Miscellany Monday

The last Monday of January, oh, my, the year is moving along at break neck speed.  It's seems it was just last Monday yesterday. Of course, it just wouldn't be Monday without being random.   

Perfecto.......

Girls, that is about as perfect a pound cake as I have ever made.  I mean, it did not have one little boo-boo on it.  My youngest brother flew in this weekend and I took it as an occasion to make a cake.  It's my "famous" Almond Pound Cake and you can find the recipe by clicking on the recipe tab across the top of my blog.  As you can probably tell, it doesn't take much to excite me. ~laugh~

Father Son Time...... 

Daddy with his youngest

My Dad and step Mom joined us for dinner on Friday evening.  After dinner we sat around the table savoring the moments with Daddy.  We're so grateful that he now feels like occasionally getting out and making some memories.

 

A Cup of Marshmallows........

My Princess loves her some marshmallows and she is so dainty about the way she eats them.  It's only one at a time.  She does everything so neatly and precise.  I'm just sure that is a sign of something - just not sure what.  But, her CiCi loves it!

The End of a Chapter.....

In the past 2-3 months my Dad has been disposing of his woodworking shop.  This is closing an important chapter of his life, but he is being as involved in the process as he possibly can.  My older brother came and got the bulk of his tools. That brought a lot of joy to Daddy knowing that one of his children would continue using these. This past weekend my Hubby and son went over and got several of the things that were left that they will use.  As I sit back and observe this process I can't help but wonder about the different emotions my Dad must be feeling - I doubt that we will ever know.  It's hard to verbalize some things, they can only be felt in the heart.

 

And, Pizza it is........

  

Just in case you gals are needing a quick, good meal, you might try this..............I've been making homemade pizza for years and my family thinks they are great.  I made a hamburger and a sausage one this weekend.  I add a bag of frozen chopped onions to the meat and I use the already cooked sausage but I still brown it a little more.  I use the pre-made crusts (because they are just as good or better than the homemade ones I use to make).  Any other ingredients are up to you, the sky's the limit on this.  I used black olives and mushrooms on these and lots and lots of mozzarella cheese.  And, I always make two and usually freeze one for another time.  They freeze beautifully and all you have to do is pull them out and bake them.  Like I said, it's "easy peasy."  Added note.......you can use any kind of meat that you like as well, we just happen to like sausage and hamburger the best.

Blessings my friends! 

Sharing some of my Favorites......

Since it's time for Friday Favorites and Company Girl Coffee, I thought I'd actually share some of my "favorite things" - some of the things that make me smile. *Note: Blogger gave me fits with the spacing of this entry. So, do know that I had each "favorite" separated with a double space but only Blogger knows why that didn't work. Ugh!

Opening the drapes of a morning to see the sun shining.

Enjoying a fresh cup of coffee first thing every morning.

Marking things off of my "to do" list - gives me such a sense of accomplishment.

Having things on my "to do list" - makes me feel needed.

Having sassy shoes that are also comfortable shoes - sometimes a difficult combination.

Hearing the words "CiCi" come out of the mouths of my Grans.

Feeling "put together" 

 Spandex - lawdy, that fabric has made clothes so much more comfortable.

Spending time with the Lord in my big blue club chair every morning.

Our tempurpedic mattress and my tempurpedic pillow - both make my back very happy.

Sharing my heart with a friend and knowing that she truly cares about me.

Being connected with so many folks that I would not otherwise be connected with through Facebook.

Sharing Facetime with our daughter and family - makes the miles between us bearable.

A clean and tidy house - plum excites me! 

Looking at the the clothes after I've ironed them and being thankful for a Mom that taught me how to iron at a very early age.

Having our son and his family nearby - so fun to share in their lives and them in ours. 

Slipping into my "comfy clothes" and crawling into my heated recliner for the evening.

Receiving a "thinking of you" card or a note of encouragement at just the "right" time .

 Knowing that the Lord has it all figured out when I don't.

Happy weekend girlies!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Once again it's Wednesday and time for Hodgepodge. Enjoy the read and for more, just click the button above.

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year's Superbowl lineup will feature The New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'?
A patriot is someone who is passionate about their country and stands proudly to support it.  I love Bill O'Reilly's closing of each show, "Pinhead or Patriot."  I plan to always be a patriot.

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'? What a perfect question for me right now.  It's Tuesday evening and I am preparing to have my routine colonoscopy in the morning and drinking this horrible, awful cleansing agent is about more than I can bear.  The procedure is a "breeze" compared to the preparation.  If I didn't feel so strongly about preventative medicine, I would NOT be doing this. And, most likely while a lot of you are reading this, I'm going through the procedure. ~fun~

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18?  Oh, lawdy, that seems a l-o-n-g time ago and I guess it was.  I had just graduated from high school and was on my way to college and truly thought that life could not possibly get any better.  Wow! little did I know. ~wink~

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up?

I like one scoop of vanilla ice cream with a little granola sprinkled on top.  It is often my nighttime snack and I could definitely give it up but would rather not.  Hubby says if you aren't going to eat a big bowl then why even bother. ~smile~

5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as the coldest you've ever experienced? About 15 years ago we had a big ice storm around Christmas.  The kids were home from college and we were without electricity.  We managed to keep on enough clothes during the day to stay half way warm but at night we put sleeping bags in our beds and pulled the bed covers up over the sleeping bag and we still got cold in the night.  After the second night Hubby said that was it, we set out to see if we could find a hotel room in a nearby city.  We did and we had no more than gotten settled in and someone called to tell us that the electricity was back on.  We didn't head home, we stayed the night at the hotel and headed home the following day.  It was for sure the coldest I've ever been or ever want to be again. 

6. You're hosting a brunch...what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve?  

I have served Hot Curried Fruit (get recipe here) several times and it is always a HIT.  I'm not a big lover of fruit but I do enjoy making this dish because most folks do like fruit and it is a great dish to serve with an Egg Casserole.

7. How do you combat negative thinking?

Hummmmmm...........I sometimes do really good at this and sometimes not so good.  But, I am constantly trying to be positive and think that I would likely be labeled a "positive person" by my friends.  I guess I combat negative thinking by staying aware of it and asking for God's grace in  this area every day.  It's a fact that people are not drawn to negativity, so that's reason enough for me to combat it!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

When I went by the Drs. office to pick up the orders for my  colonoscopy I was grumbling (might have been a bit negative) to the gal about how I dreaded the prep. She told me to add Crystal Lite Pink Lemonade to it and it would make it so much better and to make it early in the day and put it in the refrigerator so it would be cold.  That sounded like a "winner" to me so that's what I did.  I took it out of the refrigerator a couple of hours ago and took a big gulp and came close to spitting it across the room.  Oh, my goodness, I can't even describe it to you but I'm sure you get my drift, especially if you have been down this road. If you haven't then I know you can hardly wait to have the experience. ~big smile~

Miscellany Monday

A new week, a new day, another opportunity. Let's get it started by being random with Carissa. And, hey, don't you just love her new button!!

Boo- Hoo.......

That's what I'm saying about Picnik closing it's doors on April 19th.  I mean, they didn't ask me!  Picnik is such a wonderful photo editing tool for folks like me that don't really desire any more bells and whistles than they offer.  So, what am I going to do?  I just cannot imagine that Google isn't going to have a replacement that offers the same service.  Do you know or are they holding us all in suspense?  I want in on the scoop! ~laugh~

Tears in my eyes.......

Yes, as I heard my Daddy singing Victory in Jesus yesterday morning, my eyes filled with tears.  He was able to join us for worship at church and to hear that voice that was, just a short while ago, hardly above a whisper, brought back such memories for me.  And, might I add, he was standing as he sang.  A miracle we never dreamed of witnessing and such a reminder of the greatness of God.  He still has a long ways to go but oh, how far he has come!

Why????
That's my question as I watched part of Bayou Millionaire and My Redneck Vacation on Saturday evening.  I've never even heard of these shows but Hubby was "channel surfing" and came across these and stopped.  We both watched in utter amazement at the stupidity (our opinion) of the shows and wondered why anyone would want to be portrayed in such a way.  And, both of these particular segments were filmed in Louisiana so that didn't help our feelings either.  I mean, why????

Self Portraits.....

Mandy, at A Sorta Fairytale, blogged about taking self portraits last week.   I have done this a few times but have never been successful so I grabbed my camera yesterday morning before I headed out to church and decided to give it another try.  Out of about 50 attempts, the one above was the best I could manage.  And, I suppose for a self portrait, it is okay.  Mandy talked about the importance of having your picture somewhere on your blog so that your readers can connect a face with your blog.  I couldn't agree more.  I love seeing the faces of the folks whose blogs I read.  She was advocating a self portrait as sometimes its hard to have someone handy to take a picture for you and it's way to much trouble to get your tripod out.  I'm going to keep trying and perhaps, as with a lot of things in life, "practice makes perfect."  Hubby will sure be glad since I'm always asking him to snap pictures. 

A little Pinterest.......

 
 Happy Monday, Happy week!!

What Would I do WIthout ............

I went to get a Ziploc bag out the other day to use for something and I thought, "what did I do before Ziploc bags?"  From there my thoughts went to a bazillion other items that I wondered about and before I knew it, a blog entry was born.

For all of my younger readers, you may likely never remember life without any of the items I mention.  That just means that I have more of an appreciation for them than you.~big smile~ It has absolutely nothing to do with my age. ~wink~

So, here we go.........What Would I do Without........some of my favorite things...........

Wet Ones - I mean, really, we never have to be without a washcloth. I so well remember carrying a wet washcloth in a plain ole plastic bag when my children were babies and tots.  I now have Wet Ones at my fingertips, in my purse (in the individual packets no less), and in my vehicle.  Love it!  As my Momma use to say, "cleanliness is next to Godliness."

A Keurig Coffee Pot - I so well remember mine and Hubby's first coffee pot.  It was an electric percolator and I thought we were "uptown."  ~how funny~  And, when Mr. Coffee came out with their new fangled coffee pot, I was more than a little excited.  My Grandparents would just shake their heads if they were alive and saw the Keurig coffee pot and they would also still prefer to percolate theirs on the gas stove. ~ now that's sure dating me ~

Blow Dryers - Can I just tell you how many Saturday afternoons in my childhood found me sitting with one of the bonnet hair dryers on my head.  I had to get my "Sunday do" ready and that meant, pink foam rollers and the bonnet hair dryer.  Lordy have mercy!

Liquid Hand Soap - I cannot imagine using a bar of soap to wash my hands anymore.  Didn't you just hate to have that half melted bar laying in the soap tray by the sink.  Such nastiness!  Hubby still uses a bar for his shower but I'm all about the shower gels!

"Seater Heaters" - Are they not the greatest!!  I will never own another vehicle without them for sure.  I think I would opt to be without automatic door locks before I'd be without a heater for my seat.  Who doesn't love having a warm tushy? ~giggle~

Ice Makers - Who enjoys filling ice trays?  It was the most dreaded job and once we kids were old enough to handle that job, it was our duty to empty the trays and fill them back up. Ugh! Pushing a button on the refrigerator is so, so much easier and keeps peace in the family too.

Google - It's like having any and all information at our fingertips. If we need instructions, questions answered, directions, locations, diagnosis,  you name it, it is there.  When someone asks a question, the response is, "go Google it." ~WOW~

Of course, I could go on and on with such things as the microwave, ATM's, cell phones, computers, online shopping, and post a notes.  And, of course, I can't say that I think all the "things" that have come down the pike the past 50 years have enhanced our lives.  There's no doubt that our lives were far less complicated without some of them, but it sure has been made life a whole lot more convenient with several of them as well.

Get your Friday Graphics at Jhocy

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Once again, it's Wednesday and Joyce threw some good questions our way today, in fact, so good that one of them "stumped" me and left me speechless. ~laugh~

1. A new Miss America was crowned on Saturday night-did you watch? If you were a contestant what would your talent be?

Yes, I did watch it, the first time in years and years.  We had hoped that our Miss Louisiana might bring home the crown but, while I sure thought she was more deserving than the winner, obviously the judges did not. ~smile~  I love to sing so guess that would be my choice of talent and it definitely would not be opera! 

2. Do you have houseplants? Real or fake?

REAL! I have a pretty ivy in the kitchen area and then  my "pride and joy" are my African Violets.  I have 4 of them and the one above is my "prize."  If you have been reading my blog very long then you know that I started growing violets in memory of my paternal Grandmother that use to grow them in her kitchen window in coffee cans. No joke!

3. When you were in school did you speak up or were you more of the hide your face, avoid eye contact, and pray the teacher didn't call on you type of student?

Oh, goodness, never minded speaking up, even if I was wrong. 

4. Next Monday marks the Chinese New Year...what do you order when someone suggests Chinese food?

We always go to a place that has a big buffet, so I never order but if I did, it would definitely be Sweet and Sour Chicken and Egg Rolls

5. How would you define a miracle? What would it take for you to consider something a miracle?

A highly unlikely, improbable happening or event.  I have to believe that the recovery my Dad has made thus far is nothing short of a miracle because it was highly unlikely and little by little he has already improved beyond where his Drs. predicted. And, since I have witnessed this on a daily basis, I have had no trouble considering it a miracle.  And, more importantly, folks from all across this country have been praying for his recovery.

6. What's your favorite Disney song? If you're stuck you'll find a list here.

I love Zip-a-dee-doo-dah!  It's such a happy song and makes me smile every time I hear it.

7. I should have _____________ yesterday. 
Not really sure about this one ????

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My friends, I have been on a mission for quite some time to find my Daddy a lift chair.  I just figured that it would be a simple matter of going and getting one.  But, oh, no, there are lift chairs and there are lift chairs.  I have had 3 delivered to his room and I have had 3 "undelivered" from his room. ~laugh~ None had the comfort level that Daddy wanted in a chair that he spends 75% of his day in.  Since that time I have done a lot of internet research, talked with lift chair specialists and have gotten quite the education.  There are lift chairs with heat, massage, independent foot and back mechanisms.  So, Daddy thinks that one with all the "bells and whistles" may well be just what he wants.  I have pictures and fabric samples to share with him today of one of these "Cadillac" chairs.  The problem is, they have to be ordered and there will no "undelivering"  if he happens not to like it. So, we shall see what he decides to do.  It's been an education that I could have done without, but hey, it may serve me well down the road should Hubby or I ever need one.  I mean, you gotta find the "upside" to some things in life.

Miscellany Monday

It's already the 3rd Monday of the new year.  Goodness, it seems as though New Year's Day was just yesterday.  As they say, "time marches on."  Time for some randomness with Carissa!

Concerted effort........... 

Our little Princess enjoys puzzles and we enjoy watching her as she works them.  She is very precise in her placement, no slamming for her, and she will twist and turn with utmost determination until the pieces fit perfectly in place.  I'm thinking this is a sign of a little girl that may have the gift of patience.

Mentoring............ 

This sweet lady has been a mentor to me for some 35+ years. The scriptures say that the older women are to take the younger women and mentor them along.  Well, this lady has done this for more women that she could ever recall.  She has given me advice, prayed for me and just "been there" more times than I can count.  Now, I hope that when I am her age that there will be dozens of ladies that will be able to say the same thing about me.  In the end there can be no greater reward than knowing one made a difference in lives - an eternal difference. 

Amazing...........

  It is so amazing to me how technically savvy the little folks are today.  My two Grans can get my IPad and go straight to the games that I have on it for them and never miss a beat.  Oh, my goodness!  I am so thankful that their Mommies are most careful to monitor the time they spend in front of the IPad and the TV.  And, thank goodness, both Grans would rather be running and romping than anything else.  I'm afraid that isn't the case with many children today, if they don't have a technical gadget in their hand, they are NOT happy. ~just saying~

A treasured keepsake..........

I received my 2011 blog entries in book form this past week and added it to the previous 2 years.  I've mentioned Blog2Print before, but if you have never checked it out, you should.  It is such a great way to keep your blog and they do an absolute professional job. For a fleeting moment I thought that I might not get it printed and bound anymore, but my children informed me that they really wanted me to. So, hey, that was enough reason for me to continue on.  There is so much they are not interested in having when I am gone from this earth that when they mention something that they would really enjoy, I'm all over it. ~smile~ 


Organizational tips...........

 I have been invited by a MOPS group to lead a mini-seminar on organization.  Of course, this excites me and I can hardly wait.  I have done a few over the years but not in quite a long time.  So, I am a busy bee getting my presentation together.  I will have about 30 minutes, so talk about organization, I will have to have my thoughts more than a little organized to make the most of that short time.  So, I'm choosing what to share and what to eliminate, it is 7 weeks away, so hopefully I'll have it all figured out by then. Organization - it's definitely a passion of mine that I love sharing with others.

  

Mardi Gras and Cowboy Stew

It has been a good week, the first week in a long, long time that I actually had some time that was mine to do with just as I wanted.  It felt so good.

I decided to do some seasonal decorating on the porch and inside the house.  I love both Valentine's and Mardi Gras.  Well, I love the decorations that go along with Mardi Gras.  I've never been to any kind of Mardi Gras celebration and likely never will.  But, none the less, it is such a "Louisiana thing" that over the years I grown to love the festive colors and the all the fun things that go along with it.  But, it falls within the same time frame as Valentines, so I cannot decorate for both.  Red and white don't exactly go with the brilliant colors of Mardi Gras, purple, gold and green.

I was pleased with how everything turned out and it definitely brings a smile to my face and hopefully our front and back door say, "Welcome, come and sit and spell."

Yesterday was a fun day that brought a lot of joy to my heart.  Our Women's Mission group from church met in the morning and prepared some Cowboy Stew (if you are interested in the recipe, click on my recipe tab above and it will be the first one listed) to carry to those that are home bound within our church family.  We had a great time socializing as we prepared and  we enjoyed a bowl ourselves and then each of us took two or three containers of the stew, along with some cornbread and cookies to deliver.

I had three very special couples, all in their mid eighties and each facing their own set of challenges.  The first couple are both in ill health and manage to stay in their home with the help of home health.  They were so thrilled to have a meal prepared for them but they would have been even more thrilled if I had been able to stay and spend the afternoon with them.  They seemed to be so lonely and I left them with a heavy heart, hoping that my brief visit would sustain them until someone else came by.

The next couple is a situation where the husband is in ill health but the wife is still in good enough health to care for him. They have two daughters nearby that make sure their needs are met and are most attentive to them. I left there thankful that the wife is still in what appears to be  good health. 

My last stop just about did me in.  It is a situation where the husband is caring for his wife that is suffering from the ravages of Alzheimer's.  He was also thrilled for the meal but more thrilled to have someone stop by and just listen to him for a few minutes.  He is just before having to make some decisions regarding his wife's future care and it is so obvious that he is struggling with this.  I just wanted to pack them both up and bring them home with me.

I can only hope that this meal and my visit gave each of these couples a ray of sunshine and some encouragement for the day. And, I can only hope that if I am ever in a situation such as them that there will be someone that shows up at my door with a meal and a hug.

Yes, it's been a good week and Hubby and I will top it off by going to see Joyful Praise this afternoon.  I mean, can it get any better than Dolly Parton and Queen Latifa?  Really, I'm thinking I'm going to get a really good dose of laughter and enjoyment! 

I'm linking with with my two Rachel's today. Click on the buttons below for more reading pleasure!

Blessings abundant to you!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joyce has once again come up with our questions for the day and if you want a fun meme, then click on the button above and jump aboard.  You'll enjoy it, I promise!
 

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English in 2012-

amazing, baby bump, shared sacrifice, occupy, blowback, man cave, the new normal, pet parent, win the future, trickeration, ginormous, and thank you in advance.

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Go here to read more about how the words are chosen. Well, well, well, what an interesting question..........I think my choice would be pet parent.  I mean, really, what's wrong with pet owner. We have two dogs that we own, but neither me or my Hubby wants to be their parent. ~smile~

Laying on their new beds chewing on the bones they got in their Christmas stocking ~smile~

2. Are you easily embarrassed? Not unless I'm in a situation where off colored comments or jokes are told.  I have little to no tolerance for such and it does embarrass me.

3. What is your go-to snack? About 3-4 years ago I started a "love affair" with vanilla wafers and crunchy peanut butter.  It's just the best, add a cup of coffee and it's even better.  I can grab a couple of those in the  mid-morning or mid-afternoon and it takes care of any hunger I might be dealing with and it's half way healthy. ~wink~

4. Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? If not do you have any desire to go? What site/attraction would you most want to see in that city? If you have been, what's your favorite site/attraction?Yes, I went once when I was about 10 years old and then Hubby and I took our two when they were early teens.  Our favorite and also my favorite was the Smithsonian Institute.

5. sit ups-planks-lunges-squats...which do you hate the least? 

I can tolerate lunges better than the others, so lunges it will be!

6. What's a small act of kindness you were shown that you've never forgotten? I've been shown so many acts of kindness but one that immediately came to mind was one done in recent months. A precious lady from our church just showed up at our door with the most beautiful and delicious coconut cake. (that she had made)  It was a few days after I had returned from being in Shreveport with my very sick Daddy and I was feeling especially low. It was not only delicious but a real "spirit lifter." And, she cares daily for a sick husband, but yet found time to do for someone else.

7. Have you ever been a blood donor? Yes, I have but not in a long time.  I do not do well afterwards and was advised that perhaps I didn't need to do it anymore.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

If you are a sports fan or know anything about the BCS game that was played between LSU and Alabama Monday evening, then you know it was a HUGE game. I am not a football fan but I did sport my purple and gold LSU sweatshirt on Monday and I did want them to win and Hubby and I did watch the game.  But, LSU forgot to show up!  OMG! it was a complete and total disaster and LSU never scored one point.  In the end it was so nice to know that it was "just" a game  and had no control over anything else. There's always next year!

Miscellany Monday

These Mondays just keep on rolling by don't they?  And, I suppose that's a good thing.  Always love beginning my week with Carrisa and my great blogging buddies.

The Birthday girl............

My sweet DIL is 33 years old today.  Don't you just love that beautiful hair?  She is not too crazy about talking about her age, but maybe she won't mind that I shared her age with you.  I mean, oh, to be "just" 33 again.  I hope her students are extra good to her today and that it will be a very special day.  Hubby will grill steaks and I'll fix the trimmings Wednesday evening to celebrate her.  She's the wife to my son and the mother to my Princess, and I love her!

These boots...........

 

We had so many rainy days the two or three weeks before Christmas that I decided I needed some rain boots.  I see women wearing them all the time but never thought I was a "rain boot kinda gal."  Well, I got so tired of wading water that I decided I would become a "rain boot kinda gal."  My Step Mom told my Daddy and guess what he gave me for Christmas?  Yep, that's right, leopard printed rain boots.  It hasn't rained since Christmas but it's forecasted for today and tomorrow. Look out!

Speaking of boots..........

 

I found these boots late, late last winter for 75% off and couldn't resist getting them.  Believe it or not, I've enjoyed wearing them.  Daughter approved them while she was here, so I felt much better after that. ~grin~  You know these daughters will be painfully honest with their Moms. 

The Sweet Seat........

 

Okay, Moms and Grandmothers, if you have not heard about this, you need to.  This is called a Sweet Seat and it's made for toddlers and small children to use as a booster chair (and for any other seating deemed necessary).  They are made in San Antonia by a sweet Christian family and if you want to know more or would like to order one , click here.  I chose the above pattern but they have plenty others to pick from.  My little Princess loves it. 

Bloggers are the BEST......

I barely knew what a blog was when I began blogging.  I certainly had no idea of the friendships that could be formed through such a means.  But, it didn't take me long to figure it out and what a delightful adventure blogging has been.  I am still hoping for a huge blogging convention to take place someday so that I can meet all of my "buddies" face to face.  But, until that time, just know that you are very special to me.  I think that I have a few "face to face" friends that truly do not "get" the whole idea of blogging and wonder what in the world do I get out of it and why do I do it.  ~smile~

A New Year and Renewed Hope

Do you ever sit down to blog and your mind draws a blank even though you have thoughts to share?  Well,  that's where I am today as I begin this entry.  Sounds crazy but can't seem to get the "juices flowing."  So, I'll just dive in and hope that they start flowing once the old brain gets in gear! ~smile~ I'm linking up with two of my most favorite gals, Rachel and Rachel for Friday Favorites and Company Girl Coffee. So, here goes..............

 

I have pondered this New Year quite a bit the past 5 days, not making resolutions (I quit that several years ago) but just plain ole pondering.  Pondering such things as:

What is going to happen to rock my world this year?

What do I wish to accomplish this year?

Will I be a better person this year than I was last year?

What surprises does the Lord have in store for me?

Where will I be this time next year?

How will the Lord choose to use me this year and will I be willing to allow Him to use me?

And, the ponderings go on and on.  I do not think anyone can live through what I have lived through and not have deep, deep thoughts about a New Year.(And. I am so well aware that this world is full of folks that have lived through far greater issues than I'll ever experience, but I am just sharing about me personally.)  The past 3 years have been the most difficult of my life with each of them growing in intensity.  So, do I enter this year with fear and trembling?  No, I think not.  I'm choosing to enter this year with an awareness of our awesome God that I've never had before.  I only thought that I knew how capable HE was, but he continues to amaze me. Isn't it great to serve a God that is greater than anything we can imagine! ~amen~  And, I have to confess that I have never doubted God but I have certainly questioned Him (and maybe that's the same as doubting, not sure) and not fully believed that He was capable of "fixing" the situation. Shame, shame on me!  Most of you have walked and shared the journey that I have trod since my Dad's illness on June 9th of last year.  Well, do you see this picture?

My friends, that is my Daddy TODAY! He was given little to no hope of any recovery after Guillian Barre Syndrome invaded his body.  On June 8th he was enjoying life to the fullest and in the next 24 hours the very life was sucked out of him.  Our lives were forever changed and I must admit, I pretty much had resigned myself to the fact that he would never walk again and certainly never be able to live outside the walls of a health care facility.  Well, apparently the Lord had other ideas and about a month ago we began noticing marked improvements on a daily basis.  He was obviously getting stronger and stronger, and his spirits lifted like they had not been since he became ill.  He began trying things that he had not been able to do and while, slow, he was able to do them.  Then about 10 days ago he felt like he wanted to try to walk with his walker and with the slight assistance of an aide he was successful!!!  

There are no drugs, per se, for GBS, so we  give all the credit to the Lord.  Daddy has been very dedicated to his therapy and exercise programs and the Lord has seen fit to bless his efforts in this way and bring about restoration in his body.  No, he is not what he was before, and likely will never be and he still has a ways to go, but oh, how far he has come.  For the first time, we have hope that he may one day get to return home to live with my Step Mom.   There are many factors that enter into such a decision.   If you have been one of the hundreds that have been praying for my Dad, we ask that you continue.  James 5:16 states that, "The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."  

Yes, my friends, I enter this year with renewed hope and praying that my thankfulness, faith and trust in Him will only grow deeper in this New Year. With that, I can and will face whatever comes my way.

Hodgepodge Wednesday

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2011?  Exciting, stressful and restoring

2. Do you like shrimp? What's your favorite way to have it prepared? As a matter of fact, Hubby and I went out to eat New Year's Day and I had fried shrimp.  I enjoy shrimp just about anyway it can be fixed.  That's a good thing when you live in Louisiana! ~wink~

3. Is your house de-Christmased? If so when did you tackle that job? If not, when will the decorations come down? Oh, my goodness, YES!!  It would have come down Christmas night but since we did not have Christmas until the day after this year, I didn't get it down until the next day.  I am soooooooooo ready for it to be down once the celebration is over and our celebration is usually over on Christmas Eve. I enjoy taking it down as much as I enjoy putting it up. ~smile~

4. Do you like to watch scary movies?

No, suspenseful movies , but not scary

5. ice skating~sledding~skiing~snowboarding~of the four listed which wintertime activity do you most enjoy?

None of the above.......I've never lived in an area where there was a lot of snow or cold, cold weather  and all that entails has zero appeal to me.  I might enjoy a long weekend at a ski lodge somewhere sitting by a roaring fire and looking at the beautiful scenery but that would be it.

6. Did you have a childhood hideout? Describe it.

I remember that my brother and I use to get a flat bed sheet and throw it over some tree limbs and make us a fort.  I don't remember ever having a hideout otherwise. I probably missed out on something as a result. ~grin~

7. What's a place or space that motivates you?

I love my big blue leather club chair that I retreat to first thing in the morning (with coffee in hand) to have my daily devotional and prayer time. It's a space in our upstairs area that is very quiet, especially at 5:30AM. This time helps to motivate me each day to "keep on keeping on" and assures me that HE is with me each step of the day no matter what may happen.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
I have never been one to give much thought to birthdays. I'm usually just happy to have another one.  But, the one I'm going to celebrate this year has caused me much thought.  I will be 60 in July and I've already done so much pondering over this and it's still 7 months away.  Oh, my! I think it's because I realize that most of my life is over and that is a most sobering thought.  Of course, I hope to have a whole lot of life left in my years and intend to go forth and be a "spunky" senior citizen.  I'm still trying to figure out where the past 50 years have gone...............so think I'll begin today doing just as this says........