I have enjoyed writing these posts but I am wondering if they are beneficial to anyone. It is drawing near to time for me to renew my domain. I am considering letting my domain expire.
I don’t have a lot of followers but, those of you that do read my posts…should I continue or call it quits?
Would like to hear what you think.
Thank you,
One of the Lucky Ones. 🙂
My daughter just let me know that her longtime friend passed away. My heart aches for her as she walks this journey of grief.
I remember the first time I met Theo. He was so cute. He reminded me of “Little Bear” from the children’s book written by Maurice Sendak. I loved him from the start.
When he looked at you, it was as if he looked into your very soul with joy and enthusiasm.
He stood by my daughter through good times and bad. He has been a faithful friend. He was her friend before her son, Isaac,was born and was also his friend and protector. He has been such a large part of her family and ours.
I loved Theo and will continue to remember him with love. I, too, will grieve this incredible loss.
This is the casualty of being so fortunate to love and be loved. That when their time on this earth is done, we have to say goodbye for now. It feels as though are hearts are ripped out of our chests.
I am so thankful for the life of Theo that brought joy to all who met him. Rest in peace dear soul. We have always loved you and you will continue to live in our hearts as we remember you.
Tina’s words say it best.
17 years. I was lost in my early twenties. I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted. I was floundering. The one thing I did know was that I desperately wanted a puppy. I searched a long time for one, met a lot of puppies, but none were “the one.” I saw a post one day about a litter on a farm, convinced my friend to skip class and meet them with me. And there he was, all brown and love and sweetness. My Theo. Theodore Roosevelt because he looked like a teddy bear.
My best boy, my best friend. We grew up together. I found myself through him. He was rare, with intelligence and empathy that coursed through him. I’m pretty sure he could read my mind. I’ve never met another dog like him, one that knew what you were saying all of the time, that looked at you like he knew your soul. A dog who liked jokes, who understood the phrase “just kidding.” Everyone who met him, loved him.
17 years is a long time to get to love a dog. 17 years is a long time to get to have a best friend. I know I should feel blessed that I got the honor of being his friend for so many years, but right now I just miss him.
The very best boy passed this morning, March 13, 2026. I don’t have the words to memorialize him in a way that he deserves, I’m not sure they exist. But, please know, I could not have asked for a better dog.
I’ve started reading the book of “Joshua”. I’m only on chapter 1, but reflecting on it and how this can be applied to my own life, the following has come to mind.
When God told Joshua that wherever he set his foot, he would be on land that God had given him. I feel that God says this to us as well. Wherever I set my foot, is where God has placed me for His purpose and not my own. To connect with who He wants me to, – to serve unwaveringly, wherever I am. Wherever I go, Jesus has already won the victory. He has already given me everything I need to possess what He has called me to do-the” land” that he has given me.
He told Joshua and us:”Be strong and courageous! Don’t turn to the right or the left. Meditate on the law day and night.
So That you may do all the law Moses commanded you.
So That you will prosper wherever you go
So That you may observe (Look closely, guard, inspect, recognize), all that is written.
This will cause
You to make your way prosperous and you will have great success.”
As He spoke to Joshua, he speaks to us:
“Be strong and courageous” –for in this life, there will be many battles.
So that you may do all the law Moses commanded you, (which can be summed up in Jesus’ words to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself.”
If you live in this way, you will prosper wherever you go. (Not necessarily as the world defines prosperity), but you will have peace with God. Ultimately, He is the only one that we have to be concerned with. Although, if you treat others as you want to be treated, you will have much success.
If I look closely at what is written, observe, inspect and do what is written rather than those things that please self, I will prosper.
Let’s look at just a few things that the Bible asks us to put off or rid ourselves of: anger, lust, impurity, slander, lying to each other. In contrast, just a few things to put on or clothe ourselves with: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience and over all, put on love and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.
Recently, I had a situation that was similar to many instances before. I was planning on handling this in the way in which I always do…to talk to the Lord about it and pray for His strength to overcome and then bury it. Problem with this is that if you truly don’t overcome.If you truly don’t give it to the Lord and let Him handle it–a seed is planted- a seed of bitterness. Just as seeds of goodness and relying on the Lord can grow roots that are unwavering, bringing you peace in trying times. If we don’t pull up those seeds of bitterness, they too, will grow roots and stay firmly planted in our hearts. With each seed that is not uprooted, more roots upon more roots and they grow entangled in a web of unforgiveness even if we have felt that we were done with that.
This week, my boss asked me if I was okay. I stated that I was, and he asked me again. Even though for some reason, it made me teary eyed. I thought to myself, “that’s weird”.
The following morning, when I sat to do my reading, I couldn’t even pick up my Bible. I felt exhausted and just not myself. This was a day, that I was suppose to go to Bible study in Ellsworth. I got ready and went even though I felt just out of sorts. On the drive, I was talking to the Lord and the verse “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” came to mind. This is a verse that the Apostle Paul stated that the Lord told him when he prayed for a thorn in the flesh (a messenger of Satan to torment me)to be removed.
I believe that I also had a “thorn in the flesh” . A thorn of bitterness and unforgiveness, which I prayed that Jesus would remove. He reminded me that in my weakness (my inability to get beyond this issue in my own strength-my own wanting to, I couldn’t. I need Jesus. I need His grace. His gift that I don’t deserve, His gift of “It is finished”. That He has won this battle.
That afternoon, I went back to work and shared this with my boss. He listened, read between the lines and helped me pray for what was really the issue. I am thankful that he took the time to do this.
I love how God’s Word will take you from the Old Testament to the New Testament and back because His Words are true and unchanging.
When I allow unforgiveness, anger or anything else that we are instructed to “put off” to remain in my heart, I am not being courageous. I am turning to the right or left – wavering. ( The word hypocrite comes to mind). I am not loving the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind. for He has given me these commands to give me success and to prosper.
I do not prosper if I don’t treat others with the gifts that have been given me. the things we are instructed to “put on”. Tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, forgiving one another.
I continue to be blown away by the Lord’s grace that He gives me so that I do not remain the same. This! is cause to reflect on frequently- His grace.
My last post, I eluded to the fact that in my love and empathy for my children, it isn’t always perceived as such. It may be more perceived as a lack of my confidence in them personally. May they never feel this way. I had stated that we need the Lord to open our eyes to how we are perceived. That we are either speaking life or death with each word. I ended with the words, “May I always speak life.”
The Lord has spoke to my heart in regard to this today in my Bible reading. It may also have helped that our pastor’s sermon this week was on our words. As I was reading in Proverbs today, the words jumped out to me like a neon sign! In chapter 26, verse ll, it sates ” As a dog returns to it’s vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.” I confess that I am that fool. I return to doing foolish things when I walk in my natural fleshly instincts rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me.
Mothers, always want to protect and surround their children with love. Sometimes, we get confused in what this looks like in our actions. Sometimes, by stepping back and not interfering in the situations that they are in, feels like we are not loving them – that we are not doing our “job” as a parent, regardless their age.
I “return to my folly” when I interject information, guidance, worry, or anything else that is not solicited. I do have confidence that my kids will do what they need to in every situation.
I pray that they will forgive me, when I fall into foolishness. I pray also that the Lord will forgive me for jumping ahead and not relying on Him. For when I fall into foolishness, I am not speaking life over them.
May I from this moment forward, rely on the Lord instead of my own human foolishness.
Parenting: A lifelong journey. I, personally can only strive to be as wise as my parents were.
It has been a joy watching my own children and grandchildren develop and grow into amazing human beings. Yet, I find that “once a Mom, always a Mom” has been what rules my life, and definitely consumes my thought life. Despite the fact that my daughter and son have their own families to care for and have for many years been out on their own. In my mind, they are still those precious little ones that came to me for comfort, direction, friendship-love.
I have been told that I have empathy for others. I suppose this is true to some extent. I am always concerned with how something effects others. How will this make them feel? At times, this does not have the desired effect. I have tried, since my kids have flown the coup, not to advice, instruct or interfere unless asked. Do I do this perfectly? No. What came to my awareness just recently, is this…that in my concern for the well being of my children…what I thought was empathy and love, made them feel as if I didn’t have confidence in them. After all, as adults, it is their journey. The ups and downs in their lives are theirs to tackle. Not mine. We all are constantly growing through the experiences we have in life. My concern over my children, which comes out in the form of worry, is not beneficial. It changes nothing, except taking up varying degrees of space in my heart and mind. They have both been making decisions for many years and have surpassed anything that I could ever dream for either of them. I am proud of who they are. They have and are continuing to impact those around them in a positive way. Yes, as am I, they are continuing to grow and learn through each experience they have. Whether that be when life is going smoothly or something other than.
Does this mean my love for them has lessened, as I strive not to be a worrier? Definitely not! Does this mean that if they asked me for something or some form of help, that I would not drop everything and do whatever was in my power to assist? Definitely not! What I must remember, is that when my help is not solicited, I can remain unshaken by things in their life. For in this life, there will be trouble. There will be blessings. May they know that my love for them is unmeasurable.
I have always been so impressed with my Dad. He had a job that he was basically a computer in human form. When computers were just starting to be purchased and put in place by manufacturing plants, he was willing to learn about them. Others that worked in his office, refused. Not my Dad, because he always did what he could do to work hard and progress with the changing times. He was always teachable.
I pray that I am that wise. That I remain teachable. I have probably learned more from my kids than anyone else, other than Jesus, of course. They both attain wisdom beyond their years.
Sometimes, we just need someone to speak a word and God will use that to bring awareness to us. We need Him to open our eyes to how we are perceived and with each word, each thought, we are either speaking life or speaking death. May I speak life.
“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. – Proverbs 12:1
We all are learning everyday, but what are we learning? The internet has a vast array of information, but is it knowledge? Some read books, some listen to podcasts, some depend on their schooling. Some their own intuition. Others, social media, the news. Our phones have caused a disconnect. Families are drawn apart by their addictions to these gadgets. Where is conversation? Conversation unites. Comments on a social media post, divides. We believe what we view on these man-made devices. All of these things are created by man and we tend to worship them and treat what we read, see, and listen to as fact.
We are what we allow to filtrate our brains. In Proverbs, it states that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. How many people actually believe this? In this Proverb, it also states “but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
In Scripture, the term “fools” refers to one who is arrogant and self-sufficient. One who orders himself as if there is no God.
But, what does “the fear of the Lord” mean?
God says that IF you accept HIS words and IF you treasure His words within you, THEN – by doing these things, you will incline your heart to wisdom.
AND
IF you apply your heart to understanding, asking HIM for understanding and crying out for insight and searching HIS Words as you were searching for a buried treasure or for the all mighty dollar.
THEN you will understand what it means to fear the Lord and you will gain knowledge of God.
“The knowledge of God” verses man’s wisdom can no way compare!
Some people ignorantly believe that the Bible was written by man. If you have ever been led by God’s Spirit, you know, that you know, that you know, that this is false thinking. Yes, the actual penning of the Bible was through men, but inspired by God. I have heard God speak to me through the Bible so frequently, that there is no doubt.
I think people say this, because they don’t want to submit to a higher power. They are arrogant of their own knowledge. They think that they have “it all figured out”.
Or, they feel let down by how someone who used the title of “Christian” acted. Or, something horrific happened in their life and God didn’t do what they thought He should have done, so they don’t believe in Him. Life didn’t turn out like they planned, so…
The truth of the matter is: Whether you want to rely on your own understanding or whether you rely on the One who actually is the author of all, is a choice that we make, every moment of everyday.
In these days, with AI growing so rapidly, we won’t know what’s true or not. Will we believe what man put into a computer or will we believe the only Source of true knowledge?
In my own life, every time, I rely on my own understanding, it never turns out well. I need the wisdom of the God who created me and who knows the beginning from the end. The only One who truly knows Me. Not what others see, but what is in my heart.
I, personally, don’t understand why people would rely on man-made wisdom rather than God’s.
It saddens me that people will forgo peace by not wanting to look to their Creator.
It is the start of a new year, won’t you join me in this expedition of true wisdom, from the Source?
My daughter often invites us to her home on late Christmas afternoon. This gives them as a family, time to relax and enjoy Christmas morning.
When I prepare for a holiday, I usually go way overboard. Cooking enough for an army.
My daughter seems to have this same trait. Although, she prepares an array of fancy appetizers and a luscious meal! Making you feel like royalty with the care and extravagance she extends.
When I became a parent, I felt it was the most joyous time of my life and yet felt really inadequate for the job at hand. Honestly! I had a hard time when my kids got their wings. Witnessing them tackle the joys and sorrows of this life, continually tear at a Mum’s heartstrings. At times, her heart grows so full with love and admiration, she feels she cannot contain it. At others, standing on the sidelines as they walk through rocky trails. Oh, a Mum’s heart. God blessed me with two amazing children. He created them to be who they are despite my inadequacies. Thank you Lord, for gracing me with this precious gift.— And to think, when I was early married, I had no desire for children. God’s ways and plans are so much more than we could ever imagine.
I am not really someone who desires a lot of “things”. So, the exchanging of gifts at Christmas, to me is more about gifting others than receiving myself.
Even so, my precious daughter gifted me with her own artwork, a mustard seed necklace and words so sweet that made this Mum’s tears flow.
Looking up Queen Anne’s Lace, I also found this:
“Queen Anne’s Lace is believed to symbolize sanctuary and protection. Its delicate white flowers are said to represent purity and the divine presence in everyday life.
While Queen Anne’s Lace is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, its qualities align with many themes found in biblical teachings. The flower’s simple beauty, resilience, and purity can be seen as representations of the virtues encouraged in Christianity. Its white color resonates with the biblical association of white with purity, righteousness, and holiness.
In a broader sense, Queen Anne’s Lace’s adaptability and natural beauty can be linked to God’s creation and His provision for all living things. In Matthew 6:28-30, Jesus speaks of the lilies of the field, urging believers not to worry about material needs, as God provides for even the flowers. Queen Anne’s Lace, in its wild and abundant growth, can symbolize faith in divine provision and trust”.
I have seen and lived through a lot of hard things in this life, but my God has walked me through, providing what I have needed, even in times when I totally didn’t or don’t have a clue. He is not surprised when it takes me so long to “get” things. By His grace, He is so patient with me. I could not step forward each day without Him. And then…He brings me blessings overflowing through the love of my children, a touch from a friend, and at times strangers that He places in my path.
Yes, on Christmas, we celebrate the birthday of our Precious Savior who, as the preacher said,”Did not come to condemn us but to rescue us” I am so thankful for that rescue!
I am so thankful that along our journey, He gives us these special moments that engrave in our hearts.
We continue to be the Luckyones blessed by God.
In the course of over a year, many we have known and loved have passed away. This is heartbreaking for those of us who remain. Wishes for more time with those we love. For what they meant to us and hopes for what they would be in the future.
The Bible states that because of Christ’s sacrifice, that He removed the fear of death, but many of us still fear death. We do whatever we can to avoid it. Even within the hardships, we enjoy this life we have known.
I imagine that if we truly believed that God loves us as it states in Romans 8:38, that His love will hold us, we would not fear.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. “Romans 8:38
We, who are believers in Christ, are called to die to self and sin. Die to the natural things of the flesh. Live and follow Christ. I think that often, we are thankful for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Allowing us to know that when we leave this earth that we will be with Him, where there is no more death or sorrow. Yet, we fail to realize that when we accept Christ as our Savior, we have already died from this life and are basically just waiting for the time when He takes us to the next step with our new body that is like His. We all are already living in eternity.
When I was younger, there was a comedian, Flip Wilson whose trademark line was, “the devil made me do it”. We all thought it was funny, but there is an amount of sad truth in this statement. If “the devil makes me do it” then, I am living for the devil and not Christ. I think this is hardest for us, that we no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ. This is a moment by moment struggle between how we were born (in sin) in this physical world where self is preeminent and releasing every situation to Christ. Sometimes, we fear doing this, because we fear that He will take away something we love.
The fact remains that at some point, we will all leave this earth. Why do we live with the illusion that we won’t? There have been times in my life when loved ones have faced death and being that it was “in their face” so to speak, they were forced to think about leaving this life. Yet, on a daily basis, we are facing death all day long, and we don’t think about it. “That’s not going to happen to me, I have time to do this or that”, but do we?
My neighbor, just one year older than I, was just watching a football game and had a massive heart attack. As Jesus said about the coming of the age, “We do not know the day or the hour”, this is true for Christ’s return and also for our time here on earth.
I have to admit, that often, I live this life not in the reality of what is true. That I have died to myself. That Jesus is not a sideline to my life. That He IS my life. My lifeline. May I remember always that Christ came to save the dead. That was me and continues to be me when I don’t die to this world.
We still grieve those we loved that have already made that transition. For they are special and have been in our life for a purpose and for us to love. I am thankful that God loved us so much that He has given us the gift of those to love.
I hope this finds you enjoying your days. Unfortunately, I have been a bit disheartened with myself this week.
Being kind and sensitive with others has always been my desire. In Ephesians, it instructs us to “let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them”.
This week, I started blabbing about how I feel about a certain issue based on what I had experienced. While doing this, I offended someone I care about who experienced this frame of time very differently. Was I being sensitive to this person? Was what I was saying good and helpful? Or an encouragement? I would have to say, “No” At the time, I didn’t think about this. I was not trying to make anyone upset, but I did.
I am thankful that the Lord does not leave us alone when we do wrong. He spoke to my heart until I asked forgiveness from Him and from my friend. I pray that she does forgive me.
In James, he states that we are to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger”. Just two days later from my first discouragement, I was quick to speak on a matter. Then, a little while later, the Lord reminded me that I had misspoke and what I had said was untrue. I was so embarrassed by this because I couldn’t believe that I had forgotten a simple thing that I had done just maybe an hour before.
Also in Ephesians, it tells us to be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but wise. Making the most of your time, for the days are evil.
Our words matter. Our thoughts matter. As I’ve stated before, this is a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. Between not leaning on my own understanding. I pray as I continue to have His Spirit renew my mind, I will be more of an encourager, more of a listener, and maybe one day—be slow to speak. 
Proverbs also says “the tongue has the power of life and death, those who love to talk, reap the consequences.” (NLT)
My prayer for the coming days, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.“
I’ve always been a believer in the power of prayer. That God could do anything, if we just asked. I still believe this to be true. I’ve been doing a personal study on a book entitled, “When God Doesn’t Fix It”. This study, along with some life experiences have challenged some of my thinking.
Many times, I have asked God for solutions and He has answered those prayers in positive ways that I would never have expected. What happens though, when things we ask for don’t turn out as we had hoped?
We can passively say, “It wasn’t within His will”. There is truth in statement, we feel… UNTIL..
The diagnosis-a sickness that causes you to not even remember what healthy looked like- a broken relationship-a loved ones ongoing addiction-loss of someone dear- job loss-the list goes on. At these times, passively stating, “Well, it’s God’s will just doesn’t cut it, even though this is ultimately true.
In prayer, as well with every other area of our lives, it seems to be a struggle with self vs submission. I’m learning that it isn’t about the final outcome. It is our journey of submission. Sometimes, it is our brokenness that will help others.
I have to ask myself: Are my prayers focused on just my desires? Or can I look beyond my desires and remember that I am here to further the Kingdom of God? For that IS our mission. That IS the will of God. Remembering that even when He doesn’t “fix it”, He is faithful. He is good.
It is about putting my hand in His. Through the pain, through the struggles, through the blessings. As we submit everything to Him, His will is lived through us to touch a dying world.
What I ask myself and you, is this. Do I have faith in just faith? That what I ask for will be answered because I believe? OR Do I have faith in the One who holds my hand -the One who holds the universe together and doesn’t want anyone to perish? That any pain that I have in this life will further His Kingdom? Do I truly believe that God is Good, All the time? I DO! Even if I cannot see it at the present time, that it is good.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
We Are the Lucky Ones 