What You Fear....

Can drive you CRAZY!  These daddy long leg spiders are everywhere I go.

This one was riding along outside the window, of my van.  I got out the camera since it was so ridiculous.

Everyone laughs at how many of these "Granddaddy Spiders" hang out at my house.

This fear has been tormenting me for 40 years.  It is a mountain, that I need to conquer.

There is a mountain for most of us to get around.  Most trials are tougher than a fear of spiders!

3 Hours with Nate Adventures

I kept my toddler nephew alone Monday.  Hubs came home briefly but was locked out.

He was knocking on the door as I changed a messy diaper.   Nate was also playing with phone.

At least phone was on speaker when an operator said, "Can I help you?"  I got the phone, said I have wrong number.

I finished with diaper, then pulled up to get in my chair, to open the door for hubs.

Later while feeding Nate a PBJ sandwich, I let him play with my chairs controller.  He loves to blow the horn (which bugs the horse dog with muzzle on)

My chair will not move, I panicked and call my son.  He is locked out also, (have to keep Nate from going outside).  My son said, can you crawl to the door?

I kept on pushing buttons on the controller.  I was so relieved when I found out how Nate killed my power.

When I threw put him in playpen to take his nap, I took a nap also.

Just a few adventures of keeping a toddler alone!

I still wonder, how did I raise my 2 kids.  I guess I was younger??

Listen to the Small Still Voice

I felt an importance to visit my Great Aunt Bon.  A few days later hubs and I went on impulse to her house.

I loved hearing the stories of life from an 84 year old relative.  She has a wonderful sense of humor!

Less than week later, she was taken to the hospital and admitted into ICU for a few days.

Fortunately she gets to come home soon but she does have health issues.

I have regret now that I did not visit her more often through the years. 

This has taught me another lesson again.  We need to Listen to that impression to do something good.

It could be life changing....

Flashback Friday! 1977

Autumn Transformation

photo © Gary Strader

As autumn returns once the summer is past,

A transformation begins on each tree.

Slanting shadows by the sun are cast,

And the sun’s not as hot as it used to be.

Sunset seems to arrive rather fast.

The changes soon are obvious to see.

The colors of leaves beginning to die

Are like paint drops shaken all around.

The autumn wind that passes by

Sends them tumbling to the ground.

In muted yellow and brown piles they lie,

Then swirl in the breeze with a rustling sound.

Crumbling and settling into the earth,

They peacefully, calmly let their lives go,

But this death is only a part of life’s flow;

Once winter’s sleep ends, it’s a time of rebirth.

Like these leaves that end in a blaze of glory

We experience a rebirth too.

Death is a part of life, it is true,

But praise God, not the end of the story!

© Connie Arnold, 2010

What a Small World

"This cannot be, Wiley is my brother".  I went on to work, later called Dad to tell him this story.

I was driving to work, needing gas so I stopped at Buster and Crickets Store.

Nice lady came out, said "I notice your tag is from Fannin County,  I was raised there". (100 miles away)

Who do you know there?  I tell her, my Father is Pratt and Grandfather is Wiley. (her brother in 14 kid family)

This happened almost 30 years ago.  I was so shy, I never went back to get to know my Great Aunt Cricket.  I would if, I could do it over again.

As I type this story, it is still hard to believe it.  Coincidence or what?

Hang In There.....

Jacob

This is what I should remember as it gets more stressful.

As the sink clogs up majorly, health insurance cancels family after 22 years, van (not truck) dies, IRS sends a bill, money flying out the winder (window).
 
Ok I could write a country music song with my troubles.

Now the praise:  I still have great kids, house, and hubs and I are closer. The clunker van finally gets a tag.

The great is still: I am walking, standing, balancing  again!

The end of this ad surprised me?

I Pressure Wash My Teeth

Well it is a water pic for my teeth.  I have been around hubs too long, to think of it as a pressure washer.

I have been blessed with insurance and a great dentist office.

During my life....we learned to keep our teeth with care.....rather than pull them and get false teeth.

Again be thankful for the simple things.
10/11/10

Homeless and Money?

We have fond memories of Melvin, during our homeless ministry.  He was very kind and helpful to us.

He told us that someone gave him $20.  I said "Melvin, what did you do with the money?"

He laughed and said "of course I went straight to the liquor store".  I replied "No Melvin, you did not".

He said, "I had to!"  We learned real fast Not to give the homeless money.  He appreciated our food and loved our ministry.

Melvin got off the streets to work in a ministry, we heard.   

Where they are now we trust it to the Lord.

If you want  to give money, I suggest you give it to a ministry that works with them.

Give Satan 2 Inches.....

He will rush right in!  We know this, but it has happened to me literally the past few days.

I opened the door 2" to let the dog out, and a Spider (Daddy Long Legs) rushed in, knocked down my door for two nights.  Son was my protector last night, He caught one, trying for a 3rd night.

I rush to pull out my shield of faith (bug spray).   He met his demise!

I do try to think spiritually, as life happens to me.

My family knows my phobia with these spiders, exposure to them almost daily has helped me to get better.

Do not give satan a few inches, we know the rest of the story....

Enjoy The Ride.....

 R J

We (Hubs & I) were going to the store, usual trip.   I was thinking of the best route to take, to get to our destination.

I thought let hubs decide, since he was driving.  He wants to, without my 2 cents worth!

I began to think of the ride spiritually.  I should let the Lord, make the decisions of which route I should take, on my journey.

We do have to make some decisions, but sit back and enjoy the ride home!

Mom's Rose

A rose to encourage me, during these tough days.

We were surprised to see a rose  blooming this weekend that Mom planted, many years ago.

I think it is late in the year, to see a rose blooming among mimosa's.

It gives me a glimpse of hope.  When the bills are due, not feeling great, stress overflowing, etc.

I do try to see the hope of life.  I was feeling tearful earlier, but it all worked out.  I made a few phone calls, lowered some monthly payments!

I was reminded to take it One day at a time.