I really, really want my adorable grandchildren to have this awesome stroller… They can! (If you pick me!)

don’t waste it

It had been there for awhile, but I can’t say for just how long. It was hidden from my view, and I didn’t know where to look. I found it covered under leaves, but by then it was too late. I couldn’t use it anymore, and had to throw it in the waste.

I didn’t see the cucumber until it was too large and very bitter. Maybe if I hadn’t been tired, I could have looked longer. Maybe if I looked harder, I could have found it in time. Maybe if I looked sooner, it wouldn’t have been wasted. I didn’t want to throw it out, but I had waited too long.

Sometimes I’d rather hide than do what God expects of me. And, sometimes it may be too late and I would waste an opportunity God had set before me. And, I may never get another chance if I don’t do what God wants me to do, when God wants me to do, how God wants me to do, and where God wants me to do.

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 The Holman Christian Standard Bible

So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up.

Galatians 6:9 The Holman Christian Standard Bible

wait...

trust in His timing
rely on His promises
wait for His answers
believe in His miracles
rejoice in His goodness
relax in His presence

I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 NAS

Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14 NAS

here & there

Last week, we took a trip to the Tidewater area of Virginia. Mark’s Mom went with us, and we had a relaxing visit with family. It had been two years since we were there, and that was for a funeral. This time, I’m thankful the trip was just a “visiting” trip.

Along the way, my dear, sweet husband turned into a sneaky, wily nily driver. He somehow managed for me to be fast asleep before reaching the Monitor-Merrimack bridge-tunnel. Did I mention that it was 4.6 miles of white-knuckle action? The bridge became a four-lane tunnel descending 4,800 feet into the dark waters of the Hampton Roads harbor. Did I mention that the speed limit was 60 mph? Maybe my dear, sweet husband knew how I felt about the thing and wanted to spare me the misery. But still, …..

We enjoyed seeing everyone and catching up. Our sweet granddaughter met us there. Oh, she did bring her parents along as well. Being around “strangers”, eating at “strange” places, and sleeping in “strange” beds - the little one took it all in stride. She was a joy to be around and she brightened every room. Did I mention that she is a delightful granddaughter? Well, she is.

The way home didn’t take us to a bridge-tunnel. However, we did have to cross a little bridge. The aforementioned bridge was the four-lane James River Bridge, stretching 4.5 (very long) miles, and I didn’t care what the speed limit was. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway.

The visit was very enjoyable, but it’s always nice to be back home. Tomorrow, I’m off again. This time, for a few days with my Sis…

We may not always realize
That every thing we do,
Affects not only our lives
But touches others, too!

For a little bit of thoughtfulness
That shows someone you care,
Creates a ray of sunshine
For both of you to share.

Yes, every time you offer
Someone a helping hand ...
Every time you show a friend
You care and understand ...

Every time you have
A kind and gentle word to give ...
You help someone find beauty
In this precious life we live.

For happiness brings happiness
And loving ways bring love;
And Giving is the treasure
That contentment is made of.

...Amanda Bradley

wise words

is it nap time yet?

A couple of days ago, I had four or five errands to run (why is it “run errands”? An errand is a chore. And run, I suppose that’s running away from errands Mmm). Since gas prices have gone up, up, and more up, I try to plan my errands in a green way. That said, when I was finally finished with my errand run, I was very tired and wanted a nap.

I was not in the mood to deal with traffic, and certainly not heavy traffic (why is it “heavy traffic”? Is it heavy because of an auto’s weight? Or, does heavy mean a lot of? I really don’t know). Anyway, I was sharing the road with a lot of vehicles (and I emphasize a lot, and not everyone was nicely sharing the road). I found myself smack dab in the middle of it all, and it wasn’t even rush hour (I think it’s called “rush hour” since most are rushing to get somewhere. But, for some, it’s less than an hour, and for others it’s more than hour. Maybe an hour is just an estimation. Whatever).

Things I saw, or was otherwise subjected to…speeding, slamming on brakes, lack of turn signals, following too closely (aka “tailgating”, and who came up with “tailgating” anyway?), cutting in front of, squealing tires, running red lights, reckless lane changing, revving engines, stinky exhaust, even down-right pokey driving, polite drivers, horn honkers, starting and stopping, the cell phone thing, etc… Somebody didn’t take the Auto Etiquette course. I was thankful there wasn’t any road rage.

It suddenly occurred to me that most everyone seemed to be racing. I’m not talking about NASCAR racing – more like a speedy run to K-mart before missing a “blue light special”. Hmm. Maybe a “blue light”, accompanied by a “pink slip” is just the ticket (pun intended).

Remember, I was very tired and wanted a nap. My patience was tried and tested. I’m sorry to say, but my patience didn’t test very well.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22 NAS