Chapter 10, Page 31, Book 09

It is Saturday and I am home today so come on in..

Back door friends are the best they say!

This is my back door before my kitchen was remodeled. It didn't have a window in it so I painted one on it. The picture above this is my new door that does have a window in it

I wish I had a picture of the other side of the door to show you but I dont. It had an altogether different kind of window painted on it.

I love being able to look out into my back yard when I'm working in the kitchen

Outside my door when it's nice weather we have all kinds of things blooming. This is just one of the day lilies we have. It has a double blossom on it. Nature is a BLESSING for sure.

I'm counting my blessings as always, naming them one by one. I hope you are too!

Happy Saturday and Happy All Hallows Eve everyone!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 10, Page 30, Book 09

This is my house…It’s almost 100 years old and it’s a duplex…1/2 is mine and the other half belongs to my next door sister. We’ve lived here quite awhile now. When we first moved in we still had children at home and needed a house this size. Now both of us are home alone. It’s nice though having someone I know right next door. That is a BLESSING.



I thought I’d share these cute little witches with you today. I painted them last fall when I was camping. The little scare crow in the middle was not painted by me but he is cute for sure.

The sign they are holding says
FREE BROOM RIDES



This is another one of the sweatshirts I painted. I think everyone got a sweatshirt for their birthday that year.

Have a great FRIDAY everyone

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 29, Book 09

Welcome to my home !

There is something NEW AT MY HOUSE today

I've decided to change the way I make my entries. Starting today I'm going to be doing a diary of sorts. It will be all about my blessings of which I do have many.

My files are full of pictures that tell about my many blessings in my life. They are of my family, my home and events in my life

So beginning to day that is what I am going to be sharing with all of you.

I hope that you too will be encouraged to count those every day little things that make life so good and what I call my blessings

BLESSSINGS

One of my favorite things to do is to paint

The little sleds above were painted by me for my grandchildren a few years ago. I've not done any painting for awhile but am going to be getting back into it as there will be plenty of indoor time this winter

This is a sweatshirt that I painted for one of my DDIL's

This is a slate that I painted for my DD to hang outside her door

The time spent doing these things is so relaxing. I enjoy every moment. My weekends are never long enough to do what I love to do and this is only one of my blessings to be sure.

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 10, Page 28, Book 09

Here are few pearls of wisdom packaged in humor.

Enjoy

1. You wouldn't worry what people thought about you if you only knew how seldom they did.

2. To expect life to treat you fairly because you're a good person is like expecting a bull not to charge you because you're a vegetarian.

3.Worry is like a rocking chair; it will give you something to do, but won't get you anywhere. 4.Pain and suffering are a lot like gas....they too shall pass.

5.Always borrow money from a pessimist. They don't expect to be paid back.

6.Anyone who says that swimming is good for the figure has never taken a real good look at a whale.

7.A bore is always ME deep in conversation.

8.Some people think their lives are full, when really they're just cluttered.

9.If at first you don't succeed, try not to be amazed.

10.A leader without a sense of humor is like a grass cutter at a cemetery. You have a lot of people under you paying absolutely no attention.

Good Morning !

As promised I’m letting you know how I did on that list from yesterday

Here are the things I didn’t do

5. Replace anger, irritation, resentment with compassion.

I didn’t have anything to be angry about

21. Eat veggies.

Does ketchup on my sandwich at lunch count as a veggie?

23. Compliment others even strangers.

Had no one to give a compliment to
26. Move more today. (more walking, getting up, shake a tail feather, etc)

It was one of my sit behind a desk days although I did walk through the grocery store at lunch time
Sing.

I usually do but yesterday I didn’t …I’m truthful anyway

I’ll be working on the five I missed out on…

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 27, Book 09

ANOTHER LIST FOR YOU TODAY

Live Better....Laugh More

1. Smile often.

2. Think Make It Happen in all things today.

3. Help others - Pay It Forward.

4. No violence in my actions, words, or intentions.

5. Replace anger, irritation, resentment with compassion.

6. Slow down. Be Caribbean inspired today.(you’ll probably get more done on days that you do this!)

7. Notice the little things today - colors, details, sounds, quiet, feelings etc.

8. Eat slowly.

9. Rest frequently especially when tired, hungry, cranky. Take a break.

10. Send love to others today in action, words, and thoughts.

11. Appreciate every bit of good in my life. Think in terms of each thing you touch (i.e. your pillow) and do (i.e. walking, seeing).

12. No losing my temper. I will observe how I feel when frustrated, breathe deeply and choose a different more patient way to react.

13. Speak softly today

14. Laugh - a lot - even when it doesn’t come naturally. Practice makes perfect.

15. Be kind.

16. Don’t absorb stress today. Gonna be late? No stress. Spill coffee on clothes. Oh well, no stress. Angry people? Wish them peace, move away from them, no stress.

17. Say a thank you in your mind for every good thing I notice today.

18. Enjoy the day.

19. Have fun today.

20. Eat fruit.21. Eat veggies.

22. Make it fun.

23. Compliment others even strangers.

24. Live fully.

25. No fear.

26. Move more today. (more walking, getting up, shake a tail feather, etc)

27. Really listen.

28. Show love and appreciation generously to family and friends today.

29. Sing. Whistle. Listen to music.


GOOD MORNING!

I hope you don’t mind another list ‘to do’ today. I’m a list maker and I love being able to scratch things off the list when I’ve done them. Today I’m really going to see how many things I can get done. So tomorrow I’ll let you know how many of those 29 things I was able accomplish.

I know a lot of people like me with a ‘to do’ list a mile long, but this one is different than my usual list of tasks. Seems like a downhill battle some days to even say I’ve done one thing on my list.

These days of shorter and shorter daylight hours are really creating havoc with my energy level. I looked at the clock at 7:30 last night and discovered that no, it is not time for bed yet.

Yesterday I had two or three things I really wanted to get done and none of them did. Maybe today…

We’ll see…


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

What I do today is important because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it.

Anonymous

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 26, Book 09

Start your day with some happy thoughts
Berries … mmmm.
Walking barefoot in grass.
Listening to good music in the car.
Taking a long, relaxing shower.
Coffee.
A good novel.
Popcorn and an old movie on DVD.
The smell of fresh-cut grass.
Watching the sunrise.
Walking on the beach.
A gentle morning run.
Yoga or stretching or meditation.
Watching the sunset.
Hugging your child tightly.
Good wine.
Dark chocolate.
Dancing like you’re crazy.
Telling jokes till your sides ache.
A long conversation with a good friend.
Root beer float.
Being lazy on a Sunday.
Waking to a clean house.
An uncluttered room.
Banana split.
Pillow fights.
Fries and a chocolate milkshake.
Singing in the shower, loudly.
Dancing in the rain and stomping in puddles..
Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.
Helping someone in need.
Making someone smile.
Homemade pie.
A nature hike.
Laying back and watching the stars.
Making a sandcastle.
Floating in the water.
Taking an afternoon nap.
Watching your children on Christmas morning.
Laying back and looking up at clouds.
Watching the ocean.
Getting a massage.
Reese’s peanut butter cups.
PB&J sandwich.
Iced green tea.
Acting crazy in public.
Seeing your savings account grow.
Seeing your debt shrink.
Taking a hot bath.
Blowing bubbles.
A gentle breeze.
The feeling after a good workout.
Checking something off your to-do list.
Snuggling together under the covers on a stormy day.
The smell of a new Moleskine notebook.
Writing on good paper with a good pen.
A clear desk.
Fresh popped popcorn.
A fresh snow.
Swinging on a swing.
Homemade strawberry shortcake.
Watching animals in nature.
An empty email inbox.
Playing hooky.
Staying up all night talking.
Having a picnic.
GOOD MORNING !

I’ve thought about cutting the list above up in sections for each thing on it and putting them in a jar to take one out when I need a happy thought. We all need something good to remind us that life is not all work and no play.

Mondays are such tough days for me. I love the little prayer that goes…

Dear Lord,

I'm proud to say, so far today I've got along alright;I have not gossiped, whined or bragged, or had a single fight.I haven't lost my temper once, or criticized my mate.I have not lied, I have not cried, or loudly cursed my fate.So far today I've not one time been grumpy or morose,I have not been spiteful, cold or vain, self-centered or verbose.But, Lord, I'm going to need your help throughout the hours ahead,So give me the strength, Dear Lord,for now I'm getting out of bed.

Well I am out of bed and I’ve had my coffee so off to work I go..

Have a great Monday!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 10, Page 25, Book 09

When I open my eyes
To greet another day,
I’ll find myself renewed in strength
And there will open up a way
To meet what seemed impossible
For me to solve alone,
And once again I’ll be assured
I am never on my own

Helen Steiner Rice

GOOD MORNING !

After I finish up with my good cup of coffee here this morning I must get ready and head out to church.

You know Sundays are my day of R & R and one of those R’s does stand for renewal. I’m renewed and refueled. My soul and body are refreshed.

We all run out of energy at times. If I’m tired out my brain doesn’t even think straight. So as with all things we must refuel ourselves in order to keep going.

You might say that my hour spent there is fuel for my soul. Soul food is something that gives a lot of comfort. It’s something that makes us feel good and that is the heart of my hour. There is just nothing that can compare.

Sundays were designed to give us rest from work and I’m going to make it one of the best.

Hope you do too!



THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A hug is a wish…

For peace, joy and quietness of heart

For God’s blessing in every area of your life

For comfort when you feel afraid

For strength when you grow weary

For courage when the road you
Must walk is much longer than you
Planned

As you walk through life
May you be able to see
God’s beauty surrounding you
Know that He created it
Just for you

He loves you and I do too!

I’m sending you a hug
Today and always!

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 24, Book 09

A SMILE FOR SALE

VICKI, an unhappy rich woman, sits impatiently on a bus stop bench.

MIKE, a homeless man, sits down next to her with a big smile on his face.
VICKI:

What are you smiling for?

MIKE: It’s what I do.

VICKI: I won’t ask.

MIKE: I sell smiles for a living.

VICKI: I’m not interested.

MIKE: Here, have a free one – on me. (He smiles at her.)

VICKI: No thank you.

MIKE: Sorry, can’t take it back. You’ll have to give it to someone else.
VICKI: What?

MIKE: The smile. You’ll have to give it away if you don’t want it. Or sell it if you like – apparently it hasn’t been used much.
VICKI: What do you mean by that?

MIKE: You don’t smile very often, do you?

VICKI: So what if I don’t?

MIKE: Shouldn’t waste your smile…there’s plenty of people who could use one.

VICKI: Well they can have mine.

MIKE: Your what?

VICKI: My smile.

MIKE: I don’t see one.

VICKI: I thought you just gave me one.

MIKE: I tried, but it didn’t stick. I think it bounced right off.

VICKI: Fine. What’s there to smile about anyway?

MIKE: Well–

VICKI: You don’t have to answer that.

MIKE: There’s lots of things to smile about. It’s a beautiful day outside; the busses are running on time…

VICKI: I don’t want to hear about it.

MIKE: -and look at that flower over there, now that would make anybody smile-

VICKI: Would you leave me alone!

…a long moment of silence…Finally, she gives in!

VICKI: So what’s the going rate on smiles these days?

MIKE: Pardon me?

VICKI: Your smiles–how much are they?

MIKE: Oh, they’re very expensive.

VICKI: So’s my taste.

MIKE: You probably couldn’t afford one.

VICKI: Try me.

MIKE: I’m warning you–it’ll cost…

VICKI: Yes, I know, HOW MUCH?

MIKE: One smile.

VICKI: One smile?

MIKE: That’s how much they cost.

VICKI: What?

MIKE: The price for a smile is exactly one smile.

That’s the going rate.
…She thinks about it…
VICKI: All right. (smiles) I’ll take one.

MIKE: It was a pleasure doing business with you. (…he leaves)

…Daisy, a streetwalker, sits down next to her…

DAISY: What’s with the smile?

VICKI: I sell smiles for a living…………..

GOOD MORNING!

It is a great day here. The weather isn’t much to brag about but then it isn’t snowing so I won’t complain. You don’t have to shovel rain. All I have to do is put my umbrella up if I want to go out.

I’m meeting one of my friends for breakfast in a little while. I haven’t seen her is almost a year now so it will be good to get together. We are supposed to go to Cracker Barrel and it has a cute little gift shop so I’ll enjoy looking around in there too.

I have actually purchased some Christmas gifts already and am always on the lookout for something special for the special people in my life.

With 24 people in my own immediate family and a few other relatives and friends I have a lot of gifts to get and wrap. I put my Plan in a Pumpkin Shell on the side bar here in this journal so you can see it. I have used this for a number of years and it works.

I do hope you are blessed with a few SMILES today and a little SUNSHINE to warm your heart.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

TOP TEN GOOD THINGS ABOUT SMILING

1. It’s less work than frowning.

2. It’s free, legal, and nonfattening.

3. It shows off all that expensive dental work.

4. It makes you look innocent.

5. It gives your mouth something to do when you’re not eating or talking.

6. It’s so distracting, no one notices you dressed in the dark.

7. It helps you look like the after picture instead of the before picture.

8. It makes everyone wonder what you’ve been up to.

9. It can make you look scary and unstable so people won’t mess with you.

10. It gives you those cute little dimples that no one can resist

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 23, Book 09

Death was walking toward a city one morning and a man asked,
What are you going to do?
I’m going to take 100 people, Death replied.
That’s horrible! the man said.
That’s the way it is, Death said. That’s what I do.
The man hurried to warn everyone he could about Death’s plan.

As evening fell, he met Death again.
You told me you were going to take 100 people, t

he man said. Why did 1,000 die?
I kept my word, Death responded. I only took 100 people.

Worry took the others.

An estimate of half of all the people in America’s hospital beds are constant worriers. Mental distress can lead to migraine headaches, arthritis, heart trouble, cystitis, colitis, backaches, ulcers, depression, digestive disorders and yes, even death.

Add to that list the mental fatigue of nights without sleep and days without peace, then we get a glimpse of the havoc worry plays in destroying the quality and quantity of life. Worry is, and always will be, a fatal disease of the heart, for its beginning signals the end of faith.

Release the regrets of yesterday, refuse the fears of tomorrow and receive instead, the peace of today.
FREE YOUR MIND, YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID.

GOOD MORNING !

I say it over and over again but it is so true, faith does lift us up from some of our darkest moments. My faith is in God. Putting trust in other people is fine but people are not always there for you.

I won’t say that there is never a moment that worry doesn’t enter my head. Of course it does. I’m only human. But I don’t let it bring me down. I guess it’s a lesson I learned a long time ago and when it’s been brought home to you enough times, you do finally learn.

All the worry in the world does not solve a single problem. If anything else I think we all should be taught at any early age how to handle problems. The first and foremost thing to do in my opinion would be to pray about it. The 2nd is to look God for the answers.

I did receive an e-mail from my friend whose sister had the surgery we were praying for and she said: Thank you and everyone else for the prayers. Please keep her in thoughts for a complete recovery. It will take a good 6 weeks or so we are told. Also if you wouldn’t mind, could you ask them to pray for those who are looking for a job

I have added that to my prayer list and hope you do too. There are lots and lots of people needing a job right now.

I heard a list of things to do to keep your job or to help you over the hump of finding a new job when the other is lost on my way to work this week. It included things like making sure your work is excellent. Whether you like your job or not the work done should be your best.

They also said you should make contacts in your line of work that might hire you if you should be in need of another job. And one program I was listening to said that very often it is in our churches where we make the best contacts.

Praying will certainly help too.

Well today is Friday. You know it is my favorite day of the week. It’s the anticipation of 2 days off that makes it so good for me.

I owe, I owe,
It’s off to work I go…


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

When the weather suits you not, Try smiling.

When the coffee isn’t hot, Try smiling.

When your neighbors don’t do right,

Or your relatives all fight, Sure ’tis hard,

but then you might

Try smiling.

Doesn’t change the things, of course — Just smiling.

But it cannot make them worse — Just smiling.

And it seems to help your case,

Brightens up a gloomy place,

Then, it sort o’ rests your face — Just smiling.

Author Unknown

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 22, Book 09

Remember!
Remember that your presence is a present to the world.
Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.
Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.
Remember to take the days just one at a time.
Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.
Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along.
Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.
Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.

Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.
Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.
Remember not to take things too seriously.
Remember to laugh.
Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.
Remember that life's treasures are people, not things.
Author Unknown
May God bless your day with peace, joy and love.

GOOD MORNING !
Peace joy and love are three very remarkable words. I get a good feeling just saying them. Sometimes I need to say encouraging words to myself over and over again so I’ll have something to feel good about too.
There is a lot of power in positive thinking. I’ve discovered that we were not made for negative thoughts. We get all out of sorts both mentally and bodily. Stressful moments can make us sick and cause all sorts of unhealthy things to happen to our bodies. Our minds can only take so much negativity and it too rebels.
I read this observation of positive thinking and thought it said so much of what I’ve been trying to say:
Optimism relies on the human person. It requires courage, will power, bravery and a belief that things will improve. However we are fragile and weak. Sometimes our initial optimism quickly fades. Hope on the other hand has its roots in God. We put our hope and trust in God. Hope is not a protective shield from the knocks of the world and life. But hope will always allow us to take a step forward away from darkness, despair, confusion and hopelessness. A combination of optimism and hope is one that will never let us down.
We all have had or will have some bad things happen in our lives but if we pray about it the good Lord will help us to overcome the difficulties. He is always right there to give us the assistance we need.
Thank you so much for those that prayed for my friends sister’s surgery yesterday. She and her family were very thankful to have so many praying. I do not know yet how things are going for her but will update you when I do.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Every morning, when you wake up, set your dial to 'worthwhile'.

John Ortiz

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 21, Book 09

When you are exasperated by interruptions, try to remember that their very frequency may indicate the valuableness of your life. Only the people who are full of help and strength are burdened by other people's needs. The interruptions which we chafe at are the credentials of our indispensability. The greatest condemnation that anybody could incur--and it is a danger to guard against -- is to be so independent, so unhelpful, that nobody ever interrupts us and we are left comfortably alone.
Author Unknown
GOOD MORNING !

When we are interrupted we are often irritated. Just when we are up to our elbows in work, it seems we are interrupted. We shouldn’t be annoyed at all. It means to someone our time is valuable. It means that to someone our help is needed. It means we are very important to someone.

I’ve gotten so that I like it when I get an interruption. I sit in the office by myself so much and at home too that for someone to say they need a little bit of my time is a blessing.

This past Sunday afternoon, after working at my task of unloading my car and trying to find some space in my house for all my camper stuff…I got an interruption. DS#6 and his wife stopped in for a little visit. They didn’t need anything from me and were just stopping by for a chat before heading back home but all the same I didn’t mind at all that they came, I needed a break anyway.

As a matter of fact after they left I didn’t do anymore, I decided my knees had had enough going up and down the stairs for one day.

It is OVER THE HUMP DAY – mid week already. Hope your Wednesday is a great one and may you be blessed with an interruption or two today. Remember you are needed and valuable and very special to someone!

Today will be a long one for me as I won’t get out at lunch time for a break. My boss will be home with his sick son. Even men have to stay home with the sick children these days if the mom is working. I think they take turns so neither one misses much work.
I also have a friend who’s sister is having some major surgery today so please join me in praying for her. Any and all prayers will be appreciated.


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I have always been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I slowly discovered that my interruptions were my work

Author Unknown

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 20, Book 09

A little story for you today…

During one of the many Reformation battles, a young soldier found himself and his army being soundly defeated by the enemy. He and his comrades hastily retreated from the battlefield in defeat, running away in fear of their very lives.

The enemy gave chase. The young man ran hard and fast, full of fear and desperation, and soon found himself cut off from his comrades. The soldier eventually came upon a rocky ledge containing a cave. Knowing the enemy was close behind, and that he was exhausted from the chase, he chose to hide there.

After he crawled in, he fell to his face in the darkness, desperately crying out to God to save him and protect him from his enemies. He made a bargain with God. He promised that if God saved him, he would serve Him for the remainder of his days.

When he looked up from his despairing plea for help, he saw a spider beginning to weave its web at the entrance to the cave. As he watched the delicate threads being slowly drawn across the mouth of the cave, the young soldier pondered its irony. He thought, I asked God for protection and deliverance, and He sent me a spider instead.

How can a spider save me?His heart was hardened, knowing the enemy would soon discover his hiding place and kill him. Soon he did hear the sound of his enemies, who were now scouring the area looking for those in hiding.

One soldier with a gun slowly walked up to the cave's entrance. As the young man crouched in the darkness, hoping to surprise the enemy in a last-minute desperate attempt to save his own life, he felt his heart pounding wildly out of control. As the enemy cautiously moved forward to enter the cave, he came upon the spider's web, which by now was completely strung across the opening. He backed away and called out to a comrade,

There can't be anyone in here. They would have had to break this spider's web to enter the cave. Let's move on.Years later, this young man, who made good his promise by becoming a preacher and evangelist, wrote about that ordeal.

What he observed has stood by me in times of trouble, especially during those times when everything seemed impossible: Where God is, a spider's web is as a stone wall. Where God is not, a stone wall is as a spider's web

GOOD MORNING !

Every day there miracles all around us. Sometimes we see them and very often we don’t. As I try to dwell on the ‘bright side’, I’m often in search for them. I am always on the look out to see what blessings each day may contain.

On my way home from work yesterday I witnessed a car going through a red light. Red lights mean stop, but this car jumped the gun. The turn signal in the lane on his right turned green, but his light to go straight didn’t. Well it was a miracle that car did not get hit. I said a little prayer of thanks for that one.

How often I’ve almost done the same thing.

When I see things like that happen I always think that persons guardian angel must be working overtime.

Today is another work day for me. The 2nd of 5 this week. And believe me when I say , I do say my guardian angel prayer as I go out the drive way.

That prayer is followed by one for my family and friends too.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Working high upon the steep roof of a barn the old guy lost his footing andstarted a rapid slide downward. Certain that he would be killed, the man, whowasn’t a regular customer, cried out to God, Lord, save me!

Immediately, his cuff caught on a nail which was just far enough out to snaga healthy chunk of material. With a sigh of relief, the fellow prayed again,Never mind, Lord, my pants caught on a nail and stopped me.

I wonder how many miracles we explain away. Out of need, a prayer goes up;but when the answer comes, it is rationalized. Even more I wonder how manymiracles we would see if we expected to see more

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 19, Book 09

I may never see tomorrow;

there's no written guarantee,

And things that happened yesterday

belong to history,
I cannot predict the future,

I cannot change the past,

I have just the present moment,

I must treat it as my last,
I must use this moment wisely

for it soon will pass away,

and be lost to me forever

as part of yesterday,
I must exercise compassion,

help the fallen to their feet,

Be a friend unto the friendless,

make an empty life complete,

The unkind things I do today

may never be undone,

And friendships that I fail to win

may nevermore be won,
I may not have another chance

on bended knee to pray,

And thank God with a humble heart

for giving me this day

GOOD MORNING!
Here we are with a new week and a new day once more.
It’s going to be long 5 day work weeks for me from now on til Thanksgiving and then I’m taking the day after as a vacation day.
The thing is that work slows down for us now. The weather has put a stop to a lot of the work our men do as it’s been way too cold.
Having less to do makes the days at work seem even longer than what they are. I’ll be starting to purge some old files and move them to the archives and shred some of the old stuff, but I really cannot do much of that til the new year.
At home there is lots and lots to do with preparing my house for Thanksgiving company. My company will be my family and they do not need anything special done for them, but my house has been sadly neglected since camping season began in April so there really is a lot to clean up and organize.
I hope your Monday is a great one!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

If we weren't meant to keep starting over,

would God have granted us Monday?

Anonymous

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 10, Page 18, Book 09

Year by year the complexities of this spinning world grow

more bewildering and so each year

we need all the more

to seek peace and comfort

in the joyful simplicities.
Woman's Home Companion (1935)

We do need peace, if we're to maintain our physical and emotional and mental health. And peace can be found only in the simple things--a walk in the forest, a good book on a rainy day, nice music by the fireplace, a good cup of coffee or tea and plenty of time to drink it and enjoy it

GOOD MORNING !

Today is my day for R & R. Rest and relaxation. Refreshment and Renewal. The day that helps me to get through the work week ahead of me.

I’ve got my good cup of coffee right beside me and I am at peace here this morning. There is some work I may or may not do today, but for the most part it will be relaxing.

The nice thing about Sundays is that there is no rush to do anything. Whatever I do will be at my pace and not at the demands of others.

I always consider the jobs I do at home to be more fun than work anyway. Taking care of my home is a pleasure to me. It is the work I do away from home that is not always so great.

I hope to do some cooking and baking so that I’ll have some leftovers for the week ahead. Coming home from work and finding a meal in the fridge that only needs to be heated up is a joy.

As always I’m off to church this morning and will be saying some special prayers for all of you today. Some will be prayers of thanks and some will be prayers for help needed. I know that they all will be heard and answered in just the right way and at the right time.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

How many undervalue the power of simplicity!

But it is the real key to the heart.
William Wordsworth

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 10, Page 17, Book 09

An old poem describes a woman walking through a meadow meditating on nature. While strolling about, she came upon a field of golden pumpkins. In the corner of the field stood a majestic, huge oak tree.

She sat under the oak tree musing on the strange twist in nature which put tiny acorns on huge branches and huge pumpkins on tiny vines. She thought to herself, God blundered with Creation. He should have put the small acorns on the tiny vines and the large pumpkins on the huge branches.

Nodding off, the woman stretched out under the oak tree for a nap. A few minutes after falling asleep she was awakened by a tiny acorn bouncing off her nose.

Chuckling to herself, she rubbed her nose and thought

Maybe God was right after all!

GOOD MORNING !

So often in my world things do not go the way I want them to. I fought for control for a very long time and then I discovered a much better way. I chose to turn it all over the One who could do a much better job than I.

If you had met me when I was a young thing You would have seen a very organized, but busy lady. I had times set for doing everything just so. I tried to model my mother who was an immaculate house keeper and I also tried to do more than any one person should do in a day’s time. I was busy busy making sure everything was in place.

I found out that no matter how perfect I tried to make things, difficulties still happened. Days did not always go my way and even my health wasn’t something I could control. A mom with young children doesn’t ever get sick I’d say…

I learned some hard lessons along the way and since I’m now old enough to look back and see the error of my ways I can tell you for a fact that there is only one in control. That is God.

That doesn’t mean I stopped trying to do my best with my home and family, it just means i put my trust in God rather than in myself.

Today I’m sadly closing up and winterizing my little place in the woods. It should only take a few hours this afternoon. Then I’ll be home for the duration of what seems to be about 6 months of cold bone-chilling weather.

The good thing is that Spring will come again and the anticipation of another camping season will keep me going through it all.

I think the good Lord know what he was doing in this case too.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Is It Any Wonder?
Is it any wonder

That the world is filled with pain,

When man sets aside its beauty,

For his own material gain?

Is it any wonderThat lovers' hearts grow dim,

When they do not hold in honor,

The love that's found within?

Is it any wonder

That the homeless often fail,

When they're forced out of house and home

To seek another trail?

Is it any wonder

That nature falls to ruin and rubble,

Because we drain it thoughtlessly,

Allowing it to crumble?Is it any wonder

That children go astray,

Because we did not take the time,

To show them the proper way?

Is it any wonder

That evil's strong and bold,

When we can't see any goodness,

And we let our hearts grow cold?

Is it any wonder

Racism thrives, my friend,

When we cannot see the person,

Just the color of his skin?

Is it any wonder

That friendships die and fade,

When we forget the reasons,

Why they first were made?

Is it any wonder

Our world has been polluted,

When we allow our industries,

To strip it and permute it?

Is it any wonder

There's so much grief and sorrow,

That we don't even seem to care,

What will take place tomorrow?

Is it any wonder

We see no value in our brothers,

And we hold ourselves too far above,

The many needs of others?

Is it any wonder

Our world is like it is,

When all we do is grumble,

And no action do we give?

Is it any wonder

We wait in fear of Judgment Day,

When we do the things we do,

Then forget the way to pray?

Author Unknown

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 10, Page 16, Book 09

A Fable for Friday

GROWING GOOD CORN

By author unknown

There once was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year? the reporter asked.

Why sir, said the farmer, didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn.He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves.So it is with our lives.

Those who choose to live in peace must help their neighbors to live in peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

The lesson for each of us is this: if we are to grow good corn, we must help our neighbors grow good corn. It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything.

Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself.
- From the Bible,Proverbs 11:24-25

GOOD MORNING!

I may have told this story before, I probably did, but I love the lesson it teaches us.

If we teach others something it only helps us in the long run.

If we help someone it makes us feel good. In helping others it helps us too.

What I have isn’t a lot but I have a lot that others don’t too and I try to share that as much as I can.

It is finally Friday and it will be only a half day of work for me today. I had hoped to be able to spend my time at the camper, but as I’ve said the weather has turned much too cold and we’ll be winterizing and closing up tomorrow. So my half day off will be spent at home getting some much needed things done there.

I’ll be back to blogging now every day of the week. No more weekends off.
Have a great FRIDAY everyone!



THOUGHT FOR TODAY

If nature has made you a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart. And though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full, and you can give things out of that.
Frances Hodgson Burnett

‘On Ya’ - ma