Where I've Been

Where have I been? I've been everywhere, well almost everywhere.

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I understand that no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. I have made several trips there thanks to my friends, family and co-workers. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump to get there, and I'm not much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I have been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more and more often as I get older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart, not knowing what's around the next corner! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

I may have been in Continent, but I don't remember what country I was in. It's an age thing.

Today is one of the many National Mental Health Days throughout the year. You can do your bit by remembering to send an e-mail to at least one unstable person. I passed this information on…my job is done!

Life is too short for negative drama and petty things. So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly! From one unstable person to another; I hope everyone is happy in your head - we're all doing pretty good in mine! Have a great day, month and year and God Bless your socks off!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year is kind of hard to say in these troubled times. I wish that I could predict that 2012 would be a happy new year but with all that is going on in our world today that would be a tough prediction to make. What I can say to you is, ‘be blessed’. The Bible offers words of comfort, hope and even joy for those who believe in Him. We have this assurance through His birth, He came to save the world and through His death and resurrection that one day we are going to be with Christ.

So my friends continue to pray that our land will turn from its wicked ways. “Consider it all joy, when you encounter trails knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 2-4.

Blessed is a man who preserves under trial, for once he has been approve he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love and serve Him. James verse 12. This is our hope, our joy – our peace so reflect on these words and be blessed.

(This article first appeared in His Banner)

A Gift of Love

A little baby in a manger

Wrapped in swaddling cloth

That was a gift of love

A little boy in the temple

About his Father’s business

That was a gift of love

God the man who walked the earth

Teaching, healing and forgiving

That was a gift of love

A baby born to die on a tree

Suffering for you and me…

That was a gift of love

This Christmas season – stop and think what a gift of love it was when God sent his only son down to earth to die for us. It was the ultimate sacrifice - the best gift ever given. Be blessed.

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Forgive our sins as we forgive others...

My father was 96 years, old battling cancer and pneumonia, plus suffering with the pain of two fractured vertebrae, when he died on November 11—Veteran’s Day. What an appropriate death for a decorated World War II veteran. During those last days, Dad knew that his time on this earth was limited and so family rallied around him and so we should, for the coin of God’s realm is love.

So often little things come up in life that causes pain and leaves a sting…a harsh word spoken, a misunderstanding between brothers and sisters, the loss of a friend over some silly argument that covered up at once would not amount to anything, but, when we hold these things up to view, and brood and sulk and fret, they grow greater before our eyes. When we refuse to set things straight, offer an apology, say “I’m sorry” we allow ‘offense’ to over take us and before we know it there is distance between us that pushes love further and further away. Would it not be better to forget?

As I watched my father laboring to breathe during those last hours of his life I knew if he could speak for himself it would have been his wish to tell the world, especially his family, reconcile your differences, tell your loved ones that they are loved and truly cared for. Don’t wait until you think it’s the end to ask for forgiveness or to forgive. Life is too short to wallow in pain and bitterness.

There is a little remedy to ease the life we live and make each day a happy one – it is the word, ‘forgive’. Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that crushed it. (From Apples of Gold).

I am thankful that nothing can separate us from the love of our Father who art in heaven, who forgives our sins as we forgive the sins of others.

(Thanksgiving article for His Banner 2011 Paraphrased for this column)

Commitment

Hello Blogger Friends,

It's a good thing I don't make my living writing blogs. My apologizes for those who follow me for being lazy when it comes to blogging.

There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. But when you commit to doing something (like writing a monthly/weekly blog) you simply do it, accepting no excuses, only results. So friends please forgive my lack of commitment and look forward to more enlightening blogs from author Connie L Hawkins.

I trust you had a happy Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year. God Bless us every one.

An Irish Blessing

May you always have work for your hands to do
May your pockets hold always a coin or two
May the sun shine bright on your window pane
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain
May the hand of a friend always be near you
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you
- Irish Blessing

I love being "Grandma"

I got the cutest card for Mother’s Day from Little J.

It said: Wanted – Grandmother
Odd hours. No pay.
Must be willing to work as babysitter-on-call.
Holidays required.
Must have patience, a sense of humor,
And above-average hugging skills!

Fringe benefits include: Lots of love and fridge art!

Now tell me friends, how could any Grandma resist an ad like that!
I love being “Grandma”. Hope you all had a Happy Mother’s Day!