Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Wednesday Wisdom

Have you noticed that I'm always coming up with new words that mean the same thing - ramblings??

We have had a "spring break" here in northern Colorado - three days in a row of 75 degrees plus. It feels good. Isn't it funny how warm 75 degrees feels in March, and how cool it feels in August? The girls and I went to the park yesterday - I can't believe I forgot my camera. It was a photo opportunity that I missed - the twins' first swinging experience. Oh, the joy in their little giggling voices! They were having so much fun. I'll have to take them back soon.

Official spring break is next week - my sis and I are taking a little trip to Kansas City to visit a former pastor's wife. It'll be fun to get away and spend time with my sister and our friend. We need moisture desperately, but I sure hope it doesn't happen on the 14th so that our flight gets delayed or canceled! We had this trip planned last July, but stayed home for Dan's funeral. I'll take lots of pictures and have some fun to share.

Colorado had a sad thing happen this past Friday. Denver has had two newspapers for many years - The Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News. Several years ago, the two papers joined, which was kind of weird. You could still get the paper you preferred during the week, and they took turns publishing the week-ends - one on Saturday, the other on Sunday.

Recently, the news came out that the RMN was up for sale. Everyone hoped for a reprieve. The people who worked there were on pins and needles for months, and last Thursday they were told that Friday was their last day. I thought that was unbelievable. They were 55 days short of their 150th birthday as a newspaper.

I for one like having paper in my hand when I read. I will look up a story on line if I need to, but I definitely prefer reading something I can hold. My dad is having a hard time, because he doesn't think he likes the Post's political views. We'll see if he decides to give them a try. Right now, I get the local paper and they get the Denver one - then we trade.

I mentioned before that I am doing a study on Ecclesiastes with a study book by Chuck Swindoll. The second chapter, verse 24 reads this way in the NIV: "There is nothing inherent in humanity that makes it possible for us to extract enjoyment and purpose from the things we do." Chuck says, "This too (namely, the sinner's amassing of wealth) is vanity and striving after wind' (v. 26). Those who do not order their lives according to God's standard will never enjoy the benefits of their toil. Yet, those who have Jesus Christ as the nucleus of their lives will ultimately profit from the work of others. Of course, this does not mean that Christians never travel bad roads or run into dead-end streets. But believers do have the ability to persevere through tough times and even reap benefits from them. Unbelievers, on the other hand, face only endless miles of futility with no way of escape except through Christ."

I was asked which area in this study I needed to work on. I wrote this in my journal: "I need to ask God for grace and enjoyment in caring for these kiddoes - and do it for His glory. Sometimes it's hard to remember that when my back hurts and they have poopy pants, but all four of them are gifts from God, with unlimited potential! I want to be joyful in this journey and remember my 'mission statement' that I wrote in my blog profile - 'to have a part in nurturing them and showing them God's love.'"

I am realizing more and more every day how much we have to depend on God in this difficult time. As we watch our funds dwindle when we've been so careful all these years to have some security - we have to remember that our only real security is in our relationship with Him. That song I shared on a recent post is constantly in my mind, "I need you more, more than yesterday, I need you Lord."

Spring is all about HOPE - when you see those little green shoots showing up through the dead leaves from last fall, you know that the cycle of life continues. I saw this little piece of proof yesterday peeking through.






DC came home from work not feeling very well, but he went out and cleaned out leaves so the buds could breathe. He said it was good for his mental health to work in the dirt.






Thanks so much for your support of Kristen in her quest for a nicotine-free life. I can't even begin to tell you how happy and proud I am that she has finally made this decision for her health and the betterment of her life and the future of her kids! If you haven't been over to visit her lately, check out her 5th day of freedom. Thank you so much for your prayers!

38 comments:

Unknown said...

Spring! New Life! Regeneration! Renewal! Refreshment! Weeding! Raking! Mowing! Sunscreen!

Enjoy!!

groovyoldlady said...

Oh. My. You actually have GROUND and dirt and leaves! It's so BEAUTIFUL!

We're still under 2 feet+ of snow with more expected (mixed with rain and sleet) tonight. I imagine our Spring will be at least a month behind yours!

Isn't God good to continue to give us hope and focus when things are stressful? We need to fix our minds on HIM!

Needled Mom said...

I was thinking about you as I read that Denver had broken its previous high of 74* yesterday. That must have felt soooo good. It was a perfect day for the park with the girls.

I agree with you about "holding" a paper in your hand. Unfortunately, so many of the papers are NOT reporting news anymore, but rather becoming commentaries. I think we are all able to make up our own minds if they report accurately and I believe the papers are finding our displeasure.

Some days are tougher than others to appreciate the labors of the day, Dawn, but you are doing a great job. Give yourself a pat on the back.

I am so glad for Kristen. That is awesome news.

Have a great weekend. Hope it stays warm so we can see more blooms. xoxo

Midlife Mom said...

Great post as always Dawn. I so agree with you that our only security is with Christ. These times are tough, many many people are seeing their 401K's dwindling down and investments tanking big time. Who would have thought that it would come to this? But God makes no mistakes and I know there is a reason for everything that is happening. Maybe it is to learn to lean on Him more, maybe it is to learn to help out our fellow man more, many reasons and some we may never know. I think you are doing a fabulous job with the four little girlies! You have been given an extra helping of strength and patience which we need at our age! Your girls will look back on these times and have such appreciation for you especially when they have children of their own and know how hard it can be at times.

We heard about the newspaper situation. I hope DC is feeling better by now. Good job Kristen!!!! Have a wonderful weekend my friend!! xoxo

Nadine said...

Spring is nice.

Sorry to hear about a paper that has to close down after 150 years. I feel bad for the people who work there. I will keep them in prayer.

Sherry said...

Vicki brought us the last copy of the Rocky. We both LOVED that paper. I felt silly to say it was really sad, but really it is. Our weather up here has been great, but not that warm! Jealous.

Robin said...

Ah, spring. I never have liked spring much - I've always thought it plays with your mind too much! I like summer and fall. Like you I am looking forward to flowers and sunshine.
And your leaves look like mine - except it's been raining here all week so I haven't had the opportunity to rake them into piles like yours.
I have been feeling so bad for those of you who have retired counting on your retirement funds. But I can see that you have your hope based firmly in the right place.

Jennsmere said...

Hi Dawn...enjoyed your blog! Thanks for inviting me over. Love the pic of that little flower amongst the dead leaves....God is so good in the creative ways He gives us encouragement.

Your "grands" are truly GRAND! Such little cuties!
Bless you,
Susan

Hootin Anni said...

Good happy Friday dear Dawn! First to answer your question about my 'birthday boy grandson' today, no they don't live close by. 1000+ miles away. But only a minute away from the cell phones. LOL

And yes, my sister told me about The Rocky Mountain News. Now THAT surprised me, but I've also read about other larger cities' newspapers filing bankruptcy. People just don't buy the papers anymore....it's all found online.

I just hope publishing BOOKS doesn't go the same direction. I, like you having your paper in your hand, would be LOST without having a book in my hands.

We are in a sever drought here too. Subtropics, and no rain for months. I fear what the hurricane season will bring then...it's always the way of nature to have drought then flooding. So, hurricanes are going to be plentiful I fear.

Have a gorgeous day. Enjoy that springlike weather.

Mary said...

Dawn,

I've heard of the RMN and it's sad news that it won't be published any longer.

Love the new life sprouting out of the ground. Spring is almost here...officially that is. We will still get cold weather here and even snow most probably but...I'm hoping no more minus 30 with the wind chill. It was a cold winter.

Take care and have a great weekend. I'm going over to catch up with Kristen. Thanks for the prayers for my knees.

Blessings,
Mary

Linds said...

You know we all love ramblings of any nature! Wise words in your bible study, Dawn, and something that I have had to do for the last few years, and all I can say is that He has never let me down ever.

Spring! I can't wait.

Thanks too for your email. You are such a sweet friend. I will email later.
Have a wonderful weekend, and yes, we are all proud of Kristen!

Susie said...

Hi Dawn,
I would imagine that in looking out for those four active little ones, you would rely on the Lord to give you strength. You will always have a place in their hearts that is so very special.
We read about the Denver Newspaper ending. We have much the same thing pending with the SF Chronicle. We enjoy our morning paper(s) with coffee as our way to start the day.
Glad you've had some lovely weather. We have sun today after storms most of the week.
I know you'll enjoy the time away with your sister..
I haven't had much chance to do visiting, but am so glad to read of Kristen's choice to quit smoking.
Have a good weekend :)
xo

nancygrayce said...

I hope you have a great time on your trip! You hit the nail straight on the head in saying that our security has to be in Christ alone. Nothing in this world is secure!

Thanks for the reminder that spring is upon us!

Susan said...

So sad that so many of the Newspapers are folding. A sign of the times. The free press becoming a thing of the past. Mickey raked leaves up out of our yard yesterday. We have a lot of trees, therefore, a lot of leaves!!!
Susan

Midlife Mom said...

Just me again. Yes, I heard that on American Idol too about the temps in Puerto Rico! Yikes! I will absolutely melt in that kind of heat!!! lol! Guess I'd better pack my bathing suit this time.........know any way to lose 20 pounds in two weeks??????

Linda said...

Your post brought such encouragement Dawn. Life can really get difficult sometimes, and the day-to-day of it can just wear us down. I think you are a remarkable lady - serving your family with such a loving heart.
Enjoy this little break. I'm so pleased you'll be getting away for a little while.
Praying for safe travels and a wonderful visit.

Sharon Lynne said...

I can understand DC's comment about working in the dirt. Working in the dirt keeps me sane.

Hang in there. Helping to care for 4 little ones is a lot for anyone no matter what season of life. You have a beautiful family! (and they are going to keep you in great shape!)

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