Indulging Myself

I hope you will allow me permission to indulge myself on this beautiful sunny Monday afternoon.

 

 

You see I am still caught between the land of fantasy,

and the very real world of dirty dishes, piles of icky laundry

and other household tasks.  

 

It's not that I couldn't go back there...

(well maybe not HERE because I can't stand driving across high bridges

and someone else always has to do it),

but maybe south or north of there.

 

Yes, my heart would really like that--

to be in the land of seagulls, ocean and bays again.

But reality is telling me vacation is over and it's time to get back to work,

as my husband already did early this morning.

 

So with a few more photos, I shall stop my dreaming,

and get back to chores.

Sigh...

pout...

BIG frown.

 

 

Or

 

maybe

 

I'll

 

just keep dreaming of that magical place while I do some chores.

Sounds like a win-win scenario.

Smile:)

 

Blessings,

Aimee

 

Photos:

Vacation Photo Collection

Central Oregon coast,

OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center,

Tillamook Forestry Center

August 2013.

© 2013 A. Blessings

All rights reserved.

Please do not copy without permission.

 

Words That Give Grace

"Communication is like a little path into a person's heart and words spoken in a positive way give the listener life."
Julia

I am SO not perfect and sometimes, especially with certain people, I just lose it...
Here is an excellent post (with gorgeous photos) on the legacy we leave behind by the words that we allow to come forth out of our mouths.
Do we like the book of our lives that we're all writing? It not there is still time to make the next chapter better:)
 
Blissfully Content: Words That Give Grace

Blessings,
Aimee

Photo: along the Salmon River in Oregon's Coast Range (summer, 2012)
Notes: Julia, of Blissfully Content also has many great ideas for home and garden! Did I say she is also from the PNW?? :)

The WORD on Wednesday: Wisdom, Trust, Peace + Prayer

I wrote something recently to the effect that I wish God had a hotline in heaven,

or perhaps an Internet connection,

because I surely don't have the wisdom of Solomon,

the faith of Abraham,

the heart of David

or the prophetic gift of Isaiah.

Nope--none of those special gifts seem to reside in this woman's being.

And yet, despite my feelings of weakness right now,

God has not left me without help.

 

 

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering...

James 1:5, 6a KJV

 

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5,6 NLT

 

 

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name,

He shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Peace I leave you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you,

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:26-27 KJV

 

 

And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:

for My strength is made perfect in weakness...

II Corinthians 12:9a KJV

 

God-given wisdom and truth for those who lived in Biblical times--

and for those who live in times such as these.

 

Wishing you a blessed Wednesday.

Aimee

 

Photos: 

The northern and central Oregon coast, summer 2013.

 

Sources:

God's Holy Word--

 KJV=King James Version (public domain)

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

The WORD on Wednesday: Forgive

 

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32 KJV

 

 

A new commandment I give unto you,

That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34 KJV

 

 

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary,

 there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do...

Luke 23:33-34a KJV

 

 

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy...

He hath not dealt with us after our sins:

nor rewarded us according to our iniquities,

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west,

 so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Like as a father pitieth his children,

so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him.

For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.

Psalms 103:8, 9-14 KJV

　

　

 

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.

Ephesians 5:1 KJV

 

Blessings this day,

Aimee

 

Photos:

Northern Oregon coast

(another part of my Mother's Day trip)

Part 2 of Into the Forest soon...

The WORD on Wednesday: Looking Ahead to Good Friday

And He (Jesus) said,

Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee;

take away this cup from Me:

nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt.

Mark 14:36 KJV

How often I've prayed prayers similar to this one but

--of course--

leaving out the last, most important part...

"nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt".

I hate pain; I'm not fond of suffering either. 

Times of trials are no fun and can drain me emotionally and physically.

Oh, and did I say, submission is a "bit" difficult for me too?

Seemingly unanswered prayer

(prayers not answered my way and not in a timely fashion)

can leave me doubting God's love for me.

 

Of course that speaks more to my pride than God's love, doesn't it?

Jesus didn't doubt God's love.

He truly believed, He knew, all things would work together for good...

 He trusted His Father completely.

Yes, He knew that submission to His Father's plan

would mean horrific pain, suffering and humiliation for a time--

after all, by the time of His crucifixion, He had had ample opportunity to see many crucifixions

(the Romans practiced very public executions of those they condemned to death).

His humanity cried out for God to deliver Him from this,

and yet He was willing to do God's will--

despite the heavy cost

and because of His obedience, His submission even to death,

we can be reconciled to God--forgiven.

~

Abba Father help me to trust You in the good,

and also, in the bad times of my life.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Have a blessed Holy Week

and a truly good,

Good Friday.

Blessings, Aimee

October Monthly Gratitudes

Just moving October's Gratitudes here to make room for this month's in my pages...
Happy November 1st everyone:)

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise:

be thankful unto him, and bless His name.
~
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you..

September 30, 2012
Today I was thankful for a trip in my beloved Coastal Range and to Astoria.

October 1, 2012
Today I was thankful for the beautiful, BIG blue dragonfly that came for a visit.

October 2, 2012
Today I was thankful for the wonderful autumn weather we have been enjoying!

October 3, 2012
Today I was very thankful for the comments I received on my post "Sometimes";
they encouraged me when I really needed it.
I'm also thankful for this thought I found in Matthew Henry's Commentary
on Matthew 6:34: "Let us not pull that upon ourselves all together at once, which Providence
has wisely ordered to be bourne by parcels...
by our daily prayers we may procure strength to bear us up  under our daily troubles".

October 4, 2012
Today I was thankful for a visit to Beaverton Bakery (challah, strudel, etc),
Scandia Imports (lingonberry juice, solo, chocolate, etc),
Michael's (autumn decor for tablescapes, etc)
and Japanese food!

October 5, 2012
Today I was very thankful for our ripe Concord and Niagara grapes--YUM!

October 6, 2012
Today I was thankful for a trip to one of my favorite Central Oregon coast beaches--
the waves were amazing, the weather warm and we got to watch a surfer:)
I am also thankful that we had a chance to see our son-in-law before he headed home.

October 7, 2012
Today I was thankful for the challah I (finally) got to eat some of. I was also thankful for the blue skies, some dish towels I found that remind me autumn leaves (they made me smile)

October 8, 2012
Today I am thankful that my 'Autumn Dream' looks like it will be coming true! I am also very, very grateful for the kindness of my niece; a quick chat with my youngest granddaughter, my dear daughter-in-law and my dear daughter:)

October 9, 2012
Today I was very, very grateful for these things:  1) getting the chance to hug my niece goodbye before her move out of state, 2)  a safe and incredibly beautiful trip to, from and in central Oregon (what an amazing place), 3) conquering my long held fear about a certain mountain lake!! For all these things I give thanks to God:)

October 10, 2012
Today I was thankful for the opportunity to rest, sleep and rest some more!

October 11, 2012
Today I am very thankful for a certain little girl who means the world to me.
Love you baby girl:)

October 12, 2012
Yikes! Forgot to make an entry today...but I have been thankful EVERY day for the changing leaf color. I SO love the yellows, oranges and reds! When it is gray outside, I am especially thankful for their jewel-tones:)

October 13, 2012
Today I am especially thankful for the gift of food one of my sister-in-laws gave my hubby and I (chili!) and the gift of flowers (a beautiful red azalea) another sister-in-law and her husband gave us.
I grew up in a fairly small family (one of siblings died before my birth) and it is truly a GIFT to have so many brothers and sisters to share life with:)

October 14, 2012
Today I was thankful for the rain we received and for the rain that makes its way over the Cascades and to the parched ground and forests of central Oregon! I pray that this rain will put a stop to the devastating fires in the Pacific NW. I am also thankful for the book I started reading this weekend that is transporting me into the interior of beautiful British Columbia...

October 15, 2012
Today I am thankful for candles, flashlights and laptops.
I was also thankful that God included Jonah in the Bible so I would know God loves us even when we run from Him and that He brings together circumstances in our life to bring us back.

October 16, 2012
Today I am thankful for a forecast of 3 sunny days! Yippee!
I am also very thankful that a new cyber friend and one of my uncles have been sending me information on things related to my family heritage:)

October 17, 2012
I was very grateful to get to dry some laundry outside today--in mid October!!

October 18, 2012
Today was a very, very sad day for me. I received some distressing news about a friend of many years...I am grateful I could ask God, who created heaven and earth, to help them.

October 19, 2012
Today I was thankful for the wasp who taught me a spiritual lesson as I was washing dishes today
(or should I say for God who sent the wasp from whom I learned a lesson)   :)

October 20, 2012
Today I am thankful for something special coming my way soon:)

October 21, 2012
Today I am thankful for the wonderful SNOW photos my son sent me...
snow always makes me happy! I am also grateful for my friend of over 40 years who is still a part of my life though she lives in another state!

October 22, 2012
Today I am thankful for the fact that I keep a journal offline so I can update this page:)

October 23, 2012
Today I am thankful for a new mattress set
(and my hubby is even MORE thankful for it)!
I am also thankful--again--for the beautiful autumn color!

October 24, 2012
Today I am thankful that I was able to finish 3+ loads of laundry
(but I am really, really missing hanging it outside).

October 25, 2012
Today I am thankful for new jeans
(but mindful that I really need to lose some weight)
and the incredible beauty of blueberry and Lady's Mantle leaves after a rain.

October 26, 2012
Today I am thankful for phones...
and for a certain caller:)

October 27, 2012
Today I am thankful for a little thing--
and yet a very big thing.
I am thankful for a roof over my head
(because it is pouring outside).

October 28, 2012
Today I am thankful,
SO incredibly thankful,
 to see my son again!

October 29, 2012
Today I am thankful for the wonderful day that my son and I had in downtown Portland,
eating outside in late October, some yummy donuts, city pigeons, public art and more!
I am also thankful that my son has a giving heart.

October 30, 2012
Today I was thankful for another day with my son---yummy Vietnamese food,
an autumn drive in the countryside and a new pillow (which until now was my son's).

October 31, 2012
Today I was very thankful for an answer to prayer!
  

Recently, several blogger friends suggested I start a journal in which I record things on a daily basis that make me cheerful; things that I am grateful for--this is my online version of those journal entries. Please feel free to share your 'gratitudes' too in the comment section:) Aimee

Notes:
Psalm 100:4 KJV
I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Proverb + the WORD on Wednesday

"If we don't change our direction,

we are likely to end up where we are headed"

This proverb is true in many ways...

and I think it is true for my personal situation.

 I am day # 3 into making some changes

and am looking forward to today.

 

I know, as a wise blogger said, that some days will be harder than others,

but I need to stop living in the past

(focusing on losses, regrets, mistakes),

avoid giving strength to fears and anxieties of the future

(healthwise, national and international problems, etc)

and live in the present.

 

And that reminds me of these WORDS... 

 

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own."

 

and this commentary...

 

Let us not pull that upon ourselves all together at once,

which Providence has wisely ordered to be borne by parcels..

.by our daily prayers we may procure strength to bear us up under our daily troubles...

 

And now, it is time to eat (starving!)

and then cleaning and baking.

 

Blessings,

Aimee

 

Notes:

Old Chinese Proverb

(found widely on Internet)

Matthew 6:34 NIV

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™

Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Matthew Henry Commentary on above verses

(in the public domain)

Photos:

A favorite subject--

the Peter Iredale shipwreck on Clatsop Spit,

Ft, Stevens State Park, Warrenton. 

 

 

Am I Plucking Blackberries?

 

 

 

 

Earth's crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God;

And only he who sees takes off his shoes;

The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning,

Aurora Leigh (1865),

Book VII

 

So am I plucking blackberries?

Are you?

 

Blessings,

Aimee

 

Note:

quote widely available on Internet and is, to my understanding, in the public domain.

Here is one place to read some quotes from this God-gifted poet:

 

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Barrett_Browning#Quotes

(see the above link for terms of use of the quotes)

What am I Filled With Today?

"Whatever you are overflowing with will spill out when you are bumped."

What are you filled with today?

Blessings,

Aimee

Notes: 

Quote is an Indian Proverb (via Ravi Zacharias).

His website, which has a lot of great resources is located at:

http://www.rzim.org/

Photo above taken in Seaside earlier this month;

this little girl was overflowing with happiness and no one had to bump her to see it:)

The WORD on Wednesday: Trust

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding

 In all thy ways acknowledge Him,

and He shall direct thy paths.

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD 

and depart from evil... 

 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,

and the man that getteth understanding

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver,

and the gain thereof than fine gold.

I'm learning Lord.

Blessings,

Aimee

Notes:

Photographs taken at Barview Jetty County Park, north Oregon coast (spring 2012)

Proverbs 3:5-6, 11-14 KJV

Scenes of the Season: Season of Discovery

Oh to be like a child for just a few minutes everyday...

to be open to new discoveries,

to see new things,

to bring a little bit of spring into the winter of other's lives,

to be willing to try new things without any fear of embarrassment,

to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Let's do it,

let's take a few minutes every day to be childlike.

Blessings, Aimee

~

Photos:

exploring the world of the model train

(and -- not shown -- petting a cat)

watching a Japanese chef prepare food

showing grandma her masterpiece

(my beautiful oldest granddaughter's artwork)

wearing grandma's gift of a napkin scarf

rocking in grandma's baby rocker

Finding Balance: At Home

For awhile now, I have had the growing sense of being out of balance--

as if I had wondered off the path I should be on.

When I was working, outside the home, my day had more of a pattern, more of a rhythm to it.

I had a huge amount of responsibility and I knew,

almost unconsciously what had to be done,

how it had to be done

and when it had to be done.

I worked 4 days a week and had 3 off;

it was a great work schedule.

And I was grateful to my employers for allowing me to have it.

But I missed being home--

so finally, after much prayer and my DH's agreement,

I left my job.

It was the right decision and I don't regret it!

I LOVE being home--

I love being free to talk and text with family and friends

when there is a need or just a desire to.

But, on the other hand,

I also left behind my innate sense of discipline as regards to work,

and that has left me increasingly stressed and unhappy.

I hope that makes sense.

Despite the many challenges I have in my life right now,

I just cannot put it off any longer---
I need to regain a more disciplined life again--

at home, because that is my work now.

Yes, I can and will still have freedom to stop and chat,

photograph a pretty scene, travel, smell the roses, etc;

but I think, no I know,

I will appreciate these things even more if I develop more discipline at home.

And this is where fellow blogger, Momzoo (Aimee) comes in.

I have been following her for quite awhile now and have found,

over these years that

I appreciate her honesty and kindness,

the genuine love she has for her family and country,

her down to earth manner

and her willingness to share her God-given gifts of cooking

and other homemaking skills with others...

Recently she posted her weekly schedule

and it fit SO well with my life and was SO simple,

that I knew this was the answer I was seeking...

and I began to have some hope again in regards to taming my beast (this house).

So...I have begun to follow her schedule,

albeit with a few modifications

due to the challenges I am dealing with right now

(staying twice weekly at my sib's home,

when they are out of town,

to watch my elderly father;

dealing with our house issues;

some fear/anxiety over certain circumstances in my life right now;

playing catch up).

I hope that soon I will be living a more balanced and

a more disciplined life

at least as far as work is concerned:)

Next task: Finding balance health wise.

Blessings, Aimee

Note: I know I've already thanked you Aimee (momzoo) on your blog

but I truly am grateful for your transparency and honesty and want to do it again here :)

Photo: peaceful sunset at Neskowin.

Peace + Forgiveness

Yesterday did not start peacefully;

it started with angry words and untrue accusations.

It started with pain--the kind that only humans inflict on each other.

But then came peace--a walk alone in a forest.

A drive on a quiet rural road.

The blessing of God's creation.

Time by the sea.

Crossings over peaceful rivers on their way to the sea.

The relaxing sound of the surf.

Today I battle my heart to be able to forgive the offender.

To obey the Word of my Creator and not stir up the pain and anger I feel

into the flame of resentment;

the firestorm known as bitterness--

a firestorm not easily quenched.

It is not an easy fight,

for everything within me shouts out against the unfairness of it all,

as tears threaten to break to the surface.

But yet I know so well --

peace cannot be mine again unless I can find the grace to forgive as I have been forgiven.

Blessings + Peace, Aimee

"...Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. "
Matthew 18:21b-22

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors...But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 6:12, 15

"Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness."

Col 3:12-14 ASV

~

Photos: Upper Nehalem Valley, Cannon Beach, Nehalem River, Rockaway Beach, Tillamook area

What is the Right Answer?

I have become increasingly aware that I am spending way too much time on a 'certain' social network, on blogger and surfing the web...

That 'certain' social network is the main way I keep in touch with my out-of-state family and friends; I can't just say give it up completely--it's not like we live in the same city and I can see them in person:(

Regarding blogger--I LOVE sharing the beauty of the Pacific NW with others, meeting other bloggers and my blog serves as a semi personal journal (with the added benefit of photos). I also LOVE reading the blogs of others--sharing their lives, their interests, their thoughts.

Surfing---I know I can cut back some here; my surfing the Internet reminds me a bit of how, when I was a child, I used to spend hours reading encyclopedias--I have never tired of learning new things and there are always NEW things to learn on the Internet:)

So what to do...just thinking out loud (sort of). And now back to my real tasks.

Be blessed, Aimee

Photo: another favorite of blog visitors--enjoy! BTW, I LOVE this one too:)

My Hiding Place

Thou

art my hiding place and my shield:

I hope in Thy Word.
Psalms 119:114 KJV

Last night I watched the movie, The Hiding Place-

an adaption of the late Corrie ten Boom's life during World War II.

When I was younger and living in Seattle,

I had the opportunity to see and hear this courageous lady in person.

Her story, is indeed one of courage, love, faith and forgiveness.

And as I watched the movie,

I asked myself...

Would I have reached out to save strangers knowing what it could cost me and my family?

Would I lose my faith had I been the one imprisoned in such deplorable and seemingly hopeless conditions (lice, hard labour, little food, cruelty, crowding, etc)?

Would I be able to forgive my 'enemies' as Corrie and Betsie were?

It is something for me to think about.

Be blessed,

Aimee

Photo: Siletz Bay and two of my five grandchildren:)