Reflections on a year gone by

It has been a year. From fun to the depths of despair, I have leaned on my God and strength.I have been on the mountaintops and have tried not to stay in the valleys.
When life seemed dismal at best, the sun rose again, and there was a new day for me to look upward!

I have not conquered all areas, and I do not live without fear, but I know God is there. The days have gotten easier at times, but I have not forgotten all.

It was in falling down that I learned how to climb.
It was in losing that I learned how to win.
It was in struggling that I found strength.
It was in darkness that I learned to see again.


"Time, faith, the love of my family and friends," .
"If I have time I can begin again. I can build again. I can start over.
If I have faith, I know I cannot fail.
If I have the love of my family and friends, I have purpose."
............................................(excerpt from Bob Proctor)

I have new friends this year. I have bloggers that encourage me. I have renewed old friendships.

Encouraging words have been timely--just when I needed that little uplifting....

Yes, God has provided our needs as well as some of our wants---in His timing, he has performed miracles. Anyone in on the details of our year can attest to that. Some of the trials are still there, not resolved, and will be worked out for His glory in His timing. I would not be truthful if I did not share that giving up has been in and on my mind this year, also!

So, as I start a New Year, may my focus and praise be to the mighty God who sustains me.

Thanks for sharing another year with me!! I hope to grow alongside my friends and family this coming year!

Psalm 121

The True God Is .....

Wonderful

Counsellor

Almighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

Focus

Most of you have given up on me....but I am still here.

As usual, we have been very busy this week....practice, a recital, and three days preparing and producing a wedding for 300!!

Now, this week is Christmas week---our focus is solely on our Saviour. How humbled I am to think He came for me....

What a rat race......we celebrate many things. We even celebrate birthdays in such huge fashion...and the focus is on the person, not on the gifts! However, Christmas is turned upside down!! Christ seems almost an afterthought to many people!!

You must ask yourself, as I have done this year....is my focus on the Lord, and is my life and are my prayers reflective of that?

I am not saying to not enjoy family and friends --just make sure the Lord is at least recognized as the reason for this season of fun and fellowship!!

Blessings as you walk with Him today!!

Customer Service

Is it me or has customer service gone down the drain???

Just today, the following things happened:

1. I called a store, and the phone rang at least twenty five times.

2. Recall - same problem

Then, I called a different store chain:

1. Got receptionist who could not direct me to the department I needed.

2. Got tech that gave me wrong info

3. Got two people on toll free number - one who actually looked up the problem
and started the process to resolve it!!

Went to Walmart...waited in a line...Customer Service Rep came to assist cashier and told me to change lines that the cashier was closed (HELLO??? I stood her for over five minutes for.......????)

Changed lines, cashier actually answered her cell as she was checking me out and talked via bluetooth!!

Went to another line to check out in a different department and they changed cashiers just before my turn....the man was older (aren't we all??), and moved SLOWLY>>>>>>>

Hello people ---it is just the Christmas season....Why are there not baggers or at least an assistant in each department!!!

Just an observation, but we are paying lots more for purchases this year than last.......fuel cost has gone down (which was the scape goat for price increases, but I have not noticed food cost decreasing!!)

Yes, I did tell them all to have a nice day!!!! (thank you Lord, that even though I was an hour behind before I got to the final point, I still could walk in the Spirit!!)

Even when I am not good, God remains good, all the time!!





We as mere fleshly human beings cannot understand the holiness and forgiveness of a God who loves us. Sure, we forgive others, but often with hesitations and of course, we do not remove it from memory!! However, God loves me just the way I am, but loves me too much to leave me that way!!

He is constantly growing me and changing me and keeping me ont he upward path!!

My God is sooo great - and came to earth as a baby, just so He could accomplish His Father's will; all because we sin!!

A Name Above ALL Names

Have you ever pondered the Word: Christ/and or JESUS?

And, what comes to mind???

Some Words I can think of are:

Holy, humble, grace, mercy, hope, love.......

And the list goes on...

May you think on all these as we enter the time of celebration of the Saviour's birth!!!

I cannot believe how fast Christmas is coming!!!

And, no, for the first time in forever, I do not have a huge portion of my shoipping done....as a matter of fact, the only person I am totally finishned with is my Mother!! And, so you will not think I am a slacker, I am close to being finished with the granddaughters!! Now, their parents are another story!! And, I have a little something for my girls. And, I do have a little something for #3. Nothing for DH yet, though!! And, to tell the truth, I would much rather not fight the crowds!!! I have ordered a couple of things offline, but still need several gifts I have been unable to locate!!! ARGH!!! However, I know the presents do not the purpose for the holiday make!!

I love Christmas music!! We can be heard listening to it in July---don't laugh--you have heard of Christmas in July!!

I am so excited to reread the Christmas story....I love how God chose to send His son!! I love the lights tht remind me of hope in a dark world!! I love trees, because even the most simple one has a beauty to it!

Look for people to share at least a verse with...I was blessed to share salvation verses with someone yesterday. My job was to plant the seed....Godm sill use others to water, but I know that person is watching the walk of my family and me as they know we are Christians!! And, God knows we are not perfect ---

May your thoughts and heart be turned to the Saviour ---"born to die" for me and for you!!