Saturday, December 31, 2011

December 31


December 31, 2011 ~



Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.


Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.


Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.


Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.


When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.


Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.


Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.


Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”


~ C. T. Studd



The last day of the year is here. It seems as if  January 1, 2011, was just yesterday, yet 365 days have past by. I think I’ll take an inventory of this last year, Did I meet all of my goals, or at least some of them? How about my relationships with family and friends? Did I keep my promises, like God always keeps His? Did my faith in Jesus, grow stronger and deeper? These are things to think about as the year 2011 comes to a close. It is time to close this chapter of the book and look ahead and plan for the new beginnings in 2012.

"Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always." ~Psalm 105:4



Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.       My God has walked the journey with me this past year, and when I couldn’t walk He carried me!
2.       My Strength comes from above!
3.       A New Year is before me, a time for new beginnings!
4.       One last walk of the year with Ron!
5.       The beauty that surrounds me as I look out at the newly snow covered Mount Hood!

December 30


December 30, 2011 ~

As I was reading today, I was reminded of what true religion really is. True religion does not consist of just my outward behavior, but in the condition of my heart. When my heart is totally surrendered to God and I grow in faith, my life will more and more be a reflection of the character of Christ. If I give my heart totally to Christ, everything else will follow.

Just something to think about on these last two days of the year!

Happiness For A Reasons Reasons:
1.    The love God has for me!
2.    God never gives up on His children!
3.    The joy and peace that fills my heart when I let God be the pilot!
4.    God is not finished with me yet!
5.    God will not stop until He has finished what He has started in my life!

December 29


December 29, 2011 ~
"THE SON OF GOD BECAME A MAN TO ENABLE MEN TO BECOME SONS OF GOD". - C.S. LEWIS
Yes, Christ, the Son of God was born, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross for me. The cross, which He bore, became the way that mercy and truth came together, and righteousness and peace kissed one another! I don’t think there is any better place to start my Happy For A Reason Reasons. Thank you Jesus!

Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.    The Son of God came down to this earth because He loved me!
2.    The Son of God lived a perfect life!
3.    The Son of God took the place on the cross that I deserved!
4.    The Son of God was raised after three days and is alive today!
5.    The Son of God did it all for me, and you! The cross, which He bore, became the way that mercy and truth came together, and righteousness and peace kissed one another! There could be no better gift!

                      …..something to contemplate as this year is coming to a close!

December 28


December 28, 2011 ~

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” ~Matthew 23:17

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” ~Isaiah 64:6

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” ~Psalms 51:10

Here Jesus is saying that true religion is not rooted our external behavior, which everyone can see, but in the condition of the heart. We can look great on the outside but be rotten to the core on the inside spiritually. Our outward motives might keep us clean on the outside, while we are as filthy rages on the inside. If the heart and spirit is made new, we will have newness of life. We must begin with ourselves. If we don’t we’ll be like the Scribes and Pharisees who were like ornaments of a grave, only for show.
Oh, Father God, create a new heart in me!
Happiness For A Reason Reasons:
1.       A God who knows my heart and is still working with me!
2.       A God who gives me a clean heart!
3.       A good night of sleep…once again! Working nights, one appreciates it probably a bit more.
4.       My boss was able to find someone besides me to fill in for someone who was ill  today!
5.       Peter’s help!

December 27

 
 
 

December 27, 2011 ~
A Happy 331st anniversary to the love of my life! I think that is the perfect place to start my happy for a reason reasons!
Happy For A Reasons Reasons:
1.       Three hundred and thirty one months of being married to my wonderful husband Ron!
2.       Sleep! After a long night of work, with not much sleep before hand, it felt so good to sleep!
3.       A relaxing time this evening with Ron.
4.       Airline reservations made for Judy and I to fly to Texas for the Nedley Depression Summit, for training!
5.       Ron’s willingness for me to be able to go to the summit!

December 26


December 26, 2011 ~


Happy Boxing Day!
 
For more  information on “Boxing Day,” check out this web site:
 
 
 
Happy for A Reason Reasons:
1.       It is nice to be back home!
2.       Work! Back to work I go. I am so thankful I have a great job doing something I love.
3.       I have my phone back!
4.       My phone is reactivated!
5.       A phone mailbox! Now I have the fun of answering all those messages that people left while my phone was not with me!

 

December 25


December 25, 2011 ~

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away;
While quite unselfish, it grows small.
- Eva K. Logue

Christmas is the one time of the year that really brings into focus the union of the divine and human natures when Christ left everything in Heaven and became one of us. Wow, this truly is a most precious gift. The story of redemption starts in the manger, on Christmas, so long ago; God was manifested in the flesh as a baby.
It is difficult to comprehend; Christ went through it all…happy times, sad times, and times of sorrow. He gave up all of Heaven, took upon Himself human nature, knowing that there would be pain and sorrow here. My heart melts as I think about what He gave up, what He unselfishly went through, and what He accomplished while here on this earth. He did it for me! He unselfishly gave up Heaven to save me! For this great gift of love, I will forever be grateful! Thank you Jesus!
Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.   Christmas is here! When I woke up, I didn’t know if I was happy or sad about it, but when I thought about the real reason for Christmas, Happy was all I could be!
2.   A walk in the rain with Ron.
3.   A paved walk way, in a beautiful setting, so we didn't have to get all muddy.
4.   Umbrella! Actually, I told Ron that true Oregon Ducks don’t need umbrella’s, where upon, he shot back, “No, I’m just a well equipped Oregon duck!” I had to admit, he had a point there, and having the umbrella kept the top half of us dry, as well!
5.   Talked to La’Quon, Juanita, Clarissa, Alissa, and Peter today!

Merry Christmas everyone! May this day bring you closer to Jesus as you contemplate the reason for the season.

Blessings to one and all!

December 24


December 24, 2011~
 
My wish for everyone is that they may enjoy true peace and harmony starting in the heart!
 
 
I started this wonderful day off at church. While there, I enjoyed a lovely program that involved all ages, and a variety of stories and music. Usually, December 24, is a day full of hurry and scurry, as I try to get last minute presents wrapped, and Christmas cooking done. But this year… well I think this is just the place to start my Happy For A Reason Reasons.

Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.       What a  wonderful day!
2.       A special church service to help set the mood for a lovely Christmas.
3.       Time to visit with Clarissa and Nathan.
4.       We made it to the Mountain, Relaxing evening! I guess when you fall asleep while sitting on the couch, you can call that relaxing, right?
5.       Gifts are nice, but the nicest one of all is being able to just spend Quiet Moments with someone you love.

December 23




December 23, 2011~
 

I love Christmas music!
Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.       Christmas packages 100% ready for delivery!
2.       Presents delivered to Juanita, Derrick, Alissa, Ron’s mother and father, and Clarissa.
3.       Time to visit with family.
4.       Final Christmas shopping done with Ron.
5.       One more day until we go to the Mountain for Christmas!

December 22




December 22, 2011~

I hurried off to meet Peter today. After leaving the van off, he took me to Ron’s office so I could pick up the car and run some errands. No problem, until I realized I had no phone! I back tracked checking every place it might be, still no phone.  Not the way I wanted to spend my time today, and being without a phone has been a challenge. I notified the phone company so they put a block on the phone so I don’t have to worry about someone running up a bill for me to pay. I chose not to let it ruin my afternoon and guess what? The phone was found by the end of the day!
Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.       Prayer time with Gerri this morning!
2.       Short visit with Judy, Mother, and Aunt Darlene!
3.       My phone was found! I won’t get it back until after Christmas, but it is found!
4.       Christmas baking all done!
5.       Presents almost ready for delivery, tomorrow!

December 21

December 21, 2011~



I thought our busy nights were over, but that was not the case. Last night was one of the busiest I have ever seen. I think everyone is trying to beat the Christmas Rush!  Speaking of the Christmas rush, everywhere I turn people are rushing here and there. In the background there is Christmas music cheerfully playing. It seems to make the stress of the moment disappear a bit. Maybe that is because I just love Christmas music!

Happy For A Reasons Reasons:
1.       After picking up Clarissa, I was able to go shopping at the new Safeway, it opens at 5:00 am so I have a store I can shop at on my way home from work!
2.       Accomplished getting Alissa all moved.
3.       Got home to a house that smelled of Christmas cookies!
4.       Ron was baking his cookies once again!
5.       At my physical therapy appointment, I almost had total range of motion back in my shoulder and only a small amount of pain.  Now for the strengthening exercises!


December 20


December 20, 2011~


December 20, 2011 ~

It was five days before Christmas, and all through the ambulance bays, did the ambulances come, bring patient after patient with minor to sever complaints. As if that was not enough, the people on foot stirred and decided to visit the ER as well…. Yes, that was the way the night went! What a night we had, All Through the Night! Nights like this are ones I could use to write a chapter in a book! I’ll spare everyone and just leave well enough alone for now!

Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.       The night went by quickly! Whew….
2.       Only one more night to work and I’m off for five days!
3.       Great working alongside Bill last night.
4.       Breakfast with my friend Helen! 
5.       Best day sleep I have had in ages! 


 
 
 

December 19


December 19, 2011 ~

“Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white’.” ~Bing Crosby

Christmas is coming…..
 
Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.       Physical therapy is really helping my shoulder! Now, back to strengthening those old unused muscles, once again!
2.       Only two more nights in my long stretch to go!
3.       Could sleep ALL day!  Well, sort of. Got to bed late morning so…
4.       I woke up at 5:30 pm to the pleasant, savory odors that drifted into my room from the meal prepared for me, with love from Ron!
5.       A husband willing to cook! He takes such good care of me!

December 18

December 18, 2011~
“The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” ~Tom Bodett
Throughout my life, I have gone through an overabundance of experiences! I am sure, as I continue this whirlwind journey, I will continue to have many more experiences that consist of triumphs, tears, joys and sorrows. From each experience I will learn something new. One thing that isn’t new, is the fact that I do not have to go through life alone! My awesome God will always be with me, teaching me as I go!
Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.      I don’t have to go through life alone!
2.      God is always there, even in the silent times!
3.      God is always teaching me new things!
4.      Life lessons I have learned through experiences of triumphs, tears, joys and sorrows!
5.      Life is never boring!

December 17

December 18, 2011 ~
Some potato farmers decided to save the biggest potatoes for themselves and to plant the smaller potatoes as seed. After a few disappointing harvests, they discovered that nature had reduced their potato crops to the size of marbles. Through this disaster, those farmers learned an important law of life.
“They could not have the best things of life for themselves and use the leftovers for seed. The law of life decreed that the harvest would reflect the planting.
“In another sense, planting small potatoes is still common practice. We take the big things of life for ourselves and plant the leftovers. We expect that by some crazy twist of spiritual laws, our selfishness will be rewarded with unselfishness.”—International Student Fellowship Newsletter, March 2007.
Now, is a very good time to start putting this lesson to work in my life!
Be Generous and Do Good ~Galatians 6:6-10
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
~*~ Here I am catching up on my postings for my blog. Today I posted for October 9th, the next to last day of my father’s life. I realized a very special thing about my father. He planted the biggest and best things to sprout for others, not the leftovers!
Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.      Family! Once again, especially for my father who taught me so many valuable lessons in and about life!
2.      Sleep is avoiding me, today. I woke up every two hours or more. This makes me thankful for the times when sleeps comes easily!
3.      A quiet house. Had it not been for the quiet, I wouldn’t have gotten even the sleep I have.
4.      A bed to sleep on, with sheets and blankets to keep me warm. With them wrapped around me, I am reminded of gift of Jesus!
5.      The gift of Jesus, who had only swaddling clothes to warm him as a newborn baby that first Christmas Eve, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross for me. He now covers me with His robe of righteousness that I might have the most precious gift of eternal life. This gift is only possible because of what Christ did for me!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

December 16

December 16, 2011 ~
To hear the call of the Canadian Geese and hear their flapping wings, always takes me back to my childhood years in my mind! It is a sound I will always love! Today as Ron and I were walking, a huge flock of geese flew over. They were low enough that I could hear their wings as they beat them back and forth. I felt as if only I could reach out and touch them I could soar in the sky along side them. What a beautiful view I would have! For me it was an awesome sight and I don’t think there is a better place to start my reasons for being happy!
Happiness For A Reason Reasons:
1.       Flocks of Canadian Geese!
2.       Wonderful memories of the Canadian Geese nesting along the river by our home as a child.
3.       The gift of hearing and of sight!
4.       I got nearly a whole night of sleep last night, because someone came in to work that wasn’t on the schedule, making it possible for me to happily go on my way home!
5.       La’Quon’s Christmas box is now on its way!

December 15


December 15, 2011 ~

As I read, Galatians 5:19-24, this morning, it was brought to my attention how different the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. One demands, but the other produces. The first list, works of the flesh, causes one to be anxious, demanding “me” to be first, unbalanced, and self-indulgent. It leads to total self-centered living. The second list, the fruits of the Spirit has characteristics that “speaks” shows more concern for others, “serenity,” resilience, reliability. While on one hand there is manipulation, on the other, the Spirit enables you to have a transformation from the inside out. In turn, you will have responsible conduct bringing peace and joy into your life.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” ~Galatians 5:15-24

Another interesting difference between these two lists, is the fact that “works of the flesh” is plural where the “Fruit of the Spirit” is singular. To me, this suggest that to live a life in the “flesh” can only cause division, anxiety, distress, animosity, and separation. Contrast that with the life you can live guided by the Spirit which produces one fruit of the Spirit that reveals itself in the nine different qualities: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which all foster harmony.
Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1.       Lessons from God’s Word.
2.       My dad gave me my grandmother’s old Singer treadle sewing machine!
3.       I have a Singer treadle sewing machine that I can lend to someone who was looking for one to rent. Fun to see her smile!  The only cost, I get to see some pictures of how she used it!
4.       My co-worker, Asimer, always leaves everything neat and orderly. He always goes far beyond the call of duty!
5.       I have a job!