We are Oklahomans

We are Oklahomans.

We are survivors.

Whether by man's hand or random disaster, we will not be defeated, we will thrive.

We hurt, we pray, we pull together and together we recover. 

We will not be taken down, put down, stay down or throw another down. 

We will get up, stand up, and pull each other up until we're all back up. 

The pioneer spirit which founded our great state is alive and well.

Today we've been called on once again to rise up and join arms with our brothers and sisters and get to work making life better again for our hurting and displaced family members.

We will recover. We will rebuild. We will see another bright day for us all.

We are Oklahomans. 

peace.

My skin is saved...

Yes, this is a Carmex post but for real you guys, I didn't think my skin would survive winter.

I got this care package from my friends at Carmex. It had all of this in it.

                                      

 

And honestly, it couldn't have come at a better time. I felt like my skin was so dry (how dry was it?), it was so dry I understood how fish feel out of water. ALL SCALES! (groan) So once again, Carmex to the rescue. I think I maybe addicted to the healing cream. It gets in and changes the texture of my skin and I don't have to put it on over and over. A couple of times a day and my hands feel better. I like the lotion as well, maybe for summer since it isn't as heavy.

So if you've survived winter but you aren't sure if your skin has, leave a comment*, tell me your name and tell me how dry your skin is. My friends at Carmex want to save your skin, too. The two goodies I got, they'll send you if by random number generator, you are chosen.

No charge, no catch, no gimmicks. Just hope for scaly skin. :-)

peace.


*For US citizens only. I was provided these products at no charge by Carmex.

Thoughts for Today

I've been thinking about turning 50 next February. There are a few things I would like to do before then, only to have a deadline to get them done. 

But 50 before 50, although a clever title, is not really practical for me given the pace life already runs at.

So I think 12 before 50 is much more attainable. Plus thinking of 50 things stresses my brain. 12 I can handle.

Here goes:

1.   I want to take a trip with my husband to celebrate 30 years together.

2.   I want to walk on African soil and hug African people.

3.   I want to sit court-side at a Thunder game. Or pretty dang close. 

4.   I want to travel with friends.

5.   I want to travel with family.

6.   I want to hit the 100 pounds lost mark.

7.   I want to ride a motorcycle.

8.   I want to read 12 books.

9.   I want to become more skilled at what I do. Work smarter, not harder.

10. I want to make more time for art.

11. I want to write a book.

12. I want to be a blessing to everyone I come in contact with. Even if it's just a smile. 

I think this is it. I'll be 50 on February 26th. Check back with me and we'll see how it goes.

peace. 

Helping the Kids

Most of you know that my day job is directing an orphan ministry in Africa. Every day I see the faces of children with no hope, no help, advanced trauma needs and few advocates. Do you know that in Oklahoma we have some of the same issues?

The Human Services Commission for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) was abolished by the voters of Oklahoma on Nov. 6, 2012 with the passage of State Question (SQ) 765.

This is a good thing, however the next step has yet to be taken.

Previously, the Commission had oversight of OKDHS, but the passage of SQ 765 means that the Director of OKDHS makes all decisions for the agency and reports directly to the Governor. Four citizen advisory panels will report to the Director and provide advice and recommendations on Administration issues, Aging Services, Children and Family Services, and Developmental Disabilities Services. 

Each advisory panel will have five members, with one member on each panel appointed by:

the Governor, Mary Fallin - Contact her here
the Speaker of the House, Rep T.W. Shannon- tw.shannon@okhouse.gov
the Senate Pro Tempore, Rep Mike Jackson – mikejackson@okhouse.gov
the Minority House Leader - Rep. Scott Inman – scott.inman@okhouse.gov
the Minority Senate Leader – Rep. Ben Sherrer – bensherrer@okhouse.gov

As appointments are made, the names of panel members will be published on the OKDHS website.

I tell you all of this because I know two women who need to be on these advisory panels and I need your help.

Michelle Kelley and Shelley Cadamy Munoz have seen the system from the inside out. They have both been foster parents and are adoptive parents of children who have experienced trauma and have been through the DHS system. These women are staunch advocates for children and for the system around them. Their passion and their skills could be an invaluable asset to these advisory panels.

I think its important to note and I am asking:
1) Who is being considered?
2) When will it be announced?
3) There are no priorities for DHS listed for the House - is this because they consider the issue done? But if they haven't named the panels how can the issue be done? Oklahoma House Priorities listed here.

Taking care of kids should be a non-partisan issue, so regardless of how these women vote they are in it for the kids. Shelley has a background in organizational development - this would be helpful in a culture change situation. Michelle has a background in marketing and this would be helpful in public awareness, foster and adoptive parent recruitment, and brand credibility building. 

Shelley's story

Michelle's story

So here is what I'm asking you to do. MAKE SOME NOISE! Help me spread this on social media, send a email to the officials listed above, make a  phone call, just do something. We need to let our elected officials know that languishing in a place of indecision in unacceptable and we want to see action. We want to see these advisory panels staffed and in place. We want to see the kids in our DHS system made a priority. Without us, they have nothing. With us, there is hope for a different today, tomorrow and forever in their futures. Make the effort, make a difference. 

Thank you!

Glynis

It is this easy...

There isn't really anything I can add other than just do it. Be nice to someone who can do nothing for you in return. Be Jesus to a world who has lost sight of him.

peace.

Mrs. B

I recently went to Chandler, OK to watch a marionette show. I took with me 2 of my favorite ladies. Mrs. B and my mom.

Mrs. B created the marionettes used in the show. They are historical characters and a work of love. Most were created from just looking at pictures, translated to 3-D through her amazing imagination and creativity. From the choice of the wood to the last stitch in the outfit, Mrs. B completed this project so children in Chandler could learn OK history in an interesting and educational way.

The museum in Chandler is quaint and charming. Worth the trip to step back in time. I loved being with mom and Mrs. B for this trip. It was so special to see her honored by the museum and the children whose lives she has blessed.

Like mine. Mrs. B has been in my life all of my life. She has known my mother since she was 16. I remember coming to OK and going to visit her. Always felt so welcomed, loved, and pretty close to perfect in her eyes.

She has supported us in the fun times, the hard times and in the in-betweens. I'm so glad my girls have had the chance to know her. 4 generations of friendship. Pretty cool.

peace.

Been doing some thinking...

Still going to the gym and brother, it's that time of year! Every treadmill and elliptical is full, the weights are in use, and the machines taken. New Year's Resolutions in full force! I've been going consistently this past year and this January thing is a new experience for me. Trainer Patrick says it will slow down after Valentine's Day. :-)

Anyway, the thinking part. For the first time in a long time, I weigh less than I did this time last year. That is exciting! What's got me thinking is how much time I didn't invest in doing better.

A little before and during...Adrian is journeying, too. 

This year passed so quickly and although I have made changes, I have also allowed myself seasons of laziness. Times where I ate whatever I wanted and decided to sit on the couch instead of moving. I know this will happen and it's ok but I need to let this become something I choose actively, not just because I'm being lazy.

Life changes are hard. I was watching the Biggest Loser and when the doctor was talking to them about uncontrolled diabetes, fatty livers, heart stopping cholesterol,  blocked arteries and such, I felt blessed to know that I'm not there...yet. 

Thank you God for preserving my health for me in spite of me. 

BUT...I don't want to presume upon His great goodness to continue to do so in light of my absolute lack of care of myself. I feel convicted to pursue God's plan for my health. Shifts my whole perspective.  

It is getting better and it will continue to do so. Even if I have to become a morning person. 

peace.