Prayer for Guidance

Dear Father,

I love You. As I sit here in the early hours of this new day, I pray that You awaken my spirit to be open to all You have for me today in work, play, worship and rest. Father, I am always so amazed at how You bring things together. You weave into the tapestry of my life extraordinarily beautiful threads and colors and designs and patterns.

I pray for Your guidance today. Fill me with hope for the future with Your Hand ever guiding me. Open my eyes to see those in need of a loving touch, a generous gesture, a word of encouragement, whatever Your leading is to further Your Kingdom on earth.

Make me aware of Your Presence in my life today. Give me a heart of joy and peace and happiness. Help me to leave the past in the past. Help me to live today, free of the past and not looking to tomorrow but relishing in the beauty of today. Whatever obstacles I face today I already am turning them over to You. Your will, not mine. I am in Your care. You only have love for me and I for You. Keep my eyes on You and only You. I cannot falter when I keep that as my guide. Thank you, Father, for your many mercies.

Amen
Praying Girl

Lift Up Mine Eyes

24" x 48" Acrylic Abstract on Canvas

by Praying Girl

Psalm 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer they foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is they keeper: the LORD is they shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve they soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

King James Version

An Artist's Prayer

I've been working through the book, The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron. One of this week's tasks is to write an artist's prayer.

The Praying Girl's Prayer

Dear Father,
I come before You humbled by Your majesty.
You are the ultimate artist.
You created all the beauty that surrounds me,
Out of nothing.
No one is as great as You.
I desire to be a pleasing and honorable servant
Not because I am Your slave
Or because of any sense of empowerment.
But, I desire to be Your servant
Because I love and adore You.
To be used by You to do good in this world
Is my greatest desire.

Since You are the Master,
I sit at Your feet.
Teach me.
Make me teachable.
Open my mind, my spirit, my heart
To hear Your directions.
I sit at the feet of the
Master Creator,
Master Artist.

I ask that You speak to me and give me
A purpose for everything I do.
I ask that before I pick up a brush,
Prepare a canvas,
Open a tube of paint,
Draw a line,
That You open me up to the
Realm of possibility.
Not my finite realm,
But Your infinite realm.
Take my thoughts and my creativity
that You created in me
when I was being created.
And, bring it all together
To create lasting testimonies of You...
Your greatness
Your power
Your loveliness
Your grace
Your glory
Your peace
Your healing
Your beauty
Your love
Your patience
Your joy...

Great testimonies of YOU.

Amen,
Praying Girl

Thou Art Mine

24" x 48" Acrylic Painting on Canvas

Inspiration for painting:

Isaiah 43 King James Version

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

For I am the LORD they God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.

I created this painting for Glory House for a silent auction.

Praying Girl

Happy Birthday to ME

My birthday present from Alysia, my daughter. She designed this necklace just for me. She's such an incredibly generous, lovely, beautiful and creative daughter.

See some of Alysia's beautifully designed jewelry at prayinggirl.com.

The Praying Girl

Creating Scrap, the Cartoon Character

Hunter loves to make chalk drawings on my patio. Here's one of him creating a new cartoon character. Enjoy...

Autumn in Tulsa

Autumn in Tulsa certainly isn't the same as Autumn in Vermont; however, it is quite beautiful.

Prayer for Bert

I have a friend who is in the hospital in very serious condition. If you happen upon this blog, please take a minute to say a prayer for Bert. I wrote the following short prayer and her family has posted it in her room. If you wish to add to the prayer, please add it in the comment section. I'll forward it on to the family. I've included a photo of Bert so you know who is receiving your blessings.

Dear God, I pray that You will continue to flood Bert's body with Your healing Balm of Gilead. I pray that You strengthen her body, mind and spirit. I also pray for those whose hands are taking care of her and ministering to all of her needs that they be guided by the Holy Spirit in all decisions concerning her. I pray that everyone who touches her is touched by her loving spirit. May God support and uphold her dear loved ones as they wait for her healing. I ask that You sustain them with Your Word which You have stored in their hearts. I ask that You bring peace to all those who love and care for Bert while she is mending from the inside out. I praise You, God for the mighty work that You are doing in and through Bert. And, I thank You, Father, for Bert and that You show her mercy and restore her to full and total health. I humbly thank You in advance for the miracles that You are performing. In Jesus's precious Holy Name, I pray. Amen.

Thank you for your prayers,
Praying Girl


UPDATE (Wed., December 16, 2009) God has answered our prayers. Our dear Bert has been discharged from the hospital. Hallelujah! Thank you to all those who prayed for Bert over the course of these many weeks. Please continue to pray for Bert and John and their daughter as they settle back into life at home and for all the faithful friends who traveled so far and spent so much time at Bert's bedside at the Mercy Hospital in Arkansas. Praise God, Bert is home for Christmas!
Sincerely,
Praying Girl

UPDATE (Friday, December 11, 2009) Great news today. The trach is out and Bert is breathing on her own. She walked about 600 ft. today. The hospital is not ready to release her yet so please keep praying that she continues to improve rapidly. Let's ask God for another miracle...home for Christmas would be wonderful. Thank you to everyone who has prayed and continues to pray for Bert. Praise God for the healing that we are observing daily.
Sincerely,
Praying Girl

UPDATE (Wednesday, December 2, 2009): So glad to be able to pass on GOOD news. PRAISE GOD! Bert is doing so well this week now she is recovering from the painful surgery last week.. She walked 300 feet today and even did a clogging step!! Please keep praying that she continues to improve quickly. Wonderful to be able to pass this on and praying the reports get better and better...

UPDATE (Thursday, November 26, 2009): Bert is still in ICU and has had a bad reaction to her medications. Please continue to frevently pray for her.

UPDATE (Tuesday, November 24, 2009): Father, dear Bert is still battling infection and other complications. She is back in ICU. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I continue to remember Bert and her family in my prayers. I give thanksgiving for her life and ask that You, O God continue to work a miracle in her healing. Help her to hear Your voice above all others. Create a calmness in her spirit. Father, assist her in remembering all of Your Words that she has stored in her heart. Bring her into close communion with You. Protect her from the attack on her body and strengthen her more and more each day. Watch over those who love her so much that their faith, strength and courage increase. Father, we need a miracle so we come before You, humbly asking for what we cannot do on our own. We praise Your Holy Name and thank You for all of Your blessings. In Jesus's Precious Holy Name, Amen. Praying Girl

UPDATE (Friday, November 20, 2009): Bert is scheduled for more surgery tomorrow under general anesthetic. Please pray for dear Bert as she undergoes another procedure and more recovery. Pray for her surgeons that their skill will result in a successful operation. Pray for her husband John as he keeps vigil waiting for news.

UPDATE (Thursday, November 12, 2009): Bert is still not out of the woods as there is still some infection around her lungs. She needs your prayers to help sustain her. Father, we ask that You destroy this nasty infection that is threatening our dear friend. We pray for a miracle that the infection be wiped totally clean from her body. We praise You for continuing to heal her. We ask that you give her strength in her Spirit to keep fighting. We ask that you continue to send Your Holy Angels to do battle for her in the spiritual realm. We ask that you take away any worry that may be trying to take hold of her or her family. We ask that you handle their financial affairs, travel safety, adequate lodging for those from out of town, and any other needs that Bert and her family may be worrying about. Strengthen their faith mightily. Thank You, Father, for Your Almighty Arms that are holding her and her family. In Jesus's Name, Amen.
Praying Girl

UPDATE (Wednesday, November 11, 2009): Bert is doing so much better. The breathing tube has been removed and she is talking. Praise God for His miraculous healing of Bert. Please continue to pray that she regain her strength and is able to go home soon. Thank you to everyone who has visited this site and said the short prayer for Bert. Hallelujah, God is so good.

The Old Buzzard Roost

The old buzzards no longer circle.
Why bother their monotonous swirl?
They're just hanging out in that old tree.
They neither toil or worry.
They're laughing at my wrinkled old carcus.
Why should they fly, why make a fuss?

You can't munch just yet on my innards
You old fat, ugly buzzards!
I'm still a kickin'
And I'm not just yet ripe for yer pickin'!
So just sit there in your deadly roost
'Cause I just ain't ready yet to let this life a-loost!

by Donna Louise Ham
(Just a funny old buzzard, herself)


Vic, Hunter & I happened upon this Buzzard Roost recently at Lake Keystone. There were buzzards everywhere. They had taken up occupancy in five trees and there was not a thing left living on any of these trees. It was very eerie in the late afternoon on an overcast day. I'm not a big fan of Halloween, but this just seemed fitting for this strangest of holidays. I don't know about you, but I'm steering clear of Cowskin Bay and the nasty buzzard roost! I hear that buzzards throw up on you if you get too close to their nest. Now, why would anyone want to get close to a buzzard or their nest? EWWWWWW!
Praying Girl

And He Screamed Like a Girl

Because of my sleep apnea, I wear a lovely headgear with rubber nose plugs. It goes over my head on the top and on the base of the back of my neck. Because it leaves unsightly marks on my face, I put thin white socks over the part that touches my face. The socks end up looking like white puppy dog ears on my cheeks.

I NEVER let Vic see me this way. I cover my head! But last night, I forgot to move the alarm clock into the bedroom. Vic was safely in the garage, or so I thought. I just unplugged the whole contraption and let the air hose dangle from my nose. I looked like something out of the Star Wars bar scene. Of course, halfway from the bed to the bathroom, here came Vic. After he screamed like a girl, I just told him I was practicing for Halloween!

Praying Girl

I have to laugh at all the minor humiliations of getting older, but hearing my husband squeal like a girl made it a whole lot easier.

Flying...Not Just For Birds

Flying through the air is so much fun. Just ask Hunter. He spent one whole afternoon doing just that.

Pelicans in Oklahoma?

Pelicans migrate through Oklahoma. Who knew? These are finding a nice place to rest at Keystone Lake.

Toothy Cow Jawbone

We decided to take our young, vivacious grandson on a little Sunday trip yesterday. What fun we had. This photo was taken at Keystone Lake where he found an Alligator Gar's top jawbone (or bottom, who knows about these things?). The teeth are pretty wicked.

Since I've been reading to him from the book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson, it seems to me that this could really be the jawbone from a Toothy Cow or some other unknown weird creature. Ohhhh, what tales we can tell.

Backing Up

I backed up my files about a month ago using www.carbonite.com. Just needed to restore all of my files and it worked beautifully. Great program and I highly recommend it. No lost data or images. Hurray!

Sun Shine and Sun Dipped Lace

Hunter, my eight-year old grandson, and I sat under the tree in the front yard. He started saying rhymes and we were having fun just making up silly rhymes. The sun was streaming through the tree into my eyes, and the following poem came to me. I dedicated this poem to my precious little guy, which totally delighted him and brought a smile to my face.

Ode to Hunter

When the sun shines

upon my face,

It makes the shadows

appear as lace.

Sitting here looking

into your beautiful eyes,

I realize that you

are my wonderful surprise.

I thank the Lord

for giving you to me.

Who would have thought

that this could really be.

Fun and energy,

Play and free.

Love divine

How wonderful that you are mine.

When the sun shines

upon my face,

I delight that you ARE the pattern

of the sun-dipped lace.

Copyright Donna Louise Ham

After church, after lunch

sitting in the front yard

on the bench, on the porch.

September 27, 2009

The Praying Girl

POP, pop, pop...Are Your Smoke Detectors Working?

Thursday night I awoke around 1:30 a.m. I couldn't go back to sleep. I began to pray because usually when I can't sleep, it's because God wants me to pray. I started to pray, but just couldn't go back to sleep. I tossed and turned. Afraid that I would awaken my husband, I finally got up and moved to the den at the other end of the house.

I curled up on the sofa, wrapped up with a blanket, said a few prayers and eventually fell sound asleep. Sometime around 3:30 a.m., I was startled awake by a very loud pop. It sounded like a car had hit something outside. I started to get up and investigate, but just didn't want to get up from my cozy nest. As I settled back to return to my slumber, I heard two more loud pops.

Now I was wide awake. I ventured into the kitchen and headed to the laundryroom where I thought the sound had come from. I thought that maybe the cat had gotten caught behind one of the appliances in the laundryroom and was kicking up a fuss. However, as I entered the laundryroom, I heard some smaller pops and sizzles.

I yelled for my husband that we had a fire. By now there was electrical smoke pouring out of the back of the chest-style freezer. Vic quickly started unplugging everything in the laundryroom and finally the sizzling and popping stopped.

He went back to bed and I stayed up with the fans all blowing with the front and back doors wide open. There was no going back to sleep for me. We, fortunately, had been saved from certain disaster.

I've been giving thanks to God the last two days. People may argue with me, but I feel certain God was watching over us. I very seldom sleep on the sofa. If I hadn't moved to the den, I feel certain that I would not have heard the pop. The smoke alarms did not go off. I don't know if they would have eventually sounded, but it wouldn't have been time to unplug anything. Our lungs were filled with the toxic fumes in just a few minutes. There's no telling how much toxic smoke would have filled the house until a fire actually broke out.

Today, I bought new smoke detectors for our house and both of our children's homes. I also purchased carbon monoxide detectors. I thank God that we were spared. Let this be a reminder to check or replace your smoke detectors. And, do it TODAY!

The Praying Girl

Look Forward To Change

I sat by the Chiminea fire last night. It was so very peaceful. The air was cool. The backyard was lovelier than I ever remember it. The Marigolds and Petunias are still blooming as they have all Summer long. The bird feeders, the small Madonna and St. Francis statues are sweet reminders of my departed loved one. It was a pleasant evening in the crisp night air.


Dear Lord,
Thank you, Father, for that time communing with you. Watching the fire, singing Your Name. I loved the gentleness of the evening, the coolness of the Fall night. Everything is about to change as Fall approaches. For once, I look forward to change. I think I am ready for change.

Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. I desire to be close to You. Live in my heart, in my mind, deep in my spirit. Speak to me from Your Word. Whisper Your love for me in my ear. Guide me in everything I do today. Shower me with the beauty of Your Presence all around me.

I humbly come before You robed in Your gift of salvation, repenting of my sinfulness, my weakness, my brokeness. Build me up, encourage me, fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit. You are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I worship You with my whole being--physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am nothing without You.

You breathed life into me the moment I was born and You breathed life into me when I was baptized and You breathe life into me every day. Thank You for breathing Your Life into me this day. Thank You for this day which You have designed for me. Annoint my life. It is all a gift from You. I am so thankful for Your generous gifts.

Fill me with your creativity. Show me. Let Your beauty flow from me, through me this day, today. I pray that my endeavors bring You Glory. Bring others to You, closer to You. Use my life to bring You delight and make You happy that You created me.

I love You, Father. I love you, I love You, I love You.

Amen,
Your Praying Girl

The devil's got his party hat on

"What was meant for evil, God will use for good." Those words keep coming to my mind this morning. I thought I'd better write them down and ruminate on their meaning. God seems to be trying to get my attention and I'm trying to listen. Other words that keep coming to my mind are "Abide in Me."

I have to admit, I am discouraged this morning. There seems to be quite a bit of evil swirling around my family right now. It is as if we are trapped in a web of someone's lies, deceit and slander. My friend used to tell me, "Girl, you must be doing something right or the devil wouldn't be trying so hard." She also used to say, "The devil's got his party hat on." That devil must have invited his cast of demons to his party. I wish he'd take his party, his friends and his hat somewhere else.

Dear God, I trust that You see everything. You know every lie or slander that is formed against me and my family. You know our hearts. I trust You, Father, that whatever evil is being hurled at us that YOU will turn it and use it for good. I will abide in You. For me and my house serve YOU. We are but Your instruments, Your vessels to use to bring You Glory. Give me a heart of forgiveness and restore joy and peace in my heart and my dear one's heart. We are Yours. Turn the wicked away from us. Keep us strong during this trial. We love You, Lord with every breath that You decide to give us. As long as we breathe, we will honor You. Our arms are outstretched toward You. We praise You with all that is within us.

In Jesus's Precious Holy Name,

Amen from the Praying Girl

Blah, Blah, Blah...BITE

Ever been hurt by someone you thought you could trust? OK, how about by a person in authority, like a minister or a priest? That kind of betrayal has really knocked me to the ground, shaken me to the core. It's hard to forgive but necessary to move past the hurt. I tend to hold these men to a higher standard, but sometimes let's face it, they are still wolves in sheep's clothing. Blah, blah, blah...bite! That's what they do.

Today, I choose to do as Paul directed me from God's Holy Word. I'm just going to put on my armor, let the hurt go and try to move on...far, far away from the gnashing teeth! But, because satan is like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour, I'm going to keep putting on the armor until God calls me home.

Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with TRUTH , and having put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the SHIELD OF FAITH with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of SALVATION, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD OF GOD. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opeing of my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.

Dear God, please help me tonight to rest my head at Your Holy Feet knowing that You are ever present. I cannot see the answers, the way, the path. But, You, Almighty God, can. You will guide my steps. I choose to follow You. You, alone do I trust. Thank you, Father, that when everyone else fails me, You are truly honorable, good and trustworthy. You alone are worthy of praise.

Only You, God, can create the sunset.

Only You, God can make the raindrops.

So, why do I doubt that You will make a way for me in this wilderness?
I will trust You even when I cannot see the path.

Amen from the Praying Girl

Step-by-Step Paint Removal Techniques

I came up with this technique after dumping a whole gallon of ugly gray paint in the floorboard of my car.

1. Open car door.
2. The paint can lid has become disconnected with the paint can. You observe that the entire gallon of paint is now completely covering the floor of your car...SCREAM.
3. Shut the car door and slowly compose yourself.
4. When the screaming has stopped, reopen the car door.
5. Make a plan of action before starting to move the items you had in the floorboard out of the car. If you just start picking up the stuffed animal, briefcase and plastic bag and flinging them out onto the grass beside your driveway, paint will follow every item. PLAN FIRST!
6. Getting mad will get you nowhere. (Not a technique, just an observation.)
7. Because you didn't make a plan and you were mad, you now have paint on nearly every surface of your car, on the outside of your car, the driveway...and most importantly all over yourself!
8. STOP!
9. Go inside your house, locate every paper towel, old rags and plastic trash bags.
10. Return to car. If you realize at this moment that you have left your purse, car keys and other important personal possesions sitting on the hood of your car (and they are still there), secure these items. (This item should be moved to #9)
11. Return to the house, sit in the middle of the floor (because your knees have given out) and thank God that no one stole your purse! No need to mention to Him about the car keys. Who would want to steal a car that reeked of paint!
12. Now, you are ready!
13. Don't even bother with rubber gloves because you are already covered in paint from #5.
14. Open plastic bag.
15. If you were lucky to have a floor mat, about 1/2 gallon of paint is on the floor mat (lucky you). Carefully pick up the floor mat. Quickly move the floor mat over the door frame and deposit it into the trash bag. Don't worry, about spillage now, it's too late for that. As the paint runs off of the floor mat, some will spill onto the seat, the door frame, the pavement, your pant leg, your sandals, and your toes. Leave it for later.
16. OK, you're getting into the really messy details now. You will be tempted to stand up straight, survey the disaster before you and say, "I give up." DON'T DO IT! BE STRONG!
17. Take the first roll of paper towels, tear off half a dozen or so, and start mopping up the paint. That's right...you are already covered in paint anyway, so what's the problem?
18. Repeat Step 17 until you run out of the first roll of paper towels. Reach for the second roll. It's OK if it's only a partial roll, use what you have. Continue, sopping up the paint.
19. Don't, I said DON'T wipe the sweat from your face. Big mistake at this point.
20. If you didn't read Step 19, and wiped the sweat from your face, just remember that paint will wash off of your hands and face. It's a little more difficult to get it out of your hair.
21. DON'T CRY if you are alone! It only makes things worse. However, if husband drives up at this stage, CRYING AND SOBBING IS REQUIRED! Just let him comfort you. It will take the focus off of the disaster he is seeing for the first time, and give him something important to do.
22. If your husband hasn't arrived yet, you might want to call a friend to get a little sympathy. This step is not required and may prove dangerous to your cell phone functionality.
23. After you have mopped and sopped up as much of the paint from the carpet that you can, it's time to stop.
24. Clean up or throw away all that is now on the grass beside your driveway. If your husband is still around, don't be shy, ALLOW him to help you!
25. After everything is done, go inside. Wash as much paint off of you as you can, change your clothes, and your shoes. Don't forget to wash the paint from between your toes. Then, fix your lunch. Afterall, that's why you came home in the first place.
26. After lunch, return to the car, open door.
27. OPEN WINDOWS (move this to Step 12).
28. Job complete.
29. It's very important to have a gracious and loving husband (or friend). He will dry your tears, tell you it's OK, tell you that the carpet needed to be replaced anyway, and help you to laugh at the whole thing. Then, you need to buy a huge floor mat to temporarily cover the ugly gray paint that is now covering the once dark blue carpet.
30. If Step 29 is impossible for you, then there's always Cash for Clunkers. Oops, sorry, that ended last Monday!

Good luck!

Gray Puddles

Getting the condo ready to sell has taken 8 months of my hard labor and too much of my hard earned money. I might add, money that I didn't have. After painting the entire condo--walls, ceilings, baseboards, cabinets and doors--I thought I was finished. I thought too soon. The air conditioner decided to quit cooling. Then the plumbing needed some work. After that, the carpet had to be replaced. Finally, everything was done, and I put it on the market. Wham! I got a bite one week after it went on the market. Things were going pretty good, too good.

The potential buyer made an offer, I countered and they countered again. We finally came to an agreement and the contract was signed. However, the buyers wanted more repairs. Seems as if the dishwasher was going out, the drains wouldn't drain, all the outlets near the sinks needed to be upgraded and the exhaust fan in the bathroom needed repair. Did I say this was becoming a money pit?

The only thing out of that list that didn't actually need repair or replacement was the dishwasher. THANK GOD! Seems as if there was a clear plastic spoon in the bottom of the dishwasher that made a horrible sound. The "Inspector" said it was a bearing going out. Silly inspector...I simply eliminated the spoon, which magically eliminated the noise in the dishwasher. Instant fix! HALLELUJAH.

Thought I was home free. Of course, I happened to look up at the exhaust fan repair and realized the electrician had left a gaping hole in the ceiling. More calls, more money. Is there ever an end to this story. Will I make it to Friday's closing?

I decided to touch up a bit of paint on the fireplace mantle. Thinking ahead this morning, I put the gallon-size can full of the left-over paint in my car. Unfortunately, the lid was not sealed completely and I opening my car door to find the entire can of paint no longer residing in the can but in a gallon-size gray puddle in the floorboard of my car!

I think I'm going to play it safe and keep my sanity. The fireplace mantle will have to stay as is with no touch-up paint. Friday can't get here soon enough. Who knows, by the time I get to the closing, I may be the gray puddle in the floorboard of my car! Gray has never been one of my favorite colors anyway.

Too Young to be a Grandma!

"Mimi, you're not a Grandma," Hunter, my 8-year old grandson proudly commented OUT LOUD! We were having Sunday dinner at Wendy's, one of his favorite places to eat. The place was quite crowded so everyone could hear what he was saying.

I said, "But, honey, I am your Grandma. You just happen to call me Mimi, and I..."

"No!" Hunter interrupted. "You're too young. When you're old, you'll have white hair and then you are a Grandma. Right now, you're Mimi!"

The little white-haired ladies sitting behind him didn't seem to appreciate that statement. I, on the other hand, felt like doing hand springs.

Who cares if the blonde effect comes from a bottle. What Hunter doesn't know, won't hurt him. After all, I'm too young to be a grandma. I plan on being Mimi for a long, long, long time!

I looked at Vic and said, "There you have it, Papa. It's official. I'm young, and I'm not a Grandma...I'm MIMI!"

First Day of Spring

On the first day of Spring five years ago, my daughter and three-year old grandson accompanied me to the City of Tulsa Animal Shelter. I invited them along to help me select a dog to adopt. I wanted a dog who would not only be a companion for me, but would also be a playmate for my grandson.

We were shocked at how many dogs were at the shelter that Saturday. I wanted to take them all home. After a couple of rounds through the shelter, we started making lists of the dogs that were potential candidates. By about the tenth round, we had come back to the same cage several times. I said a prayer and chose the dog whose "rap sheet" said she was very sweet.

On our way home from the shelter, my daughter and I were trying to give our beautiful new dog an appropriate name. We discussed several flowery names, but nothing really fit. Almost at the same time, we both said, "Today's the first day of Spring." And Spring had her name. Like Spring showers bring flowers, our Spring showers us with love and affection.

She stole our hearts immediately and after only a week in our home, I was certain that God answered my prayer and helped me to choose the perfect dog for me. The First Day of Spring had definitely arrived on that day of March 20, 2004.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Leaves a Legacy

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, passed away this morning. She was 88 years old. I never met the lady, but she extraordinarily changed the lives of countless people with intellectual disabilities. Her story is a magnificent testament of what one person can do to change the world.

I was invited to go to one of the first Special Olympics events in Houston, Texas back in 1969. I didn't go. I didnt' think it was cool. I had better things to do with my life as a Sophomore in high school. What a silly, selfish, self-centered teenager I was!


It wasn't until 2002 that I was introduced to Special Olympics, once again in Texas. My entire family from Tulsa traveled to Rowlett, Texas to watch Taylor, my nephew compete in a Special Olympics Summer Games event. As I sat in the stands, I was ecstatic to see the joy on my nephew's face. He was running and laughing, thoroughly enjoying the attention and the excitement of the day's events.

Something else struck a chord in me, though. It was the jubilation and pride that I saw in my brother, sister-in-law, and their two other children. Here they were, in a football stadium, with a crowd of screaming fans cheering on their son. This was something that was incredible to behold. I suppose their joy is what touched my heart the most. It was not just my nephew's joy, but his entire family's joy (including my own family's joy) that put us all on cloud nine.
Little did I know that a year later, I would be employed by Special Olympics Oklahoma. That connection had been made long before my employment, and I see life-changing events on a regular basis now.

We have Eunice Kennedy Shriver to thank for her vision to see beyond people's limitations. She started a movement that will not be stopped. We still repeat the motto that she recited at the very first 1968 Special Olympics Games at Soldier Field in Chicago.

"Let me win. But, if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Thank you, Eunice Kennedy Shriver for your service to all those with intellectual disabilities. My condolences go out to her family. May her legacy of love and determination for all those with intellectual disabilites live on through you.

A wonderful website has been created to chronicle Eunice Kennedy Shriver's life. Visit http://www.eunicekennedyshriver.org/. Then, give thanks to God for this incredible woman's life.

Donna Ham

Sea of Galilee

My daughter designed a beautiful necklace for me. It represents my trip to the Sea of Galilee during my visit to Israel a few years ago. I love it!

Each bead and design element means something spiritual. Visit Alysia's blog to learn why she created this necklace and why Psalm 91 is represented in this beautiful piece of jewelry. http://tinyurl.com/nxaoqa

God's in the Picture

The NASA image for today is amazing. The fact that we can actually take this type of photo is astonishing in itself. But, it's the density of the stars in the Milky Way that is the most incredible. God's Hand is everywhere I look, through a magnifying lens or a telescopic lens...it really doesn't matter...He's always in the picture. Praise God.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1439.html

I Opened My Mouth and Panted

I awoke this morning gripped with fear and gasping for breath. My stomach was churning and I felt as if I were paralized with doom and gloom. As I stumbled out of bed and started getting ready for work, the fear did not subside.

It was early enough that I had time to pray and write in my journal. As I wrote God a letter from my heart, I poured out my fears to Him. He listened politely and let me write it all down. When I was finished writing, I opened my Bible to the next verses in Psalms in my daily study.

God had been silent, patient and waiting to speak. And speak, He did! As I read His Words I could feel His Holy Presence and His encouragement and His everlasting love for me.

If you find yourself gripped with fear, unable to move, take courage dear friend. Open the Bible and let His Inspired Words enfold you with His everlasting love for you. Call upon His Name, and He will listen. Then allow Him to speak to your heart through His Word. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 119:129 - 149

Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.



My memory verse for today: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

May God bless you today and give you hope,

Donna

The Blue Green Paintings

Blue Green 214 The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep Thy Words. Psalm 119:57

These three new abstract acrylic paintings go beautifully together using earthtones, greens, blues and turquoise colors. Each painting is 6" x 10" on 185 lb acrylic cold press paper. I have been reading Psalm 119 and each one of these paintings represents a verse.

Green Blue 222 I entreated Thy favor with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Thy Word. Psalm 119:58.

Green Blue 224 I considered my ways, And turned my feet to Thy testimonies. Psalm 119:59.

Heartwalk

Acrylic on Canvas
12" x 12" x 1 1/2"

I call this work Heartwalk. It reflects God's never ending love for us. It was God's Only Son, Jesus's heartwalk to the Cross that made a way for us to be reconciled to God the Father. We worship God, the Son, for the gift of His broken heart and body for us. God's perfect Son's sacrifice made it possible for us to be forgiven. The greatest gift ever given to man. Thank you, God, for sending Your Son to show us the way, the ONLY way to You.

Perseverance Builds Character

I was just pondering how so many people I know are suffering - loss of a job; loss of good health; loss of a friend or loved one to death; loss of or the threat of the loss of their business; loss of their self-esteem; loss of their home; loss of the freedom to make their own decisions; loss of their ability to communicate; loss due to Alzheimer's; loss of a child; loss due to drugs and/or alcohol; loss due to obesity; loss due to a disease or illness; and the list goes on and on.

For those of us who fall into any or even many of these categories, God has a message for us from His Holy Scriptures. I hope you can hang on to these words of encouragement today. I'll hold on with you, too, with hope in my heart.

"...we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4

Light Came Into the World

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

John 1:1-15 King James version

Pouting Boy Results in Pastel Sunrise Painting

The final landscape abstract painting reflects a pink and peach colored sky on a cool summer morning. But, it didn't exactly start out that way.

My grandson arrived while I was in the middle of painting on the back patio. I thought he would enjoy painting with me. I squeezed out red, blue and green paint on a Styrofoam plate for him. However, he was pouting about something and wouldn't paint on the acrylic paper I had prepared for him. He just turned up his nose at my efforts to get him to join in, and he finally went inside to watch TV. Not wanting to waste a single bit of paint, I added some water with the paint and swept it across a canvas. Then I left it to dry.

The next morning, I awoke early and sat on my patio to write in my journal. The sky was the exact same color as the paint I had applied the day before. I basically just started from there and enjoyed experimenting with the watercolor effect.

As for my little pouting boy? Well, he finally snapped out of it and we had a lovely evening, just without painting.

Stunning Tulsa Sky before the storm

A storm was moving into Tulsa this morning and a sliver of a white cloud was peeking through the top of the thunderheads. The scene was stunning, and I took several photos before the sky changed and the white cloud completely disappeared.

I would like your critique of the three photos in this blog. Which photo is best and why? Your opinion is most appreciated.

Donna Louise Ham
http://www.prayinggirl.com/

Raccoons & Opossums Really Like Me!

I came into work Tuesday morning to find my birdfeeder demolished, sadly tossed aside on the asphalt parking lot. My immediate response was who would want to destroy a birdfeeder and why. I was hurt and disillusioned at the type of human who would do such a thing. It didn't occur to me that something non human was at the heart of the matter. A friend stopped by to see me as I was lamenting over my broken feeder. I couldn't take my eyes off of the tangled, mangled feeder that I had placed on my desk. My friend matter-of-factly stated that it was probably a raccoon who was responsible. The proverbial lightbulb literally flashed over my head.

I was delighted to know that a passerby had not detroyed my property, but now I was perplexed as to how to resolve the issue of a four-legged creature stealing my birdseed and demolishing my feeder. Another lightbulb flashed, and I decided to do some research about the culprit.

I found a great article on raccoon and opossum control at http://tinyurl.com/l8sl4f. I liked the solutions presented because nothing would be harmful to the animal. The best solution, however, was one I came up with myself. It is a simple solution and won't cost a dime! Have you guessed it yet? I will simply bring the birdfeeder inside every night and put it back out in the morning. Problem solved!


As for feeding the raccoons and opossums who love my bird seed...those pesky critters are all on their own!

Having fun in Oklahoma City with some of the street statues.

Taking a Bird Break

At 3:45 p.m. today, I am deciding to take a short break, a "bird break" that is. You see, I recently rearranged my desk so that I could actually look out my window. I thought since there's nothing back here to look at, that I would make a little oasis outside my window. I purchased a small bird feeder and installed it right at my eye level.

It didn't take long before birds were flocking to the feeder. After several weeks now, I am feeding my feathered friends regularly. Some days I have to reload the bird feeder up to three times before I go home!

I've seen Sparrows, Cardinals, Doves, Finches (one of them is as red as a Cardinal) and an occasional pair of ugly Black Crows. I watched the other day as a small squirrel scampered over and started helping himself to the seeds knocked to the ground.

I have my own tiny nature center going on right outside my window. They are bringing me great joy and breaking up my day. I love taking my "bird breaks" throughout the day reminding me that the wild things are still near even in the city. And maybe, just maybe, there's a small bit of the wild still in me.