From The Heart

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on....do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  Matthew 6:25,34 ESV 

This is my "Drawing in Church" for today's sermon.  I even tried to sketch the woman sitting front of me who had a bright red dress on.  I had fun coloring everything when I came home.  It definitely makes the sermon stick in your mind and this was a great sermon!

Spring Things.....

A little tutorial of pictures.....

A little spring cleaning-the linen closet

Seeds that I bought at a garden center in Plymouth

Pansies that I planted

Oh I do love Pansies.  These caught my eye and I couldn't resist

The Forget-Me-Nots spread like crazy this year.  I have more pink ones than last year

The pink ones are especially pretty

This is why I have to take a drawing class.  I did this picture sitting in the park in downtown Plymouth.  I have always been able to draw trees, but the rest; funny.  Saxton's is where I got the seeds.  

I hear we might have snow tomorrow; several sources have confirmed it.   

Still here

I'm still here....have been in pain for a few days; feel better this afternoon.  My brain is fogged and I have no blog ideas at all.  It's been a real dry spell.  If you want some good encouraging verses on discouragement read my daughter's blog that is listed on the right "On the Bright Side."  Also check in at "No Whining Allowed;" Capri K has some interesting tidbits.  
I finished my book on Paris; would love to go there someday.  They seem to have a LOT of chocolate shops; exquisite chocolate shops. They have open air markets and their version of trendy thrift shops.  It seems like people walk around eating baguettes of bread all the time with their wonderful different cheeses.  And people kiss all the time on their cheeks.  Paris in LOVE.  I'll have to plan a trip there some day.    
The winds this week kept us from being outside; today was a little better.  
Maybe tomorrow will also be a better day and a blog idea will plop right into my brain and out into my fingers.  That's it for today.

From The Heart

Let me control your mind.  The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind.  Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue, your thoughts defy your will and set themselves up against Me.  Man is the pinnacle of My creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex.  I risked all by granting your freedom to think for yourself.  This is god-like privilege, forever setting you apart from animals and robots.  I made you in My image, precariously close to deity.
Though my blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last bastion of rebellion.  Open yourself to My radiant Presence, letting My light permeate your thinking.  When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled Life and Peace.


Sarah Young

Book Review

Alas, I did not go to the retreat.  The pain is somewhat better, but still not feeling up to par.  Retreating at home isn't so bad.   I got to sleep in a bit and then I colored in my drawing that I drew in Plymouth on Wednesday.  I am much better at coloring than drawing.  I don't think this one is blog-ready, but it was fun.
I am reading a book called "Paris In Love: A Memoir" by Eloisa James. It is a true account of her family's year in Paris, France.  
It is really a collection of her blogs with little snippets of life there.  She is very descriptive and I find myself falling in love with Paris.  I never thought I would like to go there, but now I would love to go.  
I better brush up on my French.  I had it for 2 years in grade school; I must say I disliked my teacher Mrs. Nichols very much and she seemed to dislike me also.  I was never sure why.  I took 2 more years of French in high school, but didn't do too well the second year; they changed the way they taught it and I fell out of love with the language and the country.  But now, it all seems rather exciting.  Imagine writing a book out of your blogs!!
If you are a blog reader or interested in traveling, you would love this book.  I got it on my Kindle. 
So, staying home isn't all that bad, after all there's no place like home.

Retreat

                         
I was supposed to go on a woman's retreat this weekend; you know where you RETREAT away from your normal crazy life and get some good old blessings from the Lord.  Due to my crazy stomach pain that came back full-force today, I have to retreat at home.  
I was really looking forward to this one which was at Gull Lake near Kalamazoo.  I have never been there and it look loverly and downright beautiful.  My suitcase and journal are still packed; if I feel better I can still go in the morning.  
Here I sit in my chair looking at the rain with heavy eyelids due to some pain medication.......I think......God is sovereign and this is a day I can draw upon His strength. 


As Jennifer Rothschild said, "God is present in your present.  He is not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, so you don't either.  Be present where you are."

Favorites...................

It is time for another list about some of my favorite things.  I know that in the last six years I've probably done this several times, but hopefully there are a few new ones in this list.  Sometimes it is hard to think of something to blog about and I don't always want to go on and pontificate about some subject.  There, that is a new word I've never used in my blog.  Here is my list

*Drawing:  I got published on the  "Drawing in Church" blog!
*Downtown Plymouth:   I sat in the park yesterday and sketched.  I definitely need that drawing class!
*La Croix Cran-Raspberry Sparkling water:  So refreshing
*Ghirardelli Dark and Truffle Chocolate Squares:  One hits the spot when you NEED some chocolate
*My new red car:  Joy Boy likes it because red is his favorite color.  I like it because I can drive it anytime!
*Writing and drawing in my journal
*My Wednesday "alone time" for reading, writing and reflecting.  Yesterday I spent time at the Plymouth Library.  I can't wait until it is warm enough to be outside.
*I've put Francine Rivers as my most favorite fiction author as I keep looking for books that capture me the way she does.  She is the only author who inspires me to re-read her books
*My two favorite spring flowering trees:  Pink and white Dogwood and Redbud.  They remind me of our trips to the Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg.  They are OH SO pretty right now

Yep, that's me years ago while on one of our "family reunion" trips to the Smokies

*Passing the one-year mark of swimming 4 to 5 days a week at the Rec Center.  Yea for me and Donaldo
*Our new Penzey spice collection.  The Italian dressing mix makes my most favorite salad dressing
*My new short bob hairstyle
*My new-found wonderful soft cotton jeans from L.L. Bean.  I could sleep in them!
*Our new crock pot.  We love the veggie lasagna recipe!
*My most favorite worship song is still "In Christ Alone."

It seems every couple of years I turn a corner and enter a new phase of my life.  There is more time for reflection  now and I like alone time.  As a Christian in this stage of my life, my goal is to "finish well" and complete the work God has for me to do.  I believe that He has placed me smack dab in the middle of ministering to women.  I am committed in this area and it is my responsibility to follow through with that commitment.
How about you, do you have a new favorite?


Having trouble posting comments?  Try again :)

Home Alone

There is one night a week that I am by myself.  Maybe this wouldn't be quite up your alley, but I enjoy some quiet time to do such things like:


Leave all the lights on if I want to
Watch what I want on TV (guilty pleasure: Entertainment Tonight)
Light the "smelly" candles; I call them scented, he calls them "smelly."
Eat what I want (sneaky, sneaky)
Sit in the "master chair"
Have "control" of the TV controller
Read and watch TV
Turn the heat up (this is very important to me)
Talk to no one or talk on the phone to someone
File my nails
Do the dishes during commercials (of Entertainment Tonight)
Write my blog without interruption


I am not saying here that I would like this every night, but one night of the week suits me just fine. 

Spring

It was spring but it was summer I wanted; the warm days
   and the great outdoors.
It was summer but it was fall I wanted; the colorful 
   leaves and the cool dry air.
It was fall but it was winter I wanted; the beautiful snow
   and the joy of the holiday season.
It was now winter but it was spring I wanted; the warmth 
   and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child but it was adulthood I wanted; the freedom
   and the respect.
I was twenty but it was thirty I wanted; to be mature and
   sophisticated.
I was middle-aged but it was twenty I wanted; the youth
   and the free spirit.
I was retired but it was middle age that I wanted; the
   presence of mind without limitations.
My life was over but I never got what I wanted.


Unknown

From The Heart

"Heaven is both present and future.  As you walk along your life-path holding My hand, you are already in touch with the essence of heaven:  nearness to Me.  You can also find many hints of heaven along your pathway, because the earth is radiantly alive with my Presence.  Shimmering sunshine awakens your heart, gently reminding you of My brilliant Light.  Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to My holy name.  Keep your eyes and ears fully open as you journey with Me. 

At the end of your life-path is an entrance to heaven.  Only I know when you will reach that destination, but I am preparing you for it each step of the way.  The absolute certainty of your heavenly home gives you peace and joy, to help yo along your journey.  You know that you will reach your home in My perfect timing:  not one moment too soon or too late.  Let the hope of heaven encourage you, as you walk along the path of life with Me."

Sarah Young

                             

Found Them

Aren't the perfect pain of jeans just about the hardest thing to find besides a bathing suit? Do you hate to shop for jeans? Due to fluctuating weight, I have had a terrible time trying to find a comfortable pair of jeans. They were too tight, too loose, too low, too long, the snap hurt, too stiff and generally NOT comfortable.  I had many pairs home from Costco, and Kohl's and they ALL went back.  Then Karen told me about L.L. Bean.  They carry a knit jean that look like regular denim and are totally comfortable.  They came yesterday and oh baby, were they smooth and comfortable; you could sleep in them and they looked great. I'm not sure they will replace my jammy pants; but just to be comfortable wearing jeans would be a bonus! One downside-they are a little on the expensive side-wouldn't you know it?!  But for now, I will be comfy and cozy with my perfect jeans.   How about you?
                 

                              

RIP

It all started Saturday when Papa gave three-year-old Amelia a butterfly net.  He gave it to the right person; a little person of such perseverance and determination.  She caught one by netting it right to the ground.  The next thing we hear is that his wing is ripped and she wanted tape to fix it. "No" said Auntie Karen that won't work.  Next, Amelia wanted to give him water.  "No" said Auntie Karen (she tried to sneak it out anyway). 

 Next thing we know, they have buried the butterfly under the apple tree with a marker and a beautiful picked pansy.  And Miss Riles wants a Bible to read at the "funeral."  After a rough start in Hosea, Karen suggested Psalm 23.  As she read the chapter over the graveside, Maddie stood solemnly still, taking it all in. With hands folded in front of her she was reverently quiet and serious. Karen was taping the "funeral" and I was taking pictures. After the reading Riley said a few words of encouragement; how much they loved the butterfly and always would. 

 In the meantime Amelia had lost interest in the funeral and the next thing we see is her off in the background chasing more butterflies.  We were trying so hard not to laugh and Karen was valiantly trying to hold the camera still.  The whole time in the background Brady is yelling out "MOM" trying to get Karen's attention. 

I looked down at the grave marker and it said RIP.  I said "oh does that mean 'rest in peace?' Riley and Maddie informed me it was his name-you know Rip because he had a ripped wing.  Karen and I almost lost it at this point.  

One little addition; we found Riley and Maddie a half hour later crying at the gravesite.  Karen said "you know it's just a butterfly?"  Riley, laying back on her back crying said "I know, but he was so special."  Drama queens, both of them, with Maddie following her older cousin's lead.  Rest in Peace Rip. 

                                                                   The reading of Psalm 23

                                                             A very serious Maddie

                                                        "We will miss him"

"He was so special wasn't he?"

                                                                    Dust to dust

Rest in Peace Rip H.

                            

Blogs

I found a new blog called http://drawinginchurch.blogspot.com  I got it from my friend's blog who does the watercolor blog listed on my favorite blogs on the right.  This is totally up my alley!!  I can't wait to try it out next Sunday.  Of course it won't be as good as these and I won't be painting it-just using colored pencils and I am hoping my drawing class in May helps with this endeavor. Now I have to find the perfect notebook; thinking of the pretty wooden one my sister gave me for Christmas.
Speaking of blogs; do I have one to write!  I just have to get creative enough to write it and make it as solemn and funny as the actual happening.  It is called RIP.  Look for it soon.

Resurrection Sunday

He is risen; He is risen indeed. 
"I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth....this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God....The Lord Himself will descend from heaven...And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord."  Ps. 17:15, I John 3:2, I Thess 4:16-17.

All holidays brings back memories of the past.  And I always think of my mom who loved holidays and made the most of them.  How wonderful to know that not only will we sit with Jesus on the right hand of the throne,  we will see all our loved ones that have gone on before and the older I get, the more people I will see. 
The first people I will look for is my mom and my nephew Paul.  Then I will look for my grandma and grandpa and Don's parents.  Then Pastor Bill, and my friend Kathyleen and all those friends from church that have died in the last couple of years. There are so many from my childhood years that were friends with my mom and dad that I can't even name them all.  There are the disciples, apostles, Ruth Graham and so many others like Moses and Abraham.  Wow! Just think of it!  If I am so fortunate to live until Jesus comes back I will meet them all in the air as they will rise first.  Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be.

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Michael W. Smith

We had a beautiful Good Friday Service last night.  I was blessed beyond words with the music, message, and communion.  This song remains one of my all-time favorites.

A List? A List

I am sure I am not the only one that's been busy this week right? What have you all been doing?  This is my list:


*We are now a two car family; 2 new cars side by side; lovely sight. That took up some time on the weekend and Monday


*A visit with the St. Louis grands on Tuesday and a PJ party tonight and all day tomorrow


*Today: A visit to Build-A-Bear with Joy Boy; it was time.  He was a little shy about everything except the animal; he wanted the wiener dog no matter what his mom showed him.  He named him "Doggie."  He got jeans, and a Detroit Tiger t-shirt and glasses like Mimi and the best part-a doggie phone which Joy Boy LOVED!


*Today is Kristen and Bryce's fifteenth wedding anniversary; can't believe how fast time goes.  It was a beautiful warm day with some rain.  It was a beautiful wedding and fun reception.  Happy day to both of you!

 Amelia tummy swinging

Cutie Maddie

                                                 Joy Boy is not sure about this whole thing

                                                                   Two Fords, of course

                                           Beautiful bride.  Who is that lady with the funny hair?

                                                              And we saw the deer tonight                                          

                            

Three Things.....No....Four things

1. Major headacheness; they have come back....eeeeeeeeeeeek!  Time to look for a new headache doctor-H.E.L.P!!!
2.  Read my daughter's blog "On The Bright Side"  listed at the right of this blog
3.  Today I registered for Drawing Class I at Schoolcraft College starting May 14
4.  Entertained 2 little granddaughters from St. Louis

This Book

Sarah Young's devotional book "Jesus Calling" was written for me.....and I suppose others :) but it really hits me where I'm at.  Today's devotion was so full of descriptive language I just had to get out my colored pencils and draw-oh, and my glue and glitter too.

"I have promised to meet all your needs according to My glorious riches.  Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace.  I have planted Peace in the garden of your heart, where I live; but there are weeds growing there too:  pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief.  I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of those weeds.  I do My work in various ways.  When you sit quietly with Me, I shine the Light of My Presence directly into your heart.  In this heavenly Light, Peace grows abundantly and weeds shrivel up. I also send trials into your life.  When you trust Me in the midst of trouble, Peace flourishes and weeds die away.  Thank Me for troublesome situations; the Peace they can produce far outweighs the trials you endure.  Phil 4:19; 2 Cor 4:17"



Being a gardener myself made it easier to doodle away in my little notebook.  

                

From The Heart

                                                                                   
I tend to put my whole week's planner in my mind and start stressing out about it right at the beginning of the week.  Is that how God wants me to live?  Absolutely NOT.  Sarah Young's last few days devotionals must have been written with me in mind.....or others like me.
"Stop trying to work things out before their times have come.  Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today agenda.  If it isn't , release it into my care and go on about today's duties.  When your follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life; a time for everything, and everything in it's time."  Ecclesiates 3:1