A Thankful Heart

One of my favorite verses is " A merry heart does good like a medicine" but today I want to rephrase it-"A thankful heart does one good." We are still in the midst of prepping our home for painting~yesterday I pulled the baseboards off of three rooms and labeled them-getting them ready to paint. I also took several loads over to the house for the shelves in the basement.
At the end of the day hubby and I are worn out but it is a good feeling, knowing we are accomplishing so much each day.
In the midst I am continually meditating on all the things I'm thankful for, here a just a few:
~That my Lord is not a piece of stone or some inanimate object but a Living God who hears our prayers and loves us.
~I am thankful that I'm saved by grace and not by works.
~I am thankful that He is the maker of the heaven and earth and that I can trust Him with all the crazy weather.
~I am thankful that although we've gone through a major earthquakes(and girls I hate earthquakes)and a tornado we haven't had to endure a hurricane. We met a couple from Florida this week who have gone through Hurricane Charlie and when they told us about it I thought I don't want to experience one.
~I am thankful for the body of Christ, those bloggy friends that would join together in the name of our Jesus and fast for someone bound by the blood of Christ that we have never met; pleading for her health and life to be healed from cancer. What an incredible blessing to be a part of all of you.
~I am thankful for the fact that even though we haven't heard about any change in Cindy, we can rest assured that God in His perfect will heard and is answering the prayers of the faithful.
~I am so thankful that we got a laptop in Dec. or else I wouldn't have a computer at all.
~I'm so thankful that we have time with our move and can take breaks during the day; I'm thankful that in another month(hopefully sooner)we will be in our own home. As Linny says"Yippee Jesus"!
~I am thankful to be alive in a time such as this, to be healthy and loved by my Lord and also by my family and friends.

What are you thankful for today?
Hugs, Noreen

In the midst of all our chaos, I wanted to take a moment and let you faithful prayer warriors know that I haven't had any update on Cindy yet. If you would like to follow her blog, please see last Wednesday's post with a link to her site. Again, thank you so much for joining so many believers around the world yesterday taking her before the Throne.

Also, if my posts are sparse it is because I recently uploaded an upgrade of Mozilla and ever since my system crashes when I'm online for more than 5 minutes. It appears to be a problem for many; thus I need to wait to use hubby's laptop(he uses I.E.) when he's finished. Hopefully Mozilla will resolve this problem quickly.

Until I am on again may the Lord richly bless you and yours with His grace and love.

Noreen

Monday Madness

In the midst of helping our oldest daughter and her family move to a brand new home in the country, packing up all of our belongings so we can move to our home that daughter had been in my dear hubby has been spending his last little bit of energy refinishing our antique dining room set that was my parents. The picture on the left is circa 1990 and the set had never been refinished so it was really needed. The picture on the left is the chair refinished with new upholstery that I got a great deal on; if I decide I don't like it I won't feel too bad. Hubby has finished the legs to the table and will begin the top of the table sometime when he has a bit of time and is tired of packing.

On a side note~you know you live in the country when you drive past the oldest and only tavern in town and see old trucks, new vehicles, motorcycles and guess what else-a beautiful horse tied up. We haven't tried this place yet and I doubt I will because they specialize in Rocky Mountain Oysters....yuck!!!!

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On a very important note for those fasting today for Cindy, may our Lord richly bless you more than you could possibly imagine. If you aren't aware of this please see last Wednesday's post.

Noreen

Happy 10th Anniversary to my daughter and her husband!

It is hard to believe that ten years ago today my girl and her man entered into the holy covenant of marriage; as I look back it seems like he has been in our lives longer than I can remember and it has been an incredible blessing that he is the son of our hearts. He is one of the best gifts the Lord has given to our family! What a godly marriage you have and what godly parents you both are~your lives challenge me more than you know.
I love you both and am so proud of you; may our Lord richly bless you today and for many many more years to come. May His grace continue to flow freely in your lives and may you be a testimony to the Lord Jesus.

Thankful Thursday

It is that time of week to remember all those blessings that have come our way and to give thanks.
This week there are two areas my heart is resounding thankfulness in....
Firstly Victory in Jesus...over the grave, over sin, over self, over the world. I am so thankful for all that He did for me.
Secondly, I am so thankful for the Body of Christ~the church collectively. It amazes me how we struggle to walk in peace in some churches but on the web we are a united group, lifting and encouraging one another. Yesterday I wrote a post about a dear women battling cancer and humanly speaking, in the late stages of this disease but we have the Lord and many, many believers are going to intercede for this dear lady. Yes, this is Victory in Jesus! I am thankful for all who read my posts and have decided to join me on Monday. I am so thankful for dear Linny and her putting this out to readers. I am thankful that wherever two or more are gathered in His name, He is there also.

Be blessed today!

A Call To Prayer

One of the wonderful things about our bloggy world is that the web connects us with people we might never have the opportunity to meet in person. Being apart of this incredible adventure has blessed me with so much and given me some wonderful friends and a few best friends-for we are linked at the heart. One of my favorite blogs to check is a dear lady, a pastor's wife, who lives in southern Colorado. Her name is Linny, has 10 children, homeschools and is an incredible inspiration to many. Last night I was checking her blog and found a very touching and powerful post urging women to gather around the Throne room this coming Monday, July 27th, to intercede on behalf of another christian sister. Please go visit Linny's blog and prayerfully consider her post....http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/
Ladies, if all of us who read blogs get together and fast for Cindy on Monday, even one meal, can you imagine the potential for healing. I, for one, will be joining Linny and any other ladies who will be praying for the miraculous healing hand of our Lord on this lady's life. If you prefer to read her blog please do http://faithfulpromises.blogspot.com/
Each of us face challenges and trials in our lives and I would love to know that if I had a need many would be upholding me. Won't you join us?
Prayerfully yours, Noreen

Well I'd love to say we are celebrating the end of painting our daughter's home but now moving of her household has begun. We made one trip with trailer out on Sunday and two yesterday and at least one each day this week. I am such a tired pup lately that all I do in the evening is veg out on the couch; add in running around getting paint samples for our house, looking for furniture and trying to clean a little at a time. We think that our girls family might be able to finish their move by Sunday or the beginning of next week and then the fun begins again. I've barely had time to check my favorite blogs; please don't feel bad as I promise to be back sometime soon.
Today I'm walking with a friend at our nearby lake and afterward we sit and pray for a bit. When I'm finished I'll head to our daughter's house to run errands with her-leaving me in the car with three girls is much easier than unloading everyone for returns. The nutritionist comes for her monthly evaluation of Peanut's weight so I'll be there to help with big sister and baby.
Well as you can see I've been a very busy bee indeed but in about a months time I'll be very happy settling into our new home.
Have a wonderful day.
Faithfully, Noreen

Birthday Fun

Our youngest granddaughter "D"; what a sweetie she is.

The Birthday Boy, Mr. B, chases his uncle with the super soaker he received.

Two cousins=two great friends doing what girls do best-discussing important matters.

Daughter Kim and our little peanut; weary after a long drive home from vacation.

My two birthday boys-celebrating and loving every minute of family fun.

Weekend Fun

From My Library As I've mentioned, Wanda Brunstetter is one of my favorite authors and I was pleased when I found book number 4 in The Brides of Webster County series at our library this week. It is another charming story, a quick read and again shows how many of the Amish are saved by grace. This is such a reassuring thought because like many religions shaped in traditionalism, many are still lost and desperately in need of a Savior. If you get a chance don't hesitate to read this book, you won't be disappointed.


Have a joyful weekend.

Happy Birthday My Guys!

Six years ago today my husband was given the most incredible gift ever, and it wasn't from me. Our oldest daughter presented my beloved hubby with a grandson; our first grandson was named after hubby and "Mr.B"as we call him was born on hubby's birthday.
What can I say except I love them both so very much. Hubby has always been and will always be the love of my life and our grandson brings us such joy. In many ways he shares heart interests with me; something that brings me endless happiness and smiles. He is full of life, loves animals and loves music. He is one of the most affectionate little boys I have ever seen; he wears his heart on his sleeve and freely bestows hugs and kisses to this nana. I know with age that may change but I honestly think he'll always be a hugger. Now that he is getting older music may take a back seat to his love of animals but it is still there. I can't wait until his entire family are settled out on their land and he has ample opportunity to observe wildlife and nature. He has a quick wit and loves adventure especially if it involves his dad and big brother. My dear hubby is such an incredible grandpa and loves spending time with the boys creating things with wood. These two guys bless me continually and I am so grateful to the Lord for them.
So to both of you, may you experience joy and happiness this year and continue to have many years of working together.

I love you both more than words can say! Be blessed.


photo: this last year

Thankful Thursday

It is that time of the week again, a time to reflect on all the blessings in our lives and offer thankfulness and gratitude to the Giver of all good gifts. This morning we awoke to beautiful warmth and the promise of another 90 degree day but today we have wind. I am so thankful that I no longer have to be concerned on warm windy days that our hills might catch fire, like I did in California. I am thankful for the promise of a new day, filled with possibilities and life.
I am thankful for the 7 grandchildren we have, who possess strong wills and minds and know who they are in the light of God's word and His love. I am thankful for my two godly daughters and their hubbies and all the grandchildren and the precious one our oldest is carrying. I am thankful for dear hubby's hard work painting at both daughter's houses, the blessing he is to me and to them. I am thankful that the Lord did not bless us with another little one in my old age-it is all I can do to play with my grandkids and I can't imagine having a toddler full time at this season in life. I am thankful we see the light at the end of the tunnel in painting our oldest daughter's new house~it has been fun but oh what a job. I am thankful that we can begin thinking about painting and decorating the house we will move into. I am so incredibly blessed and thankful that tomorrow my dear hubby and grandson share a birthday.
As I've said before I am very grateful for all my friends in bloggy land!
May you be blessed today.

Alice at Painted White has an incredible giveaway-isn't it perfect for a bathroom...so go visit her and enter. You can click here http://alicew.typepad.com/thoughts_from_alice_w/2009/07/summer-giveaway.html

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On another note, many of you have read me saying that moving to a new state and making friends during this season of my life(i.e. empty nest and retired) has been a real challenge for me.
Last year I was discouraged and lonely because let's face it friends a gal needs a girlfrend; there are just some needs a hubby can't meet but this year I've been content~after all hubby and I are closer than we've ever been. Having said that I also realize it might be in part because I've made so many incredible friends blogging. Yesterday one of my very best, closest friends called just to check on me; this is a gal I've become so close to through blogging and life circumstances and I can't tell you how blessed I've been by her. There are others too that I haven't talked to but still hear from almost daily and I am blessed.
It reminded me of a verse in Proverbs: "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother(or sister). Prov.18:24
So to Becky, Carol, Sue, Debbie, Lynn, Dineen, Karen and all my other blogging buds I thank the Lord for you today and thank you for your love and friendship. I pray His richest blessings on you and yours. Hugs to each of you!

Monday Morning Praise

I always love it when I wake up in the morning with a song of praise on my lips. Today was no different so let this echo in your soul this day.

WE FALL DOWN

We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb
We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of
Mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb

My Jesus, I love you
I know thou are mine
To thee all the follies of sin I resent
My gracious redeemer
My savior, art thou
If ever I'll love you
My Jesus tis now
© 2005 Bec Recordings / Emd

Thought for the day: How many times have your heard someone say "I'll believe in Jesus when...(you fill in the blanks). Jesus did it all at Calvary and that alone should cause us to believe, not some trivial thing we arbitrarily choose.

I want you all to step back in time, to the days of the Andy Griffith Show in the 60's; if you're not familiar with it Ron Howard played Oppie Taylor. It was a great show and it depicted life in a small town. The was one character on the show who had one expression he used over and over again...let's see if you know who I mean. The man would say "Surr-prise, Surr-prise, Surr-prise...with quite a drawl.
(I'm trying my best to imitate him); well indeed that is what we got yesterday when our girl came home from her doctor appt. The four kiddos met them in the garage and this nana purposely waited inside so they could tell the kiddos what they are having. Once my hubby came across the street we waited for the news. Our daughter asked us what we were betting on and hubby said "A Boy"...and then(drum roll please)she said "We were so surprised, it is a girl". They had the ultrasound tech show them twice, just for good measure. We are so excited, boy or girl, we just want this babe healthy. I'm certainly glad I didn't cut out fabric that I showed you yesterday.
Yes, I do have enough "girly" fabric in my stash for a quilt and that purple may just be the back of it. Since hubby and I painted the girl's room, I already know what colors I need to focus on.
Another girl-we certainly outnumber the boys in our family.
I always like to find verses to claim for these little ones, even before they are born~life verses so to speak. One of my favorites is below:

"And our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace." Ps. 144:12

Many of you wrote yesterday telling me to expect a surprise and last night I just smiled and told everyone that the Lord does have a sense of humor.

Have a blessed day!

When we were in California, I got a couple of chances to go shopping and these are some treasures I found. The two metal baskets were only about $10. each and such great finds; they will either be used in the space above our kitchen cabinets or outside to hold potted flowers.

I was also on a quest for fabric for several projects and found it. The green and purple I bought as potential backing for a quilt I just finished. Since I didn't take the top along with me I had to guess-it will definitely be the green as there are already too many purples in the quilt top, but I know that I will eventually use the purple for something else.

I've mentioned before that our number 1 daughter is expecting in December. My stash is filled with lots and lots of girl fabric but my supply of boy fabric is limited but not anymore. I had to buy two different theme prints so my daughter could choose which one she liked best. I have to say that the one I choose was the one she liked the most.

This is our favorite theme fabric; I'm not sure what pattern I will use yet but we love the old-fashioned look of the fabric-brothers playing together. Somehow it reminded me of Huck Finn.

Once we get moved and unpacked I will definitely have to begin this new project.

Today is the day daughter has her ultrasound and we can't wait to hear what we already suspect-that there will be another boy in our family.

Have a good day!

Life's Gifts

One of my earliest memories of my dad is that of him constantly singing. It is no wonder then that I grew up constantly singing; not that I had an exceptional voice mind you, but I loved to sing. I remember riding home from school, around age 8 or 9, and singing to my hearts content. Music has always filled my life. In high school my best friend and I played guitar and sang together at the talent shows etc. At a local coffee shop in our city they held an open mike night and I remember singing at that~which if you would have heard me you would have giggled for I wasn't very good but I still loved it. When my girls were little, before we homeschooled, we would walk to school every morning singing "Psalty" or "Music Machine" or some other childrens hymn. When I drive I crank on the car radio or a cd and sing along. One of the things I most cherish about attending church is lifting my voice in worship. It is as equally important to me as the message, sometimes more so for this is how I connect with the Lord. Sometimes I will cry as I sing, not because I'm sad, but because of what a profound time it is for me. Once in church one of the leaders misunderstood my tears and came up after service to tell me he understood my pain-thinking I was crying over something else. I just smiled at him and thanked him for his reaching out to me. This last Sunday's service was so good, the message so timely but the music and worship was incredible. It had been about a month since I was in service, due to vacations and illness, so my soul was crying out to sing. May you be blessed this day in the little things that make you happiest!
Thought for today: Salvation, from whatever is drowning you, comes only from looking unto Jesus.

Monday Morning Musings

Hubby and I ready for the 4th of July parade

Our little peanut on left with baby sister

Part of the gang gathering, ready to join the parade

Our sweet blondie with her dog-a bit too long to walk for such a small dog

Strollers and bikes were all decked out

Cousins can be best friends!

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On another topic-

I've been reading that people all over the states have been experiencing really bizarre weather and I'm here to testify that we've got it to in northern Colorado. Last night around 11:00 p.m. the lightning started and then we began to get the thunder. It lasted for over an hour and a half, with some rain, but the noise was incredible. One of our dogs had a really hard time with the noise and I was so glad when it stopped. I love the display of the Lord's power but in the middle of the night I'm not always as thrilled by it, especially when I"ve got a dog who is freaking out. So this girl is a bit tired today.

Whatever you do today, do it fully unto the Lord and not unto men.

Be blessed.

A New Nest

Thank You Jesus!
When our family decided to move here we assumed that our home in Ca. would sell. It didn't and when we moved we ended up renting a house to live in. Well, I'm here to say that as of yesterday our daughter and her hubby are new owners of a home out in the country. It is the perfect house for them~5 bedrooms and 3 baths and 2.5 acres. With their move comes our move; you see we own the house they have been in for the year and a half since we moved here. It is a long complicated story but due to tax laws we couldn't move into the house initially. The picture above is our new nest, photo taken in the winter with hubby and daughter plowing the driveway. So today we begin cleaning and painting their new home so that in the next several weeks they can move. Once they are in their new home, hubby and I can begin painting and cleaning and moving things across the street. Yes, you got it, the house is directly across the street from us which will make our move a bit easier. I don't anticipate being in the house before August 1st but who knows. I've been dying to paint walls a color other than white for the last year and now that I can I'm leaning towards beige, coco brown and maybe a blue. Not too wild, mind you, but enough color to make the house feel warm and inviting. I had planned on planting trees and flowers right away but that may have to wait until I get the inside comfortable. In fact, we found a wonderful tree while in the Sierra's called "Gold Chain"; it looks like Wisteria but bright yellow and does well in snow country. Even though it isn't snowing here right now like it was in the photo, today we had thunder and lots of hail. Alright already; it's summer.
Have a blessed day!!!!!

Photo: Winter 2009