Gifts From God

When it snows, it brings beauty to land and all that surrounds it. It's a beautiful. I normally take pictures when it snow. But, photos don't do justice in which the eye can see. The view is like stepping into another space. When I see this. I'm left to admire the view in the moments of  time that I take to look. 

I can see God as an artist. All He creates to beautiful. I enjoy looking at nature. The skies and the land are set in our display for a purpose. 

Goals For The Week
Daily devotional, journaling , reading, meditation
Do what I need to do and what I should be doing and do my best to keep on track.
Post my blogs for week four themes: Education and A Family Member 
Rest, relax and have fun

I'm thankful for the people God places in my pathway. I believe that God brings people into our lives for a purpose. We learn from one another. May we see that those who are around us are gifts from God. And  our lives are a gift from God. All good things come from God.  

The Sunday gathering message It's All A Gift It was a good sermon.
 "It’s all a gift—all of it. Being, creation, your life, forgiveness, immortality, and the final promise that at the end of all things God will be all in all—it’s all a gift. "

Eleven weeks to go to enter into my next decade. 
I'm thankful that life is a gift from God. And all that God has given us is a gift. Live life in love. 

Thanks for reading.
Gifts From God 

Blessings
Susan 

Making A Way To Keep On Track

I got thrown off track this week. I'm not worried. It's good to not to be so serous about goal keeping. I'll making a way to get back on track.  

It's my 13th year on Twitter. I joined on January 20, 2010. Things have changed over the years. I have less people I know that clicked on to follow me. I have 88 people listed on my my list. I'm on Twitter less over the years. I'm in and out and future post a lot. 

I created other new accounts. It's like I really need them. Oh, the password keeping, I have. I can always create another password. 

What are the benefits of doing some things? I see that I need to let go of things to make room for the new things that are coming. I've been doing less of what's draining me. I'm putting my energy on the things that bring me energy. 

I'm working on my Saturday blog with the theme of FAMILY. I have another theme for #52Ancestors  EDUCATION. I may change what I started. The prompts get me to thinking. Then again, I post what I have.  

Thanks for reading.
I'm making a way to keep on track.

It's been a fun day. 
78 days to my next decade. 

Blessings 
S.A. Blakley 

On This Cold And Rainy Day

 It's a cold and rainy day and a good day to stay inside.  I have done some of  my dos for today. I have set my goals. And I'm moving right along. There are things that I won't get done today. 

I finished up on Benjamin and Lucy (Sampson) Dade In Remembrance list. I didn't include the living family members. I did have a chance to go back and list the spouses. I'll move on to Isaac Dade / Dayd lineage. 

I have re read my blog: The Tombstone Of Chas Langford: Out Of Place. It is set to post this afternoon. I will post it on my Susan Blakley:  Family Connections page as well. Charles Edward Lankford / Lankfard was my great uncle. My Grandfather Leo' s brother. 

I feel as thought I accomplished a lot today. That calendar on Benjamin and Lucy Dade's lineage is filling up. I may need to do Isaac Dade Dayd lineage on another calendar. I forgot about if I find more on Benjamin's lineage and even the living ones who will pass. I will have to add them.  

I'm working on Isaac Blakey And His School Of Life: Education blog for next week. We always write of the education of those who went to school. Why not those who weren't educated through the school method. What about the School Of Life? 

80 days to go till my next decade. 
On This Cold And Rainy Day. 
Thanks for reading

Blessings
S.A. Blakley 

My Strength And My Song

It was a beautiful Sunday. I enjoyed the view on the way to (and fro) the Sunday gathering. I'm thankful for those who stopped to chat with me. Christ Be All Around Me. 

Sunday is always a long day in the making for me. I continue to learn how to balance this day. I do like being out and about on Sundays. And now, I'm finally settling down. 

I continue to keep up on my journaling. But, I'm trying not to journal too long. I checked my DNA matches. I wasn't as long on social media as I am on Sundays. I'm slowing down more. 

The Sunday Gathering:
The message was Jesus Christ Is The True Lens Of Scripture by Pastor Brian Zahnd. 

The first two questions that's on the discussion small group for this message.

1.) What was the first Bible you received or purchased for yourself?
My first Bible I received was by Word Of Life Church, I responded to an alter call on September 17, 1993. and received the paper back cop of the New King James Version. I was a first time visitor as well. 

 The first Bible I purchased for myself, cost me  $1. I ordered it through the mail in the late 1980's or early 1990's. It was the hard copy of The Revised English Bible. I still have both Bibles. 

2. ) Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If you have memorized, share it with the group.
 The Lord is my strength and my song,

 and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and I will praise him,
 my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2 (ESV)

Thanks for reading.
My Strength And My Song

My goal for the week
I'm listing some of my blessings for this week. 
I'm listing my bees that bring discouragement. 
I'm thinking of why are these discouragement so?
And why do I return to them?

I will focus on the good of things. 
And pray about what distracts my thinking.

I have 83 days to go to my next decade.
I came to Jesus to be my LORD in 1983. 
This March 25th will be my 40th Anniversary! 

Blessings. 
S.A. Blakley

With New Beginnings

It's the 8th day of the year. Eight is my favorite number. I was born on the 8th, which is in 90 days. It's the 98 day of 2023. Back in Rhythm To The Beat of The 8th Day

I'm getting into the habits of my days that come. I did my Sunday dos before leaving the house. It was a beautiful ride to church. I made my way to pray before entering the sanctuary. I greeted some of the people who wanted to be greeted.

I gathered with church as we praised and worshiped our Savoir Jesus. The message was okay. Kings Shall Come We received communion and went on our way till next time we gather again.

Dawn of A New Day

This week is a start of new beginnings. I sensed it when I woke up this morning. I'm moving with the flow of things. Old things have passed away, new things have sprung up. I have to get use to read the newspaper online, this week. The papers for Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The two printed copies are on Wednesdays with is advertisements and sales. And the Friday Weekender which is a cope we pay for. With New Beginnings I've been thinking about the things I no longer can do or things I choose not to do anymore. I'm creating new habits. I'm walking in the flow of what I set out to do. There is no more getting up going outside to get the newspaper in the early morning. I see the changes as that I have more time to do other things. I will have to get use to things I now longer do. My today's view I've been watching the NFL off and on this afternoon. I'm glad that the Buffalo Bills won. I'm watching Denver and The Chargers play. Hope You Had A Great Day! Thanks for reading. With New Beginnings 90 Days to go to my new decade. Journey Continues God bless you. S.A. Blakley The first two questions from the Sunday message "Kings Shall Come: online Study Guide Discussion sheet. January 8, 2023. Have you been in a castle, palace or large mansion? When I was out on the East coast on a vacation, I visited a Castle in the Clouds, and it was out of no where all by itself. I was amazed by what was in the Castle. I've been in large mansions out East. One was a 44 room mansion where a writer came to write her books.. Then there one, another I can't recall how many rooms but, they said that it had ghost living there. Have you ever ridden a camel or seen on up close? I've never ridden a camel but I have seen some up close in church on Christmas Eve and when I was in Israel in 1998.

Getting Into The Routine Of Things

Happy 10th Day of Christmas! It's the third day in the new year. I'm doing my best to make some things a habit. I'm getting there.

I'm listening to the second round of votes for the Speaker of The U. S. House.  I don't know who will win. How what will they do it if someone doesn't have the majority of the vote? Someone has to be speaker. 

I'm working on my first week of #52Ancestors 52 Weeks. My title is I'd Like To Meet My Great Grandfather Isaac Blakey. I'm thinking about why do I want to meet him? What do I want to say to him? 

I'm not much on social media, now days. I'm  usual in and out of there. I have a set time of being on social media in 2023. I'm trying to limit my screen time. I think I spend too much time on social media.

I've been doing other things. I'm journaling more. I have limited my time on my computer. I don't want to waste time.

I have noticed that I am getting things done. I have a set time to stop doing things. I need to start doing what I'm doing and have a stopping point. I have less than an  hour to go on my computer. Then  it's log out time. 

I even have a down time before bed. I'm not getting there as I should. But, I plan to get better day by day. I have a quitting time from doing things.

But, last night I had to stay up a little later. I heard the news of the NFL player collapsing on the field. That was so freighting to see. I saw him laying on the field at the time it happened. But, I stopped watching because I was preparing to go to sleep. 

Then, I received a text message from one of my sisters. I jumped out of bed to turn on the TV.  Oh my goodness. This was the time to pray. The people at the game and those watching on were praying for Damar Hamlin. God save his life. 

This year has started off with so much going on. LORD, have mercy on us. Keep us in line with what we need to be doing. Help us to pray for one another and see the good of others. Amen.

May we all get ourselves together in 2023. Amen. 
Getting Into The Routine Of Things
Thanks for reading

God bless 
S.A. Blakley

Who To Follow And Not To Follow On Social Media ?

I came to my computer to do some searching. I ended up looking over my twitter account. I have 366 no 367 people who clicked on to follow what I post. And on my list to "follow", I had 85 and now 88. 

I did a little searching on some of  my 366 twitter "followers". I discovered that about one third of them, or so are  posting. I noticed that the others haven't posted as far back since 2011. I suppose that they have fallen away from Twitter. 

I've been reading that some people say that they are going to leave twitter. Well, some have already been doing that. And they left their accounts open to let people know that they were there. I don't know about twitter. Social media hasn't been the same since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March of 2020.

Though, I'm still on twitter, I don't post as I use to. I have been losing  the zeal to post. I have a lot  less people to interact with. Mainly, I'm "solo" on twitter. 

Mainly, I  post for the sake of those who will stumble across what I post. I'm not on social media to be in a contest with anyone. Nor am I to impress "on lookers" to see how many people I can get to "follow" what I post.  That's nonsense. 

 I like posts that brings the good out of life and that brings encouragement. I post things about Jesus and prayers. I share post about my family connection; hoping to connect with relatives. 

I've been on Twitter since January 20. 2010. I started following others and some I have un followed and or whatever choice to do  I have noticed that I can't follow every one  and more so some people I know. It's better left not to do so. When deleted as "following" can become personal. 

I don't know what I will end up dong on my twitter account. I don't want to waste time  on Twitter or on social media. I'm slowing down. I'm doing more blogging and searching for my family connections. It's a lot less stressful. I'm doing things that I'm enjoying. 

Thanks for reading. 
Who To Follow And Not Follow On Social Media? 

God bless 
S.A.Blakley 

On This Quiet Day

Mind drifting away, On this quiet day
Trying to keep focus, Going on my way

Now catching myself, Wondering away
Try to keep awake, Yawning as I pray

Still in quietness, My mind on display
Happy thanksgiving, Being as it may

Trying to keep focus, Going through this day
Mind drifting onward, Hoping won't stray

Rethinking this time, What's past? as I lay
Awake, forgiven, On this quiet day
Thanks for reading Poem #2402

Idea on March 7, 2014 at 7:18 AM on edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on Sept 15, 2015 while
reviewing this poem to post.

What To Do For Now?

What to do for now? Waiting on the LORD
Which way should we go? Stand in one accord

Harmony, unity, God wants us to be
Together as one, Reflections, we see

The image of God, Human, all mankind
Building together, What we can define

Fellowship in God, Who guides our today
What to do for now? Be still, Quiet, pray

Thanks for reading Poem #2398

Idea on March 3, 2014 at 6:26 AM on edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on August 19, 2015 at
11:26 AM at Color Me Red and on Sept 9, 2015 while
reviewing this poem to post

In times Of Changes

In times of changes, Which way do we go?
Left or to the right? Or move with the flow?

Be in tune with crowd? Go another way?
Do as we are told? Get down on knees, pray

O LORD what? O what, Is Your will for me?
Keep me on Your path, Help me learn to see

Your will and Your ways, In life and always
In good times, bad times, Where times are dismay

Guide my eyes to You, To the left or right
In times of changes, Increase my insight.

Thanks for reading Poem #2397

Idea on March 2, 2014 at 6:33 AM on edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on September 9, 2015
while reviewing this poem to post

Don't Know What To Think

Don't know what to think, Seeing some weird things
Strange in its doing, Moving like a string

Pattern as it may, Not straining in a line
But, standing, this way, Not as so define

Hovering a while, Yet, floating about  
As though its glowing, And not going out

It's so amazing, To see what's to see
Strange in its doing, Thought come upon me

It's blowing my mind, Wondering, How's this?
Don't know what to think, It looks like a disc

Thanks for reading Poem #2394

Idea on Feb 27, 2014 at 5:46 AM on edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on August 14, 2015
at Color Me Red 11:41 AM and on 8 Sept 9, 2015 while
reviewing to post this poem.

Still Again, It's So

Still again, it's so, Not able to do
What's there to be done? Hoping to get through

Each session at hand, Waiting, still waiting
God, what should I do? In times of hating

Not able to do, In times of stress
In hardship, in pain, Choosing to do less

Of worry, less talk, Trouble in its way
Rethink, casting cares, Taking time to pray

Confessing my sins, Doing what I do
Still again, it's so, O God, see me through

Thanks for reading, Poem  #2393

Idea on Feb 26, 2014 at 5:56 AM on the edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on Sept 7, 2015 while
reviewing this poem to post.

Doing A Lot Still?

Doing a lot still? But, not much to do
For myself doings, Moving where it's due

Life will keep changing, Those changes we fear
Though new things coming, We got to get there

Be set on journey, Look! there maybe clues
Options to seek forth, Where if then, we have to

Start doing some things, Let's not pass them by
Doing a lot still? Need to say good bye

Thanks for reading Poem #2390

Idea on Feb 23, 2014 at 5:59 AM on the edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on Sept 4, 2015 while
reviewing this poem to post.

Searching Some Findings

Searching some findings, This journey ahead
Newspaper info, Some things that was read

Excited to find, And longing to see
Searching to explore, Discover maybe

What I want to know, And what I  believe
That there's more out there, I long to receive

But, where do I search? Or where must  I go?
To find what longing, Those things I don't know

Still looking around, Following the flow
Searching some findings,  Those things I long to know

Thanks for reading poem #2388

Idea on Feb 21, 2014 at 5:43 AM on edge of bed
Re read and made some change on Sept 3, 2015
while reviewing to post.

Tough Times In Motion

Tough times in motion, People pass us by
Not aware doing, Nor questions of why?

Moments of silence, Time seems; drifts away
But, though it exist, It's not on display

Hardship comes on us, Hoping things will heal
God will see us through,  Believing His will

Still life's journey stands, Moments, everyday
Standing, believing, In Jesus' always

Life is a journey, Believing God's will
Tough times in motion, Praying God will hear

Thanks for reading Poem #2385

Idea on Feb 18, 2014 at 6:35 AM on edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on Feb 21 /27, 2014 and
September 1, 2015 while reviewing this poem to post

Thinking About Life

Thinking about life,
Things that causes strife

Those simple matters,
Bringing life's scatters

Where brokenness comes
Conversations numb

No contacts again
Nor if will attend

Joining as a group
Doing nonsense loops

Avoiding issues
Who cares? We miss you

Not making a fuss
But, wanting to trust

Be a helping hand
No trouble, Amen.

Thinking about life
Deceasing, the strife

Thanks for reading poem #2384

Idea on Feb17, 2014 on edge of bed at 5:53 AM
Re read and made some changes on Aug 1, 2015
at Color Me Red and on Aug 28, 2015 while reviewing
to post this poem.

Peace Calming The Storms

Peace calming the storms, In life passing by
Waves from the wayside, Seeing eye to eye

Issues reflecting, Matters we deny
If it will come near, Under or on high

Wondering, thinking, How life use to be
Changes are coming, Brought me to my knees

How to keep going? Rage coming about
Still small voice inside, But heard like a shout

Rivers following in, Quieting my soul
Peace calming the storms, Where God's river flows

Thanks for reading, Poem #2383

Idea on Feb 16, 2014 on edge of bed at 8;48 PM by A/C
Re read and made some changes on July 25, 2015 and
July 28, 2015 at 10:30 PM and on Aug 28, 2015
while reviewing this poem to post.

Can't Control Changes

Can't control changes, Wishing them to be
The way we want them, How we love to see

Desires of our hearts, We think, we're so blunt
To satisfy our souls, Those things we long want

Hidden in the dark, Not seen in the light
Of light who's within, Our being insight

Changes keep coming, No way to stop that
Adjust to what's there, So think, where you're at?

Can't go everywhere, Have to leave alone
Can't control changes, Need to change your tone

Thanks for reading Poem #2382

Idea on Feb 15, 2014 at 6:32 AM on edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on August 23, 2015 on
edge of bed and on August 28, 2015 while reviewing this
poem to post

Learning To Love life

Learning to love life, The way it should be
It's God's kind of love, Expresses we see

Love takes action, In what we believe
In tune with attractions, For while we receive

In times of unrest, Our love will speak out
Will we pass the test? Will we show out clout?

No matter what then, No matter what now
Don't have to know when, Don't have to know how

 It's God's kind of love, Will guide us to pray
Learning to love life, Living Jesus' way

Thanks for reading Poem #2381

Idea on Feb 14, 2014 on edge of bed at 6AM by A/C
Re read and make  some changes while reviewing
to post on August 27, 2015

Some Things Uncertain

Some things uncertain, Don't know what to do
Waiting and waiting, Hoping to get through

Wondering what if, This doesn't work out?
Not thinking the worst, But, leaving some doubt

Need not to worry, Let God bring peace
To your weary soul, As comfort increase

To calm down your nerves, Relax, be at rest
When things go array, Learn to think the best

Be still, God is there, Don't know what to do?
Some things uncertain; Believe you'll get through

Thanks for reading Poem #2377

Idea on Feb 10, 2014 on edge of bed by A/C at 5:54 AM
Re read and made some changes while reviewing this poem
to post on August 20, 2015 and August 24, 2015.