Don't Let the Sun Set On Your Anger...

It is true that you don't know how much you appreciate something until it's gone. That's the case with rain! We have been without rain for weeks now. Summer in the south has been humid and dry at the same time. And did I mention, HOT?

For two days in a row, we suddenly received super showers. They weren't prolonged periods of rain, but what a blessing of refreshing they were.

 Have you ever had periods in your life like this? The problems seem like they will never end? You are "parched" and need just a cup of water. (Sometimes, I'd even settle for a drop.) That's where I found myself not too long ago. I wanted to share this "thorn in the flesh" in the hope that maybe it would be encouraging to you in some small way.

God's Word is ALWAYS correct. We can dodge it, try to hide from it, deny it, but in the end, if you know anything about God's Word, you know it's right. Case in point here. Several years ago, I got my feelings hurt...not only at the work place but also at church. People I thought were my friends, weren't. People I trusted, disappointed me. People I loved deserted me when I needed them most.

Now, if you are a friend, don't try to decide if you were one of them. That's not the point here. Just stay with me and let me get this out there. I have been a Christian for over 60 years, I know the Bible is clear about how to handle situations like this. You are to go to that person who has offended and speak eyeball to eyeball. You are to try and clear the problem up before it becomes a festering sore. You are NOT to let the sun go down while still being angry. You are to go in love and try to restore peace....even if it is NOT your fault. You are not to pout or try to get people on your side. That is called dissension and it is a destroyer.

And that is exactly what I did....I pouted, I misspoke, I got so angry that I dreaded going to work and worse, I didn't want to go to church. Did my actions make things better for me..or for anyone? Of course not. I felt as though I was walking in a desert. I needed just a drop of water. I needed a Friend.
(Read Ephesians 4.)

Then it happened. I went back to church. And one day, I went back to Sunday School. And the next thing I knew I felt refreshed. I felt pardoned. I felt forgiven. My prayer life, while not perfect, has been a Godsend. I have had a paradigm shift.  The way I face the day is completely different. I have no desire to relive the events that shattered my confidence and my friendships, except to help someone out there who might be struggling in this area. Do I care what you think of me as I write this? Certainly, but not in the way you might imagine. I was given the thirst quenching drink of forgiveness...maybe not from man but more importantly from our Heavenly Father. I want you to feel that forgiveness also.

People are people. They are sinners. Some have accepted that Jesus died for their sins and are saved from those sins. Some have not yet accepted Him. Some will not. But that's not my call. All I can do is to use the Bible as my "playbook". Read and study it and find the answers to problems that seem to be swirling all around. Whether there is or isn't a definite answer spelled out...give it to God. He knows best. He is my Savior and Friend...even when nobody else provides rain (provision)...He Will. He answers prayer...I believe it, I have seen it, I am a witness to you...He answers prayer.

A forgiven friend,

Until I Saw A Woman With No Legs...

This is a good morning for reflection.....

 Last week as I waited for physical therapy (grumbling inside because I hurt),

a woman with no legs arrived for her therapy. Enough said.

                               

 As I thought an unkind thought about my husband because he didn't pick up the pillow that had fallen off the front porch rocker during a little wind, he called me to a delicious breakfast he had made.

As I re-visited some heated words my son and I had yesterday at the store,

he motioned for me to come to the back of the auction house

so he could load my purchases.

 I have made a conscious choice to finally release my desire to have a perfect circle of friends and family, a formal dining room, a studio, a log cabin in the woods (or better the mountains), to be thin,

to be young again, have everything go my way....

In doing so,  I have to admit something I have learned....

life is too short to continually re-visit unpleasant events and unfulfilled dreams.

Dreams are ok, as long as they don't obscure the present and make you ungrateful.

My home, the physical house, is what it is. As of May 24, 2012, there will very probably no more chances for "add ons" or complete re-do's...so? Is my life any less blessed? Maybe a bigger, better house would be more comfortable, but hey, this one is paid for. It's in pretty good shape. 

It's infinitely better to live in the moment and be grateful for an abundant life.

Always striving for more is exhausting, folks.

We must do the very best with what we have been graciously given.

 If that means moving around pieces in and outside the house and inside your heart, to make something function better, or paint or repurpose what we have...great...but let's not waste another precious second crying over spilled milk.

Examples of "spilled" milk (aka: what might have been):

*It would be nice to be 5'6" tall and weigh 115 lbs...but it "ain't" happening, (unless when I DO have knee replacement, the doctor agrees to add a 5" dowel in each leg during the operation...and the 115? Haha.)

* It would be great to have a 4,000 sq ft home with every little detail "just right"...but then you'd have to dust all that space...hmmm, small is looking better. 

*Wouldn't we all love a family where every member looks and acts like angels 100% of the time...

is it really necessary to go completely berserk about that tatoo, that long hair, those torn jeans?

(This one is hard for me..I must admit.) 

So for all those out there who have all the things I used to long for...then, lucky fortunate you..

(I'm Presbyterian, we don't believe in luck).

For the rest of us, let's live the remaining years of  life trying to play the hand that has been dealt us in a cheerful, loving way...knowing that we won't always be successful, but at least we can give it our best shot.

Be thankful,  

BEST BLOG BIRTHDAY A GIRL COULD ASK FOR

Oh, my gosh!! I just walked in from my niece, Amy's wedding. I've been going since 5:30 this morning and WAS exhausted UNTIL I read your comments on my blog!

I just got plain teary eyed...what kind, sweet thoughts from the greatest ladies I know.

Thank you so much for putting the cherry on top today...

BTW: my actual Blog 1 yr. birthday is tomorrow...I thought it was yesterday...I GOT 201 FOLLOWERS AFTER ALL!!

WHAT MORE COULD I ASK FOR?

YOU HAVE TRULY MADE MY DAY!!!

THANK YOU!

I am a happy camper,

Before and After: Little Stool and Baskets

Feeling "physically well" (even for a day), after feeling "physically ill" for several months, is a cause for appreciation. We serve a merciful and loving God. How do I feel today? My answer assuredly is, "Better than I deserve."

My niece is being married this weekend in a small ceremony and I was happy to be able to make the flower girl baskets...using some unfinished market baskets she purchased, the baskets were sprayed white, antiqued with a gray wash and embellished. I love her colors of melon and pistachio. Black & white dots "punch up" the softer colors.

I almost used "floppy flowers", but decided to make some flowers from this wired ribbon instead. I like the look for a change. It has a lighter, summer feel.

I also felt well enough to strap on my knee brace and haul around the thrift store yesterday. Here are a few of my finds...one or two had to be "aftered"...the before was much too pitiful to take to the Flea Market!

Poor little bathroom stool with a single sailboat "before" (nobody would want to stand on him to brush their teeth!)

Happy little stool...during his transformation.

Little very happy stool "after"...ready to bear the "burden" of tiny feet!

A metal sign will make some tiny cowpoke smile!
I also had a precious picket fence picture holder to post and Blogger couldn't upload it for some reason...I will retake it and post later. The single salt shaker below was found without a partner, but I brought her home anyway. Wouldn't she be cute as a little vase?

Somebody had unloaded their country french kitchen...because as I dug, I found a white ceramic boar's head and a really cute wooden tray encircled with metal leaves and black olives. All these will go down to my booth today and my car trunk is full of "gently loved items" from a good friend! Some of them will also make their way to Magnolia FM...hwy. 49 South in Florence, MS. (If you go, ask where my booth is and pay us a visit!!)

The 17th of this month is my blog's one year anniversary! I can't believe time has made a full swing around the months so quickly!

(I am sort of embarrassed to write this next part...I was hoping to reach the 200 "Followers" mark by the end of my first year, if possible...I know it might be an ego thing...but it's sort of a compulsion to reach round numbers with me...is that terrible? Maybe, but I'd still like to reach that goal. If you read my blog but have never "followed" I'd love for you to do so. It's really easy...just hit "Follow" on the right and go through the steps! It only takes a minute...you can do it without a pic and without your real name.) Whine, whine, whine...

Now, I've got lots to do today...that's why this post began long before it's 4:41 a.m. post time...I do believe that the cortisone injection...injected a bit of extra energy! Yay!

Wonderful Wednesday to you,

In Honor of Those Who Have and Are Serving

Today, I would especially like to remember and honor the service of my father in law, US Army MSGT John R. McInnis, Jr. who was killed in the line of duty in Korea.

My father (pictured below) who is still with us, also served in the US Navy as a Naval Aviator. It is men like these that allow us the freedoms we sometimes take so lightly. As we sit enjoying the comforts of home, may we not forget those who are far from home in discomfort.

To all my former students, family and friends who are bravely serving and who have given their life for others, I sincerely offer my THANKS.

May each of you have a blessed Memorial Day, full of memories...