I Thought I was Living in the South

It has been a long 2 weeks.

There was the dreaded buildup to a storm predicted to do ANYTHING!

Then there was the 2 days of weather activity.

And now over a week of "thawing."

"Fern" produced 3-4 inches of snow followed by an inch of ice.

The south is not equipped to handle snow, but less able to handle an inch of ice.

We discovered following this storm that we are on a "D" route for plowing.

Because of the extent of the storm, our little cul-de-sac never got plowed.

The storm started out beautifully with glistening trees.

But the novelty has worn off and I am ready to have clear sidewalks and walks outside. 

I am ready to feel the warmth of the sun and to walk outside in flip flops.

1 week after the storm (Monday 2/2)

We chipped ice rather than shoveling snow.

Tuesday 2/3

Wednesday 2/4

a little patch of road showing just at the end of the driveway

Today 2/5

Finally some clear patches on the road!

We chose the south because we like warm.

We like VERY short stints of snow, cold and winter.

I think that this is the longest stretch of snow I have seen since leaving NY in 2003 unless we have been visiting in NY.

This little episode has reminded us that we are no longer northerners.

I for one am looking forward to some 60 degree weather soon (as in next week).

We did have electricity the whole time for which we are thankful.

We are thankful for a new car that rides a little higher as we passed over LARGE ice chunks and unforgiving ice ruts in the road.

We are thankful that the greatest casualties were a bird bath and the tip of my garden shovel.

But oh the reminder of the beauty of God's creation in the snow and ice.

Oh, the reminder of His ability to stop everything with one weather event.

Oh, the reality that He is so powerful!

All Because it Snowed ...

 In Kentucky,

and perhaps where you are,

we are in the middle of "Snowmaggedon."

For days, the locals have been hoarding milk, bread, eggs, and toiletpaper.

When I visited the store on Thursday, it looked like a lot of folks were making BIG pots of chili

for the beans and tomato aisles were looking sparce too.

We are probably inside for a few days ...

so why not blog?

We have enjoyed watching the snowfall all day and are now listening to the mixed precipitation and freezing rain.

As the storm approached, I was reminded again of so many things that I have to be thankful for.

I am thankful to live within city limits. (GASP!)

My roads will be plowed early.

If the power goes out, it will also be restored quickly.

I am less than a mile from the highway.

I am thankful that my January snow decorations look less out of place on a snowy day.

I am thankful for an efficient home that holds heat well.

I am thankful for suburbia and a short driveway to shovel when the snow falls.

I am thankful for a gas stove.

It was not on my home "wish list,"

but if the power goes out,

I can still heat up something to eat.

I am thankful to share my home with my bestfriend.

I am thankful to be able to be "stuck" with someone I can laugh with.

I am thankful that he will do walking workouts inside with me.

I am thankful to share devotions together.

I am thankful to blog side by side.

I am thankful for a break from the norm.

I am thankful for the peace of a snowfall.

I am thankful for the beauty of God's creation 

and the show of His power when the ice "cripples" us for a couple of days.

What are you thankful for today?

Manna Doesn't Come in Bulk

 I have been listening to an audiobook and was fascinated by this idea.

Manna doesn't come in bulk!

I like to know what is coming.

I like to be in charge.

I like to know that the future is secure.

I want to know that things will be done decently and in order.

I like to MAKE things happen.

But, God doesn't always work that way.

His mercies are new every morning.

He provides "daily bread."

I should be content with that.

So on this "Thankful Thursday,"

I am thankful for the blessings of today.

I woke beside a man who works hard each day.

I ate a good breakfast that strengthens me.

I woke in the protection of a cool house.

My legs carried me on my morning walk.

I may not see the month's worth of blessings,

because manna doesn't come in bulk!

When the Temperature Climbs

 

By the end of the day, it is easy to be grumpy when the temperature climbs.

The day starts early so that the outside work and any baking can be done by 8 or 9.

Running and/or walking, strength workouts, yardwork can all be unsafe in the high heat of the day.

My quiet time this week has reminded me to focus on God's nature.

The Psalms are full of reminding me of His mercy, His care, His protection, His strength.

I am thankful that He is faithful regardless of the temperature.

I am thankful that when the heat "zaps" me, His strength is unchanged.

I am thankful for His provision of a cool home (even 78 feels cold after being outside).

I am thankful that hubby is no longer in a hot mechanic shop when temps are high.

I am thankful for His provision of water and cool meals.

Enter Thy Closet

Today I am thankful for quiet times

and the creation all around me.

 Some folks have to have a literal closet to have Bible Study and Prayer.

My house is usually so quiet, that I have my choice of locations.

Both today and Tuesday morning,

I chose to have my time with the Lord on the back patio.

On Tuesday morning, it was COLD as I watched the sun come up during my time.

Today it was warm with a cooling breeze as I enjoyed the shade in the afternoon.

I love being outside - 

to hear the rustle of the plants,

to hear the birds,

to watch the insects,

and repeatedly I have read this week - 

I am the LORD, there is none other

I am the LORD, there is none else

Who else is there?

Great and Marvelous is our Lord.

Who else could create such a beautiful creation?

Who else could create the beautiful sunrise?

O Where O Where Has the Little Month Gone?

 Ah!  May has disappeared.

May typically blows by in a blur.

It is usually a roller coaster of activities and emotions

and this month was no different.

May is a month that reminds me that the plan God has for me is different than that of most others.

This reminder usually comes with tears as well as a renewed trust that God is in control.

Verses of God's goodness and His trait of only doing good become more and more dear.

May also comes with a birthday.

Hubby celebrated me with two party weekends.

We shopped for flowers for the yard and the planters.

We visited a favorite local eatery and tried a new-to-us gluten-free bakery.

Of course, we enjoyed long walks to celebrate another year of life.

We have enjoyed the local WKU campus for walks

and recently enjoyed a new greenway in Clarksville, TN.

We enjoyed our first "non-family" overnight guests this month making room for 7 extras!

We may not be related by blood, but a bond in Christ can be as strong or stronger than family bonds.

We have also seen God's protection through 2 or 3 large storms complete with a tornado in at least some part in B.G.

So I have been absent online, but am still here.

I am thankful for a God who is my strength.

I am thankful for a God who protects.

I am thankful for a God who has given another year of life.

What Does Your Floor Say About Your Diet?

 As I clean on Monday and throughout the week,

I can't help but marvel at how quickly the kitchen floor gets dirty.

It seems that it is always in need of a good sweep.

On Monday, while on my hands and knees,

I looked closely.

My floor says a lot about what we have been eating.

This little snapshot shows a piece of kale, a red onion paper, and a pepper seed.

Often there might also be rice, quinoa, or a stray pistachio or cashew.

The job seems endless,

but as I tidy the floor AGAIN,

I am thankful for the good food that God provides and the energy and strength it gives.

Every Good Gift ...

 Jeremiah 10:6
Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord; 

thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

It is a week of rejoicing here.

As of Monday, we officially own our home.

Whether we lived in apartments our whole life,

whether we moved from trailer to trailer,

whether we own a home or not,

God is always good and always great.

Yet, this week, we are in awe at His blessing to us.

We know all things are possible,

and yet so often we still limit God.

As we would roam around our neighborhood in Oregon,

we would dream of a home like this.

It seemed like just that - a dream.

But God gave, and gave, and gave.

And what else ...

At the church Christmas program, the church organ broke.

It began playing one note all on its own and would not stop until it was turned off.

It was not particularly useful anymore.

We had been searching for months anyway knowing this organ was not really suitable for the space we had and was probably on its way out.

Last week, God blessed the church with a "new-to-us" organ.

The church that sold it sold it for less than 1/2 of what it was truly worth.

Not only that - the church that sold it was not more than 30 minutes away!

It's the Most Wonderful Time ...

 I don't know if this season is the most wonderful time of the year,

but it does have many fun and enjoyable aspects.

We took the day after Thanksgiving to decorate.

I love the glow of candles in the window

and twinkly lights around the living room windows.

I do love the songs of the season that chronicle the birth, death, and resurrection of our Savior.

Sunday, I enjoyed playing an offertory that combined "Claire de lune" with "O Holy Night."

Hubby and I will sing a duet of "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" this Sunday.

And of course, there are additional practices for an upcoming Christmas program in which I can sing, play organ, and even accompany a choir with a piano duet!

I love giving out little gifts and tracts all season and watching tired workers smile at some pleasant recognition.

Hubby and I have tried to take in some of the local events as well.

Last Saturday, we went to a Christmas parade.

The parade lasted nearly 2 hours.

Numerous bands played and did very well.

Of course, it was fun to watch the children chasing candy.

Tomorrow, we hope to stroll through town at night to see the town lit up.

Next Friday, we hope to be in Nashville for the "Messiah."

Yes, I am thankful for this season with particular emphasis on the miracle of Christ's birth.

I am thankful that God's miracles do not end there - 

they are still available today.

It's OK to Change it Up

 Thanksgiving 2023

This year, we did not start our Thanksgiving Day with our own personal Turkey Trot.It is a little tradition that we enjoy that prepares us for what is normally a more sedentary day.

But this year, we changed it up.

We are in a different season of life anyway,

so we removed some of the busyness of the holiday by simplifying the day.

On Wednesday,

I made a turkey.

Yes, just a turkey - no gravy, no stuffing, no mashed potatoes, not even a pie!

And today,

we trekked to the Cumberland Falls - 

also known as the "Niagara of the South."

We enjoyed turkey sandwiches outdoors with an apple and some chopped veggies.

Then we hit the trails to hike the day away.

As always, we expressed thanks to God for our family,

our health,

our friends who are like family,

and this year we were surrounded by God's beautiful creation

and were even more thankful for His power, design, and creativity.

ZZZZ

On this Thankful Thursday,

I am thankful for rest.

I am thankful for sleep.

Aren't you glad that God made the lesser lights at night?

Aren't you glad that God gave a day of rest?

Aren't you glad for a body that recharges on rest?

I think that the shorter days and

the changing seasons

have made me feel a little more tired.

It takes awhile to get used to the early setting sun.

And I am glad that there is time to take physical rest.

Sometimes, we have to listen to what our body needs.

Maybe the alarm can go off 30 minutes later in the morning.

Maybe the workouts can be a little simpler, and less demanding this week.

Maybe "lights out" can be a little earlier.

And that's all ok.

In fact, many times, God wants us to just rest.

He gives physical rest and also wants us to rest in His strength.

He wants us to rest in His Word, to rest in prayer, to rest in meditation.

There are problems and concerns all around us,

but our strength comes in resting in Him.

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; 

In returning and rest shall ye be saved; 

in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: ...

Isaiah 30:15

When You Must Adapt

 Hubby just got back from more training.

This time, he was in Davenport, IA to learn about combines.

As is my custom,

the house got a more thorough cleaning while he was gone.

More focus on corners,

closets,

all bedding ...

and repurposing.

After a year in our new home, 

it has become obvious that a home office for hubby was a little more important than a second guest room.

Hubby's office at work has no windows,

and he has recently had to "share" it with a coworker.

When both employees are on the phone,

it can be a little distracting.

So hubby has been working from home sometimes.

He graciously uses the garage,

but that can be cold in the morning

or hot in the afternoon.

So out went the little bed,

and in time ...

I will move the desk from the living room

and he will choose some artwork for the walls.

With an air mattress,

a fold-out chair,

or a murphy bed,

it can still be used for guest overflow ...

but so far that has not been a big issue.

I am thankful for the space in our home that allows hubby a place to work with fresh air and bright sunlight!

Thankful Thursday: There is Always Something to Be Thankful For

 Do you look for the good,

or just dwell on the bad?

There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.

I do not have a ministry with children as much as I would like,

but this week, I did get to teach in children's church!

I am thankful for the times when I get to pour something into the lives of others,

perhaps to support a parent who needs backup,

perhaps to introduce a bus kid to love and structure in balance.

I am also thankful for the differences that make us stronger.

I am thankful that not everyone is like me.

This is most often seen in a home.

The difference can drive us crazy,

or they can show us how each person contributes in a unique way.

I am thankful that hubby has different strengths and abilities than I do.

We can balance each other.

I am not the most organized (or neat) by nature,

but to serve hubby, I try to be a little more so.

He is by nature an all-or-nothing type of personality.

While this gets things done quickly and efficiently,

sometimes our health, or time, requires a more moderate approach,

and I can balance that with him.

Hubby gets things done as soon as they are on the to-do list.

Often this is a GREAT skill because unfinished tasks do not pile up.

But sometimes things need to be thought about for just a little while longer

and I can balance in that area.

You can see where our differences could drive the other crazy (and sometimes may)!

Perhaps you are having an interpersonal struggle.

On this thankful Thursday,

why not try seeing the good in the other person?

Why not look for the the way that person helps you, balances you?

And then why not tell them the good that you see?

Footnote:  Hubby and I are not in the middle of a struggle 😊

We are enjoying this season of life and hopefully using our strengths to help each other!

Provision of Protection

 As I went about my work today on this Thankful Thursday,

I couldn't help but be thankful for God's provision.

He has always provided.

But today, I was thankful for the blessing of an energy-efficient home.

I was thankful for a/c in my car.

When we married, our first 2 apartments did not have a/c.

Our next 2 trailers had poor insulation and even weaker a/c units.

Our next rental rarely needed a/c but when we did, it too was weak and not up to the challenge.

This week, I am thankful for a cool home.

I have been able to leave the a/c off until about 2 pm when it reaches 80 inside

and then it responds quickly to cool the home.

I am thankful that it cools well so that sleep comes easy.

I am also thankful for cool meals.

Hubby and I have committed to eating a green salad each weekday for lunch (unless we have leftovers) for a little while.

They are healthy, easy, and don't heat the house.

They also make my meal planning and shopping easier,

Tonight we also had a salad -

a beautiful Italian Chopped brussel sprouts Salad.

Don't knock it till you try it!

And it provided enough for tomorrow's lunch as well - 

That's a win in my book!

Safety

 How often do we take our health and safety for granted ...

at least until they are threatened.

About 3 weeks ago, B.G. was in the path of a tornado.

I was home alone that day and watched the skies get darker and darker,

watched the wind get stronger and stronger,

and heard the alarms on my phone,

and even spent some time in the closet because it really was getting "wild" out there.

The skies were so ominous, that our nephew spending the summer just south of us texted to see if we were alright :)

We came through unscathed

and very thankful for God's hand of protection,

not just in the storm, but every day.

We currently have 4 friends on our prayer list that are battling very serious health issues.

As we continue to hold them up in prayer,

we are reminded that our health is in God's hand.

We are not guaranteed perfect health and strength despite our human efforts.

Acts 17:25

...seeing he giveth to all life, 

and breath, and all things;...

It is easy to expect God's blessing

without asking for it or thanking Him for it after it is given.

Hubby often remembers to pray for our home and for our vehicle

and I am rebuked for having a somewhat "entitled" mentality.

God doesn't owe me anything,

but He has blessed me beyond measure.

When the Need You Can Fill is Your Passion

 On this late "Thankful Thursday" edition,

I am thankful for the opportunity to teach this week.

I was given the opportunity to teach little people this week for VBS.

While VBS is not always my favorite setting to teach,

God has given the 5-7 year-olds remarkable calmness during the Bible story

and has given me the opportunity to connect with some of the church youth.

Service in church and life sometimes involves just being willing and filling in where you can,

but sometimes, it is serving in a ministry that you love.

And this is what the guest room looks like as I collect items each day for class.

Visuals, review games, visualized songs, good seat prizes.

48 Years

It is Thankful Thursday

and I can't help but be thankful for another year.

Monday was #48.

It was a typical morning - Mondays are always cleaning days.

 But hubby took me out to Mission BBQ for dinner.

It is fairly new in our area and the meal was good (though a little pricey).

The added expense was willingly paid because all proceeds support military and public servants.

After dinner, hubby took me to Lowes - 

we bought plants and then promptly put them in the ground before the rain came on Tuesday.

We didn't have room for birthday cake - but it is waiting in the freezer when we are ready.

48 is a bit hard to say,

but despite the extra creaks and changes that come with age,

I can be thankful.

I am thankful for my health.

I am thankful for a husband who works hard and loves me even harder.

I am thankful for the effort he puts into staying close to God and into encouraging others as well.

I am thankful for God's provision of a home even when the economy is "not so great."

I am thankful for friends near and far who are a testimony of where God has walked beside us through many jobs, states, and homes.

I am thankful for a new church and ministry here.

I am thankful for God's grace for the unknown in the year ahead.

A New and Different Challenge

I had returned to the Couch 2 5K program when I was feeling the need to get my stamina back after my time in a cast.

It was going well.

I spent as long as I wanted on each "week" of the plan and I was progressing.

And then a new opportunity came along.

It was another running training program.

This one came with even more variety and with an app that did the timing for me.

I had looked at it many times, but could not justify the price.

BUT!

They had a brief promo.

If I could run or walk 26 miles in the length of my enrollment,

they would give me the cost of my program back.

I can walk 26 miles in a week - 

surely I could do it in 6 months!

So I enrolled,

and I am enjoying the new program and challenge.

And yes, 

I have earned my program cost back!

I am thankful for the opportunity and for the promotion that allowed me to try the app for free.

By the way, the app is Joggo.

Pretty, Private, and Practical

 As has been mentioned ...

I LOVE PLANTS!

But I have a small problem ...

because my lot is so small

and much of the "usable" space is an easement or setback,

it is hard to plant very much.

Earlier this year,

I discovered a "COLUMNAR" apple tree.

It does not grow wider than 2 feet.

Perfect for my small lot.

But again, I am not sure that I could even find a space for this little guy!

BUT ... he could be in a container!

So hubby built me some very large planters for the patio.

They will be home to the apple trees (pretty),

they will provide a sort of privacy fence from our backyard neighbors (privacy),

and they will produce fruit (practical) by the second year.

While probably not growing the "orchard" this year,

we hope next year to expand to patio blueberries and/or blackberries as well.

And hubby will again build some more planters - probably slightly shorter and not as deep.

Hubby made the planters on casters that lock so that we can move the planters depending on where we are sitting or which neighbors are outside at the same time we are.

We can also move the trees closer to the house when the Bowling Green crazy storms are threatening.

On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for hubby's efforts for me.

He has had a busy week of travel, but made sure to finish these before the trees shipped!

Stolen Gratefulness

 I was making a batch of french toast this morning

and while I did, I chattered as I normally do.

I mentioned to hubby that eggs were at about $2.25 and then I had a coupon on top of that.

I said that I was thankful that egg prices were down from $5.

Hubby mentioned that he had heard a lot of folks recently give thanks

and then say, "Why am I giving thanks?  (egg, gas, house) prices used to be ..."

Isn't that odd?

Has our pride,

our desire for our own way,

our desire not to give praise to an administration

stolen our gratefulness?

No, egg prices are no longer under a dollar.

No gas prices are not under 2 dollars.

But God has given us a season where these prices have dropped a little.

I am grateful for a little (or maybe longer) reprieve.

This week was nothing like hubby and I imagined it would be.

Hubby was under-the-weather all week and I was fighting it the whole week,

but even in that, I can be thankful.

I am thankful that hubby could work from home all week.

I am thankful for less laundry since there weren't work clothes and workout clothes.

I am thankful for the warm temps and bright sun that we saw much of the week.

I am thankful for a comfortable home to relax in.

I am thankful for some odd jobs that got done this week.

Don't let circumstances steal your gratefulness.

And don't be so prideful that you won't give God thanks for things both large and small.