ICEPOCALYPSE 2010!!

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

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

BUT

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

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

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

peace.

Happy Birthday Dad

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

2009 Okie Blog Awards

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

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

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

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

peace.

You Don't Know My Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

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


peace.

Change of Life

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

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

Until tomorrow.

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

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

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

peace.

Trash and Treasure

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

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

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

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

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

peace.

so why this blog name and what's up in 2010

When I started blogging I wanted a place where I could put my thoughts, feelings, observations, advice, wisdom, funny stuff, recipes, etc. It all seemed pretty random and although I'm a just-the-facts kind of gal at work, I do tend to ramble when telling stories, which I love to do. Plus it's my blog so I could be totally unfettered by any expectations other than my own.

I've lived most of my life taking care of people. I'm a first born, an over-achiever, with a much younger sibling, inattentive parents, and a mother-nature kind of heart. When my parents divorced I was 16, went to work full-time while finishing high school and then to college. I married at 19, was a mom of 2 by the time I was 22 and have spent the bulk of my adult years married to my best friend and raising the two most incredible daughters.

In the last few years, I've cared for my alzheimer's dad until his death in November. So now I'm reassessing. What does life look like in 2010?

I'm still married...26 years and counting. I want to spend more time dating my husband. Enjoying the freedom we have as a couple without children at home, without great responsibilities from others. I want to find more things to do together. I want to serve together more. Be involved together more.

I'm still a mom...but my daughters are 23 and 25 and discovering what their lives look like as adults. I enjoy watching, participating, supporting...but I'm an observer now, not a coordinator. :-)

And then there is me. What do I want to do for me this year? I want to know God more this year. Spend time with Him. Listen to Him. I want to do more art, learn more, express more, develop more as an artist. I want to get into shape this year, but not by dieting and exercising on a plan...I want to invest in my health and longevity by changing habits, making the effort to invest in me. I want to get more manis and pedis.

I want to dance more...sing more...celebrate more! Life is too short and moves too quickly not to spend a little time every day celebrating that today is a gift! Tear that wrapping off and get to the good stuff. Hug someone you love, HECK, hug someone you barely know. Play a game, do a puzzle, go for a walk, snuggle more...and remember always God loves you.

peace.

trust AND follow

So I had this thought hit me yesterday. We were at Frontline with our daughters and the guy speaking made this comment "It's good to trust in God and to follow Him..." and it hit me, do I only trust? Am I really following Christ?

I have watched my life be built, brick upon brick, layer upon layer, on an unshakable foundation of trust in the Lord. I have faced all manner of events and situations with the absolute knowledge that I trust God and I know He has a plan for me. Jeremiah 29:11-14 is one of my life passages of scripture.

But do I follow Him? Do I stop, look and listen to where He is leading me? Or do I set off on a path, knowing He'll take care of me, trusting in His ever-present help in times of trouble?

Honestly, I don't know. But if the thought hit me that hard, I think I need to find out. God is subtle with me that way. Kind of like a hammer to the head of a nail. But really, sometimes it takes that with me. I reach the end of my chain at a dead run and like the old cartoons, it pulls tight, lifts me off my feet and BOOM! on my butt I sit.

So, here I sit. Pondering...what does it really, truly mean to follow Christ? Not the Sunday school answers that pop into my head, but the heart-felt, will-bending, I-know-that-I-know kind of answer.

Well, I'm going to find out.

peace.

A Timely Reminder

My friend, Jen, posted this the other day and I wanted to share it with you.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote this Christmas poem, Christmas Bells, during the American Civil War, 1864. It appears in many Christian hymnals under the title I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, however, the fourth and fifth stanzas, which speak of battle, are usually omitted.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound the carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn, the households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”


With all the talk of war, inflation, recession, unemployment, healthcare, etc... I just wanted to remind myself that greater is HE that is in me, than he that is in the world. I am rejoicing today for my Savior is born! And I'm resting in the knowledge that He has already prevailed with Peace on Earth and Good Will to men.

peace...and Merry Christmas!!

It's UPtime America!

If you see injustice, STAND UP
If something needs to be said, SPEAK UP
If you make an appointment, SHOW UP
If you make a mistake, FESS UP
If you’re overstepping, BACK UP
If you get behind, CATCH UP
If they knock you down, GET UP
If you’re out of line, STRAIGHTEN UP
When your boss instructs, KEEP UP
When your elders speak, LISTEN UP
When your teachers teach, SIT UP
When your preachers preach, WAKE UP
When your country calls, MAN UP
Ladies too... WOMAN UP
When the fight is over, MAKE UP
If you’re being hard, EASE UP
If your heart is closed, OPEN UP
If you want to buy something, SAVE UP--
It’s not an entitlement, so SHUT UP!
If you make a mess, CLEAN IT UP
If you drop trash, PICK IT UP
If a car is waiting for you to
walk across the street, SPEED IT UP
If you’re cold busted, GIVE IT UP
If people fall down, HELP THEM UP--
Not the government, YOU STEP UP
If idiots start fighting, BREAK IT UP
If the music is wholesome, TURN IT UP
If the message is poisonous, THROW IT UP
If your words are vulgar, CLAM IT UP
If your words encourage, KEEP IT UP
If your pants are baggy, PULL THEM UP
If the belt’s too loose, CINCH IT UP
If your fly is down, ZIP IT UP
If you’re dressed half naked, COVER IT UP
If you can’t afford stuff, PASS IT UP--
No “bailouts” folks, PONY UP
If you made a promise, you BACK IT UP
And you can take your whining and PACK IT UP
It’s called personal responsibility, so TAKE IT UP
This country was founded on it, you can LOOK IT UP
It’s the American way people, so TURN IT UP
Because when life gets boring, you SHAKE IT UP
When life is good, you SOAK IT UP
When life’s unfair, you SUCK IT UP
When life is funny, you can YUCK IT UP
When life is sad, just LOOK STRAIGHT UP
And life’s too short people, so LIVE IT UP!

Or you can watch this or go here.

I have always told my kids that their response is their responsibility. She just takes it to a whole new level.

We are so blessed as a nation that we have become lazy and selfish. It's time to give it up, stand up and get this nation headed in the right direction - UP!

This was my motivation for today, just thought I'd share.

peace

Christmas in Oklahoma

One of my favorite things this time of year are all the Christmas lights. Here are just a few I've seen this year. All these photos are from my phone. Hope it lends some Christmas spirit to you!

peace.

Never done this before...

Ok, so for a long time, my husband and I have celebrated our anniversary in November by taking the day off and doing all our Christmas shopping. We love it, it's peaceful, no one else is out and walking across a parking lot is not a near death experience!

NOT this year...I was out of town, he was out of town and life invaded to the point that we are now 11 days from Christmas and I have 1 present purchased...and it was online.

Now I'm not saying panic has set in...it has, but I'm not saying!! I went to Walmart for groceries and barely escaped with my life. And that was INSIDE the store, I'm not even talking about the parking lot!

So hubbie and I are now making a plan. I'm wondering what stores are open at 1:00 am, would we be safe to shop then and how much can I get at Walmart and 7-11?

Those gift cards are looking better and better...and besides, they buy more after Christmas right? RIGHT? I mean that could be my reason...couldn't it??

peace?? :-)

Thoughts for today...

It's been pretty quiet at work this week. I'm grateful for the slow down, but it does give me time to think...here are some of the random thoughts I've had.

I was calendaring some work items and saw my dad's b-day in January, just couldn't make myself take it off the calendar for next year.

Andrea is graduating from college on Saturday, wonder what new dates we'll be celebrating next year?

Is 2010 the year I'll lose this weight?

Wonder what my future (as in they aren't even dating anyone kind of future) sons-in-laws birthdays will be?

Wow, it's 2010 already!

What day of the week is Jim's 50th b-day on? WOW, I'm married to an almost 50 year old!! (2011)


I'm not sure quiet time is good for me. Too much thinking, too many possibilities. But it also gives me time to reflect on good things. I try to be a grateful person. I think it's important to recognize goodness everywhere you can.

So here's my grateful list:

I'm grateful for my relationship with God. He is my strength, my comfort, my guide, my peace and my safe harbor. I cannot imagine life without His ever present goodness in my world.

I'm grateful for my husband. He is my best friend.

I'm grateful for my daughters. They bring me such JOY!

I'm grateful for my mom and sister. For my brother-in-law, my niece and nephew. They add color to my world.

I'm grateful for good friends, long-time friends, new friends, twitter friends, facebook friends...The support and love they offer without strings, a constant source of encouragement to me.

I'm grateful for a job I love, with people I love, doing work that daily impacts the souls of men, bringing hope where there is very little, and welcoming people into an eternity with Christ.

OK, so time isn't so bad. It's refocused me and I hope it has blessed you and challenged you to take some time and be grateful as well.

peace.

The Winner's Circle

Another timely reminder of God's love from Max Lucado's When Christ Comes. Hope it blesses you!

"The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." Ephesians 6:8

For all we don't know about the next life, this much is certain. The day Christ comes will be a day of reward. Those who went unknown on earth will be known in heaven. Those who never heard the cheers of men will hear the cheers of angels. Those who missed the blessing of a father will hear the blessing of their heavenly Father. The small will be great. The forgotten will be remembered. The unnoticed will be crowned and the faithful will be honored.

The winner's circle isn't reserved for a handful of the elite, but for a heaven full of God's children who "will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" James 1:12

Did you notice that last part? The part about love? That really is all, God loves us and He wants our love in return. No works, no ultimate sacrifices, no grand deeds...just a loving relationship. Accept His loving offer of salvation through Christ's love displayed on the cross and enter into the Winner's Circle. I'll be there waiting, too.

peace.

Dad is at peace

The phone rang at 2:30am this morning, hospice telling us that dad was declining and we needed to come. So I went.

Jenny was there as I walked in the door, eyes dewy and sleepy. Dad was breathing, intermittently and shallow.

We talked to him, joined hands and prayed over him and told him it was okay to go on home. We spoke in quiet tones as we watched the life our dad lived for 70 years slowly ebb away. He didn't struggle, he just slowly stopped breathing.

We made our phone calls, began collecting ourselves, and made the trek home. Our conversations have been about details and plans to be made. Arranging our week to make space to say our final goodbye to dad.

Truth be told, we've been saying goodbye a little at a time. Alzheimer's steals so much for so long. We've said little goodbyes all along the path of this journey.

So now the time has come. We are grateful for the support of family and friends. But most of all, we are thankful for the goodness, grace and support God has showered on us during this most difficult journey.

And we are at peace.

I think I'm missing a gene

Not for any other reason than I hate to shop. I don't like crowds and there is NO deal that would make me want to get out of bed at 3:00 am to go buy something.

I don't understand it and to be very honest, I don't want to. I know many lovely people who get very excited this time of year. Their plans are made, their sale papers are marked, and their wallets are ready. (I hope with cash). Personally, I will be very sure not to clog the lines or get in their way. I will be home. Warm, snuggly and relaxed.

I'm also at the point in life that I don't want something else to dust. Give me the gift of an evening of games, dinner out, a girl's night or a movie. I don't need or want another whatever to clutter my full home. The older I get the more I realize that owning stuff is a fine line too easily crossed over...soon your stuff owns you.

So here is my plan. I will not go shopping, I will stay home. I will not make a Christmas list of stuff but of times I would enjoy. I will offer to others gifts that I believe will touch their hearts, even if they take my time and energy. I will not wait until Christmas to give the most important gift I possess, love.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Be ThankFULL!

peace.

p.s. the cat pic is Henry, my sis' cat, and it's just because. :-)

A Christmas Carol

I got to see the newest version of A Christmas Carol and I loved it!!

The animation is incredible, the 3-D is a wonderful touch and I would highly recommend it. I would not take small children, it is dark and scary in some places)


I have always loved the Albert Finney version called Scrooge. But then, I love musicals!!

So get yourself ready for the season and go see this film.

peace.

I'm Official

I've recently joined the Okie Bloggers, as you can see to your left, and I somehow feel more official now.

I've blogged about many things during my time with a blog. Gators, kids, marriage, alzheimers, boyscouts, faith and just stuff. I blog to put my thoughts about things somewhere I can find them. If you have read them along the way, that's the bonus for me.

I named my blog Ramblings of a creative mind unleashed because I am sort of random. I have often said I have a trivial mind, I know little bits about a lot of things. Enough to be dangerous so I've heard. :-)

Anyway...today's randomness is laughter. I love a good laugh. I follow The Pioneer Woman mostly because she makes me laugh. She lives her life with remarkable humor and joy. I enjoy that a great deal.

I also enjoy my friends Dwayne and Barb. They like to laugh, a lot! We play cards monthly and I never leave their company without at least one good guffaw! Here they are...


My friend Ellen is also a favorite to have a giggle with. The first time her daughter-in-law met me, we were so caught in the throws of laughter, she thought we were drunk. We weren't. We don't need to be...although being a little tired does help, we just get funnier and funnier. :-)

So here's my advice today -- go have a good laugh! Laughter is the Best Medicine according to Reader's Digest and to me. Life is tough and hard and God has given us the gift of laughter as a release. Give yourself the gift of laughter today. If you can't find it yourself, maybe this will help, my GIFT to you.

peace.

Memory Walk 2009

So we went, we walked and we'll remember. I think the most overwhelming aspect of the walk was not the number of people (over 700), or the music or activities...it was one woman's story.

Maria's family suffers from familial alzheimer's. Her grandmother died of it when she was in her 20's, she never knew her grandmother without it. Maria's mom has it and her 17 year old son has never known his grandmother without it. 3 of her aunts and 3 of her uncles have it. Out of Maria's grandmother's 13 children, that makes 7 children with alzheimer's. Maria's family begins showing symptoms in their late 40's or early 50's. Maria looks to be around 40.

As I listened to her story, I felt such sorrow for this family's legacy. As devastated as my sister and I have been by alzheimer's dad's slip into oblivion, we have no concept of the curse this family lives under.

Looking at everything, here is where I come back to. God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good. He has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams and our biggest hopes. He has supported us, provided for us, given us peace that passes all understanding. I can't fully explain the hope that resides in me but I know where my hope comes from. And I am truly grateful. I cannot imagine living this life without the abiding presence of my Savior, my Creator.

Thank you for supporting me in your thoughts, your prayers, with your flowers and the names of your loved ones, and with your money.

I am more determined than ever to raise the awareness of people about this devastating disease. Maria's family deserves a new heritage.

peace.

From my friend, Ellen

This post was written by my dear friend, Ellen. Her mother also lives with alzheimer's. We are making this journey together, hand in hand, heart to heart. We understand each other and our stories are similar.

Just click on the title above and I hope you are touched by her post. I was.

peace.