Deal With It, Simply!

It’s all in the attitude. On Sunday’s after church it is normal for members to stop and talk to one another, fellowship! A long time member said “well how are you today?” I said Wonderful! He said wonderful? I said yes wonderful! He said I have never heard anyone say they are wonderful. I think in our day in time people are down. I mean down right depressed. Just because things are tough doesn’t mean we have to fall into the cycle of poor me my life is terrible.

About a year ago my husband heard someone respond to “how are you” with a “best day of my life!” Randy thought he would try it. When you say best day of my life people are taken back. Maybe thinking why? You should try it and see what happens.

When I was a kid my mom would say “if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all!” I think she knew what she was talking about. When someone asks you How are you doing? Do they really want to know or care how you are doing are is it just a greeting? Maybe we need to start really caring and take time to see those who are really hurting out there. Truly loving our neighbor as the Lord has commanded us!

What are you doing to stay up in such a down economy? I would love to hear.

God’s Blessings, Candy

Since my husband has had his heart surgery I have felt truly loved. We have received prayers, notes, phone calls, dinners and even a few gift cards. I never realized how special these things were until I received them. Now I can say I am changed…. I can do more and will!

A few months ago our Bible readings (Luke 15) were the parable of the Lost sheep and lost coin….after the sheep was found the Shepard went home and says to his friends and neighbors  “come and rejoice with me” and when the woman found her coin she called her neighbors and said “come and rejoice with me” The next week was the story of John the baptizer’s birth (Luke 1). When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. ⁵⁸ Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

I have been thinking a lot….do I truly rejoice with one another? Do I love and care for those in need? Speaking as one who was in the midst of a crisis…..It is wonderful and we feel loved. I am changed ….

God’s Blessings, Candy

As I reflect, this year has taught me many things about our family and our way of life. This month my husband had open heart surgery, My youngest daughter turned 18, our oldest daughter got married and Christmas. When friends or family have been in the midst of Crisis  in their lives I have always offered to help and now I realize I was doing the bare minimum. I have to say during this month I have felt so loved. We have had family and church friends brought us dinner, sent gift cards, groceries and even Christmas gifts. I have been changed and humbled.

Our family is not a wealthy family in the sense of money, but wealthy in so many other ways. We have tried to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with. Some have asked how do I help others without time or money. Here are some of the things others have done for us and I am hoping to continue on to help others.

1. Make a dinner- I have been working my and Randy’s job and when I arrive home and a dinner was here it was a wonderful gift. I think it was more of a gift for me then Randy because I didn’t have to cook after work. An extra meal can be made when you are making your own dinner to give to another.
2. Buy a dinner- We received a few dinners that were bought at Sam’s club. These were great because if we had leftover and weren’t ready for those dinners we could put them in the freezer and use on a later day.
3. Gift of time- I have been blessed that I can keep up my job and work Randy’s job because he is off work for 8 weeks. If he had a job that I couldn’t keep up we would be devastated. I have received gifts of time. My brother-in-law has met me at work each day and helped me….He has took Randy’s place and helped me keep up his job. A wonderful gift that has kept our family afloat. *****Yesterday we were able to pay it forward and watch a dear friends 3 children while he went to the hospital with his wife….. so Babysitting is a gift of time! ****Sitting with a family member or friend at the hospital has they wait for their loved on in surgery….Is a gift of time
4. Food- I have a dear friend that dropped off a bag of groceries and a gallon of milk. She said “I was think you may not have had time to go to the store” Many of us have a stockpiled built up and we can take a few things and share with others. Another friend brought a Tupperware of cookies and her daughters made. One made the cookies, one made a beautiful picture and  the youngest a Christmas ornament. What a lovely gift.
5. Gift card- We received a gift card to a grocery store…then you can buy the things you need.
6. A Card with a note- I can’t say enough how much a card lifts your spirit. There is something in knowing someone is thinking and praying for you and your family.

Have a blessed New Year! Candy

Last week we had a medical emergency. My husband was coughing up blood and we went to the Emergency Room. we went on a roller coaster of emotions and diagnosis from lung cancer, acid reflex to now mitral valve prolapse. He will be having surgery sometime this week. He was able to come home for Thanksgiving and went back on Friday for more testing. We are blessed there is no other damage to his heart. In 3 weeks our oldest is getting married and all Randy asked the Doctor is “Can I walk my daughter down the aisle?” The Dr said “I am sure you will!”  Prayers and hugs! <3

We are tired of watching our money go down the drain!

Our family just seems to be spending left and right. Randy and I are thinking of what can we do! With 4 children, upcoming December wedding for our oldest, senior in High school all the graduation goodies, Sophomore cello lessons and class ring, class trip and our youngest viola lessons and he is our cheapest one right now. Decisions are being made!

• Cut the cable and we bought a digital antenna for $30 and will save $59.99 each month.
• Cut the home phone and save $29.99.
• Lower the minutes on our cell phones and saved $20

A  savings of a little over a hundred-dollar a month…..more cutting to come.

The kids aren’t so happy but ……Randy and I have been ruining lives since 1989. Have a blessed day, Candy

I don’t know if this is true where you live I can only imagine that it is. People are hurting, struggling and trying to keep their heads above water. I can’t believe all the closed and boarded windows on business’ and empty homes with long grass. It got me thinking we must help one another to get through this tight time. One may ask “well that sounds great on paper, but how when we are struggling too? or I don’t even know my neighbor”

• If you have a garden share
• If you are going to the store ask your neighbor “do you need anything?”
• help the elderly bring in or out their garbage – it has been hot.
• If you know your neighbor is struggling why not say hey Kroger had a great deal and I thought you could use some of these too!

Start the conversation…… extend your hand.

I guess we just need to keep our eyes and ears open if those around us needing help. Many times I forget the elderly that live in my neighborhood.

I am a believer when I give it comes back 10 fold….maybe not in things, but in love and friendship. Let me know any stories that come your way and I will you. I will be loving my neighbor.

Have a great day and God’s blessings, Candy