Saved By Grace

:)Change is here...

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:22:33 GMT

Some time back I posted an entry titled
"A Reflection on Change".

Now I'm going to attempt to tell you, my dear blog :) ... and blog friends, all about the changes that have happened in my life. Since we already know how good and faithful God is I'll just go on to the heart of what He has brought about. All of you who know me from many entries past know that I left an extremely bad "situation" in April of 2008. That's when I moved into my own little house that I had been preparing for about 4 years. At that time I guess I was somewhat overwhelmed with my newfound peace, harmony and freedom. Which is not neccessarily a bad thing, :) but just before the move, I had, at the prodding of Cyndy, put myself on a dating/relationship site. That sounds silly and immature, I'm sure, to many people, but I sure did enjoy it for a time and I met a number of gentlemen. Well, some gentlemen, some NOT. One I met in the beginning was a gentleman from a little town about 75 miles from me. He, in fact, came over and took me to lunch as soon as I would allow him to.

Change is here...Hallelujah!

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:51:50 GMT

Some time back I posted an entry titled
"A Reflection on Change"

to be continued...

Ho hum

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:19:45 GMT

So far I haven't done much in preparation for Christmas this year. I've sent gift cards to g'kids and daughters up in Illinois and this year I did donations to World Vision for 2 couples who are close friends. Both couples donated 2 ducks to a family in need somewhere in the world.

I'm planning to go visit Charles and do some "goody making" over there sometime this week. He has a 5 yo g'g'son who will be spending some time with us during the Christmas holidays so we do need Christmas "goodies".

We went to my churches Christmas production this past Saturday evening. It was wonderful, but of course it always is. I think Charles was just as dazzled as the little ones, and no matter how many times I see it I'm still enthralled.

Life goes on...

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:23:45 GMT

I've been silent a very long time, haven't I? I really don't have a good reason, and all I can say is that my life has moved along with many surprises, and many ups and downs. I continue to live and learn even at 62 yo. It's great, I love it.

The last couple of years have not been easy. I continued to work at the law office part time and just barely made it from week to week. Finally on my last birthday I signed up for my Social Security. It turned out that I am better off on that than if I continue trying to work. Praise God!!!

I also met a wonderful Christian gentleman. Charles lives about 75 miles away, but we each are still able to drive and we do spend a lot of time together. I prayed that if there was ever another man in my life that God would bring a Good Christian man into it. At my age, looking at the last quarter of life ahead of me, all I want is peace and harmony. No, that doesn't mean that everything is always "hunky dory", but my faith continues to carry me through while holding Jesus' hand. Praise God!

I'm still learning as I go... and as I go on I hold on tighter and tighter to the words "Fear not".

Pssssssssst

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:14:28 GMT

I was here this morning.

I'm getting ready to come back to "blogdrive"...

Am I ready Lord?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:41:42 GMT

Isn't it just so sad the things we do that move us away from where we really want to be with God? What I mean is ... sometimes without even realizing what's happening we misdirect our focus for what seems like such a short time, and before we know it much time has passed, and we look up, with eyes wide in wonder and puzzlement, and think "Good Grief!!! "This is NOT where I wanted to be." Have you ever done that? I sure have, and it's been going on for a time.
You know, when I get into a nice, comfy, place I just want to stay there. Since I moved I've told a number of people that "I'm like a "pig in a puddle." I just want to "waller" around in the newfound peace and joy that the Lord has provided. The only problem with that is that we have a tendency to get complacent and passive and we stop moving forward. OR Do you think maybe we sometimes need some time in one spot to rest and relax before the Lord is ready to move us along????? I think I'm ready... Am I Lord?

It's just too hot...

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:35:15 GMT

This heat is terrible. I know we all probably say the same things every year, but this summer I really mean it. My a/c quit working in my car and I've been unable to have it fixed. The mechanic says I need a new compressor.... Sooooo, when I go to work or shopping it's with the windows down and hoping to not get stuck sitting at traffic lights or in traffic too long.
The only pleasant thing about it is that driving down the road sweating, with the windows down and the wind blowing through does bring back memories of years ago when we didn't even have any a/c in our cars.

Nevertheless I sure do miss mine and when I get home I sure don't want to go anywhere else. LOL

How futile our efforts...

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:47:55 GMT

I sat on the back porch the other night. I have my patio table out there and that's where I sit at least 3 times a day while Ginger wanders around the yard doing her thing. The porch light was on and I sat there watching a spider (my spider) working furiously in it's web. This spider had been there for a few weeks, had grown before my eyes, and as it grew it seemed to extend it's own little world outward periodically. It's web started out very small and by the night I last saw it, which just happened to be the evening before a thunderstorm, the size of its web had multiplied many times.
As I sat there and watched I remember thinking how large the spider itself had become and wondered if maybe I should get some bug spray or a flyswatter and just get rid of it. I couldn't do that ... after watching this creature for so long it just seemed unnecessarily cruel of me to destroy it.
I could hear thunder rolling far off so I knew a storm was coming; and as I watched I realized the spider knew it too. It was working faster and more frantically than I had ever seen it work. Back and forth, up and down, around and around... it was moving and working so quickly, almost furiously, in preparation for the storm. I remember wondering how much of it's web would remain after the storm came through, and if it would simply rebuild it's home.
The next morning when I took my coffee and Ginger out to the porch the first thing I did was look for the spider. It was gone, no web, no spider. Nothing...

How like the spider we are in our efforts to build a fortress that will sustain on this earth...

The truth of the matter is... LOL

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:06:29 GMT

I don't know what happened to me that I just stopped blogging for so long, but I have finally realized that I miss it a lot. Since I moved, I've been like a pig in a mud puddle... LOL...just wallowing around in my own little puddle (my house and the peace of it). Yes, my "hermit syndrome" set in for quite some time...

I've been getting out in the world (the cyber-world) through a couple of dating/social sites. Do you think that's a ridiculous thing for a 60 (almost 61) year old to be doing? I have to blame Cyndy for that... just kidding, Cyndy. (She encouraged me to join a site.)

I've had a Facebook page for quite a while (I've neglected it too) and a gentleman from the UK began to correspond with me. Well, one thing lead to another, and we became close e-mail friends for a time. Nothing came of that, but the realization that even though I had convinced myself that I would live the rest of my life alone, by my own choice, God does not necessarily intend for my life to stay that way. I discovered that I DO still have feelings!! Go figure??

It's been a great 3 months and I certainly have learned a lot about the world of cyber-dating and the people in it. Some good; some bad... but I do miss my blog.

So I am back, again...

I know...

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:07:38 GMT

Yes, I know that I've been absent for quite a while. I'm fine ... in fact I'm probably better than I have been in a long, long time. Since I moved in the middle of April I've had a lot of unpacking, fixing, culling, stashing, cleaning, and, you know, the usual things to do. But ... I take longer to do all those things than some people. Add to that the fact that I've been sort of basking in the peace and tranquility I now have. I've kind of been like a "pig in a mud puddle". I know now that the cloud I lived under for so long was bigger and darker than I realized. What a blessing to be out from under that dark cloud.

You know, I'm 60 years old, soon will see 61, God willing, and I had lost sight of the fact that there are men, in particular, who have a whole different attitude about life than what I had become accustomed to. It's taken meeting a few different people to see that again. After the last 8 to 10 years of being closed to the idea of any kind of relationship other than family and friends God has made it abundantly clear to me that there is still more.

Some time back I said that change was beginning to come about in my life. I can see it more clearly all the time. I'll say more later on this subject.

May You Be Blessed

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:58:02 GMT

Click Here:
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May You Be Blessed.

Shanon update

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:15:05 GMT

I got this update on my friend, Susan's, friend, Shanon today. She still needs prayer.

Hi Rita,

Thank you for asking. Don't remember what I told you. She was in the hospital for 9 days and got to go home. 3 days later she was back in the hospital since she developed an infection where they gave her a pneumonia shot. Her white blood cell count was high and that seems to be a continuous issue. She did go home later that day and was home all that week. She came back to work on Monday and has all kinds of medication for her asthma and her immune system is weak. She was only suppose to be there for 4 hours a day this week but she pushed it for longer (and her doctor had told her not to). So, today she wasn't feeling well and stayed home. She is highly allergic to Oak and that pollen count is extremely high. She has to put a mask over her face just to go to the car from the building, etc. We are still praying for complete healing.

Love, Susan

Woo!! Hoo!! I'm moved!!!!!!!

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:29:04 GMT

Woo! Hoo! Surprise! Surprise! I think I'm finally going to update. I don't know if anyone has missed me, but I sure have missed all of my friends on here. You all know who you are... ;)

The good news is that I have finally moved into my little house in Falkville. You know, the one I've been talking about off and on for 4 years now. The one I've been working on and making payments on for the last 4 years.
I actually moved almost 2 weeks ago, but you know, I'm a "granny" and "grannies are slow". It took over a week to get my computer desk put together and my computer back online. Add to that the fatigue from it all and I'd say I'm doing pretty good. I have about 70% of the unpacking done. That's not bad is it? As far as I'm concerned it's great! I can live with it. I love the peace, and I love it that I feel so much less stress. Maybe I can get my mind back to normal soon. God is good and I know that He has His plan for my life. If I can just be patient and stand strong I know everything will come together as He has planned. You know me...I want what I want, when I want and that does not work in God's scheme of things.

Prayer request

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:17:49 GMT

I got this e-mail from Beth a couple of days ago. Beth has been my youngest daughter, Cyndy's, friend since they were in kindergarten and they're both almost 37 now. I want to share it with you all.

Good morning, Rita!!

I have a list of friends and family I would like added to your prayer list please!!! I know and fully believe that God hears and heals!!!
1. My Aunt Donna--she was just released from the hospital, she has COPD and Pneumonia. She has been too sick for too long, I pray for her strength and healing.
2. My Mom, she is suffering from "shakiness" that concerns me. And you know, good ol trooper Ida,she doesn't seek medical care as she should because she's always "fine". Money is A LOT of the reason she doesn't go, she's struggles finacially due to our lovely government and the wonderful "social security" they provide. I pray for her to "let go and let God", for financial peace of mind, and also, her strength. (Even though Mom's probably the strongest person I know�)
3. A friend, single mother of 2 girls, Kathy--she is 44 yrs old and very healthy. A month or so ago, she had what she thought was the flu, unfortunately it is cancer. She is undergoing major surgery today to determine what she's up against. I pray for her full recovery and her daughters.
4. My children: Kody, he is 14 1/2 has ADHD and has been diagnosed with tics recently, this is now starting to trigger ODD. He is dealing with bouts of depression that are heart wrenching, he is on an emotional roller coaster and it breaks my heart to watch him deal with this, teenagers have ENOUGH to go through just being teenagers, then to throw a "nervous condition" in on top of it that other kids don't understand and make fun of. I praise God, that the last week has been a great week, and I know that with each day he will continue to improve. My daughter Kacy, she is beginning another year of competitive cheerleading, I pray for her health and strength.
5. My sister, Krissy. I woke up with Krissy on my mind this morning, I pray everyday for the Lord to lead someone into her life, that will love her for her, and see the heart of gold she has. I pray that whoever God brings to her, will understand and help Krissy with her girls. Her daughter, Alexis has severe ADHD and behavioral disorders and needs special assistance and Jackie, the oldest, sometimes feels slighted. Krissy has a full plate and I pray for her peace of mind, a job, and doctor's who can help with Alexis. Also, please say a special prayer for Krissy, she has a growth in her vocal cords that doctor's won't remove and she needs special medicine (of which she can't afford and her insurance won't cover).
6. My oldest brother, Johnny, he lost his job a month of so a go, the lovely world of corporate downsizing. He's 50 and has to start all over again. His youngest is getting married in November, so the concerns of that along with just trying to find a job is taking an emotional toll.
7. My other brothers, Joey, I pray for his health, he's been sick a lot lately and it scares me! Danny, just opened his own business.
Rita, Thank you for being such an inspiration�! I pray the Lord continue to bless you too!!
Hugs!
Beth

Prayer Request

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:10:05 GMT

I received this prayer request today from my dear friend Susan out in Texas. Please pray for Shanon.

Hello Ms Rita,

My friend Shanon is 37 and EMS was called to work on Wednesday when she had a severe asthma attack. She is still in the hospital and may be there another week. She is on oxygen, steroids, and breathing treatments every 3 hours. And just doesn't seem to be getting any better. They think she may have also developed pneumonia. They are having a pulmonary specialists come in today.

God bless you.

Love, Susan

Prayer request

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:47:00 GMT

I got this mail from Sandy this evening..

Hi everyone,

I have a prayer request for you. My cousin, Cheryl, called to tell me that her 7 month twin son, Alan, is in the hospital for surgery because of a staph infection and she is asking for us to pray for him. He will be there for 2-3 days. We need to pray that the doctors remove all the infection and that the medications work to kill the infection that may be going through his body. Also, pray for peace for Cheryl and Chris and that they will place all their faith in God.

Thank you for your prayers.

Blessings,

Sandy and Cheryl

He is Risen

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:57:13 GMT

Luke 24:
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

The Ascension
50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

8 things about me

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:08:25 GMT

I was tagged by Charlotte for a meme, and I "snagged" the above picture from her. Thanks Charlotte.

Here are the rules. You share 8 things about yourself that your readers might not know. Then at the end you tag at least 8 other bloggers to keep the fun going. Here goes.

1. I was a huge Willie Nelson fan back in the late 70's and early 80's. He used to do the Illinois State Fair every year and I saw him in concert there 3 times. I still like his songs.

2. I barely made it through a very rebellious time in my life from 1975 to about 1980. I guess that's why I'm so, so grateful for God's grace and forgiveness.

3. One of the most unusual dates I was ever on was when my boyfriend and one of his friends surprised me and the other guys girlfriend by taking us to an airport where he rented a small plane and we flew to a town miles away, had lunch, then went back. We did that twice. That's the only time I've been on an airplane.

4. I met and married my second husband within a 2 month period. Our marriage didn't last, but I've never regretted any part of it.

5. My second husband and I packed up all we could in a 1964 Ford Falcon (inside, top, and trunk), kids, clothes, dishes, etc... (my cat squalled all the way) and we set out to move to California. That was in 1975. I'm sure we looked like "The Beverly Hillbillies". We stayed a year then went back, but I don't regret doing that either. What an adventure for a small town girl from Illinois.

6. In 1978 or 79 one of my friends who knew Randy Owens of the group Alabama got me and 3 other friends back stage passes for a performance in Champaign, IL. This was fairly early in their career, I think. We got some great pictures of ourselves and the guys, but I only have 1 left.

7. In 1985 I left my last husband and everything I had, but my clothes and a few keepsakes and moved, again by car, to Spring, Texas. I moved in with my sister-in-law and got a job within a week. Then my husband convinced me to move to Alabama with him and "start over". BIG mistake.

8. I went to school to learn how to drive an 18 wheeler in 1986. I took my first over the road driving job in March of 1987. I drove alone, 48 states for 3 years after that. Then in 1990 I met David and we drove together until 1999.

I'd rather not tag anyone, but if you are so inclined, please do this little meme. It sure brought back some memories for me.

Prayers needed

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:34:19 GMT

Good morning to all of my dear friends in "blogland". I got this e-mail from my dear friend, Jan, up in Illinois yesterday.

Hi Rita I am asking today for prayer for someone in my family . She has breast cancer and is taking treatment, and she does need lots of prayer. She does not want anyone to know however her hair is coming out and she has lost 40 lbs. I am not sure how long she can keep it quiet. Because she doesn't want anyone to know I am not giving you a name as I promised her. God knows so that is all that matters . Thank you and I will keep you informed what God is doing for her. The doctors think they got it in time but this is the second time she has had cancer, and beat it three years ago with Gods help. I know he will do it again. She is only 33 and that's too young to die. So I love you and I will stay in touch. All Gods Blessings Jan

I know all of you will step up to the plate for Amy over at Amy's Place. She recently had to have part of her foot amputated as a result of the affects of diabetes. She's having complications and is back in the hospital for treatment of deep vein thrombosis. Please stop by there and offer her your love, encouragement and prayers.

A reflection on change...

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:10:09 GMT

There are changes ahead. I feel the stirring of the air around me ... and inside ... I feel a reborn excitement and enthusiasm for love and life. I depend on my God to guide me, shield me, and protect me.
Am I sounding mysterious? I guess so...to most people...but I will let you know eventually what is changing in my little world when the changes actually begin.

I don't think change is ever really easy, but if we want to reach the highest level of the mountain that we have to climb, then bumps and bruises from grabbing hold of the rocks and scaling the terrain are nothing, absolutely nothing, in comparison to the joy that we know lies ahead on the mountaintop.