Today is July 8th and I cannot believe where the summer is going. Actually, what summer??? It seems as if all we have seen is RAIN!! I'm beginning to develop "web feet!!"
I had a rotator cuff repair done on July 2nd and am on the mend. I guess I was expecting miracles, you know....back to normal yesterday? But the recovery process is a little slower than that, but I can do more and more every day.
I just posted a story called "Thorns." I had seen this story before and forgotten it, this time I will save it and print it off. It reminded me of how I thank God for the good times, good things, healings and blessings; but I do not remember of ever thanking Him for the "thorns." Aren't they what help us to grow, to become stronger in our faith? Please read it, I think it will inspire you to start thanking Him for the "thorns" in your life.
DJ is going nuts!!! He is still home on vacation (the last week) and there is nothing to do. He has a new girl..... thinks they should hang out 24/7 and I think her parents would let her. We won't let DJ do that. We give him an hour or so a day. We are trying to teach him how to have a real relationship. How not to say "I love you" after just 4 days. That he should not be kissing her already. Am I totally out of reality??? Am I that old fashioned?? If so please tell me. They look at me like I have horns.
Stephen is at camp still. I sure hope they have had more sun than we have had here at home. He found out that being with a bunch of younger kids with a week of rain isn't exactly fun.
Dale just hangs in there.
Well, that is it for now.

This is the second week with Stephen gone. DJ is home for a two week vacation. He is kind of bummed because we were going to go to RI this coming weekend, but I have to have shoulder surgery this Friday. He will get over things, we'll keep him busy if it ever stops raining.
I had been really down since Friday night when we picked Stephen up, he and I got into it hot and heavy on the way home. I spent all day Saturday alone in my room and Iwasn't going to go to church today because we aren't a family we are just a bunch of people living in a house. But God said, you need to go to church, be with my people and hear my word, so I did. I heard wonderful words, and found out that I cannot nor should I try to control things. I just need to put them in His hands and rest in that. Sometimes for me that is easier said than done. But I am going to really pray hard that He will help me with this. I know He is faithful.

The Power of Prayer

Nobody knows the power of prayer,
But somebody must be listening there
With a friendly ear for the heart that calls
Someone who knows when a sparrow falls,
Miracles lie in the power of prayer;
Faith that can banish the soul's despair!
Hope that can shine like a holy light
And brighten the spirit's darkest night!
When earthly help is of no avail
There is one Friend who will never fail;
Just lift your eyes - the answer is there,
For nobody knows the power of prayer!!

Author Unknown

Wow is it ever quiet here!!! We took Stephen to camp, he is a Jr. Counselor there this year. And DJ is back at Job Corps. Now if we could just get Beth somewhere...... I can't wait for the empty nest again. Yes again. We had it once for 10 years and then we took in DJ and Stephen and adopted then. Two more years and I think we'll experience empty nest again. I think I'll move and not leave a forwarding!!! :) This week I'll get some extra stuff done as best I can... I'm having shoulder surgery on July 2nd and will be semi-laid up for a while. Perhaps during some of this quiet time I can spend a whole day with God. I really need to have a good chat with him. I feel like I am loosing ground. So afraid to get involved more than I am in church. I guess I'll never be sure. Dr. Oliver (my therapist who has known me for many years) said that I am at my best when I am walking with God. I haven't been there for quite sometime. Help me, my Father.

It's been a great day for me. My laptop crashed Tuesday night and I was able to restore it and it's working again!!!! Little old me!! I am so excited. I really like my laptop.
I went to the orthopedic Dr. today and it's shoulder surgery for me. I have a torn rotor cuff. Thank God I will be able to sleep after it's done. The date is July 2nd. I am bummed about not being able to go to RI as planned but I will be happy to sleep and not be a bear during the day.
My granddaughter Ashley (21) is having surgery on her knee tomorrow. She has a fatty tumor that need to come out. This is the 2nd time only this one is much bigger!!!
I am beginning to thing that we will never see summer here. A couple of warm days, 60's to 70's and then rain for two or three days and cooler temps!!! Oh well, we chose to live here. I need to see if I can download my new pictures in here of Stephen building our firepit. He did an awesome job and he did it by himself. Pretty smart guy.
Well, it's been a long day, I've just had my Technical Writing class and I am beat.
Good night dear one.

I found this in a magazine and said, "If only people would do this!"
If you sleep on it....make it up.
If you wear it....hang it up.
If you drop it....pick it up.
If you eat out of it....wash it.
If you spill it....wipe it up.
If you turn it on.....turn it off.
If you open it.....close it.
If you move it.....put it back.
If you break it.....repair it.
If you empty it.....fill it up.
If it rings.....answer it.
If it howls.....feed it.
If it cries.....love it.

I think of all the times I want ice and all of the ice cube trays are in the freezer empty, or cereal bowls are left in the sink after I have done breakfast dishes. And how about people who stand by the phone and let it ring until you leave what you are doing and answer it!!!!

Okay, that is a pet peeve for today.

It's been a fun morning. My mom and dad and Stephen and I went to a bunch of yard sales. I love going yard saling, it's so much fun and sometimes you find some neat bargans. Stephen has just broken up with his first official girlfriend. Do I remember those days. I am not sure if it is as hard on boys, but he is a bit devistated right now. When Dale gets off work today at 5 we are going to Bangor to pick up what Stephen needs for camp. He is going to be a Junior Counselor at a Christian camp this summer. I am so happy. His mom used to go to this camp and he and DJ and their sister Ashley have all gone to this camp. It will be so good for him. And for all of us. It will be so quiet here though during the week, but a nice change.

I have started my 6th term and I am taking Ethics and Technical Writing this term. But, I may need shoulder surgery, right shoulder of course, so I'm not sure how that will effect writing and using the computer. I will know more on the 22nd. Dale is about to start his summer hours. He will work Monday through Thursday so he will have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off!!!!! Yeah, family time. When school is in, he has to work after school hours. It's tough.

Here is another little saying I found today so I will close with it:

I know God won't give me more than I can handle,
I just wish He wouldn't trust me so much.

It's hard to believe....I'll be 60 years old Monday!!! I've seen a lot in these 60 years. I remember when the first TV came to our small town!!! When I was a teenager you knew what make and model a car was when you saw it. My hero was a town policeman who use to work as a crossing guard. The neighborhood kids would get together and play softball. Things were not boring then. We never wanted for things to do.....and we did not have "things."
My mom and dad will be married 61 years on the 25th of June. They have lived in the same house for 61 years!!!! You do not see that much anymore.
Praise God, Stephen is going to be a Junior Counselor at a Christian camp this summer. He will be gone all week but has to come home on weekends. I am so happy that he will get this experience. There is nothing in town to keep a guy busy and no one wants to hire 16 year olds.
I start my 6th term taking classes on-line on the 10th. I am kind of anxious to get started again. I'm doing okay, maintaining a 3.7 GPA.
We are going to visit our friends in Rhode Island on 4th of July weekend. I can't wait. We will see some old friends from "the village." There are more and more people leaving it seems. I miss so many people there, but......I have had to move on, as have others who have left or been asked to leave. It would be so neat if everyone who has left or been asked to leave could have a big reunion!!!!
Pray for our granddaughter Ashley, she has a "fatty tumor" all around her knee (inside) that she will have removed on the 19th. She had a tumor removed two years ago from the same knee. I did not know that "fatty tumors" kept coming back. Please pray also for our friend Brooks. He has some medical problems that may require surgery. I'll know more this coming Monday night. He is a very neat person (we've never met him but have been talking with him via phone for over three years.) We were hoping to meet him in RI on the 4th but he may not be able to make it now.
Well one more week and Dale will start his summer work hours. He will work Monday - Thursday and get his hours in. He will have the whole weekend off!!!!!!! I can't wait. Then we can take my parents and take some road trips down to the coast. Route 1!!!! Full of craft shops and flea markets, mom and I love it. Dale and daddy say "thank heaven for air conditioners!"
Pray for DJ. He will be 18 in August and is beginning to feel his oats!!!! He is doing well at Job Corps though. Thank God for Job Corps.
Well, I guess that's it for now. I am going to try to be more faithful to you dear blog..............

I haven't forsaken you.

I'll bet you thought I had given up on writing to you, dear blog of mine. Well, I haven't. I just got so tied up in my school work that I lost track of time. I now have a two week rest so I thought I would try to get caught up on things. You are the first thing I want to get caught up on. Stephen went to his first Prom this past Saturday night. He was asked by a girl who lives in another town 1 1/2 hours away!! Dale and I went to a wonderful (expensive) place for an anniversary supper. 31 years today!!!!! He just called me to wish me a Happy Anniversary!! He is so sweet. Stephen had a good time and so did we. Summer is finally approaching, I just wish the warm weather would approach. It is rainy and chilly today. DJ is doing well at Job Corps and comes home every weekend. Stephen has applied to Fair Haven Camp to be a Junior Counselor this summer. Sure hope it works out. There is nothing here in Milo for a 16 year old boy to do for work. Dale is anxious for school to be out so he can work Monday through Thursday and have his hours in. When school is in he has to work after school hours and on Saturday. But he likes his job and that is what matters. Beth is out of school for the summer and found a job doing basically the same thing Dale does. So far she likes it. She is anxious to buy a car of her own.
Well, that is the surface stuff for now. I will write again later.

I ONCE KNEW A MAN

I once knew a man who would figure and plan
The deeds he intended to do.
But when the time came to get into the game
He never put anything through.
He would dream with a smile of the afterwhiles..
And the deeds he would do pretty soon.
He was alright at heart, But he never would start
He never could get quite in tune.
If he would have done half the things he'd begun
He'd be listed among those of fame,
But he didn't produce, so he was of no use......
Good intentions do not win the game.
It is easy to dream...And to plan and to scheme
And let them drop out of sight.
But the men who put through what their dreams bring to view
Are the men who win in the fight.

Author Unkniwb

I felt "God bumps" tonight.

I joined the choir tonight at the church we are attending now. God was there, I felt the "God bumps." You know those bumps you get when you feel the Holy Spirit? It felt so good to be serving the Lord in choir again. It's been a long time and I love to sing to the Lord. I also went to the ladies Bible study last night. We are doing a study of David. It was great last night and will only get better! On May 1 & 2 I am going to a women's retreat "Women Under Construction" with 3 friends!!! I can't wait. One night and a day and a half away, plus the blessings of God. I know He will be there. I am feeling God again.

Pray grace.

Iwould ask my friend to "pray grace" for me. I need to have grace to deal with Stephen. He's a good kid, he just thinks he knows it all and I do notdeal well with that attitude and Satan knows it. Just when I make two steps forward, Satan uses Stephen to send me three steps back!!! Just when I have started to feel God again and to know that He is still here, for me to start a closer walk again.... Along comes Satan and I do not seem to have the strength do overcome. I would ask my sisters and brothers to "pray grace" for me.

This is real grace.

An eye witness account from New York City, on a cold day in Decenber, some years ago: A little boy, about 10-years old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefotted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold.

A lady approached the young boy and said, 'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!'

'I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,' was the boy's reply.

The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a tower. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.

By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks... Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes...

She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him.. She patted him on the head and said, 'No doubt, you will be comfortable now.'

As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, asked her... "ARE YOU GOD'S WIFE?"

Yes, this is a cute little story, but we can be "God's wife" every day. We do not have to wait to find someone on the street who is cold and hungry. Who needs shoes or a good meal. There are people who live next door or in our neighborhoods, who are spiritually needy. People who just need someone to acknowledge that they are alive. I am going to commit today to look for those people. To pray that God reveal them to me. I am not going to wait.

Get thee behind me satan!!

Just when I start to feel God again for the first time in a long time, "satan buffets." Oh, how I need to learn how to overcome. Actually I already know this, it is not me who can overcome but Jesus, and I need to give things to him. I am so bad though, I keep taking things back. We have been checking out a different church these last two Sundays and I feel a freedom in worship that I haven't felt since leaving Rose Creek Village. Today the message was so powerful, God spoke to me. Between that and a few other things that are happening, I am beginning to feel God again. But as soon as we got home, boom!!! Stuff happens and you'd never know I am any part of God. I am seeking to serve Him in whatever way I can. I am seeking to really know him again, but old satan really doesn't want me to. He is fighting me so badly. Please my friends, pray for me. I have a heart for Him and I want others to see Him in me.

Courage comes from clinging to a hand infinitely larger than your own.
I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand. Isaiah 41:13

God is so good and He does care for us. He is leading to a new place of worship and a reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances. We checked out the local Baptist Church this past Sunday. Stephen goes to their youth group and really likes the Pastor and his wife. They are new to the church and I sure hope the church asks them to stay (it's an ABC church and they will have to give the ok). I felt the freedom to worship in the "praise and worship" part of the service that I haven't felt since leaving Rose Creek Village. It was so wonderful. We like the Pastor, he is a teacher vs. a preacher, but he is a lively one. He doesn't stand still!!!
Today Ginger came over and we started out little Bible study. It was so awesome!! I have longed for a friend that I can trust and study the work with and God is working this out. Ginger is so sweet and has a sweet spirit. I think that is what has kept us friends over the many years we havn't seen eachother. As soon as we meet, we feel the Holy Spirit. She and her husband Brad are a little younger than Dale and I but we all get along real well. Finally, someone who I can talk to, be with, study the word with.
DJ is getting along well at Job Corps. I have to take his birth certificate down to him tomorrow so he can take drivers ed. They need originals!!! He is going to spend the weekend with his biological mom and her boyfriend. I am glad he can finally have a relationship with her. He is at the place where he needs questions answered and he needs to know her. They really haven't been together since he was 6.
I'm off to counseling tomorrow and looking forward to it. I seem to be able to "dump." And it feels so good.
My 5th term at Kaplan online college started last Wed. and I am taking three classes this term. I have Grammar and Editing, Introduction to Business and College Mathematics!!! Pray for me that I will keep up and do well. I really want to get my Bachelors Degree with a good GPA. Right now it's a 3.7!!! I have a hard time believe it sometimes. I am a member of the National Society of Collegete Scholars and they are having a convention in Washington, D. C. in August. I am praying about going. It involves a little bit of money. Lately though Dale has been talking about driving down with me, so I need to look into that possibility. That would be neat. I have also just applied to be on their National Leadership Council. I was just invited to join the Association of Women in Communications also. I am going to spread my wings and try new things out. I never felt I had much to offer and was afraid to go for it, but not any more. I am going to "go for it."
It's been a great day.

Finally getting the new classes together!!

I have no idea where the time goes, but it goes!! It has been days since I was here. My new classes started on the 25th, they are Introduction to Business, Grammar and Editing for Writers and College Math. I had originally signed up for College Algebra, but you needed to have had some algebra and I hadn't so I made a last minute change to College Math.
The grammar and editing should be very interesting, and the intro to business.
I really need to make up a schedule and stick to it so I can be successful this term. But...I HATE SCHEDULES!! I always have. I am a totally free spirit and sometimes that is not good. But I have my "space" now and everyone is basically gone during the day so I really have no excuse.
Today Dale, Stephen, my parents and I are going to a little town about 40 minutes away to a benefit supper. It is for a Pastor (who has just passed on from fast moving cancer) and his wife (who is still with us, but has cancer)!! I seems as if there is an awful lot of cancer in this world!! We did not know the Pastor but we know people who go to the church he pastored.
Well guess what?? We have a lawn!!! Yep, it's beginning to show itself from under the snow. I can't wait until it all shows. It seems as if it's been a long winter. I am so much a sufferer of SAD (seasonal affect disorder). I dislike the dark when I get up and dark when I eat supper!! I love the sun and more importantly the SON.

It's a new week.

It's a new week and again changes happen. DJ is at Job Corps, we took him down this morning. We really feel this is a great chance for him as do many other people. I think he is realizing that it is too. He is only 40 minutes away, staying on campus. After this weekend he can come home on the weekends or go with other people. It's time to let him spread his wings!! That is such a difficult thing for me to do. But I am trying, with DJ and with his 15 year old brother Stephen.
Dale has gone to work and I need to get some laundry and cleaning done because classes start again tomorrow. I am taking 3 again!!! I also need to finish setting up my "space." It will be so much easier to study and do the things I need to do. I am finding that I need space, more often than not lately. I am not sure where I am at spiritually, I have so many questions. My journey has been long and bumpy, and it's hard to know what to do. I do know that I need to pray, harder.

I got to spend time with my youngest today!!

Today has been a wonderful, wonderful day. Up at 5:00 to take Dale around to deliver the newspapers for Stephen (he's at a teen retreat this weekend). Then breakfast with our grandson Josh who spent the night. I worked on my "space" again for awhile until Josh's mom, our youngest, Lesley got here. Then we went and checked out a yarn/fabric store. Pricey but nice. We went to a thrift store where I picked up a nice little computer table, to Mr. PaperBack where Lesley ordered a Star Wars book that Josh has been looking for. One more yarn/fabric store and then lunch at subway. Oh yes, at the first store they also had "stuff". Nice pretty, pricey stuff. She bought Josh his first jackknife!!! When we came back to the house, Josh went and found a branch and I gave him a box so he could whittle in the house. We had coffee and talked for a bit. It was nice to spend time with her, we don't do enough of it. After Lesley and Josh left, I worked on my "space" again for a bid and then took a lovely nap with two cats and a dog!!!! My "space" is coming together nicely. I love it!!!!!
Right now there is a show on tv of Celtic Women. I love Celtic music and dancing, so I am going to go and watch it.

Today is a good day.

Today is a good day. The boys switched rooms with me, so now I have a comfort space. A space where I can do my school work, write, watch a video, listen to music, or just be alone. Things have been a little tough lately. I am learning how not to raise teenage boys. It isn't easy. I may have to live in this world but I certainly do not have to like it. And I do not like it. What ever happened to the "good ole days?"
The days when kids came home from school, grabbed a snack and went to play ball with the rest of the kids in the neighborhood, or went fishing, or bike riding? In the winter you go ice skating or sliding down the neighbors big hill or build a snow fort. Today it has to be game boys, play stations, Xboxes, and you name it. There is no more going out to play with the kids in the neighborhood. And it seems as if all the young men want to do is fight one another. For what??? It's like a bunch of roosters around a flock of hens!!
Well, I guess I am getting old. Two more years and Stephen will graduate high school and be on his own. DJ is just waiting to hear from Job Corps, there is nothing for work here in our small town, nothing. He doesn't drive so he cannot go elsewhere and look for work. It makes things very tough.
But for now I have my comfort space.

Spring

We are just a couple of day away from spring and I have been thinking about how things become new (rebirth so to speak). The buds will be coming out on the trees and flowers will be sticking their heads through the soil looking for the sun. Looking to show off their beauty, the beauty that only God can paint. It's so amazing to think of Christ's death, burial and resurrection in regard to how the leaves die on the trees, stay dormant during the winter and come to life in the spring. Only the Master could make these things happen.
That is what salvation (new life in Christ) is like. Our old self dies, we bury it, and we rise to a new life in Christ. It's not an easy journey, He never said it would be. To follow Him and live as He wants us to live can be hard. But we have His word to guide us and we have Him to go to. You say, "how can I go to Him when he is not here?" He is here though, 24/7 to guide us and to answer our prayers (maybe not how we think they should be answered) and to bring people into our lives to encourage us. He understands everything that we go through, there is nothing He cannot help us with. Wouldn't you like to have a friend like Him?

The Lord's day

Sunday, my Lord's day. Does He really mean that we need to go into a building with a bunch of other people to worship Him?? Can't we worship Him everyday? Can't we meet with other Christians in their home or in your home?? Perhaps I am still looking....
Our granddaughter that lives with us cooked lunch today and it was a nice treat to come home from church and not have to do that. She and her friend Jess made bowties, sausage and peppers with a white sauce!!! Yummy! Thank you Beth and Jess. And then I took a lovely nap. It was warm enough to day to have the window open and it was so nice to smell the fresh air while I drifted off to sleep. I heard from two friends that I hadn't heard from for almost a week. They had been moving to another house. It was so good to hear that they were okay. I am a worry wart. This couple and several others who are spread out over the 50 states are people I wish could all be in close vicinity. Perhaps some I my Christianity questions could be answered. Well, we have to take the boys to meet a friend of ours named Ginger. She had two extra 3rd Day tickets so she it taking the boys to their concert. This is the first one they've been to. I know they will have a good time.

Another pet peeve

When you call a business and you get their automated answerer. You have to listen through a whole list of: "if you want this push that." Over and over and over again. Do these places ever consider the elderly who do not understand how to go through all of message and pick the right push??? The elderly are still used to calling a number and having a real person say; "this is Dr. Doe's office, how may I help you?" You tell them and they help you if they can. What happened to the "human touch."

I was hoping to write every day, but.... Yesterday was counseling day for DJ and for me. Yes, I said counselor, therapist or however you want to label Dr. Oliver. He is a Christian and we knew him and saw him a few years ago. Since returning to ME a few issues need to be worked on and I am not ashamed to work on them. At one point or another I think we all need help, some are able to ask for it. Do I believe God can take care of these issues?? You bet I do, but I also believe that He sends people into our lives to help Him take care of these issues. It's a journey, a learning that we must go through.
Lately (more than ever it seems) the boys have been getting to me. It hasn't been a pretty scene. My therapy for this week....I had to buy a purple (purple is my favorite color) towel and a roll of purple duck tape!!! The purble towel means "I've thrown in the towel, I'm done." The purple duck tape is for my mouth (not literally, but I will keep it with me all day), so I will not get into an argument or go off on the boys!!! It's not going to be an easy task but I explained it to Dale and he has to and has agreed to help. We talked about what we expect of the boys, what they are allowed to do and for how long. Dale is at work when Stephen (my biggest problem) comes home from school and that is when a lot of the contention takes place. So Dale and I agree on things and now we will present it to DJ and Stephen. A challenge??? You bet. Stephen just loves to get a rise out of me and when he does I don't act in a very Christian manner. Pray for me and don't laugh when you see me walking around the house with my purple towel and purple duck tape. I will conquer this challenge.

Pet Peeve

This is my first pet peeve

Why is it that men and boys have to leave
the toilet seat up

The First Day

Today is March 12, 2009 and I am officially a blogger!!! I have read others and they intrigue me. I only hope my blogs and blogspot will end up being helpful to others. If you are a relative raising a relatives child or contemplating doing it, I would like to hear from you. If you have ever been involved in a cult-like church and need to vent, I am your shoulder. I have been there, done that and still don't have all the answers, but I sure have broad shoulders. My Father has given me a passion for souls. Helping others will also help me to heal and to grow.
Right now here in central ME, we are getting the Lion of March. The sun is shining so bright and the sky is blue, you would think it is warm outside. But.....the north winds they blow, and blow, and blow. Therefore it is c-o-o-o-o-l-d!!!! Oh, to be a snow bird!!
I am so fascinated by todays technology. I never thought I would be going to college on line, but here I am. I just finished up my fourth term and have been holding a 3.5 GPA!! Me!! I am very proud of myself, but must not get heady least I fail.
Well, hopefully this will not be the last day of blogging for me. Making this a place of safety for others to come to is my goal. If anyone has suggestions as to how I can really make this blog work, I am listening.