My goodness but it has been a while...  So much has happened in the months that turned into years since last I blogged.  The most profound change in my life has been the death of my beloved.  Steve fought the fight but lost his battle with colon cancer on December 19, 2014 at 9:24 pm.  The death of your spouse is so unlike any other death I have experienced.  Going through grief class we are reminded that everyone grieves differently and each relationship dynamic accounts for different experiences.  As I said one night in class, "When you are faced with impending death and are given time to prepare, you think you have-but...  Nothing fully prepares you for that moment and the eventual life you have to live without your loved one by your side."  Oh, yes-I go on.  You may even think I am doing well when you see me.  I make a point to find a reason to laugh and smile but the tears are never far from the surface.  In the beginning they came fast and furious.  They do not flow as freely now (9 + months hence) but they still flow.  Just today the Monument Company called to tell me they will deliver and set the headstone tomorrow.  That's all it took to open the flood gates.  I did manage to control myself as I am at work but I will have a good, cleansing cry later tonight.  And cries are good and cleansing.  Never let anyone tell you that you shouldn't cry after the death of someone so loved!!  If you feel the tears welling up, let them flow.  Then treat yourself; maybe to a cookie and cup of tea, slice of cake or pie, a scoop of ice cream perhaps.  Whatever you do; Use Your Good Dishes!!

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Matthew 5:4

The events of this past week have left many people shocked and devasated by the force of nature and just how quickly lives can be altered.  Tornadoes have ripped thru the country and leveled communities.  Taking not only buildings, automobiles, and landscapes but lives as well.  Weather does not discriminate; young or old, sick or healthy, male or female, black or white, etc.  We are all subject to the wrath of weather.  We should all remember and learn from these events when they happen.  The survivors teach us by their resolve and resiliance to value the sanctity of life.  Things (material things) that we feel are so important are suddenly gone and will soon be forgotten, but the lives, the people will be forever remembered.  Tragedy seems to bring people together that may otherwise never have met.  Neighbor helping neighbor to pick up the pieces and move on.  While we have each other here, celebrate life each day.  Even in the mundane and trivial events of the day!  Go ahead and 'Use your Good Dishes'!!  Who or what are you saving them for?  If you don't use them now, you may be sorting thru rubble one day to pick up the pieces.

Good afternoon!  I have recently been inspired to "pick up pen and blog..." today.  It has been a long time since I shared with you but, here goes...

Several things this week have brought to my mind that not all Anniversaries are happy, not all Celebratory Days are joyous, not all Commemorations are glad ones. 

A friend had posted on Facebook one day this week that it was the 1 year Anniversary of the death of her beloved.  I wish there were another word.  We hear Anniversary and immediately think of happy times.  I have often stuggled with what to say, how to refer to such times so as to mark the occassion yet convey the feeling.  I suppose 'Anniversary' is as good as any, but we must remain mindful that there is often saddness or heartache associated with an Anniversary.

While the nation prepares to celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday, many of us mourn the loss of our Mother.  Whether it be ten years ago, 1 year ago, a month ago, or sometime this week the loss of a Mother will no doubt bring pain and sadness to many on this day.  Yes-we will try to put the pain behind us and lovingly wish all those Mothers everywhere a very happy day.  We remember and celebrate all the women who have birthed a nation.  We remember and celebrate all the women who have through other means raised and cared for a nation.  We remember and celebrate all those women who have been a strong influence and support for the nation.  While we do, we remember and celebrate all those that have gone on before us who are now awaiting our arrival to our Heavenly, eternal Home.  Love and miss you, Momma! 

Later this month, we as a Nation will celebrate Memorial Day.  A day set aside (and rightly so) to remember all those brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedoms.  I fear that so many have lost sight of the meaning of the day.  For some, Memorial Day simply means it is the 'official start of summer'.  Barbeque pits get dusted off and fired up.  Boats are uncovered, gassed up and lowered into the lakes.  Camping gear is pulled down from the attic.  Ice Cream makers are cranked up.  Vacations planned and taken...  As we go about with our joyful celebrations, we would be wise to pause and remember.  Remember that because of the lives of many we are free to forget.  Free to forget the worries of the day and enjoy the bliss of the summer.  Remember that many Americans even today are still fighting for those FREEDOMS that we hold so near and dear.  Thank you is not a BIG enough term!

Whatever occassion you are marking; the death of a loved one, to honor a Mother, to remember Service personnel, or just to celebrate the beginning of summer-USE YOUR GOOD DISHES!

To my faithful followers-all 4 of you :)-I had no idea it has been so long since I blogged!  Time does have a way of getting away from us.  The last few months have flown by.  It is so hard to believe that it has been 6 months since Steve was diagnosed with cancer.  In just 5 months time, our friend George Moody was diagnosed and sadly, lost his battle with cancer.  We lost our dear, sweet Uncle Henry on December 16, 2011-again, to cancer.  Just days before his death, Momma was released from her latest hospital stay into Hospice Care.  Her battle with cancer will be over soon when our Lord and Saviour calls her home.  This all may seem bleak and morbid but throughout all these illnesses and deaths God has been with us!  The love of Christ has been poured out by so many who have called, sent cards, shared a meal, offered up a prayer, etc.  There have been many days that when looking back I marvel that I was able to get thru them but know that by the Grace of God alone was it made possible.  Regardless of the trials set before us; This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!  I do REJOICE and praise God for this day and whatever the day holds, He will be with us and we will Use Our Good Dishes.

A woman's closet

Have you ever noticed how much bigger and fuller a woman's clothes closet is than a man's.  I know-funny question, huh?!  And I often wonder, "Why?".  Well, we all know the answer to that question!  WE LOVE CLOTHES!  Not just clothes, but accessories too.  Shoes, sandals, boots, scarves, hats, belts, purses, bags, clutches, etc.  But more than just our LOVE of clothes and all that goes with them-we have to be ready for any occasion at any time.  From mowing, raking, planting, cutting flowers in the yard to entertaining at home or in a 5 star restaurant, playing putt-putt with the grandchildren or 4-wheeling across the family land.  The men in our life slip on a shirt and pair of pants (long or short-they're still pants), put something on their feet and off they go.  Women on the other hand:  crew, henley, Vneck, boatneck, scoop neck,...; sleeveless, short sleeve, 3/4 length sleeve, long sleeve,...; jersey knit, sweater, woven, natural fiber, synthetic,...shorts, slacks, jeans, capris, skirt-mini, maxi, Aline, gored, straight, gathered,...; flats, heels, slip on, mules, flip-flops, athletic,...  OH MY-the choices are endless and mind boggling but one thing I can guarantee-the woman who Uses Her Good Dishes will be prepared for anything and dressed to the nines! 

Moving...

Almost 15 years to the day is how long we were in our 'House on the Hill'.  June 4, 1996 Steve and I moved into our dream home on 6+ acres of land in Coffeeville.  We had some fabulous times there.  Turned the house into a home and loved every minute we spent there, but...  15 years do make a difference and as Steve puts it, "That place just outgrew us".  So...  We made the decision to downsize and here we are.  One week shy of our 15th anniversary in Coffeeville we spent the first night in our new home.  It has been bitter-sweet for sure, but from the first time I walked in this house I felt that it would be a very comfortable home for us and so far it has been.  We have been steadily moving things over (and will be for weeks to come) and with each load this becomes more like HOME.  We have had to cull and give up some things-that comes with downsizing-but one thing is for sure...  We still USE OUR GOOD DISHES!

To be a wife of Noble Character

Can you imagine what life would be like if we women were all wives of noble character as set forth in Proverbs 31?  Our lives would be in order, our homes well appointed and welcoming to all, husbands well thought of, children well fed and clothed by the work of our hands, and husbands and children alike praise her...  Nothing about Proverbs 31 focuses on the what the woman gains-it speaks of what she does, the work of her hands, the decisions she makes, how she spends her time, the words spoken from her mouth, etc.;  yet she gains it all.  I am thankful to have the opportunity each day to strive to be a wife of noble character.  To bring good to my husband, my home, my family.  To fear the Lord and earn my reward and praise at the city gate.  Until we all feast at His heavenly banquet-Use your good dishes!  I'm sure the wife of noble character does!