ramblings of a creative mind unleashed

Pay It Forward

2012-01-19T12:04:00.000-06:00

So if for some reason you haven't seen me talking about this EVERYWHERE (a little excited) I'm putting it here as well.

I got to be part of a blessing. So amazing that God would use me, choose me, let me get to have all the fun! Hope you enjoy.

They should have included a blooper reel...it would have shown us chasing the money through a parking lot on a windy day because yours truly dropped it. Grace I tell you, grace.

If you'd like to help Joe's Addiction, I'd be glad to take cash, clothes, coats, blankets from you to them. They also have a Free Store where people in need can come get what they need. LOVE this place and the people. Go get a great cup of joe and find out why.

1806b Southeast 59th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73129
(405) 601-2962

(east of I-35 on SE 59th)

peace.

Christmas Challenge

2011-12-21T12:46:00.002-06:00

My name is Glynis and I often go by just "g". So I'm challenging myself this Christmas to think of words that start with g and work on making them part of me.

I want to be more:

gracious

generous

gentle

gregarious

giving

good

Make your own list this year, my gift to you.

peace.

Another Year

2011-12-19T13:50:00.001-06:00

It amazes me how quickly time passes these days. I watched the children sing at church yesterday and remember vividly when my angels were up there, too. Seems like yesterday, not yesteryear.

I'm getting better about treasuring the moments, noting in my heart and mind what is really important. I'm looking forward to being with my children this weekend. Does my heart good.

I hope for you and yours a very, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Treasure the moments, they're the only treasures that count.

peace.

Manage Me

2011-11-22T21:54:00.001-06:00

“Life is not a straight line leading from one blessing to the next and then finally to heaven. Life is a winding and troubled road. Switchback after switchback. And the point of biblical stories like Joseph and Job and Esther and Ruth is to help us feel in our bones (not just know in our heads) that God is for us in all these strange turns. God is not just showing up after the trouble and cleaning it up. He is plotting the course and managing the troubles with far-reaching purposes for our good and for the glory of Jesus Christ.”
― John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence: Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God

Manage me, God.

peace.

At your age...

2011-11-02T12:27:00.001-05:00

I think I may hate this phrase, At your age....

Oh well, moving on. At any age, skin can be dry when the weather starts turning cold. I have the solution.

I know I've talked about this lotion before, but the good people at Carmex sent me another goodie box so I'm going to talk about it again. (They aren't paying me, they just sent me the goodies. Keep reading, good news.)

I LOVE these products! The Healing Lotion and Healing Cream. Non-greasy, not too Carmexy smelling, they ROCK!!

If you'd like some, leave a comment. They told me I could give a goodie box to you, too. But just one of you, so randomizer it is. One comment per person please, winner announced November 15th, 2011.

Lotion up folks, the cold weather is a-comin!

peace.

The call of the ocean

2011-10-21T09:49:00.004-05:00

Ok, that may be a wee bit dramatic, but I do love the ocean. I can literally sit for hours listening to the surf and the birds. It is the most relaxing thing I can think of. Lakes come close, but there is nothing like the ocean.

We spent last weekend in Monterey Bay, CA. Beachside condo, it was wonderful! We got to see whales, sea lions, porpoise, otters, pelicans, and gulls.

Some day, I will live near the ocean. I hope. :-)

peace.

He is or He isn't

2011-10-06T14:38:00.000-05:00

I had a long conversation with a dear friend this week and I challenged her to decide whether God is who he says he is or he isn't. That nothing else could really be dealt with until that was settled.

Is God who he says he is?

My answer, a resounding yes. Of course he is! And yet, do I live my every day life like I believe this?

For the most part, this truth is buried deep in my heart. I do believe God is exactly who he says he is. He has proven it to me over and over. But in those moments of pain, anger, reaction, etc. I don't always behave like I believe it. I want to...

I want to live my life in the shadow of Psalm 139.

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain.
Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
(Psalm 139 ESV)

peace.

Pat Robertson is Wrong.

2011-09-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

I've been hearing about this story and all I have to say is Pat Robertson is wrong.

This is not Biblical. No debate.

I also pray he never has to deal with a loved one with Alzheimer's.

I was given the gift of 5 years with my dad during his journey with Alzheimer's. It was not always easy, happy, and joyful. It was hard to watch him disappear a little at a time. It was hard to make decisions for him that he couldn't make for himself. It was hard to watch him struggle and eventually succumb to this horrible disease.

But I would not trade that time for anything.

It was a gift from God at the end of a rocky road. There were moments of laughter, moments of tears, moments of unfiltered love and I'm the better for having walked that road.

Dad is in heaven, enjoying his rewards. And I'm here, enjoying my memories of him.

This blog just spurred me on today.

peace.

My New Tattoo

2011-09-14T14:44:00.002-05:00

I don't have it yet and don't know when I will, but I know what it will be.

This last year has been difficult in many ways. Lots of waiting (my favorite!) and lots of blessing. Looking back, I see God's hand in everything and I know He was watching me the whole time. I was never alone.

His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me. So that's what my next tattoo will be. A sparrow.

Inspired by this.

But more like this.

peace.

Oktoberfest in Choctaw

2011-09-13T15:08:00.004-05:00

This about sums it up.

The best

The worst

peace.

Decisions of a Lifetime

2011-09-06T15:35:00.000-05:00

Decisions, decisions.

Cut my hair off or let it grow? Concrete counters or granite? Comfortable shoes or cute ones?

I've discovered that most of the decisions I make in my life are so temporary. In the light of eternity, who really cares? Who will it really impact?

But there is one decision I made when I was 7 I will always remember, has shaped the person I am, and has forever changed me. I decided to follow Jesus. No turning back.

And I'm forever glad I did.

Have you?

peace.

Let's Play Catch Up

2011-08-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. Between interviews, unexpected offers, car issues, family events, etc. I'm finally catching my breath.

MOM: Is doing great! She is recovering very well, at a nice, steady pace. For those of you who may not know what happened, it's all here.

FAMILY: My nephew graduated from High School, enrolled in college and has enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. He is following in a long line of kinfolk who have served. In just 3 generations of our immediate family, there have been 15 men serve in the Armed Services. He is joining a proud tradition and I'm so grateful for his bravery, sacrifice and commitment. As I am for all US Military. Thank You!

JOB: I have a new job! I'm still with Reaching Souls International but now I am the US Director of Children in Need. It is the orphan ministry for RSI and where my heart beats.

Orphans are identified, matched with families, and supported through givers. Not in orphanages or centers, but in a home with a family. $25 a month provides food for the family and school fees for the orphan. They are an asset to the family, they are monitored through the local church and it's a win-win for all involved.

I could not be more blessed, excited, overwhelmed, grateful, humbled, excited...oh, I said that already. !!! :-)

Just $25 a month changes a life. If you want to support and orphan(s), let me know!

CARS: Here's the challenge of the last 4 weeks. We've had car ISSUES! Jim's car is currently having it's engine replaced. Now, I can't complain too much about that because it did have over 180,000 miles on it and it's been a great car. And I would complain about the $4000 car bill to do so, but God is so gracious! Someone, we don't know who, dropped $2500 by the mechanic and told them to apply it to our bill. Thank you, God!! In our effort to be debt free, this was such an amazing blessing. My car has had several headaches, of course not all at the same time, which ended in one day all three of our cars being in the shop. Oh boy!

BOTTOM LINE: I am so blessed. His eye in on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

peace.

Congratulations!

2011-08-28T20:43:00.002-05:00

Using random.org, my #2 commenter is the winner! So Sherrie, be looking for an email and looking forward to some Carmex goodies!

peace.

Only Until Friday

2011-08-22T12:06:00.001-05:00

Carmex has once again sent me some sneak peek items. One I love, one I'm kind of meh about.

So here they are. The Carmex Vanilla Stick and the Carmex Lime Twist Stick. I've been trying them out for a couple of weeks and I must say the Vanilla is ok, more carmexy than vanillay. But the LIME, oh honey, it is really fresh and I love it!!

Both are still great lip goodies, after all, it is Carmex. But the lime is my winner for this race.

Speaking of winners, I didn't forget you. :-)

Carmex will send one of my readers a cute little picnic blanket (See it here) and some lip goodies, too! All you have to do is leave a comment here by Friday, August 26th. I'll use a random picker method and announce the winner on Monday, August 29th.

In your comment, please leave your email address so I can get in touch. No email, no win.

Bonus entries? Why, yes! If you want to Twitter about it or Facebook about it, just leave me an additional comment saying you did. Share this link with your friends and thank you! That makes 3 entries per person possible.

peace.

Legal Stuff: Other than the free goodies I was sent, I have not been compensated by Carmex.

This could be yours...

2011-08-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

Cutest picnic blanket and some lip goodies...stay tuned.

peace

Curveball

2011-08-05T10:20:00.000-05:00

You know that moment you think you know, that moment you have a plan, that very moment you lift your foot to take the next step and WHAM!!?? I had one of those this week.

I've been waiting on the Lord to show me His plan. He gave me Exodus 14:14 as an encouragement to know he was at work on my behalf. It says "The Lord will fight for you and you have only to be silent." So I have been, until now.

Before you worry, it's all good. It's all God.

I have a new job. Not the one I thought I'd have on Tuesday, the one I interviewed for. But a new one with Reaching Souls that before yesterday, didn't exist.

They made is just for me. God made it just for me.

I am now the Director of Children in Need, the orphan ministry of Reaching Souls. This ministry has been in existence since 1996, but until yesterday, it wasn't a primary focus.

Now, that's all changing. Reaching Souls will still be focused on National Missionaries, but I will be focused on Children in Need.

Children in Need places orphans in homes with families. Not orphanages, not centers, but homes with a parent or parents, to grow up with siblings. Monitored through the local church, these kids are cared for, fed, educated and a member of a family.

God is so good and I am excited!

peace.

It's Hot, have a cup of Joe.

2011-08-03T14:31:00.000-05:00

Seems like that is all anyone is talking about recently. We are seeing records broken for hottest days, longest stretch of hottest days, longest time without rain....and then I think of those who are not sitting in air conditioned cars, not living is air conditioned houses and I stop complaining.

From the soldiers on foreign soil carrying 60 lb. packs over sand in the heat to the homeless in our very own city, I stop to realize how very blessed I am. But for the grace of God go I.

So how can I ease their suffering? For the soldiers, I say thank you every time I see one.

For the homeless, I donate to organizations who are on the ground providing relief to these folks.

Like my friends, John & Jamie. If you can help Joe's Addiction, please do. Get your stuff together in your air conditioned home, put it in your air conditioned car and head down to a place that will bless your socks off!

Or leave a comment and I'll come get it. I don't mind and I'm not wearing socks. :-)

peace.

Do your job

2011-07-25T11:15:00.000-05:00

Seems pretty simple. Do your job. Whatever it is, do it.

I guess this is what frustrates me about our government. Too many agendas, special interests, lobbyists, blah blah blah...just do your job.

You've been entrusted by the American people to govern OUR country. Voted into office, we've given you the authority to act our behalf....not just yours. Stop listening only to those who line your pockets, stroke your egos, make you promises...listen to US. We, the people, are growing tired of your ambitions, posturing, selfishness getting in the way of what you are in Washington to do, your job. Thank you to the few who are trying, we do notice. You will hear our support on election day.

So let's make this simple. If I don't do my job, I don't get paid or I lose my job. Same for you.

If you'd like to stay in Washington, then do your job. See, it really is simple.

peace.

You Know It's HOT When....

2011-07-22T10:20:00.001-05:00

R.I.P. Ice Cream Truck.

peace.

No Complaints

2011-07-21T11:43:00.001-05:00

My favorite soldier, nephew & niece....many moons ago.

I was going to complain about how hot it is... then I realized that at least:

1.) It isn't 115 degrees

2.) I'm not 5,700 miles from home

3.) I'm not dressed in a full BDU uniform and helmet and carrying 70+ lbs.

4.) There is very little chance that anyone will shoot at me or that I might drive over a bomb in the road today.

Thanks to all who serve or have served in our fine military! God bless!!!

peace.

A shift in the atmosphere

2011-07-18T12:05:00.000-05:00

Ok, it's not quite that dramatic but I'm feeling the need for a change.

A change of place, pace, purpose...like the alliteration?

place...I don't see this being permanent, we're not moving. But maybe some days away...

pace...taking the time to really take the time to relax, renew, reinvigorate, restore...ok, I'll quit... :-)

purpose...this one is a little harder, but with the help of place and pace, I'm hoping it becomes clearer. Must put the big rocks in first.

peace. :-)

Happy Birthday in the Toilet...

2011-07-11T13:05:00.000-05:00

It's not what you think. We actually celebrated my mom's 71st birthday this past Saturday by putting in a new kitchen faucet and buying and installing a new toilet for her.

Party Animals, I know. :-)

Mom lives on Social Security, she can't afford the extras. After the recent heart events, we wanted to celebrate her birthday while keeping it low key for her.

Her toilet was leaking, it was old, so it seemed like a good surprise. She told my daughter this was her best birthday ever. Her heart is strong, her family was around her, her faucet works and she has a new toilet.

Life is good. And sometimes, it is the simple things.

peace.

Thinking on Love

2011-07-05T09:03:00.000-05:00

We are one in the Spirit,
We are one in the Lord,
We are one in the Spirit
We are one in the Lord,
And we pray that all unity
may one day be restored:

And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, by our love,
Yes, they'll know we are Christians
By our love.

Can you hear it? I remember singing this is my youth group in the '70s. I've been thinking a great deal about love lately. I want my response to be love. I want to sit with the woman at the well and love her. I want to eat with the tax collector and love him. I want to talk to the church people and love them. I want to touch the homeless and sick and love them.

I want them to know we are Christians by our love.

³¹When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. ³²If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. ³³Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, 'Where I am going you cannot come.' ³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:31-35

peace.

NBA Lockout is Official

2011-06-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

Wow. I love basketball, my mom loves basketball.

But here's where the rubber meets the road. The players being locked out will not suffer. The owners will not suffer. The ticket vendors, janitors, food service workers, security guards, venue employees, etc... will suffer.

My mom has worked most of her adult life. She lost her retirement in the recession. She now lives on Social Security. I think these owners and NBA players need a dose of reality. Grow up folks, it's basketball. It isn't life saving, life changing, benevolent or society building. It isn't feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, supporting the hurting or giving life to the dying and downtrodden.

Get a grip. Make your money deal, go play ball and entertain your fans.

Yes, you are talented but so are a lot of us. Just not in ways that pay of millions of dollars for hours of playing ball. Thank you players for the good you do, but lots of us do good without applause or recognition. Talk to the City Rescue Mission workers.

I love the excitement and entertainment that NBA basketball brings to our lives. I also know, lockout or no lockout, life will go on. For some, it will be harder because they don't have millions to bide them over. Think of them when you're whining about not getting paid what you're "worth".

peace.

Change

2011-06-29T13:02:00.000-05:00

I know I've talked about change before, but I'm looking at it a little differently these days.

On June 16th, I received a call from my mom. She was crying, sounded scared and all she said was, "Will you come look at me?" I said yes, I'm coming, and I went. Calling my sister, praying the motorcycle cop didn't read my speed and praying for guidance, I got there as quickly as possible. She was pale, shaky, weak and not feeling good. So off to the heart hospital we went.

Within 24 hours, we knew she had 2 blockages in her left ventricle artery. Called the widowmaker, it's nasty juju. So her stay was extended and on June 20th, mom had double bypass surgery. In 1 1/2 hours, they took a vein from her leg and bypassed the bad places in her artery. Her heart is healthy, we are grateful.

But now comes the change. She can't lift, push, pull, extend or reach with her arms. Try it. She has to think about how to put her shirt on, shower, pull up her pants, etc... Change.

Mom has to change the way she eats, cooks, shops, etc... Change.

She can't mow, clean, drive, be independent, etc... Change.

She will feel better, live longer, be healthier, etc... Change.

So change isn't all bad, but it does take thought, effort and commitment. This particular change has created in me a sense of responsibility for my own health. Change is here for me, too.

And it will be good.

peace.

Have you heard of the needs in Cashion?

2011-06-21T11:30:00.000-05:00

**PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE WITH ANYONE INTERESTED IN HELPING**

If you want to help, contact Wendy Hanser.

Two teams are heading to Cashion this Saturday. Please RSVP if you can help. Also, see end of email for prayer needs.

Team One- Cashion Donation Site MOVE

We need lots of hands to help move all the donations to a new location.

Where: Cashion High School

When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Sorting help is still needed prior to Saturday if you are able to help.

Team Two-- Debris Clean-Up

Clean up continues at the home sites on Cottonwood Hills Road. We have just learned of an older gentleman who lives adjacent to this area that has not had any clean up assistance yet. We would love to have enough people to continue helping on the home site from last week and to start on this gentleman's yard.

Where: Crossings Community Church

When: 7 a.m.

Bring gloves, wheelbarrow, small tools, sunscreen, bug spray, water.

Prayer Needs

Many of the families affected by the tornadoes in May have had long-standing struggles with poverty and other related issues long before the tornadoes destroyed their homes. As a core of interested individuals is developing to assist these families, it is clear that building relationships that endure past this disaster will have the most powerful affect upon these families. Please pray for the following needs:

1. The ministry of Krista and Mitch Houston, who are in a community missions role in Cashion and have a vision for long-term ministry there.

2. Brett and Gigi Burk, who are neighbors providing primary emotional support to many of the families.

3. One of the women in the area has just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is not seeking treatment due to a lack of insurance.

4. One recent high school graduate has the opportunity to be the first in her family to attend college but currently does not have a car to commute to classes.

5. One young woman just gave birth to a baby with a double cleft palate. Surgery has been done and the baby has been released from the hospital but the mom has nowhere to go.

6. Financial resources are needed for each family to restore electricity ($700 per hook up)

7. Many families are in need of cars to replaced those destroyed in the storms.

8. Financial resources and equipment are needed to remove the storm debris. This will cost tens of thousands of dollars.

We haven't heard a lot about these needs, but they are needs none-the-less. Please pray and help as you can.

peace.

Sometimes Mondays resemble....

2011-06-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

peace.

Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin'....

2011-06-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

Get Your Tickets Here

I just went to see the Celebrity Attractions production of 9 to 5 last night at the Civic Center Music Hall. I must tell you before I begin my review, I LOVE Dolly Parton. Her music, her spirit, her movies, even her hair!! She is the embodiment of joy to me, she just makes me smile. Anyhoo....

I won tickets on Twitter from Celebrity Attractions and I was thrilled! So I took my good friend, Barb, and we got our Dolly on!

The show is fast moving and so much fun! The sets are amazing, always moving and changing. The three leading ladies, Dee Hoty, Mamie Parris and Diana DeGarmo are wonderful, engaging and provide strong, funny performances throughout the production.

Cast of the National Touring Production of 9 to 5: The Musical. Photo credit: Joan Marcus

If you haven't seen a show recently or even if you have, you should go see this one. Lots of laughs, lots of great music and a terrific cast of talented performers. It'll make you forget you have to work 9 to 5!

peace.

The Trouble with Bees

2011-06-06T12:58:00.000-05:00

So we've probably all heard about the studies done on honey bees. If not, you can google it, there's a lot of info out there.

Anyway....

The trouble with bees is they are mobile. They fly. When their hive gets crowded, they swarm in search of a new home. Like the knot hole of our Maple tree. Yep, we've got bees in our trees. (OK, just one tree but that doesn't rhyme.)

We weren't home when they swarmed, but our neighbor witnessed it. It didn't take them long to inhabit our tree though and now we're stuck. You see, if we could have called a bee keeper when they were swarming, they would have gladly come to get them.

Swarming bees = good bees to capture and relocate.
Happy bees building a hive in a tree = no one wants them.

It's to dangerous, difficult, time-consuming, yadayadayada....to deal with them once they are established. So our options....cut the tree down or kill the bees.

I hate to say it, but bye-bye bees. I love my tree and honestly, if the neighbor behind us weren't so concerned for his son and wife (both highly allergic) we'd let them stay. They are happy bees. They are high enough up in the tree they don't mess with anyone, but the liability of what might happen/could happen means the bees have to go.

Services pending.

peace.

Desks

2011-05-31T09:22:00.000-05:00

A lesson that should be taught in all schools and remembered in life.

Back in September, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School, did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom.

When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks.

'Ms.. Cothren, where're our desks?'

She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.'

They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.'

'No,' she said.

'Maybe it's our behavior.'

She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.'

And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom.

By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.

The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.'

At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it.

Twenty-seven (27) War Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall... By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned..

Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'

By the way, this is a true story.

Never forget.

peace.

Memorial Day

2011-05-29T18:51:00.000-05:00

To all the men and women who have served to protect our country and our freedom, thank you. We remember.

peace.

Wow, What a Week

2011-05-27T13:37:00.000-05:00

This week has been a bad country and western song.

The storms hit Joplin and nothing remains,
The storms hit Oklahoma and lots got hurt,
Friends are divorcing and cheating and dying,
a baby was born and the dog died.

I don't think anyone would actually record this, but it keeps playing in my head.

It's been a heart heavy week. I'm thankful for a 3 day weekend to rest, renew, pray and see the sunshine.
Thanking God his mercies are new every morning, we've needed them now especially.

Help if you can, pray regardless and remember, this week some lives changed forever.

peace.

Creative Time

2011-05-26T10:33:00.000-05:00

I love doing art in a communal setting. I'm a hippie at heart. The energy and encouragement is awesome but the learning and stretching is my favorite. Seeing what ideas others have, how they implement them, and what we can discover together is just the best.

I was a guinea pig last night for a test class for a friend. She's a talented artist and last night I discovered, a great teacher as well. I'll be a guinea pig for her anytime.

We worked in wax collage. Check it out and take her class, you'll have a blast!!

Thanks Sherry!!

peace.

Help a Non-Profit Out

2011-05-19T15:59:00.000-05:00

I've worked for non-profits for years and the one thing they all have in common is needing funds. Whether that be through an individual donor, a corporation or through a fund-raising activity, the work is to ask...plead....beg...whatever.

I once heard a story about an Executive Director who would go to the house of a large donor each year for tea and a donation. At the end of the tea, the donor would throw the check on the floor and watch as the ED bent over to pick it up. He did it every year because he knew what was at stake.

I've been working with Easter Seals of Oklahoma on an event they are having in June. You can learn more about it here. (buy some tickets while you're there :-)

But we need help. We need YOUR help. We need auction items, gift cards, and honestly, butts in seats.
It will be a great party, lots of fun, and for an amazing cause.

Would you consider grabbing some of your friends and spending a night on the town to benefit others?

I thought you would.

Thanks!!!

peace.

P.S. If you would like to donate something, please let me know by leaving a comment. I'll even pick it up!

Blogs I like

2011-05-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

Just because I thought you might enjoy them, too!

Design Crush

Good Grief Girdie

Recyclart

Not Martha

Design for Mankind

So inspiring in different ways...and sometimes, they even give away great stuff!! Check them out.

peace.

Bucket List

2011-05-17T10:49:00.001-05:00

I've been hearing a lot about bucket lists recently. So I think I'm going to start one.

My Bucket List
Go to Nepal and help Rinzi & Nanni Bette (my daughter's in-laws)
Go to Australia.
Go to Hawaii.
Take a cross-country road trip.
Ride with a storm chaser.
Go to NYC and see a Broadway show I love.
Go to Scotland with my husband and buy him a kilt in his family's tartan.
Take my kids and grandkids (someday) to Disney World as a family.
Perform in a musical.
Write a book.
Ride the train to Ft. Worth.

to be continued...

I'm noticing there is a lot of going on my list. I LIKE it!! It's even better when you include friends. :-)

peace.

Flowers!

2011-05-12T15:11:00.000-05:00

I love these! I will be making some soon.

Thanks not martha for the inspiration.

peace.

Some Days....

2011-05-10T11:58:00.002-05:00

Rain by Shel Silverstein

I opened my eyes
And looked up at the rain,
And it dripped in my head
And flowed into my brain,
And all that I hear as I lie in my bed
Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.

I step very softly,
I walk very slow,
I can't do a handstand--
I might overflow,
So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said--
I'm just not the same since there's rain in my head.

peace. :-)

my thoughts today

2011-05-02T15:47:00.002-05:00

I was initially excited to hear the news that Osama bin Laden was dead. He could no longer reign in terror on this earth. He could no longer kill in the name of his god. He could no longer put our service men and women in harm's way.

But on the tail of that thought also came the thought of God's grief for him. Osama lived pursuing a god that would reward him in death if he did all the right things. He did not know God who had already given his Son as a sacrifice for Osama's life. He did not know God who loves us so much that while we were yet sinners, He made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Osama followed all of his god's rules and yet, he is now with his god separated for eternity from the one, true God and his great love.

My heart is glad and my heart is sad.

peace.

Rescued!

2011-04-13T14:19:00.000-05:00

So if you haven't heard our news, we are now the proud family of a rescued pooch named Dexter. We think he's a Chiweenie, he's very sweet and we couldn't be more happy with him.

He was found at a grocery store on a busy street and although he had a flea collar on, he had no other identification. After days on Craig's list, facebook, twitter and other spots, no calls. We know this little guy was someone's pet, he's too good. But no contact...so he's a member of our family now.

It's quite an adjustment going from our first dog, Suki, 100 pound akita to Dexter. He's tiny!! Maybe 5 pounds?

Oh, and he's a boy. An un-neutered boy. And that has provided some consternation and some hilarious laughter! We'll be changing this state for him next Tuesday. Along with shots and a microchip. He's a fast little booger and we don't want to lose him like his first family did.

So all in all, an easy transition. If you want to meet him, I recommend post-surgery...he's a little extra-friendly right now. :-)

peace.

So here is the PSA part of the post...Have your animals spayed/neutered and please, get them microchipped. If you need financial help with these services, go here.

You are You

2011-04-06T14:05:00.000-05:00

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is more Youer than You.
Dr. Seuss

Just thought I'd share.

This, too.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart," says the Lord.
God (Jeremiah 1:5)

You are loved, be you!

peace.

Prayer

2011-04-04T15:14:00.001-05:00

Have you ever prayed a prayer and kind of ducked? You know, the kind of prayers that you're pretty sure, tentatively...that you want God to answer?

I've been praying one recently. And you know what, the more I pray it, the more I really do want God to answer. I'm approaching this new way of living with confidence in His goodness and absolute love for me.

Want to know what I've been praying?

Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!

I love Psalm 139. I have often put my name in there like God was speaking directly to me. Which he is...and to you. Let this wash over you today.

139:1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

9 If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,

and the light about me be night,”

12 even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

13 For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

I awake, and I am still with you.

19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!

O men of blood, depart from me!

20 They speak against you with malicious intent;

your enemies take your name in vain!

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?

And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

22 I hate them with complete hatred;

I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!

peace.

Listen

2011-03-30T12:18:00.000-05:00

Anything can be. I want to live believing this is true.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26

peace.

Managing Change

2011-03-29T13:17:00.000-05:00

I actually enjoy change. I know weird, right? I don't like being stuck in rut. From my furniture to my hair color (of course, it's natural!!) change is good.

I think that is why I enjoy managing projects so much. You dream, create, start, work on it and finish it. Then you get to do something else. It's a lot like art and you know how I feel about art. :-)

So if your cheese hasn't moved lately, move it!! Throw those tennis shoes around your neck and look forward. You'll enjoy it, I promise. (and if you have no idea what I'm talking about, click here. I have the book, you can borrow it.)

peace.

ART

2011-03-28T12:13:00.000-05:00

This weekend we ripped out carpet, tack strips and carpet pad. We bought tile, grout, thinset, and 2 new toilets. Next weekend, down comes the wainscoting and up goes texture and paint. The next weekend, down goes the tile and new toilets.

What does any of this have to do with art?

Absolutely nothing and everything!! It won't hang on my wall or grace a gallery, but I absolutely love the process of color and texture and choice involved with changing things in my house.

I'll get some pictures and share. I promise. Thanks to good friends, the labor will be free! Allowed for the cost of the travertine...I love travertine.

Anyway, once this round of house happenings is done, I'm looking forward to some studio time...and family time...and a Passover Seder or two...

Life is good, I am blessed.

peace.

Praying for Japan

2011-03-11T11:16:00.000-06:00

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots 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 of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

peace.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2011-03-02T13:27:00.000-06:00

In his honor, here are few of my favorite quotes.

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells."

peace.

Peace

2011-03-01T14:47:00.000-06:00

I end every post with this word, peace. I saw this post today and just couldn't resist.

peace.

A New Journey

2011-02-28T15:26:00.000-06:00

God has had me on quite a journey recently. A new friend shared this with me and I love the picture it puts in my head. I hope you enjoy.

This is what I see, isn't she cute? Found her here.

Toddler Princess
by Catherine Mosier

I am your toddler princess
running to your court
with abandon and assurance
that you love me with all your heart.
You stretch your arms to catch me
swing me ‘round with great delight.
We gaze at one another,
in wonder at our mutual sight.

I am your toddler princess.
We laugh in fields of green.
You watch over me protectively
and murmur healing to wounds unseen.
You place me on your shoulders,
and I exult in my new height.
If I run too far You catch me
And my squirming hand is held tight.

I am your toddler princess,
dancing before you in new clothes
that your purchased at great peril
but gave to me for my repose.
With great joy I recompense you
with kisses and with love
that you receive as though I
brought you the stars from up above.

I am your toddler princess.
You teach me of your secret ways
walking through majestic gardens
in the early morning haze.
You show me hidden pathways
and the beautiful displays
of bird songs and of perfumes
the whole world brings my Daddy praise.

I am your toddler princess.
Someday I will wear a crown.
This curly head will rule with you
in queenly wise renown.
You sing to me sweet lullabies
of blessing and destiny
and tuck me into knowing that
my Daddy is King of kings.

peace.

Today

2011-02-16T21:23:00.000-06:00

Today is my husband's 50th birthday.

50!!

How did this happen? How am I married to a 50 year old?

I remember:

~getting married really young
~having a beautiful baby girl
~watching her grow for a couple of years
~having another beautiful baby girl
~watching them both grow up
~go to school
~graduate
~move out
~first baby girl got married
~second baby girl will all too soon

Oh yeah, now I remember...while they were growing up, we did too. And I've enjoyed every minute of it.

Thank you God for our beautiful life together, I can't wait to see the next 50!!

Happy Birthday Jim!

peace.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T13:53:00.000-06:00

Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 4:8
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Pretty much says it all. Happy Valentine's Day! You are loved.

peace.

Getting Juicy

2011-02-07T10:34:00.000-06:00

So I've begun a new project for someone very dear to me. I am taking pictures, but since it's a gift, I won't post them until next week. I know this is a teaser, but I'm excited to be working on a creative project again and I couldn't wait to tell you.

Here's what I can say:

Thank you Dwayne for the source.
Thank you Andrea for the list.
Thank you God for the creativity. (and maybe the snow day to get some extended work done)
Thank you Hobby Lobby for everything else.

peace.

Sneak Peek...kind of, sort of...

Happy Days are here again!

2011-01-31T09:44:00.000-06:00

I have so much to be grateful for every day.

I woke up.
I'm breathing.
I'm seeing, hearing, feeling and smelling (with my nose!)
I have a great family, great friends, awesome church...and so much more.

So here's my focus:

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

peace.

Math Problems

2011-01-27T15:27:00.000-06:00

So I've decided that if 30% is what is required of my 100% capability, then I'll give 100% to that 30% and everyone will be happy. Right?

So I have 70% to save right now. Investing in the future. Filling that glass back up to the top!

peace.

My glass is temporarily empty

2011-01-19T13:09:00.000-06:00

I've found recently that I've had a shortage of ideas. Creative, practical, artistic, fun. It's just been a dry time.

I did a lot of creating before Christmas but I've done nothing since then. Professionally, I took a hard hit in December. My work content, quality and quantity were placed in significant question by my boss. I think it rocked me more than I initially felt. Needless to say, my introspection has been deep. Was his criticism founded? How? Why?

I look back over last year and I see a great deal accomplished. 4 of 5 major projects completed. The 5th was not because it was taken off the table. These projects were on top of my daily work. So how could I be so lacking?

I'm still not sure to be very honest. I have not received any more direction or clarification so the details are out of my reach. I hope this will change, but it is not in my hands.

I guess that is where my hope comes from. It is not in my hands. Being defensive or hurt only impedes me. Although I have found my confidence shaken, my true creativity bruised, I will not let this momentary trouble steal my joy. I will not stop being and start doing because of one man's opinion. I will not build a defense inside my head or heart. I will seek the Lord, I will listen with my whole heart. I will humble myself in his sight and he will lift me up.

I will pray.

Please pray with me. This has been a difficult journey and it's not over. But I am sure of this, "He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it." Phillipians 1:6

I have hope that one day soon, my creative cup will once again over-flow. Until then, I'm drinking lots of water.

peace.

Change is in the air

2011-01-14T13:36:00.000-06:00

Last night I fought a mental battle and won. I came home tired, it was cold and all I really wanted to do was be lazy. TV, couch, jammies....ya know.

But I had promised Adrian we would clean out the pantry and go to the gym. She had pulled everything out before I got home.

Here is my internal battle. I was tired, I shouldn't have to do this. I was feeling lazy, I work hard so I deserve my lazy. I hate wearing a bra, sorry...TMI. :-)

But I had promised.

So we cleaned out the pantry. And the spice cabinet. And I sat down. Done, right? Nope. I had also promised to go to the gym remember?

So internal battle begins again. I don't want to, I'm tired, I'm fat, I'm out of shape, what will people think, blah, blah, blah....

But I had promised.

So we made a grocery list, went to the gym, went to the grocery store, read every label, bought only healthy food. And I came home still tired, but feeling like I could beat this thing.

I can be healthy, I can be in better shape, I can be more energized and last night, I proved it to myself. The biggest hurdle of all.

God help me, I will win this battle. I will not be the same when I look back from next year's perch. Today, I will eat healthy and I will move.

Thank you God.

peace.

Something I've Noticed

2011-01-13T15:14:00.000-06:00

I saw a 3 year old yell at his mother, "SHUT UP". Mom's response, "Your dad will be home soon and I'll tell him how you've behaved. You don't want that do you?" To which he screamed "NO!!" but not in a fearful way, in a you-better-not way. I saw the same boy hit his mom with a toy bat and run away laughing. I saw him throw things, jump on the couch, scream and yell whenever he felt like it, endanger his younger sister because he was completely out of control. And his mom just shook her head saying "I just can't do anything with him" and continue to eat her dinner.

REALLY???

Call me old fashioned, antiquated, whatever...but I've noticed something. It seems that many parents today are afraid of discipline. Narcissists who are too self-involved or who are afraid that the boundaries they would put up for their children might damage their self-esteem, their sense of self-worth, their aura...

It won't. I promise.

Kids were never meant to raise themselves. They are brought into this world with parents, people that love them like no other and who have, hopefully, lived longer and grown wiser than their 3 year old.

Kids feel safe in boundaries. As they live within them, they have peace and gain the right to be trusted when the boundaries increase. Growing up with a safety net is what a parent is supposed to provide. There are no such things as healthy, free-range children. Fences are good. As your child grows and matures, so does his "range".

One day, the gate will open, the world ahead will open and your child will navigate it well. Self-assured, valued, loved and confident that his tool belt is full of the tools necessary to be a successful adult.

At that point, you can let go. But not until, you've got a job to do.

And it is a job. It requires commitment, structure and a willingness to sacrifice for the good of your child. If it's nap time, don't drag your kid shopping. If it's dinnertime, feed them. If you don't know what time it is, make a schedule and stick to it. Put their needs ahead of yours but not all their wants. Not everything is instant or immediate. Nor should it be. Is it for you?

We live in a narcissistic society, but that is not a kid-friendly place. Raising kids is like almost everything else, you get out of it what you put into it.

If you have questions, watch Super Nanny. Or ask a parent of older children you admire or a mentor. Help is out there, please ask!

peace.

(I have great compassion for parents who have done their absolute best and still have children who make difficult, painful choices. My heart breaks for you. Please read no condemnation in this post, that is not the intent. My intent is to challenge, encourage, and simply share my observations and advice.)

New Year

2011-01-04T15:29:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year...or at least I hope it will be. I hope for a full, blessed, wonderful year for you. But I know regardless of what comes, God is with you. He loves you.

I'm counting on it, too. So 2011, here I come. May even put my bells on.

peace.

Rethinking my Nativity

2010-12-23T12:58:00.001-06:00

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!

2010-12-21T10:49:00.007-06:00

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

2010-12-16T13:18:00.001-06:00

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

2010-12-15T15:44:00.001-06:00

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.

^31:26She 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.

^18:21Death 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

2010-12-14T13:44:00.000-06:00

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

2010-12-13T09:38:00.000-06:00

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

2010-12-07T15:51:00.000-06:00

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

2010-12-06T12:47:00.000-06:00

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

2010-11-30T13:49:00.003-06:00

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

2010-11-29T14:24:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-11-23T15:23:00.000-06:00

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

2010-11-19T11:47:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-11-17T14:08:00.000-06:00

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!!

2010-11-12T09:21:00.001-06:00

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

peace.

Transmedia Storyteller

2010-11-11T08:44:00.004-06:00

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

2010-11-08T15:08:00.000-06:00

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

2010-11-05T10:22:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-10-27T14:56:00.001-05:00

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

2010-10-25T09:00:00.072-05:00

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?

2010-10-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-19T09:58:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-12T19:33:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-10-06T11:45:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-01T16:04:00.000-05:00

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.

2010-09-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-21T11:48:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-15T10:57:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-14T11:51:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-10T09:07:00.000-05:00

{image source}

peace.

The Sands of Time

2010-09-08T10:49:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-09-07T09:37:00.001-05:00

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.

2010-09-01T09:31:00.002-05:00

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

2010-08-30T10:42:00.000-05:00

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.

Virgin Territory

2010-08-27T12:42:00.000-05:00

This has been a week of firsts.

I went back to school clothes shopping for a couple of little BOYS! I'd never done that before. Are dinosaurs in? Does everything have to do with sports of some kind? Is it important to match?

I would hate to think the clothes I purchased are the reason for some little kid (whom I never met BTW) getting beat up on the playground or jumped into a gang at the age of 5. So I tried to stay very neutral, no big logos, no big artwork...OK, there's the one with the cool dinosaur and camo shorts but other than that....and hey, does sleeveless make you a dork? I also had to buy boy drawers and socks. Sorry boys, but tighty whities is all I could muster.

The other thing this week brings is my daughter's first wedding shower. MY DAUGHTER's first wedding shower. I'm so happy for her, but somewhere inside I'm still 20 something and this just can't be possible. Maybe that's just the way life goes.

My body grows older, but my mind aged to the point that it was done. Maturity, wisdom, grace...all these good and beautiful gifts of age continue to grow, but my self-perception, the way I think, well....not so much.

I kind of like it. I kind of like the feeling of youth in my head and yet the wisdom of getting older also residing there. I don't sweat the small stuff anymore, I definitely like that. Well, ok, except for this. But that's different.

I guess that is the beauty of age. The recognition that it happens, the ability to live beyond it. Pretty cool.

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD."
Psalm 25:4-7

peace.

Shopping

2010-08-25T12:57:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I've ever confessed this here, but shopping stresses me out. Well, not exactly all shopping. Specifically, clothes shopping for myself.

I hate it.

It is a guaranteed moment of heart-pounding discomfort accompanied by the very obvious sweating. Very obvious, why you ask?

Well, I was gifted with the ability to only sweat from the neck up. That's right. Red face, dripping brow, soaked hair. It's lovely. Oh, but dry armpits. No stink. Great.

So picture the moment. Arms full of potential clothes, sales person in hot pursuit, asking too many questions. Awkward, sweating, red woman. Got it? Yeah, that's me. It's also the reason I do 90% of my personal shopping online.

But here's the deal. My daughter is getting married and I need a dress. I've looked online and loved several things. But this is not my usual fare and I'm going to have to go try it on. Which means I'm going to have to go shopping. My friend Barb has offered to go with me. I'm going to take her up on it. She has no idea what's she's in for. (well, she does now cause I'm pretty sure she reads my blog. So I'll just say "Sorry Barb, but you volunteered!" now and get it over with)

So if you happen to be in the store when I'm shopping, pay no attention to the red, wet-headed woman behind the curtain. She'll be fine once she's out of the store. I promise.

peace.

vintage is another word for my childhood

2010-08-24T09:40:00.001-05:00

Or at least it seems that way some days. I love this blog from Kelly, a friend of mine who is uber-creative and has fabulous, eclectic taste.

Anyway, back to vintage...she asked the other day what the first poster I ever owned was...and it got me to thinking. I didn't really decorate as a kid, no money, no parental interest, so yeah. But as a budding teen, I discovered Tiger Beat and baby, it was on!!

So I confessed to her and now to you THIS was the first poster I ever owned.

He's done himself no favors in adulthood, but he was dreamy and cute in his teen years. (by the way, it's Leif Garrett) The poster is now labeled vintage, as I guess, am I. :::sigh:::

peace.

It's the simple things

2010-08-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

There is a lot to be said for the enjoyment of simple things. A clean house, a lawn that's freshly mowed, spring flowers in a mason jar, playing cards with friends or a favorite candle burning.

Life is so busy that I often forget to pause and enjoy.

I want to make the time to take time. I know, sounds redundant, but think about it. If I actually scheduled my down time instead of letting it be stolen by whatever, I might find everything else a little more peaceful, tolerable.

So I'm going to do just this. My art room is clean, I will go make art. And I'll be doing that from 5-7 this evening. Leave a message, I'll get back to you. :-)

peace.

It's been awhile...

2010-07-30T14:11:00.000-05:00

But the last month has been crazy...crazy good!

We're planning my older daughter's wedding and it is so fun. Proposal was on June 12, wedding is October 10. Doesn't sound like a lot of time, but God has been very good to help us all along the way.

We have the venue, the dress*, the photographer, the invitations, the flowers and the people. All the big rocks are in!

It is so wonderful to celebrate love. Renews in me the sense of being a bride. Hopeful, excited, anticipatory, loved.

For as a young man marries a young woman,so shall your sons marry you,and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,so shall your God rejoice over you.

Isaiah 62:5

peace.

*did you really think I'd show you THE dress? :-)

body troubles

2010-07-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

One day I awoke after a fitful night's sleep. One eye opened the other refused. "I'm not awake yet, don't bug me", it said. Stretching my arms, I found one wanted to go one way and the other one the same way. "Why do I always have to be the left arm, I'm tired of the view. I'm going to the right today, deal with it."

So with both arms on one side and one eye closed, I sat up. Throwing my legs over the side of the bed, I stood up and quickly sat down. "We tired of supporting all of you other body parts, we're taking the day off," they said. "Get yourselves around without us."

As I now struggled to the closet to dress for the day, I wondered to myself what was going on? How had the parts of my body ceased to work together? How had they forgotten their common purpose and goal? Where had they gotten so separated from each other, that none of them worked well on their own?

Then I really woke up, realizing that God must ask himself the same thing every day. And although He knows the answer, we've obviously forgotten it.

Romans 12

¹ I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.² Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ³For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. ⁴For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, ⁵so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ⁶ Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; ⁷if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;⁸the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. ⁹ Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. ¹⁰ Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹² Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ¹³ Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." ²⁰To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Corinthians 12

¹²For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
¹⁴For the body does not consist of one member but of many. ¹⁵If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁶And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁷If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? ¹⁸But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. ¹⁹If all were a single member, where would the body be? ²⁰As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
²¹The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." ²²On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty,²⁴which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, ²⁵that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. ²⁶If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Can we get back to being the body of Christ? Working in unison and grace for our Father's purpose? Can we let go of the colors of the carpet, what kind of music we sing, special recognition for financial generosity and all the other things that have bogged down doing the work of the Kingdom?

Will we?

peace.