Today is one of those days that sit here and think back at a memory that you aren't sure is real or maybe you saw it on tv. Well, today's memory is both. 25 years ago today, many of us sat as school children watching the Challenger, excited about the prospects it brought, only to have it blow up in the sky. I was 11 years old that day. I remember feeling like it wasn't real. (kinda like 9-11). I remember everyone, everywhere being in shock as if it wasn't possible. 73 seconds after launch. 46,000 feet into the air. An "explosion" on live tv at 11:39 am as the shuttle disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, off the Florida coast. 7 people lost their lives.
Michael J Smith, 40, liked woodworking, last words "Uh-Oh." Father of 3.
Dick Scobee, 46, enjoyed motorcycling and flying. Father of 2.
Ronald McNair, 35, 5th black belt, prepared to record a saxophone solo in space. Father of 2.
Ellison Onizuka, 39, first Asian American to reach space. loved the outdoors(hunting and fishing). Father of 2.
Christa McAuliffe, 37, TEACHER. "I have a vision of the world as a global village, a world without boundaries. Imagine a history teacher making history!" . Mother of 2.
Gregory Jarvis, 41, ENGINEER. played the classical guitar. Avid squash player.
Judith Resnik, 36, classical pianist. from Akron, OH
Today, as a Mom, I can't help but think of those astronauts' families. I can't help but think of those children who grew up without fathers or a mother. I can't help but think of the ladies who became single mothers.. the father who became a single father. How very difficult their journey had to have been. We all think back to what we were doing and how it affected our lives. That is so insignificant compared to the loss of these families.
So today, I say a prayer for those families who watched, along with the entire world, their loved ones perish above the Atlantic Ocean. We shall never forget.
January 28, 2011
January 27, 2011
Talking
Well, the resolutions did just what I predicted. hee hee. But I promise to come up with a better February theme (I hope) for any of you out there who like to visit and read.
Today, I'm thinking of my sweet monkey pants. My daughter isn't much of a talker. Shock of all shocks since the middlest doesn't stop talking. (seriously, he even talks in his sleep). So many days I wonder what she is wanting or thinking. At her last pediatrician appointment, Doc said to stop talking for her. That we are probably doing that and she's getting lazy. We did that... only to find she wanted to learn more sign language. I thought that would be awesome. Alec uses sign language and has since he was 7 or 8 months old. How bad could it be? Oh my, I should have thought twice about it. Now she wants to know the sign for everything and while her language is expanding, she's still refusing to talk. Even more so now.
So, funny of all funnies, she gets into the dishes pantry where she knows not to be. But she's two. I let her carefully pile up the dishes and when she throws a coffee cup across the floor and into one of the "bowl plates" screaming, I am not too thrilled. No, it didn't break. I started to let it go, but she continues screaming and can't seem to tell me what's going on. Then she starts signing spider to me. Apparently, we need to use those coffee cups more often or actually dust in there. She was frantic about a spider (which is white- haven't seen one of those before) which was located and killed. When I had verified the path of death and destruction to her, she signed Thank you to me. Here is an example. Could she have said spider? yes. I KNOW she knows that word, but she didn't. Could she have told me thank you, yes. I KNOW she knows those words. She's choosing not to.
Another poignant moment came shortly afterward when she brought me another sugar stick (airhead) and set it on the sofa. She signed, more please as she had had one earlier in the morning (yeah, let's not question that parenting decision). Then held it up. I refused until she used her words. She signed again. Again, I said no, not until you use your words. She signed one more time and ROLLED HER EYES AT ME. I said, I understand what you are saying to me young lady, but you HAVE to use your words or I will not do it. She actually stomped away and said, "I DO IT." hee hee. I laugh at that only because she used her words for that one. ;-) After struggling to open it for about 10 minutes, she walked over to me and signed as she spoke. She said, Please open. I said, good girl. Momma likes it when you use your words. Great moment when she replied thank you and signed it as well.
There are so many days that words can't describe what we want and our vocabulary doesn't have those words even if we did want to describe it. I think of that like my sweet little girl. She doesn't have all the words yet, but she's learning. We don't have the words yet, but we're learning. We have to try to be patient and keep trusting that we are doing the best we can and that eventually we will get there :-)
One small step for my sweet 2 year old today, one giant leap in the Lunsford house. :-)
Today, I'm thinking of my sweet monkey pants. My daughter isn't much of a talker. Shock of all shocks since the middlest doesn't stop talking. (seriously, he even talks in his sleep). So many days I wonder what she is wanting or thinking. At her last pediatrician appointment, Doc said to stop talking for her. That we are probably doing that and she's getting lazy. We did that... only to find she wanted to learn more sign language. I thought that would be awesome. Alec uses sign language and has since he was 7 or 8 months old. How bad could it be? Oh my, I should have thought twice about it. Now she wants to know the sign for everything and while her language is expanding, she's still refusing to talk. Even more so now.
So, funny of all funnies, she gets into the dishes pantry where she knows not to be. But she's two. I let her carefully pile up the dishes and when she throws a coffee cup across the floor and into one of the "bowl plates" screaming, I am not too thrilled. No, it didn't break. I started to let it go, but she continues screaming and can't seem to tell me what's going on. Then she starts signing spider to me. Apparently, we need to use those coffee cups more often or actually dust in there. She was frantic about a spider (which is white- haven't seen one of those before) which was located and killed. When I had verified the path of death and destruction to her, she signed Thank you to me. Here is an example. Could she have said spider? yes. I KNOW she knows that word, but she didn't. Could she have told me thank you, yes. I KNOW she knows those words. She's choosing not to.
Another poignant moment came shortly afterward when she brought me another sugar stick (airhead) and set it on the sofa. She signed, more please as she had had one earlier in the morning (yeah, let's not question that parenting decision). Then held it up. I refused until she used her words. She signed again. Again, I said no, not until you use your words. She signed one more time and ROLLED HER EYES AT ME. I said, I understand what you are saying to me young lady, but you HAVE to use your words or I will not do it. She actually stomped away and said, "I DO IT." hee hee. I laugh at that only because she used her words for that one. ;-) After struggling to open it for about 10 minutes, she walked over to me and signed as she spoke. She said, Please open. I said, good girl. Momma likes it when you use your words. Great moment when she replied thank you and signed it as well.
There are so many days that words can't describe what we want and our vocabulary doesn't have those words even if we did want to describe it. I think of that like my sweet little girl. She doesn't have all the words yet, but she's learning. We don't have the words yet, but we're learning. We have to try to be patient and keep trusting that we are doing the best we can and that eventually we will get there :-)
One small step for my sweet 2 year old today, one giant leap in the Lunsford house. :-)
January 6, 2011
Difference
Resolutions are so easy to come by and easy to break. As I go on this journey, I am trying to think of what things we can do this year that we won't break. I want to make a difference. I don't know where that difference will be yet as it's early in this resolution. But there are so many ways that we can do that.
My heart is leading me to write more and to work on this book that I so feel God leading me to write. So I decided to take 20 minutes this morning and dedicate that to researching what I need to do to create and sell my proposal for it. Not a lot of time, but something. Will it make a difference? I hope so.
But there are other things that I'm thinking right now. Little differences. My Alec so wanted a keyboard for Christmas, and Santa delivered a great one. It wasn't enough though, so we signed him up for these great piano lessons. Something that seems small, but when you see the child's eyes when he talks excitedly about his first piano lesson tonight, you see that difference. It's little, yes. But it's huge to him. How do you know that the difference you make isn't huge? The smile you give to a stranger. The video you take of a homeless man with an incredible voice and decide to put on You Tube. I mean, think about it. He's not homeless anymore. He's got a job and is doing the morning talk show circuit just for one person saying, WOW, what a voice and putting it online. It seems little, but was it for him? Think about it...
My heart is leading me to write more and to work on this book that I so feel God leading me to write. So I decided to take 20 minutes this morning and dedicate that to researching what I need to do to create and sell my proposal for it. Not a lot of time, but something. Will it make a difference? I hope so.
But there are other things that I'm thinking right now. Little differences. My Alec so wanted a keyboard for Christmas, and Santa delivered a great one. It wasn't enough though, so we signed him up for these great piano lessons. Something that seems small, but when you see the child's eyes when he talks excitedly about his first piano lesson tonight, you see that difference. It's little, yes. But it's huge to him. How do you know that the difference you make isn't huge? The smile you give to a stranger. The video you take of a homeless man with an incredible voice and decide to put on You Tube. I mean, think about it. He's not homeless anymore. He's got a job and is doing the morning talk show circuit just for one person saying, WOW, what a voice and putting it online. It seems little, but was it for him? Think about it...
Jude 1:22-23 (New King James Version)
22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction;[a] 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,[b] hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.January 5, 2011
Choice of Words
This morning has been enlightening. How often do we think about what we are saying? I sat listening to my precious 6 year old struggling to use words because of his lack of two front teeth. He already has an issue that sounds like stuttering when his brain cannot catch up to his mouth, so these missing teeth are really giving him a hard time. As I listened to him, I thought about my own words and others and how they seem so darn easy to come off the tongue even though we should be struggling to say them.
I think of Ricky and growing up. How many times did I sit at the bus stop and hear them calling him names! "Retard" and words that truly are obscenities. Such a sweet sweet fella. He did nothing wrong. He stood on the corner reading (normally it was the Bible or dictionary- wise beyond words if you ask me) and shouting about what he was reading. I remember being quiet and thinking how wrong it was that those other kids would be mean to him. Until one day when Marcie and I had had enough and we stood up to those kids and told them that what they were doing was wrong. It felt good to stand up for what I believed in, and I always thought he appreciated what we did in the long run (probably doesn't even remember it, but I hope he does).
Now, I type about this and think about things I say on a daily basis that can be considered a bad choice. I'm not the only one. I hear it in the grocery store when mother's get frazzled with their kids. I hear it on the way to school or even at dance or a sporting event. It's everywhere.
I think of Ricky and growing up. How many times did I sit at the bus stop and hear them calling him names! "Retard" and words that truly are obscenities. Such a sweet sweet fella. He did nothing wrong. He stood on the corner reading (normally it was the Bible or dictionary- wise beyond words if you ask me) and shouting about what he was reading. I remember being quiet and thinking how wrong it was that those other kids would be mean to him. Until one day when Marcie and I had had enough and we stood up to those kids and told them that what they were doing was wrong. It felt good to stand up for what I believed in, and I always thought he appreciated what we did in the long run (probably doesn't even remember it, but I hope he does).
Now, I type about this and think about things I say on a daily basis that can be considered a bad choice. I'm not the only one. I hear it in the grocery store when mother's get frazzled with their kids. I hear it on the way to school or even at dance or a sporting event. It's everywhere.
Ephesians 4:29
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear"
Let's work on our tongues today. That we build up instead of tearing down. That we don't say something that we know isn't appropriate. Yes, another resolution, but is it? hee hee
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear"
January 4, 2011
What does it mean to eat healthier?
I started thinking today about food. While that's not really a shock to anyone as I clearly think of food often ;-), I was thinking about eating healthier. THAT is a shock. hahaha. If you think about it, we actually don't realize what we eat in a day unless we keep track of it. As I started tracking my food intake yesterday, I realized that, shock of all shocks, I am not eating enough food. So, I thought to myself, how do you get overweight (let's be honest-- obese) when you don't eat enough? So I started thinking about what I've eaten in the past and that phrase, I'm STARVING! Not really, but we all say it. If you don't eat enough calories in a day, maybe the next day you go overboard and eat too many calories or the wrong foods.
Let's look at some examples...
Pizza. Great food, right. My logic is there it has cheese for my dairy intake and then veggies on top and some protein if you like to include meat. If you are technical about it, you also have fruit as a tomato is a fruit and the sauce is made from tomatoes. Taking a look at what that pizza would be like in our household, requires a purchase from Little Caesar's Pizza. I like my research, but decided I'm not ready to go that far yet. So I ventured on line. We would normally get a cheese and a pepperoni (love those leftovers). Guess there goes the veggies. Oh well, so the nutritional information for the cheese that I normally eat is very interesting. One slice. How many truly eat just one slice? Well, anyhow, one slice is 240 calories and 9 g of fat. If you are watching your cholesterol or your sodium levels, you don't want me to tell you those. It's insane and high.
Can we make pizza healthier? I think so. We can improve it by using less cheese or healthier cheese options than the processed. We can also adjust the crust. I am considering using rice flour next time I make it at home. Plus at home, you can pile all the veggies on that you know you love. Broccoli and chicken with mushrooms. mmmm, getting hungry thinking about it.
Tacos.. We like Taco Bell, but our favorite is Chipolte (when the kids don't want it). This one had me going OMW. I like the burrito and while I normally get chicken, I thought I'd look it up for steak this time. Includes: -1 Burrito-size Flour Tortilla -6 oz. Cilantro-Lime Rice -4 oz. Black Beans -2.5 oz. Fajita Vegetables -4 oz. Steak -3.5 oz. Tomato Salsa -3.5 oz. Corn Salsa Drum Roll please....... 970 calories. Not a typo, I really mean that!!! 24.5 g of Fat. Makes me want to avoid that place for a little while.
We can make a burrito at home that is half the size and definitely half the calories and fit what we want in it. salsa is a low fat food. Let's focus on that. Let's use more veggies and a leaner meat than the steak. We can make it a healthy option just by using foods that are better for us.
I'm also finding that I'm eating too much in the evenings and not enough during the day. That's a hard one, but I realized that the experts do say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. By all accounts, it really should be the largest as you've been sleeping for how many ever hours you were blessed with getting before being awoken by that nasty alarm clock or that screaming beautiful child. Sleep will take some serious energy out of you and coffee alone won't do it. Today, I had raisin bran with milk and yogurt and by the look of my caloric intake, I'm not there yet. Still not enough food. My task for tomorrow is going to be finding a breakfast that is nutritionally big enough to get me through my day.
This thinking about food is too much work! hee hee. Another resolution that is hard to put to your brain when you are used to being fat and lazy, but one worth the effort, I believe. I think it's almost snack time. yum, string cheese and banana with a few crackers sounds pretty good.
Let's look at some examples...
Pizza. Great food, right. My logic is there it has cheese for my dairy intake and then veggies on top and some protein if you like to include meat. If you are technical about it, you also have fruit as a tomato is a fruit and the sauce is made from tomatoes. Taking a look at what that pizza would be like in our household, requires a purchase from Little Caesar's Pizza. I like my research, but decided I'm not ready to go that far yet. So I ventured on line. We would normally get a cheese and a pepperoni (love those leftovers). Guess there goes the veggies. Oh well, so the nutritional information for the cheese that I normally eat is very interesting. One slice. How many truly eat just one slice? Well, anyhow, one slice is 240 calories and 9 g of fat. If you are watching your cholesterol or your sodium levels, you don't want me to tell you those. It's insane and high.
Can we make pizza healthier? I think so. We can improve it by using less cheese or healthier cheese options than the processed. We can also adjust the crust. I am considering using rice flour next time I make it at home. Plus at home, you can pile all the veggies on that you know you love. Broccoli and chicken with mushrooms. mmmm, getting hungry thinking about it.
Tacos.. We like Taco Bell, but our favorite is Chipolte (when the kids don't want it). This one had me going OMW. I like the burrito and while I normally get chicken, I thought I'd look it up for steak this time. Includes: -1 Burrito-size Flour Tortilla -6 oz. Cilantro-Lime Rice -4 oz. Black Beans -2.5 oz. Fajita Vegetables -4 oz. Steak -3.5 oz. Tomato Salsa -3.5 oz. Corn Salsa Drum Roll please....... 970 calories. Not a typo, I really mean that!!! 24.5 g of Fat. Makes me want to avoid that place for a little while.
We can make a burrito at home that is half the size and definitely half the calories and fit what we want in it. salsa is a low fat food. Let's focus on that. Let's use more veggies and a leaner meat than the steak. We can make it a healthy option just by using foods that are better for us.
I'm also finding that I'm eating too much in the evenings and not enough during the day. That's a hard one, but I realized that the experts do say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. By all accounts, it really should be the largest as you've been sleeping for how many ever hours you were blessed with getting before being awoken by that nasty alarm clock or that screaming beautiful child. Sleep will take some serious energy out of you and coffee alone won't do it. Today, I had raisin bran with milk and yogurt and by the look of my caloric intake, I'm not there yet. Still not enough food. My task for tomorrow is going to be finding a breakfast that is nutritionally big enough to get me through my day.
This thinking about food is too much work! hee hee. Another resolution that is hard to put to your brain when you are used to being fat and lazy, but one worth the effort, I believe. I think it's almost snack time. yum, string cheese and banana with a few crackers sounds pretty good.
January 3, 2011
Dust Bunnies
I'm not sure anyone is truly a friend of dust bunnies. I've personally kicked them out of the house SEVERAL times in just the past year. I don't intend to invite them over for dinner and a movie, and I most certainly do not wish for them to attend my family functions at my house. But somehow, they end up all over my house hiding, eluding, evading.
So my "non-resolution" moment of the day was for cleaning today. I charged myself with removing the dust bunnies from my sweet 2 year old's room today. Knowing that I had kicked them out when I bumped her closet from 18 month clothing to 24 months not so long ago, I was shocked to find them EVERYWHERE. Yeah, they are multiplying like bunnies. Then I thought, oohh, I want to make sure to get the cool air intake taken care of. And as I sat here preparing to type this, I thought, drat! I forgot the ceiling fan. So, I have to climb my big butt up on a step stool (Fade to Wade in the background laughing as I shake and try not to shed tears due to my fear of heights).. and take care of the fan. An hour and a half after starting, I finally finished and was thrilled to watch those bunnies walk out the front door.
Then I walked into my bedroom and saw their cousins have moved into my room. Guess I'll get started on those next.....
So my "non-resolution" moment of the day was for cleaning today. I charged myself with removing the dust bunnies from my sweet 2 year old's room today. Knowing that I had kicked them out when I bumped her closet from 18 month clothing to 24 months not so long ago, I was shocked to find them EVERYWHERE. Yeah, they are multiplying like bunnies. Then I thought, oohh, I want to make sure to get the cool air intake taken care of. And as I sat here preparing to type this, I thought, drat! I forgot the ceiling fan. So, I have to climb my big butt up on a step stool (Fade to Wade in the background laughing as I shake and try not to shed tears due to my fear of heights).. and take care of the fan. An hour and a half after starting, I finally finished and was thrilled to watch those bunnies walk out the front door.
Then I walked into my bedroom and saw their cousins have moved into my room. Guess I'll get started on those next.....
January 1, 2011
Monthly Themes for 2011
In 2011, I thought I’d challenge myself to have a certain theme for each month. So, for the month of January, I would like to talk about resolutions as that is something so many people are working towards when beginning a new year. If you are a friend of mine or know me decently well, you will think, but Kim, you dislike resolutions. Why would you want to write about them for an entire month! You are right; thanks for paying attention.
These won't be your normal resolution postings of I will lose weight (won't we all) or will use technology less (yeah, cause we don't live in a world that depends on it) or even will exercise more (really? What kind of crap are you selling yourself there!). Off my rant ;-)
So let's move into resolution number one for our first day. I resolve to not resolve. Yes, you heard me right. I just announced a resolution theme and am refusing to follow it. I will not resolve to do anything different this year because today has been a day of feeling yucky and I cannot commit to anything at this time.
Sound familiar? Something you've been meaning to do? Yeah, I didn't think so. I think many of us start the new year with all these grand ideas of being a better person, doing better things or accomplishing something you've been meaning to do. But if you think about it, we are the best procrastinators ever. I don't know the specific stats, but if you ask 10 of your friends their resolutions and then you ask those same 10 friends how many achieved those goals, I believe that at most, 2 of them would say they did. We are sinful, human creatures by definition, and therefore, we mess up. It's nice to have goals and strive to move forward with those, but let's be more realistic about who we are.
We cannot underestimate how easily we sin. So when we make those resolutions, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Even Paul, probably one of the greatest spiritual leaders, was struggling with his sinful nature.
Romans 7:15-20
15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So our battle continues as it has for thousands of years. Chocolate is always going to be a thorn in your side if it has always been a thorn in your side. Let's take today and resolve to not resolve and to accept our sinful nature and acknowledge our failure.
I look forward to continuing this journey with you this month and to give you a chance to think about those resolutions you have selected.
These won't be your normal resolution postings of I will lose weight (won't we all) or will use technology less (yeah, cause we don't live in a world that depends on it) or even will exercise more (really? What kind of crap are you selling yourself there!). Off my rant ;-)
So let's move into resolution number one for our first day. I resolve to not resolve. Yes, you heard me right. I just announced a resolution theme and am refusing to follow it. I will not resolve to do anything different this year because today has been a day of feeling yucky and I cannot commit to anything at this time.
Sound familiar? Something you've been meaning to do? Yeah, I didn't think so. I think many of us start the new year with all these grand ideas of being a better person, doing better things or accomplishing something you've been meaning to do. But if you think about it, we are the best procrastinators ever. I don't know the specific stats, but if you ask 10 of your friends their resolutions and then you ask those same 10 friends how many achieved those goals, I believe that at most, 2 of them would say they did. We are sinful, human creatures by definition, and therefore, we mess up. It's nice to have goals and strive to move forward with those, but let's be more realistic about who we are.
We cannot underestimate how easily we sin. So when we make those resolutions, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Even Paul, probably one of the greatest spiritual leaders, was struggling with his sinful nature.
Romans 7:15-20
15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So our battle continues as it has for thousands of years. Chocolate is always going to be a thorn in your side if it has always been a thorn in your side. Let's take today and resolve to not resolve and to accept our sinful nature and acknowledge our failure.
I look forward to continuing this journey with you this month and to give you a chance to think about those resolutions you have selected.
December 21, 2010
Those in need
Today, I can't get this guy named Carl out of my head. He lives in Texas, but I don't know much about him.
Let me tell you the story of Carl.
This is from my friend's FB page. "A man knocked on our door tonight...I was at a friends, wrapping gifts we had bought for a different family who was in need. This man wanted to shovel our driveway (that didn't need to be shoveled) for money to buy his son some Christmas gifts. My heart just breaks."
Her husband helped him pick gifts from the gift closet they have as well as took him to get some cash. Later, they found out they helped Carl, but it isn't what you would expect. They helped a man who is actually a con man. He's been going around her area telling a sob story, including tears about how in need his family is, but from reading his past things from her friends, I can see something.
While my friends were taken advantage of, they learned a lesson about taking care of others despite all others. Today, I keep thinking about Carl and what needs he must have to be stealing from people like this. For what needs he has that are not met in his everyday life. Today, while I pray for my friend's family and their understanding of this unusual insight from God, I pray for Carl. I pray that God touches him in some way. That he is able to see humanity as a great, kind touch from God. That God is showing him through other Christians that he doesn't have to steal or lie to get what he needs in life. I pray that God be with him in this season. May the Lord bless you Carl and be in your heart!
Let me tell you the story of Carl.
This is from my friend's FB page. "A man knocked on our door tonight...I was at a friends, wrapping gifts we had bought for a different family who was in need. This man wanted to shovel our driveway (that didn't need to be shoveled) for money to buy his son some Christmas gifts. My heart just breaks."
Her husband helped him pick gifts from the gift closet they have as well as took him to get some cash. Later, they found out they helped Carl, but it isn't what you would expect. They helped a man who is actually a con man. He's been going around her area telling a sob story, including tears about how in need his family is, but from reading his past things from her friends, I can see something.
While my friends were taken advantage of, they learned a lesson about taking care of others despite all others. Today, I keep thinking about Carl and what needs he must have to be stealing from people like this. For what needs he has that are not met in his everyday life. Today, while I pray for my friend's family and their understanding of this unusual insight from God, I pray for Carl. I pray that God touches him in some way. That he is able to see humanity as a great, kind touch from God. That God is showing him through other Christians that he doesn't have to steal or lie to get what he needs in life. I pray that God be with him in this season. May the Lord bless you Carl and be in your heart!
December 8, 2010
Santa's Christmas Prayer by Alda Monteschio
On Christmas Eve the other night
I saw the most amazing sight,
for there beneath the Christmas tree
was Santa kneeling on his knee.
His countenance was different than
that all-familiar, jolly grin;
his head was bowed, with hand to breast,
and slightly tucked into his vest.
For there in a nativity was
Jesus and His family,
and as I heard him start to pray
I listened close to what he'd say.
"Lord, You know that You're the reason
I take pleasure in this season.
I don't want to take Your place,
but just reflect Your wondrous grace.
I hope You'll help them understand
I'm just an ordinary man,
who found a way to do Your will
by finding kids with needs to fill.
But all those centuries ago,
there was no way for me to know
that they would make so much of me,
and all the gifts beneath the tree.
They think I have some hidden power
granted at the midnight hour,
but it is my love for You
inspiring the things I do.
And so when they begin to open gifts
for which they have been hoping,
may they give You all the glory,
for You're the One True Christmas Story."
December 3, 2010
What shall we wish for today....
Today is one of those days that was just absolutely crazy insane busy; therefore, I am just now getting around to my Christmas Wish for the day. These are a lot harder than I once thought they would be. I have so many prayers and wishes for individuals that I would just love to put out there. It makes it difficult to pick just one. I would like to stick close to my FB video post earlier today at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY.
I look forward to the day when we can all stand in line to see Jesus. I love that this is a true story out of the mouth of babes. It is so befitting that a child would come up with this original thought. My Christmas wish today is that someone sees Jesus in their everyday and feels Him in their hearts. Let's all stand in line for Jesus. Let's all bring Christmas wishes true where we can show non-believers the Glory of the Lord!!!
I look forward to the day when we can all stand in line to see Jesus. I love that this is a true story out of the mouth of babes. It is so befitting that a child would come up with this original thought. My Christmas wish today is that someone sees Jesus in their everyday and feels Him in their hearts. Let's all stand in line for Jesus. Let's all bring Christmas wishes true where we can show non-believers the Glory of the Lord!!!
December 2, 2010
Wishes for Violet
As I start this post, I wish I could have every wish I make this month come true like yesterdays. Today, while we celebrate something that seems big to us, but is really small potatoes a family grieves. My Christmas wish for Violet is peace. I haven't seen an update since yesterday, so I don't know what is currently going on.
Violet has been battling Central Neuroblastoma. She was doing well and even went back to school to start out the school year. An MRI even showed no cancer 3 months ago. Unfortunately, she began vomiting and a new MRI showed that the cancer is back and very aggressive. She was given weeks to months.
Violet is coming closer to the end. This precious 7 year old who has fought for the past year for survival is going to see an end to her short little life very soon. I say this with a heavy heart as we don't know if she is even still with us at this point. The family is working to keep her comfortable and enjoy every last precious minute they have with her. I wish a peaceful passing for her, but this is about an entire community who has embraced her and her family. I am praying for peace for the family and for the children at school. So many that didn't even know Violet are praying for her and the family. They need to feel the arms of Christ around them in this time of pain. Continued prayers are what I wish for Violet and her family.
Violet has been battling Central Neuroblastoma. She was doing well and even went back to school to start out the school year. An MRI even showed no cancer 3 months ago. Unfortunately, she began vomiting and a new MRI showed that the cancer is back and very aggressive. She was given weeks to months.
Violet is coming closer to the end. This precious 7 year old who has fought for the past year for survival is going to see an end to her short little life very soon. I say this with a heavy heart as we don't know if she is even still with us at this point. The family is working to keep her comfortable and enjoy every last precious minute they have with her. I wish a peaceful passing for her, but this is about an entire community who has embraced her and her family. I am praying for peace for the family and for the children at school. So many that didn't even know Violet are praying for her and the family. They need to feel the arms of Christ around them in this time of pain. Continued prayers are what I wish for Violet and her family.
December 1, 2010
Let It Snow!
So here we are December 1st and the first real snow of the year is here. How awesome is that! Very excited to see it and see what Sofia's reaction is going to be this morning when she finally wakes up.
So I've been thinking about what kind of theme we should go with this month and have finally settled on Christmas Wishes. I welcome my friends to share their wishes with me for my blog. (You can remain nameless if you wish :-)
Today's Christmas wish is for my sweet hubby. As we start this holiday season and move into December, I think of my generous husband and how much he wants to provide for our family and help heal the hearts of his previous co-workers. My Christmas wish for him is a return to work; to a job that is appropriate for his skill set, that challenges him appropriately and puts a smile on his face. That is my Christmas wish for today.
So I've been thinking about what kind of theme we should go with this month and have finally settled on Christmas Wishes. I welcome my friends to share their wishes with me for my blog. (You can remain nameless if you wish :-)
Today's Christmas wish is for my sweet hubby. As we start this holiday season and move into December, I think of my generous husband and how much he wants to provide for our family and help heal the hearts of his previous co-workers. My Christmas wish for him is a return to work; to a job that is appropriate for his skill set, that challenges him appropriately and puts a smile on his face. That is my Christmas wish for today.
November 29, 2010
The Close of November
We are closing yet another month and starting a new one. As we come closer to December and have wrapped up our month of Thanksgiving, I want to remind everyone that we don't stop here. November and Turkey day are great reminders of being thankful, but that's not the only time we should be thankful. We should have a heart of gratitude all the time. I challenge you to find something you are thankful for each and every day. It is truly impossible to count all the blessings we have in life. Every day is filled with them. But the problem is that most people just live right through them, never pausing to be grateful for what they have. Each day there are a dozen things we can each be grateful for.Things as simple as I got up this morning. That in itself is beautiful. I woke up because the Good Lord decided today was to be another new day for me. He didn't have to do that, but he chose to do that. The coffee was brewed and smelled so very good. Some people do not have the luxury of coffee every single day. There are a ton of them this morning already and will be a ton before my head hits the pillow tonight. That again, another blessing to be thankful for.. a pillow. But I digress. What I'm saying is that thanksgiving is not just one day out of the year. It is all year long. :-)
November 26, 2010
Z
Zzzzzzzzzzz....I am thankful for zzz's today ;-) Throughout this entire month, I have found there is so much to feel so very blessed for. I am one who actually struggles with sleep quite a bit. I sit silently at night, oftentimes, listening to the beautiful sounds of zzz's from my family. From the soft, quiet breathing of my Monkeypants or the quiet rasp of breath from my Sunshine to the growling snores that come out of Snuggle Pup and the Big Guy, there are all kinds of sleepers in our house and I love to watch and listen to them sleep. Knowing that any worries or stresses or childhood blips are gone in their sleep is such a peace of mind to me. It's also such a blessing when I can get sleep and lately with the blessing of having my sweet hubby home for a time, I've had the true blessing of being able to sleep later in the mornings than I'm accustomed to sleeping. I'll not know what to do when he goes back to work, but for the time being I will be thankful for what I have. :-)
November 25, 2010
Y
Yarn....I am thankful for yarn today (I'm thankful for much more, but it's our letter of the day). I love the fact that I am able to take something so simple and create a treasured item for family and friends. I crochet and being able to make blankets and scarfs, hats and sweaters. Even fun gag gifts (you know who you are ;-) and I know how much those who receive those items appreciate the work that goes into making them. I'm especially thankful this year as my gift list is more affordable. Since I started early, I have thus far been more productive and gotten much more accomplished. Thankful to have my yarn to make awesome things for those I love.
November 24, 2010
X
Xanadu.... Today I am thankful for one of the first works of beauty that brought me to love the English language and the world of imagination behind the pages of literature. Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Kubla Kahn"
"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure-dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea."
Coleridge's words were brought to him during a drug induced sleep. He had been reading about Kubla Kahn prior to sleeping. After waking, he feverishly started writing. After writing the first three stanzas of the poem, Coleridge was interrupted by someone who kept him occupied for an hour. He then was unable to recall the original dream to end the poem.
The mysterious person is one of the most notorious and enigmatic figures in Coleridge’s biography; no one knows who he was or why he disturbed the poet or what he wanted or, indeed, whether any of Coleridge’s story is actually true. But the person has become a metaphor for the malicious interruptions the world throws in the way of inspiration and genius, and “Kubla Khan,” strange and ambiguous as it is, has become what is perhaps the definitive statement on the obstruction and thwarting of the visionary genius.
So today, because well darn it I couldn't come up with another X word ;-) I am thankful for Xanadu.
"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure-dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea."
Coleridge's words were brought to him during a drug induced sleep. He had been reading about Kubla Kahn prior to sleeping. After waking, he feverishly started writing. After writing the first three stanzas of the poem, Coleridge was interrupted by someone who kept him occupied for an hour. He then was unable to recall the original dream to end the poem.
The mysterious person is one of the most notorious and enigmatic figures in Coleridge’s biography; no one knows who he was or why he disturbed the poet or what he wanted or, indeed, whether any of Coleridge’s story is actually true. But the person has become a metaphor for the malicious interruptions the world throws in the way of inspiration and genius, and “Kubla Khan,” strange and ambiguous as it is, has become what is perhaps the definitive statement on the obstruction and thwarting of the visionary genius.
So today, because well darn it I couldn't come up with another X word ;-) I am thankful for Xanadu.
November 23, 2010
W.
Wade....I think this particular day was a given. I love my husband. He is truly the greatest gift from God. I think about how we met and how he was truly a gift from God. I had left college (yeah for a boy). stupid, I know..but it was part of God's plan to make me who I am today. After some tough luck and rough situations, God led me back to school. I could have went anywhere, but He led me back to where I was before. Once back, all my friends had made other friends with other groups of people. Not a bad thing at all. ;-) My friend Katrina (who I adore for the choices she's made) was Wade's girlfriend when I went back. Unfortunately Trina had to transfer to another school as life would have it. I say unfortunately for her as she's an incredible person and knowing her makes me a better person. Anyhow, I got to know Wade in a snowstorm. For the first time in this history of the college, classes were canceled and the Blizzard of 1994 became part of history. Those who went to CC at the time remember it, I'm sure. Borrowing trays from the cafeteria so we could slide down the hill. What seemed like campus-wide snowball fights. Making snowmen outside of the dorms. A TON of fun! School was closed for a week, then the snow melted and the floods came and school was closed a little longer. Those of us stuck at campus made the best of it smelly or not (water was out for awhile). It was a gift of time. One that so often we don't find in college. God gave Wade and I the time to truly fall in love.
Here we are 16 years later still strong and still together. So many couples don't have what we have. We see it all the time, but I don't question it. I see it as a true gift from God that it is what He intended, a devoted husband who cares about me unconditionally. Praise the Lord for the gift of the best husband a woman could ask for. I am so very thankful each day that I have him to keep me strong and to keep me grounded. Otherwise, you would find me in the clouds all day ;-)
Here we are 16 years later still strong and still together. So many couples don't have what we have. We see it all the time, but I don't question it. I see it as a true gift from God that it is what He intended, a devoted husband who cares about me unconditionally. Praise the Lord for the gift of the best husband a woman could ask for. I am so very thankful each day that I have him to keep me strong and to keep me grounded. Otherwise, you would find me in the clouds all day ;-)
November 22, 2010
V
Validation....Today I am thankful for the validation that we get from family and friends that our children are being raised in a Godly home with Godly principles. It feels good to know that we are doing a good job. I am thankful that we are able to get and give validation from time to time to our friends and from our friends.
Thank you everyone!!
Thank you everyone!!
November 21, 2010
U
Unconditional Love.... I spent a good portion of the morning debating what "u" word I could possibly use for today. I am thankful for a lot of things, as you can tell by my perusing of the alphabet. As I sat listening to Todd's sermon this morning, he mentioned unconditional love and I knew what I would be typing here. A parent's love is truly unconditional and I think about my Father in heaven and His truly amazing unconditional love. It truly gives me chills to think about the unconditional love of the Lord!
I think about the fact that I do things and I know they are wrong. OHH, don't tell me you don't!! We are all sinners. But think about it, isn't there something that you have done that would put your parents to shame? And yet, we don't have to shame. How about we look at some verses......
I think about the fact that I do things and I know they are wrong. OHH, don't tell me you don't!! We are all sinners. But think about it, isn't there something that you have done that would put your parents to shame? And yet, we don't have to shame. How about we look at some verses......
You may not know Me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you are My offspring. Acts 17:28
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
What an incredible joy to have someone that is always looking down on us and keeping our best interests at heart!! I look over those verses and I know that He is Lord and that He gives me unconditional love no matter what kind of mistakes I make. Praise be to God!
November 20, 2010
T
Tasks....This is all associated with my online job. Work. That is what tasks are. Tasks= Work= Much needed money. 'nough said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)