NAHUM 1:7

WHEN I READ THIS SCRIPTURE VERSE MY BRAIN HAD A SENIOR MOMENT and I scratched my head thinking where in the Bible is there the BOOK of NAHUM???  It completely did not register.  The actual scripture, I remembered, but the name of the BOOK wasn't in my recall.  I looked it up and then recalled that it comes after MICAH. 

SENIOR MOMENTS seem to be coming more frequent which bothers me as my Father had Alzheimers and my older brother had Dementia.  It may run in the family.  Some memory loss is normal and part of the aging process, still I will be reading into what nutrients are suggested to take.  Amen.

Looking forward to this week in hopes of getting so much accomplished.  Praise the LORD.

May you have a lovely week,

~d  

COUNT DOWN UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Back door Mail Box

RETURNING HOME FROM STAYING WITH MY MOM FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.  I was ready for HOME again as I am still prepping for CHRISTMAS 2021.

My sister has been staying with my MOM as she had injured her legs/knees.  Two days after my brother's death, Mom injured herself reaching for egg cartons under the kitchen sink.  

I had left the Kitchen to go to the bathroom when this happened.  Her kitchen sink had been backing up with dirty water and we had to call the plumber.  Before he arrived, Hubby and I cleaned out from under her sink.  Hiding inside the cabinet up over into another cabinet were a couple of stray egg cartons.  Hubby went somewhere and I had to go to the bathroom when she decided that she was going to get on her 89 year old hands and knees and pull these cartons out.  Somehow she injured herself.  When I returned to the kitchen I found her sitting on the floor almost crying.

Afterwards, she was sore, but got through the week.  After we returned home from David's funeral, her ankles began to swell up and she went from bad to worse.  My sister was staying with her and was able to take her to the hospital, etc.  From a walker to a wheel chair to leg brace to exercising to no leg brace back to a walker to no walker.  A multitude of test were done.  Medicine prescribed.  Physical Therapy started.  DOCtor believes she has bursitis and a Baker's Cyst behind her knee. 

She was saying, "Just put me in a Nursing Home."  Then she said she would like to move into an apartment closer to one of her children.  I'm concerned that when she leaves the community she has been living in for about 15 years that she will suffer for not being around her close knit friends.  She has an awesome support system and I don't believe she is thinking clearly about leaving her community to live alone in a different apartment, not knowing anyone but family that will not be around her everyday.  The place she is living now have frequent dinners, card parties, birthday parties, go places in small groups.  Their Community Center is large enough to do this.  It's a truly nice campus with a very nice arrangement.  What would she be going to and could she afford the 2021 prices of a different place?    

I told her, let's clean this apartment up and thin the belongings out before going to a Home or moving elsewhere.  Each time I go to visit, I will tidy and clean her personal space, if I can.  Her closet needs thinned out in a big way.  All of her closets are crammed full of clothing plus odds 'n ins and I do mean CRAMMED FULL.  

Her tiny kitchen needs organized for ease.  I'm not sure she will let me do this.  I told her she needed some help.  SO we shall see.  I vacuumed her sofa, dusted two end tables and the things sitting on them, dusted her television book shelf and two other small tables in her Living room.  Got rid of some of the stuff which was a miracle in itself.  She has way too many knick-knacks sitting about that it is next to impossible to dust.    

I returned last week and again this week-end.  Mom was doing amazingly better with her walking.  We took her shopping.  She walked pushing a shopping cart and got around well.  

I had a BLAST!  Thrift stores a plenty.  My change went far.  We went to the Marion Hospital Auxiliary twice where I bought beautiful picture frames with decorative mats, a sterling ring with a jade stone for a dollar and a couple of movies.  Off to Newton's Ecetera Shop where I bought some CHRISTMAS CHEER.  A snowball candle, snowflake earrings, a snowman, artificial eucalyptus stems that look real, a snowflake that lights up, some clothing and a few more things to Hohoho about.  

We mustn't forget DOLLAR TREE.  Grooming supplies from here.  I got really brave and bought some artificial eye lashes.  grins.  I'm not sure I can put them on.  This will be an adventure for me an old woman.  wink wink.

Okay, I returned HOME and have unloaded most of my treasures.  Since I was gone, I didn't get my CHRISTMAS CARDS done so this week it's a have-to.  Neither did I get my candy made.  No ribbon on the garland around the front doors yet.  I'm hopeful tomorrow will be a good day for that.  Still some things to do.  Praise the LORD.  It is a wonderful LIFE.  

The NUT CRACKER MUSIC BOX was located and is sitting in the GARDEN WINDOW.  A few Nut Crackers are out.  Not sure more will make it out this year.  I will try tomorrow to find them and add them.  The more the merrier.  We still cannot find the garland I use on the stairwell.  It's a mystery. 

I have had this music box for quite a few years and have never tired of the music it plays and the twirling figures.  As I clean on the dishes, I turn it on and listen to the short tunes.  There are four scenes that this displays.  Between scenes the curtain closes and re-opens to a different scene with a different song.  Ahhh nuts...it's neat.

 

What are my plans for this week coming?  Another trip to Menards is needed for more floral boxes.  Popcorn purchased from SUGAR CREEK, a stop in Topeka to straighten something out about Social Security, of course I want to stop by GOD's STOREHOUSE.  Hopeful about getting CHRISTMAS CARDS written out and placed in the mail.  Decorating the garland and making some candy.  Shuffling the Dining room so I can hopefully begin priming the navy blue walls.  Tadaah. 

It will be a miracle if the Dining room gets completely painted before CHRISTMAS.  AND if for some reason I don't get this completed...there's the NEW YEAR! 

Blessings,
~d 

    

WHAT A GREAT DAY!

SHE IS HANGING UP AT THE COTTAGE!

THURSDAY HAS COME AND GONE.  I continued tidying my closet.  Out came some more clothing.  I have such a calm about having order.  I was able to pull dresses that I have had I think for 25 years.  That's a while.  Out they went even though they were still in excellent shape.  GOODWILL DROP.  

Newer versions are needed.  Freshening up some.  Making pretty selections.    

I do need to get some multi-hangers for skirts.  I have collected quite a few and they will take up less room hanging in the closet on the multi-hangers.  BED BATH and BEYOND had some neat hangers.  I'll try there first.    

A quick trip to town is needed.  Another storage tub is needed for artificial flowers.  MENARDs here I come...again.  There are artificial flowers on the dining room table as I have been sorting through them.  I want to make my Mom a Spring Wreath made of white carnations and soft colored roses.  The flowers were purchased at the THRIFT SHOPPE and I got them for a heck of a price.  Making wreaths is affordable when buying thrift.  The blossoms are in beautiful condition.  For the time being I will store the flowers in a storage tub so I can get them off of the table.  Also want to check their WATKINS HAND SOAP.  Needs some more.

I found another faux candle hiding that needs a couple of AA batteries.  I have candles on the fireplace mantel that warms the atmosphere in my HOME.  I like to turn these on in the evening for CHRISTMAS ambiance.  So let the light shine.

Hunny hung some garland around the front doors with twinkle lights.  He took a hint where the twinkle lights are hung first where the garland is placed over the lights using the lights as a guide to hang by.  Tomorrow I will add some shinny ribbon that I bought 50% off from HOBBY LOBBY.  We added another CHRISTMAS WREATH in the Kitchen and I hope we can find my NUT CRACKER MUSIC BOX to sit in the Garden Window with wooden nut crackers about it.  When I was at HOME DEPOT, one of their tall nut crackers didn't have a price tag or code so I could tell how much it was.  The clerk looked it up and couldn't find the nut cracker, so he offered to sell it to me for what the smaller ones were priced at.  DEAL!

I buy nut crackers just about every year.  Many times I wait until after CHRISTMAS when the crackers are half off.  It helps stretch the money.  AND I need stretching.

How is your CHRISTMAS decorating coming along?  I think we are doing great.  I'm aiming to have a great CHRISTMAS.  I finished our CHRISTMAS LETTER today.  I will print some off and start writing out the cards over the next few days.  If I can get them in the mail 10 days before CHRISTMAS, I will be victorious.  Merry Christmas!

NOTE TO SELF:  Self...buy your stamps, scotch tape, mailing tape, brown wrap, and black sharpies in JULY so you are not caught short handed come DECEMBER.  In fact, you might want to fill out Christmas cards and leave the envelopes open so a Christmas letter written in December can be inserted.  A short cut making less work for you during the December rush getting so much done.  

HAVING A GREAT DAY sure helps.
God Bless,
~d

 

PRAISING GOD FOR THIS ENERGY

THANK YOU GOD THAT I AM FEELING BETTER AND GETTING SOME THINGS DONE AROUND MY HOME!!!  Thank you so very much.  I GREATLY APPRECIATE THIS.  

I fidgeted with the clothes in my closet that needed tidied.  Working here and there making it neat again.  I turned loose of 40 items yesterday and as I shuffle through the closet, I may have to grab a few more things to get rid of.  

When my closet and fridge are organized, I feel so much better.  I suppose that I am what is called a ANAL PERSONALITY?  Just looked that one up and I don't think I'm completely that.  grins.

3 loads of laundry today.
I'll have to take the underwear and towels over to the COTTAGE to dry and while I'm there, the ARROW HANGER will be installed on the outside of the COTTAGE to hang a wooden SNOWFLAKE.  A step in making the COTTAGE our own.
Emptied some boxes full of stuff.
I'm beginning to think the Dining room will never get a new coat of paint...sigh.  Aiming for next week after all the Christmas decorating and baking, etc., is completed.

Went into the basement to get a large Christmas Wreath to hang on the entryway door.  I knew where the metal wreath hanger was, so it made quick work out of it.  Two ornate NUTCRACKERS were picked up to go with me.  I wiped them down and placed them in the Kitchen Garden Window.  Pinecones in a bag.  The cones were placed in a basket and some white with gold ornaments went in a crystal vase.

More organizing my decorations after CHRISTMAS so I know exactly what I have or don't have making the exodus to the lil COTTAGE that much easier.  We have a small garage over there with an small attached room to the side.  This is where my decorations could be stored.  Before that happens...I have to clear it completely out.  That will take place on a warmer WINTER day like in February or March?  

I worked on bills and paperwork making a list of things I need to do today.  Off to town to pay the phone bill, do a GOODWILL drop, sneak a STARBUCKS in here, go register for a $500 drawing at the mortgage company, pop in at Home Depot or MENARDs for spray paint, drive to the COTTAGE to dry laundry and hang the ARROW HANGING.  Take a breather and return HOME.

It's the middle of the week and I'm working on Christmas cards.  Not too many to mail this year. The list continues to shrink.  

Lord, Please help me get my act together and the house in complete order, including the basement, Carriage House, Cottage and Garage.  In Jesus Name I pray, AMEN.   

Keeping it real,
~d

CAN I HEAR AN AMEN?

AMEN.  I did it.  I was successful in going through my closet Tuesday night pulling forty articles out, rolling them and placing them in bags to go to CHARITY.  Pretty blouses, jackets, skirts, dresses, tops.  40 of them.  Can you believe it?  I know I did this.  That is an accomplishment in itself.  After my back rest, I'll go another round tidying what is left in the closet.

I filled 5 bags and carefully carried them downstairs.  They will go to CHARITY tomorrow or the next day.  Each week, I am clearing out things in my HOME to donate to charity.  This go round was a large one for me, but I did it.

Round two will be when I tidy up my closet.  I will be grouping items with like kind.  All my dresses together, skirts, jackets, short sleeve dressy blouses and long sleeved dressy blouses.  Blue jean items together.  Dressy slacks and casual.  Casual short sleeve and long blouses.  Somewhere in here, I will go to the Coat closet and let it rip.  I know it is long over due.

I came across a very pretty red, lacy blouse I forgot I owned.  She will be really nice for Christmas and Valentines Day.  This was a nice surprise.  I have started purchasing blouses that I love.  No more plain Jane, icky and way too big because that all I could fit in.  

As I rolled the articles, I thought, somebody else can be blessed by these items.  I don't need them anymore.  Some are too large.  Some are way outdated and I'm tired of them.  Let them go.  Amen, amen, amen.  

Lord, You have blessed me in so many ways.  Thank you.  I appreciate never going hungry or naked.  You meet my needs everyday.  There's so much to be said about this.  Thank you.  I believe that I made a huge break through tonight turning loose of this clothing.  Breathing deeper.  Not shallow.

I will rest a bit and do another round,
~d   

 

PRAISE THE LORD!!! CHRISTMAS DECORATING IS NEARING COMPLETION

WHAT A GREAT FEELING TO HAVE.  A WINTER WONDERLAND has been birthed in the screened-in porch.  The front doors have wreaths hanging on them.  Faux candles on the fireplace mantel along with a colorful garland is hanging.  Santa and a moose stand proud on top of the firebox that has a HoHoHo sign.  Two Christmas Trees in the Living room fully covered in ornaments that we like.  The entryway display is a Nativity Scene plate with garland about it.  Christmas gifts are distributed to loved ones.  We have toured Topeka's Potwin Place to see the decorated houses in the neighborhood, walked THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS park in Manhattan, enjoyed the BELLS OF ST. MARYS riding in a wagon pulled by horses and driven through the Wamego Public Park.  Drank HOT CHOCOLATE to warm our bodies and sweeten our souls.  Smiles.  It's all been so good.

  

We'll sing Christmas Carols and drink lots of HOT CHOCOLATE.  Reading the Bible about the Christmas Story of Jesus's Birth.     

I have Christmas cards and letters to write out to get in the mail before the 10th of December.  I still would like to add garland around the front doors and hang garland along the stairwell.  A Christmas wreath will be displayed in the Kitchen Garden Window.  Christmas goodies fixed. Chocolate dipped Pretzel Sticks.  Fudge.  Chocolate covered Raisins.  Cookies.  Enough.  I bought some organic Candy Canes from Nature's Grocers in which they are suppose to be allergy friendly, no artificial dyes.        

THE FOUR FAUX CHRISTMAS TREES that we bought yesterday went into the screened-in porch.  We decided that one of the discounted trees was better quality then the one we had set up in the Living room that was covered with miniature trains.  We'd switch the trees placing the one we had in the LR out in the porch instead.  NOW, the one we have in the LR is the best fake tree we have ever had.  For $20 we were blessed.

This pre-lit faux tree may be what we use next year in the cottage as our main tree, if the Lord should tarry.  It has a very nice shape, height and width.  Our main tree is about 25 years old and the branches are beginning to not hold ornaments as well.  Perhaps she will become a yard ornament next year when we recreate a WINTER WONDERLAND in our front yard in small town America. 

GIVING THANKS FOR THE MANY BLESSINGS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US.  Many blessings.  Amen. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORD JESUS.  

You are the best!

~d

A $3 THRIFT BUY THAT MAKES ME SMILE

Unto us a Child is Born.  Unto us a Child is Given.

This Nativity plate is in the entryway of our HOME.  

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 3:17 KJV

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO REJOICE AND REMEMBER THE TRUE REASON FOR THIS SEASON IS ABOUT THE LORD JESUS's BIRTH.  OUR TRUE SAVIOR.  Wonderful Counselor.  Mighty God.  Prince of PEACE.

  

VENTURING TO TOPEKA TO HOPEFULLY PURCHASE DISCOUNTED ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES at God's Storehouse where they have a Artificial Christmas Tree Farm along with a Christmas TENT full of decorations.  They did and we were able to get some more trees for our HOME GROWN WINTER WONDERLAND.

I was so tired this morning that I slept in some and woke later than I realized, but it sure was GOOD to wake refreshed and ready to go for another day.  I needed the rest and Hubby did as well.  Cleaned up, did a few chores than drove over to Topeka in hopes that they still had some discounted trees to use in our screened-in porch for a WINTER WONDERLAND.

It was chillier out than I like.  First, we drove to St. Mary's store 37 Pine to purchase something I saw on Saturday, a wooden hanging arrow that one can hang different oversized ornaments from.  I liked the Snowflake one.  She was bought and we made our way toward Topeka to get more trees for our WINTER WONDERLAND.

The drive went very well and we made good time.  The THRIFT STORE was extremely busy where finding a parking place for the car was next to nothing.  Found one.  Hubby went straight to the tree lot and I browsed the tent.  There was so much on the tables that it was difficult to tell what they had.  Some of the items were over priced.  I picked up some elongated pinecones that I will use somewhere in the house for decoration.  

Hubby found 4 trees for a great price that he said he'd load in our little car.  He is the packing czar!  While he was working to load these great trees, I went inside the store where I found a lovely framed circular plate for $3 of a NATIVITY SCENE of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. When I sit a candle behind it, the plate does light up.  Tis lovely.  Instead of getting my Nativity Scene with figurines out this year, I am going to simply have this plate out and throughly enjoy it.  

On our way HOME we ate a late LUNCH at Sugarcreek.  Once again I had a Rachel Salad.  They have a Rachel Sandwich that they turn into a salad.  This way I skip the bread and more greens are given.  I was reading up about the difference between a Rueben Sandwich and a Rachel Sandwich.  The Ruben is made with sauerkraut with corned beef where the Rachel is made with coleslaw and turkey.  The Rueben began in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925 at the Hotel.

Rueben Sandwich

Rachel Sandwich

One origin story holds that Reuben Kulakofsky (his first name sometimes spelled Reubin; his last name sometimes shortened to Kay), a Jewish Lithuanian-born grocer residing in Omaha, Nebraska, asked for a sandwich made of corned beef and sauerkraut at his weekly poker game held in the Blackstone Hotel from around 1920 through 1935. The participants, who nicknamed themselves "the committee", included the hotel's owner, Charles Schimmel. Schimmel's son, who worked in the kitchen, made the first Reuben for him, adding Swiss cheese and thousand islands dressing to his order, putting the whole thing on rye bread. The sandwich first gained local fame when Schimmel put it on the Blackstone's lunch menu, and its fame spread when a former employee of the hotel won the national sandwich idea contest with the recipe.

Arriving HOME, I was tired and ready for Tea Time which I didn't have as I found myself falling asleep in my chair which was calling my name.  

After waking, I phoned my Mom to see how she was doing as she had a PHYSICAL THERAPY SESSION today.  She has been struggling to walk and they believe she has Bursitis.  She has improved since I saw her and I believe her spirits have been lifted.  This is a miracle as when I saw her last on Saturday, she wasn't feeling the best nor was she very happy.

Supper would be Amy's Organic Lentil Soup from a can.  I have had better soup before, but if I had to have this again, I would as I am counting calories to reduce body weight on my huge frame.  It is in a changed lifestyle that will help get me to my ideal weight goal.  I am on a journey that will take some time.  Buckle up.   

WINTER WONDERLAND

Tomorrow I will continue decorating the house, hanging garland, topping the Christmas Trees, washing some jeans, changing the bedsheets, etc.  

I didn't make it to Menards today as I ran out of gas...personal energy.  I need another storage box for storing florals.  Hubby wants to get some sand bags that will hold the WINTER WONDERLAND Trees in place so the aggressive winds don't blow them over.  We need some white batting to cover the bases of the trees where it looks like snow, so a trip to JO ANN's is needed.  New batteries are in the faux candles to where they can flicker warming up the room.  I love 'em.

Computer Time this evening was about Marcus Lamb's funeral.

MARCUS LAMB.  He appeared on the Dr. Phil program about a decade ago when he was known to have had a previous affair with one of his employee AND was being black mailed by others. The affair went on for seven years as he was the head of one of the largest Christian Broadcast Networks. Preaching that he loved the LORD, yet he didn't honor the LORD's counsel and instructions about adultery being wrong.  Seven years this went on.  7.  I'd say that's a while.  Long enough to know better.    

He was well known when the scandal came out.  I thought their situation shouldn't have been broadcasted on national television on the Dr. Phil Show.  It seemed out of place.  Damage Control was in full force.  Supposedly...the couple kissed and made up, growing closer than ever before.  I hope they did.  They lived in front of a camera which didn't seem quite right.      

Marcus died last week.  I watched the funeral of DAYSTAR creator, Marcus Lamb over the computer this evening.  Much controversy over his beliefs.  He definitely was a believer in the prosperity movement that many take under their wing as gospel and lived in a huge Dallas mansion.  

He passed away November 30th from complications from Co v id.  Only 64 years old.  Much homage was given to the DAYSTAR TELEVISION NETWORK.  This grieved me even though I did not agree with Mr. Lamb's philosophy and achieving prosperity the way he believed it was done.  This was Marcus's funeral.  Yes, he grew the television network, but this wasn't what died. Marcus did.  

Personally I did not agree a thousand percent about Mr. Lamb's money beliefs and how we can pay God to receive blessings.  Filthy lucre and God's blessings do not go together.    

I went to Kansas City once to listen to Marcus preach.  He had misplaced his Bible so he opened a new one wrapped in cellophane.  His wife, Joni was out in the entryway of the church signing copies of the book she was selling.  I bought one and read the book.  Some of the people Joni mentioned in her book ended up doing somethings that weren't honorable.  She continued to peddle her book after the fact.  

This is one of the issues I have trouble with are when people do dishonest things that hurt people and they fall back on the 'just forget about it' syndrome.  We're only human and God will forgive us.  Asking for forgiveness in godly sorrow doesn't come to light.  It's suppose to, but somehow this is swept under the rug.  

Joel Osteen was one of the those saying something about Marcus Lamb at his funeral and how wonderful he was.  Before he began to talk, he lost it and turned his back toward the crowd.  He gathered his composure, said a few words and sat down.  John Hagee spoke and said a blessing over Marcus's children.  I got the impression that passing on the mantel to the children to carry on the network at Marcus's funeral wasn't the place to be doing this.  My words may not be poetic enough to cover up what I saw.  

When a funeral service becomes a night club act, count me out.  Organ MOOD music isn't necessary during a entire funeral service.  

MOOD music.  No need.  Let the tears fall down.  No need to clap for those who sang, played an instrument or performed a transference of power ceremony.

Much was said about the celebrity guests at the service.  Way too much.  Too, too much. Was this a funeral service for Marcus or a PR opportunity for the speakers?  Have you no shame?

When the service seems more like a performance then I wonder how real these people really are.  Marcus Lamb truly is gone.  He leaves behind a grieving family, a ministry, a television ministry.

I am sorry for his families loss.   

*******************************************************

Tomorrow is another beautiful day.  I would like it to be a decent one.  How will I make the day a better one?  Making HOME a HAVEN?  

I'd like to add garland with ribbon around the front doors.  Perhaps I'll get this done later.  

We have 7 trees up.  Two in the Living room and five in the screened porch.  Tomorrow 4 more will be added.  Then it will be a porch full of trees.  Why?  Because, it is a creative thought that became a reality.  Why not?  When family comes over, the Christmas music will play, look at the trees and have HOT CHOCOLATE together.

December 7th awaits.  The days will pass by quickly.  Hallelujah, it will be Christmas soon.  

As I drove the Flint Hills with Winter settling on the landscape, I was trying to convince myself that it is going to snow and be officially WINTER.  When Autumn begins, I know that WINTER isn't far behind.  I try my best to stall.  This season has gone quickly.  So quickly.  Time to downsize and be more orderly.  Living LIFE with purpose.     

~d