Friday, December 16, 2016

Five Minute Friday - NOW






I just don't know where the time goes; or even where this year has gone!  My intent, after the "write31days" challenge in October, was to link up with Kate Motaung and the Five Minute Friday group of bloggers...but my intentions, and the time, flew out of control!

But, here I am!!  Ready to write a post for this week's Five Minute Friday.  And, because I was so sure I could write using last week's word, Joy, I am going to merge it with this week's.

Be sure to check here for more information about participating in Five Minute Friday.


This week's word is:  Now
Last week's word was:  Joy


JOY...NOW

It was to be an easy word for me.  My "word for 2016" is Joy!  There were quite a number of posts written - in fact there are over 20; and can be found on my "old" blog, http://scrapper123@blogspot.com.

Discouraged at having to create a "new" blog (this one), I guess I just let go of the Word Wednesday posts on Joy.  But, so much had been heard or read about this word over the past week or so...I really thought I could do it!


Now...yes, that's this week's word!!

Now that the time has passed to write last week's post, I've determined to write this week's!

What I crave - that's another word I did write on! -  What I crave is joy...NOW!

But, I am learning that it takes more than just happiness to find that true joy!  It is so much more than happiness; true joy goes so much deeper...

And, true joy comes out of the depths of the soul that has experienced sadness, unhappiness, that deep inside sheer grief that one experiences at the time of great loss.

In writing all of those 20-something posts about joy, I struggled.  How could I find true joy when things just weren't quite right; were certainly not happy?  How could I show joy on the outside when on the inside I was hurting, deeply hurt...by one who I thought was my soul-mate.

Sure, we have had our ups and downs through the over 30 years of marriage.  Yes, there have been times I wanted to leave, but...the children?  And, I stayed.

Now, the children have children of their own.  I have my cat...

I have the grandchildren and my other family and friends; and I am OK on the outside.  On the inside?  Perhaps I am grieving; I am grieving that relationship that I do not have.  I know why I am still here; yet, it's hard.

But, now I know...and I do have some joy, though it may not always be apparent; at least to me!

I have Joy...Now!

And, I pray I can hold on to that joy whenever things get rough; and rougher and rougher, as it surely will.


So, now I have completed the last two word prompts for Five Minute Friday...

I need to sit down, in the "quiet" of my computer/craft room, and write more often!

I resolve to do just that!



Monday, December 5, 2016

Simple Woman's Daybook - December 5, 2016







FOR TODAY

December 4, 2016


Looking Out My Window:
This morning was a beautiful, sunny day at 9:00 a.m., a great 69 degrees with a slight chance of rain.  But, the temp went up to the mid 80's!!

It was nice waking up to sunshine instead of the dark...instead of leaving just after 8:00, I was able to sleep in a bit.  Now to get on with my day!

I Am Thinking:
About the season of the year we are now in...Advent/Christmas.  It IS a wonderful time of year and I am loving all of the festivities that surround it.  It's tiring, yes.  It's expensive, yes; or it can be!  But, it is a beautiful, colorful, sharing, caring, loving kind of year!

And, I am enjoying every minute of it that I possibly can...

In spite of one who tries hard to make it other than beautiful, etc.

I Am Thankful:
For family and friends and the ability to do what I can for others.  It may not be much; but I am blessed with a creative side and am making things to share with others!

One of My Favorite Things:
Making things and giving them to others; I am participating in a December challenge where we create something and share a photo of it on the Facebook thread...a bit like writing a blog and sharing with my group of bloggers!!

I decided to have a giveaway for the first one I created and am ready to send it to the lucky recipient...there were actually 15 ladies that entered!

Here is December 1st challenge:




December 3rd challenge (I didn't get one doe for the 2nd):


And, December 4th challenge:


Today's challenge is to create a Christmas card and send it to someone who needs to receive it.  So, the creative juices are flowing...

I Am Creating:
What I have recently created is pictured above with the "Favorite Things" prompt!



I Am Wearing:
A pair of jeans and an aqua shirt and my comfy bedroom slippers.  I need to put shoes on to go to the post office!

I Am Reading:
I finished reading "The Cabin" by Carla Neggers, and discovered another one she wrote, "The Widow".  Now that I am finished reading those two books, I picked up another book from that stack I received, and started reading "The Blessing" by Jude Deveraux.

Though it is not a mystery, I can't seem to put it down because it is a beautiful romantic story that I am enjoying!

I Am Hoping:
The holidays continue to be as "beautiful, colorful, sharing, caring, loving" as it has been so far.  Some days start off or end up not quite so much of these feelings; but once we all start gathering together, some people may not be so loving.

So, I am hoping {and praying} that it doesn't turn into little battles that make me angry and frustrated and sad.

I Am Learning:
Actually, I am trying to learn that "less is more", especially in the words I use when speaking to my husband.

He is hard of hearing; and when I try to really talk with him, or answer a question, I tend to say too much.  Less is more when it comes to the answers I give.  And the quicker I can give the answer, the less likely it is that he will assume that I am going to make him angry with what he thinks I am saying...

In My Kitchen:
The dishwasher is full; I need to unload it!

Pork chops are thawing for me to cook for dinner.  Not sure what I'll fix to go with them.

Laundry was done late last week; so not much to do...

Lately, Mondays have been my day to babysit my youngest grandchild.  But my daughter's lessons were switched to Wednesday; so that will be my day instead.

Shared Quote:
I may have to look up my friend I met last year:

A Moment From My Day:
Today is an unusual day for me; I've been spending my Mondays with my granddaughter while my daughter teaches a few piano lessons.

Her students requested she change to Wednesday this week; so I am actually at home...creating!

After I finish writing this post, I'll be making a few Christmas cards...two are for a challenge; the others will just be extras!

{And, here is the card I made for the challenge; two of same card...and will select a couple of ladies from my crafting groups to send them to tomorrow.}



And, that ends this week's Simple Woman's Daybook post!  Check back next week...the days are only going to get busier; but I feel the need to write!




Friday, December 2, 2016

Five Minute Friday - CRAVE




It has been a few weeks since I shared a post, linking up with Kate Motaung and the Five Minute Friday group of bloggers!

But, here I am!!  Be sure to check here for more information about participating in Five Minute Friday.


This week's word is:  Crave


Cravings?  Sure, I have had cravings!  Lately, I am craving the holiday shakes:  Mint Chocolate Chip; Peppermint; and even Eggnog!

So far, I haven't acted on those cravings; I am still waiting for the right time to enjoy one though.

But, I crave another even more important thing...

I crave hugs!  I love giving hugs to people I meet...at church, family gatherings, other social and crafty gatherings; that's my sign of love and affection for my family and friends.

And, when I give those hugs, I also receive a hug in return!

Life can get so busy that the things we love get lost in the busy-ness!  Especially during the holidays, when people seem to be in need of the closeness from others.

{{HUGS}}

This is my way of sending a hug to my family and friends when connecting via Facebook.  Those "double arms" are expressing my need to hug...




My craving has been satisfied!  But, I'll never stop craving the hugs!

And, if nothing else, I'll just hug and cuddle with the cat!

So, I think my time is up!

Catch me again next week for Five Minute Friday!







Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 14, 2016






FOR TODAY

November 14, 2016


Looking Out My Window:
Today was a beautiful day; a slight cool breeze, and just a little sunshine.  At this time, just after 6:00 pm, it is around 59 degrees...perfect weather!

I Am Thinking:
About my life as a caregiver, and wife of one with dementia and hearing loss...

I am failing at both roles - caregiver and wife.

I Am Thankful:
For my daughters and friends that I can talk with when I need to; but, mostly for God who guides my path...though I don't always listen or take heed of His word to me!


One of My Favorite Things:
RETREATS!

And, yes, I do have one coming up next weekend.  It is in town, less than 10 miles from where I live...

But, I plan to stay at the hotel so I don't have to drive home at midnight (or later!).

I Am Creating:
A Christmas tag and ATC (artist trading card); a Winter tag; and Christmas cards.  Next weekend I hope to work more on some other projects - yet to be determined!


I Am Wearing:
A pair of jeans and a purple shirt with sunflowers; and my comfy bedroom slippers.

I Am Reading:
"The Cabin" by Carla Neggers...I have never read this author; but a friend gave me about a dozen paperback books from a box she had.  I picked out the ones I thought sounded good...

This one is not disappointing me at all!

I Am Hoping:
The rest of this week goes by better than this morning started out to be!  I will be getting ready for the retreat this weekend, and also doing our monthly shopping - which can both be rather stressful!

I Am Learning:
Perhaps I am not learning anything!  I seem to still be pondering how my life is at this point - season? - of my life.  And, I just don't seem to be learning how to "deal" with the way it is right now.

I have made one small step to finding a support group...I have the date for the next meeting and the address for where it will be held.

In My Kitchen:
The dishes from dinner are rinsed off and in the dishwasher; a third load of clothes is in the dryer, and a fourth in the washer!

Monday use to be my laundry day; my "stay-at-home" day.  Now, I stay with my 2 year old granddaughter on Mondays...and love it!!


Board Room:

I could say I just happened to find this post; but I think know that He led me to find it!

As I was searching Pinterest for an image or quote, or something to use for today's SWD, I stumbled across this post called "He Sees You".  Check it out here. ...

It isn't easy being the caregiver to someone with dementia and a hearing problem.  It isn't easy living with a person that has no feelings or compassion or empathy or even sympathy; one who is harsh with his words, but doesn't even know or remember saying them.  And they hurt!

He may be able to go on as if nothing has been said or done; but, it is my heart that is breaking more and more with each harsh, ugly word.

It wouldn't hurt as much if his words were aimed at me; but they aren't.  They are aimed at my children or grandchildren; and it hurts bad!

The assurance that God has not forgotten us; that He knows our circumstances and loves us... I was reminded of this as I read through the words of Dr. Michelle Bengtson in her blog "Hope Prevails."

Perhaps her words will find their way to my soul and heal the words I hear so often...


Post Script:
Today I am sharing a post I wrote for Five Minute Friday last week; check it out here.

Shared Quote:


I found this quote while browsing through Pinterest; I even printed it out and taped it to the wall next to my computer...

I need to read this every day!



A Moment From My Day:
Today was the day we do our monthly grocery shopping...one of two days to "stock up" for the month!

While in Sam's Club, waiting to check out, a couple of pre-teen boys were checking out the radio that was playing at the beginning of the line.  I don't remember what the song was, but it was from a "regular" station; loud and not very appealing.

The two boys messed around for a couple of minutes, then went in front of us to join their mother.

From the radio I heard the words of a familiar song...and it wasn't loud and unappealing!

Stepping up beside the boys, I asked, "Did you change that channel?"  The younger one pointed to the older one and said, "He did!"

And, I replied, "Thank you!"

They had changed it to a Christian station!

I said to their mother, "I love walking into a store and hearing Christian music instead of the loud music usually played!"

That made me smile...

And that's how my day is going so far!  How about yours?


Join me again next week for The Simple Woman's Daybook!



Friday, November 4, 2016

Five Minute Friday - COMMON




I am excited to continue linking up with Kate Motaung and the Five Minute Friday group of bloggers!

Perhaps I'll surprise everyone - myself included - and figure out how to "tweet" so I can join the Thursday night "twitter party"!!

Be sure to check here for more information about participating in Five Minute Friday.


This week's word is:  Common


Today is Veterans' Day...a day that we focus our attention on those who have served our country; those who continue to serve; and those who will serve at some point in the future.


I was born into a military family: my father retired from the U. S. Army; and my brother followed in our dad's footsteps by joining the army as soon as he graduated from high school.

And, I married a soldier.  Though that marriage did not last past 8 years, I am still proud of his service to our country.

While serving in Japan, my brother met and fell in love; she was also serving in the U. S. Army.

When I met my second husband, I didn't know his background for serving our country; but later found out that he was also a veteran of the service.

All of these relationships had a common thread: the military; specifically, the U. S. Army.

Today, as I sat at a table in front of a bar-b-que restaurant that was giving free sandwiches to veterans, I pondered the past few weeks ... 

The election of our new president has just ended with such division and protest and controversy that I feel like sticking my head into the sand until the next four years are over.

I am not one for discussing politics.  I don't fully understand the hows and whys and whatevers of it all.  And I find it hard to put into words how I feel about the "issues" or "platform" that each party stands for.

But, as I sat watching a large number of men and women who have served in the military, or even some who are still serving, it occurred to me:

This group of people were not divided into who was in the Army, or the Navy or the Coast Guard or whatever branch of service;

They were not divided by who was a Republican, or a Democrat, or even an Independent;

They were joined together in a common bond; they joined together in honoring and remembering those who have served, are serving, and will serve our country.

They were shaking hands and hugging and laughing and talking and...

It didn't matter which branch of the military they represented; or how they voted this past Tuesday or earlier.

What did matter was that they - we - were all together celebrating our common goal:

To live together and work together for the good of the United States of America.

Yes, there are some disagreements; there have been controversies and divisiveness and harsh words said to each other.  There have been many debates and comments and posts on social media that were not kind.

But however we all feel, in the end, the person that has been elected will be the President of the United States of America.

And, as citizens of the United States, we should all work together for the common good of our country.

And that's all I'll say...but will end with this Prayer for Veterans that I saw on Facebook:






Five Minute Friday - JOURNEY




Now that October is behind us, and the write31days challenge is finished, I am excited to join Kate Motaung and the Five Minute Friday group for this weekly link-up...

Be sure to check it out here for more information about participating.


This week's word is:  Journey


And, boy have we just finished a journey!

That journey with the "write31days" challenge took me to places I had no idea I would ever go.  The past three years, I persevered in completing all 31 days each year; not necessarily within the 31 days; but I did finish!

And during my journey with this challenge, I have "met" some amazing people; a group of encouraging and supportive people who are also on a journey.


I have always said that life is a journey...

From the day we are born, we are set on the road to begin our journey, from where we started to where we will end up.

Our journey takes us in many directions; with detours and dead ends; twists and turns; and intersections that make us choose "which way now?"

Sometimes our choices come because of the decisions we make; other times because of decisions others make.

But, we never know where we are really going to end up...

Until we get there!

And with all of those detours, dead ends, twists, turns, and intersections ahead, it may take all of our lives to get there!

We need to make sure we have the proper resources before we begin our journey...

The number one resource, a great GPS system to help us to find our way:


God's
Prayer
System

So, pull out your road map and get started on your journey, led by God and His never-fail GPS.



Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Day 31 - In His Word - ONLY






Today is Day 31 of the "write31days" challenge; and I am linking up with Kate Motaung and the Five Minute Friday group for this year's "free writes".



Check out all of my posts in the "In His Word" 31 Days series here.


The word for today is Only ...


The dictionary defines "only" as:

1) adj. - "the single; the one without any others."

2) adv. - a) "and not anyone/anything else;" b) "as recently as"; and c) "if only = expressing a strong wish/desire."

Using the word "only" as being "the single or one without any others", I have written a poem:


I am Only -
A daughter,
sister,
wife,
mother.
A Child of God.

I am Only -
A stay-at-home mom,
Working mom,
Divorced mom,
Retired mom.
God's hand and feet.

Jesus was Only -
A babe in a manger,
Son of a carpenter,
Born of a virgin,
Long-awaited king.
Sent by God

Jesus was Only -
A teacher,
healer,
leader,
Savior.
God's Only Son.



If I am only a daughter - it means that is all that I am!  And if I am only a sister or wife or mother - that would also mean that is all...

If I am only a stay-at-home mom, or a working mom, a divorced mom or a retired mom - that would be I could be.

Yet, I am all of these rolled into one person!

I am only Me!

If Jesus was only a babe in a manger, son of a carpenter, born of a virgin, and sent by God - He is and was "the single one; without any others"...

He was and is a teacher, healer, leader and Savior;

He is the one and only Son of God;

He of all "only-ies" is The Only!







Day 30 - In His Word - CUT







Today is Day 30 of the "write31days" challenge; and I am linking up with Kate Motaung and the Five Minute Friday group for this year's "free writes".



Check out all of my posts in the "In His Word" 31 Days series here.


The word for today is Cut ...


So, how does this word fit for the "In His Word" 31 Day challenge?  {There have been a few other words that gave me a real challenge!}

That actually required some ... well, persistence!


Searching through Pinterest for an idea or images I could use, I came across this quote; and realized what I was really looking for was persistence!

And what I felt we - or more specifically, I - need to be persistent about is in my prayers to God.

I've heard that once we ask God for something - whether for healing, strength, or courage, or to help us make a decision, or whatever, we should leave it with Him.

But, is that what God really wants from us?


I think He wants us to be persistent; to continually ask Him for what we want or need, trusting and believing that He will hear our prayers and answer.

This scripture in Matthew 7:7-8 tells us we should keep asking; keep searching; keep knocking!  And in that persistence, we will receive, find, and have the doors opened!

Perhaps there's another reason for persistently asking God for our needs:

Found on Pinterest
Shared by Jennifer JayGee


Perhaps we are not listening carefully; perhaps we need to persistently ask so that we may actually hear His Word to us!

Just as the river cuts through a rock by its persistence, not power; our prayers reach God through persistence, not the power of the prayer.

And we will be blessed by our persistent prayers.

Found on Pinterest
Shared by DuoParadigms PR