Miserable or Strong?

"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." ~Carlos Castaneda

The last few days have been tough as, besides the ever-present pain of peripheral neuropathy in my feet and hands, and whatever muscles are complaining from fibromyalgia, I've had major back spasms. Thankfully, I'm much better today which hopefully means I'll be able to go see the grandchildren tomorrow or Saturday. I guess the mixed blessing is that I haven't been able to do much else but sit at the computer and bring this blog up to date. Thank God (and I mean that) for naproxen, the only NSAID I tolerate well. Growing older is "not for sissies," as one author puts it. I guess it puts me in a position to empathize with my friend, Kathleen, who is recovering from back surgery to relieve the pain of spinal stenosis. I told her she should have warned me that she was contagious. What is contagious is her faith and positive attitude in life's circumstances.

I've enjoyed tweeking my blog and catching up on the blogs I have in my sidebar. I'm excited there are so many wonderful Christian women available on the internet to interact with. I especially enjoy photo stories as well as the honesty with which most approach life. We all have our joys and trials. We have the assurance of knowing that no matter what happens we have the love of Christ and the presence of His Spirit with us daily.

I'm sharing more pictures I've taken. Photography and blogging are a distraction and a real blessing.

This honeysuckle vine that has twisted itself around the ironwork reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:12: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
As I worked to clean up the dried twigs out of the vine, if I picked the strands apart I could easily break or cut them out, but it was almost impossible to grab a twisted bunch of strands and prune them out. That's what church means to me. I'm strengthened by fellow Christians around me with Bible study, prayers, and encouragement, which help me to be strong in my faith. We don't have to go it alone when we have fellowship with one another. (Click to enlarge and appreciate the twisted hold) My little garden isn't much but I enjoy it, and am especially glad to finally have success with the hostas. I want to plant more next year. The dahlias in the wooden planter were blooming beautifully when I bought them but they may not get enough sun to set on new blossoms. The impatiens and tuberous begonias are doing well. The front yard is in shade almost all day, which I love, and so do the birds.

One thing Kansas has going for it is its sunsets.

Papa and his beautiful granddaughters. They certainly love him and his fun-loving ways.