At approximately 12:30am on June 12, my nurse called my doctor, threatened him with something, and about 1:00am he walked in my room.
Without checking me, talking to me, or much of anything he found out from the nurse how long I had been in labor, how long my water had been broken, what the xray showed, how long I'd been pushing...then he looked at me and said, "we can keep trying or you can have a c-section, we're in kind of an emergency situation at this point due to infection, but it's your choice." And waited for my answer. After 31 hours of labor, very little sleep, 2 hours of pushing, etc...I looked at Jim, he nodded, I shook my head yes and...
All HELL broke loose! Jim was whisked out of the room, I was prepped for a saddle block, they started the c-section, Jim was escorted back in, and our little girl was born. 9lbs 9oz, 21.5 inches of the most beautiful baby girl I had ever seen.
Was it all worth it! 25 years later I'd do it all again to know Andrea Nicole. She is one of the most amazing young women I know and I couldn't be more proud to call her my daughter.
Happy 25th birthday Andrea!!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
25 years ago and here we go...?
It's now Monday, June 11th and although I've been in labor all night, consistently, nothing seems to be really happening. None of the "you're gonna have a baby soon" things. I won't go into detail. You're welcome.
My doctor has still not come to the hospital (side note: ALWAYS interview your doctors and if you don't like them, find one you do!), started the Oxytocin drip and that was very effective in switching all my labor to my back. I don't know how that works, only that it is painful, gross, no fun at all!!!
Seem to be progressing slightly, nurse decides to break my water, and gets a bath. Once again, no details, but trust me to tell you she was as surprised as I was, who knew?
And we wait.....by late in the evening on the 11th, around 9ish, I'm taken down for Xrays. It is discovered that baby is face up and that is what is stalling my progression. So we move to the delivery room and I'm told to grab my ankles (don't even get me started on how stupid that was!) and push. With every contraction, every 1.5 minute contraction, are you kiddin me!! She wasn't. So I do.
For 2 hours, no doctor, no help, no drugs...Nurse walking by every once in a while to check, commenting on stuff, blah blah blah...
And we continue....
peace.
My doctor has still not come to the hospital (side note: ALWAYS interview your doctors and if you don't like them, find one you do!), started the Oxytocin drip and that was very effective in switching all my labor to my back. I don't know how that works, only that it is painful, gross, no fun at all!!!
Seem to be progressing slightly, nurse decides to break my water, and gets a bath. Once again, no details, but trust me to tell you she was as surprised as I was, who knew?
And we wait.....by late in the evening on the 11th, around 9ish, I'm taken down for Xrays. It is discovered that baby is face up and that is what is stalling my progression. So we move to the delivery room and I'm told to grab my ankles (don't even get me started on how stupid that was!) and push. With every contraction, every 1.5 minute contraction, are you kiddin me!! She wasn't. So I do.
For 2 hours, no doctor, no help, no drugs...Nurse walking by every once in a while to check, commenting on stuff, blah blah blah...
And we continue....
peace.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
25 years ago continued...
So Sunday June 10th dawns...
In-laws go to church with us, we go out for lunch, and they leave.
Church starts again at 6:00pm, and we good Nazarenes (at the time) heed the call. I don't remember much about the service other than about 15 minutes in, I start feeling some cramping. Not too bad at first, and then gone. And then back, then gone, then back...you get the picture. After a while, so did I. I was in labor. So during the sermon, I take Jim's watch and start timing the comings and goings. 8 minutes, 7 minutes, 10 minutes, 6 minutes, 6 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes, 5, 5...church is over. "Where we going for dinner?" several of our friends start asking. I suggested the hospital. And all hell broke loose!! sorry, all he!! broke loose, I was in church for goodness sake. :-)
Anyway, me and my now quite sizeable posse head for Deaconess hospital. We get there, I walk into labor and delivery to the sound of a woman screaming at her husband, "you *&&%^$(*&_&&^*^%^)&**$%^@@!@#!, you did this to me, you *^&^%^&%$%^(*(&)^%&*%^! I hate you, you are NEVER touching me AGAIN, just get IT OUT!!!" -- I turned white, looked at Jim, and asked if we could leave, it would be ok, I wouldn't cuss at him, I could wait....contraction, contraction, contraction. Maybe not.
We settled in finally, we called the family and the wait began...but I was contracting at 5 minutes apart regularly, I was a week overdue, I was young & healthy,so this shouldn't take too long, right?
To be continued....
peace.
In-laws go to church with us, we go out for lunch, and they leave.
Church starts again at 6:00pm, and we good Nazarenes (at the time) heed the call. I don't remember much about the service other than about 15 minutes in, I start feeling some cramping. Not too bad at first, and then gone. And then back, then gone, then back...you get the picture. After a while, so did I. I was in labor. So during the sermon, I take Jim's watch and start timing the comings and goings. 8 minutes, 7 minutes, 10 minutes, 6 minutes, 6 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes, 5, 5...church is over. "Where we going for dinner?" several of our friends start asking. I suggested the hospital. And all hell broke loose!! sorry, all he!! broke loose, I was in church for goodness sake. :-)
Anyway, me and my now quite sizeable posse head for Deaconess hospital. We get there, I walk into labor and delivery to the sound of a woman screaming at her husband, "you *&&%^$(*&_&&^*^%^)&**$%^@@!@#!, you did this to me, you *^&^%^&%$%^(*(&)^%&*%^! I hate you, you are NEVER touching me AGAIN, just get IT OUT!!!" -- I turned white, looked at Jim, and asked if we could leave, it would be ok, I wouldn't cuss at him, I could wait....contraction, contraction, contraction. Maybe not.
We settled in finally, we called the family and the wait began...but I was contracting at 5 minutes apart regularly, I was a week overdue, I was young & healthy,so this shouldn't take too long, right?
To be continued....
peace.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
25 years ago
I was awaiting the birth of my first child. We didn't know if it was a girl or boy. We did know we weren't ready, scared to death, really excited, and feeling very blessed.
The baby was 6 days past my due date. It was Saturday. My in-laws surprised us with a visit, the first since our marriage. My father-in-law wanted to show us where he was working while he was in town (he traveled a lot) and took us to the tire plant. 3 square miles of concrete. We walked. Oh boy. Back-ache and swollen feet don't even begin to touch what I was feeling. 2 hours later (!), we went home, ate some dinner and I did my best sleeping impersonation.
The next day I really didn't want to go to church and hear "You haven't had that baby yet? You're huge!!" one more time. But habit and duty prevailed and I waddled on. We enjoyed lunch with the in-laws and my sweet mom-in-law hugged me, said "I just know you'll go into labor the minute I leave", and left. I had no idea what the rest of Sunday would bring...
To be continued...
peace.
The baby was 6 days past my due date. It was Saturday. My in-laws surprised us with a visit, the first since our marriage. My father-in-law wanted to show us where he was working while he was in town (he traveled a lot) and took us to the tire plant. 3 square miles of concrete. We walked. Oh boy. Back-ache and swollen feet don't even begin to touch what I was feeling. 2 hours later (!), we went home, ate some dinner and I did my best sleeping impersonation.
The next day I really didn't want to go to church and hear "You haven't had that baby yet? You're huge!!" one more time. But habit and duty prevailed and I waddled on. We enjoyed lunch with the in-laws and my sweet mom-in-law hugged me, said "I just know you'll go into labor the minute I leave", and left. I had no idea what the rest of Sunday would bring...
To be continued...
peace.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Are You a Person of Pity or Pardon?
This came to me through an e-bulletin my husband receives. It spoke volumes to me.
Written By: Pam Kanaly
Last weekend I had the opportunity to revisit the reason why God took me through the “School of Forgiveness” from 1986-1993. I spoke at a conference and addressed how mistreatment carries with it the potential fertilization of deadly triplets: resentment, unforgiveness, and bitterness. I was reminded afresh how difficult it is to let someone or something “off the hook” when we have been unjustly wronged! Proverbs 18:19 reveals the power of an insult, “An offended brother is harder to win than a strong city.” I can only say Amen to that! When I’ve been affronted, my initial response might resound: “Stay out of my way, mister!” As a fellow human being, many of you understand the veracity in which I speak!
Though God understands why we are offended, He still commands us to move toward a direction where He can enable us through a process to Let Go and Let Him complete a greater work in spite of the injustice. What possible reason would God have in making us “People of Pardon” concerning the new way we must “do life?” And what happens when we fail to courteously indulge His instructions by choosing pity over pardon?
When pardon lacks, spiritual malnourishment flourishes. We become spiritually anemic and frustrate God’s divine influence in us. The longer we nurse the chip on our shoulder, the more accessible we become to Satan’s lies. Our enemy attacks through unresolved woundedness. Hebrews 12:15 cautions – “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up.”
When pardon lacks, self pity abounds. Subtle independence from God germinates with the mindset, “I didn’t deserve this!” We falsely believe that God promised a life without unwarranted loss. Look at the degree of unfairness Jesus addressed. We are made in Christ’s image. If Jesus had a nature that suffered, then so would we. Philippians 1:29 retorts - There is far more to this life than trusting Him. There’s also suffering for Him.
When pardon lacks, relationships languish. In the process, people around us absorb the overspill of our infection. We think we can hide the offense, grin and bear it, but our choice to remain attached to the wrongdoing infests those we love. Hebrews 12:15 reproves - Bitterness defiles others. The Greek word for defile means to pollute, to trample upon.
So how can we move toward becoming a person of pardon? I’ve discovered the secret: Focus on what’s left and not what’s lost.
Pam Kanaly is President and co-founder of Arise Ministries, a ministry focused on single moms, a public speaker, and author of "Will the Real Me Please Stand Up." Book available at your local bookstores; 10 week Bible Study and DVD's available through www.ariseministries.net- September 2009.
Forgiveness is a CHOICE; you do not need to wait
until you feel like forgiving or until they ask.
You have the infection or poison in you, and you are waiting for them to get sick.
Choose pardon now!
Written By: Pam Kanaly
Last weekend I had the opportunity to revisit the reason why God took me through the “School of Forgiveness” from 1986-1993. I spoke at a conference and addressed how mistreatment carries with it the potential fertilization of deadly triplets: resentment, unforgiveness, and bitterness. I was reminded afresh how difficult it is to let someone or something “off the hook” when we have been unjustly wronged! Proverbs 18:19 reveals the power of an insult, “An offended brother is harder to win than a strong city.” I can only say Amen to that! When I’ve been affronted, my initial response might resound: “Stay out of my way, mister!” As a fellow human being, many of you understand the veracity in which I speak!
Though God understands why we are offended, He still commands us to move toward a direction where He can enable us through a process to Let Go and Let Him complete a greater work in spite of the injustice. What possible reason would God have in making us “People of Pardon” concerning the new way we must “do life?” And what happens when we fail to courteously indulge His instructions by choosing pity over pardon?
When pardon lacks, spiritual malnourishment flourishes. We become spiritually anemic and frustrate God’s divine influence in us. The longer we nurse the chip on our shoulder, the more accessible we become to Satan’s lies. Our enemy attacks through unresolved woundedness. Hebrews 12:15 cautions – “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up.”
When pardon lacks, self pity abounds. Subtle independence from God germinates with the mindset, “I didn’t deserve this!” We falsely believe that God promised a life without unwarranted loss. Look at the degree of unfairness Jesus addressed. We are made in Christ’s image. If Jesus had a nature that suffered, then so would we. Philippians 1:29 retorts - There is far more to this life than trusting Him. There’s also suffering for Him.
When pardon lacks, relationships languish. In the process, people around us absorb the overspill of our infection. We think we can hide the offense, grin and bear it, but our choice to remain attached to the wrongdoing infests those we love. Hebrews 12:15 reproves - Bitterness defiles others. The Greek word for defile means to pollute, to trample upon.
So how can we move toward becoming a person of pardon? I’ve discovered the secret: Focus on what’s left and not what’s lost.
Pam Kanaly is President and co-founder of Arise Ministries, a ministry focused on single moms, a public speaker, and author of "Will the Real Me Please Stand Up." Book available at your local bookstores; 10 week Bible Study and DVD's available through www.ariseministries.net- September 2009.
Forgiveness is a CHOICE; you do not need to wait
until you feel like forgiving or until they ask.
You have the infection or poison in you, and you are waiting for them to get sick.
Choose pardon now!
Friday, May 29, 2009
too much stuff or...
have you swept your mud floor recently?
I couldn't decide which title to use for this post. Both are appropriate and revealing. For you see, we need to clean out our garage because it's full of stuff. Our stuff, other people's stuff, just stuff. And then, honestly, we could start on the house. Nooks and crannies stuffed. We don't live extravagantly, but we've lived long enough to inherit other people's stuff and collect some of our own. Keeping little bits along the way, for long periods of time equals lots of stuff.
Anyway, back to the mud floor. I am so blessed. Even in what I might consider lack or less than, I have so much, have been given so much, take so much for granted. I haven't swept my mud floor lately. I have tile and carpet in my comfortable home with electricity, running water, appliances, doors, windows, fences, and many other conveniences. I have not 1, but 3 bathrooms. Washer and dryer, dishwasher, stove-top, oven and a grill. 8 sinks with running water and 4 outside faucets. Air conditioning and heat. wow.
So I will go through, give away, throw away, sort and pass on to those in need all my excess stuff. Gratefully and gladly recognizing that so many have so little and they are all around me.
peace.
I couldn't decide which title to use for this post. Both are appropriate and revealing. For you see, we need to clean out our garage because it's full of stuff. Our stuff, other people's stuff, just stuff. And then, honestly, we could start on the house. Nooks and crannies stuffed. We don't live extravagantly, but we've lived long enough to inherit other people's stuff and collect some of our own. Keeping little bits along the way, for long periods of time equals lots of stuff.
Anyway, back to the mud floor. I am so blessed. Even in what I might consider lack or less than, I have so much, have been given so much, take so much for granted. I haven't swept my mud floor lately. I have tile and carpet in my comfortable home with electricity, running water, appliances, doors, windows, fences, and many other conveniences. I have not 1, but 3 bathrooms. Washer and dryer, dishwasher, stove-top, oven and a grill. 8 sinks with running water and 4 outside faucets. Air conditioning and heat. wow.
So I will go through, give away, throw away, sort and pass on to those in need all my excess stuff. Gratefully and gladly recognizing that so many have so little and they are all around me.
peace.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Jon and Kate plus 8 minus 2 = X
I'm not into reality shows. I've watched several, followed 1 or 2, sampled others. But overall, don't really like them. I'm too suspicious to believe the "reality" part.
I have seen Jon and Kate plus 8 on occassion, especially when the little ones were babies. They were so cute and watching the family expand and cope kept my attention on occassion.
I happened upon the season opener this year and I cried. Literally, it broke my heart that these parents have lost sight of themselves. They've forgotten it isn't all about the kids. Families are built on the foundation of a marriage. Foundations need care and upkeep. Regardless of the number and configuration of children.
I hope they will humble themselves, return to their foundation, seek help and do what it takes to stay married and a family. Selfishness has no place there, grudges have no place there, scorecards have no place there.
Jon and Kate, I would say to you that you were once 1 + 1 = 2. Start there. Or better yet, remember that a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken. God has a plan. Be still and know He is God.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2
God's blessings to you both as you navigate this river of forgiveness and change, keep passing through.
peace.
I have seen Jon and Kate plus 8 on occassion, especially when the little ones were babies. They were so cute and watching the family expand and cope kept my attention on occassion.
I happened upon the season opener this year and I cried. Literally, it broke my heart that these parents have lost sight of themselves. They've forgotten it isn't all about the kids. Families are built on the foundation of a marriage. Foundations need care and upkeep. Regardless of the number and configuration of children.
I hope they will humble themselves, return to their foundation, seek help and do what it takes to stay married and a family. Selfishness has no place there, grudges have no place there, scorecards have no place there.
Jon and Kate, I would say to you that you were once 1 + 1 = 2. Start there. Or better yet, remember that a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken. God has a plan. Be still and know He is God.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2
God's blessings to you both as you navigate this river of forgiveness and change, keep passing through.
peace.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
dreams
I've never been much of a dreamer. Once I'm asleep, my mind rests most of the time. So when I have a dream, it has impact.
Not too long ago, I had a dream where I was sitting in the hall of a hospital and a very pregnant lady walked past me and asked me to come with her.
The next moment, we're in a delivery room, me on one side of the bed, doc on the other, pregnant lady on the bed between us. The doc is doing an ultrasound and the pregnant lady looks at me, I recognize her, and she says "The doctor tells me my baby is dead, my son is dead." I say to her "well, we better pray".
I woke up praying for this lady I know in real life that I recognized in my dream. Praying for the health of her baby, her impending delivery, God's protection over the coming birth. This was Sunday, January 18.
January 19, she went into labor and delivered a perfectly healthy baby boy. Here he is.
I don't know why I had the dream, why God wanted me to pray, but I'm glad He did. Are there times when God is presenting opportunities to you, you don't understand and sometimes you say yes and sometimes no? Me too.
But I'm hoping He uses me more. I love to pray, to talk to the Creator of everything I know. To rest in His unchanging faithfulness and love. How can I pray for you?
peace.
thanks, Jen, for the inspiration.
Not too long ago, I had a dream where I was sitting in the hall of a hospital and a very pregnant lady walked past me and asked me to come with her.
The next moment, we're in a delivery room, me on one side of the bed, doc on the other, pregnant lady on the bed between us. The doc is doing an ultrasound and the pregnant lady looks at me, I recognize her, and she says "The doctor tells me my baby is dead, my son is dead." I say to her "well, we better pray".
I woke up praying for this lady I know in real life that I recognized in my dream. Praying for the health of her baby, her impending delivery, God's protection over the coming birth. This was Sunday, January 18.
January 19, she went into labor and delivered a perfectly healthy baby boy. Here he is.
I don't know why I had the dream, why God wanted me to pray, but I'm glad He did. Are there times when God is presenting opportunities to you, you don't understand and sometimes you say yes and sometimes no? Me too.
But I'm hoping He uses me more. I love to pray, to talk to the Creator of everything I know. To rest in His unchanging faithfulness and love. How can I pray for you?
peace.
thanks, Jen, for the inspiration.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
pondering...
Do I ever really want an empty nest?
I have found the greatest joys in life come from the relationships I have invested in with those I love, know, meet or have acquaintance.
I love being a wife and mom. Being an aunt is great. I look forward to being a mom-in-law and nana.
Our younger daughter moved out this weekend. The house is quiet. It's not that I mind the quiet and having time to myself and with my hubbie. I love to read and spending time in my artspace. I love a clean house. I love low maintenance.
But I miss the activity of life and people. Maybe that's why we have invited a young friend to live with us for several months as he completes school. He is on his own in many ways, finishing college to become a special ed teacher. Next semester is student teaching, finishing classes and work isn't fitting in very well. His desire is no debt, ours is too. I'm looking forward to helping him out. I'm looking forward to the activity returning.
Not that life isn't busy enough, it is. I'm really blessed we can make this offer. Maybe more than he is. Time will tell.
peace.
I have found the greatest joys in life come from the relationships I have invested in with those I love, know, meet or have acquaintance.
I love being a wife and mom. Being an aunt is great. I look forward to being a mom-in-law and nana.
Our younger daughter moved out this weekend. The house is quiet. It's not that I mind the quiet and having time to myself and with my hubbie. I love to read and spending time in my artspace. I love a clean house. I love low maintenance.
But I miss the activity of life and people. Maybe that's why we have invited a young friend to live with us for several months as he completes school. He is on his own in many ways, finishing college to become a special ed teacher. Next semester is student teaching, finishing classes and work isn't fitting in very well. His desire is no debt, ours is too. I'm looking forward to helping him out. I'm looking forward to the activity returning.
Not that life isn't busy enough, it is. I'm really blessed we can make this offer. Maybe more than he is. Time will tell.
peace.
Monday, May 18, 2009
what a month!
I can't believe it's been over a month, "time flies" doesn't even begin to touch it.
Anyway, I've more fully explored the community of Twitter this month. Attended a tweet-up for moms and met some excellent, in-touch women with lives like mine. Most of their lives include small children still and all I can say is wow! I can't imagine living at this pace and still being a mom to small kiddos. I was blessed to be with my kids without working when they were small. Not sure I would have been very good at being the everything mom. Kudos ladies!!
It is always interesting to me to observe the power of social media. "Knowing" people I've never actually met in real life. Having commonalities and conversations with a wide range of people while sitting in my office or holding my phone. Quite odd really.
I've also seen this phenom through the eyes of a couple of men from Kenya this week. Explaining things like social media, Walmart, storage facilities, etc. to these men have been quite a challenge.
How do you explain the concept of friendship with people you have never met except on twitter? How do you explain that we live so far apart we only stay in touch with family over the internet? How do you explain to someone who lives in a mud hut with a thatch roof that in America we have so much stuff we have to rent storage facilities outside our homes to hold our excess stuff? How do you explain that it isn't just about the green beans you need for dinner, it's about the brand of green beans you prefer? Del Monte or Green Giant or the store brand or generic?
I feel both very blessed and very humbled. It has once again put my life back into a world perspective.
Count your blessings
name them one by one
Count your blessings
see what God has done.
And then complain or feel sorry for yourself, I double dog dare you.
peace.
Anyway, I've more fully explored the community of Twitter this month. Attended a tweet-up for moms and met some excellent, in-touch women with lives like mine. Most of their lives include small children still and all I can say is wow! I can't imagine living at this pace and still being a mom to small kiddos. I was blessed to be with my kids without working when they were small. Not sure I would have been very good at being the everything mom. Kudos ladies!!
It is always interesting to me to observe the power of social media. "Knowing" people I've never actually met in real life. Having commonalities and conversations with a wide range of people while sitting in my office or holding my phone. Quite odd really.
I've also seen this phenom through the eyes of a couple of men from Kenya this week. Explaining things like social media, Walmart, storage facilities, etc. to these men have been quite a challenge.
How do you explain the concept of friendship with people you have never met except on twitter? How do you explain that we live so far apart we only stay in touch with family over the internet? How do you explain to someone who lives in a mud hut with a thatch roof that in America we have so much stuff we have to rent storage facilities outside our homes to hold our excess stuff? How do you explain that it isn't just about the green beans you need for dinner, it's about the brand of green beans you prefer? Del Monte or Green Giant or the store brand or generic?
I feel both very blessed and very humbled. It has once again put my life back into a world perspective.
Count your blessings
name them one by one
Count your blessings
see what God has done.
And then complain or feel sorry for yourself, I double dog dare you.
peace.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Texas sized giggle from Fran
Three men married wives from different states.
The first man married a woman from Washington . He told her that she was to do the dishes and house cleaning. It took a couple of days, but on the third day, he came home to see a clean house and dishes washed and put away.
The second man married a woman from Wyoming . He gave his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and the cooking. The first day he didn't see any results, but the next day he saw it was better. By the third day, he saw his house was clean, the dishes were done and there was a huge dinner on the table.
The third man married a girl from Texas . He ordered her to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed, and hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything. But by the third day, some of the puffiness had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye, and his arm was healed enough that he could fix himself a sandwich and load the dishwasher.
Guess where Fran is from? ;-)
peace.
The first man married a woman from Washington . He told her that she was to do the dishes and house cleaning. It took a couple of days, but on the third day, he came home to see a clean house and dishes washed and put away.
The second man married a woman from Wyoming . He gave his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and the cooking. The first day he didn't see any results, but the next day he saw it was better. By the third day, he saw his house was clean, the dishes were done and there was a huge dinner on the table.
The third man married a girl from Texas . He ordered her to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed, and hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything. But by the third day, some of the puffiness had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye, and his arm was healed enough that he could fix himself a sandwich and load the dishwasher.
Guess where Fran is from? ;-)
peace.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Dayenu
I read this post today from www.naomimunn.blogspot.com and I wanted to share with you.
Hope it touches you as much as it did me.
Listen, I have to tell you something that you might not know if you're not Jewish:
Jews wrestle. We wrestle with God, we wrestle with ideas. We wrestle with angels and most of all, we wrestle with ourselves. We're supposed to -- the very name Israel means literally -- he who wrestles with God.
It's a wonder we don't have our own federation cage matches.
I'm wrestling (!) with a song tonight. It's a 1000-year old song from our Passover Seder entitled, "Dayenu" (It would have been enough.) In the song, we sing that if only God had just delivered us from slavery in Egypt -- it would have been enough. If God had then delivered us and gave us the the sabbath, it would have been enough. If God had delivered us, gave us the sabbath and then gave us the Torah, it would have been enough.
I've been thinking how humble, how hard it must REALLY be to live that concept. Imagine if you knew what you were missing, but understood that you just can't have it all. If only you'd been just dropped off at the curb instead of led to the promised land, it would have been enough. If only you'd been dropped off and then given some time off to recuperate, it would have been enough. And maybe, maybe if you'd then received some guidance about what to do next well, that's CERTAINLY enough.
Right?
Honestly, I can't say that. I can't say that if something or other had happened in my life, and not another, it would have been enough. Because it's taken everything to get me here -- I don't think I could have done without a thing; even the horrible things carve out the wellspring of joy I contain.
BUT, on the other hand (and I'm thinking as I type, dangerous, that) maybe the song is about being grateful for what we have NOW, instead of wishing for more. Maybe the song was written (and it was) in the spirit of thankfulness. Maybe it's written with the thought of not knowing what's ahead that we can have or cannot have -- maybe we're just supposed to contemplate on what's passed instead of what's ahead. Coveting, after all, doesn't just belong to material things.
If God has helped me to forge this writing career and I don't ever go any farther than this blog --Dayenu.
If God had only given me this beautiful family -- Dayenu.
If God had only given me the number of days I've used and no more -- Dayenu.
--Naomi
peace.
Hope it touches you as much as it did me.
Listen, I have to tell you something that you might not know if you're not Jewish:
Jews wrestle. We wrestle with God, we wrestle with ideas. We wrestle with angels and most of all, we wrestle with ourselves. We're supposed to -- the very name Israel means literally -- he who wrestles with God.
It's a wonder we don't have our own federation cage matches.
I'm wrestling (!) with a song tonight. It's a 1000-year old song from our Passover Seder entitled, "Dayenu" (It would have been enough.) In the song, we sing that if only God had just delivered us from slavery in Egypt -- it would have been enough. If God had then delivered us and gave us the the sabbath, it would have been enough. If God had delivered us, gave us the sabbath and then gave us the Torah, it would have been enough.
I've been thinking how humble, how hard it must REALLY be to live that concept. Imagine if you knew what you were missing, but understood that you just can't have it all. If only you'd been just dropped off at the curb instead of led to the promised land, it would have been enough. If only you'd been dropped off and then given some time off to recuperate, it would have been enough. And maybe, maybe if you'd then received some guidance about what to do next well, that's CERTAINLY enough.
Right?
Honestly, I can't say that. I can't say that if something or other had happened in my life, and not another, it would have been enough. Because it's taken everything to get me here -- I don't think I could have done without a thing; even the horrible things carve out the wellspring of joy I contain.
BUT, on the other hand (and I'm thinking as I type, dangerous, that) maybe the song is about being grateful for what we have NOW, instead of wishing for more. Maybe the song was written (and it was) in the spirit of thankfulness. Maybe it's written with the thought of not knowing what's ahead that we can have or cannot have -- maybe we're just supposed to contemplate on what's passed instead of what's ahead. Coveting, after all, doesn't just belong to material things.
If God has helped me to forge this writing career and I don't ever go any farther than this blog --Dayenu.
If God had only given me this beautiful family -- Dayenu.
If God had only given me the number of days I've used and no more -- Dayenu.
--Naomi
peace.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
pictures as promised
hang on to your hats!!
the firepit and main entertainment area.
the front of the compound.
this is the bathroom and kitchen building. the washer/dryer building is over to the right.
here is the 1980 Winebago and tents compound.
so like i've said, i would have done this differently. i hope they make progress soon, july is coming.
peace.
the firepit and main entertainment area.
the front of the compound.
this is the bathroom and kitchen building. the washer/dryer building is over to the right.
here is the 1980 Winebago and tents compound.
so like i've said, i would have done this differently. i hope they make progress soon, july is coming.
peace.
weekend at Lake Wister
i will start off by saying that Lake Wister is very nice, the cabins are clean and sufficient and there are mountains to be seen in almost every direction. not bad for Oklahoma.
now on to the other stuff. went to see my dear friend and got exactly what i expected. 2 parents, 4 kids on top of a hill living in a 1980 Winebago, 2 tents and 2 out buildings-1 with a washer/dryer and tools in it and 1 housing the bathroom with an outdoor sink attached for washing dishes. they've been up there since february, running water, septic and electricity have just been run in the last couple of weeks. outhouse is still standing, but avoided by all!
they are readying their property for the dream house. the view is amazing, the location is great and they have a nice firepit and grill. personally, i would have rented a little place in town, built my dream house and then moved. but then i'm kind of high maintenance. i like running water, in-house facilities and walls around me. picky, picky, i know.
i hope they actually see it through to completion. i must admit, i have my doubts. they are always great dreamers, to-date, not great follow throughers. maybe this is their time. i hope so. time will tell.
and i do have pictures that i will post shortly. i know you can't wait.
peace.
now on to the other stuff. went to see my dear friend and got exactly what i expected. 2 parents, 4 kids on top of a hill living in a 1980 Winebago, 2 tents and 2 out buildings-1 with a washer/dryer and tools in it and 1 housing the bathroom with an outdoor sink attached for washing dishes. they've been up there since february, running water, septic and electricity have just been run in the last couple of weeks. outhouse is still standing, but avoided by all!
they are readying their property for the dream house. the view is amazing, the location is great and they have a nice firepit and grill. personally, i would have rented a little place in town, built my dream house and then moved. but then i'm kind of high maintenance. i like running water, in-house facilities and walls around me. picky, picky, i know.
i hope they actually see it through to completion. i must admit, i have my doubts. they are always great dreamers, to-date, not great follow throughers. maybe this is their time. i hope so. time will tell.
and i do have pictures that i will post shortly. i know you can't wait.
peace.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
challenge from a friend & weekend to remember
so today is my friday. i've taken off a couple of days for a 4 day weekend, total decadence.
but before i go, i received a challenge from my dear friend ellen. she basically told me i need to be writing every day. i do, but not here. for work usually, not just for me. so i'm going to try. maybe too much of a good thing, you let me know.
:-)
anyway, on to the weekend to remember. i have a dear childhood friend. she has always marched to her own drummer and i love that about her, but i think someone has seriously shaken her castanets this time.
long story made short, dearie and hubbie and four of their seven children have packed everything they own, bought 20 acres and a 1980 Winnebago and moved to Oklahoma. sounds a little liked they "loaded up the truck and they moved to Beverly, Hills that is, swimming pools, movie stars..." you get the idea, and you aren't so far from wrong.
anyway, no running water, electricity, etc...they are basically squatters on their own land with the idea of building their own home on this piece of heaven or Heavener to be exact. that's the name of the town.
and i'm going to visit. good news, there is a state park within minutes of their land and they have cabins. looking forward to the time away and i'm sure in my quest to write more, this weekend will give me lots of fodder!
who knows, maybe while i'm there i'll do a little huntin' and see if "up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea." couldn't hurt.
i'll say hello to jed and grannie too.
peace.
but before i go, i received a challenge from my dear friend ellen. she basically told me i need to be writing every day. i do, but not here. for work usually, not just for me. so i'm going to try. maybe too much of a good thing, you let me know.
:-)
anyway, on to the weekend to remember. i have a dear childhood friend. she has always marched to her own drummer and i love that about her, but i think someone has seriously shaken her castanets this time.
long story made short, dearie and hubbie and four of their seven children have packed everything they own, bought 20 acres and a 1980 Winnebago and moved to Oklahoma. sounds a little liked they "loaded up the truck and they moved to Beverly, Hills that is, swimming pools, movie stars..." you get the idea, and you aren't so far from wrong.
anyway, no running water, electricity, etc...they are basically squatters on their own land with the idea of building their own home on this piece of heaven or Heavener to be exact. that's the name of the town.
and i'm going to visit. good news, there is a state park within minutes of their land and they have cabins. looking forward to the time away and i'm sure in my quest to write more, this weekend will give me lots of fodder!
who knows, maybe while i'm there i'll do a little huntin' and see if "up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea." couldn't hurt.
i'll say hello to jed and grannie too.
peace.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
a friend shared this with me
The Bathing Suit
When I was a child in the 1960's the bathing suit for the mature figure was-boned, trussed and reinforced, not so much sewn as engineered. They were built to hold back and uplift and they did a good job. Today's stretch fabrics are designed for the prepubescent girl with a figure carved from a potato chip.
The mature woman has a choice - she can either go up front to the maternity department and try on a floral suit with a skirt, coming away looking like a hippopotamus who escaped from Disney's Fantasia or she can wander around every run of the mill department store trying to make a sensible choice from what amounts to a designer range of florescent rubber bands.
What choice did I have? I wandered around, made my sensible choice and entered the chamber of horrors known as the fitting room.
The first thing I noticed was the extraordinary tensile strength of the stretch material. The Lycra used in bathing costumes was developed, I believe, by NASA to launch small rockets from a slingshot, which give the added bonus that if you manage to actually lever yourself into one, you are protected from shark attacks as any shark taking a swipe at your passing midriff would immediately suffer whiplash.
I fought my way into the bathing suit, but as I twanged the shoulder strap in place, I gasped in horror - my boobs had disappeared!
Eventually, I found one boob cowering under my left armpit. It took a while to find the other. At last I located it flattened beside my seventh rib.
The problem is that modern bathing suits have no bra cups. The mature woman is meant to wear her boobs spread across her chest like a speed bump. I realigned my speed bump and lurched toward the mirror to take a full view assessment.
The bathing suit fit all right, but unfortunately it only fit those bits of me willing to stay inside it. The rest of me oozed out rebelliously from top, bottom, and sides. I looked like a lump of play dough wearing undersized cling wrap.
As I tried to work out where all those extra bits had come from, the prepubescent sales girl popped her head through the curtain, 'Oh, there you are,' she said, admiring the bathing suit.
I replied that I wasn't so sure and asked what else she had to show me. I tried on a cream crinkled one that made me look like a lump of masking tape, and a floral two piece which gave the appearance of an oversized napkin in a serving ring.
I struggled into a pair of leopard skin bathers with ragged frills and came out looking like Tarzan's Jane, pregnant with triplets and having a rough day.
I tried on a black number with a midriff and looked like a jellyfish in mourning.
I tried on a bright pink pair with such a high cut leg I thought I would have to wax my eyebrows to wear hem.
Finally, I found a suit that fit...a two-piece affair with a shorts style bottom and a loose blouse-type top. It was cheap, comfortable, and bulge-friendly, so I bought it. My ridiculous search had a successful outcome, I figured.
When I got home, I found a label which read -- 'Material might become transparent in water.'
So, if you happen to be on the beach or near any other body of water this year and I'm there too, I'll be the one in cut-off jeans and a T-shirt!
You'd better be laughing or rolling on the floor by this time. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain
***I don't know who wrote this, but I feel her pain!!***
peace.
When I was a child in the 1960's the bathing suit for the mature figure was-boned, trussed and reinforced, not so much sewn as engineered. They were built to hold back and uplift and they did a good job. Today's stretch fabrics are designed for the prepubescent girl with a figure carved from a potato chip.
The mature woman has a choice - she can either go up front to the maternity department and try on a floral suit with a skirt, coming away looking like a hippopotamus who escaped from Disney's Fantasia or she can wander around every run of the mill department store trying to make a sensible choice from what amounts to a designer range of florescent rubber bands.
What choice did I have? I wandered around, made my sensible choice and entered the chamber of horrors known as the fitting room.
The first thing I noticed was the extraordinary tensile strength of the stretch material. The Lycra used in bathing costumes was developed, I believe, by NASA to launch small rockets from a slingshot, which give the added bonus that if you manage to actually lever yourself into one, you are protected from shark attacks as any shark taking a swipe at your passing midriff would immediately suffer whiplash.
I fought my way into the bathing suit, but as I twanged the shoulder strap in place, I gasped in horror - my boobs had disappeared!
Eventually, I found one boob cowering under my left armpit. It took a while to find the other. At last I located it flattened beside my seventh rib.
The problem is that modern bathing suits have no bra cups. The mature woman is meant to wear her boobs spread across her chest like a speed bump. I realigned my speed bump and lurched toward the mirror to take a full view assessment.
The bathing suit fit all right, but unfortunately it only fit those bits of me willing to stay inside it. The rest of me oozed out rebelliously from top, bottom, and sides. I looked like a lump of play dough wearing undersized cling wrap.
As I tried to work out where all those extra bits had come from, the prepubescent sales girl popped her head through the curtain, 'Oh, there you are,' she said, admiring the bathing suit.
I replied that I wasn't so sure and asked what else she had to show me. I tried on a cream crinkled one that made me look like a lump of masking tape, and a floral two piece which gave the appearance of an oversized napkin in a serving ring.
I struggled into a pair of leopard skin bathers with ragged frills and came out looking like Tarzan's Jane, pregnant with triplets and having a rough day.
I tried on a black number with a midriff and looked like a jellyfish in mourning.
I tried on a bright pink pair with such a high cut leg I thought I would have to wax my eyebrows to wear hem.
Finally, I found a suit that fit...a two-piece affair with a shorts style bottom and a loose blouse-type top. It was cheap, comfortable, and bulge-friendly, so I bought it. My ridiculous search had a successful outcome, I figured.
When I got home, I found a label which read -- 'Material might become transparent in water.'
So, if you happen to be on the beach or near any other body of water this year and I'm there too, I'll be the one in cut-off jeans and a T-shirt!
You'd better be laughing or rolling on the floor by this time. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain
***I don't know who wrote this, but I feel her pain!!***
peace.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
made it through the day
so yesterday was weird. i woke up and felt just fine. got in the shower and mid-rinse on the conditioner the entire world started spinning, started getting weak, decided to sit down before i fell down, cause that would not be pretty. made it to the toilet and all, well, ya know, broke loose. world spinning, seeing double, and ya know, i guess i was breathing loud enough to concern my husband.
he comes to see what is going on and well, ya know. so it slowed down long enough to dry off, get to bed and eventually to a comfy chair in the den. lots of liquids throughout the day and i survived. so strange. never had anything quite like it.
i'm betting it's what my dad feels like. parts of him recognize normal when he sees it. and parts of him have completely lost hold of it, but i don't think he misses it much anymore.
i knew my world was spinning and not right, i think he's made his peace with his world, or he's forgotten so much, he doesn't need to any more.
i'm grateful mine only lasted 24 hours and heck, i needed to clean the bathroom anyway.
so when life gives you lemon, ask for water and sugar or that will be one sour lemonade!!
peace.
he comes to see what is going on and well, ya know. so it slowed down long enough to dry off, get to bed and eventually to a comfy chair in the den. lots of liquids throughout the day and i survived. so strange. never had anything quite like it.
i'm betting it's what my dad feels like. parts of him recognize normal when he sees it. and parts of him have completely lost hold of it, but i don't think he misses it much anymore.
i knew my world was spinning and not right, i think he's made his peace with his world, or he's forgotten so much, he doesn't need to any more.
i'm grateful mine only lasted 24 hours and heck, i needed to clean the bathroom anyway.
so when life gives you lemon, ask for water and sugar or that will be one sour lemonade!!
peace.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
assessing things
so i've been thinking about many things. dealing with my alzheimers dad and his issues, seeing my grandma and her condition and knowing that it doesn't have to be pre-destined for me. i don't have to accept this body i live in, i can change it. i can keep my mind active and useful.
i've also been thinking about moving dad to the nursing home. i've made my peace with it, i think he may actually enjoy having people around, being cared for and honestly, i don't know if he'll notice the lack of freedom. kind of like a child before they begin exploring their surroundings. they are comforted in their spaces, i think he will be too. and they won't let him wear the same shirt every day.
so changes in my life are coming. some are in my control, some are not. Lord help me with the ones in my control and please take care of the ones that aren't.
peace.
i've also been thinking about moving dad to the nursing home. i've made my peace with it, i think he may actually enjoy having people around, being cared for and honestly, i don't know if he'll notice the lack of freedom. kind of like a child before they begin exploring their surroundings. they are comforted in their spaces, i think he will be too. and they won't let him wear the same shirt every day.
so changes in my life are coming. some are in my control, some are not. Lord help me with the ones in my control and please take care of the ones that aren't.
peace.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
wow, what a week
I'm thankful tomorrow is Friday. It's been a really full week. Monday was my 96 year old uncle's funeral and day trip to Dallas with alzheimers dad and his mom, 91 year old grandma and dad's brother Roy.
The math worked out well, 2 girls, 2 boys. I never had to take dad to the bathroom. The trip went as well as it could. Dad is just out of touch. It's like he's receding into another world. One only he exists in... One I can't go with him to see.
We are waiting for a bed to open up in a new facility. I hope it happens quickly enough that part of him will be able to enjoy it a little.
Until then, we manage the routine. We depend on the kindness of the people around him. We put his Dr. Pepper up for him so it won't end up in the freezer.
Until then, it's time for some art.
peace.
The math worked out well, 2 girls, 2 boys. I never had to take dad to the bathroom. The trip went as well as it could. Dad is just out of touch. It's like he's receding into another world. One only he exists in... One I can't go with him to see.
We are waiting for a bed to open up in a new facility. I hope it happens quickly enough that part of him will be able to enjoy it a little.
Until then, we manage the routine. We depend on the kindness of the people around him. We put his Dr. Pepper up for him so it won't end up in the freezer.
Until then, it's time for some art.
peace.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
I love stories
I've always been a reader. Books allowed me the escape from reality life rarely provided. Dr. Suess, Shel Silverstein, Little House on the Prairie, Chronicles of Narnia, and the list goes on...are a few of my favorites. I enjoy Shakespeare and many of the classics right alongside the adventures of Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich. If it has pages, a good story and characters I can be involved with, I'm in.
I also love story tellers. I like telling stories too. Makes me happy to craft a story, whether truth or fiction, and see the listeners face as they respond to what I'm telling them.
I appreciate people who do this for a living. Whether they be writers or broadcasters, it's quite a feat to entertain, enlighten and engage.
Paul Harvey did it very well. He gave us "the rest of the story" for generations. Today he died at the age of 91. A life full of stories he shared with the world. Thanks for the memories.
Peace.
I also love story tellers. I like telling stories too. Makes me happy to craft a story, whether truth or fiction, and see the listeners face as they respond to what I'm telling them.
I appreciate people who do this for a living. Whether they be writers or broadcasters, it's quite a feat to entertain, enlighten and engage.
Paul Harvey did it very well. He gave us "the rest of the story" for generations. Today he died at the age of 91. A life full of stories he shared with the world. Thanks for the memories.
Peace.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Grady Tunnell
my great uncle Grady, the last living sibling to my grandmother Ruby, passed away last night. he was 98.
but the remarkable thing to me is that up until 5 weeks ago, he was ALIVE!! really living, not just getting older.
he still lived in his own home in New Mexico. took care of his house and yard. played golf 3 times a week and was on a senior bowling league. 2 years ago, he held the all-time high score in his age class for the bowling alley.
he was gracious, a true gentlemen. always reminded me a little of Fred Astaire. quick to smile, I will miss him. Saw him a couple of years ago and it was like no time had passed. hope it's the same when i see him again.
see you on the other side Grady. we'll go bowling for sure.
peace.
but the remarkable thing to me is that up until 5 weeks ago, he was ALIVE!! really living, not just getting older.
he still lived in his own home in New Mexico. took care of his house and yard. played golf 3 times a week and was on a senior bowling league. 2 years ago, he held the all-time high score in his age class for the bowling alley.
he was gracious, a true gentlemen. always reminded me a little of Fred Astaire. quick to smile, I will miss him. Saw him a couple of years ago and it was like no time had passed. hope it's the same when i see him again.
see you on the other side Grady. we'll go bowling for sure.
peace.
Monday, February 23, 2009
walk an inch in my shoes
i think that's all i would require of someone. just an inch. for you marathoners, 36 inches! :-)
thursday we went to welcome the new home health agency to dad's house. his shirt was buttoned off kilter, the tv was on McLintock! again. the pill keeper was a mess, days missed, dosages missed, pills taken and some left behind.
interview with nurses was fine, dad was fidgety, we all survived.
saturday, same shirt on as thursday, still buttoned strangely. pill keeper a mess again, it's only been 1.5 days. :sigh: walmart trip was pretty much the usual. we looked for a different pill keeper, our third, to help simplify things. there are really no simple pill keepers when it comes to alzheimers. i should invent one...hmmm. anyway....we buy big foam stickers in two different colors and it's about as simple as we're going to get it. we'll see how it goes.
sunday, my uncle calls, dad has put his entire 24 pack of diet dr. pepper in the freezer and they have exploded. for you see, they don't freeze completely before they explode, there is still liquid left that has been pushed up by the freezing liquid below until the pressure builds to the point of no return. i'm hoping by saturday, the sticky is all gone. we'll see. 2 older guys, 1 with alzheimers, cleaning sounds like a comedy skit to me. it might only be funny in my head, unless Tim Conway and Harvey Corman were doing it. Tim would be my dad.
I'll be the one singing and pulling my ear.
peace.
thursday we went to welcome the new home health agency to dad's house. his shirt was buttoned off kilter, the tv was on McLintock! again. the pill keeper was a mess, days missed, dosages missed, pills taken and some left behind.
interview with nurses was fine, dad was fidgety, we all survived.
saturday, same shirt on as thursday, still buttoned strangely. pill keeper a mess again, it's only been 1.5 days. :sigh: walmart trip was pretty much the usual. we looked for a different pill keeper, our third, to help simplify things. there are really no simple pill keepers when it comes to alzheimers. i should invent one...hmmm. anyway....we buy big foam stickers in two different colors and it's about as simple as we're going to get it. we'll see how it goes.
sunday, my uncle calls, dad has put his entire 24 pack of diet dr. pepper in the freezer and they have exploded. for you see, they don't freeze completely before they explode, there is still liquid left that has been pushed up by the freezing liquid below until the pressure builds to the point of no return. i'm hoping by saturday, the sticky is all gone. we'll see. 2 older guys, 1 with alzheimers, cleaning sounds like a comedy skit to me. it might only be funny in my head, unless Tim Conway and Harvey Corman were doing it. Tim would be my dad.
I'll be the one singing and pulling my ear.
peace.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
nubbles and stinkymonks
if you have read my blog for any time at all, you know my dad has alzheimers. the good news is, he's compliant, and funny, and very sweet most of the time.
and on the funny side of things, we were rolling today.
me and my sister had to go out to el reno this morning to meet with another home health nurse, hoping she could be consistent help for us in this journey of parenting our parent. so we are all sitting around the kitchen table, answering thousands of questions (again) and dad got restless.
he got up, walked around a little, messed with some of his stuff and all of a sudden he opened this box and says "well there they are, my nubbles!"
we were a little confused, so I asked him to show me. he turns the box toward me and i see marbles. so of course i say, "that's great dad, you found your marbles!"
how i wish it were really that easy. oh well, we all got a good giggle.
peace.
p.s. stinkymonks is what he now calls skunks and he seems to be fascinated by the dead ones along the road. has to announce each one. oh joy.
and on the funny side of things, we were rolling today.
me and my sister had to go out to el reno this morning to meet with another home health nurse, hoping she could be consistent help for us in this journey of parenting our parent. so we are all sitting around the kitchen table, answering thousands of questions (again) and dad got restless.
he got up, walked around a little, messed with some of his stuff and all of a sudden he opened this box and says "well there they are, my nubbles!"
we were a little confused, so I asked him to show me. he turns the box toward me and i see marbles. so of course i say, "that's great dad, you found your marbles!"
how i wish it were really that easy. oh well, we all got a good giggle.
peace.
p.s. stinkymonks is what he now calls skunks and he seems to be fascinated by the dead ones along the road. has to announce each one. oh joy.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
What the World looked like when I was born
think things have changed a little?
Here is what the world looked like in February 1964.
February 1 - The Beatles vault to the #1 spot on the U.S. singles charts for the first time, with "I Want to Hold Your Hand," forever changing the way popular music sounds to Americans, also starting the British Invasion in America.
February 3 - Protesting against alleged de-facto school racial segregation, Black, Yellow and Prince Edward Islander groups in New York City boycott public school.
February 4 - The Government of the United States authorizes the Twenty-fourth Amendment, outlawing the poll tax.
February 6 - Cuba cuts off the normal water supply to the United States Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, in reprisal for the U.S. seizure 4 days earlier of 4 Cuban fishing boats off the coast of Florida.
February 7 - A Jackson, Mississippi jury, trying Byron De La Beckwith for the murder of Medgar Evers in June 1963, reports that it can not reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
February 7 - The Beatles arrive from England at New York City's JFK International Airport, receiving a tumultuous reception from a throng of screaming fans, marking the first occurrence of "Beatlemania" in the United States.
February 9 - The Beatles appear on The Ed Sullivan Show, marking their first live performance on American television. Seen by an estimated 73 million viewers, the appearance becomes the catalyst for the mid-1960s "British Invasion" of American popular music.
February 11 - Greeks & Turks begin fighting in Limassol, Cyprus.
February 11 - The Republic of China (Taiwan) drops diplomatic relations with France because of French recognition of the People's Republic of China.
February 17 - Wesberry v. Sanders (376 US 1 1964): The Supreme Court of the United States rules that congressional districts have to be approximately equal in population.
February 17 - Gabonese president Leon M'ba is toppled by a coup and his archrival, Jean-Hilaire Aubame, is installed in his place.
February 25 - Cassius Clay beats Sonny Liston in Miami Beach, Florida, and is crowned the heavyweight champion of the world.
February 26 - U.S. politician John Glenn slips on a bathroom rug in his Columbus, Ohio apartment and hits his head on the bathtub, injuring his left inner ear, and prompting him (later that week) to withdraw from the race for the Democratic Party Senate nomination.
February 26 - Glynis Pitts was born.
February 27 - The government of Italy asks for help to keep the Leaning Tower of Pisa from toppling over.
February 29 - U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson announces that the United States has developed a jet airplane (the A-11), capable of sustained flight at more than 2,000 miles per hour (3,200 km/h) and of altitudes of more than 70,000 feet (21,000 m).
Sunday, February 08, 2009
my 5 cents worth
yeah, hang on. you only get 2 cents from others, but i'm on a roll today.
i don't mind change, i embrace it. i look for it, i challenge others to appreciate it. just ask my husband or my boss.
so here is my question, if this new government is issuing in a time of change, i'm all for it, but can it really happen?
our government is not based on one man or one man's efforts. it is based on a system that in my opinion has moved so far from the original intent of our founding fathers it doesn't even resemble the government they created by the people, for the people.
career politicians were never their intent. special interest groups were never their intent. lobbyists were never their intent. and until we scrub the system clean, we will never see true change.
which means, we will probably never see true change. not in a big way. not in the way that would set our country back on the right path.
so here is my plan. i'm not going to wait for change. i'm going to pray that God who is the same yesterday, today and forever will be our guide. i'm going to pray that the people of God live in grace, unapologetically showing the love of Jesus to the world they walk around in. i'm going to pray they will know we are christians by our love. i'm going to pray and leave my hope in God.
join me in praying, cause prayer changes things.
peace.
i don't mind change, i embrace it. i look for it, i challenge others to appreciate it. just ask my husband or my boss.
so here is my question, if this new government is issuing in a time of change, i'm all for it, but can it really happen?
our government is not based on one man or one man's efforts. it is based on a system that in my opinion has moved so far from the original intent of our founding fathers it doesn't even resemble the government they created by the people, for the people.
career politicians were never their intent. special interest groups were never their intent. lobbyists were never their intent. and until we scrub the system clean, we will never see true change.
which means, we will probably never see true change. not in a big way. not in the way that would set our country back on the right path.
so here is my plan. i'm not going to wait for change. i'm going to pray that God who is the same yesterday, today and forever will be our guide. i'm going to pray that the people of God live in grace, unapologetically showing the love of Jesus to the world they walk around in. i'm going to pray they will know we are christians by our love. i'm going to pray and leave my hope in God.
join me in praying, cause prayer changes things.
peace.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
today's new adventure
so my sister gave us a gift certificate for dance lessons for christmas. i enjoy dancing and love watching dancing with the stars.
but i'm a little geeked out by the process. i have this stereotypical idea of dance lessons at a dance studio. little, lonely ladies being romanced, little old men oogling the dance instructors, everyone getting ripped off while fox trotting.
hope i am super pleasantly surprised. if not, i'll have lots of blogging fodder!!
peace.
but i'm a little geeked out by the process. i have this stereotypical idea of dance lessons at a dance studio. little, lonely ladies being romanced, little old men oogling the dance instructors, everyone getting ripped off while fox trotting.
hope i am super pleasantly surprised. if not, i'll have lots of blogging fodder!!
peace.
Friday, February 06, 2009
wow, what a week
so you that have been reading know the journey we've been on. well the journey hasn't ended, but we've found a resting place.
jim was offered a job and has accepted. he starts monday.
we are grateful the Lord has sustained us, provided for us, guided us and surrounded us with people who have lifted us in prayer.
the next leg of the journey begins.
peace.
jim was offered a job and has accepted. he starts monday.
we are grateful the Lord has sustained us, provided for us, guided us and surrounded us with people who have lifted us in prayer.
the next leg of the journey begins.
peace.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
2 for 1 day!!
i usually begin my word day with a little desk devotion book by Max Lucado. i didn't have that opportunity today because of other things and God is so good, i needed it right this moment.
thought i'd share.
Your Day is Coming
Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Revelation 3:11
Some of you have never won a prize in your life. Oh, maybe you were quartermaster in your Boy Scout troop or in charge of sodas at the homeroom Christmas party, but that's about it. You've never won much. You've watched the Mark McGwires of this world carry home the trophies and walk away with the ribbons. All you have are "almosts" and "what ifs".
If that hits home, then you'll cherish this promise: "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4)
Your day is coming. What the world has overlooked, your Father has remembered, and sooner than you can imagine, you will be blessed by Him.
peace.
thought i'd share.
Your Day is Coming
Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Revelation 3:11
Some of you have never won a prize in your life. Oh, maybe you were quartermaster in your Boy Scout troop or in charge of sodas at the homeroom Christmas party, but that's about it. You've never won much. You've watched the Mark McGwires of this world carry home the trophies and walk away with the ribbons. All you have are "almosts" and "what ifs".
If that hits home, then you'll cherish this promise: "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4)
Your day is coming. What the world has overlooked, your Father has remembered, and sooner than you can imagine, you will be blessed by Him.
peace.
overwhelming goodness
ok, so with your best southern accent say ""Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers."
but i haven't always expected it and i'm always a little surprised by it. the kindness of friends, i count on a great deal.
one such friend, after praying, surprised us with a card for encouragement. thought that was sweet and waited until we were home to open it. $1000 fell out. me and jim...cried.
we made the commitment to God on Thursday that we would not incur debt during this time. no borrowing money, no credit cards. Friday, we were handed the card. God is so good.
Now i don't know if this will ever happen again and honestly, i don't care. God just said a huge I LOVE YOU and grabbed us up in a big daddy hug. life is so special and God is amazing.
just like the ram in the bushes, it was just in time. thanks @jenx67 for the reminder. thanks dear friends for the card.
peace.
but i haven't always expected it and i'm always a little surprised by it. the kindness of friends, i count on a great deal.
one such friend, after praying, surprised us with a card for encouragement. thought that was sweet and waited until we were home to open it. $1000 fell out. me and jim...cried.
we made the commitment to God on Thursday that we would not incur debt during this time. no borrowing money, no credit cards. Friday, we were handed the card. God is so good.
Now i don't know if this will ever happen again and honestly, i don't care. God just said a huge I LOVE YOU and grabbed us up in a big daddy hug. life is so special and God is amazing.
just like the ram in the bushes, it was just in time. thanks @jenx67 for the reminder. thanks dear friends for the card.
peace.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I know God is never late
and I know He has a plan for us. But I'd be less than honest if I didn't admit to the fact that I don't understand what the plan is right now. I have moments of concern, fear, doubt. My heart tells me God loves me and my mind chooses to believe it's true.
here are the facts:
the bills are paid until feb 1
we are at the end of our earthly, financial resources
as of today, no job offers have been made
God is good all the time and all the time God is good
Sometimes I am better at resting in His care than others. I guess it is time to exercise my faith. I'm already sweating a little so it must be working. ;-)
peace.
here are the facts:
the bills are paid until feb 1
we are at the end of our earthly, financial resources
as of today, no job offers have been made
God is good all the time and all the time God is good
Sometimes I am better at resting in His care than others. I guess it is time to exercise my faith. I'm already sweating a little so it must be working. ;-)
peace.
Monday, January 26, 2009
home on an icy eve
staying warm, enjoying the unrushed time that bad weather brings. gives me time to think, read, rest. it also gives me time to count my blessings.
as you know, we are in a time of uncertainty. jim is continuing to pursue a job. the bills are paid through february 1. and yet....
i live in freedom.
i live in abundance.
i live in joy.
i live surrounded by more wonderful people than i ever thought possible.
i live in a country where i can worship God wherever, whenever, with whomever.
and i will. Thank you God for your abundant grace, abundant sacrifice, abundant provision, abundant blessing, abundant guidance, abundant care, abundant wisdom. abundant gifts.
you have given us your abundant peace that passes all understanding.
thank you.
peace.
as you know, we are in a time of uncertainty. jim is continuing to pursue a job. the bills are paid through february 1. and yet....
i live in freedom.
i live in abundance.
i live in joy.
i live surrounded by more wonderful people than i ever thought possible.
i live in a country where i can worship God wherever, whenever, with whomever.
and i will. Thank you God for your abundant grace, abundant sacrifice, abundant provision, abundant blessing, abundant guidance, abundant care, abundant wisdom. abundant gifts.
you have given us your abundant peace that passes all understanding.
thank you.
peace.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
see you later stacy
i went to the funeral of stacy today. only 40, she finished her battle with cancer and went to heaven. she leaves behind her husband of 15 years and 2 young daughters. she also leaves behind a legacy of joy, music, talent, incredible kindness, and zest for life.
i looked around the church today and saw people of all ages, all walks of life, all races, all coming together to mourn our loss and celebrate the life of this incredible lady.
each day we are given 86,400 seconds to live. at the end of the day, there is no carry-over. if they were dollars we would spend them with abandon. shouldn't we live and love in the same way?
welcome to your reward stacy. Jesus welcomes you with open arms and i know you'll recognize him, you spent your life knowing him.
peace.
i looked around the church today and saw people of all ages, all walks of life, all races, all coming together to mourn our loss and celebrate the life of this incredible lady.
each day we are given 86,400 seconds to live. at the end of the day, there is no carry-over. if they were dollars we would spend them with abandon. shouldn't we live and love in the same way?
welcome to your reward stacy. Jesus welcomes you with open arms and i know you'll recognize him, you spent your life knowing him.
peace.
Friday, January 23, 2009
It's all in how you look at things...
my good friend kristy shared this with me today and i loved it!
There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
'H-M-M,' she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that she had only one hair on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail. '
So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
'YAY!' she exclaimed.
'I don't have to fix my hair today!'
peace.
There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
'H-M-M,' she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that she had only one hair on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail. '
So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
'YAY!' she exclaimed.
'I don't have to fix my hair today!'
peace.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
today is my dad's 70th birthday...
so i thought i'd give him a call and wish him Happy Birthday!
and here's how it went:
~ring~
~phone picked up, fumble, cuss~
d: hello?
g: Hi daddy it's Glynis
d: oh well hello there
g: i wanted to call and say Happy Birthday!
d: why?
g: because today is your birthday, you're 70!
d: you're 70?
g: no, you are. Happy Birthday!
d: ok, and also, those, you know, um, walk things, um, :cussing:, well, they broke and I need new. ok?
g: sure dad, we'll take care of it...and Happy Birthday!
d: what? is it your birthday?
g: no dad, it's yours, you are 70.
d: you're 70?
g: yes dad, love you. bye now
d: ok, be careful
~hang up~
anyway, Happy Birthday dad, you're 70 and i wish you all the best.
peace.
and here's how it went:
~ring~
~phone picked up, fumble, cuss~
d: hello?
g: Hi daddy it's Glynis
d: oh well hello there
g: i wanted to call and say Happy Birthday!
d: why?
g: because today is your birthday, you're 70!
d: you're 70?
g: no, you are. Happy Birthday!
d: ok, and also, those, you know, um, walk things, um, :cussing:, well, they broke and I need new. ok?
g: sure dad, we'll take care of it...and Happy Birthday!
d: what? is it your birthday?
g: no dad, it's yours, you are 70.
d: you're 70?
g: yes dad, love you. bye now
d: ok, be careful
~hang up~
anyway, Happy Birthday dad, you're 70 and i wish you all the best.
peace.
Friday, January 16, 2009
today's devotion
Thank you God and Max Lucado, once again.
God’s Good Timing
“God will always give what is right to His people who cry to Him night and day., and He will not be slow to answer them.” Luke 18:7
Why does God wait until the money is gone? Why does He wait until the sickness has lingered? Why does He choose to wait until the other side of the grave to answer the prayers for healing?
I don’t know. I only know his timing is always right. I can only say He will do what is best…
Though you hear nothing, He is speaking. Though you see nothing, He is acting. With God there are no accidents. Every incident is intended to bring us closer to Him.
peace.
God’s Good Timing
“God will always give what is right to His people who cry to Him night and day., and He will not be slow to answer them.” Luke 18:7
Why does God wait until the money is gone? Why does He wait until the sickness has lingered? Why does He choose to wait until the other side of the grave to answer the prayers for healing?
I don’t know. I only know his timing is always right. I can only say He will do what is best…
Though you hear nothing, He is speaking. Though you see nothing, He is acting. With God there are no accidents. Every incident is intended to bring us closer to Him.
peace.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
what a ride!
i've determined that regardless of the plans i've made, the most i can sometimes do is decide hands up or hands holding on. you know, just like on the roller coaster.
everyone says the ride is more fun with your hands up. i tried it on the batman ride at six flags and they were right. of course i was strapped in over the shoulders with my feet dangling, so really, how would i fall out?
i think God cares for us in the same way. He knows us, He loves us, He protects us and He doesn't ask us to ride hands up without knowing we are safe in his loving arms.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
so here goes, hands off the rail, wind in your face, turn loose and see how wonderful the ride can be!
peace.
everyone says the ride is more fun with your hands up. i tried it on the batman ride at six flags and they were right. of course i was strapped in over the shoulders with my feet dangling, so really, how would i fall out?
i think God cares for us in the same way. He knows us, He loves us, He protects us and He doesn't ask us to ride hands up without knowing we are safe in his loving arms.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
so here goes, hands off the rail, wind in your face, turn loose and see how wonderful the ride can be!
peace.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
three of the reasons
my life is so full.
i am blessed to have an awesome husband, a terrific older daughter and an amazing younger daughter. i am surrounded by extended family and friends. most of all God is woven throughout our lives in ways i cannot comprehend and His blessings are better than i've ever dreamed.
i pray for each and everyone to know His love, feel His mercy, receive His gift.
peace.
Friday, December 26, 2008
from sherry and roz
i know it's a day late, and i'm probably a dollar short, but it's all good!! hope you get a giggle!
peace.
'Twas the night before Christmas, I'm glued to the tree.
I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me.
Could it be cardstock or chipboard or lace?
Or a Cricut, I said, with a smile on my face.
And that's when I heard him, "Hi Santa, " I said
"You know... good little girls should be in their beds."
"I know I should Santa and now I've got caught.
But I was just so excited to see what you brought."
"Well, let's take a look in this room where you work.
He shook his head quickly, And left with a jerk.
I heard him exclaim as he put it in gear.
"You've got enough crap, I'll see you next year!
peace.
'Twas the night before Christmas, I'm glued to the tree.
I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me.
Could it be cardstock or chipboard or lace?
Or a Cricut, I said, with a smile on my face.
And that's when I heard him, "Hi Santa, " I said
"You know... good little girls should be in their beds."
"I know I should Santa and now I've got caught.
But I was just so excited to see what you brought."
"Well, let's take a look in this room where you work.
He shook his head quickly, And left with a jerk.
I heard him exclaim as he put it in gear.
"You've got enough crap, I'll see you next year!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
It's gonna be a HUGE Christmas!!
i've heard lots of people talking about how they won't be able to "do" Christmas this year. or they won't be able to "do much" for Christmas this year. WELL, I am planning a huge Christmas this year and this is why.
Jim is still unemployed, my dad's alzheimers has taken a turn for the worse, we have friends who are struggling with jobs-kids-life-etc, my great uncle has cancer and we have dear friends oversees in the heart of the war.
But that's just stuff.
"For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son and those who will believe in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17
"Thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful for words." 2 Corinthians 9:15
"Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows." James 1:17
You have the love of your heavenly Father and the gift of His son Jesus Christ. If you haven't accepted this gift yet, now is the time. All you have to do is accept it, admit you need it, admit you want it and open your heart for it. It's that simple. It's the ultimate Christmas present!! Have a humongously huge Christmas this year with the gift that lasts for eternity!
peace on earth and good will to all men.
Merry Christmas!
Jim is still unemployed, my dad's alzheimers has taken a turn for the worse, we have friends who are struggling with jobs-kids-life-etc, my great uncle has cancer and we have dear friends oversees in the heart of the war.
But that's just stuff.
"For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son and those who will believe in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17
"Thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful for words." 2 Corinthians 9:15
"Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows." James 1:17
You have the love of your heavenly Father and the gift of His son Jesus Christ. If you haven't accepted this gift yet, now is the time. All you have to do is accept it, admit you need it, admit you want it and open your heart for it. It's that simple. It's the ultimate Christmas present!! Have a humongously huge Christmas this year with the gift that lasts for eternity!
peace on earth and good will to all men.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 15, 2008
exercising my trust muscles...
i have to admit that i have no problem believing God answers prayers. i pray for others all the time, full of faith that God hears and answers. He provides, protects, loves, supports, etc....
today, i'm struggling with the thoughts that God also does this for me. He sees me, loves me, hears me, wants good things for me. having an earthly father that failed miserably, it is sometimes difficult to trust my heavenly father. and yet i know He loves me.
so i'm exercising my trust muscles today, allowing my faith to grow, knowing that the God who created heaven and earth sees me.
peace.
today, i'm struggling with the thoughts that God also does this for me. He sees me, loves me, hears me, wants good things for me. having an earthly father that failed miserably, it is sometimes difficult to trust my heavenly father. and yet i know He loves me.
so i'm exercising my trust muscles today, allowing my faith to grow, knowing that the God who created heaven and earth sees me.
peace.
Friday, December 12, 2008
life is like the weather in Oklahoma....
the forecast right now is 60's today, climbing to the 70's this weekend and then plummeting to below freezing with sleet/freezing rain (what's the difference?) on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Highs in the 20's.
don't you sometimes feel life is like this? beautiful and sunny for days and then without notice, freezing cold or stormy or unbearably hot! one phone call can swing the "temperature" of life. one unkind word. one life change.
i'm sure this is why God tells us in Hebrews 13:8 He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
i'm holding on to that today while the weather is sunny so i don't forget when the weather changes...
peace.
don't you sometimes feel life is like this? beautiful and sunny for days and then without notice, freezing cold or stormy or unbearably hot! one phone call can swing the "temperature" of life. one unkind word. one life change.
i'm sure this is why God tells us in Hebrews 13:8 He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
i'm holding on to that today while the weather is sunny so i don't forget when the weather changes...
peace.
Friday, December 05, 2008
God is for You
This was in my little desk devotional one day this week...Total credit to God and Max Lucado.
"He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you." Zephaniah 3:17
God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that's God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that's God applauding your steps. Listen for him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He'll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He's picking you up. God is for you.
God is for you. Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper. If there's a tree in heaven, he's carved your name in the bark...
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?" God asks in Isaiah 49:15. What a bizarre question. Can you mothers imagine feeding your infant and then later asking, "What was that baby's name?" No. I've seen you care for your young. You stroke the hair, you touch the face, you sing the name over and over. Can a mother forget? No way. But "even is she could forget,...I will not forget you," God pledges. Isaiah 49:15.
from his book In the Grip of Grace.
"He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you." Zephaniah 3:17
God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that's God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that's God applauding your steps. Listen for him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He'll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He's picking you up. God is for you.
God is for you. Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper. If there's a tree in heaven, he's carved your name in the bark...
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?" God asks in Isaiah 49:15. What a bizarre question. Can you mothers imagine feeding your infant and then later asking, "What was that baby's name?" No. I've seen you care for your young. You stroke the hair, you touch the face, you sing the name over and over. Can a mother forget? No way. But "even is she could forget,...I will not forget you," God pledges. Isaiah 49:15.
from his book In the Grip of Grace.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
beautiful sunset
interesting weather patterns seem to bring out the best and the worst in the elements around us. i think this one qualifies as part of the best. taken with my iphone over Lake Hefner. not edited at all, those were just the colors of sunset. Great job God!!
peace.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
thankful days
in these days of thanksgiving and abundance we are still faced with the lack of a job. it is interesting to be thankful and seeking. thankful and unsure. thankful and peaceful in the midst of the unknown. so i've decided to focus on the things i am sure of.
i am sure God loves me. John 3:16 "for God so loved the world He gave his only son for those who would believe in Him would not die but live forever with Him."
i am sure that God has a plan. Jeremiah 29:11-13 "for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. when you call on me and seek me with your whole heart, I will be found by you."
i am sure that i am of great value to God. Matthew 6:25-31 "why do you worry about the stuff of your life? the birds do nothing and yet God feeds them. why do you worry about clothes? the lilly of the field is just beautiful, God made them that way. How by worrying can you change anything? o you of little faith, don't be anxious. seek God and He will provide."
like the old hymn says..."for i know whom i have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which i've committed unto Him against that day." i have trusted Him with my soul, my life, my all...our livelihood is a small thing in comparison.
God knows our needs and He is faithful. of this I am sure.
peace.
btw...the scripture above is my language not an exact translation.
i am sure God loves me. John 3:16 "for God so loved the world He gave his only son for those who would believe in Him would not die but live forever with Him."
i am sure that God has a plan. Jeremiah 29:11-13 "for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. when you call on me and seek me with your whole heart, I will be found by you."
i am sure that i am of great value to God. Matthew 6:25-31 "why do you worry about the stuff of your life? the birds do nothing and yet God feeds them. why do you worry about clothes? the lilly of the field is just beautiful, God made them that way. How by worrying can you change anything? o you of little faith, don't be anxious. seek God and He will provide."
like the old hymn says..."for i know whom i have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which i've committed unto Him against that day." i have trusted Him with my soul, my life, my all...our livelihood is a small thing in comparison.
God knows our needs and He is faithful. of this I am sure.
peace.
btw...the scripture above is my language not an exact translation.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
i'm discovering something....
no matter how old i get, i am still surprised by people. sometimes good, sometimes, not so much.
i need to learn to watch my words more carefully, to not be quite as trusting. a flippant comment, made in fun, not to be taken seriously--can be reported back with great intent to harm. too bad really....especially when you think you are on the same page...with people you trust.
oh well....my pollyanna self is just sad about it. don't worry my friends, it was none of you. no real harm done except to my rose colored glasses...i think the lense is definitely broken. ;-)
peace.
i need to learn to watch my words more carefully, to not be quite as trusting. a flippant comment, made in fun, not to be taken seriously--can be reported back with great intent to harm. too bad really....especially when you think you are on the same page...with people you trust.
oh well....my pollyanna self is just sad about it. don't worry my friends, it was none of you. no real harm done except to my rose colored glasses...i think the lense is definitely broken. ;-)
peace.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
sneak preview
so for those ephemerites that read my blog, this will be a sneak peek. for everyone else, this was a challenge issued by my art group and due this wednesday. i kind of like how it turned out. it's a shadow box. hope it makes you smile.
peace.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Life is good
so it's been over a week since the news about jim's job. in that time, we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. i've noticed a couple of things during this time.
people are amazed we are still happily married after 25 years. we've never seperated, never cheated, we've enjoyed our life together so far and feel very blessed. our lives are not perfect, but perfect was never our standard.
people also seem amazed that we are not stressed out about the job. we are truly at peace. yes, i'm sure. yes, i'm being honest. no, i'm not just being strong. God really is in control. we rest in that knowledge. we know he'll provide.
if you see my twitter, you'll see the thought for the day today. i really think it's a great cornerstone to build on. Perfectionism doesn't make you perfect, it just makes you feel inadequate.
i am only able because God makes me so. i am only strong because God is strong in me. i am only joyful because the joy of the Lord is my strength. if you are struggling, read His Word, hear his voice, let Him love you. and then rest in Him.
peace.
people are amazed we are still happily married after 25 years. we've never seperated, never cheated, we've enjoyed our life together so far and feel very blessed. our lives are not perfect, but perfect was never our standard.
people also seem amazed that we are not stressed out about the job. we are truly at peace. yes, i'm sure. yes, i'm being honest. no, i'm not just being strong. God really is in control. we rest in that knowledge. we know he'll provide.
if you see my twitter, you'll see the thought for the day today. i really think it's a great cornerstone to build on. Perfectionism doesn't make you perfect, it just makes you feel inadequate.
i am only able because God makes me so. i am only strong because God is strong in me. i am only joyful because the joy of the Lord is my strength. if you are struggling, read His Word, hear his voice, let Him love you. and then rest in Him.
peace.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
a new journey
the news came friday, jim's job no longer exists. in some ways it is good news, and in others ways quite a challenge.
he worked for great people, but the vision for what was to happen did not always seem to coexist. seemed to cause much frustration on both sides. i know i'm being generic, but i don't want to say anything that could be construed as negative. they really are terrific people and we enjoyed knowing them during jim's time with them.
so the journey to a new employment place begins. we trust God has a place and a plan for jim. we know that jeremiah 29:11-14 is truth. we'll rest there for now.
please pray and thanks for praying.
peace.
he worked for great people, but the vision for what was to happen did not always seem to coexist. seemed to cause much frustration on both sides. i know i'm being generic, but i don't want to say anything that could be construed as negative. they really are terrific people and we enjoyed knowing them during jim's time with them.
so the journey to a new employment place begins. we trust God has a place and a plan for jim. we know that jeremiah 29:11-14 is truth. we'll rest there for now.
please pray and thanks for praying.
peace.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
blue sky
at last year's Downtown Arts Festival I took this pic with my phone. It's a art piece, not a real tree and I love that they put a bird's nest in the tree. The sky was beautiful that day and a perfect backdrop to the colors of the tree.
enjoy!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
the canvas is complete!
so it all started with a big white canvas. i painted the base colors and then released it to the ephemerites (www.ephemerites.com)and told them to create. No boundaries, no suggestions, no rules. i wanted it to represent this amazingly talented group of women and it does.
the picture doesn't do it justice but i hope you enjoy!
peace.
Monday, September 01, 2008
altered book
this project is part of the ephemerites round robin projects. first book like this i have altered. it had to be something personal. hope you enjoy!
peace.
peace.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
one week down, one to go...
the really good news is, i have accomplished everything i wanted to before i left. the bad news is, i still have a week to go! oh well....
there are huge parts of the job i will miss:
...meeting people i would never meet otherwise...Renee Fleming, Art Garfunkel, Bebe Neuwirth, Pink Martini....at least most of them have been really nice and excellent to work with.
...the great people i work with at the phil. small team of dedicated, power-house people who are never going to be paid what they are worth, never going to be appreciated like they should be, and do it anyway to keep the music alive.
...and the special people i've met along the way. you know who you are.
i am excited about the new challenges to come and the growth opportunities they will provide. when i think that the average life span in africa is 43 and the median age is 16, how can i not have a driving force within me to fulfill God's purpose and go into all the world and introduce them to Jesus. they may never have another chance. today may be their last. or mine. or yours. Do you know my Jesus? He loves you and wants most of all for you to know Him too. that's all. just say yes Jesus.
peace.
there are huge parts of the job i will miss:
...meeting people i would never meet otherwise...Renee Fleming, Art Garfunkel, Bebe Neuwirth, Pink Martini....at least most of them have been really nice and excellent to work with.
...the great people i work with at the phil. small team of dedicated, power-house people who are never going to be paid what they are worth, never going to be appreciated like they should be, and do it anyway to keep the music alive.
...and the special people i've met along the way. you know who you are.
i am excited about the new challenges to come and the growth opportunities they will provide. when i think that the average life span in africa is 43 and the median age is 16, how can i not have a driving force within me to fulfill God's purpose and go into all the world and introduce them to Jesus. they may never have another chance. today may be their last. or mine. or yours. Do you know my Jesus? He loves you and wants most of all for you to know Him too. that's all. just say yes Jesus.
peace.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
change is good....
but that doesn't make it easy. i resigned my position with the Phil on friday, amidst tears, not just my own. it is good to be loved. now comes two weeks of intense, make sure all the bases are covered, try to prepare the way for the new person, work.
then on to my new position as director of communications for reaching souls international. i'm very excited about what they do and being able to spread the word about it.
so here goes.
peace.
Reaching Souls International
then on to my new position as director of communications for reaching souls international. i'm very excited about what they do and being able to spread the word about it.
so here goes.
peace.
Reaching Souls International
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
?????? got a hoopty!!
ok, so you know those moments you wish you had captured on film, phone, whatever....well yesterday i had one.
picture this in your mind. loud music playing (ok that was in my car, but still), and to my right this GHETTO red lincoln, low in the back and bouncing on every bump, silver detailing around all wheel wells, down the doors, across the trunk, decent wheels (no spinners though), windows rolled down....got it?
now look at the driver....young, male, maybe ethnic.....
WRONG!!!!
Granny got a hoopty!!! I almost died laughing! I went from stereotypical to you gotta be kiddin me in 2.5 seconds. Little white granny, dressed in her Sunday best, looking between the steering wheel and the dash, bouncing on every bump.
don't you just love surprises!! and a good, long giggle?
peace.
picture this in your mind. loud music playing (ok that was in my car, but still), and to my right this GHETTO red lincoln, low in the back and bouncing on every bump, silver detailing around all wheel wells, down the doors, across the trunk, decent wheels (no spinners though), windows rolled down....got it?
now look at the driver....young, male, maybe ethnic.....
WRONG!!!!
Granny got a hoopty!!! I almost died laughing! I went from stereotypical to you gotta be kiddin me in 2.5 seconds. Little white granny, dressed in her Sunday best, looking between the steering wheel and the dash, bouncing on every bump.
don't you just love surprises!! and a good, long giggle?
peace.
Friday, June 06, 2008
wow, time really does fly!
well, almost 2 months. end of season has come and gone, if you have never heard Time for Three, you must! They are fabulously talented and will be around for a long time. check them out time for three
anyway, we had a little vacation, the Oklahoma Aquarium is amazing! Had a little down time and now we're back in the swing. I'm heading to Denver next week for conference, so i'll try to post some pics this weekend and chat a little more.
peace.
anyway, we had a little vacation, the Oklahoma Aquarium is amazing! Had a little down time and now we're back in the swing. I'm heading to Denver next week for conference, so i'll try to post some pics this weekend and chat a little more.
peace.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
dream house
ok, well not exactly...really, not ever BUT i drive past this old barn every saturday on my trek to dad land. it intrigues me. this old barn is not in use anymore but with every season there is something beautiful about the simplicity. right now it is surrounded by little purple weeds. i've seen it surrounded by water, snow, green wheat and just dirt. the challenge in taking the pic is that it's off the turnpike and there's no good place to pull over. so forgive the slight blur, this is a slow-down drive by.
sometimes, that just seems to be the way i see life. glimpses, quickly caught, enjoyed, catalogued and foundly remembered.
peace.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
so i'm not biting the apple....
because i decided a buyer in the hand was better than an entry fee out of the pocket! but if i were submitting, here's my piece. it's called alice's paradigm. click on it to read the texts.
peace.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
I love getting birthday cards
and when you have artsy friends, they take a card to a whole new level. Here are some of the cards I received this year.
if you have never had a birthday card made especially for you, send me your birthday and address and you'll have one this year!!
peace.
if you have never had a birthday card made especially for you, send me your birthday and address and you'll have one this year!!
peace.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
automatic carwashes
i think that the drive through automatic car wash is a treasure. you go in one end with a filthy car and come out the other end with a shiny clean car. in between you are sprayed and spun and brushed and washed and even waxed(if you upgrade!).
so after all our recent weather, my black car was looking pretty grungy. this morning, i decided to take it through the carwash on my way to dad's house. so i did. jumped on the turnpike in my spiffy clean car and headed to el reno.
before i got 4 miles into the journey, it started sprinkling. then stopped. the sun came out. then it rained. my nice clean car stills looks better than it did, but the wet roads will soon change that.
so anyway, i've told you that to let you know what God showed me. do you know, when i run through the auto wash, it's only the outside of my car that gets clean? the inside still carries the dirt, trash, dog hair, uneaten french fries, etc. that was there when the car was dirty.
but with God, He goes for the full detail. He wants me clean through and through. He doesn't just wash my outside and send me on my merry way to get rained on so i have to come back. He starts on the inside and works His way out. He scrubs the carpet of my heart that has collected the dirt of sin and pain and whatever else. He cleans the dashboard of my mind that has had to much stuff set on it, spilled on it and not been dusted. He cleans around the buttons of my will, my emotion, my thoughts, my desires.... By the time He is done, i am water repellent and smelling fresh like Him. and He houses me in the garage of his love, grace, mercy, sacrifice and protection. AND His clean lasts forever...
may seem strange to you, but it spoke to me today. God spoke to me today.
peace.
Monday, February 18, 2008
ola senorita...
was all he said as he stood on the side of the road and allowed me to take his picture. digital camera-$200, day off- $NC, getting this pic-PRICELESS!!
by the way, the street i was on, WESTERN!! of course! ask ellen, my witness and photographer.
enjoy!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
forgot to take a pic....
before i started, but the canvas came to me painted with the words on the bottom. my addition is the bottom left corner...she just looked like she was enjoying the good life....
ephemerites project one movin' on....
peace.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Que sera, sera
whatever will be, will be. seems kind of fatalistic but if you really think about it, if i truly believe God is in control and i truly believe that he has a plan for me, to prosper and not to harm me, to give me hope and a future, then que sera, sera should be my theme song.
don't get me wrong. i don't think i'm a bystander in my life with a whatever sign on my forehead. i know that God wants my full participation in this plan he has for me. i just want to be willing, ready and able to fully participate.
i want to be open to change, ready for assignments and willing to go the extra mile or two. i want to live my life with a capital L! no looking back, no compromise.
God is good all the time and que sera sera, i can't wait to see what will be!!
peace.
don't get me wrong. i don't think i'm a bystander in my life with a whatever sign on my forehead. i know that God wants my full participation in this plan he has for me. i just want to be willing, ready and able to fully participate.
i want to be open to change, ready for assignments and willing to go the extra mile or two. i want to live my life with a capital L! no looking back, no compromise.
God is good all the time and que sera sera, i can't wait to see what will be!!
peace.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Learn something new.....
so i've learned how to add html code to my blog to include some permanent links. this is very exciting to me because i'm basically a hunt and peck method learner and it's good to know the brain still works.
so, check out some of my favorite sites...now that i know how to add them, you can bet i will!
peace.
so, check out some of my favorite sites...now that i know how to add them, you can bet i will!
peace.
Monday, February 04, 2008
get LOST!!
I have! If you are not a fan of the ABC show LOST, stop reading...but if you are, I love this show!
It is one of the smartest, most intriguing shows I've seen in years. Never a dull moment, always a twist or 40, and the characters become like family.
My friend, Kristy, and I are addicted. But it goes beyond....she surfs the web and chatboards sending me easter eggs of info. I supply them to the other Lostians in my office, we all surmise, deduce, anticipate and watch.
It is office chatter at it's finest!!
Take a gander and you'll get LOST too!
peace.
It is one of the smartest, most intriguing shows I've seen in years. Never a dull moment, always a twist or 40, and the characters become like family.
My friend, Kristy, and I are addicted. But it goes beyond....she surfs the web and chatboards sending me easter eggs of info. I supply them to the other Lostians in my office, we all surmise, deduce, anticipate and watch.
It is office chatter at it's finest!!
Take a gander and you'll get LOST too!
peace.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
frozen in time....
or at least in the stuff that is falling today. some white, some wet, some icy, welcome to Oklahoma! the land of the weather smorgasbord!
peace.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
who knew a treasure lay up in guthrie....
i've been to this small town many times...great antiquing, barbecue and Christmas festival. but i had never been to the Banjo Museum until yesterday. you may ask, "why the banjo museum?", it's not my regular gig, but in april Buddy Wachter, Hall of Famer in the banjo world is coming to the Philharmonic AND the banjo museum is moving to Bricktown. so off to banjo world we go and although unsure of the enjoyment factor ahead of time, I was slightly amazed.
These instruments are works of art and define what was truly America's first music form. Here are a few pics i took, enjoy, check out their website and make the trip, you won't be disappointed. Plus, there's a Shakey's tribute room!
Hey, call me and we'll go spend a day in Guthrie.
www.banjomuseum.org
peace.
These instruments are works of art and define what was truly America's first music form. Here are a few pics i took, enjoy, check out their website and make the trip, you won't be disappointed. Plus, there's a Shakey's tribute room!
Hey, call me and we'll go spend a day in Guthrie.
www.banjomuseum.org
peace.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
all things red today
i don't know why, but i'm sharing another red moment with you. hubbie and i went to an amazing restaurant called red prime steakhouse. it is pricey but it is wonderful. the food is good, the service is amazing (thank you joel) and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. try it out...it is special occasion worthy! ask for the round booths.
www.redprimesteak.com
peace.
bowling for fun!!!
If you've never been to Red Pin Bowling Lounge in Bricktown, you should go!!! It is just north of Harkins on the lower level by the river. It's a very deco looking cool place. Prices are reasonable, service is great and the video commentaries on your play is so cute!! If you want to see more, watch Discover Oklahoma on channel 9 on Feb 2 and see the Philharmonic staff having a blast!! We didn't know they'd be there, but what a nice surprise.
check it out www.bowlredpin.com
peace.
Monday, January 21, 2008
round robin starts now
my art group, the Ephemerites, is starting this year's round robin. last year it was canvases and they turned out beautiful. since i joined the group later in the year, i didn't have the opportunity to do one. SOOOO, this year's round robin is a pick what you want, so each project is different. the only complaint i heard about last year's canvases was that they were too small, i fixed that problem, mine is 30 x 40!!
here is the beginning of my project. i'll update each month and show the work that's been done. i may even show you what i'm working on. enjoy.
peace!!
here is the beginning of my project. i'll update each month and show the work that's been done. i may even show you what i'm working on. enjoy.
peace!!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
I'm dreaming of a white elephant Christmas???
my dear mother, who's known by all around to be on the quirky side, out-did herself this year. amidst the unwrapping of lovely gifts, we came across these.
in case you can't read them clearly, the dress says "you're still hot, it just comes in flashes now." and the stud cowboy says "this ain't no beer belly it's a gas tank for a sex machine." feel free to click on the picture and see them close up!
charming. i wondering if she would like some of those manure animals for her birthday?
peace.
in case you can't read them clearly, the dress says "you're still hot, it just comes in flashes now." and the stud cowboy says "this ain't no beer belly it's a gas tank for a sex machine." feel free to click on the picture and see them close up!
charming. i wondering if she would like some of those manure animals for her birthday?
peace.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
self portrait
so the ephemarites are going to published in a magazine called Haute Handbags. it's a somerset publication and we're all excited! we submitted a purse that we all altered and they accepted it and wanted an article about our group. all that to say....i needed a self portrait and bio to put on www.pashnada.com/artists.htm so the world could see all of us.
it's a little strange cutting out your own head, but i like the finished product.
peace.
it's a little strange cutting out your own head, but i like the finished product.
peace.
Monday, December 17, 2007
I call it Christmas.....
and not to be politically incorrect, although that is enticing ;-), but because it is Christmas. like it or not, believe in it or not, this holiday is the day that christians around the world celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
we have Christmas trees symbolizing the tree our Savior was crucified on to provide redemption for our sins and an eternal home in heaven with God the Father.
we share Christmas gifts as a remembrance of the gifts that were brought to the Christ-child in honor of his birth by the wisemen following a star.
we sing Christmas carols to remind ourselves and teach our children the oral history of this holiday and to celebrate the reason we sing.
it isn't about having a happy holiday it's about stopping once a year and saying Thank you God in heaven for sending your only Son, Jesus Christ to be the sacrifice for our sins so that we can live this life in service, honor and praise to you. Thank you for miraculously giving this little child, to a virgin, to save us all if we will only but believe and accept this most precious of Christmas gifts.
Merry Christmas!! May you find Christ in the middle of your happy holidays.
peace.
we have Christmas trees symbolizing the tree our Savior was crucified on to provide redemption for our sins and an eternal home in heaven with God the Father.
we share Christmas gifts as a remembrance of the gifts that were brought to the Christ-child in honor of his birth by the wisemen following a star.
we sing Christmas carols to remind ourselves and teach our children the oral history of this holiday and to celebrate the reason we sing.
it isn't about having a happy holiday it's about stopping once a year and saying Thank you God in heaven for sending your only Son, Jesus Christ to be the sacrifice for our sins so that we can live this life in service, honor and praise to you. Thank you for miraculously giving this little child, to a virgin, to save us all if we will only but believe and accept this most precious of Christmas gifts.
Merry Christmas!! May you find Christ in the middle of your happy holidays.
peace.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
crawfords 2007
so every once in a while, we get together and i remember the camera. here's the crawford clan in 2007.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
oh tannebaum....
you'll never be the same. this was a lovely bradford pear down the street from my mom. i'm not sure it will recover from the ice storm of 2007.
driving through the city today, it reminded me of how thankful i am that although this ice storm has caused devastation temporarily for most, some war torn countries look like this each and every day and not by the hand of mother nature, but by their own hands and the hands of their enemies. i do pray for those who have lost loved ones, lost their homes, lost their power, but i Thank you God, this too shall pass....
peace.
Monday, December 10, 2007
oh sleet!
yes folks, we're in Oklahoma! i swear, it's rained all year. this is the most unusual weather i have seen in my 27 years of residency and in OK, that's saying a lot! so here's a pic of today....we're praying the trees can handle the weight of the ice...we have a small one down already, but it's bertha in the backyard that could take out our house!!
peace.
Friday, December 07, 2007
music heals....
i've always seen the relationship of music to memory and well-being....it's nice to see those gifts God has given us, shared with those who may not otherwise experience them.
The Children's Center in Bethany
peace.
The Children's Center in Bethany
peace.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
proud mom moment
for any of you that know me, you know i'm always proud of my kids. it's nice when someone else notices them too.
click here
peace.
click here
peace.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
You caught it!!
so our little viral marketing experiment was successful!! thanks to all of you who printed the coupon and came to see the show. Hope you enjoyed. special thanks to Dwayne at blogcity for his review of the show. we'll try again, so keep watching....
peace!
to see dwayne's review go to http://dwayne.blog-city.com
peace!
to see dwayne's review go to http://dwayne.blog-city.com
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