tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77867151922170355672024-03-19T01:48:00.002-07:00From Valerie's HeARTPeek into my daily gratitude journal. Gratitude is a daily decision... not just a feeling. Stories, pictures, songs, scripture and other goodness to savor. Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.comBlogger3135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-42454403297267339952024-03-18T21:00:00.000-07:002024-03-18T22:18:28.506-07:00Homecomings<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph0ca2BEH4lb2YjO0EV40UFbkdJ08CDevk0j1wYLUOLYSDR-jLM5fe5EBXIEGm5rAGu8T_OxepJNLNI8q1hucRPGVLg-YLf5sIRBsR_olCdrh9-TelmnW5jhPuSeG2vgTaSnKdCIWtKcA9bDn_kFpQ8dmHQ5jDupUd86zXOkLRfNoEgkAl5hnJbwAbf1U/s600/Homecomings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph0ca2BEH4lb2YjO0EV40UFbkdJ08CDevk0j1wYLUOLYSDR-jLM5fe5EBXIEGm5rAGu8T_OxepJNLNI8q1hucRPGVLg-YLf5sIRBsR_olCdrh9-TelmnW5jhPuSeG2vgTaSnKdCIWtKcA9bDn_kFpQ8dmHQ5jDupUd86zXOkLRfNoEgkAl5hnJbwAbf1U/s320/Homecomings.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 78: Today, I am grateful for homecomings.</span><p></p><p>There is something wonderful about homecomings.</p><p> I've never been able to watch soldier homecomings without choking up. There was a commercial showing a soldier being reunited with her big, gray dog. The affection is deep and real. </p><p>Videos showing soldiers who show up at their children's schools when they get home always make me cry. </p><p>Young adults surprising parents with an unexpected homecoming from college is always sweet, too. </p><p>I could not help but think of Joseph being reunited with his father, Jacob, and brothers. The story has some really ugly parts, but the reunions, forgiveness, and redemption in the story are unforgettable. Joseph didn't go home. Home came to Joseph. God redeemed the ugly and turned for their good. He has a way of doing that. </p><p><b><span style="color: #ff5f03;">"When Joseph arrived, he embraced his father and wept, holding him for a long time. " Genesis 46:28b</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today, I am grateful for homecomings.</span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-66749892736583466522024-03-17T20:00:00.000-07:002024-03-18T22:41:18.392-07:00A Good Night's Sleep<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 77: Today, I am grateful for a good night’s sleep. </span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Rest is so important to well being. It is easy to neglect. I am not good at protecting my sleep hours. I feel better when I do. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday was full of physical activity. I could hear the bed calling me to sleep. So, I answered the call. A good sleep is the best way to recharge. </div></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>Today, I am grateful for a good night’s sleep.</div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-4597711226076381572024-03-15T22:30:00.000-07:002024-03-16T17:49:36.461-07:00Caribbean Blues<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 76: Today, I am grateful for Caribbean blues.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMBhXD5y9Z29kbJs0BlwKHYZ7gjeuVujNZQoVOYLI2zgKL_lncheqkzV5R_12wSd81lgNWrHYGYvv6burDQaNu8EX2SHn0M5z2tJ-JnZWDSuKYsuMyemeDbrvN8nTlOX0twIS1b9yvok7mIIWdj_U-8C6UZzY9MRDXVqH89ca4TbZho5TAk9jirjdrBAH/s4032/Jost%20Van%20Dyke%203-16-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMBhXD5y9Z29kbJs0BlwKHYZ7gjeuVujNZQoVOYLI2zgKL_lncheqkzV5R_12wSd81lgNWrHYGYvv6burDQaNu8EX2SHn0M5z2tJ-JnZWDSuKYsuMyemeDbrvN8nTlOX0twIS1b9yvok7mIIWdj_U-8C6UZzY9MRDXVqH89ca4TbZho5TAk9jirjdrBAH/s320/Jost%20Van%20Dyke%203-16-24.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">They are my favorite blues. They were Mama Ina Mae's, too. From the color of a robin's egg and sea glass to the blue ink of deeper waters. They are beautiful. beyond compare. </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite is the color of Caribbean waters when the water is shallow. It is a clear and truly magnificent. I never tire of the color. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The majesty of His creation never ceases to awe and amaze. How many colors are there on the spectrum? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, I am grateful for Caribbean blues.</span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-26015772075822087832024-03-15T16:34:00.000-07:002024-03-15T16:51:13.648-07:00Sunscreen<div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP24iaCF0dONC6k-18UAItiUTYDP32CO2bW_jVLEFQsw7vIk76z1WMbS-QJH-kAjD3M2mh9D8hdgzZTRAjGvRaDXMulv8uyui2YyDNL3qbGTIZLjqU8TykWM5k2OUDQFQYml-Zg1ItQpMmV2T-Hg7JOM61jJ016u7k4hqQuD6ETeJGf7rQGLtauhx1w9C/s225/Wear%20Sunscreen.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP24iaCF0dONC6k-18UAItiUTYDP32CO2bW_jVLEFQsw7vIk76z1WMbS-QJH-kAjD3M2mh9D8hdgzZTRAjGvRaDXMulv8uyui2YyDNL3qbGTIZLjqU8TykWM5k2OUDQFQYml-Zg1ItQpMmV2T-Hg7JOM61jJ016u7k4hqQuD6ETeJGf7rQGLtauhx1w9C/s1600/Wear%20Sunscreen.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div>Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 75: Today, I am grateful for sunscreen.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love the sun. I do not like being sunburned. In this chapter of my life, I do not want to speed the aging process. Sunscreen is my friend. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back around 1997, Mary Schmich wrote a book called, <u>Wear Sunscreen (A Primer for Real Life).</u> If I recall, it was a graduation address. Someone was smart enough to encourage her to put it in a book. It is full of advice for the young just starting out. Wear sunscreen is the last tidbit of advice given.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunscreen should be common sense, but it is sometimes an afterthought. I don't like how it feels. I do appreciate the benefits. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love the sun, but respect it, too. And don't forget the sunscreen. There are times we all need shelter. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; transition-property: none;"><b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock." -Psalm 27:5</span></span></b></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></div><div>That passage reminds me to be grateful for shelter and protection. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I am grateful for sunscreen.</span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-73438202045454668592024-03-14T05:50:00.000-07:002024-03-14T17:53:33.032-07:00Play<div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRYDNvC5rywlJwU7YwmYd5vfzjHJKaLbigclFnzx0T7gwkA2c0F4QZ2Cfug5ZRAVv6ctqnMqhkR9b9N1evfZrXy6C5UBiGNersafx441t_WXqdxAh8vkN8ZEwM8KcodiU_1V6SnkZXOAhSo99pVtxCxVR1MHBd6tx-iOIw-eLpfcG7EaAcFkvAfyrofIu/s564/Play%20Albert%20Einstien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="564" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRYDNvC5rywlJwU7YwmYd5vfzjHJKaLbigclFnzx0T7gwkA2c0F4QZ2Cfug5ZRAVv6ctqnMqhkR9b9N1evfZrXy6C5UBiGNersafx441t_WXqdxAh8vkN8ZEwM8KcodiU_1V6SnkZXOAhSo99pVtxCxVR1MHBd6tx-iOIw-eLpfcG7EaAcFkvAfyrofIu/s320/Play%20Albert%20Einstien.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 74: Today, I am grateful for play.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b>"Play is the highest form of research." -Albert Einstein</b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What a wonderful quote! It is full of truth. So many of the greatest discoveries in the world have been accidental or a result of play. While attempting to create or solve one problem, another fun discovery was made. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They say that play is a child's work. Grown-ups need play, too. Play increases our sense of well-being. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is your favorite form of play? For some it is art or dancing. For others, they sculpt beautiful gardens and carve from wood. A simple card game or crochet are different kinds of play. Write a song or a poem. It is all play. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy." -Psalm 33:3</span></span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I am grateful for play.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-82807508900860992042024-03-13T06:18:00.000-07:002024-03-13T06:58:04.724-07:00Puzzles<div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhS5K5dYbtYl44c6AaZ7C9o9KN4EYweQ6x-7hyphenhyphenyvDjdjX-GPYasoyddbi7zbFBL4K33Se3Ilabk10N5B55EvrFdzdUJWXLqn9ihv6AS7OVpRJWQkyhrczKJjVBxMjOkKlxviqyEWkwegpz7ERcxRhZV8cG2seTyOmpbxhdTqNGIawQevrOtJkHxYXaR89/s914/Florida_White%20mountain%20Puzzle.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhS5K5dYbtYl44c6AaZ7C9o9KN4EYweQ6x-7hyphenhyphenyvDjdjX-GPYasoyddbi7zbFBL4K33Se3Ilabk10N5B55EvrFdzdUJWXLqn9ihv6AS7OVpRJWQkyhrczKJjVBxMjOkKlxviqyEWkwegpz7ERcxRhZV8cG2seTyOmpbxhdTqNGIawQevrOtJkHxYXaR89/s320/Florida_White%20mountain%20Puzzle.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 73: Today, I am grateful for puzzles. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I enjoy puzzles and mysteries. I like to figure things out before the solution is revealed. It is a good way to keep our brains active. Wordle is the latest word puzzle I use to relax. Some find it frustrating. I find it a way to unwind. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a fun memory of playing puzzles with Randy's side of the family a few years ago at our Craig and Monica's house (our nephew, niece, and great-niece, Addy, too). It is not something we get to do often, but we were gathered to grieve and had some extra time. It was a perfect way to hang out together with all ages. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The puzzle was a Florida map. Many conversations grew out of the places on the map of Florida. We shared memories and laughter. We made more memories. I can hear Lola and Sheryl saying, "Randy!" in a way that only sisters can. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are times puzzles are hard to figure out. It often seems the pieces do not fit together as they should. There are times when a piece does not seem right, but it fits perfectly in the end. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is a perfect metaphor of God's hand in the plan of our world and or lives. We tend to think we our the center of the universe. In our own families, we have to adjust if a family member has special needs or is simply struggling. Imagine being the Creator of the Universe and trying to balance one treasured child's needs against the other?</div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." - Romans 8:28</span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am grateful for the promise that even in the hard days, our God is working things out. I am grateful he designed us with a sense of curiosity and the desire to solve puzzles and mysteries. </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I am grateful for puzzles. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div><br /></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-79528547722089424092024-03-12T17:30:00.000-07:002024-03-13T05:52:52.476-07:00Plants That Repel Mosquitoes<p></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><p></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; transition-property: none !important; widows: 2;"><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0589bXPt1TuMaG-C0IYhcBplY7ZNYVL_QEEJZlU5Dk2yU1vK9468BjoiZNLUm4OpcGoAcO21c5rv9ruXfw0V3J-mHg80blGjMWxALJKSGTbYsTrUJ93ngApdUDJbqTp13wkV1mvr1MJ-ahBiZFplticriQRbWv8bb-gGuj9zSLOP1ZqGexqtLfPjkZ1og/s1334/No%20Moquitto%20plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0589bXPt1TuMaG-C0IYhcBplY7ZNYVL_QEEJZlU5Dk2yU1vK9468BjoiZNLUm4OpcGoAcO21c5rv9ruXfw0V3J-mHg80blGjMWxALJKSGTbYsTrUJ93ngApdUDJbqTp13wkV1mvr1MJ-ahBiZFplticriQRbWv8bb-gGuj9zSLOP1ZqGexqtLfPjkZ1og/s320/No%20Moquitto%20plants.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 72: Today, I am grateful for plants that repel mosquitoes.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Warmer weather has me thinking about evenings on the patio. If it is nice, Randy and I eat out there most evenings. We love sitting under the pergola at the end of the day. Food tastes better outdoors. The only downside is the mosquitoes. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We grow mosquitoes fairly large in Illinois. They drive me crazy. I seem to be more </span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">susceptible</span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> than Randy. Did you know there are plants you can add to your landscape to ward off the unwanted mosquitoes? </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last year I planted lemongrass and citronella to deter the pesky bugs. There was a bit of basil too. I think this year I will be more intentional and add in some lavender, rosemary and lemon thyme to the mix. </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring plantings are just around the corner. The ambitious will start from seeds. I will make my way the local garden centers to capture my favorites. </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing </span><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">plant</span><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">s, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced </span><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">plant</span><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">s and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. -Genesis 1:12</span></span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Some plants are really good! </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Today, I am grateful for plants that repel mosquitoes. </div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-79523075449421926012024-03-11T13:00:00.000-07:002024-03-13T05:46:09.855-07:00Great Expectations<div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1l90r2v x1swvt13" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id=":rrk:" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 16px 16px; transition-property: none;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u" style="animation-name: none; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px; transition-property: none;"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; transition-property: none;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x10flsy6 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x41vudc x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" color="var(--primary-text)" dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; word-break: break-word;"><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEOWy22svdud2fM5L_qRdU_7pOS0dBVBGq5DlU0GuUZ15j_84nKd-Tzk1YiMUc0cWcj8veR1PWrcLpYk3SW2yQ6otDVh6Y4BvwLnQWj6gRKrUtHbhtq_tFqrIacHOpbeemtVWuLvxXjMGS9T1VTye2PWi9zvEOvDlmnfFpFX9-bjzTOy6mVF-yPn86G9u/s353/March%20Days%20C%20Dickens%20Great%20Expectations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEOWy22svdud2fM5L_qRdU_7pOS0dBVBGq5DlU0GuUZ15j_84nKd-Tzk1YiMUc0cWcj8veR1PWrcLpYk3SW2yQ6otDVh6Y4BvwLnQWj6gRKrUtHbhtq_tFqrIacHOpbeemtVWuLvxXjMGS9T1VTye2PWi9zvEOvDlmnfFpFX9-bjzTOy6mVF-yPn86G9u/s320/March%20Days%20C%20Dickens%20Great%20Expectations.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Gratitude Year 12 - Day 71: Today, I am grateful for great expectations.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">What an amazing description of March. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the winds blow cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." -Charles Dickens, Great Expectations</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I <span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><a style="animation-name: none; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>believe we read the book, "Great Expectations," in the 8th Grade with Miss Rosie Chalfant. Some of my Nash Jr. High/ CHS classmates may be able to confirm or deny that memory. Perhaps Dickens was an early influence on my love of descriptive language. Miss Evelyn Schlie led us through a "Tale of Two Cities" in high school. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Miss Margaret Mills was our leader through Shakespeare, and she would have had it no other way. "MacBeth" was so witty, once we started to understand the language. And "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I have reread parts of it as an adult. It is classic literature and points to the fact that people do not really change that much over the centuries. The clothing and language may change, but choices driven by love, deception, power struggles, family feuds, economic challenges, and bribery are the same. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I am grateful my English teachers had great expectations for us. Many from my days at Central High School have gone on to use the power of their words for good, for entertainment, and to research and record history, to interpret the law, and to write well because our Language Arts teachers would not let us be defeated by difficult language. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I failed to mention two very special teachers. My 6th grade teacher, Ms. Pat Braun-Schroeder, was the first to encourage me to write and embrace my love of words. She knew me. I baby-sat for her children and loved being with her. She gave me one of my most treasured books... a Thesaurus with a warning that words could be powerful and I should choose and use them wisely. I am so grateful we have stayed connected over these many years. She was my first real mentor and today I count her as a friend. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Last but not least, forget Mrs. Clara Schroeder, who taught Language Arts to a class of squirrely seventh graders at tables in the Library. I remember assignments where she turned us loose in the midst of the books. I think she longed to instill a love of reading in us and she did. She sparked our curiosity, too. She had great expectations. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Great teachers see our potential. They walk with us through the learning curves. They encourage us to learn and grow from our struggles. They expect it. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">We can cling to the great expectation we have because of our hope in Jesus. He conquered death so we might be redeemed. We have a priceless inheritance. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay " -1 Peter 1:3</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"> Today, I am grateful for great expectations.</div></div></span></div></div></div></div><div class="x1n2onr6" id=":rrl:" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><a class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n2onr6 x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz x1lliihq x1pdlv7q" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229842392498533&set=a.1076266141425&__cft__[0]=AZXQ3blYxzBirSS6DdlQ_5RZ4014qmxSjPfqIWhdgszwzYuP4YQ8ye3-gnu82vkbm5R9KVV0rSf_H6VJC9oCQN1bZNb1RjXEAuF8fLRfsHBCT8IfwuYohcI1iSxgKjpkfbXIeqE69GMwoL2OkcnDK3rqxHSqD0WCnzvY9xmiw2KcJg&__tn__=EH-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; display: block; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><div class="x6s0dn4 x1jx94hy x78zum5 xdt5ytf x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6 xh8yej3" style="align-items: center; animation-name: none; background-color: #fdfff9; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative; transition-property: none; width: 500px;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; max-width: 100%; min-width: 500px; transition-property: none; width: calc((100vh + -325px) * 0.668555);"><div class="xqtp20y x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 747.875px; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x10l6tqk x13vifvy" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; height: 747.875px; left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition-property: none; width: 500px;"><img alt="May be an image of text that says 'IT WAS ONE OF THOSE MARCH DAYS WHEN THE SUN SHINES HOT AND THE WIND BLOWS COLD: WHEN IT IS SUMMER IN THE LIGHT, AND WINTER IN THE SHADE. CHARLES DICKENS'" class="x1ey2m1c xds687c x5yr21d x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy xh8yej3 xl1xv1r" height="353" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://scontent.fstx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/432623897_10229842392458532_5736376348455229543_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=2HM-54mGifIAX-XA2GT&_nc_ht=scontent.fstx1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAGHzMo2cU3_7m08hFjAw8WDzHqc8dpyatL31PLFUm7lA&oe=65F62490" style="animation-name: none; border: 0px; height: 747.875px; inset: 0px; object-fit: cover; position: absolute; transition-property: none; width: 500px;" width="236" /></div></div></div></div><div class="xua58t2 xzg4506 x1ey2m1c xds687c x47corl x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy" style="animation-name: none; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); border-top: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-property: none;"></div><div class="x1ey2m1c xds687c x17qophe xg01cxk x47corl x10l6tqk x13vifvy x1ebt8du x19991ni x1dhq9h x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m" data-visualcompletion="ignore" role="none" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: inherit; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-duration: var(--fds-duration-extra-extra-short-out); transition-property: none; transition-timing-function: var(--fds-animation-fade-out);"></div></a></div><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"></div></div></div><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x168nmei x13lgxp2 x30kzoy x9jhf4c x6ikm8r x10wlt62" data-visualcompletion="ignore-dynamic" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: 0px 0px 8px 8px; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; 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animation-name: none; display: flex; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><span class="x6zyg47 x1xm1mqw xpn8fn3 xtct9fg x13zp6kq x1mcfq15 xrosliz x1wb7cse x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi xamhcws xol2nv xlxy82 x19p7ews xmix8c7 x139jcc6 x1n2onr6 x1xp8n7a xhtitgo" style="animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--card-background); border-left-color: var(--card-background); border-radius: 11px; border-right-color: var(--card-background); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--card-background); border-width: 2px; font-family: inherit; height: 18px; margin-left: -4px; position: relative; transition-property: none; width: 18px; z-index: 2;"><span class="x12myldv x1udsgas xrc8dwe xxxhv2y x1rg5ohu xmix8c7 x1xp8n7a" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: 9px; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 18px; transition-property: none; width: 18px;"><span class="x4k7w5x x1h91t0o x1h9r5lt x1jfb8zj xv2umb2 x1beo9mf xaigb6o x12ejxvf x3igimt xarpa2k xedcshv x1lytzrv x1t2pt76 x7ja8zs x1qrby5j" style="align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; animation-name: none; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; transition-property: none; width: inherit;"><div aria-label="Like: 10 people" class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n2onr6 x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x3nfvp2 x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz" role="button" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-flex; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><img class="x16dsc37" height="18" role="presentation" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg fill='none' xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 16 16'%3E%3Cpath d='M16.0001 7.9996c0 4.418-3.5815 7.9996-7.9995 7.9996S.001 12.4176.001 7.9996 3.5825 0 8.0006 0C12.4186 0 16 3.5815 16 7.9996Z' fill='url(%23paint0_linear_15251_63610)'/%3E%3Cpath d='M16.0001 7.9996c0 4.418-3.5815 7.9996-7.9995 7.9996S.001 12.4176.001 7.9996 3.5825 0 8.0006 0C12.4186 0 16 3.5815 16 7.9996Z' fill='url(%23paint1_radial_15251_63610)'/%3E%3Cpath d='M16.0001 7.9996c0 4.418-3.5815 7.9996-7.9995 7.9996S.001 12.4176.001 7.9996 3.5825 0 8.0006 0C12.4186 0 16 3.5815 16 7.9996Z' fill='url(%23paint2_radial_15251_63610)' fill-opacity='.5'/%3E%3Cpath d='M7.3014 3.8662a.6974.6974 0 0 1 .6974-.6977c.6742 0 1.2207.5465 1.2207 1.2206v1.7464a.101.101 0 0 0 .101.101h1.7953c.992 0 1.7232.9273 1.4917 1.892l-.4572 1.9047a2.301 2.301 0 0 1-2.2374 1.764H6.9185a.5752.5752 0 0 1-.5752-.5752V7.7384c0-.4168.097-.8278.2834-1.2005l.2856-.5712a3.6878 3.6878 0 0 0 .3893-1.6509l-.0002-.4496ZM4.367 7a.767.767 0 0 0-.7669.767v3.2598a.767.767 0 0 0 .767.767h.767a.3835.3835 0 0 0 .3835-.3835V7.3835A.3835.3835 0 0 0 5.134 7h-.767Z' fill='%23fff'/%3E%3Cdefs%3E%3CradialGradient id='paint1_radial_15251_63610' cx='0' cy='0' r='1' gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse' gradientTransform='rotate(90 .0005 8) scale(7.99958)'%3E%3Cstop offset='.5618' stop-color='%230866FF' stop-opacity='0'/%3E%3Cstop offset='1' stop-color='%230866FF' stop-opacity='.1'/%3E%3C/radialGradient%3E%3CradialGradient id='paint2_radial_15251_63610' cx='0' cy='0' r='1' gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse' gradientTransform='rotate(45 -4.5257 10.9237) scale(10.1818)'%3E%3Cstop offset='.3143' stop-color='%2302ADFC'/%3E%3Cstop offset='1' stop-color='%2302ADFC' stop-opacity='0'/%3E%3C/radialGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id='paint0_linear_15251_63610' x1='2.3989' y1='2.3999' x2='13.5983' y2='13.5993' gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3E%3Cstop stop-color='%2302ADFC'/%3E%3Cstop offset='.5' stop-color='%230866FF'/%3E%3Cstop offset='1' stop-color='%232B7EFF'/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3C/defs%3E%3C/svg%3E" style="animation-name: none; 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align-self: inherit; animation-name: none; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; transition-property: none; width: inherit;"><div aria-label="Love: 10 people" class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n2onr6 x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x3nfvp2 x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz" role="button" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); 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animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-radius: inherit; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 1.3333em; outline: none; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 1;" tabindex="0"><div class="x9f619 x1ja2u2z xzpqnlu x1hyvwdk xjm9jq1 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x10l6tqk x1i1rx1s" style="animation-name: none; box-sizing: border-box; clip-path: inset(50%); clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); font-family: inherit; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; transition-property: none; width: 1px; z-index: 0;">All reactions:</div><span aria-hidden="true" class="xrbpyxo x6ikm8r x10wlt62 xlyipyv x1exxlbk" style="animation-name: none; float: left; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; transition-property: none; width: 100px;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="xt0b8zv x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;">21</span></span></span><span class="xt0b8zv x2bj2ny xrbpyxo xl423tq" style="animation-name: none; background-color: var(--surface-background); float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-left: -100px; transition-property: none;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;">Jan Smith, Cynthia Jennings Andrews and 19 others</span></span></span><div><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></span></div></div></span></div></div><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x78zum5 x2lah0s x1qughib x1qjc9v5 xozqiw3 x1q0g3np xykv574 xbmpl8g x4cne27 xifccgj" style="align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-flow: row nowrap; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; justify-content: space-between; margin: -6px; position: relative; transition-property: none; z-index: 0;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-80327616347788760562024-03-10T10:00:00.000-07:002024-03-10T17:43:53.538-07:00Waiting on the Daffodils<p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi27MA497t4fTHeAw4kIfH3WoOQwTMh8od4F7DY6M4JEemaRqg8AxMctyvavXN72ENLhRXbQpocqFiQJqYPHHSyzywx20UrrPNYWtTc6z2EFkR4Un6QEe0qf_V2cE61JXOcBXaH08NmhZukpdtNlHp_Vqv8GLGgzIUiY0R9pT88ehz875NcHO1-1usKdQ/s400/daffodils%20waiting.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="400" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi27MA497t4fTHeAw4kIfH3WoOQwTMh8od4F7DY6M4JEemaRqg8AxMctyvavXN72ENLhRXbQpocqFiQJqYPHHSyzywx20UrrPNYWtTc6z2EFkR4Un6QEe0qf_V2cE61JXOcBXaH08NmhZukpdtNlHp_Vqv8GLGgzIUiY0R9pT88ehz875NcHO1-1usKdQ/s320/daffodils%20waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 70: Today, I am grateful for waiting on the daffodils.</span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white;">Title</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 16px;">: Daffodils, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 16px;">Etching, <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 16px;">Artist:Isabel Saul (early to mid-1900’s) </span></div><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>"Daffodils come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with Beauty. The Winter's Tale. William Shakespeare.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I have not seen this verse before. Shakespeare did have a way with words, didn't he? He must have been so observant of the details of the world around him. The people and nature, too. He is spot on about daffodils. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I have mentioned the brave little crocus, but after the crocus is spent, the daffodils and tulips are on their way. I really like yellow. It is not my favorite color, but it is high on the list. Yellow is sunlight, warmth, and hope. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">That the courageous little daffodil dares the winds of March before the swallows return is a powerful testimony to beauty in the winds of changing seasons. (I have a wind theme going this week, apparently.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">When the winds hit the daffodil, it chooses to dance. It is built for the dance with a stem that is not too thick... and not too thin. It is just right. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">"Lord, we are grateful for the lessons you give us in nature everyday. Help us to pause and ponder what you long to teach us. You want us to see the examples before us. Too often, I am in a hurry. Help me to slow down to watch, listen, and learn without a crisis. Fill our hearts with a hunger to chase your heart in the ordinary days. We thank you for the gift and lessons from the daffodils." -Amen</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">One scripture passage stands out like song: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">"To everything there is a season..." but as I headed to Ecclesiastes, I received my verse of the day. What do you know... His is better than mine. (Imagine that... He wins again!)</span></p><div id="verse-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 34px; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it." -1 Peter 3:15</b></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">The daffodil dances before our Lord in the sometimes bitter winds, and keeps on shining with all of its hope and purpose. Resiliency and beauty before us. The hope and promise of good days around the corner. While we wait, don't forget to dance!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Today, I am grateful for waiting on the daffodils.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-54161025800658103342024-03-09T10:00:00.000-08:002024-03-09T10:00:00.144-08:00A Plan<p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNmQ3VTnaFxtEbC3iEpXEPm6vxK1Pl2TgkkyrGB6nmrMu6SdG9vL5iaq-MCw2A8An_wfVsvj4qhpdXHe0wA4DZsYtbVZQOdtQCYDP3yCxxpjmcdrwhA3SVSKi6Yhh-IMlC8P0sbXSlv18hLCP1q0lkW8KNMlCeBP3XS4g5U30MAMTWfKCkQnVn1xo_cEp/s810/No%20Longer%20an%20Option%20Mary%20E.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNmQ3VTnaFxtEbC3iEpXEPm6vxK1Pl2TgkkyrGB6nmrMu6SdG9vL5iaq-MCw2A8An_wfVsvj4qhpdXHe0wA4DZsYtbVZQOdtQCYDP3yCxxpjmcdrwhA3SVSKi6Yhh-IMlC8P0sbXSlv18hLCP1q0lkW8KNMlCeBP3XS4g5U30MAMTWfKCkQnVn1xo_cEp/s320/No%20Longer%20an%20Option%20Mary%20E.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 69: Today, I am grateful for a plan.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Mary Englebreit is a St. Louis artist. She has been my favorite for more than three decades. I discovered her before Chase was born through my friend, Karen Smith. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Her art resonates with my soul on so many levels. She loves all of the colors. She uses favorite quotes on all of her art. She raised two boys and "gets it". She loves the girly thing, too. If you appreciate a little sarcasm, you might get that, too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">"Your Life. No Longer an Option." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">The image here has been one of my favorites. It is a reminder that life is full of choices. We make some of them. Others are made for us. We have to adjust to Plan B, Plan C, and so on. Own it. Embrace it. Grieve when you must, because life is full of hard things, but press on. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><i>We cannot change the wind, but we can harness the winds of change. </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Even in the storms of life, His Hand is real. There is a bigger plan than mine. His is much more important. "That all might be saved" is a big number. Each one in the vast sea of "all" must decide for themselves. </span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. -2 Timothy 1:9</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">From the beginning of time is a long time! His plan is about the long game. There are wins and losses along the way, but He is always faithful. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Stay the course. Embrace the changes in the winds. Trust His hand in the plan. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I am grateful for a plan. </span></p><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></p><div id="verse-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 24px; line-height: 34px; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px;"><br /></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-47351211353579698362024-03-08T17:27:00.000-08:002024-03-08T17:34:58.374-08:00Familiar Faces & Places<p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPH0SXWIZ26FP0yUB8D_f74idB9TTWt1m8EIhCkTybYG4bgRYfi8H9_0YKnLJHO4od0R3ki5CEJrJhxW4OXiWePqds1fRgvbDVLbY1EVCoMumMLUScPER-BntuEWXoCLQRpVCobtF6pX9xsNPL-G_OwUlj-flmOUa4IK2xMitIbm6cMeCOQp5yOq3uS6d/s750/Central%20Perk.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPH0SXWIZ26FP0yUB8D_f74idB9TTWt1m8EIhCkTybYG4bgRYfi8H9_0YKnLJHO4od0R3ki5CEJrJhxW4OXiWePqds1fRgvbDVLbY1EVCoMumMLUScPER-BntuEWXoCLQRpVCobtF6pX9xsNPL-G_OwUlj-flmOUa4IK2xMitIbm6cMeCOQp5yOq3uS6d/s320/Central%20Perk.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 68: Today, I am grateful for familiar faces and places.</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">In every chapter of our lives there are familiar spaces and places. Remember the old T.V. Show "Cheers?" The theme song was "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name." What about "Central Perk" where all of the "Friends" would hang out for a decade through many life changes. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">When Walker was little, he loved to go to Panera. (For those who are unfamiliar, they are known for their soups, salads, bagels, pastries, and paninis. ) Before Walker was 3-years-old he had a well developed vocabulary. He would walk up to Miss Jacqui at Panera and clearly order, 'Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a bread bowl, please." By the time Walker went to school, he and Miss Jacqui had a relationship. She would not even ask our names. The order was always called out as "Walker." When he started school, she sent him a cookie to let him know she missed his familiar face. Honestly, Jill and I missed our little sidekick, too. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">When we go home it is special to walk the halls of our old schools. When we go away, it is good to return to our favorite places. In a nutshell, there is comfort in the familiar. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Isn't it amazing to know that God knows us? It is in that familiar way that makes us feel like being welcomed home after a long journey. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 19.2px; letter-spacing: 0.384px;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Crete Round;">You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. Psalm 139:1</span></b></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Today, I am grateful for familiar faces and places.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-47378719025483463392024-03-08T17:00:00.000-08:002024-03-11T13:47:28.330-07:00Great Expectations<p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYosNe4iAJUldqA5loMKHF4zLaMw_ctC4StyydG8QC4FS2WOdt7u-DwTgPIQP2Pil1z1fHWGrUlUSjV15dRIAAgmF2RswKdRF3TU85EHHUxwiqM51jwLspy-BhYINsKoZ74Dwu3ycbc-G3IupwnNEvwosUeX3_mQKondwKE7g6iYd8LeqlYYVkRdPfWiC/s353/March%20Days%20C%20Dickens%20Great%20Expectations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYosNe4iAJUldqA5loMKHF4zLaMw_ctC4StyydG8QC4FS2WOdt7u-DwTgPIQP2Pil1z1fHWGrUlUSjV15dRIAAgmF2RswKdRF3TU85EHHUxwiqM51jwLspy-BhYINsKoZ74Dwu3ycbc-G3IupwnNEvwosUeX3_mQKondwKE7g6iYd8LeqlYYVkRdPfWiC/s320/March%20Days%20C%20Dickens%20Great%20Expectations.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 71: Today, I am grateful for great expectations.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">What an amazing description of March. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the winds blow cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." -Charles Dickens, Great Expectations</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I believe we read the book, "Great Expectations," in the 8th Grade with Miss Rosie Chalfant. Some of my Nash Jr. High/ CHS classmates may be able to confirm or deny that memory. Perhaps Dickens was an early influence on my love of descriptive language. Miss Evelyn Schlie led us through a "Tale of Two Cities" in high school. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Miss Margaret Mills was our leader through Shakespeare, and she would have had it no other way. "MacBeth" was so witty, once we started to understand the language. And "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I have reread parts of it as an adult. It is classic literature and points to the fact that people do not really change that much over the centuries. The clothing and language may change, but choices driven by love, deception, power struggles, family feuds, economic challenges, and bribery are the same. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I am grateful my English teachers had great expectations for us. Many from my days at Central High School have gone on to use the power of their words for good, for entertainment, and to research and record history, to interpret the law, and to write well because our Language Arts teachers would not let us be defeated by difficult language. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I failed to mention two very special teachers. My 6th grade teacher, Ms. Pat Braun-Schroeder, was the first to encourage me to write and embrace my love of words. She knew me. I baby-sat for her children and loved being with her. She gave me one of my most treasured books... a Thesaurus with a warning that words could be powerful and I should choose and use them wisely. I am so grateful we have stayed connected over these many years. She was my first real mentor and today I count her as a friend. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Last but not least, forget Mrs. Clara Schroeder, who taught Language Arts to a class of squirrely seventh graders at tables in the Library. I remember assignments where she turned us loose in the midst of the books. I think she longed to instill a love of reading in us and she did. She sparked our curiosity, too. She had great expectations. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Great teachers see our potential. They walk with us through the learning curves. They encourage us to learn and grow from our struggles. They expect it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">We can cling to the great expectation we have because of our hope in Jesus. He conquered death so we might be redeemed. We have a priceless inheritance. </span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay</span> " -1 Peter 1:3</b></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Today, I am grateful for great expectations.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></div><p></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-90363188321631372792024-03-07T18:36:00.000-08:002024-03-07T18:39:16.084-08:00Safety Checks<p> <br /></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 67: Today, I am grateful for safety checks.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">"Safety First" was a book Chase loved to read when he was little. It was in the Disney Babies series of books. He would say, "Let's talk about dangerous things." He wanted to know the safety rules. Walker, on the other hand, was more of a test subject to see if something was dangerous. There were many times we were grateful for the safety testing that goes into products before we use them.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Safety checks are important in public transportation, on heavy farm and construction equipment, and car seats. Remember your first seat belt? Mine was my mother's arm flung across the passenger side of the car. Yes, that dates me a little. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Safety checks can slow things down, but they are time well spent. One tiny safety check can save many tears. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">When a worksite posts how many days they have been without an accident, it says safety is a priority. Those who are wise, practice safety checks in other areas of their lives, too. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">King Solomon asked God for wisdom when God offered him anything. His request is proof he had an understanding of the value of wisdom. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Crete Round;"><b><span style="font-size: 16px;">During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">safe</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">ty, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree. -</span>1 Kings 4:25</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Today, I am grateful for safety checks.</span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-39516026668697966042024-03-06T21:38:00.000-08:002024-03-06T21:38:41.249-08:00Searches<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCD24LhLgFWtfSTnKeWnSfV_PgKBn4o8g2hBQJ0i8Nf9fC-_rIvV5QfHVphSex4-P6LxwQ_rQDXDlaBSpu5L5sTksFzW5WB012jXc15mrZ69A9RTzYTFIvhSKaPHFMeMDiJezHhkwuKNdhEJOysP--CfgfJ9oXJEs3Y0dWcMbnc7LXLBoenKlKZyk8n2Oz" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCD24LhLgFWtfSTnKeWnSfV_PgKBn4o8g2hBQJ0i8Nf9fC-_rIvV5QfHVphSex4-P6LxwQ_rQDXDlaBSpu5L5sTksFzW5WB012jXc15mrZ69A9RTzYTFIvhSKaPHFMeMDiJezHhkwuKNdhEJOysP--CfgfJ9oXJEs3Y0dWcMbnc7LXLBoenKlKZyk8n2Oz" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 66: Today, I am grateful for searches. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Anytime we travel, I am the one who gets pulled and searched by the TSA. I must have a dangerous look. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I do my best to not get grumpy. They are doing their job. They are trying to keep us safe. I've been patted, scanned, and rescanned. Many years ago, I never stopped setting off the metal detector. They final gave up and let me through. There is only so much you can take off in public.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Another time I was traveling from a conference at St. Jude in Memphis. The presenter was a precious nun who worked with Elizabeth Kubler Ross who wrote the book, "On Death and Dying." The book was a best seller and the first to really talk about the grief process. The sweet sister and I shared a cab and made our way to security. I warned her of my gift for getting pulled for extra scanning. She laughed and said, "I get it all the time, too." She was wearing a traditional habit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">On the surface, she and I did not look that suspicious, right? But a scanner sees what is hidden. It made me think of this verse. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. -Psalm 139:23-24</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I need the accountability of knowing that he know my heart. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"> </span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"> Today, I am grateful for searches. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-62439169553495476192024-03-05T21:35:00.000-08:002024-03-05T21:35:02.807-08:00Perfect Faithfulness: The Crocus<p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd7-c0XQrnpLraeH4U7sBG-KXBtRyze4DdvzG7e3XlWCfpyA8kK0VEDr23NhALX_2yIf8egpoUr5Ec1aW5Sdz_7VbxGdjafwfVvzaw7YkNpvoewMrBP2sh8jMgXpaJzxn7jg5plAHJOUxLudV5j8kQu6dJ3_R0Tye8UtckKPnSVnBhApRXk1UufaOlySza" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd7-c0XQrnpLraeH4U7sBG-KXBtRyze4DdvzG7e3XlWCfpyA8kK0VEDr23NhALX_2yIf8egpoUr5Ec1aW5Sdz_7VbxGdjafwfVvzaw7YkNpvoewMrBP2sh8jMgXpaJzxn7jg5plAHJOUxLudV5j8kQu6dJ3_R0Tye8UtckKPnSVnBhApRXk1UufaOlySza" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 65: Today, I am grateful for perfect faithfulness. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Our crocus just came up. I have always thought of them as brave little flowers. They are one of the first flowers to break out on the cusp of Spring. I am particularly fond of the purple color in this image. Not all of them are bright. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Did you know that precious spice, saffron, comes from the stamen of the crocus flower? I didn't.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"> Randy knew it. He probably learned it while watching Alton Brown. Something about that little bit of learning resonates with my soul. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">The crocus is such a humble little flower, yet it produces a spice that may be more precious than gold. It is the most expensive spice in the world. From something that appears insignificant, comes something treasured. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">His faithfulness is part of the process. His hand is on the crocus flower, and it is on us, too. </span></p><p><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. -Isaiah 25:1</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"> Today, I am grateful for perfect faithfulness. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-52175383741565837212024-03-04T21:17:00.000-08:002024-03-04T21:23:17.098-08:00Beautiful, Humble Tasks<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9PN_e_QBebLqDFllnmqGKrdJ05SU27ZfQoi_Dtaipqx6tuqh3zgHbkdks0BoI0mE4Fd6liiMW1KNZ78yTofA-XFlutTYf2F4hnuf2KdjNZR2JI6ebookF2alS03VohBOLDPhpX8RU6KIvhacy9VnyssTfHYxzmL7X0gigp2gkWohBc-7EtFqBsS47F58g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9PN_e_QBebLqDFllnmqGKrdJ05SU27ZfQoi_Dtaipqx6tuqh3zgHbkdks0BoI0mE4Fd6liiMW1KNZ78yTofA-XFlutTYf2F4hnuf2KdjNZR2JI6ebookF2alS03VohBOLDPhpX8RU6KIvhacy9VnyssTfHYxzmL7X0gigp2gkWohBc-7EtFqBsS47F58g=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 64: Today, I am grateful for beautiful, humble tasks. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>"The humble tasks get beautified if loving hands do them." - Louisa May Alcott, Little Women</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">What a great quote. It is full of truth.</span><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Changing laundry, making dinner, mopping floors, caring for the sick, and changing diapers qualify. There is nothing glamorous about the task, but when it is offered as a "living sacrifice," it becomes something beautiful. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">True humility does not look for attention. It does not need to "be seen." It comes from a heart that loves deeply and tenaciously.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him." -Romans 12:1</span></b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Crete Round"; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today, I am grateful for beautiful, humble tasks.</span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-87447117532370801782024-03-03T19:11:00.000-08:002024-03-03T19:15:35.745-08:00Reminders to Listen, Learn, & Worship<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGPD9tyUoBXON6FdBljK16kGc_eMKGpdR9EcMymoeraHOAnyDy6IBXU2skLw-N9uuPZ6P2Ct6zDV1szkSa2Ky0FcpuJvOOqxxoAEehP_3j5xsIa1d2PCQ2dyB7ga4j673zC7wCgJolaCuBCY74ThWWYinqyKXb7uMsiPxVTt8ZbLXKYVfE4SE-rHAJZzx/s1600/Neil%20Gaiman%20quote%20almost%20always%20right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGPD9tyUoBXON6FdBljK16kGc_eMKGpdR9EcMymoeraHOAnyDy6IBXU2skLw-N9uuPZ6P2Ct6zDV1szkSa2Ky0FcpuJvOOqxxoAEehP_3j5xsIa1d2PCQ2dyB7ga4j673zC7wCgJolaCuBCY74ThWWYinqyKXb7uMsiPxVTt8ZbLXKYVfE4SE-rHAJZzx/w390-h219/Neil%20Gaiman%20quote%20almost%20always%20right.jpg" width="390" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 63: Today, I am grateful for reminders to listen, learn, and to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-John 4:23-24</span></b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Do we seek to worship in a way that is comfortable for us, or do we step outside of our comfort zones and let the worship flow? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is natural that our worship reflects our unique personalities. Right? How do you discover your worship style? How do you act at the football playoffs or a basketball championship? What about a music concert with your favorite artists.? Are your reserved? Some are. Or, can you be found with your arms in the air, whooping it up when something good happens? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">That is what worship looks like for you. Should worship for our favorite baseball teams be more heartfelt than the worship we offer our Lord and Savior? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Now, I am not saying everyone has to throw their arms in the air to prove they have entered into a state of worship. Not at all. Again, the one who created us knows our hearts. He knows when we are watching the time or our phone. He knows when we have arrived with a heart ready to focus on Him. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Chase introduced me to Neil Gaiman. He wrote "The Graveyard Book" - which Jacquey Akers will tell you is one of my favorites for young adult books at MJHS. It is an adoption story... and a ghost story, too. Neil has a way with words. I found this quote today:</span></p><p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>“Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.” – Neil Gaiman</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">This quote was perfect for today's gratitude. Do I worship God in a way that pleases me or do I seek to worship God in a way that pleases him? I have some thinking to do on that note. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">When I present myself as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1)and then... because I am living, I can "crawl off right off of that altar" and return when it is convenient for me? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">The thought is not original. It came from today's message. I will have something to chew on for at least a week and maybe longer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">What is real worship? What is simply "going through the motions?" How do we worship in a way that pleases our Creator, Lord, and King?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today, I am grateful for reminders to listen, learn, and to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-37181605357817948792024-03-02T17:30:00.000-08:002024-03-03T18:22:03.411-08:00Because He Rules<p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW2LZWwdOyK_LO6zBv3a0aX9XWEac1HgaX0Xx6JDwyJuV-MWEdAOSa1pWKq5FSkI_TjbAp3etlkPLZisvjah6fkpC-il3Aqwc_UnrDLfWjGIex9BrTWsYBPjfBB59J_EACpVv7sHnBb4rAgyrxgwtbR4Y26v5GAr6hLMRZhCHr_ZSkCIXWBqoegrUiqCmD" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="563" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW2LZWwdOyK_LO6zBv3a0aX9XWEac1HgaX0Xx6JDwyJuV-MWEdAOSa1pWKq5FSkI_TjbAp3etlkPLZisvjah6fkpC-il3Aqwc_UnrDLfWjGIex9BrTWsYBPjfBB59J_EACpVv7sHnBb4rAgyrxgwtbR4Y26v5GAr6hLMRZhCHr_ZSkCIXWBqoegrUiqCmD" width="238" /></a></span> Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 62: Today, I am grateful we can rest because He rules. </span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>"The soul that has learned the blessed secret of seeing God's hand in all that concerns it, cannot be a prey to fear. It looks beyond all second causes, straight into the heart and will of God, and rests content because He rules." -Susannah Spurgeon </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">What a quote! It holds a deep truth that we cannot ignore. We may have a plan. We may have big ideas. But, we are not God. His world. His rules. His will. His purpose.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Every once and awhile I have one of those "eureka" moments when things become clear. This is one of those moments. So many times, in brokenness and pain, I have heard the words, "It must not have been a part of God's plan." </span><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I've struggled with that thought at times, myself. I am human. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I know this world is not fair and there is evil to contend with, too. God's justice is real, just like his mercy. He does not operate on our plans or our schedule. But here is the often missed truth: The things he "allows" are within His will, right? Look beyond simple cause and effect. Sometimes, bad things happen in this fallen world. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Next time we are concerned with "the will of God", perhaps we should redirect our thoughts to what we know is true. What is that? His purpose. His purpose is to rescue, restore, and refine us into an intimate relationship with Him. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I cannot imagine what it is like to see and know all. We humans want to be the center of our own universe, but we could not really handle that kind of pressure. I love that this quote points us to the heart and the will of God, knowing that we can rest when He is in charge. Any trial that comes our way is an opportunity to lean on Him and into His promises. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Do not misunderstand. I do not enjoy or look forward to the trials. But in retrospect, every trial has brought me closer to Him. He is our hiding place, our comfort, our calm, and our peace. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I prayed before going for a passage in Psalms, "Lord, if you have a better passage for today's post, show me." It is that little game we often play.<i> At times, I feel a chill go down my spine because He is listening. He hears our prayers.</i> Here was the passage on the screen when I opened up my Bible Gateway:</span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside." -Job 23:10-11</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">He wins again! It always delights my soul. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Today, I am grateful we can rest because He rules. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span><p></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-88788654242673926712024-03-01T20:30:00.000-08:002024-03-01T21:18:38.454-08:00The Other Realm<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXYuR7Mj5jK_88COGhqclEnszU06vdWtIM3aOIVixZ0Zjz7Xy9FUfhB4xq66fu7SjkLqeim7Pi2r9jSHscRGZkqr-qwypmHYJQgs2wrKXtyP6B09a-8wfx8C_iLtZiObtZgG2mpUgHW-VDDNZ4LGqTHBd-Punz7TIHdiCfikBnToXstHLvXsy2Pp9nJP-/s1080/Corrie%20Ten%20Boom%20_March%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXYuR7Mj5jK_88COGhqclEnszU06vdWtIM3aOIVixZ0Zjz7Xy9FUfhB4xq66fu7SjkLqeim7Pi2r9jSHscRGZkqr-qwypmHYJQgs2wrKXtyP6B09a-8wfx8C_iLtZiObtZgG2mpUgHW-VDDNZ4LGqTHBd-Punz7TIHdiCfikBnToXstHLvXsy2Pp9nJP-/s320/Corrie%20Ten%20Boom%20_March%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #444444;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 61: Today, I am grateful for "the other realm."</span></span><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Today is Sally's second Birthday in Heaven. The day started with between three of us who miss her every single day. We were friends for nearly every decade of our lives. Each one was a blessing. Nearly </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">50 years of earthly years of friendship went by in a blink. </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">We know she is happy, whole and in the presence of Jesus. It makes me feel selfish, but I miss her. We miss her. I know for her family, the vacancy in their earthly days must feel deep and wide. I am grateful for their faith. I will continue to pray for them all. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Old friendships are so special. "Golden" is what one poet wrote. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">We shared childhood secrets and adult trials. We lived. We laughed. We loved. We hungered to understand His Word better. We prayed for each other's children, family, and other loved ones. I miss the conversations. </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Now, Sally has seen His face. She knows what it means to be in the presence of the mighty one. We really can only imagine it. Not even John's words can do it justice. </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Corrie Ten Boom was a inspiration:</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>"The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter God's realm where everything is possible. Nothing is to great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love." - Corrie Ten Boom</b></span><br /></span></span><p></p><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #444444;">Nothing is too great. Nothing is too small. In His realm, everything is possible. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;">Today, I am grateful for "the other realm."</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-28461733411758624432024-02-29T18:39:00.000-08:002024-02-29T18:47:49.116-08:00Psalms of Ascent<p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyxxHiublt6Yfi0SmpphDli-3t5Icowr8GESB5wy8Kiznsae4bjydHp8thAJSAFWVk6s5h5bS5mFTgn3kgrhmKNrrJ-FI9MBf40wrzqMgPvjrLJbY50WMDNkss3fFTccKmxQeutwGkCedhDz1rAQBgOqdL7itidkKyYYmmC46SWNhfzepyaGwBB2Sc_j5/s1210/Psalms-of-Ascent-120-134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1210" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyxxHiublt6Yfi0SmpphDli-3t5Icowr8GESB5wy8Kiznsae4bjydHp8thAJSAFWVk6s5h5bS5mFTgn3kgrhmKNrrJ-FI9MBf40wrzqMgPvjrLJbY50WMDNkss3fFTccKmxQeutwGkCedhDz1rAQBgOqdL7itidkKyYYmmC46SWNhfzepyaGwBB2Sc_j5/s320/Psalms-of-Ascent-120-134.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 60: Today, I am grateful for </span><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120 - Psalm 134). </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">This collection of fifteen Psalms in modern language were "The Songs for the Journey to Worship." Their pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem was a long road that went uphill. They would sing on the way. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Imagine the children learning these songs of Solomon, David, and a few that are uncredited! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I can imagine the families singing together, with the little ones messing up some of the words but doing their best to join in with the grown-ups and older children. They would remember the words for all of their days, just like we remember the songs of our youth, too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">My soul delights in music. I sometimes think in lyrics. Rhymes come easily. When it comes to worship, certain songs magnify our praise offering. "Ten Thousand Reasons (Bless the Lord Oh My Soul)" is one that has been mine for more than a decade. It is my worship song on the best days and the hardest days. The best worship songs seem to be able to do both.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Another one I continue to cherish is "What Do I Know of Holy?" by Addison Road. It is another song that lifts my soul in praise and humbles me all at the same time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Some songs are joyful. Others carry our brokenness to the throne of His mercy, healing, and grace. </span></p><p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>"I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer." - Psalm 120:1</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">If I made a list of 15 songs to make my way to worship, what would they be? I would have to think about it for a while. It would be hard to choose from the best of the best. What would make your list of the top 15? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Today, I am grateful for </span><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120 - Psalm 134). </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-67055604980115544242024-02-28T18:03:00.000-08:002024-02-28T18:25:40.100-08:00Robin's Real Birthday<p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE_vUuWA28Wsl6Vo5HtzRMH5oC6q-0mLNW0nr1bwCLMZ4iEp1mikb-1EBwfGIE7TUwYJDV5WlXyO8GCG0yXhIulfUHApWTUwpnf_q3OEzHx51xdgN_QvpG8Lb9USE8CjmgQ6Q2Q5e5n1bKA5APjHeTn46Pofo6lWKDTWxeTiTssUca1uhCtsGzg4wIzb6/s3456/071224%20Aunt%20Robin's%20Boys2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE_vUuWA28Wsl6Vo5HtzRMH5oC6q-0mLNW0nr1bwCLMZ4iEp1mikb-1EBwfGIE7TUwYJDV5WlXyO8GCG0yXhIulfUHApWTUwpnf_q3OEzHx51xdgN_QvpG8Lb9USE8CjmgQ6Q2Q5e5n1bKA5APjHeTn46Pofo6lWKDTWxeTiTssUca1uhCtsGzg4wIzb6/s320/071224%20Aunt%20Robin's%20Boys2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 59: Today, I am grateful Robin gets to have a real birthday. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Happy 15th Birthday, Robin! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">The boys call her "Aunt Robin" or "My Robin". Our meeting was by chance through our mutual friends, Melinda and Carl. Robin actually filled a position I left many years ago at the Human Service Center's Youth Services. She and Chase connected at Mindy and Carl's Wedding, and he brought her home. We kept her. Here we are, almost 32 years later. She is a part of our family. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I was looking for something and came across these pictures. The timing was perfect for our Leap Year birthday girl. I will never forget the year that Chase was officially older than her. It wasn't long and Walker was, too. When they were little, they both loved reminding her that they were older. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">She was an extra adult in their life who has loved them fiercely. She still does. She says we taught her some things along the way, too. I believe it was mutual and reciprocal. I remember her helping paint our family room with Randy while Jill and I wallpapered the kitchen. They sounded like brother and sister, fussing at each other as they completed the task. Jill and I could not help but laugh listening to them. It is pretty close to what it sounds like when Randy is with his own sisters. Some parts of our family we are born to. Some, we choose. Others... I think God chooses for us. That would be Robin. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Robin has mastered the gift of being "present" with people when she is with them. Some people have to work at it with intention. It is one of her gifts. When we met her, she never thought she would be great with kids, but she adapted and became the baby whisperer for all of the little ones in her world. She's a favorite with many of her nieces and nephews... and with the "greats." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">She has a way with people... and animals. She used to take the boys to Wildlife Prairie Park when they were little. She volunteered. They learned so much and had some special experiences, too. She modeled tenderness towards all of God's creatures big and small. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">A couple of years ago, she nearly died from sepsis. God rescued her...literally... and she pressed on. She is grateful for every day and every opportunity to share the Gospel. Her mission isn't complete. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">This was my verse for the day. It is perfect for her heart and the way she tries to live and love. </span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." -2 Timothy 1:7</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">We hope she has an amazing "Fabulous 15th" Birthday. We hope she knows she is loved. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Today, I am grateful Robin gets to have a real birthday. </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-9412404329708284902024-02-27T18:11:00.000-08:002024-02-27T18:13:06.293-08:00The Bird Prophesying Spring<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeQ_aUwNGsiIBBp0G4U3lsvKL7B7zLlTfAch_YJobYyHhVR9pY5djsvAdjVM7lwhubzd7lr1yV46xCWwqWc8GZakMAyQNJYUNzRbpKUtV4cE_-qGulgMiFEU-tvtE-vOj5MJsRSHY2bqN3NCx-iQuZdBQ6BMmgbpvCwLr3LuTLHWla41Zdp3KRZJqC_Ir/s564/The%20Bird%20Prophosying%20Spring.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeQ_aUwNGsiIBBp0G4U3lsvKL7B7zLlTfAch_YJobYyHhVR9pY5djsvAdjVM7lwhubzd7lr1yV46xCWwqWc8GZakMAyQNJYUNzRbpKUtV4cE_-qGulgMiFEU-tvtE-vOj5MJsRSHY2bqN3NCx-iQuZdBQ6BMmgbpvCwLr3LuTLHWla41Zdp3KRZJqC_Ir/s320/The%20Bird%20Prophosying%20Spring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 58: Today, I am grateful for the bird prophesying spring. </span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">"The sun is bright, the air is clear, <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">The darting swallows soar and sing, <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">And from the stately elms I hear <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">the bluebird prophesying Spring." <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.</span></b></span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">I heard them today. The chatter was clear. The birds and their songs filled with hope and good cheer. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">They woke up and discovered they could not help but sing. Hold on to your hats... we swiftly approach the Spring. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Savor the moment. Lift your face to the sun. <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Savor the reprieve, Winter is not done. </span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? -Matthew 6:25-26</b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Today, I am grateful for the bird prophesying spring. </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-69263601612144726702024-02-26T17:37:00.000-08:002024-02-26T17:39:42.497-08:00The Attentive Eye<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0JVoed79cWNCUOvHqIBriczUe-eOEPffWEkN0V6AnG9Q7kGWjOrcuQW84BNG0NtvjaZTrbi6jtRfJaZ4-EcDZPHMrqM6uUQFLWCYlmi7DYM-ddKqBwjXMFlUv1-f6U70LBGPFjaRlozhLXPvwPOqle4anPlX64LMhmwoDKhe2_c3WgBAYI-H96q12jDT/s564/In%20The%20Moment.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0JVoed79cWNCUOvHqIBriczUe-eOEPffWEkN0V6AnG9Q7kGWjOrcuQW84BNG0NtvjaZTrbi6jtRfJaZ4-EcDZPHMrqM6uUQFLWCYlmi7DYM-ddKqBwjXMFlUv1-f6U70LBGPFjaRlozhLXPvwPOqle4anPlX64LMhmwoDKhe2_c3WgBAYI-H96q12jDT/s320/In%20The%20Moment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 57: Today, I am grateful for the attentive eye.</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #38761d; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>"To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and it beholds every hour a picture which was never seen before... and which shall never be seen again." -Ralph Waldo Emerson </b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Today was gorgeous. I walked outside and lifted my face to the sun. These unseasonably warm days make us think "Spring," but it is too soon. It has not yet sprung. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Still, in this moment, we can take in the delight of an undeniable break from winter. It is easy to miss the moment because we look right past it. We must train our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to be more attentive in the moment. This hour will never return. It will never be lived again. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">How many important and potentially life changing moments do we miss because we don't pay attention? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #38761d; font-family: Crete Round; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him." -1 John 4:9</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-size: 14.85px;">Dad used to have a little saying on the back of his business card that said something to the effect of, "If you meet me and forget me, you've lost nothing. If you meet Jesus and forget him, you've lost everything."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-size: 14.85px;">I probably quoted it imperfectly, but I think I nailed the truth. Some moments can change forever, but we have to seize the gift. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Today, I am grateful for the attentive eye.</span></span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-7660771825064488402024-02-25T20:47:00.000-08:002024-02-25T20:47:42.119-08:00Common Sense<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVoNsWWkaRYd-pAiuyCn1ICzFPwMWJ5BJGEFKE4jb987Uszaric8unpBD6c8z9DNoyWlmbFDHacUfUCwdnhTeiei2BH2prjBsUVasosNkuukEl9ZdisnaQ2fLqy_kRQwaCNJ-CNApGaxvZLjLJtl9NqUVJg9G-FPzBzRVPMQb_ITZqDye-fGzTmcQMkHX/s3000/IMG_0204.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2251" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVoNsWWkaRYd-pAiuyCn1ICzFPwMWJ5BJGEFKE4jb987Uszaric8unpBD6c8z9DNoyWlmbFDHacUfUCwdnhTeiei2BH2prjBsUVasosNkuukEl9ZdisnaQ2fLqy_kRQwaCNJ-CNApGaxvZLjLJtl9NqUVJg9G-FPzBzRVPMQb_ITZqDye-fGzTmcQMkHX/s320/IMG_0204.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 56: Today, I am grateful for common sense . </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Common sense is not that common. Acting logically and calmly is a great response in many situations, and it is necessary in a crisis.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Our emotions are easily stirred. An emotional response is not always the most best response. A diligently practiced prayerful pause is always a good idea. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">One of things that always makes me smile is when the best solutions come from the most humble sources. New eyes on an old problem… or maybe just different eyes. </span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-size: 14.85px;">Critical thinking skills need exercise. On the other side, overthinking can be problematic, too. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-size: 14.85px;">So, how do we act with common sense? Keep first things first. Sometimes, common sense goes against the grain of what is popular. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); font-size: 14.85px;">“Be strong and courageous!” -Deuteronomy 31:6</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(110, 110, 110); color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Today, I am grateful for common sense . </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-49304769307576764192024-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:002024-02-24T21:32:27.595-08:00Cemetery Records & Obituaries<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggO5PeS9G2xeSOVJyrKlm4ktEm28iZRfscW04oDC9UZbgp2-srRUCgXl3cMPM_C0iSbmwRIZV4OdKbjtgiZARHGkGfizgXHeHsTnW12OMXk3UYgTMMC5GguutZ-5VOHNWADrjiYbq2hJoSo1kt907Kn2e_eUQ02NJEFX3lQ8bp_AcbkAAQuBObCmxRDNzk/s2703/Hiram%20W%201827-1910_Caroline%20M%20Calkins%20St%20John%201830-1920.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2703" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggO5PeS9G2xeSOVJyrKlm4ktEm28iZRfscW04oDC9UZbgp2-srRUCgXl3cMPM_C0iSbmwRIZV4OdKbjtgiZARHGkGfizgXHeHsTnW12OMXk3UYgTMMC5GguutZ-5VOHNWADrjiYbq2hJoSo1kt907Kn2e_eUQ02NJEFX3lQ8bp_AcbkAAQuBObCmxRDNzk/s320/Hiram%20W%201827-1910_Caroline%20M%20Calkins%20St%20John%201830-1920.jpg" width="265" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 55: Today, I am grateful for cemetery records and obituaries. </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">I have been sucked into the rabbit hole of genealogy. Mama Ina Mae was always interested. I wish I had known then what I know now. It would have been fun to share the discoveries and the stories with her.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Today, there are so many modern tools for research and turning over new stones. Some of the best resources are obituaries and cemetery records. </span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Of course, an obituary or a cemetery record is limited in the information collected or the information given. All of them can be useful as future generations uncover their family stories. It is so interesting to put the puzzle pieces together. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">The generations who came before us often moved in family groups. The Calkins and St. Johns eventually settled in Iroquois County bringing some of the Chaffee and Lockwood family members, too. All of them were familiar names in Sharon, Litchfield, Connecticut. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">The picture is my Great-Great-Great Grandparents stone at the Sugar Creek Cemetery in Iroquois County, IL. There are many more relatives nearby. I find this stone particularly beautiful and it has stood the test of time. I want to visit in person. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">I found this scripture that tells of Jacob setting up a stone to mark Rachel's grave. It is one last, "I love you." </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Crete Round;">"So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Jacob set up a stone monument over Rachel’s grave, and it can be seen there to this day." -Genesis 35:19-20</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Today, I am grateful for cemetery records and obituaries. </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0