ICEPOCALYPSE 2010!!

Oklahomans are bracing for what seems to be a very bad ice/snow storm. We've seen some pretty bad ones, we understand the cost. Christmas 2009 was an example of the power of weather. My friend, jenX67, talks about another not-too-distant one in 2007. I've lived through some doozies. Trees splitting, power lines crashing, roofs caving, etc. I know some people have even lost their lives and loved ones in some of these storms. So prepare. Here's a couple of great articles on preparing.

I believe in being prepared. I believe that you should have some basic necessities just in case. Candles, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, warm clothes, water, alternate heat source, food, way to stay in contact, etc.

BUT

I don't believe you should live in fear, panic, desperation and worry. I don't believe that reacting instead of acting is in anyone's best interest.

And I know that God is in control. Whatever comes, it's not a surprise to Him. His words spoke everything we know into existence. His breath gave us life. His sacrifice gave us the opportunity for an amazing eternity. And this gift is yours...

So if you lose your electricity, read this by candlelight and know that God loves you.

peace.

Happy Birthday Dad

I've been a little retrospective today. When I got to work, I realized it was my dad's birthday, or would have been. He would have been 71 today.

In a perfect world, we would have been celebrating together at some point. Birthdays are a big deal in my family. It's that one day in the year that we can celebrate the individual. Show them they are special to us and loved.

But Alzheimer's changed all of that, at least for dad. He wouldn't have known today was his birthday. He wouldn't have known he was 71. He wouldn't have known me.

If your life has not been touched by this disease, count your blessings today. If it has, fight with me to end it in our generation. Tell everyone you know, ask for their help, spread the word in your community, give your money, give your time, pray, please just do something to make sure the world knows that one of the greatest thief's we know of is still on the loose.

That's not all...I am celebrating my dad today, too. I'm celebrating that he is released from this world, he is in heaven with our Savior, and I bet he's fishing with my grandpa. At least that's what he thought heaven would be like.

peace.

2009 Okie Blog Awards

So, if you have read my blog for any amount of time, you've gotten a pretty good sense of who I am. If you're new here, it shouldn't take long to figure out that I'm pretty out-spoken, compassionate until it sometimes hurts and a real mama bear for any cub I choose to adopt, protect, care for, love, give birth to, whatever... :-)

If you like what you read, I want to ask a favor of you. I know I can nominate myself, but yeah....so I'm asking you to do it for me. The rules are simple and here's a link rules and here are the categories. Basically you have to send an email to 2009okieblogawards@gmail.com, include your name, the name of my blog ramblings of a creative mind unleashed and my url http://www.gr8fulg.blogspot.com. Then choose a category in which to nominate me. That's all...and thanks!

I think this is pretty cool and my friend JenX67, is putting a lot of work into it.

And just like they say at the Oscars, it's an honor just being nominated! :-)

peace.

You Don't Know My Jesus

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. Mohandas Gandhi.

Some days, I really agree with him. When I hear people in times of great tragedy talking about the judgement of God, I wince, I hurt.

It is true that the God I serve is just and holy. He is the almighty God. But it is also true that His compassion is incomparable, His love is without measure and freely given. As the people of Haiti experience this great tragedy, God is with them. He loves them, He weeps for them, He is there for them.

As Christians, Christ-followers, we should be no less. It is our job to reflect our Lord, not define Him. It is our job to be obedient, not leading the charge. It is our job to love, as Christ first loved us and gave His life for us.

My heart is breaking today for the thousands of Haitians impacted by this great tragedy. I am praying they will see God's love, feel His compassion, understand He is grieving with them and let Him hold them as they heal.

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10


peace.

Change of Life

No, not THAT change of life...although my mother does keep giving me things that say "you're still hot it just comes in flashes now" hmmm...this change of life involves location.

My husband and I have been empty-nesters for four-ish years. We've had the occasional guest for a time, but our daughters moved out. They have both lived within 5 miles of us, so it wasn't horrible. If I needed a fix, they were close by. :-)

Until tomorrow.

Tomorrow begins a new chapter in our life. Our older daughter is moving to Euless, TX. I know it's not very far away and I'm really excited for her. It also give me a great reason to go to IKEA...I mean Texas... to visit.

But it will be different and I will cry. I always cry. I try really hard not too, but the leak is inevitable. Hopefully, I can do it while she's not looking (but I am afraid the 20 pound eyelids may give me away).

All of life has been an adventure, so here's to our newest one. I have a feeling I'll be seeing the Red River a lot more often.

peace.

Trash and Treasure

OK, so the treasure part first. I went to see Avatar in 3D and it is beyond amazing. The visual artistry created by this new genre of film made me feel just like the first time I saw Star Wars in the theatre. I had never seen anything like it before. It was beautiful and intriguing and I would highly recommend seeing it.

So now the trash part...I could not believe how disgusting the theatre was after the movie was over! Is it really so hard to take out and throw away the things you brought in with you? I understand accidental spills, but to just toss trash on the floor of the theatre is just utter disregard for something that is not yours. You are paying for the right to watch the movie, not trash the theatre. Come on folks, clean it up! Quit being lazy and take care of your own stuff. Teach your children better manners. Be an example of goodness.

Or don't complain when you pay $15 to go sit in a theatre and your feet stick to the floor.

I keep hearing that song "Don't lay that trash on Oklahoma!" Today it is trash in a theatre, tomorrow trash on the road or your neighbors yard...is this the world you want to live in? Not I.

Please help me, let's all just pick it up, ok?

peace.