~Fear & Worry~

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

Fear: noun/ alarm,apprehension.

Fear is the opposite of everything we are. It causes emotional distress and avoidance behavior. If you remember a time when you were afraid, you will connect with the definition of fear. Fear is a thief. The saddest of all reactions to fear, is how it will rob us of experiences and enjoyment. Our fear of the unknown will stop us in our tracks and completely prevent people from attaining their dreams and savor the excitement of adventure. Can we better prepare ourselves so we can avoid fear? Worry and fear together with their offshoots: anxiety, bitterness, impatience, unkindness, judgmentalness, and condemnation—all attack the body at the cellular level. It is impossible to have a healthy body under these conditions.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8).

Fear displays its ugly self in despair, doubt, suspicion, misgivings and panic.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Worry: verb/ to be or make anxious, troubled

Worry robs us. It takes our precious time and turns it into agony. It will make you distressed, unsettled, perturbed, feelings of despair and tormented.

'The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.'
Elbert Hubbard

Worry takes our comfort. It cheats and plunders our confidence in what the Lord can do. Can any of us change the happenings in our lives? Worry is like a thief. It withholds precious time and energy that could be used to help and assist ourselves and others. It takes our confidence, boldness, self esteem and independence. We consume our tomorrows fretting about yesterday. Troublesome worry is time spent on events that may never happen.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

This entire entry was inspired by my friend at BeeMusing.

Click here to read her blog.

~Marshmallows~

I tried very hard to entice him to my house. I waited patiently in the early mornings, but he always slipped away. He had eyes that sparkled in the early morning light. He came and left in the shadows of darkness. He had no fear of any of my temptations. Disruption was what he was causing in my life. It was more than I could endure some days, to know he would be returning again in the twilight hours. Agony was to be my fate until he was mine. How could I persuade him to enter into the lure I had waiting for him?

Nice beginning for my blog heh? I had to do some research, but I did trap the little dickens. Ricco the Raccoon was making a mess of my bird feeders and bird food. I did not put the food out for him. I set the raccoon trap for him, but he avoided it. I guess he didn't like the chicken. I found the perfect food to lure him into my trap...marshmallows. I was surprised to find that such a strange food would be the perfect lure for Ricco Raccoon. It worked! Tom and I transported him to a new location. I am sure he will find new friends to live with. Enjoy your new home Ricco!

233 years later

I love history. It is one of those things that fascinates me. It is amazing what our Founding Fathers were able to accomplish. They had to have had Divine guidance to achieve the establishment of a country, that has become a model for all of mankind. July 1776 there were only 2.5 million people in the 13 colonies. Thomas Jefferson headed a committee that composed our Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were also on the committee. On July 4th (it wasn't a holiday then !) the Continental Congress voted on the Declaration. 9 colonies voted in favor, 2 voted no, 1 was undecided and 1 abstained. The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to publish the document. The document was not completely signed until August of 1776. In 1777 Philadelphia marked Independence Day with celebrations, bonfires and bells. The beginning of our 4th of July celebrations.

May God show favor to our country. May all Christians stand up for His Glory. We must protect and continue what so many have given their lives for. Freedom!

Today we are headed in a totally different direction than what our Founding Fathers saw as a country of free men and ruled by the people. We must return to our roots of our Founding Fathers and reclaim our country. May God Bless the United States of America.

Miss Mallory Jane

What fun Jane, Shelley and I had Sunday evening taking pictures of Mallory Jane. She was so cooperative and enjoyable to watch as the three older women posed her. We chose several places around Wabash. We had beautiful weather and excellent lighting for the pictures. The one I liked the best was a place you wouldn't have thought would be nice. It was the place we took the black and white photos of Mallory. I am not sure which of Shelley's other 3 children will be next, but I am sure we will have just as much fun. Little Miss Abbey may be a challenge ! I promised I would share the photos of Mallory.

Wilbur ..... what are you doing?

Wilbur is my squirrel. Well he isn't really my squirrel. There are several fun loving squirrels that eat my 'bird food'. Of course if you know me well, you know that I don't actually feed the birds. I do like the birds, but most of them are sparrows or doves. Nothing real exciting to watch. But...those squirrels are so funny. I am anxiously waiting on the black squirrels to come to our neighborhood. I have dubbed them all to have the name Wilbur. One year we had 3 young squirrels. I named them Huey, Dewey and Louie. They do the such funny things. We bought the bouncy squirrel feeder several years ago. Even the Chipmunks jump up and eat the corn. 'Wilbur' was jumping up to the feeder this morning. He was doing a very good job of it. Here is the video to watch of Wilbur jumping and below is a photo of him on the feeder.

Mother Natures handiwork

'Mother Nature' has a way of creating beautiful scenes. The other morning I had seen on the Doppler that there were storms coming in from the North. They looked to be bad storms on the Doppler. I could see lots of green, some yellows, oranges, and plenty of red. Oh...that isn't good. When I looked out of my office window, this is the view I was greeted with.

Fathers Day

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he is rich

Our family is very fortunate to have such good Fathers.

First there is my Dad. A quiet man. He is one to let you live your life. He is a quiet strength to our whole family. Always ready when needed. We celebrate you on this special day.
Next is my special husband. Through all the years, the adventures, and the wonderful children we have been blessed with, you have given our children a strength to carry forth to the next generation.
Thirdly is our son. We are so proud of the man he has become and the man he is. He puts his family first. He is so much like his Grandpa. A quiet strength, but you definitely know he is there for you always.
Lastly we have our son-in-laws. They were not born into our family, but added by that special bond of marriage. They have stepped in and become a part of our family.
We wish each and everyone a very special Father's Day. We love you so very much.

Dad with Tom, Rick, Kyle and Mark

Grandpa Wagoner with Tom, Spencer, Malia, Alex, Rick, Kyle/ Luke, Rainey and Mark

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

God is our spiritual Father who corrects us, His children, because He loves us (Hebrews 12:5-9).

Yesterday

Tomorrow is here,

The day

That I feared

Yesterday,

And God

Is still

In control

~Phyllis C. Michael

Up close and full

Up Close:

I was outside this afternoon checking the roses. My roses are over 35 years old. They came with the house. They have the best fragrance. To my surprise while I was looking at my roses, I literally stumbled upon a small robin. I had been walking in the very area the robin was sitting. There is no way I could have missed it when I stepped over to check the roses! When the baby robins were in their nest I would go and talk to them several times during the day. Was this one of my babies? I ran inside to get my camera, hoping it would still be there. I was able to get with in an inch of its face. It didn't have any fear of me, and made no effort to avoid me. I nudged it with my foot, but the little critter just sat there. I proceeded to take my pictures. I was so excited ! The photos are so detailed. You can even see the 'whiskers' on its face. If you wish to see them larger, just click on the picture.

Full:

We have several squirrels that eat the 'bird' food I put out. I should be completely honest, I don't actually feed the birds. I put the bird food out for the squirrels. Yesterday morning, I had eight squirrels. I saw the squirrel below resting on the feeder that my Dad made. It looked like it had been eating and was so full, it had to rest. The animals are so much fun to watch. This morning there was a young squirrel eating. One year I had three young squirrels. I named them Huey, Louie and Dewey! Nature is immeasurable enjoyment.

Graduating. . . .

There is no need to reach high for the stars, they are within you, reach deep inside and you will find them.

Alex's high school graduation was Saturday evening. It was held in the Ford Theater at the Honeywell Center. This was the first child for Stephanie, our first grandchild, and my parents and Tom's first great grandchild to graduate. She was presented with a Core 40 diploma. We are all so very proud of her.

Congratulations to the class of 2009

Alexandra Leigh Mahan

Alex's proud family-Rainey, Mark, Alex and her mother Stephanie

Grandma and Grandpa with Alex

Alex with Great Grandpa and Grandma Wagoner

Great Grandma Mahan (Chig) with Alex

Alex had her Open House Sunday at the Women's Club House on Hill Street. She had a very nice reception. We wish her the very best for a happy, productive and meaningful future.

Now that you've graduated,

Your adventure has begun.

Your schooling has prepared you

For the race life has you run.

We praise you for your efforts,

And send good wishes, too,

For a future filled with happiness,

And your fondest dreams come true.

By Joanna Fuchs