Word for 2010 - SPARROW

And why did I choose SPARROW as a word for the year? Not because of my name. Not because Mr. Weiss (my fave teacher of all) called me sparrow as a joke. But because of the reminder that God watches over them and just how much more He will watch over me - His Child.  He has my back as I go through the dailies of life. Who better for a companion, friend, bodyguard than the God who created me and knows me?

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies ? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:6, 7

And, so, of course, I have to share the song that came to mind. (If you really miss hymns, you can find them at www.cyberhymnal.org and sing along). The refrain says it all.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Words: Ci­vil­la D. Mar­tin, 1905.

Music: Charles H. Gab­ri­el

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!!


 

Christmas Song for All Year 'Round

I share this every year. I hope you don't mind. One of my favorite songs by Randy Stonehill.












I wonder if this Christmas they'll begin to understand
The Jesus that they celebrate is much more than a man.
'Cause the way the world is I don't see how people can deny
The only way to save us was for Jesus Christ to die.

And I know that if St. Nicholas was here, he would agree
That Jesus gave the greatest gift of all to you and me
They led Him to the slaughter on a hill called Calvary
And mankind was forgiven when they nailed Him to the tree.

But most of all the children, they're the ones I hope will learn
That Jesus is our Savior and He's going to return
And Christmas isn't just a day and all days aren't the same
Perhaps they'll think about the word and see it spells His name.

And I kow that if St. Nicholas was here, he would agree
That Jesus gave the greatest gift of all to you and me
They led Him to the slaughter on a hill called Calvary
And mankind was forgiven...mankind was forgiven
We were all forgiven when they nailed Him to the tree.

So Merry Christmas...Merry Christmas...Merry Christmas.
oo oo oo oo oo

I wonder if this Christmas they'll begin to understand.......

Ducks, Sirens and Santa

Okay...so I'm watching the Ducks vs. Beavers, when all of a sudden there rose such a clatter, and sirens and bullhorns and neighbors. (Liz bought the visor for me when I go to a game - this is probably as close as I'll get). But back to the story.

So up from the couch and out of the door and this is what I heard from that loud bullhorn: "Here comes Santa Claus". I looked down the street and here's what I saw:

 All the neighbors were gathering with their children and having pictures taken with Santa. What a fun thing for the kids. And Santa's helpers were passing out Candy Cane Tootsie Pops - I even got one for Dan since he didn't follow suit.

I wish the pictures were a little better. My battery was starting to die, but you get the idea. Apparently Santa and the police cars go through several neighborhoods during the month and the people all around sure seem to enjoy it.

So, as everyone seems to be saying, "it must be Christmas-time", I guess it must be. I got my decorations out (brought them down from SLO this week), and decided to do some sort of decorating in this small house of ours. Just using my little fake tree at the front window. And then just a gold metal basket of ornaments. That's what I've done so far. I'll do more tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving

I keep posting this each year for fun. I found Liz's hand turkey, but it's not in my computer yet (funny, I said that last year, too). So I better get it in. I'll have to use that next year or maybe later this week I'll just post for fun. I pray everyone has a great day with family and friends. I'm thankful for all of you. Love and lots of hugs

 

This isn't just a turkey
As anyone can see
I made it with my hand
Which is a part of me.
It comes with lots of love
Especially to say,
I hope you have a very happy
Thanksgiving Day!

And I just found another poem (well, Edna did)-------

We gather 'round,
Not on the ground
We eat turkey,
Not beef jerky
Being thankful on this day,
Thanksgiving holiday! (also, Danielle)

Poets must run in the family. :) And I may fail the photo challenge since I'm not with my pictures this weekend. But I will catch up when I get home. Still looking forward to seeing others' photos.

What Now, Lord?

Looking for a job is a little harder than I thought it would be. I've emailed, snailmailed, walked in and called quite a few places. I've had a couple of interviews (which gave me some experience and I learned what to say and what not to say), but none for a few weeks. And I don't match some qualifications because I'm not Bilingual, don't have accounting knowledge or transcription skills, etc. I was at a job fair and there were at least 100 people sitting there with more sessions to come with more people. LOTS of people looking for jobs.


So now I'm trying to think of ways to try and make a little money other ways. Maybe writing, crafting or something at home? Just hoping God can show me something soon. I have come to a point that maybe I'll stop looking (unless something REALLY good comes up) for now since I'll be gone for a few weeks over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Don't think too many people want to hire someone who will just be gone a week into the job and then on vacation again a few weeks later. But you never know. So my options are still open.


I'm also being a little picky. I don't want to work in the law, medical or accounting fields (and maybe other fields). I prefer part-time, but open to full-time. I want to work within walking distance, but that's a pretty tall order in a place where almost everyone commutes up to an hour or more to their jobs...and that's not counting traffic. TRAFFIC!!! That's why I want to work close to home (how about IN the home?). I've accepted the fact that traffic is part of the LA lifestyle, but I don't like it and I don't want to deal with it too much. But, we shall see what God has in store.

I'm having fun, though, finding my way around this metropolis. And Dan and I even went into the city to a musical, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", with John Laroquette as the narrator/Old Max. So fun. Our daughter, Liz, is getting us involved in some of her fun ventures. Sending emails to me about celebrity events that are coming up that I might be interested in. That's how I got my picture with Jerry Rice. hehe

But I thank God everyday that Dan still has his job, that we are closer to Liz and Gregg and that I am making some new friends in a new Bible Study in a new church.

So...what now, Lord? I'm waiting on You.

Together...whenever

Dan, Noonie and I went to a late lunch at Manhattan Pier and then walked down the pier. Then we drove down to Redondo Pier and got some yogurt and walked around the stores there. Noonie actually stayed the night. And the next day we both worked on our computers (me, job hunting; her, actual work), went shopping at TJMax, lunch at Chipotle and then she was on her way to her next gig in Santa Monica. These are the times I will treasure with my pal now that we are 3-1/2 hours away. We email, text, call once in awhile, but to be able to BE together is the best.

THIS...

...does not a diet make!!! But it was SOOOO good! (Don't tell Noonie)

Finding a spot to meet Dan when he rides his bike home from work. There's a parking lot and lots of beach. This is what he rides by on his way home. It's along the Strand - Manhattan/Hermosa/Redondo Beach bike/walk path. Pretty nice way to head home.

 

Take a Moment...

This is why I miss K-LIFE radio on the Central Coast...I miss being able to just dial it in on my radio. The songs they play are uplifting, life-changing and just so darn good. And, of course, the DJs/staff are great people, too...I miss my friends. 

And this is why I LOVE the internet. I can listen online - wish I could bring my computer with me (don't have a laptop). But as I read blogs and see the struggles that people are going through, songs can have words to turn your focus back to God and let Him take those struggles on His back. (of course, God's Word is the best source of comfort)



These two songs played today during their partnership drive and I just had to share them with you. Listen to these songs now - take a few moments from your busy day and your problems and just listen and let God take you away for a few minutes. I'll pray that God gives you the time.

He Cares for You

Years ago, say 39 years ago, I asked Jesus into my heart and life. I filled out a form to get a copy of "The Way" Bible? I received a different Bible (NT only) with a nice note inside from the "Outreach Team" explaining they had no more copies, but hope this Bible would suffice. It was a J. B. Phillips version (The New Testament in Modern English). I actually liked it and wished J. B. would have finished the OT (He did four prophets). One of the verses I've quoted to people is 1 Peter 5:6-7:

So, humble yourselves under God's strong hand, and in his own good time he will lift you up. You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern.

What I like about this version is how it says we are "his personal concern." God is a personal God. He cares for you so much and will take ALL your anxieties on his shoulders - and you can throw them to Him and He will catch them and carry them for you. They aren't too heavy for Him.

Salute to Our Military

For all my friends who have served in the military, for all my friends' spouses, for all my friends' children and their spouses, I want to thank you for all your sacrifices of your time, and in some cases, your life, so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have, and be safe from terrorism. I am especially thankful for the freedom to praise Our Lord and Savior for His unconditional love and the sacrifice He made for our eternal freedom. I pray for safety for those who are now deployed, for peace for the families you have left behind and smooth transitions as you return from your tours of duty. I pray specifically for: Tommy, Travis, Alex, Paul, Seth, Jana, Tyler, Jarrett, Michael, Keba, Ben, Eric, Steve, Kyler, Matt and others who pop into my head later (didn't mean to forget you). Some of you are away from your families now and some will head out (maybe even again). Be safe, stay alert and remember I love you all and am always thinking about you and praying for you and your families.

 I love this song and it was hard trying to decide which video to put up, but apparently I somehow loaded it so you can choose which ever one you want to watch of "There She Stands" by Michael W. Smith.

When the night seems to say
All hope is lost, gone away
But I know I'm not alone
By the light, she stands

There she waves, Faithful friend
Shimmering stars, Westward wind
Show the way, carry me
To the place she stands

Just when you think it might be over
Just when you think the fight is gone
Someone will risk his life to raise her
There she stands

There she flies, clear blue skies
Reminds us with red, of those that died
Washed in white, by the grave
In their strength, she stands

When evil calls itself a martyr
When all your hopes come crashing down
Someone will pull her from the rubble
There she stands

We've seen her flying torn and tattered
We've seen her stand the test of time
And through it all the fools have fallen
There she stands

By the dawn's early light
And through the fight... She stands.

Sunset in Manhattan...Beach, that is

Dan and I decided to go down to the Manhattan Beach Pier and get fish and chips. These pictures were taken as we walked down to the pier, on the pier and as we headed back to the car. Sorry about any blurs. One day I'll figure out my camera, but these turned out okay. I really am in a beautiful place, though SLO will ALWAYS be my home.

And to think I was going to post on loneliness. I'll save that for another day.

PRAY...GO!!!

My new pencil holder.
Reminder to PRAY and GO...PRAYGO.
Thanks, Gary.

As promised awhile ago, here are some pictures of our house BEFORE and AFTER. Today, the living room. The other rooms I'll get to in another blog.The wall to the right is as you enter the front door. There is a heater and our bedroom door. I wish I had better pictures of BEFORE on this one. Maybe you'll get the idea.
We bought the little computer desk because it fits SO much better than the one we had and we could put it in the living room since I like to be on the computer late and Dan goes to bed early.


This is to the left of the front door (the right side of the picture is the doorway to the kitchen that you see as you enter the house).
Our entertainment center fit perfectly there and I could have a few pictures and some of my scrapbooks and photo albums. The exercise ball is there to brag - that I haven't done anything yet. Actually, I have some barbells and some DVDs and a couple of other things handy and just started getting some use out of these things. If you look at the plant to the left (on top), I got that from my office staff. Truthfully, it got knocked over and I had to get a new pot, and IT'S STILL ALIVE!! I love it.
The wall to the left of the front door.
This is the only seating we have, other than our office chairs. So, when we have company, we bring those into the room and if we need more, our beach chairs.

I'll try to get some other pictures up once I get those room a little more "organized". Am finally enjoying the time here and love having a little house with no "wall neighbors."

Notice the Special Music! Yup, Joel Weldon. He was there to share about World Vision, too, but he led music with the worship team and then did a few songs himself. Haven't seen him forever - Hume Lake forever. He was a regular when I was going to JHigh camp back in the 90s. Wow! What memories and how fun to hear him again.

See...

Proof that we can sleep 3 people semi-comfortably in our living room. We have a full and twin inflatables. So come on by. :)

I love finding new blogs and websites that encourage, have fun tips and are just fun to read. I noticed that a couple of friends (Lisa and Lindsey) are going to be sharing some encouraging thoughts at (In)Courage. It looks like it will be a great place to lap up some strength for those days you need it. And find some other fun things, too. Check it out!

I've been leaving the house without my GPS lately, 1) because I'm going to places I know, 2) we are borrowing a car so it comes in and out and mostly stays in because I keep forgetting to take it back out to the car, and 3) I figure I can find my way home.

Today is Farmer's Market day and I was very confident I could find my way. Maybe too confident? I headed out and was just driving along, making my turns and watching for the market. I kept driving and driving and driving and found myself in Gardena. How did that happen? Well, I tried to turn back and kept driving and driving and driving and still not sure where I was. Then all of a sudden, things started looking familiar. The more things looked familiar, the more I knew I was heading the right way for home. I got home and was very tempted to not go back, but checked my GPS - it's only 4+ miles away. Good grief!!! I think I drove about 20. Well, using the GPS, I found my way very quickly and easily.

Amazing how well things go or how you can find your way if you just read the directions or use the right equipment - like the GPS. But more important, for life, we have an instruction book we can go to when we need to. But how about reading it BEFORE you need it? We have been given God's Word to teach us things for life. Funny how today's Proverbs reading is regarding Wisdom.

"Listen, for I will speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will reveal right things. For my mouth will utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing crooked or perverted in them. They are all straightforward to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge." Proverbs 8:6-9

The Bible tells us things we need to know in order to get through each day. It points us in the right direction and keeps us from getting lost. Rely on Him and speak to Him daily for strength, peace and to stay on the right path.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

South Bay Sunset

Just happened to catch this sunset. I took about a dozen pictures, but these three are the best ones...the others sort of blurred and I didn't think I was shaking. Oh, well. It was the first time I actually noticed this since we've been here and we were just hanging out watering the lawn and just taking in the evening in our neighborhood. Pretty nice.

To Market, to Market...

Every Saturday my mother-in-love would go to the Farmer's Market. I always thought it was a pretty good idea. I would go just for dinner, but didn't really get into the buying the goods. Don't know why. Well, with all the fresh food we ate, I decided to try doing that here. There is a Farmer's Market in Torrance, not far away, and on Saturday, the perfect day to go when you have a job (which I don't yet, but that's beside the point). I decided to go ahead and check it out. First thing, when you get out of the car, you smell the fresh kettlecorn. My friend, Noonie, wants to come down just for that.

There are the veggies.
There are crafts.
Flowers.Food...breakfast and lunch items. And the kettlecorn.

And even a taste of home...I bought asparagus and it was delicious. A new activity to enjoy in our new place.