tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12383573494792797342024-03-04T23:28:56.688-08:00 Songbyrd on the Mountain He has put a new song in my heart; A hymn of praise to our God! Psalm 40.3songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.comBlogger888125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-37774353668338355852022-02-24T10:39:00.000-08:002022-02-24T10:39:07.031-08:00its only been few years<p> How did I get here? from December 2018 till..... now? February 2022? I've had dry spells before but I used to love blogging and even when there were gaps there was never a complete halt to things. Can I play catch up? Do I need to? </p><p>To recap quickly... and just the highlights...</p><p><b><u>2019:</u></b></p><p> after a couple years of slowly remodeling and building a loft space over our garage, we opened The Robyn's Nest Airbnb in January of 2019. Its been an incredible success and has kept me plenty occupied. I love hosting in this way and the positive feedback has been very gratifying. We are booked year round mostly for avid skiers or other snow enthusiasts, but we get hikers and other adventurers year round and of course the occasional family visiting from out of town. One of the things we did just before we officially opened was to have a blessing party with close friends and family. We prayed over every bit of the space of the studio apartment and I believe that is what has set us apart and blessed our endeavors. We bring our best before the Lord and leave the results up to Him. It's been awesome!</p><p>In April my mom passed away. She made it to 90 years of age. No matter the age or how well you think you prepared for it, its still a trauma we must navigate. We had a beautiful celebration of life for her and it was well attended by both those who knew and loved our mom and the faithful friends who came to support our family. </p><p>Also that April we added to our household in the form of a 4 legged bundle of fur. I'd been longing for a puppy for a couple of years and it took some time to convince my sweetie that a dog would be a great thing! We picked up Coop just a few days after Mom passed away. He was the perfect balm to my hurting heart! Coop is a Mastodor; a combination of Mastiff and Lab. He's now 3 years old and pretty much never leaves my side. As you can imagine the breed is large. He weighs around 100 pounds and has no idea he is as big as he is. He's goofy, sweet, playful, protective and of course, gorgeous! </p><p><b><u>2020</u></b></p><p>What can we say about the dumpster fire that 2020 was? The pandemic ravaged us in more ways that I even want to think about.... suffice it to say we survived it!</p><p><b><u>2021</u></b> </p><p>was more of the same... but with a couple of awesome shining bright spots! The first was a trip of a life time in February of 2021. We flew to the US Virgin Islands for a 2 week adventure aboard a catamaran where with some family and friends we sailed around the islands. Kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, hiking, beach combing, sun bathing and more than a little bit of rum! It was the perfect vacation with memories for a lifetime. We hope we will be able to do this again some day in the near future... we'll see!</p><p>The other big event was moving my daughter and granddaughter back to Washington State. They are living only a few minutes away now after almost 15 years of being far apart both geographically and relationally. I am overjoyed that we are rebuilding our relationships. Its not easy but its better. </p><p>And here we are in 2022. I'm currently recovering from a major surgery on my left shoulder and typing with one hand is a pain in the butt no lie. But I decided to catch this up and then see about printing out my blog. Whether I will continue my blog beyond this is uncertain at the moment. We will just have to take it a day at a time.<br /><br /></p>songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-71865092448600634012018-12-19T21:55:00.003-08:002018-12-19T21:55:57.094-08:00EmptyOn Tuesday morning this week I learned the heartbreaking news about the death of an acquaintance. She was a friend of a friend that I met through one of the style & jewelry events I held last year. She was in fact planning to host one of her own for me when life got a little calmer.<div>
But life did not get calmer for her. Fighting demons that no one seemed to be fully aware of, she took her life on Monday night.</div>
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What I knew of her was that she was a loving mom, a genuine friend and had a sweet personality that seemed to draw people in. But as some of the comments posted on her facebook page let on, she was struggling with some deeper darkness that eventually pulled her down.</div>
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It hits hard knowing that suicide became her answer. Knowing that yet another person I know, who struggles with depression, chose this. And yet, I understand....</div>
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In my years of battling depression I have never attempted to end my life. I have not been tempted to go there. But I understand how one could entertain thoughts. Because some days the pain of feeling nothing is pretty overwhelming. Some days it is so dark and you feel so weary that you get pulled under. You feel like you are drowning in it. Some days that sadness, the anxiety, the lethargy, just sucks all the air out of your lungs. Some days you do just want to give up. </div>
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BUT.....I cannnot even fathom doing that (killing yourself) to my loved ones. Those emotional scars that this woman's death will leave... forever.....</div>
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I am trying to make sense of it... but it makes no sense. </div>
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In a conversation I had with a friend last year who attempted suicide and lived, he told me he wasn't thinking about death as much as he was thinking "I just wanted to go be with Jesus"</div>
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This makes me think that perhaps she thought that too- she decided the pain was just too much and the idea of going to heaven to be with Jesus, was a relief. </div>
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I don't know. We lost another person to suicide just a few months ago. Another life tragically ended unnecessarily. </div>
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UNNECESSARILY.</div>
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Because, despite all the emotional and mental anguish, as believers in Jesus Christ, we have HOPE. </div>
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<b><i>"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29.11</i></b></div>
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<b><i>But 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 be faint. Isaiah 40.31</i></b></div>
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<b><i>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15.13</i></b></div>
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That last scripture from Isaiah 43 has been one that has carried me through the fires and the deep waters and continues to encourage and comfort me..... So much so that I cannot read that passage without being deeply moved every time. So much that I decided I needed a visual reminder to wear often to keep the Hope and Strength at the forefront. I created this engraved piece for my bracelet to remind me. </div>
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I am Ransomed. Bought with a price</div>
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I am Redeemed. Oh praise His Holy Name!</div>
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I am Restored. Daily. Hallelujah!</div>
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The death of this woman will haunt me as will the death of others who took lives.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> If you or someone you know is suffering, struggling, feeling like there is no other way out, please, I beg you, talk to someone.... do not suffer in silence. <a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" target="_blank">THERE IS HOPE. </a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>National Suicide prevention lifeline.1.800.273.8255</b></span></div>
songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-71843805073461935472018-12-14T12:01:00.000-08:002018-12-14T12:01:50.464-08:00Six Decades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Today is my last day of being 59. </span></b></div>
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Yup. tomorrow is my birthday and I will officially be SIXTY. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 decades. yipes!</td></tr>
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6-0.</div>
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YIPES. </div>
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Actually since I have been technically living out my 60th year for 364 days now, with tomorrow signifying the completion of my 60th year and the beginning of the next one I can't pretend to be in shock about the number. And as usual I'd rather confess my age than my weight so there's that.</div>
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I am in a reflective mood however. I am thinking back on the past 6 decades and trying to categorize them.</div>
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Those first 10 years of life is just learning how to function in the world. Walking, talking, dressing ones self, learning to share, read, write, do math. Growing up on a farm there were chores to do, year round so learning to be responsible goes in the mix.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby robin just out of the nest</td></tr>
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From 10-20 a lot can happen..... those tumultuous teen years, rebellious and sulky. Learning what can propel you forward and what can set you back. You make a decision and face the consequences good or bad.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grumpy in the morning... nothing's changed....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">its too blurry to read but my T shirt says<br /> "if you don't like my peaches don't shake my tree."<br />shaking my head...</td></tr>
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I became a mom in my 20's so that 3rd decade from 20-30 was full of all sorts of growing experiences. I faced many truths in that decade such as parenting is both rewarding and disappointing, and always a challenge. I had to accept that my marriage was a sham. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pregnant with baby #2 and cuddling my first born</td></tr>
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That made the next decade between 30-40 a time of fighting for my rights, acknowledging many lies and truths and navigating the sometimes hidden path to healing. It also brought something beautiful in my relationship with God, and a man who loves and cherishes me.</div>
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From 40-50 life was pretty sweet. Building new relationships, testing the waters of real adulthood. Finding my voice in an equal as a wife, as a business partner, as a leader in my church. Being a grandma, establishing a new path with my adult children. Overcoming PTSD, but learning to embrace depression and accept limitations. To be sure there have been many MANY bumps along the way. But so much opportunity for growth, forgiveness, healing. </div>
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This last decade has really been about living in faith I think. We went through some<b> real</b> financial hardships, loss of relationships, changes-- big ones-- and I think the focus for me has been on trusting and acceptance. Trusting God to provide our every need. Trusting my husband in his decisions. Trusting others and allowing them to get close to me. Accepting more fully the nagging depression and making peace with it. Figuring out how to strike a balance in life that keeps me on an even keel-- keeps me stable. </div>
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It brings me to today and a celebration of what I have learned, accomplished, conquered!</div>
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That shy, insecure, nail biting, bed wetting little girl with the dark circles under her eyes has now become a pretty confident woman if I do say so myself. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHqduGsyjo4/XBQEgtS6FEI/AAAAAAAAMMU/UtBgYmHIaeAmDni8I4xoy9nrt5jjLiycQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20140701_151654_260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1297" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHqduGsyjo4/XBQEgtS6FEI/AAAAAAAAMMU/UtBgYmHIaeAmDni8I4xoy9nrt5jjLiycQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20140701_151654_260.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some days I still see her </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And that really brings me to the main thing I feel I have learned over 6 decades of living. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>CONFIDENCE.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a journey. We are not typically born with self confidence. But it can be learned. It requires stepping out in faith. <b><i>doing it afraid</i></b> regardless of how you feel. Being stretched until it hurts but finding such a reward for doing so. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gGRNOI1rIw/XBQDrxfji8I/AAAAAAAAMLc/LUyGFbfDvT4KNUJgpMImJ_YvpDOl2UuBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/42458915_10156822726364726_7178183733772550144_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="402" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gGRNOI1rIw/XBQDrxfji8I/AAAAAAAAMLc/LUyGFbfDvT4KNUJgpMImJ_YvpDOl2UuBwCEwYBhgL/s320/42458915_10156822726364726_7178183733772550144_o.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">choose to shine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am comfortable in my own skin. I like myself. I may not be proud of everything I've done and there are still days I let anxiety rule and depression threaten to take me down but it will never take me out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz3Iy4ddScQ/XBQIhdgzdoI/AAAAAAAAMM0/-OFLS1-_iWIW8Lz_oyGKpi6MMzQ-LwdAwCLcBGAs/s1600/1214181033b_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz3Iy4ddScQ/XBQIhdgzdoI/AAAAAAAAMM0/-OFLS1-_iWIW8Lz_oyGKpi6MMzQ-LwdAwCLcBGAs/s400/1214181033b_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">happy birthday to me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-47722597541505878762018-10-26T14:01:00.002-07:002018-10-26T14:01:23.768-07:00This Too Shall Pass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RxMZZ4--1zk/W9N_9_fEyfI/AAAAAAAAMD8/QEW0l5c2BVAwORFOEIApjDUSRTtC2dYYgCLcBGAs/s1600/1531417953247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RxMZZ4--1zk/W9N_9_fEyfI/AAAAAAAAMD8/QEW0l5c2BVAwORFOEIApjDUSRTtC2dYYgCLcBGAs/s200/1531417953247.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
As 2018 starts to wind down.... I shake my head that I can even say that! Wind down? Didn't we just get started?? And here I am blowing the dust off my blog. Poor thing has seriously been neglected ALL YEAR LONG. No excuses. No apologies. Its life.<br />
<br />
I got a new laptop. That's exciting. Well, it is when you realize you need to remember or reset all your passwords and find your files. I honestly could not remember how to log in to my blog so there were a few times I tried because I thought I might want to write. Didn't take much to discourage me and I would close the laptop and pick my phone back up and play another round of spider solitaire.<br />
<br />
Because that is much easier to do.<br />
<br />
I find I have been choosing the easier things. If it's gonna take much effort I think twice.... and that's not a good thing. I am not patting myself on the back for taking the easy way out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its easier to sleep in than to wake with the alarm clock and have breakfast with my husband. Easier to eat a granola bar than cook something healthy. Easier to check facebook than get into God's book. Easier to stay in my slippers than don tennis shoes and go for a walk. Easier to buy a bigger size of jeans than actually loose those 5-10 pounds.<br />
<br />
Easier to ignore chores. Phone calls. Responsibilities. And that's when I know my life is sorely out of balance. That's when I know that the depression is winning a round.<br />
<br />
Thing have got to change for me. I'm plodding. treading water....<br />
Some days look good. I'm actually productive and working my business. I reach out to my friends and cultivate those relationships. They seem short lived however and then I start to slip back into the comfort of seclusion.<br />
<br />
Yah, yah.... the anti-depressants are working. I saw my Doctor for my annual review and things are OK. I accept that there will be days, waves, when it feels like I'm going under and there will be days I ride the wave. I accept that because I would rather learn to work within the struggles and challenges and be real than to add more Rx to my life and feel.... not free.( If that makes sense.)<br />
<br />
As this year has unfolded someone very close to us was diagnosed with Bi-Polar type 2. If you didn't know this, they have reclassified manic-depression as two types of Bi-Polar. One and Two. And apparently if you are gonna be bi-polar 2 is better than One. I guess as far as managing it goes. Still, its been very hard for our loved one to find the right treatment and its certainly affecting the family unit, us included. But I do see how dealing with and learning to manage my own mental health can be an asset as I can truly relate and empathize. I can assure our loved one that it will get better. It just takes time. And I can remind myself of that too.<br />
<br />
That this too shall pass.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhqWHx9yXR8/W9N-e76jO4I/AAAAAAAAMDY/Ozjcep--62sVc5Aczm05rjbSsw-6EWKAACLcBGAs/s1600/1026181231_HDR_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhqWHx9yXR8/W9N-e76jO4I/AAAAAAAAMDY/Ozjcep--62sVc5Aczm05rjbSsw-6EWKAACLcBGAs/s320/1026181231_HDR_2.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free in Christ.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today is a better day.<br />
<br />
If I am actually sitting here writing, it's really a better day.<br />
<br />
And I promise.... I will be back.songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-73339715479350579632018-01-02T12:05:00.000-08:002018-01-02T12:05:06.677-08:00Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jL_ihV8xPg4/WkviX50hSlI/AAAAAAAAK10/mztpRaSn7e0N4EOAlDgitxi_12VXRyZMACLcBGAs/s1600/Happy-New-Year-2018-Images-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="600" height="220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jL_ihV8xPg4/WkviX50hSlI/AAAAAAAAK10/mztpRaSn7e0N4EOAlDgitxi_12VXRyZMACLcBGAs/s400/Happy-New-Year-2018-Images-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's a shiny new year.</b></span></div>
<br />
As I have done in years past, instead of resolutions, I have chosen a word to be the focus on my year. This time I took one of those quizzes posted on Facebook... this was a link to <a href="https://www.dayspring.com/yourwordquiz" target="_blank">Dayspring</a>. I answered 7 questions and it gave me a word. I was maybe a tad skeptical to start but once I started reading the questions I liked what I saw and when I got my word, it truly resonated.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The word was 'SIMPLIFY'</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
This goes way beyond talking about material things. But a de-cluttering of mind, heart and spirit, to make room for more of Jesus.<br />
<br />
What does that look like in practical terms?<br />
<br />
Making time in His Word a priority. Removing or limiting anything that draws my attention away from God and what His plan is for my life. Social Media, Movies, frivolous things, top the list. Perhaps the best way to sum it up is in this verse from Matthew 6:33<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Following this up, I also have a prayer for 2018: to more deeply desire God's Word, not just as a fragrant aroma, but as oxygen-- a matter of life and death.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My cat, who is quite a hunter, has been spending much more time indoors these days as it's cold and he is slowing down. But he loves to spend time in the window watching the birds come to the pan of bird seed I put out each morning. His unwavering attention is to be admired! He will perch in the window sill; his tail twitching and his funny little mews go unnoticed by the chick-a-dees and robins.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I think I can learn something from Toddy. To be that focused, regardless of what the results might be.... Ah, but I know something Toddy doesn't. My focus will NOT go unnoticed!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Jeremiah 29.13 states "You will seek me and find me when you seek with all your heart"</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>Thank you LORD. </b><br />
<br />
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<br />songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-67047039556018742752017-12-18T17:14:00.003-08:002017-12-18T17:14:29.334-08:00it was a terrible horrible no good very bad day<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Dear brothers and sisters,</span><span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"> </span>when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy</span></b></i></div>
<i><b><span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></b></i>
I suppose it really started last night.<br />
<br />
Insomnia.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
While my beloved slumbered next to me, blissfully unaware of his melodious offerings, I tossed and turned. Finally, against my better judgement (but who has good judgement at 2 in the morning?) I took a sleep aid. So of course I was completely out of it come 6 am alarm clock time. I slept through my sweeties good bye kiss, through the second alarm and, oh look, 2 missed phone calls!<br />
At 9 am as I was struggling to even sit up the doorbell rang. Now, normally I'd ignore it. But, we had insulators coming to blow insulation into the attic so I had to let them in. There was no time to try and look presentable so.... pajamas and night hair would have to do.<br />
<br />
Pretty sure I traumatized the young man who stood at my front door.<br />
<br />
Now upright, I made a desperate trek to the coffee pot. Thank God, literally, for coffee. As I balanced my coffee and a breakfast bar in one hand, my phone in the other I noticed how tight my low back was. I noticed because I tried to sit down in my chair and I couldn't. Yah, my back does this from time to time. It's always worse first thing in the morning and usually takes about 30-60 minutes of gentle movement to unknot and allow flexibility. No worries, I can drink and eat standing up.<br />
Of course coffee usually motivates other things to move. That's when it started getting nasty.<br />
<br />
When your toilet backs up first thing in the morning, you might decide to just go back to bed. Because have you ever tried using a toilet plunger when your back will not let you bend?? But fast advancing water, nasty nasty water, will force you to push through the pain barrier. <br />
Then, adding insult to injury, the stupid plunger broke while plunging. And let me tell you, there was NO WAY I was going after whatever little piece just fell into the bowl!<br />
<br />
<i><b><span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Dear brothers and sisters,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-30229a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-30229a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[ </span>when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy... </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></b></i>
<span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><i>I don't know about that....</i></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span>
Finally, crisis averted, back throbbing I hobbled back to the living room where I discovered the cat had projectile vomited his breakfast all over the carpet.<br />
When your cat throws up, you might just decide to go back to bed.<br />
<i><b><span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Dear brothers and sisters,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-30229a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-30229a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[ </span>when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy...</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<i>Ever wanna tell James to just be quiet? </i><br />
<br />
When my husband called to reply to the text I sent him about needing a new plunger, he asked me to relay a message to the insulators. Oh dear. I was still in my pj's with uncombed hair and now a surly attitude.<br />
<br />
Pretty sure I traumatized the other guy on the insulation team.<br />
<br />
From there, the day seemed to even out. I went for a walk hoping some gentle movement might bring about relief. It did somewhat. I was able to get some laundry going, some dishes washed and the floor swept. Never mind the tidy little dust piles here and there. I'll finish sweeping those up later.<br />
<br />
The big chore awaiting me was of course the bathroom. That floor wasn't gonna mop itself.<br />
<br />
Around 1pm I was finally able to take a nice hot shower. And the day seemed better. I forgot about the troubles from this morning. The cat had calmed down, the insulators were done and gone and I was able to sit for short periods of time.<br />
<br />
Then, I went to the post office.<br />
<br />
I have been having horrendous issues with package deliveries of late. Blame it on the holidays but it seems Fed Ex has one set of rules for package deliveries, UPS another and then USPS has another set. None are the same and mess up just one and you don't get your package. I've had just about enough grief from lost packages, returned packages, packages arriving demanding postage due in crazy amounts. Today was no exception. I might do a separate post on this as it deserves its own special venting session. For now, I'm sipping some sugar free hot chocolate spiked with Peppermint infused vodka. Because it's 5 O clock and I'm done. <br />
<br />
And, I have a verse to meditate on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09HtLKnD_Fg/WjhnsrhAu1I/AAAAAAAAK1I/baVU3g1p_OkP8wSAN0Jq8AMs2pfeVXSdQCLcBGAs/s1600/christmas%2Bmugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="650" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09HtLKnD_Fg/WjhnsrhAu1I/AAAAAAAAK1I/baVU3g1p_OkP8wSAN0Jq8AMs2pfeVXSdQCLcBGAs/s200/christmas%2Bmugs.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Dear brothers and sisters,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-30229a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-30229a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[ </span>when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Jas-1-3" id="en-NLT-30230" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Jas-1-4" id="en-NLT-30231" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1.2-4 NLT</span></b></i></span>songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-70276943751443998082017-12-13T15:28:00.000-08:002017-12-13T15:33:47.682-08:00Keeping it Wonderful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXJeMYcZ_FU/WjGzeltUtYI/AAAAAAAAKzw/X_k2kC6FPrMAWXo700xUzp24XQQBIx79wCLcBGAs/s1600/wonderful%2Btime%2Bof%2Bthe%2Byr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1160" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXJeMYcZ_FU/WjGzeltUtYI/AAAAAAAAKzw/X_k2kC6FPrMAWXo700xUzp24XQQBIx79wCLcBGAs/s400/wonderful%2Btime%2Bof%2Bthe%2Byr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">here'll be parties for hosting</span></i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Marshmallows for toasting</span></i></i></div>
<i>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: transparent;">And caroling out in the snow</i></span></i></div>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;">There'll be scary ghost stories</i></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent;">And tales of the glories of the</i></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;">Christmases long, long ago</i></div>
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December is always a crazy busy month... or so they say.</div>
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I think we can make it as crazy as we want or we can pace ourselves, choose what we really really want to engage in and enjoy each moment without over doing it. </div>
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What do you think? </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>It's the most wonderful time of the year</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There'll be much mistltoeing</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And hearts will be glowing</span></i></div>
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When love ones are near</div>
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It's the most wonderful time of the year</div>
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Being a small business owner, I have made some concessions to the </div>
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Christmas Craze as my livelihood depends on this time of year. </div>
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I put up Christmas decor WAY before my birthday, </div>
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which if you know me if almost unheard of! </div>
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And I've been advertising specials and whatnot </div>
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on my Facebook pages and offering all sorts of things.</div>
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Its fun but it's also tiring.</div>
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I want to just be in the moment of the season and keep focused on the </div>
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WHY of the season.... </div>
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The REASON for the season...</div>
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Christ's birth.</div>
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<b><i>It's not about angels without remembering the angels who proclaimed His birth.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>It's not about lights unless you recognize Jesus as the Light of the World. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>It's not about gifts unless you count the greatest gift of all, God's Son to save the world. </i></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFfdZ3Aihf4/WjG1xGMrc3I/AAAAAAAAK0I/Pf_9arfnkbQbu8nPh_UvMzvFhfK1DONZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/tree.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFfdZ3Aihf4/WjG1xGMrc3I/AAAAAAAAK0I/Pf_9arfnkbQbu8nPh_UvMzvFhfK1DONZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/tree.png" /></a></div>
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<b><i>And it's not about the tree unless you remember the most sacred tree of all, the cross upon which Christ was crucified.</i></b></div>
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As you prepare for the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" I hope you remember the </div>
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WHY of the Wonder. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you a most Merry, Holy, Blessed Christmas.</span></div>
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songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-91864758814508965262017-11-21T12:29:00.000-08:002017-11-21T12:29:27.077-08:00I Saw The Light!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Winter and the long dark days ahead are not really my friend. Too many previous winters have proven that. Depression complicated by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can make for some pretty bleak and exhausting days.<br />
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Last year I swore I would NOT go through another winter without one of those Happy Lights. True to my word, I purchased one a couple weeks ago. It's a compact size so its convenient to move from space to space as needed. I had it set up in my kitchen window sill to start, letting it wake me as I made breakfast but I found that kind of startling light that early in the morning just didn't make sense to me, non-early bird that I am. I moved it to my work space, next to my computer. I think the discipline of sitting by the light at my computer desk will double as incentive to do some writing! Brilliant idea!!<br />
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It's only been a couple of weeks so I can't speak with authority to the job its doing but I am hopeful.<br />
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As I have done in past years on my Facebook account, I've been posting each day a gratitude or what I am thankful for that day.<br />
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That's a great way to remind ourselves of all we have been blessed with in this life. Some of the things I've posted are simple: warm home, coffee, cozy socks. Some have more significance: a loving husband, friends, good health. Some have deeper meaning: God's gift of salvation, being His child, eternal life in Christ.<br />
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Whether it's elementary or complex, <b>the mind experiences a shift in attitude when our hearts exhibit gratitude. </b><br />
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<i>Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all things. 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18</i><br />
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Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away. Have you made a thankful list? If not, what are you waiting for?<br />
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<br />songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-15236470424931093922017-11-04T12:10:00.000-07:002017-11-04T12:10:24.736-07:00Hello November, Hello.... Winter??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I do love me a gorgeous Autumn. My favorite color is October.</div>
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November rolls around and we think we are just getting into the depths of fall.<br />
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The colors have exploded during the month of October and by November have all but exhausted themselves.</div>
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The piles of leaves lining the roadsides and yards proved a thick carpet of colors while the trees are almost bare.</div>
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The sun, while not as hot as it was in August, shines brilliantly. You soak up every minute, relishing these halcyon days of Autumn. </div>
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And just when you think Indian Summer will last forever, it snows. <div>
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It snows?? Yes. It snows. Probably one of the earliest I can recall. It sure looks pretty. But I will miss those perfect Autumn days.<br />
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songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-22388830357566233572017-10-11T14:26:00.000-07:002017-10-11T14:26:21.466-07:00I'm Conquering Fears!Left and Right! Bam! Bam! Bam!<br />
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<a href="https://burkemissiontravels.blogspot.com/2017/09/and-then-i-climbed-tree.html" target="_blank">In my last post </a>I shared about overcoming a fear of heights to do the zipline. I rode high (no pun intended) on that adventure for weeks! I was just so thrilled to see a correlation between one day God speaking to me about "letting go" and the next actually doing that!<br />
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I knew that <b><i>my fear was more about losing control</i></b> than it was about heights though.<br />
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In July I traveled to Dallas-Fort Worth to attend the annual Premier Designs Rally. It was amazing.... sort of like Women of Faith (conference) meets The Price is Right. For 3 days I listened to inspiring speakers, leaders, teachers, all who said,"yep, we sell jewelry, yep, here's how to grow your business but.... what we are really about is how to Glorify God in all we do!" WOW. Talk about a spiritual boost! I came away from the Rally on fire and ready to go to the next level in my business.<br />
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The last few months have been about testing the waters, and now, here is an intended pun! I tested the waters literally in September at our church camp out.<b> I kayaked!</b><br />
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So, here's another thing about me... although I can swim, I don't like tippy things.... in water. I had a major freak out in a canoe once and decided long ago we just wouldn't do that again. Poor Bruce. He would have loved for us to canoe or kayak but I was not amiable to that! Until that Labor Day Weekend at Silver Lake Park....<br />
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Because of the gentle persistence of a couple of very sweet ladies, I caved and found myself in a kayak on Sunday evening. It was a really wide kayak and I immediately felt pretty safe and comfortable on the water! It was amazing. We paddled across the lake and talked and laughed. It was fun! (Wish I had a picture or two from that because it would have been fun to see my face-- Bruce's face was one of astonishment watching me actually do this!)<br />
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As I said before, Fear is really more about not having control over things than it is about the actual things. I'm watching this play out in my mom's life up close. She has been in Assisted Living for the past 4 years and the last several months have seen her declining more and needing more and more help. More than assisted living is designed for. So we've begun the search for a skilled nursing facility in which to move her to.<br />
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Her mood is dark these days. She strikes out verbally and speaks of just wishing she was "dead already." She's weak and frail and needs help with just about everything. Her body is wearing out. She's depressed and angry and cantankerous but I think most of it stems from fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of having to trust others to do for her what she's done on her own for so long. Fear of dying even though she knows the Lord and knows she's going to heaven.<br />
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Its hard to watch. It's sad. When my dad passed away, over 11 years ago, it was cardiac arrest. One minute he was alive, then next he was gone. No warning. Just that horrible phone call the next morning telling us he had passed. As shocking as that news was/is, it's how I hope I go. I'd rather live fully until that last day rather than linger, sick and weak and needy. But only God knows what or how. I have to trust Him.<br />
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I've heard it said that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. That makes sense.<br />
So often we just fear the unknown.<br />
We're scared of the dark because we don't know what's out there.<br />
We're scared of heights and canoes because its unpredictable!<br />
Will we fall?<br />
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And we are afraid of stepping out because,<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">what if we fail??</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">But Oh! </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What if we fly?</span></b><br />
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<i><b>"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1.9</b></i>songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-90699100940126519782017-09-22T15:25:00.001-07:002017-09-22T15:25:29.075-07:00And Then I Climbed a Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not j<span style="font-family: inherit;">ust any tree! But a really really tall skinny tree! I scaled this tree about 40 feet up to a tiny little platform that was barely big enough for one person, let alone two! I then allowed myself to be hooked up to a device that would send me sailing through the air,suspended above the ground, for a 1000+ feet ride, where I was 'caught' by a couple of trained individuals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep. I did the Zipline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Memorial Weekend 2017. One week after my retreat and my experience with <a href="https://burkemissiontravels.blogspot.com/2017/09/life-lessons-from-duck.html" target="_blank">the duck</a>, you know where God basically told me to quit working so hard to tread water in order to stay safe, and let go a little bit, trust Him more and let me see where the Holy Spirit would take me. We were at one of our favorite places on earth, our beloved Tall Timber Ranch for the Work n' Worship Weekend. Climbing the rock wall had been offered one evening, the next night, the zipline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me state for the record a few things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. I am afraid of heights. I'll say that again, I AM AFRAID OF HEIGHTS. As in I DON'T DO THEM. Ladders, rooftops, and the like, are not my friends. No, huh-uh, never. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. I have been visiting Tall Timber for over 20 years. I have had plenty of opportunities to experience the Zipline. Never. Have. I. Ever. No desire, no need. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Did I mention I don't do heights?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But, something came over me that evening at dinner when table mates were talking about doing the </span>zip-line<span style="font-family: inherit;"> later. Without any warning I said, 'Maybe I'll do that too..." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And Suddenly.... it became imperative that I do it! I have no way to explain it, other than a Holy </span>Phenomenon. <span style="font-family: inherit;"> It was like it was this bucket list item that I HAD to check off my list! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bruce scoffed when I announced I was going to do the z</span>ip-line<span style="font-family: inherit;">. He said he'd believe it when he saw it. I said he better hurry up then because if I was going to do it, I'd do it before I came to my senses!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little friend Lizzy was certainly brave!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On a dry dusty hill, below the incredibly tall skinny tree, a crowd had gathered. Some were putting on harnesses and helmets. Others were there to gawk or cheer or both. I got into my harness with the aid of my step-son. Joey has worked on staff and Tall Timber, and has a degree in Recreation. He wasn't assisting in the actual </span>zip-line<span style="font-family: inherit;"> activity but he was certainly a calming and encouraging factor as he tightened and adjusted my gear. I observed several others go ahead of me and watched carefully. Curiously I realized I wasn't really fearful of the actual </span>zip-line<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ride itself. I thought that would probably be quite a rush and very fun! It was getting to the platform to take off from that was the challenge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You see, not only was the platform from which to launch, 40 some feet above ground, but the process for climbing the tree was precarious! Into the bark of the tree trunk were hammered small hooks for which to place hands and feet. You're not just climbing, you are sort of pulling yourself from hook to hook. Now, not only did I have to conquer my fear of heights. but I had to use arm and leg strength I wasn't sure I had. (especially my arms-- those darn shoulders). I had to trust completely in the harness and gear and the guy at the other end of my rope, belaying me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a stretch, literally, that climb. Those hooks would be easy for someone really tall but for 5'3 me, I was almost not able to reach hooks above me. But I climbed. I climbed FAST. I think I just wanted to get that part over with!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> By the time I reached the top and was preparing to step off the hooks onto the platform where Nic was waiting to instruct me, I knew what it meant to be 'scared spit-less" I mean it. I had NO SPIT! My mouth was drier than cotton and I wished desperately for a glass of water (or whiskey!!!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was situated on the platform Nic instructed me to squat a little and feel the support of the harness. Once I did that and realized how firmly suspended I was I actually relaxed a little! Nic said "Whenever you're ready, just lift your feet and you'll go!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I nodded and lifted my feet. and........</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">WHOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>I DID IT! I DID THE ZIPLINE!!</b></span><br />
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<b>to RECAP</b>: I climbed a tree 40 feet up. I zipped 1000 feet across the clearing to the landing. I had to deal with fear of heights, and use body strength I wasn't sure I had. I had to trust completely in the harness and gear. How like our walk with Christ! We have to trust Him to hold us and support us in those testing and defining moments.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus is my carbeaner</td></tr>
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<br />songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-90319305578202762132017-09-19T14:32:00.000-07:002017-09-19T14:32:51.523-07:00Life Lessons from a Duck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">and I'm Quacking about it!</span></b><br />
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In May of this year I attended a retreat with some of my Premier Designs Sisters. There were about twenty of us spending a long weekend in a gorgeous lodge right on the Wenatchee River in Leavenworth WA.<br />
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The purpose of the retreat was to learn and grow, encourage and celebrate our lives as "jewelry ladies". I had never met any of the gals except for my niece Jill, who is also the one who sponsored me in the business. I was a little apprehensive about attending because of the size and not knowing the ladies or what to really expect. But, I sucked it up and went! I am SO GLAD I did.<br />
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I arrived on a Friday afternoon and immediately reveled in the gorgeous view from the deck as others were prepping dinner. When we weren't sitting in a session we took advantage of the warm spring weather and just enjoyed the view and surrounding area.<br />
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Spending some time with my niece was great; she lives in Texas so we can't get together very often!<br />
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On Sunday morning we gathered for one final session which was much more like a Worship time than a class. As the end of the time we were challenged to do some writing or list/ goal making. My thoughts wandered instead as I gazed out the large floor to ceiling windows at the river down below us.<br />
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The Wenatchee River is popular for river rafters this time of the year and indeed we watched many a group raft past us that weekend. But what caught my eye that morning was a couple of ducks on the opposite side of the river. One duck was perched on the top of a boulder jutting out of a section of rapids. Next to the boulder was another duck, bobbing up and down in the white water. It struck me after a time that that little duck had to work awfully hard to stay in place while bobbing in rapids!<br />
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I found myself asking "Is there a life lesson in this Lord? Something you want me to learn from observing this?" My eyes flitted back and forth to the duck on the rock to the duck in the rapids. The logical thought was that the rapids are a dangerous place to be and anyone with common sense would get out and rest on the rock. Was the rock a spiritual metaphor? God, our Rock? But just as quickly as that idea came to mind I discarded it because I sensed that was a Robyn-made thought, not a word from the Lord. I shrugged my shoulders and turned back to listen to the gals around me sharing some of their thoughts.<br />
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Later, after we had packed up our belongings and cleaned up our spaces, I wandered back out on the deck for one final look at the river. I am constantly drawn in by water. Whether it's a moving body of water such as river or ocean or a calmer body of water such as a lake, I find such peace and contentment and inspiration being around it. (give me a beach house anyday!)<br />
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To my amusement I saw my friend the bobbing duck still out there. I could only imagine how furiously his little webbed feet must be working to remain stationary in the midst of such tumultuous movement. And just like that the Holy Spirit spoke:<br />
<i>Robyn, I am the <b>River.</b> Stop fighting the current and let me carry you. Trust me. Yes, the river is moving, moving fast. And it will be scary, and dangerous at times. But if you will trust me I will carry you to places you never imagined. You will see beauty you will never see if you just stay put.</i><br />
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Did you just get goosebumps? I did when it happened and they come over me every time I share this story. I went inside and grabbed my niece and pulled her outside to point out the duck and share with her the thoughts that I had had earlier and the one that had just pierced me. It was a strong emotional moment and one I chewed and mediated on during my 4 hour drive home.<br />
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It takes a lot of work to stay put, even when it feels like that is the safer, better place to be. But God never promised to keep us comfortable. He's much more interested in our Character than our comfort.<br />
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Riding the river does sound dangerous! I've been river rafting on the same Wenatchee River. I was scared but we had an excellent guide and by the time we reached our destination I was wet and exhausted but the exhilaration I was feeling was out of this world! It was and is still one of my favorite adventures. I could have stayed behind (and I almost did once I'd read through the release forms and listened to the safety talk!!) and staying behind would have been safe and smart But I would have missed out. Safe and smart isn't all there is to life. In the life of a Christian we are always being called out of the comfort/safe zone. Makes me think of the quote from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe...<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”</i></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1069006.C_S_Lewis" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">C.S. Lewis</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">, </span><span id="quote_book_link_100915" style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/4790821" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe</a></span></i></i></span></div>
songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-69619407775416206422017-09-19T12:33:00.001-07:002017-09-19T12:33:10.244-07:00Guess What?<b><i>I'm still alive!</i></b><br />
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I just spent the last couple of hours sprucing up the blog in preparation for a re-launch. I have to tell you that just as I hit the 'compose new post' button, my heart started pounding a little bit harder.... anxiousness building as I thought about staring at a blank page unable to write. But if a 1000 mile journey starts with a single step, then so does a blog post.... one word at a time.<br />
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It's been a long season of unrest. Depression, anxiety, lethargy. The usual trio of troubles. I have skipped many a writers group meeting because of this. <i>If I am not writing and I don't even want to write then why bother going? </i>Those are the sort of thoughts that would plague me.<br />
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There have many ideas floating through my mind however. Bits and pieces, phrases and fragments of words, just enough lately to think I might still have something to say and I might be able to say it well.<br />
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I haven't lacked for things to write about... experiences both exhilarating and exhausting.... trips, tattoos, testing, trying, terrifying, trust-building....Testimonial moments.<br />
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Stay tuned....<br />
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<br />songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-37299303329460448432017-03-08T21:02:00.000-08:002017-03-08T21:02:50.136-08:00Ten Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My husband is going on another mission trip. He leaves this Friday.<br />
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Traveling to Costa Rica with a group from our church; a team of 7, they will be involved with construction work on a church in San Ramon (the men) and visiting the hospitals and orphanage (the women). A visit to the Barrio and a puppet show at church is also planned involving the whole team. They will be gone for ten days.<br />
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During his absence I have a ten day plan of my own. I'll be participating in a 'diet' from the same nutritionist who designed the Fast Metabolism Diet, called the "Fast Metabolism Cleanse". It's a pretty strict eating plan, involving a lot (LOT) of healthy shakes and meals that are designed to rev up the metabolism while ridding yourself of toxins.<br />
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I've been experiencing quite a bit of distress digestively speaking and after doing some reading up on the cleanse, thought this might be a great way for me to get a fresh start on better eating habits. Learning it was for 10 days it seemed perfect timing-- with Bruce gone, I can concentrate on my eating plan and not have to worry about preparing his meals. (be tempted!)<br />
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So, 10 days for him, 10 days for me. Each focused on something entirely different but supporting one another in our separate endeavors.<br />
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I'll keep you posted on what's happening on both sides.songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-38383865324836401892017-02-19T16:58:00.001-08:002017-02-19T16:58:02.263-08:00The Same Old Thingit's a new year... a new year that is already 2 months in. We've experienced a hard hit of winter, with snow and rain and ice, followed by more snow and ice and rain! While the snow is beautiful to admire (from inside a warm house) driving in it or working around it is often a pain!<br />
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I've had one long battle with a cycle of colds that seems to keep relapsing. The never-ending cough has just worn me out. Constant fatigue. Stress hasn't helped. I have stuff going on in my adult children's lives which keeps this mom in prayer mode constantly. But even knowing God is in control, while bringing me a sense of peace and comfort, doesn't fully abate the mama's heart that wants to DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to help her kids out.<br />
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You know my kids live on the other side of the country... and airfare isn't cheap. It's been over a year since my last visit there and I am hoping, praying and planning for a visit in the next couple of months. I have to leave that timing in God's hands though because of certain circumstances and I am ok with that... on the surface....<br />
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Between winter, colds and flu, and family worries the Big D has been looming larger than ever. Even though the Dr. adjusted my meds, it's a daily battle. I haven't felt this defeated in my depression ever. If it were not for the few hours a week that I work at the bookstore, or the occasional jewelry shows, every day would be Pajama Day.<br />
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I'm gaining back weight I've lost, I've lost muscle tone and energy, I have brain fog and back aches. I'm not a happy camper right now. I don't write, I don't sing. I go through the motions... Well, isn't this depressing?<br />
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But it's transparency.<br />
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<br />songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-30675920869811128902016-10-17T18:05:00.000-07:002016-10-17T18:05:29.823-07:00Hello World... It's MeHello World...<br />
Yes, it's been a while. Do you mind if we don't talk about that? I'd rather focus on here and now. I wouldn't mind telling you about the awesome trip we took to celebrate our 20th Anniversary however.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bucket List Item</span></b><br />
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It's been a long time desire of mine to visit New Mexico. I love the southwestern architecture, those tan adobe structures with their colorful turquoise window trim and doors. I love the rich culture and history the state represents. And who doesn't appreciate a warm dry climate when you hail from the Pacific North WET.<br />
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So when our 20th anniversary was approaching and we started talking about what to do to celebrate-- and we agreed it should be something special-- something bigger than a weekend away-- New Mexico topped the list.<br />
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We flew into Albuquerque on a Saturday evening, rented a car and spent the next 7 days touring the state. We crammed as much as we could into each day without exhausting ourselves. It was WONDERFUL.<br />
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We toured the heart of the major cities (Albuquerque, Santa Fe) taking in guided tours, museums, national parks and mysterious wonders.<br />
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We drove along the historic Route 66, poked around in cute little touristy shops, climbed into Cave Dwellings from ancient times at Bandelier National Monument, and learned more about the National Lab of Los Alamos. We tried Pinon Coffee, and juiced our taste buds with Hatch chilies!<br />
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We stood in awe in the Loretto Chapel and gazed at the miraculous spiral stairway. We saw one of the oldest standing missions and oldest adobe home.<br />
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We admired amazing rock formations and breathed in deep the smell of pinons and roasted peppers. We toured the UFO Museum in Roswell and had a close encounter.<br />
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We celebrated our actual anniversary day with a scrumptious dinner and a relaxing stay in a very lovely suite in Carlsbad.<br />
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We toured Whites City and Carlsbad Caverns. We made a pit stop in a itty bitty city in Texas and learned about bottomless lemonade. We toured the 'other' town of Deming and made comparisons.<br />
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There was some adjustments needed for the much much higher altitude and the drier climate. We learned that at every place we ate we'd be asked if we wanted 'Red' or 'Green' or 'Christmas', meaning what color chili sauce did we want. We learned there is a distinct difference between Mexican food and NEW Mexican food but it's all delicious!<br />
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We visited dear friends, shopped, watched a parade, and saw balloons filling the skies from the balloon festival. In the hours of longer drives we listened to books on tape and every once in while we'd just enjoy the companionable silence that being married 20 years can bring.<br />
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We rested, we recreated, we romanced. We laughed, we played, we wined and dined. We truly celebrated the gift of marriage and the gift of each other. It was a great vacation.<br />
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Upon returning home, the sogginess of Fall in the PNW has fully descended. The nights come quicker now and it's dark when we wake up. This is the time of year I dread, much as I love Autumn. When we change our clocks back an hour it really kicks in for me and I am glad that I gave in and added to my anti-depressant regime. That seems to be slowly getting better... still fighting some lethargy and anxiety but I know this just takes time.<br />
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<br />songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-28751571141442761122016-08-29T21:57:00.000-07:002016-08-29T21:57:07.514-07:00Don't Tip My Cracker!I told someone today that I have reached a point where it would not take much for the cheese to completely slip off my cracker.<br />
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Go ahead, chuckle. I am. It helps to maintain a sense of humor in the midst of it all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">life is good but then this happens...</td></tr>
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Life is good. Really it is. I like my job at the bookstore. I like building my jewelry business. But I've been struggling. The lack of interest in writing, lack of enthusiasm for other things I usually enjoy, a strong reluctance to becoming too socially engaged or committed, has been going on for just a little too long now to pretend it's gonna blow over on its own. I have an appointment on Wed with my Dr for my annual review and I think it's time to ask about a boost to my anti-depressant.<br />
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Back in 2005, when I still owned the fitness center and life was stressing me out every which way, back when I was first diagnosed with depression, there was a trial and error period till we found the right anti-depressant. After a couple of months when I started feeling like things had sort of smoothed out I told the Dr, "I think it's working but I still feel like something is off." She added another anti-depressant, a very low dose, but it was enough to bump me up to where it felt like I needed to be.<br />
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(I have said often that during that phase of leveling the mental and emotional state, I felt like life was just beige. When she added the extra pill I think I moved from beige into a very very subtle tinge of pink.)<br />
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Fast forward to 2009. I had sold my business and was concentrating on really getting healthy. After about a year I felt like I really needed to try life without pills. I reasoned that the things in my life that had brought me down were no longer there so didn't it make sense to at least try going pill free?I owed it to myself to try! And... I did "OK" for a couple of years but if you've followed this blog you know where eventually I ended up. (no, not the loony bin! but... there was a cracker with no cheese on it....)<br />
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I have made peace with the fact that I need a pill each day to help me. I see it as a reminder that I do nothing in my own strength. If depression is my 'thorn in the flesh' that's ok because God's Grace is sufficient for me.<br />
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songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-51045078657940366152016-08-08T11:54:00.004-07:002016-08-09T14:01:19.005-07:00When The Glass Is Empty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You know that glass half full/half empty thing? I've always maintained to be a half full kind of gal... optimistic even in my darkest days of depression. On better/best days the glass is overflowing. I've also had days where the glass is full but the contents are a little on the side of piss and vinegar. I take it all in stride..... but I'm not sure what to make of the realization that the glass is just sitting there empty.<br />
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It's not so much about depression as it is just feeling stuck. I want to write... and then, I don't. I mean I don't want to write. I don't even attempt it! The blog posts have been few and far between. What I thought was a dry spell finally broken has proved wrong. I'm pretty much as stagnant as stagnant can be. And that IS depressing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or Am I????</td></tr>
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Or is it? I can't tell because the part of me that doesn't want to write also says I sorta don't even care. It's a strange conundrum of sorts.<br />
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My writers group has helped keep me from going under in that I realize I am not alone. That several gals struggle with feeling stuck. Writers block. Or lack of time to devote to writing. So, I take hope in that. But I don't think its writers block. And it's certainly not a lack of time. I have always made time in the past to write. It's always been a priority. Till now.<br />
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Sure, I am busy. I'm working part time, I'm building my jewelry business, I'm a wife and a business partner, I'm a grandma and a daughter, a friend and a sister. But that's never stopped me before. In fact it has often spurred me on.<br />
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In all honestly it's not just the writing that's bothering me. I feel stuck in other areas. I've lost interest in things that use to bring me joy. I'm sure I present as if all if fine but there's a place deep inside that feels pretty dog gone empty.<br />
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I start questioning the anti-depressants... are they just not working so good anymore? And I resist going there because I really don't want to mess with the prescription and play that game of finding out what might work better and experience side effects that I know from the past are just no fun. I tell myself that this too shall pass and that just because I don't feel like writing doesn't necessarily mean that my depression is acting up.<br />
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I've forced myself to sit here today and write this. It feels uncomfortable. It kind of hurts. Yet there is a sort of release in the midst of it, like --and pardon this yucky metaphor but I can't shake the image-- like the release one experiences when you pop a big icky pimple. Gross, I know-- sorry!! but the pain is being squeezed out of me as I pressure myself to write.<br />
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My sister prayed over me the other day for a release to come in my writing. I want to believe that this might be it. But as I said, that break through I had back in the spring must not have taken because here I am again.<br />
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What keeps me hanging on and not loosing hope entirely is my faith in Christ. Whether I am in the center of His Will or stumbling just outside the circle, I know He's got me. That gives me the courage to try again. It keeps me from letting the shadows of self doubt consume me. And it gives me the grace to allow myself time for whatever is going on to pass.<br />
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<br />songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-55208117647100590672016-06-28T14:07:00.002-07:002016-06-28T14:07:04.370-07:00FamilyTomorrow my grandson arrives!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Kristjian and me in January when I went to Pensacola</td></tr>
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This would be my second grandson in my daughter's family. He is 13 and he is coming to spend 3 weeks with grandma and grandpa!!. And yes, we are excited!!!<br />
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I have a ton of stuff planned but allowing for some down times (because Grandma will need a break now and then). Included in the plans is a week at Tall Timber Ranch for Jr High Camp. I'm going along and working in the kitchen that week so I can be a part of his experience.<br />
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My brother and sister-in-love are also back in town for a month long visit. Yippee! Family get togethers!<br />
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My husband is working like mad, at his regular job and also overseeing a project for a friends newest resteraunt. So it's been a little stressful at times and we haven't had much time to just chill but we have plans for a weekend get away the end of July.<br />
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Summer is wonderful! Sunshine, family, lots to do and see. I feel happy, full and blessed. <br />
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Hope you are finding things that bless you as well.songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-4099614966186251882016-06-10T08:29:00.000-07:002016-06-10T08:29:30.023-07:00What Am I Doing?Life's been pretty busy between building my new jewelry business, working part time at the bookstore, watching my grandsons one day a week, and keeping the home fires burning. Not to mention, the writing group I co-facilitate and the book project we are working on there. Then my former self-employed hubby has picked up a side job as project manager for a new restaurant set to open sometime this summer and that has me running errands again. Yes, life is a little busy. I don't have time for depression or anxiety or fibromyalgia to interfere with things. But it does. <div>
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With my husband leaving the house an hour earlier most mornings, I find myself stumbling around, coffee cup in hand, feeling sleep deprived and out of sorts. When I give in to the lure of the still warm rumpled blankets on the bed and crawl under them I find the delicious cocoon my mind and body craves. I doze and awaken to sunshine sneaking through the cracks of the curtain, or the sounds of raindrops splattering against the windows. Sleep cycle disrupted again I struggle the rest of the day to find my rhythm. It's frustrating. Walking daily seems like a distant memory, something someone did a long time ago but I can't remember who or why. I force myself to push past fibro-pain, cloudy thinking and loss of passion for most things. People annoy me and the thought of engaging in conversation is so overwhelming I can't even ....</div>
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I lay on my bed a lot and flick aimlessly through apps on my phone.I ask myself if I need to talk to the doctor about changing my anti-depressant or do something different. It's worrisome. </div>
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But on the mornings when things seem to fall into place and I do find my rhythm it's glorious! I stay awake, I throw a load of laundry in the wash and scrub down the counters and swoosh a mop across the floors. I go for a walk and I snap pictures left and right of everything I see. I breathe deep and I listen for cues that nudge me here or there. I work my business and study to make it better. I go to work with a smile and energy. I have my list of things to do and I knock it out of the park. I think "life is amazing and so am I". And at the end of the day I wonder what made it different from the day before? </div>
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Depression is a thief. It steals my joy, my energy, my creativity. Anxiety is a rope that ties me to a chair and holds me prisoner in my room. Physical pain is crippling and only feeds my depression more. In those darkest moments I seek out the Psalms and feel David's anguish as he pours out his soul. </div>
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These things I remember as I pour out my soul... Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God. </div>
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songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-14982722190528996282016-05-06T11:06:00.001-07:002016-05-06T11:06:55.692-07:00My Cup Runneth OverSo much goodness the last few days...<br />
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Yesterday my sister and I were interviewed for a <a href="http://www.faithplace.org/" target="_blank">radio podcast</a>, "<a href="http://www.faithplace.org/Karolyn-Merriman-Show.html" target="_blank">The Karolyn Merriman Show"</a>. The daily show features licensed therapist, Karolyn Merriman and each broadcast covers a variety of different topics. From childhood abuse, to difficult relationships, from freedom from fear and anxiety to enriching your prayer life and many other life struggles and challenges, Karolyn offers biblical insights into dealing with and moving from hurt to healing through the power of God's grace.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the recording studio with Karolyn, after a successful interview!</td></tr>
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How did we come to land on Karolyn's show? Karolyn was my therapist many years ago and we've stayed in touch off and on. We recently reconnected on Facebook where she learned I was involved with a writing group. She was intrigued. As we chatted about what our writing group does she became more and more interested in the whole concept of a writing group designed for Christian women writers. She asked if we'd come on the show and talk about how we started the group, why, what we do in our group, how it benefits us etc. I was kind of taken back by her request originally as I couldn't fathom how our group fit in with the themes of her talk show. She assured me that because she often encourages her clients to engage in writing as therapeutic, sharing about our group would be appealing to many of her listeners. She also felt that what we've done in establishing this group was worthy of mention as it may inspire other women (or men) in churches or communities to start their own writing groups. So.... Anita and I bravely committed to the podcast. It was so much fun!!<br />
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( You can listen to the podcast <a href="https://karolynmerrimanshow.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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Later that day I met up with a sweet gal who is going to host a jewelry party for me this month. I first met L. as a member of my Curves fitness center and we've stayed in touch on Facebook ever since. She is very excited to host a get together for me, not just because she loves the jewelry but she also shared she was happy to have a way for us to connect in a more tangible way than just online!<br />
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I've had my emotional ups and downs when I look back on my time as a fitness center owner. I enjoyed the initial start up and being my own boss. I loved, loved, loved seeing Curves empower and strengthen women in all aspects of their lives. I loved feeling healthy and loved meeting so many wonderful gals and starting friendships that have continued long after the club closed. But the stress of running a business and keeping it financially strong was too much for me. The last couple of years running the club, I was depressed, angry, frustrated, stressed and exhausted most of the time. Not a very good presentation for promoting health! I've often wondered if my presence in the club was a positive one. If I made a difference in even just one persons life. I've questioned that over and over.<br />
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Until yesterday.<br />
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As we chatted L. expressed just how much she enjoyed her time at Curves and emphatically stated that it was my presence there that made the difference to her. She saw something in me that clicked with her. In addition to being friends on facebook since the club closed, she's been a faithful follower here on the blog (Hi L! Surprise!!) and shared that my posts often speak to her just what she needed to hear on that particular day. Wow.<br />
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Every writer desperately wants to be 'heard' and my deepest desire as a writer is not to attain fame and fortune (although I wouldn't turn it down, ha ha) but to know that my writing, Holy Spirit inspired, reached even just one person and impacted them in some positive way. Yesterdays visit with L was a confirmation that yes, it has. And for that I am so very very blessed. Thank you sweet friend.<br />
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And to put the cherry on top of the day I came home with a burning desire to BLOG! And to WRITE! I whipped open my laptop and began pounding the keys. Even if it was drivel I have managed to shake loose the chains that were binding my hands and mind from creatively flowing. Hallllllllelujaaaaaaah!songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-768014678229738962016-04-26T21:57:00.000-07:002016-04-26T21:57:10.853-07:00This, That and The Other Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>this....</i></b><br />
<b><i>I'm taking a writing course! </i></b><br />
The School of Creative Christian Writing, taught by Jeanne Halsey, is halfway through and I am being challenged both in thought and emotions. It's good and it has got me back into some writing. This is good! More on that another day. It's a lot to process!<br />
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<b><i>that...</i></b><br />
<b><i>Speaking of writing...</i></b><br />
The Christian Women Writers Group that I co-facilitate with my sister, has caught the attention of a friend who hosts a Podcast on <a href="http://www.faithplace.org/" target="_blank">FaithPlace</a>. She has invited my sis and I to come be interviewed for her show as a way to encourage other women to start their own group! It will be a live interview. Little nervous about that! It's happening on May 5th on the <a href="http://www.faithplace.org/Karolyn-Merriman-Show.html" target="_blank">Karolyn Merriman Show</a> at 10 am. Since it's a podcast, you can catch the interview anytime.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the sassy sisters sparkling in high fashion jewelry</td></tr>
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<b><i>the other thing...</i></b><br />
<b><i>Sparkling Over Here....</i></b><br />
About 15 years ago I took a leap into the field of being an independent distributor for a jewelry company called <a href="https://www.premierdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Premier Designs</a>. I had some fun for a few months but due to other things going on in my life, I kind of ran into a wall and let it go. My beautiful niece, who was responsible for recruiting me back then, has been with the company for more than 16 years and it's proved very profitable and rewarding for her. Every once in awhile she'd check in with me and ask if I'd ever consider coming back to rep the line. I'd say "thanks but no thanks" but then in February when she asked me again, it just seemed there was a definite nudge to really consider it. So, I took the leap again and resigned with Premier. I'm now a Jewelry Lady! I've always been impressed with the company and all it stands for and the jewelry is lovely. I've done my training show and have launched seemingly successfully. I am excited and see this as an opportunity to continue in a ministry to women. It's not about sales. It's about service and I was created to serve! I'm still working one or two days a week at the Christian bookstore so this is a perfect compliment to my busy life.<br />
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<b><i>and just a tad bit more..</i></b><br />
We've been working on some remodeling in our kitchen. It's a work in progress but I'm pleased with the results thus far. <br />
I'm looking forward to my grandson coming to visit this summer for a few weeks.<br />
I'm eager to go camping and I'm loving longer days and warmer weather. The dark fog of winter has lifted and life is beautiful.<br />
<br />songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-91536185379747177642016-03-12T20:42:00.001-08:002016-03-12T20:42:42.262-08:00Life Goes OnThis may be the longest break I've taken since I began blogging. I have to admit, upon my return from Florida, I fell into a funk. Sure, we can blame the depression (under control but always lurking) and certainly the awful sinus/upper respiratory infection that lingered for 6 weeks. But mostly, it was (is) the pain of separation. Saying good bye is never easy. And the realization of just how much my grandkids have grown and changed since we visited in 2012 has had a very sobering effect. I've missed such a huge portion of their lives.<br />
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As I watched the days get gradually longer and the buds breaking forth on the trees and bushes, my spirits started to lift a bit. The approach of spring will do that.<br />
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Next week my sweetie and I will take a little trip to the coast, visiting family and enjoying the Olympic Rain Forest and other hidden treasures. It will be great to get away and relax, play and have time together. Maybe this vacation will help chase away the blues and maybe even help restore my desire to write!<br />
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songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-53739570857849861042016-01-28T15:43:00.001-08:002016-01-28T15:43:51.382-08:00Life Is A Treasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just spent a week in Pensacola visiting my daughter and family.It was a long overdue visit (over 4 years) but trips to the other side of the country are not easy to come by. When my daughter and I hatched the idea for me to visit it was back in September and I had no idea how I'd pull it off. But God did. Shortly after I set a visit date of January 2016, I was offered the part time job at Family Christian Store. It was an answer to prayer. Still, it took awhile to save enough funds for the trip, because as soon as I started saving other things came up. Things like a major car repair, an unexpected medical expense, a higher than normal electric bill. In other words, life. Funny how that happens. Still, by Christmas I had the money to buy the airplane ticket.<br />
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We had some grand plans at first. A trip to Atlanta Georgia to attend a Women of Faith Conference. A side trip to Alabama to see my son. As the date got closer and reality set in we had to trim things back and then I got an upper respiratory infection that almost made me postpone the trip. It was with a resigned spirit that I boarded the plane last Wednesday. I say resigned because I really was disappointed that the WOF Conf wasn't happening. A visit to my son was probably not possible either and while the Rx was kicking in, I still felt exhausted and wimpy due to all the coughing and sniffling. And did i mention I had laryngitis? But as the plane carried me through the air I thought about how blessed I was to take this trip at all. The whole purpose of the visit was to <span style="font-size: large;">spend time with my girl. </span>It didn't matter what we did, just that we did it together. As for the laryngitis, didn't God give me the word "listen" for the year? Well, I'm still chuckling over that one because with a raspy voice it was certainly easier for me to let my daughter and grandkids do all the talking while I sat back and just listened! <br />
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The week went incredible fast, as vacations are always prone to do. I saw where my daughter works, met some of her co-workers and friends, surprised my granddaughter at school by showing up for lunch, met my oldest grandson's 'friend-girl' (not girlfriend he says) got reacquainted with my step-grands, watched my grandchildren play, took them on a field trip, went to the beach (in spite of very cool temperatures and threatening skies) and went clothes shopping with my girl. In between, we just enjoyed each others company, shared secrets, laughed, cried, and laughed some more.<br />
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My grandkids are growing much too fast! The boys are taller than me! Their voices have changed. There's <i>facial hair</i>!! My granddaughter is wearing a bra! In less than 2 years the oldest will be 18 and graduating. For crying out loud! Stop!!<br />
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Life goes on, whether you are watching carefully or not. I've been home for just a couple of days and as always, in retrospect I think of all the things I had wanted to do but didn't. But I look at the pictures of all the things we did do and I recall the conversations that took place and the memories we made. There will be more trips. We'll fly the kids up for visits over the next few summers. We'll skype and text and facebook. It's not the same as having them down the street just 10 minutes away but this is life. It's not perfect but I'll treasure it.<br />
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<br />songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1238357349479279734.post-90448510220349053682015-12-31T09:32:00.000-08:002015-12-31T09:32:28.021-08:00Listening for the New YearNew Year's Eve... with many thoughts swirling through my mind, I sip another cup of coffee and reflect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad at his favorite watering hole; Dunny's in Nooksack.<br />He met many a friend there for coffee several times a week!</td></tr>
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Nine years ago this morning Dad passed away. I wonder how many cups of coffee he's enjoyed with Jesus since then? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm sure I acquired my love of coffee from my dad. After all, he started me on it about the time I was weaned!)</span><br />
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I don't spend a lot of time wondering what heaven is like but when I do, I'd like to think we'll still drink coffee. Can you imagine sitting across the table from Jesus, and chatting over a steaming latte? Perhaps some biscotti to go with it. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Calories and gluten intolerance wont exist in heaven, of this I am certain!)</span><br />
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I do love a coffee date with a friend and many a great conversation takes place while we sip. What do you suppose one would talk about with Jesus? Oh, the possibilities are endless.<br />
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Speaking of talking, Jesus has been. <span style="font-size: large;">Talking </span>I mean. To me. I've been choosing a word now for the past several years, a word that would be my focus for the year. Love, Grace, Relationships, have been some of the words I've committed to. So, of course as this month started to close in I began thinking of a word for 2016. There were a couple of words that immediately came to mind. I even had a word for my sweetie <span style="font-size: x-small;">(of course he was ever so grateful for me sharing that with him! HA!!) </span>After I have a few words, I then bring those words before the Lord and ask Him to direct me.<br />
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He did. He brought me the word <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"listen"</i></b>. </span><br />
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What? That wasn't on my list. I shook my head when I heard it. "<i>Listen?</i> Really Lord? <i>That's</i> what you want me to focus on in my new year?"<br />
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Well, now look. I like to talk. I mean, coffee dates, hello!<br />
I'm often guilty of interrupting, in my enthusiasm for sharing my opinion or ideas. And I admit, when I'm tired or my internal battery has been depleted, zoning out is much more likely to happen than giving rapt attention to whomever is talking. As a creative introvert, I am constantly processing internally all that is going on around me. Sometimes this results in getting lost inside my head and I begin to tune out the noise around me. Even when the 'noise' is the voice of a loved one.<br />
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But the Lord keeps reminding me that he gave us only ONE mouth and TWO ears so there must be a reason... which is to listen twice as much as we speak. He also convicted me in that its not just my earthly companions I need to listen better for. I need to be listening more for HIS voice....<br />
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This is what I read in my daily devotional a few days ago. <i>"Are you interested in praying a prayer that could revolutionize your life? Try this: Begin each day by asking God a series of questions. "Lord how can I love you today? What acts of worship can I do? What words can I utter that will honor and bless you? What act of service can I do to represent your love? How would your scripture inspire me to pray today?" *</i><br />
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Whoa. That's some serious questioning and it will require intentional listening to discern the answers. It almost feels like too much to ask for. Because revolutionizing ones life sounds a little intimidating! Scary! Risky!! But, conviction gripped me and I knew this was meant for me to undertake at this point in my spiritual journey.<br />
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A day after this reading I learned from my boss that they were keeping me on after the holidays! I am delighted as this job has turned out to be a blessing in many ways. And when you are in the retail/customer service arena listening is very important. It's not about me, it's about serving others.<br />
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Then, just after I informed my husband I was pretty sure this was the word God has given me for 2016, I went on my phone to play a word search game and the very first word that I found was.... "LISTEN". Say what? Oh, God has such a sense of humor and I just chuckled... and the word was cemented in my heart.<br />
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<i>*At His Feet; the one year devotional by Chris Tiegreen, Tyndale House Publishers Inc.</i>songbyrdonthemountainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972167645190643502noreply@blogger.com2