Rainy Day

 It's a rainy day here in southern Pennsylvania and my dog loves licking puddles on the back deck. 

We were going to have a yard sale today and my kids were looking forward to selling handmade jewelry and lemonade but that will have to wait until tomorrow.   

I slept in today, enjoyed a slow morning and now I'm trying to work through an endless amount of messes.  No matter how much I work at it this house is never clean and we have too much clutter but I'm learning not to complain.   

My mood is down and this weather is keeping us stuck at home but on days like these I like being in my house.  

Psalm 121

 "I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?  
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of the heavens and earth.  
He will not let your foot slip -- he who watches over you will not slumber, 

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  
The Lord watches over you -- he is your shade at your right hand; 

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  
The Lord will keep you from all harm -- he will watch over your life, 

the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." 

-- Psalm 121

There are more spots on my face.  July is my next checkup with the dermatologist and I know he's going to want to biopsy at least a few of those spots and there is one particular one that I'm sure will need to be removed by Moe's Surgery.  Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome is no joke but it's been one of the cards I've been dealt with.  Even with a hat and loads of sunscreen these spots keep appearing.  What's even scarier is that my kids have a 50% chance of getting this and I've noticed some spots on my daughter's face that are concerning.  I do not want her to have to go through this, especially at 9, almost 10, years old.  I would feel terrible!  I'm already feeling terrible and I can't imagine how she is going to feel if she needs to have surgery.  

Recently I was reading from the Bible and this particular Psalms really struck me.  It's what I needed to hear at that moment as I was thinking about the possibility of more skin cancer surgeries.  "The Lord watches over you -- he is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day; nor the moon by night."  What an amazing reminder that God is my protector in all of this.  I know He's there, even if I don't always feel His presence.  My faith is the only thing getting me through this hereditary disease.  

Summer Vacation Is Here

 

Another school year has ended and summer vacation has begun.  My daughter ended her 6th year of dance with an amazing recital where she danced 6 different times.  She did so great.  My son's baseball season has ended and now he's onto the playoffs.  

I'm going to be working every Wednesday this summer helping with the school's summer feeding program.   It won't be much money but every little bit helps.  It cost $50 to fill up my gas tank last week.  😒  Unbelievable. 

I'm looking forward to a slow paced summer, though we will be keeping busy.  I finally have time to give the house the attention it needs.  What a mess!  Maybe I'll have more time to blog, too.  And get back on my book, which seems to be an unending project.  

Reflections of Memorial Day

 I wouldn't say Memorial Day is a happy celebration but it's a day set aside that reminds me of what I'm most grateful for.  There was a huge price to pay for America being what it is today and I am thankful for those who sacrificed everything for that.  

My grandfather was a WW2 veteran but luckily he made it home.  Of course, or I wouldn't be here.  However, sadly, so many didn't make it home.  I can't imagine the pain the families faced knowing they would never see their loved ones again but with that sadness came pride because they died a hero.  

Today we will gather to barbecue and hopefully share laughter and fun, but my mind will stay focused on the true meaning for this holiday.  

"All gave some, some gave all."