"Tiny Treasures" along the way... UPDATED

Going back through previous posts from a few years ago I discovered this one from 11/23/13. Since this is a busy week preparing for a house full of guests for Thanksgiving, I most likely won't have much time for blogging...or even for watching for those "tiny treasures strategically placed along the way."...But it is still such good advice...and perhaps there is someone out there who needs this message today.  In the midst of your hectic preparations for family gatherings and travels, take a moment to recognize those special treasures that God has placed in your path. It could truly brighten your day and help you relax and enjoy the "ride".   Happy Thanksgiving!!

These were the "tiny treasures" I found today...holly berries have turned red and look so pretty outside my bedroom window.

This was originally posted on 11/23/2013:

First thing this morning I read the following thoughts in the little devotional book , Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, on the page for today's date, November 23:

"As you go through this day, look for tiny treasures strategically placed along the way.

I (Jesus) lovingly go before you and plant little pleasures to brighten your day.

Look carefully for them, and pluck them one by one.

When you reach the end of the day, you will have gathered a lovely bouquet.

Offer it up to Me with a grateful heart.

Receive My Peace as you lie down to sleep,

with thankful thoughts playing a lullaby in your mind."

 Shortly after reading this passage, we took an early morning walk in the woods.  I almost forgot to take along my camera, but quickly ran back into the house to get it before we had gotten very far. I'm so glad I did, because otherwise I would have missed the first "tiny treasure strategically placed along the way."  This perfect Golden Silk Orb Spider web, "strategically placed" directly in my path.  There was no way to get under it or around it, so we just had to turn around and go back a different way.  I wasn't about to destroy it!

 Can you imagine how difficult it must be to get all those silken strands so perfectly lined up in complete circle? Such amazing creatures!  You have to admire the skill of these spiders even if you don't particularly appreciate the spider itself!

The next treasure (not quite as tiny) that I discovered today was this sink! You may not think much of this old well used sink...but it has been in my sights actually for awhile...left over from a local church yard sale sitting rather forlornly under their "van-port" (where the church van sits), and it kept beckoning me to look a little closer.  I am sure you are wondering why I would want this old (very heavy cast iron!) sink...well,

I have my reasons...thinking of an outdoor sink for my son the carpenter to wash up brushes, hands, equipment...and also a place for doing some flower potting, washing up after working in the yard...LOTS of uses!  So I contacted the Pastor's Wife and asked how much they wanted for it...and she said, "It's yours! Come get it!"  And so I did...rather my son and I did. Thank goodness! I had NO idea how heavy that little cast iron sink would be!  Now to get him to build a potting bench/workbench to place it on...

But don't you agree this is a treasure?

As I walked around our back yard I noticed the next tiny treasures..These two sweet little blossoms on my Louis-Philippe Rose bushes, which were a gift from a dear friend who has since moved away and they are here to remind me of her kindness!  The Louis-Philippe Rose is also known as the "Florida Cracker Rose".  They are finally starting to bloom a little more freely, and their sweet delicate little faces make me smile.

 It smells so nice too!

Especially I am happy to see  this one blooming, because I recently transplanted this plant to a new location so that I could plant my new "Don Juan" rosebush birthday gift from my sister in its former spot so I could see it from the window.  I was afraid it wouldn't bloom again after transplanting it, but here it is!!!

The day is not done yet...and I may add more "tiny treasures" before the day is through.  But I wanted to take the time now to offer these up to the Lord with a grateful heart!  He knows how to bring joy to us in the simplest of ways.

What "tiny treasures strategically placed along the way" have YOU discovered today? Why not share them with others and be a part of the lovely bouquet being offered up to Jesus with a grateful heart full of Thanksgiving?

My Little Secret Hideaway Dream - Updated 11-18-16

I wish I was writing to say that my dreams have come true and that I have built my "secret hideaway dream", but alas! It is still just a dream...  But I was telling some new friends about it today in my post http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2016/11/friday-foto-friends-and-things-are.html, and several commented that they would love to come visit when I do get it built.  So that prompted me to re-post this original blog written on 10/28/2012, not too many months after we moved to this home in the forest.  The dream is still very much alive...but we are no closer to getting it built now than we were four years ago...still need money to do things like that...and since I retired last fall our funds are even tighter than ever. So I will keep praying and dreaming and waiting on God to show us the way to do this...and then I will definitely let you all know and we will have a big party in the little "secret hideaway" cabin.  I guess it won't be a secret hideaway any more after that!  Ha Ha!  Please pray with me about this, okay friends? Thank you!

Original Post 10/28/2012:

"For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.  And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord." Psalm 27:5-6

Today something has been evolving in my mind and on my facebook page.  So I figured I might as well bring it over here and share it with you.  After all, it is all about "YOU", my friends in blogland and elsewhere. 

Someone posted this picture on facebook, and it triggered a whole lot of dreaming on my part, although I already had the dream...this just put more meat on the bones of the dream:

I don't have the credits for this photo. Sorry. It was on facebook. I saw it and I liked it.
So here it is. Please forgive me if I've taken something that is copyrighted. I didn't know.

Several people made the comment under this picture "Now THAT's MY idea of camping!"  And I said to myself..."Yes, that is exactly the idea I have had for some time...I want one of those in my yard!"  Now you may say that that is quite an extravagant idea, and perhaps a bit impractical. 

But let me explain myself.  For many years my husband and I have dreamed of owning our own retreat center.  It started way back when we were serving in the pastoral ministry, and we went through some very difficult times of stress, family illness, pastoral struggles, and general burnout.  Our dream was to create a place where pastors and wives could get away for a while to rest, recuperate, be ministered to instead of having to minister to others, and that it would be provided for them absolutely free. Then, when our teenage son became ill with a brain tumor, we experienced what it was like to have a seriously ill child and all of the fear, anguish, financial burdens, and heartaches that go along with that kind of a traumatic event, and we wanted to provide a place for families, caregivers, broken hearted parents, suddenly alone individuals...where they could heal, receive counseling, hide away for a while without worries about how they could repay us. At one time we actually created a non-profit organization for this very purpose, but it never developed. We still had too many of our own battles to fight...and although the dream was born out of our own need for such a haven of rest, we were never able to realize the dream and had to shelve it along with so many other wonderful ideas that appeared to be impossible.  Now that same son of ours is enduring cancer as an adult, and we are living this nightmare again...even though he is far away from us with a family of his own...and we wish we could do something more to help them. 

So now, we are living in a place that is out in the woods.  We were blessed with this home in a miraculous way...and although it isn't exactly paid for, it is like a dream come true in some respects.  It is a quiet place (sort of) out in a remote location, with lots of interesting wildlife and adventures. We don't have a lot of land, but enough of a lot that we could possibly fit a cute little cabin in a copse of trees off to the side, where one could sit and dream and write and read and "retreat" from the world.  I won't fool you...it's not perfect. There are neighbors fairly nearby, and cars do drive by out on the dusty road, and there are bugs, and real live bears, birds, bees and snakes.  But it has potential.  I can just imagine a rustic little cabin there under the trees...and I can see it being used for the glory of the Lord...to minister to others...to minister to US...to welcome friends and strangers who need to rest awhile...to provide a place of comfort, solace, and adventure to boot!

I've actually been spending my last couple of Sunday afternoons, sitting right in this spot and writing and dreaming about this little cabin in the woods.  I like to take pictures as I write...pictures of the birds, the flora and fauna, and well, stupid stuff like my laptop in my lap, and elusive birds in the tree who refuse to sit still long enough to be photographed.

The view from my laptop

It is relaxing and peaceful. After a busy, stressful week at work, it is respite for my soul.  It soothes my nerves, and heals my wounds.  The only thing missing from my original dream is a lake or stream passing by my front door...but there is a lake in the area, you just can't see it from here.  And there is a  lovely river for canoeing, fishing, sitting and dreaming...not far down the road.  And there is all of the Ocala National Forest at our doorstep...complete with paths for walking, 4-wheeling, hunting, with  natural springs galore throughout the region.  So the possibilities are limitless! 



Hey, where did THAT bird come from?

There I am dreaming and writing about my "dream cabin"

There is a tiny yellow warbler in there somewhere. See if you can find him!

Another view from my secret hideway

So maybe my dream isn't so far fetched after all.
I just need to build the cabin. It won't be fancy. It may not even have electricity...but that would limit it to fall and winter use in Florida. Summer would be brutal without air conditioning, even in the forest. So I guess we will have to have some conventions if we really are serious about helping people relax and rest.  It will need some kind of "facilities" for you know what, so that will require a little extra planning...but it is not impossible. We already have an extra septic tank on the property, running water, and electricity is easily attached.  We just need the means to provide the cabin. So I am praying. I spend my Sunday afternoons in that spot, praying, dreaming, and speaking the dream before the Lord.  Maybe He can see that I am really serious this time.  Maybe now IS the time to make it happen.  Perhaps that is why He brought us to this place in the first place! 


When you come to visit us, we can sit on our front porch and have a cup of tea
(or coffee) and watch the birds together!

I hope you will be one of our first visitors when this dream becomes a reality.  One of my dear friends from childhood said today, "If you build it, I will come!"   I'm holding her to it.  One of my facebook/blogging friends from California said she wanted to make her reservation too!  I can envision a fantastic retreat of giggling writers, sharing our dreams and swapping our stories.  I can see worn out pastors and wives, recent widows or widowers, newlyweds?...well maybe I AM dreaming a bit, but anything is possible with God.  Oh, and did I tell you?  You can join us for breakfast on the weekends! (If you want to).  Your cabin won't have cooking facilities, (except for a campfire or a grill) at least I don't think it will...but maybe it will...but if not, you will be very welcome at our table.  Or at our fire pit.

Hot dogs anyone?

How about a "s'more"?  You gotta have some more s'mores!

So, if you are in need of a place to "hide" in the time of trouble...a secret place of God's tabernacle...that is exactly what I am talking about.  A place to hide away and heal, grieve, rest, recuperate, laugh, sing, write, read, pray, love...come on down!  Oh...but it's not here yet.  Please pray with me that God will provide the means to do this!  We all want it...but in His time, His way, His provision.  Amen? Amen!  Ok, start saving up for your trip!  I believe it will happen. Hopefully sooner than later.  Amen.

Friday Foto Friends and Things Are A Little Wild Here!

Well, who'da thunk that I would not have any good pictures to share for Friday Foto Friends ( Click HERE for that link)?  I kept thinking I would go somewhere special and take some pictures this week, but even though I did visit with some special friends, I forgot to take pictures, except for the ones I took at our "Lovely Ladies of the Lord" Prayer Group earlier in the week...and you've already seen those...Click HERE for THAT story just in case you missed it.

Yesterday we had lunch with some friends, and like I said, I forgot to take any pictures, but on the way home we took a back road through the woods and saw this:

I am sorry if this shocks you! Yes, this is a Diamondback Rattlesnake, but he has been hit by a car and is in the process of dying. I did take a video of him as his body was still moving...but you get the picture here.  This fellow is between 3-4' long, but they can grow over 6 feet long.  And yes, they are quite poisonous. Therefore, I would NOT have gotten out of my car to take this picture unless I was quite sure he was rendered harmless.  For those of you who are snake squeamish, I am sorry. But they are becoming so rare, I thought it was something worth seeing.  I live in the middle of the Ocala National Forest in Salt Springs, Florida.  Snakes and other wildlife are pretty common sights here, but this is the first Diamondback Rattler I've seen since living here. We used to see them frequently about 50 years ago where I grew up about fifty miles from here...but with so much development in that part of the state (since Disney World came in the 1970's), a lot of our more "exotic" wildlife have virtually disappeared.

Okay, so I do have another few pictures to show you since we are on the subject of wildlife.  I know I've shown you my "Little Bear" before, but he did show up again last evening just before dark...strolling through our front yard, around the side of the house and on into the back yard and back into the woods.  This is the ancient bear trail that the bears have traveled in our yard ever since time began...(well, time as I far as I know it! Ha Ha!)  Here he is:

We have designated our yard  as a "Bear Crossing", and my son,  Benton, a.k.a. "Ben's Country Woodshop ", the official signmaker for our family (and  the world...can be found on Etsy.com at https://www.etsy.com/shop/RusticForestStudio,) created this sign for us back when we first moved here:

And the crossing has definitely lived up to its name.  Here's a few of our "nite camera" pictures to show you that the bears love to come by day and night.  We have a little "pool" of water available for our wildlife, and a variety of critters stop by for a drink quite frequently.  There have been many different bears...of ALL sizes,  frequent the watering hole over the past almost five years that we've lived here. These are just a few more recent pictures.

I hope you've enjoyed these "wild" pictures!  We feel honored and privileged to have a front row seat to such amazing activity.  Someday I hope to have a little guest cabin out in our yard so friends can come visit and stay up all night and watch the wild "night life" if they so desire!  When we get it built, I'll be sure to let you know!

In the meantime, it is my prayer that you and yours will have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving with loved ones and friends near.  We look forward to hearing all about it on our next "Friday Foto Friends".  

So, from our house to yours,

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Enter into His gates with 

thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

and His truth endures to all generations!"

Psalm 100:4-5

Being of One Accord

Today our Ladies' Prayer Group, "Lovely Ladies of the Lord", met for prayer, lunch and encouragement, not necessarily in that order...but kind of all at once... We prayed, we ate, and we encouraged each other in the Lord all throughout our time together.

We thought this sophisticated high heel salt and pepper shaker set was the perfect decor for our table at our local diner!

Our Lovely Ladies of the Lord

We were a small group today, but big in love, compassion, and concern for one another as well as for those who could not be with us. We also prayed for our nation and our new president elect and all those who may be still struggling with these changes.

What a joy to share this bond of spiritual unity and motivation to grow deeper in our walk with the Lord and in fellowship with our sisters in Christ.  Reminds me of the following verses:

Philippians 2:1-4

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, 

if any comfort of love,

if any fellowship of the Spirit,

if any affection and mercy,

Fulfill my joy by being like-minded,

having the same love,

being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,

but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem others better than himself.

Let each of you look out

not only for his own interests of others."

That's a tall order set forth in God's Word for all those who wish to serve the Lord...but that is what we strive to do as we gather to lift each other up in love and concern.  We come from different churches and neighborhoods, but we are of "one accord", "of one mind" when it comes to serving God and His people.  There is no hint of any kind of "selfish ambition or conceit" among our ladies...and a true sense of esteeming one another with love and a great desire to look out for the interests of others.  I am personally humbled by the grace and love of these ladies, as they have ministered to me so tenderly over the past few years as I've dealt with the illness and subsequent death of my son. It seems as though we each walk through our own personal valleys sooner or later, and it is wonderful to know that there are those who will be there for us when we need them. What a joy and privilege that is.

I don't know if you belong to such a group or not, but if not, I hope you will seek one out, either through your local church...or maybe even start your own group with some like minded ladies of the Lord that you know.  Doesn't have to be a big group...sometimes smaller is better. You may need to find just one special person to meet with on a regular basis for prayer and Bible Study. You don't have to be a Bible scholar or prayer warrior...but a person who loves the Lord and desires fellowship with others who are also like-minded. Then let the Lord take charge...and you may be amazed at what He will do, when you are "in one accord".  

Things to Do in the Meantime...UPDATED 11-15-15 and 11/15/2016

I like to look back at previous years to see what I wrote on this date...it is always interesting to see what was going on then and how I was feeling and being affected by the events of the times...and how they relate to how I feel today, however many years later.  You should click on the links embedded in this post to get the full story(ies).  It is interesting to note how I felt  after the election in 2012 (see the link for "Still Reeling and Putting Things in Perspective" as well)  and how people are reacting today to the current election.  My feelings back then were valid and real...but I didn't go out and join a riot/protest or break windows, pillage, scream profanities or burn anyone in effigy.  I prayed. I prayed for our nation, our people, and our president.

Today, I have much more hope for our nation than I did in 2012.  I am expecting some great things to happen in the next four years.  But I am also a realist.  I know that there is no man or woman who can totally make all of the changes and keep all of the promises that they hoped to be able to do. Things happen that totally change the course of our dreams and plans.  Look back to 2001...and 9-11.  That horrific event tragically changed the plans that our then President Bush had for his presidency...and altered the course of how we view our world and our sense of safety and security forevermore.

You know, we all have disappointments in life...some greater than others.  But we don't have to lose hope. We don't have to hurt other people to show our displeasure and anger. If you don't like something, do something positive to help make our world a better place.  Volunteer to help those less fortunate than you. Go on a mission trip to an impoverished nation or places here in our own country and help rebuild their homes, churches, schools.  Donate from your personal wealth to give to those who have nothing.  Teach a child to read and write. Visit the sick and lonely. Pray for those in authority over you and even for those whom you may greatly dislike.   Turn a negative feeling into a positive action...something that improves the lives of others without harming innocent bystanders. Become a positive role model to those who may be looking up to you for guidance...don't lead them to become disobedient, disruptive and bitter people.

Now, back to where we were this time last year and in the years before...

Update from 11/15/2015:
In light of the current events taking place in our world this past week, (the ISIS attacks in Paris and other parts of the world)http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/11/14/paris-attacks-important-lessons-must-heed-from-french-tragedy.html   I wanted to write something to express first of all my sorrow for the nation of France and others throughout the world so affected.  These heinous acts leave us all feeling vulnerable and fearful, knowing that the same thing could happen here at home at a time when we least expect it. I was looking back at some earlier posts written regarding "the armor of God" Click HERE, And HERE AND HERE.  I realized that this has been a recurring theme, but each from different perspectives and events in my life and the world at large.  The reality is, we are living in a fallen world. We can expect things to continue to build and escalate as the final day draws nigh.  But we don't have to live in fear and without hope.

Here's what I wrote three years ago, on 11/10/12:

I think my previous post left a few people speechless...not knowing exactly how to take it or what to say....

(Click on this link to "Still Reeling and Putting Things in Perspective" )  -which was written just after the last presidential election in 2012.

Today I think I will elaborate and set the record straight.  This is in no way to be considered a thorough theological or prophetic message.  It is just what I believe God is saying to my heart as I look at the world  around me and read God's Word. 

1. First of all:  Yes, I do believe we are living in the "Last Days"
• "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.  So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near--at the doors!  Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. " Matthew 24:32-35
2. Do I know exactly when the Lord is going to return? No.
•  But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, but My Father only."  Matthew 24:36
3. Do I think that we should just give up and go live on the mountaintop and wait for His return? No.
• "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing." Matthew 24:46

Ok,  What should I be doing?

BE STRONG:

• "Finally, my brethren, (sisters), be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."
• "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Read Ephesians 6:10-18)

BE AWARE:

• "Beware, lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power..."  Colossians 2:8-10

• "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."  Colossians 3:2-4

BE HOLY:

• "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 

BE THANKFUL:

• But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

BE WISE:

• Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
• And whatever  you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  Colossians 3:12-17
• "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

BE GRACEFUL:

• Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."  Colossians 4:5-6

BE LOVING:

• "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
• In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." I John 4:7-11

As you can see, God's Word is where the answers can be found.  The best advice I can give for us during these days is to:

• "Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I say rejoice!
• Let your gentleness be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.
• Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
• And the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:4-7

Do I have all the answers? NO!  But God's Word DOES!  Read your Bible!  Get to know the One Who gave His life for you...and the One with Whom you will be spending eternity!

Do I always live like this? NOT LIKE I SHOULD.  So this message is as much for me as it is for you.  Again, I go back to my post from yesterday: "People Get Ready, Jesus IS Coming"...but in the meantime...Live for Him, Love Like Him, and Let Others See Him Living in You.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13.  Amen.

I will close with portions from "The Last Message of the Bible", found in the Book of Revelation 22:7, 12, 13, 16, 20, 21 ~

7.  "Behold, I am coming quickly!  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

12.  "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with me, to give to everyone one according to his work.

13.  "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

16.  "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

20.  "He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." 

Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

21.  "The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Amen."

I have nothing more to say on this subject

tonight.

Good night...and truly, may

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."

Amen.

Messages In Nature

Messages In Nature

If you look closely, you will see a big heart in this old oak tree. 

I didn't notice it until I looked at the picture, 

yet it was there all the time. 

Isn't that the way it is with love? 

Sometimes we can't see it because of all the clutter and stuff surrounding us...

kind of like not being able to see the forest for the trees. 

But God's Love is right there...in places we don't expect to find it. We just have to step back and take a breath and look again. 

When we look at the "bigger picture", 

we begin to understand the message 

God is trying to get through to us. 

Perhaps you can help me find some other hidden messages in these pictures from more of God's creation all around us...

"He will not be afraid of evil tidings;

His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.  

His heart is established;

He will not be afraid."

Psalm 112:7-8a

 "The Lord is my strength and song,

and He has become my salvation."

Psalm 118:14

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him."

Psalm 37:7

"Blessed are the meek,

for they shall inherit the earth."

Matthew 5:5

"But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid!"

Matthew 14:27

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

Ephesians 5:1-2

I thought perhaps these positive words from scripture might be a blessing and a breath of fresh air in the midst of a week full of turmoil and negativity. Perhaps this will inspire you to be on the look out for more "messages in nature", sent with love from God to you!  Be sure to either capture them in pictures, or write them down...and share them with us so that we can be encouraged as well!  

May God be with you always!

Have Faith In God

Have Faith in God

Wow! What a night! I don't know how many of you stayed up late last night (this morning) watching the election results.  I made it until about 1:30 a.m. and just couldn't stay up any longer. Went to bed feeling hopeful, and woke up this morning with a feeling of great comfort...and a calm and peaceful sense of having a "clean house"...   (not my own personal house...but a much larger place...)

But then I was faced with the reality that not everyone felt as elated as I.  To some, the results of this election seemed to bring fear and panic, and a sense of financial instability.  For me, not having any real savings  or stocks and being totally dependent on social security and a very small government pension, has its benefits.  Nothing to lose.  But for those whose livelihood is based on a 401K or other type of retirement savings account, the news from the stock market created a great feeling of insecurity and grave concerns about the future.  Even though the experts remind the world that this is only a temporary setback and will soon recover, for those not having that kind of foresight there is major anxiety.

While contemplating this apparent calamity in the lives of those around us, the chorus to an old hymn kept pressing into my heart:

"Have faith in God,

He's on His throne;

Have faith in God,

He watches o'er His own;

He cannot fail,

He must prevail;

Have faith in God, Have faith in God!"

The last verse of this hymn also seems appropriate at this particular juncture:

"Have faith in God tho' all else fail about you;

Have faith in God, He provides for His own;

He cannot fail tho' all kingdoms shall perish,

He rules, He reigns upon His throne!"

"Have Faith in God", by B.B. McKinney, 1886-1952 , Click HERE to hear it sung by a Youth Choir in Singapore

But perhaps not everyone understands or has confidence in having faith in God. And I would be insensitive to flippantly say that is what one should do when they feel their world is crashing down around them. Faith in God is not something that is learned overnight or easily understood.  It may take years of learning to trust in the One true and living God, learned only through personal trials of loss and God's provision, sorrow and regained peace, heartache and restored joy.  This does not come easily, and I have learned that it only comes when I am willing to surrender my control over the things around me...my finances, my home, family, job, health, world events, wars, elections, friendships, and the list goes on and on.  When I recognize that I never had control over those things anyway, it frees me to rest in the Lord and let Him take charge.

Psalm 33:18-22 speaks comfort to my soul and hopefully to any out there who are struggling today:

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,

on those who hope in His mercy,

to deliver their soul from death,

to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the Lord;

He is our help and our shield.

For our heart shall rejoice in Him,

because we have trusted in His holy name.

Let Your mercy, O Lord,

be upon us,

just as we hope in You."

Our God is not lax in His care of us individually or as a nation.  He is very aware of the outcome of this election and its effect on His children, whether it be good or bad.  He is still on His throne...and He will not forget His promises to us.  So...

"Have Faith in God!"

Psalm 34:8-9 says:

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

O, fear the Lord, you His saints!

There is no want to those who fear Him."

It is my prayer that as we reflect on the outcome of this election and all that it portends, we will be reassured that our God IS still on the throne, and that He is in control...and that we truly have nothing to fear. Amen!

Pleasant Interludes in Caregiving

I am sitting here at my desk, writing to you, and listening to Tennessee Ernie Ford singing one beautiful hymn after the other.  Here is the link for you to enjoy if you so desire:

Tennessee Ernie Ford, "Amazing Grace, 40 Treasured Hymns".  I love this album as it brings back happy memories from my childhood, listening to Tennessee Ernie Ford on his TV show, or from the albums my father collected of his as well.  Ah, yes, "Precious Memories" indeed.

My sweet 93 year old mother in law is sitting in her chair here beside me, listening, singing along and dozing off at the same time.  These hymns have been like a tonic for her...calming her spirit and lifting her to a sacred place of worship and praise between her and her Savior.  I love to watch her as she sits with her eyes closed and prayerfully harmonizes along with each hymn.

She just woke up from a little dozing off with the most beautiful smile on her face, and I just had to take her picture so you could see.  She said, "How long was I asleep?"  I told, her "Not long...you were just feeling such peace listening to the beautiful music, you drifted off to another realm".

"Nanny", as we call her, has dementia, but lately, with the help of the Lord and some good medicines, she has become more like her old self mentally. That is a true blessing to us, her co-caregivers.  We share the responsibility with her other son and family, and a couple of months ago she was getting so difficult to deal with we were  all about desperate to place her in a nursing home.  I don't mind telling you this because it was something that was becoming unbearable for all of us. Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's takes a terrific toll on the family...both in emotional and physical health. It also puts a great strain on marriages and other interpersonal relationships.

Nanny getting her first real pedicure!

And then, it is as if the Lord heard our pleas and said, "Okay! I'll give you a little reprieve".   The Doctor changed a couple of prescriptions, and finally the combination of meds seemed to find the right place in her mind and body...and our sweet Nanny came back!  Now, don't get me wrong, she still has dementia, and there are still some difficult moments and days, but for the most part she is much more compliant, pleasant, and cooperative...pretty much the opposite of what she was before. It was like a miracle!  Maybe it was!

And a manicure helps keep those nails from chipping and cracking.

However, being 93+ years old does continue to take its toll on her body physically.  As if in exchange for her having a sweet spirit again, her body is starting to weaken and become more frail each day. Hence the pretty pink cast on her right arm, from when she fell a few weeks ago and broke her thumb.  She tends to fall easily these days...so protecting her from getting hurt becomes a greater challenge.  

To help us keep track of her at night we bought a baby monitor to put in her bedroom. Now, in addition to listening to my sweet hubby breathing/sometimes snoring, I can also hear his mother wiffling in her sleep from her room on the opposite end of our house.  Quite a cacophony at times!  But then, when I sleep I serenade the whole house with my snorts! So I guess we're even! Ha Ha!

We know that there are still some major challenges ahead.  We are taking things one day at a time, and seeking God's direction for whatever is best for all concerned.  I believe He has her life in His hands, and He will continue to care for her one way or the other until He calls her home.  I pray also that He will continue to give us wisdom and strength for each day so that we will know what is best for all concerned.

In the meantime, we will continue to enjoy these pleasant interludes together and be thankful for God's little reprieve.  And listening to old time gospel hymns and other music from her past is a precious way to keep that smile on her face and her spirit in tune with her master until He calls her home someday.  It kind of soothes my soul too.  So that's a win-win!!

For some previous posts about our caregiving experience with "Nanny", Click HERE: http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2015/04/trying-to-stay-on-track.html,
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2014/11/thanksgiving-role-reversal-and-golden.html
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2016/03/wave-white-flag-i-surrender.html
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2016/08/serving-with-grace.html
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2015/08/enjoying-nanny.html
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2014/10/change-of-plans.html

LEGACY - Updated

This was originally posted just before our last election,  11/4/2012. Although some of the issues are vastly different in this current 2016 election, the underlying foundation is still the same.  We still need to vote based on biblical principles...what do the candidates actually represent...what is their agenda...what do they stand for?  Do they stand for biblical principles...the sanctity of life, our freedoms of religion, speech, right to protect ourselves...or do they represent ideals that will continue to erode away at our priceless freedoms and godly principles?  What kind of legacy will we be leaving for our children and grandchildren if our nation continues on its current path?  Please PRAY about these things and let God guide you as you cast your ballot.  There is so much at stake here, people.

Here is my original post from 2012.  Billy Graham is still a highly respected and revered man of God. His legacy is the kind I want to leave for my family.
Nov. 4, 2012 :

I was so pleased and proud to see this advertisement in our local newspaper today, the "Ocala-Star Banner". Praise God for Billy Graham remaining true to his life-long beliefs. Billy Graham is THE most respected evangelist our nation has ever known. Thank you, Rev. Billy Graham, for standing up for Biblical Values. Regardless of what people may think because of the constant barage of secular-humanistic teaching of our public schools and current governmental trends, it is Biblical Values that has made our nation strong for the first two centuries of its existence. If we turn our backs on our Judeo-Christian heritage, we will suffer the consequences of our own folly. But "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek MY face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I (GOD) will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14. I have refrained from making too many statements during this election season, primarily because I felt that too many statements were being made already and mine would be lost in the shuffle or ridiculed by many (even some "friends"). But seeing this statement today in our newspaper has encouraged me and given me the courage to speak up. I was admonished by a person indirectly when I made the statement that we need to all pray for our nation. That person was offended by that, thinking that I was suggesting that people in America should be forced to pray. No, no one can force another to pray against their will. All I can say is if you really care about your country, if you really care about your family, if you really care about your freedom...even your freedom to pray or not to pray, then you need to most definitely PRAY for this country and this election. We take our freedoms for granted...but we dare not toy with something so precious. We do not realize what a thin line exists between the free America we know and love and a nation that is no longer the "home of the brave and the land of the free." If you haven't already done so, please take the time to PRAY FIRST, AND THEN VOTE ACCORDING TO THE CONVICTIONS GOD PLACES ON YOUR HEART. I hope and pray you will consider this message by Billy Graham when you make your choice. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my opinion. I've listened to many of you over the past months, and have respected your right to express yourself without belittling you. I trust that you will grant me the same respect. "God bless America...Land that I love!"