Wednesday, October 23, 2013

You Will Go Out and Leap...

Well, it's mid-week and I just cannot comprehend where the days go! Maybe it's just the older I get, the faster time seems to speed by. Maybe it's just that my life is so full that I don't have time to think about where the time goes. The weekend was definitely a full one.

The Sun of Righteousness will rise withhealing in his wings for you people who fear my name. You will go out and leap like calves let out of a stall.— Malachi 4:2 —

This verse just jumped out at me (literally!)

I'm personally not a very good dancer, but I was thinking about the different ways we worship the Lord. This past Friday I saw  a lot of dancing(and leaping) and felt like dancing, too. I went to a Chris Tomlin concert. If you have been to one, you know what I'm talking about. If you have never been, you are truly missing out on something totally, wonderfully Spirit-filled! 

 Sure, there was music and singing, too. Some beautiful worship music by a very gifted singer/songwriter! But, the dancing took the cake for me!

The problem was, we got to the concert late and had to sit(or really, stand) in the balcony...not the sturdiest place to be jumping and dancing. I also have a bad knee that tends to go out from under me, so I'm a bit leery about jumping too high. But, I couldn't help myself, but get into the worship and praise atmosphere that was taking place down on the main floor. 

 I think about how we will rejoice and praise God in heaven one day and I believe dancing will be a big part of giving God praise! Watching those who danced and singing along with the music reminded me of just how that will be in heaven!

Lots and lots of leaping, dancing, and rejoicing!!!

 I got part of the concert on video.
To see that video, go to my Facebook page HERE

I also continue to give thanks, listing the many gifts from the Lord all week long...  
Linking over at  "Multitude on Mondays".  
1,518 - A safe trip to the concert and back home, at 3:00 a.m.
1,519 - Getting to see Chris Tomlin, again (this was the 4th time for me!)
1,520 - Music! Especially, worship music!
1,521 - Getting to go visit our son in Bloomington, IN, even though it was a short visit.
1,522 - Praying and trusting God to provide for and bless our son, as he pursues trying to get into the prestigious music program, Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.
1,523 - My brother, who recently got to retire from our hometown fire department. Last year at this time he was very, very sick. Still not 100 percent better, but they let him retire early because of his illness.
1,524 - Spending a day with my mom, shopping and having lunch.
1,525 - Our first snowfall of the season, very brief and unsubstantial, but all the same, SNOW!!

 


at 16 comments:

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Funny Thing About Joy. . .

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” ~Marianne Williamson

I continue to give thanks... Linking over at  "Multitude on Mondays".  
1,505 - Ordering takeout pizza for a late night dinner!
1,506 - Talking on the phone with my mom.

(I said last week that I would post the pictures of my granddaughter's volleyball game, we attended.)
 "Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life." 

It had been many years since I attended a school volleyall game. It brought back some good (and some not-so-good) memories of my school days, playing volleyball. She is in the bottom right of the picture, below.
She only played a short time, but enough for me to get these pictures. My favorite moment was when she spiked the ball over the net(below) and scored for the team!!
1,507 - Getting extra hours at work to help with costs for our son's college/being able to visit him. 
1,508 - A beautiful weekend on the lake and catching 76 fish in one day!!
1,509 -  The love and special attention my dogs give me every day when I come home from work or town.
 "One reason a dog is such a comfort when you're
feeling blue - he doesn't try to find out why."
 "Dogs bring companionship and joy to any family."
   
Black Divider No Background Clip Art
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word!  Proverbs 15:23
Black Divider No Background Clip Art

Every day, it seems like God is showing me something new to learn about joy and gratitude. I've had to learn the hard way, sometimes these simple, but true facts about joy:

1,510 - Joy and love cannot be truly experienced without having each in one's life. They go together.
  • "A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love." -Mother Theresa  
1,511 - A little joy goes a long ways.
1,512 - Thankful that I'm learning to continue to choose joy in my life, in spite of hardships and hurts.
  • "Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day."
    --Henri Nouwen  
1,513 - I can stay focused on the positive and good that comes into my life.
1,514 - The Lord has been showing me where I can find joy, even when everything else may be dark and dismal. 
  • Joy is found where you least expect it.
1,515 - Only through Christ is true joy found!
  • It starts with a “J” and ends in “us”.                        
    ::Jesus::  
  •   Jesus is our joy, in this life and the next. But Jesus too is our guide in finding joy. His life is map to finding real and (ever) lasting happiness.
1,516 - Joy...like love... is something to be shared.
  • The more you grab joy for yourself, the more you lose it, the more you give it away, the more it comes to you.

1,517 - Love this small framed plaque my friend gave me for my birthday awhile back.
  • "The funny thing about joy..."

at 4 comments:

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Another Week Almost Gone!

Another week is just speeding by! Here, it's almost Thursday and I have been trying to write a new post since Monday. Between working extra hours at my job and attending the grandkids' volleyball games and entertaining unexpected guests, it has definitely been a wild ride!! I still have several pictures I've been wanting to share here. Ones that I took a few weeks ago, while I was able to go out in the boat, fishing with my hubby. I haven't taken the time to add to my gratitude list either....which isn't a good thing. This is the second week in a row! Last week, I had the time, but my mind was backed up with so many swirling thoughts, I just couldn't write. I wanted to just take a break and get away. So, I did for a few days....maybe not away from home, but away from the daily grind. I knew this week was going to be a strenuous one, so I laid low.
I looked back at some of my pictures from my camera and the peace I felt on the day I took them came flooding back and I relaxed...
I am so thankful for peaceful, happy memories!! Yes!
I thought of something to add to my list....good memories!(#1,501)
All week, I've been working in a different department, doing some new tasks and working with some new co-workers I'd not worked with before. I work at my church, so it is a Christian environment. Every day I have gone into work, at least one of my co-workers have said "thanks, so much, for coming in, Ann." That wouldn't be unusual, if I was volunteering, but I'm getting paid to go to work. Yet, they all appreciate me being there!
Another 'thanks, Lord' is going up....for kind and friendly co-workers! (#1,502)
My hubby and I have been wanting to attend some of our grandchildren's sporting events. Our granddaughter is on the 6th grade volleyball team. Last week, we were ready to go, and then the game was cancelled. But, we got to go see her play this week! It was SO awesome! Not only did they win the game, but she scored a point with a spike over the net!! Of all the times we didn't get to go before, this time she did awesomely, and I got a great photo shot to prove it!! (I'll be sharing those pictures in a future post, I promise!)
So thankful for getting to watch my granddaughter play and win!!  (#1,503)
One evening this week, my hubby wanted to go out fishing, just for a short time, to see if the fish were biting. It was really a pretty evening, so I went with him. The fishing wasn't that great, but we just enjoyed being out in the boat. Before we knew it, it had gotten dark and we decided to go back to the house. We went to start the engine, though, and it was dead. We had motor issues in the past, but not after dark. We even had a back-up battery, but it was dead also. We prayed. Then Ken got an idea to put the two low batteries together and see if there was enough juice to start the engine. It was touch and go, but it worked. We were SO thankful for God getting us back to shore! (#1,503) It would have been a very long night for us, if we hadn't, as we would have had to float to shore and make the LONG walk around the lake, home.
A friend from church called me today. We get together now and then, just to chat and give emotional support to each other, as we have shared some similar hardships in our lives in the past. She was feeling alone and needed a friend to talk to and a shoulder to lean on. She wanted to come visit for awhile. I was tired. I worked all day and came home to a cluttered house. Should I say "no, not today. The house is a mess and I'm tired," or do I say, "Come over, friend, and let's talk. Don't mind the mess. I'm here for you." I chose the second and am so glad I did. She left refreshed and thankful for our friendship. 
I'm SO grateful for having an open heart and home, (#1,504) letting God comfort and encourage others through me! 
 Isaiah 55:12 “For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace..."
Acts 2:28 "You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.

How has your week been? Have you been able, in the daily grind of activites, to see how God has blessed you? What are you grateful for today?
Linking over to these blog hops:
at 13 comments:

Friday, October 4, 2013

A Solitary Place

There are times that I have found it very beneficial to just get away from the stress or chaos of life and rest. Time alone with God to find strength and be refreshed in His presence.
I love these photos(found on Pinterest) and added Bible verses that supports our need to go and find 
"a solitary place"
 
May you find peace and rest this coming weekend!

Also linking over to these blog hops:
at 11 comments:

Monday, September 30, 2013

Irritated by Hormones

Today, I'm irritated!!

Irritated with my husband. Irritated with myself.
I'm irritated with the smallest inconveniences or mistakes that are made throughout the day!!
 
Sometimes I think I'm about ready to go bonkers! I know why I'm feeling this way. I just am tired of trying to deal with it!

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c0/3b/50/c03b50ae6b333190d4b6282ab3d5ab2a.jpg
(A little hormone humor!!)
I've been pre-menopausal for over 8 years and am currently having irregular periods and ENJOYING all the symptoms listed below!!!!

 • Weight gain without any apparent reason around waist and hips,
• Headaches
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances,
• Low energy and fatigue,
• Mood swings (crying at the drop of a hat)
• Periodic depression
• Irritability,
• Inability to handle stress,
• Craving caffeine, sweets and carbohydrates,
• Very sluggish in the morning,
• Occasional Hot flashes,
• PMS
• Pain in the joints or stiffness,
Hormone Imbalance In Women - Expected And Unexpected Symptoms
http://www.goodbye-belly-fat.com/hormone-imbalance-in-women.html
I've been to SO many different doctors and specialists that I am plum tired of searching for someone who has a different and effective remedy. Here's a list of what I've tried already, unsuccessfully, of course:
  • Natural hormone replacement therapy (with estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.) - I had a pharmacist at our local drugstore compound Bio-identical hormones, specifically for my needs. Took them for over a year and had very slight changes, but it was costly, so it really didn't pay off for me.
  • Drinking soy - I drink it every day, so I know it doesn't work for me.
  • Oral Contraceptives - Tried them, not helpful at all!
  • Exercise - I try to get moderate exercise 3-4 days a week, but am limited, as I have some major knee and joint issues.
  • Eat healthy foods - For the most part, I try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and calcium-rich foods, and cut out fat.  I'm gonna be honest, though, I do mess up and have sugary stuff when I'm REALLY craving it, which seems to be worse, some days more than others.
  • Herbal supplements and vitamins, with Dong Quai, Black Cohosh, Calcium - Tried all of them, with very little effectiveness.
  • Get plenty of Sleep - Still an issue, but when insomnia is one of the symptoms, unless I take strong sleeping pills, this treatment is ineffective for me.
I haven't tried using prescription or synthetic hormone replacement drugs, which can be effective, but may not be totally safe. So I don't want to go that route.
  • Some doctors have suggested that I have a hysterectomy (and I actually came very close to having it done.), but I've heard there are many possible negative side-effects of having the uterus removed. I guess I feel that I've gone this long and I just need to hang in there till I get through this hormonal change. It's just taking longer than I ever anticipated.
  • Prayer!!! Which often has been highly effective. For some reason, I believe God allows me to go through these times of suffering to draw me closer to Him and pray, pray, pray!!! But on some days, when I REALLY struggle to even get out of bed,  prayer is the most difficult thing for me to do. I literally have to force myself to go to God...
And I admit, many times my prayers have been more of a pleading and begging, (and even making promises, if healed) for God to take my symptoms away.
 
I usually share in my post this time each week what I am grateful for....but I'm struggling to do that today!  I can't wrap my brain around what I am thankful for when I am not feeling well and just want to have a good cry. Hopefully, I'll have a list ready to post by next week. 
The joys of pregnancy hormones. #pregnancy #funny
(Just a little more dry humor, please?)
Until then, your prayers for me would be greatly appreciated....

(Of anything I can be thankful for this week, it would have to be all my blogger friends that I've gotten to know and have learned so much about here on my blog and in the blogosphere!)

Blessings to you all!!

at 11 comments:

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Bittersweet Days- Goodbye Summer. Hello Fall.

Been feeling quite melancholy for the past week. Not sure why...except maybe the change in our weather. It's definitely taken a nosedive lately...  
Or maybe it's just that I've noticed more lately how much of a hold Satan has on so many people in the world
I'm usually a more positive person, so I am shocked at the thought that that would be something that is oppressing me.  
So, first thing today, I dove back into God's Word and prayed for encouragement.


So, I continue to give thanks... Linking over at  "Multitude on Mondays".
1,493 - For emotional dryness, as it leads me back to God!
1,494 - A heart that aches for the unsaved.
1,495 - Beautiful Autumn sunsets
1,496 - The air is much cooler outside, but the sun is shining today!!
1,497- The reflection of sunlight on my livingroom wall, as I read Scripture and am encouraged.
1,498 - God's amazing creatures that walk, crawl, and swim...this turtle, found on in our lake.
1,499 - Birds of the air...this Kingfisher, resting on our boat.
1,500 - Maybe it's just that my soul is restless for the place where I belong!! I recently was blessed to hear this song by Phil Wickham and his words described my very thoughts.



at 10 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Everything is Blooming!!

Well, if it wasn't evident in my last post, it’s definitely very evident this time around!! Spring has sprung!!! We’ve been keeping so ...

  • Be of Good Cheer
    Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Ann on Pinterest (John 16:33 NKJV) "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have p...
  • Everything is Blooming!!
    Well, if it wasn't evident in my last post, it’s definitely very evident this time around!! Spring has sprung!!! We’ve been keeping so ...
  • Ugly-Beautiful Graces = Real Life
    “Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitudes toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that li...