SOMETIMES, LIFE IS JUST TOO MUCH!

I was raised with expectations. My parents expected certain things of me. They had not "studied" how I was put together. Because my dad had a "drinking problem", was very social and outgoing, and my mom was a born worrier who also suffered from mild depression, I was often caught in turmoil. My personal best was never on the mark of their individual expectations. Very confusing. I developed a sense of what I could not accept in my life, based on my observations of them. I did love my parents and was especially close to my dad. He passed away when I was only 37. My mom when I was 54. I still struggle with "how I know life should be". That is based on who I am in my spirit...long for those needs to be fulfilled. Then I feel so selfish when I see and hear of the struggles of mankind all over our planet! Nothing is "fair and balanced"! I see homes that could house 10 families, then see shattered huts with unclothed children running around. I watch *HGTV and see couples traveling to islands to have a "getaway" second home, sometimes 1 or 2 million dollars worth! I read or hear about teens who are ill, become paralyzed, are in the process of dying, or are abandoned, abused, etc. Then, there are young people who are killing others, being bullies in schools and elsewhere, disrespecting parents, spending their time in the "other world" of technology for countless, sleepless hours. I see a country of people growing fatter, becoming a nation of declining morals, and completely self-absorbed.

I recently watched the movie "Babies". What an eye-opener! The happiest children and mothers appeared to be those in Africa! I do admit the movie provided only a small glimpse into their lives, so I'm not judging it, just stating what I observed. I kind of crack up over the germaphobia developing here! Use *Purell before you touch anyone or anything! Yikes! Then use it again after you touch anyone or anything! To be honest here...when I was a kid, I loved to fish and still do. Learned how to put the worm on the hook, wipe off hands on a little towel, and later ate my sandwich for lunch! *Purell...what was that?

So, what is this all about? Just a sense of having missed out on the best for my life and the lives of those around me. Haven't made much of a difference with the many opportunities that came my way. I "missed the boat" all the way around and fear it's now too late. It's like I'm in a corral with no gate! Things I would like to do, ways I'd like to serve and experiences I'd like to share are not available to me at this time in my life. So, one foot goes in front of the other, the minutes tick by and my spirit daily longs for what is not.

A very negative post from a normally positive person. Sort of rambles, huh?! MAYBE, I secretly want to be another Audrey Hepburn...I've got the glasses and the hat!! <;D

TRUE WORDS

Recently, one of my daughters shared a statement given in her church sermon..."God is not the least changed by who we perceive Him to be". But others, unbelievers, believers in God only and some deceived "believers", are trying to change God. Totally forgetting His holiness and judgement. Scary! God is love is a true statement, but many are enclosing him in a pretty box of love, all tied up with a bow, limiting Him to be only a God who loves. But holy and righteous love goes far beyond our definition of "love". Some expect and believe that because God is love, He accepts and makes excuses for and has compassion for, all behaviors. Excuses are found. Are you that kind of parent to your children? Do you excuse and accept any behavior from not only your own children, but from others as well? Hmmm!

We are given many warnings (one of which is above!). A humorous representation of a serious situation.

COOTIE!

Remember the game of Cootie? Found one at an antique store several years ago. Also found an Erector Set...it's hiding out till the grandkids are older...then I'm sending it to their house!! Grandkids spending the night...took 3 different requests for dinner and fixed it all, then played Cootie with them. Now they're settled down watching a Disney movie.

CAMPING, HOME

We recently attended a festival and did some camping in a state park with friends. Also took a few pictures of the last flowers of summer, and my silly little ducks, still surviving!

CATCHING UP

Just a quick post this evening to update you on some past articles. First, my very dear friend, who struggled for so many years, did pass away in August. I spent a few hours with her and some of her family that day, and said goodbye to her about 4 hours before she passed. The tears I have shed are for the pain she suffered and the struggles she endured and for myself as well, because I miss her so much. My smiles and joy are for the awesome, joyful life she is now living!

In an earlier article titled Peace, there has been reconciliation with 2 of my 3 friends and that is thanks to the good Lord! Truly a blessing!

Looking forward to October, the beautiful weather and many planned projects!

Leaving you with a beautiful view of the ocean!

WEST COAST BEAUTY

We had a lovely vacation with friends recently. The ocean is my fav!

GREATGRANDDAUGHTER

Just 19 hours after our new grandson was born, our 5th greatgrandchild, a little girl was born, weighing 6 lbs. 12 ozs!

AT LAST!

Our newest grandson arrived healthy and adorable this past Friday late afternoon! 9 lbs 9 ozs!

SPRING CLEANING, WHATEVER!

I have a room, not very large, in which I play my piano, do several kinds of crafts, sew, use my computer, and store LOTS of stuff! When I took pictures of before and after, couldn't believe how much could be in one small room, PLUS under the stairs storage! I did sort and rid myself of lots of items, but still...oh my! I have designed a storage system and am in hopes that this next Fall will show a stylish update to this sorry space!

BEST LITTLE CORN BREAD EVER!

Tried out this recipe yesterday and ate waaaaaaaay too much! Hope you enjoy it...

1 can corn, drained
1 can cream style corn
(I used sweet corn for both cans)
1 cup sour cream
2 eggs, plus 1 yolk
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup flour
1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
4 Tbs butter, melted
dash salt/pepper to taste
1 cup medium sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Heat oven to 400 degrees
Mix dry ingredients, plus 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Add remaining ingredients (excepting balance of cheese)
Spray 9x13 pan with Pam. Pour in batter and pour melted butter on top.
Bake 40 minutes
Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top while hot. Let melt in while cooling for 15 to 20 minutes.

ANOTHER "HOBBY"! yikes!

Just what I need, another craft project! Oh my! A friend showed me how to make beaded jewelry by crocheting with jewelry wire! I think they are very pretty, although they are a bit time-consuming! We all have extra time on our hands, right?!

CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE FIND!

This cute little table really caught my eye recently at a consignment furniture sale nearby. We're running out of room at our dining table as the family grows, so this is perfect for small grandkids. It has 2 drop leaves. Am hoping to find 2 or 3 little wooden stools to use with it.

PEACE?

Am trying red on black. Has been awhile since I've posted anything new, although have thought about it many, many times.

This morning, I spoke with a very dear friend, who is in a hospital in New York City. Her health journey began about 5 years ago, with cancer, radiation, chemo. Unfortunately, she is one who had a destructive reaction to radiation...it basically destroyed her tissue and some organs. She has had several surgeries, and I won't go into detail, but she has very little left. The worst is that she has only about 1 foot of small intestine left. Her abdolmen looks like a road map to nowhere. She no longer responds to most antibiotics and one thing after the other continues to go wrong and plague her. Recently, after this 5 year battle, I have heard some discouragement in her voice, but it doesn't last. She recently underwent her third surgery for a new iliostomy site. She has experienced dozens of trips to the ER, where at least half the time she has been admitted until the infections and fever can be treated. She hasn't been in her home here on the opposite coast, for many months now and is not sure when or if, she will return.

Today, we spoke of peace. She is doing an online Bible study about peace. As she read many of the study scriptures, she began to feel that her peace was far less now than it was when cancer was first diagnosed. (She is now cancer free.) So, this is what the Lord had me say to her. If you are in a place that seems sometimes hopeless, I hope you as well will find encouragement.

Peace is IN Christ. It is a gift. I reminded my friend that 5 years ago, although she had cancer, she was still strong physically and emotionally. The past 5 years have worn down her physical body and her soul, but her spirit, which is connected to God through Christ, is still strong, as He continually holds her. Exhaustion has set in of course and her mind has become tired as she hopes for better days. She hopes for strength to come back enough to be placed on an intestinal transplant list. Yet, she HAS THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING. Anyone who knows her has just been almost speechless as they watch her and listen to her go through all she has, always loving the Lord and trusting Him. All can see the mighty power and love of God as He brings her through again and again! We don't understand how she has withstood such a physical onslaught! God's provision only.

I asked her today if she thought that peace left our Lord when He cried over the "death" of a friend. Did He lose peace when He turned over the money tables in the temple? Did He lose peace when He was tempted by satan? Absolutely NOT! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to share her burdens and sorrows? YES! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to call and share a praise? YES!

I don't know when or where my friend's journey will end, but it has been a true blessing to travel it with her and praise God with her. She will not know on "this side" how many lives have been touched and perhaps saved by her steadfast glorifying of our Lord.

My husband and I love our friend and covet your prayers for her!