- May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, gastro-internist, urologist, proctologist, psychiatrist, podiatrist, plumber, and the I.R.S.
- May your hair, teeth, face-lift, abs, and stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, white blood count, and your mortgage not rise.
- May what you see in the mirror delight you and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.
- May the telemarketers wait to make their calls until after you finish dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you’re watching and may your checkbook and your budget balance, including generous amounts for charity.
- May you remember to say “I love you” at least once a day to your spouse, child, parent and siblings; but not to your secretary, nurse, masseuse, hairdresser, or your tennis instructor.
- May the new year often find you seated around the table with your beloved family or cherished friends. May you find the food better, environment quieter, cost much cheaper, and the pleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you might otherwise be doing.
-borrowed from a local editor
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Snapshots of Christmas Memories
This Christmas was chock full of memories. Sometimes, I felt like Mary of old who "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart". I know that was referring to the events around the birth of Jesus, but I like to think that when God gives me snapshots into His plans and workings in our life that we should keep these things and ponder them in our hearts.
Snapshot 1. Ted teaching Cheyenne and Jessica how to make Momma's chocolate covered peanut butter balls
Snapshot 2. Ted wanting Momma's cherry cream pie which I haven't made since Momma showed me how to do it. In turn, I taught Jessica how to do it. (Jess is James' girlfriend). Passing on the family recipes and traditions to the next generation was bittersweet.
Snapshot 3. Ted giving us his Christmas wish list, and God providing the money so that I could make all his wishes come true {yes, that is probably the first time in 20 years this has happened :))) }
Snapshot 4. Ted writing me a love letter in a Christmas card. I cried all over him after I read it. He hadn't written me like that in years, and I have missed it. Not counting the emails we write to each other or the texts. I just missed the pen to paper heart to heart missives.
Snapshot 5. Passing along the love and wisdom and Godly example to the next generation as it was shown me by the loving people God put in my life through the years.
Snapshot 6. Listening as Ted explained the meaning of Christmas, and why we do what we do on this day every year. How precious the birth of God's Son was and how we are not to take it lightly or forget that is the whole reason we give gifts. I remembered just a few short years ago when he wasn't walking with the Lord and giving spiritual lessons to the boys was the farthest thing from his mind. I inwardly rejoiced that my husband was truly the spiritual leader in our home that God had intended all along.
This was the best Christmas in years! Thank you Lord, for all these things to ponder in my heart. Most of all, thank You for the birth of Your Son that made salvation possible to all who will accept it.
Snapshot 1. Ted teaching Cheyenne and Jessica how to make Momma's chocolate covered peanut butter balls
Snapshot 2. Ted wanting Momma's cherry cream pie which I haven't made since Momma showed me how to do it. In turn, I taught Jessica how to do it. (Jess is James' girlfriend). Passing on the family recipes and traditions to the next generation was bittersweet.
Snapshot 3. Ted giving us his Christmas wish list, and God providing the money so that I could make all his wishes come true {yes, that is probably the first time in 20 years this has happened :))) }
Snapshot 4. Ted writing me a love letter in a Christmas card. I cried all over him after I read it. He hadn't written me like that in years, and I have missed it. Not counting the emails we write to each other or the texts. I just missed the pen to paper heart to heart missives.
Snapshot 5. Passing along the love and wisdom and Godly example to the next generation as it was shown me by the loving people God put in my life through the years.
Snapshot 6. Listening as Ted explained the meaning of Christmas, and why we do what we do on this day every year. How precious the birth of God's Son was and how we are not to take it lightly or forget that is the whole reason we give gifts. I remembered just a few short years ago when he wasn't walking with the Lord and giving spiritual lessons to the boys was the farthest thing from his mind. I inwardly rejoiced that my husband was truly the spiritual leader in our home that God had intended all along.
This was the best Christmas in years! Thank you Lord, for all these things to ponder in my heart. Most of all, thank You for the birth of Your Son that made salvation possible to all who will accept it.
Monday, December 19, 2011
10 Free Gifts for the Whole Year
1. The gift of listening.
Try giving this to someone in need. And you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your responses. Just listen.
2. The gift of signs of affection…
Be generous with your hugs, kisses and gentle squeezes of the hand. Let these tiny actions demonstrate the love inside of you.
3. The gift of a note…
It can be as simple as “I Love You” or as creative as a sonnet. Put your notes where they will surprise your loved ones.
4. The gift of laughter…
Just cut out a cartoon, save a clever article. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
5. The gift of a compliment…
A simple “You look good in blue” or “Good supper” can be of greatest value to those who may feel they are being taken for granted.
6. The gift of a favor…
Help with the dishes, run an errand, etc.
7. The gift of leaving alone…
There are times in our lives when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Become more sensitive to those times and give solitude.
8. The gift of a cheerful disposition…
Try to be cheerful around those you love.
9. The gift of a game…
Offer to play your loved one’s favorite game. Even if you lose, you’ll be a winner.
10. The gift of prayer…
Pray for your loved ones and let them know you pray for them.
Consider this: One of the most important trips a person can make is meeting the other person halfway.
(This was posted in our local paper, but they cited their source as the internet -author unknown.)
Try giving this to someone in need. And you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your responses. Just listen.
2. The gift of signs of affection…
Be generous with your hugs, kisses and gentle squeezes of the hand. Let these tiny actions demonstrate the love inside of you.
3. The gift of a note…
It can be as simple as “I Love You” or as creative as a sonnet. Put your notes where they will surprise your loved ones.
4. The gift of laughter…
Just cut out a cartoon, save a clever article. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
5. The gift of a compliment…
A simple “You look good in blue” or “Good supper” can be of greatest value to those who may feel they are being taken for granted.
6. The gift of a favor…
Help with the dishes, run an errand, etc.
7. The gift of leaving alone…
There are times in our lives when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Become more sensitive to those times and give solitude.
8. The gift of a cheerful disposition…
Try to be cheerful around those you love.
9. The gift of a game…
Offer to play your loved one’s favorite game. Even if you lose, you’ll be a winner.
10. The gift of prayer…
Pray for your loved ones and let them know you pray for them.
Consider this: One of the most important trips a person can make is meeting the other person halfway.
(This was posted in our local paper, but they cited their source as the internet -author unknown.)
Friday, December 16, 2011
Comforting Contemplations
Two years ago today our lives changed abruptly. Our hearts were torn and our prayers were mere sobs. God has given living grace to us just as much as He gives dying grace. This week I have tried to be stoic, I don't know why just didn't want to always cry.
Ted was out of town and traveling back a long distance this morning. I know he knew what day it was, but I am not sure if he realized that to have him out of town just like he was 2 years ago and also driving back at the same time Momma went to Heaven was very unsettling for me. I was so worried he would fall asleep at the wheel or have an accident before he made it home safely. I did not want to say anything to him about his trip or that it was the anniversary of his mother's Homegoing. I went to work today on autopilot. I think being sick with a cold and feeling blah was a blessing in disguise for I was too numb to feel the heartache.
James has his first girlfriend and I do not feel equipped for this. It has made me think back on what it might have been like for Momma all those years ago. She mothered, mentored, and molded me being a model of a virtuous woman who loved her Lord. I miss her comfort and her wisdom, I keep thinking she would know how to handle each situation or at least we would work it out together. I can only hope that I will be the kind of mother in law that she was to me.
So many saints in our church have stepped into glory in the past 2 years and my heart yearns for my turn. Then I think of all the people who won't get to go because they haven't accepted or have outright rejected our Loving Lord. I know I need to stay here until our Lord returns or calls me Home so that I can tell others.
God doesn't make mistakes, and we don't need to know all the answers, but He does send comfort along if we only keep our eyes and hearts open to His gentle care for us.
He has taught me so much in my life, but when He took Momma to be with Him, it allowed me to learn even more intimately about Him and how to grow in ways that I was not before this.
So as I contemplate Momma and all that has happened hurts, and heartache and all I do find comfort.
May the God of all comfort be with you now and forever, Amen!
Ted was out of town and traveling back a long distance this morning. I know he knew what day it was, but I am not sure if he realized that to have him out of town just like he was 2 years ago and also driving back at the same time Momma went to Heaven was very unsettling for me. I was so worried he would fall asleep at the wheel or have an accident before he made it home safely. I did not want to say anything to him about his trip or that it was the anniversary of his mother's Homegoing. I went to work today on autopilot. I think being sick with a cold and feeling blah was a blessing in disguise for I was too numb to feel the heartache.
James has his first girlfriend and I do not feel equipped for this. It has made me think back on what it might have been like for Momma all those years ago. She mothered, mentored, and molded me being a model of a virtuous woman who loved her Lord. I miss her comfort and her wisdom, I keep thinking she would know how to handle each situation or at least we would work it out together. I can only hope that I will be the kind of mother in law that she was to me.
So many saints in our church have stepped into glory in the past 2 years and my heart yearns for my turn. Then I think of all the people who won't get to go because they haven't accepted or have outright rejected our Loving Lord. I know I need to stay here until our Lord returns or calls me Home so that I can tell others.
God doesn't make mistakes, and we don't need to know all the answers, but He does send comfort along if we only keep our eyes and hearts open to His gentle care for us.
He has taught me so much in my life, but when He took Momma to be with Him, it allowed me to learn even more intimately about Him and how to grow in ways that I was not before this.
So as I contemplate Momma and all that has happened hurts, and heartache and all I do find comfort.
May the God of all comfort be with you now and forever, Amen!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Ode to the Season(borrowed)
Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
not Happy Holiday !
Please, all Christians join together and
wish everyone you meet
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
not Happy Holiday !
Please, all Christians join together and
wish everyone you meet
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Annual Lessons
When Momma died near the end of 2009, God showered His grace on us in countless ways. When a precious friend's father died in 2010, I asked God to give her a double portion of that grace to live through the time following her loss. He did just that! Last year was a lesson in God's amazing grace.
This year has been a lesson in trust. Do I really trust Him? I find myself often looking at the collage Ted made of Momma's smiling face and constantly asking God what was His purpose in taking her. I confess that many times I feel like I am complaining to Him because He won't show me the big picture. He hasn't chosen to tell me why she had to die. He just asks me to trust Him that He DOES know what is best for me and my family. Then, Ted's job changed in such a way that he is now gone every week. This hasn't happened in the near 20 years of our marriage. Every-time he leaves I keep telling myself and God that I can handle this. I can be mature about it and not panic. I must tell you that has yet to happen. I can't sleep at night, I get miserable and resentful until he returns. I am not trusting God to keep him or me safe. I don't trust Him to know what is best for us. I am so glad that a few months back God led me to a devotional book written by a very insightful missionary in Spain. He personally gave me the book and I have thanked God ever since. God has used those lessons at the exact time I need them. The underlying theme so far has been trusting God. Now, maybe there are other themes, but that is what God is gently showing me over and over again. Trust Him, simply trust Him.
So, this week when Ted leaves again, I am going to finally try to apply this lesson and trust God and sleep in peace.
If by chance, I get willful and stubborn I know that I have only misery as my reward.
So why in the world am I telling you all of this? Because, this blog is to help others with the lessons God has shown us.
Grace, now trust.... I hope I learn trust before the year is over so that God can move me onto the next annual lesson....I want to keep growing in Him... Do you??!!
This year has been a lesson in trust. Do I really trust Him? I find myself often looking at the collage Ted made of Momma's smiling face and constantly asking God what was His purpose in taking her. I confess that many times I feel like I am complaining to Him because He won't show me the big picture. He hasn't chosen to tell me why she had to die. He just asks me to trust Him that He DOES know what is best for me and my family. Then, Ted's job changed in such a way that he is now gone every week. This hasn't happened in the near 20 years of our marriage. Every-time he leaves I keep telling myself and God that I can handle this. I can be mature about it and not panic. I must tell you that has yet to happen. I can't sleep at night, I get miserable and resentful until he returns. I am not trusting God to keep him or me safe. I don't trust Him to know what is best for us. I am so glad that a few months back God led me to a devotional book written by a very insightful missionary in Spain. He personally gave me the book and I have thanked God ever since. God has used those lessons at the exact time I need them. The underlying theme so far has been trusting God. Now, maybe there are other themes, but that is what God is gently showing me over and over again. Trust Him, simply trust Him.
So, this week when Ted leaves again, I am going to finally try to apply this lesson and trust God and sleep in peace.
If by chance, I get willful and stubborn I know that I have only misery as my reward.
So why in the world am I telling you all of this? Because, this blog is to help others with the lessons God has shown us.
Grace, now trust.... I hope I learn trust before the year is over so that God can move me onto the next annual lesson....I want to keep growing in Him... Do you??!!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Oy! It's October
Time sure does fly, not just since I have last written a family news update, but the whole year has flown on the speedy wings of time. In June, James graduated from high school,in September he started college in Gaffney, SC. He is totally enjoying it and we are thrilled to have found a college so suited for his continuing education. He is finishing his job at World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions and has applied for a job at Walmart Distribution. We are praying that God will direct his employment path.
Justin is progressing in his senior year in high school. He is still seeking God's will for a job and college plans. He still has his learner's permit and yearns to get his driver's licence. He is co- captain on his Sigma team this year with his new cousin, Jordan. They are becoming good friends and work well together.
Ted's job has changed around, and he is now the area supervisor for 5 North Carolina franchise stores. This involves more traveling, as the additional stores are further away. I confess I really struggle with this and am still learning to deal with his out of town trips. We spend as much time together when he is home and value our time and communication even more.
Ted and James went on the mens' fishing trip with the church and really enjoyed their time on the coast.
My job at World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions continues to keep me busy along with teaching the teen class at our church's bus ministry. I have suffered a series of back problems this fall and even with therapy I find that it likes to slip off kilter at the oddest moments. Having to be careful puts limits on my activities and actions, but has made me so thankful for the otherwise good health.
I know that was a fast summary of our news, but I told you time flies :)
Happy Birthday Blessings to my dad, Momma in Heaven, Annette, Rachel, my sister, Mia, Jon,and Jenn, We love you all!!!
Justin is progressing in his senior year in high school. He is still seeking God's will for a job and college plans. He still has his learner's permit and yearns to get his driver's licence. He is co- captain on his Sigma team this year with his new cousin, Jordan. They are becoming good friends and work well together.
Ted's job has changed around, and he is now the area supervisor for 5 North Carolina franchise stores. This involves more traveling, as the additional stores are further away. I confess I really struggle with this and am still learning to deal with his out of town trips. We spend as much time together when he is home and value our time and communication even more.
Ted and James went on the mens' fishing trip with the church and really enjoyed their time on the coast.
My job at World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions continues to keep me busy along with teaching the teen class at our church's bus ministry. I have suffered a series of back problems this fall and even with therapy I find that it likes to slip off kilter at the oddest moments. Having to be careful puts limits on my activities and actions, but has made me so thankful for the otherwise good health.
I know that was a fast summary of our news, but I told you time flies :)
Happy Birthday Blessings to my dad, Momma in Heaven, Annette, Rachel, my sister, Mia, Jon,and Jenn, We love you all!!!
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