SEA WORLD

I have been trying to find the time it seems to tell you all about the fun day we managed to have on last Sat., but this has been such a busy week for me so far.  But I've got some time this morning and can finally go through my pictures of the day....  I was wanting to do "something" with my grandkids and while talking with my youngest son ended up coming up with the plan to go to Sea World down in San Diego.  We have not been there in almost 15 years and it sounded REALLY good to me.  But the best part of course would be watching my grandkids enjoy themselves...how these little cousins enjoy each other....It was such a fun day.  We started off early and went to my oldest son's house and picked up Lindsey and Jeffie to bring them along on the day.  We arrived at Jimmy's and followed his family then on down to Sea World.  It was a cold, somewhat rainy day, but it didn't seem to keep anyone from having a good time.  Even this grandma, haha...We went first off to the Shamu show which was really quite spectular.  The kids loved it.  However, it did begin to rain somewhat in earnest during this show, but we just popped open our umbrella's and pretended not to notice, haha....The kids certainly didn't.  But after the show we bought rain slickers that they had available and put them on.  Naturally right after we did this, it never actually rained again, haha...But all in all it was a VERY enjoyable day.  I did have to resort to being pushed around in a wheel chair as there was no way my knees could have ever made it with all the walking.   I tried not to let it bother me, but truthfully it kind of did.  The surgery is getting closer all the time.  I am just dreading it so.  But I am thankful that there was a way I could enjoy it all, and at the end of the day, it was kind of nice being wheeled around.   I have been having a VERY hard time with the pic part of blogging recently...hopefully I can get this to work.

Jeffie & JD all ready for the Shamu show

Capri enjoying it up close and personal

Feeding time for the stingrays

The girls all enjoyed "posing" with the characters....Tella was soo wanting to be like the big girls

She did sooo well, and tried soo hard, but finally dozed off for a little while...

Tella could hardly believe she was getting to enjoy the view from here, haha

Lindsey really enjoyed the "feeding" times

More "girly" posing

The boys enjoying their suveniors at the restaurant

Lindsey really wanted to ride the roller coaster on the day and somehow or another I got talked into riding along as well.  I have always loved a good roller coaster but there was an excellent chance of getting wet on this one.  But I put my slicker on and headed off with her and Grandpa...WOW is all I am going to say, haha...It was DEFINITELY fun, but I got a lot wetter than I had planned.  Would have been wonderful on a hot day, but it was really kind of cold.  Good thing this was near the end of the day, haha.  Oh well, the memory of Lindsey laughing and screaming besides me soo excited will be a memory I won't forget.

There is alot of things going on right now, (too long to go into) but the bottom line is it looks as if the trip to Melody's for Thanksgiving is not going to happen this year.  I am still dealing somewhat with my disappointment over this.  I think you all can understand.  I was soo wanting to see her at her home.  But for now I am "chosing" to be grateful that she and Mike will be here for Christmas and that they can come as frequently as they do.  Looks like I am cooking afterall, which truthfully I do still enjoy doing.   In the meantime, I am enjoying a somewhat windy (I've always kind of liked the wind for some weird reason) beautiful Fall day.  Soo many blessings to you all....Debbie

Oh I almost forgot...I wanted to share a couple of pics of Mike & Mel enjoying the Fall Festival at their church, and also a pic of her in her Unicorn costume...soo cute.



WHAT DOES BEING CHRISTIAN MEAN TO YOU? PART 2

First of all I can’t tell you how much I appreciate those of you who took the time and trouble to comment on my recent post, “What does being Christian mean to you?” The things you have all had to say blessed me soo much and I wanted to say a large AMEN at the end of each and everyone. I really hope those of you who wanted to post your own post about this will do so as I would soo love to hear what you think as well. I would set up a Mr. Linkey for this IF I knew how…sigh…but since I don’t I am not sure how to handle it. Just reference it back to one of these posts I guess, so if others want to keep checking for new posts they can. But for now I will “attempt” to answer my own question.


To me being a Christian is both a simple thing, and yet MUCH more complex as well. I think Elaine hit it right on the head when she said…”I think, perhaps, it refers more to the "calling" aspect of being a Christian. To know God and then out of that knowing, lead others to know the same. Pretty simple, but profoundly effective.”

To be a Christian would involve first KNOWING and accepting who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us; to believe that He was God in the flesh who came to this earth to live the perfect sinless life and then to die on the cross for ALL of our sins; rise then on the third day to conquer and defeat death and open wide the gates to heaven to all who accept this and believe. A simple prayer asking Him to come into your life and save you from what we all deserve is all it really takes to begin your Christian life. That’s it; pretty simple and pretty basic in my opinion. It’s the good news of the gospel. It can’t be done for you. It isn’t the church you belong to, or the faith you were born into. Your parent’s belief won’t save you. It is a very personal thing. And the best part of all? I can never be taken from you. Once you have TRULY believed this in your heart, asked for forgiveness for your sins and repented, and then asked Him personally to do this for you, then you belong for always and ever to Him. You are sealed by His Holy Spirit. He no longer even sees your sins, but rather Christ in you. You have the choice at that point as to rather or not you grow much in your faith or walk, or are ever used much by Him, but your salvation is secure.

Romans 8:38,39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

But that is just the beginning of “being” a Christian or living a Christian life I believe. At this point you have become a new creation in Him. Your desire should now be to leave your old life style behind and begin a new one full of His power, grace and mercy.

2 Cor 5:17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

In order to really live that life we must believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God given to us in order that we might know Him, and what He both desires to give us and how to go about living a life that is pleasing to Him. It is not a list of do’s and don’ts so much as an open love letter to us telling us of His unfailing love for us and for all mankind.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

But it is also given to us that we might know what it is that He considers sin so that we might live our lives pleasing to Him.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Living a Christian life involves becoming involved with others who believe. It means finding a church where His Word is taught, and where worshipping together is something we look forward to with great anticipation. It is knowing that it takes many members working together each bringing their own gifts that produce the fruit in our lives we desire. It is fellowshipping and supporting one another with our struggles and the celebration of our triumphs. It is praying for others and helping to carry their burdens. It is all of this and so much more.

For me, like so many of you, being a Christian is the most important thing in my life. Without Him and His love I am really not much at all. He never fails me. He loves me unconditionally. He fills me with His peace that passes all of our human understanding. He is joy untouchable. He corrects me gently and leads me by His Holy Spirit, Who fills me everyday just by the simple asking. I am definitely NOT perfect. He is that for me. I am definitely NOT sin free. He is that for me too. I try with His power to love all of those around me just as He does and tells us to likewise.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.


1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

It is my desire that everyone I know and love would know Him. Know of the salvation that is there for the asking. Would know and experience the power that is ours in the Holy Spirit. That they would come to understand that being Christian does not mean the intolerance of others, the judging of others or the harming of them in any way. It means quite simply, first knowing God, and then striving to be Christ like, and then by being ambassadors for Him.

2 Cor 5:9 I strive to live a life pleasing to Him in all I say and do.


2 Cor. 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

I have worked on this on and off for a couple days now and find it is hard to know where and when to stop. Maybe that’s because there is soo much truth to be found and shared within the pages of His Word that I can’t bear to leave anything out. But, I do challenge you to search them for yourself. Find the treasures within that have the power to change your life in a real and profound way. Meet the living God who loves you more than you can imagine.

I do know that It feels like chaos has written a WONDERFUL post about what this all means to her and you can find it HERE. I can't tell you how much I love this sweet gal's blog and her heart for Him is so evident in all she writes.   I will do my best to update this as others may write as I just couldn’t bear anyone to miss a thing.

God Bless you all…

Debbie 

To join the other Spiritual Sunday posts click HERE  You will be soo blessed

WHAT DOES BEING CHRISTIAN MEAN TO YOU?

When I first got into blogging I am not quite sure what I was really looking for. I think maybe just something fun to fill my “sitting” time that had been forced upon me do to the arthritis in my knees. I have always loved to write, and felt like maybe I could journal out my ever increasing jumble of feelings that had been swirling around in my head while I was experiencing “an empty nest” as well. It would be a place to organize my pictures and maybe even put it all together someday as a journal type book for my kids and grandkids (in case they would ever be interested in what this lady was all about). I originally named this blog Debs Daily Dribbles as I honestly thought that was somewhat of a clever journal/diary name, haha, and no doubt just my random thoughts dribbling from my head…I hate to admit that I had not a single clue that thousands upon thousands of people blogged, or that it was actually OK to read anyone’s blog I might “happen” upon. It never occurred to me that total strangers might ever actually read it. All of this of course is a total admittance to the fact that I am really obviously somewhat naïve. Of course if you write something and POST it on the internet, potentially thousands of people could read if they so chose to do so. I just wasn’t much into computers or the internet or any of it at that point in my life. I am sure my daughter is flipping out about now that her mom could be soo behind the times, haha. But anyway, you can imagine my surprise and pleasure when I discovered just what the world of blogging was REALLY all about. I have watched in total amazement as my “followers” have increased to over 90 and can still hardly believe that anyone might be interested in much of anything I have to say. On the other hand I cannot believe the amount of women whose blogs I follow soo faithfully that I find myself talking about them to others around me as if they were people I actually know. But I guess that is the point. I DO actually know them all in a way. I follow their lives from day to day. I pray eagerly for them whenever I have the opportunity and laugh and cry at the stories of their lives. I admire the pictures of their precious little kids and grandkids and share a part of my heart I never dreamed I would as well. The fellowship from other Christian ladies I have come to know was just the icing on the cake. I LOVE this whole thing. But I have also found it to be a bit more of a responsibility that I ever gave thought to. I feel like as a Christian it is important that others know just what “being a Christian” means to me. I would never want to offend or cause anyone to look at me or my life and think that being a Christian is something they would never want to be. It is sooo my desire that everyone might come to a saving knowledge of Him, and experience all that He gives us through His Holy Spirit here on this earth. On the other hand, it is also important I think for others to know that we ALL struggle from time to time. We ALL have our moments of fear, anger, disappointment and sadness. We really aren’t perfect ~ just forgiven ~ as pat or cliché as that might really sound. But I also think it is important from time to time to stand up for what you believe and why you believe it. To not worry if some might not like what I have to say. I have struggled MANY times right from the beginning of my blogging experience as to rather or not I should write about controversial things. Like abortion, homosexuality, the celebrating of Halloween and many other such things. Others of you have and I can’t tell you how much I admire your courage of conviction and your hearts that are soo willing to share what you believe and why. I will admit I have VERY definite opinions on all of these things, because to be really honest, HE does of course. But I have decided again that I will leave the controversial topics to others who feel so led to share their hearts on these issues and stick to what I have felt He was leading me to do in the first place. And that is to sing His praises to all who have ears to hear and hearts to listen. To talk of what He does in my everyday life, and how I can’t imagine a life without Him. To encourage those I come in contact with when they might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure. To spread the good news of His love and joy around. Recently I have been giving a lot of thought as to why someone (including myself) considers themselves to be a Christian. And so my questions to you are…“What” is it that makes you a Christian? Why do you feel that you are? And most importantly….What does this mean to you?


I could write an entire (and very lengthy I am quite sure) post about what it is that I feel makes me a Christian. Maybe this is something no one else is really interested in and that is OK too. I don’t know if it is better for you all to just leave a quick comment here, or to write a post about it on your blog and reference it back to this post. I guess I will just see if there is an interest before I write mine out. This is NOT meant to be a judging tool for others to decide rather or not they indeed think someone else is or is not a Christian. I think we can ALL agree that only God Himself can judge our hearts. I just honestly have a desire to hear how soo many of you have come to believe this and why. This again is NOT a place to discuss what our particular church believes or why we go there, or even why we consider ourselves a certain domination. It is quite simply just really wanting to know what being Christian means to you.

Much love and His richest blessings to you all...

Debbie

MY FALL DECOR

I have decided to link up this morning with one of my VERY favorite blogging friends ~ Jennifer @ Trading Ashes for Beauty ~  and her "Friday with Friends" party.  She has asked us to share our Fall decorations be they indoors or out.  I've only added one new goodie this year, a gift from my GOOD friend Cindy, but you will see that I have MANY little treasures I have been collecting over the years.  I did have to find some new places for things this year, what with the move and all, but I it was really pretty easy.  I LOVE Fall.  The colors are some of my favorites and really kind of work in with my year round decor.  They will all stay put until the Christmas boxes come out.  Can it be that it is already mid Oct.??  ENJOY  And soo many thanks to Jennifer for hosting this fun event.  You can find her and the others who are participating HERE.

I got this beautiful Fall wreath years ago at Michael's.  I love it.  My scarecrow got rained on a bit the other day, haha, but he seems to have survived just fine...Come on in

This is the first thing you see as you walk in the front door.  Looks like I need some new candles, haha, these are short and bent, but you get the idea.

A closer look at the cross my son James and his family gave me last year for my birthday..I LOVE it!

The top of my piano hold these little fall angels I have had for years

The window sill in front of my kitchen sink

A close up of these cuties

This little guy sits perfectly in the corner...

Some Fall scented candles are a must of course

Kitchen table centerpiece...I have had this soo long don't remember when or where I got it.  I change the candle up of course.  Looks like this one is kind of sad too, haha

Family room coffe table.  The stuffed pumpkin is my new item that my life long (since we were 9 years old) girlfriend gave me this week for my birthday when we met for lunch.  LOVE it and her!

How darling is this??  Perfect colors too.

This is the centerpiece that sits on my table year round and I just add these Fall leaves etc. in.  I got all of these last year from my friend Sue @ Where Memories are Made.  I LOVE them.  The little scarecrow is adorable!

This pic was in one of my latest posts, but I couldn't resist adding it again.  This is the new buffet in my kitching eating area that we bought when we bought this home.  I not only love it, but it stores some extra items that did not fit in my kitchen anymore.  I added the glass pumpkin last year, (a real find) and my pilgrim couple that I have had for years.  You can see by the dwindling jar of corn candy that it is one of my favorites.  I really better not fill it up again, haha

This just sums it all up doesn't it?

 This has been soo much fun to put together.  But it has also made me think and dwell a bit on the many blessings that have been mine through this last year.  I have soo much to be thankful for.  I have said it many times before but I am sure it can be repeated...Thanksgiving is just my favorite holiday of all.  The gathering of family and friends, the yummy food and delicious smells, Christmas just around the corner, and hearts that are full of gratitude for all we have been soo blessed with.  This verse here is one of my many, many favorites, so I will close this post with it.  Hope you all have a wonderful week-end and enjoy this gorgeous Fall season that He has given to us.

Psalm 35:27  Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."

SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK

Enjoying Fall


My Simple Woman's Daybook for October 11, 2010....Columbus Day!

Outside my window...it is simply a GORGEOUS day in sunny California. Maybe a little warmer than I might like (upper 80’s today) but it’s clear, pretty and perfect in my book.

I am thinking....A LOT of different things really. But mainly about the day I spent this week-end at my mom’s going through soo many of her treasured items with my sisters. She wants to have everything “handled” suddenly and everything either already going to who she wants to have it, or at least knowing that it’s decided and taken care of; how many feelings this whole process stirred up. We didn’t finish or really even come close, but we at least made a start. I am thrilled to know that the cedar chest that once belonged to my great grandmother is to be mine. More on that later.

I am thankful....for the day we got to spend yesterday down in San Diego. My son did both of the Sun morning services, and the Sunday evening as well. What a blessing this was. His messages touched my heart and spirit like I can’t begin to tell you, and made me think about things I need to change; again, more on that later. But I am also thankful for the time I got to spend with my precious grandkids.

I am wearing.....white Capri pants and a multi colored comfy top. It is all in rusts and browns. Quite “fallish” looking haha

I am remembering....soo many things about my past and childhood. I’m sure going through old treasures, photos and memories this week-end put my heart in this place.

I am going...to get my hair done tomorrow….YAY!! My roots are long and needing done soo badly, AND I am feeling another small change is about to happen, haha…

I am reading....just finished actually. Karen Kingsbury “Take four”. I love her writing style and books and can’t seem to get enough of them. She has another new one due this month that I am looking forward to. Also just grabbed Good Housekeeping magazine which I used to buy ALL THE TIME and haven’t for several months. I am looking forward to it.

I am hoping...sooo many things. That I stay on my diet better this week. That my mother continues to improve every day. That my knees would somehow not be soo bad…I am having SUCH a hard time. That we work out all the details and are able to go to Melody’s for Thanksgiving. We haven’t been to her house in almost 2 years. It is soo time. I want to SEE what she has done in her home. I could go on and on but I will stop here. I have given THIS list to my Lord, and I know He will take care of it all. = )

On my mind....again, soo much…But I guess yesterday’s message is standing out right now. I need to make some changes and today’s the day to begin.

From the kitchen....my plan this week is to FINALLY make those apple muffins that you can find HERE that my friend Kris makes that I am just hearing wonderful things about. Only 2 points on Weight Watchers. Now if I can just stick to one will be the question.

Around the house...I am feeling quite content. All my Fall decorations are up and I am enjoying them so.

Plans for the week....hair appointment, lunch with my friend Cindy, and dinner with old friends on Friday.

One of my favorite things.....has got to be blogging recently. I am FORCED to sit it seems much more than I would like with these knees, and I love to visit and chat and pray and cry and laugh with all of you. Hope you all have a wonderful week.  I did it Jennifer!

GLAD IN THE LORD

Why is it that the smell of Pumpkin Nut Bread baking in the oven, and a pot roast complete with carrots and onions and mushrooms cooking in the crock pot, make me feel all warm and cozy and “Little House on the Prairie” like? Haha But it just does. California surely needs the rain, and yet I will confess it has little to do with why I am enjoying it. The pitter patter of it on my roof is just so peaceful for some reason. How I am enjoying my new surroundings. It is the perfect time to write my Thankful Thursday post (though I KNOW it is only Wed) as my heart is just so full today with the joy of the Lord.

I am thankful for mornings like these. Rain on the roof, warm house to putter about in, and my hubby who works hard to provide us with all we have. I got to chose whatever I wanted to do last week-end (for the WHOLE week-end) as a belated birthday celebration gift from my husband. I was giddy with the possibilities. A long drive, a trip up to the mountains, lunch at my favorite restaurant or dinner and a movie all seemed like good choices. Maybe even a play at our local theater/dinner place. But as I really dwelled on it….what did I really feel like doing? I felt like some time with my grandkids. If I could have gathered them ALL together that is just what I would have done. As it turned out my 6 year old grandson was available and I honestly can’t tell you how I have missed him. Last year I saw him at least 3 days a week as I babysat for this family while their parents worked. They used to live just 5 minutes away and I could pop over whenever the mood struck and just “hang out” for a while. It is more like 30 or 35 minutes away now so “popping over” is just not happening of course. Sooo, we headed over to his house and picked him up and headed to my favorite restaurant for lunch. I’ve been missing this place too. His little head sitting beside me as we lunched was just what I needed. He told me about school (first grade already!) and his new teacher and all the little things that make him who he is. He colored his menu, and beat me mercilessly at tic tac toe, haha…. I enjoyed some wonderful Sushi….Yum yum. After lunch, we went and saw the new movie Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole. He LOVED it…I enjoyed it too of course, but I enjoyed him enjoying it more.

 After that we headed back to his house where some more of his brothers and sisters were suppose to be home now. Annabel was there and I honestly can’t remember the last time we have been able to have a good long chat. We headed out just the two of us and found a good spot and spent a couple of hours catching up with her happenings. I love that she feels open and comfortable with me and is soo willing to pour her heart out. I gave her my advice and opinions on things going on and she seemed (at least) to be really listening and wanting to hear. What a hard age being 13 can sometimes be. It seems like yesterday Mel was that age. I intend to double up my praying for this girl as she goes through this season in her life. We finally headed back to their house and little Cody was up from his nap and Lindsey had come home from her little girlfriends party. Cody is ALL boy and ALL over the place. He is just the cutest little thing, but this Grandma can hardly keep up with him, haha.. Lindsey was her usual happy self and quickly told me how she had been elected as 4th grade room representative. How proud I am of her as this definitely pushed her out of her comfort zone.  Such a cutie. Jeff and I headed home and he barbequed a delicious steak for us and we watched one of my favorite video's.  A perfect day.  The following day we headed out to early service which was wonderful as always, and then we went to Target and stocked up on lots of things we have been low on for a while.
After getting all of that FINALLY put away we headed down to San Diego to hear our son James deliever the Sunday evening message.  We did get to pop their house for a few minutes and see my other grandkids for a while and how I enjoyed that too.  The service was wonderful.  How grateful I am that he is able to be used by the Lord like this.  We didn't get home until almost 10, so it was a LONG day, but I was soo grateful we were able to do this.  Next week-end he is giving the Sunday morning message as well as the Sunday evening so we will head down there for the whole day.  We can spend time between the services with the grandkids.  Just doesn't get much better.  My mom is doing OK.  Not alot of improvement, but I am really enjoying all the extra time with her.  How grateful I am that I am close enough to her to do this a couple of times a week at least.  I guess I will end this for now.  Some more major changes loom on our horizon and I would appreciate your prayers.  I feel only excitement as I KNOW the Lord holds our future in His hands.  How good He is to us.

To join the other thankful hearts click...HERE

I have also linked up with Dayle over at A Collection of This & That....I love this precious ladies blog and every week she shares a collection of Simple Pleasures posts which truly bless me.  I thought about this after I had written my thankful post and realized how it is just the "simple" things that so often bless me the most.  Join the other posts HERE...you will be soo glad you did.  = )