In Memorial

Being raised in a traditional Irish Catholic family there were certain traditions that were maintained throughout my childhood and throughout our family. It wasn't that we were told that we had to do these things but more that they became ingrained in each of us. One such tradition was reflecting and remembering loved ones and the date they passed on. I don't remember ever giving it a second thought when my parents would reflect on family members no longer with us; it is no surprise then that these patterns became my own.
35 years ago today, my mother died from a stroke; it was very sudden and unexpected. I was just 22 years old when this occurred; not mature enough to really have known my mother as an adult. We did not have the best mother-daughter relationship for a variety of reasons but in the years that followed I wished that we could have had a relationship when I was truly an adult. It took me many years to understand my mom and her behaviors, her strengths and her weaknesses.
She was such a giving person to so many, to those in need she was always there. Staunch in her beliefs and characterized by a strong Irish personality, she was one who loved to have fun as well. She loved to tell stories of the Old Country, speak with a brogue and dance a jig.
As I've grown, I see so much of her personality in mine-a strong faith, many strong Irish tendencies and a love for others. I also inherited a love of writing and reading from my dad.
My brother shares many of her traits as well~a strong business sense and work ethic as well as a very witty humor.
Often when I hear others complain about their parents, while I might understand I also realize that once they are gone you realize how much you loved them just for being your parents.

Have a wonderful, joy-filled weekend my friends.
Hugs, Noreen

Thankful Thursday

A friend emailed me this and I thought there were some things to really consider as we go through each day. Today, being Thankful Thursday, I am thankful that I live in an age of computers and that friends can communicate so easily, no matter what the distance is between them.
I am thankful for wisdom that comes with age and for each day I am alive to live and learn and love. I hope you enjoy this.
Maya Angelou said this:
'"'ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'
'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands, you need to be able to throw some things back...
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Our lives are so short and each day we impact others, whether we realize it or not. It may be a smile or act of kindness to someone who is having a tough time, it may be an encouraging word or just a gentle spirit. Each of us have the ability to show God's grace and love to others; won't you take the time today to share a bit of sunshine to someone you meet along the way.....
Be blessed, Noreen

I have been on a search for a crock ever since we moved into our home last October. Each time hubby and I would go antiquing I always checked out the crocks we saw, to no avail, due to price or condition. A few weekends ago, our dear friends took us to a little town near Boulder and guess what I found...not only one but three or four to choose from. The poor economy has impacted many in this little town and I was able to get this at a bargain price. The following day hubby and I ran to a craft store and got these dried branches. I love this new addition; it won't stay in this corner for much longer for with spring upon us, my snowmen will be packed away and my other goodies will be back up~but for now it is perfect. I even get the scent of Eucalyptus when I come down the stairs.
My days have been so busy lately with running errands and spending time with those I love. I have found that my time on the computer has been less that I anticipated so if my posts aren't as regular as usual, not to worry, I'll be back as time allows. It is much more important to meet the needs of my husband, family,grandkids and spending time with the Lord. I will be stopping by your blogs too; just every now and again we need to re-evaluate where our days are spent, for this life is short.
Be blessed this day, know you are in my thoughts and prayers~feel free to email me if a need arises.
With hugs and love, Noreen

In Humble Fear And Hope

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him. Upon them that hope in His mercy; to deliver their soul from death. And to keep them alive in famine. Our soul hath waited 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 thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. According as we wait for Thee"-Psalm 33:18-22 (Eng. Rev.).
"God's eye is upon His people; their eye is upon Him. In waiting upon God, our eye, looking up to Him, meets His looking down upon us. This is the blessedness of waiting upon God, that it takes our eyes and thoughts away from ourselves, even our needs and desires, and occupies us with our God. We worship Him in His glory and love, with His all-seeing eye watching over us, that He may supply our every need. "
My soul, wait thou only upon God. Taken from Waiting on God by Andrew Murray, Chapter 10.

Have a peaceful, quiet day waiting upon Him.
Hugs, Noreen

Good morning dear friends-yes it is the day again to give thanks for all things in life-good and bad. If you woke up a tad bit off this morning, I would like to suggest that you go over to read Lynn Donovan's post at http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/ because she has a hilarious story to share. I'm still giggling!
Today I am especially thankful for the Word of God, the truth of it, that His promises never return void. Yesterday I met with a couple of gals for our weekly study; one lady is a brand new baby Christian. She kept asking me if I believe that all of God's word is true to which I quickly responded "without a doubt". She has so many questions about trusting God and about faith so I was able to direct her to specific verses and encourage her to memorize them. I am thankful for God's saving grace that brought me from death to Life and for the Spirit's presence in my life daily, whether I see Him or not. I am thankful for the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin and that as far as the east is from the west His love saves me,covers me, forgives me, cleanses me, renews me and molds me into who He wants me to me. I am thankful that nothing can separate me from His love and that if God is for us, who can be against us. I am thankful that He calls me His precious daughter and He loves me as I am.
May you experience the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in your life today.
Hugs, Noreen

With All Faith

One of my all time favorite worship c.d's is Revival in Belfast; I just love this c.d. and one reason is because of the Irish tone to the songs. One of my favorite songs on this c.d. is With All Faith by Don Harris. May this be our prayer for today.

With All Faith
Press in to the heart of the Father
Hold fast to the grace received
Breathe in the life of the Spirit
And with all faith believe
And with all faith believe

Believe on this
The Word of Life
Our Lord the Christ
Has come to save us
Receive by faith
His blood supplied
That the power of sin be cursed
And the Father be glorified

Press in to the heart of the Father
Hold fast to the grace received
Breathe in the life of the Spirit
And with all faith believe.

Hold fast today dear friends.
Believing.....Noreen

On A Lighter Side

Ever since we moved from California, hubby and I haven't eaten at hamburger places very often-mainly because we couldn't find any that compared to In-N-Out and also because I wanted us to live a healthier lifestyle. On Sunday evening we met our sil at a furniture store to help him pick up some new pieces for their home. Our oldest grandson was there eating french fries and they smelled so good so yesterday when hubby and I were out running errands we had that taste for a hamburger and fries. We had heard about a fairly new restaurant in a nearby town and decided to give it a try. The name of this hamburger place is Five Guys Burgers and Fries; apparently they are all over the east coast and have a great reputation. It was very similar in appearance to In-N-Out but subtle differences in the food. I can honestly say this is the best burger place we've found in northern Colorado and meets our need for quality hamburgers. They even have peanuts for the customers to eat while you're waiting. We won't be going there on a regular basis, for health reasons, but it is nice to know when we are in the mood we have a great place to go.

Have a fun day!