SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK

FOR July 7, 2008...

Outside My Window......sunshine coming through my breakfast bay window and I see my new hanging basket--the seeds I planted 3 weeks ago are sprouting up through the brown soil along side the pete moss surrounding the basket...they've grown a lot over the last few days of late-afternoon summer showers. Job 8:16He is like a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading its shoots over the garden

I am thinking...how each day is new, last night was not good (couldn't sleep, generally restless even though my body was yelling it was tired--hormones are difficult to say the least, transitions in early life learning to understand yourself as a new woman and later in life as they turn off, struggles between your brain and body as to what "should be" happening but can't.Ephesians 6:12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

I am thankful for...God's blessings coming in unexpected ways...one of my youth students from church came by to visit me post surgery and it made my day. He was in the vicinity visiting a friend and stopped in to see how I was progressing. I love him with a mother's heart...like a son I never had and he's growing into a responsible young man, seeking God's ways while discovering his new driving independence. Isaiah 49:13Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

From the kitchen...cheerios and fruit. Genesis 1:29Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.

I am wearing...a cotton, moss green tank with white shorts.

I am creating...ideas in my head about dinner for tonight...what to get out of the freezer.

I am going...a little stir crazy...maybe I'll run out to the grocery later for some fruits and veggies...still very limited with my activities and driving.

I am reading...Lovely Bones...it's one my daughter read last summer and it was on the shelf...a gruesome subject of tragic loss in a family but it jumps around in many directions, it's taking me a while to get into the flow of this writer.Psalm 10:8He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims.

I am hoping...my newly plated trumpet bushes will thrive with my petting...they've been getting fed often and watered on days I can water...we're still under drought restrictions. Today's high is supposed to be in the high 80's, so it won't be too sweltering and more showers are expected, YEAH!!!! Jeremiah 12:2You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit.

I am hearing...the phone ringing...calls from various politicians wanting my vote for county commissioner on July 15. The garbage trucks have been going by this morning, beeping as they back up and turn around in our cul de sac. "Stacy and Clinton" are guiding another "fashion challenged" individual into a new world of loving their body "where it is" and dressing "for now" not what "you wish for"...I confess I'm a TLC junkie...it makes me laugh, and I pick up great ideas along the way.1 Kings 1:41"...On hearing the sound of the trumpet, Joab asked, "What's the meaning of all the noise in the city?"

Around the house...it's quiet, no one home except me, so I'll be doing laundry and piddling with little chores.

One of my favorite things...is getting to catch up with others and blog, finally...when your system is down, it begins to affect your psyche...but it gave me some great quiet time, and I love that, too. Proverbs 17:1Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:...more recuperation...rest. I think I'll visit the local ceramic shop and pick out a project to paint and fire. It's been a while since I did a piece. Proverbs 16:3Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

The pictures I'm sharing...are views of my hanging basket that is giving birth; the first was taken 6/28/08 (ten days after the seeds were planted) and the first glimpse of color broke out from underneath the dark brown soil...they're so tiny and fragile. At this point I was still spraying the basket with a misting water bottle.

The second is from 7/7/08 (19 days after planting the seeds) and the leaves have grown exponentially, become more rounded and their stems are becoming more substantial. It's fun watching them "become" what God intended. Isaiah 61:11For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

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