April This and That

1.) Weeks ago I began what I call Slow Motion Spring Cleaning. What's that? That's where I, each day, spend just 5 minutes on a simple cleaning task like wiping down a couple kitchen cupboards, or cleaning a storm door or using mineral oil on a hutch, etc. You know, tasks I do perhaps 2 or 3 times yearly.

Nearly 3 weeks later, oh my! I've accomplished much well before (a tiring) gardening season arrives. But it feels as though I cheated, for I expended so little energy.

A new habit for the rest of my life, this Slow Motion Spring Cleaning. Highly recommended.

2.) And oh! Darling Desi recommended a couple magazines I'd never heard of and although I stopped reading magazines years ago, these tempt me:

Daphne's Diary

Bella Grace: Book of Lists

Now, these are a bit pricey, but I've got some Christmas and birthday gift card money left, so we shall see.  シ

3.) And for a smile--

4.) Movies I can recommend:

The Maiden Heist  The rest of this movie was good, but the ending! Loved, loved it. I'd actually considered a similar ending, but thought Hollywood was too clueless to go there. Got me a tad teary-eyed, even.

Hoovey  

Buckley's Chance

The Christmas Letter  Lots of good Life lessons in this one.

Unstoppable  

Nefarious  Took me some weeks to prepare ahead mentally for this one (after watching the trailer), but since watching, I find myself viewing peoples' behavior differently and praying for them rather than shaking my head in disbelief.

All of My Heart  You can find this fun movie at Youtube.

5.) This just may help you sleep better at night!

6.) Books I finished reading in March:

Tending to Grace by Kimberly Newton Fusco

The Luckiest Girl by Beverly Cleary

Murder at the Bee Farm by Sue Hollowell

The Feather Chase by Shannon L. Brown

Emily's Runaway Imagination by Beverly Cleary

Mrs. Miniver by Jan Struther

Buried Secrets of the Copper Locket by D. L. Bush

A Murder Moist Foul by Summer Prescott

7.) Tom and I watched this estate sale video rather for old times' sake and I think it forever cured us of even dreaming of returning to those days. 

In fact I told Tom, "I know in Heaven peace, joy and forgiveness will be swirling around everywhere, yet if I left that much junk for Naomi to sort through? There is no way I'd have 100 percent peace. No way, not after God specifically asked me to declutter for Naomi's sake."

Oh dear.

8.) The Sassiest and Funniest Test Answers  (Oh my, the way children think!)

9.) For ages I've carried a black book bag instead of a purse and inside of it? There's a black wallet and a black checkbook holder/change purse and other black things. Go looking for anything and it's like my arm is circling around in a dark cave, unable to find the specific thing I need.

So this week, after our tax appointment in town (where I couldn't decipher between my checkbook and wallet and felt like the world was tapping its foot and waiting on me), I came home and ordered a light pink wallet. Whew, it'll make my life easier.

(And as always,what took me so long?)

10.) And may we always remember this:

Happy Springtime! I'm so anticipating seeing green outside my windows again. (These final days of all grey do make me a bit bonkers, I confess. Uh oh.)

******

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

Money Adventures. Mine, Anyway.

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."   --- Proverbs 11:24, 25

*****

Sometimes women tell me, " My husband and I can't afford to tithe."

To which I reply, "Oh wow, really? With Tom and me, we can't afford not to tithe."

Or it's like when--after a Youtube comment mentioning tithing--someone wrote, "Tithing? That's from those stupid prosperity gospel teachings. It's Old Testament, not New."

Good gracious.

All I know? For our 46 years together, Tom and I have always tithed. Always. Even during the lean years, even when wrong financial decisions cost us deeply, we tithed our ten percent.

And always, God provided for us, as well as, helped us make wiser decisions next time and even (I believe) made some of our stuff last longer than normal.

Some Christians toss away those 'bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse' verses and perhaps I can understand not taking them seriously in an obscure-ish book called Malachi. 

But. How do you toss away these verses from Proverbs, the much-read, respected, and wisdom-filled book?

"Honor the Lord with your wealth,
    with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
    and your vats will brim over with new wine."

---Proverbs 3:9, 10

Wow. Honor God, give your first fruits, then your barns will be filled to overflowing? Sounds like a terrific promise to me!

And what's ramping up our reaping since 2022? Two things. I arranged for our tithe to be automatically given via my credit card. Too often months would pass since giving(!), then I'd have to go back, do some complicated math problems, then mail it in.

I'm thinking, God wanted more excellence in that area, as opposed to sloppy, I'll-get-to-it-when-I-can-ness. Yeah, most likely.

And the second thing? After viewing those long lines of hungry people on TV in 2020, we began giving to a local (dependable) charity that feeds folks in our community. A specific, hefty-to-me monthly sum that I felt God nudging me to give.

And that's when crazy and wild things began happening. It's as though God secretly poured money into our checking account, like, five extra paychecks(!) 

And ever since, when things 'round Hobbit Cottage break or unplanned bills arrive, it's only a blip. Not even worth an eye roll. I just pull out a check and hand it to whatever guy in work boots happens to be standing in our kitchen (or wherever), then move on. 

You know, in assurance that God will keep providing for us as long as we keep giving to Him, first.

Year after year after blessed year.

It's wild how God can multiply what we give Him! But yes, we must first, with faith, give Him something to work with.

Obedience. It matters now and in our far-flung heavenly future. Truly putting God first changes everything.

"Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered."   --- Provers 21:13

******

Dave Ramsey's Life Advice. This was cool.

I shared this years ago, but will again since it's still my favorite high school reunion video on Youtube. Helps that it's local to me, but even if you live whole states away, you may enjoy it, especially if you're of a certain age.  シ

When God is About to Give You Something Big. Encouraging, indeed.

Oh, and did I already share this fun movie with Jewel?

I had a lovely birthday! A big thanks to those of you who helped me stretch it over four or five days.

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."   --- Malachi 3:10

*****

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

"Take the Winter Off," They Said. "You'll Love Resting Like The Trees Do," They Said.

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."   ... Proverbs 31:17

*******

Debra's story: a cautionary tale. 

 

Back in December, some favorite dreamy-eyed Youtubers encouraged us to take Winter off. To recharge. To relax like God made trees to do and to hibernate like bears. They promised if we lolled around reading books, listening to music, watching inspiring videos and drinking gallons of cocoa, we'd feel refreshed, restored and strong by Springtime.

I thought, "Hey! That makes sense. I'm gonna try it." So I did.

What an idiot.  シ

Maybe those 20 and 30-year-olds can get away with a winter 'slugcation', but not someone in her 60's! Sheesh. By Winter's end, my legs felt like a stranger's. Not mine, but a wimpy someone else's who I had to learn to use, very unsteadily, especially on uneven ground (aka our entire yard).

And then days ago I saw this Youtube video title: 'Death Starts In Your Legs'.  Yikes! Yikes! Soon after, I watched, 'Why I Regret Moving Into a Nursing Home' and really quaked after that horror film.

Basically both those videos stressed that the goal is not to make our lives easier, simpler(!) No, the goal must be to keep ourselves (our legs, especially), strong. 

So much for remaining a follower of Lillian Gilbreth when one reaches 65.

Now yes, of course, there's balance. Making things easier, but not too easy. And there are times of surgeries and sickness when one needs weeks off on the couch. I totally get that.

But the normal, everyday times or even winters where our streets have an ice skating rink sheen? We can still keep our legs strong at home. Oh, the ideas one finds online for indoor exercise!

So there you go. Another example of something I experienced so that, hopefully, you won't have to. You can still create a dreamy, peaceful life, but--

Keep moving.

Keep moving.

Keep moving--

--for as long as you can. Your independence and health depend upon it.

And yes, I'm slowly regaining my leg strength, one day at a time. (Fortunately over winter I ate healthy for other annoying reasons, so I didn't gain weight, just lost core and leg strength, that's all. ha!) 

Are we having fun yet?

Oh and tomorrow I'm turning 66, but you know? I'm feeling grateful to be aging into a new, different year. Sixty-five was oh so rough, Honey, so I'm anticipating a clean, lovelier slate.  (Weeks ago I put in an early order with God for a warm, sunny birthday weekend and He came through--woo hoo!)

*****

This felt like a birthday present from God: a favorite movie reacted to by favorite reviewers! (Hey, it's the small things ...)

Cleaning Tips for Limited Mobility

Winter Like When We Were Kids

How I Romanticize Life When I'm Not Feeling Well

******

Ha! Talk about making Life too easy sometimes ....

... and gotta love this encouraging idea!

******

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 Can't Move Forward Without First Saying Good-bye

*****

Gracious. Who pressed Life's fast-forward button?   

Anyway, before I move on, please read this:

Where was I these past weeks? Working on the first part. The acceptance stuff. (I also twisted my ankle, which I'll skip, lest my blog become even more Old Lady Debra's Woes-ish.)

Last time I mentioned taking weeks off to heal from 2024. But you know? It turned into more.

It became a time for this middle-sixties lady (who's got a birthday on Sunday, some cabin fever and feels like she's stepped into Elderly Land) to say good-bye to her younger self.

Good-bye to walking quickly. 

To vacuuming, then dusting, washing dishes, then laundry; all in a half hour.

To driving around, running errands, then returning to paint a bedroom.

To friends who vanished and those who departed this Life.

To faraway vacations, real coffee and sugar-infused desserts.

To buying one more house, a blank canvas, upon which to splash around my creativity.

To released dreams not sampled for their validity.

And yet? God and His blessed sense of balance! He sprinkled down vital hello's, as well.

Hello to yet-undiscovered books I'll read and love. To as-of-now unwritten movies and tv series, also.

To wonderful friends I've, as of today, not yet met.

To people I'll help and encourage.

To creative ideas, seeds I'll plant and projects I will imagine. To words I'll someday write.

To lovely things I'll learn, see, experience and miracles God will do in this Earth. To healthy habits I'll form.

To new dreams some year to be born.

And to Heaven. Someday there will be a glorious Heaven.

So what I'm thinking matters much? That I release the good-bye's. Let them fade, not crowd my head, so that I'll gain arm-spreading room in which to skip and travel forward--

-- while rejoicing. Weightless.

Acceptance is not an admittance of defeat, but rather, an acknowledgement that God's created a new thing for us in the road ahead.

(And I'm thinking this post may be one only those who have 'been there' will understand.)

******

This felt like a present from God:  Lincoln Highway Road Trip Part 1. (I'd hoped for a video like this at least 4 years.) And here is Part 2.

Anyone else feeling like they've complained too much lately? This may help: Quit Yer Bellyachin'.  シ

Want a Nancy Meyers Home?

And this was beyond awesome.

And did I already recommend this movie? Fly Me To The Moon. (Some language, not a lot.)

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."   from Isaiah 43

And let's end this with a fitting smile.

*****

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

Checking-In From My Vacation

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”   --- Matthew 11:28-30

*****

Still here! Mostly.  シ 

Don't faint or anything, but Tom and I haven't taken a 'real vacation' since 2015. Partly, we've 'created a life we don't need a vacation from', but we have other excuses reasons, as well.

So! Sometimes I take days/weeks off upon the red couch and gaze out the big picture window and read, watch Youtube videos, think, pray, and spend extra time with God. Oh, I still keep up with housework, but in a couple minutes at a time, more relaxed way.

I'd call it a staycation, but that sounds far too formal.

Though truthfully, I still, sometimes, must push away the shoulds and oughts on these vacation days. You know, give myself permission to lighten up. Sit around a lot. Relax. Not feel I should be encouraging others (that's the hardest one for me).

This vacation, via Youtube, I've watched tons of the old Unsolved Mysteries show (I know, I know), fast-forwarding through the supernatural/too violent/just plain weird segments. Not only does this series teach what not to do, but also that We Should All Be Super Grateful We're Still Alive. heh.

Yet partly this vacation is helping me heal more fully from my 2024. Gah, a year I'd rather forget. God's still healing me from the tragedies and big changes (health and dietary-wise) I've needed to make--and I love that He gives me personal days, especially to work through additional layers of acceptance.

I appreciate that He shows me ways to not allow those changes to kidnap my attention nor distract me. To not center my thoughts around growing older. I'm still stepping out of that foggy road.

Anyway, weeks ago I switched to a Keto diet, which hey, is mostly awesome, doable, and beneficial for my gotta-balance-my-hormones-better challenge. Both Tom and I are benefitting from it.

But yeah, saying farewell to flour is sad and yet? I've felt much grace (much. grace.) in this good-bye. Mostly now I can watch travel show folks eating donuts and sugar-stuffed desserts and feel happy for them (only occasionally muttering, "Enjoy those while you can, buddy.").

Nothing on this Earth, I remind myself, lasts forever and in Heaven? I'll be able to eat the flour-made desserts up there. All of them. (The lovely, positive thing about growing older is that it means you're farther up the path to Heaven.)

Anyway, in the meantime? I'll celebrate the tons of blessings still flowing my way. Family, friends, cats, my sweet home and books and life with God. All of it, so extremely good. 

And daily I'll keep repeating, "I love this life You've given me." 

I do. I really do, even in the midst of the aging, the tweakings and the changes I'm still growing used to.

When God wants me to take time off, who am I to feel all guilty about doing so?  Hmm?

Rather than carry around our gaping wounds, it's vital that we allow God to heal us so we can freely move forward and help others.

******

This was fun! Relationships in Heaven.

A delightful travel video: 48 Hours in Colorado Springs.

Anyone else remember this song?

Woman's Incredible Backyard Homestead.

And this may sound kinda pathetic, but when Tom and I finished rewatching the series, Grimm, I got all teary-eyed. Man, I did not want that show to end! 

I'm trying to recall another series where I loved all the characters as much, (even the ones you couldn't quite trust), but as of yet, I can't.

(And again, it's not a show for everyone. I totally get that.)

******

Books I Finished Reading in February--

A Roost and Arrest by Hillary Avis

Born in a Barn by Hillary Avis

It's Bright in My Valley by Jerome Cleveland

The Finders Keepers Library by Annie Rains (absolutely loved this!)

Sawdust in His Shoes by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Forever, Erma by Erma Bombeck

Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Watson Hackl

******

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

Heaven and the Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda's of Life

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."   --- 1 Corinthians 13:12

*****

Okay, so some coulda, woulda, shoulda's are only meant to make us feel guilty. And slow our progress. Discourage us.

"Man, when I was younger, I could have become a _____ (fill in the blank with an important-sounding profession).

"I would have changed the world if I'd have had a different upbringing or  opportunities."

"I should have made more money while I had the chance."

That's not what I'm writing about this morning. 

No, I mean the truth; the coulda, woulda, shoulda's we might feel after entering Heaven when we see clearly what God had designed us to do.

You know, the tasks we ignored because they seemed insignificant. 

The kindnesses we procrastinated until they became impossible. Too late.

Or the thoughtful words we held back.

The emails, cards and encouraging media posts we did not send.

The love we failed to show.

The condolences we hushed.

The gratitude we did not express.

(That list came quickly to me. Gee, I wonder why. Gulp.)

I believe God placed us upon Earth with customized, specific plans. Always, He's tinkering with our hearts, showing us the unique direction we should take... and who will accept what He sent us, specifically, to give.

And it's thoughts like these which keep me mailing Valentine's to friends year after year. If almighty God nudges us to do a thing--then to Him? It's not tiny at all, but rather, important. Dare I say, vital.

In different words, I believe it's time to think ahead. Way ahead to the day we're standing (kneeling?) in front of God, giving an account of our short time here.

Whew. What a day that will be. Yes, scary, but less so if we early chose to obey God, even in tasks which appeared miniscule.

Who knows but if those tiny things were actually the huge ones?

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder

Are you fulfilling your destiny?

*****

Happy Valentine's Day in advance to you who are in my 'village', each of you who help keep me writing here, doing one of the things God placed me upon this Earth to do.

Truly, thank-you much!

*****

Movies we enjoyed recently:

Lost On a Mountain in Maine  Based on a true story. We loved the interspersed short interviews with folks actually there in 1939.

So Be. It.  Extremely quirky. Unique. A tragedy happens near the end (not to the little girl, exactly. She's ok.), in case that's a trigger for you.

The Last Rifleman. Based on a true story and really, a remarkable movie. (Some war violence shown in retrospect.)

All of My Heart.  A fun Hallmark film I watched alone. シ

And if you like cozy mystery books, here's a movie in a very typical cozy mystery format.

*****

Okay, this woman was inspiring (and oh my, that porch! I'd have to have one like it if I lived in a tiny house.)

I've seen tons of tiny houses, but this one has so much storage, that maybe you could bring everything from your large house with you. heh.

*****

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

Age Is Just a Number? Ha! I Don't Think So.

"Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions."   --- Ecclesiastes 7:10

*****

My blog, my perspective, ok Folks?  シ

***

We've all heard this garbage stuff, right?  ---

C'mon. Seriously?

My nearly 66 years have required me to make tons of changes so that I can keep going till the end of this wild race (Hebrews 12:1).

You know, as opposed to falling apart way early, then limping along, all whiny.

Changes like--

While younger, I could eat anything. Anything. 

But now? No way. I developed certain food allergies and various other foods create problems for my problems. heh.

In past seasons I could do housework or gardening steadily for hours, but now? After working 15 minutes or so, I sit and rest/read/watch Youtube. You know, to recharge the ol' battery inside.

When a body part begins to fizzle out (ha), I must do online research to discover what's wrong and how to repair it. Often a dietary change is necessary or additional vitamin supplements and also, I must search for new recipes or tweak old stand-bys.

I used to pride myself on being low-maintenance, but Honey, lately? Nope, this ol' gal is living in High Maintenance City and oh boy, the acceptance issues she's worked through. Sheesh.

During earlier seasons, I enthusiasticly drove around various towns so to shop or go out for coffee. These days? Shopping online and drinking cocoa in front of my laptop is my idea of a rollicking good time.

When I remember something I must do, I cannot spin around to go do it, lest I become a tad dizzy. (That's a crazy habit I had to break.) Also, I step more carefully now.

When I wish to remember to do certain tasks later, I must write them down--or else.

I'm often decluttering 'after the party', while considering Naomi's life after I'm gone and my new heavenly one. You know, preparing for both.

During these later years I'm always asking the Holy Spirit for His wisdom rather than my own bright ideas. The Bible says wisdom will save our lives and oh my, I've found that factual.

Acceptance that I can't do things the same old way. 

Not wishing for past seasons. 

Not saying the old days were better. 

Learning to focus on just one thing at a time.

Accepting a shift in priorities.

Discovering new ways to live a simple, daily life.

All these are just a sampling of the changes my age/body/mind have required of me, especially the past two years.

And you know? With Jesus, it's still a very good life and I'm anticipatory of the days to come. As long as He remains with me, helps me fix what breaks, everything will be ok.

We'll make it together, even as circumstances continue to change. In joy, even.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."   --- 2 Timothy 4:7

One thing I love about aging is my increasing reliance upon Jesus. Every hour, every moment, I so need Him.

*****

Places to go--

Inside the houses Little House on the Prairie was written.

My current favorite instrumental music video. This one comes in second.

Hidden Rooms and Secret Furniture. (This made me smile and inspired me, too!)

Retired in style.

Oh, and we finally watched The Best Christmas Pageant, Ever (I'd waited three long months) and absolutely loved it! Tom cried more than I did, but what else is new?  ツ

*****

Books I Finished Reading in January (yeah, a few too many cozy mysteries)

God's Perfect Timing by Rev. J. Martin

Three Bird Summer by Sara St. Antoine

Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy: A Robie Book

A Cop and a Coop by Hillary Avis

The Case of the Calico Crab by August Huiell Seaman

A Flock and a Fluke by Hillary Avis

The Riddle of the Red Whale by Edward Fenton

Jellies, Jams and Bodies by Donna Walo Clancy

Jam Up and Jelly Fright by Donna Walo Clancy

Murder with a Hint of Pumpkin Spice by Laura M. Drake

*****

Never fear! Springtime will come again someday soon.

I do love that as we grow older, we become better as we choose to let God continue His personal work within us. Oh, how we need His wisdom and all else!

*****

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