Oh my goodness! After almost SEVEN years, I have found out how to log in to my Blogger account once again! I am going to pick up where I left off on this blog!

#891 - For Bleu my "Huskalute" puppy (Husky/Malamute mix). He is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun...like an overgrown, living stuffy!

#892 - For the community at Mighty Networks for our Thin Within Participants. What a joy it is to get to serve them!

#893 - For my bestest bestie in the history of the world--Christina Motley! I am so thankful that God brought us together over 8 years ago!

#894 - For MICHAEL!!!

#895 - For our time at Campus By the Sea. It was beautiful and was a time of a lot of growth. We were there from August of 2019 to June of 2022.

#879. The history of the fort sitting atop a hill in Antigua.

#880. For the warmth of the Caribbean waters as I swam for the first time since my back surgery in June 2014. I didn't know I could do that!

#881.  The many micro-climates in the coral reefs in Half Moon Key and the abundance of wildlife we enjoyed as we snorkeled.

#882. For new beginnings.

#883. For Retrouvaille that has given my husband and I tools that have transformed us personally and as a couple.

#884. For an amazing online community of Thin Within leaders, their many gifting, talents, and all the willingness they bring to minister to people all over the world!

#885. For a most amazing prayer partner who doesn't stop lifting me before the throne of grace, going to God again and again on my behalf.

#886. The confidence that reconciliation is God's will--without any doubt.

#887. For forgiveness.

#888. How wise and wonderful iguanas are!

#889. Hammocks stretched between palm trees over white sand. (Yes, I know...I am spoiled rotten!)

#890.  For medical professionals who were able to intervene when my body was being chewed up internally by a staph infection. I am able to walk, hike, swim...and horseback ride, too.

I am going to add from the gratitude challenge that someone issued me on Facebook. So, will put them in here. Some are yesterday's and some are today's. :-)

#868. That when the care broke down in the canyon yesterday we were able to pull out of harm's way to a shoulder where we could be safe and a tow truck could manage to get the "Columboat" loaded. There are VERY few spots on this road where this is possible!

#869. For a wonderful outing with Michaela and Bob. I felt "normal." When we dropped Jan off at the airport it felt so good to walk around there. I am just glad I can walk -- even with a walker due to my back issues (vertebrae assaulted by staff infection...lost the use of my legs temporarily, had extreme back surgery to hopefully recover the use...not at 100% yet, but with a walker I am secure enough). Michaela, Bob and I went to lunch at In-n-Out and then to Jamba Juice. We saw some old friends and it was SO good to see them!

#870. That I can walk with a cane...that my ability to walk is increasing, when I didn't know just 3 weeks ago if I would ever walk at all again.

#871. For the blessing of having my friend Jan with me this week! Such amazing timing! It couldn't have been more perfect for helping me to get used to being home again with this "new normal." Jan did so much to help me acclimate.

#872. That I can do so many more things today (not even three weeks post-op!) than I could do a week ago. I can tell I am healing!

#873. That God receives my tears and understands my grieving and accepts me with love.

#874. That I have such a kind husband that he keeps reassuring me we will get through this challenge and he continues to work tirelessly and then do animal chores (feeding/caring for the horses) and all the other stuff that accrues around here in a day when I can't do the normal things (No bending, lifting, twisting while I am in this stage of recovering).

#875. For a friend purchasing me a bible study that gives me a focus each day for my study. I am hoping to learn a lot about prayer. I am so grateful to have a new study to do.

#876. For time out on the deck with my husband just sitting, hanging, talking, dreaming, hoping.

#877. That I can sleep flat on my back the way I need to for healing to happen the way it needs to. I have never been able to sleep on a firm mattress, but I can now, thankfully. It is what I need.

#878. For a church that I LONG to attend each week. I have missed being there since May 18th and I think I get to go today. I hope so! Here's hoping my stamina holds. Thankful for the people and my pastor(s) and for the worship team. Can't wait to return to the worship team again. I just love my church and am so glad to feel this way.

#832. Abundance - no physical lack for shelter, food, love.

#833. Physical health - the ability to move and have fun and play!

#834. The joy of being on the worship team!

#835. Being able to give things away that bless others to receive.

#836. Spending time with my friend, Aimee. I LOVE HER!

#837. God is "weaning me" from things...so my soul can be stilled and quieted...such a relief (Psalm 131:2)

#838. For tenderness between myself and a much loved family member, even through trials.

#839. For kind words extended to me when I have needed it most. Not just flattery, either, but kindness that reaches deep into my heart.

#840. For hugs from my 21 year old son who I don't get to see enough!

#841. My accountability partner. Boy, do I put her through the paces!

#842. For Judy Halliday and the investment she has placed in me over the many years...even when I am sure I have tried her patience!

#843. It is good to be home for a while...and I relish my "alone" time!

#844. For the trials that God has ordained. They have caused me to cling to him and to begin to know him so much more.

#845. For my rides on Harley! One of my BIGGEST goals for 2013 has been accomplished...to ride my horse again!

#846. For a wonderful therapist who has helped me navigate through these challenging months (that have turned into years...wow!)

#847. For my new riding friend, Traci, who has made it possible for me to dare to go out riding.

#848. For secrets shared.

#849. Fun with Daisy Dog in the hammock!

#850. Soreness of muscles after exercise. What a good feeling.

#851. Beautiful "top down" weather in the convertible!

#852. The relief that comes with extending forgiveness.

#853. Sunshine through the living room window.

#854. For the confidence that I did the right thing in letting Jordan go to Rainbow Bridge when I did.

#855. For a productive weekend cleaning out the garage and the back deck!

#856. My clients! I am so fortunate!

#857.  Conversation

#858. Barb Raveling and the things she writes that really cut to the chase and are used by God to teach and convict and heal and restore!

#859. That I get to share with the women in Mt. Vernon Washington in March. I can't wait to be with them.

#860. That I am aware of God's wonderful, saturating, loving presence so much in the moments of life.

#861. For a great bargain I got for our stay in Disneyland Grand Californian hotel in December!

#862. For my kids...They are adults now...I am so blessed to have two precious amazing kids. It still seems impossible. ME? Kids? And such great people they are.

#863. For great insights that come from other authors.

#864. For beautiful Pandora music!

#865. For the incredible relationship I have with Andrea...my sister. Who would have thought my mom's legacy to us would be such closeness with one another?

#866. All the things I am learning about God through my bible studies. My brain is on tilt! I love him so much!

#867. Keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus really is a "stabilizer" for life. It WORKS.

Grand Cayman Blessings - Too Many To Count!

#823 - Amazing vacation in Grand Cayman. None of my fears were realized and dreams that I didn't know I had came true.



#824 - Warm night wind blowing across the water. Who would have thought we could sit outside each evening on the beach enjoying wind...so warm, yet refreshing at the same time!



#825 - My husband actually disconnected from work almost 100% for an ENTIRE WEEK! WOW!

#826 - Sunset washed the entire sky with peach, orange, purple, pink the last night we were in Grand Cayman. Sooooo beautiful.



#827 - Cantering horses on white sandy beaches. We felt like we were the only ones in the world!

#828 - Swimming out in the Caribbean Sea astride trustworthy "steeds." What an incredible experience to go bareback into the surf. Then, to ride them as they ran whither deep (not far as it is so strenuous). There is NOTHING that compares to that!

#829 - The giggles coming from my husband as we did #828 above! That was PRICELESS and worth going to Cayman just to hear that. Unadulterated chuckles of joy...too awesome for words.

#830 - Sailing/motoring boat trip with Captain Patrick and Melech out to Stingray Sandbar and Barker's Reef. Barker's Reef was a virtually "virgin" part of the coral reef teeming with wildlife! Stingray Sandbar enabled us to feed stingray's and just swim with them. Without any other people. It was incredible.

#831 - Melech, the mate, on the sailboat was extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, Cayman and just about anything and everything. I loved the science field trip feel he brought to our excursion.

Thank you, Lord.

#813. Holly, Tom, Aimee, Laura -- wonderful friends who I have enjoyed spending time with. It is soooo wonderful to spend time with people who love Jesus.

#814. Active, athletic, energetic tennis friends new and old: Patti, Donna, Peggy, Greta, Linda, Molly, Mary, Edna, Donna, Gail, Carole, etc., etc. They make hitting fuzzy yellow balls a blast!

#815 Bubbly beverages. I love effervescence!

#816. That even if American Airlines cancelled my daughter's flight back to the States from London, they have, in the long run, made good on decent customer service - or I anticipate so. I pick Michaela up tomorrow evening. Can't wait to see her!

#817. Chipotle burritos. I can get four meals out of one burrito!

#818. The breeze softly drifting through the house as I have all the windows open. Lazy weather.

#819. Jesus meeting me on my deck in the early morning hours, bringing Scripture to life in new ways, saturating me with a sense of his presence and confidence in his love.

#820. Hope for three weeks with my girl-child before she goes back to college in Wheaton.

#821. Freshly cleaned saddle! I WILL ride again this year!

#822. The man-child has a distinct smell. I love when I smell it because it means he is near. I love him so much. Glad he is willing to meet me for breakfast or help me when my car goes into the shop.

Morning on the Deck

#809. The "Chatty Cathy" finches, singing, arguing, praising, chatting in the morning.

#810. Cool breeze playing with the leaves. Closing my eyes and feeling it caress my skin. Hearing the rustle of the leaves.

#811. Sunlight playing in the dancing leaves.

#812. Warm morning with as much promise for the day as any day. How I *feel* about things doesn't have to *dictate* what is. God's mercies are new.

Must

#801. Home. It's good to be there.

#802. Home. My heavenly, eternal home...an inheritance that can't diminish, perish, spoil or fade...ever before me. The hope of it, encourages me. I long for *that* home!

#803. Incredible tennis with someone my husband works with in Houston. We rendevous every time we can...we have twice now in Houston, twice in Auburn/Roseville, once in Las Vegas, and once at Newport Beach. I think we have a tennis addiction! Great lady and fun fun fun fun FUN tennis!

#804. The blessing that happens...broadsides, really...when your (recently adult-ed) child makes a difficult, but great decision.

#805. I want to be able to type into this list "For the times when God keeps me waiting." I am not there yet--not able to honestly post that. But I am grateful that I even want to be able to be grateful for it. I know that this is a start.

#806. For a visit with my sis-in-law when I was in Houston. Fun. And for the praying, too!

#807. For the healing power present in praise and gratitude. God is present all the time, but there is something about praising Him that seems to make him that much more palpable...and gratitude, too.

#808. The story of Hagar in the Scriptures...who, when despondent...met God and gave him the name "The God Who Sees Me." I love that. My God sees me...he knows everything. What a precious truth.

Life is a Road Trip

#796. Scent of wet Idaho soil, turned over, watered, faith and hope of a farmer displayed to challenge and encourage me.

#797. Meandering river seemingly leading to a holy treasure...a mountain range in the distance.

#798. This amazing country is filled with incredible beauty...mountains, deserts, rivers, forests, lakes, salty plains...and people of such diversity. How creative is our God!

#799. A great truck that didn't even hesitate to go over 4000 miles, through desert, mountains, snow, rain, and warm sun...never skipped a beat!

#800. Music that causes One Loved to think of me with a smile and to call me to say so. :-)

#790. Hugs and kisses from my Babydre! A trip to Chicago, planned, hoped for, and that happened!

#791. Anticipation of many "new things" that God is up to. When he does a "new thing" it is always good..,even if it doesn't always feel like it.

#792. Special friends who take hot tea to my baby when she is sick and I can't be there!

#793. Bubbles! 

#794. Sweet, warm horse breat and soft muzzle.

#795. Optimism. Almost 21 year old son returning from a year at bible college to an apartment of his own! A new chapter in his life will begin one month from today. :-)

#785. Great Horned Owl calling in the twilight, echoing in the forest. More mysterious wonder. All God's creatures!

#786. Chorus of frogs, crickets, turkeys, and owls singing in the early evening.

#787. Phone call from baby girl. Joy in her voice puts a song in my heart!

#788. Drifting to sleep held by One Loved.

#789. Forgiveness...worth the pain and the fight.

#782. Majestic, playful, spirited answer to prayer asking the Giver to show us His glory!

#783. My life's partner (husband) "scheming" for a 2013 vacation and 2014 vacation...hope for my heart for a future together.

#784. Clouds clearing, rain giving up to sun while in Monterey Easter weekend!

#776. Redbud blooming throughout the canyons here in the Motherlode! God decorates his world in early spring with such beauty.

#777. Trees draped with green. Spring is here!

#778. Aimee

#779. Tennis friends who are just such wonderful people - yesterday seeing Teresa, Linda (both Lindas!), Pam, Mary, Donna, Rick, and Bill. It is so refreshing to be with such wonderful people. I am blessed.

#780. Bob's partnership with Thin Within materials. His help with videos and audios.

#781. Conversation with Judy Halliday about the future and linking arms again.

#772. That even though my husband's commitment to the Lord and "til death do us part" has waned (evaporated, disappeared, died...whatever), he still seems to enjoy being together. It is a challenging thing to value that so much...when what I long for MOST is for him to know the *true* Jesus intimately and personally and see life as a grand adventure because of walking with the King of the Universe. Nevertheless, I am grateful today that Bob still walks with me and maybe, just maybe, he will yet fall in love with the Savior.

#773. That the change in my husband's commitment to our marriage causes me to be dependent on GOD ALONE. Nothing is certain except Christ.

#774. For the joy of the study with the people at my Thin Within Blog. It is so wonderful to see lives impacted by studying together and sharing in an online community.

#775. For a GREAT conversation on the phone yesterday with a dear long-time mentor and friend, Judy Halliday. For the future, as we link arms once again going forward. God really IS doing a new thing!

#767. For the words, "Will you retire with me to Colorado?" The feeling that eyes, heart, and mind are looking to a future together.  I will not take this for granted. Thank you, Lord.

#768. Sunshine warmth, even while working, out on the deck with my husband--my husband--next to me.

#769. My feelings do not get to dictate or predict the future. I am so glad this is true. That in speaking truth to my soul (the gospel is the best place to start), my feelings fall in line.

#770. For the way God is at work in the women connecting at http://www.godisdoinganewthing.com

#771. That I get to travel with my husband "for business," with an extra day in Disneyland together. So many memories. So many years.

#765. For the book, 1000 Gifts, and the companion devotional. Today's words are for me...

"He takes my empty hands and draws me close to the thrum of Love. You may suffer loss but in Me is anything ever lost, really? Isn't everything that belongs to Christ also yours?"

and

"If all the work of transfiguring the ugly into the beautiful pleases God, it is a work of beauty. Is there anything in this world that is truly ugly? That is curse? Can I believe the gospel, that God is patiently transfiguring all the notes of my life into the song of His Son?"

"God is always good and I am always loved."

"...take the pain that is given, give thanks for it, and transform it into a joy that fulfills all emptiness."

#766. Matt Maher...surprise guest worship leader at church last night. It was SO awesome to worship to his music:


"Christ Is Risen"

Let no one caught in sin remain*
Inside the lie of inward shame
We fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to him who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely you bled, for us

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave!

Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave!

Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bow to none but heavens will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold you down
In strength you reign
Forever let your church proclaim

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave

Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
The glory of God has defeated the night!

Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
Our God is not dead, he's alive! he's alive!

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave

Rise up from the grave...

#762. The invitation extended from hubby to travel with him. Gives me warm fuzzies!

#763. Hot spa...warm water enveloping my body, hot water waterfall cascading over my head...too wonderful!

#764. The anticipation of returning *home* after a trip. There really is no place like home.

#757. That God is here, "even" in Las Vegas (something I wondered about the only other time I have been here many years ago...true confessions).

#758. My body surrendered to sleep. What a wonderful surprise!

#759. Smooth traveling mercies yesterday.

#760. Conversations with my daughter about the things she has been learning at Wheaton in her Old Testament Archeology class. God is faithful!

#761. Clear skies and the promise of a beautiful day.

#751. Traveling with hubby on his business trip.

#752. That while I am traveling with hubby, I get to play tennis with one of my favorite peeps for hitting with...one of his associates from another state. What a delightful surprise!

#753. Stars glimmer brightly in the winter night as we are warmed by our out-door propane heater.

#754. The joy in my husband as he enjoyed track day at Infineon on Friday.

#755. That I finished the final "rough" draft (does that make sense?) of two more sample chapters in From Fear to Faith on the Path of Praise. Now, an editor will make them shine (I hope!).

#756. That I get to coach clients in applying the Thin Within principles. What JOY there is in encouraging others!

Pizza from Round Table :-)

#748. Pizza. Wow...last night, the pizza was THE best. Maybe it is because I haven't had pizza in WEEKS! (I think.) No matter. The textures and tastes in pizza are just awesome!

#749. Hearing my husband laugh.

#750. Jokes shared with someone you have loved for 30 years.