Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Where Do You Live?

Posted on By jennifer

We were gathered around the table for another afternoon of UNO.  Certainly one of the highlights of my week.  Uno with my special, senior friends at the nearby assisted living complex.  Sally played cards that afternoon which was nice because it has been quite a while since she has wanted to join us.  After she pulled up to the table, she looked around at the group and asked everyone, “So, where do you live?”  The other ladies were confused – because they all live there. Together.  Sally played cards like a pro but spent much of our time together trying to resolve not only where she lived, but also how she got to this place and how she could get back to where she lived.  Wherever that might be.

It makes me happy that Sally has such a nice place to live and people to look after her.  I saw her yesterday and whether or not she is still wondering about her address, she also seemed happy.  But I continued to think about her questions.  How often have I wasted time and mental energy wondering not only how I “got here” (to this certain stage or time in life) but also dreaming of how to return to a previous time or place?

I love memories.  I love to recall stories – to hear the same family favorite that never fails to make us laugh til we cry.  But whatever the past holds – beautiful moments, hard lessons, deep regrets, or sheer joy – it is, quite simply, the past.  All of it shapes us and has helped to bring us to where we are right now.  There is also much that is exciting, and humbling, about the future.  The possibilities that it offers.  But, truth be told, the present is where we are.

I need to invest the majority of my time, my efforts, my energy (mental and otherwise) in today.  The present is where I am and I am grateful and blessed for this time.  This day and this stage of my life.

STOP – the end of my first FMF for this year.  And it is already February.  If you read my previous post you would know my difficulties getting my blog going this year.  I’m pressing on.  My first response to today’s prompt of “where” was to think – where are my pictures??  First I had poster size pictures with each post.  Now, no picture shows on my home page with each new post.  Grrr.  And, I have no idea what I am doing to change that.  But I will continue to write:)  And am grateful to join the FMF community again!

Five Minute Friday

Comments (3)

  1. This is such a beautiful post, Jennifer! It’s remarkable the wisdom that comes from simply spending time in the presence of our elders. Thank you for the reminder to be present and to focus my energy here. Peace, Stacey (#26)

  2. Lovely, loving, and respectful essay. Bravo.

    If you’re in the mood for a sonnet…

    Where I live is now defined
    by nineteen barking dogs
    whose joy is sometimes thus refined
    by puking on my togs.
    They all had no place to go
    and so we took them in.
    In their eyes I see love’s glow
    as they see me as kin.
    I’m dying now and cancer will
    one day take my head,
    but its cruel pain can never kill
    the kindness I’ve been fed.
    For though these may rescued be,
    in truth, they have rescued me.

    #2 at FMF this week.

    https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2019/01/your-dying-spouse-575-sometimes-you-get.html

  3. Jennifer, this is such a good post. We do need to live in each moment, and not be worried about what’s already been, or what may be, or anything else. This idea kind of ties in to my One Word for this year. Thanks for the reminder to keep my focus in the right place!

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