Hello again

I can't believe we're coming to the end of 2014. I have several drafts from last year none of which I posted. But I'm feeling the call to come back to the blog land.  I need to find an outlet for my thoughts a place to share and vent. 

I think one of the hardest parts about widowhood is not having someone to share with. You know the type of sharing that you do with your spouse when you're laying in bed at night just the two of you talking about the day and hashing over ideas, plans for the future, your thoughts, hopes, your dreams for you and your children? Plus I think that I've hit that age where things I thought were maybe silly to write about or share..well it's my blog and I'm gonna share. If you want to come along for the ride I would love to have you join me. 

So here's the breakdown on me. I am a lover of Jesus. I love God with all that I am. I am the firstborn of three. I'm an introvert... total introvert. I'd like to think I'm an extrovert but honestly that's only when I'm around my really good friends. I was saved at the age of 10. I crazy love my children & grand babies, the color yellow, ice tea, photography, crafting, a good book, quiet, children laughing, my pets, the view of Mount Shasta, sitting on the front porch on a summer evening, Disneyland!, The beach, good friends, a good cry, belly laughs, singing, music, someone else driving, a good lipstick, Burberry perfume, manicured nails, polished toes and cute earrings. Those are just a few of my favorite things. Are you singing the song? I am.lol 

So as we enjoy the last day of 2014 it is my hope and prayer that we will be healthy in 2015 and that the Lord will continue to bless our family. Because I don't want to miss out on any blessings that he has for us.

Thankful Challenge Day One

I am so thankful for my salvation and the relationship I have with Jesus Christ. 

Praise!!

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Psalm 105: 1-2

A few weeks ago I read about a free dental day being put on by a local dentist office. Well considering we have no dental insurance I was pretty excited. 

So today was the big day. Miss Grace had no cavities and was given a cleaning and fluoride treatment. YAY Grace!! Now Jeffrey, poor guy has had a terrible time with his baby teeth and has had a lot of dental issues. Going in I knew we had a least three issues that needed treatment. After an exam and x-rays it was determined that two baby molars and two baby teeth should be pulled. Well, my tough Lil' man was such a trooper!

I am happy to say and so is Jeffrey that he is finally free of dental problems! Yes, we are shouting from the rooftops. He was given a clean bill of dental health and it was good to hear once again that his permanent teeth are beautiful! 

I was so overcome that I teared up..mortifying my teenager. Lol This was such a blessing to our family. We left the dentist thanking God for this wonderful gift today. 

Romans 12:12

Is this it?

Have you ever wondered what life in a snow globe would be like? Always watching life go by while you were stuck in your own little world? 



When Jeff was sick we both felt like everyones lives were moving forward all the while we were in our globe and/or bubble. Which I guess was somewhat true. We were in a fight mode and our life revolved around that slow awful process. 

Well, I am there again. Honestly It's been like this for a few months now. I feel like I'm just going through the motions wondering when and if a change is coming. I just don't believe this is all God has planned for me. I want so much more out of this life. Daily reminding myself to be faithful. That God has this life of ours under control. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future Jeremiah 29:11. Which is so hard for the planner in me. I am sure part of this is in response to where I am at right now. 

Single parenting is not easy at all whatsoever! 

Parents getting older~health issues arising

Grandchildren living too far away

And being single...STINKS!

I was just sharing ( very hard for me to do )with someone that where I am at right now now is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It is not easy being single trying to manage a household, home school, work in ministry, deal with aging parents, Cassie and Grand babies living so far away and raise followers of Christ. And I know life was not meant to be easy. But having raised one child with Jeff and having been married 19 years I can most certainly tell you it is easier with a spouse. Trying desperately to rest in scripture. 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronmony31:6

So for now I will try ( Oh Lord help me ) to be content with where I am at. I shall sit in my globe and feast on scripture to hold me through this valley. I will continue to pray for my children grow in their relationship with Christ. And I will eagerly await to see what the Lord as in store for us. 

Superbowl 47

Superbowl 47

San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens

While Grace spent the game with the youth group Bub and I spent it with the Clem's.


Our Niners played a good game in the second half but sadly didn't win. Final score 34-31 Ravens

Happy Birthday son!

My lil man is nine. Jeffrey is such a blessing to our family. He is sweet, ornery, tender hearted and every bit the baby of the family.

He loves with his whole heart and I love to hear this lil man pray. He's a great prayer warrior at such a young age. He doesn't give up on a prayer request and he never doubts it will be answered.

For his party this year all he wanted was to go paint balling with his friends. So that's just what we did.

Another Widow

 On my heart this evening. 

Oh Lord, protect your people (widows) with your shephard's staff; lead your flock, your special possession. Though they live alone in a thicket . . . let them graze in the fertile pastures . . . Yes, says the Lord, "I will do miracles for you . . ." 
~Micah 7:14-15~

I find it no coincidence that the Lord speaks about widows and orphans. In this world it seems like nobody knows what to do with us. Yet our Lord takes time to give us a command.

  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..James 1:27

 The NIV uses distress the ESV uses affliction. Whatever version you choose it comes down to this. That we are to be there for widows and orphans. As a widow I feel that does not count me out. 

  I must say that before I was widowed the only widows I knew were old people. Sadly that is not the case anymore. I joke it's like being pregnant..all of sudden you recognize other pregnant women. But the sad truth of the matter is this. In the first three months of a loved ones passing you are surrounded by people there with meals, child care or whatever it may be. After that people get back to their lives and not that they mean to forget us but it happens. We need to do better. Much better. 

 A very dear friend is leaving for Africa in just days and I love that my children want to show love to the people of Africa. We may not be able to travel there but we can send crafts, and a couple comforts of home to a friend. And my most favorite.. money for rice and beans for the widows. Some day I hope to travel there and reach out to these sister's of mine. Yes, we have very different stories but an understanding that goes beyond any language. 

 I have such a heart for the widow and orphan. I honestly ache when I learn of a new situation or the stories that come back from Africa. I don't wish this walk on anyone. It's hard, trying and lonely..oh so lonely. Currently another widow friend just lost her sister in law...leaving her brother widowed and two boys without their Mother. I can't seem to grasp the fact that their dear parents have had both their children widowed. But, our God knows. And this man could not have a better example of widowhood than through his sister. 

Though this life can be hard. Raising children alone is not easy!  I pray daily that I am an example of what God can do. I am so thankful that He has surrounded me with such precious people. And He knows my heart..and has blessed me by surrounding me with children and not just my loves but a special half dozen +.