It's Hot, have a cup of Joe.

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

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

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

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



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

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

peace.

Do your job

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

You Know It's HOT When....

R.I.P. Ice Cream Truck.

peace.

No Complaints

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

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

1.) It isn't 115 degrees

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

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

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

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

peace.

A shift in the atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

peace. :-)

Happy Birthday in the Toilet...

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

Party Animals, I know. :-)

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

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

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

peace.

Thinking on Love

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

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

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

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

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


peace.

NBA Lockout is Official

Wow. I love basketball, my mom loves basketball.

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

Change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And it will be good.

peace.

Have you heard of the needs in Cashion?

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

If you want to help, contact Wendy Hanser.

 

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

 

Team One- Cashion Donation Site MOVE

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

Where: Cashion High School

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

 

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

 

 

Team Two-- Debris Clean-Up

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

 

Where: Crossings Community Church

When:  7 a.m.

 

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

 

 

Prayer Needs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

Sometimes Mondays resemble....

peace.

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

Get Your Tickets Here

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

The Trouble with Bees

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

Anyway....

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

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

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

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

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

Services pending.

peace.

Desks

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

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

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

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

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

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

'No,' she said.

'Maybe it's our behavior.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By the way, this is a true story.

Never forget.

peace.

Memorial Day

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

peace.

Wow, What a Week

This week has been a bad country and western song.

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

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

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

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

peace.

Creative Time

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

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

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

Thanks Sherry!!

peace.

Help a Non-Profit Out

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

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

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

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

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

I thought you would.

Thanks!!!

peace.

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

Blogs I like

Just because I thought you might enjoy them, too!

Design Crush

Good Grief Girdie

Recyclart

Not Martha

Design for Mankind

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

peace.

Bucket List

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

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


to be continued...

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

peace.

Flowers!

I love these! I will be making some soon. 

Thanks not martha for the inspiration.

peace.

Some Days....

Rain by Shel Silverstein

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

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

peace. :-)

my thoughts today

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

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

My heart is glad and my heart is sad.

peace.

Rescued!

 

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

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

You are You

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

Just thought I'd share.

This, too.

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

You are loved, be you!

peace.

Prayer

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


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


Want to know what I've been praying?


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

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

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

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

you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

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

9 If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

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

and the light about me be night,”

12 even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

13 For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

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

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

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

How vast is the sum of them!

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

I awake, and I am still with you.

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

O men of blood, depart from me!

20 They speak against you with malicious intent;

your enemies take your name in vain!

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

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

22 I hate them with complete hatred;

I count them my enemies.

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

Try me and know my thoughts!

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

and lead me in the way everlasting!

peace.

Listen

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


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


peace.

Managing Change

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

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

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

peace.

ART

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

What does any of this have to do with art?

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

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

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

Life is good, I am blessed.

peace.

Praying for Japan

Psalm 46

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

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

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

peace. 

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

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

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


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


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


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


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


peace.

Peace

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

peace.

A New Journey

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

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

Toddler Princess
by Catherine Mosier

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

Today

Today is my husband's 50th birthday.

50!!

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

I remember:

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Jim!

peace.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

Getting Juicy

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

Here's what I can say:

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

peace.

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

Happy Days are here again!

I have so much to be grateful for every day.

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

So here's my focus:

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

peace.

Math Problems

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

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

peace.

My glass is temporarily empty

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

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

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

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

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

I will pray.

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

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

peace.

Change is in the air

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

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

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

But I had promised.

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

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

But I had promised.

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

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

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

Thank you God.

peace.

Something I've Noticed

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

REALLY???

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

It won't. I promise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

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

New Year

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

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

peace.

Rethinking my Nativity

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

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

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

peace.

Pollyanna is back!

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

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



peace.

New Focus

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

My new focus: everything but me.

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

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

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

peace.

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

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

Snarky

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


peace.

Inspiration

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

peace.

Tis the Season

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

O Holy Night!

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

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

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

peace.

Convenient Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

Closed Doors

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

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

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

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

peace.