A Dose of Real and Thankful thrown in!

I have started several posts, this week and well thoose just haven't worked well.  Today is Friday, so mom will return home from Nashville tomorrow.  Sometimes, I think that when people know you love to write, they somehow think it comes easy to express yourself, but guess what it isn't.  When I write, what's in my heart comes out.  I wish sometimes I could write about surface stuff but I can't.  I wonder sometimes does this make me a bad writer?  I sometimes would love to write about what I had for lunch, but I'm easily bored by small talk, and am often seen as "too serious" because I like to have deep enriching conversations, though those  are often seasoned with humor.  I often feel melancholy, because in reality sometimes it takes every ounce in me to hide my true feelings and thoughts about things.  People don't want real too often, they want nice, neat and simple.  I take comfort in the fact that I can't pretend with God.  I'm learning slowly that there is no pretense with God.  He knows me, and doesn't grow tired of me, that amazes me.  I often want to write about having a family member who has cancer, and encourage others, but sometimes it feels like people don't want to read too much about that, because it provides a reality check for those who read.  I also sometimes want to write about the ups and downs of CP, but I'm not sure how that will come across to readers either.  I want to write about anger and bitterness .  I want to write about hope in trials, but I'm well aware  I risk losing the readers I have by doing so.  So as this swirls around in my brain, in the meantime,- I will tell you what I'm thankful for:

1. I'm thankful my mom's new trial is going so well so far.
2. Friends who are real.
3. Conflicts resolved 
4. The joy of prayer and repentance
5. New mercies 
6. Good books 
7. The right to process information before making it public.  

So now for the small talk what are your plans for the weekend?  Half Full Friday is sponsored byhttp://butterfly-wyldechylde.blogspot.com/2012/08/half-full-friday_24.html Thanks Sprinkles.  

Choose Joy Friday!

     It has been awhile since you have seen a Choose Joy post from me.  I use the word Joy instead of happiness on purpose, but I'll tell you more about that another time. Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eyegirl originally started in June 2009.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us.  So by participating, I'm deciding to see the glass as half full instead of half empty; I'm choosing to concentrate on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives.  The Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that.  They're a list of the things in my life that have brought me happiness over the past week.  I'm determined to find something good in each day.  Are you? by Sprinkles @ http://butterfly-wyldechylde.blogspot.com/  Link up with her blog if you want to join in!

For the next week, I'd like to challenge each of you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  Be sure to link up here once you've posted your list!  (This isn't a blog hop so please only link up if you've participated by posting your happy list on your own blog.  Thanks!)

• I am joyful because I was given an amazing hot stone massage as a gift!  It was beyond words an amazing experience...
• I have discovered the book Choose Joy by Kay Warren, and while I'm only over half way through, it has still rocked my world.
• My mom is doing great Living with cancer
• I'm going to She speaks conferenceInfo here!! 
• I love Summer!  

1 John 4:16

"JOY is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things."Kay Warren Choose Joy)

Why Joy? Half Full Friday!

                                                                           Anyone out there?  Perhaps my blog reads have left??  Hope not...  Hope you have found reason for joy this week!

1. I am joyful for the gift of prayer.  To be on the giving end
2. I'm joyful for the blessing of fellowship!
3. I'm joyful for little moments to reflect on God's wonderful work.
4. I'm joyful because I had a great time today @ the volunteer luncheon.
5. I'm joyful that I heard Elizabeth Yates speak about her 11 month mission trip this week.
6. I'm Joyful to have a new controller  that works for my hospital bed, so I can adjust positioning.  Trust me it is a big deal!  
7. I'm Joyful to have a caring church! 

Will you join me in choosing joy?   To link up go tohttp://butterfly-wyldechylde.blogspot.com/  She is a lot of fun....

He Loves me for Real

                   
                                                           Link to image



            Since yesterday, I have thought a lot about God's unfailing love!  Then I found the above....  I was in a mood the day before Thanksgiving, and it was not pretty.  When was the last time you mediated on God's unfailing LOVE?  When was the last time you were awed by the fact that the God of the universe loves you and is constantly and continually rescues you?!  Sometimes I just need to remember that I am Loved by the King of Kings!  Not tolerated, but loved!  I sometimes am afraid to focus too much on the love of  God, but the last few days, I've realized I desperately need and crave  his perfect love and rescuing!  I need to lean on his Everlasting Arms, not just in times of crisis, but in daily living.  I've been reading a book called a Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada.  Find it @amazon In it she explains the importance of a godly perspective even as we find ourselves wrestling with questions of suffering.  In recent years I have found myself confronted with questions regarding suffering, so the book has ministered to me greatly in recent weeks.   Note: these profound reflections by Joni were written even prior to her breast cancer journey.  God's love is the ONLY love that does not fail, ever!  Have you marveled lately at God's unfailing love and rescuing power in your life?  Have you worshiped privately and personally remembering all He is to you?  That is a reminder to me that Thanksgiving is not over, and it never should be!  God never ceases being worthy of our Thanksgiving!     14" He brought them out of darkness and gloom and broke their chains apart. 15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for the human race." Psalm 107:14-15.Find verses here.  So tell me what has your heart encouraged today!  

• I am most joyful at this moment, because God's love is unfailing!
• He brought me out of my darkness and gloom, and broke my chains!  

Half Full Friday-Reasons 4 Joy!

Half Full Friday Sponsored by:  this Blogger Friend

                                                                          image here

• I am joyful for caregivers who really do care, and helped me in a jam on Monday
• I am Joyful for the chance to talk things through and acess progress made.
• I am joyful for the gift of growing friendships!
• I am joyful for unexpected gifts like newborn babies and homemade Chocolate Silk pie, and friends like Kristen Smith who made it from scratch!
• I am joyful that my Savior is My Savior, who brings me real Joy!!!     

Reasons for Joy Friday

Let's me just say joy is not always a feeling it's a choice
1.  I am joyful that I am alive

2  I am joyful that God gives me better than I deserve.Ps. 51
3. Answered prayers!
4.  I'm joyful that God has not washed his hands of me, and that He  won't
5 For how understanding Choices has been about my computer not opening their files.
6. I am joyful that my client's baby was born healthy.

7. I am Joyful to have my cousin Bill in my life!
Half Full Friday

Reasons for Joy Friday!

Image found here
Find out about half  Full Friday!RIGHT HERE

1. I am joyful that music blesses me so richly!
2 I am Joyful that everything always works out, maybe not the way I expect, but it always works out
3. I'm joyful that I will be attending MWS AND AMY GRANT CONCERT!
4. I am joyful that I have my sight, and hearing.
5. I am joyful that God forgives me and knows me name!
6. I am joyful for a great week overall!
7. I am joyful for the possibility that my dad may visit in December,  the last time was 20 years ago.
8.  I'm joyful that a few weeks ago, I got to hold a baby in my arms by myself for the first time, since I held my brother 25 years ago.
9. I'm joyful for Joanne Everett's chocolate pound cuke.
10 I'm joyful I was able to wear makeup, and feel pretty on Tuesday!
11.   I'm joyful that Beth Barber read my blog last week!

Reasons for Joy!

Half Full Friday!
find out more here

1. I am joyful, that I am having a week of complete wellness!
2. I am joyful for reminders that isn't my place to judge others
3. I am joyful we are taking a family trip this fall!
4. I am joyful for the fact that our 6 week Bible study went well, and the gals have decided to keep meeting!
5.  I am joyful that soon I will karaoke with the girls for the first time!

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6. I'm joyful for my mom's great health
7.  I am joyful, not everything assumed about me is true.  

Tell me what makes you Joyful this week?

Ice Breaker- Half Full Friday

image found here 

http://mattdm.orgWell, because I've been so on and off with my blog postings in recent weeks, I decided I would do well to post an ice breaker kind of post.  In other words, a simple post with no strings.  No long-term promises- just something comfortable.  So here I am with half full Friday:

• I am joyful that mom's health is improving.
• I am joyful because of the beauty of God's creation!
• I am Joyful because of sweet memories made.
• I am joyful because of personal growth.  
• I am Joyful because of newly found freedom!
• I am joyful because of blessings, which I refuse to take for granted.

I joyful because Jesus intercedes on my behalf.

What makes you joyful this week?

Half Full Friday & Humor & Truth Collide!

                                             Humor is a gift in Dark times.  I never knew anything about her, or knew about her much prior to this, but what courage!  By the way, I'm taking a break from Facebook, so if you need me e-mail me.  I know God is working, and wants to show me big things 2011.

• I am Joyful to have friends praying me this week.
• I am joyful for my great blog readers and their comments.  
• I am joyful that yesterday I faced a fear.
• I am joyful because I can now take a shower instead of just a bed bath.
• I am Joyful, because of sweet moments with Jocelyn Claire.
• I am joyful because of moments of humor!

Half Full Friday/11/19/10 and Happy Dance!

Hi Bloggers Friends:

         I am overflowing with thankfulness for my returned good health, and want to say thank you for your prayers.  My surgery was a success the recovery was longer and rougher than predicted, but thrilled to put it behind me.    I have been in awe of the outpouring of love I have received.    After not being out of the house for more than a week, it has been nice to get back in the swing of things.  Half Full Friday now has a new sponsor!  You can find her here! Hope you will check it out and make your own list.I will hopefully be back with a part 2 on Spiritual Boredom Part II.  Hopefully a more positive, but equally transparent post will follow part I.

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• I am joyful to be feeling better than I've felt in literally a month and 1/2.
• I am joyful because of all my get well cards and gifts.
• I am joyful that I got the whole season 10 of BH 90210.
• I am joyful because Thanksgiving is next week! 
• I am joyful for the response to my previous blog post.
• I am joyful that God is present even when I may, not sense his presence.
• I'm joyful to do no longer be in a medicine induced fog.
• I am joyful that I read a new book in three hours even though I'm a slow reader

Half Full Friday and More!

It is for half full Friday!created by Eyegirl

• I  am joyful that I've not had any tummy troubles the last 2 days.
• I am joyful that I get a staycation next week, while my mom is on fall break. No volunteering next week.  Don't get me wrong I love volunteering, but I feel I need a break.
• I am joyful for candy bar waiting for me. 
• I am joyful that all my basic needs are met, when there are those wondering where their next meal will come from as they sell candy bars on the street to feed their family, because they lost their house and job, like the man I saw yesterday.
• I am joyful that one of my client's seemed more at ease yesterday.  
• I am joyful for the warmth of Macy's head against my lap.  
• I'm joyful both newsletters have been turned in!  
• I'm joyful for grace from from God and others. 
• I'm joyful, because of God's healing.  

Note to Self: Don't blog when hungry or didn't eat lunch...
Oh let's see I wish I had something profound to put here, but I don't think  I do today..  I'll try tomorrow!

I lived! Half Full Friday

So after I wrote that post last Sunday afternoon and hour later I was SICK.  Not just a little either.  I'll spare you the details of yuckiness, but will tell you I was violently sick for a total of 11 hours.  I recovered three days later.  While this dog maybe cute sick, I on the other was not.  

So instead of doing a list for Half Full Friday. Half Full Friday  I will just say that I'm joy-filled to be well, as in no body aches and tummy troubles and able to eat "meals again

Oh and notice my new blog tab, I have also removed the blog music for a season.

Thanks for your feedback on the new layout and recent posts!

to find the image

Let's Party Friday and More!

My cousin Kim made the beautiful cake it took her 12 hours!

                                                            Mumzie's Nephew Mike

Cousin Emily with Jocelyn & Brady.  Our pastor and music minster are in the background.

  Mumzie was so surpised she had no clue about her party

Add caption

Mumzie's Great Grandson Brady and his mom Mandy she works @ HairBenders

I was happy we spent all day planning

                                   

Singing Happy Birthday!

                                             Aunt Margaret(My mom sister and "the cake lady)


Cousins Jocelyn & Jack

 Wow a lot can happen in one week!  I'll begin with pics from last Saturday of Mumzie's 80th birthday and then go from there.  Honestly blogging is the last thing I need to be doing, as I have so many other deadlines, but sometimes a girl's gotta blog!

Now on to both Come Alive & half full Friday!  find out more Go Here

• I am joyful that my mom is feeling better, since she got very sick this week from a kidney infection and had to go to the ER.
• I am joyful that my email isn't spamming folks anymore.
• I am both joyful and thankful Jenn was able to stay with and take me care of while mom was at the hospital.
• I am joyful that both my brother and dad called this week
• I am Joyful that the Good Wife's new season began Tuesday. 
• I am joyful because of the progress I've made through God's grace, and that I'm not who I was. 
• I am joyful that I got the new Wonder album! (see post under Smitty Fan)

Come Alive Friday: Things that made me come alive this week. Sponsored By: 

1. Talking to Amy on the phone. See Favorite things tab.
2. A slow day @ Choices
3. The song Take My Breath Away.
4. Serving others)
5. The sunshine and Chicfila twice this week! 

       I've not shared spiritual reflections in awhile,  I hope to next post.  I enjoy your blogs too!

Half Full Friday August 27th 2010

http://www.lifeaseyeseeit.blogspot.com/
       Began Half Full Friday @ her site.  She will resume in September.
Here are my joy filled thoughts for this week.

• I am joy filled that God is in control, when I have no idea what to do, or how to fix situations beyond my scope.
• I am joy filled that I found the show "If You Really knew me ON Demand, and yeah it is an MTV Show, and no I don't watch MTV much, but it is in my humble view, a powerful show.
• I am Joy Filled that though, it has not been a "perfect week" I can say I'm blessed and at peace.
• I am joyfilled about the qoute I found, "God permits those things He hates to accomplish the things He loves."  Isn't that amazing!?

HALF Full Friday Sorta August 20th 2010

http://www.lifeaseyeseeit.blogspot.com/ bega the half full Friday posts, and normally I would link my responses to her site, but she is on wedding sabbatical this month, but I'm still going to continue since I missed a few weeks  You can find out more about half full Friday @ the above link.

1. I am joy filled that my tummy is doing better today!
2. I am joy filled my family is healthy.
3. I am Joy Filled that I can use my "old" chair until my new one is fixed. 
4. I am joyfilled that mom said I can be a table host this year @ http://www.choicesprcchattanooga.org/ Banquet



Property of http://www.michaelwsmith.com/

5. I am joy filled that Smitty's new CD Wonder comes out next month
6. I am joy filled that my relationships are for the moment slowly improving.

These are only a few reasons that I'm joy filled!

Half Full Friday July 9th

HALF FULL FRIDAY---------
Started by http://www.lifeaseyeseeit.blogspot.com/
1. I am joyful that this week is coming to a close.
2. I'm joyful because my family is healthy.
3. I am joyful fot the new book self my aunt provided my office.
4 I am joyful that God answers prayers.
5 I'm joyful for that God works out EVERYTHING for my Good.  Romans 8:28
6 I'm joyful for amazing meals this week.


Now oh my blogging friends, so much I could tell you there has been such drama in my world lately, and what a treat to take a breather.  My volunteer work has always been a real joy to me, and I trust it will contiue to  be, but man between caregivers personal drama and the intensity both with other volunteers, and crisis with clients and new polices, babysitting the cousins, and other nagging, yet not serious health issues, I have found my head spinning this week, but as things are slowing down and get resolved I am thankful for the weekend and the fact that I can be still and know God is God!  Thank you loyal readers and commentors I miss you all when I'm not in blogland.

Half Full Friday June 11, 2010

Half full Friday Orignated from Eyegirl @ http://www.lifeaseyeseeit.com/2010/06/half-full-friday-6111http://www.lifeaseyeseeit.com/2010/06/half-full-friday-61110.html
I am Joyful because thanks to Sharon White I have a year's membership to:One of my heroes!
I am joyful that I am contiuing my collection of BH 90210 SEASONS!
I am Joyful that my friend loaned my the book Fearless,    and I'm reading it at just the right time
I am joyful because we have a couple days before my mom's biopsy.
I am joy filled to have time alone, because I need it...
I am joy filled because I'm hanging out with my best friend tonight!

Half Full Friday May 28

Started by www.Lifeaseyeseeit.com AKA EYEGIRL.
I am JOY FILLED because I've had a good week!
I am JOY FILLED because this week, I've been content
I Am Joy Filled because I got three unexpected gifts.
I am Joy Filled because I have rediscovered the joy of laughter!
I am Joy Filled, because my brother and I spoke today.
I am Joy Filled that on Tuesday I got a hug from my 4 year old cousin Jocelyn
I AM JOY FILLED BECAUSE Molly and I @ www.aforeignland.blogspot.com had lunch today after months of trying lol.

Half Full Friday!

I believe that a lot of my happiness is determined by my attitude about the things that happen to me. So, I am deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. I am choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. My Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in my life that have brought me happiness over the past week.
"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Author Unknown
I'm determined to find the something good in every day. Thank you WWW.lifeaseyeseeit.com

Are you?
For the next week, I challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness note I use the term joy filled instead of happiness just a personal pref. each day. On Friday, write your own Half Full Friday post and return to Life As Eye See It to link your post and to see what other bloggers found happiness in during the past week.

Don't forget to grab a Half Full Friday Banner or Button for your blog post if you are going to join in:

I am joy filled because…

I felt better on Monday than I did on Sunday, and got to enjoy a Mexican dinner

I enjoyed the "Good Wife!

I am having lunch with Molly next week.

I got a call from my best friend last night, and lovely dinner with my mom.

I got a hug!

I have learned to face some types of conflict, instead of running from it.

I got a free lunch yesterday.

I am off antibiotics.