Rethinking my Nativity

Last Sunday our pastor preached on Luke 2. He talked about the timeline things must have actually happened in and it got me to thinking, what should my Nativity contain?

And then my Andrea sent me this link. (you must watch the video)

I'm pretty sure this isn't in the picture, but who knows? I do have odd friends...

peace.

Pollyanna is back!

Maybe not in full force, but Christmas is this week, my whole family will be in my home and we are blessed.

This always help me to remember the reason for the season. Merry Christmas!



peace.

New Focus

OK, so after a couple of hours in my studio and an attitude adjustment, I threw away my snarky pants. It's really about what I'm focusing on, it always is.

My new focus: everything but me.

It works, I promise. Count your blessings, keep a gratitude journal, volunteer, do something for someone else.

Last night, I made Christmas gifts, sent cards to recovering soldiers, prayed and thanked God for every good thing in my life. Apologized to Him for being selfish and snarky.

Life is good, I am blessed. I will remember this.

peace.

P.S. If you want to include some recovering soldiers in your Christmas card list, send them here.

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue
NW Washington, DC 20307-500

Snarky

I'm not sure when this word was invented or if it is even a real word, but sometimes it definitely describes my thoughts and moods. It's those days that I burn out my sarcasm light with so much of it, mostly running through my head. I have to be careful on these snarky days, I could really hurt someone. I've done it before. It hurt me, too. More than I can ever express.

There was a young single mom at our church. We were rehearsing for a Christmas program and while taking a break, just goofing around everyone was kind of joking around and she poked a little fun at me. I poked back. She disappeared. Literally, I have never seen her again since that day. My comment was not intended to mortally wound, but even "joking" can cause great pain when it is mixed with sarcasm and truth. I didn't mean it, I wish I could take it back, I wrote her a long letter apologizing, I called and she made her mom talk to me. I groveled to the point that it didn't change anything and to this day, I regret it. I wish I had taken one moment, swished it around and decided to swallow it instead of poking at her.


Proverbs has a lot to say about the tongue. I've experienced some of these and am striving for some of these.


^12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.


^31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.


^21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.


^18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.


So even on my snarky days, I hope to be quiet more than anything. Kind of goes back to what I told my kids "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."


peace.

Inspiration

I'm looking for some. I know it's around, I've just got to find it. Hasn't been in my office recently, maybe I left in my studio. Probably near the paints. That's where I usually find it. Until then, maybe I'll just sing.

peace.

Tis the Season

I think of all the Christmas carols I know, I love this one the most. The lines in red remind me of the reasons I celebrate Christmas.

O Holy Night!

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, 
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. 
Long lay the world in sin and error pining. 
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. 
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, 
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! 
O night divine, the night when Christ was born; 
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! 
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! 

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, 
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. 
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, 
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land. 
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; 
In all our trials born to be our friends. 
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger, 
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! 
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! 

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name. 
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, 
His power and glory ever more proclaim! 
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

peace.

Convenient Christmas

So this year will look a little different for us. We now have a son-in-law and an out-of-town daughter. We won't have the kind of time with our family that we have always enjoyed. It will be a little more compact.

We will still have time for our traditions, which after being snowed in last year, we all missed! I am looking forward to sharing those with our family again this  year.

In years past, I've had all my shopping done by now. But this year hasn't been as convenient. We just celebrated a wedding and the cash-flow at our casa is greatly diminished. We can't just shop, we have to plan. We refuse to create debt, so we have to be creative. This has forced me to really think about the gifts I want to give. And honestly, I've loved it.

Not at first, it was a challenge. But once I got used to the idea, I began to really assess who I was giving the gift to and what they would enjoy. What would touch them or be useful to them? It has not been convenient. But it has been a gift to me in a way.

God's gift of His son was not convenient either. He saw each one of us, lost and hopeless. We were on his mind when he spoke to Mary and Joseph. When the star shone, it glistened in the tear drops on his face. Tears of pain, tears of joy, tears of hope. He shed them for us. And then gave us the greatest gift of all.

So to my family and friends, I hope this year, though our gifts to you may be small, you'll understand they contain our hearts and treasure them.

peace.

Closed Doors

I deal with closed doors much differently these days. I see them as a re-direct for my benefit. Kind of like a detour sign. They don't stop me, they just change my path.

My life verse has always been Jeremiah 29:11-14. "For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord...."

Sounds like a promise of direction to me. He has the plans. Proverbs 19:21 says "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." I move forward, doing my best, making my plans...but when the detour sign is put out, the door is closed, I now choose to heed the warning. I don't stand there bewildered or angry pounding on the door. I've learned to see the closed door as my protection, my direction and I treasure these almost as much (just being honest) as the open ones.

So today, I'm looking at a closed door. Time to turn and keep moving. There's an open door waiting for me.

peace.

It's all about context

I've figured out that the time has come. Some of my frames of reference are just outdated. I made a funny (cracked me up) yesterday and all I heard was crickets. It WAS funny...for those of us who lived through the 70's. Unfortunately, the recipient of my gift of humor wasn't born until 1984. ::sigh::

It's all about context. I had a college professor who always said "Text without Context is Pretext". He was referring to the appropriate application of scripture, but it is true in communication in general.

Context by definition is
1. the parts of a piece of writing, speech, etc., that precede and follow a word or passage and contribute to its full meaning it is unfair to quote out of context
2. the conditions and circumstances that are relevant to an event, fact, etc.

In other words, if you don't know where I'm coming from, you probably won't understand what I'm talking about. 

Think of how often in life this could apply. We tell toddlers to use their words instead of grunting, motioning, whining etc. But how often as adults do we forget to use our words? We assume others know our context and we communicate at them, not to them. I am guilty. Especially with my husband sometimes. :-)

So here is my goal. To be sure to adequately communicate not only my immediate concern, but the surrounding context so that the goal of truly communicating can be achieved. 

Besides, that way when I'm being funny, you'll laugh!!

peace.

One Year

This has been quite a year.

One year ago yesterday, my dad passed away.
One year ago in December, my older daughter graduated from college.
One year ago in January, same daughter moved to Texas.
One year ago in February, younger daughter moved home.

Within this last year, we've seen blizzards, ice storms, tornadoes, killer hail, heat waves, floods and the most beautiful fall weather.

I've watched my daughter get married. I've welcomed a son-in-law.

I said goodbye to my dog Suki.

You just never know what a day will bring, much less a year. What am I doing with today?

peace.

ThankFULL!

We're doing something different this year. We're spending Thanksgiving with friends. Dear friends. The kind of friends who make you laugh so hard your side aches and you better not have a mouth full of tea. The kind of friends who love you. Year round, every day, every hour kind of friends. Reminds me of this.

For all the Blessings of the Year

For all the blessings of the year,
For all the friends we hold so dear,
For peace on earth, both far and near,
We thank Thee, Lord.

For life and health, those common things,
Which every day and hour brings,
For home, where our affection clings,
We thank Thee, Lord.

For love of Thine, which never tires,
Which all our better thought inspires,
And warms our lives with heavenly fires,
We thank Thee, Lord.

I am also thankful for my family and the precious gift they are to me every day. I hope your Thanksgiving Day is full of joy and thankfulness. One day to celebrate God's year-round and eternal gifts to each of us. Happy Thanksgiving!!

peace.

Keepin' It Real

 

I've kept this guy in my office for many years now. Being in communications, marketing and PR, it's important to keep track of what you say and how you say it. This simple toy is a great reminder to me of that very fact. 

You see, I was walking in Target one day and saw him. Spider Man was out in the theaters and he was cute. But when I saw the "but wait, there's more" box on the lower left corner, I had to have him. Does it really include Peter Parker Parts? What parts would those be exactly? Really Playskool?

To be honest, I've never opened the box. The ideas in my head are so much funnier than the reality, I don't want to burst my own balloon. But it was a good reminder to be careful of what I say and how I represent things. Just because it makes sense to me, doesn't mean it will to someone else. I think the church falls into this trap. We speak Christianeze. To those of us who are churched, it makes perfect sense. Trying to talk to someone who is not, confuses them and makes them feel like they aren't in the club.

So my encouragement from this Spider Spud is to keep it real. Don't make promises you can't keep and don't use language to impress. If communication is the goal, make it universal. Don't include "parts" you can't deliver.

peace.

Almost spilled the beans but...

 

CARMEX MOISTURE PLUS™ TINT (SHEER PEACH)  and  CARMEX MOISTURE PLUS™ TINT (SHEER PINK)


Carmex has added these lovely, tinted lip goodies to their line and I really do love them! I'm not a lipstick wearer, at all. I hate it really. I have pinkish lips so I don't need goo. But they do get chapped and I do need moisture. This is the best of both for me. I get moisture and a little tint of color and shine. TahDah!!

I almost spilled the beans when I was telling you about the lotions, I just get so excited.  Carmex sent me these lovely products I've showed you in my goodie bag. They even let me give a whole goodie bag away. Well, guess what?

I now have the products above as well and I have some for you, too!! Carmex is awesome and gave them to me to pass on.

Just leave a comment on this post before November 24th, and if I pick your name out of the hat, you'll have fabu lips like me!

If you don't want to wait, don't want to comment and you've got money to burn, you can buy these for yourself at Walgreens or Walgreens.com.

Just in time for the winter! Enjoy!

peace.

I'm HOOKED!!

Beyond cool! Thanks to Animusic and here's their YouTube channel.

peace.

Transmedia Storyteller

So a Twitter friend, whom I've met in real life, threw this out the other day and I was intrigued. In my own uniquely astounding way I even responded.

His tweet -

and mine -  

I know. But it was intriguing. I thought I had an idea of what he was talking about, but I started researching. 

Here is the original link sent out in the first tweet. But after some research, I also found this one...and this one and thousands (ok, maybe hundreds) of others.

Basically, it's the ability to create content across multiple media platforms that tell a cohesive, continuing story about one thing. It is the out-of-the box thinking mixed with creativity but firmly rooted in a single purpose. Brilliant!! 

Here's the good news, I know what I want to be when I grow up. For those of you who know me, yes, I said grow up!! Ok, so maybe I won't grow up completely, but this career path excites me. The principles are applicable for any marketing position, pr position, communications position, and the possibilities are endless. 

Imagine your next obligatory Christmas Family Update letter using this train of thought. How much fun could that be?

Imagine political candidates employing these methods to get their messages across instead of bombarding us with direct mail, robo-calls and TV ads only?

The absolute beauty, many of these medias are free.

I could go on and on, but I won't...for now. Look into it, you may be as excited as I am!! If you need another reason, watch and see...

peace. 

Another Oklahoma Winter

We are on the brink of another winter season. The weather in this last year has been the oddest I've ever seen. Blizzard, flood, heatwave, earthquakes, mammoth hail, tornadoes...Welcome to Oklahoma!

I will say there are a few things that you can't survive winter without. Or at least I can't, so here's my list.

1. Ice scraper. Unless you park in a garage, you will have to have one. Trust me.
2. Humidifier. Unless you like bloody noses and talking like a frog.
3. Faucet covers. For your outside faucets. You don't want to skip this one.
4. Gloves. It might not be cold enough to freeze you, but with the wind, your hands will not survive.
5. Ear covering. See #4, it goes for ears, too.
6. Blankets. Because when the weather does what it does, you will most likely lose power. You'll want to cover up.
7. Food you don't have to cook. See #6. And don't wait until the weather starts to get it. Walmart will be out of everything. I don't know why.
8. Water. Walmart won't have any of that either. Frozen pipes don't give you water.
9. Boots. Because at some point you will be outside and you want to keep your toes.
10. Candles and hot chocolate. Cause when you locked in, they make you feel warm and cozy.

peace.

Last year's Icepocalypse was quite an adventure. Take a look.

Getting in a Cooking Kind of Mood

from Andrea & Bijay's wedding

I don't know what it is about colder weather, but it makes me want to cook. I really enjoy cooking, baking, eating...and I think this year during my holiday cooking, I'll share some of my favorite recipes with you complete with pictures.

For today, I have 100 cupcakes and a wedding cake to bake so I'll be busy!!

peace.

PS...I did not make the cake above, I did not take the picture. But if you need a photographer, Rex is your man!

On This Day

I'm feeling kind of reflective. 

Then...

Now...

27 years ago, I married my best friend. We have lived, laughed, cried, hurt, crashed, burned, celebrated, rejoiced, disagreed, agreed, and much more.

We've shared the joys, responsibilities and struggles of parenting two amazing daughters. We've prayed for them more than I ever knew was possible. We've hoped for them more than the world has to offer. God has been faithful. So have they.

But here's what I'm reflecting on, it's been 27 years.
27 YEARS!!

I cannot believe it has passed so quickly. The memories of our life together swim wildly in my head as if they just happened yesterday and I need to be sure and remember them. And yet, when I start truly looking at all the memories, the people, the events, I feel so very blessed to have lived such a full life. And we're not done yet, not by a long shot.

So Happy Anniversary Baby, I've got you on mind!! Here's to the next 27...or 30...or ?

peace.

My thoughts on the Elections

We live in America. If you are a citizen, you have been provided the right to be heard. Through free speech, the right to vote, whatever venue you choose, as long as it doesn't impede the rights of someone else.

I did not vote a party ticket yesterday. I am a conservative, Christian, Republican. I voted out of the research I had done as a citizen of this great state and country.

I will not quit, whine or run away because my choices didn't win. I will step up, speak up and work harder to be sure that the things I believe in are heard, that the changes for everyone's good I will see happen.

It's time for team work.

Republicans can't fix it. Democrats can't fix it.

Americans can fix it. Oklahomans can fix it.

Let's get to it!

peace.

Be careful what you vote for...

While walking down the street one day a corrupt Senator was tragically hit by a car and died.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. "Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the Senator. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity." "Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator. "I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven...???

So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. "Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell." So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell... Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders. "I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil smiles at him and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning, Today, you voted.." 

Vote wisely on November 2, 2010


peace.


(I don't know who wrote this, but I couldn't have put it any better.)


I found this Sample Ballot for Oklahoma Voters. Go prepared, it's a long one.

CARMEX news, reviews & contest

Nov. 1, 2010 update***and the winner is.....JACKIE!!!*** congratulations and your goodie bag is on the way!

So as I said in my previous post, Carmex sent me an awesome goodie bag full of great products. Some new, some old and loved. They asked me to use them and tell you about them. As an official member of the Carmex Blog Squad I have followed my orders and here are my reviews. And yes, I used all the products (willingly by the way) and I've never been so soft and moisturized!!

This is my new, favorite lotion!! When the temps turn cool, my skin is dry. My hands especially. This Healing Lotion has a light, pleasant scent. It is truly non-greasy and once I've used up what Carmex sent to me, I will be buying this product. I even use it at work. A little goes a long way, too. You really must try it!

Okay, like the lady in the nail salon said the other day "Honey, you have dry skin berry bad on you feet, need callous remove?" And the answer was yes...however, since then, I have been using the Healing Cream on my heels and feet. Honey, my feet feel awesome! It is heavier than the Healing Lotion, still non-greasy and still pleasantly scented. I put it on before bed, cover with socks and my heels are healed! Love this one, too. 

I think Carmex has done a great job with both of these products. I was expecting heavier feels from them both and was very, pleasantly surprised. Plus the packaging just looks happy and I like happy.

AND NOW....

If you would like to win one of the lovely gift bags I showed here, an over $50 value, then here's all you need to do:

You may enter once for each category, up to two entries per person.

1. Leave a comment on this blog post and you must leave your email address so I can contact you.

2. Follow @glynis_crawford on twitter and Tweet this, but only once. 

"Carmex gift bag and soft skin FTW! #carmexgoodness follow @glynis_crawford and RT"

I'll see it, I promise. RT's count for the RT'er. (is that even a word ?)  :-)

Contest starts October 25 and ends November 1st. 

Winner will be notified by email or DM when chosen by random drawing. 

Good luck!

These products are available at Walgreens, Walgreens.com and drugstore.com. 

peace.

Can Cars go through Menopause?

I was having a conversation with my sister yesterday and I swear her car's in menopause.

It's not a very old car, less than 10 years. In our family that's still "relatively new". She calls it her baby rhino, but I think baby is growing old.

Here's why:

It has hot flashes, it's heart (engine) races, it leaks fluids and sometimes you can't turn the steering wheel cause it 'stove up!

Sounds like menopause to me!!

But my sister loves her car, she communes with it, understands it, takes care of it. I think she feels that the care she gives her car will somehow return to her good things. Maybe she's right.

Goodness knows when I get there, I hope to be cared for as well as the baby rhino.

peace.

Good Stuff

OK, I'm kind of excited about this opportunity. Carmex, you know, the little yellow lidded goodness for lip salvation in the winter, has asked me to review some of their products.

They sent me this awesome gift bag, full of skin friendly things, and I'm going to use it for a couple of weeks and let you know what I think.

I can already tell you, I LOVE the healing lotion. Nice scent, non-greasy feel, not heavy but make my hands feel wonderful. I even use it at work because of the non-greasy.

AND THEN....

They are also going to let me give away one identical bag to some lucky commenter, tweeter, or facebook friend!! Oh yeah!! The drawing will be totally random, you can only enter once, but I wish you all the best of luck! (Don't enter yet, I'll let you know when.)

So, I'll let you know what I think about the products and then you can let me know if you want to share in the goodness!

Soft skin and presents, doesn't get much better than that!

peace.

the wedding

The day was beautiful, as was the bride. Joy surrounded us all. I wish them every happiness and I'm blessed to call him son.

God still answers prayer.

peace.

on being girlie...

I'm not very good at it. Being girlie I mean. I tend to be too practical with money and time and it takes both.

I don't wear makeup, just a little mascara or you wouldn't see I have eyes. I don't get my hair done regularly, even though my daughter is a stylist. I don't like to shop for clothes, I have just enough shoes, and I rarely wear jewelry other than my wedding ring. I won't spend the time to mani/pedi every two weeks. Although the occasional one is a treat.

But, I do enjoy being a woman. I feel stronger than I ever have. I'm settled in myself. My faith grows all the time and my relationship with my creator God too.

I have a wonderful husband who takes care of me. Spoils me. Loves me. Walks with me, in front of me, behind me or beside me depending on the occasion and how he can best keep me safe. He's aware of me. He likes me. He makes me laugh. I feel safe with him.

So I'm thinking that girlie isn't all frills and fluff. Maybe it's just that place where you are the best you.

I like that place.

peace.

Keep your eye on the prize

I've been telling myself that a lot lately. The details of everyday life can sure bog me down sometimes.

In the last month, I've had my first car wreck, I had to say goodbye to my dog, and now, the saris my daughter had ordered for her bridesmaids will not be here in time for the wedding. So nine days before the wedding, we're off to David's Bridal to see if we can avoid a nude wedding.

I'm talking her off the ledge (not literally, she's a very strong woman) all the while feeling like the blind leading the blind. I want her day to be so special and I hate when my kids are disappointed.

I know God feels this too. And my prize is not life or death, not eternal in nature. Thank you God for perspective.


Phillipians 4:7-14
 
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. ¹⁰I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.  ¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.


But here's the prize for this occasion, she is marrying a wonderful man whom she loves with everything she is. Saris or no saris.

And I am so happy for her. I've been praying for him her whole life.

So David's Bridal, watch out. We've got dresses to buy!


peace.

I live on Easy St.

Yes, literally. It's my address.

My husband claims I bought the house because of the address. He's not too far off. I loved the house, neighborhood, area of town but the address did seal the deal. It cracks me up really.

I really love telling people my address. Think about it. How often do you have to tell someone your address? When I tell them, 9 times out of 10 I get a smile back and a comment. Pretty cool huh?

That's not to say that living on Easy St. doesn't have its trials, it does. But this pollyanna is a sucker for a smile.

Think I'll hang around for a long time.

peace.

quick update on Suki

It is cancer, it is malignant and aggressive. We are enjoying the rest of our week with her and Saturday we will say goodbye.

I think when your heart breaks, it leaks out of your eyes.

peace.

Full Plate

I'm sitting here today with a great case of  "I can't want to" so I thought I'd share. 


There has been a flurry of activity lately, all good. Wedding is less than 3 weeks away, details are falling place, I can't complain. Well, I could but I choose not to...


Anyway, I'm also changing the way I eat. Trying to lose some weight, align my body with my actual needs and pay attention to myself. Something I'm not very good at.


In the midst of all that, I have my first car wreck, Jim is traveling a great deal and I found out yesterday that our dog, Suki, may have cancer.


She's a great dog, we have enjoyed her greatly, but if it is cancer we will not go to extraordinary means to sustain her. We can't afford to do this nor do we want to put her through that. But it's just no fun at all. It weighs heavy on my brain and heart. We should know today or tomorrow what the full diagnosis is and where we go from here.


So my plate is full. I'm done. I don't want or need anything else at this point. Although, a little prayer for dessert would be fine. :-)


So I'm singing this today-

His eye is on the Sparrow (and the akita) 

why should I feel discouraged

and why should the shadows come

why should my heart feel lonely

and long for heaven and home

when Jesus is my portion

a constant friend is He

His eye is on the sparrow

and I know He watches over me

His eye is on the sparrow

and I know He watches over me

I sing because I'm happy

I sing because I'm free

His eye is on the sparrow

and I know He watches me

He watches me

His eye is on the sparrow

and I know He watches 

I know He watches, 

I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy

I sing because I'm free

His eye is on the the sparrow

and I know He watches me

His eye is on the sparrow

and I know he watches me

peace.

Favorite Things

As I type this, I hear the song playing in my head with Julie Andrews singing....

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens 
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens 
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things..."

LOVE this movie. The story of a family. 

What is your family's story? Have you thought of writing it down so that the generations to come will know. I think I'm going to do this and I'm going to include pictures and recipes and silly things. Because for anyone that knows me, you know silliness must be included! 

A gathering of a few of my favorite things. 

I'll even share some of it here. Maybe not ALL the pics, 5th grade was especially traumatic. :-)

peace.

No child should every worry

I've been watching a dear friend go through the process of becoming a foster parent. The endless paperwork, interviews, home studies and waiting...waiting...waiting...!

All in the hopes of caring for a child.

Well, after a YEAR, she has not one, but two children. A boy almost 2 and his sister, almost 5. There have been huge adjustments, great joys, big surprises. The thing that has just baffled me is the lack of direction and support that the very system who made her try so hard to become a foster parent, DOESN'T offer her once she has the children. But the great news is, she isn't dependent on them.

God has had a plan all along and it's beautiful to see him building a family.

James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

peace.

Manifesto

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peace.

The Sands of Time

Some days I want out of the loop. I love being involved, busy, surrounded by people but sometimes the loop of inclusion feels like the movie TWISTER.

There has been a lot going on lately. Wedding, showers, car wreck, AC blower issues, etc... Today there is a soft rain falling (although I hear there is a Tropical Storm coming) and I just want a pillow and a blanket.

Ever have those times?

I was reminded today that there is only so much sand in the hourglass and I must decide who gets it. I'm am forever grateful that God has a plan. If I'm quiet, He's speaking and I can hear Him. If I watch, He's guiding and I can see Him.


Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised. Hebrews 10:23

peace.

just a reminder...

Even in the darkest storms, God is there.

Psalm 46

 1 God is our refuge and strength,

       an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

8 Come and see the works of the LORD,

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,

he burns the shields with fire.

10 "Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

peace.

Yesterday was another first. After over 30 years of driving, I had my first accident. 4 cars worth. Everyone is fine and only 2 of the 4 cars had to be towed. Mine was one of them.

I am grateful for no injuries, insurance and the prayers of friends.

Anyone have a car I can borrow? :-)

peace.

Thanksgiving

So the subject of Thanksgiving came up yesterday. What the plans were, where we would be, who would be there....

Made me reflect on how it used to be. My extended family was not close by in childhood. We always lived away from everyone so holidays were about the only time we really got to see them. And it was always an extended occasion. We would travel to the grandparents, join up with the aunts, uncles and cousins and we would visit. Hang out. Do stuff. Then, Thanksgiving Day would arrive and we'd cook and eat. Well, they would cook and then we'd eat, I was still a kid after all. I had no real appreciation for the effort that was involved in feeding that monstrous crowd!

And then we'd hang out a couple more days and then journey back home.

It seems Thanksgiving has somehow gotten sandwiched between our busy days, our Christmas planning and it just doesn't get the focus it once had. We spend one day, or even one part of a day, being thankful, eating, visiting and then we're off! It's Christmas time, the music on the radio changes, the stores change, the news is full of shopper news, and so are the papers!

Just for the record, I don't shop the Friday after Thanksgiving. I know that surprises you. :-)

So this year, I want to do something different. I want to slow down, be thankful, hang with friends and family. I'm open to suggestions, invitations, whatever...

What do you want Thanksgiving to look like this year?

peace.