Recap 2018

  I want to recap the year and put a few thoughts out there.

  I love to write things down so this year I wrote a book about my life.  It's nothing earth shattering and it is not going to be a best seller.  I wrote it for myself mainly and also for Tom, my girls and grandchildren.  Just a little bit of me to remember.  It's called Glimpses of God in my ordinary life.  I worked on it for about 9 months of the year and I am happy with how it turned out. I enjoyed remembering and writing.  It is on Amazon so I guess I am now an author.  My two oldest grandchildren loved reading it so that was the best gift I got this year. 

  I enjoyed this Christmas season.  Not for the usual reasons.  I just enjoyed the season in a calm and joyful way.  I read an advent devotional by Our Daily Bread and it brought me on a journey of peace and joy.  I also enjoyed my tree this year more so than I have in previous years.  Our gift purchasing was simple and Tom and I had fun buying for the grand kids.  Tom and I enjoyed a few really good Christmas movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime.  I missed having Emily's family here this year but our time with the rest of the family was precious.  I am trying to be present and enjoy each conversation and moments together with my family.  I had an awareness this year of how precious the gift of Jesus truly is.

  This year has brought tears and smiles.  I can't say it was an easy year.  Physically it was frustrating for Tom and myself.  Spiritually it has been a splendid year.  I really felt that God was teaching me as never before.  I was aware of the fact that God sees me and I am precious to Him.

  I loved several songs that played on the radio a few in particular, Known by Tauren Wells.
 Partial Lyrics: And it's not one or the other.  It's hard truth and ridiculous grace to be known, fully known and loved by you.  Also, Rescue by Lauren Daigle  Partial Lyrics: I will send out an army to find you in the middle of the darkest night it's true, I will rescue you. These were two of my favorites.  The messages in both are so uplifting.
 
  I didn't take any major trips except to my Minnesota home. I had a couple great visits with family.  It's always fun to go home.  I had lots of fun times with my grandchildren and realize how fast they're growing up.  I want to cherish every moment and be a part of their lives as much as possible. 

  I have such gratitude for my life and all the blessings that God has poured out on me in 2018.  He has proven His faithfulness in ways I can't even explain.  I am so grateful and don't want to ever take my life for granted.  It's hard sometimes to live each day to the fullest because some days seem so ordinary and long, however I am aware that I have wasted many days in doing less than God's best for that day.  I am trying to be more intentional with my time. 

 In this world of craziness, meanness, and heartache I am reminded that God is in control always.  He has a plan that I don't understand.  But I am loved so deeply by Him.  He has me here for a purpose and I want to fulfill it.  I am a difficult student but I really want to succeed.  So Goodbye 2018 and hello 2019.  Let's see what adventures you have in store for me. 

  

DIY Christmas

So this Christmas season I got sucked into a few decorating projects for Christmas. I saw them in stores, websites or on Pintrest.  I don't know what got into me.  But I had help from Tom and we had fun.  Maybe you will like to try these.  Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

This was my favorite project.  I saw on a good housekeeping ad.  Tom cut and built it from pallets he had.  Then spray painted the wood.  I purchased stencil letters I wanted from Michaels and spray painted the letters.  It was a do and do over lesson but I like how it turned out and even the imperfections make it special.  We made a second one for a friend and it was basically free since we already had all the supplies.  Total cost on the first one for supplies was  about $16,

I saw this jar idea from some add for Joanna Gaines decorating. I liked the look of random bottles of glass added the twine around the lip of the jars.  I would have liked real greenery but didn't have any available so found these at Michaels for a good price.  The bottles I was fortunate to find at  2 Goodwill stores after I had decided I wanted to decorate my table with them.  Win for me.  

For my tree I got my inspiration from Pintrest. I used only my white ornaments, pine cones, twine garland and burlap ribbon.  No red this year.  I was a little scared to try it without red,but I really like it.  Then I put a little red on the fireplace with stockings I had and a banner I found at Target (for $3 )that I added JOY to. 

This idea I saw in a second hand store in a little shop in Minnesota when I was back home visiting. The frame I bought from a second had store and Tom painted it white.  I found the greenery and mat from Michaels at 50% off. Total cost about $8. 

A few thoughts

I can't believe I haven't blogged since February.  What happened? I guess life happened.  It's just easier to post pictures and I'm not sure anyone reads this blog anyway.  But I do like getting my thoughts out of my head so here we go.  

Does anyone else think this year went way too fast?  I mean this was crazy. 

I am struggling with a few things I guess because I'm getting older but I see too many wrinkles lately.  And there is a mid section of my body that is not going flat.  I can't remember things I want to say and I don't like crowds anymore.  HELP!!  

Speaking of crowds, I was traveling on Independence Blvd yesterday to get to my daughters house for my grandson's birthday celebration and the line of traffic for the Southern Christmas Show was miles long. When I finally got to pass by the stopped traffic waiting to get in and park I saw that the lots were already full.  This was around 10:15 am.  Where were all those people gonna park?  And even worse would there be any room to even enjoy the event once inside the Merchandise Mart?  Years ago I did love to go to the show, but I felt it was always the same stuff and SO crowded at times.  It took my holiday spirit away rather than encourage it. (Except for the Strussel) I have no desire to partake of that crowded mess anymore.  Bah!  

I am finding out that I am a lot like my dad.  He is a wonderful man and I love him.  But he can at times be demanding and kind of bossy.  I get frustrated with him when I go home to visit. and I don't want to but we just clash often.  And then it struck me, our personalities are very similar.  Oh NO, I am just like him! I am really going to pray about that!!  I love you Dad!  :(

My husband Tom is in Ecuador as I write this.  He is getting ready to head up to the village of Natawha about 16,000 feet up in the Andes mountains, and preach to the people of the village church.  I have been there before and absolutely loved that place.  So different from anywhere I've been.  Literally up in the clouds.  I am so proud of Tom.  I wish I could be with him this time.  

I have eight grand kids and am amazed at how fast they are growing and how my relationship is changing with the older ones.  It's sad but also very interesting to see them growing into their personalities and interests that God put in them.  They aren't all into me as they were when they were little ones but they do love to share stories, play ball and be silly with me.  I wouldn't change a single moment.  I look forward to watching them grow and become adults and see whatever the future holds for them.  

As for my daughters, I couldn't be prouder of each one.  They are amazing women, wives, moms and friends.  I see them doing what God has called them to do. I see Him working in each of their lives so wonderfully.  I am amazed that in spite of my mothering and the many mistakes I made with them, God has redeemed those errors on my part and turned them into blessings for me and for my girls.  I love you Sheila, Alisha and Emily.  Thanks for being you and loving me.  

Life changes as you get older.  It's not easy but there is a joy in it too.  I want to live in thankfulness. Attitude truly changes everything.  

Just remember as my pastor said this morning..."Every time you pray something happens. "  Your prayers are not in vain.  I hope you are trusting in Jesus!  

Finishing the race

I finished my 10 mile race!  I had such a great experience this time around.  Granted it was not a half marathon but it was a long run.  I don't know if any of you reading this remember my post about running my half marathon over 2 years ago.  It's called Half Marathon if you want to check it out.   It was not a good experience as I trained for 6 months and then got a stomach bug the night before and still ran my race.  I finished but it was so hard and not very enjoyable. So I was a little hesitant after that to sign up for another half.  I couldn't even stomach the thought of a 15 K.  But in December my son in law Andrew who is a runner said he was going to do this 10 mile race in February.  So I finally, though hesitantly decided to start running and took the plunge and signed up.  For me when I sign up for a race it's gonna happen.  I am going to do that race!  I was a bit reluctant to train in the winter because of the rainy cold weather and also the lack of daylight after work.  I am not a treadmill runner at all.  In fact I had never even run on a treadmill until this training time because I needed to get a good run in one Saturday and the weather was bad.  So I tried it.  It seemed so easy but I didn't know what I was doing. The next few days were torturous for my legs.  They were so sore.  Fortunately I was able to get all my running done outside after that incident.  I came to the conclusion  that I like winter training much better than summer.  It was so much easier for me to breathe and I felt so much stronger during my training.  I had a few issues as I normally do when I put my body to the test but I figured it out and made it to race day healthy and strong.  

Now to my run:

 I had a good night sleep and woke up thankful.  I got a little nervous but tried to calm myself. I had to ask Jesus for help.  It worked.  The sunrise was beautiful as I drove to the race.  I had to stop and take a picture.  For me it was a gift from God saying it's gonna be a beautiful race day.  I met Sheila and Andrew there.  We watched Sheila take off for her 4 mile race.  Then Andrew and I got in line for ours.  I was off !  It's always a struggle to not run too fast starting out. I seem to want to stay with the crowd.  I always have to remind myself to run my own race.  I was going too fast that first mile & 1/2 and started to get a side ache. That got me thinking, YES, thinking all this during my running.  In our lives we have one life to live.  We are not to try to keep up with others.  We are made specifically for the life God gave us.  We can't fill anyone else's shoes.  Once I got on my pace I got rid of the pain and ran better. Only when we get on our own pace are we effective for the long journey.  

I've noticed in my racing, there are always a few people that are running pretty close to my pace.  Back and forth we go.  I will pass them and then a little down the way they will pass me.  Back and forth we go.  It's an encouragement when I pass someone.  It pushes me to run harder for a few moments.  It also reminds me when they pass me, that it's ok for them to go past. I'm running my race and I may pass them further down the road.  It's a long run.  

I don't know if you've run in a race but in everyone I've run there is water different miles throughout the race.  It gives you refreshment for your journey.  In longer races there is gatorade.  In my race yesterday it was at mile 6.  I drank that little cup of gatorade and it gave me a boost.  I had the best time at mile 6 and 7.  I couldn't stop smiling.  I had good music and a beautiful flat shady trail on the greenway.  I felt such joy!  I was over half way to my finish line and I was having the time of my life.  But just up ahead were some BIG hills.  I had been told beforehand that mile 8 and 9 had a few hills.  Why do they seem so big when you're running a race?  And why do they have to be part of the journey?  Well that's another thought I had.  During our lives we have those great moments of happiness and joy!  Relish them because up ahead is going to be a hill that feels like a mountain.  It's part of everyone's journey.  However during that mile 8-9 there were people on the sidelines telling us we could do it. They were ringing bells and giving us high fives! They said "keep running. It's not too much further, you got this! " In the bible it says we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on.  That's what I was thinking when it was happening. For us who walk in faith that is going on behind the scenes. Don't get discouraged, You're so close to the finish, don't give up now!

 In one area toward the middle of mile 9 in a neighborhood of beautiful homes, almost every house had an American flag at the street. It was just beautiful.  I don't know why that touched me so greatly.  Maybe because of the division in our country lately.  Maybe because I was just coming out of the hard hills on the last part of my race and I was getting so tired but  I was moved by it.  It was a banner waving and saying to me, "You are in a beautiful country and you are free.  You are blessed."  At this point I was very tired but in the distance I could hear cheering.  It was for the people who were ahead of me who were crossing the finish line.  I was getting close to the end and I knew I could make it!  I was hearing the cheers and I just needed to go less than a mile.  I could picture in my mind crossing the finish line.  I had run for months thinking of this moment. It was almost done.  I knew Sheila and Andrew would be there waiting for me. They already finished their race.  People I didn't know would cheer as I crossed the line.  For this reason I was encouraged and I started to run faster.  I didn't even know I could but I did.  I saw the crowds and I saw my family!  As I crossed I heard the announcer call my name!  It sounded so wonderful to hear him say my name!  Won't it be wonderful when we finish our race here on earth and hear Jesus call our name and say Good job?!  You finished well!  Then I got the reward!  I got a medal!  I got wonderful orange juice that tasted so good. I couldn't stop smiling! My race was over and it was a wonderful journey! 

Running against the wind

Running has me baffled.  I hate it.  I love it.  I don't know what I feel about it but I get some great thoughts about many things when I'm on a long run.  Lately I have been training for a race and as usual, I am very much disliking it at times when the weather isn't good or I feel like I am trying to fit running into a busy schedule. Or the fact that my body doesn't want to cooperate with me so much of the time.  I feel like I know so little about how my body works and trains but then I realize that I am also learning very much about myself and this complex body that God created.  I am finding out that I really have enjoyed training in the winter verses the summer. ( this may be due to the fact that I live in the south and it is extremely hot and muggy here in the summer and very hard to run. And our winters aren't very cold and snowy. )  I have once again learned so much about myself in training and preparing for this race.  I get a little crazy and I over analyze everything.  I'm a crazy person that is all there is to it!  Even in my running by myself I get all worked up and nervous before I run a long run. ( Like it really matters.)  Once I am on my way and into the run it's fine.  It's just before I start running that I get anxious.  I don't know why I can't be more cool, calm and collected. I feel like everyone else is but not me.  I'm sure that is not true but it's how I feel.

My running on several occasions has shown me something spiritual as it so often does.  When I go out on a long run I run out half of my distance I plan to run for the day from my house and then turn around.  It's a good way for me to make sure that I go the distance I have planned and not quit because I'm close to home and can just decide to come home because I'm tired.  Many times I can be running and the weather is perfect and my path good, I feel fast but when I turn around all of the sudden the wind is blowing crazy and I am struggling against it.  I am running against a force and I feel that I won't make it home.  But then as I turn a bit on my path it isn't as bad and I do make it home. I hadn't even realized the wind was blowing when it was at my back but when I turn around it is pushing against me and making it difficult to run. It slows my pace immensely.
But I am learning the difficult elements in training are what make me stronger and help me finish strong in my races.

 I was thinking this is how life is.  God is like the wind.  So often when everything is going well in life I don't even think about Him being around me. I take Him for granted and often times don't acknowledge Him at all. It's when things turn around and I experience trouble that I see Him in a different light.  I realize that He is near and how I need Him.  I call out for help and for Him to be near when He was near all the time.  

God's spirit is everywhere.  Sometimes it's blowing at our backs and we don't even know how He's moving us along and making things so smooth and wonderful for us.  At other times He is blowing against us and allowing us to struggle if for no other reason than to remind us that He is here and we have forgotten to remember Him and thank Him. He wants us to finish our race strong and not quit before we're home. 

That is the message God spoke to my heart the other day during my run.  I want to remember God no matter which direction His spirit is blowing.  Give God thanks today in the good times and hard times.  He deserves to be thanked.

Encouragement

I was reminded yesterday as I was running in my neighborhood that encouragement goes a LONG way.  
 A car drove past me and a young guy and girl honked at me and gave me the yay, keep going, good job, chant! Well that 2 seconds of encouragement pumped me up and I ran the last half mile with much more speed and determination.  They didn't have to do that but they wanted to let me know that they knew I could do it.  I didn't know them but at that moment they were my brother and sister.  

That got me thinking about everyday life.  We are here for a purpose.  In this day and time with so much negativity and tearing people down and apart over crazy stuff, we should be encouraging each other.  We should be helping one another and giving the whoo hoo yell for those who are striving to excel, and for those who are struggling and facing trouble and trials. 

Just a thought.  What a difference it could make if everyone did that.  Kindness would take over the meanness.  Love would overcome hate and our world would look more like it should.  

1 Thessalonians 5:11

  So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Going back to Buffalo

Tom and I had a little get away back to his hometown.  Just thought I would share a bit about our wonderful trip and adventures. We started out eating at a little restaurant near where his Nana lived.  It was amazing eating Beef on Weck and German potato salad.  We met with our friends Bob and Linda who so graciously treated us to lunch. ( What a welcome !)  We then spent the afternoon visiting Tom's old neighborhood, he took me down memory lane.  The weather was so beautiful.   We had a great visit with his godmother who is a beautiful, insightful woman.  We had a very enjoyable conversation and I tried Birch Beer for the first time, (so yummy).  It was fun to see Tom so excited about his old stomping ground.  I even saw the path he talks about where he would get into some fights. He says it's more like a meadow now and he was a little disappointed in that. 

Tom's high school

Tom's house as a child

The path

One of Tom's favorite restaurants Schwabl's

Tom had the privilege of speaking at the YWAP thursday night basketball and 9 minutes of truth in inner city Buffalo.  He said if he had a bucket list it would be to speak in his hometown, as he has taught and preached around the world but never at his birthplace.  Well, he can mark that off his list. Before he spoke that night we went to another of his favorite places, The Anchor Bar in downtown Buffalo and let me tell you it was AMAZING wings and other good stuff.  I ate so much but I couldn't stop. 

Tom outside the famous Anchor bar in Buffalo

The next day we headed to Canada for God's famous Niagara Falls.  If you haven't ever seen it in person, you should.  The power behind the waterfalls is earth shaking.Wow, is all I can say. It had been many years since I had seen them. The area has changed a bit but the Falls look the same and are tremendously beautiful even on a cloudy day. 

enjoying the Falls with Bob and Linda

That evening back in the US, we shared a meal at Tom's old neighborhood Wanaka grill.  The food was wonderful and I got to meet some of Tom's friends from growing up.  It was fun.

This is Tom's friend Bob and his wife Liz with us.  It felt like I have known them my whole life. 

We spent the next day downtown watching Tom's Buffalo Sabre's practice sessions in the new Harborcenter.  This is not what I consider fun, but the place is awesome and Tom added coffee and pastries from Tim Hortons. And let me tell you Tim Hortons is SO GOOD!  I wish it was available in the south.  We also ate at 716 a great sports type restaurant with one of the biggest screens in the world. Then we walked around the canal side and enjoyed the view of the lighthouse and flower beds.  It was such a pretty fall day.

This coffee is so good and the pastries so fresh and inexpensive.

Big sports tv at 716 in the Harborcenter

Buffalo harbor lighthouse

Tom found these seats by the outdoor skate area and freaked out. It reminded him of when he was a kid.

It was a really fun trip.  I am so thankful for the opportunities that God opens up for me and my best friend.