House Guests

I am have two house guests tonight..my nearly 5 year old and 6 year old nieces. They are sound asleep on the floor with a nice, thick layer of sleeping bags under them. The last time they stayed, they woke up feeling like tacos because our air mattress had sprung a slow leak, and they were both in the middle of this queen sized mattress, touching the floor, with the sides straight up around them. I was told quite firmly by the youngest that she was NOT sleeping on that mattress again! So, we piled a bunch of soft sleeping bags on the floor and several soft blankets and big soft pillows, and they have a bed made for two princesses. Actually, I guess that would be three since my dog is right in the middle of them in Golden Retriever heaven!

It's been a couple of months since they have been down and we've had aunt/niece time so I am enjoying it. My husband has been out of town, so the house has been lonely and very quiet, so my house guests were very welcome. We had planned to go to the corn maze but it isn't open except at night, and neither one of them thought that going through the maze at night sounded like fun. The oldest was supposed to go with her school group last week to the maze, but it poured down rain that day, so she didn't get to go. Excitement was abounding in the back seat as we approached the maze, only to be quickly deflated by all three of us as we found out they were not open. We did go to Cabela's where they got to go to the shooting gallery and even got double tokens because the older gentleman working thought they were so cute. We took a drive out to see some horses, cows, sheep, 100's of turkeys, and some elk so I think they quickly forgot about the corn maze. They both love animals, and got so excited and giggled a lot to see the wild turkeys running around a herd of cows, and the herd of cows watching them as they scurried about. The oldest had an extremely great time seeing the elk up close and personal. These elk live in a very large pen, but unlike most farmed elk, they still have their antlers. The biggest bull of the bunch thought the girls were especially interesting and he tried to stick his nose through the fence as far as he could to smell them. They both thought that was a kick. I think my oldest niece is going to grow up to be the elk whisper. She went along the fence line and talked to the bulls, and they all seemed to pay close attention to her, even walking closer to where she was standing. I talked to them and they never looked at me. She then went over to the cows and calves and was talking to them. Two of them seemed especially interested in her and she just stood at the fence, talking calmly and quietly to them and they came closer and closer. She slowly moved her hand to pet one because she wanted to feel their coat and see what it felt like. For a brief moment, she touched one of the cows until the cow suddenly realized what was going on and jumped back and looked at her. She came right to the fence again and the two seemed to have a conversation. Yes, they are elk that are behind fences, and again, unlike most farmed elk, they have very large, natural terrain pens, more than ample for the fourteen head we saw today. I don't support elk farming, but unlike most, these elk are allowed to have natural terrain, a lot of room to roam, and the bulls get to keep their antlers, and their dignity. Either way, it brightened up a couple disappointed girls day to see those elk so up close and personal.

So, I am blessed with my little house guests tonight and thankful for the time I get to spend with them as we've giggled, watched movies, played Barbies, and have plans to make popcorn balls in the morning. They are very excited, as it's the first time they have ever made popcorn balls! This aunt better get to bed since it's already late/early depending on how you look at it!

Fight Like a Girl

My friend over at Aspire to Lead shared this with me. It's the song Fight Like a Girl by Bomshel, that was inspired by our friend Jenny who lost her battle with breast cancer last year. This is a clip from when Bomshel was featured on a news show. I put this one up instead of the real video because they talk about Jenny. All who knew Jenny miss her so much, so as the month of October, breast cancer awareness month, winds down I want to remind all women to be active in your health. You know your body better than anyone, so listen to it, take care of it, and be proactive with your doctors. Fight like a girl!

Fall Weekend Scenes

Soapbox

There are a couple things on my soapbox list today:

1-Why is Coeur d'Alene gas some of the highest in the area? Usually, Sandpoint gas is 15-20 cents higher than CDA's but last I checked, it was 5 cents cheaper. Rathdrum and Post Falls are usually considerably higher, as well, but they are either cheaper, or Post Falls is a couple cents above the CDA price. Many stations in the Spokane area are the same price as CDA, and they are always quite a bit more for a tank of gas. I think that the CDA gas stations are pocketing some good profits over the past three weeks. When we went on our drive two weeks ago, gas was considerably cheaper down at the Rose Lake gas station, so we filled up with gas at 2.53, while it was still 2.69 in 'the city.'

2-The mass hysteria the media and our government have caused over the h1n1 flu. I know many people who have already had it, and although they aren't having a good time while sick, it has gone away for most within a week, maybe with a lingering cough. All I know are coming through fine. However, the media keeps harping on how deadly it is, and I am sure it is, just like other flu's. But, it's scaring people, especially teens so bad that some are near hysterics when they get the flu. One I know is terrified of dying because of the media hype. I saw a few minutes on 60 minutes the other night, and they were reporting on this teen who got it and collapsed during a football game, from what I gathered, and was in the hospital, hooked to breathing machines. They reported his entire team, the other team they were playing, all the cheerleaders, etc...got sick and made a fine recovery but the one was fighting for his life. I feel bad for him, and his parents, and I said a pray for his recovery, but there were around 100 others who made a complete recovery but that was verily touched upon. There is a difference in being informed, and causing mass hysteria for people, which in my opinion, is what is happening right now. I just think there needs to be some common sense, common ground...how about reporting how many people are surviving the virus? How about putting a positive spin on it for once? Why, because then we wouldn't be relying on our government to come through and 'save the day!' They want the American people to be so reliant on them that they don't have thoughts of their own any more.

A friend of mine put it like this today about the whole flu/vaccine hysteria going on right now: Did you ever do that science experiment in high school - the one where you put a live frog in a room temp pot of water - turn on the burner and let the water come to a boil and have to write down your explanation as to why the frog will not jump out of the pot. He just sits there - while the water slowly comes to a boil and cooks him. My heart feels like that is what mankind in the USA is doing. We are slowly coming to a boil people.

Be informed, use your the brain you have been given to think for yourself, don't be mind controlled. It might be healthy for your brain and emotions to turn off the news because that's all they talk about! I turned it on yesterday to see the weather and had to turn it off before they ever got to it, because the first ten minutes were all flu related! Think it through, and think through the truth that YOU know.

Bitterness

A couple of friends and I were talking about people who have been hurtful in our lives. I looked up some verses on bitterness and God definitely showed me some things.

Bitterness becomes a stronghold that satan uses to put a wedge in our relationship with God because of the anger and hurt. Acts 8:21-23 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."

Then it referenced me to this:

With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Ephesians 4:17-31


I said ouch after reading it, but know I can't be on track with God if I live in bitterness because God and bitterness/anger can't live in the same body/soul. God doesn't want anything to do with those things, they are contrary to who He is, and if I want God to be Lord of my life, I have to let those things go. As I read the verses, it was like God asking me, are you going to choose to live in bitterness, anger, and hurt or are you going to choose me and let it go? He's the judge, not me. He's the one those who have done wrong have to answer to, as do I and I am just as wrong if I let my heart live in the sin of bitterness.

Another verse talked about how bitterness TAKES ROOT and grows until it takes over our souls. It reminded me of meadows that used to be beautiful with grass and wild flowers and then a plant or two of knapweed showed up, and no one tended to them, took care of them, pulled out the poison, and within a short time, the entire meadow has lost it's beauty and is taken over by the poisonous knapweed, and now it's of no use and ugly. It's lost all of it's value. Our hearts can do the same thing if we let it, and God will not reside in that heart anymore. That is not a life I want, and definitely not an eternal life I want! Do I need to be best buddies with those who have hurt me? No. They are hurtful people, and I will keep my distance from them, but I have to forgive them and pull the roots of bitterness, hurt and anger out of my heart and soul, and move on.

I heard Beth Moore say, relationships that get us in a deep pit of sin and sorrow are strongholds. Relationships that do that to us have to go or it becomes a stronghold and trips us up for sin. We need to be free from strongholds, it is like death to us... sometimes you have to cut people out of your life because they are disastrous to your life. Forgive, and move on. The pruning process is so we can be more productive and fruitful in our walk with God. God sometimes prunes people out of our life so we can be stronger in our walk with Him. Sometimes, they are relationships we think are ok, but they need to go because they damage us. Sometimes they are obviously bad for us and it is obvious they need to be removed from our life. We have to be obedient to God in what he wants for us and our relationships, and always put our relationship with God first. She did say as she ended, that this does not include your marriage. That is an entirely different subject, this is about other relationships.

Bitterness and hurt are ugly places to live. I am working on pulling out the roots in my heart today. I hope you do the same.

Love Letter

I posted this text back in March, but think the video is pretty powerful!

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy birthday to my mom! My mom has always been a listening ear when I have needed one. She is not only our mom, but a friend. She passed on to me her love of gardening and photography. Unfortunately, I did not get the gene that likes to sew and quilt like my mom. Thanks for always being there mom, both when we were growing up and now that we are grown up, for supporting us in so many ways, for caring for us, loving us, for making your family a priority in your life, and for giving us an example of how to live our lives. We love you!

Never Let Go

I know a lot of people going through some really difficult times right now, so thought this video was timely.





The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Joshua 1:5

I will be with you always, even until the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

Let Go

A friend of mine shared this with me, so I thought I would share it as well.

To "Let Go" doesn't mean to stop caring, it means I can't do it for someone else.

To "Let Go" is not to cut myself off, it's the realization that I can't control another.

To "Let Go" is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences.

To "Let Go" is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To "Let Go" is not to try to change or blame another, it's to make the most of myself.

To "Let Go" is not to care for, but to care about.

To "Let Go" is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To "Let Go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To "Let Go" is not to be in the middle of arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies.

To "Let Go" is not be be protective, it's to permit another to face reality.

To "Let Go" is not to nag, scold, or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them.

To "Let Go" is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.

To "Let Go" is not to criticize and regulate anybody, but to try to become what I dream I can be.

To "Let Go" is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.

To "Let Go" is to fear less, and to love more.

Fall Drive

Rose Lake

Apple Tree Peaking Around Old Stump

Coeur d'Alene River

Very Cold Blue Heron

The temps dropped to the teens this weekend...brrr! We enjoyed the sunshine inside our car as we went for a drive along our favorite area this time of year. It was nice to relax and take in some of the Fall colors with my hubby, and my dog.

Pause on Purpose

My friend gave me a daily calendar last year. I have been pondering a lot of the recent days, and need to take them to heart.

Does your calendar reflect your passion? Are you just doing things to do them and fill your time? Are you exhausted? Do you operate out of weakness, doing the the most but not at the best you can?

Pause on purpose. Renewal begins when we pause on purpose.

Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest. Mark 6:31

God rested after six days of work, and the world didn't collapse. What makes us think it will if we do?

I have been busy, very busy. I seem to be meeting myself coming and going some days. Some of the things I am busy with are my passion, some aren't. Some days are busy helping others, which is good as long as I keep a balance about it and don't let it consume me, and my worries. I have to remember to pause on purpose. Easier to type than to do! I am going to try hard to pause on purpose, and rest my mind as well as my body this coming weekend. How about you? Do you need to pause on purpose??

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7

Kindness

Your Kindness Quotient
by Max Lucado

How kind are you? What is your kindness quotient? When was the last time you did something kind for someone in your family—e.g., got a blanket, cleaned off the table, prepared the coffee—without being asked?

Think about your school or workplace. Which person is the most overlooked or avoided? A shy student? A grumpy employee? Maybe he doesn’t speak the language. Maybe she doesn’t fit in. Are you kind to this person?

Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line. They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship. Paul writes: “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

And, here is a challenge—what about your enemies? With the boss who fired you or the wife who left you. Suppose you surprised them with kindness? Not easy? No, it’s not. But mercy is the deepest gesture of kindness. Paul equates the two. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians. 4:32 NKJV). Jesus said:

Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.… If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? … Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. (Luke 6:27–28, 32, 35–36)

Kindness at home. Kindness in public. Kindness at church and kindness with your enemies. Pretty well covers the gamut, don’t you think? Almost. Someone else needs your kindness. Who could that be? You.

Since he is so kind to us, can’t we be a little kinder to ourselves? Oh, but you don’t know me. You don’t know my faults and my thoughts. You don’t know the gripes I grumble and the complaints I mumble. No, I don’t, but he does. He knows everything about you, yet he doesn’t hold back his kindness toward you. Has he, knowing all your secrets, retracted one promise or reclaimed one gift?

No, he is kind to you. Why don’t you be kind to yourself? He forgives your faults. Why don’t you do the same? He thinks tomorrow is worth living. Why don’t you agree? He believes in you enough to call you his ambassador, his follower, even his child. Why not take his cue and believe in yourself?

Be kind to yourself. God thinks you’re worth his kindness. And he’s a good judge of character.

Wearing Pink

Today, I will wear pink, and I will wear it in one form or another for the rest of the month. I wear pink for three cousins and an aunt who are survivors, and for two friends who fought the disease, but the disease won.


Please do self exams, and get a mammogram! Breast cancer doesn't know boundaries of age, race, social status, even gender. I read on one of the sites below that around 2000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer a year, as well.


Wear pink to remind others. Wear pink to show support. I love seeing the NFL decked out in pink as we watched games this weekend!


I will wear pink

With pride
In celebration of those who have won their battle
Looking forward to the future, when one day we will find a cure
Living well, Loving much, and Laughing often

With excitement over the advances we have made
Eagerly awaiting the advancements yet to come
Always
Remembering those that we have lost

Promising to show my support
In honor of all of those currently fighting the battle
Never giving up….
Knowing that There Is Hope!

© 2007 Becky L Sabino




For more information go to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month or to Susan G. Komen websites. There are many resources available here!

Strive

Strive to be as a little child who, while its mother holds its hand, goes on fearlessly, and is not disturbed because it stumbles and trips in its weakness. So long as God holds you up by the will and determination to serve Him with which He inspires you, go on boldly and do not be frightened at your little checks and falls, so long as you can throw yourself into His arms in trusting love. Go there with an open, joyful heart as often as possible; if not always joyful, at least go with a brave and faithful heart. ~Francis de Sales

Thankful

As I turned the calendar this morning, I wonder how it's already October 1st! Time seems to speed by, whether we are watching or not, which is why I try to make the most of each day, each moment.

Yesterday I spent a wonderful day with my hubby. He has been on vacation since last Thursday, but we haven't seen much of each other because he's been in the woods, looking for the elusive wapiti, also known as elk. He's an archer, and our extended family needs food for the winter. So far, they will be eating like me, which is mainly vegetables. He did enjoy his time out in the woods, and discovered some new areas. In one spot he sent me a text and said that he and my dad just went straight up a cliff, and it would have helped to have been a mountain goat, but the view at the top was breathtaking, according to him. He came home on Tuesday, so we spent yesterday just enjoying some fun time together. I appreciate and treasure that time. I appreciate and treasure my husband of 22 years. It can be easy to get in a day to day routine and forget to value our marriage, forget to thank God for the loving husband he provided for me, forget to be thankful for a man who loves me and who treats me well. It's not that I want to be that way, it's just life, long time marriage where you take each other for granted, I guess, and busyness. Through a number of events this past week, I have definitely been reminded not to take my marriage for granted and to be thankful each day for the gift of a loving, caring husband.