Saturday Scriptures #11-Trusting That He Will Make All Things Right

Accepting Hardships As The Pathway To Peace

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We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love God.  Romans 8:28

In Trevor Hudson's book, "The Serenity Prayer a simple prayer to enrich our lives,"  the author refers to a line from Scott Peck's. "The Road Less Traveled." It is a simple line and it goes like this: Life is difficult. Three simple words and yet loads of truth contained therein. Life can be excruciatingly difficult at times. In fact, it can be hard to see the joy and blessings that God gives to us when those joys and blessings are hidden under a load of worry, illness, financial struggles and despair. 

This has been a really tough week for me. I have been physically ill, coughing my head off, feeling weak and wondering why I wasn't getting any better. To say I was discouraged is putting it mildly. I know that people have been praying for me and I am so thankful for those prayers. After encouragement to go back to the doctor today, I feel like there is hope. A different doctor saw me today and immediately honed in on what I needed. I received an in office breathing treatment and was sent home with medicines that should get me going again. And yet, as bad as I have felt this week, I know there are others who struggle with much worse health issues. There are those who struggle with depression, with worries about family and children with the loss of someone they loved....the worries and hurts go on and on. But, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.....we can know that we are not alone. We NEVER walk alone. As Romans reminds us, God is working for good in all things that happen in our lives. 

Two weeks ago, I introduced you to the full text of the Serenity Prayer. The last lines of the prayer are a little more "heavy duty" than the first lines. Here is a reminder:

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time,
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace,
taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it,
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will--
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with him forever. 


I don't know about you, but I think that one line is a doozy...accepting hardships as the pathway to peace??? I don't know about you, but I don't like hardships. And I certainly find it difficult, if not near impossible, to accept them. But, I don't think the author of the Serenity Prayer meant that we had to just like everything that happens to it and lump it.  We do have the right to try to change things, if we can. We do have the right to take responsibility for trying to help ourselves. No, I think what the author was referring to, is that just as Scott Peck said....life is difficult. Troubles will come. It's inevitable. Sorrow will happen. Surrendering to God's will doesn't mean that we won't ever experience only good things. Bad things will happen too. But....in the midst of the sorrow......God is at work. And God is working for us. God is on our side. We are not alone. 

One of the greatest insights that I have discovered from studying the Serenity Prayer, is the line that says, "that I may be reasonably happy in this life."  There was a time when I thought that if I didn't feel joy in my heart all the time, there must be something wrong with me. I felt that if I were a true Christian, I should just be happy, happy, happy!  But, you know what?  Life ain't like that!  Sometimes life stinks! And it's OK to admit you feel crappy!  It doesn't mean that you don't love and trust the Lord. It means you're human! And God understands that better than we humans do. So, I feel better realizing that "reasonably happy" is something I can handle. The good days and the not so good days. Just like this week.....which has been not so good.  But, through it all, I know that God is working for good.  And I will be supremely happy with Him forever.  Thanks be to God.

Blessings,
Debbie

An Update from Debbie..and Why The Flu Stinks!

Fighting the Good Fight

Not to be melodramatic here, since I know that many others have health conditions millions of times worse than mine. But, I have to tell you....the flu stinks! I won't bore you with all the gory details and I certainly won't show you what I look like right now. It's not a pretty picture! So, I'll use some past pics from the blog for you to look at in this re-run post.

My fever seems to be staying in the normalish range now, which is good news. I still have a deep wracking cough, stuffy head and am as weak as a dishrag. Laying in bed or sitting in a chair seems to be all I feel like doing.

Ever since I was a child, I seem to take longer to recuperate from colds and flu than other people seem to take. Including my husband, who has also had the flu, but seems to power through his days no matter what,  never cancelling anything or missing anything. I have never been able to do that. When I am sick, I have to stop. And get better. And it takes awhile. Period. 

Sometimes, I feel guilty about being sick, thinking I must be a big baby because I can't snap back like others seem to. At other times, I feel irritated because others CAN snap back more quickly. 

I guess you could say I'm cranky from feeling miserable.  Please forgive the whining. 

On a positive note, Gracie is hanging in there.  Nothing has changed with her diagnosis of mouth cancer. But, we found some wet food that she is eating really well which keeps her weight balanced and her energy level up. She seems to be having what we call "good cat days" which is how we gauge our pet's comfort level. We bathe her a few times a day which she likes (using a damp cloth or paper towel, not immersing her) and then we brush her, which she loves. It is not pleasant having a cat with mouth cancer....but we are committed to caring for her and accepting the unpleasantness....because we love her.  I'm certain this burden isn't helping my mood, either.  But, we are thankful for good cat days.

I'm also thankful for warmer weather and some much needed rain we got over the weekend.  We are almost to April and it is cheering to think of Spring flowers and sunny days. Always a happy thought!

I had some fun things planned for next week, but am wondering if those will happen given that I figure I will still be recovering. One week for me with the flu will not do the trick with recovery. Years of "Being Debbie" have taught me that.  But, I will keep hope alive a few more days before cancelling plans.  Sigh....

Thank you for indulging my whining.  I hope that your day is bright, happy and healthy...free from colds and flu. 

And I hope you've enjoyed a recap of some of the photos from the blog. 

Until Next Time,

Debbie 

Spring  by  Sharon

Announcement From Debbie This And That

Debbie this and that is sick with a flu type illness and won't be posting Saturday Scriptures today. I am also experiencing wifi issues. As soon as all of this is resolved, I will be back! Enjoy a beautiful water scene from Colorado. 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me......

Blessings,

Debbie

Home Alone and Looking Stylish

Styling In The Kitchen

Hello, hello!  Today, I'm coming to you from my kitchen where I am striving to be in style even though there is no one around to see...but me!  How do you feel about dressing stylishly and putting makeup and jewelry on when you are "home alone?" I'm of the opinion that it is nice to look stylish even when I'm doing chores in the kitchen. Since retirement, I have worked on "keeping myself up" during the day and not staying in my bathrobe all day. Now, there's nothing wrong with having a "jammy day" (or even several) but I seem to feel better about myself when I take the time to fix myself up a bit during the day. I'm not talking heels and pearls here...just stylish casual clothes that are comfortable. So today, I decided to leave on the casual, comfortable attire that I wore out earlier for a noonday lunch with friends.

This blue sweater is one of my favorites and I paired it with a tan faux turtleneck and my favorite skinny jeans. The butterfly necklace was a retirement gift from my colleagues. I'll work on a close-up in a future post so you can see the lovely detail.

My friends commented on my cute new tennis shoes when we were together earlier. These shoes remind me of the popular "Chucks" that are so in vogue right now. This style is a bit edgy and retro from the 80's. 

These are not Chucks, but are a brand I found recently at Walmart for only $5.87!  They have lots of colors and designs available. Check it out, ladies! And, I find them comfortable!

Why not look stylish in the kitchen?  Why not put on jewelry and/or makeup to wear just for you?  For me, looking put together for myself is a mood booster and helps me to feel ready for whatever chores and people come my way. 

How about you?  Do you like to look stylish even when no one is around to see you....except you?  I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Remember my goal for this year is to build readership and comments. Please take a moment to leave a comment. I love them and they make my day. And bonus points if you share my website with someone and introduce them to visiting debbiethisandthat.com!  (Big Smile!!)

Until Next Time,

Debbie

*Not a sponsored post. No compensation received for brands/stores mentioned. 

Saturday Scriptures #10-Finding Serenity

The Quest for Peace and Serenity

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6  (ESV)

It's something that can be so elusive, isn't it?  One moment you're feeling great, life is going swimmingly and the skies are blue and beautiful. Everything seems peaceful and serene. Then, in a heartbeat those wonderful feelings are gone. It could be due to a phone call or an unforeseen emergency or simply due to the worries and stress of the day. But, the result is that those blue skies vanish and you are left with butterflies in the stomach and questions of "why....why is this happening?" It seems like in our world today, finding...and keeping....peace and serenity is difficult to do. 

One of the thoughts I have been pondering lately is the idea that I too often rely on peace and serenity as being a feeling rather than being a belief. Perhaps this is part of what Jesus was referring to when he told his disciples the following:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  John 14:27 (King James Version)

I am reminded in this scripture that the peace that Jesus offers is different from the peace the world offers. And the peace that the world offers usually comes with a feeling attached. Think of the following lines we often hear either on television or from someone around us:

"Don't leave your family uncared for in the event of your death. Buy this life insurance policy and have peace of mind in knowing that your family will be cared for."

"Try this new underarm deodorant and feel confident about being around other people."

"Try this sleep product and have peaceful sleep like you've never had before."

"Teeth not white enough? Use this product and you'll be confident with your smile and interaction with others."

"Get this free information kit on how to get a stable, secure retirement." 

All of these lines speak to finding some type of peace....whether it be the peace of financial security or the peace of self-confidence. And while financial security and self-confidence are certainly important issues....they still reflect feelings of peace that can be fleeting. The stock market falls, an unexpected bill comes, we make a social gaff that undermines our self-confidence....and that peace and serenity that we were feeling is gone. And we are back where we started.....looking for yet another avenue of peace and serenity in order to assuage our worry and uncertainty about life. 

This is what I'm talking about when I offer the idea that perhaps having peace and serenity isn't about having a certain feeling at all....but rather more about having a belief system in place that stands the test of time whether things are going right in our lives or going wrong in our lives.  

Have you heard of the Serenity Prayer? Of course you have! It's that simple prayer that we hear quoted so often:

God grant me the serenity 

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

This prayer is often used as part of twelve step programs and can be very instrumental in helping us think through the difficulties of life. But, did you know that there are actually more lines to this prayer? Trevor Hudson, a South African United Methodist Minister, has written a book called, "The Serenity Prayer a simple prayer to enrich your life."  I am having the joy of teaching this book via an online course through beadisciple.com this week and next week. In his book, Trevor takes each line of the Serenity Prayer, using the full text, and devotes a chapter to discussing the meaning of each line as it can be applied to our lives. He speaks of "growing the seed" of serenity in our lives and says that, "God's peace is a peace that goes beyond all human understanding. It cannot be grasped by the intellect alone but must be experienced in our hearts."  

I am slowly beginning to realize, that if I am to grow serenity in my life, I must come to terms with the idea of serenity not being a feeling....but rather a state of being. This doesn't mean that I will be walking around with a smile on my face all the time. And it doesn't mean that I'll feel happy all the time. And it certainly doesn't mean that everything in my life will just be hunky-dory all the time. But, what it does mean is that no matter what my circumstance....I will know that all is ultimately well because God is in control....not me.  

My serenity seed has been planted....and is slowly starting to grow. How about yours? 

Here is the full text of the Serenity Prayer:

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time,

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace,

taking, as he did, this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it,

trusting that he will make all things right

if I surrender to his will--

that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with him forever. 

Blessings As You Plant Your Seed of Serenity,

Debbie

*What are your thoughts about finding serenity? I hope you will share your thinking today! And please come back next Saturday for more about finding serenity. 

*This is not a sponsored post. The Serenity Prayer offers several theories of authorship including Boethius who lived in 500 CE and Reinhold Niebuhr who used this prayer in a chapel address in 1934. Some words in the prayer are also credited to Friedrick Oetinger. (Source of this information is The Serenity Prayer a simple prayer to enrich your life by Trevor Hudson.)

Six Inspirations for An Early Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Public Domain Image

I celebrate my Irish heritage today by wishing all a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Yes, I know I'm a day early, but I thought you might want some inspiration for tomorrow. As a true "Mac" I am turning the blog green today by sharing with you all of the things I am currently enjoying that just happen to be green. Hope you enjoy!

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#1-My St. Patrick's Day look for tomorrow

You just knew I would include an outfit, right? This is my "wearin' of the green" look that I will be styling tomorrow. It was still freezing outside, so I didn't stay out long for photos. See that snow on the ground? I know some of you have much, much more snow than this! I've had this dress forever and still love it. It is a green/blue plaid. You'll see it up close in another photo later. I added the gold scarf for some contrast of color. 

#2-Weight Watchers Frozen Meals

I discovered this Pasta with Ricotta and Spinach frozen meal while I was still teaching. It was a quick and delicious lunch that was easy peasy to make in the microwave. I'm still enjoying these meals occasionally in retirement.

The riccota cheese sauce is really creamy and the green spinach adds to the flavor and healthiness of the dish. It's a little more sodium than I like, but the fat content and calories are not bad and I don't eat this every day. I've even used this as a side dish for Mr.thisandthat and I.

#3-Williams-Sonoma Hand Lotion

I bought this hand lotion before Christmas and have been enjoying it ever since. It is a purely decadent, rich and soothing hand lotion.

But, the best part of this lotion is the lovely evergreen scent. Whenever I use this lotion, I feel as if I am walking among green pine trees in the forest. Love that fresh, clean smell!!

#4-Spinach Salads

What could be healthier than a delicious green spinach salad? Add some green pepper, cucumber and carrot for color and you have a powerhouse of nutrients and goodness in a bowl! Yumm!

#5 New Green Recliners

Look at these lovely rocker/recliners that Mr.thisandthat and I purchased recently. When I sat in this recliner at the furniture store it was comfort at first sit! So much so, that Mr.thisandthat went back and got a matching one for himself. So now we can both recline in comfort. The color goes well with our other living room decor. 

#6-The Serenity Prayer Book

I began teaching an online course this week via beadisciple.com about this book entitled, "The Serenity Prayer a simple prayer to enrich your life," written by Trevor Hudson. What an awesome book and one that truly looks at ways to find serenity by contemplating the full text of the Serenity Prayer and its application in our lives. I'll be talking more about this book, and serenity, as part of my "Saturday Scriptures" series, so be sure to stop by the blog this Saturday for more on the Serenity Prayer. 
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So there you have it....six ways in which I am enjoying green as I celebrate St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. I hope that you enjoy a happy day tomorrow, as well, and I will leave you with a traditional Irish blessing.

Public Domain Image

A Wish for a Friend

Wishing you a rainbow For sunlight after showers—    Miles and miles of Irish smiles For golden happy hours— Shamrocks at your doorway For luck and laughter too, And a host of friends that never ends Each day your whole life through! Until Next Time, Debbie How do you plan to spend St. Patrick's Day? Please leave a comment below. Your thoughts are always welcome! *No compensation was paid for brand names of items mentioned in this post. I am currently employed by beadisciple.com as an instructor.

Tablescape Vignettes Transitioning Winter to Spring

Calling Spring....To The Tablescape Vignette

What has happened to our lovely Spring-like weather? In my neck of the woods we have recently had temps in the 70's and now today we are having snow showers and expecting really cold temperatures tonight. From the weather reports, I know that many of you readers are also experiencing cold and even blizzard-like conditions where you are. Brrr...I decided to call forth Spring (at least on the dining table) by creating some tablescape vignettes that call on Spring to come, while still giving a nod to the cold and snow that March often brings. 

Isn't my snow deer cute? I decided after Christmas to keep him on display and didn't pack him away with the other Christmas decorations. He has been gracing a table in our living room until today when I moved him to the dining table. I had removed the red and gold Christmas collar from around his neck leaving him pure white. I decided to give him a Spring collar using some wide ribbon covered with pastel blue stripes and flowers. Of course, he is a snow deer, so there are some snowballs piled up next to him to reflect that Winter's grip is not giving up quite yet!!

I borrowed this green vase from our collection of Blenko glass vases and water pitchers. We have several shades of green and I think this particular shade of green looks very Spring-like next to the snowballs and yellow placemat. Part of my decorating inspiration is to always use things I already have on hand whenever possible and to find ways to use decor in new ways. 

These colorful silk miniature carnations round out the look nicely. I love how the yellow carnations match with the yellow placemat. I added some white stems as well to reflect the snow today. I'm keeping in mind that this is a transitional vignette, so I am mixing seasons with the decor I am choosing to use. If you are thinking of creating a transitional season vignette of your own, consider how color combinations can compliment each other and how to incorporate something that hints of each season to the mix of whatever decor objects you choose to use. Now let's move on to another transitional vignette on the foyer table.

I'm not ready to move to Easter decorations yet, so once again, I am mixing seasonal decor options on the foyer table. My two lady snow-women are holding plants and spades, hinting that gardening weather is not too far away, even though there is still snow on the ground. The pastel colors the snow-women are wearing blend well with the pastel colors on the hearts sign. I used this little sign that I found at Goodwill as a Valentine decoration and its message is so relevant...."Love is patient and kind"....that message is always in season, yes?!

I have really been enjoying this butterfly sign in pastel blue that I purchased from A.C.Moore. The sign has wings protruding from the frame on each side. You can see part of a wing behind the snow-woman if you look closely. I like the sign's reminder to laugh. I haven't been kissed by a butterfly before, but I am hoping it may happen in the future!! 

I moved my wooden "with all my HEART" box to the bottom of the foyer table with the pink pastel heart for company. 

To me, creating a transitional vignette or tablescape means using some of the old while adding some of the new. Those times of "in-between" with the seasons can be a bit trying. I know I am pining for warm weather. We just have to be patient....and know that Spring is on its way!

How about you? Do you enjoy creating seasonal decor displays that transition between the seasons in your home? How is the weather where you are? C'mon....leave me a comment. I'm missing hearing from you!

Until Next Time,

Debbie

*All photos on this post taken by Debbie Ross. All vignettes/tablescapes on this post created by Debbie Ross. 

It's Freezing Out Here and She's Talking About Spring?!

*Linking with A Stroll Thru Life