Journals & Love Letters

 In sorting and cleaning out my Mom's home my brother and I discovered these two journals and love letters.  The journals span the years of 1984 through 1992.  Mom began the first one two months after her mother - my grandma had passed away.  She wrote about how much she missed her.  They had always been very close and the loss left a huge hole in her life.  

Some entries were brief describing the weather and the happenings in the family.  Friendships and gatherings filled many of the pages.   Travels and various adventures were described in detail.

The love letters were much older.  They were kept in a bottom drawer of Mom's vanity.  They had been written by two young people who were very much in love.  Those two were my parents.  Dad was in the Navy at the time and Mom in high school.  

Of all the treasures that were collected and saved during my Mother's life I believe my brother and I found the very best.

If anyone questions keeping journals or special notes; you are leaving a legacy to those who are left behind.  I know I am very grateful that Mom kept hers. 

Have a great week.  Tomorrow is the first day of March.  Will it come in like a Lion or a Lamb?

Hugs

Debbie

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children...Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."   Deuteronomy  6:6-7;9 (NIV)

"Choose Joy"

There are certain times that a book appears to be written for one's circumstances.  "Choose Joy" by Kay Warren is one of those special books. 

Some of you may be familiar with her spouse Rick Warren who wrote the "Purpose Driven Life".  It was a very popular book several years ago.

Sadly Kay's book was written about a year before her son tragically committed suicide in 2013.  It was repackaged  in 2020.  

She addresses the fact that happiness is often  based on what is happening in our lives but joy is something we choose even in the midst of tragic or sad happenings.  I found her transparency and honesty refreshing.  One of the major thoughts that I took away from "Choose Joy" is that sorrow and joy are like railroad tracks.   They run along side each other ...it is possible to be joyful even when sorrow or sad moments happen.

This book I highly recommend for anyone who has struggled with challenging times and been depressed.

To all my dear friends who expressed their comforting words from my previous post - thank you.  God Bless!   Have a good week.

Hugs

Debbie

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." Psalm 126:5 (NIV)

New Home

 On January 29th my dear mom moved to her new home in heaven.

Even though there is sorrow, there is joy as well.  She lived a life of faith and love for her Lord, her family and her friends until the very end.  I miss her now but someday we will be together again.

Thank you all for understanding why I have not posted sooner.

God Bless

Debbie

"However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."  1 Cor: 2:9   

Stillness

 In the stillness I hear Him whisper,

"I am near...

do not fear...

I love you and I care."

Hope you hear Him in the stillness too.

Have a blessed week.

Hugs!

Debbie

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper."  1 Kings 19:12 (NIV)

Word for 2021

My word for 2021 is "Believe".   I recently wrote a post about believing.  As the month of January unfolded this word kept showing up in various ways.  Once again the word chose me instead of me choosing the word.

To go along with this post I have chosen an old song "I Believe for Every Drop of Rain that Falls" - Hope you will enjoy it.  No one can do it better than Elvis!

Hugs

Debbie

"Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed, blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."  John 20:29 (NIV)

2021 & January Pastimes

Happy 2021 friends.  I hope that all of you have had a good start to the New Year.  Thought I would share a few of my January pastimes.

This book by Dr. David Jeremiah looked like a great book to begin the coming year.  I have already read several pages and find it to be very uplifting and inspiring.

Have been doing a bit of drawing and painting the past few days. 

It is good to once again find some time to pursue some creative endeavors.

Speaking of time I found myself working on this 1000 piece Nancy Drew puzzle.  My brother selected this Christmas present for me. (He always knows what I love!) 

This gift brings back many wonderful memories of growing up.  Carolyn Keene's " Nancy Drew" mystery books were a favorite series of mine.  I am sure at one time or another have read most of these titles.  It is a great way to spend a quiet January day.

Perhaps you will share a few of your January pastimes with me.   Would love to read what each of you are doing as your 2021 unfolds.

Take care and have a blessed week.

Hugs

Debbie 

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."  Prov. 15:30

  

A Wish

 Sending everyone a wish for a Happy New Year.

May God Bless You all as we ring out the old and ring in the new.  

I am ready for a new year how about you?

Hugs!

Debbie

"To be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."  Ephesians 4:23-24 (NIV)