Finding Her Way Back

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (so sulking in her house probably isn't a good option)."  ツ  --- Proverbs 11:25

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(My final post about Charlie Cat.)

Oh. My. Goodness.

No other 5 weeks in my 31 New York state years were this emotionally traumatic. The loss of Charlie Cat shocked my mind. Devastated me.

He was meant to stay 11, 12, years with us and instead? Seven months, only, did he capture our hearts and enchant us. Oh, that young cat loved us! Every day he showed us unconditional affection. 

And how much of that do you find these days?

Wow. I lost ground, like being yanked backward, whoosh! This was different, not just the death of a pet, but rather, an attack. Questions, anger, confusion, self-pity, numbing grief, disappointment, crying at the memories, wondering if I'd made mistakes. Silence instead of speaking. Not wanting to move forward, but rather, to be allowed another chance.

But after death there are no do-overs.

I had to extend much forgiveness toward the situation and everyone involved, even God, who never messes up, but which mostly became forgiving myself for not understanding His reasons for allowing this. For not seeing any good--and doesn't He turn all things for good?

The not knowing why, the possible 4, or so, vet-listed possibilities, one maybe an accidental dropping of a pain pill (a simple aspirin can kill a cat). But again! The not-knowing for certain. The guilt, deserved or not.

Yet after time, I spied comments online from women still bitterly grieving for their pets 5, even 10 years later and I knew that certainly was not God's plan for me. 

I began to choose healing.

God created me to encourage others, to write in this blog, not to hide or open myself to a spirit of grief which focuses only on oneself, her pain and all things gone wrong now and before, even.

"Heal me and I shall be healed," I told God over and over. "Restore unto me the joy of this life you breathed into me." Because Honey, I'd lost that. My future no longer appeared joyous, fulfilling or anticipatory. Just sad until a heavenly homecoming.

Then I felt God tell me, "How about if, instead of finding new cats to restore your happiness, you wait? Wait to return to a simple daily joy in Me, first?"

Two weeks into that, some days I succeed, others I fail, but since Saturday, finally, I'm experiencing more emotionally good hours than sad. At least I'm recognizing my old self and oh my, she's grateful for a God who hung in there with her.

And continues to do so.

I did think of one good thing this tragedy brought about: now if you tell me you've been traumatized, I can sympathize with you much better. I will never forget this devastation.

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I kept reminding myself to not let my emotions push me around, but still, I too often sank beneath them. In the mire.

But I discovered good lists, things to do when the initial shock has worn off--

Exercise

Take walks

Talk with friends who'll understand.

Eat right

Spend much time with God

Take your vitamins

Get out and about

List your blessings

Read the Bible

Be gentle with yourself, but tough against the lies

Begin a new hobby (or return to an old one)

Watch encouraging videos, movies, etc.

Peruse uplifting books

Find a helpful place online (Instagram greatly encouraged me)

---And ask for help if nothing seems to be working or if you can't make yourself do anything helpful.

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Some good news:

Naomi has a new job: she's a tour guide at a local vacation spot! So far she's liking it and I enjoy her tourist stories.

Home decor for crafters.

"I Don't Feel Like Myself ... And How I'm Fixing That"

Only for the quirkiest amongst us.   ツ

Ariel's Cool New Coffee Bar

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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

April This And That

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."   --- Romans 12:12, Psalm 147:3

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1.) First, how am I feeling? (Thanks for asking. heh.) My post from Facebook explains it--

On this most holy Easter morning, I awoke, for the first time in 3 weeks, with my heart back in one piece. Like a suddenly miracle.

In fact, when I checked my email, a woman on Craigslist finally answered an inquiry I'd made about the cats she's giving away and you know? Even if it comes to nothing, I'll be ok. More than.

We really do serve a risen Savior who heals our broken hearts!

But oh Honey, what a rough season, one beginning 15 months ago, a season of shaking, rather like this:

"The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain."   --- Hebews 12:27

Many have experienced a season of shaking since 2020 (didn't I spy some of you in that silent waiting room of healing?). I'm sure they/you would agree that it's now we discover who's in our 'village', who truly cares--and who does not.

And that's a good thing. 

Yet it's wild how often our village ends up not being the people we thought, but rather, the ones who showed up when we needed them to.

2.) Don't you love it when you discover music which perfectly fits as a soundtrack to your life? Here's my current favorite one. This is my second best-loved soundtrack. 

These songs follow me around my upstairs rooms and change the atmosphere into something special, like an adventurous movie.

3.) Oh! Homestead Tessie told us about compressed soil bricks made from coconuts. What a great idea for us of a certain age who'd rather not lug around huge bags of soil. You just add water to them, one brick at a time if you wish, then they expand inside your bucket or wheelbarrow. 

Though not filled with nutrients, it's supposed to hold the water in your soil better when mixed with your other potting soils, compost, etc. I'll let you know how it goes.

4.) A special thank-you to Dolores for introducing me to Hope Ann at Youtube!

Here's the first video I watched. Then I chose this second video because Hope Ann gives us a tour with the story of her generational family farm. I'd wondered how she came to live there.

If you appreciate peaceful, slow-paced videos with nature, books, decor and simple living, you may like Hope Ann.

5.) The books I finished reading in March--

Addie's Mountain by Kate Willis

Truly, Madly, Sheeply by Heather Vogel Frederick

Winterbound by Margery Williams Bianco

Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander

Sea View Secret by Elizabeth Kinsey

6.) How do I feel about the upcoming eclipse? Well, certainly not all fearful like some folks. Rather, I'm thinking it'll just be a sign from God to remind us that satan's darkness only appears to cover the light for a very short time. 

The light will always return to shine brightly again.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."   --- John 1:5

(But you are stocked-up on groceries and supplies just in case, right?)  シ

7.) We watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 and enjoyed it. In fact, Tom shocked me by saying it felt like a Top 10 movie for him. Me? I loved the Greek sunlight and kept staring and staring at it. 

8.) This podcast with Mike Rowe and Neal McDonough was so delightful that I immediately watched it over again, the second time with Tom. I can't even explain why I loved it. Just watch, if you wish, for yourself.

9.)  For years in a draft folder I've kept at least 10 photo home tours that I absolutely loved. Often I'd revisit them and wish my home resembled theirs.

But you know? Last month I looked them over and thought, "Hmm. Where did the magic go? Where's the delight I used to feel when viewing these houses?"

The good news? I realized my own rooms, in many cases, now delight me more. They've grown along with me and become exactly what I like.

And that contentment is a relief. A joy. A blessing.

(Currently I'm adding my rooms to Instagram. If you'd like to join me there, I'll send you a link if you email me at GladOne4@yahoo.com )

10.) If you adore pink and white dollhouses, these will thrill your heart!

Happy April to you!

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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

The Zombie Lady On The Red Couch

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

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Oh dear.

You missed the zombie lady on the red couch. Scary sight, that, what with her sad stare, nearly lifeless body and shriveled heart. The returning snow and cold outside the icy glass windows, also.

The tragedy with Charlie Cat? Not a test, but rather, a spiritual attack along the lines with Job's story. You know, as tho' satan told God, "Let me take away Debra's new cat and you'll see if she still loves you."

Spiritual attacks. They come after you've sown good seeds. Done things right. Made a difference in peoples' lives. They are undeserved and meant to shut you down. Make you useless. 

I'm used to small ones, but this one shattered me.

(While I'm here, this is why you'll almost-never hear me criticize Christian leaders. The more people one ministers to, the more intense and consistent the attacks and temptations hurled. Oh, what they must experience!)

Man, not since nearly 25 years ago (long, unfair story) have I experienced such wild, varying emotions: anger, devastation, confusion, grief, regret, weakness, and a lack of hope in returning to whom I'd become. 

Yet faithfully Jesus is leading me through this mine field. He reminds me of myriad lessons and takes me new places like, well, Instagram, with healing words like these:

"This pain is only temporary, but my joy will be eternal. This suffering will last for a season, but my perfect body will be a new, immortal creation. These cries are only temporary, my worship will continue forever. This broken heart is temporary, my Healer is all-powerful and His promises are trustworthy."     

---She Rises

--and--

"Every tear you cry He sees. Every hope you lost, He restores."

---CoffeeWithMyFather

Also, while watching my Gilmore Girls movie dvd's, Jesus reminded through this song that I'm not unbreakable (very humbling) and this song made me yearn for my former creative, happy self (a right step).

Anyway. Now I understand why some people experience a tragedy, trauma, and are never the same. Why they choose the tempation to build concrete walls, aid no one, stop all risks, and hide for their life's remainder.

I get it now. 

But with Jesus by my side, I'm not going there. He's helping me to--in Time--choose a different outcome. His.

Oh, and I've been in Facebook jail a week. I think. They're not letting me use any text in my posts, only memes. Gah. Didn't need that on top of all else whether it's simply a glitch or something else.

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These past 2 weeks, Youtube also helped my sorry self (though truthfully, a couple times I thought, "Man, I'm even getting sick of Youtube!).  シ

How had I never heard of Lustron houses? I find them fascinating. Last week I watched probably 10 videos about them. Here's one more.

Such a peaceful video, this one. Made me want to live on a small boat! Well, for a few moments there. heh.

And although it's been difficult counting my blessings these past two weeks, here was a lovely one. The book I ordered to read on my birthday: Winterbound. One of the best new-to-me books I'd read in a long time.

And as I shared at Facebook (the post which may have landed me in FB jail, for it was the last one with text) ---

Lately Tom and I watch one episode of CHiPs each evening. Always as it ends, we feel we traveled back in Time.

We recognize that 1970's world.

We understand the cars, the clothes, the stores. We understand the people and the way they talk face to face and go out, have fun, and do not stare at their phones or wear pajamas in the streets.

People weren't perfect, ok. But the masses weren't as stressed-out and angry back then. (Your experience may have varied.)

I still believe things will change someday, but in the meantime? We're thankful for shows like CHiPs to show us a world we understand better than the one today.

*****

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 You Believe A Wrong Thing--Or--Will She Be a Cat Lady In Heaven?

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."   --- John 8:12, John 1:5

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(While reading this I hope you'll ask yourself, "Am I believing something not true?")

***

On Monday we lost Charlie Cat. 

Days before, he'd stopped eating and the renal failure and bad heart (the part I didn't tell you) caught up with him. No fistfuls of money can rescue a cat from those so, taking the long way, Tom drove us to the vet again.

The next 4 days? Oh dear. The darkest I'd visited in my mind since an upsetting, unfair time in 2000. This losing a young Charlie felt much worse than our last July's loss of Daniel: at least he'd lived the average length of a tabby.

I tried snapping out of it. 

I pictured Charlie in my heavenly house with our earlier cats. Did some gardening. Read books and clung to Jesus every minute (how does anyone survive without Him?).

Yet not until Thursday did the darkness, the anger, the confusion and the temptations for self-pity, disappear. How? That's when I stopped telling myself, "No more cats ever! No more risks. My heart can't handle being shredded again."

Jesus showed me that was a lie. What my heart cannot face is never having another cat curled up beside me on the red couch. Or upstairs here sitting in the window or staring at me from the guest bed.

Those absences are what my heart cannot handle.

And when I finally stopped believing the lie and making decisions based upon fear? Oh Honey, the sunshine in my soul returned. I felt free again, like my good ol' normal, Jesus-set-me-free self.

Maybe, in some months ahead, we'll even get 2 cats(!), as a sign of God restoring double what we'd lost. More work? Yes, but I'd rather feel physically tired than emotionally crushed. 

Besides, I'm now planning on being one of Heaven's cat ladies. (You know Heaven has them, right?)  ツ So a couple more cats would fit just right.

But here's the thing: I had to reach this place, myself. Oh, a book and even Instagram helped, but mostly as vehicles by which Jesus spoke soothingly to me, personally. 

Others' opinions about my next steps, well, I avoided those.

Today's lesson? If we're feeling all wrong inside, perhaps we're believing a lie. Like Jesus said, the truth will set us free.

But only if we release the lie and pick up the truth, instead. And hug it to our heart. Believing.

If the emotions, heart, will, or mind is set against the thing being done, there will be no rest. . . 

God never blesses people who run. Wherever they are hiding He finds them and takes them back to what they ran from so they can face it and experience true freedom. God gives us power and wisdom to deal with situations, not to try to escape them. Avoidance is not a godly character trait."  

--- Joyce Meyer, from Eat The Cookie, Buy The Shoes: Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up

Here's a short (quirky) blog post I wrote in 2005 about self-pity. Boy, did I have to remind myself of that post this past week!

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Technically tomorrow is my birthday, but I'm celebrating today by doing my favorite things, mostly alone, around the house and yard. I'd planned these specific activities since last year and am grateful God returned me to truth and light yesterday, just in time to enjoy this day. Whew.

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What took me so long? For years I'd wished to buy plant stakes like these--

-- and last week I finally did. They're even lovelier in-person (a shinier copper color) and already I placed two in my herb garden, one for scallions, another for chives, both which are already thriving in our Spring-like weather.

Ariel got engaged!

You haven't watched Return to Mayberry in awhile? Here you go. Free.

This woman is like a real-live Hobbit. Such an inspiration and oh my--her bedroom! What a wonder.

English Cottage Dark Academia Style Interior Design Fusion. Wow, what beautiful rooms!

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Books I finished reading in February (went a bit crazy. Er hem.) --

Sharpe Point by Lisa B. Thomas

Sharpe Edge by Lisa B. Thomas

Sharpe Turn by Lisa B. Thomas

Ghost Town Treasure by Clyde Robert Bulla

Mystery at Star Lake by Margaret Goff Clark

The Slipper Point Mystery by Augusta Hueill Seaman

The Brass Keys of Kenwick by Augusta Hueill Seaman

The Boarded-Up House by Augusta Hueill Seaman

The Disapperance of Anne Shaw by Augusta Hueill Seaman

Three Sides of Paradise Green by Augusta Hueill Seaman

Mystery of Sebastian Island by Margaret Goff Clark

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This verse helped me realize that, although there are a lot of 'no's' in my life, cats are still a 'yes'--and a good thing from God.

                               

                                 

                                I'm so grateful God does heal our smashed-up, ripped apart heart--and in very customized ways.

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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

The Good News. The Bad News. The Free Chandelier.

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon you because he trusts in you.

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It's wild how emptying our head of complaints can create tons of room instead for creative ideas. I like to imagine it as the axiom we learned in school--

... two bodies cannot occupy the same space at the same time.

That chandelier I showed you? Just one idea which arrived only after I gave-up (released) the clutter of I-need-a-different-house whinings.

I absolutely stare at that chandelier. Love it, especially when the sun shines, causing tiny rainbows to dance across the ceiling.

Well, (you're sitting, right?) I actually found a place for another chandelier(!) At the end of this looong area upstairs, there's a tiny, indented space beside the chimney, just the perfect place for yes, another one.

In fact, before the chandelier arrived, I lugged-away-down-the-street the ugly large-ish table lamp sitting on the floor nearby. How good to create a bit more of empty floor space.

I know, I know, another chandelier? But hey! Why not, especially when I ordered it for free with credit card reward points.

Today's lesson? Let it go. You know, the it-isn't-fair-or-even-my-fault clutter, touchable and not.

Release it all through your windows (or by way of bags in your car) and then welcome the creativity just waiting to move into that space, instead.

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What (if anything) do you tend to often complain about? Has God shown you a way to release the complaints so to make room for gratitude and fresh ideas, instead?

Everyday we can splash around--at least awhile--in creative endeavors which elevate our happiness.

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Now, for the bad news which I'll share as I did at Facebook:

This wasn't supposed to happen. Charlie Cat's test results came today and the doctor said he's in early renal failure. It's so rare for such a young cat. We'll pick up special food and pills for him, but--barring a miracle--it's an attempt to sustain his life for as long as possible.

This is horrible and truly, we need a miracle. We do believe in miracles! Thanks for your prayers. Maybe I should've stuck with my no-more-cats verdict after Daniel, but then, I wouldn't have missed meeting Charlie. What a sweet cat he is and he did help our hearts to heal.

So there was that. 

But you know? Before the vet (who sounded sad over the phone) gave us the results, Charlie had, the day before, begun eating much better! And he still is, this week later.

So God's used that to encourage us. We've chosen peace and belief that all will be well. That he'll continue to appear perfectly normal. Even the vet sounded hopeful yesterday. 

And personally, I am choosing just to celebrate each day that Charlie's still here. To love on him for however long I can. To appreciate him fully, like now, while he's curled up on the guest bed or leaning against my hip on the red couch.

To love this life God's given me, even at the times it doesn't flow the way I'd like or understand.

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Spring Cottage Garden

Alone in an Off-Grid Cabin

Some easy desserts!  Here, here  and here.

Never Have These 20 Items in Your Home (If You Hate Cleaning).

Thanks for sharing this today, Tracy! --

"Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]". Proverbs 3:5,6

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

$1,000 For Groceries Every Month?!

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ..."   ---  Proverbs 3:13-18

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So while watching a video about inflated prices of food, I scrolled down to the comments. One woman said she and her husband are retired and each month they spend around $980 on groceries(!)

Oh my goodness! I think I got dizzy. Wow.

I told Tom, "Maybe while they both worked, they ate out all the time and never learned to cook from scratch. Perhaps now they're still eating tons of restaurant food or convenience items."

Or maybe they live in New York City or Alaska where grocery prices are nearly double, but even so, that still sounds crazy-high. To me, anyway.

Yes prices are ridiculous now! But as I'm always saying, we are not helpless. Anyone who's determined to make changes, to 'beat the status quo'--can.

We can make our own--

--seasoning mixes

--baking mixes

--convenience foods

--liquid hand soap

--cocoa mix

--laundry detergent

--cooking oil spray

--room refresher spray

--fabric refresher

--spice rubs

--teas from homegrown herbs

--household cleaners

We can --

--use 1/2 (or even 1/3) of a pound of meat, rather than the full pound. Use extra fillers like frozen or fresh vegetables, rice, pasta, bread crumbs, etc.

--grow our own vegetables

--create inflation-proof meals

--dry our own homegrown herbs (and other dry-able foods)

--always have a supply of shelf-stable foods on hand

--avoid buying pre-made convenience foods

--reuse items like glass jars, plastic bags, twist ties, paper bags, cardboard boxes, metal cans, etc.

(All of these ideas, above, can be found by doing searches online.)

Here's a money-saving, grocery-minded post I wrote in 2023. 

Oh, and this year I'm aiming to skip ordering from Aldi at least one week per month. If I do? I'll have saved us $840. (Already since January I've skipped 3 weeks. Having a prepper pantry is a huge help.)

Anyway, may this post encourage you today grocery-wise. Prices may seem out-of-control, but that doesn't mean our spending must be.

Ol' Debra loves saving money on groceries, especially when it frees-up dollars for her to spend in more creative, fun ways like in her story, below.  ツ

Some favorite inflation-proof meals around my house:

chili

stir-fry vegetables and chicken

meat mix, green beans, mashed potato layered casserole

homemade chicken and vegetable soup

crockpot chicken with salsa, sour cream and vegetables

Italian wedding soup

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I still think Julia is the best for low-cost meal recipes. I'm loving her cookbook! The majority of her recipes use the items I always have on hand.

Oh! And See Mindy Mom. Love her ideas, also.

You can do a general search at Youtube for other cheap, under $5 meals. Would take anyone days and days to sort through them all!

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Last week for Valentine's Day, Tom decided to try something new. Nothing. He would do nothing.

Well Honey, that did not work out well for him. Er hem.  ツ

So early next morning I watched Homestead Tessie (as always) and oh wow. With some gift money, she'd purchased an adorable tiny terrarium! 

Now, that's something I'd meant to buy for years actually, to use it, instead, as an indoor cat-proof greenhouse for starting my garden seedlings.

Oh my oh my! Immediately I ordered one similar to Tessie's, though with a wider door since I'd be taking plant pots in and out. Then I strolled downstairs and told Tom I'd ordered a Valentine's Day gift from him to me. Something I'd desired for years. A terrarium.

He actually breathed a sigh of relief, especially when he saw the glad, excited expression upon my face (a far different look than one I'd worn the previous night). heh.

And here it is, probably the best Valentine's Day gift, ever. (Ladies? Sometimes you just have to give a present to yourself. And you may quote me.)

(Oh and years ago, I had a larger terrarium, but gave it away, for I could find no place for it at Hobbit Cottage. The lesson? Release what isn't right in order to create space for receiving what is.)

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

What Are You Believing For? And What Are You Doing About It?

"I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live..."   --- Ecclesiastes 3:12

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Since early, dark, last December mornings, I've whispered to God, "I believe at least 4 good things will happen today."

Those whispers, that believing, is changing my life.

Oh, when I began doing this (this started as a Joyce Meyer idea), I thought those good things would arrive from friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances. Yet probably just 20 percent (less?) actually do.

The rest of these happy things? They come from 1.) God and 2.) from my own proactivity (which He said I sorely needed).  シ

Proactive: creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.

Some cheerful things God brought:

Intensely sunny days after dark ones.

Cherry tomatoes from my garden until Nov. 21st (in Buffalo!)

Mornings warm enough to read outside in December and even January.

Times I knew He moved on friends' hearts to contact me.

Joyful times resulting from choosing proactivity instead of procrastination:

For the first time in 12 years, I've raked away the majority of leaves in my garden beds before Springtime(!)

On a dark, winter's day I sorted through my garden seeds, then ordered new ones via Ebay, using my Rakuten refund and spending less than $1 for each seed pack (oh, that February garden dreaming!).

The glass table top I'd ordered for our guestroom arrived.

My new, wanted-for-10-years chandelier arrived--

--and last week I had a deliriously great time filling out Valentines for friends beneath that chandelier and upon the glass table top.

I found some clothes in an under-the-bed bin I'd forgotten about.

I walked down to the Little Free Library and came home with The Illustrated Walden.

I ordered a book for a Youtuber and she emailed me saying she absolutely loves it.

No longer do I wish for a skylight near my desk: I came up with a solution using my sun-like reading lamp. (Plus, the saving of hundreds of dollars is lovely, too.)

(There's a much longer list, but you'd wonder, "Really? Those tiny things made you happy? Heh.)

Anyway, always at least 4 good things happen every. single. day. Seriously! I count them. Sometimes type them into a draft folder. I remember one Saturday when I counted 12 happy things--oh my!

Yet what most clearly shines from this lesson since December? Believing and proactivity go oh so well together. Their combination is like a recipe for miracles. An invitation. A guarantee.

How will our day feel? It's pretty much up to us.

Two important-to-me things not mentioned, above? Feeding the outdoor birds and switching-on my hearts and cross lights in the dining room window. For whatever reasons, yeah, they make me happy and too, I choose to believe they encourage my neighbors, as well.

"Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."   --- John 16:24

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Valentine's Day! A day for expressing friendship. That's what it's become for me. 

... a special thank-you to all my friends on this Valentine's Day!

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You know how sometimes a movie will stay with you for a couple days? That's how Touchback affected me. Couldn't shake it, didn't want to. Only a tiny bit of language, otherwise highly recommended.

It's Ok To Feel Good.

And here's a fitting thing for Valentine's Day--

It's a brooch I made probably 25 years ago. Used to wear it around and I'd get compliments. So easy! Just hot-glued buttons and costume jewelry to a wooden heart, then hot-glued a large safety pin to the back.

Remember! With Jesus you are stronger than you think.

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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