First Day of Fall

I love summer, not winter. The first day of fall means winter is around the corner. Which season do you like best?

Valley Forge Visitor's Center

No matter what, none of us can change the times or seasons, whether the weather, or life. So here's a nice memory of Fall at Valley Forge.

Lifeline There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecc. 3:1 NIV

END OF SUMMER SALE ON PATTY'S BOOK

Lifelines - Hope for Times of Loss

Available now at 20% off (prepaid).
That's more than 1/2 off the publisher's price!

 Email your request to

patty.g@verizon.net

Total price $11.00 includes S&H (USA only)

Beach Blessing



Cape May Lighthouse

Ocean cymbals crash on shore

Fingers dance on sand keyboards

Inspiring praises to the Lord

Angelic, faithful chords

   by Patty Gardocki, Aug. 2011

Leave a Little Space

 Tai Chi exercise is a good way for me to distress. On one of my CD’s David-Dorian Ross says, “Leave a little space.”  We could all reduce the stress in our lives if we added a space.

            Unfortunately, we find ourselves forced into situations (financially, workplace, family) where the page of our life is typed into the margins. There’s no white space left, no time for little annoyances, delays, or relaxation.

            Today at the gas station, a fellow unknowingly pulled up to pump his gas. In front of me another man jumped out of his driver’s seat, raised his arms (I won’t say what else) and shouted obscenities. As I pulled out of the lot, I saw the other gentleman thoroughly confused about why this guy was yelling. I knew. He didn’t have any room in his life or time to be kind.

            He’s probably like you and me when we’re so pressured the least little thing sets us off.      My tire was low so I checked the manual and discovered a cold and hot air pressure recommendation. Why? If I don’t fill the tire to the lower hot setting, and the thermometer rises, I could blow out the tire.

            It would be a good idea for folks to lower their personal pressure setting. Then maybe there wouldn’t be so many angry, short-tempered people blowing off steam at the least little thing. Do you agree? If so, comment on one way a person could “leave a little space.”

GPS or GOS - Which?

You've heard about a GPS. How about a GOS?

The initials stand for a diagnosis - Give Opinion Syndrome.

You won't find GOS in a medical manual, but you probably know people with this condition. And, like me, they may not be aware of the symptoms. Fortunately, I diagnosed myself after reading an article about a lady who had the overwhelming desire to stick her nose into everybody else's business. She always wanted to take control and tell everybody what they should and should not be doing.

1898 steam tug, "Mathilda" in dry dock along the Hudson River

So I visited the Great Physician (talked to God in prayer). He prescribed a heavy dose of Proberbs, especially daily reading of Proverbs 16:23, "A wise man's heart guides his mouth..." (NIV).

Last week I followed a pic-up truck pulling a small boat. The rudder spun constantly.

"Why didn't that guy disconnect something or tie that up?" I asked myself. "All that needless spinning will wear that rudder out."

That's what happens when we "run off at the mouth." We get stressed, cause trouble, and aren't a blessing to others.

I have to go take my "medicine." Do you know anyone that might have GOS. Share this. It might save a relationship.

Lifeline: The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts... James 3:5 (NIV)

If It Fits Take It

I searched desperately for the perfect white jacket to match my black dress - one with black trim. I couldn't find it, but stumbled upon a plain white jacket instead.
This will work okay. It fits great and is washable too.

But I really wanted black trim.

Disappointed I took the plain one home just in case. After thinking about it, I realized a washable white jacket with black trim couldn't withstand bleach. And it wouldn't match other outfits. So the plain one worked out great.

Things in life happen in the same manner. Our well-planned schedule (like mine recently) or dream house doesn't fit our values or life goals. That job or relationship we crave isn't happening. But we want it anyway.

Hopefully we realize before too late, that person wouldn't make a good spouse or that house was out of our price range. And the dream job comes with a schedule that doesn't allow us to be the parent our kids need.

Often, our well-planned life isn't God's choice. Now what? Do I accept or reject His will?

Lifeline: In acceptance lieth peace.  Elizabeth Eliot

God's Sheltering Presence

A little girl's murder and father's death have impacted me. Some of you may not have had a father you could respect, one who loved and supported you. That's what good dads do.

  Not having that example makes it hard to realize how much the Heavenly Father cares for and about each one of us. Psalm 103:13 reads, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;" (NIV).

  This huge tree at Morris Arboretum reminded me of the overwhelming presence of God. Nearby there was a cave. Our Heavenly Father is a refuge, a cave to hide in when the pressures of life seem more than we can bear. It is in the cool shade of his nurturing presence and shelter of his protection that we know His compassion. He's the best Dad anyone could ever have. Is He yours? If not, He wants to be today. Ask Him.

Lifeline: God has your picture on his screensaver
  John Ortberg, God is Closer than You Think

1.  What good thing did your dad do for you?

2.  Have you thanked Him?

3.  How has God shown you His care?