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Everything Southern & So Cotton Pickin Cute

Friday, January 1, 2010

A New Decade Begins - Who Will You Serve


Happy New Year Dear Friends!

I don't know about ya'll but I'm looking forward to this new decade that we just dropped into. The reason I say dropped into is because (in this crazy head of mine) I picture a clock, think Big Ben and that huge hand just ticking over at 12 AM. I feel sort of like that little mouse just barely hanging on. Thank the Lord, I hung on until midnight, I hung on to get just past and fell straight down, slap-dab into 2010, a brand new decade. I'm scurrying to my feet, brushing myself off, okay I might need some water to clean up that cheek, grinning ear to ear as I yell I made it!

The last half of the 2000 decade wasn't so great. Lot's of stuff going on. Ya'll have all seen it. The economy - well it's crap. We lost a few loved ones. We've become full time care givers for my Mother-In-Law. Our life seems full of doctors appointments, repeating ourselves and trying to keep a smile on our face as we've heard for the 6 time during breakfast about the old homestead. In the evening our conversations usually go like this.

Us: Mom, why don't you come in the living room and watch TV?
Mom: I've got a TV in my room. I need to go to bed. (It's about 6:30 pm)
Neil: You just got up a few hours ago. Lets go watch Wheel of Fortune.

As we're watching Wheel of Fortune......

Mom: Oh' look. I use to work with him. Lots of giggling.

Commercial comes on. It's Jay Leno again....

Mom: Oh' there's Jay Leno. I went to school with him. He made us laugh all the time. (Keep in mind, she was born in 1920).

By now we're laughing with her.

That's one of the lighter moments. I only wish we could forget half the things she has. No stress, no worrying about money, never in a rush. I wish we could have less stress in our lives so that we would have more patience with her. She's changed so much in the last decade. She was always immaculate, always looked so much younger and sprier and seemed to be loving and kind, on the go more than we were. Now it seems she's very unhappy. Nothing we do makes her happy. She went from loving me like a daughter to not being able to stand me. It's been very painful.

That's where the new year, new decade comes in. I feel a little spark of joy coming back. A glint of hope. I owe a lot of it to you dear friends in blogland. You've given me something to look forward to. A new set of eyes so to speak. A young view again. Feelings of creativity, hope, and joy. You can't imagine how my heart soars to see a new comment from you. I don't feel so all alone. I owe so much of it to Debra and her bible study A Day In The Life. I found myself craving the word of our Lord. This year I choose to serve him. He has waited patiently for me to ready myself and say you take control. I certainly am not doing a good job by myself. Our Father doesn't want to see me just hanging on, tired and weak. He wants to bless me beyond anything I could ever imagine. (And believe me, I'm a huge dreamer). I know our Father is going to save me this year, comfort me, love me and give me a desire to live again. I'm so tired and now I feel I can fall in his arms and find rest. I feel like I can see the river Jordon where he's waiting to quench my thirst and refresh me. I look forward to serving a loving, giving Master.

I want to issue a special shout out to a few people.

Dear Lovely Keke from Cherry Kingdom, thank you for being here from the beginning. You've been such a dear friend.

Sweet Dawn from The Feathered Nest, you make my heart sing, I can't get over the pureness of your creations, they just speak Gods love to me. You've been such a blessing with your loving kindness.

Generous Sweet Elizabeth from Creative Breathing, your fabulous stories send me straight to dream land. When you write it's like watching a movie to me. I can picture everything so clearly. And you're creations bring back the child in me and the joy of a time I never lived in but always felt like I should have.

Loving, Caring Connie from Living Beautifully who never fails to make me feel cared for, always commenting, always supporting. I doubt she knows just how much her time and kind words have meant to me.

Cheery fun loving Sarah from Gypsy Mermaid Life who took me in for my first swap and offered he help when I hadn't even started my blog. What a blessing she is.

Kind Sweet Traci from Beneath My Heart, a young woman who has a love for the Lord and a full time schedule and handles it all with such grace. She's been through so much herself these past few months but she never fails to me feel special.

And finally Dear Precious Debra from A Day In The Life & Common Ground who has open her heart to me and comforted me like no other. She has a heart for the Lord and shares it with everyone. She gives me the love only a Mother could and makes me feel safe and loved even though she is certainly to young to be my Mother. (I keep forgetting, I'm not 26 anymore).

All these sweet friends seem to give me so much more than I ever give them. I feel like all I do is take from them hopefully I too will be strong enough and have enough energy to give back a tenth as much as I take.

I've met so many new friends and I'm looking so forward to spending this new year sharing joys and sorrows, laughing and crying, and in general becoming closer friends with all of you. Thank you my loves!


Well I know this has been a long post so I'll go now. Thanks for letting me share with all of you. Thank you for your kind and loving comments. They mean so much more than I can say. 2010 is ushering in the year of my 50th birthday. Stayed turned girls....that part is going to be a bumpy ride. LOL!

Wishing you all the very best in the New Year. With warm hugs...Tracy :)

38 comments:

  1. Happy New Year Tracy! May our glorious Lord carry your burdens for you this year and may he always give you the grace and strength to see you through difficult moments. Remain peaceful knowing you are a child of God and that you are precious in His eyes!

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  2. Happy New Year Tracy! Things will get better. Remember tough times never last but tough people do!!!!!

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  3. Tracy ~ I've so missed hearing from you - so glad you posted today. Thanks for revealing what's been going on with you - I understand the pain - I think we've experienced some of the same feelings this past year. Because He lives is the only reason I can face my tomorrows.

    Have a Beautifully Blessed New Year...

    Cynthia K. (Beauty and Blessings)

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  4. beautiful blog...Happy and healthy New Year to you and your loved ones. I became a follower so I can read more!

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  5. Bless your heart, you've got an awful lot on your plate. But God sees, and He is surely so pleased with all you are doing, from caring for your Mother-in-law, to seeking Him more fully.

    And yep, Debra is wonderful, isn't she?

    This year, your 50th, is going to be your best yet. Guaranteed!

    So happy to have met you this past year, Happy New Year!
    Anne

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  6. Don't worry, Tracy, 50's not so bad! I'll be 51 in 2010...it's all downhill from here! LOL.... I will say a prayer for you - how difficult it must be at times - my dad is in a nursing home and has dementia. He still remembers me at this point, but it is so sad to watch.. he does seem content, however. That's a blessing I suppose..... Love to you in 2010!!

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  7. Tracy,
    Wishing you a New Year filled with blessings from above....Sherry

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  8. Hey there sweetie,
    I just wanted to drop in and say thank you for all of your kind words these past few months, they have warmed my heart and brought a smile to my weary face!! I know that this new decade, whether you jumped or fell into it, will be fantastic!!
    Big New Year's Hugs xOxO Nerina

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  9. Hi dear sweet Tracy, I am so very sorry to hear about your mother in law and what you have been going through. My Mom has Alzheimer's and is now in a wonderful Group Home. She lived with us in 2009 until her behavior became very aggressive. It truly broke my heart to watch my Mom change from the very loving & caring person she always was to someone I didn't even know any more.

    Keeping you in my prayers dear one and
    please remember to take care of yourself too.

    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and I want to wish you a New year filled with much love, happiness and many, many Blessings.
    With love & hugs,
    Carol Anne

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  10. Happy New Year to you! I love clock images more than anything. Thank you for sharing this beautiful one with us! All good things hoped for you in this new year! Elizabeth

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  11. Tracy
    I know this will come across very mean spirited but I must say what I have too, and hope you understand. We all are going to get old and confused. Many, many of us blogger women have lost our precious mothers and other significant women in our lives. I don't think a day passes where we wish we couldn't be in your shoes now. Although it is so hard when they begin to get this way, their time left isn't long and their days are difficult for them to. They've seen many go already, some can no longer be in their own homes, even bathing can't be like it used to be or sleeping or walking. Aging is so hard for the person alone and can be hard on the family, this is understandable. I would give anything to have to repeat for the tenth time to mom, or take her to the doctor, or do her hair and makeup, since she no longer could. But I can't. All to often grown children become so used to their own fast paced life they forget what its like to slow down when caring for aging parents. Our culture is peculiar how it takes on the presence of being so different, yet many generations and cultures today provide care for the aged willingly. I worry when I become old, will my children have the love and patience I had for my mom and dad for me? I'm sorry Tracy, I really am if I sound mean, but God is blessing you in 2010 to spend these times with your mom, patience and love and prayer will see you through. Maybe you need to look into respite type care. Sometimes elderly get this way often times its what they feel is best is to build up a wall so when they are gone we'll miss them less. I know this sounds silly but is very true. Your MIL may need care away from your home, and doing so may be the very best. I understand the financial strain as well. Our country is so very unfair with assistance to families who care for the aged. This doesn't happen in other countries. I am so deeply sorry again things are difficult. I am here for you but like I said, I'd gladly go through it all again if I had my family back. Lori

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  12. I'm sorry if I can across in a negative manner. It was never my intent. I'd give anything to have my own mother or father back. I would never expect Neil to not want his Mother to be here with us. I often think about how difficult this must be for her and how scared I would be.

    With all sincerity I didn't mean to sound ungrateful for the time we have with her.

    Tracy

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  13. Wishing you all the best for the New Year!
    Hugs, Sharon

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  14. Tracy
    So glad you stopped by my blog. As I read your post I see you too have had a difficult 2009. If there is one thing I'm sure of it's God understands and hears you and He is going to be with you every step of the way. Hang in there and lets be more intentional with our walk with Him. We can do this!!:)
    Hugs to you
    Cyndi
    P.S. I saw where you mentioned my sister Traci, I don't know what I'd do without her....

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  15. Oh, bless you! We can so realate to you caring for your MIL. Search "in celebration of Peg's spirit " on my blog. So many similarities. I pray for you.
    Heres to a joyful 2010, friend!

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  16. Forgot to comment when I visited before. Your comment struck a chord with me because I had a tough year myself in fact the whole latter part of the last decade sucked for me. Like you I am looking forward to much better things in this new decade.Keep your spirits up.

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  17. Happy New Year and Decade to you sweet friend. I really like the idea of a whole new decade too! Funny to think how much life has changed in just a mere 10 years. Gosh really strange to think of what I might be like in anouther 10. Life sure does go by quickly. I think it's great to share our lives through blogging. Just think someday when we are 80 and senial like your mother-in-law we can read through our blogs and remember even for just a moemnt what life really was. Ok so I hope this comment makes some sence I have to get bakc to work. HUGS! Chelsea Ann

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  18. Okay I'm giving you a new montra...no bumpy ride okay....You deserve better....

    Louise Hay....80 years old wonderful spiritual teacher......on OPHRAH says.....
    This is the BEST DECADE so far....when go by your reflection...be happy you see your friend..HEY SWEETIE....cutie looking good

    Oh I have been affirming...I lOVE MY LIFE AND LIFE LOVES ME...I LOVE ME...
    It all works out.
    sorry I know I've just met you were are in the Valentines swap together...I think we needed to meet..
    Warmly,
    Stacy~Creativemuse

    http://www.creativemuse.etsy.com
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/52895107@N00/
    http://creativemusewhereinspirationsflourish.blogspot.com/
    http://www.flickr.com/groups/542876@N22/

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  19. Tracy,
    Thank you for that sweet shout out. You have been such a precious friend to me. I have truly appreciated your prayers and encouragement! I look forward to 2010 with you!
    Traci

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  20. Oh, Tracy dear, sorry I didn't get over here till now, Love you so much! You are the sweetest in the world! And Hey, I can still be your mom. Just had you when I was in 1st. grade!!!
    big hugs,
    Debra

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  21. Happy New Year to you! Hope this year is smoother and more peaceful than the last... Sounds like you've had very trying times these last few years...

    Thanks for enering my giveaway, and good luck!
    I will be back soon for a better look at your blog- you write wonderfully! But for now, it's off to bed for me! :)

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  22. Dear Tracy,
    I was so touched by your honest New Year's post. I can understand how difficult this past year has been for you. Yet I can also see how the Lord's power and influence over your life has drawn you closer to Himself; and that is definitely more precious than anything! When believers are truly blessed, they don't experience merely an external, circumstantial feeling of happiness, but a deep sense of spiritual contentedness and well-being based on the objective spiritual reality that they belong to God. My prayer for myself is often, and sometimes through tears, that the Lord would help me to be content, thankful, etc., in spite of my circumstances. And He has never failed to be with me and strengthen me as I walk THROUGH the valley.
    I'll be keeping you in my prayers Tracy!--How wonderful that we don't have to wait for God's comfort! The Scripture declares that "God our Father" has already" given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace" (2 Thess 2:16; Roman 15:4; 2 Cor. 1:3). May we walk, therefore, in the light and joy of His blessed comfort, even on this side of its heavenly fulfillment.
    Thanks so much for your kind words left at my blog! So nice to meet you!
    With Love from the Cabin!,
    Claudia O.

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  23. Tracy ~

    Hi! My goodness, I can see why you would have a heavy heart about things...but you've got your faith and your trust in the Lord, and that is what will carry you through this next year...this next decade...and bring you peace and comfort! Many blessings and wishes that this year will bring you great joy and happiness!!!

    :) T

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  24. Thanks so much for your sweet comment. I didn't realize this whole ordeal would leave us all in such shock. Your thoughts and prayers mean so much to all of us.

    Wishing you a very wonderful 2010.
    Kate

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  25. Tracy~ I was in your shoes just 3 years ago...It is difficult when caring for those we love when they don't resemble the happy individuals we once knew. A new year brings renewed hope. Look to each day as a challenge to find one thing you both can enjoy doing together. A cup of tea while listening to her favorite music (even if she doesn't quite remember who's performing). Maybe you and your hubby could create a list of possible activities for you to watch or do with her. Sometimes encouraging her to help you with a task so she can feel useful. I realize that there's probably not many things that she could assist you with, but if she thinks shes helping...the mission is accomplished. Hopefully twenty ten will bring you riches of the heart.

    Sweet wishes,
    Sara

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  26. Hi Tracy - thanks for coming by my blog and making me smile... God bless you all. I admire you tremendously for doing this hard thing!
    Pam Going Postal

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  27. Hi! I'm visiting from MBC. Great blog.

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  28. Oh Tracy, you know I already think your a saint, honestly the courage it takes day after day to wake up and start all over again, amazing grace, yes God and yes you...my golden heart friend...2010!!, I can't believe we lived through the last decade either! WHOOOO HOOOO! Angels on your bumper dear friend! Wishing you love and health and happiness and all the things you hold so dear...XO Keke

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  29. I really don't know what to say. I promise to keep you in my prayers daily. The first six years of the last decade were horrendous for me. The last three fill my heart to the brim with happiness. As you are now, I went through a really rough period but I hung on to a promise the Lord made to me. He kept his promise as He always does, and now I just rejoice and praise His name for being so faithful. You will see sunshine again and you will be rested. Just keep your eyes on Jesus.

    Before I forget, I wanted to thank you for visitng junkblossoms. Please come back and say Hi! Blessings, Pat.

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  30. Hi there,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and getting into my giveaway. It is hard to be a caregiver but it can be so rewarding too. I took care of folks with dementia for years. Listening to the same story can get rough but it helps if you can remind yourself that that may be the only memory they have left.
    May god bless you in this new year!!! Leslie

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  31. Oh Tracy....my eyes filled with tears at your beautiful post dear friend!! You truly are angel, so giving and full of support for everyone ~ we all only want to give it right back to you!! You are always uplifting and cheering me on, thank you so much for that ~ I pray that this new year will be full of happiness, health and all things wonderful for you, hugs and love sweet Tracy, Dawn

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  32. Oh honey how kind you are posting this about all your blog friends. I so can relate with you there especially with me not being on here for a week and not by choice.
    I am adding you to my special prayer list and yes this year is for you and God has lots of good time planned for you. Just hang on and keep that possitive beautiful attitude. We do all love you too
    Maggie

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  33. Thank you so much for the comment. You always have such nice things to say. I know the Lrd is going to bless you beyond masure this year. Continue to glorify His name and He will lift you up.

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  34. Just wanted to let you know that you won one of my give aways. Notice 2nd message!

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  35. Tracy, God bless you and your family in 2010. You sow blessings at home and here in blogland. You will be reaping your rewards in God's time.
    Your honesty really is a gift to me as I struggle with my own challenges in my own home. We can hang in there and we can and will overcome:) xxxooo's

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  36. Hi Tracy
    Thank you so much for visiting over at my place.
    Looking forward to get to know you too.
    Happy New year
    ~ Tina

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