WELCOME SPRING!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Checking in

Hello my wonderful blogging friends! I have to tell you that I had no idea I would be away for so long. What started as a two or three week declutting endeavor has turned into a miserable sinus infection, which has left me with a house full of clutter! I managed to do some decluttering and got several cupboards and drawers organized, but the infection has caused some dizziness, so much of what I brought out of the cabinets remain on my dining table until I can finish the job. Thinking it was a long lasting, bad cold, I didn't go to the doctor til two weeks ago, when the dizziness started to worry me...the first round of antibiotics didn't do the trick, so I'm on the second round. I am so ready to be over this!


Just briefly, I also want to tell you that during this time, I have been doing a lot of thinking, a lot of praying, and made some discoveries about life...my life and life in general. Sometimes it takes a "time out", getting off the treadmill, and stopping long enough to listen to God's voice...often, we won't do it unless we have to...getting sick seems to get our attention. Anyway, I want to share some of those insights along the way. We all have them, and I want and need to hear what God is saying to you as well. I've missed that these last two months...your blogs always encourage and inspire...I hope that mine will do the same for you.

I subscribe to "Wisdom from the Psalms"and receive emails each day, with a scripture and commentary ...this one came yesterday, and it spoke to me, as it is something I'm dealing with right now...my attitude in times of trial. More on that later. I hope you are blessed by this as I was.

Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.


"To look at Bess and to listen to her talk, you would never have thought she was dying of cancer. She always had the same smile on her face and a kind word for everyone who came to see her. The other patients spent a lot of time with her, because her spirit seemed to be contagious. She ministered to her roommates by remaining cheerful and positive. Even the thought of death couldn't take Bess's dynamic humor from her.

The love of God can help us to endure many things. Circumstances that ordinarily knock us flat are a s nothing when face-to-face with the power of God. Cry out to God in times of affliction, and He will comfort you and lift you above the fear of evil things. Truly, our help is in the Lord."

Prayer: There is nothing in this life, Lord, that I cannot face as long as You are with me. Amen.


One of the greatest gifts God has given us is each other...it's no wonder He tells us to love one another as He loves us...and believe me, the love I have felt through your comments is overwhelming. I have finally read all of them, and will respond as soon as I can. I SOOOOO appreciate you!

Praying that the Lord bless all of you. So much is happening in our world...politics, catastrophes, war, disease and death...let's remember how blessed we are and continue to pray for those that have great needs right now.



Mary

22 comments:

  1. Hi Sweet Mary,
    Oh I am so sorry that you have been so sick! I hope and pray that you will be feeling better soon.
    This post really speaks to me and He has shown me His love and comfort.

    Take care of your self...
    Hugs~n~Love,
    Lynn♥


    ~Let FREEDOM Ring!~

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  2. So sorry to hear that you have been sick. What sweet words of wisdom. Thanks for a great post.

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  3. Mary, I am sorry that the dizziness continues to be a problem. I am praying as always for you. I don't even find it amazing anymore that the Lord seems to be dealing with us in such similiar ways with such similiar issues. He definitely brought us together to be there for one another. You are such a comfort and inspiration to me. I really do want to be like the woman in the devotional you shared. She has soo obviously just let the Lord so control her life that even in the midst of GREAT trial those around her can only sense Him. Can you only imagine the peace she must feel? I am back to the docs again too this morning. My sinuses are soo full and my ears are soo plugged (and "you" know what that does to me,lol) I am really hoping he can figure out something. And unfornately, my hubby has this now too. Coughed ALL NIGHT and is running a temp. Soo not good. Take GOOD CARE my friend and I will e-mail you later. Lots of love to you, Debbie

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  4. Sorry you have not been well. We have definitely missed you. I know what you mean about needing that quiet time with GOD.
    Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
    andrea

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  5. Hi Mary,

    Good to see you posting. May God continue to bless you and your family.

    You are one wonderful Lady.

    Willow

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  6. I was just thinking about you yesterday my dear Mary.Missing you..♥
    Wondering how you were doing. That is a big job you have set out for yourself.
    Please take it slow and give the meds time to work. Dizzy is not good!
    I have a cold that is over a week old now but better.
    Sunshine,promises of Spring I see and knowing this too shall pass will get us through.
    Hugs,
    Lola

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  7. I've been MIA, too, Mary for different reasons, but I'm SO glad I checked in and caught up with you.

    Here's hoping you have a wonderful, blessed day. Feel better and be well!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  8. God Bless you, Mary, and may you feel near to Him through all your trials and joys.
    I know what you mean about being away from blogging, the same thing happened to me, life just gets in the way sometimes.
    I think of you often and you are in my prayers.

    "I am the Lord your God, Who holds your right hand, and I tell you, 'Don't be afraid. I will help you." ~ Isaiah 41:13
    Love to you,
    Eileen

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  9. Lovely blog....hope you are feeling better and hope that next time the decluttering doesn't bring on the same thing. It's nice to declutter at this time of year.
    I love the 23rd Psalm so much.
    "The Joy of the Lord is Your strength" I quote this verse many times a day, if need be.
    The Word is so true.
    God Bless you
    ANDREA

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  10. I enjoyed your thoughts today and devotional which inspired me, too. I'm signing up to your blog so I can read more of your life changing lessons on your journey. I hope you get stronger each and every day. I feel for you because sinus infections are painful and wipe you out. I use to get them regularly until I began using my netti pot.

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  11. It was good to hear from you Mary. I hope you get over your sinus trouble soon. I know it's hard to get anything done when you're not feeling well, especially when you're still taking care of others too!
    Hugs,
    Dawn

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  12. Hi Mary....I have been thinking about you and hoping that everything is going well for you and your family. I just got back today from Orlando and I am trying to catch up on everything. I am sorry your sinus infection became worse. Sometimes it seems the older we get the harder it is to shake our ailments, aches and pains. Take care, my friend and thank you for your inspiring post!~Hugs, Patti

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  13. Hi Mary, I am sorry you haven't felt well. You have been in my prayers many times in these last weeks and you will remain right there.

    We miss you!!

    Hugs and blessings, Barb ♥

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  14. Hi Mary,
    Always good to hear from you. Hope you will be back soon!
    Valerie

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  15. Dropping back by to wish you a most wonderful day, Mary!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  16. Hi Mary
    Your comments really blessed me today. I too am trying to learn the lesson of triumphing in the midst of trials. It's a hard one!
    Sorry to hear you have been sick.
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  17. I surely hope you are better soon.

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  18. Mary darling I missed you terribly during your loooong absence. I am glad to hear that you are on the mend. Luv, this is such an eloquently written post. Take care of yourself first darling the house and the rest come later on the list, your health is the most important. I am delighted you re back.

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  19. Mary, what a beautiful post and scriptures. I'm not so sure I would have the same attitude as Bess,God Bless her and may we all be a little like that. I have missed you and think of you often. I'm glad that there is rainbow in your future.
    Blessings,
    Ginger

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  20. Hi Mary,
    I guess you know that you have been missed, judging from all the comments! I'm glad to know you are starting to feel better! I enjoyed your little devotional, and I hope you will find yourself getting stronger every day. I am looking forward to your posts up and running again. Meanwhile, take care and know that I'm thinking about you.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  21. Mary darling wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed Easter. I am so lucky to have you as a friend. Therefore, this Easter I will count my blessings and will count you twice luv.

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  22. love your blog...and your heart. Sarah

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