God controls my moment

I love how God controls the things in my day.....the people I see or talk to, the situations that come up.  Its in those God control moments that life is best for all who is in that moment at the time.  God is the designer of my life.  He blesses me with friendships, conversations, the beauty in the world and the love of my family.

Last week, on Thursday, I had filled in for the our church secretary on the day of a busy MOPS morning.  Those mornings are crazy fun with mamas to be and mamas with little ones running around along with the young college students that come to help keep after the little ones running all around too.  It's really a great morning for all who attends.

I was finishing up a little chat with a friend when a young woman that I had befriended a year or so ago greeted me.  It was great to see her and her little guy is adorable.  Anyway she asked me if she could ask me something personal.  She needed to bend an ear about a friend that doesn't live close to her that is going through a hard time in her marriage.  Knowing of some of my struggles here with my marriage she wanted some encouragement to pass along to her friend.

At first I was....I'm not sure if shocked is the word I'm looking for.....but I was surprised that she asked me of all people.....I know what you are going to say.....but that is when I realized once again how much of my day God controls and plans out for me.  He had it all planned out the moment Linda had mentioned that I would probably have to work for her so she could be with a friend in the hospital.  He knew how my day was going to be, who I'd see and talk to and would allow me to not get much done in the office other than giving me a moment to minister to another.  He knew I had the knowledge and words that would offer comfort because He gave me my story that would be used later to come along another to offer hope, comfort and encouragement.

God is amazing!

The words of hope poured out, thank you Lord.  The Lord let the words flow out so fervently with so much compassion that I don't really remember everything I had said.  I do know that things like "don't give up", "lean on Christ", "always look for the joys and blessings"," ask the Lord to show you them when you are straining to see them", "pray for change", "prayer is the only way for another to change", "let it go and give him to God",  "God is always there and is always working in your heart and his heart" "do not give up, trust in Him"  "Be grateful", having a grateful heart allows grace to enter into your life and helps you give grace to another" "be thankful for everything, even the little tiny things, it will mean more than you think"

She walked away with a lighter lift in her step and a smile of comfort on her face and with hope awaiting to spill forth from her lips to her dear friend that is hurting inside.

God is amazing!

I walked away feeling very thankful for the story that the Lord has been writing in my life.

Weekend Highlights

It was Youth Sunday and led worship.  I love seeing my daughter worshiping the Lord with her voice.

The Lord has blessed the young man in the middle with the blue shirt with a talent for singing, playing an instrument and writing a song.  He wrote a beautiful, profound song and led us all in it.  It was wonderful.

Karlee and her friend Kayla ran in the Color Fun Run, they had a good time.

I spent off and on all weekend doing my first Facebook online party for Thirty-one Gifts.  It was interesting but it pulled through and the Hostess earned some great free product!

On Saturday morning I elder sat for a few hours so that a very sweet couple could go out on a bike hike and enjoy lunch together.  They have a beautiful backyard, love running water, the way it sparkles as it runs with the glow of sunlight and the peaceful sound it makes as it runs down the rocks.

Life is good right now.  God has blessed me with many moments to cherish and reflect on.  I'm so thanful

Re-visting

Do you ever find yourself re-visiting things in your life that you thought you were done with or had it all figured out?

Unfortunately you can be re-visited in so many ways but there is always something to gain from each visit.

I have learned now that I should not have tried to "treat" myself  when I realized that I was getting a UTI.  It didn't work and lead me to the doctor on Thursday, feeling very close to how I felt two years ago when I was going through all those infections and things..... So I didn't enjoy re-visiting that situation at all.  I'm on an antibiotic now and doing better.

Another situation that has recently happened that I thought I had the concept of "forgiveness" all figured out but what I'm learning is that forgiving someone is never the same.....the situation is usually different.  I think its because the Lord wants to walk you through the different areas that need to be re-defined in you.

The Lord has walked me through a few hard places of forgiveness over the years that from the outside many, including myself often have wondered how did I manage to forgive and let go.  But that is where the Lord comes into it all.  Without Him I think we would never really forgive others as we should.

I'm working through a broken friendship right now.  I don't understand it and I'm hurt by it.  The bright side to it is that someone else in this person's life has come into the picture, lead by God to be there for this person.  I pray that she will be able to speak into their life and good fruit will bare from it. (even if I may not be apart of this person's life)

Friendships are hard at times, and oddly enough it doesn't make what age you are or where you find yourself right now...it takes two....no wait it really takes three.....the Lord is right in the middle (or should be)

I don't want bitterness, or resentment to settle into my heart.  I choose joy and forgiveness, I just need a little help Lord.

The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.  Proverbs 19:11

Love your enemies, bless those who cure you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons (daughters) of you Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:44-45

Lord, if any person has unforgiveness toward me, I pray You would soften their heart to forgive me and show me what I can do to help resolve this issue between us.  I know that I cannot be a light to others as long as I am walking in the darkness of unforgiveness.  I choose to walk in the light as You are in the light and be cleansed from all sin (1 John 1:7)

The VA Hospital in Prescott AZ

I love the way this tree looks up against this old building.

Outside of the VA Hospital

The area around the VA Hospital is pretty, several huge trees. 

I think this picture speaks for itself.

Driving out of the parking lot....

Scott and I were impressed with how quickly he was in and out of there.  The people were friendly and wanted to help and that made such a difference compared to our last visit in the area to the ER.  They did a CT Scan of his chest and his stomach and a little further down.  He has an appointment to see a urologist next month.

This visit was on Monday at the beginning of this week.....Tuesday he left work early not feeling well, yesterday he didn't go at all and today is Thursday and he says he has had to really work hard at staying at work.  He slept all day yesterday and still is tired.  This morning he looked awful, so worn out.  He said to me that he can't really describe how he feels but that he just doesn't feel good.

Yesterday (Wed) his parents had called me to thank me for being there for Scott and supporting him and all. He has finally shared with them about the Hep C but not much else.  They suspect other things going on but are not pushing it.  I wanted to share so much with them but didn't.  They said that he will tell them when he is ready.  After I disconnected with them I couldn't help it.....I let the flood gates open and started to cry.

I can see how concerned my kids are, their faces and eyes show all :( 

I can only ask the Lord to help in all this......to give us strength and courage to keep loving and supporting Scott.

Now we wait to hear what the scan shows or doesn't show....not sure how long it will be before we know something but in the meantime my heart aches as I look upon Scott and the reality sets in to my mind.

Gods grace

I really don't enjoy going to church by myself.

I thought I would be going to church by myself this past Sunday but.....instead my step-son Dillon sent me a message and asked if he and his girlfriend Darcie could go with me.  I was really pleased and thankful.

I know all it is....just jelly toast but apparently its more than that....

Sara says its better when "you make it mom"  

Sara needed to eat something for breakfast on Monday for testing.  She doesn't ever eat at home in the morning but this morning she wanted me to make her breakfast.  I know it doesn't take much time to make toast and spread butter and jelly on it, and she could do it herself but "mama" does it just right.....and there will be a day when I won't be able to make her toast with jelly so I think I can manage in the mean time lol...

A very sweet friend sent me this, she is great at encouraging and supporting :)

I have had fun joining up with Thirty-one Gifts.  Everyone who has ordered with me has been so happy and pleased with their purchases.

Karlee is thinking about borrowing this dress from a co-worker for her prom coming up in May.

It will be awesome if Karlee decides to use the dress, it will save us on the expense of buying a dress this year.  Next year she will be a senior so I know we will have to buy a dress for her big year!  I'm grateful for the many blessings and breaks that the Lord gives us when we need it and he knows our needs and always will provide.

We think its pretty :)

Tuesday God blessed me with so many good conversations that needed to take place and I didn't even know it.  But he provided the moment for each and all were blessed. So thankful that God knows best.

This picture was taken by a friend of mine that lives in Poland now.  I think this speaks of so much of God's wonderful, beautiful glory of grace.......

Quick Glimpse

I think most of you know that my "job" right now is working as a caregiver.  Some may not think its the job for them or an easy job but its a rewarding one.  

1 Timothy 5:8  But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Working a puzzle

Leviticus 10:32

You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged and you shall revere your God: I am the Lord.

Reading a book

1 Timothy 5:1-2 

Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, and older women as mothers, and the younger women as sister, in all purity.

Watching T.V.

Isaiah 46:4

Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you!  I have done it, and I will carry you;  And I will bear you and I will deliver you.

Family, Friends & Spring

I love my girls smiles!  

Last week Karlee asked a friend to the MORP dance at her school.  She enjoyed making the sign with the machine I have borrowed.  (in the jar are gummy worms)

The theme was glow in the dark so all the kids wore white so they could glow in the dark. 

This is my brother Jason.  He was recently out in El Paso visiting family and friends with his wife Bea.  While he was there he re-tiled our mom's bathroom....he said he was relaxing lol.  I really wish I had been able to go visit but couldn't.  I love my little brother.  He's a good guy :)

This is Bosco enjoying his "oinkie"  he loves these dog treats!  

Yes that is a dusting of snow in April!  Hey its Flagstaff and this is Spring!