You have to understand…This cat tree was for the “new kitten” and has been used by him alone for the last 5 years. When the older cat decided to take it over a few weeks back, the little one (the orange one) just didn’t know what to do with himself. It lasted about an hour that he wandered around, tried to fight his way back on top, and finally settled on taking the lower “bed” of the cat tree. He looks a bit sulky in defeat!
Over the past year and a half, I’ve used my blog as a tool to express my thoughts, my recipes, my frustrations etc. It was an avenue to express myself and to have communication with others when I otherwise felt alone and secluded. I have met many other wonderful bloggers who have since become my friends. Two of those delightful friends had recently inquired about my blogging as it seems I have nearly fallen off the “grid”. My posts have become less in frequency and not quite full of “heart”. My excuse, if there is one, is that I have been pondering a great amount lately. Much of which I have chosen to keep unwaveringly close to the breast so to speak. I have not felt inspired, nor have I felt that I had anything worth contributing. That is until today….
Much of what has been on my mind has been about parenting, being a wife, a daughter and a friend and being a woman of God. Am I doing a good job? Am I standing up for what we as a Christian family believe in? Am I acting as a worthy steward and servant that gives glory to our Father? Am I all that I need to be? As I ponder all of these questions and consider how to put into words my thoughts, I glanced up at my husbands book shelf and see a book called Decisions, Decisions by Dave Swavely. That’s it! For the past few months I have been considering not all of the above, but “decisions”. Decisions based on every area of my life and in every aspect of every relationship I have. Decisions that always have an outcome and a consequence. Decisions that affect everything and anyone in the path of their being made. That being said, my mind swirled with inspiration and I feel like I have something to contribute.
I have always told my children two things, delivery will get you every time and make sure that whatever you do in life you are an upright moral human being serving God first and doing the best you can at whatever it is you do. Doing that will ensure your success in a world that has become immune to insanity, adultery, murder, idol worship, acceptance, and sin. Knowing what it says in 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
As I look around at my own personal relationships, whether it be with my children, my spouse, my parents, friends and neighbors, I realize that even the smallest decision I make in those relationships can have an impact in the future. That impact can either play out in a positive way or in a negative way. It all depends upon how and I why I make certain decisions to begin with. Was I making the decision based on self gratification? Was I making the decision based on guilt? Was I making a decision on resentment or out of anger? Was I making a decision that was for someone else? And finally, what was it that provoked a decision to be made and how did I come to that decision? What avenue did I seek out in making that decision? Did I consult with others? Did I have a knee jerk reaction and make a decision based on an incident without knowing all the facts? Did I take it to the One that called me out of this world to serve? Did I pray about it and seek out His counsel? So many things to consider when making a decision. I wonder how many people actually consider their decision making and the outcomes that may follow based on their reasoning for their decisions.
For me, I ponder my own decisions in this life and to a fault I have also pondered decisions that others have made for the themselves. That is what troubles my inner being and something that I am delighted to report I have been praying over. Decisions that seem so small can have a large impact in the end, with some very disturbing consequences. As I began reading the aforementioned book above, the author wrote If you are a believer in Christ, the resulting effects in your life should not be your only motivation, or even your primary one, to make good decisions. Taking 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 into account about the judgment that holds us accountable in decisions we make. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. The apostle Paul does not only speak to the Corinthians, he speaks also to us. He reminds us that our salvation came at a price and that although we are saved by grace, we are also judged according to our behavior and the decisions we make. A consideration that worldly viewpoints overlook. Although, we as Christians understand that God has not revealed His truth to those who are held captive to their blindness. To no fault of their own, their decisions that are decapitating to self are inevitable.
What about a Christian who claims himself saved and is trying to follow God? Sometimes it is the shame of our churches and leadership that they are not guiding their flocks in the truth of the gospel. With all of the “extras” to get numbers in the door, they fail to teach the word as it is written. Adding in man made “traditions” and “additions” to aspire to others that “Christ loves everyone”. I have been one of those Christians. I have walked in those shoes. I have through the grace of God been pulled out of heresy and been shown that only God’s Word stands true. The Bible is more than just a book to read on Sunday, it is the creators instruction book to an everlasting life. Not to be changed to suit a sermon, nor added to or taken away to fulfill numbers. It is a way of life that needs to be taken seriously.
It is with great hope and prayer that if you have chosen to read to the end, that you will consider, as I have, all of the decisions you make in your life. That you will consider prayer first, asking God for guidance and trusting in Him to have a better plan than the one you may think you need. Keeping with the Spirit, seeking out what scripture says on the matter and realizing the truth behind decision making. Asking the why and taking into consideration how.
Pink, blue, yellow and red
Yarn all around me
Taking shape in my head.
Knitting, crocheting and tatting galore
It’s a hobby and love
Not a chore.
Coffee in one hand
Pattern in another
It is decided and the outcome is grand.
Knit, pearl, yarn over, slip stitch
It’s all like a poem
Fitting together without a glitch.
Looking online one surely can find
Pinterest is incredible
Designed to blow one’s mind.
Patterns for women, men and children
From sweaters to gloves to scarves
To blankets to monkeys to things for the kitchen.
It’s not for the feeble or tender at heart
For one mistake
And it all falls apart.
Hands and needles coming together
Clicking along as if singing a song
It all comes together showing one’s love for another.
– Sherry 2015
Around Christmas, my neighbor woke up to find her beloved sweet kitty was in a coma like state. Upon taking him into the ER it was determined he was not going to come out of it. The loss of her sweet little Oscar still leaves her with a broken heart. I happened to speak with her as she was returning home after his death, and I felt so bad I just needed to do something. I found a pattern for a kitty and hence the picture above. I finished him on our way home from our vacation and I took this picture, sending it to her to let her know Oscar Jr. was on his way home to her. It was a sweet moment when she held him and put Oscar Sr.’s tags around his knitted neck.
Since that project, I turned my affection to a sweet little gal that was born to a wonderful couple at church. We prayed for the couple for many years, that they would be blessed with a child of their own. God’s graciousness was upon them and he answered our prayers. Her majesty needed this little dress. It took me a few weeks and was the very first outfit I have knitted. After several attempts prior to this, I swore I would never knit or crotchet clothes. Well, I actually did it… and I finished it. She looks adorable in her sweet little dress. (Yeah it turned out.)
I’m so glad that my hands are working well enough that I can once again knit. Something I feared was not going to happen. I once thought that all of those who received the fingerless gloves one Christmas were to be the only recipients of any hand made gifts from me. So happy to report that is not the case. Click, click, click… I’m still knitting… 🙂
We had a wonderful vacation, visiting friends and family, enjoying the warmth of the south and the ability to spend 90% of our days outside.
One of our favorite things to do when we are camping is cooking nearly every meal on the grill. One of the highlights was our eggs benedict breakfast for Easter. All done on the grill.
Salmon Crabby Patties
Two Salmon Fillets, cut up into 1 inch pieces
1 can crab
1 small sweet pepper, chopped finely
2-3 green onions, chopped
2 eggs
1-2 gluten free, rice free pieces of bread (enough to bind the ingredients, you could alternatively have used some Almond flour)
1 tsp. dill, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
Seasonings and
1 TBS dijon mustard
Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add enough of the bread so that you can firmly form patties. Place the patties in a coconut oil or grape seed oiled skillet on the grill. Cook on low while you make the hollandaise sauce.
Hollandaise Sauce
3 Organic egg yolks, well whisked
Melt approximately 3/4 to 1 C. butter, in a small pan over the grill
Using a larger skillet, lay a canning ring on the bottom and add water just covering the ring. Place your mixing bowl on top of the ring and this will make your double boiler. (Make sure your mixing bowl is of a heat proof material.)
Whisk the eggs in your double boiler along with 1 TBS. water until it begins to thicken. As it thickens, slowly add the melted butter and continue whisking.
After you pour in the butter, drop in your eggs on the already buttered skillet and cook just so they are over easy. When nearly done and the eggs have been cooked over easy on the grill, remove the mixing bowl and whisk in 1 TBS Lemon juice and a dash of salt and Cayenne Pepper.
Place one of the patties on the plate, topped with one of the eggs and add the sauce on top.
It may not look as beautiful as it would if you went out to eat, however, the taste was absolutely a winner. Especially for those children who are not fond of either salmon or crab. 🙂
With May just around the corner, it’s important that people understand Lyme disease and chronic illness. The warmer weather is approaching, the birds are chirping and the ticks are already awake and ready to begin their vampire behaviors. As I look outside I see my son working outside to do some spring cleaning, I pray that he will be diligent about checking himself for the little buggers when he comes in to clean up. I also pray that he will not find a tick nor be bitten by one.
Jenna’s Lyme Blog had a wonderful post yesterday that included a YouTube video of Dr. Alan MacDonald and his expert insight into this disease that has wrought our country and world with ailments in the healthiest of individuals. He is a pathologist who has studied Lyme Disease for over two decades and worked alongside others who have and continue to pioneer in the study and research necessary to one day better understand Lyme. His interview is the most explicit and in depth that I have yet seen and for someone who do not live with Lyme, it is very much a learning opportunity that should not be missed.
Please take this time to view all three of the YouTube videos on his interview from the perspective of an expert pathologist. In honor of those whom you know, love and pray for, please help us educate others and spread the word about Lyme Disease. After all, May is Lyme Awareness Month.
Alan MacDonald, PhD; The Biology of Lyme Disease: An Expert’s Perspective: http://youtu.be/r8tESJVvM88
Riding one of the “child friendly” roller coasters with our son. Front seat wasn’t so bad as it was well tolerated. Yesterday I rode the Rockin Roller Coaster with the kids. You could say I had a brain lapse and got on the ride thinking “Oh there aren’t any drops it just goes fast.. I can handle this..” I knew that I was in trouble from the moment it went from zero to sixty… Yes, this is what this ride is all about. Okay, to stop any additional adrenaline rushes and cortisol waste, I closed my eyes and did Lamaze breathing. As my friend reminded me it was already dark in there. I told her I hadn’t noticed as my eyes were already closed. ha ha Hey, it worked and I walked off without any screams leaving these lips and I wasn’t spent from cortisol use.
Selfie with Cheshire.
Notice anything? The Hat is gone… Boo hoo!
Although we do like the new look it’s a little strange….
A little too close for comfort. Believe it or not he was actually under my chair.
To be my friend you have be able to take a joke or be the butt of one. So if you’re camping with me and you wake up with a red eye that lasts for 2 days you deserve to wear what I buy you. (Okay, I didn’t buy it, but I was ever so close and the kids almost made me… )
Yes this is the real carriage from the movie. And we got to hold the glass (plastic) slipper. Look at those two queens and their ladies in waiting. 🙂
Visiting with an old friend who was a wonderful mentor walking through my early years as a Christian. Thankful for the afternoon spent in her new home in a new state.
Now, the two Mickey Mouse beds are enjoyed at home and since Disney is on the itinerary it was appropriate that the beds came with. Tell me what is wrong with this picture…. The basket was the “catch all” basket for papers, keys, etc. Hmmmm….. I’d say it caught more than expected! 🙂
We learned that when your car is old enough and the gear shift doesn’t shift properly all you need is a good old fashioned screw driver.
I have a beautiful picture of my great grandfather, whom I can still remember from my early childhood, playing the violin. The picture is of him fiddling while his sister plays the piano. My grandmother has always shared of her joy of hearing him fiddle. It has been a blessing that our daughter has picked up the love of the violin and has been fiddling for a few years now. With great joy and many tears, our daughter was able to share her passion with her great grandmother. It was a special moment to always be remembered. A generational passion that continues to play on…. 🙂
My grandmother is turning 90 this year and she doesn’t travel back to her home state nor up to our state to see us anymore. So knowing that she hasn’t heard the kiddos play their bagpipes and drums in a while, it was a must to bring them down and to play for her. Another moment or two… to be remembered.
Eating lunch out at our favorite eatery on the waterfront. Something grandma and I have done for many many years, every visit. Now the kids ask if we can eat there at least once when we visit. Who doesn’t love a good Ahi Tuna or Crab Lobster salad… Mmmmmm!
Mother daughter picture (yes a selfie) on the pier. Watching the dolphins chase the Jack fish toward the shore, watching the fisherman pull up their catch and just enjoying the beauty of the ocean and what it has to offer.
And to top off the visit with grandma was learning how to make plantains! Thank you Ken! I have tried and failed until you shared how it is done. We all thank you more than you know for the blessing of instruction in cooking this delightful treat. We have made them at least every two nights and are trying to figure out where to get more. 🙂
We thank grandma and Ken for their kindness and love during our visit. Memories made during a week of fun… We will never forget and we look forward to doing it again.
Two more weeks to report on coming up next…. 🙂 To be continued….
Yes, we have watched too many movies over the last year. We came to that realization when the cat sat watching the Oscars, giving it her full attention. Seriously, she was watching every moment!
Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Sitting in a chair facing my friend, who sits reclined back comfortably in her recliner we discuss our new book and what a wonderful author John Bunyan is. His incredible allegory of the walk of a Christian in Pilgrims Progress. We usually meet once a week at her home (she is completely home bound and unable to do anything for herself anymore) and read a chapter or two of a book. This week, we began a new book and because we both were enjoying it so much, decided to throw in a second day. Our visits over the last 6 months have been pretty much the same, we visit first, her husband sweetly confirms she is comfortable and as he exits to his “man cave” office, she and I share a little more of our week and I begin to read.
As we began our new book, we were thrown a curve ball. I began reading and when I finished page 16, I began reading what I thought was page 17 only to realize that the story didn’t make any sense at all. I looked up to see that the page after 16 was actually page 23. Now, keep in mind that I cannot read on my own without having to read one page several times due to my Lymes and my friend cannot read at all and depending upon the day may have issues with processing information due to her corticobasil degeneration. That being said, you can just imagine my dismay to find that in a neatly hardbound book there were no pages ripped out and yet pages 17-22 were missing. We both sat there laughing not quite sure what to do. We quickly realized that our time together that day may be cut short by a error in the binding of the book.
Upon further investigation, I found the rest of the pages… 10 pages further into the book. So, as if it isn’t funny enough that we are reading Pilgrims Progress together, both of us having cognitive issues and both of us being more tired in the afternoon, I now was challenged with reading from right to left rather than left to right and my friend had to endure me stopping at critical parts of the story just to find my place. Honestly, I kept thinking it would have made for a great home video recording.
Well, as it is with my memory these days, I completely forgot this when I went over to read to her the second day. So of course, I began reading where I left off and of course ended up reading some of what we had already read earlier in the week amongst the new pages of the story. Once again, we had to laugh and I had to regroup and figure out where my next pages were. Were they 10 pages forward or 2 pages back.
Having Lyme makes life so interesting! Seriously, I can relate to the frustration that was felt in the movie Still Alice… I am physically so much better than last year that I am not complaining at all. Last year at this time I could not walk up a flight of steps without nearly passing out and I could not do anything for myself except maybe a shower, and that was not daily as I just didn’t have the energy for it. I was in constant pain, my exhaustion was unexplainable and my energy level was at best good for only about an hour. By mid afternoon my brain was so foggy that I could not process information, I was unable to drive as I forgot where I was going and when I drove I completely blanked out and couldn’t remember I had driven at all. To go anywhere that needed walking I had to use a wheelchair.
After 10 months I had serious doubts I’d recover from this illness. You can imagine my my excitement when I found the doctor and protocol I had been looking for since being first diagnosed. So in early May, my Integrative doctor agreed to let me try the protocol of the other doctor I found and by June I was going to the Highland games with the family and the wheelchair stayed in the garage. I’m not saying it didn’t need to be brought out from time to time, but overall I was seeing improvements. By July I was able to make an 8 hour drive to our cottage alone with my daughter and by September I was driving to CA with the kids. The pain subsided within that first month and slowly my energy level began to increase. The brain fog has also improved, unless of course I am extremely tired and have not slept well. Learning my limitations, keeping track of my symptoms and making adjustments with my meds has been such a help. Having two doctors who look beyond, listen to me with all ears and keep an open mind to the research I also do has been a blessing.
Your likely wondering why I went from reading Pilgrims Progress to my health. Well, as we read on Thursday, I couldn’t help but to think about the characters in the story, what they stood for and how even though the book was first published in 1678, the allegory is so powerful for us today. No wonder it is the second most widely published book in world to this day, second only to the Bible. Although I enjoyed the book a few years ago when the kids and I read it together and studied it, I think after the last year I am enjoying it even more.
On Thursday we read about Christian meeting the Interpreter and what he finds in the Palace prior to going any further on his journey. Within the Palace there are a number of rooms. One of the rooms was rather small and introduced were two children, Passion and Patience. The characteristics of the two were such:
Passion was seen as being discontent; wanting of all things now, and at that moment Patience was quiet; willing to wait for that which is yet to come
In the story, the Interpreter explains: “These two lads are Figures; Passion of the men of this World, and Patience of the men of That which is to come: For as here thou seest, Passion will have all now, this year; that is to say, in this world; so are the men of this world: they must have all their good things now, they cannot stay till next year, that is, until the next World, for their portion of good. That proverb, A Bird in the Hand is worth two in the Bush, is of more authority with them, than are all the Divine testimonies of the Good of the World to come. But as thou sawest, that he had quickly lavished all away, and had presently left him nothing but rags; so will it be with all such men at the End of this world.
Christian replies: Now I see that Patience has the best Wisdom, and that upon many accounts. 1. Because he stays for the best things. 2. And also because he will have the Glory of his, when the other has nothing but rags.
Interpreter: Nay, you may add another, to wit, the Glory of the next World will never wear out; but these are suddenly gone. Therefore Passion had not so much reason to laugh at Patience, because he had his good things first, as Patience will have to laugh at Passion, because he had his best things last; for first must give place to last, because last must have its time to come; but last gives place to nothing; for there is not another to succeed: He therefore that hath his portion first, must needs have a Time to spend it; but he that has his portion last, must have it lastingly: Therefore it is said of Dives, In thy Lifetime thou receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou are tormented.
Christian: Then I perceive it is not best to covet things that are now, but to wait for things to come.
And in conclusion, I want to end with the beginning of what Interpreter has to say next: “You say truth: For the things that are seen are Temporal; but the things that are not seen are Eternal:
I have to admit that last year when I was diagnosed, I wanted my body to heal and for my life to go back as it used to be. I wanted to go back to being the super mom who could get up in the morning, make breakfast, school the kids, drive them around town for their activities, pull weeds out of the garden, help my friends paint their houses, stop for groceries and spend long hours in the kitchen preparing dinners for my family, all in one day. I wanted to be able to plan out events for the homeschool community or prepare classes as I once had in our co-op classes. I wanted to be organized without losing things. I wanted healing at that moment. I tried to be patient, and I even prayed that the Lord use my illness for His good will. Yet internally, my mind wanted desperately to have my life back.
In reading the above exchange between Christian and Interpreter, I was seeing myself as being like that of Passion. Although my heart longs to be more like Patience, I know that my human nature as a sinner is more like that of Passion. As the months drew on and now another year, I am learning more and more the importance of the lessons of Patience. The story has resonated in my mind ever since our reading on Thursday and I know it’s through the Providence of God that He continues to teach this weary being of lessons He needs for me to learn, sanctifying me so that perfection may still yet be seen.
If I had received the blessing of quick healing, would I have followed the leading of my heart to go see my friend who was already home bound? Would I have understood what it was like for those who have no or limited social interaction with others? Would I be reading Pilgrims Progress with a friend who needs to be reminded of the eternal blessings yet to come? Would I have understood that I truly had sisters that took time out of their days to help me cope in my own loneliness?
Honestly, I think not. If God had allowed me to follow my own way, just as Passion, then I am quite certain my short lived illness would have been placed in a box on a shelf where dust would settle only to be forgotten. I would have gone on with my days wanting to be something more and someone more than I am meant to be. I would have likely filled my days with things that have no real meaning other than for self. My friend would still be sitting in her recliner, yet I would have missed the blessings of seeing her smile, her sense of humor with her husband and our wonderful discussions that come out of our readings. I would have missed an opportunity to serve another who was and is desperate for her own healing and for understanding as to why her life has taken the turn it has.
As I continue to read through Pilgrims Progress I look forward to seeing what the Lord once again has to show me. I hope that as you read this post, you too may consider reading along with us. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Luke 8:15
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
A few years ago I was blessed with spending a great deal of time with a friend who was losing her husband to an illness that he had battled for a number of years. Through out our time together I had thought that I was being used to help her get through her difficult time, however, over the years I have realized that I was the one that was blessed and she unknowingly helped prepare me for my own future heartache. Through those lengthy talks, prayers, and cherished moments together I learned and am able to use today the wisdom of waiting on the Lord and how to live with loss.
I thought I knew what it meant to wait upon the Lord, however, nothing in my past has prepared me for what our family has been dealing with more recently. In the last several years I have had to accept loss of family, loss of friends, loss of health and currently loss that comes with economic changes. Loss comes in all shapes and sizes and in all sorts of ways. Some are permanent and some are temporary. Looking through the loss and looking for the clearing on the other side of the fog can be difficult if you are not given the eyes to see it through. Waiting upon the Lord gives clarity.
I have found that staying in prayer and surrounding myself with others of like mindedness in faith always carry me through. The Lord continues to peel back the layers of scales that grow upon my eyes. Each layer giving me new perspective and helping me to grow closer to Him.
My friend, during our time together, introduced me to a wonderful book that I quite often find solace in. As my morning in worship came to a close, I learned of a situation which I have no control over and I felt lost. I so wanted to be “in the know” and a part of a solution for a loved one that I lost sight of my own boundaries. Caring with only your heart and not your head will stretch any boundary and although some of us have hearts full of love for others, it’s the head that needs to remind self of the purpose. If I was wanted, I would have been “in the know”, if I was needed then I would have been called. Everyone makes decisions that are best for them and I need to respect that. My heart may be breaking and my mind may feel the sorrow, however this was one more example of how the valley is what feeds the soul, not the mountain. I’ve said it for years in numerous bible studies that as children of a Holy God, we are not fed at the top of the mountain, (where we typically seek to find Him) we are fed in the valley’s (where we always hear Him). So, in this little book sweetly and ironically called The Valley of Vision I once again find clarity in my valley and once again I thank my friend for the blessing of a little book of wisdom.
The Valley of Vision
LORD, HIGH AND HOLY, MEEK AND LOWLY, Thou has brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness, thy life in my death, thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin, thy riches in my poverty thy glory in my valley.
Friends, in your valley, I pray that you not just seek but that you hear the Word of God that feeds your soul. That you find solace in your times of sorrow and strength in times of weakness. On this Sunday, I pray for continued wisdom and for accountability when it comes to my own sinfulness.