A Fish outta Water!~

Like the old saying goes, sometimes I feel like a fish outta water. I missed church Sunday nite and on Wednesday nite too. This Fish needs the Water of Life on a daily basis. When I am floundering in the woes and darkness of life around me it helps to remember that Jesus is the Water. And, I need him to see me through this life.

When I get caught up in life drama and or the darkness around me I can get really crazy. Or, when I wake up in a bad place, I have to pray my way through into the light. Then out the door I go to face the people on the roads. Sheesh!~ I am not a patient person on the road. I want to tell people how to drive but they won't listen. Just yesterday I was driving along and someone did something to annoy me. I was almost ready to wave my arms and hands to give them the road guidance they needed. When it hit me. If they were to visit my church I would welcome them with smiles and the love of Christ. But, on the roads I just wanna box 'em. I need to work on this issue. It seems to be my lot it life to get behind Farmer Dave or Mrs. Farmer Dave. They pull out in front of me. Or, the worst of the worst, they are so busy talking on the cell phone they park at an intersection and all the other three corners wait for them to Mooooove!~ I must try to remember that even if I never meet them, they need the love of Christ and have his forgiveness just like I do. :}

This fish went to the Doctor yesterday. I actually drove myself and had a quiet trip all alone. The roads were clean and everyone was driving nice. I did my lab work on Monday so I figured things would go well. Well, Doc wanted more lab work. So after I saw him I went for more labs. EEEEEEEEW!~ Oh, how I hate needles. Since I had this open heart surgery almost eleven years ago, I am more accustomed to the poking and prodding now. But, I still cringe when the lab tech turns to me with a needle. It is a blessing. I know it is. If I were not afraid of needles I might have ended up an addict. lol Who knows?!

On my way home I found the most wonderful Gospel music channel. 88.7 based out of Ada, Oklahoma. But, when I turned in my area I lost it. They played a couple of songs we sing at church. It was such a blessing. I listen to Oasis and Bott here and they are great. But, this was a more apostolic venue and I was so thrilled. It was a good trip. Aside from all the aches and pains, and stiffness, it was a great trip for me. I had the opportunity to engage in praise and worship all the way home. When hubby drives me I usually listen to his selections, or we play CD's. The music is good too, but, it doesn't give me the spiritual high.

I need the spiritual renewal that comes with music and the quiet times with my God. I face the drama and darkness in the lives of people around me and I have to work at maintaining my spiritual strength. I was once just as lost and the darkness pervaded and invaded my entire world. I struggled to find my way through the darkness and did not know why things were so crazy. I have to remind myself constantly that my loved ones or even someone on the street may be struggling with that same darkness.

This world, this life is so full of chaos and everyday things that clamour for our attention. For my kids and grandkids work and school have so many pressing struggles. I am amazed that I once lived just like that without the renewal and constant guidance from above. Oh, I prayed and read my Bible from time to time. But, the commitment to my spiritual walk was not there. So, from my own experience, I know that they too flounder and don't even know it.

It comes down to this: We are all fish outta Water without Jesus. Thank His precious name He is the Fisher of men, and the Water of Life.

I hold fast to his promise that my children and my husband are included in his Redeeming Grace.

Birds and Plapples and Flowers!~

I was out working in the yard the other day and sat down to rest. I was going slow trying not to overdo. Lo, and behold, one of the local male Redbirds flew down in front of my by the garage and just watched me. I finally realized he was waiting for me to clean and fill the birdbath.

So, I got the hose and sprayed out the birdbath and added fresh water. The "Plapple" tree flowers had blown in from the windy days and the bath was so nasty. I filled it about half full and went and sat down to finish my restation. LOL

I looked back over and there he was slapping the water with is wings and dipping his head and shaking it. He finished his bath and then I noticed her on the lower branches of the Plapple just beyond the rim of the birdbath. She was the lookout for any and all predators. When he finished, and hopped out, she jumped in for her bath. It was such a lovely sight. SHe just slapped and splashed and preened in the water for him. What magnificent creatures. When bath time was over they both sat on the branches and preened their feathers. Amazing!~

The Plapple tree is actually a wild plum tree a friend gave me. I planted it close to the house because all wild plum trees are usually so small. I figured it would be ok. Well, I watered and used Miracle Gro and that tree is big. lol Most years the plums are marble size as is typical of wild plum trees. But, a couple of years ago, the tree produced plums the size of small apples. My Hunny has called it a "Plapple" since then. My brother-in-law made several pints of wild plum jelly from that crop and it was a bountiful crop. lol

My Azaeleas are blooming and they are so beautiful this year. Five pink bushes and one crimson. I was so worried the snow would destroy them during the last cold spell but, they survived. I have Irises too. Yipeee~ MY tulips this year were monstrous and right at Easter. I am concerned about my flower bed under the tree in the front yard. I pulled a lot of poison ivy this time. sheesh~ I need to check into that shake and weed stuff. :{

It took a couple of days to get over the aches and pains from the yard work. But, I do believe that God in his infinite wisdom knew I needed to see his handiwork every time I walk out the door. I love to take quiet moments to sit out there and reflect.

Plowin' along...

It is a quiet Saturday afternoon and I am finishing up a few things around the house before I go pick up BoBo. I don't bother with anything other than chasing him around when he is here. Aside from cooking or a bit of laundry I don't get much done. I do have quality time with him and that is all that matters. I wonder if that sweet great grandson of mine will remember me when he is grown. I cherish him with all my heart. It is such a joy to see him smile and when he is happy, I am happy. :P

I am so blessed to have such good boys for my grandsons. All of them are the kind of kids that make grandparents so proud. Even when they are less than perfect they are still so far above some of the other kids seen out in public today. good parents... they aren't perfect either, but they try and see to their kids. I am a proud mama and mema. I wonder if anyone reading this later on can tell? I love my kids and grandkids. Just for the record!~

It is rainy again today so BoBo will not be able to go into the backyard and play on his tractor. He will be full of energy. I usually let him run amuck riding his toys and pushing some of the push ones. It helps to burn up some of his excess energy and helps to slow the little fella down.

It amazes me that he really is such a good boy during church usually. here at home he never slows down. I so hope we can keep the routine going and I can keep him in church as long as I am able.

I am still so sore from the yard work. I will take a couple of tylenol before I go to pick him up. LOL It is the only way I will be able to do the bending down to him.

I just found out that my son made a tentative deal on a house in East Texas over last week-end. So, it looks like he will be moving soon. *sigh* I so hope this works out for him and his family. I will miss him so much.

We got up early and hit the grocery store for a big sale at FireLake. Spring produce!~ Got a ton of fresh strawberries and veggies. I cleaned and stored six quarts of strawberries for the freezer. I did fresh broccoli and cauliflower for the fridge. I love this time of year. We sure enjoy the fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and other goodies from the garden during summer.

My daughter does not like strawberries because of the seeds. But, my hunny can eat them fresh or frozen. It is so much healthier to freeze them myself and add sweetener rather than a ton of sugar.

I am just rambling and will stop for now. I need to get busy and stop piddling around. lol

Beautiful rainy day~

It's been a beautiful and cloudy rainy afternoon here. I so love a quiet rain without the threat of storms and or tornadoes. Woohooooo!` I took a wonderful afternoon nap. I was laid out on the heating pad and it eased the pain and I slept. LOL I soooo needed it too. I worked like a crazy fool yesterday in the yard getting the front cleaned up and ready before the rain. I am just too old and decrepit to overdo like that anymore. I can barely bend over to the floor to pick something up today. I hope I am better tomorrow as it will be a real problem trying to pick up BoBo. LOL But, hey, my front yard looks so much better. whew!~ Bwaaaaaa, my hands and muscles and arms and legs and back hurt... even myneck...old age is not always fun. I used to tell people I wanted to grow old gracefully. Ha~! I had no idea that the pain was so total body impacting. hee hee hee Forget gracefully. I will settle for less painfully.

I am so awed by the wonders of nature. I love to admire Gods handywork and the beauty of the trees and sky, clouds, and even rain, can leave me in awe. The recent natural disasters like earthquakes remind me that He is so powerful. The volcanic eruption in Iceland and all the earthquakes remind me that as prophesied n Matthew Chapter 24, time is fast approaching Jesus' return.

It troubles me that people are so mindlessly living lives and running along without a thought to life after flesh. It concerns me greatly that my loved ones don't seem to be aware of His ultimate plan for mankind. Everyone seems to operate on the current level of live for today.

Today for me starts with prayers and a quiet time of Bible reading. That is unless, I have BoBo and he is up early and running amuck. It is kinda hard to find quiet time with a two year old who needs food and attention. lol I am teaching him to love his little books tho'. We start there.

Pastor recommended a Max Lucado book, and I now have it, and hope to find time in the next few days to read it. Maybe next week.

Note to self: still need to try and locate the youth group link here.

Runnin the roads...lol

Between chasing back and forth to school and doctors visits with my grandson things have been hectic. I haven't been on here for several days now. Last night Pastor told us the youth group started a blogspot so I made myself take time to get here. I tried to get to their blog and could not find it. I will check with pastor as I want to find their blog and be as supportive as possible. Our youth group kids are the greatest.

My grandson went to the doctor twice this week and drove himself both times and that was a blessing. Testing that lasted for hours on Tuesday and a return trip on Wednesday. No word on all the testing as I guess that takes a few days. Hopefully and God willing things will be figured out soon and he can get back on track.

My granddaughter just made the Cheer leading squad at her school and I am so proud of her. She makes good grades and is a good kid. I know this meant a lot to her as she is the type to press and work hard. The school does not have football but they do boast great championship teams in baseball and basketball as well. I know she looks forward to next year with great anticipation.

My son and his wife are planning to move to East Texas when school is out due to economic woes in this area. There's just not enough new construction to keep him busy and he is a master craftsman at trim carpentry. But, the thought that he will be so far away tears at my heart. WE are a close family. My son and my daughter and I have always been very close and I cannot imagine either of them being far away. *sigh* But, life takes the turns and we have to walk in faith. The work and housing in the area he is planning to move to is very promising and I don't blame him at all for thinking about the move. But, oh, how I will miss him popping thru the front door every few days.

I had an Education meeting on Tuesday night. Since it was a Fire training course with guest speakers providing information we had refreshments. The Ed Director ordered cheese and fruit trays and I volunteered to bake a couple of cakes. I made one chocolate and an orange cake. I took the leftover orange cake by the park to my son. He and his wife were watching the kids play basketball. I won't be able to do those kinds of things if he moves. Orange cake is his favorite. Oh, Mamma if feelin' sad about this situation. But, our problems are small in comparison to others in the world around us. The EAC is still my only commitment outside my church, home, and family since I retired.

A Time of Testing!~

The last few months have been such a time of testing for my entire family. So many things going on that cannot be posted in respect for others' privacy. But, just waiting for the biopsy on my daughter is trying for the senses. Now my oldest grandson is going thru much the same thing, in that he will be undergoing testing for colon cancer. I keep holding fast to my faith and believing that My God is Able to deliver and to heal. But, there are those moments when I have to really pray my way back to sanity. The mind starts wavering and the spirit feels weak. Whew!~

But, early in the mornings when I pray and read my Bible I can seek and find those quiet moments in his presence. When that happens and I feel his touch I am strengthened and my day is so blessed with peace. I know that everything happens for a reason and we must walk through the valleys and look for his light.

I have had so many demands that I have not a book for weeks now. But, in the meantime I carry my sewing bag with me. I have managed to catch up on some mending and needlework.

BoBo is doing so good and that makes me so happy. Last week-end the little stinker woke-up Sunday morning at 1:00a.m. He went back to sleep at 5:00 a.m. after a good breakfast. I was exhausted all day and took him home late that afternoon and fell into bed very early. This old lady is not as spry as needed to keep up with him when he is in dynamo gear. lol

I so hope he gets a good nights sleep tonite so we don't have to miss church tomorrow morning. I was so punchy last Sunday I wasn't too pumped about even driving down the street to take him home.

My oldest sister is finally feeling some better. She's had some kind of chest congestion for three months. She finally went to a different doctor and the meds he prescribed are helping. I am thankful she did get a new doctor. She has been so sick.

Dogs have been a big problem for months at the farm and so many calves and cows have been chased and chewed just for doggy sport. My brother-in-law, his best friend, and hubby have finally solved the problem for the moment I think. You don't wanna know what they did and finally did to deal with the dogs. I would like to get my hands on the idiots who dump their dogs and the neighbors who think they should let the dogs run free. duh!~ morons!~

Week before last the old store where Paul lives got burgled three days in a row. So hunny and the crew, did a lot of looking in the surrounding area for a truck caught on camera. Some one was going out back and carrying off anything they could find to sell for scrap and aluminum. But, third night my b-i-l was driving by just after dark, and saw a truck and pulled in and caught them. The driver of the truck got away with all the stolen goods, but, two teenagers he had with him were not so lucky. They both had the opportunity to visit with county law enforcement. LOL We may never get hunny's old tractor motor back, but at least the boys now know they are being watched. The law was very interested in this because several homes have been burgled just down the road in recent days.

I do not know how this will all turn out, only time will tell.

I am content in the knowledge that MY God is still on his throne. With this country in a tizzy over health care and other issues, I just keep turning all things over to his care. "Yea, tho I walk... for thou art with me."

Desires of the Heart!~ and my Vision!~

I wish I were strong as a horse. I was very strong and healthy in my youth. I wish I had a billion dollars. I could do so many things like help with the new church, and help my kids, or, drill water wells in areas of the world where it is so desperately needed. I wish for a lot of things.

BUT, the desires of my heart, are far simpler and far removed from those things I just mention.

In Psalms the Bible says:
Psalm 37:4
"4. Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

And in the Book of Habakuk:
Habakuk 2:2,3,4
"2. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
4. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."

I do delight myself in the Lord. My greatest peace and joy comes when I am reading my Bible or during prayers or worship service at church. He knows the desires of my heart. I am working on a constant walk in faith, and now, the belief that he will give me the desires of my heart.

I have heard a couple sermons over time about the Habakuk verses and writing down our vision. So, taking these two segments of scripture. I am writing my vision down.

The desires of my heart are that my husband, my son, my daughter, my grandchildren, my great grandson and the extended families of my son and daughter all get in church. My Vision is for each and every one of them to find spiritual guidance, grace and redemption. My vision includes their repentance, and their receiving the Holy Ghost and Baptism of cleansing, renewal and regeneration. My vision is now written. I pray it is received.

Having read Matthew chapter 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21, many times over the years, I believe that the end is so near. I just pray that my precious loved ones are ready for His coming.