A CHILD OF GOD

We've had some HOT weather here with no real signs of relief! If it just wasn't so humid to boot, it would be so much easier to endure.

We had our sweet grand daughter spend the night with us Saturday night for the first time since they moved out. It was intended to give her Mom and Dad a date night but they were both so sick with colds or allergies that they ended up staying home and going to bed early ~ which may have been a good thing.

Kelsey is growing and changing so quickly! She's already 7.5 months old. We have a walker here for her and she loves being in it. She chases our dog all around the first floor giggling the whole time. It's a real sight.

I hope you don't get tired of looking at her, but I just have to share another picture of her.

She really is the Sunshine of My Life. Every time I rock her, I sing that old song You Are My Sunshine! What's funny about that is that I did NOT know her parents had gotten her a little bunny that sings that song!!

That's it for today! Blessings to each one of you!!!!

My friend, neighbor, fellow blogger, and instigator (just kidding), Lazy Daisy, and I are doing a Women of Faith Bible Study entitled Living Above Worry and Stress. It's a great study but honestly, I'm 60 now and things don't stress me as much as they used to. Of course, our children are grown and I no longer work out of the home so life has much less stress.

Today's lesson was about fear and trembling. Noting that as children many of us feared the dark and had to sleep with a favorite stuffed animal or "blankie" but as adults our fears are realities. Do you fear rejection, an unfaithful mate, loosing your job, children being involved with the "wrong" people, divorce, bad men (thieves, kidnappers, murderers, rapists or terrorists)? Are you afraid of loneliness, growing old, saying the wrong thing, are you still afraid of the dark?

I never had a special stuffed animal or blanket that I needed to sleep with as a child but I did (and still do to an extent) have a fear of falling. (Forgot about this one Daisy.) I'm not afraid of the dark, I just like to see where I'm going so I don't fall. My mother used to fall from time to time and when she was older, broke a hip by falling.

But why are we afraid? I have reached a point in my life where there are not many things that I do fear. I don't certainly don't live in fear. After all, if someone steals from me, is it something that they needed more than me; if they had asked, I probably would have given it freely.

I'm not afraid of getting older ~ I'm just that much closer to being with my Lord! I don't want to loose my memory and no longer be able to recognize loved ones and friends. But even if that does happen, God is in control!

In Mark 5:36, Jesus said, "Do not be afraid ~ only believe." And in Matthew 10:31, He offers a very good reason, "You are more valuable than many sparrows."

As I sit at my computer working on my pictures or blogging, I can see many birds at our feeders. In particular, yesterday I watched an adult MALE Cardinal feed another Cardinal. It was the same size as the adult but not the brilliant red as the adult male~it was either a female or an adolescent. If God provides for that little bird in that way, why would he not provide all my needs. If all my needs are met, what reason do I have to fear?

In closing, I share a quote from Lucy Swindoll:

Do you have any fears? Remember Psalm 56:3: Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in YOU.

Blessings to you until the next time.

Haven't done one of these is a long time. After reading Lazy Daisy's memory, it reminded me of a time when I was in grade school. I went to a "private" school for the first six years of my education (including Kindergarten).

Every year the students would put on several plays. Most of the time I was an "extra"~ you know, the people that just stood around and didn't have any speaking parts. I wish I could remember my age at the time; probably seven or eight, and I was asked to be Gretel in Hansel and Gretel!!! WHOA! Me...get up in front of people...adults...and speak???? Oh no! Well, I didn't have a choice, I couldn't say no.

I remember my costume was brown and a matching brown hat that tied under my chin. I learned my lines (we were used to memorizing because we memorized scripture) so that wasn't hard. I remember the boy that played Hansel was a boy I didn't like much.

I don't remember much about acting but the one memory that REALLY sticks out in my mind was at the end of the play. We had finished and all the parents stood up and were applauding their "stars." I was in such a hurry to get off the stage, that I tripped!!! HOW EMBARRASSING! People started laughing and all I wanted to do was crawl in a hole. Of course Mom and Dad told me what a wonderful job I had done and maybe I had, but I really don't remember THAT part.

I've changed a lot since then and don't mind getting up in front of people but I don't think I will ever forget that...maybe just push it back in my memory.

Blessings to each of you.

Yesterday I got a letter, yes snail mail, from my Aunt who lives in New York saying that she hadn't seen any recent posts on my blog so I guess I'd better do some posting so she can keep up with us. I also got an email from one of my friends saying she missed reading my blog...although I don't know why.

Last month my GREAT niece got married and they had a lovely outdoor wedding. I took lots of pics, but the sun was really bright that day, so they weren't the best. But, you know this PROUD grammy, I just have to post this shot of Kelsey which I took at that wedding!

She looks like this most of the time. She really is a happy baby. Her mom was the same way! She just on the verge of crawling, but to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if she walked first! Of course, I happen to think she's the brightest 7 month old there is.

Just to brag on myself a little...I got an email from an online group asking if they could use one of my photos (that's on Flickr) in an article they had prepared on the Ford Motor Company. Well, I nearly fell over!!! Most of my shots are of flowers, so this was really a shocker! What makes it even stranger is that it was Hubby's idea, and I took it at an antique car, truck and tractor show last weekend. It's the emblem on the front of an old Ford tractor.



Oh yea, one more thing...I'm going to be featured as the Artist of the Week in one of the groups on Flickr. I don't think it's because I'm that good, I think it's because the person that asked me is a contact of mine and lives in a nearby city. Oh well, it's fun! If you'd like to come over and see some of my shots, you'll find me listed as childofGOD. Here's another shot I'll share.

Blessings to each one of you!!

take the picture that was posted yesterday.

Looking to the Light...Jesus!

I wanted to share with you a fantastic FREE photo enhancing program I found and downloaded. I know, there is Paint Shop Pro and Photo Shop but they cost a LOT of money and since I'm a "woman of leisure" I can't buy those. The one I downloaded is called Photo Filtre and it's wonderful. It does so many things. Today I took a photo that was not very clear and turned it into this:

Didn't it turn out good??? Or is that well????

I think it rivals the expensive ones and the price certainly is right. If you want to try it, you can download it on CNET's website.

UPDATE: Melli asked for a before shot, so here it is:

Saturday Granpa decided it would be fun to take Kelsey to the pet store. We had taken our step granddaughter several months ago and she really enjoyed it. Kelsey is a bit younger, but she was full of smiles!!!

Being a grandparent is like nothing else in the world!!!! You can't begin to describe it to anyone and only another grandparent can understand. Rachel has a baby handbook and I was reading the section about grandparents. It says: "Having a grandchild is one of the great joys of life, and the child who has grandparents to dote on him is blessed indeed." I'm not sure she feels blessed but I know we are!!! And if doting is that good, we won!

Her eyes are wide as she takes in her surroundings!!! It's as if she wants to see it all right now. She has, what I consider, amazing ability to concentrate and she's not even six months old. She will hold anything you give her and seemingly study it for a long time, turning it around and looking intently at it.

We are looking in on our friends' cats while they are away and yesterday we took Kelsey with us. When she saw JJ (the friendly one), she broke out in a huge grin and giggled almost the entire time we were there. She reacts the same with our dog, Naomi.

For me, being a grandparent is the reward for having children.

Good morning everyone. I have so many things to be thankful for that I hardly know where to begin.

I'm thankful for everything that God has provided and all the gifts he has given me. I'm especially excited about my new hobby of photography.

I'm thankful that I don't have to work out of the home.

I'm thankful that I had an empty nest for about a month (see post below) but I'm also happy that our youngest is back home. She may not be in the house all the time, but she's at home.

I'm thankful our oldest and her husband have found a place to rent and all their "stuff" is gone. Although I miss our dear, sweet grand-daughter being here, I'm able to take care of her several days a week. She just keeps getting cuter!!!

I'm thankful for my sister-in-the-Lord (also my sister-in-law) that brings so much joy to my life.

I'm thankful for all my blogging friends and "sisters" who responded to my post yesterday saying they had missed me.

I'm thankful for the beautiful weather we've had this week~almost like Fall. The morning's a cool and the days are NOT humid~which is a big problem for me.

If you'd like to share some things you are thankful for, please visit my friend, Iris. Blessings to each of you!!!

For those of you wondering...one maybe two of you...the quiet is MOSTLY still here. This past Saturday we went to Atlanta and picked up Colleen and drove back on Sunday! Whew, what a trip! Not one I want to make again~in more ways than one.

I've been spending most of my time on my hobby~photography. It seems my speciality is turning toward flowers although I like taking all types. This is a picture I took of one of my neighbor's roses. I've taken so many in our gardens, that I had to start taking pictures of her flowers (with permission, of course). I'm thoroughly enjoying this outlet and it gets me outside so much more than just blogging.

Nothing really. Except the quiet!!! I haven't "heard" quiet for about 23 years~actually longer. When I was single, it seems I had to have some noise on~whether the TV or radio~there was always some sort of noise in my adult life.

Now that I'm by myself most of the time, I've learned to appreciate the quiet. I can hear the rain and the birds sing. And, I believe, I can hear God's voice more easily. He has truly blessed me all my life but I am so thankful to be where I am now.

Most of you know that I love photography (understatement) and we have bird feeders strategically placed around the house. I say strategically but when originally placed, we didn't know it would be strategic. As I sit here at the computer, I can see two feeders very clearly. I can also see another one from our bedroom and bathroom. Now, talk about something funny...no, we won't go there, but you get the idea. I can see two goldfinches in my neighbor's driveway and it's always such a treat to see them. (Note to self: get finch food.)

Now that I think about it, a lot has changed. Since we are empty nesters, we've noticed a BIG difference in our electric bill (WHEW) and our grocery bill. Yes, they helped financially, but in all honesty, it wasn't enough. The amount of salt necessary for the water softener has gone down considerably. I wash dishes by hand rathern than use the dishwasher; there are fewer showers (two people rather than five); and, this is a biggie too, I don't have to share the computer with anybody!!!!

Another difference is when we eat. Now that there are more daylight hours, Hubby likes to work in the yard when he gets home or work on one of his projects and not necessarily eat right away. When everyone was here, I always had to have dinner ready between 5:30 and 6:00 because our SIL had to leave to be at work by 7:00 p.m. Sometimes #1 daughter was working at dinner time and #2 daughter was out with friends so it was a challenge as to how much to prepare. Of course, leftovers always went to work.

I'm a simple person and I am loving my simple life right now. I keep our granddaughter several days a week (when Mom and Dad are both working~or he has to sleep during the day) but she's certainly no problem. She'll be five months old May 22.

So there really is nothing new, things are just different. "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NIV)

Have a great weekend!!!

WHEW! Sometimes I could just kick myself. I had this post almost finished and accidentally closed the browser and lost it all!! So, here goes again.

Miss Kathleen, from The Open Widow, tagged me with this one and I'm glad to participate.

Here are the rules:
Each player starts with eight (8) random facts/habits about themselves.
Write a blog post about your own eight (8) random things.
Post these rules.
At the end of your blog you need to tag eight (8) people and post their names.
Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged.

1. I love the Lord and have been a Christian for about 25 years.

2. This should come as no surprise...I LOVE taking pictures. Just check some out on flickr. My Dad gave me a camera when I was about eight and I've been taking pictures since then.

3. When I was a baby, I used to suck my thumb~the left one.

4. When I was in early elementary school, I got in a fight with one of the boys in my class.

5. I have a brother 13 years older...no other siblings.

6. We will be celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary on the 28th of this month.

7. I ride a bike occasionally.

8. I celebrated my 60th birthday yesterday...along with Mother's Day. You need to see what Lazy Daisy did!!!

So, I'm going to tag eight people. Don't worry, if you've already done this, just tell me and I'll got read it.

Lazy Daisy (of course)
Flip Flop Floozie (Sandy)
Insanity Prevails (Melli)
Sting My Heart (Iris)
In His Hands (Terri)
Baba's Blog (Baba)
A Chelsea Morning (Barbara)
Learning for Lifetime (Susan)

If I didn't tag you and you want to play, please feel free!!

I'm thankful that I can start a new venture~a new blog.  I'm thankful God is working in my life in many areas and one of those is more of Him and less of me!  I want to share His dealings with me. I've done that here but there has also been a lot of "stuff."  Don't get me wrong, I'm not condeming "stuff."  I just want the new place to focus on Him.

Several months ago in the meme, Why I Blog, I said:  

I'm not sure if this is God's will right now, but if it is, He will bless others and use my humble offering to Him.

Blessings,
His Humble Servant

too good to be true. Rachel, Nick and Kelsey moved to their new home (only about 20 minutes away) over the weekend and I'm soooooooo enjoying the peace and quiet! I'm getting my house back to the way I want it~no extra furniture or baby toys to trip over. Perfect time to clean house...so to speak.

We've heard from Colleen a couple of times and she's doing fine although she has started sounding homesick~been calling me Mommy. She called this morning at 6:30 a.m. and said she's going to give it another week but she's pretty sure she wants to come home. The way she sounded though, I don't think she'll make it a week.

As much as I love my children and would do anything for them, I've been looking forward to the empty nest for about seven years. Hubby and I only knew each other 7 months before we married so we've been looking forward to this time alone and (forgive me if I'm being too honest for you) I'm a bit disappointed.

But God has other things in mind and He will once again comfort and aid me in yet another adjustment.

I've enjoyed my blogging break and probably won't post as often as I used to but will be back from time to time. If you have a minute, please check out My Photo Blog and see what I've been up to.

As much as I enjoy blogging and reading blogs, I think I'm going to take a break. Don't know for how long, maybe a few days or maybe longer. I am enjoying my hobby of photography so much and am spending a good deal of time organizing all my pictures. I'll be on My Photo Blog...since that's my hobby. Maybe I'll catch you there.

Blessings to each of you.

The human mind is like an umbrella: it works better when it opens. It is fun to answer the questions, but please follow the instructions.

MAKE A WISH BEFORE STARTING THE TEST.

Caution! Answer the questions step by step. This test has only three questions, but if you scroll down and see the answers before finishing, your results will not be honest or accurate. Scroll your screen slowly and write down your answers.

This is a serious questionnaire that will tell you a lot about your inner self.

First, order the following animals according to your preference:

a) Horse
b) Sheep
c) Tiger
d) Cow
e) Pig

Second, write a word that describes each of the following: (erase my answers!)

a) Dog-
b) Cat -
c) Rat -
d) Coffee -
e) Ocean -

Third, think about someone (who also knows you and is important to you) that can be related to the following colors (do not repeat your answers.) Name only one person per color:

a) Yellow -
b) Orange -
c) Red -
d) White -
e) Green -

Did you finish? Verify that all your answers are accurate.

Now, look at the answers below

This will define your priorities in life:

Cow: means career.
Tiger: means pride.
Sheep: means love.
Horse: means family.
Pig: means money.

Your description of Dog implies your own personality.
Your description of Cat implies your spouse or couple's personality.
Your description of Rat implies the personality of your enemies.
Your description of Coffee is how you interpret sex.
Your description of Ocean implies your own life.

Yellow: Someone you will never forget.
Orange: Someone you could consider a good friend.
Red: Someone you really love.
White: Your twin soul.
Green: Someone you will remember all your life.

See, I told you it was fun. I won't be sharing my results, but let's just say, it's very good. If you'd like to play, consider yourself tagged~just let me know if you play.

It was the school's fault, it was the parent's fault, it was all those violent games or movies or TV shows. It was the NRA's fault, it was the gun manufacturer's fault, it was the gun dealer's fault, it's because they took prayer out of the schools, and on and on ad nausium!

What has prompted this post was a recent letter to the editor in our local newspaper in which a mother was blaming the parents of the VA TECH shooter for those tragic events. The shooter was 23 years old, knew right from wrong and chose wrong! Yes, all those things may have played a major role in his life (TV, video games, etc.) but the choice to pull the trigger (33 times) was his own. Just as smokers choose to light up a cigarette despite health warnings.

The problem with society today, is trying to blame someone or something for our mistakes. God created each one of us with a free will. Free to choose right or wrong. There are hundreds of volumes of books with local, state and federal laws telling us what is wrong behavior and the consequences that will occur for a wrong choice.

God said the same thing in ten short commandments! And God also said "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom. 6:23 Let me be clear on this, Wikipedia defines wage as "a compensation which workers receive in exchange for their labor." The payment for sin is death! "...but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

You can blame whomever you choose for those events in Virginia, or at Columbine High School or the tragedy of 9/11 or any other such horrific act if you want, but the truth of the matter is the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of Satan. Whether we like it or not, believe it or not, that is the truth. And if you don't believe it, you've made him very happy and he will leave you alone because you already belong in his camp.

The only thing that will change this world today is a changed heart. The only way to change a heart is to be "born again."

Until people have changed hearts, you will continue to see these tragedies. You will not have peace in the Middle East that will last. And, it is going to continue to get worse~it will not get better until the end. Have things EVER gotten better??????

For true followers of Christ, I'll tell you what I saw on a hat this past weekend and something I firmly believe in, "RELAX, God is in control." By the way, that applies too to all those worried about global warming!

I realize I may cause some people to squirm and probably will loose some readers, but I believe in telling the truth as revealed by God!

These pictures were taken at the home of a nearby Virginia Tech alumnus. If you would like to leave your condolences, please visit the Virginia Tech Shooting Victims site.