Here is the latest post HERE
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Thursday, January 11, 2018
lessons in GRACE
Today, a new day is dawning on my blogging habits. I will be linking the posts on the new blog, "lessons in GRACE~ learning to love the NO as much as the YES" to my old blogs for the first while… after that I hope you will come here or sign-up to join me here on this new adventure! I don’t want to do it without you! Click over here to find out more!
Friday, November 3, 2017
Great Gravy!
Why is it I get so hung up on what I should or shouldn't write on here??? It is MY blog! Right?! This is about my life and my perspective of this life!
For me, today, "Great Gravy" means: thankFULness overflowing in my heart and life! I have emotionally dark days, especially when the sun does not shine for days at a time, but I am always reminded that my HOPE is in the Son, not the sun! No matter... I have to keep looking UP!
"Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:17
My transformation is still going on... on the physical part... I now have released 40.2 pounds... YES! that .2 matters!!! I still have another 29 to release, but only taking it a day at a time! Little goals! I just feel so much better!
On the spiritual part... hmmm... every time I think I am figuring out where I am going, I am reminded that it is not for me to figure out, but to remain close to Him who already knows it all. His Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalms 119:105) When the path is only lit one step at a time I best be staying close!
Once again, my dear Hubby and I will be leading Camp Living Waters Marriage Retreat in February. We have such a passion for encouraging marriages to take that next step in their relationship... it does so much for our marriage too! Please check it out here!
Before I go I want to share a little project I did. We went to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for a little getaway and I found this cabinet in a second hand store. It was labeled, garage cabinet, but I could see it as a night stand/cabinet... storage to hold/hide some of my stuff (a/k/a crap)! What do you think? I like how it turned out! Very shabby, but that is ok with me!
Be grateFUL... share your gratitude!
Friday, September 8, 2017
Being Transformed...
Writing my blog use to be one of my favorite things to do! Back in 2008 was when I first started writing here... it was my refuge to deal with the loss of a job. At the time, I really felt like I didn't know who I was if I didn't work outside of the home. It opened up a passion that was buried deep inside me.
For the last 5 years, I have not done much on this blog. Life has taken so many twists & turns... and taking time to blog was not on my to-do list. I've missed it! It makes my heart sad when I think about my neglect of things I really love to do. I enjoy operating the B&B, I would not change that at all! What I do need to change and figure out is how to be able to get all I need to get done and then not be too tired to participate in the other things I enjoy... like writing! My hubby is right here in the trenches with me... so blessed that he shares in the cooking and cleaning!
Shining Light Inn B&B had an amazing summer season! We are open all year round, but summer is the high-season here in Ludington. I am just in awe of all the people God brought into our home! "God brought?" you might ask. Yep, our prayer is always, "God, bring us the people you want to come to experience Your love through us." So we believe that good or bad, God allows who He does to come... it is always a lesson in loving people with Christ's love for me!!! :) And the majority of the guests have been wonderful! We have even had a few new friendships start with guests this summer.
Another thing that has been taken some extra time is getting healthier. Last February I decided it was time to take control of my health... as much as I could anyway. Menopause had been kicking my butt, and I used that as my excuse to not do anything to try to do any better. The time really has to be right... no one else can decide when the time is right, except you! I joined Weight Watchers online. This was not my first go with WW. In 2002, I lost 50 lbs. and became a lifetimer. But life happened & little by little the weight crept back up... as I said pre-menopause/menopause kicked my butt!
The WW program has changed since 2002... I think for the better. Plus, this time I know I cannot do it without the Lord. This might sound strange to many, but what I have found is that I need to be filled up spiritually... full on the Living Bread (God's Word) before my physical eating habits will change.
I am down 34 lbs. with another 34 to go... I know I will do it with God's help! My hubby is also on this journey with me. He has lost over 25lbs so far!
I don't share any of this to brag! I share it to encourage each of you that read this that you can make a change... with God's help... all things are possible. For me, it is weight. For you, it could be something different... only you know where that change needs to come.
I am a WW facebook group and on Fridays we do "face to face Friday", so here is the picture I shared on there today:
I had a hard time seeing the change when I looked in the mirror, but in the side by side pic, I can finally see it! Might have a few more wrinkles and a little more loose skin, but that is ok! I am feeling great!
For the last 5 years, I have not done much on this blog. Life has taken so many twists & turns... and taking time to blog was not on my to-do list. I've missed it! It makes my heart sad when I think about my neglect of things I really love to do. I enjoy operating the B&B, I would not change that at all! What I do need to change and figure out is how to be able to get all I need to get done and then not be too tired to participate in the other things I enjoy... like writing! My hubby is right here in the trenches with me... so blessed that he shares in the cooking and cleaning!
Shining Light Inn B&B had an amazing summer season! We are open all year round, but summer is the high-season here in Ludington. I am just in awe of all the people God brought into our home! "God brought?" you might ask. Yep, our prayer is always, "God, bring us the people you want to come to experience Your love through us." So we believe that good or bad, God allows who He does to come... it is always a lesson in loving people with Christ's love for me!!! :) And the majority of the guests have been wonderful! We have even had a few new friendships start with guests this summer.
Another thing that has been taken some extra time is getting healthier. Last February I decided it was time to take control of my health... as much as I could anyway. Menopause had been kicking my butt, and I used that as my excuse to not do anything to try to do any better. The time really has to be right... no one else can decide when the time is right, except you! I joined Weight Watchers online. This was not my first go with WW. In 2002, I lost 50 lbs. and became a lifetimer. But life happened & little by little the weight crept back up... as I said pre-menopause/menopause kicked my butt!
The WW program has changed since 2002... I think for the better. Plus, this time I know I cannot do it without the Lord. This might sound strange to many, but what I have found is that I need to be filled up spiritually... full on the Living Bread (God's Word) before my physical eating habits will change.
I am down 34 lbs. with another 34 to go... I know I will do it with God's help! My hubby is also on this journey with me. He has lost over 25lbs so far!
I don't share any of this to brag! I share it to encourage each of you that read this that you can make a change... with God's help... all things are possible. For me, it is weight. For you, it could be something different... only you know where that change needs to come.
I am a WW facebook group and on Fridays we do "face to face Friday", so here is the picture I shared on there today:
"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." ~ Philippians 1:6
Friday, August 11, 2017
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
FREEDOM!
Just a quick post today to share how grateFUL my HEART is for being an American! Being born in this country! It is not a perfect country, but it is my country! It is all I know! No matter what may happen that is not so good... or things that go on that I am not happy about... I am PROUD to be living in the Land of the Free... the Home of the Brave!
Here is a little project I have been working on in my "free time"... not that I have had too much of that lately! ;)
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” (Ephesians 4:3–6 NLT)
The Inn is keeping us hopping this summer, but it is soooooo good! We have the strength we need to do what God has called us to!
Enjoy your 4th of JULY celebration! Freedom is nothing to take for granted! Have a blessed day!
Here is a little project I have been working on in my "free time"... not that I have had too much of that lately! ;)“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” (Ephesians 4:3–6 NLT)
The Inn is keeping us hopping this summer, but it is soooooo good! We have the strength we need to do what God has called us to!
Enjoy your 4th of JULY celebration! Freedom is nothing to take for granted! Have a blessed day!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Gratitude... Day 30
GRATITUDE: a feeling of being thankful to somebody for doing something. I cannot live my life by my feelings, but GRATITUDE is one feeling I should be living my life with every day! GRATITUDE shouldn’t be a feeling that comes and goes… it should be a constant way of living… when you feel GRATITUDE in your heart… you must express it through your words and actions.
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with GRATITUDE in your hearts." ~ Colossians 3:16
November 2016... the month of thanksgiving... is almost a memory! It has been a month full of mixed emotions, and great & small events in life!
The month of November, we had a series at church called "Fearless"... what a great & challenging series! I am so grateFUL that Father God keeps showing me more & more of who He is... drawing me closer to Him... teaching me to depend on Him more!
Today I show my humble gratitude for the Lord's provision in my life! Not just monetary, but emotional, spiritual, relational, a husband that never gives up!
I look back at where I/we were a year ago... I cannot even believe how the Lord has provided a way! (Oh me of little faith!) Luke's business is still in the baby stages, as is our B&B, but just when we need what we need... God hears our prayers & answers! My heart is full, running over & leaking from my eyes!
Also, I am grateFUL for any of you that stuck with me through these 30 days of gratitude! I don't know who reads these, or if it is speaking to anyone's heart, but that is okay... I write for an audience of One!
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Gratitude... Day 29
Over all it was a pretty good day!
My sisters were here for an over night visit, so we had a nice B&B breakfast!
The sun was shining!
I had a migraine start, but after prayer from friends & meds... it didn't get too bad & is gone!
Bible study with some incredible ladies!
Yummy white chicken chili for dinner!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on TV!
"Everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." ~ Colossians 3:17
Monday, November 28, 2016
Gratitude... Today and Days Gone By
I was doing so good keeping up with the Days of Gratitude... then we were out of town over
Thanksgiving... and I was unable to get my blogging done! I do have a ton to be grateFUL for, but today I am just going to share one massive thing I have so much gratitude for...
I was reading this morning in Luke 7:36-50... Jesus had been invited to the pharisee's house for dinner. This woman came in to show her sacrifice of love to Jesus. She was not an "upstanding" citizen in society, so the other people at the dinner were judging why Jesus would allow a woman like this near Him. Jesus knew what they were thinking and He proceeded to tell a parable about the 2 people that owed a debt... one owed a big debt and one owed a greater debt.
In verses 41-42 Jesus said... "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, which of them will love him more?" And Simon's answer in the next verse, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."
Sin is sin in God's eyes! Yes, there are bigger consequences on earth for some sins over others. But this woman, that poured all she had out for Jesus, had lived a rough life of sin, but so did the pharisee, Simon... his sins were maybe just more "acceptable" in the world's eyes.
Okay, so you are probably asking... what does this have to do with my gratitude for the day? Well, let me tell you... I am a sinner! "Big" sins... "little" sins... I am way better than I was, but I have a long way to go! My massive gratitude is because it is only by the grace of God... His love & mercy... and Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross that sin no longer has a hold on me!
Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."... "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." ~ Luke 7:48 & 50
I share this boldly and courageously... this is what I know for sure... it is only through Christ shedding His blood... dying for the whole world's sins... and being raised from the dead, that I have eternal life in Heaven some day! I am not saying that I am right & you are wrong if you believe differently... what I am saying is that Christ's righteousness is the only way to make your "debt" right! I know this & I believe this with my whole heart because He has done it for me & He will do it for you too!
"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him for the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." ~ Romans 10:9-10
I was reading this morning in Luke 7:36-50... Jesus had been invited to the pharisee's house for dinner. This woman came in to show her sacrifice of love to Jesus. She was not an "upstanding" citizen in society, so the other people at the dinner were judging why Jesus would allow a woman like this near Him. Jesus knew what they were thinking and He proceeded to tell a parable about the 2 people that owed a debt... one owed a big debt and one owed a greater debt.
In verses 41-42 Jesus said... "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, which of them will love him more?" And Simon's answer in the next verse, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."
Sin is sin in God's eyes! Yes, there are bigger consequences on earth for some sins over others. But this woman, that poured all she had out for Jesus, had lived a rough life of sin, but so did the pharisee, Simon... his sins were maybe just more "acceptable" in the world's eyes.
Okay, so you are probably asking... what does this have to do with my gratitude for the day? Well, let me tell you... I am a sinner! "Big" sins... "little" sins... I am way better than I was, but I have a long way to go! My massive gratitude is because it is only by the grace of God... His love & mercy... and Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross that sin no longer has a hold on me!
Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."... "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." ~ Luke 7:48 & 50
I share this boldly and courageously... this is what I know for sure... it is only through Christ shedding His blood... dying for the whole world's sins... and being raised from the dead, that I have eternal life in Heaven some day! I am not saying that I am right & you are wrong if you believe differently... what I am saying is that Christ's righteousness is the only way to make your "debt" right! I know this & I believe this with my whole heart because He has done it for me & He will do it for you too!
"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him for the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." ~ Romans 10:9-10
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Gratitude... Day 23
HOPE! Hope is what I have gratitude for today!
I was reading something on social media the other day... it was a comment from a man who obviously has had BIG hurt in his life & by his words you can tell that he had lost all hope! That was three days ago that I read that, & it is still sticking in my thoughts! So... so sad!
This morning I was reading in Philippians 2... these verses filled my heart with such HOPE!
"...God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." ~ Philippians 2:9-11
There are those that say "Christianity" is a fairy-tale, perpetuated for those that are feeble-minded & desperate to believe in something. IF HOPE in Christ is a fantasy, then someone has gone to a lot of trouble to perpetuate the grandest lie in history! There is all kinds of proof that proves this Love Story is true... but with a grateFUL HEART I proclaim that I don't need any of that proof... my proof is what I know... what I believe He has done in my life, & this is what I put my HOPE in!
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." ~ Romans 5:5
Today I pray for those that don't believe... that have no HOPE! Lord, help their poor unbelieving hearts! Lord, help my heart when I fail to believe too! In Jesus' name.
I was reading something on social media the other day... it was a comment from a man who obviously has had BIG hurt in his life & by his words you can tell that he had lost all hope! That was three days ago that I read that, & it is still sticking in my thoughts! So... so sad!
This morning I was reading in Philippians 2... these verses filled my heart with such HOPE!
"...God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." ~ Philippians 2:9-11
There are those that say "Christianity" is a fairy-tale, perpetuated for those that are feeble-minded & desperate to believe in something. IF HOPE in Christ is a fantasy, then someone has gone to a lot of trouble to perpetuate the grandest lie in history! There is all kinds of proof that proves this Love Story is true... but with a grateFUL HEART I proclaim that I don't need any of that proof... my proof is what I know... what I believe He has done in my life, & this is what I put my HOPE in!
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." ~ Romans 5:5
Today I pray for those that don't believe... that have no HOPE! Lord, help their poor unbelieving hearts! Lord, help my heart when I fail to believe too! In Jesus' name.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Gratitude... Day 21 and 22
I crawled into bed last night & remembered I forgot to post a day of gratitude! So today I am sharing a couple things...
I spent time yesterday working on a video for our inn, Shining Light Inn B&B... so I was grateFUL I finished that up. Here it is to share with you:
Also, today I am so thankFUL for the sunshine! I have so much more energy when the sun shines through the windows!
I spent time yesterday working on a video for our inn, Shining Light Inn B&B... so I was grateFUL I finished that up. Here it is to share with you:
Also, today I am so thankFUL for the sunshine! I have so much more energy when the sun shines through the windows!
"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." ~ Psalms 9:1
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Gratitude... Day 20
Day 20 of Gratitude is for Sunday morning worshiping with my church family... Much needed time with friends... An afternoon nap with my honey on a chilly, windy day... Hot chocolate & Hallmark!
When life gets harder than you expect... this is what is important!
Like it says on the banner in the pic... grateFUL!
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Gratitude... Day 19
I am so grateFUL today that God will never fail me! People will say or do things that hurt, but God has only the best at heart for me! Life does have "bumps" from time to time... that only makes me appreciate & love God more!
With gratitude I am holding onto what I know is true!
"The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discourages." ~ Deuteronomy 31:8
With gratitude I am holding onto what I know is true!
Friday, November 18, 2016
Gratitude... Day 18
What a beautiful day we had today! November 18th and temps in the upper 60's! I am grateFUL for a nice, albeit very windy day, to get our patio furniture & outside decor put away... before the snow flies!
Really cannot ask for a more beautiful Fall than the one we have had... God's beauty at its finest! And for this I show my gratitude today!
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" ~ Psalms 107:1
Really cannot ask for a more beautiful Fall than the one we have had... God's beauty at its finest! And for this I show my gratitude today!
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" ~ Psalms 107:1
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Gratitude... Day 17
There is a lot of hurt in the lives of many people I love & hold dear... my heart is saddened for them. I have gratitude that I can always count on God to renew my spirit & take the pain of my heart. His mercies are new every day! (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Gratitude... Day 16
I can tell you that one of the hardest things of living over 3 hours away from where I grew up is missing my sisters. I am the middle child... squished between a sister that is 2 years older, Renee, & a sister that is 6 years younger, Michele! Over the years we have laughed hard... fought hard... cried hard... screamed pretty hard... but always loved even harder!
Thinking of how grateFUL I am for my sisters! I have so much gratitude for the ups, the downs, & the in betweens! I love you both so much, Na & Chele!
Thinking of how grateFUL I am for my sisters! I have so much gratitude for the ups, the downs, & the in betweens! I love you both so much, Na & Chele!
I would hope that if we weren't born into the same family, we would still be friends!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Gratitude... Day 15
My gratitude today is for my new (to me) ride! A few weeks ago I felt like it was time to let go of having 2 vehicles we were making payments on, plus the insurance had gotten to be just ridiculous... so... we put my TrailBlazer up for sale.
It sold last Monday, which was a good thing. We decided to keep on the lookout for a nice, older, inexpensive car we could pay cash for. We looked at & drove a few cars... they were inexpensive alright but not too well taken care of. But since we were in no hurry, we felt no pressure to settle. We prayed for guidance to make the right decision. Then...
Anyway, I tell you all this to introduce you to this little car that found a new home! So far, so good! I luv it!
It sold last Monday, which was a good thing. We decided to keep on the lookout for a nice, older, inexpensive car we could pay cash for. We looked at & drove a few cars... they were inexpensive alright but not too well taken care of. But since we were in no hurry, we felt no pressure to settle. We prayed for guidance to make the right decision. Then...
"Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths." ~ Psalms 25:4
Monday, November 14, 2016
Gratitude... Day 14
November is almost half over! It seems like October just started! My Grandma Bessie use to always say, "The older you get, the faster time goes." I never believed that was true when I was younger, but my 52nd year is just zooming by!
So today I am grateFUL for time... it is a precious thing! I don't always use my time well... I run late or behind many times, but I never try to take time for granted!
There was a lady I heard speak at a women's event about how we all have the same amount of time each day to use... that there is enough time to get everything done in that 24 hour period. She went on to say that the secret of that is to only do the things God is asking us to do for that day! Ouch! I am always trying to squeeze just "one more thing" in! How 'bout you?
That is my prayer!
So today I am grateFUL for time... it is a precious thing! I don't always use my time well... I run late or behind many times, but I never try to take time for granted!
There was a lady I heard speak at a women's event about how we all have the same amount of time each day to use... that there is enough time to get everything done in that 24 hour period. She went on to say that the secret of that is to only do the things God is asking us to do for that day! Ouch! I am always trying to squeeze just "one more thing" in! How 'bout you?
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." ~ Psalms 90:12
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Gratitude... Day 12 and 13
Yesterday was a busy day... and... I missed posting! Spent most of the day with my hubby shopping for ??? something ??? maybe I will share that tomorrow! But for today, I get to share 2 things I am grateFUL for...
First, I am in gratitude for the gifts God has given me... I take no credit... no self-pat on the back... it is ALL because of Him! Being creative is so much fun for me... whether you are talking card-making, decorating, writing, or any other crafty thing I dabble in. Here is a little gift I made up for a friend's 50th birthday!
The quote I wrote on it was from C.S. Lewis... "Friendship is born that moment one person says to another, 'What you too? Thought I was the only one.' "
Today, I am showing gratitude for being able to live a life without fear of the unknown! Do I do it? Not always & not well! But I know that no matter what is happening in my life or even in the world around me... I do not have to fear! Many days I don't even know the question, let alone the answer... but I know the One who does!
Resting in His faithfulness!
First, I am in gratitude for the gifts God has given me... I take no credit... no self-pat on the back... it is ALL because of Him! Being creative is so much fun for me... whether you are talking card-making, decorating, writing, or any other crafty thing I dabble in. Here is a little gift I made up for a friend's 50th birthday!
Today, I am showing gratitude for being able to live a life without fear of the unknown! Do I do it? Not always & not well! But I know that no matter what is happening in my life or even in the world around me... I do not have to fear! Many days I don't even know the question, let alone the answer... but I know the One who does!
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." ~ Isaiah 41:10
Resting in His faithfulness!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)