Reflections…

This is how I spent ringing in the new year…..

Yes....the empty chair is mine!! Temps in the 70's and lots of relaxing
with some shopping, good seafood, and fireworks over the ocean!!

The warm beaches of Panama City in sunny Florida were a welcome treat as the year lingered for the last time. As one door closes new ones will open….and I look forward with anticipation..........

2011 came to a close like the slamming of a door.  It started out good….really escalated to being on the top of the world…. and then came crashing down all at once.  Life is good when we are constantly walking on the top of the mountain….however; God wants us to rely on Him in every moment.  Those moments when we are struggling deep in the valley of darkness, we are not alone.  I walked in this deep valley from August 30 until the end of the year.  I honestly do not know how people can pick themselves up and move on without the unselfish help and love of our Heavenly Father.  

He has now shut that door and I am glad to put it all behind me…not forgetting and not without learning, but moving ahead and excited about what He has in store for our family in 2012.  I have missed blogging and so appreciate those of you who “checked in” on me throughout this time.  I know without any doubt that things could have been worse and others experienced far greater tragedies than we did; so I must remember how truly blessed we are and to take this valley journey and see it as a bridge between the mountains.  While crossing this swinging dark path, I learned that there are not always answers to our questions…so we have to rely on FAITH and TRUST.  Sometimes that is easier said than done….but the sun will again rise over the hills and a new day is always there. That new door will open wide and welcome us in…..

I have busied myself with crafting and painting. Door hangers (speaking of doors)  seem to be all the craze at the moment …so I tried my hand at it, first making a couple for Holly….and then boom….everyone wanted some!! I’m not complaining, mind you, it’s good money for a hobby I love!  Here are a few I’ve done:

Aubie from Auburn University

This one is reversible!!

Not a door hanger...but still some of my work!
Gooble Gooble!!

These are all designed, cut, sanded, primed, painted,
sealed, and ready to hang.... all by me!!
Yes I use power tools....don't mess with me!! :)

So…. my reflections on the past are for making me stronger, they are for putting a few things into a new perspective, and for making me grow in the Lord and trust Him more each new day. When I look in the mirror this year and see that reflection I hope I will be smiling most of the time....and with God's help I will.

As many bloggers have done in the past by picking a "word for the year"…so shall I this year too.  My word for last year was "HOPE" and I carried it throughout each day until the year ended; but it did not end without "hope"; it was still always there….  This year my word will be

 ….too find "joy" again in everyday experiences and regain some "joy" that was lost somewhere toward the end.  So I’m looking forward to the new year with hope and joy.  I hope you too will have a joyous new year with lots to make you happy!

Sweet Friends

 I have not forgotten you all....between my computer deciding to jump off a cliff and my Mama falling down some steps and breaking her hip...well I have not been around much.  Dealing with medical and rehab care is not the makings of a fun week.  Not having a computer makes you feel lost to the outside world as we have come to know it!!
I have also come to learn of a blogging friends death while I was away and let me tell you...that hurts...even though you have never met that friend face to face...you still feel the pain and loss as if you had.
I just wanted to touch base and hearts with you for a moment and to let you know that I will return soon...hopefully.

Heartfelt Love and Happiness

Cora

"In prosperity our friends know us; in aversity we know our friends"

John C. Collins

Love Thy Neighbor: Storms in Life

As many of you know, my home state of Alabama was ravaged by tornados Wednesday. It is devastating to hear the news reports and view the aftermath of an act of nature. Most of the following photos are of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, home of our University of Alabama and Crimson Tide. Roll Tide Roll! Auburn University has your back…War Eagle! There were also lots of other areas that were affected throughout the northern portion of the state. The death toll has reached over 200 at this point.  We were only affected by some heavy thunderstorms in my southern portion of the state. My heart goes out to these people as they attempt to pick up the pieces and put their lives back together again. Please help me pray for them….power in numbers is even greater.


I DO NOT take credit for any of these incredible photos. They are borrowed from Jason Clark and Michael E. Palmer.

I will let them speak for themselves.  The devastation is unbelievable.

 

...And the mighty cross still stands above all...

As you scroll through these heart wrenching photos, I know your heart is touched as was mine. They speak volumes of feelings and the reality of it all. The pain is real, the tears are real, and the devastation is real.  But we will prevail, as a community, as a city, as a state and as a great country helping one another out of heartfelt love and compassion. God has commanded us to love thy neighbor...  God is already at work…in our hearts, in our souls and in our world.

"Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Joshua 1:9

Love is raining down on the world tonight

Loving and praying for my neighbors everywhere,

Cora

Side notes from last post: I did not get picked for jury duty and my MIL is home and feeling much better. Thanks for your continued prayers my friends.

Learning 101

You can teach an old dog new tricks. Remember, you are never too old to learn.



Before we get started let me introduce Ms. Thang...better known as

Miss Thinks-She-Knows-It-All. Please do not mistake her for me.


Things I have learned…some the easy way…some the hard way.

~It doesn’t matter what time your family gets to your house, as long as they get there. Never mind that you told them all to be there at 1:00 and they showed up 20-30 minutes late.
~Dust isn’t important until it begins the rolling up stage and starts to crave carrots.
~No matter how hard I try, I still may fail, and often do.
~Worry is a product of the devil.
~Material things are unimportant in this world; however some just really make life a little easier…ie: mixer, dishwasher, dryer, recliner….do I need to go on?
~I have learned you can only eat so much…no matter how good it is.
~I have learned that the “change” this world needs comes from the heart and starts with me.
~It is easier to be nice and it doesn’t leave your feathers ruffled.
~I need to remember to put sunscreen on my neck with this new haircut….Yep!
~All people are not nice…Revenge is top on their list of priorities.
~Christ defeated satan on the cross; any power the devil has is what YOU give him.
~Your family can still hurt your feelings.
~I have learned that Jesus gives us second chances…remember Peter?  Look it up: Mark chapter 16.
~No matter how high gas prices get…people will still be burning it on the road.
~You don’t need to “cook” a pre-cooked ham! Warmed is just fine.
~Stay away from snakes.
~Carrot cake is considered a vegetable...right?  Oh thank goodness!
~I have learned that I CANNOT please everyone no matter how hard I try.
~Every prayer gets an answer, sooner or later, yes or no, and sometimes maybe.

Learning is a forever process…each day brings new challenges. Tomorrow will bring some for me as I have been dubbed for jury duty…I want to do my civic duty but I sure hope I do not get selected this time around…I don’t think I can handle it right now. Emotions are running high with several things that are being presented at this time. One of which is that my MIL is in the hospital. She got to spend her Easter weekend in CCU. She is out in a regular room now and is feeling some better.

I hope everyone had a beautiful and blessed Easter Sunday and that life continues that way. Smile and be happy when you can, give when you can, laugh a lot, and don’t forget to brush your teeth…it makes that smile prettier.  But remember above all, Jesus still loves you no matter what!

“Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean

over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you,

you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.”

Winnie the Pooh

Life is Simply Good

A lazy Sunday afternoon led to a busy Monday. One where I…
Picked more peas before the sun reached them from behind the tree tops
Picked more lettuce before it takes over my carrots
Did some laundry
Swept the last of the dogwood blooms from the deck, spring is gone here, it’s hot.
Shelled those fresh peas
Hiked to the mailbox
Saw the first snake this year
Found my blood pumping fast through my veins…from the brisk walk or the snake?
Find myself listening to music and the dryer
Am washing sheets
Am making the bed
Am folding towels
Had a fight with a wasp in the wren bird house
Find myself thinking of the family who lost someone
Am thinking of the two gone, so young… too young
Am reflecting,
Wondering,
Asking why,
Praying,
And thanking Him

God blesses us all, each and every one of us,

with many blessings, yet some just take

those blessings and live as if there is no God.

What the crap?

My blessings for today include

The sun that came up

The privilege of another day

Breathing

Walking

Doing my chores  *heehee*

Singing birds

Loving my daughter and the one she loves

Food that is plenty

Peace in my heart

I’m stuck on Nicholas Sparks books lately…currently reading True Believer after finishing Nights in Rodanthe which is a great book as well as a movie, each different in their own way; including the ending. I’m looking forward to watching American Idol this week after last week’s shocker elimination. Didn’t see that one coming...but hey America voted and she did lack that bit of "wow" factor!

For those of you who like bloggy give-aways…here’s a great one: Becky from Junk to Joy is having her first give-away with some really fantastic things.  Just click on the link and go visit her.  While you are there, check out her Etsy shop. You will love it. …Ahhh for the love of junk!  Click on this photo:



Life is poetic and graceful

  Enjoy it fully

 And remember to thank the One who gave it to you

Unsolved Mysteries

Many thoughts and concerns are laying heavy on my heart lately, not to mention the heavy pollen laying everywhere making it difficult to breathe! Life has placed some situations in my path and I’m trying my darndest not to stumble and fall flat on my face with them. After all…it could be a lot worse.

I believe the hardest part of some circumstances is the understanding of them. I am prone and driven to figure things out. I need an answer. I love to watch a good mystery only to spoil the ending with figuring out who-done-it before the end of the movie. But in my real life moments, I for the life of me cannot even begin to comprehend some of the reasons, the outcomes, nor understand why some things happen.
And drama…who needs it?

To occupy my time and talents, *insert smile* I am working on some small projects, painting an antique beveled edge mirror frame so that it will have that shabby look; and a few other things. I’m trying to enjoy this beautiful weather all while doped on allergy meds! Our veggie garden is growing like crazy! We will soon pick our first crop of English peas ~ swoon. You have not lived until you have planted a small seed, nourished it, watched it grow and bloom, and then reap the harvest of your work! It’s a personal reward.  I also beat the dust, or maybe it was pollen, off my camera and took a few photos of some spring flowers.  Boy did it feel good to click click click...

My daughter Holly and husband Richard are anticipating a big move. As you may know Richard is in the US Coast Guard and has gotten new orders to move. So they will be leaving New Orleans behind and welcoming their new place in Jacksonville, FL. They are so excited…everything offered so far as been BETTER; his job hours, 15 minutes driving distance to work from the new house they found, 30 minutes from beautiful beaches, and good old Florida sunshine. They actually found old friends in the area where the house is. The house is beautiful, over 2,000 sq ft with a Florida room and double garage!! Moving from a crappy apartment to this is going to be heaven for them and the fur babies. So….with lots to do in preparation for the move, I will be making a trip to NOLA in May to help pack and clean. We will then meet them in Jacksonville on June 1st to unpack and start a new adventure. I’m so excited for them!!

Please continue to pray for hurting and troubled people whether they be friends, family, strangers, enemies, and neighbors…this old world is hurting in many ways. Another why question comes to mind…Why is the child the one who always gets hurt in an adult situation? There is a child near and dear to my heart that has seen an unfair amount of hurt, disappointment, pain, and pure crap. No child should have to endure what this one has been through. God please keep this one safe and in your protection. Thank you.

It’s amazing how my happy-cookie-baking-cookbook-giving-away-photo-snapping-crafty-thrifting-blogging life can be turned into a spinning roller coaster ride lately. Talk about exercising my faith!! I’m out of breath… or is it just the pollen?

Faith grows by being exercised, and faith is not exercised
when we receive everything we want or think we need.

~ Graham Pockett

 I had to share this quote again…I love it!

Light, light, light up the sky to show me You are with me.

He Answered…

I prayed….everyday for months without ceasing; day in and day out. Dear Lord You know the desires of my heart. You know what I want and I know You hear me and listen to every word. I cling to hope on the promises You gave us long ago. Every reason I can think of makes sense…it is right for everyone concerned; it’s all stacked in the right order. . I have confidence that You hear every plea in my prayer. It makes perfect sense. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts".  Psalm 139:23 KJV
I have made my requests known to You. I trust You. I know that You will answer. I believe You know what is best. You will give the right answer. I have a peace about it.

Just as an earthly father listens to his children, God hears the prayers of His children.

The answer You me gave was "NO".
That answer was not the desire of my heart. It was the wrong answer. No…not there, its too far away. You did not listen or either I did not make myself clear. Why have You squashed this dream? The plans, hopes and dreams I had cannot be fulfilled now. I prayed with faith…believing that You would give me the right answer. My answer…the one I wanted to hear. Why? I am trying to wrap my thoughts around this answer and understand it. Doubts are lingering and making me question Your answer. It was not suppose to happen like this. My thoughts have joined the pity party with the devil and his crew. The whys…the its-not-fair, the no-not-there, the no-that-was-not-it, the You-didn’t-listen…You-misunderstood-me ideas came rushing in. The tears of disappointment rained on my party, they flooded my judgment. Why did you say NO? I was so sure and my request made perfect sense. Anger clouded my faith to the point I was dancing with the devil. I labored in doubt and lost my peace. You had let me down. I became temporarily drunk on doubt and blinded by misguided thoughts. The party with the devil was in full blown form.

It was only after kicking the devil out on his butt and slamming the door in his face, that I regained my faith and spun those thoughts around in my head again. He made me question my faith and placed a doubting question on my belief in prayer.
I hate that…

I know that God promised to cause all things to work together for our good. (Romans 8:28). I found my inner strength again through You.  Jesus, I know You never make mistakes, Your timing is always perfect and there is a good reason why You answered this prayer with Your will in mind.  I now understand that my request was self-centered and self serving. Your answer was not what I wanted but what Your will had to be. You always know what is best…Your plans are perfect and I must trust and go in faith with the answer You provided. What I do with that opportunity is up to my free will. You answered my plea…it was not the answer I was hoping for because it was my plan, my desire, my hope, my dream, my belief, my will……..mine……not Yours!
I was wrong.
It was not what I wanted but what was needed. "The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you". I understand this and know this to be true and right.

I now also understand why Your answer was the right one all along. It is the best for everyone. I have a renewed faith through seeing things in a different light. It is all coming together in bits and pieces. It is Your best laid plan and the evil one needs to stay out of it, and out of my head. He caused my temporary lack of faith in You. How ashamed I am for that… I should have never doubted you and went to that party. Please forgive me. You have opened my heart. These doubts and questions will cause me to trust You even more especially with the unknown. Though no one has perfect faith I will grow stronger in mine through every life experience as I walk with You. Thank You.

I prayed …You listened ~ You heard…You answered.

It was the right answer.

"Faith grows by being exercised, and faith is not exercised

when we receive everything we want or think we need."

~ Graham Pockett

Postscript~ 

I began pondering and writing this post over a week ago. The days following its inception held a terrible tragedy for my family and our city. The questions, the hurt, the heartache and the pain of that go somewhat hand in hand with this post, but were neither the original prayer request nor the reason for my writing…This tragedy made my prior prayers and requests seem insignificant and small at this time. I have learned that no matter the request you have with God…it is not insignificant in any way. He listens to all of our prayers, considers them all, and answers them all…with the RIGHT answer. We are His children; He loves us all and wants us to trust Him with His will, not ours.
Standing in line for hours last week to speak to grieving family members gave me a renewed insight to prayer. A family member that did not know me from Adam’s house cat…thanked me for coming and told me to continue to pray for them.  I assured her that I had been and would definitely continue to do so. She responded with this: "I know you have been or we would not have been able to stand here and do this tonight".

God blesses with the strength and courage to endure and persevere.

Now I hope to beat the dust off my camera and get busy!

Thanks for listening...

J.O.Y.

J.O.Y

Jesus first.  Others second.  Yourself last.

We are called to love one another. To love one another is to put them above your self. You will find true JOY in doing so. An act of love has the power to change lives, yours as well as theirs. Show some love…

You can show some love by sharing some homemade goodies.

Milk and Cookies soothe the soul…warm the heart…pacify the sweet tooth. They excite the inner child in us. Grow yourself a milk mustache and eat a cookie with a friend on this cold, rainy, wet day…Share some loving and reap the JOY.

Happy Monday!

Roller~Coaster Ride

While we are all trying to figure out what life is all about; I like Fannie Flagg’s explanation in the book I’m reading; "Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven".  Here's a little excerpt from the book where Elner Shimfissle asks God the ultimate question about life:  

"What is life all about?"   "It’s a gift!"   He tells her…plain and simply.

We should all consider this answer and view life as the gift in which it was intended…something given in love and it is up to us to take it, cherish it, live it, and make it the best ever.  God goes on further to explain to Elner that life is not nearly as complicated as people think… "Life is like one big roller-coaster ride, with all kinds of bumps and twists and turns, and ups and downs along the way."  We just need to sit back and enjoy the ride. "The problem is most people think they are steering and get so busy trying to control it that they miss all the fun parts."  We should not be the ones in control…I know that is hard for some to grasp, but it is true. We have the free will to make our own choices but we need to let God be in control of them.

Sooooo… I’m going to enjoy the ride with God as my pilot and let Him steer. That way I get to take in all the scenery, the fun, the excitement, and not miss a thing. I also get to take lots of photos because my hands are free of the steering wheel ~sweet love! 

*the song "Jesus Take the Wheel" comes to mind here…smiling*

Thanks Fannie for this perspective on life, I think it is one I can live with.

I Hope you enjoy the ride. Eat some oatmeal along the way…

 
Excerpts from the book, "Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven" by Fannie Flagg.

The reason....

Who can add to Christmas?

The perfect motive is that God so loved the world.

The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son.

The only requirement is to believe in Him.

The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.

~Corrie ten Boom

I will be spending time with my family. Holly, Richard, and their fur babies will be home later today! Jackie is off until the new year….Excitement is in the air~~~~~~~

Living more with less. Living more on love and

happiness and less on material things~

From our house to yours…Warm Christmas Wishes to you all…for a safe and blessed week filled with joy, love, peace, happiness, and Jesus!

Merry Christmas

Cora