Shortest month .....

After yesterday's storm I can see why February is the shortest month of the year. Even though we didn't get as much snow as expected we really did get the ice, sleet and high winds. I spent some time last night at Brandy's. It was fun to spend some time with them, which I hadn't done for awhile. Kailey is a 3 year old social, fire ball, she talks non stop and makes me laugh out loud. Brayden was getting ready for a boy scout overnight so he had some stories to share about his trip last year. He is excited to be going again this year. I am looking forward to a quiet weekend! A good book and a cup of hazelnut cappacino!

New Blessings ................

I started a class at CrossRoads Church called "Dare to Care" and it has brought many new insights into my life for totally relying on God. My verse this week is "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7. I am praying this verse daily this week, probably hour to hour on some days for I am somewhat of a "Doubting Thomas". I pray for strength for even faith is not a guarantee that we will sail smoothly throughout our days; our faith cannot be measured by worldly success and faith is not a magic combination of words, emotions and positive thoughts that grant us our every demand. I know that I must be more Christ centered rather than self-centered.

Valentines day this year was a bit different since Bill and I celebrated on Friday the 13th by going out to supper and later dancing to the "Austin Big Band". A great band to dance to and we had a lot of fun. I know Rachel and Angie would have loved it!

Happy Valentines Day........

Happy Valentines Day to all my family and friends. Hope you all have a very special day!

There's no getting back to who I used to be.......

Life's many twists and turns leave me wondering sometimes "Is this really the me I wanted to be?" Is this really the "me" I've become. Some would say I am successful. It doesn't mean I have all the money and wealth I could have had. It doesn't mean that I havn't been foolish at times in my life, it doesn't even count when I have been down right stubborn to see a different point of view. I look to my youth and those complicated teen years when my life was before me and wonder what would have been, if only this hadn't happened, if only I had done... But what does it really matter? Does it keep the rose from blooming, spreading its petals one by one to open to its fullness? Does it keep the azure, blue sky and sunshine glistening on the crisp, white snow from being any warmer on a cold, January day? Does it make one love any less?

Maintaining my positive outlook and having loving relationships contributes significantly to the "me" I am today. The Lord has blessed my life many times over
and I have learned and grown from the times of trial. I love life, having compassion and sharing to lessen someone elses trials is what makes me who I am.

Blessed is the man who perserveres under trial because he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12