying or being anxious?  Those were the questions I asked myself this morning as I sat in my favorite spot on the back porch. For many years now that spot has become my sanctuary , if you will, my quiet place to talk to and hear from God. I have learned to tell Him about all that is in my heart and on my mind; what troubles me, as well and what I take delight, and He answers...sometimes in the gentle wind blowing across my face, sometimes in a bird's solo among many of them chirping their morning songs, and sometimes in a child's distant laugh... and sometimes in just the quietness of the morning...He speaks to my heart. This morning when I flung those questions out I was thinking about how I used to worry so much about what the next st...

"Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,   and said,  “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.   Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4 Ever watch a little child's face when they eat their first ice cream, see a puppy or a  "Choo-choo" train? Their eyes are filled with such awe and wonder. Things that have become common place to us, are things they marvel over and have such delight! There is something so pure about a baby, everything fascinates them as they discover shapes and colors and movements. They are so trusting, vulnerable but loaded with potential!  Back in the spring when the weather was cooler, I sat on my back porch quietly, talking with God. I have mentioned before how I am my worst critic (I am getting better though) and someti...

"O  Lord , You have searched me and known  me. 2  You know my sitting down and my rising up." Psalms 139:1 "Not AGAIN!" I said to myself as I frantically looked for my silver bracelet! My dogs looked at me from a safe distance, because they knew by the volume and tone of my voice, it was not the time for play. I knew for sure I had placed the bracelet in the same spot after taking it off a couple of weeks ago, but where was it?  You see this has happened before, matter of fact for a while seems like I was on a roll for losing things, but was having a reprieve, or so I thought!   I looked everywhere all day long while doing deep breathing exercises to stay calm. I guess I was frustrated because I could not understand  why that stupid bracelet was not where it should have been. Plus... this commercial about memory loss and what that could mean kept coming on TV. I mean come on now, I only watch special programs on TV and the commercial was showing up ...

Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.  Many are they who say of me, “ There is no help for him in God.” Selah But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah  Psalms 3:1-4 The beginning of this week (May 16th)  has brought the sad news of another young woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to many, has taken her own life. My post on March 12th included the sad news about another precious, young woman, mother and friend to many, that took her own life also. That is two women, one I had met once and heard her speak so beautifully at a breakfast/meeting and the other I only know through her sibling to whom I am well acquainted and admire very much. I can only imagine what the families must be going through.  My heart is heavy for the children, the spouses, the parents, the siblings...

Just a short post to say that I received a nice surprise today...FLOWERS ! My son, his wife and the grandkids sent me a lovely arrangement and it was just what I needed to brighten my day!  I thank God for simple pleasures! Love this lovely bouquet! My "Boys" approve ! My new pillow for the sofa! "Enjoy Today!"

“...Be still, and know that I am God;    I will be exalted  among the nations,   I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10 I have a fault...and that is overly concerning myself over the lives of others. Surely the Lord wants us to be involved with mankind and to "cry when they cry and rejoice with them as they rejoice".  But sometimes I really take it to the extreme and that is not good.  It is at times like these that I know I need to "Be still...", take time and meditate on what the Lord would have me do instead of running ahead and getting involved. I am a lot better than I used to be, but every now and then the tendency to be a "fixer" raises its head and tries to take over. I am learning that the Lord wants me to allow Him to handle situations in other people's lives; that even though I care very much and my concern is genuine, it is not for me to try and fix it.  Be still. So. I am resting in Him and enjoying the many simple pleasures tha...