In Remembrance~

Memorial Day reminds me of my ancestors, and I wonder what their lives must have been like, way back in the day. I have spent a great deal of time researching my past and have been richly blessed finding newfound cousins.

If you’re strolling here and would like tips on researching your heritage, feel free to ask! I also have research/info on the following surnames: Tuttle, Peavey, DeVries, McMullin, Braendle, Dove, and misc. others. Please let me know how I can help you! It is one of the most fulfilling and challenging endeavors to find one’s ancestors and family in the present! You won't be disappointed. I'm thankful that my ancestors risked so much to start a new life in a new world! My ancestors emigrated from England, Ireland/Scotland, Netherlands...etc.

Memorial Day also reminds me of those who have fought and still fight for our country, for our rights and the rights of so many others around the world. Sometimes it's hard to know what is right and wrong where war is involved, but we must always remember to support the men and women who give their very lives, so that we may have life, prosper and enjoy the very freedoms we enjoy to this day. I couldn't even imagine being a woman in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

I pray that we take a moment to remember what our family and others we've never even met have done and continue to do to ensure freedoms here and overseas.

FRIENDSHIP

To all of my friends out there ~ You know who you are!!


Friendship is a magical vehicle in which two distinct souls journey together to different destinations.

Author unknown

Contact a friend today!!

Motherhood

As another Mother's Day comes to an end, I am convinced that my role as mother is not only one of the most important ones in my life, it's the most difficult. I have accomplished things in my life that I would consider tough. I've worked stressful jobs under tough managment and went back to college to earn my degree, working full time while raising a family, etc. But I'm telling ya, nothing compares to the challenges I face as a mother--daily. And it doesn't get easier as my children get older, much to my disappointment.

This divine appointment is one that takes my breathe away, an emotional rollarcoaster that no amusement park can outdo. It's amazing how many ups & downs a mother can experience in one day, let alone how much one experiences throughout the years. I feel pain, anger, frustration, impatience--okay, just flat out pissed off one minute while the next, I am joyous, amazed, calm and appreciative of the blessings/gifts God has given to me. Up and down, Up and down...and let's throw in the twirly rides, too--the twists and turns, just for fun because that's what a mother feels like. Sometimes I wish I could keep my emotions at bay, but I'm not sure that's the best way. Is it even possible, all of the time? Not in my world. We can't just push a magical button and make all situations/circumstances better with a calm smile. I believe there is a time, place and reason for different emotions.

My kids see and know the real me. They know the mom who loses her temper and cries over it--who apologizes for it, but stands firm when a harsh, "no" must be spoken, even when she wishes she could say yes. They see a mom who struggles with life and her own dreams, who has a mind and wants to be the best she can be for God, her family and her true self. One who works hard to fit everything in, but seldom accomplishes everything she wants to.

Do I pray for patience and less rollercoaster rides? Oh yeah, but I'm glad that my kids really know who I am rather than some watered down version of who they think I am. I am who I am, after all, and I wouldn't trade being a mother for anything in the world.

To all of you mothers on rollar coaster rides, Happy Mother's Day!! And a special, "Happy Mother's Day," to my own mom who knows exactly what I'm going through! Thanks, Mom for being there and sacrificing so much for me.

Enjoy the Journey!

SPEAKING OF MIDDLE AGE!

Funny story on the book I'm reading. You know you're old when you buy a book at a used bookstore and then loan that same book from the library within a two week period.

To my defense (kinda), I mentioned here that I had purchased a couple of books up north from a used bookstore, which I kept at our trailer and hadn't read yet. I went to my local library the following week and happened upon, Light of August by William Faulker, revised 1985 edition. I took out the book. I started reading it late last week and had it with me when we went up north this past weekend.

When I walked into the trailer, I saw the book by Faulkner on the table. Keep in mind, it looked completely different and was the renewed edition (if that's how you say it.) from 1959. I know what you're thinking, didn't I recognize the title? Nope...it's sad but true. I knew that I had purchased one of his books but was the chance that it was the same book?? Yikes! I guess I'm supposed to read this book!

And HOW WAS YOUR DAY?? :)

Older & Smarter?

Hello fellow bloggers~

As I approach this thing called "middle age," I wonder why I don't feel any smarter. What happened to the answers I once had? I thought I would be so smart at 40. Nope. Didn't happen-well I have a few months, maybe it will yet, suddenly. Hmm...I doubt it. If I didn't have the answers to life's questions as a youngster (not that I'm old-ok?), I had desperately sought them out. And now?

All right, I admit it. I still seek the answers to life's questions, at times. The good news? I search for the answers from a different source now, and instead of focusing on trying to find the answers to all of life's questions, I concentrate on my faith in the Lord. God is my source. He has the answers. I DO NOT. It has taken me a long time to figure this out. I still find it difficult to admit. I still need reminders. I can search & search within myself and roam around the entire face of the earth, but I will not find the answers to the important questions that I need to know. Answers to the questions that I must know for salvation, for peace, and to follow God's will.

Struggling? Need answers? Don't know your purpose in life? Go to the Lord in prayer and ASK for comfort, strength and understanding, AND HE WILL provide you with a peace that will astound you. Feeling unworthy? Ask for forgiveness and let your past sins/struggles melt away so that you may start a new life. A new life with the Lord by your side. A friend, an ally that no one can take away. Don't know this triune God? Ask Jesus into your heart and your life will change-FOREVER.

If anyone has specific prayer requests, please feel free to post them here! I would love to pray with you.

My Favorite passage from The Holy Bible

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

This helps me get thru life's struggles, through this journey called life. Our God is good! May it also help you along your path.

What are your favorites??