God Knows and Cares

I have fallen behind in posting to my blog. I've really been feeling like I should post, but I felt like I had nothing to say. The last time I posted it was April; now it's the last day of August. Summer is so blah to me, and I get depressed by the way it drags on.

Yes, I'm weird. I don't get depressed in the cold, dark winter, but in the bright, hot summer. 

Anyway, today I had a neat thing happen, and I wanted to share it. The two people I chose to share it with, though, didn't respond to my text. 

This is not to fault them; on the contrary, I should have seen that my news needed to be shared with my blog readers. After all, I've been praying, asking God to let me encourage someone with my blog. I feel called to do this. He gave me something to share and I didn't pick up on it! So, even though it's hours later, I have repented and I'm now sharing it, even though it's a small and somewhat insignificant thing.

For several years, I have wanted some Adirondack chairs for my porch. Granted, I don't have much of a porch anymore since I've relocated to the small town where I now live, post-retirement. That didn't stop me from wanting them, though. 

I never managed to find two of them in the same color, or the store where they were sold would sell out before I could get them. And to be fair, most of the time once summer is underway I don't remember to look for them because I don't sit outside in the summer. It's too hot, and I'm mosquito bait anyway. 

Today, though, I ran across an ad on Facebook about a sale in a local (unnamed on here) chain store declaring the end of summer sale. I thought why not go take a look?  

I went to the store nearest my house. They had one blue chair. The sale, however, wasn't a half-price sale, it was "buy one get one free." I asked to buy the one blue chair, and they said it would be full price, because it was BOGO. 

So I bought a blue chair and was awarded a gray one for free.

I reasoned in my mind that it wouldn't be so bad. I could put one in the back and one in the front, since they didn't match.

Then it came to me: go to another of these chain stores and see if they had a blue one and see if they would trade me if they had a blue one.

Very unlikely, I thought, but what do I have to lose?

So I went to the next nearest store of this kind and they had ONE blue chair. The only one they had was inside their store, in their break area.

I know it's not important; getting a cheap, plastic lawn chair, but I breathed a prayer anyway as I stood in line in that store, waiting to ask. I prayed it rather apologetically, too, because a lawn chair isn't a big deal, is it?

The girl behind the counter said "sure," she could swap it out, as long as they still had one in their break area. 

What?!? 

So just like that, God gave me a tiny, insignificant little desire of my heart. The store worker even carried the chair out to my car and took the gray one back inside cheerfully.

I can't make this stuff up. God cares about every detail of our lives, both small and great. Even a small, unimportant detail that would not have made any difference when you really think about it. 

Are you struggling with something tonight, or whenever you're reading this? Take your concern to God. He cares. If He will make sure I get 2 blue plastic Adirondack chairs, how much more will He meet your need? 

I didn't really consider it a need, but maybe it was. Maybe it was needed to remind me that God cares. He sees me. He knows I've been struggling off and on with depression again, and I needed to know He knows right where I am.

He sees you. He knows right where you are, too. Reach out to Him.

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

I Got a Notion

I got the notion (is that a southern phrase, or what?!) to sit on my front porch tonight, even though it’s a bit cool for me (64 degrees). I’m a porch-sitter from way back; my mom and dad liked to sit on the porch in the early evening. We had a large front porch with a swing on one end. Our house faced east, so we didn’t watch the sunset. We just talked and enjoyed the cool air of the early evening. Maybe my grandma sat out there with us too; I don’t remember. But I could be a third generation “porch-sitter” if she did.

Anyway, I guess it brings back pleasant memories, as I sit here watching the sun set. Even alone, I enjoy it. The first pics are from my back porch, which faces east, and there’s not really much view, especially from the rickety old and tiny porch.

I moved to the front because of the sunset there, but it’s cloudy and probably won’t be spectacular. We shall see.

I guess, beautiful sunset or not, my message to you is enjoy the simple pleasures. I have enjoyed sitting outside for the last half hour. Now it’s getting dark, though, and it’s down to 62. I’m no longer just chilled; I’m downright cold and going inside.

Blessings to you, my friends.

Just 10 Minutes

Well, I finally got myself to the park to walk today. It might not seem like a big deal to some of you, but it was to me. I've been borderline depressed since right after Christmas and so tired (which goes along with depression) and just could not get the energy together to walk.

I managed to keep my house clean, fix myself food, and even pick up the grandkids from school some of the time, but those things used all my available energy. Many of you won't get that, but some of you will...if you know, you know.

The ironic thing is, exercise helps combat depression and gives you an energy boost, but to get to the mood-lifting, energy enhancing stage, you have to take that first step.

So I did that, late this afternoon. It was 46 degrees; a little brisk, but I prefer being cold to being hot. So off I went. It's my hope that I can do this 3 or 4 days a week.

If you're having a similar struggle, just tell yourself you'll walk for 10 minutes. Just 10 minutes. It's better than nothing; you have to start somewhere. It worked for me. I actually walked for 20 minutes. Once I was out there, it was easier to put one foot in front of the other.

It felt good to be out in nature, in the crisp early spring (late winter?) air. I took a few pictures along the way. I think I must have missed the daffodils; there were none to be found in the park. I did see some purple irises, though they were a little wilted from last night's frost. It got down to about 28 overnight.

That's all for now. This old curmudgeon can still get outside, and it does me good when I make the effort.

Blessings, my friends.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Snow!

Well, it finally happened: we got our first real snow here on the mountain. It flurried a couple of times since the first of the year, but it wasn't enough to write home about. 

It's currently 5 degrees out, at 3 something in the afternoon, usually the warmest point in the day. This morning I got up and went to church, then came home to fix some yummy homemade soup. About 12:15pm I looked out and saw snow! It was very fine, still is, but it is so cold it's all sticking, and piling up pretty fast.

I have been kind of down lately. Not only was I "trying" to take down the Christmas decor, not very successfully, but twice in the last couple of weeks we were supposed to get snow and didn't. I worked on packing most of Christmas away yesterday, and by late afternoon I had had enough. I was exhausted and sad. I got everything put away except the tree and the kitchen window vintage ornaments with the santas and trees (oh, and the snowmen display that I leave up through February) and decided to finish up today. 

But now it's snowing! I can't take down the tree when it's snowing! I'll try again tomorrow. I'm a happy camper! You all know how I love snow! 

I'm posting some pictures of the current situation. I may add more later.

Enjoy your snow day if you got some where you are! And stay warm and safe! 

Christmas in the Hometown

I went back to my hometown for a Christmas visit last week, but I'm just now posting about it.

It was a good visit; I saw friends and family (sorry, didn't get pictures of everyone I got to see) and visited places in town that are new to me (since I haven't lived there in over 2 years). My oldest son flew in from Atlanta, so we got to hang out for a couple of days.

Interesting perspective: My children visited me lots of times in the many years I lived in Van Buren; I would take them to see new things and they would comment on how much their hometown was changing. Well...this time, my son and I were BOTH seeing our hometown as visitors who hadn't lived there in a while. We were amazed and delighted by visiting some things that hadn't changed, such as Paul's Bakery, Pizza Parlour, and Braums. Thank God those places are there! Neither of us have anything as good or nostalgic in our current homes. (Ok, it's not all about food, but we still have to partake of their goodness when we visit! IYKYK!)

We were also amazed and excited to see things that are different, like Arts on Main, which is delightful, and the beautiful downtown area that is vibrant with glorious color and is so alive with the community gathering there.

Also, finally a Chick-fil-A is coming! About time! Although, the traffic is already terrible in that area. I hope someone can engineer a solution to the traffic problem.

We drove through the City Park one night to see the lights there. It's so fun to see what they have done there; they have added some since last year I believe. We forgot to take pictures of them, though.

We also visited Creekmore Park in Fort Smith. Some of the pictures are from there. The line was extremely long, so we didn't ride the train. We just walked around the walking path.

Saturday night, after Jeremy had to go catch a plane, I watched the Christmas Parade. I thought I was videoing the very awesome VBHS marching band but found that I wasn’t! I hadn't pushed the record button apparently. I almost cried about that. They were magnificent.

So there aren’t many pictures of the parade because I was heartbroken I hadn’t captured the band’s performance.

I also walked around and took some pictures of the area close to the depot where the skating rink and tree are (can’t remember what it’s called). I hadn’t taken pictures of it lit up when Jeremy and I had seen it earlier that evening.

It was a great trip, and I'm pleased that my hometown is doing so well. I miss living there, and I miss lots of people there, but I'm so glad to be living where I am now, 10 minutes from my daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids. I'm also gaining new friends and have a new church family here. I'm so blessed.

I hope you all have some wonderful experiences this Christmas season, and that you remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family! ❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️

Letting Go and Letting God

Guess I'll catch you up on recent events. The last time I posted I was all

excited to see my hometown high school band at a competition 2 hours away. Well, I guess by it's evident that I didn't get to see them this year. If I had, I would have posted about it. It just wasn't to be.  

I haven't seen them perform in person for the last 3 years. It's disappointing; as a lifelong band mom I love marching band, but especially the one all my kids were in. I'm hoping to make better plans next year and either go back to my hometown for a ballgame or get to one of the competitions that are not too far away.

It seems I'm in a season of letting go of some things. As much as I love watching marching bands, I have finally realized that the season for that part of my life has passed. I will still get to see bands perform, but not with the regularity I did for all those years I lived practically in the shadow of the football stadium.

Honestly, being so far away from where I grew up, raised my family, and worked for my whole life until 2 years ago has been so much harder than I had anticipated. I had NEVER lived anywhere else; not even for college. I went to college as a non-traditional, older student with a full-time job. 

I'm adjusting, but wow. It has not been easy for this senior citizen. I have a new appreciation and respect for those of you who have relocated one or more times. 

I'm also in a season of embracing the new. As I have allowed Him to, God has been showing me things and people to add to my life. I guess I'm stubborn, because I didn't "get it" the whole first year I was in this new town. He's been showing me that while I have had to let go of some things of the past, He is opening my eyes to what I have around me.

I have family, and that is amazing! They are the reason I moved here. I also have friends and events right here.

For instance, Last Sunday afternoon I went to the Winter Concert of the local symphony, which was held on the auditorium of the university here. It was amazing! I love classical music, and it is so much better in person. The whole concert was wonderful, but there were two pieces that stood out. 

First, they performed one of my favorite Christmas songs, Sleigh Ride (the arrangement by Leroy Anderson, complete with the "jazzy part." Has to have that for me). Second, they performed the Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah, by Handel, complete with a choir. Even though I always listen to this every Christmas, I hadn't heard it in person in a number of years. It was so moving; it brought tears to my eyes.

This is one of the new things I have available to me that I have come to accept and embrace as part of my new life here. Basically, I had to "let go and let God" show me some of the blessings He has for me here, where He prompted me to move.

So I have family, I have a church family that I am getting to know and love, and now I have the music I love so much. God is so good. 

Thanksgiving Day was a good time with family for me. We had a lot of good food, some great fellowship, and fun. We had times of laughter, some good belly laughs. After stuffing ourselves, we all went for a walk. It was a beautiful day in my neck of the woods; upper 50s and not a cloud in the sky at the time of our walk. After our walk we had dessert, and after that we played Pictionary. Family time is the best.

I totally meant to be started on decorating for Christmas by now, but I've been busy. I plan to start this weekend. I'll post pictures of my Christmas decor in an upcoming post.

Be blessed, my friends. I hope your Thanksgiving was a good one. I pray that if you are having to let go of some things you hold dear, as I have, that God will show you something good He is bringing to you, waiting for you to embrace.

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every season under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Can We Talk About Band?

Something I didn't think about missing when I moved halfway across the state after retirement was how much I would miss the things in my hometown, in addition to the friends I have there.

Don't get me wrong; I love being in the same town with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids. It's amazing to have family so nearby. I've settled in here quite nicely, and I am well into my third school year retired (I guess spending 26 years as a school employee has caused me to think of time in school years. Occupational hazard, LOL). 

I manage pretty well most of the time. I'm in a routine of picking up my grandkids from school when needed, I have lunch or coffee with a friend every couple of weeks or so, and I attend church on Sunday and Wednesday, as well as Bible study on Thursday mornings at my church. 

Mostly, life is good.

Then I'll be scrolling Facebook and see posts from someone in my awesome hometown and get a wave of nostalgia.

Old Timers Day, or whatever they call it now, was either very recently or is coming up soon.

Someone posted a video of last week's events at the school where I worked and it got me right in the feels.

And then...last Thursday night I came home from Walmart, and as I was unloading my groceries, I heard the sweet sounds of a band playing a few blocks away at the football stadium. I didn't realize I would be able to hear it from here, but maybe because of the mountains and valleys the sound carried. Anyway, a Thursday night junior high football game was going on close enough for me to hear the announcer and the band.

And just like that, I was instantly homesick for my hometown and my little house, which was in close proximity to the football stadium where I heard the band playing countless times.

I got online and was temporarily overjoyed to see that my hometown team was coming here to play the local high school football team this coming Friday night.

But, after doing some research I came to the conclusion that the band would not be making the trip all the way to here. I was crushed. I'm not a sports enthusiast in the slightest. (Sorry if you are. I'm just not. It's a long story, for another time). I only go to the football game to see the halftime show. Usually, I go home after halftime.

So, will I go to the football game this Friday night anyway? Maybe. It might be nice to see some familiar faces on the visitors' side. If I go, I will probably walk around to the home side to watch the local band, like I used to do in the old days when I chaperoned with other band parents and the band almost ALWAYS went to the away games. 

Ah, the nineties. Life was just different, wasn't it?

I've heard that my hometown high school band is going to be playing in a marching contest on Saturday. It's a 2 1/2-hour drive from here, almost as far as going back to my hometown, except in the opposite direction. I might go though, if I can verify for sure that they are going to be there and find out exactly where the high school stadium is.

If I do, there will be another post this time next week, complete with pictures. I do love a marching band contest. 

Until then, blessings my friends! I posted a few pics from the 90s band experience. <3

#foreverabandmom