This Beautiful Bouquet and I Share a Common Need

This Beautiful Bouquet and I Share a Common Need

Fragrant Flowers from My Gardens

A cool breeze swept across the fragrant blooms and filled my world with joy as I gathered this beautiful bouquet from my gardens.

Finally, for a few moments at least, much-needed peace and contentment refreshed my weary soul.

The last nine months seem like a bad dream. However, this is not a dream, this is reality. I did not choose this solo flight, and I do not like it.

Prayer support from coast to coast keeps me afloat. Yet I question myself as I face unfamiliar duties with vehicles and home. Every day I climb a new mountain.

God has provided great leaders to fill hubby’s positions; I am so thankful. Yet, every turn to release more of the ministries is a reminder of twenty one years of serving together.

Well, back to the bouquet and our common need. The beautiful bouquet is actually not yet a bouquet. It is individual flowers tucked carefully into the honeysuckle vine on my fence. Absolutely breathtaking, right? But this beauty is fleeting; to thrive my bouquet needs water.

Water? Water! You know where I am going, don’t you? That is what I need as well. Fresh Living Water that flows from the heart of God. Let this song speak to your heart and be refreshed.

I am thankful and blessed to have a Heavenly Father Who knows my needs and supplies generously. He does not push Himself on me, but when I cry out; He is waiting to give me that fresh, Living Water; cool my spirit. Replenish my dry land.

I desperately need time with Jesus, soaking in His Living Water.

Before you go away, let me tell you how Living Water is refreshing my soul and putting my daily life in perspective.

#1 My beloved Russell is Home with the Father, healed and happy.

#2 I have health, home, food, family, friends, and freedoms. I have good vehicles and for a while at least, gas money! (Sorry, that just slipped in!)

#3 I have the opportunity to pray for and support those who have lost s spouse, family member, child, or health. I have a ministry He has for me to do.

Refresh yourself with that Living Water each day and let’s bloom for our Savior where He has planted us.

Hugs,

How has Jesus met you this week? Let me hear your story.

Praise or Peril? Choose Wisely

There are ducks on my pond! What a sight!

Wait! Wait! I DON’T HAVE A POND! Oh, mercy me!

As heavy rains flooded our walnut grove and the valley below, the bridge over our ‘dry’ creek quickly disappeared beneath the waters.

Expensive plants and costly labor for our flower gardens would come to naught as the rain continued for days. I had a choice, choose praise or peril. Will I complain or learn to praise God in ALL things?

As the water slowly receded, God sent beautiful ducks to remind me of His ultimate care. I am amazed at His creation. I realize I can mourn over loss or choose to enjoy what He sends my way.

Click here for a message from Billy Graham on being thankful in all things.

I praised God that my home is on the hill and not submerged. Again, I thanked Him that my country road was not yet underwater and prayed for friends daily driving miles out of the way to avoid flooded highways.

As another storm approached, I gathered the few remaining iris from my yard for a local coffee shop. God’s splendor needs to be enjoyed by more than me. As I praised God for His provision, I asked Him to bless each person working or dining there. God is teaching me to turn my perils into praises.

Today I prayed for friends in the draught-stricken, wind-torn west. I prayed for the firefighters, homeowners, and neighbors trying to contain vicious wildfires with no end in sight. I asked God to forgive me for complaining about the rains. (I wished I could share some!)

This week I have cried much. I miss my hubby, my cousin, my brother, and so many others. Now, as I relaunch My Mother My Child, I miss Mother. How I wish she could see how God is using “our” book to help and encourage others.

Peril can hold me or I can choose praise. I am thankful for each of their lives and the memories of happy times. I choose to pray for those I personally know who lost loved ones this very week from age 5-91, often through tragedy. I praise God for His Spirit, asking him to comfort the families.

John Ortberg has said: “What repeatedly enters your mind occupies your mind, eventually shapes your mind, and will ultimately express itself in what you do and who you become.”

Wow! I choose to be a praiser instead of a prune!

Our world around us is changing. Everyday! Not always for the good. Never, ever forget we serve our God who never changes. I pray today He will help you turn your perils into praises.

From Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd … He restores my soul.

Hugs,

Thanks for leaving a comment. How can I pray for you?

6 Keys to Peace in Changing Times

6 Keys to Peace in Changing Times

Mr. Turkey and Missions’ Director Hubby Watching Kids at Camp

Treasure what you have now; be ready for change.

Changing times is not new. Every family faces challenges as children leave the nest. Often we become caregivers for parents or others. A sudden illness or job change can upset our routine.

My husband was my greatest encourager during the eight years we were caring for Mother. He carefully guided me through each decision, but he let me make the final call.

In 42 years, no matter the circumstance, he was always ready to help me physically, emotionally, and spiritually We had spoiled each other—we enjoyed talking, playing, and working together.

At first Mother’s care was minimal and my husband and I continued our daily routines. However, I never realized how our relationship suffered as I gradually spent more time and energy on her needs and less on his. Although this shift was inevitable, I learned some simple tips that made the changes easier. Perhaps these tips will help you in your situation.

#1  Become aware of your specific needs; then act.

A. Take time to ask your family or friends how the current situation affects them. Do they feel slighted? Are there needs they have you can still provide? Do they feel left out?

B. Realize you cannot go back to the way it was; life does not stay the same forever. The commitment to care for someone means your life and those around you will change.

#2 Grow better or bitter, the choice is ultimately yours.

My husband was precious, but he did not prepare meals, do laundry, or make beds. That wasn’t an issue with the two of us; or with the children at home. After Mom came, I did, however, catch myself envying those whose husbands could help in that way. Note: the Lord has a way of reminding us what really matters, and it’s not that sink of dirty dishes!

#3. Refuse to dwell on what you cannot change. Live in the present and make the most of it. Be open to new ideas, and new ways of doing things. If you are set in your ways like I am, this can be a difficult step, but well worth the journey. I remind myself daily, that it is people and not things that are important.

#4. Develop a new plan. What is it that you can do to encourage those around you? Does it seem you are pushing them away because of your busyness? Can you change your schedule to accommodate some of their needs as well? Perhaps, encourage #5 below.

#5. Accept help when offered, even when you know the task will not be done “right”. This was difficult for me. I learned it was okay if the towels were folded incorrectly or dishes and groceries were put away in a different place.

#6. Find a smile and see it reflected time and again on those around you. I am always amazed at the difference a simple smile makes. Try it on yourself—right now. Face a mirror with your eyes closed, smile real big, and look at yourself. (Did you chuckle?)

There will always be changes in our lives. Parents, kids, grandkids, other families, and friends move in and out of our lives seeking love and nurturing. With God’s help, we can learn to look up instead of down and enjoy the journey.

Hugs,

(Information for this article was taken from my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD.)