Christmas with Alzheimer's

Last night I went to my dad's Christmas party at the Assisted Living home. He has Alzheimer's Disease. He couldn't remember the words to his favorite songs, tried to cut his steak with a spoon and believes that I'm an old maid. Towards the end of the evening looked at me, smiled, and then said," Honey, I just want you to be happy." I almost broke down and cried.

The what ifs...

What if you only had one chance to go somewhere exciting, but you were not given the details about how long you would be there? Would you go?

What if you had the opportunity to meet and interact with many different kinds of people; some you would like and some you won't. You are told that at times you may feel alone, but you will always know that you are not. Would you do it?

What if you could be in a place where you could appreciate all the colors of the rainbow and more. You would be surrounded by various textures and enjoy an assortment of scents. It would be yours to chose if you like them or not, and the ones you dislike you can ignore. Would you like that?

What if you could wake up feeling secure with all you have, grateful for who you are, and on the look-out for ways in which you could help others. Does this sound like something you'd want to do?

What if you were told that sometimes you may feel afraid in this new place. It will take a lot of courage to be there. But you will have with you a book of examples from a man that was once there before you, and in this book are all the answers to everything you might feel. Do you think that might be helpful?

What if once you are in this new place you long to go back home. You don't feel as though you fit in anywhere or with anyone and nobody seems to care. You have tried over and over to be successful, but many times you have just failed. Then a man tells you that he has a gift for you and has paid for your fare to get home. He even guarantees that all your failures will be forgotten. Would you take his gift?

If these ideas appeal to you then I'd like to welcome you to the wonderful world of earth. I hope you enjoy your stay here and don't forget to thank the one who was sent here before you. He has provided a special gift just for you and he is known by many as, Jesus. Peace and Blessings with all Thanksgiving!

Playful Pinks

Photo by Samarazone

This day began with wicked skies,

I watched the shades of grays go by.

The warnings came of tornados too

and afterwards were skies of blue.

The winds picked up and scattered leaves,

my puppy hid behind the trees.

He sneezed a bit and shook his head

then took a nap on his house-warmed bed.

He woke again, I took him out

and surprised was I when I looked about.

The daytime gloom had changed to pink

so I grabbed my camera and made her wink.

Then I thanked God for ending this day

on a colorful note so my puppy could play.

Autumn in Michigan

Photo by Brent Nollar

Aristotle's Law of noncontradiction states that," One cannot say of something that it is and that it is not at the same respect and time." But, this is how I experience the season of Autumn here in Michigan.

For me, the fall season is all about contradictions. It begins by providing relief from the summer heat, but I don't need that kind of relief. I much prefer the comfort of warmer weather. Soon, the trees begin changing with colorful leaves, but I would rather change colors by way of paint, and prefer to look outdoors to see shades of green. Then the low, cumulus clouds begin to hide our beautiful sunshine and nature will become stripped down to her feet.

For many reasons, I associate God with our Autumns because he Is and can seem as though he's Not, all at the same time. I always know that God is with me, but sometimes it feels like he is not. Many times I don't appreciate his reasons for change, but I find that if I wait, and I am patient as I go through it, that God brings about a new season. And my favorite season happens to be Spring.

Waves at the Pier

Photo by Samarazone

As I was trying to capture this photo I rested my camera on a large rock, hoping to avoid a blurred picture caused by pressing winds. My hair blew into my eyes a few times and I couldn't see, but I continued to press forward and hold on.

A group of voices shouted, "Watch out! The waves are coming!"

I had no idea they were speaking to me.

Soon my shoes were soaked and I was wet up to my knees, but I was determined to finish what I had started.

That's how it is for me with God, I rest in his strength and continue to hold on. Other people don't always understand me, in fact, I'm often told I should be doing things another way, but it's not their voices I must listen to. I want the big picture, not just something mediocre. God's voice is the guiding light for me. I want a good finish to the life that he started.

Heart-shaped moon

There is one thing I'll miss about the warm nights of summer; sitting under the stars where I dream and I wonder.

Animusic - Aqua Harp

I imagine Heaven with sounds as wonderful as this!

Awesome!

Courtesy Woodtv.Blogs shar.es

A recently released picture of a nebula called IRAS 05437+2502 taken by the Hubble Telescope Advanced Camera. It shows a whispy ghost-like scene with a tent-like hat on top. Astronomers don't know what is lighting up this glowing object. This relatviely small nebula is in the constellation Taurus. The vastness, the complexity and the beauty of the universe is beyond our ability to comprehend and appreciate it. Sitting on the blue planet,we are but the tiniest pixel on a mos giant screen.What billions of secrets are waiting for us to discover?

More than a Rose

My husband and I recently celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We couldn't afford to do much of anything, but he did take me out for ice cream and I got my favorite...a banana split!

As I was wandering around our yard looking for a blog photo I noticed the beautiful color of the roses he had planted for me years ago. Almost every day throughout the summer he goes out and picks one. I may sit down at the kitchen table and see one waiting or be surprised that he snuck one on my desk. The roses are never perfect-just like me, but I'm always very grateful for all the represent.

My Deer, My Dear

Yesterday I was startled awake by the ramblings of an ending storm. I am not a trained meteorologist, but I do know that right before a storm leaves our area it sends one long and lasting rumble of thunder as if to say, 'remember I was here.'

Moments later I looked outside I saw two playful deer. One would leap high into the air followed by the other and I could sense their feeling of joy. Eventually the mother showed up and they respectfully followed her way.


I couldn't help thinking about how nature resembles our lives and that as we try to weather the current storm we are looking for that final blast before everything turns out all right. And as we pray for help we cant always see God, just like I couldn't see the deer until after the storm is over.

Plants hug too.

Isn't it wonderful that God created plants for hugging too?

My type of friend

The old typewriter was pretty simple. We used it to write letters, complete a variety of forms, and type page upon page of a good book. At the end of the day when you had finished using it, you just stood up and went on your way.

Today,the computer has obviously replaced the typewriter and it has so many uses that one could sit there keeping busy all day. For some the computer has become their life. It's the only time they socialize and make friends. But, I often wonder if this is really good for us.

These days most of us are on Facebook or Myspace or some other type of social media. But, when someone says LOL, I wonder how their giggle sounds. When they use FYI, I wonder if they are using an attitude. When they say ROFL I wonder what they look like while doing that and when I've seen PSML I wonder if they are in any way feeling embarrassed. I miss my hugs with a thank you, THX, and in our family when we tell someone we love them, ILU, we hold their hand and squeeze it three times.

Computers are here to stay, there is no doubt in my mind, but I sometimes miss seeing my old friends. I miss those quirky, individual mannerisms and the soothing sound of their voice. Words on a screen can never replace that.

Sometimes, late at night when I can't sleep I find myself hoping to find someone on the internet to talk to. Occasionally someone is there, but many nights they are just not. It's during these times when I find myself all alone, that I thank God, because he doesn't need a computer for us to make a connection. TTYL

Balloon Festival in Battle Creek, Michigan

Illume in Battle Creek at the Balloon Festival. God Bless the USA!

Jesus and the Lightning

I asked Jesus to help me get some good pictures tonight during a storm. I think he actually posed for me. Can you see Him in the clouds? 

National Day of Prayer

Photo by: Samarazone


Dear God,

On this National Day of Prayer, I ask for your continued blessings upon our nation, Lord. Return in us the desire to please YOU first. Renew our spirits, Bless our hearts, and let us show and let us share your great love. Amen.

Messed up.

God gave man and woman the Garden of Eden.
-Messed that up!
God provided sex to be enjoyed between a married man and woman.
-Messed that up!
God gave us the 10 commandments.
-Messed that up!
God gave us food to nourish our bodies.
-Messed that up!
God gave us eyes to see the pure beauty in our world.
-Messed that up!
God gave us language.
-Messed that up!
God provided us with beating hearts so we could fill them up with love.
-Messed that up!
God provided us with work, so we could produce, and then we could share it with one another.
-Messed that up!
God gave us a book, that we could believe in, and it showed us how to live.
-Messed that up!
God provided us with America, the land of the free.
-Messed that up!
God gave us his only son, Jesus Christ, who died for all our foolish sins.
- Are you gonna mess this one up too?

Praying Hands

As you're putting your hands together for prayer, God sneaks in between them.

Written by Samarazone...