I believe

         

Isn't this a pretty little setting?  Although my kitchen is red and white, not blue, I think the plants really make it neat!  I've got to figure out a way to get some in there now . . . without killing them.  I do NOT have a green thumb!  If it wants to live, Rob will have to care for it.  My plants cringe when they see me coming.

I have been trying desperately to get back to the computer.  I miss my laptop so much I can't believe it.  It's very difficult to sit in this chair (Rob even changed the chair for me) for more than a few minutes at a time.  My in-box looks like a super-model's must look!  I just got it under 500 for the first time in a week.  I guess I will have to just let go of some of the entries from a week before Christmas.  I just hate to miss the wonderful writings of my friends here in J-Land.

There are 11 days until my birthday.  I can't believe another year has passed. Each year I go to a retreat in January right around my birthday time.  It's a time to reflect on the past and also on the year ahead.  I write out and try to get rid of my griefs and disappointments from the year behind and set goals for myself in the year ahead.  I spend a lot of time talking to God and renew friendships from the 30 years I have been associated with this retreat.  My track record for consistency has been lacking most of my life, but this retreat and my  service to the Lord have given me hope that I can be a long-distance runner instead of a sprinter.  It's all possible because

I believe that the Lord's love is stronger than anything I have ever or will ever experience.

I believe that if I love Him with all my heart, I can be strong through whatever happens in this world.

I believe I am loved.

There's no better way for me!  My faith used to be contingent on what I thought God was doing, but years ago, some things happened that showed me without a doubt faith had to be based on the biblical passage from Hebrews 11 - things not seen (no quotes here, but it's Hebrews 11:1).  If I can believe in He whom I have not seen, then I can have faith, pure and simple.  Now I just believe and let the evidence come later.  It's so easy!  I pray, He answers, I let it go.  Praise His name!

I love you all today and hope to get caught up on your journals soon.  By the way, if you ever need prayer, let me know by e-mail and I will do so . . . or IM me and we'll pray together.  It's the very best I have to offer to you and to the Lord.

Be blessed today my friends,