Counting my Blessings

To make this year of training even more interesting and put a little more challenge into my commitment to walk the 3Day 60 Mile for breast cancer I have injured my right knee. When entering the motor home I slipped on some wet grass and twisted it, causing intense pain and a soreness that will not go away. I've tried rest, then exercise and nothing seemed to bring relief and a sense of healing.
Finally, out of frustration and a certain need to get back on the trail I went to see a doctor. She ordered the x-rays which seemed clear and then in for an MRI. With November and the 3Day quickly approaching it was not with great patience that I awaited the results.
As I was in prep for the test the technician ask me if I would like to listen to Pandora. I responded "sure" and requested the Praise and Worship station, which is one of my favorite walking stations. 
As she slid me into position and the machine began to grind I found myself asking God to not let this be something that would stop my walking. The music began and the first  song to filter through the ear phones was "10,000 Reasons to Praise The Lord ". Now, any walker knows that 10,000 is a special number. It is a number that becomes your goal as you begin the challenge of becoming a healthier you.
It is a number that proves you are no longer a couch potato but have entered the world of activity and are headed for better health. This chorus has had a special place in my heart as I hit the trails...Twice now it has come at a time that many would call a 'coincidence, but I see as a "Wink from God" letting me know He is aware of just where I am! I have concluded that if 10,000 steps will start me on the road to better health physically, then listing 10,000 reasons to bless The Lord will surely give me a healthier happier spirit! 
It is amazing the power of the written word, even our own! How often we are blessed and thankful in the moment. Then we go on to new challenges and that blessing is lost or forgotten in the busyness of life.  
Reminding myself of the daily blessings is like the pieces of a patchwork quilt put together with remnants of memorable materials. Alone that memory will  bring a smile to the heart, but when stitched together they bring warmth and comfort to our entire being.
So, I would invite you to join me in my endeavor to list my 'Reasons to Bless The Lord' and remind myself daily it is the little things in life that prove His faithfulness to walk the path before me.

A Parents Heart is a Wondrous Thing

It is a funny thing...the heart of a Mom. When your children live on separate coasts your heart is never settled. 
The joy of being with one only enhances the distance of the others. You know the old saying " A woman is never satisfied..she is Always changing her mind." Nothing could ring more true than when your children are involved! 
Add to that mix a husband and oh, my, now confusion of the heart runs rampant!!
After our home sold in Montana and we were SO tired of the cold and snow and ice we set out to find a new home. Warmer weather, smaller home and SUNSHINE!!
We spent several weeks in Forida, back to the frost of Montana and then on to Arizona for a couple months. Arizona we loved! Sunshine,activities

galore,we even met up with new friends,but the road stretched a far distance to reach our family!
The past couple months we have been parked beside the home of our daughter, son in love and 5 grandchildren. What a joy!! Their home has an open door and hugs and love has been gathered, collected and stored every day. The voices and laughter of children and teens has warmed our souls. 


Jim working side by side with Hal..sharing stories, dreams and disappointments only serves to prove that this 'in-law' thing is something to be treasured.
Sharing a Mom and Daughter trip, duties in the kitchen, time with the girls, along with any moment we can capture is priceless. 
The search for a home has been a top of the list while here. Finding acreage and country living has been on the agenda. A couple properties have entered onto the horizon and the possibility of "home" being in Pennsylvania has been very real. 
Because farming is still in Jim's' blood I began that process of preparing my heart for the change. After all, dreams are what keep the heart pumping and and the body moving so if it works a farm it is! Still knowing I would be delighted to be close to the East Coast family I was struggling to count the miles from the West. Again knowing that if the destination were reversed the process will be the same. 
Twice we have set a departure date only to make a change as situations changed and opportunities to be of help arose. 
A new date is set for pulling up stakes. July 28th eight days away....

We are blessed!

There is no doubt that our hearts are eager to see the Montana crew...there are now a total of 20 kids, loves, and grandkids waiting for us there. The stories to be caught up on, the hugs to be gathered, meals to be shared and laughter that will ring through the homes, fills the heart with anticipation and longing.
So how can it be that when the love of family and friends in Montana is so strong and the pull so hard, that even yet, our hearts ache at the thought of leaving Pennsylvania? 
It can only be answered by the fact that the heart being pulled is that of a parent, because both Mom and Dad...Grandma and Grandpa feel the pull and tearing of the heart strings as the days slip by.
Just call us BLESSED!!!

Buy A Mile for the Cure!

I never cease to be amazed at the people I meet and the stories they share. Those (‘God Winks’) I  call them.  This morning Jim and I went on a ‘breakfast date.’ As we got up to leave a lady stopped me to visit. She was with another lady and I left the restaurant thankful for an opportunity to have chatted with them.

When arriving at the car Jim had taken the dogs for a walk and as I waited the ladies came out. I decided to give them one of my 3Day letters...turns out they both had names for my shirt, incredible stories,and were so appreciative. I left feeling motivated and blessed and thankful for another chance to encourage others.

As of today there are 125 days till the gate opens and hundreds of women and men begin the journey of 60 Miles in 3Days walking the streets and hills of San Diego.  I will be among the mix and am getting excited to know that things are Set and Ready! To date family, friends and strangers have joined to donate $690.00 (30%) of the required funds ($2300) under my name.. I have been hitting the gym and the trails in honor of the funds and the cancer victims to be prepared and ready to rock. But I need your help to assure my spot.

After doing some calculating it would take 60 people ‘buying’ one mile at $38.33 to make my total goal. So with the moneys already in if 60 people would donate $22.50 each (a person per mile) we would exceed the goal!!

It is not MY goal that is important but the opportunity to be a small part of bringing assistance and HOPE to others.

Join me???      www.the3day.org/goto/lauramoody

Komen Impact Fact: Since its inception in 1982, Susan G. Komen® has invested more than $2 billion on its mission of saving lives and ending breast cancer by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE !!

WHEN LIFE HAS IT'S UPS AND DOWNS

I just pulled up the blog to see that it has been 6 weeks since I have set down to share a little bit of life. So many things have happened in those weeks that I won't begin to take you through it all. The past week has been one of those emotional roller coasters times that we all experience at some point in our lives...some of us more often than others :) As I have shared before our home sold in September of last year and so for the last 10 months we have been vagabonds. For this wife and Momma the challenge has been to keep my 'homemaker' gene happy. Downsizing from a 3400 sq ft home to a 250 sq ft motorhome, sharing that space and making it 'homey' has been a little crazy at times but all in all the weeks that have spread to months have gone well and we have enjoyed this time of 'togetherness'. After our home sold we had a few goals in mind for our next place. We have made a list of 'things to look for' and we felt they made a lot of sense as we have become Senior Citizens. We felt our new home should have the following... 1) Single story...Small home so as to make it easy to clean making any preparation to make a spur of the moment trip quick and easy. Also stairs can become a hazard as the years pass...or so we have been told. 2) Elbow room. No more homeowners rules, a shop for Jim to 'tinker' without the need of approval of others. (We are pretty independent we have found) although family and friends are an important part of the plan. 3) A milder climate...below 0 weather, ice and snow have lost their appeal. 4) Someplace where we can be self sufficient 5) Within the reach of good medical care We discussed these and felt we were being very Practical and Wise. Before I share the ups and downs of the past week I have to share Jim's dream for the 48 years of our marriage has always been to farm and live that lifestyle. We have been blessed to make that a reality as we raised our children. So now we fast forward to the past week keeping in mind the 'guidelines' for our next home. Throwing all our 'sensible' priorities to the wind ..We found and made an offer on a 30 acre farm. It included a 3 story, 5 bedroom home. 2 kitchens and 21/2 bath. The property also had 2 large barns and a 2 car garage/shop, beautiful fields, garden area and fruit trees. The farm was located about an hour away from town on winding country, although paved, roads. Three days were spent with that 'maybe' feeling. Trying hard not to become attached but going over the 'what ifs' and the 'Are we Crazy' feelings. When all was said and done we are still vagabonds and the motorhome is still our current dwelling. Add to that, my oldest sister moved into an assisted living facility for those dealing with Alzheimer Disease a few days ago. Now, don't misunderstand. The move was a blessing for she and the family. As Safety became an issue the change was a necessity. This home will provide, that safety factor, along with fellowship and new friendships in a beautiful setting. It is a mix of emotions and feeling of loss that can only be understood by those who share the devastation of this disease to someone you love. Hence the emotional rollercoaster...those days when tears are just behind the surface,sometimes spilling over and silently making tails down the cheeks. It is something that is shared by women everywhere, while our husbands sigh, shake their heads trying hard to understand, but if we are fortunate love us anyway. So in a week we will unplug all the cords and hoses and once again head down the road in search of that new home that surely awaits us.

5 Minute Friday Bloom

So I haven't done this but a couple times. Marcy Hanson invited me to join the discussion several months ago. I noticed the word for this week and thought I would comment.
The way it works...check on 5 minute Friday@lisajobaker for the word and then write for 5 minutes....
this week the word is
Bloom !! 


As I read that word and voiced it I heard it as a command. Be productive!!!

BLOOM...the vision was that of a beautiful blossom, the result of a seed that had fallen to the ground..sent its roots into the soil and and grown into a plant that produced a blossom. All because it heard that command from from the Master of nature...BLOOM! 
The process is never easy, you may not have the privilege of choosing our 'soil' (where you are planted).

 You may find rocks (obstacles) in your soil or have to fight through the weeds (those that would say "it can't be done"). BLOOM!

 Even with the best soil..full of nutrients (encouragement and support) there are always obstacles..(those things you cannot control). The sun may not shine or all you get is rain. 
But the struggle and fight is worth it. BLOOM!

Whether you see yourself as a dandelion (how often did you pick a cheery yellow bouquet for Mom?) a beautiful rose or even a delicate orchid...the command from the Master is still the same BLOOM.
The purpose of the command is to not only bring satisfaction of a job well done and completed to YOU but to bring JOY, DELIGHT, and HOPE to those around you.
BLOOM!!!

5 minute Friday@lisajobaker5 minute Friday..Bloom

Yesterday I went on my first REAL kickoff walk for 2014 3Day. Now don't get me wrong I have been doing some walking squeezed in between travels but this past week I have declared myself "IN TRAINING" so that means my walks need to be more consistent and planned a bit better :) I started today by walking beside a water canal. Peaceful, quiet and beautiful as the water flowed, bikers rolled by, and walkers strolled. (You won't find me strolling with my sticks...LOL  :)


As we have traveled to different areas and different states I have begun my collection of "names for the shirt" and shared my goal. Mesa has become my 'kick off' point and I can't put into words the excitement I feel as my countdown for success begins. With the miles there are always opportunities to meet someone new, hear a new story and hopefully to spread a little encouragement as I go. Encouragement has become the main goal and motivation of my walk.
Knowing that the end result will provide HOPE and HElP to someone fighting their battle with cancer puts fuel in my tank and determination in my heart. I have found, though, that it is not necessary to wait for the finish line to share a hug and a word of joy with someone along the path.
So it is that time again, and I am back on the trails,
Walking Strong   Because Everyone Deserves a Lifetime
Laura

Sent from my iPad

Checking out Arizona

                                                                                                                                  

We traveled from Vegas down to Earp, CA almost 4 weeks ago, where we met up with a high school friend.  

Meeting up with old friends in new places is such fun. Friendships made in high school seem to have matured as life has taken us each on our own journeys and we have gained new perspective and priorities.          
Earp is a little community close to Lake Havasu a more familiar destination for the snow birds.

We pulled our motor home in beside George, facing the water, and set up camp for a couple days. There is something about water that calms the spirit and the renewing of old friendship brings jSeveral hours of refreshing memories and draining a couple pots of coffee we toured the area, and discovered a couple local eateries. Nothing demonstrates the personality of a community like a meal among the locals.
The wild burros roaming the countryside were a novelty to all the visitors young and old.
After a couple days in Earp, we secured the inside an hit the road again and headed toward Mesa, Az.
Ya know the old saying, "Home is where the heart is" we are proving again that that is indeed a fact.  In our years together we have lived in many different styles of homes, including very small and large houses, a camp size trailer, a tent (with 4 children) and now a motorhome. Through each adventure we have found that all it takes to make a dwelling a home is love and a willingness to share it.
A pot of coffee, a seat and an open door proves to be a key. When the kids were home it was often an offer of playtime to another Mom and her kids, a dinner shared with friends, or a s-more made over an open campfire.
In Mesa we have found neighbors from "home" are enjoying the sunshine and break away from normal life as we are and new adventures are shared. Our first week in Mesa was spent sharing time and fellowship with neighbors from our home site in Montana and from a small community close by.
While shopping at a nearby grocery and choosing a melon a woman close by commented on how her father used to grow them in Oregon. Of course I asked "Where in Oregon" well, that led to us learning that we had both lived in the same communities in both Oregon and Montana. A small world we live in indeed!!
The RV Park we ended up in, has proven to be a "home away from home. " We have connected with old friends and collected a bunch of new ones to add season and joy to our lives..
Swimming, a workout room, hikes around the neighborhood and a gospel music jam have been among the many activities we have shared. I have begun my training for the 3Day in San Diego so a walk along the water canal has provided a quiet peaceful and beautiful trek.
Cactus and roses blooming in March have added a bit of splendor to the view, while walking the dogs under a sky filled with stars and lighted by a full moon never cease to bring a feeling of awe and wonder.

                                                                                                      
So the search for a home base has begun...will it be in a place surrounded by desert, but offering the beauty of sunshine and roses in the winter...or a home surrounded by the mountains (offering snow covered peaks) and lakes with clear blue water calling me to sit,rest and soak in the peace of it all, or someplace yet unexplored??
My peace comes when I choose to remember that God has promised, that He has a plan for my life and "He will be with me WHEREVER I GO"! The greatest joy is knowing that He has control of the GPS and has my destination set!