God so graciously provided some "joy spots" as I fondly call them over the past couple of weeks - weeks that made it difficult to keep a godly, upbeat spirit during less than wonderful circumstances.  Here are a few spots that pop out in my mind:

• hearing my grandbaby's heartbeat and being on "baby watch"
• being told by a 2nd grader that I was nice
• a school mom chose to celebrate my half birthday, complete with donuts and gift certificates to "Crackers"
• watching students have a great time playing games at recess
• hearing a thank you from someone who appreciated an act of service
• sitting on the couch with my friend, chatting and watching the steam rise off our cups of tea
• Christmas music, a cup of coffee, a scented candle and a quiet offfice in which to work
• spending time with Rebecca, spoiling her a bit
• getting a few minutes of Sue telling me about Hawaii and wanting all of us to come and be there too
• knowing that I don't have to mow the yard any more this fall
• good news from the doctor
• some quiet times with the Lord, praying for my kids
• hearing all about the night time shuttle launch from Bethany and listening to Allen tell me about work while he was dodging firetrucks on their way home
• watching those who never seem to tire in their service to Christ while serving others

And now I get to go see my neice open lots of presents at her bridal shower!  Better get presentable.

Keep praying for Bec and Ben - moving soon to Lincoln, a baby soon to be born and a mom that is on bed rest!

So this morning, while walking, I had the irresistable urge to pick a gorgeous red leaf off of a tree on my route.  One soon became a handful making it kind of tricky juggling them, a dog leash and a doggy dodo bag.  But, yeah, they are each unique, beautiful but not perfect.  And there were so many of them scattered in yards, streets, along the gutters, decorating the roof tops of houses.

As I held those leaves I was riveted back about 20-23 years, where I was pushing a stroller or walking with a toddler around our block, gathering leaves and seed pods.  Funny, I kept us limited to just a few blocks when about 3 blocks away, we would have found the beautiful trees that I enjoy each morning.  If only I would have been a little more adventurous.  Then zooming back to now, I see that God is inviting me (if I take the invitation) to go further on this adventure called life.  Honestly, the next step scares me, going and not knowing. 

But the trees of neighborhood were comforting today, reminding me of His omniscience..........He knows each one of them and when their last leaf will fall.  His is still controlling our world even when a whacked out stock market keeps sinking and less than desirable presidential candidates are madly campaigning.  And yes..........He will take care of me.  I want to be like the field and the trees in the verse below.....

Psalm 96:12 (NLT)

It's been a challenge to put my fingers to the keyboard and actually blog.  The past week has been filled with more "up" time than down, leaving me too brain weary to do much of anything.  So once again I revert to my bullet style writing:

• Went camping last weekend with the Wolfe Clan and fell in love with my two great nieces, Anna and Emma.
• I broke a tooth on a carrot and now have a tongue that is swollen because of the rough edges of the tooth.  So if I sound like I am slurring my words, it's the tooth and not a new habit I just picked up.
• Jersey can't seem to get close enough to me while I am at home. Trying to take a nap with a dog laying on your stomach is tricky.
• One of my prayer partners is turning 85 yrs. old on Friday!  She has been a faithful prayer warrior for our family for several years
• Zonna had her baby and she is adorable.  I can't wait to see her!!
• Sue is gonna to St. Louis to the "Write About Jesus" Conference on Thursday and has the opportunity to speak at one of the workshops about writing music for the church.  I am so thrilled for the way God is using her right now!! 
• Bethany comes home next Thursday and I can't wait!!  She and Allen hosted his folks for a few days in Orlando, complete with a 12 hour visit to 3 Disney parks.
• Rebecca is nesting, preparing for that precious one God is growing inside her.  Benjamin is waiting upon the Lord for His guidance and direction.
• Jonathan is studying and working at the NPPD Sheldon station and enjoying more cable stations than I will ever have in our home.
• I occasionally have people give me random checks for Jon, paying for computer work he has done for them.  I think I should start charging him a handling fee, eh?
• I turned on the heat today in the house.  Stink!! 
• Grocery shopping and cooking for one is no fun.  CW spoiled me tonight and fixed dinner for me.  Sweet!
• Last but not least............I am going to finish a cup of Airborne and get to bed early in hopes of staving off a nasty sore throat.

G'night...................