Though it’s not quite spring yet, and we still have some cold temperatures ahead, I’m ready to put aside the winter graphics and use spring-like ones. No matter what the season or weather, there are always blessings to be found along the way. Some of us share weekly with Susanne and friends at Living to Tell the Story. Feel free to join in!
1. Men’s prayer breakfasts have been one of Jim’s best ways to get to know other men in some former churches we’ve attended. Some men will come to something like that when they won’t come to other things. Plus there’s more time for conversation and getting to know each other in that setting. It’s hard to “go deep” in Bible study with people you hardly know. He suggested starting one here. They had their first get-together this last Saturday, and around 25 men came.
2. Dinner brought over by Jason and Mittu. They had found some pre-seasoned carne asada beef, I think at Costo, and served it over Spanish rice. It was very good! Plus it was nice to see them and not have to cook dinner.
3. Sunrise. I don’t usually catch a glimpse of the sunrise, but I did one morning when heading to my desk. I didn’t want to go out in the cold, but wanted to get a photo. Even through the blinds and screen, it was lovely.
4. Jim’s birthday. It’s always a joy to celebrate my dear Husband. I am so thankful for him. We had lasagna, salad, and chocolate cake.
5. Encouragement. I’m battling another round of cellulitis this week. Some of you may remember I had an ordeal with that last year. I was discouraged that it happened again, especially after seeing early signs and praying it wouldn’t develop. And then I did something to my back one day. There are people dealing with much worse things, I know. One morning when I was particularly down, Daily Light on the Daily Path was particularly encouraging, as well as various things online and on the radio. God doesn’t always answer prayer just the way we would like, but He does care and walks with us.
Stray Thoughts 
amen to your last few statements! In the silence, we can still “hear” Him. Glad you found some encouragement amidst your trials. I’m not sure what cellulitis is…i’ll have to look that up. I will add you to my prayer list today.
Happy Birthday to Jim. I love lasagna and make mine with bison since we don’t eat beef. It’s SO good, especially on a cold night.
Love that sunrise picture!!
That’s a huge blessing to have so many men come to the breakfast your husband organized. My husband used to be part of a mens breakfast years ago when we were newlyweds. Now he is in a Tuesday evening Bible study with just a group of men and loves it. Theyre a huge group but they break up into smaller groups after the teaching and sit with just 6-8 men around a table to discuss, share, prayer. It has really benefited him as men have more trouble establishing close friendships sometimes. At least that’s how it’s been for my hubby who is actually a true extrovert!
Have a good weekend, Barbara.
Cellulitis is a skin infection. I’m seem to be prone to it because my feet and lower legs retain fluid. If there is any little nick in the skin, the normal bacteria that’s on us every day can get in and cause infection. The extra fluid in my legs supposedly makes me more susceptible.
The infection isn’t so bad itself, but it can quickly spread. It requires antibiotics, which is a trial for me, because I already have irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics and prebiotics are helping with that, but not eliminating it completely.
Both this time and last time, the infection has involved large blisters (3″ by 1 1/2″ this time). That involves daily wound care.
So the whole thing is discouraging to me because of the extra time it takes to deal with it (which I’d much rather be using to do other things) and the bowel issues from the antibiotics, plus the potential for further problems.
That’s probably much more than you wanted to know. 🙂
Oh wow, Barbara. Well I have you on my prayer list and we prayed for you during my walking group. I used to be on a lot of antibiotics for lyme disease and then UTi’s during menopause and discovered one of the top probiotics for women that helped me that no other one did: brand name is Renew Life for Women. Target, CVS, etc sells it. is a little pricier but it WORKS! you have to take it first thing in morning with water and wait a half hour before eating.
Well some good things in your list – happy birthday to Jim – but sorry to hear about the cellulitis. My MIL had it and I know it can be painful and needs careful treatment so that the infection doesn’t take hold and spread. I hope you’re seeing some improvement with the antibiotics despite the downsides of taking them.
It must be the week for health issues! I’ll pray about your cellulitis. My friend Leona has had that twice and I know it’s not fun. My mom is dealing with (ongoing) issues, and Leona fell this week going to a medical apptmt and needed stitches in her face 😦 On the brighter side–happy birthday to Jim, and the cake looks so good! I love the glorious sunrise picture!
The sunrise is beautiful! I’m not usually able to see sunrises due to buildings blocking the view. But I am blessed with sunsets.
Yummy birthday cake there! I’m glad that we were all able to get together to celebrate. You can’t beat lasagna!
I’m praying for that cellulitis. I understand how you feel, that it can be so discouraging to have things like that happen. I have to remind myself at times that there are people who are going through much worse. I pray it will resolve soon.
That’s great that Jim is able to get together with other men at the church to socialize and get to know each other better.
Have a great weekend, my friend.
Like Melanie, I don’t see sunrises because there are buildings and evergreen trees to the east of us. But we have lovely sunsets. I enjoyed seeing your sunrise.
I hope your cellulitis heals quickly.
Happy Birthday to Jim! That dinner with family was so sweet on two levels. You didn’t have to cook and you got to have the fellowship.
Have a good week. Willow
the sunrise peeking through your window caught my attention and warmed my heart, Barbara. happy weekend to you!
Happy Birthday to your husband! That sunset is so pretty or was it a sunrise? I hope you get better soon!
My sister-in-law has been battling cellulitis too. Off and on for about a year and half. Very frustrating for her on top of a heart issue and lymphedema.
Happy birthday to your husband!
Have a great week and I’ll pray the cellulitis clears up fast this time.
So pleased the prayer breakfast was so well received! A nice “gift” to your husband as you celebrate his birthday.
That’s so good to receive encouragement just when our physical circumstances get us down. Praying that you get through the symptoms and the side effects of the cure — sigh.
Yes, there is always people that deal with much worse than what we happen to be going through but that doesn’t discount what you personally face and God is there and cares just as much for what we think is “less” of a problem. Praying for you to get relief and healing. Happy birthday to Jim! The sunrise is lovely!