Blessings in Disguise...

We are so blessed and sometimes do not even realize it.  If we would only be still and listen!
'Be still and know that I am God:'  Psalm 46:10a

Early this morning I awoke from a dead sleep, it startled me, my first impulse was to check Eden and make sure she was okay.  I then laid back down and tried to go back to sleep, it was about 5:45 a.m., but I just tossed and turned. I then felt the strong need to pray, so I started praying - 'Lord, I have no idea who I am praying for, but there is someone who is hurting right at this moment.  Please just wrap your arms around them and let them feel your presence and know that you are there, take their hurt and pain away.'  I continued to pray for awhile.  About 6:00 I turned back over shut my eyes and that was all I knew until I awoke again at 9:00.  I had no idea who I was praying for but felt assured it was for someone I knew.

Today I got a call from Shirley a friend from church who has some major health issues, she has had to miss church for 4 or 5 months now.  They found out she has diabetes, her gallbladder has been removed and she found out she has Post Polio Syndrome.  This last week she also found out part of the problem was colon.  Her husband needed to do some errands today so I went and sat with her for a few hours.  She was able to sit up most of the time but had to finally go to bed.  She is in a wheelchair and using a walker most of the time.  Her left leg is no longer working, she has to move it with her hands.  While I was there she told me she was really feeling rough this morning but finally got back to sleep around 6:00.  Then I proceeded to tell her about being woke up and we both got teary eyed.  

What a blessing!  Please remember Shirley in prayer.  Praying she gets things under control and gets her braces soon, and is able to once again come to church.  God is so good!  He hears and answers prayer! 
'Pray without ceasing.'    I Thessalonians 5:17

until next time...nel

Fun Times...

We have been thoroughly enjoying our granddaughter Eden Jade.  We have been quite busy, painting and swimming and going to the library.  Next week we are going to see the Clydesdale baby ponies at the ranch in Boonville, MO.   Should be lots of fun!  We are spending the night at Boonville then kicking around on Tuesday as we come home.  Then unfortunately she has to go home on Wednesday.  This granny and papa will be very sad!

Here are a few pictures we took at the pool.

Okay, so maybe there is more than just a few!  :)

until next time...nel

Hodgepodge Again...

We would love for you to join us in the Hodgepodge.  I am glad to be back, missed everyone, but had a wonderful time in Arkansas.

1. Have you learned more from success or failure? Explain.
I think it depends on what you are talking about.  But most generally I personally think you learn more from failure because you remember to do it different the next time. 

2.  What did you call your grandparents when you were growing up? If you have children, what do they call your parents? If you have grandchildren, what do they call you?
I had a grandma and a granny.  I did not know either of my granddads.  Janice called my mom Grandma & my dad Papa, she called Doc's mom Granny Eva.
I am granny to my grandkids.

3.  You're invited to a luau.  In keeping with that theme, what dish will you bring to share? 
Maybe a fruit salad or something with pineapple.  Probably a fruit salad though.

4. Besides Jesus, what one person's life story do you think everyone should know about?
Corrie ten Boom would be my first pick.  Or Noah - I love his attitude, he did what the Lord wanted him to even though people humiliated him.

5. "Don't sweat the small stuff." Agree or Disagree? Why?
Definitely agree!  I always tell my husband that along with, it is all small stuff unless it is life threatening.  I made him read the book.

6.  June is National Rivers Month. When were you last on a river? What's the prettiest river you've ever seen? What's a river you'd like to see? 
Gosh I cannot remember the last time I was actually on a river.  Previous marriage we used to float and fish on White River.  I have not seen a lot of rivers.  I think they are all pretty in their own way.

7.  Speaking of rivers-paddling, fishing, swimming, or bird watching safely from the shore? Which activity would you choose? Yes-you have to choose. 
I would say fishing.  I love to fish especially cat-fishing at night.  It has been many moons since I have been.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have to share something that my Eden Jade did.  Her mom posted it on Facebook yesterday and of course this proud granny had to share it too.  

One proud mama...on the way home from Eden's ball game we stopped at the gas station to get a drink, Eden and I were standing in line behind this older man who was having a heck of a time with the debit machine they finally got him taken care of and he started gathering his stuff, Eden watched him for a minute pick up his bag then his cane then his paper and without missing a beat she turned around and said mama hold this...so I took what she had in her hand and she quickly ran to open the door for him it was so sweet and he thanked her and she ran back in. If only all of us would take time to think about someone else every now and then. Love her!

How many 6 yr olds (7 in Sept) do you know that would do think to do this...

until next time...nel

Wonders of God

My passion is photography.  I love capturing what God has blessed us with in pictures.  I love photographing anything and everything in nature.  I believe there is a message in everything God gives us.

‘The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.’     Psalm 19:1

While at my grandson’s graduation cookout I stumbled upon this weed as some would call it and I had to take a picture. I believe it is a type of thistle.  It was growing out of a crack on the rocky ledge of the creek, and I wondered how something so pretty could be a weed.  I knew God had to have a hand in it.

Looking closely at it, the lavender puffballs are tiny spindles radiating from the stem; there is so much detail.  It is so pretty.  You can see the small green grape like buds that have not blossomed as of yet.  How can something so simple be so involved?

I can’t help but wonder if this might be a reminder of how we are at times.  Perhaps at first glance of people we form opinions, some of us tend to criticize the way they dress, or the vehicle they drive.  We might even go as far as labeling them low-lifes, druggies, or even worse.  If we make the effort to look closer, to really get to know them, and show them the Love of God, we might see the beauty of another Child of God.  We never know someone’s true potential until we look closer and see what’s inside.

‘I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.’     Ecclesiastes 3:17

So how about you, do you give people the benefit of the doubt?  Do you look for the beauty inside a person, or do you cast judgment first thing?

‘And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.  He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him:  the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.’    John 13:47-49

until next time…nel