Time grew my imagination until nothing fit!!!

 

 I called the manager of my new apartment complex and asked if I could get in my new apartment to see it. And she said Yes!!! So I grabbed a friend and we drove out there and got the key and went inside. The whole experience was a wonderful, fun time. I had not been in MY apartment only in another with the same floor plan so there were some questions I had and wanted to have a look see. Especially since I've been placing furniture on copies of the floor plan that I had made.

As you probably have guessed by now my imagination had so enlarged the areas even though I had the measurements of each room. To actually stand in the master bedroom was just plain funny and as my friend and I guestimated where things would go I realized that the vanity I have which is a regular wood desk that I had painted as was using as a vanity will not fit in the bedroom...it's too long! So now as I write myself to sleep I'm coming up with all kinds of ways to make a vanity that will fit!

I do love doing this sort of thing. It's actually more fun than just buying a piece that will fit the space and the reason for that is that I have to figure it all out and then do it and as far as I'm concerned the process fits right in with crafting.  I have to tell a story...

When we were stationed in Hawaii in the mid 70's we were invited to a party at a fellow worker of my husbands. The acquaintance had built his own home! That in itself was reason for us to go to the party besides the opportunity to enjoy the party. Not sure how many couples but probably at least 10. I'm saying that to give an idea of how large the home was.  It was absolutely amazing. The owner/builder took us on a tour and actually pointed out to us all the mistakes he had made in the process of building. Corners that didn't match, flooring that wasn't even, on and on. The home was absolutely awesome regardless of the mistakes that didn't show. We only saw them because he pointed them out to us.  When we retired and were no longer in the military we bought some land and proceeded to build our own home. It was nothing like his because number one it wasn't in Hawaii! The point is, after seeing what he had done gave us the courage to try it ourselves figuring if he could do it, we could do it.

Well with that same enthusiasim and delight at the prospect I have continued to do such things even now that I no longer have my other half. The posibility that I could do something, anything like build a table or use a cordless drill to make something instead of having to buy a readymade table or whatever is still with me and so...I will be making my craft room furniture or if not making it entirely, rearranging a piece of furniture and adding or subtracting to it to make it into what I need is an exciting prospect and part of my crafting!

Just a few more days and the projects will begin. And by the way I don't buy the best, I buy what will work and is within my budget and adapt or make do. If you are unaware...it's amazing what paint can do. I will be decopauging some things and changing the appearance in other ways with paint once the item has been built.

Of course I will post pictures along the way.  BTW, I met a couple of my new neighbors. This is so much fun. I was concerned my dogs blk rod iron fence wouldn't work on the patio just outside the back door but it's gonna fit just fine and we will both be able to sit on the back porch together safely and even have some potted plants around and atleast one hanging plant...a spider plant to be precise.  I had dreamed of having some plants inside all gathered infront of the living room window but not so sure it's going to be as large as I'd imagined. Of course everytig is smaller than I iagined...time does change what I thought saw but to be honest, the apartment is perfect, cozy comfortable and has all the elements in it to make my life comfy. Did I mention there's a garage? LOL! Oh, and a dishwasher, garbage disposal and built in microwave... The saying we've all heard about not appreciating what we have until we no longer have it is really true, just incase you didn't know that!

May 1st is the day the truck will haul my stuff to the new place. It's an absolute gift, certainly undeserved and I'm indeed thankful to the giver of all good and perfect gifts from above. 

Blessings to all who read and please leave a comment or even just a Hi!

9 days and a wake-up

  
9 days and a wake-up.

That's how may days until May 1 when I move from my current apartment to my new apartment home.

And what a ride this has been. 

It began in January with packing, thought it ended mid February so I unpacked but it wasn't true so I started packing up again and now It's just a few day until I get to unpack hopefully for the last time and what a relief it is to think like that. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions and planning and work-my budget and then packing and imagining all different kinds of scenarios. That's what I do when there's a big deal going on. I plan. So the next time I write will  be after the move.

And if I'm behaving outside the norm (or maybe it's actually my  norm!?) my Milo is beside himself with all the walls of boxes and of all things I moved his crate and now when I tell him to get in his crate, he doesn't know where it is!!!

I've promised him that when we get to our new home there won't be any walls of boxes and he will have a pillow in every room and his crate will  be in a special permanent place so he will always know where it is. I don't think he believes me.  Nearly everything is done and so these last few days I don't do any

real packing. Just house keeping and arranging things for the last go round of packing. I'm now living out of a borrowed suitcase. 

The drawers of my dresser are all empty and the closet is nearly empty with just a very few things

hanging. The shelf is bare and so is the floor. All the furniture in my bedroom is now empty with just 

a few, very few things laying around that will eventually be in a box. The Saturday before the 1st is 

a major packing day of all that remains. That being the kitchen. Then the day before the 1st will be

the last toss in a box day. That's for all those things that just didn't seem to belong in any other box. 

Either too small or awkward or got missed. I have a couple of friends with SUV's that are going to

take a load in their vehicles. They will load up two days before the move. Then bring their load

over at their convenience. As many times as I have moved there are some things that are always the

same and one is that no matter the planning, things never go the way you had in mind and, it always costs more than you thought it would. Of course I've planned for that but still...

The pictures on the side are the plants that I sold to help pay for this adventure. All except the last hanging spider plant. I kept it and it will hang outside on the back porch until it gets to be cold weather again. By that time I will have replaced the others and added more because there's more room. My day dream is to have a bunch of plans in pots and hanging in front of the living room window that faces South. They will be situated on river rock on a tarp with wood stumps edging. All shapes and sizes an I 

will have my own little forest. When the warm weather comes back around the plants will stay where 

they are, t least most will. I plan on having a Bogainvillea outside so when the weather changes it will come inside and hopefully bloom inside during the winter. I might even get a Plumeria before winter

and it can bloom inside too. Well, as you can probably tell, I can go on and on in my "planning".

I might go into the part of this time I referred to as "a ride" in my next post. It might really help some-

one. Blessings to all and hop you are enjoying the spring weather where you live. There's a bigger story here and I want to tell it because it's encouraging. In this day and time we need all the encouraging

words we can get. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Until next time, I am Judy writing to you late on a Friday night while my pup sleeps in his crate and some slow jazz playing  on my music selection on You Tube. BTW, it rained most of the day here so it's been a relaxing day at my place.

Good night

Spring in my front flowerbed. Beautiful Iris from a good friend! They will stay!

 

I bet you'd never guess ...

You know there is a lot that goes into 80 years of living. April 15 I will celebrate my 80th birthday. As you might guess I've been considering how I got to 80. It just so happens that my life has been absolutely lived, absolutely!

For some of us particular birthdays are like a time to evaluate and think about the age we are becoming before that particular number. Remember adding "a half" when you were a kid? Indicator that we were in a hurry to grow up, to reach a particular age. Maybe the age of an older sibling and a lot a times it meant we would be allowed to do something or have something when we get to be that age.

Turning 80 is different. It's kinda funny to imagine now instead of saying I'm 79 and a half, it's probably more like digging my heals in the ground in an attempt to slow down and not get there so fast. Not that I don't want to be 80. Actually it's kind of a prize. What's really interesting is the looking back.

At this age I'm the only one remaining in my family. The Mom and Dad are gone and my only sibling also. I grew up living with my grandmother on my Mom's side living with the four of us for about 12 years of my life and of course she is gone. My husband is also gone 17 plus years ago. I have 2 daughters and for the youngest daughters family I'm the only grandparent for her children.

I don't spend a lot of time on a daily basis thinking about how life use to be, but it can be interesting as I continue having birthdays. Most people I know, even those I've known for a long time don't know a lot about my life growing up and that's because it was different. I didn't live in the same town between birth and 18. I didn't grow up with the same friends through those years. Where a lot of the people my age that I'm friends with remember their elementary school teachers' names. Even their class mates all through school. 

I have never been to a school reunion which use to be the thing to do for some of my friends. Even now I have a friend that goes to her high school reunion every year. I don't remember any of the names of the other students I went to school with at the school I graduated from.

Just a peek at the states I've lived in with a designated break between high school and the rest of the years. Here goes: Texas, California, Florida, Nebraska. Total number of cities in that time:, 8. (the different houses and school changes not reflected) After high school graduation the states are:South Carolina, North Carolina, New Mexico, Florida, North Carolina Texas, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Hawaii, North Carolina, Texas, Texas. Rwanda Africa.The number of cities: 21. I went to 14 different schools in 12 years. I moved on an average of every 2 and a half years. The first house I remember was in Fresno, California on Wilson Avenue and we moved from there when I was in the 4th grade. Our new home was in the country and I attended the Lone Star Elementary School just outside the Fresno City Limits. I have to say that was the best of all my youth moves because a dog came with the grape orchard, house, barn, several out buildings and an irrigation tank turned into a swimming pool. AND I got to ride a school bus. 

Certainly not a boring life. It's good that I have the personality that I have. I thank God for that. I've been able to look forward to the next new home, next city, next state, even next country with great zeal for what was ahead in life for me. Always an adventure. And today? Today is 1 week to my birthday and I'm moving to a Senior apartment complex across town and it's a gift from God, who gives good gifts. Hopefully, and I believe here, that it's my last move until I move to Heaven. I say it's a gift of God, from God because of the way it has come about and that it has every element that I've done without since 2006 at the passing of my beloved husband and my life completely changed. Every area including my living conditions meaning the places I've lived since have been less than what I thought I wanted.

I've learned to live without and now those elements of home are being restored in such a remarkable way and I give Him the glory for this gift He is giving to me. I move in to my new apartment May 1st.  Totally unexpected and it shouldn't have been possible...but it's happening anyway. That is for another post. My post title "I bet you'd never guess..." probably should read, "I would have never guessed!".

In these present days I'm packing and making all the necessary decisions and doing the work to prepare for the actual day I move. I have about 3 weeks left to wind it all up and these days are not without bumps and puzzles regarding decisions. The "but what about.." questions pop up daily but daily I'm assured when God gives a gift He gives it completely leaving nothing out, so there's nothing to worry about along the way. I'm learning so very much about trust and hope and taking one step and one day at a time. Talk about an exciting trip I'm taking on the way to occupying his gift of home to me.

I started writing this post a couple of weeks ago and today is the actual day to post it. Not sure when the next post will be. Quite possible after moving day May 1st...guess I'll just wait and see. Hope you enjoy reading this one. Please leave a comment, even just a hello would be great. Until the next one, Look up, move forward and enjoy the day. Surrounded by boxes I am...Judy

A surprise!

 First time bloomer this color was unexpected in my front flowerbed...

maybe a goodbye ...sure is pretty.

Are you forsaking the fellowship of the saints?

 

The Challenge: is it fellowship or is it church?

Just this past week as the teacher/leader of a Bible Study of about 6 Senior women, I made a comment.  During a rather long comment I said "I haven't been a member of a church for a long time". What I meant was, I had not officially joined a church. There are several reasons for that beginning with having been a Pastor in a denominational church of course I was a member officially.

After resigning from the official position I attended another church. I changed churches several times over 17+ years being faithful and very active in each church I attended. Recently I've been attending a small denominational church and the comment I made at first was I'm thinking I may actually join the church I've been attending." Then followed the above statement about not having been a member...!

A few moments later one of the group asked me how did I reconcile the scripture about not forsaking the fellow shipping of the saints. Hebrews 10:25   My comment was "I don't have a problem with it". I didn't really understand what she was asking. A short back and forth followed while I was trying to figure out exactly what she was asking me. I'm still not completely sure if she misunderstood my statement and was thinking I wasn't going to church or if adding a signature to a membership card or list meant not forsaking the fellow shipping of the saints.

Why talk about this? Because I think it brings up an important subject for understanding of exactly why we Christians go to church. What's the purpose of it? And what's fellow shipping and what's church attendance? Are they the same? Does it matter? I think it does.

So, here's my two cents.

Church is not a building! Church are the people who occupy the building. Do the people have to meet together in a building? No, we can meet anywhere and any day at any time. What is the definition of a church meeting or maybe what is the purpose of a church gathering as we currant day Christians understand?

Church: Generally an organized, planned meeting of believers with a well studied God, prayed up, called Pastor who will bring the Word of God to those in attendance. That being said, the particular Pastor may do so in a 3 point outline, with stories and examples to make the point. Other's may bring the Word of God as a lecture of sorts. There will also be as scheduled, the serving of communion to celebrate the Last Supper as Jesus directed the disciples. And Praise and Worship in song whether hymnals are used or choruses. In some churches, dance and flag waving all to offer praise and worship to our God. Prayer is offered by the Pastor as well as altar workers who pray for individual needs. The gifts of Holy Spirit participate in the gathering as in the New Testament, for healing, counsel, deliverance, encouragement of the believers, plus water baptisms, and testimonies, a call for salvation to those who are unsaved.

Depending on the denomination there may be other elements like announcements, baby dedications, Words of Prophecy in Tongues and interpretation, songs and spiritual songs.

Fellowship: Generally, Christians gather together to spend time in getting to know each other and to speak of things of faith, hope, love. Praying together for the concerns of those present, sharing of scriptures and allowing Holy Spirit to take part through His gifts in the people for one another. Depending on the host/hostess there may be a shared meal. May or may not be children present.  May be held in informal surroundings in home, park, fellowship hall, etc. Sometimes there is a short teaching with participation from the group. More of a family atmosphere is present.

My thought is this: the forsaking of the fellow shipping of the saints means not spending time with the brethren of the faith whether it be 2 or more. Not assembling or gathering together with others of the faith.

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forsake somebody/something (for somebody/something) to leave someone or something, especially when you have a responsibility to stay:  to renounce or entirely turn away from.  Forsake means to renounce or entirely turn away from something. Oxford Dictionary

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“Do Not Forsake Assembling” Meaning

In this passage, the Greek word used for assembling is “episynagoge,” which suggests an official meeting. This could include worship, praying, reading, teaching, hearing, and studying the Word. 

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The spiritual reality and need of “do not forsake assembling” is more than an official meeting. It’s a call to be empowered by God and do life together. As the Body of Christ, we are to be living proof of a loving God to those around us. Hebrews 10:24 says, “… consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,” and verse 25 mentions “exhorting one another” (emphasis added)

Abundant Life Church

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In Summary. Hebrews 10:25, “do not forsake assembling,” which means we are to assemble, but furthermore, it is a wise word written to protect us from the wiles of our enemy. When we assemble as the Body of Christ, we are to stir each other up in love and encourage one other in our faith. Bible.org (Baptist organization)

 

What I believe:  Fellowship is relationships between people and in the Church it is between fellow Christians. The elements involved are variable and in the Love of Christ as exhibited among the saints attending. Where 2 or more are gathered in the name of Jesus Christ there is fellowship. If one names himself a Christian and does not fellowship that Christian is forsaking the fellow shipping of the saints. 

I'm Judy and happy to be writing this post this Saturday morning the day before Resurrection Sunday. Go celebrate and fellowship life forever more because of an empty tomb for He is risen. Amen