God's Little Inspiration

As many of you may or may not know, I suffer from anxiety and depression.  And with all that's been going on in the world around us this past year, my anxiety has gotten out of hand.  I've basically just been staying home, not because I'm afraid of anything, but simply because I can't stand seeing what's going on in our world right now.  

Well my oldest grand-daughter, Bree, will be celebrating her 14th birthday on Tuesday, and we had to run into the grocery store the other day to order her cake.  While this should be no big deal...for me, it was devastating.  I dreaded it for days, knowing I had to go in public.  Needless to say, I worked myself all up.  I prayed and prayed about it.  

That very day my 5-year old grand-daughter, Bella had to go up to the school for a bit, and it was going to be her first time going to the school and meeting her teacher in person.  She was a little scared, but my daughter told me she did really well.  She took her teacher's hand and walked right down the hall with her.  She was so brave!  I was so proud of her!

So I thought to myself, stop being selfish!  If my little Bella could do this, then I could do it, too!  And I did!  I walked right into that store, helped Janna order Bree's cake, got the things we needed, and that was that!  

With God's help and Bella as my "little inspiration", I did what I needed to do.  And you know, that's how it is...we just have to depend on the Lord when we're in a scary or overwhelming situation.  Jesus tells us over and over again not to be afraid.  He is always with us.  He will not leave us nor will He forsake us.  Will I be afraid again?  Yes, I'm only human.  But I have to remember to focus on God and not my fear...not my anxiety...not my problems.  What is God's "little inspiration" for you?

                          "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

Little Things

"I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world..."
                  Louis Armstrong

You know it's the little things that make life wonderful.  It's the little things that can bring you true happiness.  It's the little things in life that matter the most.

There is something good in every day; sometimes we just have to look for it.  We have to notice the little things like a child's kiss, little arms around your neck, or a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter's day.  Or maybe it's your friends - your family.  Maybe it's when someone smiles at you, when someone holds a door open for you, or maybe it's the laughter you share.  The little things...the little moments...maybe they aren't so little after all.  Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.  These little things can add up to a lifetime of beautiful memories.  Celebrate every moment.

Learn to appreciate everything and everyone you have in your life because these moments will soon pass, and you'll wish you'd treasured them more.  Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have.

So the next time that child reaches for your hand, or you wake up to the smell of coffee in the morning, appreciate the moment.  Be grateful for today and never take anything for granted.  Life is a blessing, and the world is full of beautiful things - including you.

"In everything give thanks..."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Be Still

Life  can sometimes be overwhelming, and we simply forget to breathe.  Maybe life’s  not going how you planned, or you’re just having a bad day. Stop –  take a breath – think of just one thing you’re grateful for today.  Breathe in God’s peace, and start over – refresh your mind.

 It’s my wish that you will find even a  moment to “be still” and just breathe.

 

"Be still and know that I am God..."
Psalm 46:10

Reflections

Let Them Be Kids

Fun, fun, fun!  My little grand-daughters found out just how fun it is to play in the dirt one Sunday afternoon years ago.

My daughters, of course, were near heart-failure, but I told them to relax and let them be kids. 

Of course it was all fun and games 'til it came time to take a bath.  It took three baths to get these two little monsters clean!  But they had lotsa' fun, and we had lotsa' laughs!

God's Glory

Isn't this just a beautiful flower? 

It's my yellow "Sundance" Hibiscus that Janna, bought me for Mother's Day a few years back!

 I've often said what a great artist God is, but this lovely flower shows you just what I mean. 

It's just amazing, and I love it!

Once Upon A Time...Amen

Ever notice how little ones can bring an instant smile to your face or even make you burst out laughing?  Well, that's what my grand-daughter, Carlie did when she was two years old.

It was so cute; I was just sitting there talking to my two daughters while Carlie was sitting in the floor playing.  That's when I heard her say, "Once upon a time...Amen!"  We all just stopped talking and looked at her.  A smile instantly spread across my face.  I looked over at Jessica, Carlie's mother, and asked, "Where did she come up with that?"

Jessie laughed and said, "Well, I think it came from our nightly routine."  She continued with, "Every night I help her say her prayers, then we read a story.  And from that, she's put the beginning of her story with the end of her prayers."

I thought that was just so cute!  But to hear Carlie say it was...well, it was just priceless!  Unless you're a grandmother, too, you're probably thinking, "Okay, you've just lost it!"  But we grandmothers know that no matter what comes out of these precious babies' mouths, it's beautiful to us!

"ONCE UPON A TIME...there was a baby named Jesus.  He grew in wisdom and grace, and He died for our sins.  AMEN!" 

I think Carlie's got the right idea, don't you?

Have a blessed day!

What's God Saying

When Bree was only four, she and I would often sit outside on the front porch swing. We loved to listen to the birds sing, watch the squirrels play, and feel the wind on our faces. I've kinda' started our own little thing where I told her that when the wind blows that's God talking to us.

So one day we're just sitting there swinging and talking, and the wind starts to blow. She turns to me and asks, "What's God saying"?

I told her that He was telling her how much He loves her.

You know I wonder just how many times that God's talking to us, and we don't hear Him. Is it because we're just not listening? Have we blocked Him out? Or are we just too busy to listen to what He has to say?

I know, myself, that I get too caught up in worry. Yes, I know. You're not suppose to worry, but for some of us that's easier said than done. I'm pretty hard-headed when it comes to worry. I try to give it to God, but I'm so bad about picking it back up. So I have to give it to Him over and over again. *smile*

But the next time you feel the wind blowing, remember - maybe, just maybe - that's God talking to you. So be sure to listen!

Only the Green Stuff

When Bree was five, she lost her first two teeth, and she was so proud!

She smiled big at everyone she saw, and she had to call several family members to let them know. 

I asked her if she thought the tooth fairy would bring her a penny for each tooth. 

And she replied very nonchalantly, "No, she's bringing only the green stuff". 

Janna and I burst out laughing.  "Out of the mouth of babes..." 

These grandbabies of mine are just so funny; they just brighten every day of my life!  And boy do they learn young!  *smile*

Nana's Little Helper

Bree has always loved to help her Nana anytime I'm cooking!  Whether we're rolling meatballs, making a dessert, or whatever the case might be.  Here she is from a few years ago helping me in the kitchen.

One of her favorite things was to batter the chicken when we made one of Mommy's favorite dishes, Crusted Parmesan Chicken.  (Oh!  And it's Aunt Jessie's, too!)

We dipped us some chicken, had a little chit-chat, and  made a bit of a mess, but we had a good time doing it!  *smile*  She's always been Nana's good little helper!  I love my time with her!💓

Play Time

Bree the Pirate!

 

Another throwback when Bree attended her very first play!  Janna treated us to "Peter Pan" put on by a nearby college.

Bree and "Peter Pan"

  The young lady who played Peter Pan was awesome!  And we were lucky enough to catch up with her afterwards so that Bree could get a picture with her!  Bree had a blast, and we had a very fun night!

"Peter Pan"

The young actors did a great job!  My favorite was, of course, Peter Pan.  And...like the original Peter Pan, the part was played by a woman.

Beach Baby Bree

This was when Bree celebrated her 6th birthday at the beach, our fave place, in case you didn't know that by now!

 Carlie had a blast feeding the birds then chasing them!

Of course, we enjoyed our fave beach picnic - sandwiches, Funyuns, and sodas!  Why is it that those sandwiches taste so much better at the beach?

Janna rented us a Charger to drive down to the beach for the day!  What a ride!

And we shopped, of course!  Here's Bree at the Rainforest Cafe Gift Shop!

We ended a great day with a trip to Galveston Island's new Pleasure Pier!  What an awesome day!

Graduating From Kindergarten

Here's another little throwback when my Bree Bree graduated from Kindergarten!  I can't believe just how fast time flies!  Seems like just yesterday that she walked through the door to her Kindergarten class!   And now she's in 7th grade!

 

Here she is with her principal receiving her little diploma!  She makes this Nana so proud!  

Just wish I could take my babies to Neverland so they'd never grow up!

Life goes by way too fast!

Fashion Show

Can anyone say, "Fashion Show"?  Yep!  This was a few years back when Disney's "Teen Beach Movie" came out!   The grand-girls love, love, love that movie!  And why not?  It's Disney, of course!

If you haven't seen it yet, you really should watch it!  It's a take from the old Frankie and Annette beach movies! 

Here they are in their "beach" attire!  Posin' and "surfin"!

And here they are in their pj's for their "Pajama Party"!  Nana loves her girls!

All-in-all, we had a great time!  And...yep!  We watched Disney's Teen Beach Movie again - for probably the 50th time!  *smile*

She's the Queen of the Waves

Here's a little throwback from 2014!  

Bree was in her school's talent show at the end of the year, and I was one proud Nana!  She did an awesome job!  She did a little number to Barbie's "Queen of the Waves". 

She really surprised all of us!  I had no idea she'd be brave enough to get up there on that stage and dance her little heart out! 

And see that surfboard, I know it's not a great picture of it, but my hubby made it for her.  He did a great job!

Now if I can just figure out how to upload the video...hmmm...

Curiosity Has No Fear

As I stepped outside this morning, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful hummingbirds outside.  They were flying about and chasing each other; not a care in the world.  They have a way of opening our eyes and our hearts to the beauty and wonders of the world around us.

Hummingbirds are so bright, so coloful, so free and full of life.  Their curiosity has no fear.  I believe God put them here, not only as a reminder of His beautiful creation, but to teach us not to live in fear.  He wants us to be curious, He wants us to learn; to be filled with His joy and light.  He wants us to "hover from flower to flower" and follow His path of peace; He wants us to live in the moment.

So the next time you see a little hummingbird flitting nearby, sit back, enjoy its beauty, and think about what it truly represents.

"What if I fall?  Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?"
Author Unknown

Summer's Wave Goodbye

Ah...welcome September!  This is the beginning of my Fall for me, and Fall is my favorite season of the year.  I love the cool, crisp air; the colors of sunset among the trees.  I love to sit and watch as the fallen leaves dance along the street on a windy day.  The smell of warm apples, cinnamon,  and pumpkin spice fill the air.  It's just a peaceful time of year for me.

Fall is proof that change can be beautiful.  The falling leaves are God's way of showing us how amazing it can be to just let things go.  Fall is simply summer's wave goodbye.  I hope you'll take the time to sit back, and enjoy the beauty of this time of year.  Enjoy God's peace and tranquility.

"And all at once, summer collapsed into fall."
Oscar Wilde

Animal Crackers In My Soup

Here's another Throwback Thursday for you!

Miss Carlie had her first dance recital a few years back.

Here she was dancing to "Animal Crackers in my Soup" by Shirley Temple.

Her little dances were so adorable, and she had so much fun in her dance class!

I think she's beautiful, but then I guess I'm just a little prejudice.  I'm so proud of her!

First Dance

So here's a little "Throwback Thursday" for you.

Bree had her first dance at school back in Kindergarten in February 2013. Bet you'll never guess what kinda dance it was? Yep! It was a 50's Sock Hop! How did you ever guess that! 😉

She went with her Uncle, and she had a blast! Janna said she danced her little heart out. I showed her how to do the twist before she left, and Janna said she twisted all night!

So proud of my precious grand baby!

Don't You Just Love Lavendar?

So, I'm just sitting here, trying to relax.  Taking in the lavender smells filling the air.

Don't you find this scent so relaxing and almost heavenly?  I don't know why I waited so long to bring
this lovely fragrance into my home.  Now I can't wait to run out and buy some lavender plants, some potpourri, scented oils, and whatever else I can get my hands on that has this beautiful aroma!  It's just so simple and clean-smelling.  Just inhaling it really does bring a sense of calm to you.

With that said, I think I'll bid everyone sweet dreams and good night!