It is a NEW YEAR!  A new decade!!  Too weird...2010.  I have been trying to come up with a key slogan for this new year and nothing meets with my approval, so far.  I have been thinking of what I would like to accomplish this year...it is the same list that I had last year and the year before that and so on....when will I actually DO what is on that list?

Let's see....
1) lose weight....been on my list since I was 13 years old.
2) exercise more...also on my list since my teens
3) Get more organized....huh, a trend, except this goal has only been on the list since 1995
4) Get out of DaCabin and move into a house...been on the list since 2005
5) Write a book...hmmm....since I was about 17 I have had that on the list
Is there anything...ANYTHING new on my list?
6) Learn to make stop motion videos...that's new!
7) Get a concealed weapons permit and join a gun club....that is definitely a new goal!!
8)  Travel to a new state
9) Get debt free
10) Learn to make 10 new recipes before December! 
11) See my sister get married...I hope, I hope, I hope!!

There...some old goals and a few new goals for 2010.  I am nearing 50 (well, in a few years I will be 50), so I can't be a totally changed woman, but I can make things better and more improved.  I like who I am and what I do.  But I need some changes to edge out the boredom that creeps in every so often, know what I mean!?!
The old goals...maybe they have just sat there, waiting, aging, like a fine wine.  Maybe now is the season for completion...you just never know. 

This new year will see some big changes, I think.  There is something looming, something big that I feel will happen.  I get the sense that we need to be prepared and ready to act....what will it be?  I have no idea.  But God tells us to watch and be prepared.  Changes are afoot.  Trusting and watching are what I plan to do. 

May you figure out your goals and find a way to complete them...Happy New Year!!!!

Counting Blessings

What a beautiful day it is today! As I sip this delicious cup of coffee I am feeling blessed. There is upheaval around me, times of trial, but, right now, this coffee is delicious. I wonder, is that what God meant when He told us to live for today, rejoice and be glad in THIS day? I think so.

Fear has a way of sneaking into our minds and causing us to do crazy things; fear of mounting bills, fear of failure, fear of looking silly, whatever it is. God also tells us that in Him, there is no fear. Over and over, God tells us to not fear, to be faithful and look to Him for our safety and security. So, why then does this sneaky little fear creep back into our minds and hearts, with a whisper that we cling to all too often? It puzzles me.

I remember, as a child, in my grama and grampa's house, there was a looooong, daaaaark hallway. It led from the living room to the bathroom and bedrooms. The wooden floors were perfect for sliding during the day, but, at night, in the dark, it was a long walk of fear for me. I remember that most of the time, there was no bulb in the light in the hallway. You had to walk, or run, to get to the switch in the bathroom or

bedrooms. I can remember holding my breath as I slowly walked down the hall, in the dark. What was I afraid of? Silly, isn't it! As an adult I can see that, but as a young child, the fear was real. I would panic until the light came on, every time. I wish Grama still owned that house, so I could march down that hallway, fearless, and confident as an adult and child of God.

I think of those days as I try to make sense of the daily fears that try to knock us down. I think it is the same thing. To fear the dark, knowing there is no real danger there, and to fear the bills, knowing that somehow, some way, they will be paid. God promises us He will care for us. He cares for all of His living creations. When we get so high and mighty to think that we have the control, I believe we allow the whispers of fear to invade our thoughts. It is no way to live...no way to enjoy the day, THIS day that the Lord has made. To dwell upon those things that bring us down makes it hard to hear the whispers of love that God endlessly offers to us.

Our home is small, but I am thankful.

The rent and car payment is made, and I am thankful.

We have a pantry full and two tiny fridges stacked with food, and I am thankful.

We have family and friends that love us and lift us when we are down, and I am thankful.

My husband has his health and desire to work, and I am thankful.

God's mercy and grace abounds in our lives and I am exceedingly, overwhelmingly thankful.

I have a coffee pot, a broken, but still functioning grinder, and coffee beans and I am oh so thankful!

Take some times today, to set aside your fears and concerns. Leave the planning and worrying for awhile. Pour some coffee and look at all you have, material and otherwise, and let yourself appreciate and be thankful. Don't let fear steal those moments. The Prince of Darkness loves to watch us sweat as we dwell on what MIGHT happen and he will keep you trembling in the hallway if you let him.

Mark 4:40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

Rough Waters

Life throws some interesting curves to us all. God tells us to rejoice in Him during the good AND the bad, through pleasant times as well as during the dark trials. I never have a problem smiling through the good times! Not a problem then! It is when the tough times roll in, like waves in a gray and stormy sea, that my smile begins to fade.

I absolutely love swimming in the ocean. It is one of my favorite things to do. I head out to where I can barely touch and jump over the waves or sometimes decide to jump in and ride the wall of salty water to the beach, tumbling and trying to stay aware of where I am. It is so much fun! Even if I scrape my knees in the sand a bit I will head right back out, looking for more. This past summer, at Huntington Beach, the waves were high! They were angry and pounding, making it hard to float over them without getting dunked a bit. Riding them to shore was difficult too, because there was no gentle tumbling, it was brutal! I still did it and the smile on my face lasted for a long time, despite the wear and tear on my body. My head pounded and my knee had trickles of salty blood running down my leg. I stayed in until I was finally beaten and I could not take anymore. The smile I started with had faded and I retreated to safe ground, and a comfy chair under an umbrella. Rest was sweet and it brought the smile back and I forgot all about the pounding surf.

Trials in life make me think of that day at the beach. I can handle a lot and I can stay cheerful and hopeful as I climb right back in there for another go. Every so often, though, my smile wanes and my cheer drops and I look for a shady place to rest. I grow weary of the pounding and the arrows of doubt that pierce through my weakened armor. It takes a lot to get me to feel lost like that. Just like experience in the ocean tells me how to stay afloat and when to come in for rest, the many trials of life teach me to retreat a bit, rest, find nourishment and strengthen my armor. God is the rest we need. Jesus provides the nourishment and the peace that fuels our soul. When trials are tossing and the arrows are flying, we need a shady place to seek refuge. Realizing we need that rest will save us from losing ourselves in tough times.

This week, my husband lost his job. Five of the last 6 jobs he has had have resulted in a lay-off. It is a lot to take, but, at the same time, we know that there are many, many people that are in the same boat, rather, in the same raging sea. Times are changing and things are not secure. We are again trying to stay afloat and the smiles are fading. Looking for my shady place and wiping the sand from my knees I remember this...

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Always Be Prepared

Have you ever given any thought to how you would survive a disaster, natural or otherwise? Would your family have to scramble for help or would you rest assured that your needs would be met, at least for awhile? Would you be able to survive 72 hours? Would you have enough coffee beans? A coffee pot? A grinder? Cash to get more if you run out? These are important questions here and we all must give some thought to it.

The idea has been on my mind lately and I am in the midst of research. Given the unstable "feel" to the world, I think I need to prepare. I remember,

thinking back to Y2K and the hype that we endured for so long. Remember that? Doom and Gloom and panic could be heard from so many,in the media, from friends, the internet....everywhere! There was legitimate concern that was flavored with lots of drama and panic. My husband was in the IT business then ... sigh...back when the money was good...but, I digress.... and he knew that things would not be as dramatic as was predicted. We figured there could be troubles for a few days, but, really, most businesses did what they needed to do to be ready. That was one of my hubby's jobs, making sure his company was Y2K ready. We did some preparing for our family; we had some cash on hand, in case there was a problem with the banks and the ATM machines. We had a pantry full of food, in case there were shortages for a time and we were well stocked with coffee to maintain my sanity. That is about it. We did not jump on the bandwagon of fear like some, but we prepared for some realistic issues that could happen.

I remember that New Year's Eve very well. Our then four year old son was determined to stay up all night with me, but he fell asleep 15 minutes before the countdown. (So cute, but he was mad the next day!) To emphasize how unconcerned we were, about the world ending at midnight, my husband went to bed, early, like, 9:00 pm early, like he does most New Year's Eve's. He doesn't care about staying up till midnight and cheering or partying... never has. We had planned to stay home, because we figured there would be too many crazies out that night and my idea of whooping it up was to work on my quilt...all night! I planned to sew through the night with plenty of fresh coffee, snacks, piles of fabric and my little TV and radio providing entertainment, listening to what the world was doing that night. Yahoo!

I remember standing in my quilting sanctuary, listening to people's disappointment, that the world did not self-destruct at the stroke of midnight. Some were actually disappointed, as they stood in their yards with shotguns, ready to blast warnings to would-be looters, because the media talked about people that would run amok. There were all kinds of people who were relieved and thankful that midnight came and went and nothing happened. It was a crazy time and people's fears were over the top! Coast to Coast radio (I know, I know, a crazy thing to listen to, but I did and I still do sometimes.) had interviews with lots of people, all over the world, following New Year's events and looking for evidence that Y2K was ruining the world. Nothing. The night rolled along, as usual, and I happily stitched and pressed, drank coffee and smiled. It was delightful.

Here we are, almost 10 years later and my mind is wandering to what MIGHT happen in the future. The way things are going, it feels as though there is something brewing and I do not mean coffee! I think, we need to be prepared for whatever it is. Not in a panic, with drama and fear, but, more in a methodical planning. Times are tough! People are losing jobs, houses, and our country's leaders talk about changing things. Lately, I think the changes that are coming are not going to be friendly and people, families, friends.... everyone...should give some thought on how they will survive the coming...whatever it is! Having food, water, medical supplies, warm blankies and a French Press on hand makes sense...don't you think? Families should have what is needed in case something comes about, that would impede our going out for bread and beans. A natural disaster can cut power and water for hours or days! Think of the flooding in Washington State a couple years ago...Interstate 5 was closed for days, which meant no trucks in or out, leading to stores going without shipments. It can happen!

I am making plans to put together kits, some supplies along with plenty of coffee and food to be ready, to have peace of mind! Dried beans and grains, canned goods, MRE's, a supply of water and a way to cook can keep a family way to cook can keep a family few days. The rule of thumb, I have learned, is to have

enough on hand for 72 hours, for each person in your family and maybe a bit extra for people that may be with you when the whatever strikes. If you have a way to do so, put together some supplies that will sustain you for longer,should the need arise. What is the worst that can happen? If the disaster never comes, you just eat up the stores of food and shrug your shoulders. On the other hand, if it does come, you do not have to panic, you will have thought ahead and prepared. It is a win - win situation as far as I can see! While you are gathering your foods and supplies, give some thought about health issues too. Diabetics will need specific supplies, you may need baby formula; antibiotics and water treatment tablets could be very helpful. Have fun planning and talking about what your family will do to survive that whatever that may come.

As a Girl Scout, I learned to "always be prepared"....sage advice, my friends, sage advice!!!

The Rains Have Returned

"It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring...." and I am pouring another cup of coffee! I have a T-shirt that I bought at Pike Street market in Seattle, home of delicious aromatic coffees, that says, "When it rains, we pour!" I love that!! So, while the blustery weather blusters outside, and my husband is in here snoring, I am drinking my cares away with mug after steaming mug of coffee.

This is the first major storm in our neck of the woods since....oh, last Winter. It doesn't rain much around here, so, it is different to have everything all wet. Today, I like it. I am enjoying the coolness and the damp, earthy smells outside and how clean everything looks. Tomorrow, may be a different story. When living in a trailer, storms are not peaceful. We spend a lot of time checking for leaks, looking for a place to put wet clothes and driving each other mental being holed up! Not pleasant, really. It takes getting used to, and after a few years, we have become pretty good at dealing with it all.

I mentioned the old man, er, uh, I mean my husband is still home. That is a different type of storm, hopefully, one that is quick to pass. Kent was injured on the job a few weeks ago, his back, and has been resting and healing. His doctor cleared him for work, but the company doesn't have enough work for all drivers...so he has not gone back yet. He is supposed to start tomorrow. I am praying that he does. I have loved having my hubby home, but, come on...the man needs to get back to work! I am praying that the slow work for drivers is just a hiccup...another little bump. If he loses this job, we will be facing a storm alright, one that we have weathered before and do not want to repeat. Jobs are too hard to come by! A little rain today is one thing, but a full-blown frog strangler of a storm is another! My man needs to get back in the saddle and bring home some bacon!

So, here I sit, with my cup of coffee, trying to enjoy the rain. I am thankful to be dry. I am thankful for the food and coffee beans in my cupboards. I am thankful for the rain. I am thankful for the internet that brings my sanity, and I am thankful for the storms in life that teach me patience and contentment. Weathering storms, fierce or mild, helps us to understand what peace is and how it feels when all is quiet. God wants the best for us. He is always at watch and in our corner, sheltering us. This storm will pass....

Funny Video

This guy is funny! Take a look...

Waiting and Healing Through the Trials

Rain pouring outside and coffee brewing inside...it's a beautiful thing! We are visiting my mom and grama for a few weeks and it is rejuvenating. I love being here...the comfort of family and the beauty of the NW is good medicine. I wish you could smell the freshness of the air and see the lake across from Mom's house. It is a very small lake, but so beautiful. Several Bald Eagles call the lake home and seeing them swoop from tree to tree thrills me. God's creation in action, right before me, causes me to whisper a "thank you" more often than usual.

As I sip my coffee this morning, I am thinking of trials, my own as well as others. Day to day obstacles that come our way and shake us up. There are long standing trials too, those that seem to never end, never resolve and bring me to tears at times as I wonder when the doors and/or windows will open to free me of the testing. We all have such things to contend with in our lives. Big or small, trials are trials and require us to be strong and wise and, most of all, patient.

Being patient is the hard part for me. I want relief now. I want answers now. I want guidance now. But "now" is not always, almost never, the way things go. We must wait. Answers will come...but first, wait. I have learned in my 40-some years that patience pays off. The more I can silently endure and seek the answers or the resolution to the trial, the more of a blessing there is at the end. God tells is to be patient. He tells us that we will not always know when or how or why, but that in His time, answers will come. I accept that.

I have friends who are going through awful times at the moment. I say awful loosely...the trials they face are awful, but they have support and love around them as they wait. Satan is working overtime to try and ruin relationships and bonds between the family and these times are going to be tough for them. My prayer for them is: "Wait...wait for The Lord as he mends and strengthens and provides." Having been on a similar path, I can feel their pain and, yet, I know that the healing and the blessings will come. These friends are as close to me as any family member and it is hard to see them face these times. Knowing God is carrying them eases my mind.

Another friend of mine has a different trial. She broke her wrist and suffers terrible pain. She has a metal brace, on the outside, screwed into her wrist and arm. It is not a pretty sight, but it is necessary to assist her bone in the healing. Funny about that...as we wait for the good, the blessings, we have to endure the pain and the ugly time of healing. This is a trial my friend deals with at the moment. The end will come and she will be healed. She will get through this just fine, but, right now, life is tough and she hurts. Thankfully, Jesus is ever near to comfort my friend as she endures.

My mom just had surgery. She has had cancer three times in her 60-some years and is still here today, lighting up the lives of many and making people laugh and thank God they know her. Mom is an amazing woman. Everyone who knows her loves her and I thank God all the time that I am her daughter. Ten years ago, Mom had a mastectomy and that was a tough trial for her. More of a trial has been the waiting and wondering if the miserable cancer would return. She and her doctor decided to remove the other breast, as a preventative move, because of Mom's history. It was a decision Mom made in an effort to ease her mind and have less to worry about down the road. Surgery went well and without problems, but a few hours later, a clot developed and Mom went back to surgery. It was a bit unnerving to see her go back in, but it had to be done. Hours later, the surgeon told us she was fine and all was well, and Mom was awake and smiling. A couple days ago, the doctor's office called to say that they found cancer in the breast, small and non-invasive, but it was there. Shock! That was news we did not expect to hear! But in that moment after the shock...tears and joy that Mom followed her heart and the nudging of The Holy Spirit to have the surgery. Through this time of healing, there is pain and there is joy.

My grama is 90-some years old and she has a tough time daily. Walking takes a lot out of her, so she spends most of her time in her wheelchair. She tells me that in her mind, she can do everything, lickity-split, but her body will not cooperate. She has so many pains and everything is a chore, but she does it. She gets through it with a smile. My grama inspires me.

I think of these things, and the special people in my life often. It gives me perspective. My own little family's trials have been tough to deal with and, at times, there is little patience, but we endure and we get through it. Through it all, God has kept us from disaster and our relationship with each other has grown stronger. Satan has tried to ruin us and to break our spirit, but it hasn't happened. Our faith is greater than that. The trials we have faced, have given us strength...to handle new trials, I suppose.

God tells us to be patient and comforted and to be thankful for the good AND the bad times. Even when we cannot see God or "feel" His presence, we can rest in the knowing that He is always, always at our side with His hand keeping us from harm. Isn't that Good News!

So, as you battle the trials in your day, take a moment to breathe and reflect. Pause and thank God for the good times as well as the tough times. He is near you, He cares, and He is waiting for you to trust Him. Allow the healing to bring the blessing.