adding to the last blog..you who know me well know I SAVE EVERTHING that's IMPORTANT..

..............IT'S ME GOD....IT'S JUST TOMMY AND I AND LUCY UP IN THE HOUSE....EMILY ANNE...KALEB, BRADY AND JAKE ARE IN THE GUEST ROOM....WELL........ABOUT THE PLAYROOM..LET'S JUST SAY IT HAS CHANGED A LOT SINCE EMILY ANNE LEFT LAST FRIDAY AND LEAVE IT AT THAT....ALL WE THREE KNOW TONIGHT IS THAT SHE IS SAFELY ON THE GROUND ONCE AGAIN IN LUBBOCK, TX....THOMAS SCOTT IS " PROBABLY" UP PREPARING FOR SUNDAY AT LAKERIDGE UMC....HE IS HIS OWN MAN AND GOD AND TOMMY GENE KEENER'S AND MARTHA CATHEY KEENER'S SON....MARY LYNN IS SAFE SOME WHERE......TUCKER IS HOME SOMEWHERE ASLEEP....HADLEY GRACE IS "PROBABLY" AT CELE'S...JOE BEN IS IN KANSAS............STEPHEN IS IN FRONT ROYAL, VA.... AND I AM RAMBLING...TIRED.....TOMMY GENE KEENER IS STILL AWAKE....HE STAY'S UP UNTIL HE HEAR'S FROM ALL HIS CHILDREN...OUR ANGEL IS IN HEAVEN IN GOD'S ARMS...MALLORY KATE IS SAFE...SHE IS WITH HER MOTHER...KENNEDY LANE IS SAFE..SHE IS WITH HER MOTHER...

THAT'S ALL WE KNOW...OH, I KNOW GOD KNOWS ...AND NOW TOMMY AND I AND LUCY DOG... AKA..LUCY ANNE...IS EAGERLY AWAITING HER NEW SISTER....WHO WAS BORN 5 DAYS AGO AND IS A SURPRISE FOR TOMMY GENE....WHO WILL BE 65 ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2012....SSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.....I DON'T TELL SUPRISES...TOMMY DOESN'T TELL SUPRISES.........LUCY DOES TELL SURPRISES................AND GOD NEVER FAILS...

THAT'S ALL WE THREE KNOW TONIGHT..

NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO  SLEEP ... I PRAY THE LORD, MY SOULD TO KEEP....IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE....I PRAY THE LORD MY SOUL TO TAKE..

ONCE THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL WHO HAD A CURL..RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF HER FOREHEAD..AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD SHE WAS VERY VERY GOOD AND SHE WAS BAD........SHE WAS HORRID...GOOD NIGHT, THOMAS MERLE NELSON CATHEY...AKA...MOTHER, MOM............I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS MISS YOU AT  SPECIAL TIMES IN MY LIFE AND EACH MOMENT IS SPECIAL...........................

BLESSINGS.............................MARTHA..

I LAY DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES...
THOMAS MERLE'S NAME TO ME ANYWAY...THAT SHE WISHED THE PLACE WAS NAMED IN STONEWALL, LOUISIANA   ROUTE ONE BOX ONE  ....STONEWALL FRIERSON ROAD......

SOME MORE RAMBLINGS
ALWAYS
YOUR DAUGHTER
MARTHA MERLE CATHEY KEENER
THE ONE AND ONLY
AND ALL THE CHILDREN SAID AMEN.....



it's me God,   I'm back again...it's Sunday, August 19, 2012....Tommy is ready for some TV...and a nap in his recliner....Lucy is asleep in her/ours king-size bed.....I am blogging...OF Course.....My twin, Tom, probably had to listen to me talk in the womb....God knows when I began to write...so does Tommy and Mary Lynn and Emily Anne and Thomas Scott.....THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS TODAY..RIGHT NOW...THIS MOMENT  THIS SECOND....HOWEVER, HAVING SAID THAT ..and gotten that silly notion out of the way.....I am planning on going to the movie with Emily, Kaleb, Brady and Jake at this afternoon..only thing that will keep me away is "hail" on my new to us since March..TERRAIN..but wait...it's just a car..a chunk of metal.....it's fully insured....WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS  GOD, FAMILY......THAT'S ALL FOLKS....

BLESSINGS.................MARTHA.......JEREMIAH 29:11

AND ALL GOD 'S CHILDREN...SAID AMEN.............

.......from sir with love......

Here is that word LOVE again....I LOVE:

GOD THE FATHER
GOD THE SON
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
TOMMY GENE KEENER
MARY LYNN KEENER CHOTE DELEON
EMILY ANNE KEENER CRUMP
THOMAS SCOTT KEENER
OUR ANGEL IN HEAVEN

THERE ARE SO MANY OTHERS...SO LITTLE TIME LEFT BEFORE BEDTIME.....

BUT THE GREATEST IS LOVE

BLESSINGS..........MARTHA

JOHN 3:16

..........decisions

..................Decisions..........

.........easy................TRUST THE LORD GOD IN ALL YOU DO................................BLESSINGS...........MARTHA CATHEY KEENER..............

We are so different

Trips around the loop and Interstate 27
Churches
Hair Color
Hair or no hair
Tall or short
Deep or Wide
We are all precious in HIS sight....are you listening with spiritual ears?

GOD ALMIGHTY IS............


Blessings....Martha ...............insert alot of scripture and alot of pictgures......

Move over.........................

.....................move over....I think not.....why does one generation try and take over before the next one is ready to relinquish the reins.....why does one generation try and take over before the last one is all dead and buried.....move over...I THINK NOT......just this woman's opinion....or a "Marthaism" or maybe just my own thoughts between myself and GOD ALMIGHTY...    or maybe my mission statement says it all.....or maybe I am FINALLY listening with my spiritual ears.....really doesn't matter......I AM NOT READY to MOVE OVER or MOVE ON or MOVE THROUGH or take one step....Lest HE who is GREATER than all....HE who knew before the beginning of time..... TELLS ME....MARTHA MERLE CATHEY KEENER  To do so.....in my house it is The Trinity first....Tommy Gene Keener second....second.....all others follow after that.....May God's will be done in all the lives in HIS UNIVERSE.....Blessings.....Martha

Insert scripture and pictures

.......for Arlene.....

Today I am simply asking for prayers for my sweet friend, Arlene.
She is beautiful beyond belief Father; she loves you with all her heart mind and soul.....Her faith, her compassion and her trust in GOD THE FATHER, THE SON, THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND THE HOLY SPIRIT ...has carried her through this twenty year battle with breast cancer...Thank you Father God for walking beside her; continue to bless her with YOUR Will...give strength, courage and wisdom to Arlene, Justin, Amanda and her husband Justin...and to Arlene and Justin's precious families....Not our will, but yours Father....In the precious name of Jesus Christ....Amen

Psalm 23

The beginning and the end...part II

............Thanks God and Mary Grace...


So I stopped and put on my swim suit....played in the water..(obeying the Martha watering rules....and Mary Grace helped me with with part about city rules.. and God helped both of us..)


Here it is...tada....drum rolls everyone....


My Life....One Woman's Journey to Wholeness
by Martha Merle Cathey Keener


Oh come one................you all knew that God, Tommy and Mary Grace were the ONLY ones who REALLY knew me; who I trusted ALL my fears, hopes, dreams, secrets...etc with.......


So they were the ones who told when to play; when to focus; when to sleep; when to cry; when to scream, etc....


SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..there I am filling  up my $8 pool from the dollar store...playing in the water ..........right?...............and clear as a bell my ears and my heart heard HIM speak..with sweet quiet Mary Grace whispering with all the courage of Miss Much afraid who had finally reached the top of the mountain..the mountain of spices...(Hannah Hunyard...) in March 2009.....




Just so you know who I am...
The One and Only, Martha Merle Cathey Keener
born on September 20, 1949 at 3:54 p.m. 
Parents: Howard Jefferson Cathey, Jr...kind, loyal, hard worker, wonderful provider and could  "could fix anything with just a wrench, an inner tube and some baling wire."... well respected by everyone he met
his whole life  ..he was the best at tieing anything...especially sashes and brushing my curls with out a snag...and the one who signed the report cards when I  got a low grades in CONDUCT on my report cards...!   etc..etc    HJC was simply the best earthly father GOD chose just for me..
                  Thomas Merle Nelson Cathey....kind, loyal, a hard worker" under any circumstance"  ....loyal to her friends... loved "Literature In Life" in high school and was great at memorization...loved to sing to the Lord...in her alto voice....the most wonderful sense of humor....a wonderful cook'''......and she taught me to LOVE Clorox....and she signed the report cards when I got high grades in CONDUCT. etc, etc, etc... Tommie Merle was simply the best earthly mother  GOD chose just for me...
 Siblings:  Julia Diane Cathey McDonald
                   Howard Nelson Cathey
                   Mary Lynn Cathey Owens
                   Thomas Jefferson Cathey  (sweet Tom was born at 4:11 p.m. so I AM NOT THE BABY in the birthday order...he is...........technically speaking)

The beginning and the end.....

This one is for Mary Grace Nelson Hommell Cude....I pray that it is for  the Glory of God Almighty only.  Lord, empty me of my flesh; my sadness, my pride and my selfishness...And may YOU and YOU only be Glorifed.....


This might be a short one, a long one, a start and stop one, a sad one, a funny one, a memory laced one; both happy and sad or silly or calm or chaotic....but what ever comes from YOU to my fingers on this computer...I pray YOU and YOU alone write this and all blogs and parts of my book....


I met Mary Grace ( I am born Southern, raised Southern, short time as a proud Okie and finally transplanted to Lubbock, Texas )...when our sons, Thomas Scott and Russell were just toddlers..  A birthday party brought us together... And there we remain as friend, sister and mutual caregivers for all eternity.  


Mary Grace had come home from Jordan, where Roger was station with the USAF; after finding a lump in her breast.  So to the states she comes;  loaded with all she needed; Her God, her husband Roger and Russell and Zach her sweet sons all nestled in her heart. As usual, Mary Grace was a strong-willed; determined "Miss Much Afraid,,,) from Hinds Feet for High Places...by Hannah Hunyard.. (sp)..at least I called her that...I was a "Little Much Afraid" also... We helped each other begin a journey to the top of Miss Much Afraids' mountain..


Okay, Lord God Almighty...to you be the glory and the power..for you are the Mighty Counselor, the Mighty Physician..


This is the stop and start I mentioned earlier.... Today is Mary Grace's birthday....each year and for many more.... since March, 2002....


So I stop till the tears subside or until I can type no more...leaving; minding God ..and Mary Grace's to rest in the Lord untill he leads me back to write some more..for it was HE and Mary Grace who have walked this journey...He took you into His loving arms in March...1997.. Hope your birthday is filled with all the things you loved and  friendship, love and guidance helped me to love once again.....May you dance at HIS feet; feed at HIS table...May HE serve you the cake you loved and may it be on Mary Engelbrieght plates..............
Blessings my sweet friend, my "sister" in Christ...
EPHESIANS  1: 11
'Who worketh all things after the Cousel of His own will'




Blessings,,,,,Martha    

Each day is glorious.....

Each day is glorious....each day is HIS...each day confirms my mission statement....Today was one of those days.....Woke up to my two oldest grandchildren both asleep here...Took a brisk ten minute walk...Saw a dear friend...my oldest grandchildren's Mommo and a dear friend of mine since 1992...we finished our walk and ended up at my house where we could suprise Hadley with her house warming present..a side board/buffet for her new home in Idalou...Got to see Tucker leave at 11:00 to meet his dad to go get his driver's license..Had a sweet lunch with Hadley Grace at Hayashi...Then she and I went to TTU and got nonnie started on enrolling in TTU for the fall semester (got to put faces with Meagan, and Missy from the Chancellor, Kent Hances' office) to finish that degree I started in 1967 at NSU (Natchitoches, La)...Then our once a month trip to shop and laugh at TJ Maxx...Then back by McWhorters to pick up Tommy/poppie....Dinner at Cooper Drive Inn... Then Hadley made her infamous tie-dyed cupcakes while poppie watched to Olympics (I love them; however I do equate them to March Madness..if you get my drift)...They took my mind off the tamoxie reaction that is getting my hair..Had a precious phone visit with Emily Anne ..Saw pictures from Scott's Mystery Trip with his youth at Arlington ...Got a sweet message from Sam Simon with her sweet promise of Milton's roasted chicken for Wednesday night dinner ...Praised Dr. Jane Rowley for her excellent fourth stage re-construction this past Thursday..(which began in February 2009... (almost finished....) Now I am having a little fun on my blog....and awaiting a new day tomorrow... Blessings to HIM...for new are HIS mercies each morning...morning by morning...GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULLNESS....LORD UNTO US..... (Add scriptures later..)
Blessings......Martha

Help...

appears I have three blogs....one original (that's the right one)..one I added while reacting to Arimidex..and one while in the midst of the Tamoxifen reaction....gott delete those two...don't know how..YET...

Blessings
Martha

Rambling again....and again...and again...and again...

So I am briefly back on...still on an early bedtime..yuck...okay...I had a glorious day....Started at 7:30...said good-bye for now to Diane Manning and Shelby ....Can't wait to visit them in Chrystal City..and Chrystal Beach....Then to Dr. Jane's for the beginning of stage 4 reconstruction...then to El Chico's to take pics of Mr. Carter, his wife and son...and pics for the blog...then to buy Hadley Grace's surprise for her new home...then home briefly until I remembered I was suppose to pick up my prescription at Twin Oaks...rushed out..left Lucy at home (she was tired and I wasn't) by Dr. Jason P White's office to leave a note in his mail box from some girl I met in The Drug Emporium and she SAID she new him well...then by Twin Oaks at 6:05 where sweet Heather waited for me.........then to McWhorter's to pick up Tommy..then home to hurry and water (my day for reals this time)..Then a short walk where I met Warren Taylor from Experience Life..and then it got really sad...Warren said that Toby said..(this is where I learned that men DO gossip more than women...) that I didn't like Warren and his wife Sarah..really Toby!!..I had not even met them....sooooooooooooooooo Toby had better get ready for some friendly neighborhood "warfare"... I have breast cancer and I know college pranks from 1967...okay...have to go to bed...but never fear......I can always plot..BEFORE I say my prayers..put on my C-pap and take the Benadryl for the Tamoxifen reaction...Then fun day tomorrow..get my hair done (the works)....and hopefully rest in the afternoon...yea...it is suppose to rain (scripture insert..) It is glorious to have our life back to our new normal...and our second new normal...after almost 42 years of marriage; three children, one in Heaven and 7 grandbabies with more to come....Watch for future blogs and hopefully the beginning of the book.................Blessings to All...and "May our God, who so abundantly blesses His children...Shower you with so many blessings that...well you know....

Okay,  I did toooooo much today...however.............i had so much fun.................went to Jason P. White, DDS....Went to Market Street Express..............Picked up Tucker...........Got lunch for us at Market Street...........Went to Savage Texas..............Went to SWCC....Went to McWhorter Truck Center...........Went to Market Street at 50th and Slide.............Went to Drug Emporium....Picked up Tommy and we got dinner at Cooper Drive Inn  (best vanilla ice cream in my book par non) so Lucy agrees also..........came home and got on computer.....Going to bed now.............Oh, and I talked to Emily Anne and got to hear my grandsons in their swimming pool....Pretty fun day..............Now someone who shall remain anon. aka Tommy Gene Keener..says its bedtime...med time...or such foolishness in my book...Therefore I will mind since tomorrow is another beautiful day in the Lord's Universe...I might stay home or I just might have another fun day here there or any where.....Blessings and May the Lord bless your little socks off....

Stick a fork in me I'm done.....

There is just so much you can do for your 40 year old..just wait for her to hit rock bottom....and pray, pray, pray.....that's all and that's the BEST we can do...we love her and want her to be happy ...but that is her decision... God will sustain all of us....

IN His Timing....................................

Today is already wonderful....met the coach for the Susan G. Komen race in September; got a medal from a sweet man from Trinity Church...United Market Street gave me a free paper and a free bag of ice (what boil notice...?) A precious friend of Tom's, Jack Fitzwater is praying for us...Suzanne and Carl Wampler are praying for us today...So is Sam Simon...our new neighbors are so wonderful...and it's only 11:12..oh and Janice and Grant Weaks are standing in the gap for us with Mary Lynn today.... God IS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD all the time....Must run while I still have energy..Will not let the little "c" rob me of what the "C" has in store for us...Praising God for my wonderful husband, Tommy Gene Keener; my wonderful children and my magnificant seven grandchilren....Now off for a walk with Tommy and Lady Lucy Anne Keener....Stay tuned...as soon as ATT fixes my IPad that I dropped at Texas Tech on Friday....So Praises to Greg K from the ATT store at Slide and 82nd and Sam Cruse and all the others...the blog and book begin tomorrow..................................................

More ramblings, etc...............................

I am so blessed today.....and everyday....if I were more  blessed I simply could not stand it....I had a fabulous Friday...met some new people...got to help Dale Hobbs...had fun a The Bridge...Met Miss Ashleigh, Miss Judy and Miss Tammy....pics below...maybe..I am still struggling with the ipad, iphone and everything else. Gotta run and do the "priority" things...back later...But a wonderful day here in Lubbock, Texas and all over God's Universe...

PS...now I have to learn the whole new system....I knew I was way ahead of the game all my life...

I will always ramble, talk alot,love my God, my family and my freedom....that's just who I am...

It's a little scarey and a little exciting to be back on my blog!  Okay, it's only been a month and I know I went my usual "Drama Queen" self...(but my husband....Tommy Gene Keener..aka Tommy Keener  aka...Tom Keener.. is quite used to it..)  Remember when I started cleaning out the house room by room in January..okay..it really started in October....fall cleaning, ran into holiday clean up, in spring cleaning..right on to after school cleaning...into getting ready for summer...now "It's Vacation Time!!" Well.................the last months have been an eye opener for me....Just when I had myself all poised to put my God given talents to use for His glory....Wham..the brakes slammed and God had other plans for me....Be sure and ask Tommy about the night I took a ten second walk around our entire block railing at God that I would never survive; (he will remember it vividly...(was the night before Mother's Day..)that I was born to talk or God would not have given me a tongue..that social was who I was...I probably talked early for that very reason...that if I had to watch what I said I would crumble and die and on and on and on....oh, and I added with snot slinging tears( right into a cup towel just like my mother, Tommie Merle...)that my children were so busy that I could only find out what they were doing on the social media and then I dramaticly added  "Take me now, Lord..."  Well........He did...He took me right out of my comfort zone.... All those months of nesting filled with walks down memory lane....they brought me to where I am this morning.......Sitting at my computer socializing (God forbid...) when I must put some of that much needed discipline to work and find my time with HIM and then to the rest of the day......

Rambling ....some more

I'm back... Went to get the Avalanche Journal...(had to make sure I wasn't it.....) stopped...got a cup of coffee...walked in circles around the "shrine" as Scott calls it...or my mother's drum table (I will always miss her)... but really it is just a table...Today's placement may stay the same, change or be added to..depending on God's plan... Picture to follow...trust me I've bot pictures.... Topics and pictures to follow...
l.  There's A Place in the Sun where there's HOPE for everyone..and my tired weary Soul's gotta run....Stephen Sydney Lacobee....Beverly Adair Means Ogilvie...Happy Birthday today...Beverly...this blog goes out to you...thanks for the memories..and I pray for you and your family...

2. The Graduating Class of 1967 Stonewall High School, ...trust me I've got pictures....and announcements and party invitations...and yearbooks  ..Go Panthers...and this list goes on....all to be posted by May 27, 2012...excited since Chandra and Terrell's magnoia tree is LOADED..yep planning on decorating my mantel just like the stage at good ole SHS...but I digress ..as Burle Pettit would say...or whatever Beverly Diane Long would say...or whatever  Beth Pratt says....Gotta run...have to make breakfast (LOL) ..that would be put the cups under the GUERRIG(the flavor of the month these last two weeks is New Orleans, Louisiana ..French Quarter..Canal Street....make the toast in my red OYSTER .toaster.. take Tommy to McWhorter's in my new TERRAIN (which I love..but has some issues on the 2011 model for us AARP crowd regarding Macular Degeration and Primary Acquired Melanosis with Atypia...namely we got the car GOD wanted us to have...but more rambling later..... Oh, and I do have pictures....Have taken over 1600 since I got my Iphone 4 on February 23, 2012...gotta love those hand me downs from Scott..thought I would never talk him  to getting Siri so I could have his....he kept saying "don't need a new phone..this one is fine...I can make do...whatever...I wanted the 4S so I could learn..must have taken me 4 weeks to convince him..more ramblings later..

Back again for a abot 5 minutes..tired..great day..busy day...fun day...shared phone call, sent texts and even had Tucker send a recording of me playing the piano for Lynn for her birthday..It is always fun when you are the youngest and your older sisters have theirs..sorry, but it is..and you know it... Probably the best birthday we have shared..forgiveness is beautiful when it runs both ways....

I've been dropping body parts for the last 36 years...organs and joints and breasts....
Still have a knew replacement ahead in the next few months..


What  I am soooooooooooo excited about is dropping "regrets"..Thanks to my son, Scott's persistants he spoke some powerful words at lunch this past Sunday at lunch with his dad and I ....He listened as I shared...then he helped me understand how all my testamonies seemed to follow the line of "regrets"... lovingly he held me to the "fired" and helped me see the huge importance of dropping regrets...and sharing the  true joy of my life....Wow..that may have saved me $150...(which I will gladly give to youth fund...)  That's almost a scholarship for a child at camp.... In my opinion, God Almightly, is certainly healing HIS families for whatever HE has in store....Even my blog seems to go smoother tonight...

So stay tuned for the hysterical saga of how I was at the Margaret and Bill Couch Prayer Garden Dedication this past Sunday.....As Scott puts it...."Think I just might tell people that I am kin to the Keener's in any town but Lubbock..."  No such luck....Your stuck with us, Scott; and fess up..you wouldn't have it any other way..............


Other topics ahead:

The problem with the new vitamins for my mac gen..the Arkansas Barking Spider...

Just how big a mess I can make when I am cleaning out the house; that has been going on since January and no end in site

How we discovered that a bird came in the fireplace while we were gone Sunday what must have transpired be tween it or they and Lucy Dog..

What I have actually said outloud lately that I could have sworn I just thought... I might really have Tourrettes, or ADD  or a combo of the two...

How I got my style on in a new pink hat and purchased another orange one at TJ MAXX yesterday....

Oh, and Tommy's face when he saw the house tonight..only mildly upset and calmed down when he realized that I actually did the laundry in the middle of the hunt for the allusive diamond and sapphire ring ..

So good night...and pray with me for things to "settle" down soon so I can blog, pray and take road trips with my husband and my girlfriends...it's amazing what you can accomplish at the age of 63...Praise God and Pass the Cornbread...
Blessings, Martha

I thank God each day for the blessings HE brings and brings and brings..

Ramblings

When God says he will bring you through it...He means IT....Now, he may bring you to it...he may bring you by it....he may bring you around it....BUT.God Almighty does not LIE.  He will bring you to it, through it, by it and around it...all the while quietly, powerfully, presently...any way HE can coax, prod, push, or just plain "boo" you till you jump right in, on; He's bandwagon...

This last mini journey, or "whirlwind" tour began with ...

A great big thank you..

A great big thank you goes out to all who participated....Ever hear those words; ever wish they applied to everyonee you know..Really how much do you participate; for that matter; how much do I participate..."In what"...you say.  I am going to jump right out there and say everything.  Let's name a few...Participate in:
 1.  Life
 2.  Church
 3.  Family
 4.  House cleaning
 5.  Grocery shopping
 6.  Clothes shopping
 7.  Yard work
 8.  Laundry
 9.  Gift purchases

and the list goes on....and on............Reminds me of the Little Red Hen book..The Mary Lynn had that book.Emily Anne had that book.....Scott had that book...I even bought a copy at an use book store just for myself...I even bought a copy for the people in my office way back in the 80's....You know the story about the little red hen...yada  yada....the characters in the book all want something but nobody want to do the work to make it happen..oh ,but boy did they want some of that warm cornbread..

If we don't participate we lose out on the end "product" whatever it is...

(to be continued...)

Too much all at once.....

Here comes another Lucy blog.  Yesterday was Lucy’s day at the groomer.  She usually goes after lunch.  But today her appointment was at 9:00.  Lucy, at almost six, is not a morning dog. She sleeps in long after we are both up; long after Tommy leaves for work; long after I have made enough noise in the kitchen to wake the dead; and way longer than most frisky working dogs like our granddog, Raider.   It might be close to ten o’clock before she even goes out.  I did make her go out before we left but never noticed if she had any water.  I took the opportunity  to wash her bowls while she was gone and fill her water bowl with fresh water. Four hours after I left her there they called that she was ready.  When she comes in from the groomer she heads straight to her water for a drink and promptly outside for her potty break.  I did not notice that yesterday she started drinking and never stopped until her bowl was dry.  Guess that should have been my first clue that she never got a drink before we left.  Within 15 minutes Lucy had thrown up copious amounts of water three times.  Looking sad and somewhat ashamed (actually wasn’t her fault; or was it) she watched as I placed a beach towel over it each time; thanking God that she choose to do this on the wood floors and not carpeted bedrooms. I felt badly that my lack of paying attention had led to this yucky situation for both of us. I thought how similar this situation relates to our spiritual appetites.  There are times on our spiritual journey; when, for whatever the reason, we forget or cease to take a drink from the living water.  The times when life steers us astray with business.  The times when life gives us a huge speed bump and we are thrown off course.  The times when tragedy strikes close to home and we become just angry enough at a loving God to move away and refuse to drink from the well.  The times that require us to step back and heal what ails us.  The times when a move to another locale necessitates a delay in getting that drink.  The times we move so far away from Him that we forget just how great that drink of His closeness and love tastes. Always the loving parent, God will woo us; gently quietly pursuing us to come back to Him.  I like to think that He woos us equally; differently for each of His children, but wooing the same.  Never failing, always close; He tugs at our hearts to return to Him for the first or another drink of his water.  Like Lucy, maybe we just forget; maybeours schedules are thrown off with timing; maybe anxiety or fear or anger causes us to retreat. No matter our reason; He will not give up.  When we give in to the courting and wooing, our hearts develop an unsatiable thirst that must be quenched.  If we are wise and mature (never the case this side of Heaven) we will sip the living water; savoring each small drink, letting it’s effects infuse His love in us.  More than likely; we, like Lucy, will be so relieved to be back that will continue to quench our souls until we are over filled. Like Lucy, there is probably others around us that will watch over, guiding us to take it slow; not letting our fear of the water running dry overcome the wisdom the save some for later.  Then we too stands the risk of throwing up spiritually. Retaining some and definitely losing some. Not the end of the world. Lucy’s problem was short-lived and caused no great harm. Just a matter to be learned from for the next time we slip a little away from Him.  Let us rest in the fact that He will never tire of wooing us.  He loves to give to His children what they need..Blessings, Martha

Isaiah 44:3-4   “For I will pour water upon him who is thirsty, and floods upon the ground.I will pour My spirit upon your offspring, and My blessing upon your descendants.”

It all comes together eventually....

I love spring. Actually I love all the seasons because I love change.  However, spring is one of my favorites.  It signals the end of the cold, drab months; when the landscapes are all brown and dormant; the birds are hiding someplace warm and the colorful flowers are yet to be seen. So when February brings those days of above average temps and warm sunshine, I am lulled into the false sense that surely Puxatawny Pete was incorrect. I tell my self, that these sort of days will be the norm and spring will come early this year! By February I have cleared the house of all the clutter from the holidays; cleaned every closet and drawer, filled the dumpsters and delighted the nice people at Catholic Family Services with my trunk full of black trash bags bearing "what was I saving that size 6 dress for!" items. That's when I decide to pull out decor items that will brighten up the house with less drab colors.  This year I made a TJ Maxx run and added poppy laden dishes for the kitchen, bright new cup towels (as if I needed more); changed out some towels to spring hues and started to get than twinkle in my eye that the formal dining room table needed something "springier" for its center. This coming together began last Friday when my friend,Joanne, and I got together for one of our famous fun days. After lunch we made the usual round of must do errands sandwiched together with the new shops we wanted to check out. First stop was a western decor shop we had never been in. We are both traditional styled decor girls; but we are always into a challenge. There on a table with an almost halo aura set a gorgeous, just my color green, glass hurricane. The glass was thick with the look of hand blown.  Price was even reasonable (in my eyes, not Tommy's). I purchased it not having a clue what was going to finish it out.  Next stop was a new shop.  When I walked it, low and behold, the most gorgeous display of huge silk hydrangeas. Yep, in my favorite green hues with just a tiny hint of pink.  Perfect!!  Not even going to go there on the price of each single flower...but, they were huge; like none I had seen...I am practical so I decided on the least amount that would work and purchased them. Bringing my purchases home, my mind started to remember the things that I already had that would bring this centerpiece together.  Several years ago, this same friend and I had obviously splurged on our Christmas gifts to each other.  Purchasing them both at the same exact store. While she chose green (of course) glasses for me and I a cream apothecary jar for her new house; they both came gift wrapped in wonderful paper with a soft silk organza handmade bow and an attached cross with a tassel. This store is known for it's exquisite gift wrapping.  I saved the ribbon and tassel because I loved them. Why the tassel was so special I would have loved it alone for a gift. I displayed it different placed in the house and even placed the ribbon in a crystal bowl; just because I thought it was special. The stems needed to be shortened so all the pieces of this centerpieces had to wait for Tommy's strong hands to weld the big wire cutters. When he left for work this morning the "coming together" was ready for completion.  I am not artsy crafty; not the best decorator; however, I do have an eye and a heart for what goes together. Placed the stems in the hurricane; added some pale pinky cream left over ball ornaments to soften the effect of the bare stems at the bottom; retrieved the favorite ribbon and tied the stems together so they wouldn't "flop" apart; took the cross tassel and secured it with the ribbon so it would hang at just the right length over the edge of the hurricane; and stood back practically patting my own back!  There, after several years, was a wonderful creation. My heart is reminded of how God orchestrates our lives in just the same way.  So that it comes together eventually. Things happen, events occur, words are spoken; all at separate times. He knows best and all these things will come together in His time.  I doubt that He pats his back and does the cabbage dance like I did this morning; since He is not as surprised as I was that it all worked out great.  But I do believe that a smile crossed His face this morning. I realized that I had saved some of the decor items for some reason.  Maybe because Joanne gave them to me; maybe because they were my favorite color; maybe because the cross tassel reminded me of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me on the cross and the sacrifice God made in giving up His Son. And most of all I saved them because God had a plan for me.....A plan that on this day that centerpiece would come together and bring me joy;  and a plan for all of us before the beginning of time His Son would die for our sins and we could enjoy eternal life......Blessings, Martha

"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome."

Jeremiah 29:11

Rough Patches

I have been fortunate to have great, oil rich skin.  I probably did not put as much value on this as I could have.   Putting body lotion on as a sweet smelling treat; instead of a necessity like most of my friends.  Applying it in the winter months; not so much in the summer.  Growing up in the south, the moisture and humidity certainly helped. Moving to West Texas in my twenties should have alerted me. However youth is not very far sighted leaving a nonchalant approach.  As I entered my sixties (couple of years ago) I began to notice that only the skin on the lower part of my calves was starting to show some wear and tear in the moisture department. There was a look of roughness to the skin. A patch of skin that stood out; causing concerns about aging.  I admit I wasn't very happy and wondered if this was to be a constant in the remainder of my life; and just what else in my body was going to start looking like that.  So I began to pay extra attention to that part as I applied body lotion. Within a short while the skin began to look better; more supple and less crepey (not creepy..) Other parts of my body fit the creepy description for sure! One morning last week, as I applied the lotion, my thoughts went to the rough patches that life gives us. We learn from an early age that rough patches are a part of life.  If we are fortunate, we have wise people in our lives that prepare for this.  Teaching us that while the rough patches are there; we can and will survive. Hopefully this special people equip us spiritually and emotionally to handle these rough patches in life.  I had a sweet grandmother who was a guiding force in my life; loving me and filling me with deep spiritual convictions that served me well then and through the rest of my life.  Rough patches, while never fun or easy;  serve to increase our faith and determination; instilling character and strengths in us.  Rough patches begin early and crop up uninvited. I haven't met many people who would say they wished a life with no rough patches for themselves.  These patches are a badge of honor for most. Something that happened, was endured and then passed; with the assurance that "This, too, shall pass!" Leaving us on the other side stronger and wiser. So what kind of lotion do you apply to life's rough patches?  Maybe life lotions have the same qualities as body lotion. Giving us comfort, easing the unpleasantness; helping us to cope until the rough patch moves on to smoother times. Just like body lotion eases the discomfort of the skin until it is smooth again; spiritual lotions ease the mind and soul until life is smooth again.  Maybe I would not have had the rough patches on my legs if I had applied lotion to the skin over the years. So applying spiritual lotion throughout our lives must have a benefit to our souls.  Reaching out to God and our Saviour, Christ Jesus; talking and praying to Him; learning about Him through His Word; responding to His willingness to always be there for us; these are the spiritual lotions that will soothe, grow and sustain us. Rough patches are a part of life; unavoidable, however applying body lotions and spiritual lotions are a beautiful way to lead us through and beyond them...Blessings, Martha


"Yes, though I walk through the (deep, sunless) valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod (to protect) and Your saff (to guide), they comfort me."  psalm 23: 4

It's me God, Martha......: Rough Patches

It's me God, Martha......: Rough Patches: I have been fortunate to have great, oil rich skin. I probably did not put as much value on this as I could have. Putting body lotion on ...