Life is GOOD! And hard.

 

LIFE IS GOOD! Can you say that? Life is good. I have so much to be thankful for and I can say, that Life is good. 

Today, it was hard. For both me and my daughter. You see, I got my hair cut. So did she! Well, I couldn't take the long hair anymore. If you have been following me, I used to have really short pixie cut. Then about a year and half ago, I decided to let it grow out. I usually will last about 3 months then I get it cut again. My family used to bet on how long I would last before I got it cut! This is the longest I have gone. But I have taken all I can take with the long hair... hair in the sink, floor and shower drain...yuk. Trying to style it every morning and hope the curls work each day! One good thing with long hair that you don't have with short is if you have a bad hair day, you can use a clip or barrette in it and it will look fine. Short hair will be a hat day. Nothing else.

Well, I got it cut. And when I got home, all I can say is that it WAS NOT LIKE THE PICTURE I SHOWED THE HAIRDRESSER! I was near tears.  It was not what I expected and I could not get it to style right. Luckily, my hubs is a man that can do anything. You see, he used to cut my hair before I decided to let it grow out. Well, he came swooping in and saved me. My knight on the white horse. He cut, shaped and styled my hair and now it is all better. He is so amazing!! I just love him!

But....my baby girl. Her haircut was also not what she wanted. It is so hard when she is on the west coast and I am on the east coast and all I want to do is go to her house and hug her and help her through all her hard times. She was in tears...and I can relate. When you get your haircut and it isn't what you want or expect, especially when it is shorter than you wanted, it is hard to see what you can do. All I could do is facetime her and see her hair. I think she can do a lot with it, but again, when it isn't what you wanted or expected, it is hard to get past the shock. She will figure it out and she is already beautiful. 

So, life can be good, it can be great, but it is also hard. Sometimes harder than others, but when your in the moment, all you can do is just breath and get through it. Sometimes it involves tears, no matter how small or big that hard time is.

BUT GOD, he is with us. He will comfort us. He will guide our heart and minds throughout it all. Even if it is a haircut that wasn't what we wanted. You see, nothing is too small or too big for God. He hurts when we hurt, no matter what the situation. 

Psalm 86:15; "But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."

Psalm 139:14 states, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well"

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Love to all,

LOOK!

 LOOK! 👀 Just stop and look around you. Take Riley, my beautiful boxer, for example. When she is outside or we are on our walks, she stops, smells everything and looks at everything! And I mean EVERYTHING. Maybe we should take her example in each of our lives. 

When things don't feel like they are going your way, focus on your small wins. For me this past week, just when I was not expecting it, I got noticed and paid a compliment by a patient to one of the managers about the help I gave them on their discharge from the hospital. I feel like it is just my job, then you have this one person that feels your job was more than that to them. 

I also got stopped in the hall by someone who I had hired as a new nurse before I left my management job. First, I was caught off guard because they remembered me. And I hate to admit it, but I did not remember them at first! (My memory is horrible!) I was not expecting that. I didn't really work with them, just hired them. Second, it caused me to stop and think about the impact I had on them. I mean, I gave them job, trusted them to be part of that nursing team. And they are still there, loving their job and making a difference. 

So remember, what you do, what you say, people remember and it makes an impact on them. It can be a positive thing, but your words and actions can have a negative impact on people. Be aware. 

I say to my myself and will tell you: Look at what the Lord has done. I look at things in my life, you can look at things in your life. They do not have to be big events, just small wins. 

Then....Show others, tell others. Stop and look around you, smell the flowers, look at the beauty that has been given you. Enjoy the small things.

Ephesians 5:20 NLT; "Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."     

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT; "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Love to all,

I'm not crying...It's the onions!

Well, I'm a little sad. Yes it looks like I'm crying, but y'all, it was those strong onions! They say vidalia but I don't think their that sweet!.

Yesterday was the last of the pickle making. I can't believe that it is already over. Pickle making is only about 2 months and it went fast. And I can't believe how many cucumbers my little garden made!! It was awesome for a first time garden. I hope it pulls through next year. I mean, this year I didn't think there was ever going to be pickles. The first batch of plants died off and I had to scurry and find some plants to replant and start the garden over.  Just look at when we started and then yesterday with the last pick of the garden. It came a long way!

And the last day of canning, we got 33 pints! A great way to end the season. 

So here are the totals: drum roll please.......177 pints total made!! whoo hoo! And I can say no trips to the ER this year. But I did burn my finger on the hot water the last day! 

I want to give thanks to everyone that supported me, donated for my mission trips and prayed over me. It means a lot to have this support. 

I will continue to make pickles every year. I just love to do it and even though I don't make a lot off of them, It is something that I can do pretty good, so people tell me. And I like to bring joy to others too. 

I have to give a big thanks to my late G.ma Wix whose recipe I use. (even though it took me a few years to talk my cousin into giving it to me!!). 

So for now, I will enjoy my pickles, as long as they last, with my dinner. I am sure they won't last the year! Especially with my dad eating the whole jar when he opens it! 

Psalm 7:17: "I will give thanks to the Lord to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High."

Psalm 9:1, which says, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds."

Psalm 136:1: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever."

Love to all,

Helping me stay young, I think!

 Yep that's me when I was a toddler. Wasn't I soooo cute! And I need to remember how sweet and adorable I was as I work with the kids at church. 

But, I want to say to myself, what was I thinking! I mean, I started volunteering with the kids on Wednesday nights. I showed up this past Wednesday, our first time since breaking for the summer, not knowing what my "job" would be. Well, boy did I find out. 

Our ministry director gave me a book and said I was the kindergarten teacher. Well, I guess that is what I get for saying, "use me wherever the need is."And she did. But if I have learned anything from all the mission trips I have taken it is to BE FLEXIBLE! So I will.

Then I met my class. There is only 4, thank goodness. But LAWD have mercy! Energy does not explain what is happening in this class. They have so many words and can't sit still for a second. This is going to be a challenge for sure. The last 20 minutes of our time we are outside or in the gym. I am almost thinking that maybe this should be the first part! But we went outside to the playground area. I tried to play with them and they looked at me like I had 4 heads. What I thought I was being funny, they did not! I do have my work cut out for me with these kids. They are a tough group to win over.

I wonder if I was like that when I was young. I don't remember my kids being that way.

Luke 18:16; “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’”

Matthew 18:3;“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”

Love to all, 

Back to normal, maybe

Well, things seem to be "back to normal" since coming home from my mission trip. I am not sure if I like normal anymore. I did have covid when I got back and thankfully that is gone, except for this lingering, nagging cough. But now being back into the same old routine, work, eat sleep, clean house, walk dog, make cucumbers.....I kinda miss the other stuff of when I am out on mission. So I am going to start volunteering at church with the KIDS!

What am I thinking! My kids are 29 yo, what do I know about kids nowadays. Well, I guess I will learn. I guess they will see me now as the memaw figure, (btw I don't want to be thought of as a memaw just yet!). Tomorrow is the training for awana's kids. It will be Wednesday nights starting next week. I pray that I have made the right choice. But what can go wrong? All you have to do is sing and play, right? I am sure they are going to wear me out, me being a memaw age!

I think since being back home, I have been a little more laid back. Not letting things bother me as much, and if it does, praying about it and then leaving it with God. Like yesterday at work. I had a patient family not happy with me not calling them to update them. I knew they would be in the hospital later that day and planned on talking with them then, but they were expecting me to call them. They were very upset with me (which is an understatement). Well they let me have it. I apologized but that was not enough. Sometimes you just gotta say, I'm sorry, and there is nothing more you can do but to just walk away. So I did just that. Now, I was trying to hold back my tears of frustration, but I got through it. And I am still showing up, doing my job for all my other patients today.

Whenever your frustrated or feel like your in a rut, look and examine what is going on. Maybe God is just leading you to something new. You have to be brave to listen and go do what He sets before you.  

 James 1:19; "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger."

Isaiah 40:31: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."

 Love to all,

new me!

 

Sorry I have been away for a while. I went on a medical mission trip last week. Lots of great stories. Go to my other blog site for those! https://onemission4him.blogspot.com/

But as soon as I get back last Sunday, the next day I got so sick. I thought it was just a cold, especially since we had air conditioning Saturday night and we haven't had any all week. But Tuesday I was just feeling worse so I went to see the doctor and guess what? Yep, I'm sure you guessed....I tested positive for Covid.  I am here to tell you that covid sucks! I felt terrible and I didn't think I could sleep so much, but I did. But the meds the doc gave me worked like a charm. Thank goodness. I don't think I could take feeling the way I did any longer. I am such a baby when it comes to being sick. I feel better now, almost to normal, but still have this nagging cough. The kind of cough that people look at you like you are contagious. 

Well, now that I am feeling better and getting back out to normalcy, I did a thing...again. I got my hair cut. I couldn't take it any longer. I did last longer than I thought I would letting it grow out. I mean, give me a break, it was a year and half, but I just couldn't take it any more and all that goes with long hair and fixing it up any longer. And now, I won't have to deal with all the hair in the shower drain anymore!

My new style kinda gives an 80's vibe. I'm good with it.

Jeremiah 17:14 – "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise."

Love to all,

Baby cuc's are here!

 

Can you see it? It's there, my little baby cucumber! I am a momma to a garden now. I am so EXCITED! This pic was the other day, and we have had rain the last few days and when I checked this morning, we have A LOT more. I counted at least 10 little baby cucs.

This is awesome because I was getting worried I wouldn't have any cucumbers this year. And no cucumbers means....NO PICKLES. Dad's garden isn't doing anything this year. So glad I am able to have a garden this year. I have about 5 other plants that are just now starting to get their flowers blooming, so fingers crossed they will have some baby cucs when I get back from my mission trip.

YES....I leave next week for my mission and I am so excited to be returning for medical missions. I will have updates and stories on my mission blog. Check it out!  https://onemission4him.blogspot.com/      

Well, I know I will be busy canning pickles when I return and I can't wait. I love doing this and it is actually something that I am good at! I can't say that about a lot that I do, but I do pickles well. My hubs doesn't like the pickle smell my kitchen has when I am done, but I think it is heavenly. Next year, I will need to plant more than the 2 I started with. I am pretty sure I can add gardening to the things that I am doing pretty well with!

Keep growing, keep praying, keep looking to God. He will provide!

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Love to all,

a check in

 

Well, it's been a year since I made a life change. I just wanted to check in with you and give an update.

I have to say that I am still happy with my decision in changing my job. It has been life changing in my personal life. I have to say that my stress has dramatically been decreased. I continue to lose weight. I have not made it to my personal goal, but I am almost there. It has been slower since I have gone off the GLP-1 shots and switched to oral medications. But I have less side effects and still losing weight. 

Overall, I do not regret anything. I see God's hand in all of this and looking back, I understand why so many doors closed on opportunities that I was trying to move into. Like I alway say, trust in God and have faith. He will lead you where you need to go and where you need to be. 

Psalm 28:7 (ESV); "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to him."

Love to all,

Our family did a thing!

 We had a wedding! It has taken me a week to recover, and I wasn't the one to get married! But the wedding was a success. Did I mention it was outside, at my house? The weather was great. Our house was big enough for everyone and all the food. It was just a great day. 

And you would be proud of me. I did not "take over" anything, I helped and made sure that everything fell into place. Now ask me if I wanted to take over.....well yes. That is what I do. But it wasn't my day, so I behaved. 

It was the first time that I met K's parents. Her and my son have been together for about 3 yrs and we have never met her parents. I have to say I was a little nervous. Why? Because we are now family. When I go married, it seemed like our parents just got along, but they knew each other before we got married. Remember, me and hubs met at church! Well, I have to say her parents are wonderful. And her grandmother too. I think our new family is going to be just fine.

This momma is now grasping onto the reality that her baby boy is not only an adult, but a married man now. But in all of this, I have a new daughter added to our family. I look forward to watching them grow in their love and seeing all that they have to experience. 

Hebrews 10:24-25

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Love to all,

A time of reflection

 This has been a busy time for our family. Reflecting on 2026, it has not disappointed! Finishing our home. Moving. Life changes. And now a WEDDING! Yes, that is what I said. My son is getting married to a wonderful, amazing and beautiful young lady. I am so excited for them and their new beginnings with each other. And did I say that the wedding is at MY HOUSE?!! Well it is. Lots of preparations going on this week to get ready for the big day, which is tomorrow!

But as I am busy to do my "to do" list to prepare to help make their day the best and most memorable, I can't help to stop and reminisce of the time me and hubs got married, 36 years ago. Oh my, it has been a long time and we were so young, I was 22! I can't even imagine how we made it so young. And I thought I was so grown up! I thought I knew everything to life. 

Back in the day, it was so much formalites, but it seems to today weddings are just to be simple, small. It is so intimate and seems, well, easier. No pressure. I can remember running around everywhere and planning our wedding for about a year, getting all the details just right. For the wedding "show". and it was all for just 20 minutes!  All that work for a short time. The flowers, the dress, the cake, the reception. But the fun was afterwards, the reception. I remember my first dance, all the family and friends there celebrating with us. And I had to have helium balloons for my dance floor. I remember my papaw helping me blow up all of those balloons to  cover the ceiling of the dance floor. And tie on the red and black ribbons! On every one of those balloons. 

That is how is should be, surrounded by those important to you in your life, who support you. 

My prayer for my son and my new daughter in love is for joy and love all your life. Just know that you are loved so much in my heart. I pray that my life, marriage has been an example to my children of a Godly and supportive marriage for them throughout their life. I know I have had this with my parents, aunts/uncles and my hubs parents to show us what marriage looks like with God as the center. 

Genesis 2:24 - Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

Mark 10:6-9 - But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Love to all,

Dig through the rocks

 

I am working hard! It may not look like it, but I was. Yesterday, I planted 2 cucumber plants to "test" the dirt at the new homestead. Yes only 2. I am not using them for pickles, or maybe I will. Dad is still manning the cuc garden at his house this year, but hopefully, next year, I will have the garden going. But I need to see if the spot I picked, will be good for growing those future pickles.

As I was digging, It started to become harder to dig the hole. I kept hitting rocks! The more I dug, the harder it was. And the sun was so HOT, which didn't help. I literally had to stop and take a break, or I was going to pass out! Man I am getting old. But I got them planted and fingers crossed, they will grow!

When I got done, I started to think about hard it was to plant them. Sometimes life is like that. We have rocks in our life that we have to dig through. But when we make it through that, we will have some beautiful fruit to show. 

Don't stop, keep going, digging through those rocks. You will find some soil to grow in.

Psalm 18:2; The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Love to all, 

A trip to the dentist

 Well, you're probably asking, what are you pointing to? My swollen jaw. It looks like I got punched in the jaw, and feels like it too! But that is not what happened, I promise, I didn't start any fights! I had oral surgery yesterday, a bone graft to my tooth. My jaw actually looks better than it did yesterday. More to come about that but I want to start with this....

My surgery has been planned for a while. I am always nervous about going to the dentist because it seems like every time I go, there is something that needs to be done! But for some reason, I was not nervous or anxious leading up to this appointment. I have always said you never know who God is going to place in your path and I just don't understand why I am always shocked at what God can do! Because on Thursday, the day of my appointment, I really wasn't all that nervous. Shocker. I was a little but not like I thought I would be. I had to work that day and my appt was, of course, at the end of the day. That day, God place the right person in my path, a patient of mine. I went to see her and found out I had worked with her 20 years ago! It was great to see them and update them on everything throughout life and all that has been happening. But it just gave me a piece and calm, especially when she was like, "I'm gonna say a prayer for you." Like I said, you never know what God's gonna do and who's gonna be placed in your path.

WELL....I went to said appt. And I have to say that my nerves were very much calmer than I normally am. I can tell you that prayer makes a huge difference. I got a ton, and I mean a ton, of numbing medicine. He gave me so many shots that I couldn't feel anything.  My lips, tongue, face...all numb. Good thing, because I got like 6 stitches. I saw him moving around with the needle and I kept thinking, oh God, please don't let this numbing medicine stop now! When we got done, I could hardly talk, because the left side of my face was not working right! 

On my way home, I kept thinking, I am so thirsty. But wasn't sure how I was going to drink. Part of my instructions is that I can't use a straw! I drink from a straw all the time. And the obvious thing is HALF MY FACE DOESN'T WORK RIGHT NOW! Well I stopped and got me a cold starbucks. I very...carefully... drank out the right side of my mouth, slowly. It worked. But it was so hard. 

Well, my face was numb most of the night. This morning when I woke up, man, my chin and jaw hurt. And to try to eat or drink, that was, well, something I didn't like. It has gotten better over the day. I am limited to soup, mashed potatoes and pudding for now. I can't eat anything hard. And my wonderful hubs made me some yummy potato soup tonight for dinner. Wonder how long I can milk this?  haha

No matter how nervous, scared or unsure you are, just remember, God is with you. He will comfort you and place people in your life to help guide you. Stay strong through your difficult times. Be an overcomer!

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." ~1 Corinthians 10:13

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:3

Love to all, 

New freedom

 

Well, we finally got our fence around the backyard! Riley doesn't know what to think about that, and I'm not sure that she has fully accepted the new home.  She has the new freedom now of not having to wait on me to take her out to do her business on the lease. She can go by herself now, in the backyard. And she has the new freedom to run! No more walking with momma, she can run! and boy, she does. (Riley is our 6 yr old boxer. In her lifetime, she has had 3 homes.)

But with this new freedom, means that momma is back to having to clean up the backyard after her doing her business! No fun. 

Riley still waits for me at the front door, asking me to take her out. Now, we still go for our walks, but she is still in the habit of going out on the lease. And I think she is trying to get more walks in each day! She loves getting in all her sniffs and smells. We have a lot of wildlife around the house. Like this week, a snake was in front of our garage! It looked 6 ft long, but I bet it was smaller. But I'm going with 6 ft! A snake is always scary, no matter how long it is. (and so is spiders!)

Happiness is found in many things. Sometimes you can find joy and happiness in the simplest of things. Like watching Riley run in her new freedom of the backyard, going for walks, see all the creations from God even if they are scary. Take time to stop, look and enjoy what is around you.

Romans 15:13; "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope"

Love to all,

Happy Mother's Day 2026

 

Happy Mother's Day 2026!

For some, today is a hard day, for many reasons. And me telling you that God is with you and loves you, may not be enough. Trust me, I know. I struggled, as you may know from reading my blog, I struggled with infertility. I was the aunt, the volunteer in children's church, VBS volunteer, baby-sitter, the dog mom, and so on, and so on. So I understand. 

But God eventually blessed me with 2 children and they made me a momma. It was a lot of waiting and praying. So I celebrate today my 29 years of being a blessed momma. My kids are amazing and wonderful. I now know when someone says that they have experienced love overflowing, what that means. Every time I see them or talk with them, it just does my heart good. 

I am not only a momma, but a daughter as well. I have a wonderful mother. A mother that has put up with all my stupid things throughout my life and supported me through my many rough times. She has held my hand, prayed over me. When I got married, I received another mom, an "in-law" (key in the music: dom-dom-dom). Everyone talks and jokes about in laws and how horrible it can be. Well, I don't have that. I have another mom that has been placed in my life. Another mom to support me and pray over me and I feel loved even though I am her "in-law"!

God has plans for us. Whether it is to be a daughter, a mom, a mom to others, or the best aunt ever, but God has plans. You never know what he is going to do with you or place you in this world. And he will be with you throughout it all. He hears your prayers and knows our struggles, whether it is during the fight of infertility or during the struggles of motherhood. Lean on him, pray, give it to God. 

Oh and by the way, I will be THAT memaw that everyone talks about (If God blesses me with grandchildren!) because you know I am that kinda mom. The one who wants to know everything, plan everything, have everyone over to the house and ready with the $$$ if you need it. Who knows what is going to happen going forward. I am sure God will surprise me!

Proverbs 31: 25, 28; "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

Isaiah 66:13; "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. "

Love to all,

Words have power

 This is one of my lavender plants. I haven't killed it yet! I do not have a green thumb, but rather a brown one! I thought:  I gonna get some plants for the house this spring. I have gotten some hanging ferns, which are beautiful and huge!  And I got some herbs. I figure I could get some use out of the plants with some fresh herbs and some awesome smelling lavender while they are alive. AND....did you know that peppermint and lavender keep bugs away? Well they do, so double work with those on my patio!

Sometimes caring for them can be kinda boring. I mean it is the same thing everyday..water...water...water. Except yesterday, I trimmed them. I think I am going to see what they do when I dry the pieces I trimmed.

But back to my thought, I do get sidetracked sometimes. Some days it just feels like I go through the motions, same thing day in, and day out. Wake up same time. Get ready for the day. BUT...

There is always something that God places each day in your path that you never expect. A person, or an experience.

This week, which is derby week here (remember?), and we got to wear our derby hats to work on Friday. I had a patient wave me into her room and she was just so fascinated with my hat. She complimented me and told me how pretty my outfit was that day. That made the difference to me and got me through the rest of my day. 

Then when I got home, as I always do, I shred the work clothes and got into my comfy sweats. I know, lovely right? My hubs was pulling in the garage so I decided to meet him at the door to see how his day was. He told me when he saw me, how beautiful I looked. Whoa. I can't tell you how that made me feel. Especially from him. I was like, va-va-va-voom! BAM! Like a teenager again. He always knows how to make me feel loved and better about myself. I think that is why we have been together for 41 years! (married 36!)

So what am I trying to say with all these jumbled up thoughts for this Sunday? Be kind. Cultivate where  you are. Don't wait to show or tell someone you love them. Maybe if I talk to my plants they will grow more!

Words have power.

Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Love to all,

First Saturday in May in KY!

 

The first Saturday in May in KY!! IYKYK! 

For those that don't know, well.......It means the Kentucky derby. Normal, regular life ceases as we know it and it is all about parties, bourbon and horses! I was born and raised here and I can say that I have NEVER gone to the derby. I may have partaken in a few parties, chow wagons and concerts though!

Don't get me wrong, the Derby can be fun, but it is also trying on your very last nerve! Let's take for example, traffic. Tons of people coming into the city for the derby, so many people. I am just trying to get to work, jealous and wishing I could be with those people trying to get to the horse track for the party!

Derby....humph! And all this celebrating starts 2 weeks before the actual derby! 2 weeks of when everyone's life is turned upside down....for horses. 

But there is also some crazy fun. Like this picture of the pink snail. This is to bring awareness of breast cancer. At one of the races, there is a breast cancer survivor walk. This pink snail is slowly sliming its way to all the cancer institutes. Today it has finally made its way to my hospital I work at. It is awesome! And breast cancer survival is near and dear to my heart. Why? Because I AM A SURVIVOR! And because so many of my friends and family are survivors too! If  you want to read my story and testimony of my trials and survival of this awful thing, go back a few years in my blog when I first started it. 

Even though I dislike this time of the year, I love where I live. Kentucky people are one of a kind. Everyone needs to experience a little KY in their life!

Psalm 95:2, ESV; Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Psalm 118:24; This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Love to all,

Necessary interruptions

                                       

We all have them. Interruptions. Sometimes they come at the worst times. You know those. Like when your trying to get your work done, and a co-worker wants to talk and all your thinking about is wanting to get out on time. Or when you just close your eyes for a nap and your dog barks....at nothing, just the air. 

But some interruptions can be an invitation. An invite for you to give someone your time. To give someone attention that they are needing. You don't know what that person may need, until you listen. It could be nothing to you, just a simple conversation, but to them, it could mean much more. Like alleviating anxiety for some news they received, or loneliness from just needing someone to talk to about their day or an experience. Have you experienced anything like that? I have and I know that those people that took the time to give me just a few moments of time and not just brush me off, made the biggest difference in my day. 

I saved a quote from a devotional I had a while back and it still speaks truth now. It is from the Desiring God website. They say "When our life in him (God) is healthy and vibrant, we not only ache to keep sinking our roots down deep in him, but also to stretch our branches out and extend his goodness to others."

We all will have many interruptions in our life. They may be small, but some are big. Some are good, happy ones, and some can be devastating. Whatever the interruption, your life will be changed and how you respond will affect those around you. 

So welcome those interruptions. You may be a blessing to others but you will also be blessed in the process.

Mark 1:29-45: Jesus is constantly interrupted by people needing healing.

Matthew 14:13-14: Jesus interrupts his solitude to minister to a crowd.

Acts 16:6: The Holy Spirit interrupts Paul’s travel plans to direct him to a new assignment.

Love to all,

It happened again!

 

I can't believe it, but I experienced it again. Let me tell you this story......

This morning, I woke up thinking TGIF. So glad this week is over. One more shift before I got the weekend. And I got plans with a friend that I just can't wait to do on Saturday. So today, I started like any other week day before work. 

• Up at the crack of dawn
• get dressed
• fix my hair (you wouldn't think it fixed from my picture!!)
• make coffee (so important)
• pack lunch
• 10 minutes on the vibrating plate
• take out dog
• go to work

Every day, my routine.

When I got to work, I was feeling a little overwhelmed. We all had to pick up extra patients and I was running behind getting over to the hospital to round on them. I was already late to the units. As I was walking over, which is like a 7 minute walk from our office to the hospital which helps me to get my steps in everyday, I started to feel panicky, stressed. And this little trek didn't help to alleviate any of that stress. I was getting upset at little things. Like the dang door to the stairwell wouldn't open for me, so I yelled at it. Like that did any good. I got stuck behind some visitors that were walking way too slow for me. The elevator took way too long to come pick me up!  So what did I do???

I prayed. And then I prayed some more. Then I just started talking to Jesus. Asking him to take this stress from me.  Asking him to carry me. To take this bad attitude. To fill me and give me his smile, his love to bless others. Guess what, HE DID. 

You ask, "well Autumn, how do you know God helped you or heard you?" I didn't hear him talk to me, BUT I immediately felt this feeling come over me. Kinda like when you get a cold chill and shiver, but it was a tingling all over my body. In my legs, my arms, down my back and even my head! It was crazy but I felt that for a good 3 minutes at least. This is like the second time this has happened to me, ever. God knows when I really need those extra boosts! After that, I realized how calm I was. I wasn't anxious or feeling short tempered.  

I was calm. My mind, my spirit...just calm.

And the rest of my day went well. I was able to get my work done, manage and juggle all the phone calls, and requests from my patients/doctors/nurses. And I got out of work 10 minutes early!! (BONUS!)

So when you feel anxious, restless or just not yourself. Call on the name of Jesus and let him take over. He still can do miracles. You just have to be open to "see" them.

Ephesians 3:19; "and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

 Colossians 3:17; And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Love to all,

Home

We are home. Finally. And I don't just mean our house, but our church. Today, it felt like home. It seems like I have been missing this for a while.  

So along with a new house, new community, we have a new church home. And if feels like our circle is complete. It just seems that all I had to do is wait and Jesus would provide.  I don't like to wait, I like that immediate satisfaction of getting things done now or getting it in my hands now, but in His time, not mine. You never know what God is going to do in your life, until it happens. And when you look back,  you can see the steps, the building blocks he was doing in your life to get you to this point. All the struggles just made me stronger and ready for the next step. Now, I am like you, I don't like the struggles, but sometimes we have to go through the tunnels to get to the other side and see the light. 

I am just amazed at all that God has provided for me throughout my life and I know, and have faith, he will continue to do more in my life. I have seen miracles and prayers answered. Too many to count. But they happen every day, may be small ones, but they are answered prayers from God. He just answered prayers that were lifted up yesterday for one of my mission team's mother and her health. We got good news today!! Take the small wins and answered prayers, God hears you. 

What is your story? Are you still living through struggles, feel God is not hearing you and waiting to see what God can do in your life? Just stop, breath and look around. Think of what Jesus is capable of doing in your life. You will see the work God is doing in you. As my minister said to us today......"What's not enough in your hands, is more than enough in the hands of Jesus."

2 Corinthians 12:9; "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

Love to all,  

Oops, I forgot again

 

As I get older, I find that my memory gets the best of me. I am not good with remembering names. I have always had trouble with this. I recognize faces and think I know them but for the life of me, I can't remember names! Especially if it is out of where I know you from, like work or church. 

But this week, I had a memory scare. I'm laying in bed and my mind is wallowing around in all my thoughts. For some reason, and I think it is because I have 3 doctor appts this week, I start to think about how old I am and I forgot my age! So I start to question myself and I am thinking, "oh no, I am turning 60 this year!" Then I think, no way that is right. I start to panic, because I am in no way ready to be 60. I pull out my trusty calculator and had to figure it out! 

Whew! I am still 58.

Getting older is a hard. You just gotta laugh at yourself and move on. I am encouraged with God's word that helps me accept what is to come. 

“Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old” (Job 12:12 NLT)

“Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever” (Deuteronomy 34:7 NLT)

That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Love to all,

My story isn't finished

 

My story...it isn't finished. God is not done using me yet! I want to share with you my story, and I am sure I have done this before here, but in case you have not heard it.

Short version...I was saved at 8 but really didn't know what that meant. Then I got caught up in the world, frustrated with the whole church thing and decided it was not for me. I realized, life is miserable without Jesus, so I came back. But really didn't commit until I had to trust an lean on Jesus throughout the trials in my life. And boy, have I had some doozies, but we all have had some of those. Now I live for Jesus. I trust him to carry me, provide for me and help me when life is rough. And that is where my smile and happiness comes from, Jesus. Not things of the world.

Kinda long version....When I realized life is miserable without Jesus and came back, that was a struggle. I went to a large church and was able to get "lost" in the crowd so I wouldn't have to talk to anyone or "make friends". But what church is about is community and relationships. I went through infertility during this time, God carried me through. Blessed me and hubs with 2 amazing kids! Then about 15 years later, I went through cancer, God carried me through. Blessed me with healing and remission. I have gone through life changes of different jobs and different salaries, God has carried me through. Our needs are met and bills are being paid. Not only in my life but during this time, hubs went through back surgery, blessed with recovery. He still has trouble but God is working through him and he is still able to do all the things he needs to do. Going through our kids moving out and one of them across to the West coast! That is still a challenge but God blessed her with a great job, friends and support there. 

Now in our life, we have more life changes. You know as we age, things change. I always knew that one day we would have to care for our parents, but it has crept up so quickly. Not to say that our parents need us now to care for them, but we are in the process to prepare, in case that happens. So my hubs parents will be living with us in about 2 weeks. It is a change, not only for us, but for them as well. I know it will take some time to get accustomed to this living arrangement. 

It can be scary. 

Living with my parents again. 

And I am sure they are feeling it too. Just when you think you have us kids kicked out of the house, we are back! There is more to my life story, more to come, more experiences to be had. I am here for God to use me and work through me. 

So trust me when I say, God is with you through it all. Hard times and sorrow may come to us because we live in a sinful world. But we can pull through it. YOU can pull through it. And the other side? Full of grace, joy and happiness. 

Ephesians 1:7; "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace"

Ephesians 2:8-10; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Love to all,

Recover time takes longer now

 

No filter. Gray hair, wrinkles...all of it. No filter. I look at my picture and think, when did I get so old? Take this past weekend. Friday, I started with a stuffy nose and it turned into a head cold. A stopped up, can't breath, stuffy nose and it turned into being sick! I remember when I was young, I would start feeling like that, I could just shake it off. I would go on with life as usual. But NOOOO! I get a stuffy nose now and it turns into a raging head cold where I am laid up on the couch, in my PJ's all day, taking Nyquil every night. What happened to me?? 

Sometimes I wish I could turn back time. But then I think, I wouldn't have my life, my family, that I have now. So, when you start to think how hard life is, or how it is hard to accept growing old, look at your many blessings you have. Look at what you have been given. Remember all that you have experienced so far. If you didn't live, you would not have any of that.

Proverbs 16:31 (NIV); "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness."

Isaiah 46:4 NIV; “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” 

Love to all,

Taking a minute

 

Yep, that's me and Riley...taking a break.  Just to catch you up, I have been packing up to move for 2 weeks. We moved....Monday. And I have been unpacking all that we packed up. It is A LOT of work to move. I have a few more days to get everything in the "right" place before I have to go back to work.  I say that because I think I have placed things in my kitchen and pantry and moved it a few times, just to find the right place for it (aka, for me to remember where I put it easier). 

So Riley and I are just sitting here on the deck, listening to the rain and soaking it all in. And when I finally stop to rest, all the thoughts and feelings start to flood in. It can feel a little overwhelming at times and trying to find the ways to process it all can be difficult. Then before you know it all the feelings come out.

They come out by soft tears. Happy tears. We have been working toward this moment for a long time. Years. And it is finally here.

So funny story (I have a few). I met one of our neighbors today. She is a retired nurse. Come to find out she retired from the hospital I work for, and she was in care management like me. Go figure. So I have a retired nurse living to the right of me and a retired RT to the left. As you know, I am a nurse and the hubs is a RT. I can't make this up! God has a funny sense of humor, but it is comforting because our 2 neighbors have something in common with us. Easy ice breaker!

Other funny story (Well I don't think it is but...), We have no yard. It is a big dirt mound, front and back. The builders have to grade the yard and then get the grass sod when it warms up. That is in a month, fingers crossed. So poor me...has to take Riley out on the lease to go find a place for her "relieve" herself (go to the bathroom). It is really fun when it is early in the morning or late at night and it is still dark. And my dog, well, she relates the lease to going for a walk. It is really  hard to get her to do her "business" quickly. Tomorrow it is going to rain. So I will find out how it is taking her out in the dark, in the rain. Please pray for me! How can you not love this face!

As I was contemplating on the deck everything, one of my favorite verses came to mind, and I will share with you. I hope it blesses you today and days to come.

2 timothy 4:17; "But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth."

Love to all, 

It was worth it

 I survived. Not sure what I was worried about. You know, sometimes we go down the rabbit hole and it is hard to get out of it. What I'm talking about is my volunteer day at Shine. (read previous blog entry). I got there, and was all ready for my guest and for me to be a buddy. But God has something else in mind. Not sure what kind of testing this was, but we had some guests not show up, and the guest assigned to me, was one of them. So I technically didn't have a volunteer job. I was told to go and have dinner and they would find me if my guest showed up. So that is what I did. And God placed me at the right time to help another guest and their caregiver through the food line. She was non-verbal and gave the best hugs. I ate dinner with them and found out she has a job at a store that makes healthy pet snacks/treats. Pretty cool. And she loved to people watch. I do too! So we watched everyone dance and walk past our table in their 80's outfits. I was able to dance a little, 80's style, and then I played the audience in the karaoke room. Between the dance floor and the karaoke room, there was a lot going on!

Oh, by the way, Yes I did! I got dressed up too! It was like taking me back to my high school days! I loved it! Right down to my neon pink slouch socks. And BTW, I am thinking of ordering more, in different colors!

                                                                            

So, I worried and panicked over nothing.  Just goes to show that God may had different plans for you and you need to be flexible and be willing to adapt, to step out and show up. It was scary and hard for me to but I did it. And it shows that I can do it again. 

It is written:

Philippians 4:6;Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Isaiah 41:10; "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Love to all,

When AnXietY or pANic attacks you

 

I am thinking right now, what was I thinking signing up to volunteer?? At the time, I thought this would be fun, something new. Now, I am feeling nervous, panic is setting in. What am I talking about?

I have volunteered with my church to help with the Night to Shine. The disability prom that Tim Tebow Foundation does. Our church is hosting it this Friday. The 13th. I thought it would be good to volunteer. I have volunteered before at my previous church, but it was as support staff. It appears I am going to be a "buddy" for one of the guests. At our training tonight, they went over what not to do, what to do, what not to say.....I am now so afraid I am going to screw it up and be the one that does the wrong thing! They say, "have fun" but don't do (fill in the blank).  HELP! I am in panic mode! My thoughts are running crazy...Am I going to connect with my guest/buddy, how am I going to adapt to their disability, what do I even say?? I am going down the rabbit hole right now.

At least I am not the only one that this is their first time. I don't feel so alone, so I can't be the only one feeling this way. So, how am I going to manage this? Well, first, I am giving it to God. So far, I must be still holding onto it, because I still have that anxiety, it isn't going away yet. 

Just give me a few...minutes....days....

Second, I am just going to be myself. The theme is the '80's. Right up my alley! And you bet I have my outfit already picked out...neon pink and all! Slouch socks ✓, big belt ✓, neon dangle earrings ✓, neon elastic bracelets ✓, and my hair scrunchie!! Not sure how I am going to get my scrunchie in use, as my hair is barely long enough to pull back in barrett's, but I am gonna try! What a conversation starter, the 80's. 

As Friday quickly approaches, I will be in and out of panic, but I know it will be fun. God puts us out there, and it isn't always going to be easy. It may be a difficult task, hard job or hard situation, but I pray that God uses me for his good and will Friday night. I pray that I will be a blessing and that I will also receive the blessing too. 

What about you? What is God calling you to do that you are afraid to step out and do?

Isaiah 41:10 ;"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" 

Psalm 56:3 ;"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you"

2 Timothy 1:7; "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

Now, Go be the church.

Love to all,

Getting older is not for the faint of hearts

 

Well I am feeling every bit of my age....late 50's! It is 7:00 pm and I am ready for bed! Why? Well glad you asked. First you need to know some great news. We closed on our house and it is officially ours!! But that means, today we were out there, all day, cleaning. I really need to know my limitations. My mind and my body have not synced yet. 

Today I did more- 

• crawling around on my knees cleaning baseboards, 
• bending over to wipe down doors, trim and cabinets 
• mopping ALL the floors (our house is all hardwood, no carpet!)
• and climbing on ladders to reach those high spots on the door frames and high cabinet shelves.

  Doesn't sound too bad, if you are about 20 years younger than me. My back and knees are feeling it now. And I am exhausted! I guess from all the work along with all the excited of our new house, I am spent. And I made a new friend....Advil.

Funny how our bodies and minds don't think alike. I don't know about you, but I tend to go with my mind and think that I can do more than I can. That can get you into trouble. Especially someone like me who is accident prone and will trip over my own feet just walking. Yep the floor just jumps right out at me!

As I am (trying) accepting growing older, I think about all the experiences this life has given me. And I am just adding this to the list of my wonderful life adventures. I wish you all an abundant life and adventures too!

1 Timothy 4:8; "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

Isaiah 46:4; Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

Love to all,

packing again

 
 Well, we are doing it all over again. Packing. And I can tell you for sure, that this is the last time. That's a fact! Yes, our new house is almost done! We are hoping to be moved in the next few weeks! I am so excited and soooo ready to get out of this rental house and into my own house. There are lots left to do before we move, but it will get done!

As I am packing, I keep saying to myself, where did all this stuff come from? Because I didn't unpack everything. Then there are things that I did unpack, all of it. I am thinking, like, why did I unpack ALL the towels and linens? Why did I unpack all 6 table cloths? It's not like we were planning on staying here very long, it was just temporary. But I did. And I am having to pack it all back up again, as you can see. Oh and don't be mistaken, this picture is only the packing what I have started on in the kitchen and living room. The upstairs boxes are still upstairs, but at least that part of the house is finished. 

Today, at church, our lesson was about trials and struggles. Everyone has them and we all respond to them differently. Sometimes my struggles and trials are very hard and difficult and other times it is just, well, life. But I was reminded today, that God is with me throughout all the trials. He never promised me that there would not be any trials, but he did promise that he would walk beside me through it. When life gets hard, God uses it to help us grow. I don't know about you, but sometimes I don't want to grow. I don't want any struggles and trials. but that will only be in Heaven. 

While on earth, there will be trials. But God, will always be there, walking beside you and me, carrying  us when we need it. 

So, I am back to my packing. Back to getting everything ready for our move. Getting ready for the next chapter in our life and in our parents life. Because they are moving with us! 

John 16:33; “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Love to all,

Get your bread and milk!

 

January 2025 snow storm

Well, here it comes! What is coming? THE SNOW STORM FOR 2026!! They (our great weatherman) are saying that we are going to get about 12+ inches of snow! I just can't deal with it! Why?  First I really don't like cold weather, but can deal with it because it is just for a few months. And the really cold days are only a few. But SNOW! I really do not like snow! We got a snow storm last year, I think we deserve a break for a year!

Ok you say, why don't you move to somewhere that doesn't have snow. Well, then I would just complain about the hurricanes or tornadoes or flooding or something! So I should just stick with this. At least with snow, I can just hunker down in my house with my warm fuzzy socks and binge my TV shows. Or maybe I can get some housework, hobby stuff or maybe even start packing this weekend. Maybe, maybe not. One thing in KY is when there is threat of any snow, EVERYONE hits the grocery store. Well, we went early this week for our normal, weekly shopping and we got what we need. A friend went yesterday and said the shelves for bread were almost bare! What the heck! We are only going to be locked up for at the most 2 days. Do you really think you will use 3+ loaves of bread or 3 gallons of milk in that time? And the snow isn't coming until Saturday night!

Fear and panic set in when you do not know what is going to happen. The only time that I remember in my lifetime of a major snow was the snow storm of 1994 and I got "trapped" at work. Yes, I did. It sucked. It was my last shift of the week and I could not get home because there was 14 feet of snow! I stayed at the hospital and worked until it was cleared for staff to get there and I could leave. They hooked us up in a room to sleep after our night shift for a while. 5 of us in a small room with cots. Not ideal. It was just a day but it was the fear of the unknown of when I would be able to get home. My most awesome hubs drove the 15 minute drive for over 4 hrs to get to me and get me home! I loved him for that so I wouldn't be stuck working until the roads cleared, but could have have grounded him for risking getting out in the snow covered roads. We were in house for about a week before all the stores were open and people could get out. My car was buried in the snow for almost 2 weeks because they plowed the parking lot and all our cars were buried and covered in ice!

SO..... Y'all be safe out there and don't panic. We can get through this again! 

Isaiah 41:10; "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand".

Philippians 4:6; "Do not be anxious about anything"

1 Peter 5:7; Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Love to all, 

The new year, so far good

 

2 Corinthians 4:16: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day".

So.....How is 2026 going so far for you? About the same for me. Up and down. Have you already messed up your new year resolution? Well, don't be too hard on yourself, pick yourself up by the bootstraps and keep going. I don't make them, because I just disappoint myself, I KNOW I won't keep it! But I have been doing a 21 day fast from sugar, candy, sweets....things like that. Today is day 18 of the fast....I feel it.

How is this going, you ask? Well, I do want my ice cream! I have developed a habit of eating a small bowl of ice cream in the evening. Something I want to credit to my papaw because as I was growing up, he did this. So I guess I can say it is in my genes! I do have to confess though. I did mess up one day, about 8 days in. I was at work and one of my co-workers brought in some cranberry/lemon type bars. It is a desert like a cake but it's not. It's just yummy sugar! It's hard to explain, but without thinking, I just took one off the plate and ate it. Then as I was swallowing, one of the gals I work with asks me, "I thought you were on a sugar/candy fast?"  Well, gotta love that accountability! So, that made me realize how much I do without thinking. I just pulled myself up by my bootstraps and started again. But, ohhh, that little bite of cake tasted soooooo good.

I have been thinking about my word of the year I chose or should I say, it was assigned to me, the word  LESS. Have you given some thought to your word? If you don't have one yet, no worries. You will get one. God will give you a word and it won't be one that you probably think you would choose. I would have never thought of this word for me, but somehow God placed it on me and helped me understand why. Sometimes we just need less, and just more of him. This 21 day fast has helped me see that. I don't need to have immediate satisfaction and I am learning I can control those urges to have it. I don't need stuff, but I still put stuff in my online shopping cart, I just don't buy it! I know, I am weird. So just like my picture of this tree with it limbs trimmed (finally!), I must look at my low hanging limbs and trim those in my life. And I started with sugar. Ya know, I could have picked something a little easier but I didn't. 

My advice: slow down, listen, and don't be so hard on yourself. We are human, we WILL make mistakes and fall. But God.....He is always there, full of Grace, love and forgiveness. He will be there to help pick us up as he has done for me many times. So now, grab onto your bootstraps and....PULL!

2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind". 

Love to all,

A new feeling

 

I have a experienced a new and wonderful feeling. I can't describe this feeling.  What is this feeling??? Well........It is me feeling my hair move when I walk! I know, it's crazy. 

If you are just now joining my blog, I am letting my hair grow out. This time last year, my hair was really short.... and I was 40 pounds heavier too!  (picture from Jan 2024)                   

I decided to let it start growing out last February and I found out I have really curly hair. And yes, it is natural curls and everything is all good and well as long as I use my magic, curly gel to keep them in control. Since it has started getting longer, my hair now moves on its own! Amazing, right? And I can really feel it when I walk. 

Weird. I know. I am weird that way. But when you have kept your hair so short for 20 years and then all of a sudden you have hair that moves when you walk, it is, well AWESOME!

But there is a downside to this. One downside is that with curly hair, you get morning, scarecrow hair. And mine is really bad in the morning! It's sticking out ALL OVER! The other is when the wind blows, my hair really fluffs up! All big and fluffy curls.

So, hang with me and let's see how long I can let it grow! I go for a "trim" and cut next week. It appears my hair grows uneven and one side is longer than the other. Like I said, I am weird!

1 Peter 3:3–4; “Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

Psalm 139:14; “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.“

Love to all,