Can't Sleep; Count Sheep

Going over contract with publisher

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Two a.m. When I can't sleep, and all else fails, what to do? Write a blog. I have much to think about, but most of all, I have much to be thankful for. I lay in bed, counting my blessings which appear in the form of little white sheep. Wait a minute...that's not a sheep...that's Popcorn! She's supposed to be asleep too. Oh well. Get up, tip-toe to my office and sit a spell, and write. Great idea. It doesn't matter if anyone reads this or not. It's great therapy for a tired body that refuses to sleep.

Memorial Day. Thanks to all the thousands of men and women who have given their lives for my freedom, and yours. I pray safe-keeping for all those who are out there protecting us (I'm thinking of you, Brandon).

My heart is full of joy. My girlfriend, Tia, told me today, there should be a way to bottle this joy and sell it...we'd make a million. But then we realized that each one has to find their own joy, their own way. We call ours "Le Jesus Joy"--and it's free. Splash it on, and you will immediately feel the difference.

My manuscript is with the editor, so now I wait for my turn at the wheel to edit/change/keep/re-write, etc. The process is such a wonderful adventure...a real dream coming true.

We're still praying about where to go on our next mission trip. Istanbul was a blessing two years ago. I dream about Israel, but we shall wait for God's direction.

Rob's daughter has lived close by for five years. Now my daughter, along with husband, daughter and two dogs, are moving to South Carolina. They realize the value of family, so we look forward to making more wonderful memories together--another dream coming true. Carrie is getting married in November, which will bring yet another great guy to the clan--and I'm sure a dream of hers coming true!

Sleepy yet? A little. Off to bed I go, to count sheep...I mean, to kiss Popcorn goodnight. Rob? Not to worry. He's been asleep for hours. He's such a good boy. Another blessing. Now that I think about it, I'm ready to cuddle with my two blessings.

Nightie-night, and see you on the radio!

Memorial Days

A spring day in the country

It's been a while since I've blogged so I'll jot down a few random thoughts that have been going through my mind over the past week.

At every crossroad, follow your dream. It is courageous to let your heart lead the way.

I have to remind myself of this message every time I have to make a major decision. I ponder, pray, then pursue. No looking back. No regrets. The decision to follow my dream has been made. I get the feeling that you, my special reader, may be at a crossroad too. Let me remind you that our lives are valuable, no matter who we are (I'm preachin' to me too!) Once we convince ourselves of this, we can continue our journey with great expectations. I'm not a practicing life coach, pastor, or counselor, but I have done a lot of observing over the last sixty-five years and I have witnessed dreams coming true. One example: my favorite California friend recently started her own catering business and she is doing fantastic! No advertising necessary--word-of-mouth about her delicious desserts says it all!

I heard it said many years ago that whatever is taking place in the natural is also taking place in the spirit. When I observe the natural disasters that are taking place throughout the Midwest and beyond, I say, God, something is happening in the spiritual realm! Give me ears to hear, Lord. We must all prepare for the coming days, both physically and spiritually. We all have ears to hear God speak to us, if we take the time. Then simply trust and obey.

June is a busy month--Father's Day, Graduation, proms, June weddings, birthdays, vacations--fun in the sun! As we look forward to these events, let's be thankful for those who can share these special occasions with us. The longer I live, the more I cherish the relationships of those who have chosen to remain in my life. Thank you, each one. You are in my heart.

And remember, follow your dream, your passion, your heart. I have a feeling that you're going to be very surprised where they take you.

Stand at the crossroads and look...ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16 NIV

Mother's Day 2011

Mother's Day at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens 2011

A new path lies before us; we're not sure where it leads;

but God goes on before us, providing all our needs.

This morning as I sip my Starbuck's vanilla latte, I'm sitting on a bench in a most peaceful garden writing in my journal. I hear the soothing fountains, the chirping birds, and the flowers proudly strut their colors. God's creation at its finest.

I express my thankfulness to God, then pray for those living in tornado-torn and flood-worn areas of our country. I remember family and friends, and end with a prayer for the USA, and for the peace of Jerusalem.

I'm in a people-watching state-of-mind...lots of material for future stories. One thing in particular stands out -- all mothers are in their glory. Fathers and husbands, and all men in general, are biding their time, sacrificing their golf day, their date with their favorite TV sports program -- all for the love of the special women in their lives. Will they ever know how much their sacrifice is appreciated? Maybe not. But their women will cherish these moments forever. Honest.

My grown children are in SoCal, my Mom is in heaven, and Rob is working, but God has given me another special lady in my life: Rob's mother. When I finish revelling in my own special moments here at the gardens, I'll take a drive to The Agape Assisted Living Home, where they will have an afternoon tea for all the lovely ladies.

So whether you're surrounded by loved ones, or you're alone like me, make the best of this day. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Instead, count your blessings, then treat yourself. You deserve it!

Oceans of blessings to you on this Mother's Day, 2011.

The Passion, Easter, Amazing Grace

This gift from my dear friend, Shirley, says it all.

And when they mocked him, they took the robe off him, put his own clothes on him, and led him away to be crucified. Matthew 27:31

It's raining today, which seems appropriate for Good Friday. This morning as I read in my daily devotional book, Another Day of Victory, by Ulf Ekman, I found myself reminiscing about my last trip to Israel when I walked down the Via Dolorosa--where Jesus took his final, lonely, journey. The crowds who had previously cried, "Hosanna!" the week before, were now yelling "Crucify him!" My, how we can change our tune in just an instant.

But far worse, later that day, as he hung on that lonely cross, he was separated from God, his Father. I won't go into detail about the excruciating pain Jesus suffered for us, but as he hung there in agony, he saw much more than we could ever imagine. He saw our future, with--and without--Him. For us, he suffered, bled, and died. But there is more to this story...

Today, as I do every year, I'm going to watch The Passion of the Christ, and then on Sunday I'll attend a traditional Easter service at the little Methodist church around the corner. I'm longing to sing the hymns about Christ's resurrection. The Old Rugged Cross, He Lives (up from the grave he arose!), and more. Why? Because the resurrection is not the end of this wonderful story--it's just the beginning!

Easter is a time for family dinners, Easter egg hunts, and all the other traditional stuff. But let us always remember the true meaning of Easter as we pray,

Lord, death could not hold you, and death has been eternally conquered. Thank you, Lord, that you rose to grant me eternal life! Amen!

And that, my dear friends, is Amazing Grace.

Double Blessings

I'm relaxing in a hotel room in Charleston, SC, wondering where the time has gone since the last time I wrote on my blog. So much has happened, so fast. Let me take a few moments to play 'catch up' with my bloggie-buddies.

The big day...April 12th: I sent my completed manuscript to my publisher, along with other pertinent information they requested. What a feeling to press that "send" button. "Farewell, my book, into cyberspace you go!" All of you old timers know what I'm talking about; all of you aspiring writers, look out! Fun and fury at the same time!

That evening, my daughter and her husband arrived from California for nine days. Their mission? To find and purchase a home in South Carolina. They recently sold their chiropractic practice, sold their home in 4 days, and guess what? They found their dream home in Lake Murray (Columbia), just an hour south of where we live. Needless to say, we are all ecstatic! To quote Jacquie: "God gave us more than I ever imagined!" It was so fun watching them walk through the house...Jacquie trying to contain herself until she saw Tom's reaction...and Tom acting like a little boy who just caught his first fish (so glad he doesn't read my blog!). And I got to witness it all...thank you, Lord, for little favors. The seller accepted their offer, so off to Charleston we drove, to have a few days of R&R before they fly home.

It's been a whirlwind, to say the least. I'm so glad that Rob and I are taking healthy measures as we grow older. I don't know how many miles we walked these past few days, but I feel stronger than ever, ready to face the days ahead.

I pray that your coming spring days will be filled with fun, family and friends. Not knowing what tomorrow will bring should make us all the more thankful for the blessings of today.

Oh, gotta go! We have one more eatery to check out before leaving tomorrow.

Lots of love, and oceans of blessings, ShaRon