Thursday, April 19, 2018

I Remember Mama

Welcome and Good Morning.

I've been trying to write for days now, but just come here and stare at the blank screen.
My mother passed away last Saturday.She was in the last stages of life for a week and the words just would not come to me.
Saying that last good-bye always seems to get stuck in my throat; clogged there with too much love and sadness to get by.
I didn't grow up with Hazel, my birth mother, so I don't have years and years of memories to cling to, to help ease the grieving moments. But I do have some very sweet memories to cherish and cling to, and cling I will.
Grief is a funny thing that comes in waves to knock you down when you least expect it. Like yesterday at the florist and later at Safeway when I was at the olive bar trying to get the stupid lid on the container of olives I wanted to buy. I tried FIVE times to get that stupid lid on and finally handed it all to my girlfriend and said, "I'm going to give these flying lessons unless you do this for me." She started laughing, it was a pretty funny thing to say, until she looked at me and saw the tears welling in my eyes. Stupid things like that can get you going out of nowhere.
I take comfort in other places, too especially my Bible like Mama always did in times of sorrow or joy.
One of her favorites was Psalm 23. I haven't met anyone who doesn't like that Psalm, but I'm finding new comfort there now that I learned it was one of Mama's favorites.

"He calms me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul."

I don't like the feeling of being an orphan now either. Who thought I was grown up enough at 63 to take charge of the world?  Scary thought! *shudders*
At least I'm not the Matriarch of the family now. That honor falls to my oldest sister. She will do an awesome job of it, too I'm sure.

Good-bye, dear Mama.
Easier to type than say.
Rest in peace you sweet soul.
You will be so missed.




Mama on her Wedding Day.

Gratitude
1. My mothers, Hazel and Beverly
2. My family
3. My friends

Take a few minutes and read Psalm 23 in memory of Mama.

Blessings,
Deborah





Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Thoughts About Mother

Welcome and blessings.

My mother is back in the hospital again.
This will be how it is from now on; in and out as the need comes.
Her body is breaking down. The pneumonia is not going away. Last night they gave her heavy duty antibiotics and this morning the 103* fever is gone.
Thank you, Lord.
They say they can only keep her comfortable now.
They say they are doing everything they can for her.
We appreciate all the tender care.
We appreciate her strong faith that she lives each day and models for us.
We appreciate her love for each of us and give it right back to her joyfully.
We don't know how much time we have left with her; days, weeks, months?
Only God knows that.
We do know we are facing a time without her.
Reality check time.
I want to throw a good-ole-two-year-old-tantrum!
I would if I thought it would do any good.
So, instead I will surrender her over to God;
leaving her in His hands that are so much more capable than mine.
I will cherish every moment with her; every conversation on the phone.
And I will pray.


My sweet mother, Hazel.

Gratitude
1. My mother
2. My family
3. A loving God

Hebrews 13:5
I will in no way leave you,
neither will I in anyway
forsake you.

Blessings,
Deborah

Monday, April 2, 2018

Weight Loss Bible Study - Me Again

Welcome and blessings!

Here I am again...the yo-yo queen.
I know how to do this so well.
Scale down. Scale up.
Down. Up.
Up. Down.
Trying so hard to stop the madness and
failing miserably.
I went down 2lbs this week and now the scale this morning says I'm back up 4lbs.
A total gain of 2lbs. for the week from last week.
What. The. Heck?!!

Cruising through Pinterest I found this article that I thought you might like to read.
http://motivateddays.com/the-spiritual-battle-to-lose-weight/

I also found this one on Barb's blog, "10 Lies, 10 Verses."
https://barbraveling.com/2013/09/29/weight-loss-bible-verses-10-lies-10-verses/#comment-1074425027

I'm going to pull out "Taste for Truth," and read some chapters again.
Get my Bible verse cards out, too.
And do a lot of praying.
Restore my mind.
State my truth.
Restate my boundaries.
Get back on the bike.
At least I'm not starting completely over.
*sigh*

How are you doing?
Have any suggestions?
Help!!


Gratitude
1. Bloggers who understand about how hard this is.
2. Knowing I'm not a failure
3. Accountability partners

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

Blessings,
Deborah


Sunday, April 1, 2018

Happy Easter!!

Hallelujah! The Lord has risen!
The Lord has risen indeed! Hallelujah!

From the Rev. Drew Downs.

https://drewdowns.net/2018/03/31/love-change/




Gratitude
1. A risen Savior
2. A merciful God
3. A new day

Blessings,
Deborah

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