Still Standing

This week in our study of Esther -- the Jews were given a decree to defend themselves from annihilation.  They fought for one day and killed many.  Esther then asked for 1 more day of defense in Susa.  It was granted.  It was then ordered, that the very next day would be for rest.  This was the day the Jews have decided to celebrate.  Purim.

I related to this in that -- the Jews celebrated the day of rest.  Not all the men that were killed, or that they conquered, but celebrated that they were "still standing".  Wow.  Celebrate that YOU are still standing.

The question was asked of us, what days do you celebrate throughout the year?  Besides the obvious holidays and birthdays -- what would you say?
I said:

•  My husband's salvation -- July 23
• My wedding anniversary -- Sept 16
• My kids' baptism -- Dec 30
• My adoption day -- Sept 25
• My kids salvation - I don't recall the day -- but they both accepted Christ on the same day. 

As you can see -- I like any reason to celebrate, right?  Find something to celebrate today -- most of you are "still standing" and there is reason to rejoice!  

Playing Cards

This past weekend, I worked the time away.  I was telling Garth we hadn't played this card game since our Caribbean cruise... so while I was working away he looked up again how to play it.

When I took a break -- he asked me to play the game with him.  Gin rummy. The idea is to make runs, sets and lay down your cards before the other person, trying to take all the points.  Very fun.

So, you are dealt 10 cards.  When I started the game, I only wanted to draw certain cards -- but as the deck went along -- I had to change strategies and multiple times... what I started out wanting, like 10's -- since I couldn't draw a 10 to save my life -- I had to go for other cards...

I realized that our life is so much like this.  We start going all out for one thing, yet realize God's plan for us is much sweeter and better than we could ever imagine.  (I Cor 2:9-10). We have to then adjust our dreams, plans, desires.  Sometimes you win with the adjustment, other times you lose - but in both there are lessons to learn.

Are there ways you have had to adjust your strategy to win the game?  Have you won? Have you lost? Life is  like a game.  At church we say, you need to be fast, fluid, flexible.  Are you?

Red Paisley Chairs!!!

Hey all!  SHOUT OUT to Marilyn Daniels!!  Furniture wizard!!! She found some new chairs for me, as a few of mine broke this past week...... she got them for a steal! Ashley Furniture honey pine chairs!!!! So cool.

She rocks like that.... AND she even braved the fabric store with me to find new fabric for cushions.... and what color did I pick?  RED!!!

Not only did she FIND the chairs, SHOP for fabric, but she HELPED me re-upholster (is this a word?) the chairs in RED PAISLEY!! And she even knew how non crafty I really am and how handicapped I am at these things...... yet she was so very patient with me!!

What a special day and you don't find friends like that every day who will drop what they are doing, and come help you out and teach you a new trick -- like how to work a staple gun WITH fabric!!! No sew -- that's my style!

Now I need to have you all over for dinner (it may just be hot dogs here...) AND play games (LIFE, my new fav) in my fancy CUSHIONED RED PAISLEY chairs!! Just don't spill, k?  They are nice and new to me!!

I'm loving walking into my dining room and seeing the cheery red.. Thank you Marilyn.  I really will take BOTH kids for you to pay you back..... what a special time we had together learning new tricks! I'll teach you Kindle techie crap, and you teach me useful power tools crap..

Heart Wrestling

Today was a tough day for me.  My heart is wrestling with an issue.  I feel God prodding me to make a "next step", but my heart isn't as quick to make action.  Even with wise counsel and awesome support, my heart is still fighting.

And these times of prodding for "next steps" come at times of many other distractions.  Which can be good or bad I guess... but today was one of those days I wish I could lay it aside..... but the urging continues.

The next step I need to make is sure to "ruffle the feathers" and my heart doesn't feel ready to deal with the "ruffling.."

But it's not fun either to resist what God has called me to do... so I feel torn.

Thankful for my hubby that knew how my day was today and just spent the evening with me, loving me.