Monday, November 11, 2013

Saying goodbye

Vivian Nadine Darlene Oman Gaiser
Saying goodbye again. Being grateful for my Mom. When you think you have grieved all that their is to grieve there always seems to be one more emotion that sneaks out of no where.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:1,3

As the sun set, we quieted our conversations and had our last family prayer around the big kitchen island that my Mom called home. It has not been her home in 10 years since her death. This night we celebrated a Thanksgiving meal at my mom's, Nadine Vivian’s house. It was a final good-bye as my dad is moving on in life. This was the house he built on a promise to her after she battled cancer the first time. I spent the afternoon helping with the preparations of the meal. Greeting lifetime friends and family. Plain busyness. Not wanting to think about this chapter ending. I finally sat spanning the room. It was one of those moment where you want to take a forever picture but you know that moment will fade. 
Love of family and friends

I started looking around and made eye contact with my husband's kind eyes and I got weepy.  Reality finally came.  I let myself feel the inevitable emotions of that moment. I am great at turning off the valve when needed. My mom did that too. We think that makes us tough but actually it is not a good trait. It’s like playing dodge ball. Eventually your going to get hit and come unglued or unhealthy. Take your pick. When something is missing in your life it is part of the plot of your storyline.The missing familiar.

Gabriella Nadine at Nad's Casa
I think the kicker for me was when my oldest daughter came walking up the driveway with her niece the namesake of my mom. They had escaped the crowd for a moment of peace. Nichole and Gabriella Nadine had ventured to the neighbors porch across the street. The one with the rocking chair that was one my moms favorite resting places. One where she had a perfect view of her house and she could rest her tired body and reflect in her last days. Or it could have been the minutes with my younger daughter Nichelle, as we looked upon her Great grandmother Emma’s antique piece that was no longer ours. We reminded each other it is just stuff.  Good stuff. Good memories of good people long gone!


Patio in the Pines

I read this yesterday ... People want to live on one side of the line. But if you don’t feel sadness you cannot feel joy. So as I post these photos I need to say goodbye again. Tomorrow I will change the view and look for the new sunrise. 
Gaiser staples, pecan rolls and cranberry ice
Antique sideboard

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Sold Out

Turning the Corner to Sold Out
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” I have gratitude in my heart that I am sold out! *
What are you sold out to?

Sold out boys to CU BUFFALOS
Today is another Bronco Sunday! This day I can go on Facebook or through a store and see blue and orange shirts. There is unstoppable enthusiasm for a team that everyone around me wants to win! Oh the fun and hooting and hollering that goes on in homes around Denver is at a all time pitch! Pride and excitement rules the scene! Their is value that brings family and friends together in these celebrations! There is no denying it!

I can make you a list much like yours of things that I have supported and been important to me. My marriage, family, football teams galore, products, and it goes on and on.  I like many have lived a life for the things of this world. Pride has stepped in countless times and made what I am sold out to more important that those around me. But now humility needs to turn me nearer to the truth of the cross.

As I finishing an amazing novel (*See Link) that has changed my perspective on life! The things of this earth grow strangely dim and I am more than ever sold out to those around me who need joy, love, care, and a Savior.  Every word, action, decision or path we take needs to have purpose and direction.. I know those in my sphere who can't stand what I am sold out to but thats the cool thing about being sold out to something that is life changing. It does not matter to me what they think but it does matter to my boss! 

My version of HEAVEN, Picture of this year, 5774
"SRO"

Standing room only! I want you to be standing next to me in that beautiful destination? Come be SOLD OUT!

Lord, I pray that I can live a life that makes sense for eternity. I ask that you direct me to make a impact to those around me I humbly pray that many have "eternity of YOU in their destination!"
*http://www.jackiemacgirvin.com/angels-of-humility
*Photo"5774" by Bill Mutz

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Intent

Don't get tangled!

If you know my heart then you know my intent. This Equals: If you know my intent then you can see my heart.

Intent: fixed on, determined, resolved, committed to.

 I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:18 (MSG)


After so many years of knowing somebody you can pretty much guess their motive. There are those that put themselves out there as servants, helping on a difficult day or in the midst of tough financial circumstances or someone who rearranges their time to pray with you when things are upside down. Then there are those who injure your heart over and over again because they themselves are hurting. Words or actions are used to tamper with your bruised heart.

*Put your best foot forward. Every journey starts with a single step.

We all have both sides to us. and would never think or believe we are harming someone. The thing about knowing people by their fruits is the intent. It is hard not to prejudge a person from years of behavior but within that God teaches us to forgive, forgive, forgive! He says 7 times 77 times. That's 539 times. Can someone hurt you that many times? Yes we can and we do! God says a thought or comment that is not edifying is hurtful. How many times in a situation does that happen where we want to act out and hurt someone who is intentionally hurting us?

Last year, God asked me to take my shoes off. Ok, "I said." And then he told me to stand in somebody else's shoes. Yes! In my mind God got the point across. He changed the angle of my view. What I saw was a guarded heart that could not take knowing new reality so their heart was set in a different direction. Upon removing those shoes I got in my prayer mode and prayed for a healing to their pain and an understanding of what they could handle. Even though we are called to not do certain behaviors we all fall in the mirey pit. Staying away from returning ill words is hard when your are hurt. The opposite action is a must!

As I entered the Christian walk I have tried my best to follow God’s intent and instructions for a happy life filled with love and mercy and forgiveness. Even though I fail at times, those around me should understand, I am choosing God’s principles to lead my life. Sometimes we sit on a different ledge and have a different view of understanding. That’s ok. I can only look at the shoes I have to fill and the healing my heart is set on. I have honorable intent!
So upon this Day I have gratitude of intent to love with all of my heart! Peace be yours!


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
~Song by LeAnne at GZI "Put your best foot forward."


Friday, November 8, 2013

Seasons

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, Coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Their are many variation of changes and seasons. Many people relish change but for some they are comfortable in the present season.  Adjusting to a new one for some, does not hold much excitement. Some people are lovers of fall and all their colors and some like the spring rain and blossoms. Some love the fresh snow of winter and some relish the hot days of summer. Others have great delight in the fresh change of the next holiday or celebration.


God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky!
Separate Day from Night. Mark seasons and days and        years,  Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.” And there it was. Gen. 1:14

There are other things we get eager to change. We girls love to change our sandals to heels to boots and back again. Kids love to change into the next grade or video game level to show their maturityYoung women hunger for the ring that changes into a house and children. Men love to change their sports jerseys or teams in season. The older generation are not in such a rush and know that savoring of life season has so much value! next grade or video game level to show there maturity.                    Do we really like the season of change?
The lady bug enjoying the fall season!
For our family we have been in a odd change that feels like the hand of God moving and directing us into something new. With the ending of a old season we are stretched into a place that is different and uncomfortable. This has a certain excitement of new unknown possibilities. It’s is like we know that we know it will be good. But this has reflected the death of a certain time of life. The loss of familiar is like a death of sorts that has required grieving. But within that is new growth. So in this season of everlasting gratitude I am grateful for being stretched into a season of change and remolding. 

         What God is tearing down he will certainly rebuild stronger!

“What is normal at any given time? We change just as the seasons change, and each spring brings new growth. So nothing is ever quite the same.”  Sherwood Smith




Thursday, November 7, 2013

Thorns

Thorn in my side.. Grateful really?  Yes,Ever so grateful! Why I was asked? Because it makes me a better person. Tell me more, tell me more!

Everlasting Gratitude
So recently I had this thought and I wondered if I had been transported back in time to Ephesus sitting next to Paul comparing the size of our current thorns, (straight spike, prickle or curved barb). His was large, but mine was adequate for me. Hmmm? So what in a thorn would make you ever so grateful? Oh yes, my mind said, as I smiled! Why oh why, you crazy girl?!

2 Corinthians 12:7, There was given to me a thorn in my flesh… Three times Paul pleaded with the Lord to take this away from him. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness. So therefore I will boast all the more gladly for my weakness so that Christ's power may rest on me.” “That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak I am strong!”


We enjoyed this recipe so sharing it~Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers
A thorn is something that makes you have to look to the heavens and turn to our Lord. I have at times allowed that thorn to fester. But I learned early on, that a fester turns into a bitterroot and who needs bad health? So Paul’s thorn might be different than mine. But for me, I know when it is irritating me. The inflammation can be my actions or the actions of others. I have this place on my body that knows when there is something not right. The thorn in my side makes me go into prayer. In life and particularly mine, I understand without these challenges spoken by Paul I would not be the woman of faith formed by these test. As I contemplate the pain of Christ thorns I realize the pain I cause Him. Oh yes, this journey is long but without my weakness's how would Christ had formed me? So I have gratitude for the difficulties that have grown my life!

~JALAPEÑO CORNBREAD POPPERS! 
**Let's spice things up! 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Our lens

I love viewing Gods word as a photo lens...a willingness to see his picture, and to search for his light in troubled times. Not my sight but through his. Out of darkness comes God’s light. Without light the enemy prowls and causes chaos. I am blessed by the Light of God’s word.

“No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they’re going.  Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar.  Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky.  Keep your life well lit”  Luke 11:33-36  


Everyone has a different lens and how they view their world of life.  Many times it is not infocus or adjusted with the right view. Looking back at our past and the lens of many generations tells us if it is lovely and pure and aligned in Christ or in darkness. How we were raised and taught has so ingrained our path and daily living that often times we do not question if we are exposed in the light or darkness. I am finding the more I see the morality of the world I need to have the resource of God’s word. Without the influence of God and his teaching I can easily falter into the ways of the flesh and fall into darkness. I believe God wants us to test our light and question the validity of our thinking.             


We have learned to process trials through our auto focus using others life lessons of hurts as solutions not with the view of God’s perfect word. What if parts of our past needs a new lens or a flash. Are we willing to let go of the pride of our current thinking to switch structure of operation into that of our view of the heavenly Father?  If you changed the view finder you might see we have unhealthy layers of film that need to be peeled back. It reminds me of a photographer who take many photos and change their light and speed to find the perfect shot.

So I ask you, can you peel back the past and get a fresh exposure and hold it up next to Gods word to see what shines and what is in darkness? Give it a shot!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Gifts

 There are times you know that you know that God is trying to redirect your path and direction in life. Last year I stopped stuffing my talents and spiritual destiny because others were uncomfortable with what I might write or how that boldness might looks spiritually. For me it is stepping out into that which I delayed and am called to. Knowing that God loves me and has given me his gifts makes me smile.. I have grown great Gratitude for these gifts!

 Working on the vineyard piece
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 (ESV)Luke 11:35 (AMP)

“Be careful, therefore, that the light that is in you is not darkness.” Luke 11:35 (AMP) 

I remember my mom teaching me how to knit, sew and cook. Insisting I play the piano, ride and care for a horse, forcing me to do competive sports that I disliked but glad I learned. Some of these things I did better than others. But she believed in my art ability most of all. She drove me many places to learn from talented teachers. Somewhere along the way I lost the belief in myself. I gave up and believed the lie that I was inferior to others. Then I had periods of time that I would get the urge to try again. With my 4th pregnancy, I remember the day I was frustrated and repacked my watercolors thinking there was not enough time to do it all. Being available as a Mom was so important! So here I am 20 years later figuring out that I can do it! God saw fit to move me into a place i am not so comfortable (literally) and restructuring my time. He is lighting the fire under me along with my family. To my surprise my gifts extend in several directions and are being braided into a new format of sorts. So with new drive and knowing this is the time to grow, I am figuring it out.

Gifts are given and it is our responsibility to hold, mold and grow those. Everybody has them! What are yours? Don't wait!! What are you going to do to flourish what God has given you?

Monday, November 4, 2013

Future Generation

Next generation with so much abundant hope!
The next generation and their influence, our children and their children, my nephews and nieces who are hearing the call, who are making a difference to impact where they are in the world around them. Blessed to watch the next generation!

~ As I watch this generation before me with all of their knowledge and the desire to be different then their parents and those around them. I am filled with abundant hope. They are learning what healthy is in the sense of how we should operate with in a different realm of how my generation was raised. Their baseline is stronger, their eyes more open, their faith more substantial, and the desire to call things as they are. Not with grey tones but with black and white. I am thankful for what my children have learned from my struggles and the desire to improve for their children in the area of morality inspires me to walk stronger. I am jealous in all the right ways and if only I could go back and do things differently I would. But then I would not be who I am! So blessed by the next generations unfolding as they answer the call on their life!

Destiny before Him! 


“The stupid ridicule right and wrong, but a moral life is a favored life. "Proverbs 14:9 (MSG)

 “I [Wisdom] walk in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), in the midst of the paths of justice,”  Proverbs 8:20 (AMP)

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Unseen

 My heart is expanding for the desire to pray for influence in the nature of goodness where I sit in my state, my community, my family, my home. Discipline in prayer for the hidden unseen battles through prayer. 
Peering into to what is not easily seen!



I would never in my younger years think that discipline was a great thing. Now I see its hidden rewards! Blessed to have God’s eyes for the unseen.





“As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2Corinthians 4:18 (ESV)

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Everlasting Gratitude - Day 2, 2013 Hunger and Thirst

Day Two 
-Gratitude that I have hunger and thirst for more of the things that feed my soul.
As I go to into church tonight, and hear the beating of the drums, the voices singing in unity, feeling of the Holy spirit speaking quietly: it all takes me to a place of peace in a world of turmoil.


“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Matt 5:6


Friday, November 1, 2013

Everlasting Gratitude - 2013


In this year 2013 I am hearing the call to be Thankful for where I am !  The more we have gratitude, the more we are in the place of joy. The desire to measure that which I am thankful for is increased by my heart expanding and the decreasing of self. Can that be possible?

Day One-  
The readiness to share my gifts with those who daily influence my world with their touch. A Blessed exchange from one to another. From the top of my day with my Lord speaking prayers of protection over each family member and beyond, 
to the time I snuggle up in bed with my husband and faithful furry friend I am blessed! 

Please feel free to share your joys, thoughts of gratitude or heart expansion in this month of thankfulness

Apple Recipe
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Squares/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=125909424&prop26=WhatsCooking&prop27=2013-10-31&prop28=Photos&prop29=Link_3&me=1