This is a gift to me, really, that Christine Lindsay would post this article on the week of my 53 wedding anniversary. http://www.christinelindsay.org/2016/02/only-god-by-guest-brenda-wood-as-told.html
Tag Archives: gifts
New Years Resolutionary Thought
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
Valentines Gifts
Delight your heart by clicking on the Google page and then on the heart. Watch the delightful cartoon unfold. Maybe you won’t need to buy a card after all…….Hugs Brenda J Wood
Grafefully Eating Well
Are you cooking for yourself? Are you eating well? A friend asked me these qustions this week.
Cooking for myself? Not hardly because it is not necessary right at this moment.
Eating well? Now that is a whole different affair. How could I not be eating well? Darling ladies stocked my freezer with bits and pieces in the last few weeks and I find myself with the ability to choose from a near restaurant-like menu. Shall I eat Lasagna, Potato Soup or a Chicken this day? Or should I investigate spaghetti, pork chops and more? Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
I pridefully tried to refuse these gifts when they were offered. Someone else needs it more, I declared.All of that might be true, but especially on a day when I am a little teary, those meals thoroughly feed my body, mind, soul and spirit. I remember each giver with thanks and great appreciation for their kindnesses to me…… and vow to be grateful…just because I can.
Philippians 1:3-I thank my God in all my remembrance of you (AMP)
Twas the Night before Christmas
I don’t know anything about this author, but I love her truth. I hope she had this poem published as a children’s book. You may not have autism, but you can insert your own problem , anything from grief, to cancer to lonliness and more and find that the same truths hold true. Don’t you judge me…and I won’t judge you….
Autism Night Before Christmas by Cindy Waeltermann
Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the house
The creatures were stirring, yes, even the mouse.
We tried melatonin and gave a hot bath
But the holiday jitters, they always distract.
The children were finally all nestled in bed
When nightmares of terror ran through my OWN head
Did I get the right gift? The right color and style?
Would there be a tantrum or even, maybe, a smile?
Our relatives come but they don’t understand
The pleasure he gets just from flapping his hands.
“He needs discipline,” they say “Just a well-needed smack,
You must learn to parent” and on goes the attack.
We smile and nod because we know deep inside
The argument is moot. Let them all take a side.
We know what it’s like to live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs, achievements, regressions…
But what they don’t know and what they don’t see
Is the joy that we feel over simplicity .
He said “hello!” He ate something green!
He told his first lie! He did not cause a scene!
He peed on the potty. who cares if he’s ten?
He stopped saying the same thing again and again!
Others don’t realize just how we can cope
How we bravely hang on at the end of our rope.
But what they don’t see is the joy we can’t hide
When our children with autism make the tiniest stride.
We may look at others without the problems we face
With jealousy, hatred or even distaste,
But what they don’t know, nor sometimes do we
Is that children with autism bring simplicity.
We don’t get excited over expensive things.
We jump for joy with the progress work brings
Children with autism try hard every day.
That they make us proud more than words can say.
They work even harder than you or I
To achieve something small, to reach a star in the sky
So to those who don’t get it or can’t get a clue
Take a walk in my shoes and I’ll assure you
That even 10 minutes into the walk
You’ll look at me with respect, even shock.
You will realize what it is that I go through
And the next time you judge, I can assure you
That you won’t say a thing. You’ll be quiet and learn,
Like the years that I did when the tables were turned…
Stressfree Christmas Shopping
Think outside the traditional Christmas gift box. How about gift certificates from a local hair salon or barber?
Or a gym membership for all who are thinking about some health improvement? (Try not to feel insulted if someone gets you one of these! MY first thought would be- do they think I ‘m fat!))
Who wouldn’t appreciate car wash gift certificates? Or hand made coupons for lawn care or snow shoveling or a golf pass? (Don’t give me the golf thing. I think golf just spoils a good walk.)
Do you like to eat? So does everyone else. Swiss Chalet, Wendy’s or even the Keg if you are super rich,all offer gift certificates.
And what about the promise of breakfast, lunch or dinner with the recipient at at the local mom and pop eatery? After all, eating alone is not that much fun.
How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle? Do you have a teen on your list who is saving toward their driving license?
And Moms? Moms would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
If your computer needs a tune-up, you can find some young guy struggling to get his repair business up
and running.( Think Dan Barratt!)
Maybe you can make something nice or buy something unusual at our many local craft fairs.
And, how about taking someone to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre?
The gift of your time will be the most appreciated thing you can offer.
Special thanks to Sharon Greer for the idea of this article…
Those Hummingbird Pictures on Yesterday’s Blog
I’m glad so many of you enjoyed that hummingbird picture.That little nest is right out front of our house. Ron hasn’t been able to do too much this year and believes that God sent them for his personal enjoyment. I do too.
We only happened to spot the nest by keeping an eye out for the mother flitting back and forth. Even as she enters the maple branches, she weaves back and around to discourage any followers.
Apparently, the nests are made from spiders webs! How is it that the bird can get hold of those things and not get strangled, when humans walk into one and are picking off bits for ages?
Answer? Because humans don’t need nor want a spider web. That might be the answer to why we don’t always get what we go after. We didn’t need it in the first place. God knows it but we persevere in finding out the hard way.
Brenda J Wood