When Saturday arrives, I look back through my photos to remind myself what I did (or didn’t) do that week. I don’t have many pictures this week, because I got hit by a pretty bad cold on Monday night. That kinda shut me down.

I found a few, though.

I downloaded this from Facebook, to text a friend. She was dealing with Fear and Doubt, and I think this is just about the best verse for all those mind tricks Satan likes to play on us.

I follow “C.S.Lewis” on Twitter. Well, not really—just someone who shares a quote of his every day. This quote reminded me of an important lesson I seem to keep forgetting.

On Sunday, Tim took Lucy for a swim. I love watching him be a daddy.

I have two sisters: the Philosopher and the Historian. As Tim & Lucy swam, I noticed this beautiful plumeria, and I thought to myself: where else in New England could a plumeria thrive in February? The Historian has a way with plants. She is a nurturer, though, so I am not entirely surprised. It is one the qualities she inherited from our mother.

Looking at the week ahead, I have a lot before me. Lots of praying to do. We’ll see how things go.

God bless you! 

Last year, three friends published books. Three! I have rather impressive friends, don’t I? Today, a fourth friend’s book was published, and her book has something very different about it.

Now, really, each book is unique and quite special, and I think you should check them all out. However, A Peace Unfettered by Qene’ Manon Jeffers is different, because I had the distinct privilege of writing the forward. I was so surprised and honored to be asked to do this, but when Qene’ asked me I couldn’t help asking: “Are you sure about that?!” I was not worthy, but I could not refuse someone whose words have meant so much to me.

A Peace Unfettered is also different, because it is intended to spiritually minister to you. Her stories, all based on her real life, will encourage your heart and inspire your faith—no matter where you may find yourself today. In fact, if you are struggling in your walk of faith, I especially encourage you to keep a copy close at hand. Her stories are short, sweet, and spiritually sound. They will give you lift, a burst of hope right when you need it. She also shares a miraculous healing she experienced two years ago. You will be in awe of God’s healing power, as you read how He brought her through a life-threatening illness.

You may read a short excerpt from the book and learn more about Qene’ on her author’s page: CLICK HERE. Check out all of my friends’ books!

“Rollerskating in a Buffalo Herd” by Rosalie J. Karjala (June 2017)
“Simple Things” by Suzanne Schaffer (July 2017)
“When We Were You’re Age” by Anne G.D. Smith (December 2017)
“A Peace Unfettered” by Qene’ Manon Jeffers (February 2018)

A LOVELY DAY FOR A WALK
We have a snow storm outside right now, but earlier this week it was actually warm enough for Lucy to take her very first stroll outside.

COW
I just love cows. Can’t wait to take Lucy to a farm this Spring, and introduce her to the real thing.

We had a snow day this week. Lots of ice followed.

Spring is coming, though!

Looking forward. Yet, enjoying the moments. Like eating popcorn with Lucy.

Lucy loves Grammy’s popcorn. I love her sweet, little hands.

Putting others first is very expensive. I can only afford to do it, when I am putting Christ first above all. I can only live in peace when my own desires are unmet, if I’ve determined to die to myself and live for Him. Those are decisions I have to make daily, even multiple times in one day. My selfish and prideful urges are very strong.

Met a young, homeless woman this week. I just wanted to bring her home and feed her soup. Bowl upon bowl of soup. How many girls like her are out there? Why isn’t her mother feeding her soup? These are questions that never leave me alone.

Lucy lives up to her name. She is the light of our life. This week, she tasted her first tostada, and she liked it very much.

The coffee and donuts I take to Great Hill are an act of faith. I came close this week to just bringing a couple small cups of coffee. It was nice to see that box emptied out.

I really hope we haven’t damaged our granddaughter. She seriously loves “White Christmas.” She wants to watch it every day. Every. Day. Not just the musical numbers, either. She watches the whole thing. She wants to read the book every day. She wants us to sing her the songs every times she see us. She “dances” to certain songs. Tries her darnedest to sing along. I think she would love nothing more than to have a Bing Crosby stuffed doll—if that was even a thing.  I’m not sure what to make of it.

Have you read the memo? Do you plan to read it? We live in interesting days, don’t we? We need to pray. Things are not normal.

I really enjoy Jan Markell’s radio program. Olive Tree Ministries is the organization, and “Understanding the Times” is the name of the program. It’s not for everyone, but I find it timely and appropriate. I listen to it on YouTube. CLICK HERE This week she interviewed Michelle Bachman, Part One. Part Two will air next Saturday. Little bit of trivia for you: Jan used to babysit Michelle. Small world, huh?

Hope you all are staying away from the flu. God bless and keep you and yours today, and in the week ahead.

G R E E N S
Ate a bunch of spinach this week. That made me happy.

R E D
This crossed my path on Facebook this week and made me see red—the red marker I wanted to use to blot it out! This is a terribly wrong message for at least three reasons.

1. The only wounds that have healing virtue are the wounds Christ endured for our sake. Proof #1 Proof #2
2. If your greatest “life message” isn’t the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the new life you found in Him, you do not have a godly ministry.
3. Ministry belongs to God. He calls, anoints, and appoints. He gets to decide HOW He uses the vessel He has chosen. The vessel does not decide how it will be used.

I don’t know why RW is so revered by so many Christians. I really don’t find him to be very devout or to have sound doctrine.

P I N K
We had a warm day today, so Lucy and her parents made it out to the park. The overalls she is wearing were once worn by her Mommy.  I know it’s really weird that I saved some of her baby things for so long, but I really have not regretted getting to see Lucy use them. She’s such a precious lamb. We ate popcorn and watched her favorite movie tonight. Best part of my day.

• Disappointed for the Upstairs Neighbors. They had such a special weekend planned. We aren’t sure what happened, but have some guesses. Mom is doing better today, but says something is definitely different. Praying Isaac (due in March) stays put.

• Saw this on Facebook tonight:

To say this grieved my heart would be an understatement. In a a city where the spiritual needs are so profound, how can a church explain using this precious resource for such business? A.W. Tozer had many fine exhortations for the Christian church of his day, and he is who came to mind as I thought about this sign.

• Overall, this has been a hard week. Spiritually challenging. Still fighting last week’s bug, which seems to have morphed into a chest cold. Very behind on my administrative work for the ministry. I can only hope Monday brings more strength and progress. And, fewer coughs and crises.

• The Saxophone Player brought me a little bunch of flowers this week. Tonight, the light was just right and I could capture their vibrant colors exactly as my eye saw them. Cheered my weary heart.

Spring is coming!

1. Watched a lot ( A LOT) of baby food recipe videos today.
2. Made Lucy a new recipe, but she wasn’t very excited about it.
3. She has learned to nod her head, “Yes,” and shake her head, “No.” It’s pretty cool.
4. Tomorrow is our family Christmas.
5. It took a full day, but Doug fixed my computer issues. Best Christmas gift this year.
6. Lucy loves the movie “White Christmas.” At the end of the dance numbers, she claps.
7. It has been really COLD here. Ridiculously cold.
8. Baking this evening.
9. The fifth anniversary of my mother’s passing is tomorrow morning. Hard to believe so much time has passed. Can’t wait to see her, again.
10. It’s been nice to have most of this week off—have had some work to do, but I tried to take some time to rest.

I really need to take more pictures. She is harder to photograph, though—moves too fast!

I opened the window to try to take a picture, just as Doug was approaching. I suddenly clued-in that I was going to get hit with snow, if I didn’t act fast.

Lucy liked her Christmas fox slippers.

A glimpse at this week’s weather.

Blackstrap Molasses always reminds me of my Mother.

Happy New Year, everyone. I hope you are safe and warm tomorrow. I hope you know you are loved. God bless and keep you in His perfect peace. ❤

It’s been a good and full week.

I wish I had a few more days before Christmas, because there were some things I don’t think I’ll get to do, and Christmas cards will definitely be late, but we can only do our best. Right? That has to be good enough, because…well, it’s all we have to offer—it’s all anyone should expect.

Besides, things happen. Sometimes, we get to have everything the way we want it, but sometimes we don’t. We aren’t in control of our circumstances, but we can control how we respond and react to them. I must choose to keep trying until the very end, and then be glad for the good and learn from the bad. And, I have found there’s always so much more good. I hope you are keeping your eyes on that.

Dropbox is still not working on my computer, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. So, here are some pictures of my week.

These are the packages of hats and gloves we were able to give all of the women at the Great Hill Shelter.

Hot Cocoa Kit making.

Finished product. I love making these kinds of things.

God bless you today. I hope you have a very special Christmas Eve, hopefully, gathering with others and sharing the joy of this wonderful season.