May today find you doing the same.
Sweet Blessings,
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Be Still Sunday
I know I just began a new format for Sunday posting last week, but I think I am going to move my word of scripture to Saturday. Although you may hear from me once in a while on Sunday with something I feel I must share, most Sunday's will find me doing this:
May today find you doing the same.
Sweet Blessings,
May today find you doing the same.
Sweet Blessings,
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Renewed Awe
Today brought me to the end of week 9 in my study, A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place, by Beth Moore. Today saw the conclusion of the building of the tabernacle and the very presence of God moving in.
34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels. Exodus 40:34-38 (NIV)
Can you imagine? What must they have thought? How must they have felt?
34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels. Exodus 40:34-38 (NIV)
Can you imagine? What must they have thought? How must they have felt?
As I sat and contemplated this, I began to think about the fact that His presence dwells with me today. Right now, at this very moment, as I sit and type, He is with me. The very presence of God Almighty Himself.
This morning, I experienced a renewed sense of awe and wonderment. I am humbled. I am filled with gratitude. With love. With joy. I could not help but fall to my knees and weep. My eyes are filling now.
It is a relationship. A love like none I have ever known.
If you don't know Him, you can. He wants you to. All you need do is ask. It's not difficult. He loves you and accepts you just as you are right now, this very minute. If you, too, would like to experience a love like you have never known before, then click on the Ready? button in my right sidebar to learn more. He is waiting and longs to fill you with His love and presence.
Sweet Blessings,Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Biscuit Dough...Anyone?
Do you ever find that memories you haven't thought of in years suddenly assault you with such powerful force, you find yourself completely breathless?
Lately, this seems to be happening to me more and more. I find myself unexpectedly entrenched in some long forgotten moment with such clarity, if I didn't know better, it would seem it had just occurred.
I have also found myself increasingly maudlin of late. I sit and look at pictures of my daughter from when she was little, and I want to weep for the years that are already gone. She's only seven. I expected to feel this when she was entering high school or moving away to college. Perhaps when she gets her driver's license or goes out on her first date. But now? Isn't it too soon? Is it hormones? Does this mean I am officially getting old?
Last night I awoke at some unseemly hour. I have no idea what time it was. I didn't want to know. This, too, seems to be happening with ever-increasing frequency. Anyway...I awoke and couldn't go back to sleep. For some reason, as I lay there, I remembered making biscuits from scratch with my mother when I was a child.
Just so you know, helping my mother as a child is the only time I have cooked anything from scratch. Biscuits? Since I started making my own, I have found myself to be a "whop" biscuit kinda' girl. So named because you pulled the paper back a little ways until the seam was exposed and then you "whopped" them on the counter to get the can to pop open. Jerry Clower anyone?
I remember the flour sifter, and the brown wooden bowl she always used to make biscuits in. I can see her flour-covered hands kneading the dough. And here's the part that really struck me about this particular memory. My brother and I used to like to eat small pieces of the raw dough. Is that weird or what? I'm sure in our childlike minds, we thought we were really getting away with something. And my mom let us.
Nowadays, there would more than likely be all kinds of wording on the ingredients warning of dire consequences if any were to be consumed prior to completion of their final desired state. Somehow, it didn't seem to be as big of a deal back then. I don't really know why. Fortunately, we survived.
I want my daughter to have memories like these that she, too, will recall in the middle of the night, or whenever. I guess I better go get that can of biscuits and let her practice "whopping" them on the counter. :-)
Blessings,
Lately, this seems to be happening to me more and more. I find myself unexpectedly entrenched in some long forgotten moment with such clarity, if I didn't know better, it would seem it had just occurred.
I have also found myself increasingly maudlin of late. I sit and look at pictures of my daughter from when she was little, and I want to weep for the years that are already gone. She's only seven. I expected to feel this when she was entering high school or moving away to college. Perhaps when she gets her driver's license or goes out on her first date. But now? Isn't it too soon? Is it hormones? Does this mean I am officially getting old?
Last night I awoke at some unseemly hour. I have no idea what time it was. I didn't want to know. This, too, seems to be happening with ever-increasing frequency. Anyway...I awoke and couldn't go back to sleep. For some reason, as I lay there, I remembered making biscuits from scratch with my mother when I was a child.
Just so you know, helping my mother as a child is the only time I have cooked anything from scratch. Biscuits? Since I started making my own, I have found myself to be a "whop" biscuit kinda' girl. So named because you pulled the paper back a little ways until the seam was exposed and then you "whopped" them on the counter to get the can to pop open. Jerry Clower anyone?
I remember the flour sifter, and the brown wooden bowl she always used to make biscuits in. I can see her flour-covered hands kneading the dough. And here's the part that really struck me about this particular memory. My brother and I used to like to eat small pieces of the raw dough. Is that weird or what? I'm sure in our childlike minds, we thought we were really getting away with something. And my mom let us.
Nowadays, there would more than likely be all kinds of wording on the ingredients warning of dire consequences if any were to be consumed prior to completion of their final desired state. Somehow, it didn't seem to be as big of a deal back then. I don't really know why. Fortunately, we survived.
I want my daughter to have memories like these that she, too, will recall in the middle of the night, or whenever. I guess I better go get that can of biscuits and let her practice "whopping" them on the counter. :-)
Blessings,
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Gratituesday
I discovered a new blog today, Heavenly Homemakers, and found on Tuesday's they do something really neat. It's called Gratituesday. I realize there are other versions of this out there in Bloggy World, but I really enjoyed this site and their rendering of expressing our gratitude.Interestingly enough, this came at a really appropriate time for me as I had been thinking I needed to take the time to post about what God has been doing for me lately.
I am grateful that He loves me. Last week especially, He drew me so close to Himself. Not through any particular trials or tribulations. Just through my Bible study and time spent with Him.
I am nearly finished with the updated version of Beth Moore's "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place" study. It has been super powerful, and I have learned so much from it. God has used it to speak to me about a number of different things, but last week, it was simply about Him. About coming before the throne of heaven and worshipping Him. My eyes well with tears now as I remember how sweet it was.
We had arrived at the point in our study where we were discussing the Most Holy Place, the Holy of Holies. This is where the ark of the covenant dwelt in the tabernacle God instructed the Israelites to build. It was where His very presence resided and where He told them He would meet with them.
While God's presence dwelt among His people, a veil separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the tabernacle, and only the High Priest was allowed to enter that Place one time per year on the Day of Atonement.
What Beth pointed out is that the veil is no longer in place. We have total access to God through His Son Jesus Christ anytime, anywhere.
His Holy Presence lives inside me. He loves me, and He invites me to come and sit with Him whenever I desire to do so. He delights in it for He created me to have a relationship with Him.
So today, and always, I am thankful that I know Him. That He saved me. That He loves me. That I have been granted all access.
Oh how I love Him so and long for the day when I will worship Him face to face and cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty!"
Sweet Blessings,
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Scripture Sunday
This is my first post like this, but I have seen other bloggers post a scripture verse on Sunday, and I like the idea. So, for my first one, I think I will begin with the verse God has given me as the theme for my blog and more importantly, my life.
...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
The word perseverance has been a common theme for me of late. Next week, I will share another verse with this same word.
Blessings,
Saturday, August 23, 2008
How Great Thou Art
When I think of the hymns I sang as a child, this one is near the top of the list.
And when I think
That God His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die
I scarce can take it in.
That on the cross
My burden gladly bearing
He bled and died
To take away my sin.
I am thankful. I am humbled. I love Him more every day.
Sweet Blessings,
And when I think
That God His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die
I scarce can take it in.
That on the cross
My burden gladly bearing
He bled and died
To take away my sin.
I am thankful. I am humbled. I love Him more every day.
Sweet Blessings,
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Thank the Good Lord It Wasn't Me!
Yesterday, I mentioned there was a part 2 to this story.
My aunt, daughter, and I came back to my aunt's house whereby I quickly proceeded to inform my uncle I was never driving his truck again because he was a wanted man!
As a side note, the truck had tinted windows, so the highway patrolman could not have seen who was driving until I actually rolled down the window. I only found out from my uncle and father later that this is actually illegal!
As if that wasn't enough, my uncle then proceeded to tell me that there was a handgun in the glove compartment! A handgun! Have mercy! He is, of course, registered to carry the gun, but I, THE ONE DRIVING THE TRUCK, however, am not! He didn't recall that it was in there until after we had already left.
Apparently, and I didn't know this either until that day, if you are carrying a concealed weapon in your vehicle and are pulled over by your friendly neighborhood law enforcement officers, you are supposed to put your hands on the steering wheel and let said law enforcement know that you have said weapon. Heaven help me!
All I can say is, "Thank the Good Lord he wasn't looking for me!"
And as for those pictures, I know you're beginning to wonder if they truly exist. I said yesterday I would try to post some today. Well, I'm afraid I still haven't gotten them downloaded to my computer. And because I know you're starting to doubt my word on this, I'm not going to say when they may or may not be here. One day you'll visit and be pleasantly surprised that they have appeared. :-)
Blessings,
My aunt, daughter, and I came back to my aunt's house whereby I quickly proceeded to inform my uncle I was never driving his truck again because he was a wanted man!
As a side note, the truck had tinted windows, so the highway patrolman could not have seen who was driving until I actually rolled down the window. I only found out from my uncle and father later that this is actually illegal!
As if that wasn't enough, my uncle then proceeded to tell me that there was a handgun in the glove compartment! A handgun! Have mercy! He is, of course, registered to carry the gun, but I, THE ONE DRIVING THE TRUCK, however, am not! He didn't recall that it was in there until after we had already left.
Apparently, and I didn't know this either until that day, if you are carrying a concealed weapon in your vehicle and are pulled over by your friendly neighborhood law enforcement officers, you are supposed to put your hands on the steering wheel and let said law enforcement know that you have said weapon. Heaven help me!
All I can say is, "Thank the Good Lord he wasn't looking for me!"
And as for those pictures, I know you're beginning to wonder if they truly exist. I said yesterday I would try to post some today. Well, I'm afraid I still haven't gotten them downloaded to my computer. And because I know you're starting to doubt my word on this, I'm not going to say when they may or may not be here. One day you'll visit and be pleasantly surprised that they have appeared. :-)
Blessings,
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
"I'm Sorry. You're Not Who I'm Looking For"
Such were the first words out of the mouth of the State Trooper who pulled me over a few weeks ago while back in my hometown for my 20th high school reunion.
Say what? I mean, I'm relieved that I'm not the one you're looking for, but I'm not sure I can actually feel the relief because I JUST NEARLY HAD A HEART ATTACK!
Please allow me to set the stage here. It was Saturday afternoon. The reunion was later that evening. On Sunday, my family was going to celebrate the birthdays that are in August. There's about four of them. There were actually six before my grandparents passed away. I know. Something about that time of year. Hmmm...Any-hoo...
My aunt, daughter, and I had driven out to a beautiful place in the country called Mike's Farm. (A word about this link...if you decide to click on it, you may want to turn the volume down a bit. On the other hand, you may just decide that you need to grab your spoons and a jug and play along. Please tell me someone besides my dad used to watch Hee Haw).
I doubt if anyone reading this would ever be in the area, but if you are, you simply must go. It reminds me of why I love from where I come. I am so a country girl at heart.
Don't get me wrong. I love the convenience of living close to a "big city" (where I'm from, Raleigh IS the big city). If you live in Manhatten or Chicago or LA, then, not so much, but you get my drift.
And boy have I really digressed. So, as I was saying....
We were planning to celebrate August birthdays on Sunday. Mike's Farm makes an absolutely To. Die. For. 12-layer, yes, I said 12, chocolate cake. My aunt had ordered one to serve as the birthday cake on Sunday.
She, my daughter, and I drove out on Saturday afternoon to pick it up.
We decided to take my uncle's truck. Now, ya'll (see what happens when I go back to my roots), I simply love my uncle's truck. It's a F-250, King cab, burgundy, leather interior, and the works. I have only ridden in it before. But...that day...I got to DRIVE the truck. Oh yes I did! I felt like Dale Jarrett in the UPS truck (and yes, I'm a NASCAR fan, too). Look out world! Get in my way, and I WILL run you over.
Okay, so I'm getting a little carried away thinking about it. Still, I was very excited to be driving the truck.
Actually, I was very careful to drive the speed limit and not get into trouble, which always seems to happen when my aunt and I go out together. That, however, is a story for another time.
We were driving back to my aunt's house along a four-lane divided highway. I was driving in the right lane and came upon an eighteen wheeler going slower than I wanted to go. I put on my turn signal, checked the mirrors, and then moved into the left lane. When I had reached about the middle of the truck (work with me visually here), I look in my rear view mirror and see a highway patrolman with his lights flashing. I panicked. It was not pretty. I was running the speed limit. But I still had to pass about half of this truck. I said to my aunt, "What do I do? Do I stop? Do I speed up?"
She, of course, had not seen the patrolman and had no idea what I was talking about. My next thought was, "I know I need to get out of his way, but I'm going to have to speed to do it! Ayyyyyy!"
So, that's what I did. Sort of. I got over in front of the 18-wheeler as quickly as I could and just knew I was going to see the car go zooming past me. But doncha' know if he didn't get in behind me? What?!?
I said, "He's pulling me over!"
So, I put on my turn signal and pulled over to the side of the road. I rolled down my window. I looked in my side mirror, watched him put on his hat, get out of his car, and walk towards the truck. And that was when he said,
"I'm sorry. You're not who I'm looking for."
I said (in my most Southern, genteel voice, of course), "I wuz wunderin' why you were pullin' me ova'. I didn' thank I was speedin' or anythang." (Okay, I'm exaggerating, but it just does something for the story, doncha' think?)
I knew there wasn't anything wrong with my uncle's tags or something like that because he just isn't the type to let that sort of thing happen.
The patrolman said, "No, ma'am. You were doing everything right. It's just that sometimes we have to pull over the good drivers to catch the bad one's." Huh?
"I'm sorry to have troubled you."
"No problem. Thank you, Officer. Have a good day."
"You do the same ma'am."
Stay tuned tomorrow to hear part 2. Yes, there is a part 2.
And, I promise to try to post some of those pics. from the NC mountains. I haven't had time to download them from my camera yet.
Blessings,
Say what? I mean, I'm relieved that I'm not the one you're looking for, but I'm not sure I can actually feel the relief because I JUST NEARLY HAD A HEART ATTACK!
Please allow me to set the stage here. It was Saturday afternoon. The reunion was later that evening. On Sunday, my family was going to celebrate the birthdays that are in August. There's about four of them. There were actually six before my grandparents passed away. I know. Something about that time of year. Hmmm...Any-hoo...
My aunt, daughter, and I had driven out to a beautiful place in the country called Mike's Farm. (A word about this link...if you decide to click on it, you may want to turn the volume down a bit. On the other hand, you may just decide that you need to grab your spoons and a jug and play along. Please tell me someone besides my dad used to watch Hee Haw).
I doubt if anyone reading this would ever be in the area, but if you are, you simply must go. It reminds me of why I love from where I come. I am so a country girl at heart.
Don't get me wrong. I love the convenience of living close to a "big city" (where I'm from, Raleigh IS the big city). If you live in Manhatten or Chicago or LA, then, not so much, but you get my drift.
And boy have I really digressed. So, as I was saying....
We were planning to celebrate August birthdays on Sunday. Mike's Farm makes an absolutely To. Die. For. 12-layer, yes, I said 12, chocolate cake. My aunt had ordered one to serve as the birthday cake on Sunday.
She, my daughter, and I drove out on Saturday afternoon to pick it up.
We decided to take my uncle's truck. Now, ya'll (see what happens when I go back to my roots), I simply love my uncle's truck. It's a F-250, King cab, burgundy, leather interior, and the works. I have only ridden in it before. But...that day...I got to DRIVE the truck. Oh yes I did! I felt like Dale Jarrett in the UPS truck (and yes, I'm a NASCAR fan, too). Look out world! Get in my way, and I WILL run you over.
Okay, so I'm getting a little carried away thinking about it. Still, I was very excited to be driving the truck.
Actually, I was very careful to drive the speed limit and not get into trouble, which always seems to happen when my aunt and I go out together. That, however, is a story for another time.
We were driving back to my aunt's house along a four-lane divided highway. I was driving in the right lane and came upon an eighteen wheeler going slower than I wanted to go. I put on my turn signal, checked the mirrors, and then moved into the left lane. When I had reached about the middle of the truck (work with me visually here), I look in my rear view mirror and see a highway patrolman with his lights flashing. I panicked. It was not pretty. I was running the speed limit. But I still had to pass about half of this truck. I said to my aunt, "What do I do? Do I stop? Do I speed up?"
She, of course, had not seen the patrolman and had no idea what I was talking about. My next thought was, "I know I need to get out of his way, but I'm going to have to speed to do it! Ayyyyyy!"
So, that's what I did. Sort of. I got over in front of the 18-wheeler as quickly as I could and just knew I was going to see the car go zooming past me. But doncha' know if he didn't get in behind me? What?!?
I said, "He's pulling me over!"
So, I put on my turn signal and pulled over to the side of the road. I rolled down my window. I looked in my side mirror, watched him put on his hat, get out of his car, and walk towards the truck. And that was when he said,
"I'm sorry. You're not who I'm looking for."
I said (in my most Southern, genteel voice, of course), "I wuz wunderin' why you were pullin' me ova'. I didn' thank I was speedin' or anythang." (Okay, I'm exaggerating, but it just does something for the story, doncha' think?)
I knew there wasn't anything wrong with my uncle's tags or something like that because he just isn't the type to let that sort of thing happen.
The patrolman said, "No, ma'am. You were doing everything right. It's just that sometimes we have to pull over the good drivers to catch the bad one's." Huh?
"I'm sorry to have troubled you."
"No problem. Thank you, Officer. Have a good day."
"You do the same ma'am."
Stay tuned tomorrow to hear part 2. Yes, there is a part 2.
And, I promise to try to post some of those pics. from the NC mountains. I haven't had time to download them from my camera yet.
Blessings,
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A Good Laugh
I don't have but a minute before running out (will be back later), but I just had to share this link with you. You simply must jump over to Lysa's post today. If you are in need of a good laugh, or even if you aren't, this will surely not disappoint. I nearly fell out of my chair!
Blessings,
Blessings,
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sleep Struggles
Whew! We are back from our weekend in the North Carolina mountains. I will post a few pics. tomorrow. Although we have settled down from our travels while my daughter was out of school, we have traded one type of busyness for another. Rachel started back to school today, so last night was all about getting lunch made, checking her backpack and folders to make sure all was ready for school, and of course, going to bed at a reasonable time.
That is always the hardest part here for us. My daughter's internal clock is like her father's. I am the lone morning person in this household. They are both night owls. Getting Rachel to bed at a reasonable hour so that she can get enough sleep to make it through school without feeling really tired is an ongoing struggle we have. It isn't that she is difficult about going to bed. She doesn't fight with us or throw tantrums or anything like that. Poor thing. She just can't go to sleep. It's actually quite frustrating for her.
Thank goodness she can read really well now. We now let her do what my husband and I sometimes like to do before bed. Read. We set a timer for 15 minutes and tell her it is lights out after that. Still, she often comes out after a bit still awake. I ache for her because there doesn't seem to be anything I can do. Her natural body rhythm just isn't set to the clock necessary for going to school. Oh well. Hopefully, we will figure it out at some point.
If anyone out there has suggestions to help us in this process, I am certainly open.
Blessings,
That is always the hardest part here for us. My daughter's internal clock is like her father's. I am the lone morning person in this household. They are both night owls. Getting Rachel to bed at a reasonable hour so that she can get enough sleep to make it through school without feeling really tired is an ongoing struggle we have. It isn't that she is difficult about going to bed. She doesn't fight with us or throw tantrums or anything like that. Poor thing. She just can't go to sleep. It's actually quite frustrating for her.
Thank goodness she can read really well now. We now let her do what my husband and I sometimes like to do before bed. Read. We set a timer for 15 minutes and tell her it is lights out after that. Still, she often comes out after a bit still awake. I ache for her because there doesn't seem to be anything I can do. Her natural body rhythm just isn't set to the clock necessary for going to school. Oh well. Hopefully, we will figure it out at some point.
If anyone out there has suggestions to help us in this process, I am certainly open.
Blessings,
Friday, August 15, 2008
That's My King!
This video never fails to give me goosebumps and bring tears to my eyes.
Do you know Him? If not, and you would like to, then click on the Ready? button in the right sidebar.
Happy Weekend!
Blessings,
Do you know Him? If not, and you would like to, then click on the Ready? button in the right sidebar.
Happy Weekend!
Blessings,
Thursday, August 14, 2008
A Few Quick Pics.
I know you thought you were never going to see any of those fabulous pictures I posted about last week. The truth is, I had a serious case of jetlag Monday and Tuesday, and I am still having some difficulty readjusting to the difference in altitude. It would seem my asthma likes the crisp, mountain air of Colorado much better than the sweltering, humid air of central North Carolina. Still, "I like caaalling North Caroliiiina hoomme." Okay, so you probably didn't get the writing in that line. It's a line from an old commercial. Really old. They sang that line.
Also, I am trying not to complain. God, in His infinite mercy, saw fit to give us a break in the heat here this week, which has made readjusting much easier than it could have been.
Now, without any further ado....
These images greeted us out the back of our condo the first morning of our trip.
Also, I am trying not to complain. God, in His infinite mercy, saw fit to give us a break in the heat here this week, which has made readjusting much easier than it could have been.
Now, without any further ado....
These images greeted us out the back of our condo the first morning of our trip.
I captured these on Thursday evening while driving to dinner. It was still raining, but the sun popped out, and just as I was thinking, "I wonder if there will be a rainbow," we drove around a curve and were greeted by this glorious site.
This photo was taken on our last day of adventuring before departing on Sunday. The lake behind us is called Bear Lake.
That's all I have time for right now. We are going out of town...again...this weekend, and I still have laundry to do and shoes to buy for my daughter because we are going to a wedding. I may not be back posting again until next week, but I hope to resume a more normal schedule at that time. Thanks for hanging with me.
Blessings,
Friday, August 8, 2008
On Vacation
Hi everyone! I am vacationing with my family in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado. We left Wednesday morning and will return late Sunday evening. I am blogging on my in-law's laptop, so I won't be able to post any pictures or probably even post again until after my return. I am lobbying my darling dearest for a laptop in my future.
I can tell you, though, the weather here is GAW-GEOUS! The landscape even more so. Words can not adequately describe the majesty that is God's creation here.
My darling husband has purchased new camera equipment for me in the past year, and I have been happily snapping away while here. I can't wait until I return home so that I can share some of the beauty that is this part of the country with you. If you've never been here, it's one of those places you absolutely must try to see. As I said, words do not do it justice.
I have visited a number of times now, and I never cease to be in awe of its beauty. I find myself staring at the mountains, and I am left speechless. Those of you who know me know that is a rare state for me!
Gotta' run for now. I look forward to sharing more with you when I return.
I can tell you, though, the weather here is GAW-GEOUS! The landscape even more so. Words can not adequately describe the majesty that is God's creation here.
My darling husband has purchased new camera equipment for me in the past year, and I have been happily snapping away while here. I can't wait until I return home so that I can share some of the beauty that is this part of the country with you. If you've never been here, it's one of those places you absolutely must try to see. As I said, words do not do it justice.
I have visited a number of times now, and I never cease to be in awe of its beauty. I find myself staring at the mountains, and I am left speechless. Those of you who know me know that is a rare state for me!
Gotta' run for now. I look forward to sharing more with you when I return.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Blast From the Past
Happy Birthday to my darling husband! I love you! In other news...
I attended my 20-year high school reunion this past weekend. Boy am I getting old! Well, at least I feel that way sometimes. You know how it is. Things don't work quite like they used to. I did find while attending my reunion that there was one thing that had not changed in the past 20 years, and it was not for the better.
That was the insecurity and need to impress that I felt when around some of the people I saw this past weekend. Seriously. What's up with that anyway? To provide a little history...
I ran with the "popular" crowd in high school. Please don't think I'm bragging here. I'm not. We all know that there are different cliques in high school. They happened to be mine. I took the highest level of courses you could take at that time and graduated 13th out of a class of 120. I was in Beta Club, the band where I was drum major my junior and senior years, served on the staffs of the yearbook and school newspaper, voted one of 10 outstanding seniors, FBLA, FCA, had the lead in our school musical one year, etc.
Again, please don't think I'm tooting my own horn. That truly is not my intention. I mention these things only to help you understand how these people I saw this past weekend knew me. The me I described above is the me they knew 20 years ago. I felt there were certain expectations, and somehow, I felt that I had not met them.
When we graduated from high school, everyone with whom I had hung out my entire high school career (and in many cases, my entire school career) had plans to go to college...except me. I wanted to go to college. I had always dreamed of attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am a rabid Tarheel fan, and I had always longed to immerse myself in a sea of Carolina blue while taking the next step towards who I wanted to be when I grew up. But, it was not to be.
When the parents of all of my friends were moving them in at college, my mother was moving me into a private mental hospital. Yes. You read that right. I was only there for two weeks, but, still, not something you want to share with the "one's who knew you when" when asked what you did after graduation.
There's lots of history about what led up to that trip that may or may not be for another post. Either way, it doesn't really matter for the purposes of this one except to say that my mother was the one who should have been checking in, not me. If you've read my blog for any length of time, then you are familiar with the story of my mother. If not, and you are interested, you can read about that at Pink Petunias and Pink Petunias Revisited. Anyway...
It has always bothered me that I didn't go to college (except for a year at community college which I didn't finish either because I started working so I could move out on my own). I have taken some college courses through the years and could go back any time, but it wouldn't be the same. I wanted "the college experience." I can't ever get that back. I had one chance for it, and that chance is gone.
The truth is, I don't feel the need to go back. I don't think it is necessary for what God has planned for me to do, but I still grieve for that lost opportunity somehow. Twenty years, and it still bothers me.
So when it came time to tell people what I am doing now, I didn't feel that I could say that first and foremost I am a stay-at-home wife and mother. I don't have a problem telling other people that. I just couldn't tell my old classmates. They have all gone on to college degrees, some post-graduate, and are working in their chosen majors.
It wasn't that I didn't get around to saying that I stay at home, but only after I had listed other things that I do. I was honest in what I said, but I didn't prioritize in the order of my actual priorities.
After God, my husband and my daughter ARE my top priorities. And that is as it should be. And I am content with my life. I haven't always been able to say that. I haven't even always been content to be a stay-at-home wife and mother, but I am now. I love my life. And I am so thankful that my husband goes to work every day to support our family in a manner that affords me the opportunity to pick my daughter up from school every day, volunteer in her classroom, be on the PTA board so I know what is going on, and a whole host of other things that I am able to do because I stay at home.
I can't go back and re-do this weekend. But I can learn from it.
There was talk about having another reunion in five years. I hope that is the case. With God's help, hopefully, I will be an even different person than the one they saw this past weekend. And that person will be proud to say exactly who she is because her identity comes from who she is in Christ, not who man thinks her to be.
Blessings,
I attended my 20-year high school reunion this past weekend. Boy am I getting old! Well, at least I feel that way sometimes. You know how it is. Things don't work quite like they used to. I did find while attending my reunion that there was one thing that had not changed in the past 20 years, and it was not for the better.
That was the insecurity and need to impress that I felt when around some of the people I saw this past weekend. Seriously. What's up with that anyway? To provide a little history...
I ran with the "popular" crowd in high school. Please don't think I'm bragging here. I'm not. We all know that there are different cliques in high school. They happened to be mine. I took the highest level of courses you could take at that time and graduated 13th out of a class of 120. I was in Beta Club, the band where I was drum major my junior and senior years, served on the staffs of the yearbook and school newspaper, voted one of 10 outstanding seniors, FBLA, FCA, had the lead in our school musical one year, etc.
Again, please don't think I'm tooting my own horn. That truly is not my intention. I mention these things only to help you understand how these people I saw this past weekend knew me. The me I described above is the me they knew 20 years ago. I felt there were certain expectations, and somehow, I felt that I had not met them.
When we graduated from high school, everyone with whom I had hung out my entire high school career (and in many cases, my entire school career) had plans to go to college...except me. I wanted to go to college. I had always dreamed of attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am a rabid Tarheel fan, and I had always longed to immerse myself in a sea of Carolina blue while taking the next step towards who I wanted to be when I grew up. But, it was not to be.
When the parents of all of my friends were moving them in at college, my mother was moving me into a private mental hospital. Yes. You read that right. I was only there for two weeks, but, still, not something you want to share with the "one's who knew you when" when asked what you did after graduation.
There's lots of history about what led up to that trip that may or may not be for another post. Either way, it doesn't really matter for the purposes of this one except to say that my mother was the one who should have been checking in, not me. If you've read my blog for any length of time, then you are familiar with the story of my mother. If not, and you are interested, you can read about that at Pink Petunias and Pink Petunias Revisited. Anyway...
It has always bothered me that I didn't go to college (except for a year at community college which I didn't finish either because I started working so I could move out on my own). I have taken some college courses through the years and could go back any time, but it wouldn't be the same. I wanted "the college experience." I can't ever get that back. I had one chance for it, and that chance is gone.
The truth is, I don't feel the need to go back. I don't think it is necessary for what God has planned for me to do, but I still grieve for that lost opportunity somehow. Twenty years, and it still bothers me.
So when it came time to tell people what I am doing now, I didn't feel that I could say that first and foremost I am a stay-at-home wife and mother. I don't have a problem telling other people that. I just couldn't tell my old classmates. They have all gone on to college degrees, some post-graduate, and are working in their chosen majors.
It wasn't that I didn't get around to saying that I stay at home, but only after I had listed other things that I do. I was honest in what I said, but I didn't prioritize in the order of my actual priorities.
After God, my husband and my daughter ARE my top priorities. And that is as it should be. And I am content with my life. I haven't always been able to say that. I haven't even always been content to be a stay-at-home wife and mother, but I am now. I love my life. And I am so thankful that my husband goes to work every day to support our family in a manner that affords me the opportunity to pick my daughter up from school every day, volunteer in her classroom, be on the PTA board so I know what is going on, and a whole host of other things that I am able to do because I stay at home.
I can't go back and re-do this weekend. But I can learn from it.
There was talk about having another reunion in five years. I hope that is the case. With God's help, hopefully, I will be an even different person than the one they saw this past weekend. And that person will be proud to say exactly who she is because her identity comes from who she is in Christ, not who man thinks her to be.
Blessings,
Friday, August 1, 2008
God Has A Sense Of Humor
So...this new blog look and title I'm sporting (get it...sporting...oh, I crack myself up...ahem) is just one more example in my life that God most definitely has a sense of humor.
People, I am SOOOO NOT the athletic type. I don't even like to sweat! Seriously. Just ask my husband. He says that things are about to get hairy the moment he sees my upper lip beginning to glisten. And yes, I said glisten. We genteel girls down here in the South do not sweat. Nor do we perspire. We glisten. As I was saying...
Nike is not going to be calling me anytime soon for an endorsement. My face isn't going to be featured on a Wheaties box either. If you're too young to remember Bruce Jenner and the Wheaties box, then you probably don't need to be reading this. Just kidding! However, if you really don't know what I'm talking about, Google it. Anyway, lots of people have had their face on a Wheaties box, but I am not going to be one of them.
I did play volleyball in high school, but only for one year. That was so I could get a letter jacket. Of course, you had to have played a sport to be able to have the really cool leather stripes with braiding on the shoulders. See my daughter wearing Exhibit A.
People, I am SOOOO NOT the athletic type. I don't even like to sweat! Seriously. Just ask my husband. He says that things are about to get hairy the moment he sees my upper lip beginning to glisten. And yes, I said glisten. We genteel girls down here in the South do not sweat. Nor do we perspire. We glisten. As I was saying...
Nike is not going to be calling me anytime soon for an endorsement. My face isn't going to be featured on a Wheaties box either. If you're too young to remember Bruce Jenner and the Wheaties box, then you probably don't need to be reading this. Just kidding! However, if you really don't know what I'm talking about, Google it. Anyway, lots of people have had their face on a Wheaties box, but I am not going to be one of them.
I did play volleyball in high school, but only for one year. That was so I could get a letter jacket. Of course, you had to have played a sport to be able to have the really cool leather stripes with braiding on the shoulders. See my daughter wearing Exhibit A.
Yes, that really is my letter jacket from 20 some years ago. The leather stripes...yeah, I sweated...I'm sorry, glistened...my way through one year of volleyball to earn the right to have those babies on the shoulders.
And believe you me, when I had that letter in my hot little hands, the volleyball sneakers were put in the back of the closet! Enough sports for me!
I don't like to exercise. I have done it during various times in my life but never with any consistency. It's one of those things I know I should do, but IT. IS. SUCH. AN. EFFORT. FOR ME.....Until recently.
You see, several weeks ago, I decided that I was going to resume exercising. I love the Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds videos. I can walk in my living room rain or shine, it doesn't matter what I look like because no one sees me, and the only cost involved is the DVD's I purchased. The other thing that I really like about these videos is that they are an all over body workout. They use weights, and you use your arms as well.
When I began working out again a few weeks ago, for the first time EVER in my life, I actually enjoyed it. It wasn't grueling. I didn't hate it. I wasn't watching the clock wondering how much longer until it was over. I was exercising faithfully six days per week. Well, until my back went out.
I was down for the count, and I had to stop exercising. And do you know, I have missed it, and I can't wait until I can begin again. That right there is God Almighty at work! If I can say with a straight face that I miss exercising, then it really is true that "with God all things are possible."
And, I believe He is smiling right now because the joke is definitely on me.
Blessings,
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