Word Filled Wednesday

Good Afternoon Friends,  My day today has been filled with lots of household duties and running errands.  Do you ever get the feeling that your laundry just keeps growing or that you are constantly in need of something from the market?  Along with two trips to the library there was also running an errand or two with hubby, laundry, groceries from another market.  Now with all of that is out of the way, I was able to sit a spell and do my last days homework for the Beth Moore study I'm doing and then I decided to look at a couple of devotionals that I love.  In both, there was a central theme for me and it seemed a bit unusual that it was Peace written about because I don't feel anxious in any area.  I'm learning, moment by moment, to grab my Father's hand and trust Him with all that concerns me and mine.  However, I do know from past experience that sometimes the Father gives us a Word for the future so I am heeding this today and thought I might share it with you.

Oct. 13th: 
"Do not be anxious about anything,but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Phil.4:6  L.B.Cowman says that anxiety should never be found in a believer.  Phil.4:7 says
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  His peace will transcend all our understanding-simply amazing.
In Sarah Young's book "Jesus Calling" part of today's devotional read:  "Imagine the pain I feel when My children tie themselves up in anxious knots, ignoring My gift of Peace.  I died a criminal's death to secure this blessing for you.  Receive it gratefully; hide it in your heart.  My Peace is an inner treasure, growing within you as you trust in Me.  Therefore, circumstances cannot touch it.  Be still, enjoying Peace in My Presence."
Is there a situation or trial in your life that has you anxious and tied in knots?  I truly understand this feeling because often when something shakes me to the core, my stomach feels just like it is tied in a knot.  Beloved, do you not see(I'm talking to myself here too) that He desires us to be so focused on Him that nothing can make us anxious without His perfect Peace coming to calm our worried souls.  Will you join me today trusting that He is in control and will work out the details concerning us, for our good.

Blessings,  Noreen

Happy Monday

Good morning to you. I hope you had a enjoyable weekend filled with all that makes you happiest. Doesn't this scene just evoke the feelings of calm and rest? Hubby took this photo when we were at Lake Tahoe and it has captured my attention, made me think of what life's journey should look like. I'm not a sailor, although hubby grew up sailing and loves it, but if I wanted to go this is the type of day I'd want to try-you know calm waters, a bit of wind but not too much, so you could just cruise around the lake. Often we think that we'd like our lives to be like that, just enough wind to keep us going but not rock our world; not so many trials that we are hanging on for dear life. But you know we don't always grow when things are easy; it is in rocky times that we really tend to look up and try to grab the Hand that can steady the waters.
It is when we are going through the trials that we can, if willing, experience the depth of a Love that will never leave us or forsake us. Are you holding His hand today?

Blessings to you.
Noreen

Saturday greetings friends~What a beautiful day we are having; fall is definitely here in Colorado and I enjoy every bit of sunshine we get. Yesterday hubby and I finished painting the last side of our daughter's house so now all that is left is the trim on that side-yippee!!!! Today we have plans to head out to our oldest daughters home to help finish up a fence around their yard. Family is such an incredible blessing to us.
This photo was taken at my brother's birthday dinner and he is on the left, dear sister-in-law- the organizer of this incredible get together, me and my man. This is the best photo I think I've ever seen of the four of us; in fact I will probably enlarge and frame it.
We had planned on heading to the mountains to see the Elk and also the colors but I think we may wait until tomorrow or even Monday when there aren't so many tourists around(including us). Whatever you are spending your time on today, don't forget to stop and enjoy this day. Count your blessings.
Hugs, Noreen

I just read a wonderful post over at Spiritually Unequal Marriages, written by my good friend Lynn Donovan. Her post was on JOY today and she brought joy to my heart this morning. Joy for another TT, for sharing our gratitude lists with other bloggers-it always delights my heart to read yours, joy at the lightning storm we had last night and that our old dog slept right through it, joy at life, gratitude for the ladies group I'm going to today and being alive for such a time as this. I'm thankful that the Lord watched over our caravan last week as we traveled a long 3,000 miles and for the wonderful times we had together as family. I tell you, I am so blessed. In the midst of this though, I know many are out there struggling and trying to just get through their day. My heart goes out to you and prayers are being lifted up for you. Please don't hesitate to share a request with me, it would be a privilege to uphold you.

This morning, in one of my devotionals, I read the following and thought it might minister to someone who is wondering why they are going through the trials in their lives.

"In order to hear My voice, you must release all your worries into My care. Entrust to Me everything that concerns you. This clears the way for you to seek My Face unhindered. Let Me free you from fear that is hiding deep inside you. Sit quietly in My presence, allowing My light to soak into you and drive out any darkness lodged within you. Accept each day just as it comes to you, remembering that I am sovereign over your life. Rejoice in this day that I have made, trusting that I am abundantly present in it. Instead of regretting or resenting the way things are, thank Me in all circumstances. Trust Me and don't be fearful; thank Me and rest in My sovereignty." Jesus Calling By Sarah Young.

Friends, I pray you find His Joy in the midst of your day today and in the quiet moments hear His voice calling to you. I pray you have a bit of time to get outside and enjoy the new season upon us and behold His glory in nature.

Hugs, Noreen

For more Thankful Thursday posts please visit Lynn at http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/

My Brother's Present

As I've shared previously, the reason for our trip to California was to celebrate my brother's 70th birthday at the end of the month. My brother has done so much for us over the years and the generosity he and his wife have showered us with, especially our daughters, can not be compared. I've never met anyone so giving and generous, ready to help out no matter what.
So it went without question last year when I approached my sister in law about his birthday, I told her that whatever she planned, we would all be in attendance to honor him. As I pondered what I could possibly give him, the idea came to me that I could make him a quilt. He is an avid animal lover(it is in my genes) so when I found this fabric that reminded me of the Rockies, I couldn't pass it up. I thought if he could put this in his office, then he/they would be continually reminded of the beauty of our area and want to visit more. He was so very thrilled at having his own quilted wall hanging, even if he only uses it as a lap throw it will make me happy.

We've got lots of great photos from his party that I will post, once I go through them.

Today we were back in the saddle again, so to speak, over at daughter's painting first thing this morning. It has been a good project but my friends, I'm here to say that I won't be sad to finish it or to see hubby be able to relax a bit more. Have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Noreen

Beware- Photo Overload

We had never been to Legoland before and it was such fun. There were displays of many famous places, all made of Lego's, and this Taj Mahal was incredible. I think this inspired our grandsons to buy even more legos and to see what they can build. Lots and lots of rides for all ages. Grandpa loved getting wet as the temp. was 105 on the day we were there.

Rides for big kids as well as preschoolers.

Cars made out of Legos.

Brothers and sisters=Best friends

A long day filled with so much fun but it just tired our babies out.

Time spent with my best friend from high school. Although the miles separate us, heart bonds remain as close as ever. Aletha and her hubby had just adopted this rescued puppy-o.k. so she is the first to admit Ruby is so ugly she could win a contest. Howeve, her personality is so very sweet that you soon overlook her outward appearance. They talked about naming her Yoda or Gremlin and kept it at Ruby.

You can see the beauty of the mountains behind Aletha and I-as I've said this is my mountain retreat.

We drove a total of 3,000 miles to celebrate my brothers 70th birthday at the end of Oct. and it was all worth it. As we've aged we've grown so much closer and I love spending time with Rich and Sue. They truly spoiled our entire family at Lake Tahoe and gave us memories we'll cherish and have forever.

Well, now that I've shared some of our many photos I'm off to the grocery store to stock up and
then to finish laundry and unpacking. Although we were just gone for 10 days it seemed much longer. It is good to be home and have my own old doggy back from the kennel.

Have a very blessed day! Noreen

Hello my friends, I can't believe I haven't been on the computer very much this week; either we were too busy driving and then visiting with dear friends or we had to pay for Internet...ugh!!!
Therefor you will have to wait to see photos on Monday or Tuesday. I have grown to love blogging so much that I truly feel something is missing when I'm not writing or connecting with all of you. We had a wonderful time down in Oceanside; the weather was glorious and although I didn't get to meet my dear friend Lynn Donovan from SUM, I did get to chat with her on the phone. The drive up to Carmel Valley was beautiful along the coast and we had a great time with our friends. They live in the mountains above the valley and it is our mountain retreat-truly feels like we are at a retreat because of the gourmet meals and views. They have two dogs and of course we have fun playing with them.
I can honestly tell you that there are areas of California that I really miss-from Santa Barbara up to Carmel and also the Sierras-especially Nevada City and Tahoe. Things I really don't miss about our old state-TRAFFIC-it took us 2 hours to go 80 miles in Los Angeles and from the Monterey peninsula to Palo Alto was bumper to bumper about 20 miles per hour. We were able to spend a bit of time with my dear mother-in-law who is in failing health and in an assisted living home. Hubby was also able to spend some time with his brother, enjoying their favorite activity-playing cribbage. Thursday night we were in Nevada City with some of our dearest friends. They so graciously put us up for a night, fed us a delightful dinner and visited. They have three dogs and one of which, a little cockapo, I would have easily taken home with me.
Friday found us at Lake Tahoe meeting my brother and sister in law; so far we've had a wonderful time and this afternoon are going out on the Tahoe Queen, a paddleboat that goes out to Emerald Bay. Tonight we have my brother's birthday celebration and he gets his special gift that I made-I can't wait to give it to him. After breakfast tomorrow we head for home but will spend the night along the way. This has been a wonderful trip but everyone is feeling the desire to get back to our beautiful Colorado.
I am anxious to visit each of you and see what's happening in your life!
Until next week....
Hugs, Noreen