Today would have been my mom's 83rd birthday.  However, she died a little over seven years ago.

There are days when I wish I could pick up the phone and talk to her.  And other times, it seems like it's been so long since I last saw her.

She was so supportive of me my entire life.  She was the one who encouraged me.  She was the one who read to me as a child.  She was the one who sat with me in the clinics all day as we waited for my appointments before and after my open heart surgery.  She loved that I was active in high school and was there for every sporting event that I twirled at.  She always encouraged me to bring my friends home so she could get to know them.  My friends loved my mom too.

This photo was taken on the last birthday my mom celebrated on this earth.  She was turning 75 years old and was visiting me in Phoenix.  We went to T. Cook's at The Royal Palms Resort.  She loved restaurants like this one when we could get all dressed up.  But she wasn't feeling well at the time.  In fact, on the way to the restaurant I remember so clearly how she told me she was ready to die.  She had been in so much pain for years and was tired.  The Lord was gracious and took her home seven months later.

So, I'm thinking of her today on this special day.  I know she is no longer in pain.  And I can't wait to see her again one day in heaven.

Blessings and love,

What does our nation need?

It can be all too easy to:

• Sit back and criticize
• Wring our hands
• Wonder what's happening to our country
• Become anxious as we watch what our founding fathers had in mind is changing
• See our nation's values conform to society's new mindset

This is our quote for this week's "In Other Words Tuesday".  It was chosen by Living for God and that's where you can link up to join in.

I look around me and see many situations that seem impossible. After all, I'm not in control of other people and their responses.

I often say that I may not be able to control everything that happens to me but ...I can choose how I respond to them.  

I can't tell you how much that has helped me cope with many issues in my life.

As I ponder Matthew 19:26, I wonder if I've been managing my expectations so I won't be disappointed.

Do I truly believe that NOTHING is impossible with God?

• I pray over situations.  
• I spend time in His Word.  
• I ask the Lord to prompt me by His Holy Spirit when I am to speak and when I am to remain quiet.

But when things or people don't change, I have to admit I feel like maybe I'm doing something wrong.  Like I'm the reason for failure. But this Scripture verse says that with man (woman) this is impossible. I realize that I am taking responsibility for something that is God's.

I guess it comes down to surrender ...

That can be such a difficult word especially when you feel so capable.

Have you heard the phrase: God helps those who help themselves?

Well, it isn't anywhere in the Bible!

God helps those who come to the end of themselves and realize they cannot do it alone.  Why do you think so many people have to hit rock bottom before they come to God?

So, what do I do with the situations and people I'm praying for?

• I continue to pray for the seemingly impossible
• I surrender the situations and people to the Lord
• I trust that God knows what's best 
• I believe that nothing is impossible for God
• I rest in that promise
• I live my life not constantly worrying

How about you?  Are you praying for the impossible?


Blessings and love,

How can I find peace in the midst of chaos?

I crave peace.  Yes, I need outside stimulation but I also long for a balance of quiet and rest.

I look around at my current surroundings.  They look so different from where I was several years ago.  I am trying to fit my downsized possessions into a very small space.  The result is ...a mess of boxes with no place to squeeze what's inside.

I remember the day I took this photo.  My life was so different then. I lived in a very large and very organized home.  Everything had its place.  I went for my daily walk which often included scenes like this. Beautiful grounds that were extremely well maintained.  Life was more orderly and peaceful.  It was easier to find peace.

But now my view has changed.  But can I still find peace?

When I take my eyes off:

• the chaos of unpacking 
• establishing new routines  
• my long to-do list
• anxiety that time is running out on my summer off from school
• the friends I want to spend time with while I can
• the way I look nowadays in the mirror

Instead, I focus on:

• My circumstances may change but my God never changes
• Who I am in Christ
• He is my peace in the midst of any storm
• Nothing is impossible for Him

So in the midst of chaos, I choose to stop and spend time slowing down.  I choose to have my quiet time.