My friend, Alison Chino, is so inspiring! I love her writing, her recipes and her beautiful photography. She and her family are in Scotland for the next three years. Her husband, Taido, is one of the pastors of our church and he is going to school there for the next three years....they are such an amazing family and so inspiring!
Alison has started a group called #48 Walks....she is inviting people to take 48 walks this year. They can be anywhere you choose. She has a wonderful blog....Chino House. I have been thinking about this since the first day I read her post about it. I have decided to make the committment to do it! I am still pretty shaky walking and must use my cane when out of the house.....but I am going to do it. I will have short walks, but hopefully, I will build up my stamina and be able to increase them. There are so many beautiful places here in Hot Springs to walk and such gorgeous scenery. I could probably do all my walking right down the road from me in Gulpha Gorge National Park, and see something different with each walk. Like I said, I will starrt out slow....even if I can just park a little further away from the door at the grocery store. I know that the benefit of the fresh air and the beautiful scenery will be good for me emotionally and physically. I am sure the dogs will love going with me at times and getting out of the house. Anyone want to join me?
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
JANUARY 17th!
Two years ago today, Pete and I had to stand and watch our home and 41 years of our lives go up in smoke, as we lost everything in the fire. I remember feeling so helpless and wondering what we would do to start to rebuild our lives.
Yes, we lost all our posessions and personal things like pictures, scrapbooks and special things that were Jennifer's and my parents. We lost our two precious dogs....we had thought they had gotten out of the house, but had run to hide in the bedroom closet. You can eventually replace material things and you learn to be grateful for the memories of the things you cannot replace.
I have always believed that every hard struggle makes you come out a little bit stronger....this has proven to be true with my three battles with cancer. The fire has certainly strenghtened my faith in people and the love of God. I could never express the outpouring of love and support from friends, family and many strangers after the fire. We even received our home from a wonderful family that had seen our story on the news....what an awesome family and angels from God. We had many people that came and worked for weeks, helping us clean up after the fire and get moved in to start to rebuild our lives.....it was amazing. We were given clothing, furniture and all the household items we needed. It still amazes me the outpouring of love....increases my desire to serve God and help people everyday. I am so blessed that this horrible experience left me with new friendships.... friends that were there for me when I lost Pete last year. God's love is so awesome....there really are angels among us and I will always stand by....God is good and He is good ALL the time!! I don't know why things happen in life, but I do know that God is always in control and He has the plan for each of us. He is always there with us, and for that, I could not be more grateful!
Yes, we lost all our posessions and personal things like pictures, scrapbooks and special things that were Jennifer's and my parents. We lost our two precious dogs....we had thought they had gotten out of the house, but had run to hide in the bedroom closet. You can eventually replace material things and you learn to be grateful for the memories of the things you cannot replace.
I have always believed that every hard struggle makes you come out a little bit stronger....this has proven to be true with my three battles with cancer. The fire has certainly strenghtened my faith in people and the love of God. I could never express the outpouring of love and support from friends, family and many strangers after the fire. We even received our home from a wonderful family that had seen our story on the news....what an awesome family and angels from God. We had many people that came and worked for weeks, helping us clean up after the fire and get moved in to start to rebuild our lives.....it was amazing. We were given clothing, furniture and all the household items we needed. It still amazes me the outpouring of love....increases my desire to serve God and help people everyday. I am so blessed that this horrible experience left me with new friendships.... friends that were there for me when I lost Pete last year. God's love is so awesome....there really are angels among us and I will always stand by....God is good and He is good ALL the time!! I don't know why things happen in life, but I do know that God is always in control and He has the plan for each of us. He is always there with us, and for that, I could not be more grateful!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
2014!
I can hardly believe it is already 2014! We started off the New Year with extremely cold weather....got down to 9 degrees one night. I survived the cold spell with only a brief period of no power and thankfully no busted pipes....that is always a big concern for me. Being by myself, I sure don't need to have to deal with that...very grateful.
2013 was a hard year for many friends and family members. I still can't believe that I lost Pete....it jsut doesn't seem real....after 42 years! I am praying that all loved ones will have a great year. I will make my commitment to serving others stronger and try to increase my closer walk with God. I know that He has the plan for each of us and He is always in control. I will try to be more patient and wait and listen to Him!
I am hoping to declutter my life...working on it a little at a time, until I reach that goal. I want to spend more time with friends and loved ones, and let them know how much they mean to me. I want to try to find ways to improve my health and be more active. This will take baby steps....but I will do it.....while I wait patiently to be the first candidate for a right side body transplant....LOL! I will give thanks for what I have and for the people in my life. I will try not to worry so much about the things I have no control over and cannot change. I will try to smile more and lend a helping hand to those in need.
Happy New Year to all!
2013 was a hard year for many friends and family members. I still can't believe that I lost Pete....it jsut doesn't seem real....after 42 years! I am praying that all loved ones will have a great year. I will make my commitment to serving others stronger and try to increase my closer walk with God. I know that He has the plan for each of us and He is always in control. I will try to be more patient and wait and listen to Him!
I am hoping to declutter my life...working on it a little at a time, until I reach that goal. I want to spend more time with friends and loved ones, and let them know how much they mean to me. I want to try to find ways to improve my health and be more active. This will take baby steps....but I will do it.....while I wait patiently to be the first candidate for a right side body transplant....LOL! I will give thanks for what I have and for the people in my life. I will try not to worry so much about the things I have no control over and cannot change. I will try to smile more and lend a helping hand to those in need.
Happy New Year to all!
Monday, December 30, 2013
CHRISTMAS 2013!!
This will surely be a CHRISTmas I will never forget. I have always thought that I would always want to be at home on CHRISTmas....could never even imagine being gone at CHRISTmas! My life has changed so much since losing my husband in February. This time of year has been so hard for me since losing Jennifer in 2006. I always had my husband to get me through those hard times. This year I knew that I didn't want to be at home. My sister and I through the gracious gift of our special friend, Michelle, spent this year in Destin, Florida. It was such a wonderful trip....we enjoyed every second of everyday! How awesome to wake up each morning to the sights and sounds of the ocean. Jennifer and I always said how close we felt to God while on the beach,,,,,witnessing His wonders! It is just amazing!
While there, we went to church with Stephanie Parker and her beautiful family. They moved there two years ago and it was wonderful visiting with them.....they have four beautiful daughters...they are just precious.
We ate lots of wonderful seafood while there and visited many of the surrounding beaches in the area. We went to a great quilt shop in Panama City....Kimberly was in awe at all the beautiful fabric...while at the quilt store, one of the ladies that works at Kimberly's favorite fabric store in Little Rock, came in with her daughter....small world, for sure.
We attended a CHRISTmas Eve service at a church in Destin. While going to the service, we saw several homeless people. Since we are involved in the homeless ministry here, this really tugged at our heart strings. On CHRISTmas morning....unable to find many places open...we went to a convenience store and bought sandwiches, chips and crackers. We made bags to give to the homeless. We had to drive around for a bit before we found them, but we did find them. It felt good to spread a little CHRISTmas cheer.
A family of a former ACH patient of mine, saw on fb that we were in Destin....she sent me a message and we had lunch with them in Hattiesburg on our way home....another great blessing. They have three beautiful children and are such a sweet family!
It rained most of the way home. We so enjoyed this wonderful week, but it was good to be back home. I missed my fur babies terribly, but they and the house were cared for by my brother-in-law, George. I was so grateful for him.
2013 has been a hard year for many friends and family members. I am wishing all a Happy and Healthy New Year! God is good and He is good ALL time!
While there, we went to church with Stephanie Parker and her beautiful family. They moved there two years ago and it was wonderful visiting with them.....they have four beautiful daughters...they are just precious.
We ate lots of wonderful seafood while there and visited many of the surrounding beaches in the area. We went to a great quilt shop in Panama City....Kimberly was in awe at all the beautiful fabric...while at the quilt store, one of the ladies that works at Kimberly's favorite fabric store in Little Rock, came in with her daughter....small world, for sure.
We attended a CHRISTmas Eve service at a church in Destin. While going to the service, we saw several homeless people. Since we are involved in the homeless ministry here, this really tugged at our heart strings. On CHRISTmas morning....unable to find many places open...we went to a convenience store and bought sandwiches, chips and crackers. We made bags to give to the homeless. We had to drive around for a bit before we found them, but we did find them. It felt good to spread a little CHRISTmas cheer.
A family of a former ACH patient of mine, saw on fb that we were in Destin....she sent me a message and we had lunch with them in Hattiesburg on our way home....another great blessing. They have three beautiful children and are such a sweet family!
It rained most of the way home. We so enjoyed this wonderful week, but it was good to be back home. I missed my fur babies terribly, but they and the house were cared for by my brother-in-law, George. I was so grateful for him.
2013 has been a hard year for many friends and family members. I am wishing all a Happy and Healthy New Year! God is good and He is good ALL time!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
NEW TRADITIONS!
Sometimes we are forced to start new traditions. I was just fine with my former CHRISTmas traditions....changed before seven years ago with the loss of my daughter. Somehow, my hubby and I had adjusted our lives and made it through, without having our precious Jennifer here to celebrate the best of all days....the birth of Jesus! The 28 CHRISTmases that I was able to celebrate with her will always live in my heart! I cherish all those memories. For the past 42 years, I had celebrated CHRISTmas with my husband, Pete. I would have never dreamed that last CHRISTmas would have been our last one together.
I know you hear it said all the time....how precious life is and how short. I think some people take life for granted and don't really realize that none of us is promised tomorrow. Please take the time during this busy time of year to tell and show your loved ones that you love them and how much they mean to you. For the past 42 years, Pete and I always told each other we loved each other, at least once a day....except when I was at "sleep" while in the hospital. We knew we loved each other, as did Jennifer and my parents and my sister knows how much I love her!!
This year new traditions will be started once again....not by choice. I will get through it, because I have faith in God, and I can do anything through Him, who gives me strength.
Remember the Reason of the Season....Love one another and have a very Merry CHRISTmas!
I know you hear it said all the time....how precious life is and how short. I think some people take life for granted and don't really realize that none of us is promised tomorrow. Please take the time during this busy time of year to tell and show your loved ones that you love them and how much they mean to you. For the past 42 years, Pete and I always told each other we loved each other, at least once a day....except when I was at "sleep" while in the hospital. We knew we loved each other, as did Jennifer and my parents and my sister knows how much I love her!!
This year new traditions will be started once again....not by choice. I will get through it, because I have faith in God, and I can do anything through Him, who gives me strength.
Remember the Reason of the Season....Love one another and have a very Merry CHRISTmas!
Monday, November 25, 2013
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS!
This time last year, we were so blessed by wonderful friends, bringing us a tree and decorations....helping replace all that was lost during the fire! We were so happy and so grateful for the outpouring of love that day...it will always be remembered! I would have never dreamed last year, that I would have lost my husband of 42 years and be decorating by myself this year! Each and every day is hard without him and my precious Jennifer.....it just seems that these times are exaceberated during the Holidays. We loved CHRISTmas and decorating. I will always love the CHRISTmas Season.....celebrating the birth of Jesus! I have said many times that I wish we could all keep the CHRISTmas Spirit.....the joy, love and giving...everyday of the year!
I hope everyone will let their loved ones know how much you love them. Life is short and so precious....cherish the time you have together!
Merry CHRISTmas!
I hope everyone will let their loved ones know how much you love them. Life is short and so precious....cherish the time you have together!
Merry CHRISTmas!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
HOW CAN IT BE NOVEMBER???
It is hard to believe that it is already November. I love this time of year, the beautiful colors of fall and the much welcomed cooler temperatures!
Last Friday, Kimberly, Missy, Laura and I went to Petit Jean Mountain.....enjoying all the beautiful eye candy that God gives us to enjoy....the colors of the trees were breath taking. We had lunch at the Mather Lodge and all had a good visit. It was a perfect day, allowing us to ride in Kimberly's new car (FiFi), with the top down.
The coming of the Holiday Season exacerbates my feelings of longing for Pete to still be here with me....it magnifies the loneliness that I feel without him. It is so very had to believe that he has been gone for nine months....42 years with someone is a long time, then for it to just be gone. We loved sitting on the porch every morning with our coffee, even if we were wrapped up in a blanket. I cherish those special memories of us sharing our dreams together and making plans of what we wanted to do in the yard and things. I know that it isn't our plan at all....that God is always in control and that He has the plan for each of us. The Holidays will never be the same, but then again, none of my days will ever be the same. Kimberly is on call this year for Thanksgiving....I always cook a big Thanksgiving dinner here. This year I will cook at Kimberly's and Laura is going to come for dinner. On Christmas, we are blessed that our angel of a friend, Michelle, is going to let us stay at her condo in Destin, Florida! Jennifer and I loved going to Destin....I haven't been since she passed away seven years ago. Again, it will be different not being at home on Christmas.....I have always said that I would want to always be at home on Christmas.....life changes and so does your thinking, I guess. I know that Jennifer and Pete wouldn't want me to stay at home, and they will be happy knowing I will be on the beach. I didn't choose the changes that have been made in my life. I will accept them, because I don't have another choice. I am grateful to have such a wonderful sister to share my life with and so many amazing friends! I get by with a little help from my friends, the love of family and friends, and the unfailing love of Jesus Christ! God is good and He is good ALL the time!
Last Friday, Kimberly, Missy, Laura and I went to Petit Jean Mountain.....enjoying all the beautiful eye candy that God gives us to enjoy....the colors of the trees were breath taking. We had lunch at the Mather Lodge and all had a good visit. It was a perfect day, allowing us to ride in Kimberly's new car (FiFi), with the top down.
The coming of the Holiday Season exacerbates my feelings of longing for Pete to still be here with me....it magnifies the loneliness that I feel without him. It is so very had to believe that he has been gone for nine months....42 years with someone is a long time, then for it to just be gone. We loved sitting on the porch every morning with our coffee, even if we were wrapped up in a blanket. I cherish those special memories of us sharing our dreams together and making plans of what we wanted to do in the yard and things. I know that it isn't our plan at all....that God is always in control and that He has the plan for each of us. The Holidays will never be the same, but then again, none of my days will ever be the same. Kimberly is on call this year for Thanksgiving....I always cook a big Thanksgiving dinner here. This year I will cook at Kimberly's and Laura is going to come for dinner. On Christmas, we are blessed that our angel of a friend, Michelle, is going to let us stay at her condo in Destin, Florida! Jennifer and I loved going to Destin....I haven't been since she passed away seven years ago. Again, it will be different not being at home on Christmas.....I have always said that I would want to always be at home on Christmas.....life changes and so does your thinking, I guess. I know that Jennifer and Pete wouldn't want me to stay at home, and they will be happy knowing I will be on the beach. I didn't choose the changes that have been made in my life. I will accept them, because I don't have another choice. I am grateful to have such a wonderful sister to share my life with and so many amazing friends! I get by with a little help from my friends, the love of family and friends, and the unfailing love of Jesus Christ! God is good and He is good ALL the time!
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