There are just certain things I like to do. I love a really HOT cup of coffee, hot tea or Orka chi...and a good book, or my Bible. I love slow mornings. I love to 'create' something from bits of nothing (don't have as much time to do this as I'd like). I love to write stuff down. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it doesn't. Like right now, I don't really know where this is going, but I feel compelled to keep typing! (like the kitchen scene in Nanny McPhee!)
Holly will be leaving in about 19 days. Nineteen days. That's ok. I'm good with my kids moving to the next phase of their lives. It's exciting to watch her tie up loose ends, so to speak. But, her 'project' this summer has been our basement. It's always a project at our house (a very long story that I will not bore you with here!) But, our basement has had several evolutions in the past 18 years. (translate: accumulation of much/many things!)
And so, this summer we were to re-claim it as living space, make it beautiful, relaxing and appealing for family time. And, bless her heart, in spite of our differences in color scheme choices, and decorating techniques, it's pulling together quite nicely.
But, because I like to spend time doing lots of different kinds of things...I see beauty, or purpose in lots of 'bits of nothing' to any one else. We have heir looms in storage boxes, because this grandma, or this aunt, thought enough of future generations to preserve, and protect pretty things for 'some day'...And so, as she and I went through a few of those storage boxes last night, I was able to give her the back story on a few pieces.
Some were a wedding gift to this 'great grandma'...some were just always at MaMa's house. I went through a short phase when the older girls were 'big enough' that I would actually buy a few antiques, if I liked them. (that was short-lived because we quickly had two more babies and the 'pretties' got replaced by soft edges and plastic again!)
It was during this short time, though, that I found one particular treasure. It was a beautiful little glass piece. I had a short article that came with it, explaining its history and what it was used for--I loved it because of an old picture I have of one of the women in our family from generations past!
I had seen the paper work over the years through one of my storage containers...but I couldn't find the actual glass piece. It's only about 4" tall...so it could have been wrapped up in paper, and I just couldn't see it. But, as we pulled out boxes last night, I again, saw through the storage container the paper work--and, my heart sank again for the 3rd or 4th time, I'd been through that particular box, and knew that my treasure was NOT in there. At our house, sometimes things get broken, and just thrown away...I feared that that had happened in this case, and after searching decided not to think about it again!
Holly, after pulling many boxes out of our storage room, started opening them, and unwrapping a few things to explore just what kinds of things her mother had been 'hording' all these years. To her delight (and, mine, too!) she thought many of these things were beautiful, and she even seemed to appreciate the back story to many of the things she held up for me to see!
Then, it happened...she unwrapped my little glass piece...the one with the paper work, the one I enjoy so very much. I was so excited, I ran over and grabbed it from her. It looks like lace work all around the top...like you could weave ribbon through it! She asked what in the world 'it' is!?! I had her guess...it just looks like a wide-mouthed short vase. But, it's far more interesting than that!!!
You see, this little glass piece was actually used in parlors by ladies as a personal 'spittoon'!!! I love that! It makes me laugh! It makes me smile...it also humanizes people from the past! A lot of times, because it was so long ago, people from history become almost fictional characters in a story line. Of course ladies in the late 1800's and early 1900's would have to spit...and if they chewed tobacco (which I'm uncertain of that!) all the better to have a place to spit! Of course, my grandma would tell me it was probably for cherry pits, or small bones...who knows...the point is this: they spit...which means they were human!
That's what I want, I want to remain human in the eyes of those who come after me...I don't mean I want to live as a human forever...I just want the stories about me to my children's children to be real...someone they can relate to, just someone older than them, that lived in a different era!
I'm so excited that my little spittoon has been found. It just stands as a small symbol for me that stories I read or stories I hear about women from long ago in my family (or not) were real, with real feelings, emotions, goals, hurts, and habits...much like me...
Remember the Ecclesiastical writer tells us: There's nothing new under the sun!--how true!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
From the Journey...
I Corinthians 15:58 says:
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
There is truth in that! There's comfort in that for ministry work. There's a promise in there, too!
God is SO good. We must stand firm in our belief in Him, in our faith in Him...
I will not be moved...except to do MORE in ministry.
The work of the Lord, if I give myself fully to it, I can KNOW that it is not in vain. There is a purpose for it all. And, so the word, 'give' speaks to my heart of hearts. Giving to Our God, fully of myself. It looks a lot like an act of worship. Everything I do, because I was created to worship the God of the Universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, should be done in a spirit of worship. Even writing in this blog.
Speaking to a lonely woman. Cleaning out my basement. Doing menial tasks.
Laughing. Crying. Studying. Knitting.
Driving my car. Singing. Typing. Listening. Praying.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
There is truth in that! There's comfort in that for ministry work. There's a promise in there, too!
God is SO good. We must stand firm in our belief in Him, in our faith in Him...
I will not be moved...except to do MORE in ministry.
The work of the Lord, if I give myself fully to it, I can KNOW that it is not in vain. There is a purpose for it all. And, so the word, 'give' speaks to my heart of hearts. Giving to Our God, fully of myself. It looks a lot like an act of worship. Everything I do, because I was created to worship the God of the Universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, should be done in a spirit of worship. Even writing in this blog.
Speaking to a lonely woman. Cleaning out my basement. Doing menial tasks.
Laughing. Crying. Studying. Knitting.
Driving my car. Singing. Typing. Listening. Praying.
Friday, July 24, 2009
So thankful I have a Sister!
From the title you can tell, I'm going to write about this visit I'm having with my sister, LaDonna. She writes a blog, too, Random Thoughts from Raleigh...she's a techy person...she calls herself a geek...I call her smart and funny and hilarious!
Right now, there is so very much I want to write about ...and yet, I'm just not certain that this is the place in which I should share everything I'm thinking! I know, I know, freedom of speech and all that! I have to keep in mind: people read this that don't actually know me well...and so , perspective is important.
This is intended to be a place of encouragement. A bright spot for the day, or maybe a place to find a smile you didn't know you had in ya! :)
During this time with my sister and her family, I've literally traveled down a lot of paths and roads, and streets leading to 'memory lane'...which, for me, isn't always rosy, or should I say it more plainly: pleasant.
I brought my girls, Madison & Mallory with me. With the understanding that they were to act thier age (they haven't disappointed me in that!) My nephew is getting married in a little over 100 days from now. This home is bubbling with excitement--everything is about the wedding...which is completely normal and totally expected!--Go Dane & Jean! (they even have their own wedding web-site--oh how the times have changed!)
Yesterday, LaDonna and I took our daughters to lunch and met one of our cousins. The restaurant actually has fried dill pickles on the menu...and our twins love them! --So, we had to have an order of them!
I had not seen this cousin, Nadine, for about 2 years. As kids we were best friends, together almost all the time! And so, just like when we were kids, we laughed until our stomachs hurt...from the moment we all got out our 'reading glasses' to take a closer look at the menus, to sharing memories about different family members, We were still laughing as we walked to the parking lot to say good bye!
Last night we went to the county fair. I haven't been to this fair since I was about 8...so, it looked a lot different than I remembered! It turned out to be a great place to watch people!
Today, we shopped for LaDonna's wedding outfit, mother of the groom! We drove to Paducah, KY.
In order to give you a glimpse of understanding here, you need to know that my sister and I love each other dearly. But, our personalities are, as most sisters, completely different! The past couple of days, she's called my AnnaBelle, and I've called her Virginia more than a few times!
And, that's pretty much it...these are our grandma's names, and they were two of the funnest women I've ever had the privilege of knowing!
Virginia was our mom's mom. She loved to shop, and she loved people...and, she loved to laugh! AnnaBelle, or in recent years, AB, is our dad's mom. She's still living, but 1,500 miles away from us. She's SO hilarious--loves to laugh!
Anyway, I'm more 'formal thinking' and my sister is more 'casual thinking'...and so, the shopping trip was both challenging and fun! What we found, though, was completely and utterly LaDonna...beautiful...she's going to look fabulous! It's perfect, the color, the style, and the 'flow'!
We ate cat fish at a local BBQ place for dinner, which was completely packed with people! We got back and the girls went fishing...Madison even caught a large fish--and threw it back...the point is, though, she baited the hook, and caught the thing herself!!!--she's a better woman than me!
Tomorrow, we head home. It's been good. LaDonna and I have had some really candid conversations...which lends itself well to my sanity! We shopped, we ate, we talked some more, and we laughed a LOT!
Right now, there is so very much I want to write about ...and yet, I'm just not certain that this is the place in which I should share everything I'm thinking! I know, I know, freedom of speech and all that! I have to keep in mind: people read this that don't actually know me well...and so , perspective is important.
This is intended to be a place of encouragement. A bright spot for the day, or maybe a place to find a smile you didn't know you had in ya! :)
During this time with my sister and her family, I've literally traveled down a lot of paths and roads, and streets leading to 'memory lane'...which, for me, isn't always rosy, or should I say it more plainly: pleasant.
I brought my girls, Madison & Mallory with me. With the understanding that they were to act thier age (they haven't disappointed me in that!) My nephew is getting married in a little over 100 days from now. This home is bubbling with excitement--everything is about the wedding...which is completely normal and totally expected!--Go Dane & Jean! (they even have their own wedding web-site--oh how the times have changed!)
Yesterday, LaDonna and I took our daughters to lunch and met one of our cousins. The restaurant actually has fried dill pickles on the menu...and our twins love them! --So, we had to have an order of them!
I had not seen this cousin, Nadine, for about 2 years. As kids we were best friends, together almost all the time! And so, just like when we were kids, we laughed until our stomachs hurt...from the moment we all got out our 'reading glasses' to take a closer look at the menus, to sharing memories about different family members, We were still laughing as we walked to the parking lot to say good bye!
Last night we went to the county fair. I haven't been to this fair since I was about 8...so, it looked a lot different than I remembered! It turned out to be a great place to watch people!
Today, we shopped for LaDonna's wedding outfit, mother of the groom! We drove to Paducah, KY.
In order to give you a glimpse of understanding here, you need to know that my sister and I love each other dearly. But, our personalities are, as most sisters, completely different! The past couple of days, she's called my AnnaBelle, and I've called her Virginia more than a few times!
And, that's pretty much it...these are our grandma's names, and they were two of the funnest women I've ever had the privilege of knowing!
Virginia was our mom's mom. She loved to shop, and she loved people...and, she loved to laugh! AnnaBelle, or in recent years, AB, is our dad's mom. She's still living, but 1,500 miles away from us. She's SO hilarious--loves to laugh!
Anyway, I'm more 'formal thinking' and my sister is more 'casual thinking'...and so, the shopping trip was both challenging and fun! What we found, though, was completely and utterly LaDonna...beautiful...she's going to look fabulous! It's perfect, the color, the style, and the 'flow'!
We ate cat fish at a local BBQ place for dinner, which was completely packed with people! We got back and the girls went fishing...Madison even caught a large fish--and threw it back...the point is, though, she baited the hook, and caught the thing herself!!!--she's a better woman than me!
Tomorrow, we head home. It's been good. LaDonna and I have had some really candid conversations...which lends itself well to my sanity! We shopped, we ate, we talked some more, and we laughed a LOT!
Sisters, I don't know what people do that don't have sisters.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Still feeling Sentimental...
Here we are, 2009. This means different things to different people. A year of wonderful surprises for some, a year of devastating loss for others...that's what this world is made up of, isn't it? Great tragedy and great joy all rolled in to one experience after another!
It's also been 10 years since I 'retired' and came home to raise our kids. That lasted 5 years(!) some of them have grown up and are pretty much on their own now!
It's been 31 years since my last 'first date' and 28 years since I got married...
My brother in law, he's such a philosopher, recently told me: "Life is like toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes!" --not sure that was original...but I think there's an element of truth in there some where! Of course, the longer we live, the more opportunities we have to draw from experiences and hopefully, enjoy sweet memories from the past!
I'm becoming very sentimental these days--remembering 'this person' or 'event' from my high school, my school days...not certain why, except that, as I pointed out earlier this week...the Internet is an amazing tool. Because of it, I've been able to re-connecting with many from those days--and there's always a common thread: see you at the reunion!
Sure, it'll be fun to see every one...but I must admit, I'm a little apprehensive. What if I've already talked to them about everything I would've said at the reunion? What if I have nothing to say?
...I know, (if you know me, that would be hard to imagine)...words are what I 'do'! But, it's worth considering...hmmmmm.....Perhaps I should buy one of those little books...you know the one: "a personal guide to small talk" or some such! How lame would that be?
...I know, I'll wear a funny hat, crazy shoes and carry a bouquet of flowers...that'll be a conversation starter! OR, at least give every one else something to talk about!
And, SO: I'm not going to worry about that today...
All in all, that's my life...fun, and very blessed...a lot of good memories, tons of really good friends, and a great family!
Most of all though, I give praise to the God of the Universe for taking such good care of us! I can feel His hand on us...His divine Will in things...His provision in times of uncertainty, and above all His comfort in the hurting times...because yes, we've had those.
God is good all the time!
It's been 2 days since some dear friends had a newborn infant placed in their care...And, because this pulls directly at the cords of my heart, this reminds me that it's been 10 years since we celebrated the adoption of our twins!!!
It's also been 10 years since I 'retired' and came home to raise our kids. That lasted 5 years(!) some of them have grown up and are pretty much on their own now!
It's been 31 years since my last 'first date' and 28 years since I got married...
My brother in law, he's such a philosopher, recently told me: "Life is like toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes!" --not sure that was original...but I think there's an element of truth in there some where! Of course, the longer we live, the more opportunities we have to draw from experiences and hopefully, enjoy sweet memories from the past!
It's been 30 years since I graduated high school. Yikes!
I'm becoming very sentimental these days--remembering 'this person' or 'event' from my high school, my school days...not certain why, except that, as I pointed out earlier this week...the Internet is an amazing tool. Because of it, I've been able to re-connecting with many from those days--and there's always a common thread: see you at the reunion!
Sure, it'll be fun to see every one...but I must admit, I'm a little apprehensive. What if I've already talked to them about everything I would've said at the reunion? What if I have nothing to say?
...I know, (if you know me, that would be hard to imagine)...words are what I 'do'! But, it's worth considering...hmmmmm.....Perhaps I should buy one of those little books...you know the one: "a personal guide to small talk" or some such! How lame would that be?
...I know, I'll wear a funny hat, crazy shoes and carry a bouquet of flowers...that'll be a conversation starter! OR, at least give every one else something to talk about!
And, SO: I'm not going to worry about that today...
I'm having too much fun checking my 'in box'!
All in all, that's my life...fun, and very blessed...a lot of good memories, tons of really good friends, and a great family!
Most of all though, I give praise to the God of the Universe for taking such good care of us! I can feel His hand on us...His divine Will in things...His provision in times of uncertainty, and above all His comfort in the hurting times...because yes, we've had those.
God is good all the time!
And, All the Time, GOD IS GOOD!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wedding Plans...Searching for Truth!
Weddings. Marriages. Romance.
Commitment. Love.
Passion. Husband & Wife.
Happily Ever After...
My nephew is getting married in November. My wonderful sister is going to be an awesome mother-in-law. When our oldest daughter got married, this same wonderful sister was head of my 'team' that helped put the whole day together. She worked for a solid week, she did everything from making sure the wedding party walked down the 'aisle' at the right cue to re-filling endless bowls of punch!! She's awesome!
So, this week, I get to go to her house, and talk about wedding plans for her son! My sweet nephew, I cannot believe he's old enough to get married, but he is. He's such a gentleman, very honorable, and I think he must be quite a romantic! The proposal, apparently was quite an event! Sweet! I'm very proud of him...He loves the Lord, and I feel certain has prayed about this decision. His future bride also loves Jesus, and seeks His face! This is going to be fun, and so exciting to watch God work through it all, and be honored in their relationship!
I love the way the Journey, what ever place we are in the New Testament, seems to go with what ever is going on in life!!! Today, the sermon was on the chapters from last week that we read on Wed-Friday...which happened to be I Cor. 5, 6 & 7!!!
Which, has everything to do with sexual immorality and marriage. And, so, here's all these great lessons that we're learning from this portion of scripture...and while I'm at my sister's these lessons will be fresh in my mind...for encouragement and imparting wisdom...or a place to go with questions.
Which also brings me to talk about one of the saddest thing I've done in a long time.
I recently watched a secular movie with our second oldest daughter. She and I watched a movie called He's Just Not That Into You.
If you haven't seen it, don't or do...which ever is fine with me (heads up on language and mature situations)...
--What makes me sad is that there is a certain amount of truth about our culture presented in that movie. Men and women who use each other, they keep looking for the right 'fit' and can never quite find it. They are taking advice from each other and acting on their 'urges'...using all the great 'lines' on each other. So, these people walk around being very lonely, afraid of commitment, and totally frustrated with the prospect of relationship.
Just sad--breaks my heart for the generation 'coming up'...
And so, sadness must be replaced with hope. HOPE. And, the best source of HOPE I know is found in the One who invented sex and marriage...
The God of the Universe...the God of Heaven and Earth!
Do not listen to the 'world' about marriage...go directly to the One with answers based on truth!
Commitment. Love.
Passion. Husband & Wife.
Happily Ever After...
My nephew is getting married in November. My wonderful sister is going to be an awesome mother-in-law. When our oldest daughter got married, this same wonderful sister was head of my 'team' that helped put the whole day together. She worked for a solid week, she did everything from making sure the wedding party walked down the 'aisle' at the right cue to re-filling endless bowls of punch!! She's awesome!
So, this week, I get to go to her house, and talk about wedding plans for her son! My sweet nephew, I cannot believe he's old enough to get married, but he is. He's such a gentleman, very honorable, and I think he must be quite a romantic! The proposal, apparently was quite an event! Sweet! I'm very proud of him...He loves the Lord, and I feel certain has prayed about this decision. His future bride also loves Jesus, and seeks His face! This is going to be fun, and so exciting to watch God work through it all, and be honored in their relationship!
I love the way the Journey, what ever place we are in the New Testament, seems to go with what ever is going on in life!!! Today, the sermon was on the chapters from last week that we read on Wed-Friday...which happened to be I Cor. 5, 6 & 7!!!
Which, has everything to do with sexual immorality and marriage. And, so, here's all these great lessons that we're learning from this portion of scripture...and while I'm at my sister's these lessons will be fresh in my mind...for encouragement and imparting wisdom...or a place to go with questions.
Which also brings me to talk about one of the saddest thing I've done in a long time.
I recently watched a secular movie with our second oldest daughter. She and I watched a movie called He's Just Not That Into You.
If you haven't seen it, don't or do...which ever is fine with me (heads up on language and mature situations)...
--What makes me sad is that there is a certain amount of truth about our culture presented in that movie. Men and women who use each other, they keep looking for the right 'fit' and can never quite find it. They are taking advice from each other and acting on their 'urges'...using all the great 'lines' on each other. So, these people walk around being very lonely, afraid of commitment, and totally frustrated with the prospect of relationship.
Just sad--breaks my heart for the generation 'coming up'...
And so, sadness must be replaced with hope. HOPE. And, the best source of HOPE I know is found in the One who invented sex and marriage...
The God of the Universe...the God of Heaven and Earth!
Do not listen to the 'world' about marriage...go directly to the One with answers based on truth!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sentimental triggers...
Oh my, I just read the sweetest post on a blog that I follow. The Internet is a wonderful tool to get to know someone 'better' and blogging seems to be the avenue, in which she and I have been able to do just that!
Emily is a woman that I've always known 'about', but because of time & distance, we couldn't get to know each other 'well'... Recent events in her life have helped us be able to truly identify with each other! Her fresh perspective, energy and love for her family encourage me...my hope is that I would be an encouragement to her, to some extent, as well!
She turned 40 earlier this year, and found out 20 weeks ago that she is going to have a baby! Yes, apparently this happens a lot...I know from personal experience!
Their family has 2 boys, and a little girl...so, the new one, she says will also be a girl. Their little girl is named after our oldest daughter, Alayna...I love that!
This brings back many memories for me. All sorts of emotions I hadn't felt in 9 years! I remember feeling amazed that my body was still 'good enough' (on the other side of 39) to have a baby grow inside me...and, that God would give me that honor at such an age was another source of great amazement. A lot of days, as I pondered this place in my life, it took my breath away!--Marveling at that miracle...the one that is so rich and quiet...and unobtrusive! Sort of a big secret that the outside world doesn't even have time to acknowledge, because it's too busy and loud!
We had been told by our then-13 year old, Holly, that we were "not to bring another 'girl baby' in to our home...we were full up on girls, so only new born boys were welcome." I just always felt like God, in His wisdom knew exactly which was best for our family...my husband and I had never had a 'preference' on the sex of our children, boy or girl it just didn't matter to us! I believe with my whole heart Psalm 139...He formed this person inside me and had each of his/her days planned before one of them came to be!
And, so of course, as soon as our older daughter had the honor of holding her new-born baby sister, like the rest of us, she fell completely in love with her! (That is not the end of the story, if you're interested, you can read it in the April 25 post on this blog.)
Today, though, I'm just feeling a little sentimental because Emily's post just hit home, and left me with a lot of special memories.
My husband & I have brought five baby girls home from the hospital together! There is nothing like it!!!--All that pink--just special!
My husband is a great 'dad' for girls! Of course, that's easy for me to say since God had 5 girls in mind for this man to be a 'daddy' to! He's a precious man, and dearly loved by all of us, and has made a great impact on our girls--He's truly a gift directly from God's hand!
Oh yeah, here's how good God is: Grandchildren! Grand SON and Grand Daughter!!! How wonderful THEY are!!!
Emily is a woman that I've always known 'about', but because of time & distance, we couldn't get to know each other 'well'... Recent events in her life have helped us be able to truly identify with each other! Her fresh perspective, energy and love for her family encourage me...my hope is that I would be an encouragement to her, to some extent, as well!
She turned 40 earlier this year, and found out 20 weeks ago that she is going to have a baby! Yes, apparently this happens a lot...I know from personal experience!
Their family has 2 boys, and a little girl...so, the new one, she says will also be a girl. Their little girl is named after our oldest daughter, Alayna...I love that!
This brings back many memories for me. All sorts of emotions I hadn't felt in 9 years! I remember feeling amazed that my body was still 'good enough' (on the other side of 39) to have a baby grow inside me...and, that God would give me that honor at such an age was another source of great amazement. A lot of days, as I pondered this place in my life, it took my breath away!--Marveling at that miracle...the one that is so rich and quiet...and unobtrusive! Sort of a big secret that the outside world doesn't even have time to acknowledge, because it's too busy and loud!
We had been told by our then-13 year old, Holly, that we were "not to bring another 'girl baby' in to our home...we were full up on girls, so only new born boys were welcome." I just always felt like God, in His wisdom knew exactly which was best for our family...my husband and I had never had a 'preference' on the sex of our children, boy or girl it just didn't matter to us! I believe with my whole heart Psalm 139...He formed this person inside me and had each of his/her days planned before one of them came to be!
And, so of course, as soon as our older daughter had the honor of holding her new-born baby sister, like the rest of us, she fell completely in love with her! (That is not the end of the story, if you're interested, you can read it in the April 25 post on this blog.)
Today, though, I'm just feeling a little sentimental because Emily's post just hit home, and left me with a lot of special memories.
My husband & I have brought five baby girls home from the hospital together! There is nothing like it!!!--All that pink--just special!
My husband is a great 'dad' for girls! Of course, that's easy for me to say since God had 5 girls in mind for this man to be a 'daddy' to! He's a precious man, and dearly loved by all of us, and has made a great impact on our girls--He's truly a gift directly from God's hand!
Oh yeah, here's how good God is: Grandchildren! Grand SON and Grand Daughter!!! How wonderful THEY are!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
pondering...just pondering, all day!
Madison had to have a tooth filled this morning. We've known it was coming, but today was the day! And, because I'm her mom, I took her there, and waited in the waiting room while that happened...
...2 hours later, we left. Her face numb! And, she was laughing about how 'funny' her mouth felt! I was wondering if she'd feel like eating lunch...
Usually, for an appointment like this I bring what ever I'm currently reading with me, but I failed to slip it into my bag. Needless to say, I was at the 'waiting room's mercy' for reading material!
I read through quite a variety of magazines during my wait. Because I don't read many magazines faithfully, I exposed my brain to many different items to ponder! I was challenged to ponder money issues, decorating schemes, RE-decorating schemes, deck and back yard designs, a few fashion things, party planning, diet tips and exercise plans among many other things.
One thing I'm still pondering that I gleaned from this mag time: 'Your most valuable asset in these economic times is your job (if you have one!)'. I left that statement feeling very blessed!
I also learned that a new trend in these economic times is not to flaunt wealth...that's certainly good news...not sure the whole population has heard and grasped that one, but it was good to know that it's a 'trend' at least! (here in the mid-west we haven't ever seemed to be that 'trendy'!)
Oh, something else I read and pondered was about real estate! I used to be a broker...so I sometimes like to read about different aspects of that business. Today, though, I don't miss the stress, or the craziness...but I really loved putting together 'the deal' and keeping up on all the aspects of those transactions. We were pretty strict with photos that we used to promote our listings, and we were pretty strict about the form of communicating details about those listings, everything was pretty uniform. In one article I read about how best to promote your home, or what NOT to do, a web-site was touted as having remarkable 'bloopers' of 'bad' real estate pictures...so, I visited it tonight, and sure enough, got quite a few laughs...it's actually a blog.
lovelylisting.com
Just go there...if you like that sort of thing!
Sometimes, I think we just need a diversion from our regular 'day to day'...and apparently, I needed new fodder for my brain!--It was fun...although, after those two hours, I felt a little like I'd just visited a very intense museum of some sort...I was on information overload!
Pondering is almost a lost art--it takes time--something our culture doesn't like to stop for...just hurry through life...I think it's better to sometimes, just take your time, ponder options, or new ways of approaching the day to day thing we call life. To pondering our thoughts gives them depth...gives them more meaning and purpose...so learn to take time to ponder!
It's good to ponder so pick your topics wisely!
...2 hours later, we left. Her face numb! And, she was laughing about how 'funny' her mouth felt! I was wondering if she'd feel like eating lunch...
Usually, for an appointment like this I bring what ever I'm currently reading with me, but I failed to slip it into my bag. Needless to say, I was at the 'waiting room's mercy' for reading material!
I read through quite a variety of magazines during my wait. Because I don't read many magazines faithfully, I exposed my brain to many different items to ponder! I was challenged to ponder money issues, decorating schemes, RE-decorating schemes, deck and back yard designs, a few fashion things, party planning, diet tips and exercise plans among many other things.
One thing I'm still pondering that I gleaned from this mag time: 'Your most valuable asset in these economic times is your job (if you have one!)'. I left that statement feeling very blessed!
I also learned that a new trend in these economic times is not to flaunt wealth...that's certainly good news...not sure the whole population has heard and grasped that one, but it was good to know that it's a 'trend' at least! (here in the mid-west we haven't ever seemed to be that 'trendy'!)
Oh, something else I read and pondered was about real estate! I used to be a broker...so I sometimes like to read about different aspects of that business. Today, though, I don't miss the stress, or the craziness...but I really loved putting together 'the deal' and keeping up on all the aspects of those transactions. We were pretty strict with photos that we used to promote our listings, and we were pretty strict about the form of communicating details about those listings, everything was pretty uniform. In one article I read about how best to promote your home, or what NOT to do, a web-site was touted as having remarkable 'bloopers' of 'bad' real estate pictures...so, I visited it tonight, and sure enough, got quite a few laughs...it's actually a blog.
lovelylisting.com
Just go there...if you like that sort of thing!
Sometimes, I think we just need a diversion from our regular 'day to day'...and apparently, I needed new fodder for my brain!--It was fun...although, after those two hours, I felt a little like I'd just visited a very intense museum of some sort...I was on information overload!
Pondering is almost a lost art--it takes time--something our culture doesn't like to stop for...just hurry through life...I think it's better to sometimes, just take your time, ponder options, or new ways of approaching the day to day thing we call life. To pondering our thoughts gives them depth...gives them more meaning and purpose...so learn to take time to ponder!
It's good to ponder so pick your topics wisely!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
I'll say it again: Nothing Like It!
Last week, I wrote a short entry entitled, Nothing Like It!...
(We were on vacation, my husband, second oldest daughter, and our twins. In the most beautiful place I've seen in a long time. Every morning, my husband & I, would sit and sip our hot tea on our balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The view, morning, noon or night, was breath taking. I love sand and palm trees and waves coming in. There were two days that the near perfect weather was threatened by scattered thunderstorms...even on those days, there was a different kind of beauty to the ocean...a different color, a different rhythm...gorgeous, indeed!)
This is our first week back home, back to our real life from being away!! It has been surprisingly good. I really thought I'd come home, sell everything we owned and move to the beach, with anyone that would come with me. Oh, come on, you know you've thought the same thing after you've been some place wonderful!
Anyway, reality did hit me, when we had lunch with our whole family on Sunday after church. Our oldest daughter and her family had not come with us on this vacation, so this would be our first time together in 10 days! We were at our favorite Mexican restaurant. You know the one, the place where they know our family so well, they put us in a separate room, and just start bringing our favorite things, because they know us! The laughter, the food, the grandson dancing around in a huge sombrero...(not too much of a surprise that he'd become a comedian while we were away!--hilarious!) We were celebrating the fact that we were together again...we'd talked many times during our time away, but it was good to love on them in person, and be home.
Reality hit again, when later that afternoon, I took a good look at & listen to our 13 year old twins. They love the beach life (we missed one of them at the pool one of our days, and found her in the middle of a sand volleyball game on the beach with a bunch of people she'd just met!--very fun), they love people...and they love (in spite of what they 'say') each other! As I looked at them, I realized, they are growing up really fast. We've never had a 13 year old child in our home, that belonged to us, without a toddler or baby of some sort following her around...this IS a new adventure! And, this place, our town, is familiar to them...they know everyone around them well...
We have many adventures in middle school coming up and then the adventures, heart breaks and victories of high school life for them will soon follow...in this place that is familiar and where they know everyone around them well...
Why? Why? would we pack them up, and move someplace else (barring some unforeseen circumstance) at this point in their lives. I know, I know, people move every day. And, yes, YES, the lure of the waves and the view is enticing...but OH, how fun to consider what it will be like if we stay here for this time in our lives...just a little longer....and watch as our girls move in to adulthood together, here in the familiar...where they can be active 'aunts' ...wouldn't that be better? Wouldn't that count for more in the relationshipand foundation of what we call our family?
We have roots here. My husband moved to this community in 1976. He married me, and moved me here in 1981. That's a long time ago! --But, it's also our history...our life...and, it's a place where we can, so far, give our children 'wings' to fly to their own place in life...Lord willing!
This place is a good place to have both: roots and wings...and I read once where those are the only things we should be really concerned about giving our children...Roots and Wings...
I'll say it again: Nothing Like It!
(We were on vacation, my husband, second oldest daughter, and our twins. In the most beautiful place I've seen in a long time. Every morning, my husband & I, would sit and sip our hot tea on our balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The view, morning, noon or night, was breath taking. I love sand and palm trees and waves coming in. There were two days that the near perfect weather was threatened by scattered thunderstorms...even on those days, there was a different kind of beauty to the ocean...a different color, a different rhythm...gorgeous, indeed!)
This is our first week back home, back to our real life from being away!! It has been surprisingly good. I really thought I'd come home, sell everything we owned and move to the beach, with anyone that would come with me. Oh, come on, you know you've thought the same thing after you've been some place wonderful!
Anyway, reality did hit me, when we had lunch with our whole family on Sunday after church. Our oldest daughter and her family had not come with us on this vacation, so this would be our first time together in 10 days! We were at our favorite Mexican restaurant. You know the one, the place where they know our family so well, they put us in a separate room, and just start bringing our favorite things, because they know us! The laughter, the food, the grandson dancing around in a huge sombrero...(not too much of a surprise that he'd become a comedian while we were away!--hilarious!) We were celebrating the fact that we were together again...we'd talked many times during our time away, but it was good to love on them in person, and be home.
Reality hit again, when later that afternoon, I took a good look at & listen to our 13 year old twins. They love the beach life (we missed one of them at the pool one of our days, and found her in the middle of a sand volleyball game on the beach with a bunch of people she'd just met!--very fun), they love people...and they love (in spite of what they 'say') each other! As I looked at them, I realized, they are growing up really fast. We've never had a 13 year old child in our home, that belonged to us, without a toddler or baby of some sort following her around...this IS a new adventure! And, this place, our town, is familiar to them...they know everyone around them well...
We have many adventures in middle school coming up and then the adventures, heart breaks and victories of high school life for them will soon follow...in this place that is familiar and where they know everyone around them well...
Why? Why? would we pack them up, and move someplace else (barring some unforeseen circumstance) at this point in their lives. I know, I know, people move every day. And, yes, YES, the lure of the waves and the view is enticing...but OH, how fun to consider what it will be like if we stay here for this time in our lives...just a little longer....and watch as our girls move in to adulthood together, here in the familiar...where they can be active 'aunts' ...wouldn't that be better? Wouldn't that count for more in the relationshipand foundation of what we call our family?
We have roots here. My husband moved to this community in 1976. He married me, and moved me here in 1981. That's a long time ago! --But, it's also our history...our life...and, it's a place where we can, so far, give our children 'wings' to fly to their own place in life...Lord willing!
This place is a good place to have both: roots and wings...and I read once where those are the only things we should be really concerned about giving our children...Roots and Wings...
I'll say it again: Nothing Like It!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Peace from the Journey...
I Corinthians 2:9 & 10 However, as it is written: "No eye has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
Paul says that when he first came to Corinth to preach, he didn't come to them with eloquence or superior wisdom as he proclaimed the testimony about God. He resolved in his mind to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In fact, he went to them in weakness and fear not using wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power...so their faith would not rest on man's wisdom--but on God's power! hmmmmmmm.....
This struck me...do we do that today?--Think we have to have God's Word presented in a 'dynamic way' in order for us to 'get it'? Paul turned the world upside down (he and the other apostles) and he said his goal was not to use wise and persuasive words....but to demonstrate the Spirit's power...
How better to accomplish that, than by complete surrender--and speaking what the Spirit places in your mouth? --The prompting of the Holy Spirit should be key!
BUT, my thoughts went to this question: Do we 'listen to the next guy (or girl)' OR put more credence in the message being spoken because of shiny, eloquent delivery? We are, after all, human...instead of listening carefully and discerning the simple message of the Spirit?
Because, there is wisdom available only among mature believers--this wisdom really isn't even for 'right now' --it's wisdom about the secret things of God and the things that will come--those who do not understand it are obvious--their hope is in the here and now...not really counting on the things to come at all...the things that are and have been hidden with God since before time began. My eyes haven't seen, my ears haven't heard--I can't even imagine what God has for me, because of the love I have for Him...greater than all I could ask or imagine!
Isaiah 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Psalm 25:14 The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
God reveals these secrets to us by His spirit...still my human mind cannot grasp--but this this is the place where my Spirit, my very soul finds rest...
'it is well with my soul' and all of that...
words escape me--I don't have to use mere words in that place...
BUT, because my spirit has had the deep(er) things of God revealed by His Holy Spirit in me--there is peace--that peace of God, that transcends all my human understanding--but it is so appealing that it makes me want more and more of Him and His Word...that unquenchable thirst for living water...to nurture it and feed it and have it as my HOPE for eternity.
That is why the man (or woman) without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. We, because we have the Spirit, have the mind of Christ--so, we need to use it!
Live like it--Be excited about it--that mind gives us the power and the ability to wait (see yesterday's post if you have questions about this!) on the Lord, and His provision of exactly what we need, when we need it!
Praise His Holy Name!
Paul says that when he first came to Corinth to preach, he didn't come to them with eloquence or superior wisdom as he proclaimed the testimony about God. He resolved in his mind to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In fact, he went to them in weakness and fear not using wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power...so their faith would not rest on man's wisdom--but on God's power! hmmmmmmm.....
This struck me...do we do that today?--Think we have to have God's Word presented in a 'dynamic way' in order for us to 'get it'? Paul turned the world upside down (he and the other apostles) and he said his goal was not to use wise and persuasive words....but to demonstrate the Spirit's power...
How better to accomplish that, than by complete surrender--and speaking what the Spirit places in your mouth? --The prompting of the Holy Spirit should be key!
BUT, my thoughts went to this question: Do we 'listen to the next guy (or girl)' OR put more credence in the message being spoken because of shiny, eloquent delivery? We are, after all, human...instead of listening carefully and discerning the simple message of the Spirit?
Because, there is wisdom available only among mature believers--this wisdom really isn't even for 'right now' --it's wisdom about the secret things of God and the things that will come--those who do not understand it are obvious--their hope is in the here and now...not really counting on the things to come at all...the things that are and have been hidden with God since before time began. My eyes haven't seen, my ears haven't heard--I can't even imagine what God has for me, because of the love I have for Him...greater than all I could ask or imagine!
Isaiah 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Psalm 25:14 The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
God reveals these secrets to us by His spirit...still my human mind cannot grasp--but this this is the place where my Spirit, my very soul finds rest...
'it is well with my soul' and all of that...
words escape me--I don't have to use mere words in that place...
BUT, because my spirit has had the deep(er) things of God revealed by His Holy Spirit in me--there is peace--that peace of God, that transcends all my human understanding--but it is so appealing that it makes me want more and more of Him and His Word...that unquenchable thirst for living water...to nurture it and feed it and have it as my HOPE for eternity.
That is why the man (or woman) without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. We, because we have the Spirit, have the mind of Christ--so, we need to use it!
Live like it--Be excited about it--that mind gives us the power and the ability to wait (see yesterday's post if you have questions about this!) on the Lord, and His provision of exactly what we need, when we need it!
Praise His Holy Name!
That Name That IS Above ALL NAMES!!!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Another entry from the Journey...
Today we begin the first Corinthian letter from Paul. I wanted to share this with you, because of what it said to me. My hope is that you will be prompted to open your Bible, and let it speak to Your heart, as well! See you on the Journey!
...one scripture that spoke to me from the first chapter is verse 18:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
and, verses 30 & 31 also had some vital things to say to me...
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
This letter is from Paul, and apostle, and Sosthenes...it is written primarily to the church in Corinth and also to us, everywhere who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; their Lord and ours!
Paul says he's thankful for them (us) because of grace that's been given to us in Christ. In Christ, Paul says I have:
been enriched in every way...in all my speaking...in all my knowledge; his testimony about Christ is confirmed in me, which is living proof of what Christ in me can do!
Therefore, I do not lack any spiritual gift as I wait on the Lord to be revealed. He will keep me strong to the end; so I'll be blameless. (Key thought for me here: wait on the Lord--if you know me at all, you know this is vital in my life...waiting on Him is my only hope!...Psalm 13o:5 & 6--memorize it!)
God is faithful!
We must agree with one another, so there's no divisions among us!
We must be united in mind and thought.
The message of the cross is too important, and those that are perishing will see it as foolishness, but to those who trust that message, it is the very power of God.
(On this point alone, I'm amazed and motivated to worship God even more!--at how very applicable these words are today, even in 2009!)
Jews demand miraculous signs (and in our culture, who doesn't??) Greeks look for wisdom (think of the most educated person you know...do they seek wisdom? knowledge? these can come from God--and yet, there are those of very high intelligence that deny our God and His power (foolishness, get it?))
We preach Christ crucified; which is a stumbling block for some Jews and foolishness to Gentiles...But to those God has called, both Jews and Greeks, it says, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Remember always: The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. This sort of puts a new perspective on 'self' for me!
I'm urged to think about what I was when I was called by God...he says not many were 'wise' by human standards, yet God's word and His Holy Spirit in me give me wisdom when I seek it!
Not many were influential--yet, people ask and sometimes, by God's divine appointments, I get to speak in to other's lives...I'm certainly NOT influential on my own, or by my own strength, or position!
It truly is because of God that I am in Christ Jesus, He is my wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption. If I boast about anything at all--I boast because of what God, My Father, My King, has brought me to--by His power I live and move and breathe...not by anything I do on my own!
--Still not perfect, still completely human, but completely forgiven and righteous and holy and redeemed...by Christ and His cross...foolishness?--no--absolutely NOT...
It's the very power of God!
...one scripture that spoke to me from the first chapter is verse 18:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
and, verses 30 & 31 also had some vital things to say to me...
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
This letter is from Paul, and apostle, and Sosthenes...it is written primarily to the church in Corinth and also to us, everywhere who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; their Lord and ours!
Paul says he's thankful for them (us) because of grace that's been given to us in Christ. In Christ, Paul says I have:
been enriched in every way...in all my speaking...in all my knowledge; his testimony about Christ is confirmed in me, which is living proof of what Christ in me can do!
Therefore, I do not lack any spiritual gift as I wait on the Lord to be revealed. He will keep me strong to the end; so I'll be blameless. (Key thought for me here: wait on the Lord--if you know me at all, you know this is vital in my life...waiting on Him is my only hope!...Psalm 13o:5 & 6--memorize it!)
God is faithful!
We must agree with one another, so there's no divisions among us!
We must be united in mind and thought.
The message of the cross is too important, and those that are perishing will see it as foolishness, but to those who trust that message, it is the very power of God.
(On this point alone, I'm amazed and motivated to worship God even more!--at how very applicable these words are today, even in 2009!)
Jews demand miraculous signs (and in our culture, who doesn't??) Greeks look for wisdom (think of the most educated person you know...do they seek wisdom? knowledge? these can come from God--and yet, there are those of very high intelligence that deny our God and His power (foolishness, get it?))
We preach Christ crucified; which is a stumbling block for some Jews and foolishness to Gentiles...But to those God has called, both Jews and Greeks, it says, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Remember always: The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. This sort of puts a new perspective on 'self' for me!
I'm urged to think about what I was when I was called by God...he says not many were 'wise' by human standards, yet God's word and His Holy Spirit in me give me wisdom when I seek it!
Not many were influential--yet, people ask and sometimes, by God's divine appointments, I get to speak in to other's lives...I'm certainly NOT influential on my own, or by my own strength, or position!
It truly is because of God that I am in Christ Jesus, He is my wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption. If I boast about anything at all--I boast because of what God, My Father, My King, has brought me to--by His power I live and move and breathe...not by anything I do on my own!
--Still not perfect, still completely human, but completely forgiven and righteous and holy and redeemed...by Christ and His cross...foolishness?--no--absolutely NOT...
It's the very power of God!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Emphasize...
May the God of Hope
fill you with all joy
and peace
as you Trust in Him,
so that you
may overflow with hope
by the
Power of the Holy Spirit.
--Romans 15:13
I've added emphasis on the words that speak to my heart...
hope they speak to yours, as well!
This pretty much says it all for today!
fill you with all joy
and peace
as you Trust in Him,
so that you
may overflow with hope
by the
Power of the Holy Spirit.
--Romans 15:13
I've added emphasis on the words that speak to my heart...
hope they speak to yours, as well!
This pretty much says it all for today!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Nothing like it....
Watching Fireworks be set off over the ocean--and a panoramic view from a third floor balcony deck chair...surrounded by laughter and family!
(--And, then, not feeling like I had to stay out there for all 3 hours of display, because I got tired! WOW!!!--LoVe THat!)
Sipping great-flavored hot tea with my husband, while sitting on said balcony, first thing in the morning.
Watching the tide!
Shopping for groceries with our second-oldest daughter, making healthy choices, and plans for quick meals.
Drinking bottled water after putting little slices of lemon in them...who knew how refreshing THAT could be?
Having sun screen JUST when we need it!
Eating a cold turkey sandwich & sipping green tea while watching the waves!
Finding 3 (three) different sets of gorgeous dishes to use while we visit this place--and, actually setting the table with them for our dinner tonight!
Comfy leather couches to sprawl on between trips to the sand, or trips to the pool...
Finding beach chairs and a beach umbrella in the 'closet' for our use!
A washer and dryer that work great!
Fresh strawberries, fresh bananas, fresh melon, fresh cherries...mmmmmmmm!
"Just enough" sun!
Having the girls truly enjoy this place, and appreciate its beauty!
Great books to read/or Great books to study...and quiet.
Quiet moments...to reflect or pray or plan or talk or listen or just 'be'...
(--And, then, not feeling like I had to stay out there for all 3 hours of display, because I got tired! WOW!!!--LoVe THat!)
Sipping great-flavored hot tea with my husband, while sitting on said balcony, first thing in the morning.
Watching the tide!
Shopping for groceries with our second-oldest daughter, making healthy choices, and plans for quick meals.
Drinking bottled water after putting little slices of lemon in them...who knew how refreshing THAT could be?
Having sun screen JUST when we need it!
Eating a cold turkey sandwich & sipping green tea while watching the waves!
Finding 3 (three) different sets of gorgeous dishes to use while we visit this place--and, actually setting the table with them for our dinner tonight!
Comfy leather couches to sprawl on between trips to the sand, or trips to the pool...
Finding beach chairs and a beach umbrella in the 'closet' for our use!
A washer and dryer that work great!
Fresh strawberries, fresh bananas, fresh melon, fresh cherries...mmmmmmmm!
"Just enough" sun!
Having the girls truly enjoy this place, and appreciate its beauty!
Great books to read/or Great books to study...and quiet.
Quiet moments...to reflect or pray or plan or talk or listen or just 'be'...
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happy 4th of July--Live at Peace with One Another!
Red, White & Blue...it' gorgeous together, and I love this time of year!
Everything is 'Stars & Stripes'!!!
Not really certain where I was going with all that.
But, Happy 4th of July!
My sister has a birthday in 2 days! Happy Birthday, LaDonna! Enjoy! And, Enjoy church camp, as I know you will!
And, that means that my birthday is coming very soon! --less than a month, now! I do enjoy many aspects of getting older! I'm more comfortable with my life and my place in life than I've ever been...I'm not afraid to try new things (within reason, so don't worry, mom, I'm NOT going to jump out of any airplanes!)...there aren't that many things that are on my 'bucket list'...I've purposed to keep that list very short...and keep my 'blessing list' very LONG!
Talking to strangers is something I really enjoy. They are fun, most of the time. I love to talk to little kids, they are hilarious. I also try to smile at people, to try to get them to smile back at me...everyone needs some sunshine! :D I played 'Guitar Hero' last night, for the first time...which was quite a laugh, because I'm not coordinated, at all!!! But, we laughed a lot!
I enjoy watching people. My Grandma Sisk taught me the 'art of watching people' when I was a young teen ager. Good times: we'd sit in the middle of a shopping mall (or, where ever we happened to be) for what seemed like hours just watching people walk by because real life is so much fun, and people are hilarious! Grandma loved people, all kinds of people, and I do, too, so she was a great teacher for me!
Yesterday, though, I was blown away by a young woman in line in front of me at a discount store. She actually yelled at 'no one in particular' as we approached the check out about how 'unhappy she was about the service she'd received.' (this is the G rated version, the words she used were PG-13)--This should have been a clue to me to move to a different aisle...but not me, I wanted the adventure and 'front row seat' to see what else she was going to do!
Hilariously enough, she proceeds to stand in the check out line, flip open her cell phone, and call someone she apparently could vent to (mom, husband, sister, who knows!?!?!) And, spit very loud venom on and on about how she'd been there for over an hour before receiving any help in trying to return a 're-called item' for her baby son. Then, the 'replacement item' that she wanted had also been re-called just that afternoon. So, she was out of luck, leaving the store empty handed...and apparently, she thought it was the check-out lady's fault.
Amazing is what this was. Amazing. Better entertainment than the head lines on the tabloids (which crack me up!) This woman is yelling at the top of her lungs (as her companion paid for their purchases) at the person on the phone about how incompetent this store was, and the people who worked there...then at the end of the conversation, she closed by quietly, very sweetly, saying 'I love you'...hilarious! Hilarious to me.
See, life is a ride, it was better than a movie! Just as quickly as she sweetly said, "I love you" she turns to the supposed 'incompetent checker' and, in a very stern voice, asks for the phone number of the place where she could lodge a complaint against the establishment! Hilarious!
So, my question is: Just how serious does she think people are going to take her? Can people not see how embarrassed every one around them become when they behave this way? I do not understand, except that it does have a certain air of entertainment to it, so just let it happen! It gives us something to laugh about later! Poor thing, though, she's under the impression that she did the right thing!
I do fail sometimes in similar situations, remember, I am not perfect...but I think I read on my journey this week: As far as it depends on you, live at peace with one another!--Romans
Everything is 'Stars & Stripes'!!!
Not really certain where I was going with all that.
But, Happy 4th of July!
My sister has a birthday in 2 days! Happy Birthday, LaDonna! Enjoy! And, Enjoy church camp, as I know you will!
And, that means that my birthday is coming very soon! --less than a month, now! I do enjoy many aspects of getting older! I'm more comfortable with my life and my place in life than I've ever been...I'm not afraid to try new things (within reason, so don't worry, mom, I'm NOT going to jump out of any airplanes!)...there aren't that many things that are on my 'bucket list'...I've purposed to keep that list very short...and keep my 'blessing list' very LONG!
Talking to strangers is something I really enjoy. They are fun, most of the time. I love to talk to little kids, they are hilarious. I also try to smile at people, to try to get them to smile back at me...everyone needs some sunshine! :D I played 'Guitar Hero' last night, for the first time...which was quite a laugh, because I'm not coordinated, at all!!! But, we laughed a lot!
I enjoy watching people. My Grandma Sisk taught me the 'art of watching people' when I was a young teen ager. Good times: we'd sit in the middle of a shopping mall (or, where ever we happened to be) for what seemed like hours just watching people walk by because real life is so much fun, and people are hilarious! Grandma loved people, all kinds of people, and I do, too, so she was a great teacher for me!
Yesterday, though, I was blown away by a young woman in line in front of me at a discount store. She actually yelled at 'no one in particular' as we approached the check out about how 'unhappy she was about the service she'd received.' (this is the G rated version, the words she used were PG-13)--This should have been a clue to me to move to a different aisle...but not me, I wanted the adventure and 'front row seat' to see what else she was going to do!
Hilariously enough, she proceeds to stand in the check out line, flip open her cell phone, and call someone she apparently could vent to (mom, husband, sister, who knows!?!?!) And, spit very loud venom on and on about how she'd been there for over an hour before receiving any help in trying to return a 're-called item' for her baby son. Then, the 'replacement item' that she wanted had also been re-called just that afternoon. So, she was out of luck, leaving the store empty handed...and apparently, she thought it was the check-out lady's fault.
Amazing is what this was. Amazing. Better entertainment than the head lines on the tabloids (which crack me up!) This woman is yelling at the top of her lungs (as her companion paid for their purchases) at the person on the phone about how incompetent this store was, and the people who worked there...then at the end of the conversation, she closed by quietly, very sweetly, saying 'I love you'...hilarious! Hilarious to me.
See, life is a ride, it was better than a movie! Just as quickly as she sweetly said, "I love you" she turns to the supposed 'incompetent checker' and, in a very stern voice, asks for the phone number of the place where she could lodge a complaint against the establishment! Hilarious!
So, my question is: Just how serious does she think people are going to take her? Can people not see how embarrassed every one around them become when they behave this way? I do not understand, except that it does have a certain air of entertainment to it, so just let it happen! It gives us something to laugh about later! Poor thing, though, she's under the impression that she did the right thing!
I do fail sometimes in similar situations, remember, I am not perfect...but I think I read on my journey this week: As far as it depends on you, live at peace with one another!--Romans
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