warmHarte

Where Am I?

2011-04-24T07:57:00.001-04:00

I'm over here!!

Starting afresh with a new beginning!! Stop by and visit (if you care to)!!

Beth

Home Again.....

2011-03-20T08:09:00.003-04:00

I am home again and everything is finally back in its proper place. Took quite a bit of time to clean everything....dust from sawing, sanding.

But everything is back in its proper place, and I can finally sit and relax for a day.

I'm joining Peggy for Super Sunday with a song I love--sung at a conference I recently went to. This song speaks volumes to me. My hope is that you will sit back, enjoy, soak in His presence and feel His love for you.

Remember to go to the bottom of the page and silence the playlist!!

Always seeking and finding more and more,

Beth

Cleaning Up Begins....

2011-02-06T06:56:00.004-05:00

And so the reconstruction begins!!

There is a huge dumpster taking up most of my driveway, and after cleaning up debris, glass, cinder blocks, ripping out what was left of walls that had been driven through....well, the dumpster is almost full!!

But, progress has been made....the debris is cleared, the bathroom is completely gutted.

My stove, washer and dryer, refrigerator, dining room furniture are now all in my living room so that work can begin on the bathroom and kitchen.

I'm doing okay with all of this...though there are those times that I just feel overwhelmed...and then there are a few tears.

But, we are here, alive and kicking...and that is the important issue in all of this.

My daughter took some pictures of the progress of renovation. But, since I'm using someone else's computer, I don't have access to them. If I figure out a way to share them with you, I'll post them because it is a sight to behold!!

In the meantime, I'm safe and sound at a friend's home who has made me feel completely welcome. Andrew is staying with his girl friend...and I'm not sure at this point whether he will be returning home or not. But, then again he will be 30 years old this month, and perhaps this is the time for him to move on.

Estimated time to renovate and reconstruct--the contractor told me yesterday--maximum of 5 weeks. So, again I patiently wait.

Beth

What a Way To Start The Day

2011-01-30T07:17:00.002-05:00

So, yes it is true!! An SUV traveling down the road crashed through the front of my house on Thursday morning!!

Honestly, it sounded like an explosion was going off....Andrew and I both woke up (of course, we did!!) and shouted, "What was that?"

Andrew, his bedroom being closer to the house, walked to the front of my house and shouted, "There is a car in the house!!"

I'm not saying that the car just 'hit' the house, the car was 'in' the house--through the front outside wall, through the front room, through a cinder block wall and into the bathroom....

There is a great deal of damage....even into the kitchen.....but, we both are safe.....and that is the most important thing. The driver of the vehicle is also uninjured, for which we are thankful.

Insurance adjusters have come and gone....will be coming again. Hopefully, next week clean up can begin...and then major restoration is needed to be done before we can live there again.

For now, we both have a place to live...so, thankful for so many who have offered places to stay, help in whatever way they can.

I don't have any pictures because they are on my son's camera....but, if you're interested you can try looking on Channel 27--ABC. They were on the scene, interviewed my son.

The angels were watching over us that early morning. There are a lot of "what if's" running through my mind, and the ones I'm not thinking of, others are. I'm trying to clear my mind of all of these because the "what ifs" are not the reality of the situation.

Hope to be back soon--for now we both are safe and sound.

Beth

Wait

2011-01-25T05:34:00.004-05:00

I walked outside this morning with my first cup of coffee. It is dark, yet I can still see the creek below me. Part of the creek has frozen this year--it is still and unmoving--yet I know there is water moving underneath the ice. The portion of the creek that is not frozen is lazy--just barely meandering its way along.

I am still, too. God has placed this patience within me while I wait.....

What am I waiting on?

Why am I waiting?

I used to wonder how my mother and grandmother knew that something was going on in my life that I had not told them. Did they have some kind of special sense? Or was I acting in a certain way that let them know that all was not well?

I've never come across the answer to the questions as to how they knew.

But, they did....and as a mother I've often found myself in that same situation.

And here I am again. I know, feel in the very heart of my being that something is going on with one of my children, and this adult child does not tell me.

At first, I felt anxious about this--wondering, waiting for this child to tell me what is troubling her. Perhaps I could offer some comfort, some sage advice, help her to sort out her feelings.

As I watched the creek this morning, yesterday morning and Sunday morning, I was filled with a sense of peace about this anxiety and wondering and know I am to wait....wait until she is ready to tell me.

I wish I felt the freedom to just go and say to her, "What's going on?"....but, I am to wait....moving slowly along like the middle of the creek....or perhaps stand in stillness as the edges of the creek.

Frozen--waiting--still--and all will be well says the Lord.

Beth

Sometimes It's Easy....

2011-01-24T05:07:00.005-05:00

I'm still counting my blessings....on my way to finding joy and thankfulness....even when the hard and difficult times come.....thankful in every circumstance.

I've found that it's not quite so difficult to find blessings when things are quiet and comfortable. But, when the storms come it is sometimes not so easy to look and see beauty in this world that I can say I am thankful for.

That is when my journal comes into hand....looking back and seeing how God has always been faithful to me and knowing that He will remain faithful. He has never lied to me, never led me astray.

He is not the one who changes or lies or reneges on a promise. No, He is constant.

It is the world--sometimes me that changes and looks at this life from a view that is not God's view.

And, so I continue in my quest to attempt to view the world, myself and others as God does. For only He knows the total truth, the answer to every question, the ease and peace to every worry and anxiety.

#49 to 54

a granddaughter who makes me laugh and smile every time I see her--she is

great joy

my son who went grocery shopping for me (and bought everything on my list)

because I was tired and already had enough on my "to do" list

spontanteous laughter with several friends at church

yarn of many colors

listening prayer

healing of past wounds

Please visit Ann and perhaps you will find yourself starting to count your blessings along with her.

Beth

Book Review--Soulprint

2011-01-17T05:09:00.003-05:00

I recently reviewed "Soulprint--Discovering Your Divine Destiny" by Mark Batterson.

This is definitely not a "self-help" book, but rather a "self-examination" book--an examination of yourself done by God--to discover your pros and cons; where will you do best in ministry, your occupation, your life in general.

Just as God has created each of us of unique individuals, we all have had unique experiences--which lead to our "soulprint"--the place where we are truly defined by our own highs and lows of life.

This is based on the story of David--going back to the slaying of Goliath--and how God had been preparing him for this "defining moment" in his life by having him shepherd and protect the flocks of sheep.

Overall, I found this book to be interesting and of great help to me. I have always questioned whether or not I am in the "right" place--the place where God wants me to be.

There are discussion questions at the end of the book to help lead you in recognizing and determining your own defining moments, and how these times in your life have and can lead you to where you will be most effective in pursuing God's destiny for you--you, yourself--no one else.

I have always felt that I have been "stuck" where I am occupation-wise. But, through this book I have learned that it is never too late to make a change--a change in the direction that God wants me to take.

Overall, I found this book to be interesting, well written, biblically-based, and a personal challenge. I would recommend this book to anyone--whether you are in the "searching mode" or not. You never know where God wants to lead you, and this book will help you follow Him in the direction He wants you to go.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Faith

2011-01-16T06:59:00.004-05:00

Courtesy of Ben Steed, Heartlight

I'm joining Peggy today for "Super Sunday". It's very simple...just post a verse, a song, something that speaks to you.

Here's my video for today:

Have a wonderful Sunday!!

Beth

Just A Few....

2010-12-30T06:44:00.003-05:00

Due to all the illnesses being passed around in my family, I did not complete nearly what I had intended to for CHRISTmas. I have all the materials needed, so I'll be working on these throughout the year, putting them away, and hopefully remembering where they are!!

Here's what I did manage to finish:

Lydia's Ladybug Mittens--

which she refuses to keep on her

hands!!

These are Lindsay's slippers before felting.

I was wondering how they were ever going to

shrink

to a

size 6 or 7!!

But, shrink they did!!

And here are Lindsay's feet in her slippers with

Cara's in the middle (minus her feet--but they do fit!!)

So, there will be projects going on throughout the year--though I've decided to take a little break from presents for others and make a present for myself.

I have an afghan that I made for my mother in 1976. How do I know I made this in 1976? Because she wanted something in red, white and blue to mark the bicentennial of our country. I took this afghan home with me when she passed away and have used it to keep warm on cold nights ever since.

There is a big bag of yarn in my closet that is aching to be made into an afghan--so I'm going to make another one for myself. The red, white and blue afghan is getting a little worn in some places. After all, it is almost 35 years old......and I've decided that this afghan perhaps needs a little tender care and a rest. I'm not putting it away in a dark corner....just a rest in a quiet place.

And don't we all need a rest in a quiet place sometimes?

Beth

Book Review--Blind Hope

2010-12-29T06:48:00.004-05:00

"Blind Hope--An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued" is a true story written by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher. This book is a quick read, and I finished this in one evening. I found it uplifting and encouraging. It also would be a good book for teenage girls who are in the "searching for myself" stage.

The location of the story is Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in central Oregon. This is an amazing program which rescues abused animals and pairs them with disadvantaged children--a place of healing, peace and a new life.

Laurie Sacher first came to this program seeking help and later became a staff member.

Laurie rescues an unwanted, abused dog--an Aussie named Mia. Her first impression of Mia is "She's a wretched creature, just like me."

As the story unfolds, we find that not only does Laurie rescue Mia, but Mia rescues Laurie. You see, Mia has many health problems due to her neglect, and she is blind. But, as Mia places her trust in Laurie, learns to follow her direction and instruction, and places her hopes in Laurie's care, Laurie is pointed to her Savior, Jesus Christ, in whom she then places her own hopes, trust and care.

There are many glimpses into the life that Laurie and Mia created together--each trusting the other--and as Mia's trust and hopes in Laurie increase, Laurie's hopes and trust in the Lord increase.

Laurie is taught that this little dog is a creature loved and created by God.....and so is she.

This was a very enlightening story, and I think parts of this could be used for a devotional. I found myself going back and reading over various pages--and thinking how this story related to my own life.

One problem--now I want to rescue a dog!!

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Through It All......

2010-12-28T05:10:00.002-05:00

From Thanksgiving to CHRISTmas...it has been a time--

A time of the "itis"--sinusitis, bronchitis, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis....and that was just me!!

The kids and Lydia also suffered from all of these except diverticulitis....so it has been a time of rest, recuperation and not much else....

CHRISTmas Day itself has come and gone....but the love our Lord has lavished upon us by sending His Son so that we may experience His grace and mercy remains....

And His grace and mercy were evident in our CHRISTmas Day celebration...sick though we were....

This was the very first holiday that not one person left in anger, tears or somewhat upset with another person.

I have to say that there were words spoken that could have erupted us into our verbal battles. But, the difference is within me.....the forgiveness of one person and letting go of things from the past (a very long journey) has left me feeling the true peace of Jesus within me.

I could hear the words, see the emotions of others....and yet, all I felt was peace....not the old anxiety and anger stirring up within me....and then reacting inappropriately.

Thank you, God....for knowing and loving me...leading me all along the way. I know I have a long way to go, but You will be there for me...as You always are..

Beth

Lead Me With Strong Hands

2010-12-02T04:59:00.008-05:00

Please turn off the playlist at the bottom in order to hear this song....

I was driving home from a friend's last evening when this song came on the radio. As He often does, God spoke to me through the words of this song. I came home and tried to sleep, and the words kept replaying in my head...

Why?? I ask God "why"....

So many hurts and pains from my past....I think I have forgiven...totally forgiven....and then one or two words spoken by another will result in an explosion from me that is totally unrelated to the subject at hand.

Bring into the picture the three children--three innocents--who lived through this with me....four bombs waiting to go off, and go off they do....each in their own hurt and pain....exploding in different actions and words....but denotating upon one another until the hurts are even greater...

And there is one--a bystander to all of this who looks as though the four of us are out of our minds....and we are...

out of our minds with

unresolved conflict

grief

pain

the unjustness

poor choices

lies

lack of trust

insecurity

unforgiveness......

Four lives affected by one person's actions and words.....resulting in more hurts and pains because it is unresolved...

My Father,

Lead me with Your strong hands to be in the place I need to be to forgive those who have hurt me and my children. Keep me in Your love and faithfulness. Help us to forgive each other of the words spoken in frustration and anger....words that speak of the past and not the present...

Beth

Book Review

2010-12-01T05:20:00.003-05:00

I was recently received this book for review, and I have to say it is a delight and will be for many years to come.

The book itself is paperback with the paper used for the pages being thick and edged just like an "old-time" hymnal.

There are 150 songs included--music and words--with credits to the authors of each. I particularly enjoyed reading about the people who composed these songs and what inspired each of them.

There is much to be learned from this book. The inspiration that created some of the most wonderful hymns can be used still today in inspiring us to remain constant in our Lord--trusting in Him and carrying His word in music and song.

Since I am also learning to play the piano, this book will certainly be used for quite a while. Some of the hymns I remembered from my childhood. It was wonderful to read the words to these hymns--some actually evoked particular happy childhood memories.

I came across a song that I used to play and sing with a childhood friend when I was 9 years old--"This Is My Father's World". Just reading the words, hearing the music in my mind made me particularly joyful and more aware of all the God created and our enjoyment of this.

This book is a wonderful edition to anyone's book collection, particularly if you love music.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Ordinary Life

2010-11-22T07:54:00.000-05:00

Again??

2010-11-02T05:15:00.002-04:00

I've been several weeks without a migraine--behaving myself and drinking my water.

Yesterday, I had no bottled water at work, and frankly, the water out of the tap tastes somewhat like chlorine. So, I drank a vitamin water (good for you, right?) that was a flavored orange.

Yikes!! A raging headache began about an hour after consuming 16 ounces of this!! I talked with my daughter who informed me that "flavored water is out! It has been proven that flavored water can cause migraines!!"

Well, I wish I had known this before I drank it....

On another front:

I have received approximately 100 squares as a donation for the blanket project for the homeless. Someone else is knitting furiously to fill a box to mail for this. And, I've been contacted by several others who want to help. So, this is underway....no sponsorship for fundraising this year...perhaps next year when there is more time to become organized. This year will be for meeting basic needs only.

CHRISTmas projects are coming along--I have three hotpad/dishcloth combinations finished for Cara and Lindsay (photos later--it's too dark right now to take a picture..

I have the materials for Lindsay's throw pillows for her bed and also a pair of pajama pants for her. Now...just the time needed to sew these together....along with the satin pillowcases (especially since I've had the material for these for two years!!)....

Went to Warm Hearts Cafe on Friday evening with a friend. This is a very cozy, small cafe with live music every Friday evening. Not too big a crowd, but the music was great!!

Well, the migraine has abated, so I suppose I'm off to get ready for another day at work....hmmm...I'd really rather be home working on these projects...but then, who would pay for this??

Beth

Blessings

2010-11-01T05:58:00.006-04:00

And so it is Monday again....already!!

#42 to 48

Roses that still bloom in October with droplets from

a recent rain

Shelleen singing her heart out for

The LORD

The colors of Autumn

Time to just be me without distractions from

the world

Smoke from my neighbor's chimney

I know he is warm

Lydia saying "NaNa" for the first time

Homemade cinnamon rolls

(Thank you, Pam!)

Just Ramblin' On

2010-10-29T05:42:00.004-04:00

Hard to believe, but Lydia is 11 months old already!! This was her first official 'Trick or Treat', and before we start any debates over the 'right' or 'wrong' of this, let me just say that this was done all in fun....no evilness intended....whatsoever!!

And she did have fun....as much fun as an almost one year old can have....

Actually, more fun for the adults involved than Lydia herself--who just puts up with our shenigans for our own amusement!!

It's been a very busy week....I've only been directly home from work one evening this week....and tonight I'm going with a friend to Warm Hearts Cafe in Mechanicsburg to hear Shelleen play the piano and sing....

I've only heard one song from her CD, Rough Tracks--'Enraptured'--and I'm looking forward to hearing her in person. Who knows, maybe I'll even purchase the CD....

The blanket project for the homeless is getting underway...and more ideas floating around in my mind as to where these blankets should be donated.....so many in need....so few workers...

Until the next time,

Beth

God Is Working Behind The Scenes!

2010-10-28T05:32:00.004-04:00

God is working in my youngest daughter!!

I don't think she realizes this, but He is!!

Last Saturday was our annual food drive through our church, and Lindsay offered to help with this...just out of the blue asked it she could help. And, I, of course, said "sure, we can use help!!"

And so she did--and she worked hard--making boxes, loading boxes with food, lifting boxes that none of us had the strength to carry--and she felt fulfilled by serving others.

On the way home, she told me how she 'loved' doing this!! But, she does not see why she has to go to church. I explained to her about community--"we need each other--one person certainly couldn't do this on their own...." I purposely kept things simple because she is a "professed nonbeliever", and while I could see God working in her for His good and intended purposes on that day, she would not see this in herself.

The next day, I told her that everyone together--working together in several different areas of our local region--were able to collect approximately 600 boxes of food to donate to the local food bank. She was astounded!!

Then I was astounded!! She asked me what else she could do!!

I checked out our churches' website...found other serving opportunities...sent her an email with the links...with a message asking her if she would interested in either of these.

This morning, I received an email from her.....she wants to do two of the serving opportunities...and not only this....but my older daughter, Cara, is wanting to help also....and Lindsay enlisted the help of two of her friends!!

I am smiling....God is working in both my daughters....two friends of theirs....and they don't even realize it!! But, the importance of this....they will realize it.

One of the serving needs is Helping Hands, helping to serve a meal to the homeless. She has a servant's heart and just doesn't know it yet!! And when she does, watch out!! This girl can be tireless in her energy and devotion....once she knows where it is directed.

And so, today, I thank You, God, for using both my girls and their friends to help those less fortunate than themselves. Thank You for using this opportunity to help open their eyes to Your love for each and every one of us.....regardless of our past, our present circumstances....and I ask that their serving others will lead them to You for Your wonderful and intended purposes for them.

Beth

Book Review

2010-10-27T05:00:00.004-04:00

The Gospel According To Jesus--A Faith That Restores All Things by Chris Seay is not at all what I expected this book to be.

I was excited to be able to review this book thinking that this was going to be more of a Bible written from the perspective of Jesus. In a way, it is.

The author has written nine chapters of what he considers to be the downfall of the Christian church today. In all of the instances he has cited, I do agree with him. He states that the Christian church today is falling back into the legalistic theories of the Pharisees rather than the service and true gospel of Jesus.

I am usually a fast reader, and this book was a slow read--not because it is not interesting or informative--there is just a lot of meat to grasp onto and take into account.

The fact that Jesus was drawn to the broken and that we, as Christians in the world today, tend to avoid the broken made a great impact upon me. I can see where the majority of the Christian church of today has drifted from the original church after Jesus' resurrection. I can also see where many improvements in our society today need to be made in order to return to the true gospel of Jesus.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you are needing to change your perspective of exactly what Jesus came to do in this world.

Freshly Fallen Snow

2010-10-26T05:06:00.004-04:00

How many times must I put myself through an inner mind battle before I realize that this is not the way God wants me to live?

How can an innocent word spoken by another trigger reactions and thoughts that will run through my mind--around and around they go--until I feel consumed by the negative and not the positive?

I have had many things occur in my life (from childhood to the present) which have been hurtful, harmful, damaging to me--and my children. I've come to realize that the only person I can change is me. As much as I may pray and wish my children would come to the same realization, they need to do this for themselves.

I've been on a journey these past few months--a forgiveness journey. I've taken several steps forward, a few steps back......

And then last night my Home Group met. We are doing a series called "Life's Healing Choices" by John Baker. The study itself is taught by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Southern California.

I had reviewed the DVD by Pastor Rick twice before the meeting. But, as I watched this with the members of the group last night, I realized that I had somehow missed an important point.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect....Romans 12:2 (NASB)

Renew my mind!! Take out the garbage that is filling my mind and replace it with God's Word.

I know that I have "tried" Scripture memorization before, and I have failed. But, I want my mind renewed, and more importantly, God wants my mind renewed. He does not want my mind cluttered with events and memories of the past which He has already forgiven. I am the one who is allowing these thoughts to pervade my mind and my life.

How? By giving satan the access to my thought patterns way too easily!!

Again I am going to start memorizing Scripture--filling my mind with God's Word--promises from God--replacing the words from the past with the Word of the present and future.

An excellent idea Pastor Rick had was to write a verse--a promise from God directly to me (and you)--on a 3 x 5 card. On the back of the card, write how this verse applies to my life--a mind transforming process. Reading this every morning, afternoon and bedtime (and whenever needed) will place this into my mind.

Then when those thoughts start assaulting me, they will be replaced by God's Word and love for me. Transformed by the renewing of my mind.....

I do not have the index cards, so a stop will be made on my way home from work today to begin this mind renewal process

My verse for this week:

"No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow.".....Isaiah 1:18 (LB)

If you'd like to join in memorizing Scripture, just let me know. We can be an encouragement to one another as we renew our minds.

Beth

On My Way....

2010-10-25T05:35:00.008-04:00

Monday to Monday---

All I can say is that this has been a rough, long week. I cannot believe that it is Monday morning again....amongst the trials, busyness and yes....some laughter thrown in for relief....there are still blessings and thankfulness to be counted upon:

#34 to 41

clouds just before sunset with colors splashed through

fallen leaves upon the deck

a tree near my work with glorious autumn tuning

the very first shipment of squares for the homeless project

three children who love and support one who has done them

much harm

being able to pray for someone who has caused me much

hurt

playing an entire song on the piano with no mistakes

people gathering together to help those less

fortunate than themselves--and doing so with

joy

Have a wonderful day--and remember to be aware of the blessings that come your way throughout your journeys.....

Beth

Still Counting......

2010-10-11T05:00:00.003-04:00

#26 The pleasure of a home that I thought I would never have again

#27 The joy of spending two days with my daughter and granddaughter and having meaningful

conversations

#28 Fall decorations

#29 Red, yellow, orange and green leaves floating lazily down the creek

#30 Mums of many types and colors......and the joy of sharing one of these with others

#31 Peace in my heart and mind

#32 The smell of simmering potpourri filling my kitchen

#33 Sleeping through the night without awakening with thoughts that don't belong in my

mind

Beth

You're Beautiful

2010-10-09T11:50:00.003-04:00

I have heard this song on the radio every day for the past week on my way to somewhere. This morning I was on my way home from the grocery store, and the lyrics finally made their way into my heart....rather than just my brain.

(Please pause the music at the bottom of the page so this won't disturb your listening to the song)

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God....1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT)

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.".....1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Yes, this will be my song for those days when I am being attacked by the "just not rights".....

Beth

Tiny Stitches In My Mind

2010-10-08T06:20:00.006-04:00

Today is the "official" last day of my 'stacation'. I'm not counting the weekends because I always have them anyway....

I've been working (some) on Lydia's CHRISTmas stocking, and I know that I have promised pictures...

So, here it is:

This is what the finished stocking will look like:

Picture from 1-2-3 Stitch

And this is how far I've come:

As you can see, I have a lot to complete here. But, looking at what I've accomplished so far and what is to come, I know that this will be finished for this year's CHRISTmas. I have a tendency to get bored with working with a particular color and jump around to this area and that area. At some point, I'm just going to have to settle down and work this in the way it is supposed to be done.

Yesterday, I did a complete housecleaning of my bedroom. In doing the closet, I found the material that I bought in July of 2008 to make those satin pillowcases for my daughters!! Now, that is pretty sad....I've had this for over two years....just sitting there....and it's a matter of a few seams and they will be done!! So, this is now out and in my view as an incentive to complete these.

As an added bonus, I found that I had also at that time purchased a pattern which has throw pillows for your bed--in addition to several other bedroom decorating items. Now, all I need is the material for Lindsay's throw pillows for her bed along with the initiative to do this.

Cara and I are going today to pick out a pumpkin for Lydia...perhaps I'll talk her into going to the fabric store and helping me pick out some fabric for Lindsay's pillows. This shouldn't require too much proding on my part....she's always excited to go anywhere!!

I'm looking at the CHRISTmas counter....I'd better get going!!

Beth

Road Trip

2010-10-06T09:13:00.005-04:00

I am on a week's 'stacation' this week. I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this....some people are not happy that I am on 'stacation'. But, I have worked, earned this time off, and I suppose it is something they will have to live with...

So, Cara, Lydia and I took a road trip yesterday. First, we went out to breakfast--to the Soda Jerk in Hummelstown. This is one of my favorite breakfast restaurants.

Lydia was excited to be out and about in the car with her mom and Gram!!

And yes, she is getting so big!!

I am hungry!! When is breakfast coming??

This little one had bits of pancake, egg, mushroom, apples and just about anything else that came her way.

When we were leaving the restaurant, the truck parked beside us had these cars--glued, I suppose--to both sides of the running board. I felt it was unusual enough to warrant a picture.

We were actually going to the outlets in Hershey to look for a winter coat for Lydia. The antique auto show was going on at Hersheypark, and we passed this on our way to the outlets. Yes, there is a piece of a front end of a car in the back of this truck. This looked very funny when driving behind this vehicle....another picture opportunity that Cara had to take advantage of.

After much searching, we finally found a coat for Lydia for the coming winter season. A good buy....over 50% off....

Very tired after a long day for her....

This morning I finished the bear I was working on to send to children who have been taken from their homes for their own safety. This one is very special because he plays the piano!!

What am I going to do today? I suppose I'll find something to do......whatever it is, it will be filled with the love of God!!

Beth

On My Way to One Thousand Gifts

2010-10-04T08:19:00.003-04:00

On this rainy Monday morning, I look back over the week and find that I have much to be thankful and grateful for:

#18 the soft touch of a baby's skin while she is sleeping

#19 time for relaxation and just being me.....finding joy and hope in myself that I didn't
know was there

#20 meeting new children

#21 a friend who loves and cares for me--sometimes in spite of myself--a friend to laugh, cry
and share with

#22 the Holy Spirit's guidance and counsel in my life

#23 healing prayers

#24 raspberry colored clouds in the sky

#25 the knowledge in my heart that God loves and cares for me--I matter to Him,
and even when I think otherwise, His plans are the best because He knows the
outcome and I don't

Beth

Putting Out Some Feelers......

2010-10-02T17:02:00.002-04:00

If you truly know me, then you will know that I have a very 'soft spot' for the homeless. Perhaps this is because I have been close to that situation myself at least 3 times with 3 children in tow.

Regardless of the reason, my heart always leans in this direction. I have done charity knitting/crocheting for various organizations, and I have always felt that 'this is good'. But, I have also felt that this was not 'it'.

The beginning of the week, I was visiting hakucho just because she designed one of my very favorite dishcloth patterns. I wanted to see what she was up to recently.

She had a photo of some squares. I thought to myself, "I wonder what she is going to do with these squares?" (knowing that she has a very inventive mind). So, I read further.

She is going to a Knit-A-Thon that benefits the homeless!!

I then went to visit the website for the Knit-A-Thon. I was totally blown out of the water!! This is it!! This is it!! My heart was telling me full blast that this was it!!

I sent an email to the organizer of this event, and she responded that very morning. We have since talked on the phone twice, and she is very excited about expanding her Knit-A-Thon (which is in Boston) to other areas. If you browse around her site, you will see that they have made many blankets and raised a substantial amount of money doing this as an outreach to their community.

I am willing and able to organize this (with some help from my friends!). Basically, you knit or crochet 9 x 9 inch squares. You will need to have sponsors--say 50 cents or perhaps a dollar/square.

Then, at a later date, the knitters/crocheters will meet en masse--assemble the blankets (35 squares to each blanket), and the blankets and the monies will be donated to a local homeless shelter.

I'm just in the stages of putting out feelers now. I've sent emails to every knitting group and local yarn shop that is close to our area, contacted my church regarding this, and now I'm appealing to you.

Do you want to help with this effort? You could either be part of the square making, the assembling, or both. Do you know someone who knits or crochets who may be interested in this? If so, please pass the word!!

I want to get an idea of who is willing to do what before I contact the shelter. Nothing worse than presenting them with an idea and nothing to follow up with--right??

If you have any questions or suggestions, please drop me a line!!

Beth

Monday (AGAIN!!) and Gratitude

2010-09-27T05:36:00.008-04:00

Yes, it is Monday again!! Where do these weekends go? It is pouring down rain, and poor Miles, who was out all night, came in soaking wet!!

I couldn't sleep well on Thursday night...a lot on my mind. Every time I woke up I would go outside onto the deck....look at the moon...and pray. I've been doing a lot of praying over the past several days....and my heart feels full and peaceful now......

#13 Answered prayer

#14 The moon to calm me on sleepless nights

#15 Choices to make in God's way....not mine

#16 A clean home

#17 Migraine free for an entire week (plus a day)!!!

Beth

An Awesome Day!!

2010-09-19T06:20:00.007-04:00

First, I have to tell you!! I increased the amount of water I drank this past week....and this is the first weekend I've been migraine free in quite a long time!! I felt a little twinge of one coming on yesterday afternoon--stopped at the store and bought a 33 oz. bottle of water...and presto!! Headache gone!!

So, needless to say, I'm going to keep this in up in hopes that this is the cure for the migraine problem!!

I had planned on spending the day yesterday working on Lydia's CHRISTmas stocking. On Friday, Lindsay asked me if I would like to have lunch with her.....and then take her to her hair appointment. It's been some time since I've had one on one with her, so I decided to grab the offer while it was still standing.

We went to "Dukes" in Wormleysburg. I haven't been there is quite a while, so this was a real treat. Lindsay had the Tuscan Turkey Sandwich, and I had the Assateague Chicken Breast Sandwich. My sandwich was a chicken breast with crab meat on the top, lettuce, tomato on a hard roll--Awesome!!

Yesterday was a beautiful day, so we sat outside on the deck and took some photos.

This is the Walnut Street Bridge which spans the Susquehanna River from the East Shore (Harrisburg) to this portion of the West Shore (Wormleysburg).

If you look closely, you can see that it is divided into two sections......

This is the portion of the bridge remaining standing from the Harrisburg side....

This bridge was originally built in 1890 and was used for traffic to cross from Harrisburg--or as people here call it--"The East Shore"--to "The West Shore" of the Susquehanna River.

Due to damage from Hurricaine Agnes in 1970, the bridge was closed to car traffic and limited solely to pedestrian traffic. At night, the entire bridge is lined in white lights, and it is a spectacular sight when traveling on either side of the river.

In 1996--remember the Nor'easter in 1996? I'm sure most of the people living in this area do. We had 35-40 inches of snow (depending upon your location) dumped on us in a matter of 2-3 days. This was followed by another storm, then a rapid warming and rain.

Because of this rapid warming and the rainfall, the river rose and ice jams were present--floating down the river and knocking down whatever was in their path. Unfortunately, an ice floe (combined with the high waters) knocked this bridge off its foundations, and it collapsed.

The cost to repair the bridge entirely is considered to be too high--12-15 million dollars. So, the eastern side has been repaired at the cost of $5,000,000 and is once again open to pedestrian traffic--but not the entire way across the river--only to City Island where the Harrisburg Senator baseball team plays. A lot of people park their cars on City Island during the day and walk into Harrisburg to work.

And just some random shots I took while waiting for Lindsay's hair to be completed!!

A beautiful, wonderful day!!

Beth

Counting Towards CHRISTmas!!

2010-09-16T18:31:00.003-04:00

Oh, please don't get too upset with me about the CHRISTmas countdown!! I know it's early, but I have a lot to get accomplished!!

Hopefully, looking at this and realizing just how truly little time I actually do have will push me somewhat in the right direction......

I've taken a project to work....something small.....to work on for Cara. Lindsay works with me, but our lunch isn't scheduled together, so I can work for this for a bit during the day.

I'm going to see if Cara is available this weekend to help me pick out some fabric for the throw pillows Lindsay is wanting for her bedroom. Every time Lindsay and I are out together, she looks at these and then puts them back. I know she would love to have these to spiff up her bedroom a little.

Oh, it's nice to have someone to take along to help pick out the fabric!! Also, this weekend I'm really going to knuckle down on Lydia's stocking. The migraine last weekend put this on hold, and I'm finding that after working all day and using my eyes for computer work that I just can't seem to work on this in the evening.

Now, I'm off to read a little--then off to sleep for the last day of the work week--which I really thought was never going to arrive--so slowly the days moved along this week.

Beth

2010-09-15T05:28:00.003-04:00

My piano instruction books arrived yesterday as I had hoped!! I sat down with Book #1--started at the very beginning--and worked my way through the first three lessons. Andrew came home during this practice, and stated "sounds pretty good"....which actually is a compliment from him.

As I promised a few days ago, I would post finished pictures of Lydia's Starghan. This definitely ended up being a bit bigger than I anticipated. But, she'll be able to have this as she grows. I'm really liking the bright colors....and I know she is attracted to bright colors....so one birthday present for Lydia has been completed!!

Now, Peggy was questioning 'popeye eggs'....no, there is no spinach in them--even though that seems to be all Popeye ever ate!!

These are something that bring back a lot of childhood memories--both for me and my own children. When I was young, and my father had passed away, my mother went back to work full-time. My grandmother was then in charge of me. She would venture to my Aunt Edna's once a week to help her with her children and her ironing. For some reason, my grandmother loved to iron, and she ironed everything!!

During the summer when I wasn't in school, my mom would be at work, my brother off somewhere (remember he is 5 years older than me!), and Grandma and I would take a taxi cab to my Aunt Edna's once a week. I remember leaving in the morning before breakfast. I loved that taxi ride!! Grandma would sit up front with the driver, and I had the whole backseat to myself. This was a large, leather seat, and as the cab driver would go around corners, I'd slide back and forth across the seat....just laughing!! No seatbelts at that time!!

Anyway--since we had had no breakfast, Aunt Edna would make us 'popeye eggs'. So, I guess you could say this has been handed down through the family....

It's really very simple--not much to it--but it was special to me and then in turn to my own children.

You will need an egg and one slice of bread for each one you need to make. Place your bread on a counter or plate (or wherever is your choosing!). Take a glass (say juice glass size--not too big of a glass!!), and use the opening of this glass to cut of hole in the center of the bread.

Now you have a slice of bread with a hole in it and a small piece of round bread. Melt a little butter in a frying pan. Place your bread with the hole and the round bread in the pan. Break your egg and pour into the hole in the bread. Let this fry until ready to turn. Flip over the bread with the egg and the round hole....cook slightly on the other side.

Now, you have an egg and toast--all in one--plus a little round toasted piece of bread to dip into your egg.

How did this receive the name of 'popeye egg'? Well, remember Popeye? He only ever had one eye open....and this looks just like an eye staring up at you (before you eat it).

Give it a try--easy, simple, and tastes good, too!!

Why did Lindsay ask if I thought of her? Lindsay had her tonsils removed when she was four years old. After this procedure, she refused to eat.....for days. She would drink, but not eat a thing. Finally, she ate a poached egg....which is all she ate--each meal--every day--for I couldn't tell you how long--a poached egg sitting on a piece of toast.

One morning I changed this to a 'popeye egg' to see if she would eat this. And she did--again every day, every meal--for almost a year. But, at least she was eating again. No wonder she asked if I thought of her!! How could I not?

And who would have thought--the child who only ate these for so long would turn into one of the best cooks I know. She now eats (and makes) all kinds of delicacies using unusual seasonings and altering recipes to suit herself. Go, Lindsay!!

Have to go get ready for work!! A wonderful day to all!!

Beth

Remember to Drink Water!!

2010-09-14T04:47:00.004-04:00

As I walked outside this morning with my cup of coffee, I looked up at the sky. Yes, it is still dark. But, the clouds are visible with small patches of sky shining through....reminded me of a patchwork quilt....

I've always wanted to try my hand at quilting, but have never succeeded. Perhaps sometime in the future...or perhaps never.

I see that 'Tea' left a comment regarding migraines and drinking water. I'm going to give that a try. I very rarely drink water...mainly consume coffee as a liquid....and now I'm thinking that since coffee actually is a diuretic (making you go to the bathroom more!), that perhaps I'm actually dehydrating myself!! So, water it is....anything is worth a try!! And if this works, what a simple solution to such a complex problem!! This will have to a conscious effort on my part to try to get enough water into my system. I'm going to actually write myself a note that says "Remember to Drink Water!!" and post it to my computer...particularly at work...thanks for the suggestion, 'Tea'!!

I saw Lydia yesterday....unfortunately because she had a doctor's appointment. Poor little girl has a fever, both ears infected and a sore throat. So, she is now on antibiotics (which she doesn't like to take at all!). Both she and Cara looked like they needed a long rest.....Lydia has been up during the past two nights with pain in her ears...and I mean all night long!!

No work done on Lydia's CHRISTmas stocking due to the migraine over the weekend....there is no way I could have seen those tiny stitches...so hopefully this week some progress will be made.

My piano instruction books were to have arrived yesterday, and they did not. I am hoping for today. I've been fooling around with this, and if I am going to learn I want to learn in the proper way. I have a goal...by CHRISTmas I want to be able to play "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach...now that is a goal!! I have some Chopin pieces that are also my favorites. Talk about jumping ahead of myself......

So, that's all for today.....

Beth

Catching Up.....Blessing Upon Blessing

2010-09-13T04:41:00.003-04:00

Friday: A wonderful beginning and stressful end to the week....started with a migraine driving on my way home from work--couldn't see properly out of my right eye (the aura that starts the whole thing). Came home--took some medicine--went to bed praying that the pain would not become intense and last for the entire weekend. Stayed in bed all Friday evening....the pain did come, but at least my vision cleared.

Saturday: Residuals left from the headache--a dull ache in my head and some nausea. Still carried on with my plans and went to breakfast with a friend. We went to the Soda Jerk in Hummelstown and wandered around a few shops. The headache intensified--we were both tired--came home and took a nap. Awoke with the headache.

Sunday morning: The headache was still there--praying that this will go away--I have a meeting to attend. This headache actually woke me up at 3 a.m. Took some more medication and back to sleep--slept through church and the meeting!! Woke up--still some residual--dull, throbbing type pain behind my right eye....

Sunday afternoon: Finally woke up again....Andrew is home from his camping trip....finally feeling more like myself. Read a little bit, made cinnamon rolls (recipe from Pam),
then back to bed until this morning.......

And so the week begins--not much accomplished this entire weekend, but at least the headache is gone....just in time for me to return to work!!

Moving on with "One Thousand Gifts":

#7: Wearing a red tee-shirt, I stepped outside and sat in a deck chair. I closed my eyes and raised my face to the sun. I felt and heard a "whirring" noise next to my right ear. Upon opening my eyes, I saw a tiny hummingbird--wings moving so rapidly to create the "whirring". I have never before seen a hummingbird near my home. I suppose the red tee-shirt had this little one thinking I was a feeder. Now, I'm going to start my own CHRISTmas list--'hummingbird feeder'.

#8: Wind chimes blowing softly in the breeze--a melody that is written by God just for me to hear.

#9: 'Popeye eggs' for dinner which took me right back to good memories of my children when they were young. The next day at work, someone mentioned what they had made for their evening meal the night before. I said that I made 'Popeye eggs'....and my youngest, Lindsay (who works with me), said: "And did they make you think of me?"....and yes, they did....

#10: Rain

#11: Ducks quacking on the creek as they and I awaken.

#12: Cool evenings of sleeping with the windows open and blankets to snuggle under.

Beth

On the Move

2010-09-10T05:44:00.004-04:00

As you can see, this is a child who is on the move!! She is crawling at the speed of light and pulling herself up.....getting into all kinds of things she shouldn't be....such as in this picture where she is about to awaken Lindsay's sleeping kitty. Oh, I didn't tell you Linday has a kitty? He is fairly new to the household...only about 3 weeks now....his name is Ivan. And he is another one who is into everything.

And in case you're wondering if she is always a happy child, here is a picture of what happens when she has been told the word "no"....

What a sad face!!

As I told her mother--"Make sure your 'no' means 'no' and your 'yes' means 'yes'. Don't say 'no' if you're going to change your mind after seeing this face (and hearing the whining) and then say 'yes'.

Lydia's Starghan has been completed as of yesterday evening....washed, dried and put away until her birthday. This actually turned out a little larger than expected, but I wanted her to be able to have this not just as a small child but later into her life. I, myself, have an afghan that I made for my mother over 30 years ago---washed and dried many times--and it is still in good shape. So, hopefully, this one will hold up as well.

I tried to take some pictures of the completed project...none of them turned out very well. When Andrew comes home this evening, I'll have him take some using his camera (which is way better than mine!)...and post them tomorrow.

Planning on working on Lydia's stocking last night, but my eyes were too tired for the tiny stitches....so this evening this project will take the forefront.....and remain in the forefront until completion.

Beth

Don't Be Afraid.....I am here....

2010-09-08T16:34:00.004-04:00

There are 5 bears sitting on my mantel over my fireplace.......

There are 3 more that are almost completed waiting to join them.....

Then they are going on a trip......

to New York......

into the arms of a child who has been taken from his or her

HOME

for their own protection.

So far......

in this year alone......

over 1,000 bears have been made

and donated......

to these

children.

Over 1,000 bears....

in only 4 agencies....

in only 1 city.

If you love a child, if you know how to knit or crochet or know someone who does, won't you consider helping us? Check out the website for joining this group....

dontbeafraidIamherebears

A child.....

taken from their home....

a home that is not safe

for them.

No one to love them.....

No one to care.....

A bear to hug and hold

on to...

Don't be afraid.....I am here.....

Beth

And the week begins...

2010-09-07T04:53:00.003-04:00

a day later than usual....but still beginning.

The three day weekend is officially over, and I feel like it has just begun!!

Cara brought Lydia over for a visit on Sunday, and she played the piano (in her own fashion, of course). She seemed to enjoy the fact that she could make "music", and kept saying "Ooooohhh!".....I think we have a natural on our hands....

I did a little shopping around for piano instruction books, and finally decided which to order. I've gotten as far as "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", using both hands. which I consider to be an accomplishment since I haven't played anything or read music for quite a number of years.

Lydia's Starghan is almost completed, and then I can move on to her stocking. I had every intention of finishing her birthday project this weekend. But, as each "go-around" is longer than the previous, it's taking me a bit longer than anticipated. I have two more rows and then the edging....then completion!!

After I posted my "gratitude list" yesterday, I walked outside for a bit. Almost immediately, two more items to add to my list occurred. I've written them down, and they'll have to wait until next week's posting.

I hope to have a photo of the finished Starghan tomorrow. Never did find those batteries...I wonder where they walked to? Hmmmm.......

Beth

Gratitude

2010-09-06T06:39:00.007-04:00

Monday's will begin to look a little different around here. I've blogged for a time, stopped for a time, and then began again. I have had good times, bad times, and in between times. I can honesty say that I have spent more time bouncing back and forth between the bad and the in between times, and less time focusing on the good times. They are there--definitely there--but I tend to lose my focus.

I do not suffer from the "have nots". Through a very long learning process, I've come to realize that what I do not have I basically do not need.

What I do suffer from is the "just nots"--the just not rights, the just not good enoughs, the just not 'perfect' enough, the just not worthy enough for God to love me. I know in my heart that He does truly love me, but from time to time I slip back into these patterns--old tapes playing over and over in my mind......lies.....lies told to me by others and then used by Satan to try to bring me down.

Unfortunately, it is very easy to believe these lies.....having been told them by those who meant a lot to me....those who should have loved me unconditionally and did not.....those that I loved.

I am healing.....slowly healing....learning to replace these lies with the truths from God.

I sometimes find myself overreacting to situations or words spoken by others.....situations and words that take me back to places that I thought I had put aside....places that I thought were healed....obviously they are not totally gone.

I have tried to take the word "why" out of my vocabulary because sometimes there isn't an answer just within my grasp. Only God knows the answer to all of my "whys". So, I rest in the assurance that there are reasons for my "whys", and perhaps I don't need to know right at this very moment.

And so, I begin again...

As I'm looking around the world of blogging, I discovered a blog that I had not seen before. This is Holy Experience. And in this blog I found the "Gratitude Community".

Yes, I am thankful. Yes, I know of all the blessings that God has bestowed upon me....the very obvious blessings. But, have I thanked Him for all of these blessings? Sadly, I can say that the answer is "no".

Blessings come in all sizes--from the smallest to the largest. And so the Gratitude Community.

There are a few suggestions listed in this blog regarding your own list of gratitudes:

1. Pray that He will open the eyes of your heart.

2. Begin giving thanks for the daily washing in the fountain of His gifts--a scrap of paper or journal. Notice and write down from the obvious to the little. And begin to feel more joy, less stress, better health, more connected in your relationships, and more delight in your everyday life.

There is more detail regarding this at the Gratitude Community. If you are feeling as I do sometimes, if you just want to really be thankful and grateful for all that you do experience every day, if you want to feel more joyful and less stress, if you want to find wonderment in your life every day, I would suggest stopping by and reading some of the posts and lists of thankfulness.

Today, I begin my own list. I've kept a 'gratitude journal' in the past. But, this is a new list--starting this morning.

1. Lydia's laughter and her dimple in her left cheek.

2. Friends who care for me deeply and understand and do not care if I cry....cry in times of

sadness, happiness or for no reason at all. These tears have been held back for too long

and I am thankful that my emotions have returned.

3. After a particularly stressful morning at work, I walked outside during lunch. There was

an orange and black Monarch butterfly just sitting on a bush. I walked closely towards it,

and it did not fly away. I thanked God for showing me this, and the realization came

upon my that I am a new creation in Jesus Christ--not just on the day I accepted Him

as my Savior, but each and every moment of my life.

4. A very blue sky with puffy white clouds.

5. Sitting on my deck each morning with a cup of coffee and watching the world come alive.

6. A spider web--intricately woven--with drops of dew hanging from it. An awe-inspiring

sight.

7. My love of music--a gift from God--and how He speaks to me so often through music.

Thank You, God for showing me these things and opening my heart and eyes. I pray that You will continue to point me to You through the beauty of Your creation, Your people, Your very presence in my life, and replace the lies with Your truths.

And the list will continue on next Monday.......

Beth

On to CHRISTmas!!

2010-09-05T07:41:00.003-04:00

I've almost completed Lydia's Starghan.....a few more rows and then the edging!! And then her birthday present will be complete!! Whew...one project accomplished!!

Next, I have to finish her stocking. I was going to take pictures of what the completed stocking is going to look like and how much I have done....but, my battery is 'exhausted'!! I know I have two new batteries here somewhere...but then again, some things were moved in preparation for the arrival of the piano.

Speaking of the piano, I went shopping yesterday to try and locate some instructional books. I only found one or two, and both of them were double the price of the very same books offered on Amazon. But, my friend, Peggy, found some online instruction at Zebra Keys which I think I'll be trying out today.

So, here is a picture of the completed stocking from 1-2-3 Stitch. I love this company!! They have so many counted cross stitch (and other) projects that I have never seen in a craft store.

Of course, the name will say 'Lydia' and not 'Adrienne'

So, until I find the batteries, I'll just let you know that I have only a small portion of the animals at the bottom completed and a portion of the red-checkered toe....WOW....do I have a lot to work on!! But, this is important to my children. At this point, Lydia won't remember one way or the other whether she had a stocking this year, but her mother and aunt and uncle will....

I'll be getting some new batteries (if I can't find the ones I know I have) and post an update next Sunday of my progress.

Beth

Arrival

2010-09-04T07:02:00.009-04:00

And so my 'surprise' arrived last evening around 5:30 p.m.!! Andrew and Lindsay were also excited about this 'arrival'!! Andrew picked up Lindsay from work, went to her home so she could change her clothes, and then came to my home to 'play around'. And 'play around' they did!! Cara is also interested in using this item....though she is wondering how she is going to manage her schedule in order to have ample time to fully use her ability.....

And, of course, Lydia will be able to make use of this some day also!!

And here it is!!

Now, you may be wondering how I came to be the owner of this piano--me, who cannot afford a piano in any way, shape or form.

Friends of mine are expecting a baby within the next week or so. They live in a townhouse, and did not have the room to keep this with all the baby items that are clamoring for space.

They put a small blurb on Facebook asking who would be interested in this. Six people were, so they held a silent auction, and I won!! YIPPEE!!

I wanted Andrew and a friend to move this for me, but the more he looked and investigated the possibilities and problems of moving a piano, he opted for professional piano movers. And early last evening, this piano came to my home....a true blessing....something that my heart has desired for over 50+ years.

Yes, you read that right--50+ years!! I first expressed my desire for a piano when I was 5 years old. My parents could not afford one, did not have the room, and did not have the extra income for lessons. I have not been praying for a piano, but God knows the desires of our hearts, and He granted this desire to me in a way I could afford and then enjoy. Thank You, God!! (and the former owners of the piano!!).

Now, off to investigate a little further for instruction books.....I just can't decide which to purchase. I think I'm going to go to the bookstore today....look around at what is available and pricing of these books. Then, back to Amazon to see what prices they have to offer....

I can read music, so I am a step ahead of the game!!

Since the stores aren't open yet, I think I'll go work on Lydia's Star Afghan for a bit....another thank You to God for my elbow not acting up while I am doing this!!

Beth

Don't Wish Your Life Away.....

2010-09-03T05:32:00.002-04:00

as my Grandmother admonished me many times!!

When I was a young child, I wished to be 13; when I was 13, I wished to be 16; when I was 16, I wished to be 21. I expressed these wishes to my Grandmother, and her reply, as always, was:

"Don't wish your life away!! It will be over soon enough, and you'll have missed these special times wishing for future times!!"

Yes, Grandmother was very wise, even though she had practically no formal education having left school at the age of 9 to pursue full-time employment in a chocolate dipping factory. She was self-taught in the basics of math, reading and writing.....and I loved her dearly. She taught me the good of "hard-work ethics". Having worked for years in the hand-dipped chocolate industry, she never ate chocolate that I can remember. She just absolutely refused to eat chocolate--even expensive chocolate!!

So, I'm not wishing my life away, Grandma....but I do wish that the time on this computer said 5:38 p.m. instead of 5:38 a.m.!!

My long awaited surprise is arriving early this evening, and I am telling you--I can hardly wait much longer!! I realized this morning that I will need some books to go along with this, so I spent a little time searching Amazon for the best available. I haven't definitely decided, so I'll need to go back and research some more.

Let's say, I hope my long awaited surprise comes this evening....I talked with the person who is bringing said surprise yesterday. Yes, he remembers me. Yes, he knows the town where I live. But, he did not receive any of my emails with the pick up and delivery instructions (and they were very explicit). He told me that he does have my phone number, he will call if there are any problems, and would I please email him the instructions again?

I did this yesterday when I arrived home from work, and to quiet my mind that he had received this, I requested a "read receipt" from my email. I checked this morning....none has arrived. I can only, at this point, rest assured that this will all go off as planned.

Moving forward--this is a much needed three day weekend. I'm not planning on doing much picnic-wise as some are. I will be meeting up with a friend for some time together on Monday. Other than that, I plan on relaxing, enjoying the surprise, finishing Lydia's Star Afghan, and then moving on to her CHRISTmas stocking. Lindsay reminded me how long this is going to take, and if nothing else gets accomplished for CHRISTmas, this project will.

These stockings are important to my children. Each child had their own handmade stocking for their first CHRISTmas. I didn't realize how important they were to them until the year we couldn't find them. Apparently, they were packed away with "non-CHRISTmas" items (how that happened, I'll never know), and they were not happy with this situation at all. There was a mass undertaking of looking through boxes in the attic until they were found. Of however many presents there are under the tree (and some years there weren't too many), they always went to their stockings first--to find the small, wrapped and especially picked "just for them" items.

Lydia didn't have one last year, being born on Thanksgiving Day and only a small infant. Cara picked this particular one especially for Lydia, and it WILL be finished by CHRISTmas.

I'm going to be posting some pictures over the weekend--what the finished project will look like and how far I've progressed (which isn't too far!!). Then, I'm thinking that each weekend I'll post a "progress photo". This will help to keep me accountable and working on this. This stocking is complicated, time-consuming, and somewhat tedious...but it is for Lydia which makes it all worthwhile--something that she can have forever--and hopefully learn to do herself (lessons from Grandma--or whatever I will be called) someday.

Now--off to get ready for work--which will at the very least occupy my mind and restlessness until this evening!!

Beth

Almost There......

2010-09-02T05:15:00.007-04:00

And so it is Thursday!! Two more days of work and then a 3 day weekend!! Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up on some sleep on one of these days!! It seems I am always feeling exhausted lately...This seems to come and go...can last for a few days or sometimes even a month or more of this total fatigue and achiness. Then, it will go away for a time....I'll think to myself--"Okay, you're feeling better now"....and then it arrives again!!

Along with the fatigue and achiness there is the headache...the headache that is my constant companion every day of my life during these times. I wake up with it...I go to bed with it....no fun....

Anyway--

The area of my home where Andrew had accumulated a lot of "stuff" that he thinks is essential to his life has been cleared. Thank you, Lindsay!! She has a way about her of getting him into gear and realizing that he does not need this or that, and so it goes to the trash.

He balked a little at one of the three extra keyboards that he has, and Lindsay said to him, "This is why I am here....you don't need this...what are you going to do with this....it is old, has two broken keys....it's going!!" And out it went!!

The piece of furniture that I needed moved to enable a space for my surprise (which will be arriving tomorrow in the early evening!) has been relocated. Now, we are all just waiting.....and yes, my entire family is excited about this. This is something that I have wanted and dreamed of since I was a little child, but I had no idea that my children would be so elated also!! We're all waiting with a kind of expectation that is a wonderment to me....tomorrow will be here soon!!

Now, I wanted to share with you:

Cara has a friend named Adriane. Adriane is a budding photographer, and she contacted Cara about doing some pictures of Lydia at no cost....just to experiment with some props and shadings, and whatever else it is that photographers do (because I have no idea except point and shoot).

She took 49 pictures of Lydia--who wasn't very cooperative for some of them having been awakened from a nap and slightly grouchy from that third tooth coming in. These are three of my favorites:

Piggy toes in the grass

I'm so big playing peek-a-boo!! I'll bet you
can't see me!!

And this is my favorite--can't say why--it just is:

That's all for today--I'll be back tomorrow evening or Saturday morning with pictures of my surprise!!

Beth

Sometimes I Just Wish.....

2010-09-01T16:49:00.003-04:00

A very hectic day at work.....so very, very busy....and I come home to these two:

Yes, Scout and Miles laying together on one of my deck chairs....enjoying the sunny day!

There are times when I wish I were a cat--a cat with a good, loving home....of course!!

Lindsay is coming home with Andrew today...we have some work to accomplish and some furniture to move because I have a surprise coming on Friday!! YIPPEE!!

Make sure to come back later in the week for pictures of this one!!

Beth

Fooling Around

2010-08-31T05:10:00.002-04:00

I was going to make a bear--a bear of many bright colors for Lydia. I finished the head and then I realized that this yarn was not thick enough--she would be able to pull the stuffing out between the stitches. So, here I am--left with yarn. Fooling around, fooling around, and fooling around some more. And here is the result--not quite finished, but it will be by Lydia's birthday:

Beth

August 29, 2010

2010-08-29T17:51:00.006-04:00

Wow!! It's almost the end of August already!! The summer has passed by quickly, and I'm thinking about CHRISTmas (which if I remember correctly I said I was going to start thinking about in January).

Before I share any CHRISTmas projects with you, I'd like to direct you to my friend Kathy's new blog, Freely You Have Received, Freely You Give. She has based this blog on the premise that our salvation is a gift freely given, and we should be giving to one another also. She has some great prizes to give away. So, why not stop over and give her a visit, follow her, and find out how you can win.

Maybe I should share some pictures from our summer before launching into CHRISTmas. Yes, that's what I'll do:

Here we have Aunt Lindsay with Lydia on her first sliding board experience at our Small Group picnic in July

She seems like she enjoyed herself!!

I love this picture--Lydia looking up with love in her eyes for her Uncle Andrew!!

This is one of the most recent pictures I have of her. Nine months old already, crawling and three teeth. She's keeping her Mom busy, and she is a happy and well loved baby!!

On to CHRISTmas:

I'm kind of at a loss this year. I made both of the girls afghans last year, so they won't be needing another one of those these year. I do have all the necessary items to make them satin pillowcases. I think I said I was making those two years ago, and I never got around to it! So, that may be an idea for starters.

I was looking at a shawl for Lindsay, but I'm not sure if she would use it. She seems to me to be a "shawl-type" person, but I'm just not 100% positive. Perhaps I'll have her sister ask some leading questions regarding this and go from there.

As for Lydia, I ordered yarn to make a sweater for her for the fall. Then, the "terrible tendonitis" struck my left elbow, and I wasn't able to do much of anything until recently. So, this could be an idea for her an early birthday present for her.

Lydia's CHRISTmas stocking is still a work in progress. This is going very slowly, but I'm determined to have this finished by 12/24/10. It needs to be hung with care along with my children's stockings that they have had since they were very young.

I'm going to need to be thinking hard on this. If you have any ideas as to what I can make these girls for CHRISTmas this year, please let me know. After years of doing this, I'm running out of options!!

Beth

Again--Monday

2010-04-26T04:48:00.004-04:00

WOW!!! We had some storms last night that were the worst I've seen in quite a while!!

Thunder, lightening, torrential downpours!! The thunder actually shook the entire house more than one time!! I'm sure I'll see a lot of tree branches down on the road on my way to work.....

Speaking of work....how is it possible that it is Monday again? How do these two days fly by so quickly?

Yesterday afternoon I made a Kentucky Butter Cake....haven't tasted it yet, but it smells delicious....hopefully, it tastes as good as it smells.

My coffee cup is sitting here beside me, and I'm waiting for the caffeine to make its appearance in my system, then to get ready for work, and off I go for another week...hopefully, a calm, peaceful week. Personally, I'd rather just stay here and work on some things that need accomplished. But then, I wouldn't be able to pay the bills...not a good thing...

Not much else going on here....so that's all for now!

Beth

Still No Knitting or Crocheting!!

2010-04-25T07:54:00.002-04:00

Here it is--April 25th--over two months since my elbow first started acting up--and I still cannot knit or crochet!!

I'm to see yet another doctor for evaluation for physical therapy, but not until May 11th!! By the time I'm able to start Lydia's sweater, she'll be ready for preschool!!

But, I have found that I can do counted cross stitch without too much trauma to the arm. So, I'm working on Lydia's CHRISTmas stocking. I don't have too much accomplished yet, but at least it will be finished in time. I'll post some pictures as I go along (once there is something to see!).

It is Sunday--it is raining--and there is much to be done in the way of outside work. I don't know that my elbow will stand up to this either, so I'll be enlisting the help of my son....when I can count on him to be here.

One evening last week, Andrew went outside to mow the lawn. He came in and asked me if I had seen the lawn mower. Apparently someone stole our lawn mover...

Why? I don't know...it was old, was eaten with rust in some areas....but it still worked!! Off he went to purchase a new lawn mower, so at least the grass is cut!

Cara's dog, Nika, spent the night here on Friday evening. She apparently doesn't sleep well when she is at home...is up all night going from bedroom to bedroom and checking on all that live there. With me, she just curls up in my bed and sleeps for the entire night. She went home yesterday, and I already miss her.

I was contemplating getting a dog...not a big dog...perhaps, medium-sized. Andrew wants nothing to do with having another dog, and he has stated an emphatic "no" to my idea.

We'll see....we'll see....

That's all for now, and have a wonderful Sunday!!

Beth

So Tired!!

2010-04-20T05:39:00.002-04:00

Tuesday has arrived.....I am tired and feel like I could have slept a few more hours this morning....I know that tonight will be an "early to bed" night for me...earlier than usual.

I'm sitting here drinking my third cup of coffee, and I don't feel any different than when I first awoke....c'mon caffeine...kick in and jump start me!!

There is some frost on the grass this morning, and I have the feeling that spring is going to bypass us, and we'll just head right into summer. As I looked around outside at the work that needs done to get things into shape, I know that I'm not going to be able to do this alone with my elbow problem. I suppose I'll have to ask Andrew to help me.

Lydia (Cara is sooooo lucky) has slept through the night for two nights now in her crib--one night for 12 hours straight!! She is a happy baby, smiles easily, laughs outloud at our antics, and is in constant motion--moving her arms and legs around, kicking her feet. She can easily amuse herself just by watching her hands interact with one another, and she LOVES her toes!!

Cara loved her toes, too......I remember how she used to be able to take her foot and put her toes in her mouth and fall asleep that way.....Where did all those years go?

I'm working on a "forgiveness issue" that I thought was well behind me....but, it's not. I thought that I had TOTALLY forgiven, but the issue hit me in the head a few weeks ago. The feelings came back--not as intense as in the past--but they are still there.

So, back to work on this issue---not for the other person, but for freedom of all of this for myself. The only way I can do this is with God's help, and I know that He will be there for me--painful and difficult though it may be to revisit some of these places.

That's about it for this morning.....off to conquer a Tuesday at work--then home and possibly to sleep for the rest of the evening until tomorrow morning!!

Beth

What? Monday Already?

2010-04-19T05:20:00.002-04:00

WOW!!! It is Monday already!! Where did these two days off go?? I don't know for sure, but they did fly by and were filled with good people and good times.

First, the dinner on Saturday evening. Then, Ryan, Cara and Lydia did come to church on Sunday without pressure from me. I was so elated to see them there and know that they want Lydia to have a good basis from which to grow.

Cara is already revisiting her youth and thinking about things that she has done...then worrying that Lydia will do the same and perhaps, even more. She is concerned about the choices she is going to make in her life, the kind of friends she is going to choose.

I told her that one of my biggest regrets is not raising them in a good church-based environment, and that this is important for Lydia to be able to make the right decisions in her life. So, hopefully, they are on their way!!

Then, after church--breakfast with Lindsay and some shopping for her birthday. We didn't find what we were looking for, but we had a nice time together--good, quality time....and this is actually more important than the buying of things.

I didn't know this until yesterday....but, apparently while I was at the dinner on Saturday, Andrew and Lindsay went to the speedway for "minivan races". I didn't even know there was such a thing as this!!

The person they knew who was racing came in second, so they were happy for him.

Well, that's all for now!! Have to go get ready for another week!!

Beth

Okay, I Admit It!!

2010-04-18T07:46:00.003-04:00

What am I admitting? The fact that I am over 50 years old!!

I finally broke down and joined the "50+ Ministry" at my church. I've been in denial and didn't want to join in. After all, by doing this, I'm saying that I'm of a "senior age"!!

Last night, this group had a "Dinner for Eight". I signed up, made an Asian salad and meandered over to the church around 6 p.m.

Guess what? I had a wonderful, fun time!! I met some people that I have seen in church but didn't know, had a fabulous meal and played some games!! I even won a white flox to put in my garden (as soon as it becomes and stays warm enough here to plant anything without worry of frost).

So, I'm over 50 by some 6 years, and I'm proud to say it!! Now, I'm ready to move on to those other senior discounts offered at some places!!

Today---off to church this morning. Ryan, Cara and Lydia are supposed to meet me there. After church, Lindsay and I are going to breakfast and then shopping for part of her birthday present (which was Friday).

I haven't been able to knit, crochet or even sew for at least the past two month due to an elbow problem. I'm truly missing this, and I wish I could spend the rest of the afternoon working on a sweater for Lydia. The pattern has been picked out, the yarn ordered and arrived....and here, I sit with it staring at me just waiting to be started.

But, no, I'd better listen and do what the doctor tells me or I'll be right back where I started.

Lydia is almost 5 months old now, and Cara still has her sleeping in her room with her in what we called a "portacrib". This is now a "Pack and Play", and really--she is too big for it!

So, I talked with her and told her to put Lydia in her crib during the day while she is awake so that she gets used to being there.

Seems like she is content there, don't you think?

Now, I just heard from Cara. Lydia was put to bed in the crib last night and slept the night through. It is now 8 a.m., and she is just starting to wake up!! Cara says that she is proud of both of them. I'm sure that Lydia actually got more sleep than Cara who was up and down checking on her through the night.

I remember those days--especially with Andrew, my oldest. It was difficult to put him in his own room. He seemed so far away.....even though he was just around the corner. But, actually, he slept better....and after a while....so did I.

Well, I'm to get ready for church!! Have a wonderful day!!

Beth

Jesus, My Friend

2010-04-17T05:58:00.011-04:00

Today I'm joining with The Power of Your Love in the study of "Praying the Names of Jesus".

This week the name we studied was "friend". Of course, the first thing that popped into my mind was the song "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".....remembering singing this when I was a young child.

As I reflected on this song, the verse that stuck in my mind was "what a privilege to carry every thing to God in prayer". And this is truly a privilege that God has given us. We can come to Him with our gladness, our joy and our praises as well as our frustrations, anxieties and worries. He wants to hear from us. He is waiting to hear from us. And when we don't show us to communicate with Him, He is disappointed and misses us tremendously.

I think of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden--that perfect place where God formed and blew the breath of life into them. Then, the sin.....doing the one thing that God had told them not to do.

Did God walk away from them? Did He leave them in their fright with them hiding from Him?

No, He came looking for them.....walking through the Garden.....calling for them. He wanted to spend time with them even though He already knew they had not obeyed. I can picture God calling to them:

"WHERE ARE YOU?"

There, at this very moment, the first sacrifice was given. One of the animals that God had created and Adam had named had to be killed so that Adam and Eve could have clothing to hide their nakedness.

The key scripture for this week is John 15:13:

"Greater love has no one then this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."

I have friends.....I have brothers and sisters in Christ....but, would one of them give their life for me? I cannot honestly answer this with a "yes".

But, that is exactly what Jesus did--He came from Heaven as a helpless baby--came from the perfect place to live here with us in this fallen world. Jesus--the ultimate sacrifice--gave up His life so that we could call Him "friend". He bridged the chasm between us and God so that we could have the privilege to go to God with every thing--big or small--God cares and wants us to come to Him.

Through this past week, I've had another song humming through my mind. I could only grasp bits and pieces of this song...a word or line here and there. I've asked people..even sung for them to try to remember the name of this song and the words in their entirety.

This morning it came to me...just like that!! I'm going to share this song with you because Jesus loves us just as we are....He loves us even though we may fail and fall. He doesn't want us to stay the way we are....He wants us to conform ourselves to His likeness....a goal we will never achieve this side of Heaven.

But, we are to try. He is here to help us, and through the power and might and strength and, most of all, love of God, we can achieve what God wants us to do....exactly as He has planned.

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Worship You, my Lord, until the very end
Worship You, my Lord, until the very end
Worship You, my Lord, until the very end
Worship You, my Lord, until the very end

Jesus, lover of my soul
Jesus, I will never let You go
You've taken me from the miry clay
Set my feet upon the rock and now I know

I love You, I need You
Though my world may fall, I'll never let You go
My Savior, my closest friend
I will worship You until the very end

Jesus, lover of my soul
Jesus, I will never let you go
You've taken me from the miry clay
Set my feet upon the rock and now I know

I love You, I need You
Though my world may fall, I'll never let You go
My Savior, my closest friend
I will worship You until the very end

I love You, I need You
Though my world may fall, I'll never let You go
My Savior, my closest friend
I will worship You until the very end

Worship You, my Lord, until the very end
Worship You, my Lord, until the very end
Worship You, my Lord, until the very end
Worship You, my Lord, until the very end

Beth

Saturday........

2010-01-30T06:04:00.003-05:00

Here it is--Saturday morning, and I'm off to work--AGAIN!! The place I don't want to go to, the place that I'm so tired of, and here I go AGAIN!!

There were many stresses and turmoils this week......so many underlying tensions that erupted to the surface--people exploding at each other, everyone stressed to the max...and I have to ask myself "why"?

Yes, I know.......I have been told by many to take the "why" word out of my vocabulary. But, I need to know....am I to stay....am I to go.....is this the place where I am to bloom where I am planted?

It is very difficult to be a "shining light" in a place of darkness, and I feel my light growing dimmer by the day in that place. I pray for strength each morning to carry me through the day. I sit in my car before I even enter the door....pray for God's blessings upon this place.

My patience and strength are wearing thin, as are everyone else's.

I go today because I am scheduled to go--not because I want to go. I don't like feeling this way, and I spend time crying on my way to work....I have even cried at work at the mention of words that may strike me the wrong way.

Nothing to do about it today--I must go, and that's that!!

Moving on:

Cara had her wisdom teeth removed on Monday, and she is doing well following this surgery. The only complication was when Lydia accidentally bumped her head into Cara's cheek and one area started bleeding again. Other than that, the surgery went very well.

The repacking of Cara's incision has finally been called to a halt. We did this the last time on Wednesday, removed it yesterday, and the general concensus of the doctors is to now leave this open and HOPEFULLY the remaining open area will heal on its own. I hope it heals closed now--two months and one week following her C-section!!

I've been taking some knitting or crocheting to work with me--trying to relax a little during my 1/2 hour lunch break. I usually don't seem to accomplish much with the exception of a few rows.

I was working on a dishcloth yesterday (yes, another dishcloth!), and one of my co-workers was admiring this. She said that she would like a few of them. I asked her what colors she would like, and she said, "Exactly what you have there".

So, a three dishcloth sale made during my lunch!!

Now, that Cara is a little more settled, we're going to start her crocheting lessons so that she can get started on hotpads. Dishcloths, hotpads--easy to make, easy to sell. I'm looking into which flea markets are the busiest and best around this area.

I'm also thinking of making some of the market bags that I made for CHRISTmas, 2009, for Lindsay. Many of her friends have admired these, and these bags have been used for many things besides marketing.

Work this morning, knitting this afternoon. Tomorrow, Lindsay is coming over, and we're going to work on getting some things reorganized--things that have been left undone since she, Cara and Ryan moved in the beginning of November. Lindsay is a nonstop worker and a great organizer, and she will be a wonderful help to me.

Andrew will also be here, and Lindsay seems to be able to get him motivated--directing him to move this, take this out to the trash, up to the attic with this. So much more gets accomplished with us doing this together.....and I feel the burden of all of this lifted with the help.

Instead of looking around and thinking "I don't know where to begin", there is someone else here to just dig in and start somewhere. When I have the "blahs" (which I do!), it is so easy to just not do anything.

Oh--any suggestions? Someone is my Small Group has a birthday next week. We enjoy celebrating each other's birthdays together. This person is very special to me, and I want to make something special to celebrate his birthday.

Problem being--he is not a "cake person", and we just celebrated the January birthdays last week with a cake.

Any suggestions for a dessert (or refreshment) that I can make for his birthday?

Beth

The Creek is Rising!!

2010-01-26T20:07:00.002-05:00

Due to the torrential downpours we had yesterday morning--in additon to the rain from the north--the creek behind my home is the highest and widest I have ever seen it.

I was going to a meeting last night, and a large portion of the two lane road I travel on was covered with deep water--so deep that the police were directing traffic around this area. I took a different route home--not really looking forward to driving in the dark through or around all of this water.

I always sit on my deck in the morning with my first cup of coffee--regardless of the coldness. The only time I don't do this is if it is raining. So, yesterday was completely out of the question. The rain was pouring and the wind was blowing.

This creek flows fast, but it is usually a silent creek. Tonight it is moving along so swiftly that I can hear the roar of the water from my deck.

And then I saw two white things floating along with the water. Some poor family forgot to move their Adirondack chairs back from the bank, and they were floating down the creek!!

Then along came a portion of a beaver dam!! Poor beavers!! All that work to have it washed away!!

It's dark now, but I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow when I come home before the sun goes down. The creek is almost to the road in many spots, and several houses have their basements flooded. Trees that usually are on the edge of the bank have several feet of their base surrounded by water.

I am glad and thankful that my home sits high above the creek with no danger of flooding.

My daughter, Cara, had all 4 of her wisdom teeth removed yesterday. She wasn't feeling too well from this surgery, and hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day for her. I have to work this Saturday, and I'm scheduled off tomorrow afternoon to make up for this Saturday schedule.

If all goes well, I'll be able to go to her home, let her get some much needed rest and have my granddaughter, Lydia, all to myself for a change!! I'm really looking forward to this!!

She is getting more content by the day, smiling, starting to coo and truly responding to other's voices.

My work is still a matter of great stress. I received my Daily Verse in my email before I left for work. God often speaks to me through music, and reading this verse immediately placed a song in my heart and mind that I carried with me through my day, and this helped immensely.

To read more about the verse, please visit The Power of Your Love where Peggy has posted about this specific verse and also our song for the day!!

See you tomorrow with some pics of the creek (hopefully)!!

Beth

Of Dishcloths and Hotpads

2010-01-24T09:14:00.011-05:00

Hmmmm...............I've been looking in my dishcloth drawer, and honestly....it looks very sad. Many of my dishcloths are old, tattered and worn. Some have hardly any color left at all...just faded away with their many washings.

So, I decided to start working on some dishcloths. As each one is completed, it is placed in the drawer and an old one is placed in the "rag bag" to be used for dusting and floor scrubbing.

Dishcloths and hotpads--start a project, finish a project in no time--mission accomplished!!

Let's see what I've managed so far this year:

This is the January KAL for the Monthly Dishcloth group:

and here we have the Mid-January KAL from the same group:

This one is from the Knit Dishcloth group for the beginning of January:

This is from a pattern that I've had for quite some time and use over and over again:

Cara has decided that she would like to learn to crochet, so I'm going to start her off with these hotpads--easy, quick, only one stitch:

She and I are thinking that if she gets the hang of this, we can go to some flea markets during the spring, summer and fall with our wares and hopefully end up with a little extra cash in our pockets!!

I told Cara that if we take Lydia along we'll be sure to have more people stopping by to at least look at what we have for sale.

Making her silly face just before breaking into a smile!

Amongst all the many blessings my family has experienced, I'm feeling somewhat down due to my job situation. This job is becoming overwhelming and very mentally exhausting.

I've been dealing with this for some time, and I'm to the point where I basically work and sleep--with a little knitting and crocheting in between just to keep my mind off the job. But thoughts of this creep in even when I am sleeping.

I think the time has definitely come for a change.

Beth

A New Start

2010-01-17T08:21:00.006-05:00

It's been 5 long months since I've posted anything at all!! I don't know where this time has gone, but a lot has occurred....

Where to begin....

I'll start in the beginning of November:

Cara, Ryan and Lindsay found a house nearby to rent. The three of time moved, and now we're back to Andrew and me--just as we started out back in February of 2009.

God chose November 26, 2009, to bring my granddaughter into our world. Yes, she was born on Thanksgiving Day at 8:36 a.m. weighing in at 8 pounds 12.4 ounces and 21 inches long.

And, I want to add a big thank you here to my youngest daughter, Lindsay....who cooked the entire Thanksgiving Dinner by herself while I was at the hospital--waiting and wondering. The whole meal was completed by the time I returned home, and she did an excellent job--probably better than I could have at that point!!

Unfortuately, Cara had an infection in her placenta that extended into the amniotic fluid. This infection was causing some distress to both Cara and the baby during labor, so an emergency C-section needed to be performed, and the baby had to spend 1 week in the NICU.

Cara had a fever went she went into labor, and the baby was born with a fever also. Many tests were performed on this little one--including blood cultures and a spinal tap. Many prayers were prayed during this time by many for both my daughter and granddaughter.

And God answered those prayers. Neither the blood cultures or the spinal tap revealed any organisms that may have spread from the amniotic fluid to the baby, and she was deemed fully healthy and able to go home at one week old.

So, I proudly introduce to you:

Lydia Caroline

One Day Old in the NICU

Lydia is now 7 1/2 weeks old and keeping both of her parents busy and on their toes. Cara is exhausted most of the time. Her C-section incision became infected necessitating a readmission to the hospital for I.V. antibioitcs, and this is still not completely healed.

I've been repacking her incision--first every day--now we're down to every other day--and this is slowly......very slowly healing.

Lydia has progressed to smiling, cooing now and again, and we all have fallen completely in love with her.

5 weeks old

I never realized how the love of a grandmother could be so completely different from the love of a mother, but it is. I can't explain how or why, but being a grandmother is a totally wonderful experience that I am thoroughly enjoying.

Yes, I am still knitting and crocheting...no pictures today though....the batteries are dead in my camera and need replaced....I wonder why?

Beth

Where Have I Been?

2009-08-22T07:24:00.003-04:00

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?

2009-07-07T05:46:00.003-04:00

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

2009-07-04T07:14:00.006-04:00

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

2009-05-21T04:33:00.002-04:00

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:

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

2009-05-06T20:31:00.004-04:00

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?

2009-05-04T05:48:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-03T06:06:00.002-04:00

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

Beth

Wonderful Maker

2009-04-18T02:49:00.005-04:00

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

2009-04-16T04:18:00.005-04:00

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?

2009-04-13T05:11:00.004-04:00

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

2009-04-10T04:00:00.000-04:00

ABC's of the Word

2009-04-09T04:40:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-06T16:42:00.000-04:00

ABC's of the Word

2009-04-02T04:21:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-03-31T17:16:00.006-04:00

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

2009-03-26T04:20:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-22T07:33:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-03-15T12:32:00.004-04:00

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

2009-03-12T04:28:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-03-11T08:19:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-03-10T05:25:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-03-08T05:46:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-03-07T08:14:00.005-05:00

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