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,

My Story 5 Minute Friday

 Joining with My story.  The story of my blog . . .

The story behind my blog is simple.  I was in a place of lonlieness.  I was feeling emotions like betrayal, anxiety, confusion, anger, fear.  And probably many other emotions that I am even unaware of.    I was leaning on faith and trusting God.  But I also had felt like I lost myself.  I was in fulltime ministry and frankly I was having the time of my life but there was something missing.  A part of "me" was missing.
And then in January  by accident stumbled into blogging.  I first happened onto a Christmas
Home Tour.  I started looking at the photo's and loving the tours.  One of my favorite things is decorating for Christmas.  There was a time that I had a Christmas tree in every room of our house.    The Christmas just passed was one that I didn't put up a tree.  My Cowboy did.  On Christmas Eve I had left to go get my mother to spend the night.  I had gone by the laundry mat on way to her house to wash clothes.  When we got back home he had decorated one of my little tiny trees.    He was waiting on the sofa wearing a Christmas tie with a biege  sweat shir and blue and green plaid flannel pajama pants.  My dog was laying next to him with a red bow on her neck.  They proudly wished me a Merry Christmas.    It was a quiet simple and sad few days.  But those few days were filled with moments of love.  Moments that helped me to stay focused on where I needed to be and focused while I waited . . . Stop

On My Journey Back . . .

5 Minute Friday--Dressed to . . .

Happy Friday everyone.  Today I am joining in 5 minute Friday where we just start typing/writing for 5 minutes straight and stop! 

. . . It was the beginning of a romantic evening.  Hair done, nails done.  But what to wear?  As I stand and stare at the closet full of . . . hot clothes.  Yes I said hot.  No not in the sense of sensually hot (I am over 50 remember) but in the sense of temperature hot.  Yep it is over 100 outside and unfortunately the a/c in the car dosen't work.  So the hair well it's done but in a simple no style style. Because when you drive with the windows done well.  Let's just pretend it is a convertible.  There that is better.  And so I pull out some brown dressy pants that have this tiny little red and darker brown little plaid kind of pattern. Cheap from the Dillards outlet 2 years ago.   And this really, really cool thin jacket kind of shirt that I got for dirt cheap at the Dillard's outlet.  Love it. It is kind of see through (I did say 'hot') didn't I?  It is almost a net of some sort but sewn on top are these flowers cut out of another thin see through kind of cloth.  They are raw on the edge and they cover the entire top so you really can't see through but there is a hint of what is underneath.  Which is a simple white cami that I bought at Dollar General when they were on sale for buy one get one.  Total cost $1.50.  Aw this is looking nice so I add these really cute silver earrings that have a white kind of big bead that hangs inside a silver circle.  This is all coming together.  Oh the earrings are from Old Navy maybe a cost of $5.00.  So I am thinking a necklace.  No which one.  O.K. I look and I realize that the very first every Brighton piece I bought waaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in the day before Brighton was Brighton or at least before anyone knew what it was.  And the necklace goes perfect with the earrings!  (the matching Brighton ones hurt my ears)  This is coming together I am impressed with myself.  And then last I pull out the shoes that I have been dying to wear.  Liz Claiborne strapy sandles that cost me a grand total of $4.00.  Yep never worn brand new.  I am lovin' my resale stores.  Then I am thinking purse which one.  So I dig around for this little kind of gold/beige silvery evening kind of looking bag.  But I can't find it.  And so I end up with any everyday purse that is green.  Which I bought at Goodwill on half price day.  Total cost $4.00.  Oh it is Nine West and brand new!   Well I have to say I am for once happy with the way I look.  I think I can make my Cowboy proud as we walk into . . 

Was that really 5 minutes.  Dawng!  It was a very nice evening and it did end up very Romantic. 

The rest of the story coming soon!

Thanks for stopping by and joining The Journey,

Stop over at Lisa-Jo's and join 5 Minute Friday.  Click here.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies...charm is deceitful, and beuty is fleeting but a wife who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Proverbs 31:10 & 30

Thankful Thursday

                                                  

                                                          Welcome to Thankful Thursday

                             Today the linky is over at Laurie's stop over there and join up!

Today I am especially Thankful.  We finally got inter-net.  And we have a great signal.  So I'll be able to spend alot more time doing what I love most.  Posting and visiting all of you!

I am also thankful that things have changed for us a lot over the last few months.  We've moved to a really nice apartment.  And it is really feeling like a home.  I am planning lots of posts about our little cottage apartment! 

And things have changed drastically finanacially.  So we get to go out tonight for our anniversary.  Our actual anniversary is June 25th but we couldn't get a reservation for that night with the waitress we wanted.  We have a friend that works at a really, really nice resturant.  I am so looking forward to tonight.  Nothing new to wear.  No nice gifts to exchange.  Just a chance for a really, really nice meal. 

And I am really, really thankful for God.  I am thankful he listens to my prayers.  I am thankful he is patient with me. 

I am thankful for this  . . . 

that he gave us his Word and that he helps me keep it in my heart so that I can trust Him and depend on him to help me get through struggles.  And that he forgives me for this . . .

Oh so often this is what my Bible looks like.  I am thankful that even though I don't spend time in His Word as I should he forgives me.  And he waits patiently for me. 

Thank you Father for sharing the Journey . . .

click here to visit Thankful Thursday

Happy July 4th!  Welcome to my Patriotic Edition!

If your a regular follower you know that I have been away from blogging for awhile.  It actually seemed like an eternity! 

And, while I was away blogger changed things up.  And, I am not happy.  I wonder how many of you have it all figured out yet.  And have decided you like their changes?  Well not me! At least not yet. 

I know I'll get used to it but dawng it I just had the last way figured out!  

And since I have been gone so long I figured this was the perfect time to clean things up around here and make everything pretty again. 

While I've been away I have been thinking about This Journey of blogging that I am on.  And, I have been thinking about where The Journey is going.  Or more importantly where I feel like I want to take it. 

So, over the next little while you'll see some changes.  

I hope you'll come by regularly and, leave me a comment. 

Oh btw the first change I am making (if I can figured it out LOL) I am taking the comment moderation off! 

Cowboy and I are planning a very uneventful day today.  We are laying around the house.  At least for the morning.  Then I am off to lunch with our daughter our grandson and my mother.  And I am bringing the grandson back home with me for our regular Wednesday sleep over. 

Enjoy  your day!

Wordfillwd Wednesday Happy July 4th

            Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July

I Caught The Bug . . .

Actually it was my house that caught the bug. The makeover bug. My sweet little
apartment cottage was jealous of the dusting and moving things around I have planned
for the blog and so she. (Yes my cottage is a ‘she’) asked for a makeover too.
So while I am taking a break from posting. (Actually waiting for a signal) I have been
moving furniture. “She” got this bug yesterday when I got the sewing machine out
and started on a green quilt because I was out of white thread so I couldn’t finish what I
already had  started.

Anyway I was looking around at how the furniture was arranged  And I took the plunge and decided to move the wingback chair from the living room to the bedroom.

Only problem is where I want it to go it didn’t quite fit. So I looked around the room and decided this shelf unit . . .

Here's what it looked like before I moved it.  It's hard to see but there isn't but about 18' between
the shelf unit and the bed.  So moving it really gives us a lot more room on thaat side of the bed.
So I decided to try it in the living room. But, that was late in the afternoon and I knew I wouldn’t have time so; I waited till this morning.  Because I really didn't want to deal with moving all that stuff off and I knew I wouldn't get it all done and back together before Cowboy got home. 

Now this I what I used to move the  unit.

Yep these really work.  I moved the whole unit without taking anything off except the really fragile stuff.  The only reason I took it off is the top section is kind of top heavy.  I pushed and shooved and slid the thing right into the new spot. And I love it's new home.
Then I looked around at what things needed to come off of it and what needed to go on.
I moved some books off. Left the Bibles. Added the crystal. I stumbled onto a frame amongst the books and realized it would look great with my current favorite photo of my grandson.

I have a plan for some of the books on the back of the shelf. But it’s a secret for now.  I think I need a few more of those square candles for the top. 
Still working on the redo.  Please come back to see the big reveal.  Will have to take the bed apart to move it so the chair will fit.  Here's a little sneak preview of  the little end tabe that is by the bed now.  

I love this little table.  I have used it lots of different ways.  I love this adorable photo of my grandson when he was about 15 months.  He loved climbing on it. 

Thanks for visiting today.  I hope you'll come back and stay in touch for the big reveal of the
Little Cottage Makeover and the blog makeover. 

On a new Journey to make My Home a Sanctuary . . .

Help somethings happened to my Blog!

Yes...I need help my blog is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dusty!  I need one of these!

Yep an Extreme Makeover!  Bear with me the next few days I am going to be doing some dusting around here.  Making some changes and making things all new and pretty. 

You might see 1 post a day.  Or 20!  Who knows I have a few ideas of things I want to add and things I want to take away.  And I know me I'll be posting as I go along!

I hope you'll come by and see the progress and give me your opinions.  Because I want you to enjoy your visits! 

I hope the start to your week has been Blessed already!   Hope to see you soon.

On a Blessed Journey,

A Little Blue for your Blue Monday

Happy Blue Monday the Patriotic Edition . . . Today I am sharing a couple of fun Blue and Red's . . . First a neat DIY photo from Pretty Handy Girl

Isn't this a cool little sitting nook made out of a closet. I love her choice of colors.

A very patriotic Blue. This shot is from last year. The flags are lining the drive to the rehab facility where Cowboy and I serve.  

I hope you are all having a great Blue Monday and have some great plans for the 4th.  I'll be posting so come by!

Oh and don't forget to go over to Sally's for Blue Monday!

Five Minute Friday-The Extreme Makeover

Published Monday....
Happy Sunny Friday to you!  This morning I had a post planned and blogger or our slow service one of the two wouldn't cooprate and let me load pics. 

So I am joining the others in Five Minute Friday this morning.  This is the day we write for five minutes straight without stopping. 

So here goes . . 

Actually I am going to write a little of my planned post.

A few days ago my grandson was here.  He is four.  Last winter he made a gingerbread house out of foam it was a kit from Walmart. We had the best time putting it together last year.  It was funny when we moved; I debated about taking it apart (it is sort of like a puzzle the house pieces just snap together) and moving it flat. Or horror of  horrors just trashing it. I mean he was only 3 1/2 at the time.  I thought of how much he enjoyed it and I know you know what I decided! I opted to leave it in tact.  It was already loosing a few of the sticker pieces so I worried about it's surviving. 

Cowboy and I talked about how proud he was and so I decided we would make a new one each year and have a whole scene.  I have visions of each one being bigger and better as he grows.   As I think about it now I think I'll send one to Missouri to my granddaughter!

Once we got moved and settled and I was deciding where to store it I noticed more of the glued on pieces were falling off.  The orginal glue (they are stickers) didn't last so I decided to have my little grandson glue them on with Elmers before I put it away till winter. 

So I get the house out.  Set him up on our ottaman.  And I tell him the plan.  I show him how some of the stickers (the snow flakes and window) had fallen off and how we were going to glue it back together.  So I leave the room to go and get the glue and what do I find when I returned!  The entire house taken apart and laying in pieces!  I had to laugh to myself.  I asked him why he took it apart.  And his innocent sweet answer was.  I wanted to put it together again! 
So we got down to it and put it back together.  This time glueing all the pieces back on.  

And as I helped and watched I couldn't help but think of it as The Extreme Makeover!

Thankful Thursday

Good Morning and Welcome, Welcome, Welcome! Today I am very Thankful and I am joining the great group of other bloggers that are . . .

Too!

Today I have a big list but I am keeping it short. Strike that it isn't as short as I thought...grab a cup of coffee or Dr. Pepper  and settle in a few minutes.

 I know we all have some Muuuuuuuuch to be thankful for.  Today I want to talk about this . . .

I love this little grafic.  I am not sure where I found it. (bad blog etiquette I know sorry) I just think it is just such a great illustration. 

I was wondering are you thankful for your home?  I mean really, really thankful? 

Today I am.  There are many times that I have been happy where I live but I had a yearning to be somewhere else.  I won't go into it that is another looooooooooooong story but suffice it to say I wasn't really happy or thankful alot of the time. 

But today I am ligitimately thankful and happy.  Although I will put in that I do yearn for something else.  We recently moved to a new apartment but with the timing of getting in here and getting out of the other place we had to take all that they had which was an efficiency.  Basically it is living room, kitchen, and bedroom with no door of the livingroom.  It sn't huge but it isn't tiny either our huge king size bed that is made out of a tree fits in the room with room to spare to walk around.  Yes I said tree.  I'll show a pic of it soon.

The reason I am yearning now is we plan to move to a 2 bedroom as soon as one is available so we'll be packing and moving again!  Yep I'll be moving again.  I have almost lost count how many times we've moved in the last few years. 

And I have to tell you that none of the moves we made turned out the way we expected.  There was the apartment ministry position that after 7 months the company completely terminated the project.  We could have stayed in the apartment but the rent was really high for what it was and the location was well no where I was comfortable living with no support so to speak. 

Then there was the boys home ministry.  My husband was to be chaplain and I was to assist the director.  We went in with such high hopes.  Our hopes were soon dashed.  We prayed and prayed about what God wanted us to do.  I cannot begin to describe the horror stories. 

Then when we were finally able to leave we moved into the first apartment we could afford that we could get accepted into (by the way when you have no recent rental history it is hard to get accepted).  That apartment was the worse place I have every been.  It was 450 sq. feet with a window unit a/c.  Our electric last year was 220.00 for two months.  It was warm in winter!

 Then my Cowboy began loosing hours at work.   I am telling you it was probably one of the hardest years in many ways.   Even harder than the 2 months we spent in a hotel 3 years before. 

I know your probably thinking a lot of different things when you read this.  I know just by giving you the highlights and no real detail about how we ended up going through all this.  Actually sometimes I wonder.  No a lot of the time I wonder. 

But, I am writing all this to encourage you.  I write to tell you not to get discouraged.  We have spent the last 8 years serving God in fulltime ministry.  The last 2 years we have had to make the sacrifice for Cowboy to go back to work.  And this year I went back to work. (after not working for 30 years!) 

We struggled a lot with our decisions.  But, we are able to still do the ministry (Cowboy is chaplain at a boys rehab facility run by our state)
And God in his infinite wisdom has brought us to the place we are now.  And we are happy. 
And I have the internet and it is free.  Yes.  We are close enough to the clubhouse we get a signal! 

And, so I am happy to be able to visit my wonderful blog friends again.  I am happy in my little efficiency apartment. (at least till a 2 bedroom comes up LOL) I am happy that God has been patient with my whinning and that he has brought us to this place. 

And I am sooooooooooooooooo Thankful

Today I am praying for you.  I am praying that if your reading this and you are really a little less than thankful that you will seek God's wisdom.  That he will help you see why you are where you are now.  And that he will help you see that he has a huge plan for you.  He loves you no matter what.  Even if there are times you really can't tell he is there.  He is.  He is a master composer. He has some wonderful plans for you.  You might just have to wait a little while to see them come to be. 

Who knows you might get free internet if you wait long enough!

Thankfully Smiling on the Journey . . .

Worfilled Wednesday

Thank you God.  Thank you for providing us a way.  Thank you
Jesus for being The Way.

Today if your not sure which way to go.  I urge you to take a look at what God has done for you.  The Bible will take you on an amazing Journey. 

Follow along with some of my friends and visit the other Wordfilled Wednesday posts for a bigger glimpse of God's amazing love.

Enjoying the Journey . . .

Oh Happy Days

So where do I begin.  It has been so long since I got to post.  I have all these things to tell you about; but I don't know where to begin.

So, today for this post I will just tell you that I praise God because he supply's our needs.  This is something that I have always known but sometimes there have been times that I hate to admit that I have kind of questioned. 

The last few years have been really rough for us.  The crazy thing is it has been just really, really hard since we went into fulltime minitry.

Yep while we have  followed  God and been doing his will  we've been homeless.  We lost all support for the ministry after 8 years and how to go out and find jobs.  We've been barely to get from pay to pay day.  We've have had to go without inter-net for over a year. 

All this time we have tried to have faith.  We have tried to wait for God's timing.  And sometimes we've wondered whether we were making right decisions. 

We are still in ministry.  Each week provide chaple services at a boys rehab facility.  We love sharing God's word with the boys.  My job is to research and find the music and put it together for Sunday morning.
I have a group of boys that I call the Drama team.  They sing and dance.  Some Sundays they perform. 

God has blessed us and provided for us. 

We now live in a great apartment which we love.  We are in a little efficiency and we are waiting to move to a two bedroom probably in a few months. 

But we love it.  We spent the last year in a very small apartment.  It was close to Cowboys work.  And that is about the only positive about it.  I cannot tell you how awful it was. 

I am thankful that we have moved. 

And the best part I think is we now have free WiFi. I am sitting in my apartment writing this post!  They told us when we moved in that it would be available soon.  Well Friday they  hooked us up!  And, the best part is we get it inside the apartment.  We thought we would have to go to the clubhouse which is only open during business hours. 

I am so happy to be able to get on the inter net.  To visit my favorite blogs.  I am still catching up though.    I am looking forward to getting back. 

Today I read this verse.  I wanted to share it.  Just a little part of Psalm 16.  It spoke to me today.

v. 7 I will praise the lord who commands me, even at night my heart instructs me.  I have set the Lord always before me.  Because he is my right hand.  I will not be shaken.


These are just a few ways that God has Blessed us.  So I was wondering how has he Blessed you today?

Enjoying the Journey