Merry Christmas!

Since my writing doesn't seem to come as often as I'd hoped it would, let me wish everyone a very Merry Christmas now. I do hope that as we celebrate the joyous birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, we will keep Him as the center of all we do. I hope that time spent with family and friends enriches each of our lives and causes us to appreciate each other more and more!

Recently my friend Karen and I were deeply saddened to hear about the death of a Guatamalan child, on the verge of being adopted in the states, by a group of home invaders who killed her and her entire foster family. Such senseless evil! This led us to consider the numerous young children that have died this year that we knew mostly by internet connections with their families. It just seemed too high a number in my mind. Plus the tragic situation with the national attention now on the Caylee Anthony case-- My heart breaks for each of these families touched by such a deep loss and grief.

During such times we must constantly remember that God is Love and God is good. His heart is grieving also when pain, suffering and loss occurs. We must cling to the promises in His word and seek His presence even more. Though I will never understand why such things happen, I can rest assured that I serve a God that understands, cares and is moved to action by what happens to us.

Yes, Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it is also a time to pray for those whose joy may be marred by grief and pain.

Read the verses of the familiar carol "Joy to the World" soon. Ponder them in light of our current world situation. Maybe you will also be thinking--how timely!

An Ideal Day

Is there ever such a thing as an "Ideal Day"? It would probably be safe to say that most of us would not consider a cold, rainy, blustery day in November to be an ideal day, right? Today I will go against that norm and say that this has been close to an ideal day (so far). Why? I'm glad you asked.

First, there was no alarm going off in my ear at 5am! When it did go off later, I leisurely rolled over and hit the snooze button a few times before rousing myself up for the day. 2nd--there is no need to wear a work uniform or make up today as the only place I plan to go today is to the mailbox! 3rd-I hear the whirring of the clothes dryer and the chugging of the washer as they diligently clean my 3rd load of laundry---exciting because for over 20 yrs I had to use a laundry room outside my home. 4th--my dog Kipper doesn't like to walk in the rain so our stints outside have been very brief and to the point--negating the usual 20-25 min walks we do each day-thus giving this doggie momma more time for her "to do" list. 5th--I have played Christmas music which always brightens my spirit. 6th--I have some time to write on my blog spot which has been sorely neglected in recent weeks. 7th--I have already accomplished some things on my to do list and added a few "I didn't know I needed to do this, but did it any way" things too! 8th-I have about a half of this day left to still enjoy!

I hope you have the wonderful gift of enjoying your "ideal day" very soon.

Friendship--What a blessing!

I am a part of a small group through my church. We have been meeting every other week for just over a month now. It has been an incredibly rich experience to bond with these 5 people over the course of time. Each week as we read our material, discuss our questions, share our struggles and victories, I come away richer in my spirit. Truly God's plan to have us unite as a family of believers through the local church is marvelous. Since my biological family lives quite a distance away, I truly treasure those relationships that can nourish me and support me when my biological family cannot by virture of distance and/or timing. These 5 friends have become a blessing. Though our hope is to branch out to create new groups next spring, I am sure that our connectedness will remain strong as we continue to worship and serve with one another through our church.

I also had another occasion to help a close friend celebrate a significant birthday by hosting a meal at my home for her. As we spent the evening together in conversation, laughter and sharing a challenging game of Scrabble, I once again was vividly reminded of what a treasure friendship is. In the recent past, I had expressed some things to this dear friend that were not very positive or kind in nature. She in turn has offered me forgiveness, acceptance and a willingness to stick with me and our friendship with unconditional love. What a picture of the love of God! How many times do I "tell God" things that are not kind or positive and yet He continues to love me unconditionally. Thank you friend for demonstrating God's love to me again and again.

Another friend and I have had several deeper conversations lately that have allowed me to understand her more and more. We view the world differently, approach things differently and play different roles in our lives and yet we are bonded together through the love of Jesus Christ. We value our differences and rejoice whe we do share things in common. She has often been the instrument of God in giving me guidance, resources and a listening ear. Again, I am so blessed to have this friend in my life.

I have another dear friend who is truly my "Barnabas" in that she is my encourager--she always lifts my spirit by faithfully praying for me. She also helps me recognize those areas where I need to persist in prayer. Her kind, gentle spirit challenges me to do the same towards others, though I often fail. She believes in me and that matters so much. Truly I am blessed.

As I grow older, I have realized how much I also treasure the friendship of my parents and sister and brother-in-law. While I will always be their daughter and sister, we have developed a new relationship where we can discuss things as friends, see each other as individuals with needs, wants, gifts, etc. Each time I am with them now, I appreciate more and more who they are as persons. Each one contributes something valuable to my life. I look forward to more experiences with them in future visits together.

I could comment on others who are important friends in my life, but neither time nor space will
allow that now. Having friends makes a person rich in the things that matter. I hope everyone can name at least one other person who is a true friend to them. I am so grateful for those God has placed in my life.

Friendship--what a blessing!

Who moved my August???

Okay, who moved my August?? How did 31 days get past me so quickly? This morning I turned my dachshund calendar over to September only to wonder how 31 days moved so swiftly. Each day is a God-given gift but I must admit that I squandered some of those days. I thanked the Lord this morning that the start of a new month brings a sense of renewal, of "beginning again" and of hope for improvement in the days ahead.

So what did August include? For a few starters let's say.....my mom's 74th birthday, my sister and brother-in-law's 15th wedding anniversary, my aunt's 75th birthday, a new computer program at work, the beginning of training classes for me and my dog, an opportunity to attend the local Super Saturday training conference, a few church-related meetings to host and attend and the everyday things of maintaining a home. Whew!

September's now here. Thirty days to fill with all the things God has prepared. It is my hope and prayer that I will be alert and ready to respond. There will be mistakes, missed opportunities, and some time wasted I am sure because I am not perfect. 30 days to enjoy and to see what God will do!! Hooray!

Sorry I missed the entire month of August in blogging--hopefully there will be more coming this month---

It's nice that this month is starting out with a holiday! Having a change of pace is great!

Happy September everyone!!

Rabbits & Cats & Dogs, Oh My!!

Who knew that a condominium complex could house a menagerie of animals--mostly of the nocturnal sort!! During the past few pre-dawn walks with Kipper, we have encountered quite a variety of God's little creatures. Thankfully I have seen them before "Mr. Let-me-at-em!" has! Otherwise we could become the alarm clock for an entire building!! Rabbits, squirrels, assorted cats and dogs have wandered the same areas we have! As you know, his nose is much more sensative and he seems to "sense" the presence of some critter that has either been there, done that in the area we're in or is hiding out in one of the bushes nearby. I on the other hand must rely on my half-awake, bleary eyes to catch a movement or distinguish shapes in the moonlight. I've kinda learned where "cat alley" is and where "Rabbit corner" is so we try to steer clear of these at these times.

Also, we have discovered that those big, yellow, very loud machines that appear outside our big windows to mow the grass also cause one certain dachsund to absolutely go bonkers!! We must be able to see outside at the time they are doing their thing or we really can't control ourselves!
Thankfully, the mowers seem to be efficient in their tasks and the process is short in length. Now I know what happens when I'm not home! Kipper is busy defending our home from these strange "invaders of our space". I do feel more secure knowing that! :)

Kipper absolutely loved his vacation time with my family. He and my parents seemed to have an instant bonding experience. He and Mom became quite good buddies as they shared the backseat all the way to Alabama. At their home, he loved the big fenced in back yard as he could happily and quickly run freely and amuse himself. It was even more "heavenly" if my dad happened to be outside at the same time--Mom gave him the nickname "shadow" as he did follow them everywhere he could. I called him "velcro dog" but I think Shadow sounds better! I was so pleased that both he and they meshed their routines so well. I enjoyed having extra eyes and hands to take of him and entertain him. Did I miss those pre-dawn walks? Um---NO!
My sister and brother-in-law graciously adapted to having an indoor dog for a couple of days too. Their 2 dogs are outside dogs. Kipper enjoyed them also--I'm not sure who napped more--Kipper or my brother-in-law!!

The world is a place of wonder and excitement for my dog. He seems to be curious about so many things--kinda reminds me that I need to maintain that attitude also. I need to appreciate the creative world I see, the family God has provided me, and the love that surrounds me.

Rabbits & cats & dogs, Oh my!---we're off to see the world through a dog's eyes!!

My Family's Here!!

Saturday night my parents, sister and brother-in-law arrived safely from Alabama to spend a few days with me. My parents had not seen my condo and none of them had met my dog Kipper. Now into our 2nd day together, we have enjoyed being together as a family. I think everyone approves of my home and Kipper seems to have lots of eager arms to hold him and hands to pet him. He seems quite happy with all the attention!!

Though I am having to work while they are here, things are going well. We are managing to sqeeze in as much as possible--both the fun things and the "let's help MJ out" things (why not take advantage of extra hands and know-how, eh???) And who can deny that we have enjoyed some good meals also (and the snacks!)

Soon I will be starting my actual vacation time and will head back to Alabama with them for a few days down there also. We'll see how Kipper does on his first long road trip--errands and drives around town suit him just fine--Hopefully he's a true road warrior also!! (and whoever winds up riding with me is also!) I am excited that we are able to spend so much time together.

Sharing my home with them and my pet has brought me much joy. Having them experience some of my world means so much. That's what makes family such a blessing. We love each other unconditionally.

Sorry it's been so long since I've written but with teaching VBS for a week, being the only mgr on site at work for 3 days and preparing for this visit took much of my time recently. But it's all proven to be a blessing.

Gotta go--the family is bringing supper home shortly--they went shopping so I could take a much needed nap!! How's that for family love???

Relationships Matter

Parents, siblings, inlaws, close friends, neighbors.......all relationships we have. Just over the past few days I have been more keenly aware of how valuable and important such relationships are.
Recent phone conversations, emails and written letters from my immediate family keep me attached even though miles separate us physically. Hearing familiar voices on the phone can brighten your whole day. My family and I have established a monthly, designated time to call each other and I cherish these opportunities for long conversations. Now my family is planning to visit here later this month and I am so excited!! My parents have not seen my new home yet and no one has met my dog Kipper. I am so glad that they are coming this way.

Recently two of my closest friends have been experiencing physical illness and problems. I feel so helpless sometimes to know what to do for them. I know prayer is one way to help but often I wish there were more tangible things I could do. My prayer is for their healing and that I will be the kind of friend God wants me to be in the meantime. I so appreciate these friendships and want only the best for these two dear ones.

Today some friends from Nebraska were back in the area visiting family and spent some time visiting with me. They're so thoughtful and generous in many ways. I thoroughly enjoyed being with the 3 kids and their parents despite Kipper's "hyperactivity" during the visit. Their friendship is truly something I am so thankful for.

Both my family and friends have given me so much. Truly my life is richer because of being in relationship with these people and others God puts in my path.

Guess I would also be amiss if I didn't mention my newest relationship with Kipper, the dog. Of course, it's not the same as with people (mighty close though!) but in his own way he also gives me lots of unconditional love, acceptance and joy. Thank God for relationships!!

A Creative Vacation Week

This past week I have been on vacation although I have not travelled out of town except for one night. A friend and I usually take a week together during the year. This year we decided to stay close to home due to the rising cost of gas and everything else and the limited budgets we both are on. We tried to find interesting things nearby that we had not experienced or had not in a long time. It is amazing what Louisville and the surrounding areas can offer. Thanks to Derby, this week was designated as a "2 for 1" week in many local attractions which certainly helped stretch our vacation dollars.

We spent Monday-Tuesday at Shakertown in Pleasant Hill, KY. The weather was gorgeous and the grounds were are well. We learned alot about that group and enjoyed seeing how they lived their daily life. Makes me truly appreciate what I have now, although I do respect the ideas they promoted such as the equality of gender, race and economics, etc. Our meals there were absolutely delicious and bountiful! Can we spell gluttony??? Our accommodations were lovely, yet simple in nature. Somehow losing games of Scrabble wasn't as bad when you were in such wonderful surroundings!!

My friend and I enjoyed other local attractions and tried some new places to eat meals. We also enjoyed simple things like Scrabble games, the zoo, and attending a school band's spring concert. I enjoyed being able to sleep in my own bed at night and anticipating something fun the next day. My dog Kipper also liked the fact that I was home throughout the week.

While we weren't able to visit one of our favorite places like Gatlinburg, it was still a very enjoyable week. Spending time with those we love is always special and even the ordinary becomes extraordinary when shared with a friend.

Getting back into the work routine will be challenging I am sure. However, I am grateful for my job and will be glad to return.

I am grateful for a good week. Hope each of you have a vacation opportunity sometime soon!

An excellent question...

In a recent letter to me, my mother asked me what kinds of things I wrote on my blog, while also in that wonderful motherly way, reminding me that blogs can be read by alot of people. I think she asked an excellent question. I answered that recently it had been mostly about my new dog Kipper. However, tonight I think the space rightfully belongs to my mother since Mother's Day is fast approaching.

My mother is a wonderful person. She has always been strong in spirit and determination. This was keenly seen as she fought hard to recoupe after a severe knee injury/replacement 2 years ago. As a result, she is now mobile, though slower, but able to walk unassisted and to do what she needs to do. Many times during those hard weeks, I would "melt" emotionally but somehow she managed to encourage me.

Mom loves the Lord. Her walk with her Savior is genuine, growing, and affects her everyday life. She strives to serve Him with her spiritual gifts and with her abilities. When her faith is tested or she struggles, she only clings tighter to the One in whose hand she rests. Again, she is such an encouragement to me. I know faith is real when I see how Mom lives out hers.

Mom is creative. She can turn dry, dusty "facts and figures" into learning experiences filled with all kinds of things to see and do. She can make Scripture passages come alive as she teaches. She can create fun with little or no "props". One of my fondest childhood memories is of her typing "gibberish" on a typewriter and then "reading" that aloud to my sister and I. We all would laugh until we couldn't breathe! (move over Victor Borga!!). She was able to turn ordinary things into wonderful play times for us (like playing hide-n-seek) in our closets!!

Mom is getting older now, but in my eyes she is growing even more special. Her long, handwritten letters are treasures to read, filled with the ordinary events of their lives and other things that make me feel that I am at home when I read them. Her words of advice come laden with years of experience and a deep desire to see her daughters have the "abundant life" God wants to give his children. Her movements are slower, but her heart still leaps at news from family members, when personal mail arrives in the mailbox or when the Lord teaches her something new from His word. Mom's spirit is still young!!

Mom. I hope alot of people do read this blog because I want everyone to know that you mean so much to me. I love you so very much and am so blessed to have you as my mother. I hope that I tell you this more than just on a special holiday. Thanks for helping to make me into the person I am today. Thank you for loving my dad and my sister and me in such sacrificial, creative, tangible and intangible ways. I hope this Mother's Day is very special for you.

Thank you Lord for my mother.

Making changes...

During my pet searching days, my family and friends both tried to tell me that my days would definitely change after aquiring a dog. In my own mind, I had tried to envision (though I now know not accurately) just what having a dog would do to my daily life. I knew I was willing/ready to make some sacrifices of time, energy and expenses but just exactly how that would unfold is just now becoming clear.

Having my first dog since childhood has created the following changes:
---I no longer can feel guilty for not exercising since my walking has increased a billion percent since last Saturday!
---my bathroom scale and I are becoming friends again as a result of increased walking and less time for eating lunch!
---I have met more neighbors here at my complex this week than I had the previous 5 months of being here thanks to Kipper
---I have the wonderful joy of having a totally excited living thing greeting me when I get home-who knew tails could wag that fast!
---I really can do without that TV show if outside time is needed
---I love Kipper and he loves me....

We're gradually learning each other's ways and making the necessary adjustments. I am so thankful that God has brought Kipper into my life. I hope he knows how much he is loved.

I'm sure there will continue to be lessons learned and blessings received.

Kipper and I are off to enjoy another day.

The Dachshund has landed!

Kipper

A Dream coming true!

Tomorrow afternoon I will become something I have dreamed of for many years--a dog owner! We had a dachshund growing up and I have always loved this breed of dogs. Ever since Tally died in 1977, I have had a dream of owning another dachshund. However, throughout my adult life I have never lived in a place that was "pet friendly" until purchasing my first condo in the fall of 2007. Now I am about to have another dream realized as Kipper enters my life.

He is approx. 4 yrs old and is such a cutie. Thanks to my friend K with her digital camera (mine's not!) we hope to have some pictures on my blog come Sunday afternoon. He's already had one visit here and he certainly won my heart over that day!

Okay, I'm just going to admit up front that I will probably "spoil" Kipper at the beginning as I have already purchased some toys and other things I think he will need! I hope my "sensable" side kicks in pretty soon though because this pattern can't continue!!

I'm sure it will take a few days for us to get to know each other and to adjust our schedules and figure each other out (don't you wish you could know what dogs think about sometimes?) Maybe it's best we don't! I'm sure we're both in for an adventure but I'm sure expecting it to be a most joyful one overall.

You can expect that Kipper will be the subject of future blogs! I'm sure there will be much to write about. Too bad he can't write his own!

Guess I'm stepping into a whole new part of my life now--and there will be 4 little paws following right behind me! Here we go!

Vroom...vroom...vroom

Well, I finally did it! I had my first ride on the back of a motorcyle this weekend and surprisingly I found myself enjoying it! Somewhere inside me I found enough courage to give it a try. Though the distance wasn't very long, the sensation was just enough to let me know that it was actually a pleasant experience! I was proud of myself for giving it a try! Vroom...vroom.

Also this weekend I drove a cargo van around the city as my coworker/friend K and I manned an off-site exhibit for our store at a local church. Though not my first time to drive such a vehicle, it was the first time in quite awhile, but thankfully this one was pretty easy to navigate. Backing up any vehicle is always a challenge to me, so doing so with the cargo van was probably my biggest fear/challenge of the whole weekend. However, God did keep us and the van safe! Not as thrilling as the motorcyle, but knowing that I could successfully drive such a vehicle was a good feeling.

I am not planning to go out and buy a motorcyle or a van, but combining these 2 modes of transportation into one weekend was quite a "trip". Getting back into my own vehicle on Sunday somehow brought me much comfort!

To adopt or not to adopt......

Ever since I purchased my own home, I have set my sights on achieving another personal goal--that of owning a pet. More specifically, a dog. I have always loved dogs, but since leaving the home of my parents, I have lived in accommodations that were not "pet friendly". Therefore, finally securing a place that would allow me the opportunity to become a pet owner brought me much joy.

Recently, I have begun this process of adopting a pet in earnest, which means actually putting action to my thoughts and wishes! I pored over the newspaper ads, went online to various websites I knew and talked with lots of people. However, because my "criteria" is somewhat specific, it has been more challenging than I first thought. Due to my increasing age and decreasing willingness to stay up all night, I do not want a puppy. I prefer to appreciate the ground work accomplished by some other dear soul and benefit from their efforts by adopting an older dog. I also am deeply desiring a dachshund--a breed I have loved since childhood. Our family pet Tally was a purebred dachshund who brought us much love and joy. I still miss her today many years after her death. It is my hope to once again find a loving dachshund who will become part of my family.

However, I am already realizing that one must be willing and ready to be " examined" by entities who are the powers that be in this process. I am totally in agreement that there must be careful consideration for potential homes for these pets because many have already had rough experiences and need a loving, stable environment. I guess I just didn't realize how much would be asked of one seeking to enter into pet owner responsiblities. I have learned alot and am sure I will continue to do so as the process procedes. I can only imagine the questions asked of those wishing to adopt children!! However, if pets are connected to those who best suit their needs and who can offer love and care, then the whole process is worthwhile.

Having friends who are already dog owners has been a blessing also. They have been teaching me many things and encouraging me along in this journey. I hope that when the right pet does enter my life, I can rightfully thank all those who helped make it possible.

Little Blessings

Well, the first little blessing I guess I need to acknowledge is the fact that my memory actually got me back to my own blog! I'm sure that I took the "scenic route" to get here but I did arrive.

Over recent weeks I have been more and more aware of the "little blessings" that God has dropped into my life. Embracing these seems to make each day more full and rich in its living. Part of my Lenten/Easter journey has been to experience a new "change of will" by the Holy Spirit, whose presence is sweeter as the days go by (somebody needs to write a song with those words, eh?). Through the Spirit, God is changing my perspectives and attitudes toward a variety of people and things. I have much further to go on this journey, but these first steps have been such a joy. God is also expanding my capacity for compassion and desire to walk along side others in their journeys. I have a deeper depth of inner joy and peace.

Examples of the "little blessings" include the fact that I saw gas for $3.08 and filled up the night before the prices skyrocketed to $3.39 or more. There was the phone call from a friend who moved away last year saying she was coming back to town for a visit and could we get together.
There was the recent "day off" from work that accomplished my "to do" list and yet added time for me to sit and listen to a friend who needed to talk about some serious issues. There was a good dental report this morning (okay-I did pray alot about this issue) but I was given a more positive report than I truly expected. I am receiving the largest tax refund I have ever had this year! I could continue on but I'll stop--you get the picture.

Isn't God good to insert these types of blessings into our ordinary days? I can't wait to see what God is up to next. Even those times that haven't been the best or the smoothest have been "softened" by the sweet presence of the Spirit and His mighty power.

I hope we always see the "little blessings" sent our way.

Have a "blessed-filled" weekend everyone!

Exploring New Territory

Sometimes I do allow friends to persuade me to do things I never would initiate on my own--sometimes this is good--sometimes not so good. Blogging is one of those things, seeing that the computer and I are not really on the best of terms. Getting me to explore such things as blogging took alot of persuasion but here I am!

I am not sure where this exploration will lead, but I am gathering up my courage, putting aside my "computer negativity" and giving it a try. Maybe I will discover new friends, new ideas, new perspectives and/or new aspects about myself. Maybe I will explore long enough to find hidden treasures waiting for me. Time will tell.

So I guess I will be thanking that persuasive friend for gently (okay, there were some stronger pushes) guiding me into the blogging territory. I hope she included some maps and a flashlight in her "introductory kit" because right now I am not really sure where I am and it seems a little dark in here. I think I will stop while I can still see where I came in.