My Thoughts on Psalm 23

My Father walks before me leading the way.

He gives me everything I need in His time.

He quiets the storms. Makes rainbows from my tears.

He puts flowers in my path

and the song of the birds in my mornings

Even as I stumble along the way

sometimes falling headlong into trouble

His hand is there when I reach out for Him.

But more than that,

even when I can't or won't reach out,

even when I can't find my way,

still He is there guiding me.

When I have lost all hope,

given up on everything I trusted in before

He gives me the courage to try again.

I have seen His faithfulness

over and over again and again.

He knows how fragile

and how vulnerable I am

Then instead of giving me

what I deserve

He gives me the gift

of true love.

Blessings, Kathi

What's For Dinner?

For me, dinner was a drive through this evening. Too lazy to cook and too hungry to wait. Was I really that hungry? Did I really need to eat junk, or eat anything at all, for that matter?

There are many people, maybe right next door to you, who had nothing for dinner tonight. Perhaps they've lost their job, have no money and can't go out and get anything to eat? Maybe they go to sleep hungry and wonder where their next meal will come from? There are children who's parents can't afford to buy food and depend on the schools to feed their kids. This isn't something that happens only in inner cities. It happens in our own neighborhoods.

Thankfully, there is a way we can help. Tomorrow is a day set aside to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Tomorrow is April Food Day!




Right here in Alabama the statistics are enlightening. AL Food insecurity rate 12.1 % Population 4,627,851 Poverty rate 14.5 % Child poverty rate 22.5 % Unemployment rate 7.8 %.

I'm sure they are comparable in other parts of the country too. The child poverty rate is what alarms me. So many poor and so many hungry children. They especially need our help.

I had a hot fudge sundae for dessert tonight. I'll have coffee in the morning and oatmeal for breakfast. I'm thankful for what God is providing for me. I pray that you too are grateful.

If you are able to share and able to give, please go to http://feedingamerica.org/ to make a donation. Just $1 will buy 7 meals or 10 lbs of food for someone who really needs it.

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in daily need of food, and one of you say to him, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled" and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?"

James 2:15

This is a photo I took from the Vulcan right here in downtown Birmingham. Sometimes it's hard to see the people in need, but they are there. So tomorrow, before you say "April Fools" to someone, say "today is April Food Day, will you help?"

Blessings, Kathi

http://aprilfoodday.blogspot.com/

Things

I found a new blog friend this morning who has me thinking, again, about the importance of my family. I noticed that my recent posts are all about "things." I've been searching for and collecting more things that I will ever have room or time for... I've made lists of projects but there are too many to do and no time to complete them all.

I did take a day off from work this past week. It was supposed to be a day to get some things done. Then I was offered the opportunity to go have lunch with my daugher and son-in-law. I actually hesitated at first, thinking "I have so much I want to do today..." Thankfully, my head and my heart made me choose to go with them. It was a beautiful warm and sunny spring day. We ate at a little Mediterranean cafe downtown and sat outside on their deck. We talked and laughed a lot.

I watched my daughter sitting with the sun shining on her face. I thought, how beautiful she is! I also smiled knowing that her hubby really loves her too. He went back to work and my daughter and I went shopping for more "things." We didn't buy anything, but just looked at things we might want to buy someday.

What I tucked away from this day was that things are NOT important. Time together is.

My two boys are in Florida and I don't get to see them often. We talk now and then and get caught up on each other's lives. I miss their HUGS though. My boys give great hugs! So does my son-in-law! What blessings I have! The love of my children far surpasses any THING I might have or even think I want to have.

Instead of going out shopping today or working on some of my projects I think I'll call my daughter and see what she's up to today. Thanks to my new found blogger for helping me find my priorities again. . . My aunt Adelaide (above photo) has lived for 101 years now! I'm sure all of her things mean a great deal to her family but for me, I remember her love.

Winter

It's cold here in Alabama this morning. I'm a Florida girl, and 29 degrees is COLD to me!

This morning I'm very thankful for gas heat, warm socks, flannel jammies (aka "skippies") and my gorgeous aqua chenille robe. Oh, and this first cup of coffee is good too. What are you thankful for this morning?

"Let all that you do today be done in love" I Corinthians 16:14

Blessings and Beautiful Things

There are so many blessings and so many wonderful things in life, aren't there? I felt the need to start my blog to help those who may be struggling to find happiness and joy in their lives. As my mother would say, "if you don't get started, you'll never get done!" So here I am, joining the world of the bloggers.

If you need a little pick me up or have something to share please check back here. I promise that we will have fun and help each other find the good in the little things of our lives each day.

I look forward to meeting you!
Kathi