May 31

May 31, 2011 ~

I had the most enjoyable drive in to work last night! For twenty minutes of the ride to the freeway, I enjoyed the most spectacular sunset! Even when I couldn’t see the actual sunset because I was in a valley, I could look up and see the different shades of pink reflecting on the clouds above me. I don’t think I have ever seen a more beautiful sky!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Oh, the beauty that only God can create!

2.       Plenty of left over food from yesterday so I didn’t have to spend  much time cooking today! Not that I don’t like to cook, but….

3.       Because I didn’t have to cook, I have more time to get caught up on my blogging!

4.       What a nice feeling….to be caught up on my blogging! Well, almost, now I just have to add the pictures, and that is the time consuming part.

5.       So glad, God never gets behind! His timing in perfect!

May 30

May 30, 2011 ~

“Prayer is the answer to every problem in life. It puts us in tune with divine wisdom which knows to adjust everything perfectly. So often we do not pray in certain situations, because from our standpoint, the outlook is hopeless. But nothing is impossible with God. Nothing is so entangled that it cannot be remedied. No relationship is too strained for God to bring about reconciliation and understanding. No habit is too deep-rooted that it can not be overcome. No one is so weak that he can not be made strong. No one is so ill that he cannot be healed, no mind so dull that it cannot be made brilliant. Whatever we need or desire, if we trust in God, He will supply it. If anything is causing worry or anxiety, let us stop rehearsing the difficulty and trust God for healing love and power.” EGW, R&H Oct. 7, 1865

At 2:30 am I awoke with a start. Not sure why, upon awakening this quote, which I have on my refrigerator in the kitchen, came to my mind. I figured there must be a reason so I began praying, knowing God must have His reason for bringing it to my mind. So as the saying goes, I plan to let go and let God, whatever comes and goes. In order for me to be able to do that, I need to be in constant connection with Him.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       A prayer connection with my God! I don’t have to wait until I can reach Him on the phone, it is immediate, anytime, and any place.                                                                                                 “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.” ~SC page 93

2.       Juanita, Derrick, Clarissa, and Levis came over for a barbeque and fun outside. Delicious barbeque!

3.       No rain when it was time to eat! We got to eat outside!

4.       A Western Tanager in my blossoming apple tree! Derrick spotted it, I ran for the camera, bird flew away… Oh well, camera is ready, maybe tomorrow.

5.       After the kids left, I got some sleep. Then I woke up to sunshine and a beautiful view of a snow covered Mount Hood!

May 29

May 29, 2011~

Today as we are packing things up we look out the cabin window and see two does. It is obvious they are not anymore afraid than the other deer we have seen on this trip. Once we are packed and have turned in our key, said goodbye to a new friend, Sandy Altman, owner of Stone Creek Cabins, we are off for one last small adventure before heading home. It was a bit grey and a little drizzly but it is amazing what beauty one can still find if they just open their eyes, heart and mind!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Being able to observe the deer up close.

2.       Another morning of relaxation and fun with Ron, uninterrupted by cell phones or other electronic devices!

3.       When we arrived home, our lawn was mowed, fence lines and walk way (and we have a lot) weeds all gone! Thank you Peter and Candice!

4.       Neighbors brought over compost for the garden and Peter tilled it as well!

5.       Alissa, Peter and Candice over for and we all enjoyed strawberry short cake…no strawberries from the garden, but there are promising flowers!

“Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of man, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and the seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator’s love. It is God who supplies the daily needs of all His creatures…. “God is love” is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with teir happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green –all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy.” ~Steps to Christ, EGW

May 28

May 28, 2011 ~

Who would think that twenty-seven years later I’d be in a snow storm, climbing up Mount Rainer, for fun with Ron! What a lovely time we had today. We weren’t sure if we were going to cross country ski or just hike up the mountain. We opted to take our ski poles and just hike up the mountain. Once we got away from where we could see the visitor center and lodge we were for the most part alone. It was so quiet and relaxing. We hiked about 2 miles up the mountain in the snow storm.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Before we left our little cabin a friendly deer came by for a visit.

2.       A short hike in to Carter Falls. Beautiful hike, started out on a regular trail and ended up on snow pack, but we found the falls and headed back to the car, for yet another adventure!

3.       A fun time hiking with Ron up Mount Rainer! We were very surprised how much snow there still was on the mountain! They have 140%  of their regular snow pack!

4.       A water proof coat! It was snowing, yet the snow would melt on our coats, If we hadn’t had water proof coats we’d of been soaked to the bones. But instead, we were dry, and enjoyed every minute of our adventure.

5.       A whole day of fun with Ron!

May 27

May 27, 2011 ~

Twenty-seven years ago, today, I married my very best friend. Being married to him has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He has been my partner and dearest friend. Knowing that he was their beside me has let me face many of life’s challenges, secure in the knowledge that I had, and will continue to have, someone special who thinks about me, supports me, and cares for me more deeply than anyone else… I am so very thankful to be sharing my life with my dearest friend and husband, Ron!

Happy For A Reason Reason’s:

1.       I’ve been married to my best friend for twenty-seven years!

2.       We had a safe trip to Mount Rainer!

3.       The drive to Mount Rainer was wet and rainy, but this evening it cleared up so we could get a peek at Mount Rainer!

4.       A very nice clean, dry place to stay in a lovely country setting!

5.       Deer up close!

May 26

May 26, 2011 ~

Yesterday, the song There Is Sunshine In My Soul Today was playing over and over in my mind. One of the things I like to do is find out who wrote songs and the story behind their inspiration. So today, I searched to find the story behind this happy, uplifting song.
There Is Sunshine In My Soul Today, was written by Eliza Hewitt. She was a school teacher that taught in an Orphanage school for children who had lost their parents. At the age of 35, she was struck with a slate, by an unruly student, severely injuring her back. She was put in a cast for six months. When the cast was finally removed she was told to take a short walk in a nearby park. While she walked through the park, she was overcome with joy and happiness that she could walk again and wrote this poem.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      Behind the scene stories.

2.      Sharing with another mom, mom to mom. What she shared encouraged me and what I shared encouraged her!

3.      Most of all a God who is in control!

4.      Traffic going my way wasn’t too bad! The other direction was a different story and I was able to make it to the office so I could pick up important papers before the office closed! Barely, but barely works!

5.      Only one more day before taking time off and heading to Mount Rainer with Ron for our twenty-seventh anniversary!

May 25

May 25, 2011 ~

Between the promises I’ve been reading and the sunshine I’ve been enjoying, there is truly sunshine in my soul today! A song I’ve sung since I was a child!

There is Sunshine in My Soul Today

There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light.

O there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,
While the peaceful, happy moments roll;
When Jesus shows His smiling face
There is sunshine in my soul.

There is music in my soul today,
A carol to my King;
And Jesus, listening, can hear
The song I cannot sing.

There is springtime in my soul today,
For when the Lord is near
 The dove of peace sings in my heart,
The flowers of grace appear.

There is gladness in my soul today,
And hope, and praise, and love,
For blessings which He gives me now,
For joys laid up above.

by Eliza E. Hewitt

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Sunshine, heavenly sunshine! 

2.       Done with my five days on at work. Now for some rest and relaxation!

3.       Slept most of the day away, but still got to enjoy some of the sunshine!               

4.       Woke up in time to talk to the staff at La’Quon’s school. They are terrific!

5.       Wonderful Bible Study tonight!

May 24

May 24, 2011 ~

Here are a few more verses that are of encouragement to me on those days when I am weary and in need of rest and encouragement.

Psalm 61:1
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.”

Isaiah 40:28- 31
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Hebrews 4:16
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Psalm 127: 1-2
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.”
 Last night I drove to work in the pouring rain. The next six hours of the night went by very quickly. When it was time to head home, I fully expected to go out and experience another cold, grey and rainy day. I headed for the time clock to check out, and as I went by the ambulance bay sliding doors, I saw sunshine streaming through the windows! Wow, talk about energize! That is what thinking about the love of Jesus does to me as well!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      More precious promises!

2.      Sunshine when I least expected it!

3.      Smiling paramedics!

4.      Smiling patients!

5.      Smiling coworkers!

May 23

May 23, 2011 ~

This morning, after working all night, I realized it was one of those days that I better get some sleep before heading home! Good idea! After sleeping for three  hours, I was ready to head home and get some more sleep!  This has me thinking about verses in the Bible that have to do with sleep, rest, tiredness, and being weary. So I thought I’d share some verses that I found that are encouraging, relaxing, uplifting and most of all help me find REST in God when my heart is tired and weary.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and  burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Matthew 11:28

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” ~Exodus 33:14

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”       ~Psalm 73:26

“My soul finds rest in God alone: my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” ~ Psalm 62:1-2

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       I think all these verses are a great reason to be happy! Wonderful promises!

2.       Being able to get a little rest before heading home this morning.

3.       Sheba came back after running out the gate and exploring for five minutes. Yes, that is a good thing… she usually takes much longer and finds very unpleasant things to roll in, so I believe I was blessed this morning!

4.       As I see the Scotch Broom in full bloom, I again realize that the rain is a good thing, the pollen count is staying down and I can breath much easier than most springs! It doesn’t look like I’ll have my normal laryngitis this year on my anniversary!

5.       Aww… More much needed rest, especially the rest I find in God alone!

May 22

May 22, 2011~

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” ~EGW

God has been there in the past, so I don’t have any reason not to believe He won’t be there in the future! And here I begin my Happy For A Reason reason’s.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       A God who doesn’t just leave me to fend for myself.

2.       A God who has been with me through thick and thin!

3.       A God who will continue to be with me!

4.       A God who loves me!

5.       A God who never changes.  As I was out walking I noticed a new little sign the neighbors had put up on their for sale sign. It says “New Price.” It got me to thinking about God and how happy I am that the price for eternal life never changes. Jesus paid the price and for me it always stays the same, free. I just have to take a hold of it.

May 21

May 21, 2011 ~

This has been a beautiful day! I woke up to beautiful sunshine! That is something I’ll take all I can get! Then I was off to the last PASO concert of the year. It was wonderful. They also honored several different people who have and are making a difference in the lives of others. Two of them were Alcyon Fleck, the founder of International Children’s Care, and Beverly Chappell, founder of the Dougy Center. http://www.forhiskids.org

http://www.dougy.org

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       A wonderful concert! The last one for this school year.

2.       Brian and Sharon Gosney, the driving force behind PASO who make it a reality.

3.       Encouraging stories of how others make a difference in the lives of others.

4.       Miracles! Yes, God is still in the business of miracles.

5.       My husband Ron! We have had many losses but we still have each other!

                                                                                                                         

May 20

May 20, 2011

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of me… and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” ~Matthew 11:29

I needed to read this verse today! Today is a day that I have needed  to put in to action the knowledge I have on choices. After a wakeup call that was not the most encouraging, I have been struggling with thinking about the negative things that I have no power to change. It is someone else that has to chose to change. But I don’t have to take ownership of those thoughts, I can choose to think about other things. So as I took a walk, I looked around, and thought about what I was seeing, and feeling.  This is where I will start my Happy For A Reason reasons.

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       The weather is delightful and the skies are clear as I look towards the snow capped Mt. Hood. The covering of white snow on the mountain reminds me of what Christ did for me. Because He lived a perfect life and died for me, His blood covers my sins just as the snow covers Mt. Hood.

2.       The fir trees. Their branches are reaching up towards heaven.  I need to keep looking up  to Heaven “from whence cometh my help.”  Psalms 121:1-2 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.

3.       The road sign…SOFT SHOULDERS. Well, If I go off on the “soft shoulders” I am going to get stuck and then my strength to carry on will be exhausted and I am more likely to give up. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 So, no walking on soft shoulders!

4.       I noticed that the trees on the Christmas tree farm across the lane had a lot of new growth. On the ground around each tree was the trimmings the workers had left after pruning recently. Trimming and shaping can be painful, but it is necessary for the full beauty to be realized. “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” ~John 15:2

5.       The yellow Dandelions brought my attention to the yellow sun and the warmth I was feeling as it was shining on my back! Immediately I thought about the love of God. His love shines down on me, and fills me to over flowing! He gave everything for me. “For God so loved the World “Barbara” that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not parish but have everlasting life.” Praise be to God!

May 19

May 19, 2011 ~

"Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit."
~Psalm 51:12

Ok, I was blessed with yet another day of sunshine!  Three days of sunshine and warm temperatures is the most days in a row I think we have had this spring! Made for a day of getting outside chores done and time to relax and watch the horses run in the field with the view of Mount Hood the back ground.

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       Time to be outdoors in the sunshine and accomplish a few outdoor chores.

2.       I made the Swallows happy! They love it when I mow, I guess it stirs up tiny little insects that they catch!

3.       Got a few laughs from my crazy dog Sheba!

4.       Time to relax and enjoy the neighbor’s horse running in the field.

5.       Beautiful Mt. Hood!

"We should give laughter a place in each of our days." ~Bonnie Jensen

May 18

May 18, 2011 ~

Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day! It is amazing what clear skies and sunshine can do for ones outlook on life! We need clear skies and sunshine everyday! Actually, if we did, plants wouldn’t grow and our wells wouldn’t fill up with water. Not much different than us. It is in the “rainy” times or valleys that we grow stronger.  It reminds me of this poem…

It's In The Valleys I Grow

By:  Jane Eggleston, Virginia

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I can be very sure that
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord.
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

1.      Thankful for both the Mountain Top and Valley experiences.

2.      Time for a walk in the sunshine!

3.      Sunshine! I’ll take every little bit I can get!

4.      Strawberries blooming!

5.      Wednesday night Bible Study!

May 17

May 17, 2011~

"Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe." ~Voltaire

I remember as a child I’d get tired of the rain, or it would be raining when I wanted to do something outside and I’d say, “Rain, rain, go away and come again some other day!” I’m tempted to say it again today, but then I realized, maybe it is here to give me hope.  The sun is behind the clouds and sooner or later it will peek through.  So it is in those “rainy” times of life, God is there rain or shine.

1.       The rain! It washes the Scotch Broom pollens out of the air so I can breath much easier!

2.       Great doctor, nurses, CANs, and coworkers   I worked with, on the swing shift, who helped time fly by making the environment at work enjoyable, especially since I had picked up an extra shift and doubled back with only about 4 hours sleep!

3.       That there is help for people who are sick, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I truly have so much to be thankful for and it is brought to my attention each time I work. I see so many hurting people at work and realize that I have nothing to complain about!

4.       So grateful that our computer programs didn’t go down today, even though there was a glitch that caused a problem or two! The possibility of down time really made me appreciate the uptime!!!

5.       My supervisor was working late, so she was able to help out with the computer glitch so I could keep working with the patients!

May 16

May 16, 2011~

 I love to go outside in the early morning to feel the cool, spring breeze on my face , and hear the birds singing their praises to their maker. It just makes me want to sing along with them.  I remember as a small child singing the song ”This Is My Father’s World.” It says “all nature singing and all round me rings the music of the spheres.”  That is truly how it is this morning!

This is My Father’s World ~ Maltbie Babcock

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair; in the rustling grass I hear Him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.  This is my Father’s world: why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns;  let the earth be glad!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       The feel of the fresh country air across my face.

2.       Rising early in the morning to hear the birds singing their morning songs.

3.       Warm sunshine streaming in my window.

4.       Sheba decided to stay inside the gate today when I drove the van out, instead of running out the gate and tromping around the countryside!

5.       Not much traffic this afternoon as I went here and there!

May 15

May 15, 2011 ~

"When we take time to notice the simple things in life, we never lack for encouragement. We discover we are surrounded by limitless hope that's just wearing everyday clothes." ~unknown

It is a wet and soggy day on the outside, but not on the inside. Looks perfect for a sort and throw day!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       Perfect day for inside projects, like sort and throw.

2.       I made great progress on my Bible memory project.

3.       A call from my sister, who has a pair of Western Tanagers setting up housekeeping in her yard!

4.       An opening in the rain long enough for a mile walk with Ron.

5.       A God who is with me in the rainy times of life as well as the sunshine!

May 14

May 14, 2011~

A lovely day! Since I was working last weekend and didn’t get to visit my mother on Mother’s Day, I went to church with my mother, went to her house for lunch, had a lovely meal, and finished with strawberry short cake! The very best part was just spending the afternoon with my Mother and Father!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.      Spent a lovely Sabbath afternoon with my Mother and Father!

2.      Called and visited with La’Quon while I was there, so they could talk to him as well.

3.      On the way home we stopped and visited with my mother-in-law.

4.      Beautiful apple blossoms against the angry grey clouds.

5.      The rain held off until we were home and comfortable inside.

May 13

May 13, 2011~

How nice to have two gorgeous days in a row! This year, spring, in the Pacific Northwest has been a very wet one! In fact to get a real good picture of how wet,  two weeks ago, I was told we had only one inch of rain to go before we hit our average total for the rain  year which ends in October. That is still five months away.

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.      Hair grows! I got a trim today. My hair is finally growing out after a real whack job.

2.      Libraries! I can borrow books that I don’t have the money to buy and can check them out to see if they really are something I want to invest in.

3.      House cleaning done!

4.      I got the mowing all done 5 min. before Ron got home!

5.      Finished the day with relaxation time! Yes, and I’m ready for Sabbath, too! This has truly been the preparation day!

May 12

May 12, 2011 ~

What a pretty day this has been. The temperature has been perfect, at least from my perspective, the birds are happily singing and I think I will join them!

This morning, as I was studying my Bible lesson, it talked about eagles and God’s lovingkindness. “Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.” Psalm 63:7    Under God’s wings I can find loving kindness, mercy, and shelter, just as the eaglets find safety and shelter under the wings of the great eagle. The eagle’s wings are very strong and can reach 9 feet wide or so. As a father eagle teaches an eaglet to fly, he carries it on his back up to a great height. Then he tips his wings, and the eaglet begins to fall earthward, flapping its little wings, and tumbling. Before the eaglet hits the ground, the father eagle swoops down underneath him and catches the eaglet on his wings, lifting it back up again! Like the eaglet, no matter how far I fall, God flies faster than my fall. He uses my fall to teach me to fly. And each fall draws me closer to my all powerful God. Yes, after He catches me I am closer still than I was before he caught me as I fell.     

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       Lessons from eagles!

2.       Lovely time at lunch with my dear friend Gerri.

3.       Cell phones! I couldn’t raise Clarissa today when I was knocking at her door so went to do another errand and head home if she didn’t call…. She called right before I was ready to leave town! So I headed back to her place. (Oh, the joys of being a night worker!)

4.       Could help Clarissa straighten her hair.

5.       One gorgeous day!