Where Have I Been?

It's hard to believe that it's been a month since I've posted anything here.

Life has not changed much except for the fact that my daughter, Cara, has officially entered her third trimester of pregnancy. She is doing well--her asthma and diabetes are still under control--although at her last ultrasound there was a small concern that the baby was slightly larger than anticipated for her due date. Now, the doctors have decided to do ultrasounds every 4 weeks rather than every 6 weeks.

Work is more stressful every day as additional workloads are placed on us as more people are leaving and not being replaced--as well as the extra "things" that we are expected to do. In all of these "things", I'm wondering what happened to the patient care--the most important of everything we are supposed to be doing.

Home is also very stressful. My home is still filled to the brim with all 3 adult children living with me plus Ryan. I'm wondering where I'm going to put a newborn (and all the items they seem to "require" these days) if Ryan and Cara don't have their own place by the time the baby is born. The prospects of them having their own place to live is diminishing rapidly.

Add to this the addition of my youngest--moved from Texas back home to Pennsylvania the beginning of June. She alternates between being miserable with this decision to seeming to have made peace with this--crying one moment and happy the next--but deep inside is unhappy. She is having the tendency to push all of her unhappy feelings unto others instead of looking into herself for the source of her unhappiness.

In my home, there are senseless arguments, unnecessary remarks made to others--all hurtful and almost all of them involving the past which cannot be changed, so why does everyone keep going back there? I know the answer to this, but unfortunately, there are those that are living here that do not.

I truly feel as though I go from a stress-filled work place to a stress-filled home, and today I may just take myself away for the day--a day of solitude, peace and quiet--sounds like the library may be a good choice for today.

I do miss blogging, and I'm going to try (once again) to be here more often--if only to vent my frustrations. You don't mind reading my frustrations, do you? And if you don't read them, at least I have put them down in writing and helped to rid myself of them.

There are happy times--though few and far between. As always, I am going to my Father with all of this--asking Him for guidance and direction, giving Him my worries and anxieties.

Please keep all of us in your prayers. Believe me, we need them.

Beth

What is New in My World Today?

Two sick kids--that's what's new. Both Andrew and Lindsay have fevers, coughs, feeling sluggish and achy. Might it be the flu? Oh, I hope not!! Not only don't I like to see them sick, I have a pregnant Cara to think about here. I wouldn't want her getting sick at this point--one little virus, and her asthma will flare up, which usually ends her up in the hospital.

Please keep my kids in your prayers today for healing and health.

Other than that, I've just been trying to muddle through a day's work--one day at a time. People leaving and not being replaced--people on vacation--all making for a very short staffed office and much work being placed on the shoulders of others--which is causing me great tension and pain in my own shoulders and neck!

So, a few prayers in my direction wouldn't hurt one bit either!

Well, I'm off to get ready for work--the place I really don't want to go to but do anyway. What can I say--it pays the bills. I'm still praying for God to show me the direction I am to head in this job situation--whether I am to stay (is He using me there?) or go elsewhere.

Be sure and stop by The Power of Your Love for this week's memory verse. It's all about peace in our lives--where it is and how to obtain it.

Beth

Independence Day

It's been over a month since I've posted anything here!! Hard to believe!!

I realized this at the end of last week, and since I had a little bit of time yesterday, I decided to update my template.

While searching for a new template, I came across this--entitled Solitude at Simply Fabulous Blogger Templates. Since I like the picture and am longing for some solitude in my life, I decided to use this as my new background for the summer. What do you think?

My life is still stressful and chaotic, but has settled down a little. The house was full with Cara and Ryan, my son, Andrew, and then my youngest daughter decided to move home from Texas. She arrived here the beginning of June.

We're all trying to adapt to one another's schedules and quirks, and so far so good--a little turmoil here and there, but we're working things out.

The biggest news is that my daughter Cara had her 20 week ultrasound on Tuesday. According to the technician and the doctor, everything looks fine, progressing well, and we have a little girl--Lydia Caroline--who will be joining our family in November.

Today, all of the kids have somewhere to go for the 4th of July. I was invited to two picnics, but I think I'm going to stay home and enjoy my solitude. I have some flowers that are longing to be planted. And, of course, I've started (barely) a baby blanket for my first grandchild.

I've prayed and prayed about this situation--all 3 adult children plus one with a new little one on the way. God has shown me that there is a plan and purpose to this, and I just need to hang in there and trust Him. He will use this time for His plans and purposes, not mine--not my agenda--but His.

And how can anything be more praiseworthy than the plans and purposes of our God Almighty?

I'll try to keep everyone a little more updated and not be absent so much.

Have a wonderful 4th of July, and I'll leave you with a picture of my cat, Scout, who loves the deck overlooking the creek. She likes to peer through the fence posts at the world going by and is too big to fit her entire self through!



Beth

ABC's of the Word

I'm joining Pam at Grey Like Snuffie for ABC's of the Word. Be sure and visit Pam and all the participants of this weekly exploration of the Word of God through use of the alphabet.

This week we're concentrating on the letter:

O

I've chosen verses from Isaiah:

O LORD, You are my God;
I will exalt You and praise Your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
You have done marvelous things,
things planned long ago.

You have made the city a heap of rubble,
the fortified town a ruin,
the foreigners' stronghold a city no more;
it will never be rebuilt.

Therefore strong people will honor You;
cities of ruthless nations will revere You.

You have been a refuge for the poor,
a refuge for the needy in his distress,
a shelter from the storm
and a shade from the heat.

For the breath of the ruthless
is like a storm
driving against a wall
and like the heat of the desert.

You silence the uproar of foreigners;
as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud,
so the song of the ruthless is stilled.

On this mountain the LORD Almighty
will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine--
the best of meats and the finest of wines.

On this mountain He will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
He will swallow up death forever.

The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
He will remove the disgrace of His people
from all the earth.

The LORD has spoken.

In that day they will say,

"Surely this is our God;
we trusted in Him,
and He saved us.

This is the LORD,
we trusted in Him;
let us rejoice
and be glad
in
His
salvation."

Isaiah 25: 1-9 (NIV)

I have been through some "times" lately--"times" of discord, "times" of wondering what direction I'm headed in, "times" of a lot of change that I don't understand.

But, through it all I know that THIS is my GOD--surely I trust in Him and HIS wondrous plans for me and those surrounding me.

Who should I trust but the LORD--the ONE who holds the entire universe in His control--the plans laid out long ago--for His good and useful purposes?

This is MY God, OUR God--the ONE who sustains us through it all--and I will exalt and praise His Holy Name--

FOR THIS IS OUR GOD

Beth

ABC's of The Word

I'm joining Pam at Grey Like Snuffie for ABC's of the Word. This week we're doing the letter:

Make sure to stop by and visit Pam and all the participants for this fun way to explore the Bible using the alphabet.

The verses I have chosen for today are:

O LORD, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O LORD.....Psalm 139:1-4

I carry these verses with me--in my heart, in my mind--throughout my day. Sometimes my own feelings are telling me that God is distant and far from me. I may feel frustrated, a little lost and alone.

But, these verses tell me otherwise. God knows me. He is always with me--even when I am lying down and asleep. He knows my heart, my very thoughts even before I think them--my words before I speak them. He is always with me--right there by my side.

He is near. All I need to do is look around me at His creation--He is there. I pray and feel comforted--He is there. I hear a small child's laughter--He is there. I cry--He is there.

I am His daughter, His child. I am uniquely made and created by HIM, for HIM.

These verses are not about me, but about God's wonderful ability to know each of us--inside and out--and love us--a lot of the time in spite of ourselves.

Beth

Miles, Miles?! Where Are You?

Most of you know my kitty Miles--the "he" that was actually a "she"?

Since we have moved, Miles and my other kitty, Scout, have discovered that they love lying outside on the deck, especially when it is sunny.

I, too, am enjoying the deck--taking my morning coffee outside with me and sitting there listening and watching the world wake up.

A few days ago, I went outside with my coffee to enjoy the start of my day. The two cats followed along. I thought nothing of this since it was getting to be their usual behavior.

Scout is a very large cat weighing about 20 pounds. Miles is rather small even though she is full grown.

I'm sitting there--drinking my coffee, listening to the birds. I look around, and Miles is gone!!

She had squeezed herself through the fence posts and into the woods!! It was still dark outside, and I came inside to get a flashlight. The trees are very thick now and there is a great deal of underbrush.

I could hear her walking around, rustling through the leaves. I started to follow the noise of her walking, calling her. The further I followed her, the further away she went from me.

So, I decided to come back up to the driveway and sit and wait. I sat on the step to the shed, calling her softly, "C'mere Miles! C'mon! You need to come back! You're going to get lost in there! You need to come home!"

I waited and waited, and I could hear her walking closer and closer to me. I continued to call her--urging her to come back--to come back home where she would be safe from the road--safe from being lost.

And suddenly, her head popped out between the fence posts, and I brought her back inside.

As I was sitting there calling her, it brought to my mind how patiently God waits for us--calling to us--"Come home where you'll be safe", "Come to Me where you will no longer be lost", "Come to Me, come to Me, come to Me."

Sometimes it takes some of us a little longer than others, so we must be patient and encouraging, just as I was with Miles. But, God is calling--

"COME TO ME AND I WILL KEEP YOU SAFE AND FREE FROM HARM"

Needless to say, this kitty is NOT allowed on the deck without direct supervision--walking the straight and narrow, she is! Just as God is directing our lives, I'm directing Miles' life.

Please be sure to stop by The Power of Your Love for the Weekly Memory Verse, and while you're there make sure to read Super Sunday. I've been away from blogging for a period of time, and this somewhat explains the situation.

Beth

Join Me

Please join me at "The Power of Your Love" for Super Sunday.

Beth

Wonderful Maker

I'm joining with Amy today for "Then Sings My Soul Saturday". Please stop by and visit her to see all the participants who are sharing the songs that are soaring through their hearts today.

I woke up earlier than usual (1:30 a.m.!), made my coffee and went outside to sit on the deck to drink my first cup.

It is dark. The sky is filled with stars, and the moon is shining and reflecting upon the water of the creek. I hear ducks quacking as they swim along their way, and I wonder where they are headed this early in the morning.

There is a gentle breeze, and my wind chimes are combining with my neighbors to fill the air with the sound of a soft, quiet music.

And my heart and mind are quieted and stilled with this song, which is somewhat amazing considering the fact that I have not heard this in over two years.

Again, God speaking to me through music: I'm here, all is well, I have it all under control. I created all of this, I control the universe. You can go back to bed and rest and know that everything is in My more than capable hands.

Please remember to pause my playlist in the sidebar!

Beth

Please stop by The Power of Your Love for "Saturday Steps of Faith".

ABC's of the Word

I'm joining with Pam at Grey Like Snuffie today for the ABC's of the Word. This week we're using the letter:


The verse I've chosen happens to be one of my very favorite verses:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit....Romans 15:13

These are some powerful words!!

I know that there are many times that I feel like I'm running on a half-tank or even empty trying to meet the demands of my daily life.

And yet, here--in this verse--Paul is telling the believers in Rome that it is possible to overflow with hope as God fills us with all joy and peace

OVERFLOW???

How do we get to the overflow with joy and peace and trust and hope?

Oh, I want to overflow--feel full to the point of brimming--not empty, not even half-full!!

I want to be the person whose joy can light up a room, whose peace is felt by those around me even in the toughest of situations.

HOW?

Let's reread the verse carefully and we can see--

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.

And here it is--this joy, peace, and hope has everything to do with the power of the Holy Spirit, the trust that no matter what the situation God has the power and strength to guide and see us through.

Throughout the Book of Romans, Paul time and time again quotes the Old Testament--passages about praising God, worshiping Him, singing to Him, rejoicing in Him.

I'm thinking that the way to this joy is through praise--praise to God no matter what our circumstances are--praise for the good times, praise for the bad times, praise for even the smallest thing we may notice in our daily lives.


It is difficult to praise God for hard times, but I have found that these are the times that God works the most in my life, brings me to new understandings of His power, might and strength, makes me lean harder and harder upon Him and less upon myself.



Yes, I want to overflow with joy, so I will praise God--even in those storms--for everything!

Phil Ware--Heartlight

My Father,

I come to You this morning. My heart is full of many things all of which You know and understand. I have no understanding of some of the circumstances that You have given me, but I rest in the trust that You have greater plans and purposes for each of these situations.

Help me to praise You always, especially in the most difficult of times. Open my eyes, my heart and my mind so that Your Holy Spirit may work through me and in me so that I may overflow with joy in You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

What's Been Going On in Beth's World?

I've not been posting regularly--many, many things happening in the world of Beth!!

I just posted the Weekly Memory Verse on The Power of Your Love, and I realized that I have a situation right in my own home that I'm not listening to God's voice about--a situation that needs to be covered in prayer by many.

I wish I had pictures of some of these things, but I discovered yesterday that my batteries in my camera are exhausted and I have no new ones!

Oh, there are many things going on here--I planted some portulaca seeds in a planter on the window sill--Miles dug out all the dirt--no portulaca for me on the window sill!!

Scout has discovered the deck and escapes outside to lay in the sunshine every chance she gets. She loves it there, and so do I!!

There is a table and chairs outside on my deck now--again thanks to Josh! He purchased a new set for himself and just loaded up his set that he no longer needed, and I came home to a patio set on my deck! I can't wait to eat dinner outside by the creek.

But the biggest and most exciting news that definitely needs to be covered in prayer is this:

I'M GOING TO BE A GRANDMA!!

I was planning on keeping this news to myself until a few weeks down the road when I felt that things were going along smoothly. But, I realized this morning, that this is a situation that needs to be covered in prayer, and I am asking all of you to think of us and remember us in your prayers.

My daughter, Cara, is expecting her first little one towards the end of November. She is considered to be a high risk pregnancy due to the fact that she has asthma and is diabetic.

Add this to the fact that she lost her job, Ryan is working third shift as many hours as he possibly can, their apartment building was purchased by someone who is renovating the entire thing and they had to move with nowhere to go--well, the list could go on and on--and it does.

But, we are all excited at the prospect of a new little one in our lives!!

Wow!! God provided me with this home, and it is now packed to the max!! Cara and Ryan are now living here also until they can get back on their feet.

There are boxes everywhere (again!)!! Just when I thought I had everything organized, too!!

All I can say is that I can see God working in our lives, in Cara and Ryan's lives--His hand touching them in many new and different ways every day--drawing them closer to Him.

Cara is right where she needs to be for the moment. She is very hormonal--a little crying here and there for no reason, a little snappy for no reason--and we're all trying to be very understanding and supportive.

Here is my child--who was far from me for a time--and she is back in my life in a big way!! Here is my opportunity to shine Jesus' love for her so that she can see and feel His presence in her life.

So, please remember us in your prayer time.

Beth

It's Friday

ABC's of the Word

Pam at Grey Like Snuffie hosts the ABC's of the word each week. Today we're exploring the letter:

"I"

There are many verses in the Bible with the letter "I", and I definitely had trouble choosing one.

Courtesy of Ben Steed, Heartlight

Many thoughts are running through my head this week, the week before celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. I have been spending a lot of time pondering, reflecting upon what Jesus did for me, did for all of us. I was rescued from a life of destruction, violence, turmoil and because of Jesus I have found peace, hope, joy and love.

My hope is only in Him.

My heart is full, I cry from time to time thinking of His anguish--and yet He is my guiding light--guiding me out of the darkness time and time again--leading me on.

I seek the light wanting to stay fully connected with Him. I want to be alone with Him, talk with Him, thank Him, praise Him, just be with Him.

I need God in my life, not just here or there--not just on Sundays--but always--every moment. I need to follow the light and be a light so that others may see me shining God's Glory and come to Him. This is God's hope--that ALL come to Him and be saved through His Son, Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

Make sure to visit Pam and all the others who are exploring the letter "I" this week. Maybe this is the week that you'll join us!!


Beth

The Easter Story

ABC's of the Word

Pam at Grey Like Snuffie hosts ABC's of the Word every week--a fun way to explore the Bible using the alphabet. Be sure and visit Pam to enjoy all the participants who are using the letter:



Hard to believe that we're at "H" already!!

The word I have chosen is:

HEAR

And the verse that I love with this word is:

Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself; the LORD will hear when I call to Him.....Psalm 4:3

What blessed assurance knowing that the LORD hears us when we have the faith to know that He is there and listening for us!!

Have a wonderful day in HIM!

Beth

Surprise in the Mailbox!

The mailman brought me a very nice surprise yesterday!! I received my "Pay It Forward" from Jennifer at Through the Storms of Life!! I was going to post a picture yesterday, but I again ran out of time. Where does time go?

So, today I'm sharing a picture with you of Jennifer's "Pay It Forward" to me.

What do you think? Beautiful, isn't it? And to think she made it with her own hands. Thank you so much, Jennifer!! I love the cross you made for me, and I'll cherish it always!!

I'm still working on my "Pay It Forwards"!! Please don't think I've forgotten you because I haven't. They are all works in progress and will be sent out soon, but I'm not going to tell you when or show you pictures right now. It's just too much fun to receive a surprise in your mailbox!! I'll post pictures after everyone has received their "Pay It Forward".

I've been knitting some, and I finally finished the Mid-March KAL from Monthly Dishcloths.


This is the very first circular cloth that I've made, and it's done in Peaches 'n Creme Spring Meadows. I like this a lot, and I think I can see some more being done in the future.

I'm also working on a table runner that is also a KAL from Rachel's Knitting Room.



I haven't been able to do much outside work. The weather hasn't been cooperating very well!! It's either too cold or rainy.

Today was a very nice day, so I planted some pansies in the barrel by my mailbox when I came home from work. Hopefully, Spring will arrive and stay here soon so that I can get outside and do most of the gardening that I'm planning.

I have one area that is triangular shaped that is completely covered in wet leaves right now. I'm hoping to get that all cleaned up, plant a couple of tomato plants and the rest will be a flower garden.


Still working on knitting, but I've come across some very special counted cross stitch projects that I'm also working on. They're not far enough along to post pictures yet, but I'm sure that you'll love them when I do.

ABC's of the Word

Pam at Grey Like Snuffie hosts ABC's of the Word every Thursday. This is a fun way to explore the Bible, find new verses using the alphabet. Be sure and visit Pam to see all the participants and which verse they have chosen for the letter:

I'm just glad I have internet access today and can post this!! My internet has been off and on all week long. Just when I think--"Oh, it's back" and sit down to do something--BAM--gone again!!

So, I'm going to be quick to make sure I get this posted before it goes down again!!

My "G" word for this week is:

GREAT

I know the word "great" is used many times in the Bible--I don't know exactly how many, but I've come across it quite a lot. But, I've chosen a verse that is not saying that God is great (though He certainly is) or His glory is great (cannot dispute that fact), or His mercy is great (again, another truth of God).

My verse is speaking of myself--my life the past two weeks:

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your unfailing love supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy......Psalm 94:18-19 (NIV)

I've been riding an emotional high for weeks now--my home, moving, getting settled in--all exciting and promises from God to an answered prayer.

Then, I became very ill, troubles with the bank, two daughters both with different types of problems that I was concerned about--and my anxiety grew and grew. As I stated in my last post, I waited and waited until I could stand no more before reaching out to God.

And when I did reach out to Him, He was there for me, as always--waiting patiently for me to turn to Him.

My anxiety was great. I sat down and poured it all to God. He enabled me to talk with my daughters sensibly to help see them through their problems. The bank resolved their issue and I am finally feeling almost 100%.

During this pouring out to God of all that had been going on in my life, I felt a great peace--a peace that can only come because I had given all of these things to God instead of trying to carry them by myself. Control issue that needs to be addressed?

Make sure to visit The Power of Your Love for Thankful Thursday!!

Beth

Waiting

Have you ever had a week--maybe two weeks--maybe a month or more--where things just seem to be running together--no time, no energy, everything you touch seems to not work out or fall apart?

Now, let's be honest because I know we all have had these times. I was ill for over a week, difficulties with a banking error (by the bank!) that is still not straightened out, and then my youngest contacted me from Texas with some issues that are plaguing her.

And so, I fretted and fumed. I withdrew into myself. I became frustrated. I did everything except turn immediately to God. I waited and waited and waited--and then finally--in the early morning hours--I cried out to Him--Help me here, I'm drowning!

And the help came--in the person of my son. God sent him as my rescuer in all of this mess.

Now, I wonder--why did I wait? Why did I not turn immediately to God? Why did I think that I had some control over any of this?

As I think of this, I realize that this is something that has been going on in my family for generations--grandmother to my mother, my mother to me, and me to my daughter who also waited until things were at a boiling point before she contacted me. For all I know, this could have been going on long before.

WHY?

All I can say is that this taught me a great lesson--stop waiting!! Turn immediately to God always!! The why doesn't really matter because I will probably never know the reason my family was built this way. But the what and the how does.

What is the trouble? How do I deal with it? Is this something that I can even possibly do something about? Is this is my control?

Silly me--thinking that any of this is in my control. It is not. Everything is in God's control, and I'd do best to remember this always and stop my waiting and turn to God immediately.

That is my lesson for this week--taught directly to me by my Creator.

Please be sure to stop by The Power of Your Love. I've posted there today about Proverbs 29:25:

To fear anyone will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Have a blessed Sunday in HIM,

Beth

Been Doin' A Little Knitting!

Easter is coming, and I'm trying to get some things prepared for my girls for a small Easter package.

Dishcloths being one of their favorite things to receive, it's an easy guess as to what I've made them.

This is the ribbed diamond pattern designed by Noreen Hunter-Talbot
in apple green.

And here, again, is the Circle Cloth from Monthly Dishcloths. I'm giving these two to Cara since green is her favorite color.

This is also from Monthly Dishcloths, the March KAL called Pot of Gold. It actually is yellow, but my camera and colors sometimes don't get along!


And here are these circles again!! This one is made of self striping yarn also, and both of these are for Lindsay.

If I get ambitious enough, I may just make them each a satin pillowcase, too!! No candy for Easter!!

Things have been pretty quiet around here!! I've gotten over my illness, but unfortunately passed it on to Andrew and Cara. They are both starting to feel better, but Cara definitely had the worst of it.

Got to go for now!!

Have a wonderful Sunday!



Beth

ABC's of The Word

Before I begin my "ABC's", I'd like to thank everyone who has been praying for and thinking of me during my recent illness. I'm glad to report today that my temperature is finally down to 99 from a high of almost 104, and I'm beginning to feel semi-human! So, a big thank you to all of you!!


Pam at Grey Like Snuffie hosts ABC's of the Word on Thursday's. It's a fun way to explore and learn new Bible verses each week, working our way through the alphabet. Be sure and visit Pam and all those who join in. Maybe you'd like to join in this week!!

This week we are using the letter:




And the word that I have chosen is:

EYES

Psalm 121

I lift my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of Heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip--
He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you--
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm--
He will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forever.

Just a little background--when this Psalm was written, and the psalmist lifted his eyes to the hills, what did he see?

He saw idol worshipers, temples to Baal. People would come to these hills and the Baal worshipers seeking help and guidance.

So, when he was saying, "I lift my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?", he was asking himself:

"Does my help come from these idol worshipers nestled in the mountains?"

"No, my help comes only from The LORD--the Creator of Heaven and earth--and the LORD watches over me every minute of every day of my life--He never sleeps. He is with me now and forever."

Please be sure to stop by The Power of Your Love for my "Thankful Thursday" post.

Beth

Feeling a Little Better and a Kitty Question For Those in the Know!

Quickly, and then I'm back to bed where I belong!!

I thought today would be the day--the day when I felt 100%, able to return to work. After all, my temperature was done to 99.1 last night--the lowest it has been since Sunday night.

But, alas, my temperature has again risen this morning to 101.4!! So, I'm home again, resting, drinking fluids, taking Advil like it is my very favorite candy (hhmm.......I don't know what this is right now).

Anyway, someone was not very happy with me. Guess who? Well, the way I look at it, if I still have a fever then I am contagious. Do we want everyone else in the entire office getting this? NO!!

I ran out of cough syrup, so I sent Andrew and Cara to the store last night to get me some more. I thought they had purchased the same thing as I had been taking, so I didn't even look at the label (that's how alert I am!). This morning, I discovered that I actually took over double the recommended dosage!! Well, it stopped the coughing for the night, that's for sure!!

Now, my kitty question: My Miles was in heat where she was spayed last week. She is healing nicely, doing everything that kitties normal do--able to jump easily, in no pain. But here is my dilemma--she is still acting like she is in heat!! Rolling around the floor, meowing (not quite as loudly as before) and acting like she is going to mark things but doesn't really!!

Do you think that since she was in heat when the surgery was done that it is going to take a little while to get her hormones back in balance? I sure hope this isn't going to continue!!

And then to top of my wonderful day yesterday, I found that when I made a withdrawal from my ATM that it was processed twice. I only received money once, so why was it processed twice. I called the bank about this as soon as I discovered it yesterday. For some reason, this problem won't be able to be resolved until Thursday because that department was already closed on Tuesday. What happened to Wednesday? Why can't it be fixed on Wednesday?

Well, I'm back to bed and healing for a while. Stay healthy, and whatever you do, try your hardest not to get this virus!! It is no fun!!

Beth

Oh, So Sick!

I've never had chills so badly that my teeth are chattering together, but that is what they are doing. Even buried under two comforters and a blanket, I just couldn't get warm. So, I went to the doctor yesterday.

Temperature of 102 (no wonder I had chills!), a right sinus infection, a right ear infection, possible strep throat (still awaiting the culture results on this). I was given a super duper antibiotic to battle all of these infections and was told that "it could also be viral" (flu), and then the antibiotics would take care of everything, but not the viral part of this.

No wonder I've been feeling so lousy!! I'm off work again today--just going to lay around and take it easy. Hopefully, my fever and chills will go away.

Now, I'm back to bed to rest some more--still covered with all these blankets and comforters.

Beth

All Is Well!

And here is Miles, sleeping peacefully this morning after her surgery. She did well. Scout (my other kitty) seems to have forgotten who Miles was during her brief time away.

There is a lot of growling and grumbling from Scout--just like when Miles first came to live with us--when we thought she was a he!!

I'm expecting that in a few days Miles will be up to her usual antics--which means I'm thankful that all my yarn is now in a closed door craft room!! Funny though--these cats know this yarn is in that room. They are continually trying to sneak in there!!

Have a wonderful Sunday, filled with God's love!!

Beth

Miles Update!

Today is Miles' big day!! She is going to be spayed today, and hopefully will sleep through the rest of the day after her surgery. Poor kitty--but this will save both her and me a lot of distress.

Please join me at The Power of Your Love for Then Sings My Soul Saturday and a continuation of "The Power of Praying Through the Bible".

I also have a prayer posted on The Lighthouse of Prayer here. My prayer is the last one listed on this post--in the comment section that is entitled "Prayers Lifted to the Throne of God". Please join me in uplifting my son to Our Father.

Thanks so much!!

Beth

ABC's of the Word

Pam at Grey Like Snuffie hosts the ABC's of the Word each week. I missed last week due to no internet access, so I'm moving on this week to the letter:

I chose the word:

DELIVER

and the verse I chose is:

Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love....Psalm 6:4

I chose this verse because this is exactly what God has done for me. I was far from Him--so, so far away. And yet, He still loved me--always loving me, watching me, protecting me, providing for me.

And then the greatest gift of all........He turned to me and delivered me--as if I were a newborn baby--a fresh start, a new life, a new creation in Him.

By delivering me in this way, He has saved me--not only from others who were harming me, but also from myself--

DEAD TO MYSELF, ALIVE IN CHRIST

Be sure and visit Pam to see what everyone has chosen for the letter "D" this week!!



Beth

Ah--There is Finally a Fire!!

Here I am, with this beautiful fireplace, and my son, Andrew has absolutely refused to make me a fire!! Night after night, I have asked him to build me a fire, and the answer has been "no". He wanted nothing to do with this!!

This evening, though, this changed a little bit. My neighbor, Barry, came to visit!! He brought some firewood and helped Andrew make a fire!! Needless to say, I am very warm and very happy!! And Andrew--he is sitting in front of the fireplace with a big smile on his face, staring into the fire--I think he is mesmerized!! He wouldn't let me take his picture though. I'll have to get him sometime when he dozes off in front of the fire!!


Beth

What's New in the World of Beth

I've been trying to keep up with everything that needs to be done, and I'm finding it a little difficult! So, my blog has been neglected for a day or so--AGAIN!!

I thought I would share some pictures with you today;

Here is a housewarming gift I received from my friend Donna from my work yesterday:

This is really cool!! Kind of retro--a planter that is actually a huge cup and saucer filled with an herb garden!! There's parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme (are you singing yet?--no, we're not going to Scarborough Fair!), basil, and lavender in the middle.

I'm keeping this on top of my refrigerator for the moment. Miles seems to think that this is all a treat for him (sorry, her!). I'll have to find a moment where I can exclusively keep an eye on her and train her to stay away from this. Otherwise, she will munch her way through! (I'm have a really hard time switching from "him" to "her"!)

This Saturday, Miles is having "the operation"! You know which one I mean!! Yes, Miles is getting spayed!! This certainly will save both her and me a lot of misery!!

While I was packing to move, I unearthed this treasure. This belonged to my sister who passed away 4 years ago in January. She had a dog that was a Springer Spaniel, and now I'm starting to see these mallard ducks swimming in the creek. I'm so glad I found this and have good remembrances of her.


And here are two of my lighthouses. I have quite a few items with lighthouses, but my daughters each gave me one of these. They actually light up and have a music box inside.


The one on your left (black and white) is a replica of the Cape Hatteras Light in Buxton, South Carolina. This lighthouse plays "It's a Small, Small World."

The red and white lighthouse is Montauk Point Lighthouse in Long Island, New York. This music box plays "God Bless America".

Two treasures from my girls!!

There are recessed shelves built into my bedroom wall, and that is where these items are!! I'll try to post a picture of the whole shelf tomorrow!!

Have to go and get ready for work soon!! Sure do miss staying home and puttering around here!! But, somebody has to pay the bills!!

And right now, I'm just glad to be able to say that I have a job to go to!!

Have a wonderful day!!

Beth

Weekly Memory Verse

Please join me at The Power of Your Love for our Weekly Memory Verse. We're memorizing one verse of Scripture per week from my "Embracing the Word" playing cards.

It's fun, it's easy, and a good way to hold each other and myself accountable. This has been something that God has been calling me to do for quite some time now--easily be able to recall His Word to my mind without having to search through the Bible.

I am memorizing the verse as well as delving into my own feelings of what God is telling me about this particular verse at this specific time. You can be free as to what you wish to do--just post your memorized verse, add a picture that this verse reminds you of, a video--just be free with this and let God talk to you about what we're committing to memory.

Won't you join in and help me in my journey?

Beth

We Made It!!

We arrived safely in our new home on Saturday evening. Everything was moved in and we were able to spend the night there!! I was exhausted and slept until 11:30 Sunday morning. Now, if you know me, you know that this in itself is a strange occurrence!! I'm usually up by 4 a.m. at the latest!!

I have all of my things unpacked and organized, for the most part. Andrew, on the other hand, is slowly, slowly unpacking and still sorting through things. He'll take a while doing this, and I must be patient!! My internet service was just started again today, and it is rather sporadic. Apparently, the wiring and cables are very old (like me), and the "cable guy" is coming tomorrow to replace them.

Oh, before I go any further, make sure to check out that kitty tracker!! All of this moving must count as exercise because my weight went down again!! YEAH!!!

I've spent some time outside on the deck overlooking the Conodoguinet Creek. It is a beautiful view, though it's been a little nippy for sitting outside and knitting or reading. I looked up the meaning of the word "conodoguinet", and it is an Indian word meaning "a long way with many bends". And it is a long creek--almost 500 miles, and it bends and meanders its way along until it meets the Chesapeake Bay.

I promised some pictures, and I do have some. There are more, but I'll save them for another day!!

Sunrise on Wednesday Morning

As you can see, Scout and Miles have made themselves right at home!

I took this picture earlier this afternoon. As you can see by my neighbor's flags, it was quite windy today!!


And see what you find when you move? I hadn't seen this in a very long time. A friend of mine made this for me--the year on the back says 1989. It's now sitting in my corner cupboard. I wanted to get a close up of it because I think it is so unique. We'll see my entire corner cupboard on another day!

And what have i been knitting? Not much, not much at all. I did manage to finish a dishcloth that I am probably going to give to Cara since green is her favorite color.



This is the mid-February KAL from Monthly Dishcloths. I started this before I moved and finished this afternoon. I like the self-striping yarn effect. I have several other projects that I'm working on--just not enough time in a day!!

That's all for now!! I'm getting a message that says a connection is loose somewhere!!



Beth