A New Day

Today is a new day, and everyday means a fresh start with God!! I'm so glad for that!!

I co-taught my two year old class this morning (they're all three or almost three now!). It's amazing the changes in them from last September!! Today will be their last day with us, and then next week everyone moves up a class. The past two weeks, we've been taking them to their new classroom for a little while so they can get acclimated. Some seem excited, some seem a little apprehensive. I'm sure they'll do fine. We'll really miss them. This was an excellent class.

Some of the little ones that will be joining us next week have been gradually moved into our class so that they feel comfortable with us also.

As for that picnic--it is tomorrow at noon. And, yes, I have decided to go. I've spent too much time alone (other than work) lately, and it's beginning to wear on me. I know no one there, but then again that could be a good thing. I'll get to meet a whole new group of people. And this is a Christian singles group.

Now, to decide what to make to take as a side dish--I'm thinking deviled eggs--easy, quick and inexpensive--and yet, they taste so good!!

I'll take my camera along and hopefully have some pics. It's being held at a park where a stream runs through, and of course, there is a playground. Everyone knows how much I love playgrounds!

K--that's all for a while!!

Beth

Nothing

I have done nothing today--absolutely nothing!! Why?? I just don't know. I woke up early (as usual), looked around me, decided to try to go back to sleep.

That effort was fruitless. Got up, had some coffee. Then, decided to go back to sleep as it was still only 6 a.m. I woke up at 11:30 when my son was up getting ready for work.

Did I get up and try to get something accomplished? No, no way!! I didn't even know what to write about today since my day was so thrilling.

So, today is nothing day. Nothing done, nothing accomplished, just nothing--and I don't know why. That's the part that is really bugging me. I usually try to get something accomplished in a day--but not today.

Still undecided about the picnic--a part of me wants to go and a part of me wants to just stay put here and do nothing again.

Beth

Rain, Rain and More Rain!!

It was raining when I left for work this morning--just a light drizzle. Then, later this morning, it rained so hard we couldn't see out the windows at work!! Just poured and poured. It's supposed to rain more tonight, and right now it is so overcast that it looks like it should be time to go to bed!!

We need the rain, but I hope it stops by tomorrow. The daughter of a friend from my Small Group is getting married tomorrow, so I'm praying for good weather for her. I know I've heard it said that it's supposed to be a blessing if it rains on your wedding day, but it's so hard with a long white gown and veil if it's pouring down rain.

Today was slow at work--I think a lot of people took off today and left for a four day weekend. Me--I have a three day weekend, and I'm really looking forward to it.

I may go to a singles picnic on Monday--not sure yet--I don't know anyone there. It's the same group I was going to go to the square dancing with (which takes place again later in September). I'll have to think on this a while--whether I want to venture out alone into the land of strangers!!

I'm really not shy at all, but sometimes I just get a little tongue-tied with a lot of new people. We'll see.

I'm still working on those socks, and I've almost finished the instep of the first one and soon to move on to the toe. I've made some progress on these, so I'm happy with that.

I'll be back tomorrow--maybe with a decision about the picnic.

K--that's all for a while!!

Beth

Thankful Thursday

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” ~ Psalm 30:11-12



It's "Thankful Thursday" again, and I'm so glad!!

I want to share with you a video that was done by the high school youth group at my church. It is an awesome statement of the power of Christ--how mourning can be turned into dancing and we may forever sing HIS praise!!

This used to be me. I was lost and alone, searching for the answers where no answers would ever be found.

So, today, I'm thankful for:

• My church family who surround and love me, sometimes in spite of myself.
• The young girl in the video who presents herself as a shining light to the Lord everyday of her life. She is an example of how Jesus wants us to live our lives, and I'm thankful that God has brought this young lady and her family into my life!

Here's the video-

Scheduled Knitting Just Doesn't Work!!!

I tried the scheduled knitting last night, and I'm going to tell you right now that it just didn't work!! I was so scheduled that I even set an alarm so I knew when an hour was up and I was to move on to another project. I worked on three projects and then decided I was just too tired to move on, fell asleep and slept until my alarm went off. I never, ever hear my alarm. I'm always awake at least 30 minutes before it goes off. I was laying in bed this morning, thinking to myself--"What's that noise?" And then, I realized--"It's the alarm! I slept until the alarm went off!" Now, that may not sound like any big thing to the rest of you, but it's a very big thing for me!!

Besides, all of that scheduling kind of just took the fun right out of the knitting and crocheting. Turned it more into a kind of chore, and I just can't have that!

So, following the wonderful comments of Kathy and Sonya, I'm asking God what I should be doing and then putting these down in order of importance.

Sonya thought I would have a lot of unfinshed projects, but that is the big problem. I'm not really starting new projects, just trying to finish unfinished ones!! As for new projects, I have enough already on another list for Christmas.

Today was a good day at work today--meaning no nasty comments from patients or co-workers regarding anything!! That in itself makes it a wonderful day!!

As you can see from the progress bar, Dishrag Tag is off and running!! I'm #8 on the list to receive the "baton" (box with dish cloth yarn, etc). I'm all ready to go when it gets here! So far, it looks like our team is doing fairly well. And, really, it's not anything at all about winning here. At least, I don't think so. It's about teamwork, having some fun and getting to know some new people.

Tonight, I'm going to work on my socks. I received an e-mail regarding fall socks and I'm not finished my summer socks!! What am I going to do????

K---that's all for a while!!

Beth

I've decided that I just have too many projects going on at once!! So, I've made myself a schedule. I'm going to work on my socks (the Milesathon ones) for an hour each day, work on something for my etsy shop for an hour each day, work on a project that I need to finish (right now that is a baby blanket for my daughters' friend) for an hour each day, work on baby donation projects for an hour each day, and afghan squares for donation for an hour each day.

Let's see--that adds up to--hmmmmmm...........I may need a calculator for this.............5 hours total of knitting each evening. I think I'm going to have to give up something in order to do this--maybe working?? Maybe sleeping?? Maybe eating???

Who am I kidding?? I'm just going to do as much as I can everyday so that I can get Christmas and everything else taken care of.

Of course, starting in the middle of September to the middle of December, I'm taking a class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for Domestic Violence Services to be able to help them a little bit more with their hotline.

Sounds to me like my schedule is already falling behind--YIKES!! I just looked at the time--I haven't even started this scheduled knitting and I'm already an hour behind!!

K--that's all for a while!!

Beth

A Quiet Day

I forced myself to have a quiet day today, a Sabbath rest. I needed to rest and think on some things.

I've been trying to get in touch with my brother with no luck since I had all those medical problems in May. I've spoken with him once during all of this time. First, I called every other weekend and left a message. Lately, I've been calling every weekend and leaving a message.

Yesterday, my oldest daughter was here for a quick visit when I tried again to call my brother, and again left a message. She was so upset by all of this that she then called them and left a message, including her phone number (one of the reasons they said they didn't call me was they didn't have my phone number). Surprisingly enough, her phone message was interrupted by my sister-in-law picking up the phone.

My daughter asked her why they are not taking my calls, why they are not returning my calls. Surprise, surprise--here is the answer:

"We don't want anything to do with 'church' people."

I have to tell you that hurt--hurt a lot. It's not as though I try to force them to have my beliefs when I'm around them or I'm talking with them. I'm just me, that's all--a better version of the me that I used to be.

I went to church today, and my prayer request was for my brother and his family, for my understanding of them and their understanding of me.

I already received a response from our Prayer Team regarding this. Here is their response:


Dear Beth ~ Thank you for sharing this most personal prayer request with us. We will be praying for a special abundance of grace in your life. May the Holy Spirit fill you daily with peace and assurance straight from God's hands. May your faithful prayers for your family even be a source of comfort to you as you commit them to the Lord. May the promise that He loves each one and is patiently waiting bring you hope. He is faithful!

"I will praise you with my whole heart; I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your loving kindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name. In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul." Psalm 138:1a, 2, 3

This response definitely brought me comfort. I've printed this, put it in my purse so that whenever I think of this situation I can read this and again receive this comfort.

I know that I am living the right way, following the path of the Light. It's a sad thing--feeling as though I'm being persecuted by own family for my beliefs.

What they don't know is this: This attitude of theirs is only serving to make my faith in my Lord stronger. I know that He is waiting patiently for them to come to Him.

Beth

Internet Cafe Chat

What is one thing you were convicted about when you were younger, but now being older and wiser you have changed your mind on that belief? Why? Or on the other side, what is one thing you may have not held a conviction on that you now do? Why?

I was a teenager during the late 1960-early 1970 period, during the turmoil and anxiety of the Viet Nam war. I held to the belief of "Make Love, Not War". I was totally against this war. I had relatives who were in Viet Nam, a cousin who had lost two fiances to this war.

So, I felt that "make love" was a fitting contradiction to "make war". As I grew older, I still tried to fill loneliness with "love" which wasn't really love at all. It was just the feeling of closeness, the feeling of being held by someone who never told me that I was loved. I sought out these relationships, even after I had come to Christ. I was still trying to fill a void that had been left in my life. I set myself up to "fall" into these situations--then felt guilt and shame for weeks afterwards.

I sought forgiveness and advice from God. He did forgive me, and He holds me close now, filling any void that I may have in my life. If I feel lonely, I only have to pray to God, to read His word, to know the true and full meaning of the word "love".

The thing that I didn't hold a conviction about and do now is the same, except it is the opposite. I no longer need to have physical closeness to feel love, and I am fully convicted to the love of Christ. Jesus fills any and all voids in my life.

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing......Zephaniah 3:17

Two Surpises and Some Ideas

Yesterday I received my hot pad swap from my partner. Here's a pic so you can see what it looks like:

Here's the funny thing--I sent her the exact same pattern hot pad. I was searching through my stash of yarn, and I found the exact same yarn. I was going to use that, but then something else caught me eye and I opted for the other yarn. It wuold have been so funny if we had sent each other the exact same thing!!

Then, when I came home from work, there were flowers sitting in front of my door. Honestly, I thought the delivery person had made a mistake. Surely, these must be for someone else! I don't know anyone who would have sent me flowers.

But, I was wrong!! They were for me--a thank you for thoughtfulness to someone. Here's a pic of the flowers--they are my favorites, too--gerber daisies, lilies, carnations and two beautiful pink roses!

I certainly didn't expect flowers for a "random act of kindness", but it was definitely a wonderful surprise and a great pick-me-up.

I'm trying to think of some things to expand my etsy shop. I'm going to be offering hot pads (similar to the ones above) with an Isul-Bright lining for added heat protection. I also have some material to make satin pillowcases, and I'm thinking of putting them in my shop. Just in case you don't know, satin pillowcases are wonderful. I have used these since I was a little girl and my hair was below my waist. These pillowcases prevent tangles in the hair and also avoids breakage of the hair. My hair is still below my shoulders, and I still use these.

My youngest asked me to make some and send them to her. Apparently, when she went to get her hair trimmed, the hairdresser said to her, "You sleep on your left side, don't you?" And she answered, "Yes, how do you know that?" Hairdresser: "Because your hair is thinner on the left side which means that it's breaking off." She's always had satin pillowcases also until she moved away.

I guess I'll be making some of them to send to her tomorrow also.

Any other ideas??? I'm open to suggestions!!

Also, tomorrow will be "trying" to update the blog day. We'll just have to wait and see how that goes!!

K--that's all for a while!!

Beth

Thankful Thursday

Isaiah 40:31--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.

On this, my very first "Thankful Thursday", this verse came to my mind. Why?? Because any hope I have for my life, any strength that I have comes from God. With God, I can accomplish anything that He wills for me. And I am thankful that God is my focus in my life. I can bring anything to Him in prayer and quietly sit and listen and wait.

I went to work today and told everyone there that it was "Thankful Thursday". I passed around a notepad and everyone wrote several things that they were thankful for.

Here are some of their answers:

Family, friends, co-workers who can make even a bad day a good day, laughter, good health, being employed.

Here is what I am thankful for today:

This is my best friend. I love her dearly. She saw the anger and bitterness in me and knew that I needed God in my life. She didn't push me or prod me. She just quietly lived her life, and I saw goodness and peace there. I wanted what she had and just didn't know how to go about it.

She is the one who obeyed God's command to her; she is the one who reached out to me and invited me to her church. I stood her up the first time she invited me. There was no reproachment on her part. She just said that we would try again next week. And the next week I did go. God touched me that day, and I found something very special. I knew that I had finally come home.

My other thankfuls for today:

• My spiritual family who are always there for me in good times and in bad.
• My children--children that I had been told I would never be able to have--they are miracles from God.
• The fact that I can freely worship God without persecution from others.
• Talents given to me by God so that I can serve and bring joy to others.
• Birds--I know that may sound a little off the wall--but it's cool enough to sleep with the windows open. I heard the birds singing when I was getting ready for work this morning. I stopped to listen carefully. So many species of birds, each with their own song and colors! How creative of God!
• I am thankful for the difficult times I have had in my life. God has used these very trying circumstances to open my eyes so that I may serve Him and others.
• And most of all I am thankful for Jesus. He is the HOLY ONE--the one I am to try to pattern myself after in my own pursuit of holiness. Will I ever attain this goal? Of course not!! I will fail and falter along the way. But, thanks to Jesus, I can seek forgiveness for my sins, and He will pick me up and help me start along my way again!

Beth

Now--This WAS a SURPRISE!!!

First, I want to thank everyone who left a comment yesterday and today. It was encouraging to read that I'm heading in the right direction in regards to my co-worker. She was doing this again today, and I just walked away and said a prayer for her. She has been reported by several others--nothing is being done about this--so, I'm just going to continue to pray for her.

Now, today is rather interesting. I came home from work, and believe it or not, my son cleaned for me today. I didn't get to this last weekend because of feeling so lousy and have kind of just let the cleaning process go until this weekend.

But, he was off work today because he is working on the weekend. What a wonderful surprise when I walked in the door and everything was just "sparkle clean"!!

I gave him a big hug and thanked him for doing this for me. He said the he knew I had other things I would rather be doing over this coming weekend, so he thought he would do this for me. What a wonderful son!!! And this is the same son (since I only have one!) that usually grumbles when I ask him to take the trash out!!

So, this weekend I'll only have to catch up on the laundry (again--what is it about laundry--it just never stops!!) and be free to do whatever I choose!! Which is, of course, listening to some music and knitting away!! Maybe, I'll even get back to the socks that Miles destroyed. The name of this pattern for these socks is actually "Summer Breeze", but in my case they are going to be called
"Miles-a-Thon". He truly was having his own little Olympic challenge, and he won!!

I'm also thinking of redoing my blog if I can figure out the instructions Tea sent me on adding a new header with a picture I already have in mind. We'll have to see how that goes!!

If you come back Monday and everything still looks the same, then you'll know that I'm just not that computer literate.

K--that's all for a while!!

Beth

No Surprise in the Mail and A Bit of Defiance!!

Today was not an exciting day at all! No surprises in the mail like yesterday!! Only junk mail, which I guess is better than bills!!

I'm still looking for patterns for that new sock yarn, so if anybody has any suggestions, I'm open to all and any ideas!! I want to make these so special. The yarn was a huge surprise, and it is just beautiful!

I'm finally starting to feel better from the strep throat and the pink eye. Did I mention that I also had pink eye with this? I don't remember!! Finally able to eat some solid food today and swallow without pain! I'm still feeling pretty exhausted even though I feel like all I do is sleep.

Here's a question: What do you do when someone you work with is blatantly defying set rules by using the internet on company time? This is grounds for termination at my work. This person has been reported by more than one person, and nothing is done. And, today, she was at it again!!

I feel badly because I do consider this person to be a friend. I've done things with her socially. I've even talked with her about this use of the computer at work, how much trouble she could be causing herself, how she could lose her job. She has been there for over 20 years, and her answer is "I don't care!"

I've prayed about this situation more times than I can count. I felt that if I talked with her face-to-face and confronted this issue, that she would care and would stop. But, it didn't work that way.

Any suggestions??

K--that's all for a while!

Beth

Surprises in the Mail!!

Today was a day of surprises in the mail for me!!

First, I received my dishcloth swap from Florida. Here's a pic of the two dishcloths my partner sent me.






She did a really nice job, and it's always a surprise to see what pattern and colors your partner uses! I just love these! Thank you, Kathy from Florida!!

Then, I also received my prize package from Yarn Miracle for winning the Divvs contest!! Some beautiful sock yarn called "Shyla", a darning kit and some special solution to wash delicate fibers in. Here's a pic of my surprise package from Emily of Yarn Miracle.

This picture is a little bit dark (sorry about that--I've yet to master all the features my camera possesses), but the yarn is a beautiful pale yellowish-green color with some camel and dark brown mixed in. I can't wait to get started on some new socks with this yarn. Thank you, Emily!!

Wait a minute!! Did I say I was going to start on another pair of socks? No, I'm not!! I have to finish the socks that the "Miles Demolisher" got into first!! Stay posted for those and then these new ones!! Oh, I just can't wait!!

These surprises almost made it worth receiving the electric, gas and water bill all in one day!

K--that's all for a while!!

Beth

Internet Cafe Chat

Tell about one time in the past 5 years where you took a HUGE Step of Faith in your journey with the Lord. What was the outcome?

Before I begin this, if you haven't read my post entitled "Darkness Into Light", you might want to stop and read over that. Then, you will know why this was such a huge step of faith for me.

That being said, I will begin. I have a strong passion for bringing others to Christ. I'm not pushy about this--I invite people to join me in a church service, I try to live in a way that others will wonder and ask what brings me such peace in a world of turmoil, and I give all the glory to God. I want others to see Jesus in my life, in my eyes, in my smile.

God placed a heavy burden upon my heart regarding my ex-husband. We have had a turbulent past, but we also share 3 children that we both love. Granted, our children are adults now, but we still share them during holidays, birthdays, when my youngest visits from Texas. I know that he is far from God.

I prayed about this many times, and I kept receiving the same answer--"Call him and talk to him". Realize, that I have not talked with him except to inform him of emergent situations regarding our children, such as my daughter's recent hospitalization. She even arranged visiting times so that we both would not be at the hospital at the same time to avoid undue stress, not only for us but also for her own sake.

I talked to others regarding this--my Small Group, friends in Christ, mentors. And, I kept receiving the same answer from them: "If God is placing this on your heart, what do you think you should do?" I knew the answer was to obey God's will in this, but I kept questioning and asking, "God, are you sure this is what I am to be doing? This man has hurt me and my children deeply. I have forgiven him, but is this really what you're telling me to do?"

And God, He just kept on answering, "Yes, this is what I want you to do."

One Saturday afternoon, I called him. I didn't feel nervous about this at all. I didn't know what I was going to say. I just prayed to God to put the words into my mouth. We talked for a time about our children, how things were going with them, our jobs, mundane daily things.

Then, very suddenly, I asked him, "Do you have a relationship with Christ? Have you completely surrendered your life to Him?" And, his answer was simply, "No".

I invited him to meet me and attend church with me the next day. He said he would, but I wasn't sure if he would show or not. I made it very clear that this was all this was--an invitation to church--to grow closer to God--not to grow closer to me and try to re-establish a relationship with me. I have to admit that I was surprised to see him there.

We went to breakfast afterwards and talked--talked about our children, their lives, how important each of our children are to us. There were no arguments, no bringing up of the past, no accusations from the past from either of us. Just talk.

He continued to attend church every Sunday after that. On Easter, we attended as a family--all three children, myself, their father and three of my children's friends.

So far, so good. Attend church, sometimes breakfast afterwards--with me making it clear that we still are not re-establishing our past relationship.

A few Sundays ago, I attended an earlier service than I usually attend due to the fact that my son needed to use my car that morning. I was standing talking with friends before I left when my ex-husband arrived. I told him that I wasn't going to be attending that service due to the car situation.

Anger immediately came upon his face. I wasn't imagining it--my friends saw it also. One told me later that they had never seen such a quick change upon someone's expression.

I asked him then, "Are you coming to church to grow closer to God or are you coming because of me?" I have to admit that I did edge a little closer to one of my friends when I asked this question.

He then exploded, saying that he was coming because of me--I keep blowing him off and he is just going to forget it. All of this in the lobby of the church with a crowd of people around.

I walked outside towards my car. He left at the same time, yelling at me across the parking lot--about how he's just going to forget this. One of my friends watched me safely to my car and called me at home later to make sure I was okay.

I took this leap of faith in obedience to God. I know that God is still working in his heart and mind and that this is far from over. When my youngest daughter was here visiting from Texas she went to see her father.

When she came home, she said to me, "What's Dad talking about? He's telling me that he didn't yell at you in church."

Funny thing is, I hadn't said a word to any of my children about this incident. They knew nothing about it. Yet, it is still weighing on his mind. He is still thinking about this.

I feel that I did the right thing in obedience to my Lord. Things didn't quite turn out as I had planned, but then again, who am I to even begin to think that I'm planning anything regarding this. This is God's plan

I've Got It!!

Yes, I've got it--strep throat!! Working in a doctor's office for a long time seems to make a person immune to a lot of things. But, when you get sick, you really get sick!!

I was a little headachey with a scratchy throat yesterday, but nothing too bad. Last night, the throat became worse, headache became worse, slight fever and swollen glands.

Lucky for me that I do work for a doctor, and a quick phone call made it possible for me to get started on antibiotics this morning.

But, no breakfast with my friends, no tonight, no preschool class tomorrow, and no church tomorrow for me!! I'm contagious!!

So, what was I going to do tonight? I was going square dancing!! Yes, you read it correctly!! Square dancing!! I couldn't wait either. I haven't done this since I was in high school (as I said), but I loved it then and was wanting to go tonight.

Oh well!! I can try for next month when this event will occur again.

Today I'm going to rest and try to feel better. Hopefully, later today I'll get back to answer today's Internet Cafe question. I read it and want and need to write about this.

Beth

A Variety of Topics

I made it to the post office today after work and mailed those packages off!! Alright!! Now, I have a few more things to finish up and mail, and then I'll be all caught up (just for a little while though).

But, it sure does feel good to have completed three projects that I had on my plate (and my mind!)

I received an e-mail today from Yarn Miracle that I won the Divvs contest. I don't know what I won because the prize is "knitting goodness". Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll love it, and I can't wait to find out what it is!! I'll let you know when I receive it.

This contest actually was a kind of trial run for a new website, and it gave you a numerical value for your "social ability". My score was only 30, and I was rather disappointed with this because I think I'm a pretty social person!! Guess I'll have to work on that a little more!!

Dish Rag Tag is off and running. If you look at the bar on the side of my blog, you can see the progress bar. Right now all 24 teams are at the same point. I'm in team #23--The Rag-Taggers.
I've never done this before, but it sounds like fun and some excitement thrown in with the competition of 23 other teams.

And yes, Aunt Kathy--I looked under the bed!! No bank card!! Oh, well--it doesn't matter now since I had the bank put a hold on this card. I'll just have to wait until they issue me a new one. And I do have to ask you this--75 squares??? That's a lot of squares!! I hope you get them all finished!!

I'm in the midst of training a new person at work, and she has come down with strep throat! I hope I don't get this, but it is very contagious, and we have been working closely together for over a week now!! I wouldn't want to spoil my plans for tomorrow evening!!

Ah, yes!! What am I doing tomorrow evening? Another hint? You have to have a partner!!

Let's see--a partner, $6, wearing jeans, tee shirt and sneakers and I haven't done this since I was in high school. Hmmmmm......wonder what it could be!!

Well, I'm off to work on finishing up the last of the projects on my list. Then what will I do?? Easy enough--I'll just start on some new things and end up with another list!!

K--that's all for a while!!

Beth

Whoa!! Frustration Is the Word for the Day!!

I was searching for a picture of something else when I came upon this picture. It really struck me funny because this has actually happened to me! I literally cannot see a thing without my glasses or contacts!! I started wearing glasses when I was almost 6 years old, and my eyesignt is pretty poor without correction.


One night I set my glasses (I didn't have contacts at this time) on my nightstand, right next to my bed. When I got up the next morning, they were gone! I searched and searched, as best as I could, for almost 45 minutes. I finally starting crying in frustration! How was I going to be able to go to work? What was going to do? Call my supervisor and say, "I'm sorry I can't come to work today? I can't find my glasses?" I don't think she would appreciate that at all!


So, I did the only thing that I could do. I awakened my youngest daughter (still living in PA at the time), crying, saying to her, "I need help!" She jumped up immediately thinking that some terrible tragedy had befallen me. Well, in my viewpoint, it had!


She comes into my bedroom, starts looking around (she with her perfect vision!) and immediately finds them on the floor underneath my bed. Obviously, this was again a cat problem!! Scout, my older kitty, apparently had ventured onto my nightstand while I was sound asleep, knocked them to the floor and I just couldn't find them!


Frustration seems to be my key word for today. All of my efforts to get my swap items ready to be mailed today have fallen to the wayside! I packaged everything, took everything to work with me today--planning to stop at the post office on my way home and ship them out.


Arriving at the post office--which had already closed--I thought to myself, "No problem--I'll just use their handy-dandy mailing machine and ship these out!" Into the post office, laden with packages, wait in line due to the fact that there were 3 people ahead of me. Finally, it's my turn!!


I set my packages down only to discover that I cannot find my bank card anywhere! Does this machine accept cash? Of course not!! I searched and searched--still no bank card!! Where did I leave this??


Gather up the packages, come home (all the while thinking--I must have taken this out for something, left it at home) to get the card and head back to the post office.


Do you think I can find that card anywhere? Of course not!! So, I called the bank, had them put a block on my card and have to wait 7-10 days for another!!


The packages are still in my car and quess where I'm going to be headed during my lunch tomorrow?


Oh, and as for Saturday--no, it's not a family reunion!! I'm going out to breakfast Saturday morning with two friends, but that's not it either. This is Saturday night!


Another hint? It only will cost me $6!!


K- that's all for a while!!


Beth

Organization and Saturday!

Thanks to some organizational skills, I've managed to get three swaps completed and ready to go out in the mail tomorrow!! Thank goodness--I have these plans for Saturday morning and Saturday night. That is when I usually work on most of my projects, so I'm really pushing through this week!!

No pics yet--these need to be surprises!!

As for Saturday night--no, it's not a high school reunion!! What will I wear? So, you want some more hints? I'll wear jeans, a tee shirt and sneakers. Hmmmm......wonder where I'm going??

I'll be sure to take my camera because I'm sure I'm going to have a blast!!

Just a short post tonight--have to get back to work!!

Beth

Storms and Overextended!

Wow!!! We have some wicked thunderstorms early yesterday morning before I left for work. I love thunderstorms, but these were a lilttle too intense and close for comfort!

A friend of mine had his chimney hit by lightening during these storms. This did a lot of damage to his chimney, his roof, his deck roof and many electronic devices. But, he and his family are safe and sound, so I praise and thank God for waching over them during this storm. Damage can be repaired and things can be replaced, but special people like this family cannot be replaced.

Also, I made a list during my lunch at work today of all the things I must do before the end of the week--not things I just want to do, but things that must be accomplished by week's end. This list is just way, way too long!!

I have to ask myself why I do this to myself. Why do I keep overextending myself and end up feeling stressed about this?

I have all of these "things" listed in order of priority--most important to least important--so, I have to say that I'm being organized about being overextended!

On a brighter note, you'll never guess what I'm going to be doing Saturday night!! Go ahead--take a guess. I'll let you know on Saturday exactly what I'm doing that evening. A small hint--it's something I haven't done since high school--that's a LONG time ago--and it's going to be fun!!

K--that's all for a while!

Beth

Jonah: I Gotta Love Who? (lLoving Like God requires me to.....

This is the title for our message in church today. We are doing a series on Old Testament characters this summer, and Jonah was today.





Now, most of us know the story of Jonah: He disobeyed God, was in a ferocious storm, thrown overboard, the storm calmed, he was swallowed by a huge fish and spent three days in the belly of this fish praying. Then, he was vomited onto an island, and then and only then did he decide that he had better obey God.





The story of Jonah actually goes so much deeper than this though. First, God asked Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell the people there to repent or God was going to destroy their entire city. The Ninevites were not the nicest people. They were famous for beheading people, imprisoning people unjustly and even deporting them to parts unknown if the rulers were not obeyed. God was angry with them. So, He told Jonah to go and tell them to repent of their evil ways.





So, what does Jonah do? He says, "Well, I don't think so", and he runs from God. After God has saved Jonah, and he goes to Nineveh, tells the people to repent, they turned from their evil ways,and God saved their entire city.





Here is question one that we were given to ponder on this week: In what ways do you need to respond obediently to God this week? Is He "calling" you to something or someone?





The key point here is that we must respond obediently to God's call.





Then Jonah shows anger that God was compassionate to these evil people. God tells Jonah that he has no right to be angry--that we must love all people. I don't know about you, but I have some people in my life that are pretty difficult to love. And I deal with a lot of these people on a daily basis





The second key point is that we must humbly love those that are difficult to love.





Here is the second question to ponder this week: Who are the "Ninevites" in your life? How can you begin to love them humbly?





And so, through the story of Jonah, we realize that God asks us to do things for Him--He calls to us and we should respond obediently and immediately--even if this is something that we may take us out of our "comfort zone". We need to love like God, even the people who are difficult to love.





The third key point is that loving like God requires us to recognize the fact that God works in and through imperfect people--and that is you and me!:





And the third question for the week: When is the last time you offered your imperfect self to God and asked Him to use you? How can you celebrate the fact that God uses and blesses imperfect people?

I learned a lot through this message. And my pray for this day and every day will be for God to direct me to help show my love to others, especially the difficult people in my life. They probably don't know God's love and that is why they are so difficult. I ask God to help me be His shining light in my day to day living and help bring others to know Him.

If you get a chance, read the book of Jonah with a new perspective in your mind. It won't take long--it's a short book--only 4 chapters!

K--That's all for a while!



Beth

Internet Cafe Chat

What is one thing or cause that you are passionate about? (More specifically, something you feel that the Lord has burdened your heart with)

As I read this question early this morning, I knew exactly where the Lord is leading me.

I'm involved in Small Group Ministries, Children's Ministry (2 year olds--they remind me week after week how WE are to come to Jesus--as little children).

These are all good and wonderful things to be involved with. But, God has led me to work with Domestic Violence Services. Having lived this life for a long time, I know how terrifying being abused physically, emotionally and mentally can be.

I've been doing volunteer work for DVS for almost a year now. I took a tour of their facilities before I was even accepted into this program. What a wonderful place!! A fully equipped kitchen, rooms that are beautifully decorated for one person up to 7 people so that moms and children can stay together. There is a backyard with a play area for the children, a living room where one can sit and relax.

But, the best thing about this is that it is safe!! If only I had known that there was a safe place for me and my children!! I had been told so many times to call this service, but I was so afraid. I actually placed a call once and hung up before anyone even answered.

Fall training is starting in September to volunteer to help with the hotline for crises. I've been praying about this, and God is definitely leading me there. This issue weighs heavily upon me, and if I can help just one person--just one--to a more peaceful, violence-free life, I will feel that I am beginning to fulfill part of God's mission for me in my ilfe.

Education is a big answer to this problem. Also starting in the fall is a class for male abusers--men who have been ordered by the court to do this.

So, I will start my 40 hours of training in September and then go from there.

My ex-husband was from an abusive family and now he and one of his brothers are abusers. His sister is abusive to her husband.

I thank God that none of my children have shown any tendencies towards violence or abusive behavior. The cycle needs to stop!!

Beth

I Thought I Was Doing So Well, Too?!?

I followed Kathy's instructions to the ninth degree, and thought I had this all down pat!!

Well, I was mistaken!! I tried to go to Noreen's blog myself AFTER I posted this, and guess what--it didn't work!! My goofy mistake--I put in the wrong address.

So, we're going to try again!! If you want to try the "Swedish Blocks" dishcloth for yourself, the instructions are here. Hopefully, it works this time around!! So, sorry!!

Okay, I promised you some pictures, and here they are!! These are some of my latest projects.

First, I have made a dishcloth that was designed by Noreen. If you want to make this yourself, the instructions are here on Noreen's blog. I really like this design, and it feels really sturdy. In fact, I think this could be used as a hot pad for your table. This design is called "Swedish Blocks".

Next, I have Summer Breeze, which is from my Monthly Dishcloth Group. It's the July mid-month KAL, so I guess you can figure out quite easily that I'm a little bit behind!! Don't even ask me how many times I started, completely ripped out the entire thing and started again because I won't tell you!! And then, I decided that it just wasn't quite big enough, so I added on another row of the design. Thank goodness I got through that last row of design without any mistakes!!

And last, but not least--one of my very favorite designs--I'll make this one over and over again. I call it "Waves". I've made this in so many different color combinations, and each one is just as beautiful as the next.

I'm thinking of making this sweater for my Texan daughter for Christmas. It would perfect for the winter when she can just go out with a lightweight jacket or a sweater. Then, I looked at the yarn this pattern was calling for. Believe me, the yarn is just gorgeous--100% wool--but when I figured the total cost of the yarn, it's close to $200!!!

If I can find some similar yarn that is less expensive, then I'll go ahead and make this. I love my Texan transplant so much, but I know she would be distressed if I spent that amount of money on yarn for a sweater for her. And I would be distressed if it didn't turn out--Oh, would I be distressed!!

Anyway--here's a pic of the sweater. I love it, and she would look adorable in this, but I just can't justify that amount of money for yarn for a sweater!

Now, I'm off to knit some squares for The Ghana Project, and I have all kinds of things lined up to work on this weekend. I'm determined to get these UFO's that are hanging around here completed.

Oh, and for all the fans of my kitty, Miles--I got up this morning--red alpaca yarn all over my bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and dining room!! What am I going to do with this kitty?? He actually took a lid off the box I have this yarn stored in, took out the ball, and then had himself a ball!!

K--That all for a while!

Beth

And a special thanks to my friend, Aunt Kathy, who explained in detail to me how to link another person's blog to mine!! I think it worked!! Thanks again, Kathy!!

Follow Up

Wow!!

As a follow up to last night's post, I'm posting a devotional that I received in my very early morning e-mail. Our God is an awesome God!! How He knows me!!



2008/08/08

Our Spiritual Family Is for Eternity by Rick Warren

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***

Every human being was created by God, but not everyone is a child of God.

The only way to get into God’s family is by being born again into it. You became part of the human family by your first birth, but you become a member of God’s family by your second birth. God “has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God’s own family” (1 Peter 1:3 LB).

Your spiritual family is even more important than your physical family because it will last forever.

The invitation to be part of God’s family is universal, but there is one condition: faith in Jesus. The Bible says, “You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26 NLT).

Your spiritual family is even more important than your physical family because it will last forever. Our families on earth are wonderful gifts from God, but they are temporary and fragile, often broken by divorce, distance, growing old, and inevitably, death.

On the other hand, our spiritual family – our relationship to other believers – will continue throughout eternity. It is a much stronger union, a more permanent bond, than blood relationships.

Whenever Paul would stop to consider God’s eternal purpose for us together, he would break out into praise: “When I think of the wisdom and scope of his plan, I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God – some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth” (Ephesians 3:14-15 LB).
© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.


I'll be back tonight with some pics of my latest projects, and I really need to do some visiting to other people, too!

K--that's all for a while!

Beth

Sailorcross

This is my sailor cross. This belonged to my Dad, my father that came into my life when my Mom remarried when I was 12. In addition to a wonderful man that I could call my Dad, I also gained a sister and a brother. Along with my own brother, we came together and made a family. My sailor cross was a gift to my Dad from my Mom on a long ago Father's Day.

I was given this cross by my brother when my Dad passed away. He always said that this cross meant "faith, hope and charity". I've done a little investigating on my own regarding a "Sailor's cross", and that's exactly what it does mean.

But, to me, this cross has more meaning than this. Definitely, faith, hope and charity--they are all wonderful. However, when I look at this cross, study this cross--to me this means that I am anchored to Jesus.

I am just an ordinary person. I have never done anything miraculous in my life. I have never calmed a storm or walked on water. But, with Jesus, all things are possible in my life.

There have been a lot of changes in my life. My Mom and Dad are gone, my sister passed away at the age of 50. She was my best friend, and I miss her.

Since my sister's death, my family has also gone through a lot of changes. One of my brothers and his family no longer come to family functions. It's as if they just can't bear to be there without my sister.

My other brother, my own biological brother, has also distanced himself from me. Why? Because of my relationship with Christ! He and my sister-in-law have asked my children, "What is this with your mother--going to church, belonging to groups, doing 'things' with church people?" And my daughter (who is a nonbeliever) told them to leave me alone about this.

So, this is what they have done. They have left me alone. i call them every weekend and leave a message, but I get no response.

I am praying about this situation with my brother. Unfortunately, I think he wants the person I used to be to come back into his life. He doesn't see that I am still me, only a better version of me.

Knowing that all things are possible with Christ, I pray and ask God to help my brother see--to see me as I am, to come to know Christ, to re-establish our family.

I also know that this is why God has given me such an awesome spiritual family. Sometimes, our own families just aren't there to meet our needs. So, God has given me brothers and sisters in Christ--people that I can turn to, talk to, cry with, laugh with, pray with. And, I am so thankful.

My cross--I never take it off. It is always with me, just as Jesus is always with me. I am anchored to Him.

Beth

Oh, my! I came home from work yesterday to find that I had no internet!! "Stage I Outage", whatever that may mean.

So, just a quick post for this morning before I head out to work. I'll be back later tonight. I have some new pics to post, people to visit, patterns to check!!

And, Aunt Kathy--thanks for the instructions--I tried and tried and then just gave up!! No matter what I tried (and I did follow the instructions on Blogger to the tee!) this just wouldn't work. So, I'm going to try again tonight! I knew it--I knew it!! I'm so glad you joined Dish Rag Tag!! Hope we're on the same team!

Be back later this evening!

K--that's all for a while!

Beth

Dish Rag Tag

Oh, my!! I was just too tired last night. I had a list, yes--a list, of things I need to complete last night after work. I started in on my first project and promptly dropped a stitch! Then, I knew--when I am this tired I'm just going to make mistakes and frustrate myself. I needed sleep!

So, off to bed with a book--for about 5 minutes. I woke up this morning with the lights on and the book on the floor! It must have dropped out of my hand as I drifted off.

But, I wanted to tell all my knitting friends about this:

Yes, it's Dish Rag Tag: The Sequel! I joined two nights ago and two friends also joined. This sounds like to much fun and excitement to pass up!! And you'll probably make a new friend or two in the process!!

C'mon, Aunt Kathy!! I know you're itching to get your hands on this one!! I can feel your determination not to join just slipping!

You can read about this and join:http://yarnmiracle.com/

I tried to do all that fancy stuff where it would just say 'here", but for some reason I can't make it work. I just don't know how!!

I'll be back later today--that is if I don't fall asleep again!

K--that's all for a while!

Beth

Sleepless in PA

I just arrived home from my Small Group meeting--love my group!! I've led this group for almost three years now--hard to believe!! We've become so close, always there for one another.

We've finished our series on the first part of the Book of James, and next week we'll start the second half. I've learned so much through this series and from sharing thoughts, ideas, feelings from everyone in the group. I don't know what I would do without my spiritual family--guiding me along, holding me accountable, encouraging me, supporting me. And the best part of all of this is that we each hold a special place in each others' hearts.

I'm tired now, but I won't be able to sleep--too much stimulation of my mind. I'm just going to read a little, then hopefully off to dreamland. 4 a.m. arrives way too early sometimes!!

Talk to you tomorrow!!

K---that's all for a while!

Beth

Maybe tomorrow I'll have some pics for you to enjoy!

Oh No!! Another Migraine!!

I woke up at 3 this morning with lights flashing around in front of my eyes. I got up, took some of the medication the neurologist gave me and hoped this would go away. It did--but not until I went back to sleep, woke up again, took more medication, went back to sleep--and now finally at 7:30 p.m. it is mainly gone.

Why do I have this? I wish I knew. There is no medical reasoning behind it. They just come and go unexpectedly. At least, this didn't last for days like I've had happen in the past.

I've been feeling really lonely today. I don't like loneliness. When I'm lonely, I tend to think too much, and when I think too much, I start feeling sorry for myself about things that I have no reason to feel sorry about. Instead of thinking about where I live and why I live here, I should be thankful that I have a roof over my head.

Instead of thinking that it would be nice to be able to come home during the week and have dinner and conversation with someone about their day, I should be thinking about how lucky I am to be away from the situation I was in and still be able to live, breathe and talk about this.

So, another pity party--stop whining and move on!!

K--that's all for a while!

Beth

One of Those Days!

Did you ever have one of those days when everything just doesn't seem to work out the way you think it should? Of course, you have! We all have those days.





I'm blaming this day on lack of sleep. For some reason, I only slept about 3 hours last night, got up early this morning to go to the airport and then back home.





I've tried doing a few things, but I seem to be making too many mistakes in everything I'm trying to do. So, I think my best bet at this point is just to sit down with a book and forget about trying to accomplish much else. I'll only end up frustrating myself.





And who is this???

This is "Coach". Apparently, my daughter and her boyfriend found his picture so amusing every time they went grocery shopping that they just had to buy a box of these--just for the picture! She brought the box with her from Texas so that we could all see this!

And, where do you think his picture is now? I'll tell you.......this picture is taped to my bedroom wall, just staring at me while I sleep. Her idea of humor!

Maybe that's why I couldn't sleep last night--Coach staring down at me all night long!

K--that's all for a while!

Beth

I had off work today, which was a joy in itself. But, to top it off I spent the morning and afternoon with my daughter before she returns to Texas tomorrow. This week has gone by so quickly. We talk with each other every week, but it's just not the same as seeing her, talking to her in person, watching her little gestures and nuances. Sometimes, I look at her and wonder in amazement that this is the infant I held over 23 years ago. She is self-assured, confident in herself, independent. Those traits alone make me proud of her.

We went back to Hummelstown to The Soda Jerk for a late breakfast, and this time I was able to get a pic of the huge ice cream cone they have on top of their building.

We had delicious "Soda Jerk Omelets" with hash browns and lots of coffee. And we talked and we laughed and we cried. All in all, breakfast took well over an hour. Then right next door to the restaurant is a little shop called "The Sweet Treat". This shop has all kinds of handmade candies, penny candy that I haven't seen since I was a child. We wandered around in there for a while looking at all the sweets--didn't buy too much--have to behave in that arena!

Then, on to the Rhoads' Pharmacy. This pharmacy is truly a pharmacy, but it also houses the biggest gift shop that I've ever seen--two floors of gift shop! I bought a Boyds' Bear birthday card for a friend of mine because she loves Boyds' Bears. Now, all I have to do is remember where I put the card until December!!

Off to the Hershey Outlets where this child of mine purchased a new pair of jeans and 3 new tops for less than $30. She has also turned into a good shopper and is always looking for bargains.

Back to home again! A friend of my kids (and all 3 of my kids have the same friends--they have all hung out together for years!) is having a farewell cook out. She leaves early tomorrow morning, and then I won't see her until Christmas again.

She raided my dishcloth drawer on the second day she was here. That's okay because I'm always making more.

Last night I started this hot pad. I finished it and another one today. One will be for her home and another for her work. She waitresses while she is attending school, and I don't want her to burn her fingers.

This are crocheted hotpads, double thick--and I have to thank my friend, Kathy, for the pattern. I love these--they work up so quickly and are so easy to make!! I added a layer of Insul-Bright in between the layers so they'll be a little more heat resistant. I think they turned out fairly well for my first attempt at making these.

Of course, my older daughter came to pick up the youngest for the cook-out, saw these, and now she also wants some. I'm glad they're quick and easy to make. I do have a lot of cotton yarn left over from a bathmat I made, so I'm going to use some of that and who knows what else! I'll have to dig through the stash and see what pops into my hands!

K---that's all for a while!

Beth