This is my life journey, through highs and lows. I hope to be a witness to show we can have outstanding faith in our God throughout life. My hope is that those reading my word and stories will come to love Jesus as much as I love him no matter what is going on in your life..................Autumn
Saturday, July 19, 2025
What was I thinking?
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Rest is not a bad word
Rest is important and I have learned that valuable lesson. It has just taken me, oh....a few years to figure it out. The things that I felt were so important and NEEDED to be done, can wait. I now rest. This doesn't mean I take naps or sleep all the time. Rest can mean taking a walk, sitting outside and just soaking in what is around me. Behind my house is a nature preserve and we get a lot of wildlife. It is so amazing to me to see all the deer and rabbits.....SO MANY RABBITS! And the birds, all kinds of them. So relaxing. And I may, or may not, have a beverage with me sometimes!
OR I may be canning pickles! That is a lot of work, but I enjoy it. It is just frustrating sometimes (like today!) when my stinking jars won't seal right. But that is ok. I only lost 4 jars today.
So I may not be napping like Riley is in the picture above, but I do relax. I spend time with the hubs, I enjoy our conversations. Before it was him listening to me complain and now we just talk about life, things we enjoy, and our house that is being built!
Enjoy your life, love the life you have....you only have one.
Psalm 127:2 "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves."
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Love to all,
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Pick your hard
I was recently on IG, mindlessly scrolling and came across this video that stopped me in my tracks and caused me to think. The video was simple, about taking charge of your health now so you can be healthy and live longer. He said the average woman lives to age 79 and if you put in the time to work out and exercise your body, you can extend your life. I think we all know that, and the problem, at least with me, is that I don't want to work out! (insert the whiny voice). I have to make myself do my walks and workouts. I do have someone that helps hold me accountable....Riley my boxer. She thinks that we must go for a walk EVERY DAY! Well, I guess she knows best, haha.
But....This isn't what caused me stop and think. What did was what he said. He said, pick you hard. Hmmm. Do I want to have a hard life as I get older with decreased mobility, strength and flexibility or do I do the hard work now, so that I can continue to do the things I want to do as I age. I want to live to a old age, to enjoy life, experience things that I can't do now, and to be old to aggravate my kids, like my g.ma did!
This is good food for thought and it can be applied to other aspects of my life. I need to "Pick my hard" now. The choices I make now, will have long lasting effects in my life. I think when we are younger, we do not think that life will be hard and that our choices can have an affect on us. Like, what we eat, drink, lack of physical activity. This also can affect how we feel and think, how we see ourselves. The mind is powerful! I was letting life pick the hard times for me instead of me managing the stress of life. It just took some time for me to realize what I was doing and weed out the craziness.
When I am talking with others that I may not agree with, I think, is this a fight or battle I want to have. Pick your hard.
When I have decisions to make that may affect others, or affect me in the future, I Pick my hard.
Is it worth losing a friend or family over a difference of opinion? Is it worth not being healthy just to have that donut? Is it worth killing yourself to work a job that you dread going to? Is is worth to not live a healthy life, just to have to take a bunch of medications as you get older because of the choices you made when you were younger? PICK YOUR HARD.
The start is simple, start small. This will take time. I choose first to have a daily walk with God. Get in his word everyday. Have a relationship with Him and he will never fail you. When life gets hard, He will be there to help you through those times when you have to Pick your hard.
I choose to exercise, yes I will! At least 3-4 times a week so that I can keep off the weight that I lost. I do not want to gain it back.
I choose to lay off the sweets, and yes, those delicious donuts! It is hard, but I know the reward I will have if I choose to lay off of them!
I need to be better and stay off IG and FB. I am aware that I am on it way too much, but that is a work in progress. I have started reading and now have opened the kindle app with books to enrich my mind. Guess what I am starting with.... the Harry Potter series!
We all know what we have to do, it is just a decision we have to make to get it started and stay with it. Surround yourself with a community, with people who support you and are a positive impact on your life. We all will have different battles, different "hard" times. We all must "pick our hard" in life and make choices. I wish many blessing to you all as you work through your "hard".
Hebrews 13:5; Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 reads, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Love to all,
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Kind words
Never underestimate the power of a kind word. I was the recipient of just those kind words this week. A coworker told me how they appreciate my positivity and that I was a "breath of fresh air". Another coworker said I was "a ray of sunshine". When I heard those simple, small compliments, I felt such joy in my heart. I am glad I was able to overcome my sleepiness today to be that ray of sunshine! The hubs was up most of the night coughing out a lung! Those words drove away any grumpiness I had starting today.
You would never think that something simple would make such an impact. But yet some people only complain and say hurtful things to bring others down. I never understood why some people just enjoy hurting others. Well, I can say I have been on the other side of both, receiving hurtful words and receiving kind words. I have to say that the kind words do make a difference in how you feel. I had also been that person that complained a lot. In the past, when stressed at work, I would complain. It wasn't pretty and I am not proud of that. I complained mostly because I didn't have a lot of control of certain situations. I learned that if you do not have any positivity growing in your life, it is difficult to give to others. It just took awhile for me to realize this and make the changes I needed.
What changes did I make? Well, I started with taking it to God in prayer. Fully trusting him to guide me in my decisions. The BIG scary decision to change positions at work was the start. That giant leap of faith and trust that God will support me and guide me, was the foundation of my new joy. I now look for joy and happiness in everything I do. I find myself loving myself more and the person I am. I no longer hate who I was becoming, but changing who I am...my mind, my spirit. I now have found a way to start liking and loving the person I am.
So when you see someone complaining or a little grumpy, they may just need a kind word to turn it all around. You never know what someone is going through and they may not want to let anyone know, but the stress of it may be shown through anger or complaining. The "it" they may be going through may be from work, family trauma, health concerns.
Scatter those compliments like confetti. Just the small things that are noticed make a big difference. Not only will you build up others, but you will also be on the receiving end of lifting up someone. And nothing feels better than being a part of helping others.
Ephesians 4:32 instructs, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Romans 12:10: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Love to all,
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Things we do
I'm going to tell you all something you may not want to hear. But it is a hard realization. WE are all turning into our parents! I know I have talked about this before, but it is TRUE! You know, it's funny, you see it more as you get older. You may not want to acknowledge it, but the sooner you do, the more you can accept your fate!
I have noticed that I relate to things that my parents have said to me or done. The saying is true, Just wait until you get older, or, just wait til you have kids. And the really hard part is knowing that your parents were right! But I will never tell them that!
I find it hilarious to watch my parents have conversations and argue over small stuff. It reminds me of when I would watch my grandparents talk. It was funny then too. For example, dad would ask mom if she salted the food at dinner. She would say yes. He would say, well doesn't taste like it. And she would say, well you watched me do it. Then he would say it wasn't enough. Just small funny everyday conversations, don't take for granted. There is so much comedy in everyday life, you just have to pay attention. And this becomes an awesome memory that will bring a smile to your face, like this does for me.
All joking aside, I have learned a lot from my parents and am a better person for their training me into an adult. Don't get me wrong, I have made many mistakes, and have taken the consequences for them. My parents did not spare the discipline! I was grounded a lot and had to face their disappointment too (which was the hardest). But I am loved unconditionally..I am forgiven....Just like Jesus.
Well, now that I am a parent and my kids are adults, I love to remind them of this realization that I came to know. They will become their parents. They may want to live in denial like I did, but I know all too well, they will realize that I was right! I hope I have given them great memories, like I have with my parents. They have something to look forward too with me and their dad. Because I am turning into my mother and he is turning into his dad. It is going to be a wild ride!
Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Love to all,
Thursday, June 19, 2025
The ring
Today, I picked this ring up from the jewlers. I got it sized and soldered to keep the rings together. He took care to inspect and clean them too. They are perfect (just like me haha). As I was driving home, a flood of memories came to my mind of her and all the time we had spent together over my life time. I will cherish those times.
Funny how this one came to my mind first. I must be needing a scolding or something! One time, I back talked her and she yanked me up, took me outside and took a switch off the tree and smacked me with it! I didn't know what happened. She did it so fast. I never crossed her again!
She would always have hugs for me and cookies when I came to visit, because papaw didn't like to share his ice cream! And oh the deep conversations we would have when I was a teenager. Things that are so important to a teen but looking back where nothing, but she made me feel so loved. Never looked down or told me that my feelings were not important.
Make memories, one day at a time. Love on each other. Today, is a day I will make more memories with my family. We are going to Hubers Orchard! I love that place, great food and they have a winery! And you all know I like their wine. (Strawberry to be exact in case you are looking for a great Christmas gift for me!). I have both my kids together right now and feel so much joy...complete. So I will soak it up.
John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Love to all,
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Overflowing Joy
I have a feeling of overflowing joy! My family is together for the next 2 weeks. My baby girl has come home to visit and I have both my kids together. It has been 6 months since I have been able to give her a hug and love on her! My son lives close and I am able to see him more, but when I have everyone close to me, it fills my heart. And yes, my kids are in their late 20's but they are still my babies! All the mommas out there know what I am talking about.
During my morning devotional recently, I heard something that stuck with me from Joyce Meyer that I want to share. She said that everyone has the same amount of commodity of time. We all think that we are going to have enough time and keep procrastinating and putting things off. We get busy and think we don't have enough time to do everything we need to do. BUT, she goes on to say, that God gave us enough time. He gave us 24 hrs in a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It is up to us to balance our time and use it wisely.
We decide what we are going to use our time for. What we are going to waste it on. Joyce Meyers taught me that time is a commodity, like money. What we spend it on, like money, we can't get it back. It is spent. So when you spend your time, spend it on what you find important.
Example: I have been working on my spending and my budget. I have been trying (and I mean it is really hard!) to stay away from amazon. I think I have traded going to target and walmart to online amazon. But I have learned, put it in your cart then sign out. When you go back look at your cart and see if you really want or (erm...need it??). I find that when I go back and look at my basket I am saying to myself..WHAT WERE YOU THINKING PUTTING THAT IN YOUR CART? What I did last week, maybe you can relate! I saw some really pretty dresses, that were not very expensive and put a few in my cart. I went back a few days later and thought, why did I put that in my cart? I don't wear dresses!! And I have worn them in years. I wasn't going to start now!
What I need to work on is my screen time. (again maybe I am speaking to someone with the same problem as me!) My time that I am on my phone and computer. I am working on it and getting that under control. Let's take it once step at a time. But I am taking tips from my dad, and reaching out to family and friends to talk at least once a week and connect. I think it is so important to keep those connections. Just a quick text works, but a phone call is better to hear each others voice! and a visit is even better because you can see each other and even hug!
I am loving my family being together again and we have a lot of plans over the next few weeks. I am looking forward to the time I get to spend with my kids and being together as a family once again in one place! Enjoy the love, the sunshine, (or rain depending on where you live) and time you have left in this earthly body.
Ecclesiastes 3:2 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die".
Love to all,
Monday, June 9, 2025
The not so quiet
Life can sometimes be so loud and get so busy sometimes that you just let it go past you and you miss out on so much. For example, over the last few months I have been in a "honeymoon" phase of changing job roles. And don't get me wrong, I love my job and the freedom it has given me. But I am so caught up in the fear of "when is the ball going to drop" on my honeymoon. Or you can be so busy with being on the computer or watching tv that you miss out on life, miss out on the people in your life.
I know what I have to do, GET OUT OF MY HEAD....MY MIND...OUT OF MY THOUGHTS. Stop looking at the what if's and concentrate on the present. What I have been doing is taking Riley out for a walk every day, or should I say, she walks me! I have been able to enjoy the sun, the breeze (when it is there!) and get my steps in too, a plus for me! But what it also gives me is time to do is to look around, listen to the leaves, the wind, to get out of my head and have those personal conversations with myself. It gives me time to reflect, or to listen to music. My neighbors must think I am a crazy girl but who cares, right? Sometimes I just hum a tune of a favorite song, and when I am really into it, I just sing it on our walk. You can worship anywhere, anytime. Riley is use to it, but I don't think my neighbors are, haha.
When you are feeling that life is too loud, just step back, go for a walk, and look around. Don't worry what other people think, do what puts joy in your heart. Put a smile on your face, that always helps too. And if you need help to find your smile, let Riley help you out. She is so happy on our walks which brings such joy to me, only after I catch my breath from our speed walk.
Love to all,
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Being a nurse; a perspective from a nurse
I never thought I would be a nurse. Let alone be a nurse for 33 years! I had a high school counselor tell me in high school that I should be nurse. So what does a typical teenager do? Yep, do the opposite. So I went to college to pursue physical therapy instead. But after 4 1/2 years, nothing! I couldn't get accepted into PT school. So one day I decided that since nursing offers so much more, I decided to apply to nursing school and got in!
ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I HAVE MADE.
You see, I love being a nurse. It just took a while to understand what nursing was really about. When you first graduate, it's like all about the paycheck. But you learn that you can do so much. I started out in the ICU in a general medical ICU. I learned so much that I went into cardiac nursing. Cardiac rehab, open heart recovery, coronary care. Then went into neuro nursing. Along the way I went into management from the bedside. Again I learned a lot. Now I am in a new part of nursing, care management, which is great too!
I have been seeing a lot of posts on facebook that puts the nursing profession and nurses in a bad spotlight. I have worked and still do, with some amazing people. Nursing is hard...NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEARTS! I have been pooped on, peed on, puked on. I have gagged some because I cannot do snot! sorry. I have been hit, kicked, spit on. We see a lot and have a lot of stress. Especially going through Covid, that was hard. But I have also experienced families praying over me and blessing, a wife of a patient giving me a hug of thanks, families bringing in lunch because they know we are too busy to go get food. Letters and notes of kindness and appreciation.
It is the hardest 3 shifts/ 36 hrs a week that anyone can do. I remember as a new nurse on night shift many moons ago, we use to bring books and magazines to read because we had down time. We would get a 30 minute lunch break. NOT ANY MORE! Every minute of a shift is filled with tasks, charting, med passes, and just keeping our patients stable and alive. Sometimes we don't get to sit down, just only when we are charting. And if you are lucky you get a potty break! Then we hand them off to the next shift and come back and do it all over again!
What I learned as a nurse that we GET TO DO is:
- Be our patient's person when they do not have family
- Hold someone's hand in a time of need
- Bring joy in time of grief
- Bring comfort in pain
- Bring calm in confusion
- Bring smiles and laughter to a stressful time
- Bring a kind word to a family struggling with difficult decisions
- Saving lives
Sunday, June 1, 2025
The reason...the result
People from Ireland, UK, Sweden, Israel, Singapore, Mexico, Germany are a few of the countries listed. I would have never imagined that my words would be used to help others like this. Now there isn't a lot of views, but that's ok. I am planting the seed of courage, confidence and I hope others will gain that in themselves.
Monday, May 26, 2025
Family time!
So much fun this weekend! I spent the day with my parents. How many of you can say that you now make plans with your parents instead of being dragged around to family events by your parents?? I remember a time when I was young that I "had to go" and was being "made to go" to family stuff and other things. But now, looking back, I am glad I was there to experience them and look for opportunities to have more! Mom would be the one taking the pictures. I can remember us kids saying, not again! EVen now, she still does, and you can see her holding up her i-pad taking those pictures! Now I take so many pictures because I cherish those memories. I take so many I have to go through them to delete some, there are so many!
This weekend I went to the farm with my momma and daddy. (yes I am 57 yr old and they are still my momma and daddy!). It definitely was a long drive there, but worth it for the memories made. Taking a ride on the side-by-side back around the property to see all the trails, field and trees, to using the outhouse, to fishing on the pond! And the fish were hungry cause we got a whole mess of bluegill and catfish! And the weather was amazing.We couldn't have asked for a better day!
Have you ever felt that when you are with your parents or grandparents, you feel like a kid once again? I feel that way whenever I am with my parents. And there is nothing wrong with that. I know that my kids probably feel the same when they are with me. And now that I am a parent of adult kids, I know how my parents feel. It is hard to let go of wanting to love on and care for your kids like you did when they were young. At the pond fishing, dad helped me with baiting my hook with the worms and taking the fish off the hook after I caught them. It was great, just like when I was young. It is hard to adult sometimes and it feels good when you have your daddy to help, even if it is just a worm or fish. (not to say that I couldn't bait my hook with the slimy worms or take my own scaly fish off my hook! hmm)
I also took a lot of short videos. Technology has made it so easy to save memories. I am into taking these short videos of people and some conversations. It is a reminder of their voice, what they sound like, and even if the conversation isn't important, it shows that personality that you would want to see over again.
Whoever your family is, make time for them. It can be your neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, or a distance relative. Whoever it is, make those memories. Be intentional with your time that you have with them and your words.
Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Malachi 4:6: "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers"
Love to all,
Sunday, May 18, 2025
You are my sunshine!
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Happy Mother's Day
This day is always a reminder to me of where I was and where I am today. What I have done as a parent before and after my kids. Today is a happy day for me.
We all have mothered one way or another. Some have been blessed with children of their own and I am happy that you have them. Some are aunts and I have some aunts that are just like a mom to me. Some are in that struggle of wanting children but has not been blessed yet. Before I became a mom of little humans, I was a dog mom. And I wore that title and continue to wear it proudly.
Children, they truly are a blessing. I have 2 children and for me to get them, well it took us down a long road of infertility ups and downs to have them. This mother's day can be a hard one for those wanting to make a family, have children but not being able to. I understand. When we were trying to figure out what was happening, and the why we couldn't, it seemed everyone around me were having babies. That is all I wanted and it consumed me. It was like I was being punished. I had always thought I would be a mom and the thought of never have children never crossed my mind. Then infertility struck. It was a huge blow to me. It took me down that road of discouragement. Feeling I was not who I had planned myself or my life to be.
It took me a while to figure out that this didn't define me. I could be a mom to a child whether or not they came from me. A mom is someone that is there for their children, whether the are biological or adopted. We discussed our options, decided that we would try IVF and if it didn't work, then we would look at adoption. We did IVF and were blessed.
My prayer is that if you are going through this infertility journey, please don't let it discourage you. It is a hard road to travel. And I pray you find strength within yourself on this journey.
For me, I was blessed to have my prayers answered and even more blessed with 2 beautiful children. The journey, many prayers and times on my knees, I would do it all over again.
I love being a mom. It has had it's hard times. And I know I have failed at it at times. But I am only human, and I have never been a mom before. So throughout my childrens 28 years of life, we are doing this thing together. Me and my husband struggle at times, but our parents have led by example what good parents are supposed to be. I thank them for that example and to show us what we should and should not do.
So, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU ALL! This is your dad and just know that you are appreciated for all that you do.
Psalm 34:18 states "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Love to all,
Monday, May 5, 2025
Evansville Serve Tour!
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Go serve
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Be Silly
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Our Promise
We have a Promise. We have been given much. Sometimes it doesn't feel that way. We can't hold it, touch it or see it. And this gift given to us was from many years ago. It has been freely given and handed down to us as God's people, his child.
Today is Easter. We celebrate that gift today. Not the easter bunny, but Christ. His sacrifice for us, for me. We are not worthy of this, but he loves us so much that he did this for us, those in his present time and those of us to come later. He loves us even though we are sinners. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
HE overcame death so we can have life, life eternal with him. Trust in him. Live a life for him. With Jesus, we can overcome anything.
So while you are out today, celebrating with family and friends, hunting down those easter eggs (like me!) and putting on your easter clothes (not me, just jeans!), remember what today is really about....Our saviour and the greatest gift of all...forgiveness and love.
John 16:33 says: "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But be courageous; I have overcome the world."
Love to all,
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Trust the process
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Doing it again!
Love to all,
Saturday, March 29, 2025
No worries...Happy
We are getting ready for pickle season!! If you are local to me, I am taking orders. I do not ship them. But I hear they are the best ever!! All the money I make goes toward my mission trips. I am looking at my missions and starting anew. As of now, I am not traveling internationally, but looking at missions locally. My first trip is with Send Relief to Evansville In. I am excited to work with them and the local churches. We will be ministering to the local neighborhoods. The team that I will be assisting is working on a playground and helping host a block party for the kids and people in the neighborhood. I am so excited!! Will I get back into medical missions, probably. Just not sure when. I do feel that I have a gift for medical, just need a break from it. So much is needed here right in my backyard that I want to be a part of.
Now that the weather is SOOOO much better, Riley is getting a lot of walks in. And she needs it. She has gotten a little heavy over the winter! There are so many dogs in our neighborhood, that she can get all the free smells every day! I think it makes the exercise she is doing more worth it to her.
We got the plans for our new house and fingers crossed, we will start breaking ground in a month. I am so excited about the new step and journey we are going. Lots of changes and lots of new things, but all worth it in this thing called life!
God's got this and I give it to him everyday. All my anxiety, worries and needs and he will provide....on his time. And it is replaced with happiness, contentment, love.
Ecclesiastes 3:12: "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; "
Love to all,
Friday, March 21, 2025
Reset
Time to reset. I don't know what to do. I drive past the hospital where I have worked for the last 15 years, see a helicopter take off and remember those days. Wait! It has only been 2 days! Man, I didn't realize how hard it is to start over. To leave people I have worked with for a long time. How there is a missing piece in my heart right now. I know it will get better and I will have new experiences. And don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to those!
BUT....just saying. I am not sure what to do. I am used to having 50+emails a day and now I am not getting anything, maybe 2 today! Not complaining about it, just not sure what to do with that. Trying to separate from my phone because my job had me connected to it. It is just so WEIRD.
As I sit here typing, I can't help but smile. I am listening to my music, watching my dog Riley "GUARDING" the house from the mail-person. Life is Good. Peace. That is something I have not felt in a long time and you know what? It feels good.
I am thankful for all the wonderful times with my work family over the years. Am I going to miss them...heck yeah. But I am happy. I still worry about what I was in charge of each day, because we (our unit) worked so hard to get where we are at. I just want that to continue. And I life this up to God in prayer for each and every person I worked with and for the unit. I have to let go.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Saturday, March 15, 2025
that guilt feeling