Quote For The Day

Only one life to live that will soon be passed. Only whats done for Christ will last.

March 31

May 31, 2011~

This morning I read, “Unhappy, unsatisfied? Most likely it’s because you’re too self-absorbed. Get involved in helping others and see what happens.” This is so true. I have experienced this many times. It is so easy to get so caught up in life that we loose our direction or forget our purpose. This reminds me of a story I read recently about the Ground Hog.

A groundhog worked tirelessly day in and day out, year after year.  His accomplishments were evident by the large number of holes and lengthy tunnels he dug.

One day a group of surveyors happened upon the groundhog while he was busy at work.  Puzzled by the feverish pace and long hours the groundhog spent working each day, the surveyors asked the groundhog why he was digging so many holes.  The groundhog simply replied that he hadn't given it much thought.  The frantic pace of his life didn't allow him the time to consider such ridiculous questions.

Have you ever felt like the groundhog, so busy working that you simply didn't have the time to look up and evaluate the path you're blazing? It doesn’t have to be that way. It is time to stop and choose to smell the roses! Find someone who needs a helping hand, it just might put a smile on your face!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      Christ’s example.

2.      Time! I still have time to make a difference! I may be only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but there is something I can do.

3.      Sunshine! It has such uplifting and energizing effect on me. Hmm…maybe I can be the sunshine for someone today!

4.      Rain. It is what keeps things green and flowers growing.

5.      Flowers are starting to pop out all over!

I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.  ~Edward Everett Hale


It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can.  ~Sydney Smith

March 30

May 30, 2011~

Wow, I slept until 4:30 pm. Now that is a record for me! I guess there is something to be said for being tired and having a very quiet, dark place to sleep! I had my sleep study done today. The staff were very nice an professional, with a great knowledge on sleep needs and disorders.  It appears that my challenges are mostly due to flipping and flopping my day and night schedule around. I guess I have some thinking to do to figure out how to adjust to my work schedule in a better way and yet be able to spend time with family and get things done.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Have my sleep study all done. Will get the results next week.

2.    It is the start of my five days off! Yeah!

3.    Ahh…a very good “night’s” sleep!

4.    Home before dark so I could take a walk in the day light.

5.    The rain held off until after my walk!

March 29

May 29, 2011~

Yeah! It is my last day of work for 5 days! It has actually been a long six day stretch, since I picked up an extra shift, and I am more than a little tired! I won’t be home until tomorrow evening, because I will be going from work to have a sleep study done. Wonder what the outcome will be? (Maybe it will tell me I need a little more sleep!)

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Last day of my six days of work.

2.    Tomorrow starts my five days off! I really need it! I love my work, but for some reason since traveling, I have not gotten back on my normal schedule. (Whatever normal is?)

3.    Window Blinds, for day sleeping! A darker room definitely helps aid sleeping! But it also reminds me that there are blinds that Satan tries to put around me that make it difficult to see the ways of God clearly;Blinds that only God can remove.

 “³ But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, ⁴ whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
^{“ 4} For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

4.    God is my weapon for the pulling down of strongholds and veils that Satan puts in my path.

5.    God the Son! Who willingly came to this world, live a perfect live, paying my penalty, that I may have eternal life!

March 28

March 28,2011~

Ok, two days to go and then I can get back to normal, right? Well, whatever normal is. At least I believe I’ll be able to get my sleep. Thinking about it and realizing how tired I have been these last few days, my mind goes forward to Heaven; a time where there will be no fatigue and getting tired. There are so many reasons I look forward to Heaven, this is only one.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    I have been enjoying a little book called FULL PLATE DIET by Dianna Flemming, PHD.

2.    I just registered for a class that is going to be taught by author Dianna Flemming, PHD. I hear she is very interesting and fun to listen to. Guess, I’ll be able to answer that on April 7^th!

3.    Judy’s help getting the phone number and information so I could sign us all up!

4.    Fun in the kitchen making lunch with Ron! It was delicious. Simple, but delicious.  Check out the recipe for Savory kale on my recipe page.

5.    The availability of fresh fruits and veggies, just what the full plate diet recommends.

Check out this website.  http://www.fullplatediet.org/

March 27

May 27, 2011~

“The past is a place of reference, Not a place of residency.” ~ Willy Jolley

My day and night are switched around at the moment. When I start my 5 days of work, not much happens except work and sleep.  At least I did get to spend a little time with Ron this evening.

We watched some little clips on wimp.com about night photography. It looked fascinating and like fun! We both agreed that it is something we’d enjoy doing. Only need a new camera that costs a pretty penny. Guess we’ll wait on that for awhile.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    I was able to get at least enough sleep today to be able to function just a little bit.

2.    A walk in the brisk cool air to help me wake up!

3.    Time to spend with Ron, just relaxing.

4.    A phone call from my oldest son, Nathan.

5.    Memories, oh, so precious.

March 26

March 26, 2011~

No doubt spring is here! On my two mile walk today, what did I hear? Sounds I haven’t heard through the winter months, beautiful melodic songs of birds! They were different from the songs I’ve been hearing, so they caught my attention and I went looking to see what birds they were. The House Finches are home!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      House Finches! I love to listen to their singing.

2.      Winter is over!

3.      A relaxing day.

4.      Time to be able to just read and contemplate what God has spoken in His Word!

5.      A Husband willing to pick up the slack and fix delicious meals when I’m on my five day stretch at work!

March 25

March 25, 2011 ~

“A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double.”  ~Toni Morrison

How do people make it through life without a sister? I guess God knew I couldn’t so he blessed me with an extra special one!  There is just something special about my sister. She is fun, funny, courageous, and an encouragement to me. And to think she will still put up with me after all these years! Let’s see how many pairs of shoes, how many blouses, and how many sweaters did I ruin because I “barrowed” my big sisters things? Funny thing today was, she reminded me of a pair of sandles I broke over thirty five years ago….life did go on! This little quote reminds me of years gone by…

“If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she's wearing your best sweater.”

 ~P. Brown   

I believe as long as I have a sister, I will always have a friend!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    My sister, Judy.

2.    Phones.

3.    A nice visit with Judy on the Phone!

4.    Had chores to occupy my time today. They got done at a relaxed pace.

5.    Didn’t have to run here and there today for any reason, I got to just stay home!

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of.  You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.  ~Amy Li

March 24

March 24, 2011~

Today was a sad day, because we lost Shar, Peter’s dog. Peter called this morning with the news.

Shar was a special dog! She was Peter’s shadow for 10 short years. She arrived on his 13^th birthday! When he was sad, her head on his knee could heal the human hurts. When he was happy, she was full of joy. When he made a mistake, she ignored it. She was devoted to her master. When he was sick she would put her head on his knee or curl up beside him. Shar would  lend a thoughtful ear, to any problem there might be. Shar was a watch dog and would let you know when someone was around that she didn’t know, or if it was someone she did know, that was of course coming over to “play” with her! But there was one thing Shar was not. She was not mean, even when someone or another animal was mean to her. She would defend herself, but only to the point of getting them to stop and then come and tell us about it with her head down and crying apologetically. Shar loved other animals and would lovingly play with horses, cows, goats, cats, gerbils, fancy mice,

 and any other animal she could find! They were all her friends!

Shar won’t bark again as she did when she’d come for a visit, or clean up the tasty morsel that drops to the ground,  she won’t come running to say, “Hi, Mom, I came back for a visit,” and no more doggy kisses planted on the cheek. She will be missed terribly by all who knew her. Although, time will bring a new dog, I am sure, there will always be one place in our hearts that just belongs to Shar. Shar did not leave us empty handed, she left us many happy memories. We will always remember how much she loved us and the thoughtful things she did. Now she is resting where she spent most of her life.

Happy For A Reason reasson's:

1.       Happy memories of Shar.

2.       A beautiful sunrise. It was as if it was a special gift from God reminding me that someday there will be no more tears, no more loosing our precious pets.

3.       I could have lunch with Peter and Candice.

4.       Ron stopped by my work and replaced my windshield wiper that the wind had broken two weeks ago during the rain and wind storm.

5.       I got to drive home in the rain with a fully working wiper! Amazing how much better one can see with a functioning wiper, in the dark of night while it is raining!

March 23

March 23, 2011~

Last night I split a shift with a co-worker. Actually, she took the night part and I took the early morning hours. I was up at 1:30 am and off to work. It was a nice paced morning. The four hours went by quickly. Not realizing what time it was, my relief, Eva, came early, with a smile and very positive attitude! Her cheerfulness truly was easy to catch! On the way home I was able to enjoy a beautiful sunrise, and by the time I got home I was feeling ready to go outside and work in the yard! Then to my surprise Ron had breakfast already! It got me thinking about the meal I will be eating someday soon with Jesus!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Great co-workers like Eva!

2.    A beautiful sunrise!

3.    Breakfast fit for a queen with my best friend!

4.    It was a burn day and it isn’t raining!

5.    I was able to burn piles of branches and boxes that have been piling up all winter long! Sheba, my dog was out in the field with me. She was running around the field and into the pond having so much fun. The wind came up several times and blew some of the burning papers up into the wind and across the field. Sheba thought it was something to catch. Silly dog! You would think she would learn not to “play” with fire, but she kept going back for more. It got me to thinking about how much sin is like that. It looks so appealing, so “fun.” I go after it and get burned, sometimes only to go back for more.  Ouch! I get burned just like Sheba, if I play with fire.

Isaiah 64:6 “…and our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.” Yes, I so easily get blown off by the wind. Yet, if only I stop and remember what came before in, Isaiah 64:4.

⁴ “For since the beginning of the world
      Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
      Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
      Who acts for the one who waits for Him.
       ⁵ You meet him who rejoices and does righteousness,
      Who remembers You in Your ways.

There is hope! God is there, He works for those who wait for Him. He strengthens and helps those who happily do what is right.

^“ Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. ¹³ And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. ¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” ~Romans 6:12-14
So that means I must not give sin a vote in the way I conduct my life. No chasing after the burn papers as the wind pushes them along. I need not give it the time of day. Don’t do even “little” things that lead me back to what I know is not right. I must throw myself wholeheartedly  and fully into doing things God’s way! Sin can not tell me how to live. Because I am living in the freedom of God. I have the freedom to choose right!
 

March 22

March 22, 2011~

It is nice to be home. The temperature is about 20 degrees cooler than Tennessee, with partly cloudy skies. The sun is streaming through the clouds it is beautiful. As I was driving home this morning, I rounded a bend and saw the road lined with wild apple trees in bloom and the snow covered foothills of the Cascade Mountain range in the background. It is a scene I have experienced each spring for the last 25 years. I never cease to marvel, yet again, as my eyes look out over the snow covered mountains and the white blossoming apple trees. Yes, it is a beautiful sight God has created for me to enjoy!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    The beauty God has allowed me to enjoy for the last 25 years, as I drive down our road each spring.

2.    The time change. Now that one is a strange one I know, but, it allows me to see more daylight! Something I don’t see much of when I work nights thru the winter months.

3.    I could be a support for Clarissa today as she was going through a difficult time.

4.    Just being home! It is nice to have work, and it is nice to travel, but there is no place like home!

5.    The sounds of home! I have really enjoyed the last week experiencing the sights and sounds of things away from home, but there is just something comforting and relaxing about walking out the door at home and hearing the familiar melodious songs of the birds and occasional rib-bit of frogs.

March 21

March 21, 2011~

As we were getting close to the Nashville airport today, we needed to fill up the rental car with gas. Our phones said we only had one hour before our plane took off.  We had carefully planned out what time we needed to be to the airport so we’d make our flight home connection. We realized that if the time on our phones was correct we were in trouble, since it was only one hour before our plane would be leaving. So I got out to pump the gas while Ron went in to do what he needed to do.  When he got back in I said, “OK, let’s hightail it, but, no stressing!”  And he said, “No, we aren’t rushing.” I looked at him with a questioning look and he pulled his phone out of his pocket to show me the time. As it turned out he’d asked someone the time and then realized that for some reason when we went across the time line, our phones didn’t cross over. So he turned his off and on… wawlaw… correct time. No need to stress. Not that it would of helped us any anyway. We made it in plenty of time!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    A lovely walk along a Tennessee Creek before leaving for home.

2.    The enjoyment I had watching the birds as we walked along the creek and had a Cardinal come by to say good morning!

3.    We were on schedule and made it on time for our flight, even though our phones said otherwise! I guess it had something to do with the fact that we had not used our phones since we crossed the time zone line.

4.    We had uneventful and on time flights… well, at least until we landed at our home airport! That was the bumpiest landing I’ve ever experienced!

5.    Thankful that Judy and Jonathan were willing to bring our car to the airport so we could go straight home! Ahh…. Yes, we are home!  Home Sweet Home!

March 20

March 20, 2011~

I believe God has so much fun as He creates beautiful sunsets for us to enjoy! I do believe sunsets are just as beautiful in the South, as they are in the Pacific Northwest! He must smile as He creates each one for the enjoyment of all! I always stand in awe and my thoughts go to Him as the scene changes before my eyes.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    A beautiful Southern Sunset!

2.    The variety of birds I have see while here. Blue Herons, looking for food, Swallows, Sea Gulls, Cow Birds, and oh, so many other varieties of birds. I have heard so many different bird calls, yet couldn’t see or identify them. The one that stands out the most is the Cardinal, and at times he sounds like a person whistling as you go by.

3.    Playing basket ball with La’Quon and his friends. Oh, what a funny sight it must have been each time I tried to make a basket from any distance away from the basket! My shoulder is healing and much better, but, there was no way I had the strength to toss the ball overhand. I dare, say, I started to get pretty good tossing it under hand! Strange looking, but, if it works, it works!

4.    Had a fun time shopping for new clothes for my boy!

5.    Last, but not least, another afternoon to be able to spend time outdoors with La’Quon! Saying goodbye will be difficult, but, the memories we made will be reasons to smile and we can look ahead to next time!

March 19

March 19, 2011~

Here I am in Tennessee, and this is the first time I have been here when the weather (in my humble opinion) has been perfect! What a blessing this has been. Believe me, for someone who does not do well in heat and humidity, this is a big reason to be happy! Yes, nice weather, blossoming trees and flowers, makes for a pleasant setting!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    The beauty I see all around me in Nature.

2.    The pleasant sounds I hear as I’m out in Nature. Sounds especially stand out to me today because I am noticing sounds of critters and brids that I never hear back home.

3.    An enjoyable Sabbath with La’Quon.

4.    Good reports from La’Quon’s teachers and staff.

5.    I’ve been blessed by the seminar speaker, Philip Samaan. The topic’s have been on Restoration and Jesus example of how Jesus helped families.

HUGS!

March 18

March 18, 2011~

What a beautiful day! By 11:30 am it is 75 degrees and we are off to see La’Quon! As we are driving along the river bank, the forest here is much different. Most of the trees are still without leaves, with an occasional pine tree, or a beautiful purple flower tree. We are getting closer! Look at those beautiful white flowers on those trees, that line the road, and flowering tulip trees! HERE WE ARE! There’s La’Quon!!!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    La’Quon!

2.    A hug from my boy!

3.    Cooking in the kitchen with La’Quon.

4.    A beautiful sunshiny day in Tennessee, not too hot and not too humid!

5.    Great staff at La’Quon’s school!

March 17

March 17, 2011~

Sleep, oh how sweet! Ron and I got the much needed sleep, last night! Actually, once we got to our motel around 3:00 pm, we were so tired we laid down and slept for about two and one half hours! I guess that isn’t surprising since we’d left home at 9 pm yesterday and have been traveling since. Went shopping for food, did a few things, and then were ready for more sleep. By the time morning came around we were both ready for the day. And now for my Happy For A Reason reason’s.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Sleep, sleep, and more sleep!

2.    A nice place to stay, at a reasonable cost, a room away from the freeway, and next to a creek with a nice walkway.

3.    Picked up lunch at Subway, then back to a park near Chattanooga State for and enjoyable lunch with our friend, Jason!

Jason, we won't tell anyone how many tries it took to get this picture, will we? ~smile

4.    A wonderful day! While walking along the river near a dam, a young lady on her bike stopped to chat. When she found out we were from the West Coast, she started sharing places we should go see in Chattanooga, rather than all the “tourist” traps. She steered us to some very nice places! Not to mention the ones we will go back and see on another trip!

5.    A walk through the Artistic section of Chattanooga, across the river on a lovely old historic bridge fixed for foot traffic, checked out a sternwheeler, and watched trains go over the river, on an old train bridge with one of the original stone built piers.

March 16

March 16, 2011~

I have always enjoyed flying. Well, almost. These red-eye flights are a little challenging, but this time at least I was able to get to sleep during most of the flight! That may have to do with the fact that I’d only had a few hours sleep in the last 48 hours. When I landed and called our dear friends, who Ron and I were going to be staying with, I found out they had the flu at their house. So I started looking for a place to stay, while Ron drove. Less than an hour later we had a place to stay at a reasonable price, with everything we needed. I feel blessed!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Safety while traveling! In the last leg of my trip, there was some liquid running across the window. It was not water, since we were at the 30,000 feet cruising level and water would freeze. The hint of orange suggests it was some type of hydraulic fluid. As Ron and I exited the plane Ron, let the crew know about the hydraulic fluid. They wanted to know exactly where we were sitting and promptly went into action to find out what it was since the plane was to be in the air again on the return leg of their journey.

2.     Airplanes, to fly us the many miles we need to go. Much quicker than driving! Not to mention statistics show us that flying is actually safer than driving.

3.    Pilots and airline attendants who make our flying safer and enjoyable.

4.    Hot water at the airport for oatmeal! A good “sack” breakfast!

5.    Made it to our destination! Yeah! We will see La’Quon soon!

God’s Protection Blankets Our Lives

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” – Psalm 18:2 (NLT)

March 15

MARCH 15, 2011~

My last night of work for 10 days, was a busy one! Slept 3 ½ hours woke up with a start, thinking I’d over slept, only to realize that I could sleep 2 more hours. Problem is one I was awake, there was no going back to sleep. So I am up and at um. Cleaned the house, fixed lunch, and then off for appointments. Ready to go!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Safety while driving in the wind and drenching rian!

2.    I called and talked to my youngest son, one last time before I see him this week!

3.    My mother made Ron and I some delicious baked tofu leather to take on our trip!

4.    My sister Judy, being willing to take us to the airport!

5.    Ready to see La’Quon!!!

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.  ~Edmund Burke