Got Adventures?

"Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert."   --- Isaiah 43:19

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My favorite Christmas presents? These, below: gifts from Naomi and drawn by the cat rescuer who gave us Poncho and Happy:

Blurry, but beautiful, right? (Enlarging may help.)

And speaking of Poncho, he sprints through our rooms like he's on a grand adventure. From window to window he seeks to spy the elusive outdoor cats, birds and squirrels and if you stand in his path? He might accidentally topple you--determination so fills his mind.

Poncho's spirit of adventure reminds me that the way we view Life matters. A fulfilling journey can happen anywhere, in any circumstance, as long as we avoid complaining, sulking and wishing for others' lives.

Go staying on God's individualized path, listen to His voice, catch His sense of purpose, and the journey begins to make sense.

In 2025 may we listen closer than ever. 

May we expect fresh, godly adventures--

--through creative ways of giving, 

of believing, 

of showing excellence,

and standing in the faith which replies,

"With God, in Time, all shall be well."

Just well? No, let's believe for incredible.

“Every new year is a new beginning, a chance to start fresh and write a beautiful story with your life.”
– Elsie Green

“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.”
– Rainer Maria Rilke

I've already determined this will be my:

Year of Excellence 

and a

Year of Giving. 

Have you given your new year a name or phrase yet?

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Each December I look at my previous list of new year resolutions and rate how well I fulfilled them. Of course, a couple get a poor rating. But you know? The rest I mark with either, "Yes, I did that," "mostly did that," or "I partly did that."

And that's ok! At least I made goals and moved forward, even a few steps. I'd never want to live a goal-less life!

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One resolution was to read at least 6 books per month. This year I averaged 8+. Remembering this resolution helped me press on during times I didn't feel like reading. 

I'm grateful for all the books of 2024.

Books I finished reading in December:

A Life for Christ by D. L. Moody

Town in a Blueberry Jam by B. B. Haywood

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

How to Have Great Relationships with People by Sharlene Alexander

The Ghost of Follonsbee's Folly by Florence Hightower

It Gives Me Great Pleasure by Emily Kimbrough

*****

Found this, below, today. What a fun, lovely reminder that we have others pulling for us: some here, some in Heaven.

*****

Happy New Year, Everyone! It's gonna be full of good surprises. Waaait for it..................   ッ

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Disappointment: A Christmas Post--Or--When Rats Leap From The Crab Apple Tree

" ... in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."   --- Philippians 2:3,4

*****

Remember when I mentioned feeding suet to the squirrels in memory of Sally who'd loved them?

Well, for two weeks I did that. Faithfully, even. But then came the morning when I opened the backdoor and ack! Ack! A huge rat leaped through the air from the crab apple tree into the snow.

He'd been nibbling suet.

I mentioned it to Tom and he said, "Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that Naomi saw 3 rats in the tree. She said it was quite disconcerting."

Gah. Flying rats.

Don't you hate it when important-to-you plans crumble? I removed the suet, walked it over to the trash can and since then, I've fed the birds only tiny bits of seed in their hanging feeder.

Oh, and I forgot to mention Naomi set up 3 (4?) plastic storage bins with straw for the outdoors cats whose clueless owners let them out these icy nights--and well--I think she's stopped feeding them because we've not seen any rats since.

(Yes, it would be nice if the cats ate the rats like in storybooks, but we've seen no evidence of that. And no, we can't call the exterminator lest he kill the cats.)

Now, do I like seeing those storage bins in our yard and front porch? Uh, no, but Naomi promised to shovel snow for us if she can only keep them out there. Since age 7 she's made head-spinning deals I can't say no to.  シ

Anyway, most Decembers I'm all, "Every year is a special one with God!", but 2024? Oh dear, I'm leaning toward, "Bah humbug." One disappointment lined up after another to test both my sense of humor and sometimes, my very soul. And yeah, I'm glad it's ending, something I tell you not to say because it can erase from our mind the good stuff.

But I hope you'll allow me this one deviance.

Yet here's what God is telling me: with each disappointment, step closer to Me and concentrate more upon what's going right! And choose good things to do for others in My name. Giving can heal your mind and heart and help others in their journey, as well.

So merry Christmas to you, my readers! Your faithfully reading here encourages me more than you know and may we all in 2025 see many dreams come true as we follow closely to the One who wants to lead our every step.

A truly rich inner life helps cushion the blows of disappointment.

Something else which helps me? Daily over and over I repeat aloud, "I love this life You've given me." I really do, you know, even in the midst of the messy times. I have so much for which to be grateful!

I learned something about my stiff legs: they're most-affected by drops in the outdoors barometric pressure. As long as it hovers around 30 (no matter the temperature) my legs just feel partly stiff. Whew. I can handle that, but will continue to believe for even better.

Oh, and perhaps later I'll hang the suet feeder from a shepherd's staff pole. No way can rats climb that and only a little suet would fall from it. We'll see. (Tho' yes, squirrels won't be able to reach it, either.) We're just waiting to make sure the rats have left for good. 

*****

Some Christmas gifts for you:

TCM Remembers 2024

We watched The Man Who Invented Christmas and enjoyed it even more this second time.

Kindle Unlimited is offering it's annual 3 months for .99 cents deal. (Expired.)

Christmas gift in a jar ideas.

Here's another booktuber I enjoy: Wandering With Stacy

This set of 12 Christian western kindle books is just .99 cents.

This stained glass book stack lamp is so quirky!

And speaking of quirky, we enjoyed the movie, Bookworm. A small amount of 'language' and the young girl, especially, was remarkable.

This mom and grandma live side by side in tiny houses. First part of 2 and I especially loved the grandmother's use of white Christmas decor.

And this was a cute Lifetime movie, free at Youtube: Christmas Pen Pals.

*****

Merry Christmas to all my readers with a special thanks to commenters both here and at Facebook!

We all have incredible times to anticipate in 2025!

*****

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 ***

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

To a Lap Blanket and Rollator In Five Days

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."   --- Isaian 41:10

*****

Man, I don't want to write what will probably sound more like Ramblings of An Old Woman. Yet, God isn't letting me skip on to something else, so here we go.

****

A week ago Monday I could barely walk.

Wait. Let's back up.

Months ago here I mentioned a 'lady problem' and the good news? It's gone. Healed.  (Update below ***)

How? 

The Holy Spirit led me to make online symptom searches, then with a name, a label, we zipped over to Youtube for videos about dietary changes and vitamins for making that problem vanish.

Then it's kinda shocking how much grace He gave me to release favorite foods. Usually diets and I have short term relationships. But this felt different, important, and like an ending. No longer can I eat haphazardly.

So using food and vitamins like medicine worked for me. Again. No meds needed.

Color me mega grateful.

Then came Monday. (Gee, isn't it annoying when you fix one thing, then another pops up?) 

I stood up from the red couch, took a step and oh dear! My legs went all stiff and achy. The part above my knees (quadricepts?). My oh my, I hobbled all bent forward like a 120-year-old lady.

Gah.

Now, these past years, colder weather has affected my legs, but not that badly. Immediately I thought, "It's time to no longer steam water at the stove to keep us from getting dry air sinusitus." 

Moist air is bad for arthritis. We can drink more water to keep the sinusitus at bay. (Actually, it felt freeing to toss that little stainless steel pan away. Too often I'd forget about it, it would smoke and I'd have to refill it when it cooled.)  **

Then--again--I researched the symptoms, found they were common amongst us oldsters and could be worse--so be grateful they're not, I reminded myself. I've no consistent pain: it only begins with first steps, then I can walk it off.

But still. 

So what if I'm all Linus-like with his consistent blanket? And so what if I sometimes use Tom's rollator? (I asked if it would scare him to see me walk with it. He said no, but I glimpsed in his eyes what I know exists in mine when I watch him without the rollator.)

What matters is that I keep this all in its correct perspective. With a touch of humor. This is certainly not earth shattering.

We jokingly discussed moving to Arizona for the warm, arid skies, but considering we can both barely walk around our own little house, well, that's not happening.

Besides, we love it here.

Anyway, this too shall pass! And what matters is that I battle against self-pity (yesterday was my final day to sit beside it). As Joyce Meyer quips, "You can be pitiful or powerful--but you cannot be both."

So moving forward from what was a pretty pathetic week, I'll--

---concentrate upon, even list, my many blessings.

---remind myself I can still do most things, just a bit slower (our days weren't meant to be by-the-minute races, anyway).

And may I remember that thousands of folks would love to have such a simple problem as this one. May I keep everything in a correct perspective. And may any problem nudge me toward a greater compassion for my fellow man--

-- and a heavier leaning upon God Almighty.

Oh! And more good news: 

Finally, after 13 years, our oh so ugly dining area chandelier is gone. Whew. Now I can quit staring at it while trying to imagine it repainted and re-globed yet nothing improving it. (Larry the Painter Guy came over and removed it for us and did other 'Honey Do' jobs. Don't you just love progress?)

** Darn. Today we had to return to steaming water on the stove. This past week, Tom had dealt with head-cold-like symptoms, but today was the worst and in the past, it's always meant lack of air moisture. Oh well. I'll adapt.

** Next day update: Seriously. It's like a miracle how instantly Tom is healed. Oh my!

**Other update. During Christmas week I veered from my new diet a bit too much and am having to make course corrections. sigh.)

******

Here's a nice customized tiny house. (Aren't these a million times better now than when they first appeared years ago?)

Last night we watched the 2004 version of The Twelve Days of Christmas Eve and we did enjoy it, though I preferred the Kelsey Grammer one a bit more. (May be free at Youtube.)

Have you ever watched the older tv series, Angels in Disguise? Very remarkable, those true stories. (May be free at Tubi.)

Dangerous Crossing. This was an old (1953) movie that both Tom and I enjoyed last week. Very well done. Free at Youtube.

I find cottage core videos like this one so relaxing.

******

How comforting to know that always some way exists to turn the pages in our life. We just have to search sometimes.

Such a challenge to be a warm light in a cold world, yet with God, we can do this!

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

December This and That

"From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!"   --- Psalm 113:3

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1.) Wow. I've watched some Hallmark-type movies lately, newer ones, and I've actually enjoyed them(!) Is the world ending or ?  ツ

A Christmas Less Traveled

My Christmas Hero

Oh! And Tom and I both enjoyed the new Reagan movie. But then, we knew we would.

2.) What is the story only you can tell?  --

3.) Books I Finished Reading in November:

Moody's Stories, Incidents and Illustrations by D.L. Moody

Greystone Secret: The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Paint the Town Dead by Nancy Haddock

The American Girl Book of Mystery and Suspense Stories by various authors

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

You Can Start All Over by Marjorie Hillis

The Green Turtle Mystery by Ellery Queen Jr.

A Minnetonka Summer by Borghild Dahl

Snowed Up by Rosalie K. Fry

Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You. A Robie Book.

4.) Wow. That Mr. Tesla could really think ahead, right?--

5.) Hooray! Open Library is fixed. Well, mostly. I missed them for weeks, the ability to access the hard-to-find (especially for a low cost) vintage books I love best. 

I did use Libby for the first time (thanks, Ann!), and discovered 2 good books there (yay!), but it's dependent upon what your library system owns and mine? They began disappointing me decades ago and that's when I seriously started collecting the books I love.

Which hey, means I should thank them that now the best library in all the state of New York dwells inside my house. For me.

Yet sometimes Open Library still gets glitches, so besides Libby, here's a list of other places to go (thanks much, Dolores, for sharing this!)

List of 15 sites where you can download millions of books for free.

1. Google Books

2. OpenCulture

3. LibGen

4. Internet Archive

5. Subbook

6. ManyBooks

7. OpenLibrary

8. Good Reads

9. Free-ebooks

10. Bookboon

11. PDFBooks World

12. Obooko

13. O'Reilly

14. E-BookLobby

15. Project Gutenberg

6.) Did we receive any of that crazy New York state snow last weekend? Nope. Whew. We, thankfully, live in the north towns, not those wild, always-snowing-it-seems, south town ones.

7.) I bought these lovely Christmas stickers last week. So nice! Came on a roll of 500 so should last a couple years. heh.

8.) I've thought much about this lately:

These are very different times so God will be doing new things through His people. Seriously, we have much to anticipate!

9.) And never forget! --

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

When God Heals You in a Moment

"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise...You turned my mourning into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy..."   --- Jeremiah 17:4, Psalm 30:11

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Isn't it remarkable when God does something specific just for you?

Like the time I told you about out at the farm after the passing of Lennon The Cat. Or when He did something so unique after the loss of Betty, a dear online friend, even sending confirmation via a tv show the next day. 

Well, 4 days ago while upon our red couch, I gazed past the picture window to the chair Sally always used upon her porch. A space between the huge tree and her house enabled me, in the past, to see her profile as she contentedly gazed at her neighbors' homes and the river down the way.

But this day I only thought, "I sit here and look out that window every. single. day. and now that Sally's gone? It will just make me sad to never see her there again. Perhaps I'll keep the sheers closed. "

And that's when God came through once more. In a half-vision, half-imagination way, it's as though I suddenly watched Sally rise from her chair, step to the railing, and begin joyfully waving to me! 

With full range of motion, something she hadn't had for years.

Sally appeared 50 years younger. She glowed in a long white dress, wavy hair shining. And standing at the rail, waving to get my attention, she reminded me of Betsy Ray standing on a ship's deck waving farewell to friends below:

Except Sally was dressed more like this:

I stared while Sally waved and waved, as though to tell me she was off on a huge, new adventure! That Heaven was all she dreamed--and more. That she was healed, fine and free. And she'd see me again someday.

Wow. And remember how I'd thought looking over to Sally's porch would from now on sadden me? Ha! Now it's as though that image of her was burned upon my blue eyes. I gaze over there, my mind brings up that memory and I nearly envision her again.

Every. Single. Time. And now I feel such joy in the remembering.

Oh, how God wants to heal our hearts! And as long as we remain open to Him doing so, anyway He wishes, no fear, no boundaries allowed, He will do exactly that--

-- in ways meant just for us because He knows us better than we (think we) know ourselves.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."   --- Psalm 147:3

******

Not normally a big fan of Christmas movies, I truly enjoyed this special one  yesterday at Youtube.

And this one! Oh my, we both really loved The 12 Days of Christmas Eve. Especially me.  ツ

We'd not watched Welcome to Mooseport in eons, so it was fun seeing it again.

*****

This can change us so much! --

If we'll never stop seeking, we'll never stop finding!

*****

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Another Season Of My Life Ended

"Blessed be ... the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."   --- 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

*****

Friday evening we lost our neighbor, Sally.

For 10 years Sally and her daughter, Sue, lived across the street and often I mentioned her to you. Sally in her dusters feeding the birds or sweeping her lilac-scented porch where we chatted (after one icy, long winter I told Sally her sunny, warm porch felt like a corner of Heaven).

Waving to Sally and shouting, "Hello!" while I raked leaves. Sitting in her cozy living room with Sue's dogs, The Price is Right playing. Taking Sally little birthday cards or gifts in May. Watching from our big windows Sally and her granddaughter and great-grandchildren and Sue lounging beside wading pools on oppressive, hot days, laughing. Sally walking Buddy, the dashchund, down the street.

Sally at the back door bringing us stew she'd just made or visiting here and complimenting me on a dessert I'd created. Sally thanking me for the strawberries from my yard, joking that she'd probably finish the entire jar before Sue got home. Sally companionably speaking with neighbors out on walks past her house.

Oh dear, Sally was 21 years older than me, but I tried not to think about when she would wing her way to Heaven, thus leaving our neighborhood without her sweet presence, sense of humor and peaceful heart. What will we all do without her?

Frankly, God is still showing me. He's still trying to cheer me up.

He said I could honor Sally by feeding the birds as faithfully as she did, so I filled the feeder and the suet basket, as well. Went inside and soon spied a squirrel nibbling the suet, but just as I raised my hand to pound on tap the window, I recalled Sally loved squirrels. No, really, cared for them like outdoor pets.

So, instead, I stood silently at the kitchen window and realized I'll need to love squirrels now, also.

And, too, be even more smiling and chatty to neighbors stepping past our house and wave and share an unhurried peace, an invitation to talk longer than just in passing.

And so, the Sally Season of my life is over. For years I reminded myself to appreciate it, to slow it down, but still it sailed by in a blur.

Yes, I know Sally's all giddy in Heaven; she loved Jesus with all her heart, but! When you see someone across your street for 10 years and during your up-close interactions, oh my, the hole they leave. The jarring change. 

You're assured of their eternal joy, but what about this new empty space in your own still-here, daily life?

But last night God did hint that He has things in store for me up the road a bit. Things yet unimagined. Things which will bring from-the-heart smiles again while helping others and being a conduit for godly joy.

And for the first time since hearing of Sally's passing, I began feeling anticipatory even in a neighborhood without my friend. Who ever knows just what kind of adventures God will provide...

... and what new beginnings He'll bring to help heal our hearts?

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted...This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. "   --- Matthew 5:4, Psalm 119:50

A special thanks to those of you at Facebook who gave me your condolences.

A favorite Sally post.

And this one.

And the day I first met Sally.

******

Did anyone watch that over-the-top-Autumn-decor movie yet?  ッ

The seasons of our lives... 

None were meant to last forever, at least, none upon this temporary plain, so it behooves us to live each season well and do our best to appreciate all moments of its--and our--life here.

******

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be.

 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

You've Done Thousands of Things! (And You Can Do Thousands More.)

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written...For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."   --- John 21:25, John 13:15

*****

I'm hoping no one who reads this blog thinks in her/his brain, "I'm forgettable, talentless, plain. Like vanilla. Nothing stands out about me."

Because oh dear, that's too sad--and a lie.

Yet if those sorry thoughts often swirl around your mind, this post is for you. It's a simple reminder that yours is not a wasted life! You've made a difference. You've done thousands of things, Honey, in this stopping-off place before Heaven.

Just read down this list of examples of what you may have accomplished. Things you might have done thousands of times--literally!

Perhaps, over decades, you've cooked thousands of meals

 for loved ones.

Read thousands of books, 

which made you more understanding.

Driven thousands of miles, 

sometimes giving needed rides to others.

Taken thousands of walks for your health.

Decluttered thousands of items so to

make your passing easier on your kids.

Written thousands of letters and/or emails

to let others know they're not alone, but cared about.

Washed thousands of dishes (and clothes), 

illustrating your love for family.

Made thousands of social media posts and/or phone calls 

to encourage friends.

Shopped for thousands of groceries thousands of times so to feed your family.

Perhaps thousands of times you've attended church, prayed prayers, sang songs thousands of times, spent hours alone with God. Vacuumed carpets, walked dogs, emptied litter boxes. Watched tv shows/movies/Youtube videos, learning new skills or ways to be (or not to be) and live Jesus-style upon this planet.

And those of you with 'real jobs'? Just imagine the thousands of hours you've poured into those for the care of your family!

Such a short list, this one. I'm certain you can think of other things you've done thousands of times.

What I believe? God keeps track of all this. He records it all in books--and He remembers. He appreciates what we do from a right heart, what was born from a godly compassion, the kind that keeps us giving, moving forward, in Him, decade after decade.

We're just passing through this place, but oh, what we're meant to learn here so to prepare us for Heaven! What we're meant to do, thousands of times in the name of service and aid to others.

The loving, the service, begins on this temporary plain, but will go on and on, forever. In obedience, in joy, now and for eternity.

I hope today you'll ask yourself what you've done thousands of times!

And Grace! Don't forget how Grace helps us do it all, every single thing God asks of us. What's important is to rely more upon Grace than ourselves.

The only way I could give away 2,500 items since 2019? By following Grace. Her idea of letting go of 10 items per week was genius! Doable. Not painful. And with Grace making it even enjoyable, for me, it's been downright miraculous.

******

A Harvest Homecoming--a cute movie (very Hallmark-ish. I watched it alone.), but oh my. The set decorator! She (it had to be a she), strung bright orange leaf garlands in every house and business and even the elementary school gym(!) I thought maybe it was just me who was consistently distracted by this, but no. Half the comments pretty much said, "It was like Autumn threw up everywhere." Heee..... I'd never seen anything like it. She'd even tossed fake leaves all over lawns. Oh dear.  ッ

Tom and I finally watched the new Twisters movie. Really enjoyed it. Very little 'language' and yes, there was violence, but only the kind you'd expect in a movie about tornadoes. Er hem.

And we really enjoyed 50 to 1, a film about the race horse, Mind The Bird. Starts a bit slow and is a very simple movie, but the payoff at the end is worth it. We do love based-on-a-true-story movies!

To me, this tiny house felt huge! (Well, relatively. heh.)

*****

This began my morning with a big smile!  


----"Whenever i'm about to open up a bag of chips, i picture RFK Jr giving me this look, and I put down the bag of chips and get myself a carrot."
--@Annette Prestia

God notices every single thing we do, tiny or huge, out of love!

******

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15