Joy

This photo was taken 24 hours after our daughter gave birth to Alaina. The whole family is so excited to have a new bundle of joy in their midst.

Grandpa with his newest granddaughter. He is smitten with her.

Nana, big sis Olivia and little Alaina. True joy comes from the blessings the Lord gives and this little one is our Thanksgiving blessing. I'm hoping to get better photos of her this coming week.

Our Thanksgiving

As most of you know, I was frantically working on the finishing touches of a quilt for our newest granddaughter-hoping I could finish it before her arrival. Thankfully by the time I was ready for bed Wednesday night I had finished it-yippee! I've been told that the color looks pink and black but it is actually pink and brown. The back, although hard to see if this photo, is a Beatrix Potter print that my daughter spotted and loved.
Well we also had the best Thanksgiving blessing yesterday-our little Alaina was born in the afternoon. We had been on call since the middle of the night and knew that she would arrive before dinner time. Momma and baby are doing well and should be released from the hospital this afternoon. All four siblings were ecstatic when viewing photos of their baby sister. Due to H1N1, children are no longer permitted at our local hospitals but they seemed content to spend the day playing at Nana and Grandpa's house. I know the next few weeks will be a time of adjustment for all the family and I plan to be there to lend a hand(holding baby of course) whenever I can. Although I don't have any photos of her yet, you can be sure there will be some by this weekend. Our daughter makes giving birth look easy and the photos that I did see make her look radiant(what new mother isn't?)and rested-like she went away for a retreat. Now craziness will begin as everyone settles in.

Harvest blessings to you today! We are busy getting our home cleaned, dishes prepared and all the while waiting for the phone call that asks us to please come over so our girl can get to the hospital. I'm still working on the finishing touches on the quilt~I've got half of the binding still to tack down and then I'll sign it and takes photos. I never thought I'd get it all done by the time she was born-Hallelujah!
We, in America, have so much to be thankful about-wouldn't you agree!
To all those, past and present, who serve us in the Armed Forces I want to thank you for the great sacrifice you continually make on our behalf. For those who've lost loved ones serving our nation-thank you! I wish I could give you a big hug! To our forefathers for obtaining our freedom here in the U.S. I am grateful. For those men and women of faith that sacrificed their lives to speak the Truth, I am so thankful. For those still preaching the Truth, here and abroad, risking their lives for the sake of the Gospel I thank you. For the Lord's plan of salvation for each and every person, I Praise You Lord. For the atoning blood of the Lamb, I thank you Father.
This Thanksgiving may your heart be drawn closer to the Lord and may you see with new eyes all you have to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving Blessings to you and yours,
Noreen

Tuesday blessings to you dear friends. I wanted to share that last night I finally finished all the hand quilting and today will make the binding and get that on tonight. Once it is done, I will post photos of it~I can't believe the finished size is much bigger than a typical baby quilt-60"x60" but it will be a good play quilt as well and last while she grows. There is no news on the baby yet-any day now, whenever the Lord appoints her to be born.
I was off line yesterday after reading about Canada's new law concerning adoptions from Uganda. You can read about it at Linny's blog:
http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/

May you be blessed today as you seek our Savior and experience His love and grace in your lives.
Hugs, Noreen

Dear Friends~ Although we have no baby news yet, I am frantically working on the quilt to finish it by the time she arrives. There have been many hours hand stitching and I've still got a bit to do.
Once it is finished I will be able to spend more time online, posting and visiting all your blogs.
Have a wonderful Christ filled weekend!

In His Arms, Noreen

It is hard to believe that next Thursday is Thanksgiving Day-has this month flown by or what!
So today I am thankful for another day to worship my Lord. I am thankful for His word and the promises in it. I am thankful for His hand of protection amidst uncertain circumstances.
I mentioned last week I had been meditating on Ps. 91 and these are a few of the verses I looked at today.
"You will not be afraid of the terror by night or of the arrow that flies by day."-verse 5
"For I(you) have made the Lord my refuge, Even the Most High my dwelling place,
No evil will befall you, nor any plague come near your tent"-verse 9
I love this one-"For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways."-verse 11
"Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him,
I will set him securely on high because he has known My name." verse 14

I am thankful for our beautiful weather-crisp cool days with snow still blanketing the ground.
I have so many blessings around me-I'm thankful for each and every one of them.
I am thankful that in the next few days or week we will have another wee granddaughter join our family. What joy the Father gives!

Blessings to you this day.
Noreen

New England

One of my very favorite places to visit is New England. Although hubby and I have only been there twice we fell in love with the beauty of the different states and the quaint towns. Our second visit was in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary and we even spent time at Booth Bay in Maine. Being lovers of the ocean, we especially loved the small villages along Maine's coast. We would both love to get back there within the next couple of years and spend several weeks exploring.
Today I am thankful for memories; thankful for trips taken around our great country and seeing sights new to us. I am thankful for a Creator who gives us such incredible vistas. I am thankful for each and every season, in nature and in life.
What are you thankful for today?

It's a new week filled with so many possibilities and blessings in our Lord; all we have to do is have open hands held up to Him. Yesterday I had breakfast with a young woman who was one of the first people I met before we moved here. This young gal is in her 20's and has such a heart for orphans, especially in Haiti. I haven't seen her in almost a year and as we visited she showed me photos of her latest trip to Haiti.
She stayed with a lady named Danita and Annie told so many heartwarming and heart-wrenching stories as she showed us the photos. This orphanage is not associated with any other large organization but is existing on the Lord's provision. Hearing these stories and gazing upon the photos of the children made me look towards years past wishing I could have joined a team ministering to the children. If you want to be challenged today, go check out this website and seek the Lord for direction on how you might give aid.
http://www.danitaschildren.org/

Today I am especially thankful for the different seasons of life and all that the Lord intends for each season. I am thankful for a young woman named Annie who openly shares her passion for orphans and draws others to them as well. I am thankful for women and men who give up everything to minister to children, to bring life physically as well as spiritually to a hungry world.
I am thankful for lots of snow this last weekend and the warmth of sunshine that brought beauty to the pristine white. I am thankful, once again, that the Lord wastes nothing but redeems everything.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Friday

Hello dear friends-I'm wishing you abundant blessings this weekend. We are expecting snow tonight and today is dreary and cold. Just the perfect kind of day to stay inside; you know those types of days when you just wear a warm up suit or something cozy and warm and don't do much on anything. I've been fighting a stuffy nose, something that has been hanging around in our family so don't want to spread any new germs around. I'm hoping to pin the baby quilt today so I can start hand quilting it, for before you know it the little lass will arrive and this nana wants it finished by her birth.
I am so thankful for this day, this life. Even when I don't feel quite up to par, I am thankful it is something that will pass before too long. I am thankful to be blessed with an incredible family and two faithful dogs. I am thankful that our oldest dog's eye is looking better today after I applied medicine to it and put a halo collar on him. Four years ago he had to have eye surgery and the thought of going through it again wasn't pleasant. I am thankful that in Sonoma County we had a Eye Specialist for Dogs and that the original procedure was relatively easy and not as expensive as having a vet do it. I am thankful that we still had some of the ointment that I could apply. I am thankful for this little old dog, his loyal spirit and the fact that my sis loved him so much. I am thankful for memories of her that floated through my mind yesterday-oh how I miss her. I am thankful that I know with complete assurance that I will see her in glory.
I am thankful that our Father never gives us more than we can handle; even if we seem to think He does-He never leaves us or forsakes us. I am thankful that He is my hiding place, that I find shelter under His pinions. I am thankful that His love is perfect and holy and that it is always unconditional. I am thankful that I am a work in progress-far from finished.

Enjoy His blessings today and this weekend.
Noreen

Happy Veteran's Day to one and all!

To those who have so valiantly served our country and to those who are currently serving I salute you and say thanks for your great sacrifice.

May our Lord surround you and protect you and yours.

Tuesday's Treasures

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty
I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress
My God in Whom I trust!"
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper,
And from deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge.
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. Psalm 91:1-4

This is what I'm thankful for today~that I can dwell in His shelter, abide in the shadow of the Almighty, trust in the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, He delivers me from the snare of the trapper and from deadly disease.
I especially love this part-He will cover me with His pinions, and I will seek refuge under His wings; His faithfulness is my shield.

This day take in these verses and make them your own-no matter what your circumstances-they are truth for all of us today.
Blessings, Noreen

This new day I am thankful to be alive and to personally know my Creator.
I am thankful for the variety of colors, designs and shapes that graced our sky on Saturday evening.
I am thankful for a very artistic and talented hubby who sees beauty in the world around us.
I am thankful for the blessing of seeing my hubby's photo on Denver's 10:00 news.
I am thankful for the Rocky Mountains and the ability to see them from where we live.
I am thankful to my Lord, the maker of the heavens and earth, Who bestows on each of us different talents, abilities and gifts. I am thankful that He never compares us to another and loves us unconditionally.
I am thankful for prayer warriors who take up the fight with me for those I love and for those in the world around us.
I am thankful for God's word and the fact that it never returns void without accomplishing that which the Father desires.
I am thankful for those who read the humble ramblings of this woman and cheer me on regardless of what I share.
Hugs to you this day!!!
Noreen

Weekend blessings dear friends! There is just so many things to be thankful for each and every day and I can testify that the more you are grateful the more you find to be grateful about.

Today I am thankful for the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin. I am thankful we see His hand around us in the world.
I am thankful for christian radio stations that are able to broadcast inspiring music for us to enjoy.
I am thankful for the freedoms we have to listen to these radio stations.
I am thankful that the Lord gifts each of us differently and uses those talents(if we let Him)for His glory.
I am thankful that songs still move and grip my heart.
I am thankful for geese flying overhead during the night, honking.
I am thankful that we saw two bull elks fighting and locking their racks the other day.
I am thankful for wild life.
I am thankful that the Lord never gives us to much too handle; He may take us to the edge but never lets us fall.
I am thankful for new Christians and those sisters and brothers who lead others to Christ.
I am thankful for the bond I share with so many incredible sisters in the Lord.

Every time I hear the song below I sing out loud and lift my arms to the Lord-so I am hoping that the words grip your heart today.

Motions by Matthew West
This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break,
At least I'll be feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

'Cause I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

take me all the way (take me all the way)
take me all the way ('cause I don't wanna go through the motions)
take me all the way (I know I'm finally feeling something real)
take me all the way

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

Hugs, Noreen

Friday Fun

Today I am thankful for the body of Christ that can unite three ladies~who are wives, moms and grandmothers and how we have so much in common. I met my blogging buddies at a local christian art gallery thus getting to share some of my favorite works of art and then we went to lunch. Photo-left Pam of http://smilinggrammy.blogspot.com/ and on my right is Marlene from http://barefootsoul.blogspot.com/; Marlene and I met this summer and this was the first time I met Pam. What wonderful women they are and we have so much in common-it never ceases to amaze me how the Lord can bring us together with others. They live down the road a bit so our visits aren't too often, especially now with winter upon us, but I know these gals and I will become the best of friends. We are also able to share prayer needs and encourage each other-what more could you want?

What ever you are doing today, enjoy all that the Lord has given you.
Hugs, Noreen

Thankful Thursday

Today we got to do one of my favorite activities-heading to the high country. Our closest friends, Rick and Barbara, suggested this trip because it was Rick's birthday.

Spending time out in nature puts a song in my heart and it was a beautiful day for hiking.

Overlooking the Big Thompson river....so beautiful!

I have so much fun with Barbara and we are perfectly matched with walking, which is unusual for me to find a friend who I can keep up with.

Hubby and I...the first of many hikes we hope to take in RMNP.

Although we haven't been neighbors and friends for long, it feels like we've known eachother forever.

Last Saturday our youngest daughter hosted a baby shower for her big sis. Daughter C above checking our an adorable outfit. After having two daughters, our oldest was in need of more baby clothes and did the Lord provide.

Our youngest put on such a nice ladies tea party and shower for her sister. Several ladies from church brought some goodies but most of the work fell on my girl. Being pregnant with three little ones at home, homeschooling and fitting in doctors appts. for our Peanut made life a bit crazy last week but she did an incredible job. Here she is above holding her youngest, D. I love having two daughters that are so close yet such totally different woman; it is such a blessing. They are always there for one another.

What's a baby shower without a nana in attendance?

Today I'm thankful for:
~two incredible daughters, their hubby's and all our grandchildren. I know I get a bit like a broken record about this but it is one of life's greatest blessings.

~I'm thankful for french toast with real Maple syrup and turkey bacon.

~I'm thankful for sunshine to warm our days.

~I'm thankful for our last pastor in California, the way he shepherded his flock and his great love for the community of believers. Haven't yet found another gem quite like him.

~I'm thankful that we live in a state that has Whole Foods and other health food stores and the availability to get alternatives for Peanut's new diet.

~I'm thankful for living in a time where we can buy "gluetin free" foods, non-dairy foods and other essentials to help our little Peanut grow. I'm thankful for the unknown websites out there, the ability to find them, to help with special diets and menu planning.

~I'm thankful that I have free hours in my day to lend a hand in any way possible, be it childcare or menu planning.

~I'm thankful that I have an Abba Father who knows just where I am and how to meet our deepest needs.

~I'm thankful that with the Lord, nothing is ever wasted and all things are redeemed.

Blessings on your Wednesday.

Noreen

Tuesday's Treasures

This morning, bright and early, I joined my dear friend and went for a walk. Oh what a gorgeous morning~the Rockies are snow capped and the air was brisk but the sun was shining and it feels good to be alive!
Today I'm thankful for~
~my dear friend who is battling liver cancer; each moment spent with her is a gift and I cherish the growing bond we share.
~for the promise of eternal life and for God's word that bring comfort and cheer despite lifes circumstances.
~for His creation and having eyes to behold it.
~for being retired and able to go for long walks, spend time with loved ones and watch our grandbabies grow.
~for the sweetest man in the universe and his love for me.
~for two old, loyal dogs who enrich my life so much.
~for answered prayers, too many to list but especially for the progress we are seeing with our Peanut.
~for doctor's who specialize in treating their patients with natural and holistic treatments and just not turning to drugs.
~for those times when prescription drugs are needed and the availability to get them.
~for fellowship with friends.
~for all my dear bloggy friends and the close ties that bind us through the internet.
~for living in a time such as this.

To each of you I send a big hug today. May you be blessed and enjoy the life you have been given. Hugs, Noreen

November Blessings

Greetings to you this first Monday in November. It is hard to believe we are entering a new month and that here in Colorado winter is already upon us. Before we now it the New Year will be upon us as well. Many of us are wondering where the days have gone.
When our girls were young I made it a tradition to focus on thankfulness as we got closer to Thanksgiving. We often talked about the many blessings we had in the Lord and would write down blessings on construction paper leaves. It helps children to look beyond the here and now and focus instead on the riches we have in Christ.
This year, as I've done since moving here, I am continuing to adopt an attitude of gratitude daily. God's word tell us to give thanks in all things~not just the blessings. So each day I am going to post at least one thing I am thankful for. I can testify that the more you give thanks for the little things as well as big things your whole perspective changes.
Today I am thankful for the beauty of the Lord's creation; for this winter sky filled with beautiful colors. We live in such a rich natural area so it is easy for me to give thanks for all I see from His hand. I know I would be challenged if I lived in a big city, like Denver, to find things to thank Him for but I would still find something. I well remember the season of my sister's battle with cancer and those last months; it was a hard path to walk but I tried to give thanks for each hour and day she was with us. Even during the final days there was always one thing to be grateful for, even at the end knowing she was with the Lord and not suffering.
So this month, won't you join me in purposely focusing and sharing about all the blessings in your life? It is amazing what the Lord does with our gratitude and how He multiplies it.
Hugs to you today.
Noreen