There are skeptics among us but I believe in miracles.
This afternoon I sent out a prayer request to heal my migraine and it is gone. I put my hands on my niece's swollen, nine months pregnant baby belly and felt my new great nephew moving within her. At one of my Tuesday night meetings (group of women from my church), a members hands got hot and she touched several of us and we were all healed by the next day of what was ailing us (I was healed within an hour or so).
The greatest miracle of all that I have experienced was that God took a piece of Himself, came to earth and became human so that I might never be able to say, "Lord, you just don't understand." Not only that, He became sin whilst on the cross so that we could have a relationship with God and spend eternity with Him.
Can it get any better than that?
I no longer try to picture what heaven is like. There is no way my limited mind could ever do it justice. I tell my children what my mother told me: when you get there, whatever makes you happiest is what heaven will be like. As a child, I used to imagine unlimited boxes of Whitman samplers (chocolates). Himself hopes for reenactments of the miracles in the Bible like the parting of the Red Sea. Now, I am waiting in anticipation for when I join my Lord and savior. I know with everything in me that no joy on earth can compare.
In a few days, we will be celebrating the birth of that bit of God sent to earth. Technically speaking, shepherds don't watch over flocks in December so the actual date is up in the air. Does it really matter when Jesus Christ was born? I don't think so. All that matters was that He WAS born and why. Born to die that I may live.
My greatest desire is that all I know would come to know Jesus for their own. Sometimes I ache with this desire.
May the honoring of God by remembering Who He gave us be of the utmost importance in your life this week and always.
blessing, joy and peace, g
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
TV Tales and Such
I watch too much television. I use the tv as a babysitter for Bells too much of the time. Mom used to call it the "idiot box" and I believe a majority of the households in America use it as their main form of entertainment.
Pass through any neighborhood at night and, if a window isn't covered, you might see flashing forms from whatever is being watched. As I type this, CSI is playing from the dvr. Himself still likes it but I am kind of bored by it and grossed out by how graphic, gory and filled with gratuitous sex it is.
HOWEVER, it does serve a good purpose, too. I have learned quite a bit of decent knowledge from some of my shows. For instance, if someone is dying slowly and no one can figure it out, test for heavy metal poisoning. Arsenic will be detected that way but the test is rarely given making it the choice of unhappy spouses who want out. Himself thinks I am so smart when I can figure that kind of thing out. hmmm...
Like the internet, it is great and horrible.
Enough of that. Less than two weeks before Christmas. I have never done Santa with my kids but The Girl is doing it with Isabella who still doesn't get it. I asked The Boy if it ever bothered him that I didn't do Santa and he said no. The Girl, however, had her father telling her Santa was real and she tried to make me believe in him.
In the spirit of decoration, I have polished my nails a deep green. Sally's Beauty Supply sells their own brand of nail polish in small bottles for .99! I love that! You don't have to commit to a color you paid $8 for.
Have I mentioned that my children are making me crazy? I have to remember that we have raised them and they are adults. They are now responsible for themselves and no longer require our parenting. We have to sit back and pray whilst they make their mistakes and have their victories. It is so hard. If they would only listen we could keep them from hurting so badly. ugh Letting God be God is hard but they belong to Him, not us.
Are you ready for Christmas? Depends on what you mean by ready. We buy very few gifts and I haven't baked much for years. The tree is trimmed and a few decorations are up.
Have a favorite Christmas cookie? Hard to choose. I like my coconut macaroons drizzled with chocolate and oatmeal lace cookies sandwiched with chocolate. Gingerbread cookies with chocolate on them. Am I seeing a pattern here?
Where will you be on Christmas eve and or day? Christmas eve, my sister's house with my side of the family. Christmas day, the in-laws'.
Egg nog? A little bit. I like it but it is sooo fattening.
What are you watching on tv these days? I'm enjoying the Home & Garden channel a lot especially the Canadian shows like Income Property and The Unsellables. Also, Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel.
Here's hoping that your "days are merry and bright and that all your Christmases are white" (at least in your dreams!).
blessings, g
Pass through any neighborhood at night and, if a window isn't covered, you might see flashing forms from whatever is being watched. As I type this, CSI is playing from the dvr. Himself still likes it but I am kind of bored by it and grossed out by how graphic, gory and filled with gratuitous sex it is.
HOWEVER, it does serve a good purpose, too. I have learned quite a bit of decent knowledge from some of my shows. For instance, if someone is dying slowly and no one can figure it out, test for heavy metal poisoning. Arsenic will be detected that way but the test is rarely given making it the choice of unhappy spouses who want out. Himself thinks I am so smart when I can figure that kind of thing out. hmmm...
Like the internet, it is great and horrible.
Enough of that. Less than two weeks before Christmas. I have never done Santa with my kids but The Girl is doing it with Isabella who still doesn't get it. I asked The Boy if it ever bothered him that I didn't do Santa and he said no. The Girl, however, had her father telling her Santa was real and she tried to make me believe in him.
In the spirit of decoration, I have polished my nails a deep green. Sally's Beauty Supply sells their own brand of nail polish in small bottles for .99! I love that! You don't have to commit to a color you paid $8 for.
Have I mentioned that my children are making me crazy? I have to remember that we have raised them and they are adults. They are now responsible for themselves and no longer require our parenting. We have to sit back and pray whilst they make their mistakes and have their victories. It is so hard. If they would only listen we could keep them from hurting so badly. ugh Letting God be God is hard but they belong to Him, not us.
Are you ready for Christmas? Depends on what you mean by ready. We buy very few gifts and I haven't baked much for years. The tree is trimmed and a few decorations are up.
Have a favorite Christmas cookie? Hard to choose. I like my coconut macaroons drizzled with chocolate and oatmeal lace cookies sandwiched with chocolate. Gingerbread cookies with chocolate on them. Am I seeing a pattern here?
Where will you be on Christmas eve and or day? Christmas eve, my sister's house with my side of the family. Christmas day, the in-laws'.
Egg nog? A little bit. I like it but it is sooo fattening.
What are you watching on tv these days? I'm enjoying the Home & Garden channel a lot especially the Canadian shows like Income Property and The Unsellables. Also, Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel.
Here's hoping that your "days are merry and bright and that all your Christmases are white" (at least in your dreams!).
blessings, g
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Blogging
Looking back over the last few years I see that blogging has enmeshed itself in the very fiber of my life. Although I have not spent much time here of late, the effects are in my life every day.
It seems that it would be unrealistic to call someone a "friend" if you have not really met. However, I have met a few of you in person and it has solidified our relationships. A few others I have spoken with by phone and other forms of communication and we have stood by one another through good times and rough times.
When I post new pictures of Isabella, I get the same reactions here that I get from my friends and family I "see" in person. Every time we conquer a battle for Bells' education or when she makes progress, I have a virtual cheering section.
If I am sick or sad, I get encouragement and prayers. When you are sick or need encouragement, I deem it an honor to be able to pray for you and send you a bit of "g" wisom and cheer!
What I am saying is I appreciate you and count you a blessing in my life! Thank you for being here.
Let's do a falderal on Thursday to change things up:
How long have you been blogging: About three and a half years now.
Why did you start? I'm not really sure. I enjoyed reading other people's blogs and I enjoy writing so it seemed natural to start.
Have you met anyone from blogland in person? Yes. I have met Lols and Texas Mammie and they are as wonderful in person as they are here!
What has slowed you down in blogworld, if, indeed, you have slowed down? If you haven't slowed down, what has kept you going? I must confess that facebook is one culprit but mostly it is the changes spaces has made. We now have to work harder to see what is going on with our friends.
How in the world are you? I am pretty well, thank you very much. We are experiencing weird weather and it is making a mess of our sinuses but our health is pretty good.
God bless all of you, g
It seems that it would be unrealistic to call someone a "friend" if you have not really met. However, I have met a few of you in person and it has solidified our relationships. A few others I have spoken with by phone and other forms of communication and we have stood by one another through good times and rough times.
When I post new pictures of Isabella, I get the same reactions here that I get from my friends and family I "see" in person. Every time we conquer a battle for Bells' education or when she makes progress, I have a virtual cheering section.
If I am sick or sad, I get encouragement and prayers. When you are sick or need encouragement, I deem it an honor to be able to pray for you and send you a bit of "g" wisom and cheer!
What I am saying is I appreciate you and count you a blessing in my life! Thank you for being here.
Let's do a falderal on Thursday to change things up:
How long have you been blogging: About three and a half years now.
Why did you start? I'm not really sure. I enjoyed reading other people's blogs and I enjoy writing so it seemed natural to start.
Have you met anyone from blogland in person? Yes. I have met Lols and Texas Mammie and they are as wonderful in person as they are here!
What has slowed you down in blogworld, if, indeed, you have slowed down? If you haven't slowed down, what has kept you going? I must confess that facebook is one culprit but mostly it is the changes spaces has made. We now have to work harder to see what is going on with our friends.
How in the world are you? I am pretty well, thank you very much. We are experiencing weird weather and it is making a mess of our sinuses but our health is pretty good.
God bless all of you, g
Friday, November 20, 2009
Futile to Fight Falderal
The girls have finally moved back home. It was a quick, easy move although the getting organized will probably start tomorrow. Correction: better start tomorrow.
What is futile is to fight wanting a quiet house for any length of time. As a, matter of fact, we had to pick up Bells from school yesterday with a cough and low fever. She can not return until we have a doctor's note. Even a slight fever gives the schools such fear now. It is a shame but I suppose it is necessary.
What is also futile is to depend on others to figure out the right answers for a child like Isabella. After waiting nine months for an appointment, I accompanied The Girl and Bells to see a developmental pediatrician. Although we know she has autism, we had to get a formal diagnosis. The nurse practitioner took a detailed history and then the doctor came
in. She was read the history and didn't add much of anything. When asked about testing for deficiencies or about diet she said she doesn't do any of that because it isn't "scientifically proven." See you in six months.
What is futile is to fight wanting a quiet house for any length of time. As a, matter of fact, we had to pick up Bells from school yesterday with a cough and low fever. She can not return until we have a doctor's note. Even a slight fever gives the schools such fear now. It is a shame but I suppose it is necessary.
What is also futile is to depend on others to figure out the right answers for a child like Isabella. After waiting nine months for an appointment, I accompanied The Girl and Bells to see a developmental pediatrician. Although we know she has autism, we had to get a formal diagnosis. The nurse practitioner took a detailed history and then the doctor came
in. She was read the history and didn't add much of anything. When asked about testing for deficiencies or about diet she said she doesn't do any of that because it isn't "scientifically proven." See you in six months. Hmmm...
Not one suggestion; not one how do you do. All we got was a diagnosis. Now I understand why the moms in Bells' school told us to use another doctor; live and learn. However, the nurse practitioner and doctor both agreed that Bells has a very good chance of leading a "normal" life some day in the future.
We have expected progress not further problems. However, our girl has started to hit herself on occasion. It has brought The Girl to tears. It seems to be like a reflex rather than a behavior she thinks about. Something for us to research.
On a lighter note, we celebrated Isabella's 4th birthday last weekend. Can you believe she is four years old? She loved being sung to at the several celebrations she had. Balloons? She brings them everywhere with her! The Girl has asked me to not get any more. Himself and I got her a set of instruments - percussion instruments - drum, maracas, castinets, bells! Typical grandparent present but not when the grandchild lives with you. That kind of noise doesn't bother me. High pitched noises do like whistles.
Are there any noises that bother you? High-pitched whistles, nails on a chalkboard and utensils scraping a plate.
Have there been any battles you have had to fight for your children? Many times. Getting my children classified with learning disabilities took my figuring it out before the system did. I will go into detail if you wish.
Do you like chai? Eww. I figured out that it has cloves in it and I have a story about cloves I might share some time that explains why I hate it.
Plans for Thanksgiving? I know my Canadian friends have already celebrated and my international friends might not celebrate. We are actually staying home this year. So many years going to the in-laws and we are tired of seeing Himself's mom exhaust herself. We will go there for dessert.
Is this going to be a good holiday season? If it KILLS me I will enjoy myself! Those of you who have been with me for a while know I don't like this time of year. I am going to try to be a model of Christmas cheer!
Be well, my friends. I pray that all is well. g
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thank You Veterans
Thank you to all who served in war and in peace time.
Thanks to Himself; Viet Nam,
Brothers-in-law; Viet Nam years (non-combat)
Dad; Korea
Granddad; WWII
Richard W.; WWII
All my friends on spaces and their families who serve(d) alongside them.
Thank you for serving so that I could raise my family in freedom and peace.
Thanks to Himself; Viet Nam,
Brothers-in-law; Viet Nam years (non-combat)
Dad; Korea
Granddad; WWII
Richard W.; WWII
All my friends on spaces and their families who serve(d) alongside them.
Thank you for serving so that I could raise my family in freedom and peace.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Obedience No Matter What
I'm weary of finding f words to title the falderal so I am taking a breather from thinking too hard!
It is so hard, sometimes, to obey God's word. It says to honor our authorities because He put them there. Reading some other blogs, I see a lot of anger towards our current administration over the horrible events at Fort Hood this past week. Some say we are less safe than we were before 9/11.
To say that the average American knows what is really going on in our country is to live in a dream world. We don't know and, truth be told, don't want or need to know all that happens to keep us safe. We do, though, need to know that our brave men and women who serve our country can have a reasonable expectation of safety on a military post!
If a military person speaks out against the military do they still belong there? Is there any room for insurrection within the ranks? Amongst civilians, yes. Amongst the military? No. There needs to be obedience unless an order goes against the good.
As much as I want to rail against the administration and all I disagree with, it is my duty to pray for them, for the military and for my country. I must trust that God has a plan for my life and part of it is to live here in the United States.
I am not convinced that my beloved country will ever be God fearing again. As a matter of fact, I see it going progressively downhill. I hope and pray that I am wrong. Whatever happens, though, will not be a surpise to God.
Let us stand firm no matter what is tossed our way.
Given the opportunity, would you rather live in a country other than the one you live in now? No. I have thought about it but can't think of one my family and I would be better off in.
Are you frustrated with your government? Very much so. No matter how often I contact my representative and senators I get the same thanks but no thanks response.
Do you think you would consider running for office? I don't see it in my future but I don't pretend to know the future.
Do you have a favorite song right now? I am very fond of Revelation Song by Phillips, Craig and Dean. It is so touching and true.
How is your life lately? Really good. I am so blessed and I choose to count my blessing rather than wallow in pity over what could be.
Himself and I celebrated 22 years of marriage this past week. We enjoyed a meal of sushi at one of our favorite restaurants and are glad for what God has blessed us with.
Our Isabella is coming into overt consciousness of this world a bit more lately. She is responding to our questions with appropriate and correct answers. It is soooo exciting!
Bless you this week and always, g
It is so hard, sometimes, to obey God's word. It says to honor our authorities because He put them there. Reading some other blogs, I see a lot of anger towards our current administration over the horrible events at Fort Hood this past week. Some say we are less safe than we were before 9/11.
To say that the average American knows what is really going on in our country is to live in a dream world. We don't know and, truth be told, don't want or need to know all that happens to keep us safe. We do, though, need to know that our brave men and women who serve our country can have a reasonable expectation of safety on a military post!
If a military person speaks out against the military do they still belong there? Is there any room for insurrection within the ranks? Amongst civilians, yes. Amongst the military? No. There needs to be obedience unless an order goes against the good.
As much as I want to rail against the administration and all I disagree with, it is my duty to pray for them, for the military and for my country. I must trust that God has a plan for my life and part of it is to live here in the United States.
I am not convinced that my beloved country will ever be God fearing again. As a matter of fact, I see it going progressively downhill. I hope and pray that I am wrong. Whatever happens, though, will not be a surpise to God.
Let us stand firm no matter what is tossed our way.
Given the opportunity, would you rather live in a country other than the one you live in now? No. I have thought about it but can't think of one my family and I would be better off in.
Are you frustrated with your government? Very much so. No matter how often I contact my representative and senators I get the same thanks but no thanks response.
Do you think you would consider running for office? I don't see it in my future but I don't pretend to know the future.
Do you have a favorite song right now? I am very fond of Revelation Song by Phillips, Craig and Dean. It is so touching and true.
How is your life lately? Really good. I am so blessed and I choose to count my blessing rather than wallow in pity over what could be.
Himself and I celebrated 22 years of marriage this past week. We enjoyed a meal of sushi at one of our favorite restaurants and are glad for what God has blessed us with.
Our Isabella is coming into overt consciousness of this world a bit more lately. She is responding to our questions with appropriate and correct answers. It is soooo exciting!
Bless you this week and always, g
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Fairly Fun Falderal
As you may or may not recall, Isabella calls me Booboo. As of today, I am her class Booboo! My friend, M, didn't think it was fair that Bells' class, which her son is in, didn't have a class parent so she volunteered. Well, where M goes g goes! I was so happy to be a part of their halloween party. (I guess the parent association didn't think kids with autism needed to have class parents. They never met M!)The Dread Pirate Bella
Personally, I don't like halloween. It's darkness disturbs my soul. People are always telling me to lighten up and get into the spirit of it. Problem is the "spirit" of it is not the spirit of God. If it is not the Spirit of God the only thing left is an ugly spirit; the spirit of darkness.
If anyone rings our bell I will hand out the bags of pretzels we bought and will be properly appreciative of the creativity involved in dressing the children up. I will not, however, get into the "spirit" of this day we call halloween.
Do you 'celebrate' halloween? See above.
Do you hand out treats? Last year and this year we decided to hand out bags of pretzels to be a little less sugary. Some years I was a grinch and didn't have anything but I realized I wasn't being a light to people.
Did you get the "Dread Pirate" reference I made? Have you ever seen Princess Bride? You would have to have to get the reference!
What is your favorite holiday? Any day I decide to have family over just because. I am not a big fan of "calendar" holidays. They stress us all out too much.
Anyone want to plan to not be around for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) with me? We can make plans!
Here's hoping all is well with you. Let me know about customs where you are. g
Personally, I don't like halloween. It's darkness disturbs my soul. People are always telling me to lighten up and get into the spirit of it. Problem is the "spirit" of it is not the spirit of God. If it is not the Spirit of God the only thing left is an ugly spirit; the spirit of darkness.
If anyone rings our bell I will hand out the bags of pretzels we bought and will be properly appreciative of the creativity involved in dressing the children up. I will not, however, get into the "spirit" of this day we call halloween.
Do you 'celebrate' halloween? See above.
Do you hand out treats? Last year and this year we decided to hand out bags of pretzels to be a little less sugary. Some years I was a grinch and didn't have anything but I realized I wasn't being a light to people.
Did you get the "Dread Pirate" reference I made? Have you ever seen Princess Bride? You would have to have to get the reference!
What is your favorite holiday? Any day I decide to have family over just because. I am not a big fan of "calendar" holidays. They stress us all out too much.
Anyone want to plan to not be around for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) with me? We can make plans!
Here's hoping all is well with you. Let me know about customs where you are. g
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)