It's All Good

It's All Good

There is a great children's book called Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin.  Pete is a very cool cat.   And he wears tennis shoes.  I told you he was cool!  Pete was just strolling along singing his song "I love my white shoes", so proud and happy with his white tennis shoes when all of sudden he steps in a large pile of strawberries.  And you guessed it - his beautiful white shoes turn RED.  This does not phase Pete in the least and he just changes his song - "I love my red shoes, I love my red shoes", when suddenly he steps in a large pile of blueberries.  Pete does not cry he just keeps walking along and signing a new song - "I love my BLUE shoes" - in fact, Pete thinks it's kind of awesome that now he has blue shoes instead of plain old white shoes.  As Pete strolls along, he steps in mud and his shoes turn brown and then steps in water to wash away all the color, but now his shoes were wet.  And the moral of the story is no matter what you step in, just be happy and keep singing your song because ---------  It's all good!!!!!

And it is. 

In the early 80's we were still living in Chicago and we were happy campers. We owned a really nice house had great neighbors, wonderful friends, owned two stores.  Life was good and we were strolling along singing our song.  When suddenly the economy went south (uh oh, curve ball coming our way) and thus so did our two stores and we fell on hard times.  But family and friends helped out and we kept singing our song.  Finally in order to prevent filing for bankruptcy we had to sell our house and the two stores.  This was devastating as we had worked very hard and saved and planned in order to buy the home and we loved the stores.  But, stuff happens, right?  Life just has to go on.  We took it in stride and just did what needed to be done.  We rented a home in the same area and then my in-laws purchased a home that we rented from them also in the same area.  And so, not much was different except the house we lived in, same friends, the kids were at the same schools, so life was still good ---- just a little different --- new jobs, we met new great neighbors and we kept singing our song in spite of our losses.  

You see, no matter what curve balls head your way, if you just do what needs to be done and move on rather than dwelling on the curve balls, you can get through it.  If you dwell on the curve balls they hit you - ya gotta duck!! 

Everything happens for a reason, and it's all good!
Make the most of whatever life sends your way because, it's all good!
Search and find the positive in all situations, there's one there, somewhere, because it's all good!
Lean on the everlasting arms of Christ and you can do anything and make it through anything and then it's all good.  That's the secret.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4: 11 - 13

 

Dive Into the Word

Dive Into the Word

"For You bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12

For some reason, this verse and it's message was supposed to be posted today.  Did you ever get that little unrelenting niggle to do something and you just felt like it wasn't something that could be dismissed.  Well, that's how I felt about this verse today. 

I had actually read this verse over a year ago - I was so touched by it, I put the date next to it in my Bible - 6/19/13.  As I recall when I first read it, I even got a visual picture and was filled with a feeling of overwhelming comfort.  This morning as I was thinking about a blog theme or message for today, this verse popped into my head.  I always say there are no coincidences so figured it must be for someone that will read the blog today or some other day.

The problem:  I knew the verse, but didn't know where it was in the Bible.  I knew the words "shield of love" were in the verse so I looked in the concordance.  Should have been easy to find, right?, but no...anyway, my point is, I had such a strong feeling about this verse I spent over an hour looking through my Bible for it.  Along the way, I found many verses that have the same sort of message. They are for YOU!

And so...I invite you to seclude yourself somewhere, be still and take a moment to immerse yourself in God's Words of love and safety and security.  Dive in and be covered with the comfort that comes from knowing that you are loved by an Almighty and Wonderful God and Father.  Know that He cares.  Climb onto His mighty lap and allow Him to wrap His arms around you and listen to His words.  His words, meant for you!

"For You bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12 

"He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."  Psalm 91:4

"Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, both now and forever." Psalm 125: 2

"Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.  I cling to you; Your strong right hand holds me securely." Psalm 63: 7 &8 

"Let me live forever in Your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!" Psalm 61:4

"My victory and honor come from God alone.  He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me." Psalm 62: 7

"How precious is Your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings."   Psalm 36:7

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever."  Psalm 73: 26

"For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.  They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone."  Psalm 91: 11, 12

"The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.  I will protect those who trust in my name.  When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward then with a long life and give them my salvation."  Psalm 91: 14 - 16

"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He certainly will care for you... "   Matthew 6:30 

"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring."  Isaiah 58: 11

"But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.  O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."  Isaiah 43: 1- 3

"From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done."  Isaiah 43:13

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His faithful love endures forever."  Psalm 107: 1

Got Stuff???

Got Stuff??

Collecting things seems to be a family trait.  I am guessing that we are not alone since there is a whole television show dedicated to Hoarders - those people that collect things.  I don't quite understand the need or the desire that drives people to collect things, I just know it exists and is very common and that I happen to be in it's mighty grip.

For some people clothing is the culprit.  They have so many clothes they could cloth all the women in a female college dorm.  I know a family that was helping their grandmother move.  They all got together to help clean out the apartment in order to prepare and minimize the amount of stuff that was going to be moved to a much smaller location.  As my friend shared her story I couldn't help but think of my own grandmother and what my mom found when she cleaned out Grandma's apartment - a dozen brand new bras - tags still on.  And slippers... whoa!!  I mean really, we each only have 2 feet, why would a person need so many pairs of slippers???

As a kid, I lived in the Chicago area.  The houses in my neighborhood had an alley behind them that separated one block from another.  This is where our garbage cans were for pick up.  Along with the garbage cans, people would also put out anything they no longer wanted or needed.  If it was still there on trash day, the garbage man would put it in his truck.  BUT, if my little brother got there first, it usually ended up in our basement.  One time, when my brother was about 8 or 9 he came home all proud of himself with a whole bushel basket of used plastic bathroom wall tiles - as I recall, they were pink and gray.   EEEWWW!!!  "But they're good tiles," he said.  Another time, he was walking home from school and he saw a perfectly good car antennae on the ground in front of a neighbors house. He ran all the way home so happy with his latest find.  A little while later my mom figured out our neighbor was replacing his car antennae and had just gone into his house to get something for a quick minute right at the time my brother was walking by.   An honest mistake!  Beware of the local trash picker/collector - he never misses a good treasure. 

My weakness is kid stuff.  One year for Christmas when my husband asked me what I wanted I told him I wanted a shed for all my kid stuff.  I got 2 sheds from Santa and filled 'em both.  Right now the kid stuff has overflowed to the garage, the master bedroom, the TV room closet, one bedroom closet and my office floor.  Kid stuff??  What the heck is kid stuff you might ask.  Well, I taught preschool for 7 years and have been involved in Children's Ministry at local churches for over 40 years.  And over the years I have collected all kinds of supplies and well -- kid stuff.  By kid stuff I mean, curriculum, games, puzzles, manipulatives, construction paper, glue, paint, toys, stickers, foam shapes, bulletin board materials, learning worksheets and on and on.  Seriously, I have 30 boxes of kids books.  And that doesn't count the ones that are on the little 3 shelf bookcase.  I have a box that is 28" x 14" x 12" filled with foam shapes - you want hearts, I got foam hearts.  You want yellow stars, I got yellow foam stars.  You want letters, I got foam letters.  How big do you want them? You name it, I got it.   When my husband asks me for the tape, I have to ask, what color?  what kind?  and in what kind of dispenser?  A couple years ago, I took a preschool music class and the teacher had us making flannel pieces to go with the songs we would be teaching our preschool children..  She asked us all to bring in any felt we had and any scissors so we could share and folks didn't have to go out an buy stuff.  Well, wasn't she surprised when I rolled my luggage cart in with  two 18 gallon size tubs filled with felt and a bag of 30 pairs of adult scissors.  I kid you not!!!  I am a sick woman, I tell ya!!

And don't even get me (or worse - my husband) started on Pringles Canisters...they are good for so many things, how can a person in good conscience throw one out?  Having all this stuff is great in many ways.  If someone or I need something for a project like pipe cleaners, or beads or stretchy string, I have it.  So I can actually save money by not having to buy anything and I can help people by providing what they need.   A couple years ago, a friend needed butter or cottage cheese tubs for her VBS.  I had like 70 of them.  SCORE!!!  What a blessing for her.  And in that case, I knew right where to find them in the garage.  It's not always that easy to find stuff in there though.

 My sheds are organized.  I have assigned each of the 120 tubs a number and I have a very precise list of what is in each tub and I know where that list is.   Good thing!  When I need pipe cleaners I know I can go to tub #85 and find pipe cleaners.  The dilemma is when I am looking for something not in the sheds.  There are just too many places to look because the "stuff" is everywhere.   This causes a lot of frustration and wasted time searching for things.  So often, I wish, wish, wish, I had the strength and courage I needed to just get rid of things.  But you and I both know, as soon as I do.......I or someone else will need it.

I am wondering if God says anything about being a collector.  I haven't found anything in His Word yet that addresses this issue.  Though He does say not to make anything in our lives more important than Him, my stuff isn't more important to me than Him.  I just have it.  A lot of it!!  And I count it a blessing of provision from my heavenly Father.

So, if you are ever looking for "kid stuff".  You know who to call.  And it's not Ghostbusters!  I am always happy to share and God does say something about that.

"All the believers were one in heart and mind.  No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."  Acts 4:32

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God."  2 Corinthians 9: 11, 12

Early Learning

Early Learning

The wonder in a child's eye's as they discover something new is amazing.  I had a few young children over last week and I put out a tub of dried beans.  It was a mixture of lima, pinto, black, red, split pea, and black-eyed peas.  The assortment was actually quite diverse in color and size.  I thought it would be fun, and I was right.  To the tub, I added brightly colored ice cream scoopers.  I also added  brightly colored containers the shape of planting pots.  These were actually the containers that came with an easter egg dying set.   A couple plastic bowls and an empty clean liquid creamer bottle with lid so they could fill the container and pour out the beans were the final touches.

Oh my goodness, they absolutely loved it.  They scooped and poured and filled and dumped.  And as they were doing this it was almost as if I could see the wheels turning in their heads.  Think about all they were learning through this one activity: the difference between empty and full, weight, the sound of the beans pouring and dumping, the fact that if something is too big for a hole it will clog the hole, if you put too much in a container it will overflow, if you throw beans you are going to have to pick them up, if you throw beans they will get in someone's hair, if you step on beans they crunch, beans will split in two...the list is practically endless.

I read an article written by Ellen Booth Church.  She is an expert in Early Learning.  My favorite quote from her, one that I had posted in my preschool classroom is:

"It is with fun, hands-on experiences that children make sense of their world -

using observation, experimentation, analysis, application, and problem-solving."   

 

I think adults sometimes forget that little kids have to learn everything.  They aren't born knowing that if you fill a container too full, it will overflow.  They have to experiment and observe that phenomenon happening in order to learn what happens when a container is filled too full.

 

It is so important to allow children to try things, to experiment to figure things out - things like, if I fill a container too full of beans, it overflows.  In their mind they will think - What happens if I fill a container too full of water? or stones?  Do you see how one new learned thing leads to another?  

 

The early years of a child's life are busy - physically and mentally.  Little ones run!  They hardly ever walk.  Their attention span is short so they move from one thing to another like little busy bees.  And their minds are absorbing and processing every little thing in their world - now that's busy!!

 

Early learning is a daily, moment by moment thing for little ones.  Give them an opportunity to learn by giving them an opportunity to experiment, to try things, to observe, to figure things out for themselves.  We don't do our children any favors if we do everything for them. 

 

One of these little ones was putting their socks back on and said "I can't do it!"  I told the child, "Yes, you can, but if you get stuck, I'll help you!"  Guess what, they got their socks on and I didn't have to help.  Sometimes a child will say "I can't do it" but what they really mean is "I don't want to do it."   When the socks were on, we did high fives and I said, "See, I knew you could do it, you are strong and you are smart!"  The smile on that child was a mile wide.  If I put the socks on, no learning would have taken place.  Yes, it would have been faster, but in a speed vs. learning activity, I will take the learning side every time.  

 

If as a parent you need help in coming up with activities for your little one to give them an opportunity to learn and experience new things, there are tons of books available, Pinterest is an excellent source, go on the internet and just Google - early learning activities or preschool activities.  You won't believe all that is available.  I have heard mom's say I am just not creative, well then find someone who is - you can enroll your child in a Morning Out program so they get these kinds of experiences. Or if you are a working parent find a preschool or day care center that believes in offering all kinds of early learning activities so your child will be exposed to our wonderful world and the joys of early learning.  I can't stress enough how important it is.

 

 

 

 

Let It Go

Let It Go

Does it bug anyone else beside me when someone gives you a project to do and then proceeds to tell you how to do it?  This is not only a bit demeaning, but also rather stifling.

I can remember when I worked in an office and the boss would come in with a project he or she wanted me to do and would say, "This is your baby, you have full charge of this one."  But then in the next breath the boss would tell me how to do the project.  Well, if I do that project the bosses way is it really my project?  If a project has been given to a person, the freedom to do that project as they wish should go along with it.  As long as the job gets done - does it really matter how?

It would be kind of like Jesus saying "I am giving you a job to do"  it is to "go and make disciples".  And then adding, "Go to bookstores and make disciples by inviting them to have a cup of coffee."  But Jesus, because He is who He is, didn't do that. Yes, He did say "Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" and "teach them to obey" but that is part of the job.  He let it go at - Go and make disciples.  How we do it is up to us.  And that is freeing!  That is exciting and challenging and fun and it makes you want to do it!

I wish managers and bosses everywhere would take a lesson from Jesus when assigning a job or a responsibility.  Assign the job and then Let It Go! 

These kinds of things happen in homes as well.  We ask our kids to clean their room and then get mad at them when we hear music blaring while they are working.  Well, maybe music helps them get the job done.  I am okay with whatever it takes (within reason) as long as it gets done!

I think what we have to remember is that there is more than one way to do things.  Jesus knew this and that's why He didn't give any other instructions than "go and make disciples."   Making disciples is a really big job - much bigger than any job a boss would give you, much bigger than a job you might give your child, and yet, Jesus said the words, gave the job and then Let It Go! 

It's up to each of us how and where and when we do it.  "This is your baby, you have full charge of this one."  That being said, I am Letting It Go!

Reference: Matthew 28: 19

Poor Dogs!!

Poor Dogs!!

Imagine that you are in a room - all is quiet - you may even be sleeping which is what you do most of the day and suddenly without warning - BAM!! POW!!CRACK!!KABOOM!! then it's quiet again for about 5 minutes and then again - BAM!! POW!!CRACK!!KABOOM!! and then it's quiet again for about 5 minutes and this repeats over and over all throughout the night and sometimes a leftover loud CRACK! even happens the next day periodically.  You have no idea what the heck is making all that sudden loud noise, you just know it scares the you know what out of you each time it happens and then you do what comes naturally, you race around, bark, growl and huff and puff your angst and displeasure.  Poor dogs!!

July 4th plays havoc on our poor dog, Daisy.  Maggie could care less.  But Daisy takes these sudden loud bursts of noise very seriously and so for her, the 4th of July fireworks are absolutely not fun or beautiful or spectacular.  They are very stressful.  Poor dog!!

But Daisy is not alone in her anxiety over the 4th of July fireworks.  My husband heard on the news that the 4th of July and the day after is the busiest time of the year for animal shelters.  Dogs get so frightened by the fireworks noise that they go tearing out of their homes and yards often getting lost or injured or worse.  Who can blame them, they don't know what's going on.

We typically stay home on the 4th because we know how the noise affects Daisy.  She stays pretty close to us most of the evening or comes running to one of us, usually me, when the fireworks go off.  Perhaps instinctively she knows we will protect her.  Or maybe she thinks she needs to protect us from whatever loud monster "thing" might be coming our way.

Today is July 6th and we still heard a few loud cracks of fireworks going off in the neighborhood.  I am sure the same thing was happening all across America.  And poor Daisy and I am sure many other dogs, went bananas, with each CRACK!.  I do not begrudge anyone their celebration of the 4th of July, it is indeed a day to celebrate freedom and independence - both things we as a country and as a people are privileged to enjoy.  But I sure do wish the fireworks part of the celebrating could just be kept to one day - for the sake of the poor dogs!!

Just sayin' !

Sunday - "Fun"day

Sunday - "Fun"day

Sundays have always been such a special day of the week in our house.  When our kids were growing up, Sunday was set aside as a day for special times.  Of course first we went to church.  The kids always seemed to have fun in Sunday School.  And that was okay.  But after church came the real fun.

For a while my husband worked at a restaurant so after church we would go to the restaurant and have lunch with him.  The kids loved this!  First of all - it was semi-fast food (roast beef sandwiches), we didn't have fast food very often.  Second it was "out to eat" we didn't do this very often either.  Third we were with dad - he worked kind of long hours so we relished this time with him.  Fourth we got to eat at a place where dad was "The Boss" so everyone was super nice and treated us like royalty.  There was nothing about these excursions that had a downside.  PLUS the kids knew that after lunch with dad, we got to go see Grama and Grampa.  SCORE!!!!  This was a typical Sunday for quite a while.

On the weekends my husband didn't work, we would go visit his parents and spend the afternoon visiting or stay for dinner.  This was rich family time.

As the kids got older and our family grew and my husbands job changed we still tried to keep up the regular Sunday visits to the grandparents homes.  Then we moved out of state and it all changed.

When I was growing up we had similar traditions.  As children we experienced frequent and regular Sunday visits with our grandparents. Either we would go there to visit or they would come visit us and spend the night because they came on the bus. They didn't have a car.   Sunday was always special and "fun" in other ways, too!  After church my dad would give us each 25 cents and we were allowed to walk down the block from the church to the local Italian Bakery- Naples- and get a donut.  Then we'd either walk back to church or he'd pick us up.  Lots of the dads from the church did this so there was always a big group of us kids that poured into Naples to buy 1 donut or 1 cookie each.  The bakery must have dreaded Sunday mornings!!!  Anyway,  I never asked what the adults were doing while we were all at the bakery... I wonder???   I suppose all the adults were just talking and hanging out like we were.

Some Sunday's we would go to the Pancake House in our town after church.  That was the most exciting and fun of all for my little brothers and I.  We'd get Silver Dollar Pancakes and I'd smother mine with blueberry syrup.  YUM!!  And in the afternoon, we'd go bowling or to the movies.  We seemed to always do something special on Sunday.  And that's what made it a fun day!  

I guess the point of today's blog is that making Sunday a special day - a "fun" day is important.  It was definitely important in our family. Those regular Sunday grandparent visits allowed for intergenerational relationships within our family to flourish.  The grandkids got to really know the grandparents and the grandparents got to really know the grandkids.  Likewise, finding a way to spend time with a dad that worked long hours was just as important.  Setting aside Sunday as a "fun" day creates and binds a family.  It doesn't have to be going to visit the grandparents, though this is really, really nice, it could be some other kind of Sunday family outing - like a hike or a bike ride, a trip to the park or a picnic, flying kites or shooting off rockets, anything that you can do as a family.  Setting aside Sunday is important to the family unit and it is important to God.  It's so important He made it a commandment. "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."  Exodus 20:8  I believe God considers the family holy.  So next weekend, plan a Sunday - "Fun" day with your family and start your own holy traditions.

Blessings!!




 

The Wrong Prize

The Wrong Prize

So many people buy lottery tickets, hoping to win the mega million dollar prize.  When the prize amount gets up in the 8 and 9 digits, lottery sales skyrocket.  And how many stories do we hear about those lottery winners going broker after just a short time?  It's so sad.

I have had a really good prize year this past year with my Mary Kay sales.  I've been queen of sales for about 9 out of 12 months earning pin after pin and last month I got to wear the Queen of Sales crown.  I've earned beautiful necklaces and earrings, a lovely pair of lamps, paid conference registration, plus 3 gorgeous rings and my latest prize was an awesome teal colored handbag.  I wholeheartedly went after each of these prizes and hit the mark, each time.  I aimed for the BIG end of year prize, but didn't quite make it.  This was okay because I know I gave it my all.  If I didn't work hard to try to attain that BIG prize I would have regrets, but in this case, no regrets, but I still really wanted it.  Anyway, when my teal handbag arrived, I took a picture of it and sent it out to my girls with excitement - in big letters, I wrote - LOVE IT!!!!  And of course they Oooo'd and Ahhh'd in support.  I was feeling so proud and lucky and rewarded for my efforts. 

THEN, I did my Bible study for the day.  God has this way of putting me in check when I get going down a kind of crooked path in my way of thinking or in my actions.  I love that about Him.  He never lets me get too far off the path but gently takes my hand and redirects me.  Well, this day He was redirecting big time.

The devotion for the day in my Jesus Calling book was about how God doesn't want us to judge one another or ourselves.  And it went on to say if we live close to God and absorb His Word, the Holy Spirit will guide and correct. While it didn't seem like this message was pertinent to me for this particular day, my little devotional book lead me to read 2 Timothy 4:8, which says, "And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return.  And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing."

Hold - the - phone!!!  I reread the verse - twice - and then again just for good measure.  It hit me like a metal wrecking ball on the side of a brick building - I've been going after the wrong prize!!!  The prize I need to be focusing on is the Crown of Righteousness.  I need to work toward that crown.  There was that gentle Godly redirection I told you about.  I should be spending my time and efforts on following His commands, serving Him, teaching His children, listening to Him, obeying and studying His Word.  The Crown of Righteousness is the right prize to seek.

The Queen of Sales crown is cool, but it is temporary.  The Crown of Righteousness will be eternal.  The jewelry, the things - all earthly; the Crown of Righteousness - heavenly and I'll get it from Jesus Himself!!  Now THAT'S cool!!!!!

Do I think God wants us to have cool earthly prizes? Yes, I think He does. But He does not want us to make those the most important or only prizes for which we strive.  For then they become the wrong prizes.  Beware of the wrong prizes!  They can cause a blindness to the right prize!  
 


   

Warm and Cozy - Home!

Warm and Cozy - Home!

I love summer.  It's warm.  It's sunny.  It's peaceful - at least in my neck of the woods.  Did I mention it's warm.  Being warm is like the best thing in the world to me. Even better than chocolate.  Even better than Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or a Hazelnut Latte with extra Hazelnut.

There is something about being warm that is just so comforting for me.  My hubby knows this about me and so, when he takes the blankets or sheets out of the dryer he finds me wherever I am in the house and he wraps me up in the clean, fresh, wonderful warmth of the blankets.

When he does this, I make an audible sound unlike any other that comes out of my mouth.  It is a sound that says Ahhhhhhhh! I am home! Everything is good!  My entire body tenses for a split second and then completely relaxes in these warm surroundings.  I feel total... absolute... peace.

Anyone who knows me knows that I do not relax - like ever!  One time at a women's retreat, a relaxation therapist lady came to help all of us learn how to relax.  The lights were turned down low, we were all laying on our relaxation mats.  The lady was talking us through relaxing from our toes all the way up to our head with her soft, soothing, quiet voice. (It could have been from our head to our toes - it was a long time ago.)  Anyway, she slowly walked around the room caressing us with her voice but she seemed to keep coming near me.  I think she could see I was having difficulty relaxing.  She even stooped once and touched my knee as she was crooning her instructions.   In a room filled with approximately 60 women there was only one woman that was not sound asleep - you guessed it - yours truly.   Afterwards, she told me I was the only one in all her years of relaxation therapy that she was unable to help relax.   Ha Ha - I should have told her all she needed to do was bring some warm blankets and roll me up like a burrito - voila she would have had a 100% success rate.

I am in my happy place when I am warm and cozy whether it is while enjoying a quiet, lazy, warm summer day or wrapped in a cocoon of warm blankets.  Add reading a book and I am in heaven.   That's just me.  I think, at least I hope, everyone has a happy place where they can completely relax and feel total absolute peace.  If you don't have a place like that my wish for you is that you will seek and find one.  I think it is something we all need.  It feels sort of like going back to our very original home - safe, warm, comfortable, cozy, and peaceful.

And we all know...
There's no place like home...There's no place like home...There's no place like home...

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!  My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.  Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you."   Psalm 84: 1 - 4