Monday, January 05, 2015

Balanced? Or Teetering On The Edge?


"Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[a]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour."   ... 1 Peter 5:8


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There is one thing I love about winter. 

It's how, after wheeling my groceries from the supermarket and unloading them into the back of our car, I can casually walk to Dollar Tree and shop without pressure. You know, because no meat or frozen vegetables are gonna go bad inside my 4,000 lb. refrigerator on wheels.

And that's what I did Saturday morning at Dollar Tree while that 'playing house' feeling washed over me. All those cute items in the aisles for only a dollar each! The morning was dark grey, but the store shone brightly and nearly empty (customer-wise) and the clerks laughed and chatted (they usually do) and it just felt terrific to be away from home and  reminiscent of my 1970's young-bride days when dime store and grocery prices were sane.

I believe we make our own good times, or we can, anyway. In fact, I consider my 'goof-off weekends' a vital part of staying balanced and healthy. The shopping, the watching tv with Tom, the reading, the camping-out upstairs and 'playing books', the hanging-out online. All my time-outs on weekdays--those also, are necessary in not, well, losing my mind.

Stay serious for too long, reason over Life's big questions, meditate upon how bad your/our world is and Life will lose its laughter and paint even good things, dark black. There'll be no cheerful heart to act like a medicine, fixing what threatens to break us.

Each day I try to think and do a variety of things. Some would say that shows a lack of focus, but no; I focus upon (and try to complete) whichever new thing I've chosen to do.

Many people focus on only one area/person/talent and then when that area/person/talent fades or changes or dies (as everything does)? They free fall. Lose their grip, grab onto anything finger-close, average or below, or go crashing through darkness into a myriad of sad and bitter states.

And personally, I'm choosing to prepare now so I'll never be forced into the sad, silent bus which travels to those states.








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A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.



"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."   ... Matthew 6:33,34



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Any prayers for Naomi would be appreciated. She has some difficult life decisions to make this next month, the first one today, in fact--whether to put down one of her 13(14?)-year-old cats. Thanks so much for thinking of her these next few important weeks.

Update: Naomi took Ginger The Cat to the vet. and is (long story short) going to wait another two weeks before making a decision. The vet was kind and helpful (I'd prayed she would be) and made some suggestions. 

Please keep praying if you can--this is just one of a few huge decisions Naomi will need to make this month. (A special thanks to those of you who've already let me know you're praying. It means so much.)  



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"Variety is the spice of Life."   ... copied


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Free Kindle books:


Sidonia's Thread

Mastering Evernote

The Pickwick Papers

Past Forward: The Beginning


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7 comments:

Tracy said...

Praying for Naomi. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is not an easy thing to do!

I really appreciate you posting the free books at the end of each post. I have found some gems!

I also enjoy going to Dollar Tree. Sometimes I walk out of there with nothing at all, but it's nice to just get out sometimes and browse. :)

lorie said...

Good post Debra. The picture of the little dog looks like my Kippy who passed away last February. I know how Naomi feels. Loosing a pet is so hard.

Terra said...

I am retired and agree with you about having a variety of interests and activities. Two of mine are writing books, and exercising at a health club. I said a prayer for Naomi.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post, Debra! Praying for Naomi, too. :)

Pam said...

Had to laugh when you mentioned that one of the good things about winter is not worrying about food spoiling in the car. I LOVE not packing the ice chest (one of the downsides of living out in the boonies). It's so cool that we can find happiness in the simple things--like a trip thru the dollar store. Love that. I even enjoy going grocery shopping. As a cat owner/lover, I feel for Naomi. She will be in my prayers. Keep us posted.

Debra said...

Thanks so much, Everyone! I so appreciate your comments and especially your mentions of prayer for Naomi. Keep them coming!:) Naomi is going to keep her cat awhile longer--long story, but it's been almost like a miracle. Thanks so much for your continued prayers!

Tracy--you're welcome about the free kindle books! I just pick them out from the daily emails from http://www.dailyfreebooks.com/ There are lots of sites like it, but it's the only one I currently use for the sake of simplicity. :)

Thanks again, All! Blessings, Debra

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

Praying for your daughter, her decisions, and especially her cat......