Life in His Hand

On Wednesday, my study group was over. We typically read the Bible,  read a section from a book called, 'Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing' and pray. Sometimes, I share a story. Yesterday, I shared one called, 'Unanswered Letters'. It was about a man who had lost one arm, the use of his legs and on his "good" hand, he only had one finger and his thumb. He was discouraged, because he couldn't really do anything anymore, but wanted to do something to help other people. He started thinking about writing  letters to people who were shut-in like himself. He thought of writing to prisoners. His mind was still brilliant; he had a lot to share. He contacted a Christian ministry and began painstakingly writing letters twice a week. Only thing was-he wouldn't receive any responses since it was against the rules of the prison. He put everything he had, his whole heart into writing. He eventually became discouraged as it was so physically challenging for him. Fi...

I have been getting ready for Thanksgiving this week. Okay, so the idea of decorating for Christmas, early, kinda fell by the wayside. Suddenly, I got really excited about Thanksgiving! I'm not having a huge crowd, just about eight of us. I decided that since it was a smallish group, I would set the table. So I started pulling out table cloths and napkins and candle holders. Then I realized I have NO pretty glasses! So I set out to find some at a second-hand store (which I did!). I watched a cool video about decorating your table with things you already have around your house. Was inspired. Here it is... As I waited around for my daughter to get out of school today, I checked out a second-hand store that was nearby and found eight really nice plates that were like new. I could have used what I already had, but these were really cheap and pretty. For a centerpiece, I am using pretty red Asian Pears and leaves. Tomorrow, I will hunt for branches with beautiful red and gold...

We're thinking about dragging our artificial tree up to the house and getting out the trunk where I store the ornaments and decorations. We have never decorated this early...usually we do it on the day after Thanksgiving or the next day. For some reason, I feel like if we decorate early, then we could make something or find a way to add to our decor using natural or homemade things...because that's what you do when you're broke. It's weird that I even have the desire to make anything...I am NOT crafty. What's this strangeness overtaking me?? Resourcefulness? Homemade-itis? Craftymom-itis (NEVER!!)? I just keep seeing myself and my kids sitting around the table making something out of paper... I think I'll be on the hunt for some greenery that no one would miss. I am looking forward to the season. Not the crowded stores or the shopping, but the simple family traditions. Like decorating the tree and reading true, heartwarming Christmas stories. Looking at th...

God does amazing things! Brings situations full circle. Last November, I wrote a story on here about my son. It was the 20-year anniversary of a painful time in my life and I just felt compelled to write about it. I was 18 and pregnant. Here it is... THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011 Cold November Rain It was the first day of November twenty years ago. A dreary day with clouds and drizzle which eventually gave way to rain. Cold November Rain. "Please just drive," I said to my friend, Dave, as I wiped away the tears that just kept coming. What have I done? Why did I let this happen? Didn't I ever learn? I felt so guilty. And sad. Not for me so much as for the little life just confirmed by a pregnancy test at the health department. A little life I'd suspected. A little life I loved with all my heart. Another little life I would raise...alone. As soon as I got in the truck, I turned on the radio. "November Rain" came on. I looked out the window...

I have had one of the most amazing, surprising and touching weeks of my life. I want to share it with you so bad, but first I think I may need to get permission from someone. Something in me just feels so right and so complete. I can't wait to tell you! It's huge and a long story. Just need to figure out just what to say and how to say it. I'm still marveling over what has happened. HINTS: Facebook 20 years healing beginnings WOW!!!!