2.28.13

Wednesday morning, Pastor Mary spoke about Angels all around us.. not just guiding us into Heaven.... Well Angels heard our prayer asking to guide Betty and to let her once again be at peace and with her Father in Heaven..  Thank you.

2.27.13

Sometimes I say things I should not say.  This afternoon, I was not a great parent... when having a conversation about how Mackenzie did in choir.. I sad how nice she sang in the group, but when asked to sing a solo (the song she has been singing for a week NON STOP) she refused... sometimes just frustrated.  However, I was really proud of my baby girl tonight.  She was so well behaved at dinner and then pretty awesome during a special prayer service tonight... The cutest thing and perhaps the one thing that really helps to sum up how awesome it is.... the service was over and when I said to Mackenzie "okay let's clean up," she looked at me and said, "WHAT? it can't be over, we weren't blessed!" To which my friend and I said, "um okay go tell Pastor Mary you are not leaving till you are blessed.."  When she tried to tell Pastor Mary, she wasn't clear... so she came to me and said, "you need to go tell her she doesn't know what  am talking about.." lol When I went back there, Pastor Mary smiled and said, "wow what a difference a year makes.." I smiled and said, "they didn't start coming till Easter... it hasn't even been a year ... it is awesome!" Grateful for not only my friend who drove and helped to keep Mackenzie so calm... but for my daughter....  I really am so proud of her... May tomorrow, we think and thank those that thump themselves in our lives..... for it will be Thankful Thursday.

2.26.13

Today when I woke up I had an idea how much I would be grateful for this day... a year ago now I was trying to send an email... after several attempts I finally did... I am so grateful to my friend who canceled and to my other friend who welcomed me.... Happy Spiritual Birthday to me!!!!! As I prepare to go and celebrate Wednesday morning service, I know that I will go to bed grateful..... especially for the email back.....Thank you  I am also so thankful for what having the opportunity to do many things and with whom.... Life is beautiful, Thanks Be to God.- Amen

2.24.13

When I was younger I would wake up on this day, the calendar date would be missing from every calendar in the house.  Most people would find this funny or laugh.. but it really was the beginning of why I never was a fan of this day.  Seriously he acted like this day did not exist and therefore, I became accustomed to not wanting it to show up. Today in Sunday school, we talked about promises and one of the examples was trusting... and how babies know who they can and cannot trust and rely on. Today I heard from many friends most near, some far.... sending wishes of happiness for the upcoming year.  I thank you all and want you to know.. I felt how much everyone cares and appreciate it.  I am so glad I went to church last night.... and glad I did get the kids at least to Sunday school today, Mackenzie has REALLY taken to the singing.. and I am so grateful for that.. MAYBE it will be the place for her to be able to shine.... I know people are probably sick of reading this.. but I am so happy I brought my children to Holy Trinity.. especially now.. they need this positive outlet... and to grow up knowing they have a larger community that cares for them. Next weekend I must stand up and talk about my son's Baptism.. If I had the opportunity, I would have my children Baptized again.. I really do believe their real beginning was Last Easter.
This was a sign on face book today.. I knew immediately I wanted to use it today... I tried to go outside my comfort zone this past year.. and plan to go out even more this year... after all I have 36 reasons why I need to take that leap of faith.. and know that I am capable of doing almost anything... if I allow myself to believe in myself.  which is why I said YES when asked to snuff out a Lenten Candle.... and on all days.. March 17... that day will soon become a new day with new meanings... I like the endless possibilities... Magnificent Monday masks itself behind moody people, make magic and pray for miracles... most of all Make it Marvelous..

2.23.12

This evening I walked into church and one of the women said, "what are you doing here?" without thinking... I said, "my children are at their dad's wedding, I can't think of a better place to be"  Really the peace I feel sitting in worship (when Mackenzie is not climbing all over me, yelling, talking, disrupting) is unbelievable.  for one hour today I was not thinking about my children, not worrying about them, not thinking about what was to come... I was able to focus on our Lord, see my church family and be present... for that I am grateful tonight.  As the children are finally asleep and I relax with a mud slide.. I am grateful for making it through the best I could and pray to have more grace tomorrow to deal with what that will bring...

May we awaken to the sun and send a smile to those who walk by us.... Have a Spectacular Spiritual Sunday.... 

2.22.13

This morning I started this day with the greatest of intentions.. (more like denial and pushing aside any and all emotions).  Once again the Holy Spirit worked her hand into helping me through today... I received an email shortly after someone reminded me of what this weekend would bring.... "...I give thanks for the gift of you in this world! You, Jordan, Mackenzie are on my heart as you prepare to send them off ......When I'm facing an especially daunting challenge, these words  of Jesus, routed to us through St. Paul, help me: "My grace is sufficient for you. Power is made perfect in weakness." Really, needed this email and appreciate it, so much.  As busy as I was... there were moments when I needed to remind myself how grateful I am that my children will have another person (soon to be two) to care and love them.  Tonight the first phone call was a difficult one... I remained positive and happy and encouraged them to have a blast... afterward, I cried in my friend's arms.  I am so grateful not to be alone tonight.  Then the second call came...this time, face time.... I dreaded picking it up... I knew I had to really show no emotions, but be the mom and let her know she was alright and would have fun... then once again, I cried.  Soon after  my friend gave me a gift that touched me more than anything ever will... a beautiful friends forever necklace.  I know I said it last night... I will say it again... I am so grateful for my friends.. especially this weekend... Thank you..... I adore you...

As tomorrow morning surprises each of us with many thoughts.. .may each of us spend some time with someone we care about and share the memories that will make it a superb Saturday.... 

2.21.13

As this week comes to an end, and the weekend begins... I am grateful for the friends I have.  Not only am I blessed to be given the opportunity to spend time with my friends.. I am so lucky that they care enough about me to not let me be alone.    Someone once said you do not need a lot of friends.. you only need a handful of good ones... and that you really should only be able to count them on one hand... well I am sorry I never agreed with that... I am so blessed to have many great friends and adore them all! I love my friends and appreciate each and every one of them. Tomorrow morning I will thank God for giving me another day and for blessing me with so many wonderful people in my life.

2.20.13

When the idea is to be grateful... it's not that difficult... At dinner tonight a friend said... "I saw someone we both know, her mom passed .. I paid my respects and she said she was trying to take on her mom's attitudinal of daily attitude of gratitude. - she would say, I am grateful I had her for 45 yrs, some people lost their mom at an early age..." I would like to say the same thing... I am grateful I had my mom for the 10 yrs.... I know people who lost their mom younger...
Be grateful on Thankful Thursday...

2.19.13

To help someone feel wanted.  To finally experience this is amazing.  Yes, just like in the song by Hunter Hayes.. In other ways as well, when I fulfill a request for a friend or for the church it is also a great feeling... May we all experience this and help others to feel it as well. Tomorrow is Wondrous Wednesday, what will you do when you wake up to make it wonderful?

2.18.13

What we say and what we do is more important than any worldly possessions.  To let someone know that being in contact with them is a priority is awesome..  The other day the most beautiful letter was written for me, about me and to this moment it still puts a tear in my eye to think what someone would say who has known me for just one year.  Then today someone knew I would be worried if I didn't hear from this person (I would) and made the time to let me know what was going on....  To have people in your life that not only you care about, but care about you... really is priceless.. (Happy JJ?)..lol
Tomorrow take the time to tell those how terrific they are.... I plan on it.  Have a tremendous Tuesday.

2.17.13

This afternoon a friend sent me a text message that read, "so you were at all three services this weekend?" I replied, "YUP".. she said, "What's happening to you?" I replied, "I like it...". she said "obviously"...
I can give you three reasons why this weekend I attended three services...
1. I love to hear the sermons and sometimes hearing it more than once.. is necessary..
2. Psalm 91 is one of my favorites and we are encouraged to read it this week (again)
Psalm 91 (NIV)

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
3. We sang On Eagle's Wings... WOW this is probably my favorite... even found it on youtube...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rRea9qnjK

2.16.13

Safe Travels JJ and Joan... Can't wait to hear all about your FUN.....
I just posted on my facebook that this was one of the best "adult" days ever.. so grateful that the children had a nice day with their dad and his fiance... but even more grateful to spend the day with my friend and even get to church... It's an awesome place and I am so blessed... I am even more excited that I will be there a year soon... It really was my Baptism.  I have met so many wonderful people and am so grateful to each and every one of them for this past year... I do not know if I would have been so brave and managed through some pretty rocky things... Tonight I joked about an email I received challenging me to do smething with the warning that if I mess it up, I could delete the page (church page)... Someone asked if I decided to walk away.. I said NO, if everyone received the devotion I sent at midnight without messing it up... I'm ok.. to which Pastor Mary said "I do not think you have messed anything up yet"... I laughed as we hugged and said; "there has been plenty"..to which she said; "haven't we all..". this is why I adore this family... down to earth and real....

Which leads me to telling this..... this is a true story and one that I have not shared... until tonight.  In the fall when the book club was ending... I was told about the next book and that there would be someone else to facilitate it.  I was thrown off... hesitant and worried.. .I did not know this person (we all know how I am with that) and I did not understand why someone else was coming to run it... I was scared (I didn't say this.. that it meant PM was leaving).. I really didn't get it.. PM explained to me that this person is a part of the church and comes when in NJ... still hesitant.. I did NOT sign up... after all most of the book clubs I attend are b/c PM encourages me to do so.. and if she wasn't going to be there... I did not have someone encouraging me "to go outside that box..."  So then Sandy hit... and the person leading the retreat in Nov.. could not... so once again this person was no longer attending the retreat... she was leading it... I once again was nervous... (that weekend was a lot of box moving for me).... I got to know and appreciate this person on the retreat... I really felt the connection we made and treasure it.  I ended up at both of the book discussions and value everything I learned and feel that I have gained so much from this person in such a short amount of time... tonight I had to say so long (in person).. until next time.... I saw the tears and know you will miss your Jersey Shore family.. We will all miss you... and I want you to know how much I appreciate getting to know you and the talks we've had... you are an amazing person... Thank you Pastor Beth.
PS... had to repost this picture just for you... for that comment you made ...safe travels...

2.15.13

To have someone who is there... no matter what.  Decides to "bug" you until you "give in"... Someone who does not "accept or say no"... is a true friend.
To have someone who is "not going to run"... no matter what.  Decides to "live in the moment," rather than worry about the future... Someone who does not "give up"... is a true friend.
Thank you, both

2.14.13

Today is a day for Love... I started out this day by telling people: May the love we receive from God be spread among one another- Happy Valentine's Day!!! How can we share this love with others?

The Lenten Devotion written by a friend of mine.. talks about hospitality, after Sandy... getting to know her because of Sandy... was an honor..  perhaps you would enjoy it...http://www.holytrinity-elca.org/index.php/worship/lenten-devotions/112-feb14

As Lent began.. .I made a promise to God... I was going to step up and do more for my faith and church.  The Holy Spirit reminded me... there was a need, I could fulfill... I volunteered to change the signboard. Then, I arrived for soup last night and was told there was a need for a communion assistant.   I asked to be the second assistant.  This morning, my friend asked me to post the Lenten Devotions on the Church FB page.... I said yes, tonight she asked me to be a backup to email the Lenten Devotions, I said yes- Only now I told her.. you are helping me to fulfill my Lenten Promise... and as I thought... she said it.. Holy Spirit.. I feel so great about being able to do more.... because we could always do more... and offering some time... that I can do.... what about you? For when you do for others.. you become happier....

Tomorrow as you awaken, and say TGIF... perhaps you should really think about thanking God...

2.13.13

When I arrived tonight prior to the service, my friend said "I suggested you as the second communion assistant and PM said let's give her a break..." I am sure this was said for a reason.. but when you hear it... many different reasons jump into your head.. I asked yesterday.... "When we stop and think about what people said to us today... What do you remember? .....what would people say you said to them today?"  And I challenged that no matter what you decided to do for Lent... "give something up or make a promise to do something? perhaps something with your words is in order???
When you awaken to a wonderful Wednesday, words will work wonders, don't you think?" 

When I wrote this.. I never imagined Pastor Mary's sermon tonight would be along these lines... The mark we received today is a reminder of the sacrifice... those of us who received our ashes early in the day, had a reminder all day... but if you did not have a physical reminder what would you say is a reminder of the sacrifices made for us?   There are many people who touch our lives on a daily basis... why? What did they do? When you think about the people in your life.. what would you say is your mark on them? What would you say is your mark from this day?  
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and for the first time in many.. I am looking forward to it... it happens to fall on Thankful Thursday.... be sure to tell those special valentines.. why you are so thankful.....

2.12.13

Today I am grateful for what people have said to me....  Words can be so amazing!!! When we stop and think about what people said to us today... What do you remember? When having a conversation with someone there was point in which I felt like a child and then apparently acted like it.. lol  "Why are you hiding... I can see you!" ...just really grateful I have mostly outgrown the fright and FLIGHT defense mechanism.. I was pretty close. lol In all seriousness... words can really encourage people to do things they are not used to doing and help them to continue to step outside the box.... "Love the devotion, good job pushing through the challenge" or "Thank you for stepping out in faith once again, taking on the challenge.." And in some cases... someone can say something that just plain makes you feel special... and that is just a wonderful feeling... "When you least expect it that's when it happens and it makes you smile..."  Months ago, Pastor Mary spoke in Sermon about listening twice as hard as we speak and when we do, think before you do... what would people say you said to them today?
Tomorrow as Lent begins.. what will you do... give something up or make a promise to do something? perhaps something with your words is in order???
When you awaken to a wonderful Wednesday, words will work wonders, don't you think?

2.11.13

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we prepare for Lent, may we all stop to be grateful for the sacrifices made for us.  As I prepare for bed, I ask for the healing embrace to reach my friend, Cindy. May the fever finally break and may she receive the answers she is waiting to hear. 

Amen

2.10.13

Today I must say how grateful I am to have someone who understands... thank you!!!!

Most of all I am grateful to have God's grace and embrace leading me along my way. Let's not forget that God is in the business of making Miracles...  May we all make Monday Marvelous... 

2.9.13

When you think about the people in your life.. Do you think about why they are in your life? A long time ago, someone once said to me... "everyone has a purpose in your life"  Tonight as I thought about some people in my life and what they mean and what I am learning from them... I thought about how grateful I am to have God in my life. I posted the other day how I feel like a better person now... and of course I received the logical feedback.... " Ah, and God pursues us not to make us better but out of pure love! The other is a nice side  benefit :) "
 -PM It is more than  a nice benefit... it is amazing.  May tomorrow morning as Dawn breaks on another Spiritual Sunday, may we all stop and take a survey of those in our lives and what we are willing to do for them... 

2/7/13

Yesterday morning I went to mid week worship and once again left there feeling so unbelievably amazing.  Not that she would, but I think that PM could recite the phonebook and make it sound amazing-seriously.  In all seriousness though, it was such a wonderful reminder to hear no matter how I tried, no matter how long I tried, no matter how much I fought ... God came looking for me, and kept coming for me...until I said yes.

When I finally started to really listen.... I started to become a better person.
Thank you for not giving up on me...

2.5.13

Happy Wedding Anniversary to my mom... I see the smile on your face and know it was the happiest day of your life... love and miss you... 4.5 hours sleep in two days makes for a very sleepy teacher...lol ... Love kindergarten and their energy. Thank you for the fun today!!!! I am so grateful to Carol for keeping Mackenzie to allow me to help Jordan with his massive homework and actually go to sleep when this is done... This will even help tomorrow morning as well.  So grateful.
I have to say how special I felt today.  I was asked if I wanted to go somewhere and offered a ride, so that I am not home alone...lol It meant so much to be (remembered and) asked and really I was torn!! I really want to go, but I am excited to spend time with a friend... It's so wonderful to have such caring people in my life... THANK YOU...
As my sister begins her trip back over seas, I pray that she and everyone who travels out of the safety of the US, is protected and safe always.  Wishing my friend, Cindy gets the answers she needs tomorrow and allows her to take a much needed break.  I am so  grateful for this Terrific Tuesday... and look forward to a wonderful Wednesday!!!!
Headed to begin the much needed sleep... Sweet dreams.

2/4/13

On this, the eve of my parent's wedding anniversary.. today I went outside the box and did something for me that I am so happy I did.  Never have I smiled this much in one day... I am grateful for the time I had and look forward to pursing more of those times...Less SILENCE (we all know how much I love that) and fewer moments where faces turned lovely shades of red....  Tomorrow morning, if we are lucky enough to be given another day.... How will you choose to live in order to think of someone else and help them to find their happiness? Tomorrow especially, my thoughts are with my sister as she prepares to travel once again... I ask that you keep her in your prayers and all those who live their days to keep us safe and protected.  As my friend works on trying to find the real cause of her illness... please keep Cindy in your prayers and may all those who are sick feel the healing embrace. Amen

2.3.13

20/20 Envisioning for 2022  .. I always think of root words.. lol Vision- which then made me think of visions of sugarplums... and then I realize... my brain needs to stop..lol
Today I started the day by ushering with my children.  I allowed Mackenzie to do a little more by herself and it was nice to walk behind my children while they served.  I then willingly went to a large group meeting with the intention of speaking and giving my ideas.  This is so difficult for me!! Sometimes, by the time I feel comfortable... MUCH like today..it was pretty much over( almost 5 hours later)....the only real thing I was able to say is that we need more activities for little kids and their families to bring people in to feel the connection...
When someone says "What can we do to help those around us?" When you think oh 5 hours.. that should be enough time to come up with the answer... It is not as easy as "Well we could do this..." It's a matter of listening, listening, and listening some more.  Next, give some ideas and then take those ideas combine them with other ideas and poof... you have a.... BEGINNING!!!!  LOL seriously lots of ideas, lots of suggestions, now just to get something started.. that's the FIRST step..lol
I wasn't sure half way through why I was there...Almost at the end, I finally said what I felt we needed and then someone from another group came over and asked me...   if I would take over her position... and then I realized... that was why I was here.. I said yes... not because I always say yes... because I do want to do this.. this is a way to open things up to younger kids.... really excited for September... Thank you, Holy Spirit... once again.

2.2.13

So grateful for how today went.. this was a much "easier" day with my son and I am cmpletely grateful for that...
Is there any better way to teach children to think of others, than to have them doing for others?  Today, 5 young children walked in the cold door to door to collect cans to send to the food pantry.  They were cold, but went eagerly from one door to another.... so proud of them all.  Another way will be to "Feed the Need"... part of a much larger group... the children and I will go and package food funnel by funnel to be sent to impoverished countries.  If you would like to donate time or money I am enclosing the link.  The children and I each have our own goal to raise $100... This link will allow you to search by a person's name.... if you would like to join us... just send me a message and  i will give you the details of our team, date and time.  http://www.helpfeedtheneed.org/feedtheneed/list.asp

2/1/13

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you! You are amazing and great. May I livein a way that will make you proud tomorrow.
Amen