Blessings Celebration: 15 Years

There are moments in time that are etched into our minds. One of those moments for me happened on October 25, 2000. I remember the dark green sofa on which I was reclining. I remember trying to get work done to meet a deadline, in spite of battling bronchitis. I remember the deep coughing and then a searing burning sharp intense pain. I remember rolling off the sofa onto the floor in pain. I remember trying to get up and realizing that it was just too painful to move. I remember....... 

Over the past 15 years, I remember the numerous tests, procedures, surgeries, visits to specialists and the chronic pain and headaches. 

I also remember the amazing and wonderful blessings that God has showered upon me over the past 15 years. WOW! When I stop to reflect on those blessing, I can't but celebrate God's goodness. 

A few weeks ago I read Psalm 21:1-3.

The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.

I really like that phrase, "meet him with blessings of goodness." As I reflect back over the past 15 years on all the blessings of goodness that God has given me, I can't help but praise Him. 

A few highlights of the Blessings of Goodness that God has given over the past 15 years. 

• 1. Awesome Doctors.
• 2. A friend who gracious opened her home to me, so that I could live within 5 min of a Dr. who would see me twice a day for a few weeks. And she has continued to be an encouragement to me over the years. 
• 3. Spending time at my Sister's home following surgery and rehab. (God even made sure I was at the same rehab center that my sister would spend time at years later. That allowed me to know what my sister would be doing and experiencing.) 
• 4. A ride in the Good Year Blimp. (Yep, really!)
• 5. Introduction to an amazing FRIEND! And the friendship as grown stronger over the years. Truly a blessing from God. 
• 6. A pharmacy mistake that led to them paying for an expensive medication! (A total God thing!)
• 7. Contest wins..... oh so many! Some I enjoyed, some I passed along as gifts and some I was able to sell to help pay bills. Some of the highlights include: a bike, a HUGE grill, NASCAR grandstand tickets (which God changed to PIT Passes), tickets to a musical show, gift cards to restaurants, grocery stores, online shops, t-shirts, hats, autographed items... the list goes on and on!
• 8. Timing. God's timing is always perfect. From using geese to keep me from leaving (that delay kept me from an accident), or car repairs delaying a car purchase until the right one was ready. To me moving to Florida and getting settled-in so that I could be here to help my parents during my Mom's hospitalization. To leading me to a different vehicle as I'll be driving my parents around. God is always on time, never late! 
• 9. The Castle. I still am in awe that God made way to provide this awesome home for my parents and I. As I think through the details that God worked through and all that God taught me, all I can say is... "Thank you, Lord!" (Read about it here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html.)
• 10. And I can't forget Max, my parakeet. God gave him to me on April 2003 for my birthday. Max provided many laughs and silly companionship over the years. Max died on August 28, 2015 of a heart attack. I'm so thankful for all the fun memories I have of that silly little bird.

Meet him with Blessings of Goodness. 

I can honestly say, that God has met me with MANY blessings of goodness over the past 15 years. Very thankful for God's blessings of goodness! 

Max-A-Million • 2.18.2002-8.28.2015

Max died this morning from a heart attack. He was 13 1/2 years old. 

Max was a very special blessing from God. Thankful for the 12 1/2 years I had with this little guy. I know that I'll be looking for him each time I walk into the room. I'll miss his "happppeeee burpy" and "pretty bird" and his "achoos", "Bur-choos" and all his sounds and kisses. 

I'm very thankful for the many years I was able to enjoy this special blessing from God.

Max loves snow cones!

When Max hears the Snow cone machine he starts saying, "happy" over and over. As you can see from the pictures below, Max loves his snow cones! 

Note: This was made with organic grape juice, so it's safe for him to enjoy. 

Max wants to go too!

I walked into the living room to find Max sitting on the printer. I guess he wants to make sure he gets to go to Florida too! 

I don't have "To Florida" tags on his cages. 

Silly Bird. 

Relationship

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passes along the paths of the seas. Psalm 8: 8 (AMP)

I’m continually amazed at Max, my parakeet. To think a bird, who has the freedom to fly about the apartment, chooses to sit on my shoulder most of the time. He wants to be near me. 

There is a contrast to the birds that visit on my balcony. They fly away when I get anywhere near the sliding door. The birds outside will come to the balcony for food and water, but they don’t want to be near me. There is no relationship or trust with the wild birds. Rather, Max has learned that he can trust me, and that I care for him. 

My relationships with the wild birds vs Max are very different. The wild birds know that they will find food and water on my balcony, so they come when they are hungry or thirsty. There is no interaction. Max on the other hand, talks to me, likes to be near me. When he gets a down feather stuck in his mouth, he flies to me, knowing that I’ll help him. Max knows that even when I trim his nails, something he hates, that I’m caring for him. 

As I think about the relationships with the birds around me, I have to think also of my relationship with God. Do I see God as only a provider of “food and water”? Do I just go to Him to ask for something, but don’t take spend time with Him? Do I understand that even when God allows things in my life that I don’t like, He is help me and teaching me? 

Relationships are based on trust, and getting to know someone. If I only expect God to give me food and water, I miss out on so much. Yet, building the relationship with God is up to me. God wants me to know Him; He is waiting. 

To create a positive day, I need to work on building my relationship with God.

Snuggle under the Shadow

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 57. Here is what I learned.

Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. Psalm 57:1 (AMP)

Mercy. May Your mercy come to me, O God, for my soul is safe within You, the guardian of my life. I will seek protection in the shade of Your wings until the destruction has passed. Psalm 57:1 (VOICE)

Be good to me, God—and now!  I’ve run to you for dear life. I’m hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over. Psalm 57:1 (MSG)

Max, my parakeet, reminds me often of the safety God provides. Sometimes, Max is content to set on his cage, as long as he can see me. If I leave the room, Max comes flying looking for me. Sometimes, Max wants to sit on my shoulder and  often falls asleep there.  Other times, Max snuggles close to my hear hiding under my hair. The closeness of Max depends on several things. First, if he’s scared, such as during a thunderstorm (he doesn’t like loud noises). Second, if I’ve been gone, and he’s been left alone for any length of time. And lastly, simply because Max wants to be close to me. 

I know that God is a safe refuge when I’m scared or troubled... but how often do I just want to be near God to be near Him? Thankfully, I can “snuggle under the shadow of God’s wings” just to enjoy God’s love and care. 

To create a positive day, I need to snuggle under the shadow of God’s wings and enjoy His amazing love.

Rest Contented

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 11 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

I am already in the soft embrace of the Eternal, so why do you beckon me to leave, saying, “Fly like a bird to the mountains. Psalm 11:1 (VOICE)

I’ve already run for dear life straight to the arms of God. So why would I run away now? Psalm 11:1 (MSG)

I ·trust in the Lord for protection [find refuge in the Lord]. So why do you say to me, “·Fly [Flee] like a bird to your mountain. Psalm 11:1 (EXB)

Safety. Embrace. Happy. 

Yesterday, Max, my parakeet, accompanied me to my Doctor’s appointment. Throughout the office visit, Max sat on my shoulder talking and chatting. The Staff and Doctor went in and out of the door, and Max stayed contented on my shoulder. Why would he fly away, knowing that he was safe and secure on my shoulder? 

Throughout the office visit, Max talked and chatted. His favorite word was “happy”. My Doctored enjoyed Max’s visit, which was evident by her laughter. 

Max was so content and felt at ease on my shoulder, so much so, that he settled down and cleaned his feathers, walked around on my shoulder and chatted happily. Max’s actions displayed his contentment and security. 

I can think of no better place to be than in the arms of God. But there is a difference of being in the arms of God and fighting to be released, to resting and being content in the arms of God. 

Resting contented in the arms of God. I have to say that the past few months, I’ve been doing some fighting to get out of God’s soft embrace. Oh, I didn’t want to leave His embrace, but I was not content on where He “had placed me”. More pain, having to take more medications, struggling with the ‘whys’ of it all.... but thankfully, God didn’t let me break free of His embrace. Resting contented in the arms of God, knowing full well that He knows what He is doing and He has a well designed plan. I’m to simply rest and accept God’s hug. 

To create a positive day, I need to stop struggling and rest contented in the safe and secure arms of God. 

Change the Worry into Happy

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

The birds in the ·sky [heavens],  the fish in the sea, and everything that ·lives under water [passes/travels on the paths of the sea. Psalm 8:8 (EXB)

I’ve learned much from Max, my parakeet, over the past 10 years. As much as I want to control him, he does things that I cannot control. He seems to understand some of what I say, “bedtime”, for example. When I say that, he walks over to me and gives me a kiss and looks down the hallway... he is ready to go into his night cage to go to sleep. But does he really understand what I say, or is it that he knows the routine of the night? 

When I watch Max, I’m amazed at how he knows how to clean his feathers. I didn’t teach him that. God instilled that knowledge into birds when he created them. I love Max’s coloring, bright yellow head and green feathers. I can’t change the coloring of his feathers, again God designed Max that way. 

When I think of the birds of the sky, I’m reminded of this verse:

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? “Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying? Matthew 6:26, 27 (GW)

I have an appointment with my Pain Management Dr today. We are going to discuss the next step in trying to reduce the new pain caused by the surgery in April. To be honest, I’m a bit worried about what we might need to try. I really don’t want another procedure that can cause more irritation to the nerves.

But worrying about what MIGHT happen, doesn’t help in anyway. God has a plan and a purpose. He’s proven again and again, that He will put me exactly where He wants me to accomplish His will and purpose. 

Since God cares for the birds—I KNOW He’ll care for me. And as a reminder of God’s care, I’m taking Max with me to my Doctor’s appointment today. My Doctor likes Max and I know that she’ll enjoy seeing him again. 

To create a positive day, I need to change the worry into, as Max would say, “happy”, by trusting that God cares and really does know best. 

Update: Max enjoyed visiting with my Dr., and my Dr really enjoyed Max’s visit! And God once again showed His care and guidance. My Dr. has decided to delay any invasive treatments and opted to try some noninvasive treatments first. Thankful that God helped me change my worry into happy!

Just Because!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 61. Here is what I learned.

Let me ·live [sojourn] in your ·Holy Tent [tent; the sanctuary] forever. Let me find ·safety [refuge] in the shelter of your wings [an image of compassion, or perhaps referring to the cherubim whose wings cover the Ark of the Covenant]. ·Selah [Interlude] Psalm 61:4 (EXB)

Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude Psalm 61:4 (NLT)

I will dwell in Your tabernacle forever; let me find refuge and trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 61:4 (AMP)

When Max, my parakeet, gets scared he likes to be either of two places, in the corner of his night cage, or on my shoulder snuggles close to my ear. I’ve also learned that Max likes to be on my shoulder when simply wants to be near me. Knowing that I am a “safe refuge” when Max is scared, he also enjoys being near me “just because.”

Knowing that God provides a safe and secure place when I as scared, gives me assurance that I can enjoy His company, “just because”. 

Just because. There are people in my life with whom I enjoy spending time, due to the fact that I feel safe with them, and we have a great time. Often it doesn’t have to be any “reason” to get together.... rather “just because”. 

Just because. I know that I can go to God for compassion, safety, and refuge. But the great truth is, that I can go to God... just because! I don’t have to have any reason, or need. I can enjoy God’s refuge and presence... just because 

To create a positive day, I only have to find refuge and shelter in the presence of God.... and know that I don’t need any other reason... except.. Just Because! 

Feast on the Worthy, Satisfying Seeds

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 1. Here is what I learned.

Wicked people are not like that. Instead, they are like husks that the wind blows away. Psalm 1:4 (GW)

But wicked people are not like that. They are like chaff that the wind blows away [dead, unstable]. Psalm 1:4 (EXB)

One important fact that I had to learn quickly regarding caring for my parakeet, Max, is regarding his seed. Max cracks open the seed with his beak, and eats the kernel inside, leaving behind the husks. Looking at his food dish, it looks full, however it is actually empty... just full of empty husks. If I didn’t learn this fact quickly, Max would have starved. 

The empty husks have no value, they are empty and worthless. So often, the things of the world look so good and appetizing, yet in reality they are empty and of no value... simply worthless husks. 

I have a choice to make, enjoy the company and empty husks the world offers, or enjoy the rich, full, satisfying blessings God provides. 

Starve on the worthless husks, or feast on the worthy seeds.  Which will I choose? It is an ongoing choice as the world’s husks look so tempting. 

To create a positive day, I need to choose to feast on the worthy, satisfying seeds and let the worthless husks blow away. 

Take Refuge

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 91. Here is what I learned.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. Psalm 91:4 (GW)

Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you. Psalm 91:4 (VOICE)

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you ·can hide [will find refuge]. His ·truth [faithfulness] will be your shield and ·protection [buckler; a small shield]. Psalm 91:4 (EXB)

The word rendered "buckler" is derived from the verb "to surround," and is given to the defensive armor here referred to, because it "surrounds," and thus "protects" a person. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Max, my parakeet, has taught me many things over the years. One thing, I’ve noticed that there are times he wants to sit on my shoulder and snuggle as close as he can to my neck, and hide under my hair. Sometimes, it’s when something scares him, such as a thunderstorm or the hawk. Sometimes, when people who he doesn’t know visit. Sometime, he just wants to snuggle to snuggle. 

Psalm 91:4 describes God’s love and protection for us. 

Sometimes we want a refuge because of a storm. Sometimes we want a refuge because of the unknown. Sometimes we want a refuge because we simply want security. Sometimes we want a refuge because we want to feel loved. 

And God is there surrounding us with His steadfast and loving arms... whatever the reason we need His protection. 

To create a positive day, I only need to take refuge under the wings of the Almighty God and rest in His protection and love. 

Object Lesson of Max and the Hawk

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 27. Here is what I learned.

Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Psalm 27:3 (NLT)

Though castles stand together against me; mine heart shall not dread (Though hosts, or armies, stand together against me; my heart shall not fear). Though battle riseth against me; in this thing I shall have hope. Psalm 27:3 (WYC)

Encamp: construct camp, set up camp.

Fear (afraid): affright, be make afraid, dreadful, put in fearful reverence, terrible act.

Heart: inner man, mind, will.

Every now and then, a hawk sits on a tree directly outside the living room window. Max, my parakeet, has a cage in front of that window. When the hawk arrives, Max is “fine” as long as he can see me, or come sit on me. But if I leave the room when the hawk is outside, Max not only gets upset, he flies to where I am. Now, the hawk cannot get to Max. There is a double window, a screen, and the wall between Max and the hawk. But just knowing that the hawk is there, puts fear into Max, unless he can see me. Max feels safe when he knows I’m near. 

This is a great object lesson of Psalm 27:3. The enemies are only “camped”. They are not in active war, they are “bedded” down. But just knowing that they are there, can instill fear, UNLESS, one realizes that God is the ultimate protector. 

Doubtless the shadow of anticipated trouble is, to timorous minds, a more prolific source of sorrow than the trouble itself, but faith puts a strengthening plaister (plaster) to the back of courage, and throws out of the window the dregs of the cup of trembling. The Treasury of David

How often have I started worrying and fretting over an “encamped situation”? It’s amazing how my mind can create the worst scenarios possible. That is, if God is not the focus of my trust and faith. When I stop facing the encampment, and turn my focus to God and His love and protection, I am at peace. 

The object lesson of Max and the hawk, will remind me that to create a positive day, I need to ignore the encampment, and remember that God is present and watching out for me. 

Gift of Peace

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 4. Here is what I learned.

I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O Lord, enable me to live securely. Psalm 4:8 (GW)

I go to bed [lie down] and sleep in peace, because, Lord, only you keep me safe [make me secure]. Psalm 4:8 (EXB)

Both: at all once, both, likewise, only, altogether.

To lie down: lodge, ravish, take rest.

Sleep: go to sleep, and be asleep.

Peace: make safe, friendly terms, well-being.

For: forasmuch, inasmuch, whereas, assuredly, but, certainly, doubtless.

O: yourself, you.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Alone: solitary, to be separate, isolated.

Dwell: make to abide, continue, ease self, endure, establish, remain.

Safety (securely): assurance, a place of refuge, without care, confidence, hope.

Due observation of Providence will both beget and secure inward tranquility in your minds amidst the vicissitudes and revolutions of things in this unstable vain world. "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for the Lord only maketh me dwell in safety." He resolves that sinful fears of events shall not rob him of his inward quiet, nor torture his thoughts with anxious presages: he will commit all his concerns into that faithful fatherly hand that had hitherto wrought all things for him; and he means not to lose the comfort of one night's rest, nor brings the evil of tomorrow upon the day; but knowing in whose hand he was, wisely enjoys the sweet felicity of a resigned will. Now this tranquility of our minds is as much begotten and preserved by a due consideration of providence as by anything whatsoever. - John Flayel, 1627-1691.

When I think if being at absolute peace, I can’t help but think of my parakeet, Max. He has the freedom to fly round the apartment, but he likes to sleep on me. He knows that when he’s near me, he’s safe and can relax and sleep soundly. 

Peace. No worries. No fretting. Calm. And the source of the peace is from God Himself, so that means there is a never-ending supply of peace. 

Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope! Romans 15:13 (MSG)

Worrying about “what ifs”, or what may happen robs us of peace. But trusting in the Almighty God provides a perfect peace. To create a positive day, I simply have to rest in Who God is and accept His gift of peace.

2012 Christmas Letter

Happpy Thanksgiving!

Max Provides MORE Laughs!

Max continues to make me laugh and smile. The other night we were watching the NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Max enjoyed watching the Race—on TV this week—from his perch. 

Here are two videos of Max's reaction to the Race. 

In this one, Max tells what he thinks of RACING: 

In this one, Max tells what he thinks of CAUTIONS: 

Laughter sure helps anyone create a positive day! And Max provides many reasons to laugh.

Laughs Supplied by God!

Nine years ago this past April, God gave me a very special birthday gift, Max, my parakeet. God knew that this little guy would provide much laughter. Last night was one of those nights that I couldn't help but laugh as Max's antics. 

I enjoy NASCAR. Last night I was watching the Sprint Cup Series Race on "RaceBuddy" and listening to PRN Radio online. Since I don't have cable, I couldn't watch the race on TV, but was glad to have free access to the action. 

When the race started, Max flew to my shoulder and watched the race on the computer with me. He seemed intent on the action. As soon as the first caution came out, Max flew to his cage to eat a snack! He was back on my shoulder just before the race "went green". It was so funny! There weren't many cautions last night, but the few times the yellow flag was thrown, Max went to his cage for snack.

At one point during the race, guess Max wanted a "closer look at the track". He flew to the MacBook and.... well I was able to capture this shot! 

Max decided the view from my shoulder was better, and shortly after the picture was taken, he flew back to me—where he remained until the checkered flag.

The only thing that I can't tell is who his favorite driver is. At one point during the race when Dale Jr's name was mentioned Max did say "happy". But I wasn't sure if Max was just "happy" watching the race, or if he likes Dale Jr. Maybe Max will let me know his favorite driver by the end of this Season. 

Creating a positive day, is about enjoying the special things God provides to make me laugh. And I'm so thankful that God gave me a little bird who provides many reasons to laugh!

Max's Happy 2012 Photo Shoot!

Max and I, want to wish everyone

a very POSITIVE and HAPPY 2012!

 

Here are some other pictures from Max's photo shoot.

He's such a ham!

 

 

Max checking out the set up for the photo shoot.

Max reading the sign, to make sure it's correct.

"Is this my good side?"

"Am I centered?"

Merry Christmas!

Happy Halloween!

This morning after Max's shower,

his feathers were sticking straight up.

Guess Max decided he wanted to dress up for Halloween. 

The inset is Max as his cute normal self. 

When Max does silly things like this,

creating a positive day is simple!