Clear as glass

Thankfully, I am off on Mondays.  Today was a rough day.  It has been hard every year for the past 6 years.  Mercifully, the first year - 7 years ago - I didn't know what was yet to come.  I do now and therein lies the difficulty.

Seven years ago today, my Sweet Hubby woke up feeling "off."  Dizzy, weak, and just otherwise not feeling good.  At my urging, he stayed home - which was totally out of character.

For those of you who know "our story," you already know where this day in 2008 took us.  For those who may not know, here's a bit of background in a nutshell:

July 7, 2008:  My Sweet Hubby woke up feeling ill, stayed home from work and just rested.

July 8, 2008:  Not feeling any better...pale, dizzy, stayed home and I made an appointment for that afternoon with his doctor.  Lab work indicated he was extremely anemic and would need a pint or two of blood.  The doctor suspected a bleeding ulcer and sent us across the street to the hospital for admission via the emergency department.  After a couple of hours in the ED waiting for a bed, my Sweet Hubby was admitted.

July 9, 2008: My Sweet Hubby went for an endoscopy (thin, flexible fiber optic tube equipped with camera inserted down the throat into the stomach and small intestine).  No ulcer was found, however, bleeding gastric varices (varicose veins in the stomach) were found (not normal) and a CT was ordered for that evening.  Two units of blood were also transfused.

July 10, 2008:  After waiting all day for test results, the hospitalist arrived late in the day to give us the results of the CT scan:  Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer that had metastasized to the liver.

As an RN, I knew at that moment what we were up against.  Sometimes ignorance really IS bliss.

So, today is a reminder of the "beginning of the end."  I lost my Sweet Hubby one day shy of 4 months later on November 9, 2008.

I was reading the blog of a fellow widow earlier today.  She talked about these episodes of grief that blindside us.  I call them "grief landmines."  If you have lost someone (and really, who hasn't?) you know what I'm talking about.  Those "anniversaries" or memories that hit you right between the eyes...maybe even in the middle of a really good day and leave you gasping for breath and feeling horrifically wounded all over again.  Days like today.

My mantra these past 6 1/2 years has always been, "Tomorrow will be better."  Only right now, that line is, "Next week will be better."  This week will have me on my knees.  Literally.  But truly - that's exactly where I need to be...praying, praising, worshipping, communing, listening.  He knows. Nothing else about this period of days may make sense, but THAT truth is clear as glass.  And I find comfort in that.

Today is Music Monday.  I know I've shared this one before, but I want to hear it over and over again.  Especially today.  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...

Bringing back Music Monday!

These two brothers make up a portion of one of my favorite groups...for King & Country!  I've seen them a few times now and their energy is AMAZING!  I had the honor of singing WITH them a few years ago as a part of my church choir (their sister, Rebecca St. James, was the artist at our Christmas concert and she brought her brothers, Joel and Luke, along with her!).  They were just starting out then, but we KNEW they had an amazing heart for the Lord and that He would use them mightily...and He has!!!

The words of this song ring true for me..."My help comes from You.  You're right there pulling me through.  You carried my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on your shoulders."  Yes.

Happy Monday!  I wish you a blessed week in Him!

So........I'm thinking it's time to dust off my blog and get back to this little slice of peace and sanity!

One thing I'm sure of:  No matter how much craziness reigns "in the world," my KING is still reigning from His throne!!  Hallelujah!

Be blessed,
Gigi

Springing forth!

SPRING has arrived!!! Does that word make you as HaPpY (I'm tickled pink!!) as it makes me?!!!! Aside from the pollen that it brings, I just LOVE this season! Everything budding, blooming, vibrant with color!! I look forward to seeing my hummingbirds any day now! The swallows took up residence weeks ago in their nest and I'm hoping that the eggs will remain safe and that their numbers will grow this year!

Speaking of "growing" - our Scripture verses have been growing and I've fallen behind in posting them! YIKES! However...I have been keeping up with my memorization. I'm not sure if anyone is even doing this with me at this point because there have been no comments - I'm kinda feeling all alone in this here at ItTR! But - that's alright, because I'm doing this for ME! (But it sure would be nice to have some partners!!)


So - my last post left off at our "D" verse which was:

Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2

Then came our "E" verse, which I did not post. It was:

Every good and perfect gift is from above.
James 1:17

And now for our current verse - the letter "F"...

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.
1 Timothy 1:7

Cindy Bultema, the author of the *She Sparkles* blog and our A-Z Scripture Memorization leader is currently on her way to Turkey with a Day of Discovery video team to tape her Red Hot Bible Study! HOW EXCITING!!! But you know...her journey to this point has been full of twists and turns; she has been heavy on my heart and I have been in deep prayer for her! Please visit Cindy's blog to read about the weeks leading up to this trip that almost wasn't! And please, please be in prayer for her (and her sweet family!). This is such an amazing opportunity for this beautiful woman of God and oh, HOW HE WILL BE GLORIFIED AND LIFTED UP!!!

Pardon my delay!

I'm a week behind!! Aaaahhhhhhh!!!!!! Please forgive me!! This past week has just gotten away from me and now there's ONE week to memorize our "D" scripture in *She Sparkles* A-Z Scripture Memorization Challenge! But we can sooooo do this!! Ready?! Set...

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2

And...GO!!!

Please share how you've been doing!

Here's the latest "tool" in my tool belt for helping me memorize - a big magnet on my front door holding a Scripture card of the verse I'm working on from my Verseability versepack! What a FABULOUS aid!! I now have three great tools helping me...let's see what I come up with this week!

Are you ready??!!

We're two verses into our A-Z Scripture Memorization Challenge being hosted by *She Sparkles and going for our third now!! How are you feeling?

I'll share how I'm feeling...uplifted, energized and READY FOR MORE!! The success of these past two verses has been monumental in affirming my belief that I CAN do this!! I WILL do this!!

So ~ a new verse will go up on my refrigerator tile today and I will begin the challenge of keeping three verses going! I'll also be thinking of something else to help me...another tool for my memorization tool belt! And you know I'll share it with you as soon as it comes to me!

Are you ready?! I know I am!! Here we go!! Our "C" verse is:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

Be sure to share tips, hints and how you're doing!! Remember ~ we're in this together!

My little helper!

So I mentioned that I would post a photo of my Scripture memorization "helper" that I've pulled into duty this week! Here it is:



This is a dry erase magnetized tile that is on my refrigerator. I picked it up at a local Craft Market several years ago and I just love it...especially the Scripture verse - one of my favorites!

This week, it's been pulled into my tool belt, if you will! How many times a day do YOU go to your refrigerator? I'm at mine a number of times as I get refills of my iced green tea and every time I'm there, I see this week's verse...and even better - I was able to write it out by memory! VICTORY!

How are YOU doing with this week's verse? How about last week's verse? Still repeating it? What tips do you have as we continue to add verses each week? I'd love to hear them, so please share!

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.
Acts 16:31

Believe!!

So friends...how did you do with our first Scripture memorization verse?

As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:15

I'll admit...this first verse was an easy one for me - thank goodness! It really energized me and made me truly believe that I CAN DO THIS!! I hope you're feeling the same way!

Are you ready? Today is "B" day!! Here we go!!!!!

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved...
Acts 16:31

What beautiful assurance we have in God's Word! What a precious gift we received in the form of His only Son...our Savior!

Have you developed any tips for your memorization? Personally, I'm repeating the verse often - out loud - multiple times a day! But, as I said - the first one was easy! I think for this next verse, I'm going to do that and add another helper. I'll post a picture in the days to come!

I'd LOVE to hear what you're doing to make the memorization easier during this Challenge! Please share your tips...I'd bet we could all use the help - if not now, eventually!

Thanks, Cindy ~ I am so loving this Challenge! In service yesterday, our Pastor reminded us that Jesus, when He was tempted by the Enemy quoted Scripture! The Word of God is our most formidable weapon in any battle!!

Remember, the next verse is up two weeks from today, January 30th! In the meantime...be sure to pop over to *She Sparkles* and see what Cindy's got brewing (hint hint)! I'm adding her blog button to my sidebar, directly underneath the A-Z Scripture Challenge Button...just click and you'll be instantly transported to her blog!

Have a blessed week!

A perfect start!

Happy 2012 everybody!! Did you stay up to bid farewell to 2011 and usher in the brand spanking new year? Or did you curl up in your cozy bed at your usual time and leave the mad festivities to others?!

I have to be honest and say it was with a sigh of relief that I said GOODBYE to last year. It was another year of loss.

My sweet Lulu...January 24, 2011

My beloved Mom...May 31, 2011

The thought of a brand new year was most welcome! Endless possibilities! A clean slate! YES!

I don't make New Year's Resolutions, per se...but I do like to have a bit of direction! If you've read my blog for a while, you may remember that I like to choose a "focus word" for the year. Last year, my word was "JOY." And while I certainly had my share of sorrow - I had MUCH joy as well!

Namely:

Matthew and Baylor!! These two make me laugh till my sides hurt!

So...what word have I chosen for 2012? It's one I'm hoping will act as a reminder of what our Lord and Savior Himself charged us to do. My word for this year is "TRINITY."

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28: 19-20 NIV

I have some goals in mind for 2012. One being working on my discipleship. Another ties in with that quite nicely. Scripture memorization. Eeek!!! I have to be honest here. Memorization of anything is no easy feat for me! BUT - I'm up for the challenge!! And my beautiful bloggie friend, Cindy Bultema, over at *She Sparkles* is helping me out BIG TIME with her A-Z Scripture Memory Verse Challenge 2012! Perfect (GOD) timing, right?!

Wait - it gets better!! YOU CAN JOIN ALONG TOO!! That's right! We can all do this together...all year long!

The first verse is up today at Cindy's blog, *She Sparkles* and I love this one! (Thanks for taking it easy on me this time, Cindy!!)

I've placed Cindy's "clickable" button at the top of my sidebar for greater visibility and easy access. A new verse will be up on *She Sparkles* every two weeks. The "B" verse will be up 2 weeks from today - I'll give you a little reminder too. You know...since we're doing this together and all! ;)

Oh - did I mention Cindy's making it extra fun by throwing in a bunch of goodies throughout the year?! She's just that special and giving! You can't help but smile when you read her posts...she's absolutely INFECTIOUS!! But in a GOOD way!! A link to her blog has been in my sidebar for quite some time. I hope you've checked it out!

So, from my home to yours - Happy New Year! Let's make it a year where we praise the One worthy of ALL our praise, glorify Him with ALL that we are, and go forth as His disciples knowing that He is with us always, to the very end of the age!

12.26.11

Happy Anniversary, Darling.
You were then, and are today, the love of my life.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:14 NIV

Emmanuel...God with us!!

From my home to yours...Merry Christmas!!
Let us rejoice!! He is born!!

Tap, tap, tap...is this thing on??

I'm hoping that someone (anyone?!) is still out there...maybe?! But one way or the other, I hope to be back soon!

Blessings,
Gigi

Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
1 Corinthians 16:6 NIV

For now, anyway...

because I haven't had much to say...
because November 9th is drawing near...
because I need some time...

Blessings,
Gigi

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV

Where WOULD we be?

We sang this song yesterday in church...and I've been thinking about it ever since choir practice last week.

(Note: this is not my church's choir)

"I would be lost...without the cross."

Miriam-Webster dictionary defines the word "lost" this way:

1: not made use of, won, or claimed

2 a : no longer possessed b : no longer known

3: ruined or destroyed physically or morally : desperate

4 a : taken away or beyond reach or attainment : denied lost to the faith>
b : insensible, hardened <lost to shame>

5 a : unable to find the way b : no longer visible c : lacking assurance or self-confidence : helpless

6: rapt, absorbed <lost in reverie>

7: not appreciated or understood : wasted lost on me>

8: obscured or overlooked during a process or activity <lost in translation>

9: hopelessly unattainable : futile lost cause>

source: Miriam-Webster dictionary online

I know I can apply 3 and 5a to my everyday life...and as I sit and ponder the other meanings, I can certainly find application for them as well!

How about you, my friends? Where would YOU be without the cross?

We observed The Lord's Supper yesterday during service and our Pastor shared a quote prior...but because I can't remember the author, it won't be verbatim! The gist of it was that Jesus, Who was without sin, took up the cross on behalf of you and I. At any point, He could have said "Did you drop this? Is this yours?" But He didn't...He carried it all the way to Calvary, where He laid down and was nailed to it, and died, in our place.

Oh yes...I would be so lost without the cross. Thank you, Jesus.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NIV

The journey

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

Bittersweet

Today is my parent's 58th Wedding Anniversary. It's also the 3 month anniversary of my Mom's Homegoing. A celebration of so much love amidst so much sadness.

I'd be grateful if you'd keep my family in your prayers through this time.

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
Psalm 71: 20-21 NIV

Just one word

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
Revelation 4:8 NIV

I will exalt thee!!

Wow, it's been almost a month since I've put up a new post! I've been spending a lot of time with my Dad, keeping him company, taking him to various doctor's appointments...my poor little blog has taken a back seat, I'm afraid, to these other demands on my time.

But it's a sunshiny Monday morning, our King is on His Throne and I give Him all the praise, honor and glory for all the blessings in my life!

What are you praising Him for today? Leave me a comment - I'd love to help you praise our Heavenly Father for His goodness!

A psalm of praise. Of David. I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145 NIV

More than enough

It's Monday...God is on His throne and He is oh-so-good! I thought maybe we could all just use a little extension of yesterday's service and continue our worship, what say you?! So let's just praise Him, glorify Him, bow down before Him and tell Him that yes, Jesus...You're more than enough for me!

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18 NIV

Happy Birthday America

We were founded as a godly nation...a Christian nation. It is my prayer that we are called to revival in our country - back to the premise our forefathers spoke of so fervently. Please pray for our land, my brothers and sisters. Pray for our leaders, from our President on down. Our heavenly Father promises in His Word that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. And we NEED Him near to us...now more than ever!

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Galations 5:13 NLT

From my home to yours, have a happy, safe and blessed Independence Day!