Have You Been There?

So today I get the following email from a "friend?" LOL Enjoy!

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

I may have been in Continent, but I don't remember what country I was in.

Today is one of the many National Mental Health Days throughout the year. You can do your bit by remembering to send an e-mail to at least one unstable person. My job is done!

Life is too short for negative drama & petty things. So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!

From one to another: I hope everyone is happy in your head - we're all doing pretty good in mine!

Girlie Friendship

I remember when I was in my late teens how important friends were. Above is a picture of my younger daughter (middle) with her two good friends from church. This is such an important time in their lives and I'm so thankful she has had them to share all the "girlie" things with. They all want to please God in their lives and are at various stages of schooling, etc. and each comes from a different culture. But they have unity in Christ.

However, my biggest prayer for them is that one day God will give to each of them a godly and honorable husband. I'm sure that He is the One who must do that and I'm praying they'll all be patiently waiting on Him until that time comes. I pray they'll keep themselves unto Him and for that day when He provides for them as only He can. I'm sure many of you will be praying the same prayer with me for our daughters and granddaughters.

By the way, my newest grandchild due in September is another girl. For whatever His reasons, the Lord has wanted our family to raise daughters for the kingdom. :)

Tranquility in Sorrow

Between now and this past August, five friends of mine have lost their husbands. These are all ladies whom I have been friends with for many years, and in each instance, the marriage was a solid and long lasting one. Each was a wonderful testimony of the beauty of marriage, and now each of these dear ones will face the holidays for the first time as widows. Today I went to a church to get a good tight hug from the latest widow, shortly before she went to bury her companion of 46 years. I remember going through the whole saga of her dating him and then their marriage those many years ago. . .and now our tears mingling at such a time as this.

I just wanted to remember them now for a few minutes and ask that you'd please take a moment to say a prayer for Carol, Carole, Carolyn, Joan, and Joyce during this first Christmas season without their husbands. God has blessed each of them with children and grandchildren, so we can be thankful for that.

There is something I see in each of these ladies; it's something you see when the years have been many and the relationship has been harmonious and loving. I see tranquility in their sorrow.

Be Still

Dedicated to a dear friend of mine whose husband of 52 years has just passed on to glory. To my dear sister, as you told your dear one at his bedside, this is only temporary. You'll see him again over there. Be still and know that in every change our God faithful will remain, even though through thorny ways. Love you, dear sis. . . you have been so special to me over the years.

Blessed to Blog

The other day while going to my dashboard to check my feed, I happened upon a little piece of information that surprised me. I saw that I had made 399 posts so far with Blogger. So that means.. . [drum roll?] . . .yes, this is post number #400! Wow. I had no idea. I think people do special things when they reach these century numbers. Lots of folks have giveaways, but in case you haven't noticed the sticky note at the top of this page, we're having one of those right now at the business blog, so that won't work for this. I didn't know what to do to celebrate, so I decided I'd just count my blessings. Of blogging, that is.

As is true of most of us, there have been times that I've struggled with this whole blogging thing. Mostly the struggles have to do with fitting it into my busy and sometimes hectic life. Sometimes it has had to do with subject matter, feeling a bit brain dead occasionally. It has worked out much better after I made the decision here some months ago. Having settled in with that, blogging is now a definite part of my life, resulting in real blessings. I've thought of these six, but I'm sure there are more:

1. Friends. There are quite a few of you who I sincerely count as friends. We've never met personally, but it just "feels" like we know each other and are kindred in heart and spirit. When I come by your little place on the Internet and refer to you as "sister" or "friend," I really do mean it.

2. Devotions. That's right. Some of the posts which some of you write are nothing short of devotional material as far as I'm concerned. I can't count how many times there has been a blog post that has edified, comforted, challenged, and/or encouraged me.

3. Travel. Now that may sound silly, but you've got a person here who has lived in one state all her life and has seldom traveled far from it. My blogging buddies tell me all about the weather where they are and lots of other goodies about other parts of the country. There have even been a few British and Australian friends that would give little tidbits about their neck of the woods. It's interesting reading about events on the west coast or what it's like to live on a farm and so on.

4. Fun. Love you witty folks. We actually have a lot of fun together! Some of our blogging friends give us something to chuckle about and you know how much we need the merry heart!

5. Helpful information. If you've learned a lot from being a blogger, raise your hand! I know I have. There have been so many times I've learned how to do something or how to save (like our Hands and Hearts blog), found a good recipe, gotten good household tips, etc. To me, that's no small matter and it's a real benefit. Blogging broadens our scope. I like to check in on a few folks who blog about political matters and I learn quite a bit that the regular news don't tell us. Sometimes we can find out things we wish we didn't know, but more often than not they're things we need to know.

6. Self-expression. It's good to be able to have a place to say things to others without even leaving the home. When we have a blog, it's our place where we can say whatever we want (within reason) and we can choose to "converse" with others via comments if we so choose. It's rather nice to chit-chat that way. But most importantly for me, this blog is a place where I can talk about the Lord. That's the best part of all.

So there you have it. I could say so much more, but as usual, I can't stay here long--have a lot to do. Be by to see you soon, friends, but for now you can congratulate me for 400 blog posts!

A White Wedding

One Sunday a couple of months ago, we had a couple of visitors to our church. One was a very friendly young woman, full of vitality and joy in the Lord, the other a quiet and reserved young man with a warm smile and and sweet spirit. Our congregation is somewhat small, so visitors seldom go unnoticed. I went over to meet these two young folks (age about thirty), and was cheerfully greeted by Noelle expressing how thankful she was to be there. Then she proceeded to tell me that she and the young man were probably going to be coming to our church and that they hoped to be married there. I thought they had probably called our pastor that week prior, but he later informed me that he had never talked to them before. The following week he told us that these two folks wanted to be married and wanted to be baptized. They have been saved not too very long, had met each other after a fairly long search for a mate on both their parts, and God had used E-Harmony to bring them together. They wanted to do things in a godly way, not worldly, and wanted to be married quietly, simply, and quickly.

Well after some counseling sessions, it was decided that they would be married by our pastor and hopefully, he would soon baptize them. He talked them into having a wedding with just a few trimmings and a small reception. The bride decided to get a vintage dress from the fifties and the groom decided to have his dad as the best man. We ladies will serve the thirty or so folks who will be attending. We've been excited, especially those who have been helping them put this ceremony and reception together.

And today is the day. But there is a hitch: I am about to go to bed now (it's a little after midnight) and when dawn comes, our first major snowstorm should be just starting. The forecast calls for snow all day and at about the time of the wedding (3:00), it's supposed to be coming down heavily. I hope and pray that this little Christmas wedding can go forth as planned. I pray the best for this couple and covet your prayers as well. Since they have been among us, their commitment to Christ and His ways have been quite a blessing to behold. I hope they are okay with their white Christmas wedding! Seems rather appropriate for a bride named Noelle.

UPDATE: It is now evening and it has turned out to be one of the biggest snowstorms in this area in recent years. Who would have thought that our family would have ventured out on such a day? But we did, and the wedding was WONDERFUL! I wish I had had the presence of mind to ask them if I could post a picture on this blog, but I forgot and I don't like to do that without permission. It was the sweetest and most precious wedding ever. As I said, it was small and intimate and particularly Christ focused. As we sat watching the ceremony, with the church decorated for Christmas, it was so beautiful to look out the window at the snow falling behind the wreaths. Just lovely. The bride was beautiful, the grooms eyes sparkled with that look of the husband taking his long awaited wife, and the words of their vows which they had written were absolutely God glorifying. It was so refreshing to be there. Then, at the end of the reception, the groom's thank you speech was more than anything a presentation of the gospel to his family. Wow. Thank you, Lord, that we went; it was worth the aggravation.

And it's still snowing!

Book Giveaway!

See this book? You can get a signed hardback padded edition of this book over at my friend Susan Skitt's Adventurous Living blog. She actually has had three devotionals published in this book and I am SURE they are fantastic! Go over and make a comment to have a chance to get a copy. All you have to do is tell Susan who your favorite woman Bible character is. I'm sure once you go to her blog, you'll go back. I seldom go without being pointed to Jesus in some way, and who doesn't want that?

God bless. I'll be back with a post later.

Uber Award

A sweet lady gave me an award last week and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank her. This is called the Uber Award and Susan of Penless Thoughts passed it along to me and a few others. I wanted to thank her and encourage you to visit her blog whenever you can. You'll like her frugal tips and I'm sure you'll enjoy all the goings on in her family. She has a very popular blog, and understandably so. I go there often; she's usually one of the first I visit on my blogging expeditions.

Most of you know about my hesitation to "name names" in passing on awards. As I've said before, I am a little quirky about that. So many of you have blogs that fit into the various categories given that I can't bring myself to name a few. I will say, though, that Susan would fit into almost ALL those categories. But some of you have been such faithful friends for so long that I want you to know how much your friendship has meant. And now, especially since the election series, I have made some new friends and I'm quite delighted about that too.

To all of you, or any of you, this award is being offered, so that if you want to pick it up and reward a few folks of your own, please do! Rules and more info are at Susan's blog.

Award from Connie

I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank Connie for an award she passed on to me, among others. I have a while ago taken the position to not pass on awards to specific folks (I'm chicken that way), but I did want to acknowledge this from Connie, a precious blogger friend. Go to her blog, "Connie's Thoughts From the Heart," to see the rules, but most of all, to see her response to this award. I would say I would echo everything she says, and that it's well worth your reading.

Thanks, Connie. Love you!

I Love You This Much!

Theresa, a younger blogging friend, has been kind enough to give this sweet award to me. I like going to Theresa's blog, called "A Note From Theresa,", because she is a woman who loves God, her family, her country, and her church. I like reading her heartfelt posts on these issues. But she likes to have fun too, as I do, and she even loves the hymns, as I do. We both like sports, but on that we separate--we don't like the same teams!

Anyway, in receiving this award and passing it on to others, I was impressed by a little extra benefit from reading Theresa's words: I was impressed by the humility she displayed in confessing her shortcomings. All of us would do well to follow her example when we come face to face with our failings. And believe me, our sins WILL confront us. If they don't, then something's wrong. So reading her post was a special blessing for me as is always the case when I see this grace (a humble spirit) manifested in the life of a child of God.

My favorite commentator, J.C. Ryle, often speaks of humility. In his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, he said this of John the Baptist:

A frame of mind like this is the highest degree of grace to which mortal man can attain. The greatest saint in the sight of God is the man who is most thoroughly "clothed with humility." (1 Peter 5:5) . . . Let us covet earnestly the best gifts; but above all, let us covet humility. The way to true honour is to be humble. No man ever was so praised by Christ as the very man who says here, "I must decrease,"--the humble John the Baptist. ~ John C. Ryle

So I thank Theresa for the award, but also for the opportunity to post this quote. And insofar as passing the award on, you know that I shrink from naming names. Those of you who are special to me know who you are. There are some of you whom I wish I could meet face to face. But, of course, in glory we'll meet someday. Thanks for being faithful to me, my bloggy friends; it's been a special part of my life. I'm thankful I started blogging two years ago, all because of each of you. You're special and I love you this much!

A Pilgrim in a Foreign Land

A PILGRIM IN A FOREIGN LAND

That's me. I'm on a journey to a holy place. I'm traveling through a land which is not my homeland really, I'm heading to a better country, to a city prepared by God.

I was tagged to do a six word memoir by Cathy and NannyKaren and I'm finally getting around to it. Thanks friends, for the blessing! Here are the rules:

1.Write your own six word memoir.

2.Post it on your blog, and include a visual illustration if you like.

3.Link to the person who tagged you in their post.

4.Tag five more blogs with links.

5.Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs inviting them to play.

I consider it a great privilege and blessing that God has given to His people the wonderful book above, by John Bunyan, an allegory depicting the journey of Christian and Christiana to the Celestial City. Have you read it? If not, please, please read it as soon as you can. It's a classic of all classics.

I'm tagging:

Neesie, Sparrow, Sara, Beka, and Bethany. I will not be at ALL offended if any of you can't do it!

Two Awards and a Tag

In the past few days I was tagged and it was then that I realized I'd been remiss: Someone sweet gave me a sweet award called Blogging with a Purpose and I never acknowledged it. Sara is a nineteen year old friend whom I dearly love. She's a member of my church and a very close and precious friend to my younger daughter, Neesie. I think she is somewhat rare in this day because she is not peer-oriented. She doesn't mind counting older people, whether they be young marrieds or grandparents (like me), as her friends. She'll comment on my posts and write on my Facebook "wall" as much as she would those in her age group and she's not the least bit hesitant about doing so. But, on the other hand, I want to publicly say how much I have appreciated the friendship she's given to Neesie. The fact that she is four years older has not been an issue. She has given true friendship to my daughter, not a condescending one. This was true even when the two of them first started to become close, at the ages of 15 and 11. To tell you the truth, little did she know that she was an answer to prayer at that time. Neesie was particularly needy for reasons I won't go into, and the Lord sent Sara. So, thanks for the award, Sara, but thanks also for so much more. Also, thanks for being a diligent substitute Sunday school teacher. :-) I recommend that you go visit Sara at her blog "In Christ Alone."

Also, this week there was another sweet award called Best Blogging Buddies. It came from Cathy at "Melodies and Hymnsongs", a really neat blog. I've never met Cathy, but she really does seem like a friend to me. She also likes to win prizes from me! She emails nice interesting articles to me because she has come to know the type of things I'm interested in. I think that's very thoughtful and I appreciate her heart. If you haven't been to see her, please do--you'll find it a pleasant place to visit, with beautiful pictures, poetry and hymns. Thanks, Cathy.

Now most of you know what I'm going to say: I don't like to name names in passing on awards. I made up my mind some time ago not to do it anymore. Besides, it would cause me to worry too much that I was slighting somebody, and I don't want any more worries! As before, I direct you to my post of July 30, 2007, "Reflecting on Blogs," as the same would apply now. I appreciate all of you who have become my bloggy friends!

Another friend, Monica at "A Day in the Life of Mommysmart" tagged me. I wrote and told her I probably wouldn't be able to find the time to do it, but I think I'll give a quick go at it. I have to say, I enjoy going to Monica's blog. I think she has a lot of unique posts there. She's a lot of fun. She is a wonderful support to her husband, a football coach, and to her children. Check her out when you can.

Well, in compliance with the tag, here are five quirks or unimportant things about myself. It wasn't difficult to think up quirky things, I have to admit:

1. I'm deathly afraid of caterpillars. The black fuzzy kind. In fact, I dread the coming of spring because of them. I know I've mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating. Yuck.

2. I like to give all my cups and glasses turns. I feel sorry for the ones that haven't been used in a while, so I'll reach all the way in the back to get one that I feel has been lonely.

3. When I buy something new, I don't like to wear it right away, because it won't be new anymore. I like to have things around for a while before I use them.

4. I'm afraid of doctors. Not altogether but sort of. I think I'm developing a phobia about medical tests too.

5. My toes overlap. All my life I've been ashamed of my toes and secretly envied people who paint their toes and wear open toe shoes.

I'm now tagging: Neesie, Sara, Bethany. Some others might like to pick up the tag. Feel free.

Rejoicing and Weeping

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

I know I've been missing of late and if I haven't been to see you, it's because my heart hasn't been into blogging. I hope to be back next week.

I've been busy with others--preparing for a happy event as we put together a bridal shower for some close friends who are to be married next month. A time for rejoicing. And in the meantime, praying and ministering to friends whom I spoke about in the last post. Today was Ben's funeral. A time for weeping.

Such is life, isn't it? I refer you to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 which was read at the funeral today.

Hope you are all well and that I might visit you next week. Blessings.

About Awards and a Hymn

But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

The World Book Dictionary in our home gives this definition for the word "award": "Something given as a reward, payment, or the like, after careful consideration; prize." I am very thankful to Barbara of Tidbits and Treasures for kindly giving me the above Excellence in Discipleship award, which originated at Dan King's Management by God blog where you can learn more about it.

Awards are one of those things in life that are blessings. We all like to receive them; they are good things. And I would venture to say that we all like to give them as well, because we like to give good things to others. At least as Christians, we should. But the last time I received one of these good things, I struggled. I wrote a post about it on July 30th, which expressed my heart about the whole matter.

This current award has to do with being a disciple of Christ. It was originally given to five recipients who "share the message in their own creative ways." Again, as before, I know so many bloggers who are sharing the message in innumerable creative ways: some are sharing the message by writing beautiful poetry; some by posting hymns and Scriptures; some tell interesting stories and apply them to the things of God; some are telling about happenings in their families, making application to biblical truth; some are writing fantastic devotionals; some are honoring God in the midst of trials; some are even using photography to honor the Creator; and on and on. So, I'm chicken. I don't want to pick out just five of these folks and I do NOT want to name names, because sure as anything, I'll leave out somebody that I'll kick myself for not mentioning.

One of the nice things about this is that eventually most folks will be picked for a particular award as it circulates, and usually it does finally reach most of the deserving blogs, but I can't bring myself to pick out just a few. So, my apologies to Barb and to Dan for not passing this on properly. I'm really thankful for it, and again, I think it's a good thing.

And our real reward is in heaven, right? Our Savior is the One who deserves all the glory and honor! All praise to Him! Hallelujah! I think I'll use this opportunity to post my Saturday hymn a day early and the second stanza of this one seems just right. For the rest of the stanzas of "Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious" and the tune, go here.

Crown the Saviour, angels, crown him;

Rich the tropies Jesus brings;

In the seat of pow'r enthrone him,

While the valt of heaven rings:

Crown him! crown him!

Crown the Saviour King of Kings.

~Thomas Kelly

Girls Day Out

You've seen these two on this blog before, especially my granddaughter on the right. The last time you saw them together was in April when I did a post called "Sunday School Lessons." They were about seven months old then and they are still buddies. As you probably know, at this age little ones don't do so well with all that goes into a friendship, but now that they've just turned one, they do make little attempts at it. Or may we say, others attempt it for them. Our friend Beka is taking care of Ava this week so she and Bev had a "play day" yesterday, including an outing with the girls. Lots of fun! I'll leave it for Beka to tell you more about her week with Ava.

Actually, this is a prayer request. Selena will be coming tomorrow afternoon and staying until Saturday afternoon, so that Bev and Edie can attend the various services being held for the slain husband and wife I've been talking about recently. Edie's close friend, who actually was best man at Bev's wedding, is the son of these two "fallen soldiers," whom Edie always felt were like "other parents" to him. You can see that these are difficult days for my son-in-law, as well as for some of their other friends who are in the family. So, we won't be going. I think we all decided that Selena would be better off here, away from the huge crowd of people and the emotions that her parents will be dealing with. We need prayer because it's the first time she's ever spent the night away from her parents. This is a huge deal because it's pretty well known that she's very attached to them, particularly to her mom. Even though she loves PopPop, Nanna and Auntie Nee, usually when she wants Mommy, she wants Mommy. So pray for her, and for us, and for her mommy particularly who will, of course, be wondering how she's doing. (They'll be a little more than an hour and a half away.) Thank the Lord for cell phones!!!

And I ask continued prayers for this dear family, the church family, and the many friends through this time of grieving, while yet rejoicing in the triumphant lives of these two treasured saints.

My Times are in Thy Hand

This has been a tough week. Not so much for me personally, but my mind has been filled with the griefs and troubles of others. Some of these people have been close friends, some acquaintances, some have been people I've heard about from someone else or in the news. It's just another verification of the truth of God's Word. Paul and Barnabas went from city to city "confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith and that 'we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God.'" How very true. Through much tribulation. The truth of this is brought home to us time and again.

For this week's hymn, I was trying to find just the right one that would capture what's in my heart today. There are people who read this blog, dear and close friends, whom I would like to have drawn upward to our Lord where they might receive strength. After a bit, I settled on "My Times are in Thy Hand." Actually, it was just last month that I talked about this hymn on my other blog, but for some reason, I think this is the one that God would have for the hurting folks I know or for someone this week. Only He knows. It just was impressed on me that it's the one.

This time, I'm not going to talk about the hymn's author or origin--I'm just going to post all five stanzas. Please, go to the Cyber Hymnal so that you can meditate on the words with the tune playing. Often, the tempo at CH is a little too fast for my liking, but on this one it's just right. (At least for me.)

God bless you dear friends, whoever you may be, as you reflect on these wonderful words--a prayer to our God.

My times are in Thy hand;

My God, I wish them there;

My life, my friends, my soul I leave

Entirely to Thy care.

My times are in Thy hand;

Whatever they may be,

In joy or pain; 'tho dark or bright,

As best may seem to Thee.

My times are in Thy hand;

Why should I doubt or fear?

My Father's hand will never cause

His child a needless tear.

My times are in Thy hand;

Jesus, the Crucified;

Those hands my cruel sins had pierced

Are now my guard and guide.

My times are in Thy hand;

I'll always trust in Thee;

And, after death, at Thy right hand

I shall forever be.

~William F. Lloyd 1824

Reflecting on Blogs

I've been struggling as to how I might best do this post. You see, there have been some awards circulating around Blogland and two dear young bloggy friends have seen fit to give one of them to me here at this blog. I want to thank Bethany and Beka for reaching out in love to me and especially, for their words that touched the heart of this Nanna. They are two of my favorites in Blogland and I didn't want to go another day without acknowledging their kindnesses, along with the spirit in which each was given. Please go visit them--they are both sweetie-pies and both honor the Lord, especially with their many hymn posts.

If you're wondering about the "struggle" aspect of this, it's this: The award given to me is called the Blogger Reflection Award and it originated here. (I don't know if the link is working to the right page.) From my understanding of it, recipients are to pass this award on to five other bloggers. That's where I'm having the problem. I cannot think of just five bloggers to pass it on to. Here at Nanna's Reflections, for the past year and more that I've been here, I have been visited by and gone to visit many folks, all of whom are special. Needless to say, some are more special than others, but I still don't want to pick five. I think awards are good things, though, because they help us to honor others, not just focus on ourselves. I know that Jesus wants us to be encouragers of fellow saints who walk along the pilgrim way with us, so awards are in keeping with that.

I visit the homes of many folks and each is unique in its own way. Different homes are a pleasure to visit for various reasons, not all the same. Some homes are not a pleasure to visit, so I don't go often. I think blogs are like that. For me, there are some which are pleasant to visit, but not all for the same reasons. So I'm passing on a "general" award to those blogs which I love to visit and to those who "dwell' there, while telling why I like to go see these bloggers.

1. The gorgeous ones - Some homes are like showplaces, having beauty, but no warmth. I'm not talking about those. Im referring here to those homes (blogs) displaying beautiful graphics, prose and lyrics, and sometimes music, all put together in a way that brings glory to God. The ones I love to visit are more than just artistic--they are warm, cozy, and inviting. You feel as though you could stay there all day.

2. The family-oriented ones - Often these blogs have lots of photos and interesting stories about their families. I feel that I've really gotten to know many of them as they tend to be very friendly people. The home is important to them, so we are quite likeminded in that area. They are dedicated to building a Christian environment for their husband and children in keeping with Proverbs 14:1, so I visit often to see what's going on at their house.

3. The well-written ones - Some people have a way of expressing themselves that touch the soul. They are quite articulate, even artistic, with the way their words flow, even when they are telling you about ordinary daily activities. I admire these folks, because they use their giftedness to encourage the rest of us. Some are family oriented and some have quite a bit of biblical content. I consider a few of them close bloggy friends and love calling on them whenever I can.

4. The down-to-earth ones - I can't think of a better way to put it. These dear people expess themselves in exactly the way they would if they were talking to you. They tend to be individuals who love Jesus, family, and other bloggers. Their close walk with the Lord emanates from almost every post they make. Needless to say, I go there as much as my tight schedule allows.

5. The inspirational ones - While most of the above groups have much inspiration in them, there are certain blogs which have a devotional focus. Honestly, some of these are places that the pages could be printed out, stapled together, and you would have a devotional book to use during your quiet times with the Lord. There are one or two which are rather didactic; others which turn their sufferings or their joys into inspirational pieces of literature. They all are special to me and help me in my daily walk.

6. The versatile ones - These people have all kinds of interesting things. They may be dispensing important information or trivia, having some fun activity, honoring someone or something, engaging in nostalgia, and a bunch more. You may find a poem, recipe, weather news, and loads of great pictures! And more often than not, they have something to say about the Lord. I've recently discovered a couple of grandmoms like this and I've thoroughly enjoyed dropping in on them to see what they're up to!

Well, you can see I've cheated terribly with this award. Not only did I not give it to individual blogs, but I had six categories instead of five! But do you understand why I couldn't bring myself to giving it to just five people? So, if you're reading this, you probably fit into one of these groups and you may consider yourself to have been awarded for your blogging efforts by Maxine at Nanna's Reflections.

Happy blogging!

Thanks so much!

O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. Psalm 71:17-18

A special thank you for all of you who were kind enough to "sign" my hubby's birthday card! Such sweet sentiments! Such godly thoughts that I'm sure he'll treasure always! I am about to print out the comments page and put it into the card to give him later on today when the mail comes with more from other folks. I'll stick this one in with the others and watch his confused face when he opens it!!:) As he reads it, my plans are to tell him about each person who signed and I want to ask him to pray for each one as we have family devotions tonight.

I know the summer is slow and there may be a few cyberspace folks who haven't been by of late, but to those of you who did come, I am so grateful. Some who signed I know personally, but most I do not, even though I do have a feeling of "knowing" you. You are more "flowers of friendship" that I've gathered along my journey and they are adorning the table of my heart today.

On Saturday, we have planned a special dinner with immediate and extended family and last week, at the fourth of July picnic, our church family surprised us with a three day "getaway" for this coming fall in honor of the birthday. And I cannot tell you how much it means to him to read the many loving thoughts and wishes pouring in from the friendship bouquets that have been his as years have been added, flowers no longer buds, but still blooming. A couple of weeks ago, he got a little teary thinking about all the relatives and friends that have gone, so I think the card shower has revived him a bit.

Anyway, I would say that he is having an extended celebration as he reaches his threescore and ten!!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

(I'll probably come back and comment this evening to let you know what his reaction was.)

Please Do Me a Favor...

Tomorrow is my husband's birthday and I was wondering if you would do me a favor? This week, my children and I are having a "card shower" for him where we're asking a bunch of people we know, excepting family and church family, to sort of "flood" the mailbox with birthday cards. Since blogging is such a big part of my life, which rather amuses him, btw, I got the bright idea that I would make a card from the folks in Blogland.

So, if you are reading this it means that you are invited to sign this birthday card to my dear hubby! How do you sign it? By leaving a comment!! Don't say anything to me--make your comment to him, please!! Could you do that?? I would be ever so appreciative! I'm going to print out the comment page and put it inside the card. It will let him know his wife is thinking about him, even when she's blogging. Maybe some of you will want to try this and if so, let me know so I can sign yours! Thanks and God Bless each one of you.

Above is the front of the card. This is the inside greeting:

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee.

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee.

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Happy Birthday and best wishes from the folks of Blogland!!

Note: The card shower is lasting all week, so I'll probably give this card to him on Thursday. You have until then!! Thanks again!

One Year of Blogging

…that he would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man…Ephesians 3:16

Out of curiosity, a little while ago I checked back to see how long it had been since I had become a blogger. Lo and behold, I saw that my very first blog post was made on Monday, June 26, 2006. Wow! It’s my blogging anniversary!! So, I’ve scrapped what I was about to do in order that I might celebrate the occasion. After all, various kinds of anniversaries, including birthdays, are the happier moments that we encounter on our earthly pilgrimage, right? The months of June and July bring several of these to our family, so this time period tends to be somewhat festive anyway. Well, now I can add yet another observance to the others.

My first post wasn’t made here at Blogger, BTW, because my initial effort was at a blog introduced by my business web server, Yahoo. It was a pretty pathetic technical situation there, so after about a month of stress I came here. That blog is still there, and I think they have it working better, but I only post now and then to let anyone who cares know where to find me. Now I have three active blogs as well as a Xanga, where I hang out with a bunch of young folks, including my fourteen year old daughter. It’s fun. I’ve enjoyed the whole thing from the beginning and I’m hooked. In fact, I have to be careful not to let it take up too much of my time.

In commemoration of this one year anniversary, I’ll list a few of the things that I like about blogging:

1. It’s a forum for talking about my family, especially our little Lena, and about the things of God. In fact, initially my primary topic was the anticipation of our first grandchild, while applying this great happening to the children’s catechism.

2. Now it’s become gratifying to write about so much more, so I changed my subtitle to what presently is. I know that most of you will agree that expressing ourselves about a variety of issues brings a lot of pleasure. It’s a release of sorts—if a hymn is on our hearts, we can lay it out for the world to see. It might be a poem, book review, puzzle, vacation photos, recipe, contest, and almost anything that is meaningful or fun.

3. It’s wonderful to have a place to engage in inspirational writings that others can read. And then, to peruse what fellow saints have written, words that often draw us upward to the Lord.

4. One of the sweetest blessings is the many folks (though I’ll probably never meet most of you face to face), that I have met online, exchanging our comments back and forth. It’s a real treat visiting other folks’ little corners of the web; each has its own personality and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed coming to see so many of you and love it that you come to see me!

All in all, it’s been a great experience this past year. It has been enriching and edifying and I’m thankful. I hope and pray that this is one activity on the web that God will continue to use to strengthen each and every one of us who are called by His name.