More Independence

It's the little things. I can now refill my own keurig, thanks to some innovation and modifications by my hubby....

AND I can charge the handheld vacuum I use to clean up after meals. The charger used to be in an inaccessible place and now it's mounted right by the table. 

Yay to more independence!!!

Enjoy the Moment

I am reminded again today, as someone I used to work with passes away, how fleeting life really is. I, for one, waste so much time looking at Facebook and such, when I should be in the moment. Enjoying this little one. 

There is only one of this moment. 

S.H.A.P.E.

I am tired of making excuses. 

I am listening to The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and he is talking about ministry. About how God has given us each a SHAPE. 

S = spiritual gifts

H = heart

A = abilities

P = personally 

E = experiences

God has given each of us a unique SHAPE and expects us to use it to serve Him. If we're not serving Him, we're making excuses. I am tired of making excuses. God has given me a unique story and I need to serve Him through it. 

Anyone want to join me? 

Giving Thanks

I am doing a "thousand gift" journey. I saw the below list on Facebook and thought it would be a great thing to do this year. You are supposed to have 1,000 gifts at years end. 

The author is Ann Voskamp. Her writing is...wordy...flowery....not my style...but if you read between the lines, I get a lot out of it. I'm reading the "One-Thousand Gifts Devotional" right now (I read  "One-Thousand Gifts" several years ago) and the whole premise is that giving thanks in all circumstances for the gifts/graces that The Lord has given us precedes joy. I want joy - what about you?

Here is my list thus far:

 Elijah singing, music playing, birds chirping, leaves on the ground, nap blanket, cherry salad, A friend being pregnant, AP having a good Christmas, a friend making a living doing something she enjoys, Christmas cards on my wall, coffee from my hubby, new mug from Sharmy, 1,000 Gifts devotional, coffee, Barry sleeping, little sunglasses, peppermint mocha creamer, contentment,  Barry having 5 days off, David, Emily & dad had safe flights home, Elijah is feeling better, rain, reflection of ceiling fan on ceiling, tree shadow, kitchen towel "tatted" by Lynne, Elijah, fluffy throw pillows    

Oldies But Goodies

I found some pictures on Barry's phone! In no particular order...

Boo-boos

Here is a sampling of what the wheelchair (or really my driving) has done to our house...

It's just a house, it's just a house..

Logistics of Doors

One of the most difficult things about being in a wheelchair is doors. They are a constant pain. 

If they open outward I have to do some fancy footwork to grab the handle and then get around them. Then there is the matter of closing the inward opening ones. I have to either turn around (which is easier said than done when you're navigating with your feet, one hand, messed up vision and sometimes cramped spaces) or grab it behind your back and almost flip backwards trying to close it. I mostly prefer the turn around method. 

Doors. Who knew they could be such a hassle/time consuming pain??

Worshipping in the Details

I was listening to The Purpose driven Life (listening because reading is very challenging now) and the following verse really stuck out to me. 

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (Psalms 37:23 NLT)

I have struggled since the stroke with feeling useful. (Although I am finding new ways to use my spiritual gifts - it just takes more creativity and seeking out other opportunities.) And I know the verse "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT) But the "every detail" got me. 

Even though I can't keep nursery anymore. Even though I can't drive myself to a mission outreach thing...and even if I could get there what could I do? Even though I can't get up and shake hands with the new couple in Sunday School. Even though I can't do a whole host of things right now...I can still worship Him in the details of life.