June 30

June 30, 2011~

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him” ~Lamentations 3:25

Here I am on the last day of June. The year is over half way gone. What have I accomplished? Will I be able to reach the goals I have set for myself this year? Most of all where am I when it comes to my relationship with God? Am I closer, farther away, or the same as I was at the beginning of the year? How can I tell, what do I need to do? As I think about these questions, I realize something that happened to me this morning plays a huge role in finding the answer.

I got up very early this morning to make it to a required meeting at work. After the meeting  was over I noticed I had a voice mail message. The message was one from my husband giving me information about someone we care about deeply.  I found myself taking a deep breath and asking, “OK, now what do I need to do?” I thought it through and proceeded to do just what I thought I needed to do, step by step. I am a bit ashamed to say, but not once did I stop and “wait” on God. No, I did not panic, but I realize now that this is an area that I need to grow in my experience of “waiting” on God and learn to pray without ceasing. “Pray without ceasing.” 1Thessalonians 5:17. So what am I doing that is getting in the way of  my learning to truly “wait” on the Lord? Personally, I believe I can find many things that get in the way of my “waiting” on God, work, lack of prioritizing, rushing my worship time or saying I’ll do it in a little while, a little while comes and goes before I know it and on goes my list. Yes, in order to have my response be too immediately “wait” on God, I must put Him first in all areas of my life. Here I was doing what I thought I needed to do because of my experience. Never mind that I could have “waited” on God, who has more experience than I could ever have. If I would have stopped and given it to God I could have had a quietness and deep peace in my soul. I believe that each time I do this my relationship with God is strengthened anxiety, worry, and fear will be gone. My faith will become unshakeable because I know without a doubt that, He is my strength and He will see me through no matter what. I can depend on Him even when my world is crumbling!

 Lord, please help me to prioritize and recognize when I am not putting You first in everything. May my first thoughts always be directed to You, from whence comes my strength! You are an awesome God! All my praise goes to You.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       A phone message that ultimately helped me see my need to keep my God in His rightful place of being number one in my life!

2.       Everything is going to be OK.

3.       I have a great bunch of coworkers!

4.       Time!  Something I need so I can get caught up on my blog entries since I took a vacation and then a trip down South!

5.       A God who is so patient with me! Never leaving me alone, but always there to show me the way, even when I don’t realize it and sometimes telling me to wait because He wants me to trust in Him to grow, and grow, and grow!

June 29

June 29, 2011~

Oh I love this Oregon weather!  Not too hot and not too humid!

While I was gone the seeds from last year’s arugula that went to seed, sprouted and I can hardly see what I planted. So the question is, do I try to weed it out or scrap it all and start over? Since it is my birthday, I think I’ll figure that out on another day!

What a great day this has ended up being! My friend Chris called last night and asked if I had plans for today? Ron, Alissa, and I met up with them at the PortoBella Restaurant. What an enjoyable, and might I say tasty, time we had! What a special birthday they helped make this to be! And there is no better place to start my happy for a reason reasons, than right here!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       Another birthday….the alternative isn’t such a pleasant thought. Rather than thinking about getting older (though that is a given,) I choose to think of it as getting wiser.

2.       The pleasant company of my friends, the Philpott family!

3.       A treat to try a new vegan!

4.       Delicious, tantalizing…. food! Especially the Beet Tartare appetizer made with cashew cheese, Potato Gnocchi with Vegetable Ragu, and Pizza. (Oh, my, I think I could put down nearly everything we age!)

5.       Smiles, smiles, and more smiles!

           Decisions, Decisions...I think it all looks like it'll be good! Ron isn't so sure.... Smile

                                                          So what will it be?

                           Everyone had to try the homemade cashew vegan ice cream.

                                                 Which one do you think is the best?

              Alissa thinks the carmel isn't to bad, but don't give me anymore of the lemon!

And now it is time for visiting......

Thanks for all the fun memories everyone!                                                  

June 28

June 28, 2011 ~

"A happy heart is the best service we can give to God."
 ~Marie Chapman

This morning we arrived safe and sound around 1:00 am! My kind Mother and Father had brought our van to the airport so that we could get home quickly (and so could they!) So an hour later we were happily home and in bed. Not much trouble going to sleep! Though we soon realized our bodies were on Eastern Daylight Savings Time.  So we were up and ready to go before we thought we would. Now for putting everything away and a time to relax!

Happy For A Reason:

1.       Top of the list is a safe trip home.

2.       Mother and Daddy brought our van to the airport so we could get home quickly!

3.       Trips are nice but getting home is wonderful!

4.       My very own bed!

5.       Traveling bags emptied and everything is put away!

June 27

June 27, 2011 ~

Our time in Tennessee comes to an end today. It has been wonderful to see La’Quon, our dear friends Dottie, Harold, Dannielle, Terry and Jason! We decided a great way to end it, despite the hot humid weather, was to go to Falls Creek Fall’s. So after saying our goodbye’s Jason came with us to show us the way. That was a special treat for us!

Ron, Jason and I all hiked to the bottom of the falls. Ron hardly had a drop of sweat on him, not so for Jason and me. No the two of us were dripping wet! But it was well worth taking the hike so we could see all the different rock formations, “wonderful” Tennessee bugs, topped off with a beautiful waterfall!

 It amazes me how God brings different people into our lives, “for such a time as this.” God brought these dear friends into our lives in His perfect timing. It reminds me of the story of Esther the Queen. You can find it in Esther 1-10, in the Bible.  She became Queen, as Mordecai states it, “for such a time as this.”  God placed her where he could use her to save her people. She was where God wanted her, at the right time. So it is that God brings others into our lives, for encouragement, and support. God knows all the time who needs who, and for what reason.

“A coincidence is just God remaining anonymous.” ~Author Unknown

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       God’s perfect timing.

2.       The diverse beauty that God has created in all the different regions of our great country.

3.       Special friends!

4.       All God’s unique creatures, bugs included. (As long as they stay off of me!)

5.       I think one that I enjoy the most is the fireflies! Something we do not have in the Pacific Northwest.

June 26

June 26, 2011 ~

Yesterday, Ron and I spent all day with La’Quon.  It was a lovely Sabbath day. We met his new classmates and many of their families and enjoyed a Sabbath afternoon baptism in the river. Then today we went to the graduation ceremonies and said goodbye to several boys and their families as they all begin the next part of their life journeys.  We are very happy for them, and wait with great anticipation for the time when it will be our turn! After lunch and some more time with La’Quon, his friends and school staff, we sadly said our good-byes and start the count down again for our next visit. It will be here before we know it!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       A weekend of memories with La’Quon!

2.       Baptism of boys who gave their lives to Christ!

3.       New friends!

4.       Great school for La’Quon!

5.       Great staff!

As we leave La’Quon, I keep before me the fact that we’ll see him face to face again in just a little while. I once again think of a song from my past. A song I learned as a child. Face To Face With Christ My Savior. 

Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face--what will it be?
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me.

    Face to face I shall behold Him,
    Far beyond the starry sky;
    Face to face in all His glory,
      I shall see Him by and by!

Only faintly now, I see Him,
With the darkling veil between,
But a blessed day is coming,
When His glory shall be seen.

What rejoicing in His presence,
When are banished grief and pain;
When the crooked ways are straightened,
And the dark things shall be plain.

Face to face! O blissful moment!
Face to face--to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ who loves me so.

~by Carrie Ellis Breck

June 25

June 25, 2011 ~

Oh, the joy that was in my heart as I saw my boy! A big smile on his face, the twinkle in his eyes as he came running to me and I was the recipient of a huge, warm, fuzzy, hug!

It is wonderful to be here with La’Quon! It has brought back to my memory a song from long ago. It talks about the Joy I shall have when I am in the presence of Jesus, and “I shall see Him face to face.” This feeling that I have and the joy in my heart , right now, is just a very small taste of what it will someday be when I see my Jesus face to face! Oh, how my heart longs for that Day! No more separation, no more pain, no more sickness, no more separation from loved ones because of death,  the struggles of life will be behind us! Oh, come quickly Lord Jesus!

Saved By Grace

Someday the silver cord will break, and I no more as now shall sing; But, O the joy when I shall wake within the presence of the King!

Chorus: And I shall see Him face to face, and tell the story, saved by grace: and I shall see Him face to face, and tell the story, saved by grace.

Someday my earthly house will fall, I cannot tell how soon ‘twill be, but this I know—my All in All has now a place with Him for me.

Or someday when my Lord will come, and called to meet Him I’ll be blest, He then will say to me, “Well done,” and I shall enter into rest.

Someday, till then I’ll watch and wait, my lamp all trimmed and burning bright, that when my Savior I will greet, my faith will then be changed to sight.

Chorus: And I shall see Him face to face, and tell the story, saved by grace: and I shall see Him face to face, and tell the story, saved by grace.

~by Fanny Crosby

Until that day I choose to be happy for a reason!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       God’s grace!

2.       La’Quon! Oh, how wonderful it is to see him, face to face!

3.       The twinkle in La’Quon’s eyes!

4.       La’Quon’s hugs!

5.       Time to spend with my boy! (He is growing into a young man, but, he will always be my boy!)

                                                   Woohoo ...a shirt from Oregon!

Hey, Day, can I have some of your water?

Awww......

Tennessee sunset while we were on a walk with La'Quon!

La'Quon took this picture of the Canadian Geese flying into the sunset.

June 24

June 24, 2011 ~

I thought it would take forever for this day to come, and yet, here it is! Yes, I am up, up and away today and will see La’Quon tomorrow! It has been three months. As we are flying, I look down and can see mountains from a different view point. I can see so much and so far and yet there is also so much that I don’t see. It got me thinking about our all seeing God. There is nothing that is out of His view. And He can see every detail big or small. Nothing is hidden.

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       I am on my way to see my boy, La’Quon!

2.       Airplanes!

3.       The beauty I see from the air!

4.       Will soon be seeing special friends Harold and Dottie who I have not seen for 9 months. Each time we visit with them we go away having been encouraged and inspired by their love and encouragement.

5.       An all seeing God.
                                                     
                                                         A few views from inside the plane!

                        And now we are on the ground! Clouds at sunset just as we are picking up our car.

June 23

June 23, 2011~

One more day before we are off to see La’Quon! The excitement is rising from deep within me! It was not too busy at work last night so I had fun thinking about my trip. When I got home I was off to sleep for three hours and then the day really began. Appointment in town, back home and then off to take Alissa to practice with a choir that was performing this Sabbath. Back home for the last minute trip preparations off to bed, tomorrow starts good and early.

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       Only one more day before I am off to see La’Quon!

2.       Three hours of sleep! Better than none at all!

3.       Fun time taking Alissa to choir practice!

4.       Meeting some nice people.

5.       A reliable vehicle for my many trips into town!

June 22

June 22, 2011 ~

“To be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars….to think…often of your friends, and every day of Christ…these are the guideposts on the footpath of peace.” ~Henry Van Dyke

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       Only two more day left before leaving for TN!

2.       I’ll soon see my boy! (Notice I am planning on enjoying the time with La’Quon…not so about the hot muggy temperature, but that to has a positive side! It helps me be extremely grateful for the weather here at home!

3.       Beautiful sunset, it looked like the sky was a blaze of fire.

4.       Hummingbirds!

5.       Memories, of years gone by when the kids would stand for hours on the back porch waiting for the hummingbirds to come land on their fingers at the feeder!

Looks like I have bad allergies or a not so nice cold.  Not fun for traveling tomorrow, it makes me so grateful for how God has created our bodies to heal. Yes, it makes me appreciate all the more having good health, this is just a little set back for a time.

June 21

June 21, 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.”  ~Author Unknown

I think that is just the right place to start my happy reasons.

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       The beautiful sunset I enjoyed on the way to work.

2.       OK, this may be silly, but for my psychotic dog! ….she is very funny as she chases shadows, be it birds, reflection or her own shadow, every evening when the sun is shining and the shadows are lengthening. She gets so happy and will “smile,” chase the shadows, wag her tail until her tongue hangs from her mouth, and she drops!

3.       More weeding done.

4.       Seeds sprouting to life in my garden

5.       Water, to clean up after all the outdoorsy things. I think my coworkers and patients probably will appreciate me better than coming to work smelling like I’ve been working out in the yard all day! And now I am off to work!

June 20

June 20, 2011 ~

I was more than ready for my shift to be over, this morning. Computers are wonderful when they work, but when there are bugs in the system, so to speak, they are a bit challenging! Now for some sleep and then I’m curious what interesting things I’ll find to keep me busy today? Maybe being too busy is the problem. How about some quietness instead?

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in Quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.””~Isaiah 30:15

Here it appears that when Isaiah spoke these words of God, Israel ignored them. They instead, ran after other Gods and other nations. Today, God is calling me to turn to Him for the same strength, and quiet rest that He promised His people long ago. Too often I have the tendency to run around frantically, looking this way and that, using my own strength to get myself out of trouble rather than resting quietly in His salvation.

Lord, help me today to find that quietness as I rest, and trust in You.

GIVE ME A QUIET MIND

When winds are blowing, waves are rising, falling
And all the air is full of dust and spray;
When voices, like to sea birds’ plaintive calling,
Confuse my day;

Then, then I know Thee, Lord of highest heaven
In newborn need discover Thee, and find
Nought can discomfort him to whom is given
A quiet mind.

When hopes have failed, and heavy sadness crusheth,
And doubt and fear would weave their deadly spell,
Then thought of Thee my troubled spirit husheth;
And all is well.

In midnight hours when weariness ignoreth
Heaven’s starry host, and battle wounds are mine,
Then Thy right hand uplifteth and outpoureth
Love’s oil and wine.

O Blessed Lord, beyond the moment’s sorrow
I see above, beaneath, before, behind–
Eternal Love. Give me today, tomorrow,
A quiet mind.

(From the collected poems of Amy Carmichael)

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       A quiet morning.

2.       Sleep!

3.       My Bed!

4.       Cars!

5.       Mechanics! What a mess I’d make if I had to change my own oil, and fix my car myself!

June 19

June 19, 2011 ~

Talked to friend, Danielle, who is preparing for surgery. I was reminded of what we have to do to prepare for surgery, to get cleaned out. Then my mind started thinking about how I need to be that cleaned out when it comes to my spiritual life. There are so many times “self” gets in the way and mucks things up. Just like preparing for surgery can be a painful, unpleasant experience, so it is in my spiritual life. Getting rid of things that take my focus off of what is important, can be extremely painful, but definitely not impossible, and my character changes for the better with each experience!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       Two and a half sections of strawberries weeded! Getting me closer yet to having it done!

2.       A few strawberries are ripe and delicious!

3.       Hope for a few more strawberries and delicious Oregon strawberries on my strawberry shortcake!

4.       A good sleep after a very busy and rough night at work since the computer system we usually use was down for six hours last night!

5.       The hope I have for a better night at work tonight!  ~Smile

June 18

June 18, 2011 ~

Happiness is here now, grab hold of it! It is up to you.

There are so many lessons that I can learn from nature. I see how the birds just go around doing what birds do, without a worry or care. They are always singing their praise to their creator. I need that kind of trust and faith in God! Just as He cares for all the animals and things in nature, He’ll care for me and supply all my needs. Worry is a responsibility that God never intended us to have.    “ There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world's standard. They have chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, adopted its customs. Thus their character is marred, and their life made a weariness. In order to gratify ambition and worldly desires, they wound the conscience, and bring upon themselves an additional burden of remorse. The continual worry is wearing out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites them to accept His yoke; He says, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." He bids them seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and His promise is that all things needful to them for this life shall be added. Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.” ~ Desire of Ages, pg 330

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Rest for a weary soul and tired body!

2.       Two mile walk with Ron.

3.       Great study about the need not to worry but trust God!

4.       “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

5.       Hope! As long as there is life, there is always hope!

June 17

June 17, 2011 ~

“Therefore if any one be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”  ~ 1 Corinthians 5:17

Corn is planted and the chores are done!  I didn’t have my usual Friday list to do, guess that says something about how I spent my vacation time! So today I spent the time out in the garden and mowing the lawn. Fresh air and sunshine (even if it is just a small ray of sunshine coming out from behind the clouds,) feels so good!  Good way to spend the last few hours before my work week begins once again.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Strawberries all over the strawberry patch!

2.        I found the first red berry! Nothing like fresh Oregon strawberries!

3.       Driving to work as the sun sets…. When the clouds open I get to watch the beautiful changing sunset.

4.       Seeds to plant in the garden.

5.       The promise of new life soon to be growing in my garden! Reminds me the new life I have in Christ!

June 16

June 16, 2011 ~

One step at a time; one step at a time gets the job done! My vacation is about over, I wish I had more time because I still have more on my “to do” list to get done! I got started, and it is a very visible start! Such a great feeling!  I got up at 3:00 am this morning so that I could take part in the Disaster drill at work! It was actually quite enjoyable, I learned some helpful information as well!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       I was able to pick up a new Forest and National Parks Pass! Go play time!

2.       Hope for a very enjoyable fun packed summer in the great outdoors!

3.       Dave Ramsey class! Financial Peace University classes are well worth the time and effort!

4.       Got done with the disaster drill soon enough I could surprise Clarissa and take her to work!

5.       I really had an enjoyable time at the disaster drill! As we practiced and learned what to do to be ready for a real disaster just in case we have one, it got me thinking about other areas in my life I need to be preparing for! It also brought to my mind the preparation that Christ is making for us right now!

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am there you may be also.” ~John 14:1-3

June 15

June 15, 2011 ~

“THINGS TURN OUT BEST FOR THOSE WHO MAKE THE BEST OF THE WAY THINGS TURN OUT.”                 ~Art Linkletter

I have to admit that I am a bit disappointed today. Ron has been aware that he would have to make a trip to Port Angeles sometime during the last week. I was off so we had hoped I’d get to go with him and we’d maybe even have the whole weekend and we’d be able to take the time to go across Pudget Sound, to Canada. Well, the timing was not right and I am at home and Ron is in Port Angeles. On the bright side, I should get a lot done here at home!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Had a lovely visit chatting with my friend Dannielle! It had been awhile.

2.       Ron made it safely to his motel.

3.       Yes, I did get a lot of organizing and sorting done today!

4.        A sweet dog to keep me company!

5.       Phones! I can talk to Ron even though he is miles away!                                 

June 14

June 14, 2011~

It looks like I chose the right day for a hike in the Gorge with my sister Judy!

Destination: Dog Mountain

Route: Straight Up then straight down! Three miles each way!

What a lovely day we had! Now, that isn’t to say we didn’t have a bit of pain along the way, especially on the downward part!  Oh boy, tomorrow is coming! No matter how sore I am, it was worth every minute of the climb!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       No rain!

2.       A wonderful sister to hike with and the memories we made together on this day! (Even though some of the pictures that we took  vanished from my computer, I’ll always have the memories!)

3.       Dog Mountain!

4.       Awesome views of the Columbia Gorge!

5.       A God who gives me the ability to climb each mountain that He allows to be in my life journey.

June 13

June 13, 2011~

The morning started out cloudy then progressed to light sunshine,  but off to the west the black clouds were coming! Yes, the rain hit before long, but the beautiful sunshine is back this evening and the song birds are singing beautiful songs. As it was raining, I thought about all the beauty around me.. I was in the green house  planting and got to thinking that we need the rain for our gardens to grow. It is not any different in our lives. We need the sunshine and the rain to grow into the person that God knows we can become.  It is during those rainy times that we do the most growing. Here is a story someone shared with me today about a time someone was going through one of the rainy times in life.

THE BIRTH OF THE HYMN  "PRECIOUS LORD"

 “Back in 1932, I was a fairly new husband.  My wife, Nettie, and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago 's south side.               

One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting.  I didn't want to go; Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child, but a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis .  I kissed Nettie goodbye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.

However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case.  I wheeled around and headed back.

 I found Nettie sleeping peacefully.  I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay.  But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music.

 The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram.

I ripped open the envelope....

Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words:

YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.

People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out.

I rushed to a phone and called home.  All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead.  Nettie is dead.'"

When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy.  I swung between grief and joy.  Yet that same night, the baby died.    I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket.  Then I fell apart. 

For days I closeted myself.  I felt that God had done me an injustice.  I didn't want to serve Him any more or write gospel songs.  I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. 

But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis . Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie.  Was that something God?  Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died.

 From that moment on, I vowed to listen more closely to Him.  But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend.

The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College , a neighborhood music school.  It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows.

I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys.  Something happened to me then.  I felt at peace.   I felt as though I could reach out and touch God.

I found myself playing a melody.  Once in my head they just seemed to fall into place: 'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.'

 The Lord gave me these words and melody.  He also healed my spirit.  I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power.

 And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home.”

    - - -  -Tommy Dorsey

 For those too young to know who he is, Tommy Dorsey was a well-known band leader in the 1930's and 40's.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Lead Me On, Help Me Stand
I Am Tired, I Am Weak, I Am Worn
Thru The Storm, Thru The Night
Lead Me On To The Light
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Lead Me Home

When My Way Grows Drear
Precious Lord, Linger Near
When My Life Is Almost Gone
Hear My Cry, Hear My Call
Hold my hand, Lest I Fall
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Lead Me Home

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.     A lovely surprise….Ron called me outside this evening for no reason at all, so I thought, and to my surprise he’d weeded the area we are going to plant cucumbers! Not much left to do now except finish the planting and then watch everything grow!

2.     A God who can make a seed grow!

3.     The little things that Ron does for me every day!

4.     The gift of music.

5.     Inspiring stories.