The Ball Brothers

I have been blessed by the music of the BALL BROTHERS. It's uplifting music with an awesome message.

I thought I'd share this special deal with you. It's for a limited time, so don't wait! (And no, I do not profit in anyway by the sale of their music. I just enjoy their music, and want to share it with others.)

For a limited time only, you can download of all of their songs for only $25!

This deal is good through JULY 14, 2011 ONLY!

http://www.theballbrothers.com/everything.cfm
You can also purchase the download as a gift!  If you would like to gift the "everything Ball Brothers collection" send them an email  (contact@theballbrothers.com) after you place the order and give them the email of the person you would like to gift the download to.

Listening to great music helps make the day a positive one.

My Plans Vs God's Plan

I'm a planner. Before doing anything I research, and research, and plan, and figure out all the possible solutions, and even try to account for all the "unexpecteds" that might pop-up along the way.

However, I'm learning that no matter what MY PLANS are, God's PLAN is a much better one! My planS (yes, plural) are often VERY good. However, God's PLAN (singular) is MUCH better than any of my plans. This is one lesson which God has to continue to teach me.

My car, a 1995 Ford Escort, needs to be replaced. It's a great car, but it's at the point that repairs are needed more often than I like. I've been working on my plans to get a newer car for while. Yet, it's only been the past 2 months when I thought that perhaps I could actually do something about it. I have been working on saving every penny toward a down payment.

My plans 

were coming along

PERFECTLY! 

That was until God reminded me that HE has a PLAN. This past week, I took my car in for an oil change and tire rotation and to check on a "roar". I explained to the Service Manager, Mike, that I didn't want to put much money into any repairs as I am looking to get a newer car. We discussed various cars models which would be good for me to consider.

After waiting a while, Mike approached me. He explained what the "roar" was and that it didn't have to be fixed.  However, the brakes were extremely bad. It was not safe to drive the car, I'd have to replace them. Okay, now that was NOT in my plans at ALL! Yet, I had to take a deep breath and realize that the brake repair was in God's plan. 

As I was at home waiting for my car to be fixed, I had time to think. I had to stop and thank God for His protection. The brakes were not safe, yet, God made sure that they worked as I drove around. God prompted me to go in for an oil change ASAP, so that the brake problem would be found. And over 15 years ago, God provided an AWESOME repair shop with an owner and staff who are honest and have taken great care of my car. 

My planS vs God's plan. 

No matter how much I research and think through all the possible scenarios, there are unforeseen circumstances which God allows. I'm not sure I understand all the reasons God wanted me to spend money on fixing a car when I'm trying to get a newer one. Yet, I do KNOW that God's plan is so much better than mine. And I don't need to know all the reasons why He does what He does. I only need to trust Him and continue to seek His will and follow HIS PLAN for my life.

And what about MY planS for a newer car? I'm still working on them, but I'm also making sure that I consult God on what HIS PLAN is. I'll keep you posted! 

Once again, I'm reminded that in order to have a positive day, I need to trust God as He carries out His plan for my life.

Not Just One Dinner, but Several!

One of my neighbors was moving back to India. Before she moved away, she wanted to treat me to an authentic Indian meal. I do enjoy a variety of ethnic foods, and Indian is one of my favorites. We decided that she'd bring the meal by the following Monday. Not knowing what she'd bring, and if it would fit my vegan, gluten-free diet, I did go ahead and eat dinner. I figured if she brought something I could eat, it would make a nice lunch for the following day. Well, when the clock hit 11:00 pm, I figured that with all the details of moving, she forgot about my dinner.

I wasn't upset that she forgot. I fully understood the huge job of preparing to move back to India. But I was now craving Indian food! I've tried to cook Indian meals in the past, but they never turned out right. Not sure if it was my cooking methods or the spices (never had all I needed). There is a wonderful Indian restaurant near by, however, most of their dishes include milk and or gluten. As each day passed, the craving for Indian food grew, and I had to check my attitude too—frustration over something which I had no control would not create Indian food! 

 

One of my adopted Soldiers (www.SoldiersAngels.org) is a vegetarian and as I was shopping for food for her box, I found a WONDERFUL surprise! Pre-packaged Indian food that is vegan & gluten free! I know, who would have guessed?

 

So, instead of getting

just one meal—

I now have several Indian meals

in my pantry!

All I have to do is heat and serve.

As I was thinking back over the past few days, I got to thinking of situations in our lives—some in which we find ourselves, we've created. Other situations are created by others or various circumstances.

Once again, I learned that

my attitude determines

if a situation will be "bad" or "good". 

If I had allowed my attitude to turn to frustration that the neighbor forgot my dinner, bitterness would have turned me off to Indian food. Thus, I would have missed finding new items for my diet. Yet, by having a positive attitude and not having a pity party on missing the dinner, I was excited when I found the new meals. 

I hope next time I find myself in a "less than pleasant" situation, I remember the blessing of Indian food.

Perhaps I can't change the situation,

but I can change my attitude! 

And having a positive attitude

makes for a very positive day!

Memorial Day

And I'm proud

to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget

the men who died,who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

Take a moment to pray

 for each of our Soldiers 

and their families.

If you want to learn ways to encourage
our Soldiers visit

www.SoldiersAngels.org.

Update

It has been a while since I wrote on my blog. I thought I'd take time to update you on what has been happening. 

I continue with my Vegan, gluten-free diet. It's challenging at times, but I continue to find new items at various stores to keep menus interesting and nutritious.

My chiropractor found some supplements to help with the muscle spasms and headaches. My pain level remains high, and I continue to discuss options with my doctors. It may be that I'll have to go back on some type of medication to lower the pain.

 

The spinal stimulator is "just an implant" at this point. Due to the battery (IPG) issues and the wiring shorts the stimulator can't be used. My pain management doctor and I have discussed what would need to be done to correct the problems. The only solution is to remove the entire stimulator (paddle, wiring, and IPG) and insert another one. At this point, I'm not ready to go through that surgery. That's not to say, I'll have the surgery in the future. I do miss the stimulator as it did help with the leg pain.

In some of my past posts I mentioned my sister and her battle with cancer. The Lord Jesus Christ called her home to Heaven on April 13, 2011. God gave us almost 4 years with Lori, after her first diagnosis. We all miss Lori very much. However, we know that she is worshiping and praising our Heavenly Father and is now living pain free. 

 

Max, my parakeet, has learned a new word. I have no idea what it means or where he picked it up. But he likes the sound of it, because he says it constantly! His new word is "burpy". He mixes it with "happy", "pretty", "bird" and all his other sounds. It sounds funny...so that makes me laugh. 

God continues to supply my needs

(and some wants) in amazing ways.

Here are a few from the past few weeks. 

It was time to buy a new printer. I use my printer to make digital scrapbook cards and print projects for my friends. My old printer served me well and was OVERUSED! God provided a wonderful printer by way of a sale ($100 less!), a discount for trading in my old printer ($50). The new printer is amazing and allows me to even print larger images which will help with my friends' projects. 

I was having a "high pain" day and needed to run some errands. I figured I'd start out and see what I could accomplish and see what special blessings God had for me. God had some amazing surprises waiting for me! One of my Soldiers (adopted through www.SoldiersAngels.org) requested some gummies candy. I found some large bags on sale! Having some extra time after some errands, before my chiro appt, I stopped for lunch. And they gave a FREE lunch! That was an awesome surprise—and was YUMMMY! My last errand was grocery shopping. Not only did God have some special deals for me, but He supplied some new organic frozen veggies.

One of my Soldiers requested books, magazines, and CDs. I stopped by "Half-Price Books" to see what I could find. And once again God had another surprise for me—they are having an additional 20% off sale!

Even though my pain level

remained high, my PRAISE level was HIGHER! 

It's always fun to find God's special blessing "hiding" for me as I go about my day. Those special blessings are great reminders that God loves me and cares greatly for me. He knows all the details of my life—including the pain level and needs and yes, even the wants.

Just the thought

that God, the Creator of all,

knows all the details of my life

makes each day positive!