Claimin' It!

Troy and I went here this weekend. Amazing. Humbling. More later. Maybe.

While there, Judy led us to this scripture, which we've both read before but needed NOW. Troy and I love it and are claiming it!

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;

do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Psalm 37:1-8

Let's Try This Again, Shall We?

Sitemeter tells me people are still coming by. Go figure. Most of my visits come from Google searches. Thankfully, at one time, we actually had a comment about 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs'. That makes it seem like an intelligent blog. Then, some people want to know things like 'hammy downs' (oh, jehosaphat -- how many people spell it that way???? If you land here in a search for it -- it is 'hand-me-downs', because someone handed it down to you. It's not good grammar, but it is the way it is). Someone in the United Kingdom googled my grandmother's name. (???) ( -- Queen Elizabeth -- contact me and I will tell you where you can send any gift you have for my late grandmother. Your majesty.)And, at one time, I evidently had coherent thought coursing inside my head about the love the Lord lavishes on us.

Nothing like that here. I'm still decluttering my house and my brain and it's hard to tell which is more cluttered! Thankfully, even with yukky cold and rainy, I haven't (so far) gone through too much of a winter depression. Maybe my time away from here is part of a little bit of one -- but the main thing I'm doing to stay away from depression is easing up on myself -- expectations-wise. That means, first of all, no New Year's resolutions! Because by now I would have already tanked them, which would scream "FAILURE!" inside my head! So, the January theme has been, "Being kind to myself". Sadly, it's harder than I thought. But it also explains why I haven't been here. Not a lot to say. Anyone who has a discussion-starter is welcome to throw it out there. I could TRY one...

So, how do you feel about Brittney's absolute loss of control? Oh, never mind -- I definitely don't have the energy for THAT conversation!!!

Maybe more later. For now, enjoy one of the very clever and funny videos Southern Hills has shown recently...

Can Anyone Relate?

I had to come out of blog-hiatus to post this:

Still Nothing

Nothing to see here, folks. Move along.

Comings and Going

I didn't mean to be so cryptic yesterday and my emails showed that I had people wondering. Basically, if you know this person AND read my blog, you already know what's up (and probably relayed the info to me!) But I did get a chance to talk to a family member and they are holding on to their faith, like I am. Which is why I love them! And the news wasn't fatal -- even though: NEWSFLASH! None of us is getting outta here alive! -- it just wasn't the greatest news. Sorry I can't tell you much more than that -- but feel free to pray for Sarah's mystery blog patient! A few of you wondered if Jack had heard any not-good news. No, Jack is being as Jackster as ever, if even a little hornery on his steroids. But feel free to pray for his February MRI, also!

And, as far as 'comings and goings' of 2008 that simply irritate me/ fuel my insecurities/ confuse me, put down the thunderous silence of several sources about some of my writing submissions. Whatever.

While you're praying for Jack and checking him out, wander over to Tammy's blog. Vote for your favorite picture (you're only supposed to vote for one, but I voted for about 6 --YOU try to pick only one!!) I love my family in the Lord, because I can pretend to be related to such talented people as Tammy. She's my sister, you know. Too bad I didn't get her creativity genes!

Beth Moore had a great post about how a marriage lasts. Evidently, sometimes it lasts just from making it one more day -- much like a lot of other things in life. That, and being okay with spending your anniversary alone while your man goes hunting (Troy, I've got a few years before I'm there...) AND, Bethie evidently found some of the cutest shoes out there at Payless. I love one of the comments: "The Devil may wear Prada, but the sisters wear Payless!

I think that's all the news from Lake Wobegon. Vote for pics, see cute shoes, marriage tips, and things to ponder/ pray about. Now that's a full service blog!

Happy Same Ol' Year

*sigh* It was bound to happen -- but 2008 started so well! For almost 72 whole hours I had not argued with anyone, threatened to walk away from my job, questioned my faith, or even gotten mad at myself for that ridiculous number on the scale. Of course, I haven't been to work or even around people that I didn't specifically choose to be, but the year got a great start!

But last night I found out that someone I love dearly got some not-very-good news from the doctor yesterday. And I am so sad for them and their family who are struggling to find answers and what it all means. And I was reminded that the same broken, stinky, messed up world that held 2007 has a hold on 2008, as well.

So I lift my eyes to the same Father that has held each of us in the palm of His hand since the beginning of time. I cling to the hope, peace, and, oddly enough, even joy that only He can give in the middle of the mess. And I am at peace.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore
I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his
compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your
faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23

3 Resolutions + a freeby

First, I have to say it like my grandmother, Maxine, would have, "HAPpyyyy New Year!!" I can't ever hear it or say it without thinking of her. Every New Year's Eve in my childhood memory, my brother and I spent the night at Max and Maxine's. They supplied streamers, noise makers, and balloons and Kevin and I would decorate the room (in secret -- or, better yet, just to get us out of their hair). Tremendous fun, tremendous noise, tremendous memories.

Doesn't anyone think the Day of the Blog is over yet? I'm thinkin' the Day of THIS Blog is in its sunset...

Troy and I went to not-our-usual church Sunday morning. Heard a FABULOUS New Year's sermon. It wasn't even that congregation's regular preacher -- he had been on staff at that church, then moved away for one job, and was starting another this week. Anyway, he spoke of a few resolutions he would like to keep in the New Year. I think I shall adopt them as my own. What do you think?

1) I will remember with wonder and awe all the times God has been faithful since my childhood.
2) I will speak to God more and more of His greatness so that it leaves no room for murmuring.
3)I will tell the story of His salvation the rest of my life.

And for the freeby -- (if you were one of the blessed recipients of my Christmas letter, you already have heard this): in December I was struck by Ephesians 4:1: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." and then a little later: "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way;" Colossians 1:10a

So, for me, I will try those three, plus the freeby:
4)I will live a life worthy of the calling I have received, worthy of the Lord so that I may please him in every way.