Hey, if you want me to continue, please comment.

I checked my previous post and found that I am the only one making comments... then I looked at the stats and at the comments view and found someone has made comment on a single older post since the latest post...  Where are you?

Still here...

Well, I am.  But, where are you?

GIVING THANKS

      It is that time of year again.  That time when our nation sets aside a day that created a four day weekend to show gratitude for our many blessings.

      I don't think it is right to judge others and I believe it is foolish and futile to compare oneself to others.  Yet, I do both regularly, and then pray to let go of that wrong thinking.  I have been led to ponder 2 Corinthians 10. 3- 6:

For, although we are in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh,

 for the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses.

We destroy arguments and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God,

and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ,

and we are ready to punish every disobedience,

once your obedience is complete.

            Taking every thought captive is a very difficult thing for me to do.  I need to try harder to SLOW DOWN  and NOT REACT when life's little surprises pop up and mess with me.

      I need to be still and let God quiet my heart and clear my head so that I do not hurt myself and those around me.

      I need to try harder to get the sleep I need, to eat the foods that will strengthen me at appropriate times to benefit me, to exercise, and to build my personal relationship with God.

      I am a Christian and a Catholic at that.  I don't need the government to set aside a special day to reflect upon my blessings.  I have the opportunity to celebrate Eucharist DAILY, if I put some effort into getting to local churches during the times when these opportunities are available.  When that is difficult, I need to at least read, reflect, and pray on the readings of the day.

     My husband and I chose one another to enter a covenant with God and each other until one of us dies. Our choice, blessed by God. My husband is a dependable and reliable man.  He has integrity and has been loyal to our marriage.  For that I am truly blessed.

   God chose ME, ME!, ME to carry five wonderful people in my womb.  There really is no greater honor bestowed on human beings than to nurture a new person in such an intimate way.  Our children are each healthy, bright, good, kind, compassionate, capable, free-thinking, strong, and beautiful people.

      We live in a free republic during a time of great technology that has the potential to make our lives more efficient and productive.  Although the recent elections were disheartening, we are still able to trust God to get us through no matter what happens to this nation.  We have tools to set things straight again, if only we are willing to do our parts.

      We own our house, our vehicles, and land.  We worked hard and sacrificed to get to this point and can continue to be good stewards of these blessings.  We must never forget that it is all GIFT.  All from God, portioned to us with the expectation that we will share our gifts with those who have less than we do.

      Those are the big and obvious blessings.  I need to daily take time to remember the little ones that come my way.  Better yet, I need to offer thanks the moment I realize I have been blessed.  I don't deserve my blessings.  I am not worthy.  I need to remember to be appreciative.

     

Finding my way in the "new normal"

Life is really changing quickly lately.

Because I find myself alone with my thoughts so often now, I have experienced many emotions daily.

I spend time remembering.

I spend time pondering.

I consider planning,

 but have decided that is truly a waste of my time,

for I know I am not able to carry out most of my plans.

I spend a lot of time praying.

I spend time wondering.

I hope.

I have loved and lost.

I love and know I will lose until finally I am the one to go home.

I enjoy learning and seek new opportunities to experience.

I have enjoyed traveling many distances in recent years.

I don't laugh enough.

I cry, but too often try to stop the healing tears.

I serve.

I try to acknowledge service.

Life is changing fast

and

I know I am on "borrowed time".

I don't know when my last moment will be,

but I am not afraid.

That is the greatest blessing in my life;

knowing where I came from and where I am going.

I thank God for all who are willing to share this journey with me.

Thank you for America!

I have celebrated 50 Fourth of Julys now!

Yes, half a century as an American citizen!

My parents loved this country.

So did their parents.

I only remember two of my Great-Grandmas

and have no memory of them in regards to patriotism.

I remember decking out in red, white, and blue

and going to parades and fireworks since I was a very little girl. 

My parents pointed out the soldiers and conveyed their respect for these men and women who serve our country so we can all enjoy freedom.

I tried to pass on these values to all my children.

I am a patriot of the United States of America.  I love America.

This year, my husband and I hosted our first celebration

with our parents and my brother at our house for this special holiday.

It turned out to be an extremely hot day, but all went well and we all had fun.

While we were preparing our home,
I tried to find a radio station that was playing patriotic songs.  I found none.

I tried to find something on television

that had to do with this important holiday.

I found none.

What is happening to this great country?

How long can we expect the privileges and blessings that made this country great?

Life is good...

I have been blessed with many adventures this year.

Nostalgiaville was a fun surprise.

Mansfield made my heart swell and my throat choke up.

Texas was glorious, especially our hostess and host, not to forget my husband!

NASA, Port of Houston, San Jacinta, RODEO (mutton bustin'), meeting the host family that opened their home to us in August 2010, Texas A&M tour, San Antonio missions and Alamo.

Then, March was in the 80s when we returned.

Spring sprang very early.

Easter was beautiful, more lush than any I can remember.

But, suddenly, for a few days, late in the month, April had a bite to it and froze the early new growth.

My birthday showed me the gravestone of my Irish immigrant ancestors, the church they co-founded, and the border of their farmstead.  Also enjoyed the Aldo Leopold shack and learning center.

May brought beautiful sunny days with bright blue skies and brilliant white clouds.

Rain too!

A wild adventure to Mansfield and Hannibal with a great companion.

Yes, I have the mysterious, painful "frozen shoulder" that started on the way down to Texas and still is causing me grief.

Mom is recovering from her surgery.

Pa learned he's had a heart attack and is now making lifestyle and med changes to heal and stay strong.

Next week we will finally end the irresponsible recall elections.

We had an incredible amount of rain for a few days a while ago.

Two days ago, the temps dropped unseasonably low.

Kittens have been arriving and are adorable again.

It has been up and down and all around, but in the end, I call it good!

See Remember Sister 2...

She did a good job posting the shared portion of our visit.  I doubt I will take the time to post the adventures on the route to their apartment, the things we did while they diligently worked and went to school Monday through Friday, or any pictures of our return trip home.  Come and visit and I might break out the external hard drive and give you a photo tour.  I have postcards and mementos to help trigger my memory as I share the adventures.  Dad will never forget the details about all the great food every step of the way.

I am grateful that Mom and Dad had so much fun together and that we BOTH look forward to visiting our children wherever they live for the rest of our lives.  Also, we are excited about seeing many things all over this great country of ours.

The secret hope is that there really could be an RV in my future sometime...

Not sure I am ready to learn how to enjoy flying...  That's a whole different kind of packing...

Maybe Dad should get a pilot license!  I am pretty sure he would not do well as my passenger if I go for one!