Thinking Outloud

As we are on a journey called "life", do we ever wonder if or how our words impact others? I was reminded by someone "words have consequences". Sad to say, in some a very hurtful way. I would like to think I would be an encourager, not a discourager. We all face enough discouraging things and need encouragement to go on in life to help as many as we can. The world needs to see us as a person as helper and not doubt our honesty in any and all encounters we have with others. Though you will be shunned for your beliefs and the good things you do, just remember you are "a child of the King". Blessings.

It's Been Awhile

Years have passed, many things have happened, both exciting and some in a horrific way. So many thoughts probably crowd your mind as mine does. Why so much hatred over trivial things? Why hate me and others if our opinions aren't the same as yours? I fail to understand. Do we not have the same freedom of expression? Those boasting of their tolerance, prove otherwise, so I won't go there. We are all God's creation, and I respect that, all made in God's image. So even that isn't agreed on, OK, you are entitled.
I think of families fighting family over what they believe they will inherit. Life is so short and at any moment it can end in an instant, then what? Forgiveness in any and all things may be hard, and sometimes the only thing to do is forgive and walk away. We have freedom and no longer burdened with the thing that may have held us captive. If I were to give advice, I would say "Let go and let God"
God Bless

A friend I admire

A friend I met and made friends with when we were both experiencing weeks and days before we both lost a family member. We hadn't talked for awhile, but friends are on your mind whether you talk often or not.
Today she called me and caught me up on some things happening in her life. You have to know she is a lady I immediately bonded with when we met. She and her husband had just got custody of 2 grandchildren and step grandchild from another state. They were in foster homes because both parents were in prison. There were 2 girls and a boy. The girls about 8 and 12 and the boy 4. The girls were in the same home and seperated from their brother. Shoirtly after getting the children their house burned, destroying everything, they only escaped with their lives. They were able to get another home and settling in. The children were put in counseling because of all the trauma they had experienced in their home with drug making and addicted parents, and further trauma from abuse in the foster homes. The grandfather began having problems other than those he was being treated with dialayis for. There was a brain tumor and given 3 weeks to live. She knew no one, I thought of church family to help. Neither was there a church family. I talked with one of the drivers for another patient that lived in her area. He was a nice christian man and said he would see what he could do. He and his wife went to a small church in the area and was able to help in the emergency situation with the children. 6 years later she is still caring for them and they are thriving. She has taken in another grandchild disabled with muscular dystrophy since his mother has passed away with a sudden heart attack, not long ago. I'm not sure she attends church, but she relies on the Lord and gives Him all the praise for being able to do what she does. The oldest girl is in a group home and has employment, which is truly remarkable given her mental capabilities. She was so concerned as what would happen to her if she could no longer be around for her. The other 2 help care for the disabled child when not in school, reading to him and entertaining him and helping to bathe him. He goes to a school for special needs children.  This year alone she has had several deaths in her family, sister and daughter-inlaw among them. I know she would appreciate prayers, her name is Donna.
Thanks for listening, she is so precious.
Grandma

Seasons!!!!!!!!!

Seasons of what you may ask. There are different seasons for every living thing. Just think of the blooming flowers, now in season, later on fall and winter bring with it a very different landscape, and then we anxiously await the spring season with new life to the plants. We have a marvelous world to enjoy the beauty of. There are seasons of our own lives as we have grown through the different stages. Should God allow, I will soon reach the four score time of my life. I look back at the many, many memories I've been blessed to have had. Sure there were struggles of many kinds, but with a "can do" attitude survival was possible. I have the most accomplished feeling when I was used to help another person, many times like myself. We can and do experience a feeling of "joy" to be the hands and feet of help others. I so wish I could relate to others it is NOT the riches they store away for a future time, but what they do with it TODAY is the biggest blessing and most happiness they will ever know.

Time Is Moving On

 I'm sure we all feel the hurry and bustle of everyday life going at such a "breakneck" speed all around us. Holidays so fast approaching and soon a new year, yet again. We may think of many things that have happened in our families and friends lives over the past year. It would be rare for anyone not have experienced a loss of a family member or friend. The more we age the more we lose each year. Many families may have new little ones they enjoyed welcoming into their families. They are gifts from God, like no other we may think of. Although we lose family and friends we have enjoyed for our lifetime, isn't it like God taking them home when we lose them here on earth?The joys of heaven can be theirs and ours, when we realize we are only here for such a short time to prepare us for an eternal home. We do not live without hope or promise of a better life beyond what our eyes may see, our small minds comprehend. Many will feel the lack of the physical presence of those gone into eternity for the first time since their departure this year, others memories of times past. Our lives change too without them, but take heart God never leaves us , although we grieve.  We were made to love each other and support those that sorrow. We are given those strengths for a reason, because this is what we call LIFE, a gift.

Grandma Talks

It's been awhile since I felt as if much was going on, then like a lightning strike seems everything changes. Close friends, I never felt I'd be without, have passed leaving such a void in each life they touched. My friends are friends I feel such a connection they were family in so many ways. We laughed together, shared sorrows with, and so much more I can't begin to describe. Life is something always changing, and those changes can be so shocking. I wasn't prepared to lose so many that had surrounded me in childhood, and my years working. Now a different chapter of my life is going on. I have the memories of our times together, God has granted that to me, for which I am thankful. Now I seem so alone, as others hurry through their daily lives, as I once did. Causes me to wonder why I couldn't see those day to day changes going on about me. I do now, and hope in some way there will be a life I can help to brighten in this every changing world. I love my family, something I hope they know.
Grandma

A Day Of Wonder

"A day of wonder", may sound bland and dry. I'm at my age in life I pay closer attention to the small things, many years ago probably I would never given a passing glance. Just as an example: My mother had a bed of cacti that bloomed with the prettiest silkiest  flowers. She would remark of their beauty and daintiness. I would agree, and just go about my day. Yesterday, I noticed ones I had moved from her yard to my yard in bloom. I am beginning to appreciate more and more those "small things". Maybe it is a lot of things that make me look on things differently now. Our concerns in life become so much deeper as we age perhaps, or the way time speeds so fast with all the new inventions we've experienced. I remember a time when so much of farming was done with horses to power them, a very common sight, as I lived all of my early years on farms. Very few barns remain today that housed the farm animals. Sad in a lot of ways, but still our days are filled with "wonder" at all we see, feel and do. Time does go on, and takes us with it, but there is so much "wonder" in a day.
Enjoy the day!
Grandma

A Feeling of Joy

Don't know exactly why I have an extra ordinary feeling of joy today, but I do. Maybe I'm just beginning to see things through different eyes today. I sure hope I don't get sad news from some that don't seeming see anything to be joyful about. I want to show others there are good things in life if we only change some bad attitudes. Not everyone is out to do harm, but to help you through all the rough spots in life. I remember a few years ago as I volunteered at a function, a little girl probably about 3, as I was playing with blocks with her stacking them. All I said was "good job", brought a smile to her face. There were circumstances in her life, I don't think she would have heard that often. A smile and word of encouragement doesn't have a price tag, something we can all do. It's a good feeling to know there are no boundaries on such simple things. It may rain today, which may signify sadness, but it will keep your grass growing and the flowers blooming. That is happiness! Now wipe the frown from your face, and have a wonderful day!
 grandma

The Swiftness of Time

Summer is upon on us, flowers blooming, the happy sounds of birds, gentle breezes, although can be a "gust" at times, outdoor activities everywhere. I do like spring, summer and fall, winter not so much. In many ways this past year has left me in a blur, as if I can't find a secure feeling at times. Everything rushing by so fast, like flood waters that can't be stopped nor even slowed. That is what what I am experiencing daily. Deaths of 4 people either friend or relatives within a 6 week period, has left me still as if in a swirling whirlwind. Losing a sister suddenly almost a year ago,was traumatic with missing her every day still. My one remaining sister is so precious, and I still have 1 brother, much like me, I suppose, misses all the family and friends we so depended on. I suppose there is always a strong bond between sisters, like no other. I'm so thankful for all the love and caring mine shows to me. As a child I never had a thought of not being surrounded and supported by so many I now miss, in my "sunset" years. If I were to have anything to say to those younger than myself, I would say "hold those dear ones close, because time passes with such speed, every minute has a meaning in the lives of those you love". Never miss a chance to say "I love you", you will be glad you did.
Just being me,
grandma talks

Nearing Mother's Day

Today is a dreary day. In more than just the the weather. Today, 9 years ago my mother was called to heaven. I'm happy she has that eternal home, but my flesh misses her so much. I couldn't go with her, but held her hand until her race here was complete. I awoke early today thinking of that day as she faded from us. She taught us well, but the choices we've made were our responsibility. With Mother's Day approaching I think of it more as I did at her home going. I knew in my heart she couldn't stay, God has his own timing and He does let us know and prepares us for acceptance. Sometimes we often miss that peace because of our human bodies and our thinking. God in his mercy relieved her suffering and her longing to go home. I think of my siblings and son now with her. She is no longer in pain and those she held so dear are with her. When God has created Heaven for His own and takes them from us, I want to give thanks, knowing they are in His care.
If your mother is still living, treasure her as a precious jewel. God gave her a great responsibility and job when you were born. If she now dwells in heaven, be thankful for all the guidance and direction she gave.
One thing I would say to my family at my life's end "Celebrate Me Home".
grandma

(6786 unread) - phylacs - Yahoo! Mail

(6786 unread) - phylacs - Yahoo! Mail

Never Alone

Seems like a long time since I wrote, but the mind keeps working, just as I'm sure yours does. Time passes so swiftly as the days seem to no more than start, they are gone. Never to be again just like the one we experienced. Sad, when it was a day filled with sad happenings. Happy when it was filled with happy thoughts and  friends we may have brought a little joy to. They too bring us joy. Sometimes we are filled with sorrow, when friends suffer a disappointment or loss. They too share the same feeling when we sorrow. It's called being "friends".  I will always treasure those special folks in my life, and grieve when they are no more. Life is complicated, and changes much too fast to grasp and hold too tightly to any material thing that exists. Our families "go away", one by one as do friends. When we are left alone, we must be strong to go on and finish whatever race is before us. This is where and when out faith will be more tested as we no longer have them walking beside us to comfort and be our companions. Instead of them beside us we have our Savior still staying closer than those people, we so loved were. HE has promised to never leave us. Although the night is dark and pressures come, hold to this one that never fails. HE will lead you home. "I Can Only Imagine"

A New Year!

We might say everything is different from day to day. I believe it is. Whether we ponder a decision to make, or think it is just plain boring. Under all of that, nothing will be as it was in all of our "yesterdays". I think of my childhood, by today's standards, so primitive. Yet, I never had concerns that I do today. I had no thoughts of paying bills, taking care of myself as far as shopping for and preparing food, doing laundry, cleaning house. My parents did those things. My days were spent playing and being free to move about as I pleased. Things are so different in the generations since that time. Children are in a different world, so to speak. They can't trust they will be safe anywhere with all the violence in neighborhoods and schools, and hear things about the economy that makes for such an uncertain future they should not have to worry about. My generation didn't go without fears. We came through the World War 11 era, fiercely believing in God and Country. We followed the war news and treasured our brave military for keeping us safe. We had rationing of foods and other things we never counted as a sacrifice, because our love for our country and those giving their lives for us. We seem to have a generation so dependent on the government for their survival. Have they lost all hope, once the government offers help? A lot of my generation struggled too, but they kept trying to better themselves. A government program provided work and also food when there was no other work available. They did work for what they got. Hope is one of the best things we can give to help or encourage others to be their best.
Grandma
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A Time To Reflect

As the year is ending soon, just what are we thinking most about? I know we all have things that differ greatly. Christmas is a happy time to be with friends and family, to celebrate Our Savior's birth. What a great thing to be able to focus on that, and be thankful.
Other things may cloud our minds for a period of time amid this celebration. We may have lost someone very close to us over the last year, I know I have, and that brings sadness, until I remember God was merciful and took her to her eternal home He prepared just for her.
Jesus was sent to bring us hope, and this season surely does, if we open our hearts to it. We may not give expensive gifts, but we can lend and ear to listen, and act in a way to help others. We all have that ability of caring and sharing.
"Merry Christmas!'
grandma

Why and What do we Celebrate at Christmas?

I know the believers celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and Lord. We give gifts to our lived ones in remembrance of the One that saved and forgave our sins. His life He gave for each of us, so that we could have life eternal with Him. A gift we can never repay. So what does the rest of the world believe? What do they believe, or do they think about, the serious side of the holiday? Some may think of all the wonderful food and gifts, never knowing why. Just a date on the calender called a holiday. I like the lights, decorations and food and being with family too, but not forgetting it is all because of Jesus. Let us celebrate Christmas with thankfulness and praise. Merry Christmas!
grandma

A Song Title, But More

Just a song title, you may say, "Sometimes I Cry". Much more is in that, than a song title. We cry out of joy, thankfulness, and all very emotional situations, we find difficult to face. Many times we lose the person so very close to us, and causes us to grieve as if it will never end.  That is where I find myself today, and have in times past. So many hurtful things are done in families because of greed, jealously and just wanting to look good in the eyes of the world, and always wanting to be in control. I fear for all the self-righteous folk when they stand before God with all of their always "being right" attitude. Mistakes are made in every family I know of, and a finger is almost always pointed at one that has had a very rocky life as not being worthy of this or that. God knows all about the secret sins these individuals have, and are committing in their daily lives as well. God hasn't chosen anyone to judge my rights and wrongs, and neither should anyone feel so above any of us to do so. Addictions are just that, and many harm the body, doesn't mean this or that person isn't lovable and needs trampled on verbally by family and whoever takes issue with it. If someone wants to get religious about it, why not help them rise above it, Jesus taught that. One thing to remember they are just as important in the eyes of God as you and I. So where are we when we see what God sees in us? Yes, I do sometimes cry.

The "What If's?????????

Something we may all think about at times. What if my parents, grand parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings and quite possible our children were still here to communicate with. Many friends we held close during all of those years as well. We needed them all of those years to teach and share with us and maybe in some way prepare us for our now aging years. Makes each and every year harder as we go along making decisions, holidays only memories of what once was. It is a new page, but still a page in our lives as we try to stay independent in our living arrangements day to day. So little time is spent with those aging and phone calls so few. Maybe a better question would be "what is most important in the life of people today?" All, or most will reach an age when things are harder to accomplish without help. Sadly, this is what I see and hear when I'm out to shop on my own. Sometimes, someone may hold a door for you, other times not, just easier not to see you. Many things along life's way may make us stronger, and some refer to as stubborn, but it was what we had to do. Just trying to "get over" the "what if's" in a positive way. As a song so well says it, "I Will Go On".

A Day To Give Thanks

So many thoughts go rushing through our minds when we think of family and friends that have paid the cost of freedom for our very lives. A husband and brother having served in the military, along with countless cousins uncles and so many friends. My husband was so young, in WW11 overseas, just out of high school fighting in foreign countries. Very few stories do I know of his from that time, only that it was a time that fear must have griped the soul of every man. May have been the effects of that time that took his life much too soon, I'll never know. The thing I remember most of him saying was on his return home from overseas is. "The Statue of Liberty was the most beautiful lady I have seen".  I miss so many today that didn't get to return to homes and families as well.  I will fly my flag for our great country and all it represents.
grandma

Happy Easter!

Just a simple "Happy Easter"! to everyone. In my younger days I looked forward to many things not even as something spiritual in this season. Hardly seems possible now. Yes, I knew it was the resurrection of Jesus, but it has taken on a much deeper meaning as decades have passed. Anyone can know things, but in their heart not feel them. That was the way it may have been for me when I was young. Not anymore, when I think and read and study what Easter is. It isn't a new dress and shoes or a spring outfit of any sort. It is a newness of life the resurrection brought to all believers. HOPE is what it brings because of his great LOVE in what he did on that cross for each of us. I know I'm loved!
God Bless,
grandma