A Few Small Steps

The last few months here on the Ponderosa have been tumultuous, to say the least.

"Mr. Cartwright" continues to deal with his heart going into Atrial Fibrillation very frequently. The good news is he has medication to take when his heart rate gets too high and he is learning how to navigate through each episode. If he can keep calm, that's half the battle. We know it will pass within a few hours. We will go back to see the doctor in a couple of months.

On another note, look at this boy-man of mine! Can you see the smile? The contentment?  

                                  

After my visit last month he has done a 180 degree attitude change. I know his heart is happy, for mine is. We were able to talk through so much when I saw him. I can't help but think, "He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that we love him no matter what he has done or said. He knows we forgive him." Our telephone call yesterday was so positive. I asked him about his walk with the Lord. He responded with, "It's great!" Something I have not heard before. Will the journey stay here on the top of this mountain? Oh, I'm sure not, but I am so thankful for these baby steps he is making. There is a maturity I hear in his voice and words. Things like, "I'm learning patience and how to be a leader."

See his arm? This is a result of God's perfect plan for my "Hoss". The bull he and I will never forget.

 Do you remember this ? And, may I ask you to send me one, if you haven't for I have started this project and I know that God is working. In Him. And me.

I Can Do It!

"Mommy, come look and see.....I can do it."

These words came through our back window, sailing through the air from the swing set.

Minutes before, unbeknown to "Inger", I had heard another conversation....

"I don't need to push you. You already know how to pump. You can get yourself going because you are five now. Jump on the swing, lean back and kick your legs out. Lean further back. Reach forward with your feet. You can do it...keep going. Push. Pump. Lean back."

Then....

"Go, 'Inger'; go 'Inger'; go 'Inger'!!! You're doing it."

She did it. Daddy's encouragement helped her soar. She flew high.

Encouragement. I hear my Heavenly Father give me that same word. "You can do it....with my help. You have the Word which I have given you."

Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

The Cure

Grumpy. Complaining. Discontent. Aggravation. Nonsatisfaction. Emptiness. Lack of Joy.

We have all felt these emotions as one time or another.

Are we justified as children of God to give in to these?

The cure for the wounded spirit is thankfulness.

You say, "Thanksgiving in the midst of MY trial is impossible!"

I say, "No, It is not!"

The death of my beloved mom has gripped my soul in a way I have never felt before. BUT, I can say, "It is well with my soul, because I have my Savior."

"Hoss" is far from me right now, BUT I can tell my God, "I trust you, for you know what is best for me and my precious son."

Joy. Contentment. Peace. Providential Provision. Thankfulness. Satisfaction. Calmness. Composure. Harmony.

I trust you, Lord.

Changing the Focus

Mother's Day has always been a day of struggling with expectations. In the past, I would often find myself wishing for more accolades (I know, how selfish) and not focusing on what is important. This year, with the home-going of Mom, the Lord has helped me to have a heart of contentment and gratitude. There are so many precious gifts that I have been given by my Creator.

Saturday, I received a beautiful bouquet of roses from my Dad. What a surprise!

Yesterday I woke up to breakfast in bed prepared by little sleepyheads and my wonderful hubby. The tray also provided me with 2 amazing cards...."Thank you for teaching me Mommy." "I'm glad you're my Mommy."

And, words that I hold precious from my love.

I was also given a Book (I've read before but my copy was falling apart) that holds the keys to all contentment and love. Words that are inspired and full of truth. This Book I will read each day and thank my Master for His precious gift.

There was five minutes of the day that were spent talking to one who I miss so much. He continues to do well. His Dad and I will be traveling to see him in two weeks. Please pray that we would have wisdom in our speech and actions.

Facing the Stress with Meekness

According to Kay Arthur, in her book, As Silver Refined, the key to facing stress is meekness.

"Meekness is the key to acting versus reacting when disappointments come. Since meekness is the key to a right response in trials, God is at work to build meekness into our innermost beings. And the way He works meekness into our characters is through disappointments and trials. Meekness is born in stress, in trials, in affliction, in conflict....in difficulties. Meekness is born in situations that humble you. This meekness that God so highly values in your life will show itself -prove itself- in oppression and pressure and disappointment. See this in what God allowed His chosen and beloved people to go through---and why:"

Deuteronomy 8:2,3

"And you shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. And He humbles you and lets you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that HE might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD."

Bread of Life, make me hunger for nothing but you. I know I can fill this body with many things that I think will sustain me, and yet I always come back to nothing but You, God. I always am confident of this in the dark valleys. Make me content there...