June 10

June 10, 2011~

Our pool sold! My day, took a drastic change about mid morning when I received an e-mail from someone saying they wanted to buy our pool and wanted to pick it up today! So, I immedicatly started emptying it. By the time I was done emptying and cleaning it, I was wet up to the top of my legs! I could almost have gone swimming. It wasn’t too bad on the feet and legs, but any further would have been a bit too much for me! As I was cleaning the pool, which had been nearly clean two days before, (amazing what sunlight and warmer temperatures do to pool water) I began to wonder if I could figure out another life lesson.  Well, how often have I not taken the time to put God first in my day, only to have the day pass by and at the end I realized that I had put Him last. Another day comes and I repeat it all over again. The “algae” starts growing. It takes on the forms of doubt, depression, and not having a clear mind. The days also seem more difficult and I have to work so hard to clean up the mess. Yes, the mess would have been avoidable if I’d have kept God first! If I would have checked the pool even one day earlier, I could have prevented a lot of hard work by just adding the chlorine. So it is in my life, check in first with God and prevent a lot of difficult cleaning up and unpleasant moments.

Happy for A Reason reason’s:

1.       The pool sold! Sold to a very sweet young couple with three little boys!

2.       The pool needed the water drained and cleaned…. And fast! It provided me with a lot of needed exercise!

3.       Thankful today was not a very cold day! It was cloudy but not in the 30’s so getting soaked while emptying the pool wasn’t so bad.

4.       Got a great start on one of my “vacation” projects!!! I’m hopeful that by the time my vacation is over my house will have many fewer items in it and a bit more orgainized!

5.       Jeahovah-Rapha, my healing God.  Exodus 15: 26 Yes, He is a wonderful, marvelous God!

June 9

June 9, 2011 ~

Between working and soupy weather, the grass has grown at record speed. Today looks like the day for mowing! There are so many things that seem to just get out of control and right now the grass is top of the list, but that is soon to be history!

Days like this have not come along very many times, so far this year. Not too hot and not too cold. We have had record lows and rain fall for this time of year. I am happy for such a nice day. The weather actually has reminded me of a Bible verse where, not too hot and not too cold, is not such a good thing.   

“So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I …chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” ~Revelation 3:16-20

Happy for A Reason reason’s:

1.       Sunshine!

2.       Perfect day for mowing!

3.       Perfect day for weeding! Not too hot and hot too cold! One more box in the greenhouse ready for planting!

4.       Energy to accomplish what I needed to get done today plus a little more!

5.       I was able to take Clarissa shopping for work clothes for her new job!

June 8

June 8, 2011 ~

I am looking forward to the next nine days! This is my second day off, but the first day that I am free to do what I want and need to do. It is vacation time but I’m not planning on going anywhere. No, I’m just staying home and working on the many projects that I just don’t seem to have time to accomplish at any other time. I wonder how much of my list I’ll be able to accomplish? Time only will tell, but be it a lot, or little, I plan to take each day as it comes and enjoy each moment!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Vacation time!

2.       Another enjoyable Bible Study!

3.       Another section of strawberries weeded!

4.       Lovely weather for working outside! Not something we have had a lot of lately!

5.       Three green house boxes prepped and planted!

Something to think about:

With all the outdoor activity today, it gets me thinking about what I am planting in my life. What kind of produce will I be harvesting?

“… whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things….practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” ~Phil. 4:8 and 9

June 7

June 7, 2011 ~

What fun we had today! It is my father’s 86th birthday and we did a surprise Birthday Party with strawberry shortcake!

Memories of my dad, start when I must have been two or so. It seems so trivial now, but we were on probably a Sabbath afternoon walk in the fields around where we were living. We came to this “huge” ditch. Everyone was running and jumping in and over it. To me it seemed like it reached to the other side of the world, as I knew it. I was terrified! But my Daddy was there and he encouraged me. It was then he offered me his hand and helped me, as we went hand in hand to the other side. To this day, my dad is Daddy to me! As life has continued, through thick and thin, he has held my hand and always been there for me in his many rolls. He has been an inspiration, encourager, and supporter when I have needed it. Yes, He has always been there for me! Thanks Daddy!

Daddy, you may have thought at times that I just wouldn’t get it, that I didn’t see, or that I hadn’t heared what you meant, as you were trying to teach me the many life lessons you knew were so important for me to know to be able to succeed, but I got every word.  You may have thought, at times, that I had missed it all, but I was watching and listening to every word, and it is written on my heart. Oh, without you, Daddy, I would not be the wife, mother, woman that I am today. You were a wonderful example of integrity for me. Because of you I have had a strong foundation that no one could take out from under me. Yes, because of you I grew up with strong Christian values. So let it be known to you, Daddy, how grateful I am for all the life lessons you taught me and for having you in my life! I love you! From your forever grateful kid and favorite youngest daughter, Barbara!  ~Smiles and Hugs to you!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Being able to celebrate my Dad’s 86^th birthday!

2.       A Dad who has been a wonderful example of integrity that allowed him to keep his word even when no one else was looking.

3.       A Dad who has always been in my cheering section and encouraged me to keep my eyes on Jesus no matter what may come!

4.       A Dad who has always shown a kind and gentle spirit in meeting others needs.

5.       A Dad whose guidance helped me to apply the precepts of Scripture in everyday and difficult situations.

 Yes,  I am really eating my broccoli before I get any of Pop's Birthday Cake and Ice cream.

                Sure, I'll show you what broccoli looks like when it is chewed! No problem!

                                                  Trecking poles for Pops!

                                                     Clarissa and Levis....Smile!

                                                    Ahhhh.....Heidi is all tuckerd out!

                                                             Picture taking time!

                                               Hey, look what Olivia taught us to do!!!

Johnathan and Deborah

                                                       Celest and Heidi

June 6

June 6, 22011 ~

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” ~ Matthew 6:26

Had a very quiet house this morning for sleeping! Upon waking, I went outside on the front deck to just relax in the fresh air. I watched a group of swallows doing aerobics high in the sky, while their young waited patiently for their return to the bird house nearby. The cool breeze was just right, making for a wonderful atmosphere for working on my Bible Memory project.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Time

2.       Fresh air

3.       Cool breeze

4.       Smell of the out of doors

5.       Clouds -  The dark grey, stormy looking clouds, green trees, and sunshine created yet a very different mood. The rain is coming, and I could hear thunder and lightning in the distance.

 When your life is spinning out of control, always remember that Christ is always there.

Whispers of His Wisdom

WHISPERS OF HIS WISDOM~~~June, 2011

“Slow Down, Mom!”

            I have developed a reputation among my offspring for speeding on my lawn mower.  I love mowing the lawn and must confess I move along at a nice pace while maneuvering around curves, enjoying the wind frolicking in my hair.

            A few years ago, I jumped on my old Wheel Horse and began mowing our front yard with my usual passion.  Suddenly, remembering that our adult sons were busy working on a project at our shop, and, although they didn’t seem to be aware of my presence, I quickly pushed in the throttle for "their benefit."

            After mowing beside the split-rail fence separating us, I turned left, heading under the limbs of an old, spreading oak tree directly in front of me.  Hanging from one of the limbs was a yellow, moulded-plastic, toddler’s swing which we installed for our grandchildren.  Over the years, I had developed what I thought was a clever yet efficient move at this point of my routine.  Keeping my forward speed up as usual, I bumped the back of the swing with the front of my Wheel Horse.  While the swing flew forward and upward, I slipped under the swing, continuing on my merry-mowing, prideful way.

           However, on this particular day, because I had altered my normal speed, the physics of my routine did not work out as usual.  It didn’t take me long to realize I was in BIG trouble!  The yellow toddler swing, returning too quickly, picked up the front end of my tractor, bring me to an abrupt halt.  I was left awkwardly hanging three feet in mid air with the mower’s rear wheels still on the ground, I slowly turned around in my seat to see if anyone witnessed my shameful dilemma!

            The snapshot of heads shaking from side to side and the unbelief smeared over the astonished faces of my sons is forever engraved upon this Mom’s mind!  My self-induced humiliation mingled freely with hilarity as my husband and sons lifted me and my Wheel Horse down from the toddler’s swing.  What a spectacle I had made of myself while failing to make a positive impression upon the men of my family! Something every mother wants to do.

            All humor aside, is it ever safe to be less than authentic?  The answer must be, “Never, even in the smallest sense!”  God clearly tells us in Exodus 20:16.  “Thou shall not bear false witness.”  My paraphrase of His council might read,  “Don’t push in the throttle even slightly to mislead or alter one’s impression of reality.”  We must not only speak truth but live without pretense.  Doing or saying anything to change another’s perspective of truth is simply deceit. 

            I am afraid I was anything but transparent that day until I was hanging by an oak branch!  However, Our Lord is faithful and forgiving.  Be aware, He uses every opportunity to point out our pretense bringing us back into harmony with His character. 

Dottie Barnett

    

June 5

June 5, 2011 ~

Peter and Candice came over today and finished rototilling and planted their garden. While they were here, Peter helped us put the air condition in….wonder if we’ll ever need it this year? At least it is ready in case it is needed. This reminds me about a Bible verse about being ready to always have an answer. “…and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you…” 1 Peter 3:15

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Ron has work… a little too much.

2.      I have work… just about the right amount!

3.      My vacation is coming!

4.      Gardening coming along nicely!

5.      Peter’s help putting the air conditioner in!