Springtime

(From a previous spring)

Spring is here!  Giving praise to the Lord because He has made all things.

I am still working on packing all of the items not necessary for daily living.  I’m hoping to have that accomplished in the next couple of weeks so that I can start a deep cleaning of the house (walls, baseboards behind furniture, etc.)

I’m also ready to see some tulips in Woodburn, Oregon.  It is about time for my yearly spring trip to visit family and seeing the tulips is a bonus.

Blessings on this 1st day of Spring to you and yours!

On the Road Again

In June, 2014, I went car-less.  It was a liberating experience.  I live on a bus line and the grocery store on the same line so shopping was easy.  Getting to and from church was easy as well, just time consuming.  It took just over an hour each way.

At the end of May, 2017, I purchased a vehicle.  It was time to have greater mobility again.  With some family and friends out of the area, it has made visiting easier.  I’m also transitioning to other living accommodations in the near future and having a vehicle will help with this adjustment.

A Quick Thought on Modesty and Morals

Modest dressing is easier than you may think.  I started wearing skirts/dresses only in February, 2013.  This is my 5-year anniversary and I still feel that it is the right choice for me.

I do have to mention that I recently found a company that has the softest leggings and I have purchased several to wear under my skirts/dresses.  The same company also has other clothing pieces that are modest, comfortable and fun.  I tend to wear a sweater that is elbow or wrist length with my tops/dresses as our office tends to stay on the cooler side.

As I look around this world, I am so saddened by the disintegration of morals.

The Bible says to surround ourselves with those like-minded (other Christians).  It also says we are to spread the Good News and not to judge other but to love our neighbors as ourselves.  WOW – to know we need to love all others; sometimes this can be hard.  However, if we lean on the Lord’s strength we can do anything.  I know I don’t have to agree with or condone actions; I think that is where so many get trapped--differentiating between the person and the action.

So, even with the world on a downward spiral, the best news is that the Lord wins!  He has overcome.

I will continue to dress modestly, spreading the Good News and embracing the fact that He wins – Praise the Lord!

Changes Abound in 2018

2018 is going to be a year of changes for my family.

With a beloved member diagnosed with Dementia last year, we are looking to make things more manageable until long-term care is needed.  This will include some minor fixes to a home that has been lived in for 40 years, sorting through items collected over 40+ years and purchasing a residence with minimal stairs; quite possible a duplex or a single family dwelling with a ‘mother-in-law’ set-up.  A younger family member will be selling their current home to be the other duplex dweller or living in the mother-in-law set-up.  There was no coercion or guilt applied to the younger member – it was a love-decision.

There have been many family meetings and the conversations have been open and loving.  This is a huge change for all involved; however, everyone is on board to make the transitions happen as smoothly as possible.

I am praying for the entire family – the three members in the middle and those supporting them.  I know my daughter is praying, as well.

Of course, life continues to move forward and I know that there will be many life-moments this year that have nothing to do with the above noted change.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Snow

It is a winter wonderland here in the Inland Northwest.  I love the cleansing of the snow over the rough and dirty roads.  The whispery silence in the early morning with the snow gently falling.

Living in an area with four seasons is a blessing.  To be able to enjoy the variety of God’s creation is not taken for granted.  His mercy and grace abound.

It's a New Year

Looking back at 2017 – it was a rough year for our family.  There was a diagnosis of dementia and the death of a loved one.  There were also family reunions and get togethers to celebrate life.

Looking ahead to 2018 – I am hoping for balance in my life and deeper relationship with the One who is full of grace and mercy.  God, family, friends – these are at the top of my list.

Life on this earth is fleeting; however, it is just the beginning of our lives as children of God.  While here we are to share the gospel with those in need.  I can’t say I’ve led anyone to Christ – my words are weak.  I pray my actions are Christ-like and that He continues to work in me and grow my ‘evangelistic’ skills.

Last year, I posted once.  This year, I hope to post numerous times.

An anonymous quote from my perpetual calendar:

                Joy is not happiness so much as gladness; it is the ecstasy of eternity

                in a soul that has made peace with God.