DON'T WORRY OUT THE BLESSING!

Since I watch children during the day, there are times I have to tell them, “Don’t whine; there’s no sense in it.  No whining at Granna’s.”  Today, those words are coming back at me as I am sitting in my pity party pants whining about something I have no control over.  Just like the little people I am whining in the “No Whining Zone”.

Digging my way out of where I took myself, I decide to lay my eyes upon notes I jot down daily.  They may be found in a journal, yellow notepad, my cell phone journal or a spiral notebook; everywhere my thoughts are laid down for the moment.  Doing so, I found that in some notes taken last week, the Lord was speaking to me for this day.  So, I read today reflecting on my notes finding His words for my "right nows" and tomorrows.

The youngest child I watch is 5 month old, Case.  He is a very active little fella!  I just know one day he is going to run in the Olympics and win!  Most of the time when I give him his bottle he shows that aggressiveness!  As he is in my arms sucking on his bottle, his arm is flailing back and forth like crazy!  He is so strong that this action knocks the bottle out of my hand and we have to start all over.  One day I said to him, “You can’t control it, I’ve got to control it.”  Hmmm…

That same morning the children and I were doing one of our favorite things; taking a walk in the sunshine!  Two of the children are sitting in the double stroller and my grandson, Jude, sits at the front.  Every day we take a walk and never have I had a problem with the stroller resisting the turns.  But this day, it would not turn at the corners.  So, I had to pick it up and turn it myself.  Hmmm…

So, we press on trying to enjoy our time of strolling.

Jude looks up to the sky and points to one dark cloud amongst lots of sunshine and says, “Look!  A storm is coming!”  I smile and reply, “Honey, a dark cloud doesn’t always mean a storm is coming.”  Wow…

Are you with me?  God speaks to us as His children in the same way we speak to our own.  With His hands turning my face toward Him I can hear my heavenly dad say, "Look at me.  Focus on me for I know what is best." Our focus is followed by His faithfulness.

All along I have been trying to control, resist and anticipate a storm.  If I don’t stop, I will worry out the blessing God has for me that takes me to happy.

Heavenly Father, I know You care and are more than capable of meeting our needs.  I give You control of my life.  I know it’s a daily choice.  I choose to be happy.

I pray today you, also, will find that leaving your cares at the cross will take you to happy.

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.”

Psalm 138:8

THREE OF MY JOYS

Case, Ava and Jude



 



EYES WIDE OPEN (Celebrating Freedom)

Four years ago today, I was in my father’s hospital room knowing soon, he would be taking his last breath and waking up in heaven.  Watching, waiting, hoping for more time for my reality to be my dad is still with me...

I spent the night that July 4^th and watched out the window with mom as the  fireworks celebration began.  Though dad did not fully comprehend everything, it did not stop us from using every adjective we knew to describe to him this spectacular view; the celebration of independence for our nation!

Looking back to that night, I realize there was an adjective I missed…

As the night went on, my precious mom finally closed her eyes to a much needed rest.  So, I stayed up at dad's bedside keeping my eyes wide open, allowing my mind to capture new snapshots of this man I admired and loved.   He has always been in my heart and a treasured photo in my home, but, soon, the touch would end; soon the last breath would arrive.  I realized nothing tired me as I cherished those moments.

Every now and then he would seem frustrated and very fidgety with a fear in his eyes…  “It’s okay, dad.  I’m right here.”  Stroking his head seemed to ease him.  But, what brought the greatest calm was God’s word---as it always did.  So, the very last scripture I quoted him was the 23^rd Psalm.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.   He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will 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 anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I thought I had missed the adjective, but it just wasn't time for it's use nor to describe the decorations in the sky.  Then morning came when dad took his last breath here on earth, and with his eyes wide open stepped into an eternal view that I'm sure would be described as breath-taking.

He now celebrates freedom on the unending road of happy!

For those who are a part of the Shepherd's flock, I pray the 23^rd Psalm will give you a calm and assurance He has never left your side.  Those of you who want to know Jesus Christ as your Savior and your Shepherd, repent of your sins and receive His grace.  No sin is too great that the blood of the sacrificial lamb can't wash away.

Thank you, soldiers, for the freedom to sit at my father's bedside quoting scripture.  Thank you, God, for the freedom in You through the blood of Jesus Christ!

HAPPY JULY 4^th!  HAPPY FOREVER!

My loves, my heart, my treasures; my parents.