Sun Drained Thoughts

*SIGH*

I'm tired... I realize that's really not anything new with me lately, but (finally) it's not from stress and tears! (Oh - those things are still around, but not all-consuming!) I have to say a BIG thank you to my dear friend Julie who has helped me immensely this last week! (She probably doesn't even realize it.) I think we have been together pretty constantly the last 3 days - library, park, kiddie pool in my back yard, rec camp pool at the lake, etc. Every now and again, I bore her with my woes, but she just listens and encourages. She's probably wishing I would stop the whining, but she's just so there for me! I just love her! She and her husband Dan even did the sweetest of sweet things the other night - they surprisingly showed up with a PERFECT gift for me (and I guess Bill, too - if I have to share)!! Just sitting there baking in the sun today with Ju-jee (as Connor lovingly calls her), I realize that through all of the tough "stuff" I've been in the midst of lately, I have great friends. Sometimes I get upset by the fact that I don't have a phone book list in my cell phone that's a mile long with friends' names... but I now completely understand - in my completely drained state of being - that it is DEFINITELY quality, NOT quantity!

This One Will Get Me Through Today...

...and hopefully tomorrow...and the next day...and the next...


Jeremiah 29:11

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.' "

*Yawn*

It's strange how tired stress and tears can make you, isn't it?

Calm My Anxious Heart

That's the title of the new book I'm reading. And, OH how I hope it does just that! My poor little thumper needs some calmin' - lemme tell ya! So, so much going on... sometimes I can't believe I'm a "grown up." *rolls eyes with a sigh*

But you know what? We ALL need some calm in our hearts, don't we? I'm thinking a lot today after some much-needed time with God this morning... I am soooo not the only one in this world who struggles, stresses, slips, slides, and sobs. I remembered that so well this morning as I stood in the hallway at church - just outside the sanctuary near the bathroom - crying with my dear friend because we both feel so overwhelmed with life right now that we don't know where to turn. And I got to thinking... we've turned to just the right place(s). First and foremost - we are doing our very best to turn to God... we are in the right place to get right, if you know what I mean. Second of all, we are turning to one another. While she told me of her woes, tears just streamed down my face - as they are beginning to do again as I type - for my friend. My dear, dear friend who wants nothing more in this world than to serve and help anyone and everyone she possibly can. Unfortunately, in the midst of all of her West Texas hospitality, she forgets to help herself. I hurt for her right now because I just love her. And I want her to be happy - because she brings so much joy to those who know her that it's only fair that she be allowed some, too! And I got to thinking about her even more this afternoon as I (try to) read my book... it must know my friend, because it talks about her. And God knows her, too... for she is talked about in His Word. If you know her, you'll agree that Proverbs 31: 10-31 paint a perfect picture of my friend. I think that verses 29-31 fit her like a glove:

"Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to

be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at

the city gate.

I love you, Jill-Jill!!

Just When I Need To Write...

I don't! Figures, right? I need to spew things like crazy, yet I let it simmer inside like a pasta pot ready to explode! WHY?!?! I don't know... My body is weary with worry... Bill and I have an all-you-can-eat platter that's full of life's drama, and it seems we keep going back to the serving line for just a little more. In the midst of it all, though, we just want to fast. We don't want to gorge ourselves on extra servings of stress, confusion, worry, and heartache. But, it seems, just when we're not looking, the waiter comes by to fill 'er up one more time. *sigh* While we are sitting at this table full of Earthly food, we want nothing more than to feed from God's nourishment. We need his Vita-packed energy and joy right now to get us through some things that are breaking every part of our tired bodies down. Here's my cup, Lord... it's a little dirty, and there's some left-overs I can't seem to scrub completely clean, but fill it up with You, Lord. Fill my cup, and let it overflow...

I have to say thank you to a beautiful friend who reminded me of these precious words that were of tear-jerking comfort at this time:

"Hear my cry, Oh God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the Earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61: 1-2