Anticipation

This week is a week of anticipation. My sister and her husband are coming on Saturday to spend a whole week with us. I can't wait to show them our world.

The older I get, the more I love to spend time with my family. But then I need to ask the question; WHY? Why is this my happy place?

For me, here are a few things I have come up with:

• Secure - They love me just as I am
• Acceptance - Even if they give advise and try to help in areas I struggle with they don't make me feel like they are trying to "fix" me as if I'm broken, or as if they have all the answers
• Happy - They are happy for me when I succeed
• Weep - They listen to me without judging me when I'm going through a tough time
• Respect - Their actions show they respect me and treat me as if I am valuable to them

And the list could go on . . . .

I am so thankful for this happy place. But then I look into scripture and see that with God as our father, he can supply all we need. Here are a few verses to contemplate.

Psalms 16:9-11: Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure . . . You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right had are pleasures forevermore.

Proverbs 14:9: Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance

John: 15:11: These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full

Romans 12:15: Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep

Jeremiah 31:3: I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

I'm Back!

Hard to believe that it has been almost three years since we moved to NJ. I started my blog for theraputic reasons. For various reasons, I stopped.

Now, I'm back. Personally I need a creative outlet, and I'm hoping that what I share is entertaining and encouraging.

So since it's been a while, here is an update on the family. As with all Nana's, spending time with my kids and grandkids is the highlight of my life. Last summer everyone made it to NJ for 4 fun filled days of family reunion. What a great family we have. The families all pitched in with the cost of food, and even the men got in on the cooking action, fixing their own favorite foods. Can't wait to do it again. I love watching the cousins play together.

One of the major changes in my life recently has been prompted by my sister. She has various health issues and began a strict diet to find out what triggers her problems. While in Michigan "all us girls" decided to work on that too. For me, going gluten and sugar free has been a life changer. Not only have I lost weight, but the swelling in my knees and aches in my legs have diminished. So in the future I will be sharing some of my secrets.

Which brings me to a reminder to us all: Hebrews 10:25 "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

On September 13, I plan to meet with a few women at the Gathering Place at our church for a short devotional, prayer and fellowship. If you are interested in joining us, let me know. We will be using Juanita Purcell's book Be Still, My Child" on the book of Psalms. She writes "

Be still -- slow down!

Take time in God's presence;

Listen to His whisper,

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Set aside all your busyness, thoughts, and jobs to be done.

Just be still and quiet before God.

He will not compete with your busyness;

You must choose Him first!

When you put Him first, you finally

Really get to know Him.