What's on your To Do list?

Thinking Random Thoughts Again

I've been a little busy the last  couple of days and I haven't had much time to play with photo's so I could post. 

Which kind of got me to thinking.  Because alot of time I end up posting late in the afternoon.  Sometimes it is around 8:00 a.m. and sometimes it is just after midnight.  Which is why my post from yesterday was up when you visited. 

See what I am really wondering is when do you read/visit your favorite blogs?   

Is My Journey Back on your list.  Do you come by and there is nothing new?  Or are you following and you get email updates.  Which is a whole other topic I would love to discuss.

I hope you don't come by and see nothing new and get discouraged with me.  

Don't get discouraged Please!  I do have a WFW post planned for today.   But I have to run out for a job interview.  I have been busy on interviews!  I just wish I could just get a darn job so I can stop all the insane running around!    So would you mind saying a quick prayer for me! 

I'll be back later to get you a great photo to see.  And if you haven't already signed up for email alerts please do then you'll know when my Random posts are up! 

I leave you with this to ponder  Is My Journey Back on your to do list?

Getting along on the Journey . . .

Blue Monday--Boys in Blue

Welcome to

Blue Monday

Today I am sharing a few pics of Boys in Blue . . .

 First an 'oldie' but a goodie.  I have shared this one before but I just love it!  I think I'll ask my DIL to re-enact this one and send a shot of him at 10 or no he is 11.  I lost a year!

 From his 10 year bday.  It was at the park.  Everyone brought bikes and there were tons of games.

 I have no idea what this means.  But he is in blue.  They live in the country and are very out doorsy.  I guess he was helpin' dad or grand pa do 'guy' things.

 Proudly sharing his baseball cap from last year summers team.

 And havin' a picnic with little 'sis'

 2011 Easter shot.  This one is sweet. . . the next one not so much!

 Silly boys in Blue.

Thanks for joinin' my proud grandma Blue post.  For more fun Blue images visit Smiling
Sally over HERE

I am really trying to be diligent in my Bible verse memorizing.  Last weeks verse just was really a challenge for me.  One of the things I planned to do was to study each verse I learn and do a post about the verse.  And do a Wordfilled Wednesday post.  Last week I didn't get the chance to do either.  And, like I said it was a challenge.  I am still working on it.  I remember the reference but I can't even seem to remember the first word.   So, another week with John 17:22 and 23 . . .

I have given them the glory that you gave me , that they may be one as we are one:

I in them and you in me.  May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.

John 17:22 and 23.

Random Things . . .

. . . on my mind and  Random Favorite Photos . . .

So I do have a lot of things on my mind.  The job search which I wrote about a few minutes ago in my Friday 5 minute post. 

• Planned post titled Yes I enjoy mopping
• Makeover plans for my blog.  Have you noticed some of the changes?  
• Remembering the Bible verse I am trying to memorize this week.  Here's another try.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. 
May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them as you have loved me. 
John 17:22 and 23

And a random photo I love . . .


Don't ask me why.  I love this pic of pink shoes worn by my grandsons little friend.  I just think they are adorable. 

And I am thinking about the vacation that Cowboy and I are planning for the whole family for next August.   We are planning on taking our son, DIL grandson and granddaughter and our daughter and her son to Custer State Park in South Dakota.  We have some huge plans and I am so excited! 

All this hinges on that job I am trying to get. 

Here's another favorite random photo

This is our grandson a few years ago.  He is about 7 here.  He is 10 now.  I just love the expression on his face!  His mom is a great photographer she manages to capture some amazing shots. 

Which random thoughts take my mind to how much I love photography.  I am not good by any means.  I don't even have a great camera but it works for me at least for now.  I really want one a little better. 

Randomly changing gears again . . .  I have a whole list of things I am going to update or buy as soon as I get a good pay check.  At the to of the list is new glasses and hopefully contacts again! 

And a new phone.  That might be before the glasses.  My phone drives me nuts.  It is not even two years old.  It is the first Android that Metro PCS offered.  It cost way too much money and doesn't work half the time.  And, the service costs too much.  So I am down grading to just a phone that I can talk and text and that is all. 

Unless of course I need email for the new job then I will bite the bullet and upgrade to a better phone!

Speaking of phones and technology.  And this is another entire post I am planning.  I have taken the comment moderation off my blog.  I don't have the verify your not a robot thing either.  It should be fast and simple for you to write a comment. Please do!

How about another fun, favorite photo . . .

Another cute photo my DIL took of the family boots.  I am wondering why she doesn't have cute boots like my granddaughter!

About blogging.  I love it.  Do you?  I love writing.  I love visiting all you guys.  I love the inspiration you all share.  I get some great ideas for decorating and cooking.  And I get a lot of wisdom.  

Do you Pinterest?  I really want to but I can't seem to get an invite.  Or I am challenged and can't figure it out.  Which btw on  the topic challenged at blogging  I have  alabel called "dummies at blogging"  when I write about things I can't do,  or have figured out how to do, or where I share little mini tutorials.  Check it out! 

Would you invite me to Pinterest? 

What about a couple more favorite random photo's . . .

 If you visit here often you notice I have lots of photo's of horses.  I love them!  I love beautiful horse photo's. 

And here's another favorite which brings me to another random topic . . .

and I know when you read this your thought will be "I knew this woman is crazy! This proves it!"

I am thinking about moving!  Yes.  That is what I said.  In my defense though you have to understand that when we moved into our little cottage apartment on May15th it was with the understanding we would move to a bigger unit.  We rented the only thing available an efficiency.  It is tiny!  And doesn't have a fireplace.   No real eating area.  No washer and dryer connections.  So when a bigger unit hopefully a 2 bedroom is available we are moving.  And I'll be able to do this with my fireplace!  Isn't it pretty! 

And thinking of fireplaces and decorating them it brings me to another random topic did you know it is less than 6 months till Christmas?  Yes  June 25th it was officially 6 months till Christmas. 

That brings me to thinking about another post I am planning. 

But, you'll have to wait because my random brain has taken me to thinking about sewing and I have about 3 hours before I have to get ready for Cowboy to get home.  So I am going to go sew.   And I'll post some pics soon of what I am sewing. 

Hope your having a Happy Day!  Thanks for coming along on the . . .

Journey of Randomness!

5 Minute Friday-Job Searching

Welcome to my version of 5 Minute Friday . . .

Our lovely hostess is vacationing today and so I am picking my own topic and writing about for 5 minuets. 

The topic Finding a Job is what is on my mind . . .

Start 11:24

What's on my mind today.  First and foremost finding a job.  I have given myself a deadline of mid Aug.  because my current job will go from day hours to evening hours when school starts.  I am working for a great company but I don't like night hours.  And, I want to 'give'.  My heart is ministry.   I have my application at two different non-profits.  One for a reception job.  Another at a non-profit as a Senior program coordinator.  The posting said experience can be used in lieu of degree.  That little word degree is actually a big word!  I sent my resume to another non-profit the beginning of June.  The director called me and said she was interested but that they tend to really take their time and explained it was a very slow process.  A month later she called back and said that my application didn't 'bubble' to the top because I don't have a degree.  But she said that part of the board wanted to interview me but they have to exhaust the degreed applicants first.  Frustrating 9 years work experience doesn't seem to qualify.  I am frustrated.  I am ....
....out time!

Stop 11:29 


So that is on my mind today!  What's your mind.  There's no linky but you can still join the fun and just get whatever is on your mind 'of your chest'.

On the Journey a little down today . . .

Still working on the same Bible verse this week.  I have no idea why this verse is so hard for me. Usually by this time of the week or by Thursday I am able to type most of the verse by memory. Not this one!  Here it is again.  It is a beautiful message.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, That they may be one as we are one.

May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

John 17: 22 and 23

Prayer Requests

I am needing a litle prayer would you pray with me and for me? 

. . . .There is a young man (I will call him Bob) on my drama that didn''t come to practise last night.  The other boys were telling me he was on the 'time out' bench.  This was unusual because he loves drama team and it and Sunday chapel service are the highlights of his week.  So I knew something was way off.

I asked the staff why "Bob" didn't come to reheasal and she told me he had disobeyed a certain rule 'how they are to walk down the hall'.  Again this is way 'out of norm. for him.

When our practise was over we learned that the staff was doing drug tests on all the boys.  (In 3 years of being there I have never seen them do this)

Bob was in the main room with the rest of the group. He was sitting in his chair bouncing and never looked our way.  Which was also very unusual. 

Cowboy and I both wondered if he was "high".   I worried about him the rest of the evening.  And I prayed for him last night. 

Then in the middle of the night I woke up.  The thought came t my mind that he had not gotten his stage earlier in the day.  That I think is the reason for his behavoior last night. 

Also, one of my other boys was really upset because he had been gone during the day to community service when he got back he found out staff had done room searches and took his Bible.  He was really upset that they had taken it.  We talked to him and encouraged him and then his mentor showed up and had a long talk with him. 

Apparently something big is going on.  Probably staff suspects drugs have been sneak on campus. 
The sad thing is sometimes when these has happened in other facilitie (never at ours 'so far')  it has been found out the drugs were brought in by staff.  How sad is that!

Would you pray for our boys.  For the staff.  I know that if something big happens it will affect all the boys.  Please pray for Bob.  Pray that God will give him the strength to 'hang in there' and be patient.  He should go home in 28 days but not getting his stage will affect that causing him to stay longer. 

. . . .Also on a pesonal note. I have been looking for a job.  I have had a couple that looked very promising.  One for a non-profit (which I really, really wanted)  And, I really thought I had a good chance.  I even cut back on my hours so that it would be easier on my current employeer when I put in my notice.  I didn't get the non-profi job because I don't have a degreee.  The director called me and explained that even though I have more experience than some of the other applicnts that they are really looking for a degreed person.  She did say that they want to keep me in the 'running'.  But,  I don't hold out much hope.  Then I applied at a Christian Pre-School.  It raeally did soud like a good possibity but almost 2 weeks later no word. 

I am getting really discouraged.  I was really, really hoping to find something this month.  I need to find something by August.  If not I'll have to stay where I am longer.  Which I can but the thing is when school starts it will be nights again.  I don't want to work nights.  And, they will only give me 15-18 hours a week.  I really need at least 30 hours. 

So would you pray for me?  I am getting worried and discouraged .  I don't want to make a mistake in taking a position.  I don't want to just take something that isn't what God wants me to do.   But  need to find something soon. 

I know sweet sisters that you'll pray with me.  I know my dear friends that you'll lift these needs up to the Father.   And that he wll help me and my boys find strength.  And that he will provide. 

Thank you for the prayers!


The Bible verse I am learning this week is . . .

I have given them the glory that you gave me.
May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved  them even as you have loved me.
John 16:22 and 23

Thankful Thursday

Wecome to Thankful Thursday do you have a thankful list? 

Here's mine . . . (btw I never really put them in a specific order just kind of randomly type them.  But today I am starting with a silly one.  Even though it seems silly it is at
the top of my list today.)

#1 As I think about how to write this I realize it isn't so silly because it really is God's provision so that isn't silly.
. . . What I am thankful for is I got a new mop yesterday.  For free.  See I told you God provides.  I was thinking on Tuesday that I really need a mop.  I have one in storage but can't get to it.  And I really need to mop the floor.  And I didn't have money to buy one especially since I have one in storage.  I went over to my mothers yesterday and guess what she gave me.  A brand new used once sponge mop.  I didn't even ask for one.  Or even really pray about it. I was just thinking I really need one.  But you see God and I have this thing bout moping floors.  (I'll tell you about that another time.)  I am thankful I got a mop.  And, later today I'll be mopping my kitchen)

#2 I am thankful that Cowboy and I have jobs.  I am thankful that he got a raise a few weeks ago.  And I am thankful that his job is really flexible.  He can get extra hours when we need it.  And he can cut back when he is tired or we have ministry obligations.  I am thankful God provides provision for us.  I am thankful that I can work too.  I can't get as many hours (same company)  but I get a few.  It is flexible enough that I have time to look for something with more hours and more pay. 

#3 I am thankful  for my sweet little "cottage" apartment.  I am planning a whole post on why I am so thankful and love where I live

#4 And last but not really last.  I am thankful for my drama team.  Last night we had rehearsal.  My group of boys is great sometimes it is a struggle when they act like they are '2'  (they are 16,17 & 18)  But they sing for Jesus and they make me smile.    Thank you God for allowing me the chance to work with these guys this way!

Isn't it a great day to be thankful? 

And a great day to memorize God's word. 
Here's the verse I am still working on this week.  I don't feel like I know it any better today than I did on Monday. But I  am beginning to understand it.   The message of these verses is penetrating my spirit.  Now to get it into my brain!

I have given them the glory that you gave me. 
May they be brought to compete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:22 and 23

On a Thankful Journey,

"Cowboy Style" Decorating part One

"Cowboy Style" Decorating or "How to Get Along With Your Husband"

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it:
except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
~ Psalm 127:1

My Cowboy and I are different . . .

I am

 He is

I am a little

He is alooooooooooooot!

And when it comes to spending time together it is alot like this . . .

minus the almost happy looking face! 

But, even though we have different likes.  And even though we think differently about alot of things we have made 33 years of marriage work. 

I wrote in my post yesterday that most of why it works/worked is by the Grace of God. 

Mainly because he has taught me to keep my mouth shut.  It took ohhhhh about 30 years.  But I finally managed/figured out I was a tad bit of a screamer.  A tad bit of a whinner.  And possible more than a tad bit of a pouter.

I feel sorry for my Cowboy for having put up with my ways of  'handling' him.    Yup I admit it.  When I felt like I needed to I used those forms of communication. 

Way back when we were decorating our first house the way we managed to agree was this... He decorated the game room (in todays standards 'the man cave') and I had 'free' rein over the rest of the house.   And I proudly took my task to hand. 

That's not to say that we didn't discuss and agree on 'our' style.  We agreed on decorating the den/family room 'Cowboy' style.  The living and dining were more formal.  The kitchen was homey.
Our bedroom was our sanctuary.   Our sons room was simple.  Our daughters room was girly to the max but with lots of class.  One of the things I loved about that house was the huge closets.  We could stash stuff I didn't view as 'decorative'. 

And now some 25 or so years latter we have downsized to an efficiency apartment (temporarily. I pray!) 

And guess what we brough with us?  None of the formal stuff.  Got rid of it alooooooooooong time ago.  (The formal dining migrated to our son and his wife since he originally came from my parents..) The homey kitchen table our daughter has.  The only other piece that made it through the years was our bed.   Which I  Love.

And now all these years as we move furniture around to fit into our little cottage.  I stand back and I bite my tongue.  And I let it go when he does this. . .

I didn't bother to crop it.  Yes it is one loan piece of 'man' art.  It is some kind of dead bird mounted to a piece of wood.  Hanging all by it's lonesome on probably a 10 foot wall. 

So, I leave you with this ? because I really, really want to know.  How does your Man decorate?

And a little wisdom. Not mine.  It's this wisdom that makes it work . . .
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it:
except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
~ Psalm 127:1

I am linking to Titus Tuesday  . . .Click Here

• Pray
• Read your Bible
• Don't think your 'all that'
• Ask God to show you when your being "I thin I am all that"
• And ask him to do it Fast!

Disclaimer:  The one piece of 'man' art will be moved into the living room to be part of a grouping of 'like' items in a couple of weeks.  Just lettin' him enjoy it for awhile. 

On A Happy Journey . . .

This I am trying to memorizing this week . . .

John 17:22-23
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.
I in them and you in me.  May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 

33 years of Marriage...

I have the key . . .

Last week I wrote about our date to celebrate our anniversary.  In June we were married 33 years.  My Cowboy makes lots of jokes like . . .
'We've been married 31 good years."  or days or hours before he'll say "if we make it"  He thinks he's clever. 

I laughed when I texted our daughters friend who works at the restaurant we were going to for a reservation.  She texts back and says "Cool how many years.?  Well she is the same age as my daughter 30.  So I texted back and said "At least 30 years. LOL." 

But 30 or 33 either one it's been a long time.  Sometimes a verrrrrrrrry long time. 

And do you wonder why or how?  Well is this the key?

 The key isn't a game of chance.   Or by playing games. 

Yes, there could be lots, and lots of reasons.  Lots of different keys or methods. 

And at least I've used different methods to make things work.  The method of keeping my mouth shut has been probably the most successful thing that I have done. 

But I would have to say the most important part of making a marriage work for any length of time is not really something either one of us has done.  It is something that God has done.    I think that
the most important thing has been Grace.  God's grace because without it My Cowboy would not have forgiven me for my short comings.  And I wouldn't have forgiven him.    It's because of the heart and spirit that God places in each of us. 

We've both prayed for each other and our marriage.  We've both stayed committed to God.  And we have both trusted him when we didn't feel like we could trust each other or ourselves. 

Even during the times that we haven't liked each other very much God has given us what we needed.

Yes, I admit there have been many times that I have stayed married because of my faith in God. 

And as I look back and think back I realize that is the easy part. 

The hard part is staying because you feel like it. 

I think the hard part is keeping the marriage alive. 

Keeping romance in the marriage. 

And that's what I find lacking (at least right now) 

We lack that excitement and romance. 

And even though I know the key to staying married I am looking for . . .

 So do you know the key to staying married.  Or do you know the key to having a good marriage.

Or can you help me find the key to finding or keeping the romance?  Leave me a comment. 

Memorizing God's word this week . . .

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me.  May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and loved them even as you have loved me.  John 16:22-23

Finding the key to the Journey . . .

Let's Have a Blue Picnic

It's another perfect day for a Picnic

The beach is beconing.  I'll grab the . . .

baskert!   And remember . . .

that cake I baked last night.  It is all ready to go. 

But should we take the bikes or

the scooters? 

Or your right that was a great idea tossing both into the jeep.  But wait I had another blanket . . .

Aww this is so much better! 

Wanna join us?  Or how about stopping over at Sally's she'll bring a smile to your face! 

Click here.

I was inspired to write this Blue by the post I wrote here. I enjoy writing it so much I thought it would be fun to write one in  Blue.  I hope you've enjoyed your visit today and if you have time click the linky above and check out my Saturday post.

Today I am linking to Mosaic Monday at Dear Little Red House.  Click here to visit!

Today I am beginning a new my quest to Hide scripture in my heart.  Well actually I hope it isn't hidden as the whole purpose of 'memorizing' is so I can use the verse either when I need it or to share with someone else. 

 Here's the verse I am workiing on this week.  I hope I can memorize it in the next 7 days. 

I have given them the glory that you have given me, that they may be 'one' as we are one.  I  in them and you in me.  May they be brought to  complete unity to let the world know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 

John 17:22&23.

Lovin' the Journey . . .



A Blessed Sunday

The service began as young men with very quiet and somber expressions filed in single file and found a seat. 
As we watched them walk I wonder what they expect.  I watch as new faces join the regular faces I see each week. 

I smile and shake hands with the regulars.  And I notice one is missing.  One we won't see again.  I voice a silent prayer for the sweet young man that left yesterday.  I say a silent pray that God watches over him and protects him.  I pray that he stays strong in his new found faith. 

As the first video begins I smile as they bob their heads to the music.  As they smile as they watch.  I smile as the video shares a subtle message of faith and trust in God.  And I silently thank God for directing us and helping us find videos that have a message and that speak in 'their' language.

For the last  2 1/2 years I have watched the faces come and go.  I have watched and listened to the music that is prayed over and chose specifically to speak to this group of young men.  A group that has been placed in a low security state prison facility. 

Ours is a different kind of service.  Ours is a different kind of congregation.  Ours is a group searching for something.  Many are not even sure what it is they are searching for. 

But, we know.  We know that it is the love of Jesus that they want.  It is the love of Jesus that they need.

And even though sometimes it is hard.  Even though sometimes it is a struggle.  We go on.  We continue.  Every week we look forward to going to church.  

We don't look forward to or expect to get fed in the usual way.  Because we are the 'feeders' but,
as we leave we realize each week we've been fed too. 

When we read prayer requests like this . . .
"Lord, I ask for your forgiveness and to free all my sins.  Lord, please forgive everything I've done.  Please give me strength to do better." 
and
"Dear heavenly father, I just ask you to help me take it one day at a time.  Keep me strong and out of trouble. Amen.".

I am blessed. 

Today is the perfect day for . . .

A Picnic . .

A cool vintage picnic maybe?    This reminds me of an old black and white movie . . .

or maybe a picnic at the beach . . .

A yummy spread . . .

or a Martha Stewart type spread . . .

Does your family take the time to do fun things together like go on a picnic?  Or do you spend your afternoons staying in out of the heat in front of the t.v.  or everyone in separate rooms with their separate personal hand held devices.

It wasn't so long ago that our family consisted of 4.  Alot of our picnics were at the land we leased for our horses.  We had many great times together.  I would have to say that for our family the best thing we ever did was when we bought our first horse.  The "family".  The idea of 1 horse for the family didn't last long.  Within a year we had 4!  And one of the original 4 we still have! 

I wish now I had taken more photo's.  I don't even think I have a photo of a family picnic.  But, this grandma is taking photo's for sure!

So are you thinking of going on a picnic?  Here's a few ideas and tips I found at Taste of Home. . .

Picnic Tips & Fun Ideas


• Make getting to the picnic a scavenger hunt. Leave clues or a "treasure" map for your family to find their way to the picnic destination.

• Bring along a board game, bocce ball, a softball and catchers mitt or a Frisbee for some outdoor fun.

• If kids will be joining you, try to pick a park with a playground nearby.

• Plan a hike and bring the picnic with you. Stop when you get hungry or find a scenic spot to eat.

• Avoid mayonnaise and ice cream-based dishes that can turn bad or melt in the sun.

• No basket? No worries! Load your goodies into a sturdy cardboard box, plastic bin or even a backpack.

• Save extra condiment packets from fast-food restaurants to bring along on your picnic—the packs are ideal for easy outdoor meals.

• Set the mood with a sunset picnic. If it's allowed, bring a few votive candles and a small bouquet of flowers to add to the ambience.

• Consider packing a picnic for others, whether it's for your kids in the backyard, your neighbors or even a coworker in need of some lunchtime fun.


I hope you enjoy your weekend.  Why not have a picnic!

love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul . .  These commandments I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.   Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Happily Journeying Along,