A Warning. You Know, Just In Case.

"Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest."   --- Proverbs 6: 6-8

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A little incident happened last week and boy, am I grateful you weren't here to view it. 

I'd spied the near-emptiness of my sugar jar so I kneeled before our cupboard with my vintage canisters, opened the sugar one and uh-oh. Only three tablespoon's worth remained. Then I peered through the canned green beans, cat food and crackers to where I store sugar bags and oh my goodness!

Not a bag of granulated sugar anywhere. Just plenty of brown sugar, oh, and Stevia, also.

"No, no, no, no!" I whispered. "This can't be. How the heck did that even happen? I'm a prepper for goodness' sake! This is humiliating. Seriously. What kind of a prepper runs out of white sugar?" 

"A bad one," I mused. And sitting there on the kitchen floor I hung my head. シ

Then I thought, "Hey. If you were visiting a friend and she'd failed sugar-wise would you have been that critical of her?" Answering my own question, I replied, "Of course not. I'd just encourage her to add it to a grocery list and move on, making substitutions meanwhile."

So that's what I did. Forgave myself (as often I must in my 60's). Added sugar to my Aldi's list then checked my stock-up list for other possible gaffe's. Made changes. Moved on.

I mentioned that episode because of the upcoming trucker freedom convoy. Now, I'm all for it (as I was the Canadian one), though this might be something to consider:

"I implore all truckers to avoid Washington D.C.. This is where help can no longer be found. They will just set you up, cause an incident, and use it as a political message against the American people just like January 6, as if you are the problem. Please put a sign on your truck and go instead to your State capitols.... Rally your people in your state!"   --- Phillip Davis via Gab

But anyway, with tons of trucks now headed across country, planning to park themselves at their destination, well, you never know. Perhaps this will cause even more empty supermarket shelves in our local stores. 

Most of us? We've taken the trucking industry for granted all our lives. Hopefully that will change soon, yet not in a yikes! way.

As always, you're free to do--or not do--something about this. But as for me and my house we're today thankful for our stocked cupboards, fridge and freezer. And of course, this latest convoy is not the only reason I'm a prepper! No, I've chosen a prepared lifestyle, for consistently it rewards me.

Growing older? A nuisance at times, ok, yet gaining experience and wisdom, now, that's remarkable.

These days no one can tell me prepping is stupid. Well, they can try, but I'd just smile rather sadly, for these past two covid years, especially, prepping made my life calmer, sweeter and swept away stress like crumbs from a kitchen floor.

Color me deeply grateful! And hey, no longer even caring what anyone might say about my stocking-up habit.

After all, when something works for you, it's to be received gladly and not released until God says so.

I hope these covid years have pushed many folks into learning about real health and their immune systems, as opposed to just taking pills for symptoms rather than attacking their cause (when possible).

Oh, and Anne mentioned that we may want to fill our tanks with gas, as well. Good advice! And if you heat with/use propane, you may want to fill those tanks, also.

And with inflation being what it is, I do love knowing that the food in my cupboards was bought while much cheaper than now. And what we all buy today? It'll cost less than future purchases.

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And as I shared at Facebook:

Even the uncertainties of 2022 can never change ANY of this!

(My favorite lines: 'She will guide you down delightful paths, all her ways are satisfying.' Yes! It's exactly like that. Wow.)

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For those (like me) who enjoyed the Nickleodeon channel back in it's heyday, there's a nifty documentary about it at Hulu. Wow, the memories!

Oh, and color me thrilled to have discovered lots of booktubers' middle grade book recommendations at Youtube! Wow, can't even express all my happiness at that one. (I've a list of 25 books to search for at Open Library!)

Speaking of middle grade books, here's one I finished reading at Open Library this week: Love, Ruby Lavender. (But ack! That Melba certainly made me livid at times!)  ツ

"I'd rather be crazy than hungry."   --- Gina Pounds (seen in Patara's comment section.)  

(Patara lately, right? Love her!)

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"The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."   --- Proverbs 22:3

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

Different, But Never Alone

 "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! ...  One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Psalms 34:8, Proverbs 18:24

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My 'wild' connection to South Dakota? My grandmother was born there. She's buried there, also, my mom told me over the phone last week.

Now, I felt surprised because the 17 years that I knew my grandmother, she lived in Sacramento, CA, in a small house on my uncle's property. Oh, I knew she'd spent time in Washington state (because, hey, Mom was born there), but still. Never do I recall any mentions of South Dakota.

Anyway, I smilingly called it 'a sign' that, oh! Perhaps we are meant to move to South Dakota. But of course, yes, any real sign will be the peace of God and various other confirmations.

Yet veering from that, probably my genealogical-search-happy friends are shocked (horrified?) at my unawareness of the birth state of my own grandmother. I'm thinking many of you could recite to me the birthplaces of your ancestors 4+ generations out.

And that's marvelous! Truly. I've tried to get into genealogy, but it all felt forced. Strain-inducing. Like never-ending, eye-rolling-boring school homework. (Sorry.)

But my longest-time readers know I (try to) only follow Grace, even if I'm beside her, alone, which usually I am. Crowd-less, that's me.

If I become frustrated with a project/plan, and suddenly Life feels bleak and awful, well, I back off. Step away, then ask God where I made the wrong turn.

For over 2 decades I've attempted to only follow Grace. How's that working for me? Pretty well so far.  ツ

My Life's Story, overall, makes me smile: thousands of bright days! My bucket list is nearly empty. I never feel alone, Jesus is my closest friend and I'm the most least-fearful person I've met.

And although I'm not well-known, wealthy, intelligent, popular or beautiful--still--I'm enormously grateful for all the hours I've ever known. With Him.

If every human was given grace only for the same things, this would be one boring planet, indeed.

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Just for fun, here are some of my favorite movie reaction folks over at Youtube (in no particular order) --

Mia Tiffany

Popcorn In Bed

White Noise Reacts

RolyPolyOllie Reactions

Casual Nerd Reactions

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Happy 2/22/22 to each of you(!)

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And as I wrote at Facebook:

The 'dark, sickness-filled winter' that was spoken over our Country? Well, my family is having none of it! Instead, we've had more bright sunshine than in other winters past, and yeah, snow and ice, but also much health, contentment and godly joy.

So there, you-know-who.

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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

Wild or Wimpy? A Healer or a Hider? Courageous or Cowardly?

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."   --- Psalm 73:26

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Last week at our dining room table, I smiled at my completed stack of Valentines in pink envelopes and thought, "I should pray over these. Powerful stuff. That they'd carry happiness, healing and even freedom from any bondages for my friends."

So I did. Then I placed them in a sandwich bag, cleared away all the winter breeze stoppers Tom's got surrounding the door, then clothes-pinned the Valentines to our mailbox.

And felt fine. Light-hearted. Joyfully obedient.

Such a simple act, but it reminded me of things I sometimes forget. Like, how I experience Life is my choice. (Well, much of it, anyway.)

I can mope--or sing.

I can doubt-- or believe.

I can worry--or pray.

I can be mediocre--or excellent.

I can say, "Thank-you,"--or nothing.

I can act frenetic--or calm.

I can be timid, afraid--or bold.

I can be ungrateful, snippy or weak--or--thankful, kind and strong in the Lord. I can choose the easy, anyone-can-do-this way or God's way (they're seldom the same).

And when hardships come? I can burst into sharp, shattered pieces--or--I can allow the miracle-working God inside me to hold me tight. Together.

Choices. Wow, do I have choices. 

And on this Valentine's Day (and forever) may I remember and choose according to the mighty Light/Love/Strength breathing along with me inside my heart.

"Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity ...But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also."      Titus 2:7, 2 Corinthians 8:7

• "True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart." — Helen Keller

Happiest of Valentine's Day wishes to all my special Readers!

May I allow God to turn my heart into a brave one so that, from Heaven, I can recall thousands of powerful memories.

Stay tuned for my next post when I reveal my wild connection to South Dakota which I didn't realize until recently!

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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

Shocking Things

"But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him."   ---1 John 2:27

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One more season of gardening here, then I'm done. For 40 years God gave me energy, desire, to pull beauty from plain soil, yet now the grace is seeping away.

Tom's and my next house? A condo. Or townhouse. Or perhaps a mobile home. Just something small and with no yard--or--one not cared for by me.

My beyond-the-average decorating days are over. In our new place I'll just arrange furniture once, hang some pictures upon the walls then call it done. Forty-three years of energetic, creative-style decorating was, for me, plenty.

We're aiming at releasing two-thirds of our possessions. (Stay tuned to see how that goes.)  シ

After we move will I stare backward toward the Past? No. Fresh, new dreams/goals/ideas/ministries await me ahead.

Upon our announcement in 1993 of moving to New York, oh all the wrinkled noses we spied upon the faces of our relatives and Nevada friends! They intimated we'd hate life here. The reality? Every year felt enchanted, like we'd moved to a joyful, vintage-days planet.

(The only thing we knew about New York? God wanted us to move here. At Tom's announcement, I freaked out a bit, but God whispered, "No. Be calm. This is My plan." Knowing where God wanted us simplified everything and kept us from silly questions and doubts.)

I'll recall all that after I announce this: Tom and I are considering moving to .... drum roll .... South Dakota. (Around Rapid City.) 

Yes, the state which did not do lockdowns, but rather, freedom. A state whose winter weather (in the northwest corner) is (nearly) always milder than ours. A state with wide open spaces. A state with a governor who declares words like these:

"We respect life in South Dakota, and I look forward to the day when we protect all unborn lives. Our laws must reflect our values and our commitment to protect the unalienable rights of all of our citizens."

 " ... South Dakota is stronger than it has ever been in its 133-year history. This did not happen because of what government did. It happened because of what government did NOT do. To preserve what we have and grow even stronger, we need to remember why government exists in the first place – to protect the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

"Imagine teaching your child that our country was founded on racism, or that hard work is not a virtue, or that a young boy or girl should be ashamed of themselves because of their skin color. As a mom and as a grandma, I can’t even begin to imagine poisoning my child with those lies."

"Our nation was built on freedom, on the belief that our rights come from God, not from government. Any infringement on our rights risks breaking the constitutional republic that we hold so dear."

---All quotes by Governor Kristi Noem (who Tom and I have watched closely since 2020.)

So there you go--a shocker post on this Friday morning!  ツ

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."   --- John 16:13

Remember: creativity comes in many unique forms!

“Grace is what picks me up and lifts my wings high above and I fly! Grace always conquers! Be graceful in everything; in anger, in sadness, in joy, in kindness, in unkindness, retain grace with you!”
― C. JoyBell C.

The timers I shared months ago from Youtube have, sadly, disappeared. But here are more. This is my favorite one (I usually advance it to 6 minutes and go from there).

Need some inspiration to clean your house? This might do it. (Worked for me, anyway. heh.)

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

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 "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 Can Have Joy In 2022? Really?

"The joy of the Lord is my strength. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."   --- Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 91:1

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Okay, super-short version? 

Our move to Florida is out. We'd planned to avoid the heat/humidity by staying indoors, but then we discovered that meant May through October. 

Oh dear. I mean, I enjoy reading inside, but that's longer than even our must-stay-indoors Buffalo winters.

So! We're now researching our second choice and after a week, it's passing most tests and we're excited.

But may I please wait a week before revealing that state to you in case we change our minds? Already I've jerked you around by mentioning Florida and I don't wish to repeat that.

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Yet I'll give you hints. It's a 'red state', the governor is terrific, the winters are milder and summer's humidity isn't ridiculous.

There you go.

And in the meantime? God's doing His very best to keep me calm and low-stressed during all this research. As long as I remain in that 'secret place' with Him (not there one day, then escaping the next), all shall be well. 

Within me, that is, no matter all the craziness of our world swirling around outside.

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Which reminds me.

These past 2 covid years I've noticed that if one wishes to keep her joy, she must stay determined to do so.

People these days are out to snatch it!

But to remain in joy, in strength, she can't complain. Or blame. Or faint, frown or fear. No, she must abide hourly in the calm, peaceful knowing-God's-warmth place. 

Otherwise she just may sink beneath murky waters with other sad swimmers--and who wants to do that?

" ... and you will be above only, and you will not be beneath, if you listen and pay attention to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you today, to observe them carefully."   --- Deuteronomy 28:13

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"  --- Isaiah 26:3

Can't recall where I heard this, but I totally agree:

"Winds of change are on their way!"

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Wow. I've seen tons of tiny houses, but this one is in the Top 5 best, most efficient designs.

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Oh, and my friend, Dolores, asked to see my wish list at Amazon. She bought me two most delightful books, one which is this:

It's kinda Mary Poppins meets Mrs. Piggle Wiggle meets Anne of Green Gables. Loving it and thanks again so much, Dolores!

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Need an upbeat reminder about aging? Here you go--

"Now no one can tell me I'm too young to know what I'm talking about."   --- Gloria Swanson

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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

As Long As She's Got Grace, Who Cares About Aging?

"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace."   --- John 1:16

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When Debra was young:

She was a gold medal gymnast (tiny school. Don't be impressed.)

She could walk for miles (flat ones, that is)

And she had a baby, one she could run behind while a toddler.

Often she spent hours painting walls

And rearranging furniture. Every month!

Frequently she walked through shopping malls (and crowds)

And spent Saturday morning hours at yard sales.

She could eat anything she yearned for and

She created and tended huge (to her) gardens.

Now? No longer can she do any of that. But is she bummed-out? Bitter? Devastated? Cranky?

No way, for Grace still lives with her!

And in Grace's Mary Poppins-like bag she's got all sorts of creative ideas, things ol' Debra still can do. Jolly things. Thoughtful things. Ministerial things. Cozy, contented, timely, carefree things.

"How do people even live without Grace?", Debra asks herself. Without this? --

’Tis Grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And Grace will lead me home.

Well, she doesn't know the answer to that question. But what's certain, she muses? For decades Grace has led her the fun way home.

And Grace still leads that way--and always will.

 "I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the Lord is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult, His grace is sufficient."   ---Hudson Taylor

I can no longer do many things-- so now begins new adventures! Anyone else at that place?

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Oh, where I've traveled this week!

Route 66.  Wow, I'd taken other virtual trips down this road, but Justin Scarred shared (in his own crazy way) so much more history! Color me fascinated by all the:

restored auto courts and motels

museums 

diners 

neon signs 

Muffler Men

vintage cars

natural wonders

ghost towns

antique trains

movie sets

drive-in movie theaters

brick building main streets

jukeboxes

Harvey Houses,

restored gas stations

visible gas pumps

Native American art

Route 66 folks who love where they live

---and much more!

The American Dream Mall.  Amazing. You may not believe Heaven has shopping malls, but I do and most likely at least one resembles this. I could not stop watching and how kind of Action Kid to do all the walking for me!  ツ

And movie-wise--

Tom and I enjoy Jennifer Garner's family-friendly movies and this latest one, Yes Day, was a treat.

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This has a bit of a negative spin on it, but the overall message is right. If Grace hadn't nudged me pretty hard at times, I'd have missed out on what now gives me much joy remembering having done.

Oh! And happy 2/2/22 to you!

"Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."   --- 2 Corinthians 3:17

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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