Grit and Guts

So, I am a dyed in the wool Red Sox fan. I love watching, (at least when I have time) the boys give their all, doing what they love to do! 

I think the thing I love best about them is that they don't quit. They're scrappy! 

"We don't give up, we don't give in," Will Middlebrooks said. It doesn't matter what the scoreboard says. We're going to come out, we're going to fight, we're going to grind it out." 1

There are so many parallels for me, personally.

As a musician, I can attest to giving all I have to a song. Whether writing it, interpreting it, or out and out note thievery, lol, there is generally an odious (to the non musician) amount of practice required. 

Heaven help the poor folks I live with, doomed to an existence of endless repetition. The same parts over and over and over and over and over and over... amen... (For you math types, think of PI :)

As a Christian, truly that line from Will Middlebrooks inspires me.

Like the Sox, I need an attitude of cannot quit. No matter what. As I watched that plucky team pull it's way out of the bottom of the glass, I determined, again, to dig in...  

• When the checkbook bounces so hard it makes a basket.

• When there is a diagnosis that doesn't make sense. 

• When the job is gone, the car is broken, and the cupboard is empty. 

• When there are no options. Period.

It has been a season like that for me. A really long one. 

So, I have two options. Give up, or go on. Option one isn't going to get me very far... 

So I look up and remember. I remember all the answers that I have seen; sometimes the question never even left my lips. 

Best of all, I am not alone. The amazing power of God and all of Heaven stands with me. As His child, I can take courage to keep going! 

"Be (stay) strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!" Ephesians 6:10


So, if you are tempted to quit, DON'T! That answer or breakthrough might be just around the bend. 


God Bless! 





1 CNSnews.com - "Napoli, Victorino rally Red Sox past Yankees 12-8" September 7, 2013 1:35 AM
Mike Fitzpatrick, Associated Press 

Cramming for Finals

I can't  believe the semester is almost over. It seems like yesterday I was stumbling through awkward introductions. 

Here I sit on a glorious Sunday afternoon. Inside. Here, at my friendly neighborhood Starbucks, I'm in good company. The tables are full, and you can hear tapping and sipping as we conquer agendas, bit by bit.

I have ONE class... One. It's the first class back from a 24 year hiatus. Comparatively, it's not anywhere near as mind-numbing bad as next semester will be- it was a tentative baby step in my quest to finish what I started oh so long ago. 

Many things have changed. The school, the subjects, the faces, and certainly my capacity to retain. Thanks menopause - appreciate it. 

One thing that hasn't changed is the driving need to cram. 

Whoever said that there is no prayer in schools certainly has never sat through a make or break test or exam. 

"Ok", you ask, "Where is the inevitable spiritual analogy?" 

Glad you asked!!! lol

We wait to get ourselves right with God. We wait until the last possible minute, thinking that it will be such a dreadful odious affair. 

What if I tell you that you are wrong! Once you acknowledge (notice that the word knowledge is in acknowledge- pretty cool, huh?) that you need help,  you find an ocean of grace and peace... pretty sweet!

Here's truth - yesterday is a cancelled check, and tomorrow is a promissory note - Carpe Diem!!! 

So, don't wait... Ask Him to reveal Himself to you so you don't miss out on what you can experience today!

God bless and happy cramming!!! <>< 




References to check out in Scripture: 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16 

"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 10:13 

"But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to cleanse us from all wickedness."   1 John 1:9 

Bits and pieces

Hey! Thanks for coming back. Today, I have a lot on my mind. My cousin, Caroline, had major surgery two days ago, and I am praying for her; well, all of my family, actually. For Caroline's healing, of course, and for them to find and experience the incredible peace and power/presence of God. That knowledge: that He loves me, died for me, and wants me to experience life by His side, was enough to transform this wreck into a Masterpiece. It's overwhelming sometimes, wanting those I love to find this Truth.. That's the first thing I have on my mind.

Secondly, it's been a slow work week. I don't, as of yet, have rent. Nor any of the other bill money that I need.. yesterday. But if I have learned anything, it's this. That I can count on God to make a way where there is none... He loves an empty canvas to paint on. This canvas is pretty empty. As I slowly but "surly" lol, learn to rely on the faithfulness of God, I reflect on the other times that He has come through for me. Times where I would discover money in my checking account that absolutely should NOT have been there, unexpected grace in a bill, or someone met a need at the last possible moment, much to my delighted surprise!

Another thing on my mind is just that.. my mind.. what am I feeding it? That which I feed will GROW!!!! I am learning to cultivate good thinking. Learning not to give any power to the negative and toxic thoughts. Am I successful? Let's just say that I am looking up - : ) God's Word is the best seed you can plant in a mind.

Jesus always spoke life.. He still does... : D. It does take some discipline: replacing the thoughts that produce death with the ones that produce life.. then learning to speak that same stuff over others! Seriously, it's life changing stuff!

My friend, Pam. I am praying for her, as well.. She has had more health issues than anyone I know. Unbelievable stuff. Never has the thief been able to keep her joy, and I learn so much from her. She doesn't take anything or anyone for granted. She lives and loves for today.

I can't remember ever hearing her complain. This from the one that fusses over a bad hair day. Sadly, I have many of those ;-P. But really, her perspective is right on. In the span of eternity, a few years isn't such a big deal- not when you can look forward to such an awesome "after."

I had a loss this week. My super Bose earphones got lifted the other night. After a wonderful time at a picnic, it was late. I headed over to Eli Cannon's in Middletown, where I met up with an old friend. He's in Nashville, playing with famous people, and I sat with him and a few other friends. We laughed, talked and had a really great time.

Then, we headed over to laugh at-er, listen to some really really awful karaoke singing.. it was torturous in my ears.. lol.. I even recorded the worst one. I sadly shook my head, wondering WHY people tell them that they can sing.. the next morning, I looked for my earphones, as they are my hands free device, as well. They were gone from my purse.

At first, I felt violated. Why Lord, I grumbled? I had just thrown all of my accessories in the little black case they came in as well. It was almost as if I was "giving" them my best. Here take it!!! Enjoy! But really, what do I have that I wasn't given? Then my response turned. Maybe the person that took them really needed them. Maybe there are just going to sell them for drug money. No matter, what is really key is my response.

I really needed the earphones, no question. Lower bass frequency earphones can make a world of difference learning bass lines. Especially from You Tube. But no thief is going to take my joy over it. Lord willing, I will get another set, or learn to do without. Let my treasures be stored up in heaven, where no moth or rust can destroy <3.>

So there you have it, an honest look at the struggles and opportunities for growth. And way more female thinking than I bet you bargained for... ha ha ha ... but thanks for stopping by - <3

If you like this blog - leave a comment, so I know I am not just rambling into empty cyberspace.

Since the word bless means literally, to make happy -

God BLESS you today!