"'What' and ‘if’ two words as nonthreatening as words come. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'..."
What if....
What if...
I just finished watching Letters to Juliet. The quote is from the movie when "Juliet" writes a letter to Claire.
What if....
How many times have I thought "what if" (see this post if you don't believe me). And in doing so, how many times have I worried. And worried. And worried.
"What if" keeps me in the past. And worrying about the "what if" for the future just gives me a nervous stomach!
So, here's to moving forward and leaving the "what ifs" behind. Wanna join me?!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Praise to God on High...
Admitting I'm not "feeling" all Christmas-y is something I'd rather avoid. But, sigh, it is true.
I was listening to Christmas music when BarlowGirl 'Hallelujah' popped up on our media player. I really listened to the words this time instead of half listening.
I have to admit, I'm starting to "feel" Christmas-y now!
Hallelujah, we’ve been found.
A child is born to save us now,
Jesus
Hallelujah, light has come
A savior set us free…
No matter where you are "at" this Christmas, have a Blessed Christmas.
I was listening to Christmas music when BarlowGirl 'Hallelujah' popped up on our media player. I really listened to the words this time instead of half listening.
I have to admit, I'm starting to "feel" Christmas-y now!
Hallelujah, we’ve been found.
A child is born to save us now,
Jesus
Hallelujah, light has come
A savior set us free…
No matter where you are "at" this Christmas, have a Blessed Christmas.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
It's Time
Merry Christmas!!
May you feel the love of God no matter what your circumstance.
May you find God's peace and comfort that is always there.
May you seek out others to help and give of yourself.
And through the above, may you enjoy the time
and savor time spent with others.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7
Sunday, December 12, 2010
It Happens In A Blink
RUE ? was on a shirt our girls owned. (are you ready? get it... red 'e')
Are you? If you died today, are you ready to meet the Lord? Am I ready?
My husband's first cousin, his wife and 10 year old daughter were involved in a tragic car accident late yesterday afternoon. A woman blew through a stop sign and hit their car. His wife, mother of their 7 children, went to be with Jesus last night. Their 10 year old daughter went to sit on Jesus lap this afternoon. Hubby's cousin is breathing on his own but is still heavily sedated. Not knowing he lost the love of his life and precious, always smiling 10 year old. His children, brother, sister and parents will tell him. It is going to be one of the hardest moments one could ever imagine. (driver of the other car died as well)
When I think of the mom of 7, I know she was ready. I know it. She was such a godly woman. And the sweet 10 year old loved Jesus. It just oozed from her. They are both dancing with Jesus tonight. That gives me peace. I'm still very sad, but know they are with our wonderful Lord.
Since the family attends our church, it was a somber day. Tears and hugs were everywhere. But what really got me were my own thoughts. It could have been us dealing with this tragedy. The accident was on the same road Writer Daughter takes to and from cosmetology school five days a week. In fact, she had school the same day as the accident. She called us to let us know she was headed home. Twenty minutes later we heard the call on our son's scanner. Twenty minutes is about the time it takes her to get to the intersection of the accident. After hearing how bad the accident was and the calling of air ambulances, I tried calling her cell phone. And tried again. And sent a text. Nothing. No familiar voice calling me or answering the calls. I will admit I had fear. Great fear.
What got me through was prayer. Even though my momma prayer of "Lord, tell her to call home" wasn't answered, and my stomach ached with fear, I knew no matter the outcome, God was with me. I praised God loudly when she pulled in the drive. (she had her phone on vibrate...she got a lecture! ☺) She never saw the accident so she went through the intersection before it happened.
But an hour later our joy turned into heart ache. I ache for our relatives. I really hurt.
I'm still dealing with the "what ifs". What if she would have left school 5 minutes later....What if the woman who ran the stop sign would have left 5 minutes later....what if, what if. I know in my mind I can't dwell on that. I know. But my mind won't stop. The tears still flow at just the thought of the what ifs.
I'm trying to focus on Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
As well as a little further in the chapter, vs 17 & 18: "But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs."
It has been a difficult 24 hours. But the Lord my God is here. He is with my husband's family and with the other driver's family. He is here.
When tragedy strikes, call out to God....He is always, always with you.
Are you? If you died today, are you ready to meet the Lord? Am I ready?
My husband's first cousin, his wife and 10 year old daughter were involved in a tragic car accident late yesterday afternoon. A woman blew through a stop sign and hit their car. His wife, mother of their 7 children, went to be with Jesus last night. Their 10 year old daughter went to sit on Jesus lap this afternoon. Hubby's cousin is breathing on his own but is still heavily sedated. Not knowing he lost the love of his life and precious, always smiling 10 year old. His children, brother, sister and parents will tell him. It is going to be one of the hardest moments one could ever imagine. (driver of the other car died as well)
When I think of the mom of 7, I know she was ready. I know it. She was such a godly woman. And the sweet 10 year old loved Jesus. It just oozed from her. They are both dancing with Jesus tonight. That gives me peace. I'm still very sad, but know they are with our wonderful Lord.
Since the family attends our church, it was a somber day. Tears and hugs were everywhere. But what really got me were my own thoughts. It could have been us dealing with this tragedy. The accident was on the same road Writer Daughter takes to and from cosmetology school five days a week. In fact, she had school the same day as the accident. She called us to let us know she was headed home. Twenty minutes later we heard the call on our son's scanner. Twenty minutes is about the time it takes her to get to the intersection of the accident. After hearing how bad the accident was and the calling of air ambulances, I tried calling her cell phone. And tried again. And sent a text. Nothing. No familiar voice calling me or answering the calls. I will admit I had fear. Great fear.
What got me through was prayer. Even though my momma prayer of "Lord, tell her to call home" wasn't answered, and my stomach ached with fear, I knew no matter the outcome, God was with me. I praised God loudly when she pulled in the drive. (she had her phone on vibrate...she got a lecture! ☺) She never saw the accident so she went through the intersection before it happened.
But an hour later our joy turned into heart ache. I ache for our relatives. I really hurt.
I'm still dealing with the "what ifs". What if she would have left school 5 minutes later....What if the woman who ran the stop sign would have left 5 minutes later....what if, what if. I know in my mind I can't dwell on that. I know. But my mind won't stop. The tears still flow at just the thought of the what ifs.
I'm trying to focus on Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
As well as a little further in the chapter, vs 17 & 18: "But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs."
It has been a difficult 24 hours. But the Lord my God is here. He is with my husband's family and with the other driver's family. He is here.
When tragedy strikes, call out to God....He is always, always with you.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Books, Blankets and Cuddles
Books.
Don't you just love them?
Books to feel.
Books to smell.
Books, blanket and cuddles.
Writer Daughter sat on the floor of a book store and said, "Heaven is going to be one big book store!" At that moment in time, she was in a little part of Heaven surrounded by books!
I was involved in a conversation on facebook recently who is a teacher. The conversation turned to books. Classic Children's.
I started to remember the countless number of books read to my children. Some of which were read to me when I was a child. What a treasure it is to have those books from my childhood. What a treasure to have cozy memories of mom/dad and books.
Here are just a few.
What are your favorite books from childhood or you read to your children?
Don't you just love them?
Books to feel.
Books to smell.
Books, blanket and cuddles.
Writer Daughter sat on the floor of a book store and said, "Heaven is going to be one big book store!" At that moment in time, she was in a little part of Heaven surrounded by books!
I was involved in a conversation on facebook recently who is a teacher. The conversation turned to books. Classic Children's.
I started to remember the countless number of books read to my children. Some of which were read to me when I was a child. What a treasure it is to have those books from my childhood. What a treasure to have cozy memories of mom/dad and books.
Here are just a few.
 |
| Not sure if this is a classic yet...but to us it is! Plod, plod, plod Little Bear. ☺ |
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Beautiful Snow
To me, that title is an oxymoron!
Writer Daughter is driving back and forth to cosmetology school this year and I am seriously praying for a mild winter. Fifty minutes of white knuckle driving is the pits! Plus Dancer Daughter has jobs now and two teens (19 is still a teen, right?!) driving....I will have no fingernails left! ☺
However, this morning, as I witnessed gentle snow showers, I do have to thank the Almighty for the beauty of it all.
Big, fat flakes gently floating to the ground.
It reminded me of a song. I shared this song last year and it is still a beautiful favorite of mine. Enjoy.
Writer Daughter is driving back and forth to cosmetology school this year and I am seriously praying for a mild winter. Fifty minutes of white knuckle driving is the pits! Plus Dancer Daughter has jobs now and two teens (19 is still a teen, right?!) driving....I will have no fingernails left! ☺
However, this morning, as I witnessed gentle snow showers, I do have to thank the Almighty for the beauty of it all.
Big, fat flakes gently floating to the ground.
It reminded me of a song. I shared this song last year and it is still a beautiful favorite of mine. Enjoy.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Busy Yet?
December.
The month is usually filled to the brim.
Company and family Christmas parties. Baking and cooking. Cooking and baking. Friends getting together to celebrate Christmas and friendship. Shopping. Extra services at church. Concerts and plays. And, more shopping. Last, but not least, finding time for family movie time. It has become a December tradition.
The list could really go on and on and on and....
Sometimes, it's all so overwhelming.
During this busyness, it is easy to forget to get together with the One who has made this all possible. God.
We started a nightly Advent reading. We did great until the last few nights. Hence, what got me thinking about the busy.
The Advent reading is a Jesse Tree reading. It takes one from the beginning of the world to the birth of Jesus. When we read about The Fall (Adam & Eve eat the forbidden fruit) in Genesis 3:1-21, I was struck by something I never thought much of before. In verse 9, God asked "Where are you?"
Ouch!
Where am I (we) that we couldn't take 10 minutes to "do" the Advent readings?
Where am I that I am short on patience and long in temper because I haven't spent time with God?
Ouch, again!
God is always with us. Always. No matter the circumstance. Good, bad or ugly. He never leaves us. Where am I?
I read a blog post today from Shannon Primicerio called Finding Jesus. Please click on her name to read the post...you won't be sorry.
May we all take time to find Jesus through all the busy.
 |
| photo courtesy of Dancer Daughter/Season Photography |
The month is usually filled to the brim.
Company and family Christmas parties. Baking and cooking. Cooking and baking. Friends getting together to celebrate Christmas and friendship. Shopping. Extra services at church. Concerts and plays. And, more shopping. Last, but not least, finding time for family movie time. It has become a December tradition.
The list could really go on and on and on and....
Sometimes, it's all so overwhelming.
During this busyness, it is easy to forget to get together with the One who has made this all possible. God.
We started a nightly Advent reading. We did great until the last few nights. Hence, what got me thinking about the busy.
The Advent reading is a Jesse Tree reading. It takes one from the beginning of the world to the birth of Jesus. When we read about The Fall (Adam & Eve eat the forbidden fruit) in Genesis 3:1-21, I was struck by something I never thought much of before. In verse 9, God asked "Where are you?"
Ouch!
Where am I (we) that we couldn't take 10 minutes to "do" the Advent readings?
Where am I that I am short on patience and long in temper because I haven't spent time with God?
Ouch, again!
God is always with us. Always. No matter the circumstance. Good, bad or ugly. He never leaves us. Where am I?
I read a blog post today from Shannon Primicerio called Finding Jesus. Please click on her name to read the post...you won't be sorry.
May we all take time to find Jesus through all the busy.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Soul Crying Friday!
My soul cries out...
O Praise Him !
He is Our King!
What LOVE Really Means! (nuf said!)
O Praise Him !
He is Our King!
What LOVE Really Means! (nuf said!)
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