Daydreaming a prayer for my Grandbaby

Saturday morning, while paging through my Bible and reading various passages, 

I stopped at Proverbs 23:12-26.

Since the impending birth of our daughter's and SIL's 

BABY!  BABY!  BABY!

is constantly on my mind these days,

a blessing/prayer began taking shape in this Grandma's heart.

I began daydreaming that I was praying it over her/him in the womb.

May you always apply your heart to instruction 

and your ears to words of knowledge.

May your parents never withhold loving discipline from you.

May your heavenly Father make your heart wise

and the hearts of your parents glad.

May they rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

May your heart never envy sinners, 

but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD,

for He promises there is a future hope for you

and your hope will not be cut off.

May you always listen, my child,

and be wise, 

and keep your heart on the right path.

May you not join those who drink too much wine

nor become gluttonous.

May you listen to your heavenly Father

and your earthly father

and may you not despise your mother when she is old.

May you buy the truth and not sell it,

get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.

May your parents rejoice and be glad for having a wise child!

May you honor your father and your mother,

that it may go well with you

and that you may live long on the earth.

[It seemed appropriate to insert the 4th commandment here, Deuteronomy 5:16]

May you give your heart to the Lord

and always keep your eyes to His ways.

Lord, I pray this in Jesus' name.  Amen.

 We are going to visit our kids

-all except the ones in Europe-

on Mother's Day.

It would be a daydream come true if I could lay my hands on my daughter's womb

and speak this prayer/blessing over our baby that day!

Just in case I don't get it together enough to post again this week

-still in the process of tying baby's quilt-

May God bless your Mother's Day with peace, love, and hope!

Love,

Link for overwhelmed Moms:  A Holy Experience-May 3-When life's a lid, find the handle

Linking with

Word-Filled Wednesday

and

Walk with Him Wednesdays

Baby quilt update and other happy thoughts

These are the fabrics that will decorate my Grandbaby's nursery!

Oh, I have such a wonderful day planned!

Today I get to make my Grandbaby's crib quilt.

"Get to"  because 2 months ago I injured my shoulder in a fall 

and wasn't sure how/if I'd be able to do it.

Long story short, after multiple stops and starts, 

including buying fabric on the internet

-wrong type of fabric, had to return it-

and a spontaneous 5-hour round trip drive to see Daughter #2 on a Sunday afternoon,

Houston, we have lift-off!

 We decided on these 2 non-traditional (to me, anyway) fabrics

to make a crib skirt, long curtains with tabs at the top, and a crib quilt.

Because of my injury, I asked a girlfriend to make the skirt and curtains

and we took them up to the kids on Easter.

They look darling!

We plan to go up on Mother's Day with the quilt

-6 days before Baby is due.

In other news:

Started physical therapy for my shoulder on Wednesday

and already I feel better.  Thank you, Jesus!

Hence the want-to for making the quilt.

I've continued walking with the help of my new Weight Watchers pedometer.

Amazing how that jump-

started my weight loss and mental attitude.

Going for a walk on this beautiful spring morning as soon as I finish here.

Dear Husband and I plan to take up our ballroom dance lessons again 

when I reach my goal weight!  July 1st at the latest.

*Daughter #1 and SIL landed in Paris this morning, about 7 a.m. PDT.

They'll attend a friend's wedding in a castle in Tuscany and spend 2 weeks in France and Italy.

My daughter who-is-going-to-be-a-mother-in-2-weeks is nesting her heart out.

Spent 2 hours grocery shopping, loaded all the groceries herself yesterday.

Called me this morning to get help with a freezer meal recipe.

Told me they plan to baptize Grandbaby on May 22, go out for lunch, 

and then have a cake reception in their tiny apartment afterwards.

Ah, youth!  Phew!

Told her all she needs to do at that point is take care of her husband and baby,

we'll do the rest.

My Mom decided to fly up on May 10th.

We plan to celebrate a belated Mother's Day with her

and do the countdown to Baby's arrival together.

Thank you, Lord, that she is healthy enough to fly alone!!

I am concerned, though, about cooking diabetic meals for her

'cuz I don't understand the exchanges.

Please pray that all the info in the cookbook I have

starts to soak into my brain.

Anyone have a favorite resource for diabetic menus?

Planted my spinach and red romaine starts this week between cloud bursts.

I sprinkled some organic fertilizer around them, too.

Don't they look pretty?

Next I'll get the Rainbow Chard in.

I'm off to see the wizard take my walk, but I'll leave you with this:

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, 
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.
Psalm 89:15

God bless your day, friends!

Love,

Linking with
Cate @ Moments of Whimsy

Yippee!

It's time for one of my favorite blog hops:

Our friend, Java, is hosting as usual. 

Thank you, Java!

 Here are this week's questions:

1.  Did you watch the Superbowl?
2.  What is the last book that you read?
3.  What is your favorite kind of cake?
4.  Do you snore?
5.  Do you play an instrument?

1.  Short answer:  Heavens yes!    

Longer answer:  Our plans for Sunday the yearly spectacle that is Super Bowl began at "O" Dark:Thirty [read very early] last Tuesday morning.   After I'd snagged my hazelnut cream-charged coffee, and even before I could plop down on the couch to read the Food Section, my precious hubby handed it to me and said he'd like to make a chili recipe found there.  In spite of the fact that I'd only had a couple of sips of coffee at that point, I managed to get this out:

WHAT??  YOU READ THE FOOD SECTION??

After reading the chili recipe, I gave it the KarenHousekeepingSealofApproval

 and we commenced planning to invite another couple to enjoy it with us.

The idea of cooking a new recipe and having friends over got my juices flowin'!

Two of my favorite things!

Here is a link to the cookbook that contains the original recipe:

http://www.cooksillustrated.com/bookstore/detail.asp?PID=471

 The recipe we used was adapted by our local newspaper.

I'll try to get it up later today.

"Do or Do not.  There is no try."  Yoda
2. I'm actually taking my sweet time getting through 2 books right now:

My Dad told me a long time ago, "You never stop being a parent."  I think what he meant was that you never stop caring about, praying for, and, yes, worrying about your children.
And this little gem:

Each little nugget contained in this book takes me all day to digest.
Both of these books are on my Shelfari thingy on the sidebar.
3.  Birthday cake!  What else?
Celebrating another year of life, someone else's or my own, makes any cake taste yummy.
When our kids were at home,
there were many years when ALL of our birthdays [by each celebrant's choice]
were celebrated with this cake:

Anyone else have that family history?
4.  Yikes, do I ever!
Hoping that when I'm done losing weight
-15# down, 15# to go-
that will improve.
I have a phobia about sharing a room with anyone other than
my Dear Husband (he taught me to snore),
like for instance, at our church's annual women's retreats
because of my snoring.
Note to self:  sign up for the retreat April 8-10th.
5.  I've taken piano and guitar lessons.
I think it was Pam, at Empty Nest, who answered this by
saying that if she couldn't do something right away, she'd quit.
As far as playing instruments goes,
that describes me, too.

For more Meet Me On Monday madness
hop on over to Java at Never Growing Old
and link up with the rest of us.

There now.
See?
Mondays can be good days, too.
Thanks for stopping by today.
Don't forget that you may email me your prayer requests.
Love,

Reconciliation

The reality of unreconciled relationships is common to human beings.
Conflict.  Disagreements.  Divergence of opinions.
Everyone experiences them.
I did not learn good conflict resolution skills from my parents.
This carried over into my marriage.
I didn't realize I was planting the same seeds in the lives of those around me.
That's not true.
I did realize it, but clung stubbornly to my bad habits.

Turns out, I was unwilling to let go of
the burdens of fear and pride
in order to receive
the blessings of peace and harmony.

Most certainly, in my quiet time with God,
He spoke the freedom of forgiveness and healing
to my rebellious, wounded heart.
I thought I accepted it.
But I did not repent,
-i.e., I did not turn 180 degrees from my old ways-
and walk in that freedom and blessing.
The next time conflict came up, I let myself fall back into sinful muscle memory,
to the detriment of my marriage
and peace in my home.

Last weekend, my Dear Husband and I tried
-again-
to learn those skills.
We've had a couple of opportunities to practice since then.
If you know what I mean.  *wink*
Mixed results.
But by God's sweet grace,
we do agree that our marriage is worth
the work
and we walk hand in hand
into our future together,
united in Christ as one flesh.
We have learned AND applied that much.

Our goal is to get so good at resolving our conflicts well
that our children see peace and reconciliation between us,
no matter the issue,
this side of heaven.
We desire to give them that legacy
and HOPE for their own marriages.
I believe God will bless that desire!

My heart is heavy as I write this.

Two other people whom I love are at odds with each other.

Their wounds are old and deep.
One wants apologies.

The other doesn't think that's necessary
and just wants to move on.
I don't know if giving or receiving forgiveness has been discussed.

They are unwilling to let go of what they have against their "brother"
and be reconciled.

In the verse above, the context refers to being at God's altar, gift in hand,
and remembering that someone has something against you.
Jesus says to leave the gift at the altar,
be reconciled with our brother,
then come back and offer the gift.
God doesn't want our gifts 
if we haven't done the work of reconciling with others.
Reconciliation itself is a pleasing, fragrant gift to our loving Father God.
If we reconcile with one another,
we are reconciled with God!

I cannot resolve the conflict between them.
Only God can.
But I can take action by standing in the gap between them

with prayer.
That chasm yawns,
dark, raging, unfordable.  

But my hope lies with our Savior, Jesus Christ,
who died to reconcile the world to God.
The world includes me and my DH
and the other 2 individuals I've mentioned.

Lord,

I know Your heart is grieved 

when Your children choose division over reconciliation.

Draw these two people close to You.

Remind them tenderly
of the grace and salvation they've received from You.

Soften their hearts

so they want to forgive each other

as You've forgiven them.

Give them truthful, loving words to say to each other.

And may their relationship bless everyone around them

always.

Please help me keep my prone-to-meddle nose out of this.
Please help me, instead, to be steadfast in prayer for them.
I'm leaving this petition on Your altar, Jesus.
Remind me not to snatch it back and stroke it with worry.
May they and I look one day,
and see Your gentle, restorative fingerprints all over this situation.
Thy will be done.

Amen.

With God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26
...we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 
through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:11
Above all, love each other deeply, 
because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8
Therefore confess your sins to each other
 and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16


You may email me at the address in my profile 
to request prayers of reconciliation for yourself and others.


God bless you with the freedom of forgiveness and healing today!

Love,

Linking with:  Scripture and Snapshot

Best Posts of the Week

I'm Thankful For...

...my Golden Retriever, Boomer. 

 I read about a local dog show this morning and began thinking about her.  

Realized I still miss her.  

Terribly.

Boomer, 1994-2009

I know many folks in the world are hurting, hungry, homeless, and hopeless.

But I just wanted to take a few moments to

remember her

with you.

She helped me greet the day, every day, for over 14 years.

She suffered a stroke in August of 2009.

She'd been hobbling around on arthritic hips for several years. 

Be assured, we gave her doggie-type medicine for her aches and pains.

But that morning, I had to come to terms with the finality of her stroke symptoms.

Her head was tilted to 1 side,

She could no longer grin at us for her mouth was slanted in an unfamiliar frown. 

She couldn't move off her bed, much less eat.

In the afternoon we took her to the vet.

He gave her 2 shots.

One to calm her.

One to send her quickly to heaven.

We like to think she's gone fishin' with my Dad there.

She kept her eyes and ears peeled for...squirrels.  Oh, how I miss petting her silky fur!

This morning, I wept as I read about the dog show.

Now I am tear-less.

 I truly am thankful for the years we had together.

Years when she acted like the dog she was:

spots on the carpet, chewing on forbidden things, leaving land mines, etc.

Years when her cheesy grin greeted me 

without fail

EVERY TIME

she saw me,

even if she was being naughty.

She was always in a good mood.

She made sure it was safe to...

...enjoy our quiet time on summer mornings.

In the spring of 2007, I asked God to let her stay healthy 

till at least fall, 

after our 3rd child got married.

I just couldn't imagine all that planning

without her.

I told God I needed her

sweet, unconditional companionship

as I pondered the wedding.

She combined these 2 skills seamlessly:  vigilance and nap-taking.

I asked that of the God Who...

created the heavens and the earth,

gave His only Son, Jesus, to be my Savior,

numbers the very hairs on my head, 

wipes away every tear from my face.

She loved car rides.  This was the last time she rode in our 20 year old minivan.
We gave it to a charity soon after this, dog hair and all.

As usual, God knew what I needed better that I did.

He let her stick around for another 2 1/2 years. 

And when  the new school year wasn't far off, 

when I began to dread leaving her 

in the laundry room all day,

He took her quickly

to heaven.

Okay, NOW I'm choking up.

Not so much because I miss Boomer

-although the heart of God surely knows I do-

but because I'm remembering

His grace, love, and mercy 

 to me 

and to my dog,

pressed down and overflowing.

The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces...

Surely this is our God;

we trusted in Him,

and He saved us...

let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.

Isaiah 25:8, 9

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

So don't be afraid...

Matthew 10:30, 31

Oh, the abundant grace and love of God!

May you be filled with it today, friend.

Love,

Want to meet lots of other bloggers?  Go check these fun blog hops: 

Linking up with Kristin, Jaime, & Melissa 

@ Take it from me

  

Lynn @ Spiritually Unequal Marriage

Java @ Never Growing Old

For Lori @ Random Ramblings of a Stay At Home Mom

Although I've only been blogging since August,

 I've "met" enough of you to know

that you have hearts as big as all the outdoors

of God's green earth.

I figured that you would want to rally in support of this young woman.

Lori, an under 30 SAHM to 2 small children, has lost her husband. 

You can read about it in her post for today.

In the face of this tragedy, 

the best thing I can think to do at this moment is pray:

Oh, Lori, I'm sitting here in stunned disbellief of what you've just told us-your precious life mate is gone!
So here is the love I leave:
Jesus, gather Lori and her 2 little ones close to Your tender heart. Rock them gently in Your almighty arms. Dry their tears and guide them through this valley of the shadow of death. Send folks across their path who will comfort them with comfort only You can give. And let them be caught up in Your peace that passes understanding. Amen.

It's a God-thing that I even know of her situation.

Yesterday I let myself get sucked into 

the vortex of the internet.

All afternoon.

And evening.

Not proud of that.

As Pioneer Woman says, 

I have the jiggles to prove it.

But God seems to have redeemed that time.

The LORD works out everything for His own ends...Proverbs 16:4

Came across Cate's January 6th post about 

Project 2011 @ Moments of Whimsy, 

a Thursday meme

that I've decided to participate in this year.

More on that later.

Near the bottom of that post, 

Cate had belatedly linked up with FlogYoBlog Friday 

in support of Lori and asking for prayers

for Lori's husband, Tony.

Lori's own January 6th post for

FYBF was a plea for prayers.

According to Lori,

we, her fellow bloggers, 

are her community for support.

To me, that means 
I have an opportunity to walk alongside

this young woman and her children

with words and actions of Christ-like love.

What can you do?

Please go to her link at the beginning of this post

and leave her some love.
You can also join those of us who have 
donated to Lori
by clicking on 
the Pay Pal "Support Lori" widget 
on my sidebar.
Thank you for your generous hearts!

Oh, Jesus, even though I know and love You,

I'm wondering how Your 

LOVE

will shine forth in Lori's circumstances.

Use me as a vessel of Your love.

Pour me out for Lori's sake,

whatever that means.

Amen.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalms 34:18

May God's grace, mercy, and peace be upon you today

and always.

Love,

    

Me? A Mentor?

Wow.

On Sunday, a dear young woman at church asked me 

to begin a mentoring relationship with her. 

I was thrilled!

Told her I'd be honored 

and that I thought she could help me

relate to my adult kids better, too.

Seems like a win/win situation!

Wow.  Me?  A mentor?

Later I told my Dear Husband

that news,

and, you know what?

He was thrilled for me, too.

Told me I had some valuable insights to share.

But, you know what?

Condemnation is stealing my joy.

Since Sunday I've been battling thoughts like these:

"YOU?  You've made so many mistakes.

You're living with the fruit of them now.

What if you give her bad advice?

What if.....

What if...

What if..."

But, you know what?

It's not ME she's attracted to.

It's Jesus 

living in me

that she wants to know better.

Maybe she hasn't thought of it this way yet,

and neither did I until I started writing this post,

but it's actually at

His feet 

she wants to sit,

His counsel 

she wants to hear,

His grace

she needs receive,

His peace

she craves,

as she lives in 

His purposes

for her.

So,

be gone

condemning thoughts!

Because

Jesus is still the 

Wonderful Counselor,

the Giver of Grace,

the Prince of Peace.

And, wonder of wonders,

by His grace,

He's chosen me to minister to her!
I'm so thankful for this opportunity!

Oh, Jesus, my heart is filled to overflowing with joy and anticipation

of spending time with this young woman!

Help me to rely completely on You 

as we walk through this season together.

Help me tenderly draw out her questions

and gently, quietly listen to her

and speak only wisdom that You give me.

Help me grow into the wife and mom of adult children

that You've planned for me to be.

Amen.

"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"

Romans 8:1

"No one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him."

Psalm 34:22

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you!

Love,

            
Linking up with
The Internet Cafe for:

(Check out the free New Year's desktop at the Internet Cafe, too.)

and
Kristin, Jaime, and Melissa @ Take It From Me
for:

and
Lynn & Dineen @ Spiritually Unequal Marriage
for:

My Christmas Card To You

                                              

I pray that the Savior of the world, 

my personal Savior,

and yours,

will dwell in your heart 

with His  

GRACE,

MERCY,

AND PEACE

this Christmas season

and every day,

no matter your circumstances!

In order to accomplish what I've decided are

the bear minimum, 

least stressful, 

most God-honoring

Christmas activities,

I'm signing off 'til the beginning of next year.

Because of Jesus,

Love,

Karen

Taking A Breath

Good morning, dear friends. 

 I've been perusing some of your blog posts and 

enjoying the eye candy of your  lovely tablescapes 

both for Thanksgiving and your amazing Christmas decorations.

But me?

I'm with Jane at Blondie's Journals, 

I need to take a breath and let "normal" reign in my home

for a few days 

before I start the Christmas decorating blitz.

But that's just me.

Except Marty's idea for a front door decoration

is now ensconced in my brain

and I can't wait to copy it!

The fact that she got some of the pieces from 

Dollar Tree is encouraging to me

because that's what my budget calls for this year.

I'll post my take on it later.

These are some items on my agenda for today:

1. Help Mom in California get a replacement for her stolen Social Security card.  She left her purse in a cart at Target yesterday.  Bless my little Bro, who lives close to her, for canceling her credit cards checking accounts, and is taking her to the DMV for a new driver's license!
2. Return several pairs of shoes to Zappo's.  Oh, how I wanted those RED satin flats and animal print flats to fit my bunion-infested footies!  Not a chance, fancy pants.
3. Meet the DH at the bank to settle some business there at 12:30.
4. Get the porkchops out for supper.  Even though I'd planned to make this last Wednesday night, it didn't happen.  I'd spent the entire day prepping for Thanksgiving and was too tired to cook.  Hurray for the teriyaki place near our home!
5. I get to have my hair cut by the talented woman who's been my hairdresser for five years.  It's the one luxury I just haven't been able to give up in our season of season of financial concerns.
6. Wash, fold, and put away several loads of laundry.

Rain-washed Zen garden on my front porch

What are you up to today?  

Diving into decorating your home?

Puttin' up the tree?

Running errands?

Taking a breath?

For me, part of taking a breath from holiday prep is 

calling to mind the precious moments that happened in our family over Thanksgiving.  

Storing them in my heart like the treasures they are.   

I'm asking God to guide me through my list with a 

thoughtful, thankful, gentle, and quiet attitude.

But Mary treasured up all these things 

and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment...

Instead, it should be that of your inner self,

 the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, 

which is of great worth in God's sight.

1 Peter 3:3-4

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 11/29 hosted by Living on Love and Cents,  The Thrifty Things,  Reviewed By Mom , and  Coupons are Great.
The rules are super simple but VERY important! 

1. Follow the Making Friends Monday  Hosts (Listed as # 1-4) They WILL follow you Back! You MUST LEAVE A COMMENT so we can follow you back!

2. Grab our Making Friends Monday button and include it in a post on your blog.

3. Link up to THAT post.

4. Start hopping and remember following back is appreciated!

Help spread the word and get more followers:
-Put the same linky list code on your blog and you'll have the exact same list!
- Your blog visitors can add their blog to your list and it will show up on all lists!
**Don't forget to follow the rules so you have a chance to be the "Spotlight Blog of the Week"!

If you have any giveaways ending THIS WEEK go link up HERE. Take a minute to enter some too!

  It will be fun getting acquainted with this crowd!
Don't forget that you are wonderful!

Love, Karen

Roll Your Worries Away-Day #12 of Thanksgiving

Here's another way of saying this:

 
Casting the whole of your care
[all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all]
on Him,
for He cares for you affectionately
and cares about you watchfully.
1 Peter 5:7 [Amplified]

Ruth Bell Graham, a Christian author and poet, said this about 1 Peter 5:7-
"The Amplified Bible pictures us committing our load to God
by rolling it onto Him. 
It is helpful to note that we can roll something that is too heavy to carry or to cast."

God is teaching me to
"let Him have"
all my worries and cares.
They are, indeed, too heavy for me to carry or cast.
By His grace, He reminds me
to turn my eyes upon Him when I'm tempted to worry.
He helps me see His fingerprints all over my life in this season.
He fills my mind with His thoughts when I get depressed.

I am so thankful that I can give Him my worries
and that He cares for me
affectionately and watchfully.

How do you handle your worries and cares?
Do the holidays add to them?

Grace and peace to you, my friends!
Love, Karen