Another tooth burial

 

Well,  you can't tell from the picture, but I have recovered from this morning. OMG. I hate the dentist and had to go back again today for my bridge to be removed and had not one...but 2 teeth pulled! I am really tired of going to to the dentist for work on my teeth. I just wish I my teeth would behave! Thank goodness you can't tell that I am missing teeth and that it was teeth in the back of my mouth. 

It started with an xray and my dentist saying that my tooth was "hanging on for dear life!" I thought it was funny till I saw the xray and it really was. I have periodontal disease and that causes bone loss and gum recession which eventually causes you to lose your teeth slowly over time. So your PSA today is BRUSH YOUR TEETH AND FLOSS KIDS!

Moving on...I show up. They take me right back, probably so I am not sitting there thinking about what is going to happen. The dentist comes in tells me what he is going to do then BAM! Out of nowhere, he starts to give me the numbing medication. Ok I have had this before, so I am thinking there is nothing new to expect. Well, he goes in and then I feel the "pinch". LOL, pinch is a kind way to say it. He then sticks it in the roof of my mouth! I can tell you that you don't want to experience that. I about levitated off that chair. 

While we were waiting for the medicine to sink in, he left. My young tech kept walking past my doorway, secretly checking on me. It was kinda comical because she appeared to try not to be conspicuous. Well, looking back, I can see why she was concerned. I was trying not to have a panic attack. When the dentist left, I started to get overwhelmed with feelings of fear. Hot tears in my eyes, and me trying to hold back so no one will think of me as a baby. Hands shaking, especially after that freaking shot in the roof of my mouth.

Y'all, Jesus showed up. And my God has such a sense of humor. I had my earbuds in and the song from Lauren Daigle came on...."Be Okay".  One verse goes like this:

You're gonna be okay, I know that you're, you're gonna be okay

Not a care in this whole world can take that truth away, You're, you're gonna be okay

THEN.. the next song that comes on is from Forest Frank, Good Day. It goes:

I'm 'bout to have a good day (good day); No matter what they say (what they say)

Sun is shining down on me, Birds are singing praise, I'm 'bout to have a good day (good day)

In every single way. The God who made the universe Knows me by my name, So it's a good day

So after hearing this, and listening to God through their words, my hands stop shaking and I felt more calm. Why? Because I knew that Jesus was right there with me. I was going to be okay. 

Now I have to learn how to eat on the other side of my mouth until it heals. This is really gonna be fun! (insert sarcasm). I have to wait 11 weeks for it to heal before I can move forward with getting "new teeth". This is going to be a fun time!

God speaks to all of us through different ways. You just have to be still and listen. You will hear him.

Psalm 85:8: "Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people."

Love to all,

It's fall y'all

Y'all....It is fall time!! I LOVE IT! The sun shining with the crisp, cool air.  It feels so good. Makes you want to go outside! And I got my mums and pumpkins out on the porch. I can't wait to see the blooms of the mums...that will just add more to the beauty of fall. I know halloween is coming, but no kids here, so I am just doing the fall thing. I figured, this will last through Thanksgiving, then it's Christmas decorating time. That is a whole other mess, but we got time before we start that! 

AND WAIT...the best is yet to come. Because in October (At least out here in the country of Kentucky), the leaves on the trees will change to a beautiful rainbow of color. And you know I will definitely have pictures. I always have pictures of everything. (No wonder my phone keeps telling my my cloud storage is full.) I have so many trees behind my house, I have a front row seat to this season. (and you will too!). So buckle up, buttercup. It's coming. 

Genesis 1:1-27:46 ESV;  "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ..."

Love to all,

Summer heat

 

WHEW! That Ohio Valley humidity is getting pretty rough. I used to love summer, but I am now more a fall kind of girl. Sweater weather kinda of gal. Yesterday was the day I realized it for real.

So yesterday I participated in a local, community mission. (to read more about that, go to my other blog, onemission4him ). Well, we walked in the middle of the afternoon all over neighborhoods...in the heat. I think I had sweat in places that usually don't sweat! After about 3 hours, I started to get a little woosy. I really never feel that way and the heat usually doesn't get to me, but I am noticing that I cannot tolerated the extreme heat any more as I get older! 

It has literally taken me all day today to recover! I don't like feeling this way and I really don't like what comes with getting older. In my mind, I am still 26! I just can't do anything like I did when I was 26. And the changes with aging not only show with stamina, but with changes in my body. I have wrinkles in my neck! What is going on! 

I am grateful for air conditioning and fans! That has help throughout summer and the heat. And I have to learn to take breaks. That one is hard. I just push myself to keep going and now I need to learn to pace myself. I think that is something we all need to learn. If I started this earlier in my life, I wouldn't feel so guilty about it now when I try to take care of myself. So my advice, start early!

What I do like and will miss about summer is the longer days. I really don't like how it is now starting to get dark at 8:00pm. I like for the longer days when the sun is out. I think I get my second wind around 7:00 and Riley, my dog, expects a walk around 8:30. Well it is too dark now, and scaredy cat me, I won't go walk down the street in the dark! At our new neighborhood we live in now, there are a lot of wildlife, including foxes. I really don't want to interact with them in the dark. And who knows what else may be lurking in those empty fields.

I hope everyone survives the change in season coming up. I will push through it! Like, do I have a choice! haha.

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.

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,

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,