Time has gotten away from me. Or, time flies when you're having fun or not!

I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted anything on here.  So many things have happened since then.  

   My sister-n-laws Dad died.  This brought all of my brother's family home for a couple of weeks which meant lots of time with them.  Even though the reason was not the one you want for getting to spend time together.  I stayed at my Mom's a couple of nights.  We celebrated Donna's birthday with a "tea".  

 I have other photos to post from all the visiting but it's late so another time.

I was reading this the other day and

wanted to post this because it is where I am trying to be: 

from Streams in the Desert

September 10th

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.  Psalm 138:8

     There is a divine mystery in suffering, one that has a strange and supernatural  power and has never been completely understood by human reason.  No one has ever developed a deep level of spirituality or holiness without experiencing a great deal of suffering.  When a person who suffers reaches a point where he can be calm and carefree, inwardly smiling at his own suffering and no longer asking God to be delivered from it, then the suffering has accomplished its blessed ministry, perseverance has “finish(ed) its work” (James 1:4), and the pain of the Crucifixion has begun to weave itself into a crown.

     It is in this experience of complete suffering that the Holy Spirit works many miraculous things deep within our soul.  In this condition, our entire being lies perfectly still under the hand of God; every power and ability of the mind, will, and heart are at last submissive; a quietness of eternity settles into the entire soul; and finally, the mouth becomes quiet, having only a few words to say, and stops crying out the words Christ quoted on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  (Psalm 22:1).

     At this point the person stops imagining castles in the sky, and pursuing foolish ideas, and his reasoning becomes calm and relaxed, with all choices removed, because the only choice has now become the purpose of God.  Also his emotions are weaned away from other people and things, becoming deadened so that nothing can hurt, offend, hinder, or get in his way.  He can now let the circumstances be what they may, and continue to seek only God and His will, with the calm assurance that He is causing everything in the universe, whether good or bad, past or present, to work “for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

     Oh, the blessings of absolute submission to Christ!  What a blessing to lose our own strength, wisdom, plans, and desires and to be where every ounce of our being becomes like a peaceful Sea of Galilee under the omnipotent feet of Jesus! from Soul Food

     The main thing is to suffer without becoming discouraged.  Francois Fenelon

     The heart that serves, and loves, and clings,

     Hears everywhere the rush of angel wings