Ordinary Time

Sending hugs and hankies, dear Woodeene!

2012-05-27T15:37:24.386-07:00

Sending hugs and hankies, dear Woodeene!

There is second death and Second Coma. That one yo...

2012-05-25T07:11:48.898-07:00

There is second death and Second Coma. That one you rise out of. And you will

Neat item on my facebook page: Follow your heart! But take your brain along, too.
Sandy

Thanks Woodeene. I'm not sure I have ever hea...

2012-05-22T17:21:36.861-07:00

Thanks Woodeene. I'm not sure I have ever heard the full version of this prayer, and it is beautiful!
CeCe B.

Not do-overs. It will always be a new thing, but ...

2012-05-21T16:41:52.339-07:00

Not do-overs. It will always be a new thing, but it will be better than a do-over. It does take God's grace and influence. Finances are always the hardest for me, but I've experienced occasional blessings in that realm -- usually where least expected. I have come to the conclusion that God does have a "gentle" sense of humor.

Some things may not be do-over-able. But then, I ...

2012-05-21T15:31:44.578-07:00

Some things may not be do-over-able. But then, I remind myself that God has done and still can do impossible things.

One of the true gifts of aging is the ability to r...

2012-05-21T13:49:02.368-07:00

One of the true gifts of aging is the ability to reflect and to change. As avid learnr stated it's not too late for another go at it. The financial situation may not be doable. But the opportunity to use talents even in a small way certainly is. With wisdom and God's grace, you know you can.

2012-05-20T18:21:19.225-07:00

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"It's never too late to be what you might...

2012-05-20T18:17:09.346-07:00

"It's never too late to be what you might have been"...one of my favorite sayings in this season of my life. I know those fears you share, but this time of life is for legacy building. Don't give up on your gifts - go for your dreams.

Got my copy, Woodeene! Look forward to reading it....

2012-05-02T15:35:37.179-07:00

Got my copy, Woodeene! Look forward to reading it.

Do you remember the Magic 8 Ball? There was an re...

2012-05-01T22:27:38.429-07:00

Do you remember the Magic 8 Ball? There was an response that said "The answer is unclear at this time" That might be an alternative to "unanswered". I believe prayer is always answered, even if I do not understand it in the moment.

One of the things I do when I'm not finding the answer to my prayer is that I stop looking. I know God has heard my prayer. I know God is answering my prayer. Sometimes I am so focused on how I think God "should" answer my prayer that I don't see what is right in front of my face. That's when I stop fussing about my prayer request, and start counting the blessings around me. Yes, it is a version of the "Pollyanna Process" but it does work. That attitude of gratitude strengthens my faith, and helps me to know that the divine right solution to all situations is occurring. For wherever I am, God is, and all is well.

I will look forward to the results of your experiment. In the meantime, I'm off to check out your free book on Amazon.com.

Down and dirty, honest and real - that's what ...

2012-05-01T08:45:16.154-07:00

Down and dirty, honest and real - that's what I like about you, Woodeene. And this is true prayer. Saying it how it is. I think of two stories from scripture: the importunate neighbor who will not stop knocking on the door; and Jacob wrestling through the night: I will not let thee go unless thou bless me.

Keep knocking. keep wrestling. I suspect that these are not just prayers - but answers to prayer - the true engagement.

Woodeene, I've been there many times. And yet...

2012-04-30T19:23:27.462-07:00

Woodeene, I've been there many times. And yet, I must say that when i get REALLY serious with God (as opposed to whining, moaning, bitching, etc.) and say "As far as I can tell, I really, really need X (I'm open to correction) so I'm standing before you like all those importunate women in Scripture and I'm not leaving until you give me what I need. I'm open to your provision in any form, i don't care how it comes or in what form, but X seems to be non-negotiable. So I'm staying here, asking and knocking and seeking until you, my loving Father, give me what I need. And I must say, when I get that serious, He has already responded - and soon.

But a good deal of the time, I'm just kvetching - not really knocking or seeking and there does seem to be a difference somehow.

Definitely grateful for chocolate chip cookies! an...

2012-04-30T09:11:00.961-07:00

Definitely grateful for chocolate chip cookies! and spring flowers.

I don't think we need to categorize our griefw...

2012-04-29T19:24:15.134-07:00

I don't think we need to categorize our griefwalking according to some scale. Loss is loss and we ought to be able to say that it hurts. Empty nest is painful, and just because the reason is happy, doesn't make the pain less. I wouldn't have wanted my mother to stay and suffer, but that doesn't make the loss less painful. I find that I tend to isolate when I'm grieving because it just takes too much energy to engage with others when my energy is sorely drained.

It was something in the air -- I mopped my kitchen...

2012-04-29T07:33:35.946-07:00

It was something in the air -- I mopped my kitchen floor yesterday for the first time in probably 6 months? and I have no excuse.

Except another comment on "grief walking" - I think people can grief walk in various levels of intensity whenever we lose something of perceived value in our lives. We mourn losses. I wonder what happened to church socials. And why are the only people I talk to outside of family online? (possibly because I work at home and am not overly fond of the phone) I know this summer there will be an adjustment, if not a minor griefwalk, when both boys get married and move out within a week of each other. Empty nest in a hurry.

Heart-walking with you, Woodeene.

2012-04-26T21:11:11.344-07:00

Heart-walking with you, Woodeene.

I was stunned at my reaction. A place where the pa...

2012-04-25T15:17:55.273-07:00

I was stunned at my reaction. A place where the pain of death still lingers.

This shall be a powerful book you're writing, ...

2012-04-25T08:19:06.307-07:00

This shall be a powerful book you're writing, since you were visited by such a profound grief. It's recent news to me of this battle - but I can only imagine you being overcome

I'm not sure "happiness" depends on ...

2012-04-23T21:20:35.824-07:00

I'm not sure "happiness" depends on money. I think it is rather an interior quality that surpasses our situation in life. That said, it's always nice to eat and be warm and dry.

Perhaps a fear about finances arises from the reality that riches are such a weak and insecure commodity. "Here today, gone tomorrow" as the saying goes! We don't know if tomorrow we'll lose our jobs or investments or homes or families. Life is just uncertain. Perhaps we look for security in the wrong places?

I think we all carry some interesting...and flawed...

2012-04-23T20:46:11.174-07:00

I think we all carry some interesting...and flawed...messages about money. That it's hard to get. That it won't last. That we should or shouldn't have it. I am curious how much money people think they need to feel both happy and secure. Fascinating topic.

I freely admit money is an issue for me. I was rai...

2012-04-23T14:27:31.214-07:00

I freely admit money is an issue for me. I was raised to believe my financial security was an indicator of my "character". Financial security = "good character". I now recognize that as a bunch of bunk, but I still worry, and cringe, and wish I could make things different.

I don't know who came up with the $50,000 number, or how they did it, but I'm certain their research is flawed.

It's Monday, but I'll post my gratitudes: ...

2012-04-23T08:42:39.016-07:00

It's Monday, but I'll post my gratitudes:
1. for Sun, Glorious sun!
2. for Friends!
3. for my family, especially loving hubby and twin googs
4. for the work God so graciously provides
5. for a visit with a good friend last week
Did I say sun?
Tracie

Oh Woodeene you continue to have a wonderful and p...

2012-04-22T19:16:45.334-07:00

Oh Woodeene you continue to have a wonderful and powerful way with words!!! :-)

Having frequent plumbing problems can really stres...

2012-04-18T07:54:54.293-07:00

Having frequent plumbing problems can really stress you out. I think a thorough check up of your pipe system should be done immediately. Something must have been overlooked that's why it keeps happening. Doing your own plumbing will save you a lot of money, but if problems still persist, it only means you already need help.

I think this blog has been a blessing for processi...

2012-04-16T17:20:21.731-07:00

I think this blog has been a blessing for processing, and you write so well and honestly!