No, Your Message Is Not Too Small

“I wanna be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing." --- Charlie Kirk

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I like how Glenn Beck said Charlie Kirk had finished his assignment, otherwise no one could have taken him out.

And if you consider how Charlie lived his life, that's easy to comprehend.

Oh, how simple to give up in the middle when it's hard! My entire summer was one huge temptation to quit. To imagine never healing. To think if it's not the end, the last of the productive, happy times are over, anyway.

Yes, the battle got that rough.

But Jesus and I fought some days just to keep the candle of hope inside me from flickering out.

And (switching topics a bit) although I'm most likely not gluten intolerant (long story), I've decided to remain as gluten free as possible, skipping even the GF processed foods, except on rare occasions. 

When you discover what helps you feel better, you do it, especially if it keeps you here longer and more mentally willing to complete your own assignment from God.

When you feel lousy, you don't really care how others feel. And that's tragic. We have so little time here to do God's will.

So now I'm researching some new symptoms which have popped up and guess what? I can't eat white things. You know:

Rice

Flour

Milk

Sugar

Potatoes

Pasta

Fortunately, I'd already stopped eating most.

But here's a point I want to make today:

Some doctors in videos will say, "You can't drink juice or soda, but you can drink lots of water!"

Ack! Ack! That's when I'm tempted to throw the tissue box at the big tv. To me, it shows a lack of doing one's homework if you can't offer anything better than that.

In fact, I've read tons of comments where people say, "Great. Just choose the most bland, tasteless foods and I'll get it right, I guess."

Yet how vital these troubled, violent days to spread hope! To do our part whenever we can. To step beyond easy. To not fear doing the harder thing, to sacrifice, so to spread any message God is calling us to share these turbulent years.

Another definition of courage? Obeying with excellence whatever God asks us to do. Whatever He asks-- it matters. It's all huge in His eyes.

And we can do that with determination. He's equipped us. Each of us.

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satan wants us to feel our calling is so tiny, that no one will miss it if we stay silent. What a lie! All God's plans matter and determine how this world spins.

That list, above, of foods I must avoid? Good substitutions can be found for each.

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Just drink water? Ha! So far I'm really enjoying this:

I've got a lime variety on order, as well.

Oh, and I'm still drinking my homemade cocoa daily. I use an envelope of Stevia and no sugar.

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So I'm determined that Tom and I still order out on our Saturdates (and some Fridaydates, as well), and oh! How encouraging to find healthy-enough meals out there.

Like, Applebees has a grilled chicken breast served with 2 sides. I chose garlic green beans and coleslaw (which I could tell was healthy because it was nothing like the glorious KFC kind).  シ

I also really enjoyed a Wendy's Jr. cheeseburger (I removed the bread) and a grilled chicken cobb salad. In fact, this could be my new 'hamburger basket' which you may recall from the post, Today I Wished I Was Eighty Years Old.

Oh, and Denny's has a vegetable omelet and salad which I've not ordered yet.

There's more! But you must search for it--and not quit! How crazy to research restaurant food, but these days? Understandable.

Of course, if we can find 'mom and pop shops' which sell these same things, we'll give them a try.

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Stay far, far away from that wimpy, give-up spirit, ok?

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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

Where She Decluttered 2,700 Items--But It Wasn't Enough

"To everything there is a season, a time and a purpose under Heaven." --- Ecclesiastes 3:1

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(Note: You may have to be of a certain age to connect with this post.)

On lots of dark summer nights while I was sick, I'd think, "Must declutter. Must. Declutter." So many weeks were passing!

Six years ago God asked me to fling away 10 items per week, you know, so Naomi wouldn't be overwhelmed with my stuff should I die. Then I almost fainted when I felt He wanted me to give away 350 books. Wasn't that, like, half my collection?!

Yet when God asks us to do something, always, He sends along Grace to help, making the task easier. 

I'm still shocked I've released 553 books. With no tears, even.

Anyway, nearly the moment I got well, I bagged up stuff to carry down to the Salvation Army drop-off one block away.

But one item I thought Naomi might wish to sell on Ebay. It was a 55 year-old set of Old Maid cards I'd bought in memory of the ones my sister, brother and I used to play with. When they'd arrived 20 years ago, the beautiful graphics zoomed me back to my 10-year-old self.

(I had the original plastic case and all the cards, including the instructions one.)

After handing them to her (with the story), Naomi kept asking, "Are you sure you want me to sell them? Are you sure?" She could tell they held meaning for me, but you know? 

It's time to dig deeper into my sentimental stuff. To release more each year what survived the culling from previous years.

I kept assuring her I was ready. And I didn't want any of the money. Almost immediately the cards sold for $38 at Ebay. Probably I'd paid $8.

The next week? God gave me the grace to release my jadeite collection. When I told Naomi she could sell that, she really began asking, "Are you sure? Are you sure?" For half her life I'd collected that stuff.

                    (Enlarge this for a small peek at the jadeite on the top left.)

Again I (truthfully) told her I felt ready to release it all. There was a time for jadeite, now the time is over. Besides, I can no longer safely climb up there and bring it all down to wash it. Don't want to.

And so it goes.

Only some of you will understand my great peace about this. Especially after having been sick 3 months, I feel such joy that I'm able to declutter like crazy, to catch up on all the weeks I missed.

Remember my post about Cleaning Up After The Party? That made such an impression upon me. Oh, to respect the seasons of our lives, the accumulating ones and the letting-go ones. 

Go doing that and suddenly Life feels smoother, simpler, and easier to understand.

May I be led by the Holy Spirit rather than sentiment.

Oh, and color me grateful that I've kept a simple running tally of the number of items I've discarded. Most days? I look around and the house seems exactly the same--so I remind myself of the numbers, instead.

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An interesting video about the artist, Edward Hopper.

Oooo... a very cool small house community.

Wow, Tom and I so enjoyed this man's memories of his childhood home. (What a trial he must have been to his mother!)  シ

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Oh! And just a reminder. I would never bail out of this blog, disappear forever, without first telling you. Too many bloggers have done that without realizing what a lack of respect (and love) for their readers it shows. 

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

No, I Didn't Disappear! :)

"Heal me and I shall be healed."   --- Jeremiah 17:14

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I'm back! Really back this time. And I do thank those of you who kept checking here for me. Never has the number been that high.

Anyway, this summer, for me, was a nightmare. Well, mostly. First covid, then a heat wave and it all blurred together for 3 months and draped me over our red couch June, July, August.

I let things go: the yard (tho' Naomi did some watering) much of the house, the dishes (Tom washed many), books, the sparrows, and the laundry, though I did keep up with Tom's clothes. But especially myself--I let myself go. Majorly. gah.

(Like, I've not worn make-up in months (even around other people) and if you know me in Real Life, you realize that's huge.)

I coughed so often and felt so exhausted that I simply stopped caring. At least, about most things. But I do want to point out what Jesus told me clearly at the beginning of the 12 weeks:

He said I could gaze back on this time and recall the misery of days made worse by a lousy attitude--or--how I peacefully rested while believing I'd recover.

And Folks, I tried, I did. Some days I gazed around the living room, dining area and kitchen and thought, "This is such a good house for us. Thank-you, Jesus, for these pretty rooms."

But other days? I grumbled, "I hate feeling weak! This person isn't even me. I don't know her and can't stand her, her nor her teary eyes."

Really, I often felt upset at the situation and myself, but thankfully God led me to a Joyce Meyer video in which she shared the dangers of resenting and criticizing oneself.

Gulp. That scared me into knocking it off. And yes, things improved afterward.

In the midst of all that, my old laptop began growling at me. You know, like a race car or chainsaw. I'd begin blog posts, but the constant roar made me nuts and I'd shut it off and sadly return to the red couch.

Then Tom's laptop died. Good gracious. But today we are both blessed with new computers and feeling so grateful.

But what truly helped me improve? Our weather cooled. The air quality improved. Mornings dropped to 50 degrees and finally I could sit outside on the sun-flooded porch and heal. Oh, how glorious to feel well again!

Well, there's more, but this is enough for now. Thanks for hanging in there with me and a special thank-you to those of you who prayed for me and asked how I was feeling. That made me feel unforgotten and appreciated.

And from now on may I be quick to respond when Jesus asks me to send someone a message or card or whatever. What are we here for if not to make Life lovelier, Jesus-blessed, for one another?

*****

Videos you may enjoy:

You know how some things just cannot be explained? That's what I say about my love for this guy's videos. He's a Canadian who drives around and critiques fast food (mostly) and often does stealth camping one night in parking lots. He kept me entertained all of August.

His manners with other people are a million times better than mine and my patience may never match his. Here's a video where everything seemed to go wrong, but he kept it together unlike how I would have behaved.

50 Fall Cozy Mysteries

Storybook Fall Cabin Road Trip  --truly, this video helped my mind with much healing. So gorgeous!

This guy was hilarious!

Oh, and we watched the movie, Paper Planes, and loved it. Here's a trailer link.

***** 

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

This And That --- Or -- Strange Things About Me

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”   --- Luke 6:38

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1.) In our kitchen for 14 years, we've had a smoke alarm in a ridiculously high place over the stairs. It would go off if a stove burner or pan smoked. Tom and I believed it was hard-wired-in so we hoped that meant we didn't have to change the battery.

Really, it hung very high. 

In the wee hours of Sunday morning, the alarm began chirping (you know that dreaded sound). The cats and I hid upstairs waiting for Tom to wake up. Finally he did, then we asked Naomi if she'd go out to the garage and get a ladder. This is a much longer story, but Naomi climbed the ladder, grabbed the alarm and handed it to us.

Wow. Not hard wired! And you know? That thing lasted on two simple double A batteries for 14 years. Fourteen years! Can you believe it?

I have to call that some type of a miracle. (Oh, and we did not replace it up there, of course.)

2.) So I lost double the weight that I told you (mathmatical error plus more loss since then), so now I've got all these oversized tops. After spending much effort on this wardrobe, I didn't want to start over so I bought these:

You know, to cinch the front side.

(That's not the set I bought, but it's the only photo I could find where she wears it similarly.)

They're my wardrobe saver and have many other uses.

3.) Always I'm at Youtube, yet never do I read titles about being kind and giving to people. Never.

Well, imagine my shock when I spied this title:

Always be in the Giving Spirit with Your Small Business and in Your Personal Lives

Oh my goodness! Made my entire week, especially to go on and listen to her words:

"We feel you have a responsibility as a human being. No matter what amount of money I've ever had -- you give. I don't care what you give: you give when you ain't got nothing, you give when you've got something. You don't wait until you've got something. You need to always have a giving heart with a giving spirit. It's the way we're supposed to be as humans. If you don't feel like that, you need to think about your life."

Amen, like, 400 times. Oh, to be so bold in speaking truth! Wow. I want to be like her when I grow up.

4.) You won't believe this, but it's been at least 8 years since I shopped inside a supermarket. Maybe longer.It just became too much for me (yeah, what a wimp. I know.)

But never do I regret having groceries delivered by Aldi. Instacart gives us a major way to save on delivery charges, plus, I love giving money to delivery folks rather than pouring it into my gas tank. I'm supporting my neighborhood by doing this, giving a slightly different way which benefits us all.

I also buy things through Walmart, but the usual way, not through Instacart. And sometimes Tom and Naomi pick up a few groceries, but I consider those extras.  シ

Oh, and when things are delivered, I usually try to run out and thank the person. Gratitude means much to everyone.

5.) Two nights after coming down with this virus, I lay in bed kinda delirious with fever. Kept thinking of my favorite episode of Early Edition (Home Groan), telling myself I must remember the lines of the best scenes. Must. Remember.

But then something changed and I thought, "You know? How easy for a sickness like this to whisk me away to Heaven in an instant. Snap! Gone forever."

Well, that sobered me. Was I scared? Not at all. Heaven sounded wonderfully pleasant at that moment.

But what did concern me is that I've not finished decluttering my extra stuff so Naomi won't have to. Even after 6 years of averaging getting rid of 10 things weekly, much is left to release.

And seriously, that gave me extra strength to hang in there.  I want to be as near finished with decluttering as I can be when the real time to fly away comes.

6.)  Am I 100 percent over that virus after 8 weeks? I wish. I'm much closer and three of the other symptoms are healed, but still, afternoons can be tiring and early evening coughing happens at times. 

Part of the problem may be summer--it's always rough on me even hugging an air-conditioner.  シ

These days? I keep this upon my mind:

What would I do without Jesus, especially at nighttime through all this when I feel His presence so strong in my Secret Bedroom?

He is incredible.

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

A 21st Blogiversary -- Or -- This Might Change Your Life. It Changed Mine.

My 21st blogiversary is in 2 days, but this post won't leave my mind, so here you go.

*****

This interview with Gerald McRaney, well, shook me up. Changed me. Reminded me of how we as Christians should consistently be. I'll shorten it here:

McRaney:  "My first time on The Rockford files I had a scene to do. I'm in my little dressing room and there's a knock on the door.  I open the door and there's Jim Garner. He says, "Hey Hoss. I just want to welcome you to the show. I hope you have fun."' 

"And that was it. But that was the way that man was. I'm a day player, I'm doing one scene and he went out of his way to welcome me."

"Months later, my parents came out for a visit and I'd arranged for them to have lunch at the commisary at Universal which was a big to-do for them. And I saw that Rockford Files was shooting right across the street."

"I went to see if Jim was there, and he was, and his assistant came to the door. I said, "I just wanted to see if Jim would have a moment to say hello to my parents." 

"Well, there was an executive in there with Jim who said something like, "We don't have time." To which Jim responded, "Well, we're gonna have to make some time, aren't we?" 

"He came out and spent, like, the next hour with my parents and just kept that executive in there cooling his heels, learning some manners. And I will never forget that as long as I live. Jim was the finest gentleman I've run across in this business. He was such an outstanding man."

Oh. My. Goodness.

Today's unfriendly world needs Christians to, daily, walk in that type of excellence! We must find ways to counter-balance all those Youtube videos which say you-don't-need-friends-after-50-just-stay-in-your-cozy-home-with-your-pets-so-no-one-will-hurt-your-feelings.

And instead? It's time to break out of all our cages. To love others, sacrifice for them as Jesus told us to.

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony ..  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor... Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Colossians 3:14, Romans 12:10, 1 John 4:8

I believe our Country needs a Love Revival, especially all over the Internet. Oh, when will we view this online world as the mission field God meant it to be? When will we stop hiding from people, peeking our heads out only when convenient for us?

Today, maybe?

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Tom and I are nearly finished with our second rewatch of The Rockford Files (free at Amazon). We always begin with season two. It's a top level comfort show for us, like looking through a window back in Time. We love his beat-up old trailer, the taco restaurant next door, the ocean in his front yard, his dad and Rockford's sense of humor. Everything, really.

I hope you'll watch that interview with Gerald McRaney. After 40 years, the emotion in his voice is still palpable. Wow. 

21 years blogging! What an adventure, indeed. How long will I continue? Only as long as I feel Grace speaking through me.

*****

And as I shared at Facebook:

So! If anyone is sitting around wishing they knew of a kindness they could bestow, here's an idea.

Hope Ann is newish to Youtube and I know she'd appreciate any 'likes' and comments today. She is the sweetest thing since local honey and her last video was her best (imo). It even had a scary ending. Oh my.

Please drop by and comment if you can, ok? I know she'd appreciate it so much.

Thanks!

(Thousands of ways to show compassion online exist like this.)

And what I desire to see all over Youtube? Videos with titles like, "How We Can Love Others Better." "Ways We Can Become More Excellent in Our Relationships." "How To Show People Jesus Cares For Them." "Examples of Kindness."

The Warfare of Love, Part 1. Joyce Meyer.

"It's impossible to be selfish and happy."    --- Joyce Meyer

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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

First You Cry, Then You Stand Up and Go Do Research

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."   --- Matthew 7:7

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(Hopefully, this will be my last health-related post. Color yourself thankful!)  シ

*****

Something was wrong.

After 6 weeks, my hearing was restored, the uti and fibroid issues had vanished, but still, there I lay on the red couch tired, listless and coughing. Not all days, but many.

I'd wondered on Monday if I could have celiac disease, but on Tuesday, Kathryn (whose videos helped me mentally survive these weeks), stated she was gluten intolerant-- and oh!

Bunny trail time.

Traipsing down lists of symptoms, I was all, "Yes! It's like that." And although I'd been eating around 80% gluten free, I'd now have to go 100%. That is, if I wanted to finally feel better.

(I do! I do!)

But oh, the foods one must give up. And although I didn't actually cry, I came close. Gone, all those decades of simplicity, of eating anything yet feeling terrific. All the memories of dining at cute diners, church potlucks and in homes of friends, etc. Sigh.

Yet the more research I did, the more Youtube folks kept saying, "Now is actually a good time to be gluten intolerant! The food choices are updated and varied and actually taste good.

And after doing some online window shopping, God has helped me come away encouraged. Also, in just 4 days, I'm accomplishing things around the house and spending less time on the couch.

I am feeling better, stronger and living a forever-deeper life of gratitude, which was part of God's plan all along.

Is He so good or what?

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Yes! If you think about it, it's much like this:

Never give up! Quitters rarely find anything life-changing. Answers exist, we just have to ask God to lead us to them.

Oh, and I'm also dairy free because of the fibroid stuff. Only in some cases is it difficult avoiding dairy, but kinda hard when it comes to pizza.  シ

And I appreciate that some restaurants in our area have gluten free options. We found a website which lists who offers at least a few gf choices.

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I can't even explain how much I enjoyed this video. For months I'd hoped her home would be featured again without Christmas decor, and there it was!

And here's her mom's home. Such inspiring ladies! (Though yeah, I do come away feeling like a creative dud.)  シ

A video of Kathryn and Adam's  I especially liked.

One of the gluten free videos which encouraged my heart!

If you're really into genealogy, you may enjoy this new channel.

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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

When You Must Say Good-Bye

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Have you ever watched a favorite Youtube channel for years then it, eventually, becomes like fingernails on a chalkboard to you?

This week that happened to me. 

"Maggie" began her (Christian)channel sharing recipes, gardening tips, homemaking and decluttering advice, fun thrift shop finds, creating food gifts, but these past months? Oh dear. It's like a poverty mentality wrapped around her brain and won't let go.

Saving money. Now it's all about saving money. Keeping what you have. Pinching pennies. Creating a small, spendless life.

No videos about, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Nor, "It is in giving that we receive... God loves a cheerful giver ... Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed... whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

No talk about tithes, offerings, freely giving, freely receiving.

And these were my mornings' first videos while drinking my cocoa, words which set my day's tone!

Following much conviction, I said good-bye. Unsubbed. Walked away.

Instead, this morning, I chose a Darling Desi video and ooooo! Fresh, jubilant, joyful air. Like being able to breathe again. Desi focuses on giving us her whole heart. Ideas, joy, laughter, creativity, ways to be happy in hard times, gratitude, hope for brighter days coming and more.

It's impossible to click away from Desi's videos (most) without a big, dreamy smile.

What Tom and I discovered around 2021? We've always tithed, but as long as we also give offerings freely to help others... as long as we do things like order delivery (lunch and groceries) with a focus on supporting our neighbors who work those places ... as long as we give whenever God presents a need we can fulfill---

--then He keeps pouring money into our bank account. At this stage of our lives, there's always money when things break down around our 95-year-old Hobbit Cottage or unexpected bills drop into our mailbox.

But only if we keep open hands to others and give and give. First.

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It's important what we watch! --

Does anyone have recommendations of Youtube videos where there's much joy and giving to others, ones like Somers In Alaska? They're a perfect example of what I'm searching for.

Oh and after 5 1/2 weeks of that virus, I finally began to feel semi normal, like health was here to stay! So grateful, trust me, and again, a special thanks to all who prayed for me.

And honestly? It's gonna take weeks to rebuild myself after this. It was so rough. Truly.

******

God Gives Abundantly But You Still Have a Scarcity Mindset

7 Brutal Decluttering Hacks for Seniors

Tiny House For Her Golden Years

Ariel's Hallway is Finished!

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Give. Then give some more. Then watch your life change forever.  ツ

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