April 30

April 30, 2011~

There are so many things that I am not able to count on. In fact if I stop and think about it, there isn’t much that I can count on. In relationships, people are human, just like me, sooner or later they may let me down. Can I count on tomorrow being a sunny day? Not where I live! Can I even count on having tomorrow? The answer is no. So, I need to make the best of each moment of each day and share the sunshine of today with everyone I can. What is there in life that I can count on, and is it something I can share with others? Yes, I believe so. Let me see if I can find at least five things I can count on and be grateful for.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.     Ah, yes! There is grace that is sufficient for me!

2.     There is the love of Jesus that never, no never fails!

3.     His mercy endures forever!

4.     The blood of Jesus covers my sins, making me clean.

5.     Because of Jesus, I have a hope that doesn’t disappoint!

“Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” ~ Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

April 29

April 29, 2011~

Today, I just had to call my neighbor to make sure she didn’t miss seeing yet another beautiful rainbow. It has been so cold and wet here,  then towards evening the clouds part enough for the sun to shine on the rain forming beautiful rainbows. From what I hear our cold weather is making its way over the Rocky Mountains and hits the warm moist air off the Gulf of Mexico causing the tornados in the Southern States.  I have been trying to get through to the school where La’Quon is but no luck. I guess no news is good news.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.     Yet another rainbow.

2.     A peace that La’Quon is OK.

3.     A peace that passes all understanding!

4.     A Spirit who comforts.

5.     A Father God who cares.

April 28

April 28, 2011 ~

Again I ask, is this really April?  We are getting feet of snow in the mountains and inches of rain here at home. When normally we are thinking about places to go hiking, we are asking if we should go cross-country skiing? Here it is only two days before May, and we are thinking we just might be skiing in May. The ski season is usually over in April.

     Happy For A Reason reason’s:     

1.      Really, I am ready for some warmer weather! But, when there is snow mixed in the rain at my house, it means there is snow coming down up on the Mountain! Skiing, here I come!

2.      It has been so cold outside that the normal ways the birds get their seeds must not be available. A plus for me! There are more birds at my feeder s than I think I’ve ever had! Going through the birds seed mighty fast as well….

3.      The fruit trees are just waiting for a warmer day to pop those pretty little flowers open! I can see the blossoms just about to open.

4.      The furnace just came on! I am sure the bill will be much higher than most April billings, but that will just be a reminder to me that I have a wonderful furnace that keeps me warm, right? ~Big Smile~

5.      I can smile! I love to smile! I love smiling at others, because they just might smile back!

         “It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown.”  ~Author Unknown

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”  ~Mother Teresa

April 27

April 27, 2011 ~

As I type out April 27^th, I have to pause. Really, is it April or do I just think it is? By all indications as far as the weather around here is concerned it would appear to be March. They say that March comes in like a roaring lion and goes out like a lamb. I really think the lion came to stay this year! The only lamb around here is out in the field jumping and playing with its playmates down the road. Oh, but they are cute!  So, let me see what Happy For A Reason reason’s I have for today.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      The memory of a very pretty rainbow last night right before I had to go to work!

2.      The wild and wooly weather, outside, didn’t keep me from getting my sleep today.

3.      Got a good start on catching up with the chores that have been let go for the last five days.

4.      Ron and I had time for a short date!

5.      Enjoyed going to a new Bible Study. It is covering 150 Bible Passages on different topics. The goal is to memorize where to find answers on different topics straight from the Bible. I’m jumping in on number 65. So I think I have a bit of catch up to do!

April 26

April 26, 2011 ~

“A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner.” - English Proverb

Today, I have had several things on my mind; such as trials, difficulties, adversities, and struggles. Things I want done and behind me. At one point I was driving and thought, “I am tired of this! I just want to be done!” It was then that a text came to my mind,  2 Corinthians 12:9, “…My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Now, I really wasn’t ready to give up, but I realized how weak I am on my own, and how much I need the strength that comes with God’s grace. 

Now as I read the verse in context with the verses around it, I realize that I am no different than Paul. Here I am, “complaining” as was Paul, about my difficulties, just like Paul, God brought to my mind “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Then like Paul, realizing my difficulties are helping me to stay humble and become a better person with Christ’s help. “For when I am weak, than I am strong.” (vs. 10)

I am reminded that difficult situations and trials, are actually a gift helping me see my need for the gift of God’s grace. All I need is to quit focusing on my troubles and start appreciating the gift and let Christ’s strength take my weakness away! Just give the difficult situations, no matter what they are, or whether they are my fault or not, and give them to Christ! The weaker I get, the stronger I become, because of God’s gift of grace! I have a choice, let mistakes and adversities control my thoughts, fuss, whine, and complain, or accept God’s grace and accept adversity?

It is here where I’d like to start my Happy For A Reason reason’s. My challenge today is to find five reason’s why I can be happy for life’s adversities, difficulties, and trials.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    My difficulties help me see how weak I am and how strong I can be with God’s help!

2.    Difficulties can help me learn better ways to do things.

3.    Difficulties strengthen my faith and teach me to trust God completely. He has promised “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28, NKJV. I guess you could say, to teach me obedience from the heart not just the head.    

4.    Difficulties me help to build Godly character and the attitude of Christ from the inside out.

5.    Each difficulty helps me see areas in my life that I have not totally surrendered to God. I guess you could say it helps me identify the impurities that need removed. It is the process used for being refined and becoming a better person.

“I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people;’ and each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” ~Zechariah 13:9

THE SILVERSMITH

Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:

    "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Malachi 3:3).

One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.

She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"


"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?"

"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

-Author Unknown

April 25

April 25, 2011~

Wow, do I have a list of things to be happy for! It all started when we were about two miles from home.  Ron said, “Look over there!  It looks like it is raining good and hard!” Now, I wouldn’t think much about it but, the over there, was about the area where we live. Sure enough, we get near the last section of “twisty turns,” as my kids always called them, and the rain let loose! It was as if we hit a wall of water. Then there was hail mixed in and to top it off, it was being blown sideways! The thought of having to get out and open the gate was not a welcome thought. But it could have been worse…I could have been without a coat!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      My car! Walking in this weather would not have been fun!                                           

2.      My coat!

3.      The coat I choose to take with me had a hood!

4.      Ron took my things in the house so I didn’t have to go back to the car to get them.

5.      Change of clothes! Even though I was out in the rain less than two minutes, I still got wet and cold enough to need a changed rather than stay damp. This reminds me of the different garments that are mentioned in the Bible. The one that really stands out in my mind right now is my need for wearing Christ’s Robe of righteousness! It is a free gift from Him to me! Yes, I can come to Him as I am, downcast, soaked through to the skin, and dripping wet because my own “coat” does me no good. He is standing there, holding out His Rob of Righteousness for me. When I accept it, it is dry, warm, and fits just perfectly!

Inspirational DaySpring Movies

Inspirational DaySpring Movies

April 24

April 24, 2011 ~

Feelings of happy, sad, contemplative, inadequate, amazed, appreciative, extremely grateful have all passed through me today. I miss my kids today, but have so many memories of years gone by when they were wanting to know how long before we have our treasure hunt? Dad would finally say, “OK, everyone to their rooms and blinds drawn!” Out he’d go to hide the clues that would lead to the treasure! All clues lead to another and always had something to do with Jesus and the resurrection. A few times we did it by compass readings.  It was fun watching them run through the fields this way and that searching where they thought the clues were leading.  Now as I think about those “little” treasures, I think of a much more important treasure and hope and pray that each one will truly search for it, and when they find it, make it their own!

“Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear (love) of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” ~ Proverbs 2:3-5

“so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;” ~ Acts 17:27

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Fun and happy memories of days gone by.

2.    Feelings! What would life be like if we didn’t have feelings and emotions?

3.    Treasures! Each day is a treasure… May I not waist one moment of it!

4.    The rainbows I have seen today! Of course I left my camera at home, but it is forever etched in my memory! Rainbows are a gift from heaven where one is around God’s throne.

5.    The greatest treasure of all, A risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

April 23

April 23, 2011~

As yet another patient said, “Have a happy Easter,” my mind is redirected once again for the most important reason I have something to be happy. It started when Jesus came to this earth to live. Yes, He came to show us how to live. His life was one of sacrifice right from the start. He always put others first. He showed us how to love and how to give. And what a price He paid on the cross that day He took the punishment instead of me. Making a way for me to be made clean and new. He could have called Ten Thousand Angels, but He chose to pay the price for my sin. A price paid out of true, unselfish love.


Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    For God the Father giving His only begotten Son so that I might have life.

2.    God the Son, living a perfect selfless life and paying the price I should pay.

3.    Jesus didn’t call 10,000 Angels even though He could have.

4.    Jesus is alive!

5.    Because He lives, I can face tomorrow!

Names of Jesus - I Love To Praise Your Name - Freddy Hayler

April 22

April 22, 2011 ~

Yes, the lawn is mowed! They didn’t get the tractor back to us until early afternoon, so I have been mowing for the last 3 hours and it is finished! What a good feeling it is! Now for my Happy For A Reason reason’s and then I’m off to try to get a little sleep before I am off to work as I begin my work week.

Happy For  A Reason reason’s:

1.    The day could not have been more beautiful!

2.    The temperature was just perfect, not too hot, and not too cold!

3.    The tractor arrived home!

4.    The 12 inch tall grass is all mowed!

5.    I had a wonderful time on the phone talking to La’Quon!

April 21

April 21, 2011~

Can this really be April? As the dark black clouds lifted this afternoon and the sun was shining, for a brief moment, I could see that the snow was creeping back down the mountains. No wonder it felt so cold!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.   The beauty of the black clouds as the sun sends its rays peeking through. It reminds me that no matter how dark things may appear, the sun is still shinning. God will make a way, in His timing.

2.   Tomorrow we will have our riding lawn mower back!

3.   Tomorrow’s forecast, SUNSHINE!

4.   I believe we have the biggest, most beautiful Dandelions around! Just need some little hands to pick bouquets! Memories…..

5.   The rain, snow, and hail paused long enough for me to go for a mile walk without getting wet!

Ecclesiastes 3

Everything Has Its Time

 ¹ "To everything there is a season,
      A time for every purpose under heaven:
       ² A time to be born,
And a time to die;
      A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
       ³ A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
      A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
       ⁴ A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
      A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
       ⁵ A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
      A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
       ⁶ A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
      A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
       ⁷ A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
      A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
       ⁸ A time to love,
And a time to hate;
      A time of war,
And a time of peace."

From the New King James Version

April 20

April 20, 2011 ~

Yeah!!!! The part for the John Deer riding mower arrived this afternoon! It will be repaired tomorrow and be delivered back home no later than Friday! What an experience mowing damp grass that is a foot tall in some places, with an old push mower that we usually only use for under the trees, and a few hard to get places. I do have to admit that it has been good exercise, but I won’t cry when I have to get my exercise another way!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.   The spindle for the riding mower has arrived!

2.   The work-out I got while mowing the grass! I just counted all the verses in the Bible that talk about grass. There are 56, if I counted correctly.

3.   Gloves! Less blisters that way.

4.   No rain today! It would have made mowing much more difficult, no, impossible!

5.   All grape vines that I pruned are picked up, stacked, and ready to burn!  What a job this has been! Now I understand John 15, where Jesus is talking about the vinedresser pruning the branches that don’t bear much fruit.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2

Ahh.... This is what I hope for in the fall!

Dont be Weary

April 19

April 19, 2011 ~
After catching about four hours sleep I realized that was about all I was going to get since the neighbor who owns the Christmas tree farm across the way was plowing and planting. His big rigs are a bit noisy for sleeping. After lunch I was off to my Physical Therapy appointment. I was wondering if it would be my last, or would I have to continue a while longer?  Right from the start, Ann started working and testing me! I’d been off for 3 weeks and to her and my great joy, I didn’t regress or stay the same. No, I had increased my strength and had almost no pain! So today I graduated! She said I was a year ahead of schedule! Frozen shoulders are no fun and usually take a year and a half before they are healed. I do feel blessed! I still have some exercises to do to continue to strengthen and stretch those muscles that weren’t being used, but that should be no problem at all!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Graduated from Physical Therapy! I will miss their smiling faces and cheerful, encouraging attitudes.

2.       This has been the most beautiful day, this spring, and it is above 60 degrees! By a whole one degree!

3.       Our little push mower works! Since the riding mower is in the shop and the grass isn’t slowing its pace of growth, any mower will do!

4.       Upon my returning home I found Ron mowing the foot tall grass in our back yard!

5.       Only one and a third acre left to mow! 

                   “The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” ~ Lao Tzu

This Journey

        I was deeply touched by this link. May you be blessed by it as well.



                                                 THIS JOURNEY

April 18

April 18, 2011 ~

This morning I was studying about Jacob’s family. What a dysfunctional family it was with its favoritism, multiple wives, strife, manipulation, deceit, and on it goes. You can read about it in Genesis 36 and 37.

In reading the story, it is clear to me why his sons, however inexcusable, had major issues and treated Joseph, among others, terrible. Knowing the background helps me better understand what led them to do the things they did.

As I think about it, I have to ask myself am I any different? I, like everyone, am to some degree trapped in my own circumstances. Things happen that are beyond my control. So my question is, how do I respond to those circumstances? After all they weren’t my fault. Do I let them control me? Do I let them dominate my thoughts and actions to the point that I compromise principle, or do I allow my principles to guide me through my circumstances, both past and present?

Dear Lord, I turn to you. May I be like Joseph who turned to You, the God of His father’s, to lead and guide him even when bad things happened to him that were out of his control. As he determined in his heart to follow You and stand for Your principles, I do, too.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      God can bring good out of difficult, not to mention horrible situations.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” ~Romans 8:28

2.      A fun little excursion to one of my favorite stores, REI!

3.      And right next door to REI, is another favorite, Whole Foods! They had purple asparagus! I have never tried it, that is about to change!

4.      One and a half boxes in the green house cleaned out and ready to plant!

5.      The sun is really shining!

April 17

April 17, 2011~

Now, that is the way to start the day! Potato pancakes! Yummy….I do believe this is my favorite breakfast! To top it off, they were made by Ron! Delicious!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Potato pancakes! Yummy!

2.    Ron made me breakfast.

3.    Grapes are all pruned! What a job! It had not been done for two years, plus the posts and wire broke. Next chore is to get the posts in!

4.    One box in the green house cleaned out, with Ron’s help! Now if it will warm up and not rain, we might be able to plant soon.

5.    A walk in the sunshine!

The Good-O-Meter

I think this puts it all in perspective!

April 16

 “Music is what feelings sound like." ~Author Unknown

April 16, 2011 ~

A jam packed day it was! It started with church in the morning, concert in the afternoon, and ended with Juanita and Alissa over for the evening.

The  concert was an Easter Cantata called, ”No More Night” with Belle Cantori, a ladies chorus, His Praise, a men’s chorus, and Portland Adventist String Orchestra. They had a wonderful selection of music. It was performed beautifully. I was truly blessed!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Church

2.    Friend Debbie, who made me feel welcome at the church I was visiting.

3.    A wonderful concert! It was the first time I have been able to hear Alissa perform while playing the bass.

4.    Fun time doing the Muscle Mile exercises with Ron and Alissa, while we waited for Juanita to arrive! Yep, we got in one mile and had the dog thinking we were nuts! I am sure if any neighbors saw us, they knew we were nuts!

5.    A nice evening at home with Juanita and Alissa.

“A house is made with walls and beams. A home is made with love and dreams.” ~Author Unknown

Bass players in deep discussion! Hmmm? Wonder what she is trying to convince Mr. Gosney about?

April 15

April 15, 2011 ~

It’s a birthday day! Twenty-three years ago Peter was born. It seems as though it was only yesterday and yet on the other hand so long ago. He was a premie, but you wouldn’t know it today!

A son…

Is someone you want the best for always.

You wish him success in life, and while you don’t say it quite enough, you’re grateful for all that he is and thankful for all that he does… He is your heart—your joy—your son. ~Author Unknown

Happy Birthday Peter!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Twenty-three years of memories, with Peter, we thought we’d never have.

2.    The hole in Peter’s heart was healed at about 4 months of age! The doctor said it would never happen…. We know who fixed it!

3.    I could sing Happy Birthday to Peter!

4.    A run in the rain with Alissa.

5.    A coat that kept me dry while I ran, well, for the most part.

April 14

April 14, 2011 ~

As I was having my worship time this morning, I could hear the birds singing outside. The urge to fling the window open wide was so strong I could not resist! It was as if the birds were right there in the room with me as I felt the cool breeze, breathed in the fresh air, and listened as the Robin by my window happily called to his friends, who echoed his call. Other birds were joining the chorus with their background harmonies. I am so thankful I am able to enjoy living in the country where it is quiet and the sounds of nature are easily heard. I am reminded of a story I heard years ago about an old Indian, from the country, who was in the city for some reason. He was accompanied by his friend who lived in the city. Walking down the busy streets, the Indian looked, wide eyed, at all he saw,streets lined with buildings of different sizes and shapes, reaching to the sky. The traffic noise from the buses, taxis honking horns, trucks and cars, along with people talking and yelling as they call for a taxi, was over whelming.  Suddenly the Indian stopped. His companion asked him if something was wrong? The Indian said, “Listen, do you hear it?” His companion asked, “Hear what?” The Indian said, “The bird?” His companion said, “A bird? How could I hear a bird with all this noise?” The Indian looking around pointed up several floors high on a nearby building was a robin, perched on a window seal, singing its sweet melody.

How could the Indian hear the bird? It was the ability to hear what he was tuned into, or trained to hear. What am I tuned to hear? What about my thoughts? Sometimes so much is thrown at me that my mind is racing like a city traffic jam. Do I hear just the traffic, or am I still connected to my God so that I hear His still small voice, like the Indian heard the bird? Is all the activity and traffic making the sound of His voice inaudible?

Lord, please keep me tuned to the sounds of Your creation and Your still small voice no matter how busy or how much traffic there is in my life.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.    Time to spend with my God!

2.    A window that opens!

3.    Fresh air and sunshine!

4.    The cool morning breeze.

5.    Yummy gluten free coffee cake my sister baked for me!