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