January is my least favorite month of the year. Maybe it's coming off the holidays and the hustle and bustle of Christmas to the "nothing happening" month of January. Maybe it's the realization that there is a long haul to the next holiday. It could be that January is dreary, cold, and colorless. The trees are bare and the grass is brown. There are no pretty flowers to be found blooming. It could be that I work in finance and January is filled with deadlines; closing the books for month end, quarter end, and year end. So basically, January = more OT for me. More stress for me.
January does has some redeeming qualities. January marks new beginnings. A new year can bring hope to someone who has had a particularly rough year. It is a time to reflect over your triumphs, failures, and mistakes from last year and hopefully learn from them. January offers hope to some just by promising change - but honestly, any day we wish, we can change our lives. Any day we wish, we can start trying to full fill our dreams. Any day we wish, we can start back to school or start a new hobby. Any day we wish, we can learn to play a sport or learn to play an instrument. Any day we wish, we can put our failures behind us. We can start today, tomorrow, next week, month, or even in January.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
December 31, 2010
December 29, 2010
New Year Resolutions
I am not one to make New Years resolutions. Oh, I did when I was younger with every intent on carrying them out. Some years, I even stuck to them for a week. Over the years, you just realize that you really don't need a new year to make changes in your life. I think it is not a bad idea actually to evaluate things in your life at the close of a year. Here are a few things I would like to improve in my life in 2011:
Eat healthier. Not dieting, just try to make better choices.
Improve my prayer life. All it takes is one look around and you see the desperate need of more prayers.
Take up running. I have never been able to run even when I was younger and in shape. I have been told that it is because I am not breathing correctly. Also, my pace in everything is always full speed ahead. I have been told to find a pace that I can run and keep it steady. I need to learn that I don't have to be the fastest.
Learn to respond instead of react. Nuff said.
Think on good things. Nip those bad thoughts in the bud when you get them. It really does work.
Complain less.
Hand out more gospel tracts.
Buy less.....of everything.
Read more books - I did a lot more reading before FB came along.
Get completely out of debt.
Try new recipes. I have a habit of cooking the same old thing every week.
Drink more water.
Save more money.
Send out cards to encourage others.
Learn to sew. I want to learn really bad!
Learn to grocery shop better. I buy and buy and stuff in my pantry without really knowing what I have.
Last, but not least .....figure out why my blog has so much empty space. Everytime I try to fix it, it just gets worse!
Well, I could go on and on, but that is enough to keep me busy for a while.
Happy New Years!
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:13
Eat healthier. Not dieting, just try to make better choices.
Improve my prayer life. All it takes is one look around and you see the desperate need of more prayers.
Take up running. I have never been able to run even when I was younger and in shape. I have been told that it is because I am not breathing correctly. Also, my pace in everything is always full speed ahead. I have been told to find a pace that I can run and keep it steady. I need to learn that I don't have to be the fastest.
Learn to respond instead of react. Nuff said.
Think on good things. Nip those bad thoughts in the bud when you get them. It really does work.
Complain less.
Hand out more gospel tracts.
Buy less.....of everything.
Read more books - I did a lot more reading before FB came along.
Get completely out of debt.
Try new recipes. I have a habit of cooking the same old thing every week.
Drink more water.
Save more money.
Send out cards to encourage others.
Learn to sew. I want to learn really bad!
Learn to grocery shop better. I buy and buy and stuff in my pantry without really knowing what I have.
Last, but not least .....figure out why my blog has so much empty space. Everytime I try to fix it, it just gets worse!
Well, I could go on and on, but that is enough to keep me busy for a while.
Happy New Years!
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:13
December 28, 2010
Maturity
I came across this today while doing some cleaning up. It is something I had printed awhile back while doing some research on a Bible lesson. Grade your own report card.....
Maturity is the ability to handle frustration, control anger, and settle differences without violence or destruction.
Maturity is patience. It is the willingness to postpone gratification, to pass up immediate pleasure or profit in favor of the long-term gain.
Maturity is perseverance, sweating out a project or a situation in spite of opposition and discouraging setbacks.
Maturity is unselfishness, responding to the needs of others.
Maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness and disappointments without becoming bitter.
Maturity is the gift of remaining calm in face of chaos. This means peace, not only for ourselves, but for those with whom we live and for those whose lives touch ours.
Maturity is the ability to disagree without being disagreeable.
Maturity is humility. A mature person is able to say "I was wrong." He is also able to say, "I am sorry." And when he is proven right, he does not have to say "I told you so."
Maturity is the ability to make a decision, to act on that decision, and to accept full responsibility for the outcome.
Maturity means dependability, integrity, keeping one's word. The immature have excuses for everything. They are chronically tardy, the no-shows, the gutless wonders who fold in the crises. Their lives are a maze of broken promises, unfinished business, and former friends.
Maturity is the ability to live in peace with that which we cannot change.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
I Corinthians 13:11
Maturity is the ability to handle frustration, control anger, and settle differences without violence or destruction.
Maturity is patience. It is the willingness to postpone gratification, to pass up immediate pleasure or profit in favor of the long-term gain.
Maturity is perseverance, sweating out a project or a situation in spite of opposition and discouraging setbacks.
Maturity is unselfishness, responding to the needs of others.
Maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness and disappointments without becoming bitter.
Maturity is the gift of remaining calm in face of chaos. This means peace, not only for ourselves, but for those with whom we live and for those whose lives touch ours.
Maturity is the ability to disagree without being disagreeable.
Maturity is humility. A mature person is able to say "I was wrong." He is also able to say, "I am sorry." And when he is proven right, he does not have to say "I told you so."
Maturity is the ability to make a decision, to act on that decision, and to accept full responsibility for the outcome.
Maturity means dependability, integrity, keeping one's word. The immature have excuses for everything. They are chronically tardy, the no-shows, the gutless wonders who fold in the crises. Their lives are a maze of broken promises, unfinished business, and former friends.
Maturity is the ability to live in peace with that which we cannot change.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
I Corinthians 13:11
December 27, 2010
Love
Love. It is a word that is thrown around a lot today. Sometimes the meaning behind the word is anything but real love. I looked up the word love in the dictionary and this is what I found:
1- a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person
2- a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection
3- sexual passion or desire
4- a person toward whom love is felt
5- direct address as in term of endearment
6- a love affair
7- copulation
8- a personification of sexual affection
9- affectionate concern for the well being of others
10- strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking of anything
11- the object or thing so liked
12- the benevolent affection of God for His creatures
13- a score of nothing, zero as in tennis
Is is just me or is it odd that the basis of real love didn't make the list until number 12??? The only way we can truly love someone the way God intended it is to model the way we love after Jesus. He set us an example of how to love.
Real love always begins with a decision. It is also maintained by decisions we make. We may be attracted to someone apart from that decision, but that is not love. Attraction may initiate a relationship, but it will never sustain it. A real loving relationship is made by a commitment and a choice to love and give. Love is never based on an emotion or feelings. Those things can change day by day or even hour by hour. It is not based on whether it is deserved or not. It does not set conditions. It just loves. No matter what. The feelings of love are wonderful and there is nothing wrong with them. It's just those always follow behind deliberate decisions to love. People throw the word love around a lot with nothing to back it up. I like to hear my husband tell me that he loves me, but to be quite honest, I love when he shows me how much he loves me. This past summer we planted a bunch of new shrubs and flowers. It literally took me about an hour every night to water them. He came in one night and told me he bought something to make the job easier. It totally blew me away. It was not a big grand gesture, but he was thinking of me and trying to make my life easier. The old saying "you can give without loving, but you can't love without giving" is so true. 1 John 3:18 tells us "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." Love requires deeds, not just words. Our words can sometimes be just that- flat empty words. When we love this way, it is a selfless love. Selfless love is what drives a man to get up and work to support his family or a mother to get up countless times at night with a sick child. It just gives and gives out of that love with no expectations. Sometimes those small acts of love can get lost in the busyness of life and go unnoticed. I will be the first to admit that the few times my husband has had flowers delivered at work, I loved to show them off. I loved to hear the women ooh and ahh over them. I just don't want to measure how much my husband loves me by the amount of flowers I get. Real love does not always produce a bouquet of flowers or a piece of jewelry. What real love gives is so much more - it is that secure feeling deep within your heart that you KNOW you are loved. That you can rest in the fact that someone has got "your back" and your best interest at heart.
Most of the love we see today is based on a selfish love. Just look at how Hollywood defines love. Basically, they are saying I love you until: a) I find someone better or b) you do something I don't like. Selfish love wants to call it quits when their needs are not getting met or maybe their love is not being appreciated or reciprocated in they way they feel it should be. Selfish love always, always, always put their own needs in front of the other person. Our nature is to be selfish, but selfishness is the greatest enemy of love, and will destroy any relationship given the time. Selfish love can't weather the storms in a relationship. And take it from a woman who has been married 28+ years, they will come. I would like to say that I have always loved in selfless way, but I have not. I don't think any married couple can say they have. Along the way, I have let my emotions, selfishness, and expectations determine what kind of love I demostrated toward my husand. He would probably say the same thing. Come March of next year, I will be married 29 years. I always say I love him more today than I did in 1982, but it could be that I understand more of what real love is.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
I John 4:11
1- a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person
2- a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection
3- sexual passion or desire
4- a person toward whom love is felt
5- direct address as in term of endearment
6- a love affair
7- copulation
8- a personification of sexual affection
9- affectionate concern for the well being of others
10- strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking of anything
11- the object or thing so liked
12- the benevolent affection of God for His creatures
13- a score of nothing, zero as in tennis
Is is just me or is it odd that the basis of real love didn't make the list until number 12??? The only way we can truly love someone the way God intended it is to model the way we love after Jesus. He set us an example of how to love.
Real love always begins with a decision. It is also maintained by decisions we make. We may be attracted to someone apart from that decision, but that is not love. Attraction may initiate a relationship, but it will never sustain it. A real loving relationship is made by a commitment and a choice to love and give. Love is never based on an emotion or feelings. Those things can change day by day or even hour by hour. It is not based on whether it is deserved or not. It does not set conditions. It just loves. No matter what. The feelings of love are wonderful and there is nothing wrong with them. It's just those always follow behind deliberate decisions to love. People throw the word love around a lot with nothing to back it up. I like to hear my husband tell me that he loves me, but to be quite honest, I love when he shows me how much he loves me. This past summer we planted a bunch of new shrubs and flowers. It literally took me about an hour every night to water them. He came in one night and told me he bought something to make the job easier. It totally blew me away. It was not a big grand gesture, but he was thinking of me and trying to make my life easier. The old saying "you can give without loving, but you can't love without giving" is so true. 1 John 3:18 tells us "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." Love requires deeds, not just words. Our words can sometimes be just that- flat empty words. When we love this way, it is a selfless love. Selfless love is what drives a man to get up and work to support his family or a mother to get up countless times at night with a sick child. It just gives and gives out of that love with no expectations. Sometimes those small acts of love can get lost in the busyness of life and go unnoticed. I will be the first to admit that the few times my husband has had flowers delivered at work, I loved to show them off. I loved to hear the women ooh and ahh over them. I just don't want to measure how much my husband loves me by the amount of flowers I get. Real love does not always produce a bouquet of flowers or a piece of jewelry. What real love gives is so much more - it is that secure feeling deep within your heart that you KNOW you are loved. That you can rest in the fact that someone has got "your back" and your best interest at heart.
Most of the love we see today is based on a selfish love. Just look at how Hollywood defines love. Basically, they are saying I love you until: a) I find someone better or b) you do something I don't like. Selfish love wants to call it quits when their needs are not getting met or maybe their love is not being appreciated or reciprocated in they way they feel it should be. Selfish love always, always, always put their own needs in front of the other person. Our nature is to be selfish, but selfishness is the greatest enemy of love, and will destroy any relationship given the time. Selfish love can't weather the storms in a relationship. And take it from a woman who has been married 28+ years, they will come. I would like to say that I have always loved in selfless way, but I have not. I don't think any married couple can say they have. Along the way, I have let my emotions, selfishness, and expectations determine what kind of love I demostrated toward my husand. He would probably say the same thing. Come March of next year, I will be married 29 years. I always say I love him more today than I did in 1982, but it could be that I understand more of what real love is.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
I John 4:11
December 25, 2010
Sounds of the Season
I just love the sounds of the season. No, I am not talking about the Christmas music that plays during the entire month of December. I am talking about the sounds that fill my home during the holiday season. Both of my girls are grown and have homes of their own. I see them both on a regular basis...but surprisingly, I don't see them a lot when we are all together. I see some of my family members at different times during the year, but hardly ever at the same time. The same thing with my in-law family. Christmas brings us all ( most of them anyway ) together for some food, fun, fellowship, and gift giving. It is the one time of year that all our schedules are in sync and time is set aside for family. My favorite part of our get-togethers is not the eating ( seriously ) and not the gift giving. It is the time we sit around afterwards just talking. Reminiscing about memories made with our families. Jokes that outsiders would not find funny or even get because they are not part of the memory. Not only that, but we are making new memories that we will remember at a later date.
The time I cherish the most is on Christmas morning. I love this time when my girls come over and after eating breakfast and exchanging gifts, we all sit around and talk...and laugh. I normally have to make the girls stop talking and get ready for Christmas lunch. While I am scurrying around trying to get the living room back in order, the girls will get ready in the bathroom. I can hear them chatting away and laughing. Talking the normal girly girl stuff. Just a moment between sisters. That is one of the things I miss about the girls being home...of course it wasn't that peaceful when they both lived at home and shared a bathroom. But some of those times are memories now that they can laugh about.
I read this somewhere and it is so true!
To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each others hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.
Christmas is over and the house is back in order. It is just little too quiet.
December 21, 2010
Christmas Spirit
For some reason, I just can't get into the Christmas spirit this year. My house is completely covered in Christmas decorations. I even put up three trees this year. I have been wearing my Christmas sweaters and shirts. I have been listening to Christmas music. Gifts have all been bought and wrapped and placed under the tree. Holiday groceries have been bought and menus planned. I have even made nine batches of different kinds of homemade candies. I have been to two different Christmas parties. Sure sounds like I should be in the Christmas spirit, but sadly I am not. Maybe it is the rush that seems to be my life lately. I have a job that consumes me most days. I love my job, but it can be stressful at times - especially this time of year. Maybe it is because Christmas can be a lot of work. I have always done most of the Christmas shopping in my marriage. Since I love to shop, my husband assumes that Christmas shopping should be right up my alley ....but Christmas shopping is not really shopping to me, it is a job - with a deadline. My type of shopping is browsing with really nothing in mind. I may walk out with something ( usually ) or I might just walk out empty handed. The point is that there is no pressure to find anything. Christmas shopping on the other hand is work. I put alot of thought in finding the perfect gift for each person on my list...which adds more pressure on me. Honestly, after all these years, I have just run out of ideas. Sadly, most of us don't need anything. I can honestly say that it would not bother me one bit if I did not receive one gift this year. I simply don't need anything - except maybe some Christmas spirit.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
December 19, 2010
Two Saturdays
I did something this morning that I don't like to do. I didn't go to church. I woke up at 5:00 am with a head banging headache, so I took some meds to help me sleep. They did their job and I slept until 10:30 -which meant I couldn't make it on time. When I did wake up, my headache was gone and in fact, I felt great! I decided that I would go and get the rest of my groceries for my holiday cooking. I stopped into Zaxby's to eat and all these people came in with their Sunday best on and here I was in my jeans. I know nobody thought anything of it, but I felt guilty. I felt like I should explain why I was not in my Sunday best either...that I had a good excuse. That I almost never miss church.
I need church. I need the sweet fellowship of other believers, but what I need the most is the good hard preaching. I need to walk out on Sunday mornings with my toes stepped on. I need to be reminded every week of what Jesus did for ME! I need to be reminded that I can't do anything on my own. The truth is we can easily forget all these things during the week, or at least I can. I also know that once you missed one service, it is easier to miss the next one...and then the next one. Next thing you know, you aren't going at all and your toes aren't getting stepped on, which can lead to forgetting. I have to admit that not going to church this morning gave me a second "Saturday" this week to get things done - but I didn't enjoy it because things just didn't seem right today. In fact, I would rather be faithful to my church every Sunday (and Wednesday) than to have a second Saturday every week. By God's grace, I want to be counted as faithful.
Not forsaking the assemblying of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
I need church. I need the sweet fellowship of other believers, but what I need the most is the good hard preaching. I need to walk out on Sunday mornings with my toes stepped on. I need to be reminded every week of what Jesus did for ME! I need to be reminded that I can't do anything on my own. The truth is we can easily forget all these things during the week, or at least I can. I also know that once you missed one service, it is easier to miss the next one...and then the next one. Next thing you know, you aren't going at all and your toes aren't getting stepped on, which can lead to forgetting. I have to admit that not going to church this morning gave me a second "Saturday" this week to get things done - but I didn't enjoy it because things just didn't seem right today. In fact, I would rather be faithful to my church every Sunday (and Wednesday) than to have a second Saturday every week. By God's grace, I want to be counted as faithful.
Not forsaking the assemblying of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
December 13, 2010
Deutschland, da komme ich!
I am going to Germany! That statement makes me both excited and nervous. I recently had an opportunity to come up for me and Rex to go to Germany. My (ex) son-in-law is in the military and he will be over there for 4-5 months in a rented house. He graciously offered us an invite to visit and after much consideration, we felt like it was too big of an opportunity to pass up. Booking the flight was stressful enough. Deciding when and how long to go was enough for me to give up hope in going. I have the type of job that I work OT before I take vacation and work OT after I return to make up for the time I missed. Rex has the type of job that his work is done while he is gone, but he is always last on the totem pole when it comes to taking off. I decided that I was not going to let either one of our jobs keep us from going. I bit the bullet and booked the flight - we will be gone 10 days. I have a good friend that is from Germany and she says this isn't near enough time. I am sure it won't be, but it was the best I could do. I can't believe I am actually going to go to Germany, France, Italy, and Austria. These are the four countries I am most excited about! Let the countdown begin: 122 days to go!!!!
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Psalms 121:8
November 30, 2010
Reminder to us all
I bought three sympathy cards this past weekend. I don't know why, but it seems like more deaths occur during the holiday season. Maybe, we just realize that this time of the years makes it harder....I don't know. As I was checking out with the cards, I thought how sad this holiday season is going to be for these three families. How there will be an empty chair where this person once sat. I lost my mom six days before Christmas and I can remember that first Christmas without her. You try to keep things as normal as you can for the kids sake, but it just wasn't the same. Moms are the ones that plan Christmas and pull it off. They are the "glue" that holds the family together. I still remember that feeling I felt that Christmas Eve and I would be lying if I didn't say her presence wasn't still missed every Christmas.
One of the families was a mother of a friend at church. She had lived a full life and was diagnosed with cancer a few months back. She knew she didn't have long and while that sounds terrible, God really blessed her by giving her a deathbed. She had time to think about her eternity. Knowing you are going to die will make you more readily accepting of the gospel. This lady accepted Jesus as her Savior two weeks before she died. So while my friend will grieve her mother, she can have assurance of seeing her again.
The second card was for the parents of a 25 year old girl in our community. She too was diagnosed with cancer back in the summer. She just graduated from Auburn with a degree in Pharmacy. She was the top student in her graduating class. She married a dentist and life should have been good. I can't even imagine what her parents are feeling. How they are coping. Her poor husband! They had not even celebrated their first year anniversary. The best part of this story is that she was a Christian and they can take comfort in that....but I know there will be some dark days ahead for this family.
The third card was for a step father of a friend of Jamie's from high school. He took his own life. I didn't really know him that well, but his family says he was a Christian and was reading his Bible shortly before he died. While I don't understand depression, I do sympathize with people that deal with it. My heart breaks for this family as they try to deal with not only the loss of their loved one, but the emotions that are sure to be there because of his decision.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but all three of these familes can take comfort in knowing their loved one is in heaven. It is a reminder to us all that we need to make sure we are praying for our lost family members, because nobody is promised tomorrow.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of comfort.
II Corintians 1:3
One of the families was a mother of a friend at church. She had lived a full life and was diagnosed with cancer a few months back. She knew she didn't have long and while that sounds terrible, God really blessed her by giving her a deathbed. She had time to think about her eternity. Knowing you are going to die will make you more readily accepting of the gospel. This lady accepted Jesus as her Savior two weeks before she died. So while my friend will grieve her mother, she can have assurance of seeing her again.
The second card was for the parents of a 25 year old girl in our community. She too was diagnosed with cancer back in the summer. She just graduated from Auburn with a degree in Pharmacy. She was the top student in her graduating class. She married a dentist and life should have been good. I can't even imagine what her parents are feeling. How they are coping. Her poor husband! They had not even celebrated their first year anniversary. The best part of this story is that she was a Christian and they can take comfort in that....but I know there will be some dark days ahead for this family.
The third card was for a step father of a friend of Jamie's from high school. He took his own life. I didn't really know him that well, but his family says he was a Christian and was reading his Bible shortly before he died. While I don't understand depression, I do sympathize with people that deal with it. My heart breaks for this family as they try to deal with not only the loss of their loved one, but the emotions that are sure to be there because of his decision.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but all three of these familes can take comfort in knowing their loved one is in heaven. It is a reminder to us all that we need to make sure we are praying for our lost family members, because nobody is promised tomorrow.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of comfort.
II Corintians 1:3
November 27, 2010
The Simple Things
Diamond rings. Luxury cars. Fur coats. Extravagant vacations. Sounds like the life of the rich and famous. Everywhere we turn today, society tries to sum up our success by the material possessions that we own. Every woman enjoys the occasional bling and everybody needs that occasional get away from it all vacation, but they don't bring happiness. If they did, you wouldn't see the Hollywood crowd overdosing and doing another stint in rehab. I have compiled a list of things that are important to me and never fail to put a smile on my face.Other than the first one, they are in no particular order.
1. Faith - no matter how bad things get in your life, if you have faith in who holds your future, you have hope.
2. Puppies - everybody loves puppies. They are just so darn cute! So cute that sometimes I have made a decision to get one when I really shouldn't have. That is the effect puppies have on me.
3. Flowers - every woman loves flowers. I am not a fan of getting them all the time, but those random unexpected delivery of flowers can make my day. Heck, they can make my week!
4. Friends - everybody needs a good friend. One that they can open up to without fear of ridicule or judgement. One that listens - sometimes over and over.
5. Good book - I love to read! I love to get hold of a book that I can't put down, but that I don't want to finish because I don't want it to be over.
6. Family - I was blessed with a great family. We are not perfect, but we are there for each other. Family will be there when everybody else walks out.
7. Bubble baths - nothing relaxes like a bubble bath. I love to get in the tub with a good book. I definitely don't do this enough.
8. Dessert - I have a huge sweet tooth. I have been known to sometimes eat dessert first and then supper.
9. Family get togethers - I love to have my family over to eat. Sitting around eating, talking and watching old family videotapes. Don't get much better than that.
10. Walks - Getting out and walking. Not walking as in exercise, but just getting out to walk and observe nature. Rex and I used to do that a lot when we were younger - before life got so busy.
11. Chick flick - I love me a good chick flick. I am a romantic at heart, so I love most all chick flicks - even the predictable ones panned by critics.
12. Sunset/sunrise - Don't have to say much about these, but they are just spectacular especially when the weather is just right.
13. Trust - every relationship is based on some element of trust. The bigger the relationship, the higher the trust should be. I love the fact that I can trust my husband. He has got my back and I take great comfort in that.
14. Kindness - never underestimate what the power of kindness can do. I have been on the giving and receiving end of kindness. When you receive it, you realize just how important it is to give it. Kindness is never a wasted effort even when it feels unappreciated at the time.
15. Romance - doing those little things for your significant other. The longer you are married, the easier it is to let this go by the wayside. Taking the time to do the little things for your mate is at least a way of letting them know you are thinking about them.
16. Grandparents - I was not blessed to really know my grandparents, but I have been able to witness the relationship my girls have had with their grandparents. Grandparents have the time and patience to slow things down and just enjoy the things at their level.
17. Dressing up - those occasional events that demand us to get in our Sunday best. While I am a casual dresser, I do like those occasions when we can step it up a notch. My husband doesn't care for this, but I do like to see him dressed in a coat and tie as well.
18. Wisdom - this may sound like a strange thing to put on my list, but I love hearing wisdom from someone who has lived life. There is a huge difference between advice and wisdom.
19. Self fulfilment - accomplishing that one thing that you thought you could not do. On my list, is learning to run. The feeling that we get when we accomplish it just can't be duplicated.
20. Understanding - I love to be understood. In most of mine and Rex's fights over the years, I have always told him that I didn't care to be right, I just wanted to be understood. Ha, I still don't think he understands me after 28+ years.
21. Memories - I have so many wonderful memories of my childhood and of my children's childhood. When my family gets together, the talk always seem to turn to the memories that we hold so dear.
22. Chocolate - need I say more? I sometimes think I can feel the endorphins explode when I finally have some good milk chocolate after a drought. I am not joking.
23. Contentment - I love that I am content. I have never really been the type to want bigger and better. I have never tried to keep up with the Jones. Sometimes you get what you want, but lose what you had. Not being content can be a curse!
24. Weekend getaways - I love to just get away for the weekend. Doesn't have to be far or fancy, just a change of scenery. When my kids were little, we would do this a lot more often.
25. Lazy days - I don't do these very often. The main reason is I have a hard time just sitting around being lazy, but somedays, it is just what is needed to get refreshed from the daily rat race.
26. I love you - it doesn't matter if I hear it from my husband, my kids, my family, church member, or my best friend - those three words make me smile.
27. Pictures - I love to take pictures! I love capturing a moment in time and forever having it on paper. I have a guy friend that jokes me about all my pictures are of the kids just standing there...yeah, what's wrong with that? My regret is that I didn't take even more when they were little.
I could go on and on with a million other things that make me happy. Maybe the reason we aren't satisfied with simple things is because we have them in abundance. All I know is the diamonds, furs, and other extragant things are nice, they really are just "icing on the cake."
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:21
1. Faith - no matter how bad things get in your life, if you have faith in who holds your future, you have hope.
2. Puppies - everybody loves puppies. They are just so darn cute! So cute that sometimes I have made a decision to get one when I really shouldn't have. That is the effect puppies have on me.
3. Flowers - every woman loves flowers. I am not a fan of getting them all the time, but those random unexpected delivery of flowers can make my day. Heck, they can make my week!
4. Friends - everybody needs a good friend. One that they can open up to without fear of ridicule or judgement. One that listens - sometimes over and over.
5. Good book - I love to read! I love to get hold of a book that I can't put down, but that I don't want to finish because I don't want it to be over.
6. Family - I was blessed with a great family. We are not perfect, but we are there for each other. Family will be there when everybody else walks out.
7. Bubble baths - nothing relaxes like a bubble bath. I love to get in the tub with a good book. I definitely don't do this enough.
8. Dessert - I have a huge sweet tooth. I have been known to sometimes eat dessert first and then supper.
9. Family get togethers - I love to have my family over to eat. Sitting around eating, talking and watching old family videotapes. Don't get much better than that.
10. Walks - Getting out and walking. Not walking as in exercise, but just getting out to walk and observe nature. Rex and I used to do that a lot when we were younger - before life got so busy.
11. Chick flick - I love me a good chick flick. I am a romantic at heart, so I love most all chick flicks - even the predictable ones panned by critics.
12. Sunset/sunrise - Don't have to say much about these, but they are just spectacular especially when the weather is just right.
13. Trust - every relationship is based on some element of trust. The bigger the relationship, the higher the trust should be. I love the fact that I can trust my husband. He has got my back and I take great comfort in that.
14. Kindness - never underestimate what the power of kindness can do. I have been on the giving and receiving end of kindness. When you receive it, you realize just how important it is to give it. Kindness is never a wasted effort even when it feels unappreciated at the time.
15. Romance - doing those little things for your significant other. The longer you are married, the easier it is to let this go by the wayside. Taking the time to do the little things for your mate is at least a way of letting them know you are thinking about them.
16. Grandparents - I was not blessed to really know my grandparents, but I have been able to witness the relationship my girls have had with their grandparents. Grandparents have the time and patience to slow things down and just enjoy the things at their level.
17. Dressing up - those occasional events that demand us to get in our Sunday best. While I am a casual dresser, I do like those occasions when we can step it up a notch. My husband doesn't care for this, but I do like to see him dressed in a coat and tie as well.
18. Wisdom - this may sound like a strange thing to put on my list, but I love hearing wisdom from someone who has lived life. There is a huge difference between advice and wisdom.
19. Self fulfilment - accomplishing that one thing that you thought you could not do. On my list, is learning to run. The feeling that we get when we accomplish it just can't be duplicated.
20. Understanding - I love to be understood. In most of mine and Rex's fights over the years, I have always told him that I didn't care to be right, I just wanted to be understood. Ha, I still don't think he understands me after 28+ years.
21. Memories - I have so many wonderful memories of my childhood and of my children's childhood. When my family gets together, the talk always seem to turn to the memories that we hold so dear.
22. Chocolate - need I say more? I sometimes think I can feel the endorphins explode when I finally have some good milk chocolate after a drought. I am not joking.
23. Contentment - I love that I am content. I have never really been the type to want bigger and better. I have never tried to keep up with the Jones. Sometimes you get what you want, but lose what you had. Not being content can be a curse!
24. Weekend getaways - I love to just get away for the weekend. Doesn't have to be far or fancy, just a change of scenery. When my kids were little, we would do this a lot more often.
25. Lazy days - I don't do these very often. The main reason is I have a hard time just sitting around being lazy, but somedays, it is just what is needed to get refreshed from the daily rat race.
26. I love you - it doesn't matter if I hear it from my husband, my kids, my family, church member, or my best friend - those three words make me smile.
27. Pictures - I love to take pictures! I love capturing a moment in time and forever having it on paper. I have a guy friend that jokes me about all my pictures are of the kids just standing there...yeah, what's wrong with that? My regret is that I didn't take even more when they were little.
I could go on and on with a million other things that make me happy. Maybe the reason we aren't satisfied with simple things is because we have them in abundance. All I know is the diamonds, furs, and other extragant things are nice, they really are just "icing on the cake."
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:21
November 23, 2010
Iron Bowl 2010
It's the most wonderful time of the year and I ain't talking about Christmas. If you are from Alabama, you know what I am talking about. The Iron Bowl! Alabama vs. Auburn. This game is not just a game, no - the winner of this game basically has bragging rights for the next year. This game under any circumstances tests our friendships, and sometimes marriages (for those with mixed marriages.) I love the rivalry between these two teams. Not the kind where the fans are obnoxious and yes, both teams have these kinds of fans. I am talking about the chiding with co-workers and fun putdowns. Poking fun at their attire on casual Friday's. I remember when I first moved back to Tallassee in 1972- people didn't want to know my name. No, they wanted to know which team I pulled for - you know, the important stuff. This is part of what makes the rivalry so much fun. I have one co-worker that when he sees me or I see him, the first words out of our mouths are either Roll Tide or War Eagle. We have fun with it...we can discuss Cam Newton without arguing. I think we have the best rivalry in college football and that is what makes it all the more exciting.
This year is different though....the emotions on both teams are at an all time high. Auburn has the front runner Heisman candidate on their team. All the hype surrounding Cam Newton adds fuel to the fire. Auburn coming to the Iron Bowl undefeated has the momentum of the Auburn fans rallying around their Tigers. They have their eye on that National Championship that has eluded them. It has definitely been Auburn's year. They have played good ball, and I can't take that away from them. Yes, the Tigers are ready to come in and do their thing.
Alabama comes in with two losses. This may have hurt us in our dreams of another National Championship, but a win against Auburn would surely redeems us. We have the home team advantage this year. We just need to be able to stop Cam Newton - something no other team has been able to do yet. As an Alabama fan, I have no doubt that we can. We may not be ranked no. 1 right now, but we still have that pride that is needed for a win.
The truth is that when these two teams meet up, you just never know what is going to happen. It doesn't matter how good or bad these teams have played in the past - this game is just different. I wish I could say that if Auburn beats us, I would still like to see Auburn go all the way....but I can't. I think most Auburn fans feel the same way.
One thing I do know - if Auburn does beat us, I will be upset, but I will wake up on Saturday and get on with my life. After all, it is just a game! Oh, and ROLL TIDE!!
Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:40
November 22, 2010
Happy birthday Babyfloyd!
Well, my baby went and turned 25. I think she has been dreading the day, but she could easily pass for 20. We had a birthday bash with some fried chicken, and double starches - macaroni and cheese and potato salad. We topped it off with some apple dapple cake. It is always nice to get the family together and celebrate.
Jamie is thriving in her job that she loves. I can't imagine a day filled with high energy adolescent tweens in the throes of puberty. God bless her! She is trying to figure out what to go back and get her master degree in, but I know she will figure it out. I am so proud of her and even prouder that she calls me mom.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1Timothy 4:12
The Power of One
I watched a special on TV yesterday on the life of Madalyn Murray O'Hair. She was the founder of the American Atheist Association and was single handedly responsible for taking organized prayer out of school back in 1963. Maybe it was because I went to school in the bible belt, but I remember saying prayer at least up until the 5th grade which was around 1973. I don't get this woman. I understand there are a lot of people who don't believe in God, but she was so driven. I honestly believe she liked being in the spotlight and speaking out against God in the early 60's gave her the attention she craved. While she went through her life declaring there is no God, the bible tells us in Romans 1:20 that we are without excuse because we can clearly see things that are created. I do know this - Madalyn Murray O'Hair changed her mind around 1 second after she slipped into eternity. One day, she will bow down and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
My point is not her view, but in the fact that one person made such a monumental change in our nation. One person stopped prayer in school. Sometimes we think we are just one person - what can we do? What does my one vote count for? She is a perfect example that one person can make a difference. In her case, it was a bad difference, but it is a huge reminder to us that we can change things. One person can make a difference in our government, in our workplace, in our schools, and in other people's lives.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20
That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Phillipians 2:10-11
My point is not her view, but in the fact that one person made such a monumental change in our nation. One person stopped prayer in school. Sometimes we think we are just one person - what can we do? What does my one vote count for? She is a perfect example that one person can make a difference. In her case, it was a bad difference, but it is a huge reminder to us that we can change things. One person can make a difference in our government, in our workplace, in our schools, and in other people's lives.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20
That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Phillipians 2:10-11
Psalm 103
Sometimes during this week of Thanksgiving, grab your Bible and read Psalms 103. Don't just read it silently, read it aloud. This chapter is probably one of the best Psalms in regard to having a heart of thanks. The first verse talks of praising God with all that is within me. Wow, I do praise God, but can I honestly say I do it with all that is within me? Not even close. In verse two, David talks about not forgetting all His benefits. Guilty again. As I kept reading, I noticed several verbs that he used to remember those benefits. He writes how God forgiveth, healeth, redeemeth, crowneth, and satisfieth. You could stop right there if you can't find anything else in your life to be thankful for. David then list some of God's attributes that we should also be thankful for: merciful, gracious, slow to anger, plenteous in mercy. He then writes of God vastness - something I don't think we will ever grasp this side of heaven. He writes that God's mercy is as great as the distance between heaven and earth. He writes that our sins are removed as far as east is from west. I have probably read this Psalms many times before, but today the verses just really opened my eyes. We all tend to focus on the blessings that we can see and touch, but forget the ones we can't see. The ones that will last for all eternity.
This week, remember to take a little time and count your blessings. If you can't be thankful for what you have have, be thankful for what you avoided.
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within my, bless his holy name.
Psalms 103:1
This week, remember to take a little time and count your blessings. If you can't be thankful for what you have have, be thankful for what you avoided.
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within my, bless his holy name.
Psalms 103:1
November 16, 2010
Heart of Thanks
Tonight we had ladies fellowship. I was the assigned person to speak and it being Thanksgiving, I naturally talked about that. I am not going to give my entire outline, but I just talked about how this time of year tends to be our busiest and most stress full ( guilty) time of year. We have a lot of shopping, cooking, decorating, and cleaning to do. I tried to encourage the ladies with Psalms 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God. Sometimes our busy schedules leaves little time to do our daily devotion. Little time for prayer. God is not the God of hustle and bustle and over crowded schedules. Maybe this time of year, we should schedule some extra time of prayer and Bible study.
Hebrews 13:15 was my key verse - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. I just talked about how we should always have a spirit of thankfulness. First to God, and then for others. How sometimes we don't thank God enough because we are too prosperous. We have so much. Each one of us have more clothes in our closet right now than our ancestors probably had in their entire life. There is nothing wrong with prosperity because all good things come above, but sometimes our prosperity can be our stumbling block. We also forget the past blessings that God has given us. What He did last week, last month, or last year. We forget so easily. I also talked about being thankful for the things others do for you. I can remember when my mom died, my dad said he regretted how he didn't help my mom more than he did. Now he had to do the dishes, clean, buy groceries, and basically run the household. He never realized how much work she did to keep things running smoothly. Now he had a newfound gratitude for all she did for him.
I ended by giving everybody a sheet of paper and asked them to list 3 things under these categories:
3 things you have never thanked God for
3 things you have never thanked your spouse for ( or parents for unmarried )
3 things you have never thanked anybody for
I then went around the room and let people read their answers - and what a sweet spirit we had as we each read our answers. I had never thanked God that my children were born without any birth defects or that I wasn't born in a Muslim faith family. I have never thanked my husband for keeping my oil changed in my car or keeping firewood cut. I have never stopped a random soldier to thank him for his sacrifices or thanked a police office for keeping us safe. There were so many great answers, but hopefully it made us aware of the blessings that we just overlook on a daily basis.
Hebrews 13:15 was my key verse - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. I just talked about how we should always have a spirit of thankfulness. First to God, and then for others. How sometimes we don't thank God enough because we are too prosperous. We have so much. Each one of us have more clothes in our closet right now than our ancestors probably had in their entire life. There is nothing wrong with prosperity because all good things come above, but sometimes our prosperity can be our stumbling block. We also forget the past blessings that God has given us. What He did last week, last month, or last year. We forget so easily. I also talked about being thankful for the things others do for you. I can remember when my mom died, my dad said he regretted how he didn't help my mom more than he did. Now he had to do the dishes, clean, buy groceries, and basically run the household. He never realized how much work she did to keep things running smoothly. Now he had a newfound gratitude for all she did for him.
I ended by giving everybody a sheet of paper and asked them to list 3 things under these categories:
3 things you have never thanked God for
3 things you have never thanked your spouse for ( or parents for unmarried )
3 things you have never thanked anybody for
I then went around the room and let people read their answers - and what a sweet spirit we had as we each read our answers. I had never thanked God that my children were born without any birth defects or that I wasn't born in a Muslim faith family. I have never thanked my husband for keeping my oil changed in my car or keeping firewood cut. I have never stopped a random soldier to thank him for his sacrifices or thanked a police office for keeping us safe. There were so many great answers, but hopefully it made us aware of the blessings that we just overlook on a daily basis.
So as we approach Thanksgiving, let's be sure to give thanks - to our Creator. As children of God, lets give him the praise that is due Him.
What can you thank God for in your life?
November 13, 2010
Choices
As I was driving down a country road yesterday, I saw a tattered old man standing close to the road. Naturally I slowed down my driving - and as I rode by, I was shocked to see that it was not in fact an old man, but an old classmate of mine. If you didn't know him, you would easily guess him to be older than his years. Looking at this man today, you would never put us together in any social situation. Ever. The truth is, years ago, he was a big part of our lives. Rex and I double dated with him many a night. We were at his wedding. We were there when he brought his first child into this world. We spent a lot of time together with cookouts and getting the kids together to play. He was a close friend to my husband. In his field of work, he was the best and was in high demand - at least that is what Rex has always said. He had a loving wife and a beautiful family. Life should have been good. What went wrong? Choices. He would make choices that were not conducive to a good family life. Years ago, I can remember telling Rex that this classmate was messing up when he would make a choice to go off to do his own thing rather than going to the ball field to watch his child play ball. I can remember story after story that Rex would tell me about this classmate. His choices took him to places that I can not even imagine. To a life that most people can't even imagine. Choices that made even his very best friends not to trust him anymore or even want to be around him. Choices that cost him his family. He had it all, only to throw it away by the choices he made.
It is easy to judge this guy. I mean, he had it all - but when I looked at him, my heart was filled with compassion for him. Nobody in their right mind would make conscious choice to lose their family. Lose their friends. Lose their job. Nobody wakes up and decides that today is the day that I am going to throw it all away. No, it starts out small. Those small bad choices lead into bigger bad choices and before you know it, you are in over your head. That is just the way sin is. Sin always takes you further than you wanted to go, keeps you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay.
When I passed him on the road, our eyes connected. He recognized me and waved. As I drove on, I tried to figure out how he got to where he was. He came from a loving and caring family. What drives a person to take a road filled with bad choices? I don't know, but I do know this: it is ONLY by the grace of God that none of us are in this man's shoes. Sometimes, our pride can come in and make us feel like we are doing everything right, but the truth is, anybody can fall. Nobody is exempt from making a few bad choices that can cost us ever thing that is dear to our hearts.
So the next time you see a person that looks like they have lost it all...be extra kind. They are not just another homeless person, they are some body's child, husband, father....and some body's long lost friend.
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
Deuteronomy 30:19b
It is easy to judge this guy. I mean, he had it all - but when I looked at him, my heart was filled with compassion for him. Nobody in their right mind would make conscious choice to lose their family. Lose their friends. Lose their job. Nobody wakes up and decides that today is the day that I am going to throw it all away. No, it starts out small. Those small bad choices lead into bigger bad choices and before you know it, you are in over your head. That is just the way sin is. Sin always takes you further than you wanted to go, keeps you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay.
When I passed him on the road, our eyes connected. He recognized me and waved. As I drove on, I tried to figure out how he got to where he was. He came from a loving and caring family. What drives a person to take a road filled with bad choices? I don't know, but I do know this: it is ONLY by the grace of God that none of us are in this man's shoes. Sometimes, our pride can come in and make us feel like we are doing everything right, but the truth is, anybody can fall. Nobody is exempt from making a few bad choices that can cost us ever thing that is dear to our hearts.
So the next time you see a person that looks like they have lost it all...be extra kind. They are not just another homeless person, they are some body's child, husband, father....and some body's long lost friend.
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
Deuteronomy 30:19b
November 10, 2010
Thankfulness - day 11
Today I am thankful for all our veterans! It is because of them that I enjoy the freedoms that I have! I am also thankful for our current troops that are serving our country! I pray that God watches over them and their families until they are home again!
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9
November 9, 2010
Thankfulness - day 10
Today I am thankful for my house. While it will never be featured in a spread in House Beautiful, to me it is home. I have only lived in two houses since I have been married - and have been in our current home for almost 24 years. It is all my kids have ever known.
If these walls could talk....I hope they would say that love abides here. I hope my kids look back to their childhood home with fond memories. I hope they felt loved, safe, and protected within these four walls. I hope they know that the door is still always open for them to come back home if need be. Oh the memories that have occured within these four walls while watching my girls grow up.
As Dorothy would say, "there's no place like home."
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.
Psalms 127:1
If these walls could talk....I hope they would say that love abides here. I hope my kids look back to their childhood home with fond memories. I hope they felt loved, safe, and protected within these four walls. I hope they know that the door is still always open for them to come back home if need be. Oh the memories that have occured within these four walls while watching my girls grow up.
As Dorothy would say, "there's no place like home."
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.
Psalms 127:1
November 8, 2010
Thankfulness - day 9
Today I am thankful for my in-laws. They are hard working salt of the earth kind of people. They just don't make 'em like them anymore. Not to mention that my mother in law is the best cook I know! They have also been the best grandparents to my girls - my kids adore them.
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6
Thankfulness - day 8
Today I am thankful my my two grandpups, Fred and Hazel. They add so much to our lives. They are always happy to see me, they always want to spend time with me, and they want to kiss me all day. Whats not to love?? Plus their faces will melt your heart.
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthlings, and not one of these is forgotten before God"
Luke 12:6
November 7, 2010
Kids these days
I am a huge fan of The Dr. Phil Show. I don't agree 100% with everything he says, but for the most part he is right on - especially on things that deal with family, marriages, and just dealing with life. I learn something from his show just about every time I watch it. I think what I like the most is that his advice is just so simple. Common sense really, but you would be surprised at the parents that lack good ole common sense. Most people make life harder than it has to be. I sometimes get amazed at how many of the parents come on to get control of their kids. I just don't get that. They have given their children everything that they could ever want and then wonder why the brats are spoilt. They let their children talk to them anyway they choose and wonder why their children don't listen to them. They set no consequences for their actions and don't understand why the brats don't have any regard for authority. I wonder if these parents realize that they are setting their children up for failure in life? I know no parent rocks their sweet little baby with dreams of them growing up and wearing orange suit with shackles on their feet. That sounds crazy, but the truth is, a lot of times that is what they are doing when they don't set rules and boundaries. Proverbs 29:15 says that a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Every child needs to be taught the difference between right and wrong. I can't believe the stand some parents take on spanking a child. The Bible instructs parents to spank. The problem comes in with the meaning of spanking. Spanking is NOT abuse. Discipline is done out of love and abuse is done out of anger. HUGE difference. They need to know that certain behavior brings certain consequences.... and that is what is missing. I can't tell you the times I have seen the school try to correct a student and the mother gets involved and basically blames everybody but her child. She blames the teacher, the principal, another student, or whoever else...just not her child. The mother is actually teaching her child that they do not have to respect authority and basically they don't have to be accountable for their actions. Then the kid moves out into the real world and that is where the problems start. Suddenly, they are in a job where they have to be accountable and mama can't come shift the blame.. People don't care to hear all the excuses. If they don't have respect for authority, they might just find themselves handcuffed, tased, or possibly shot.You basically set them up for a hard life.
Every child needs to be taught the difference between right and wrong. I can't believe the stand some parents take on spanking a child. The Bible instructs parents to spank. The problem comes in with the meaning of spanking. Spanking is NOT abuse. Discipline is done out of love and abuse is done out of anger. HUGE difference. They need to know that certain behavior brings certain consequences.... and that is what is missing. I can't tell you the times I have seen the school try to correct a student and the mother gets involved and basically blames everybody but her child. She blames the teacher, the principal, another student, or whoever else...just not her child. The mother is actually teaching her child that they do not have to respect authority and basically they don't have to be accountable for their actions. Then the kid moves out into the real world and that is where the problems start. Suddenly, they are in a job where they have to be accountable and mama can't come shift the blame.. People don't care to hear all the excuses. If they don't have respect for authority, they might just find themselves handcuffed, tased, or possibly shot.You basically set them up for a hard life.
I wasn't the perfect mom...not by a long shot. I made plenty of mistakes along the way, but some things really are just black and white. Some things are just so wrong that you don't have to think it over. A lot of times my kids didn't understand the word no....but I always told them that one day, I will have to give an account of the way I raised them. I unknowingly made enough mistakes without adding things to the list that I knew were just wrong. Don't get me wrong - parenting is not easy and my personality is to second guess myself and lets face it, kids know how to lay it out thick when they want something. I did sometimes spoil my kids with material things, but I also held them to a high standard. If they lived a A+ lifestyle, then they were rewarded with an A+ benefits. If they had lived a D- lifestyle, they would have gotten the D- benefits. Sometimes, you just have to appeal to their greed. I never tried to be their friend - they had enough of those, they needed a mother. As a result, I later became their friend, but only when the time was right.
I don't think the kids today are the ones with the problems...I think it's their parents.
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 23:15
Do you remember?
Hope for change is one of the things that helped put Obama in office. Change is not always good though. Change is sometimes really just saying "anything goes." We are raising a generation that won't remember a lot of things are are slowly going away due to the changes we have seen in America. Some of the things that my generation remember will be as archaic as the older generation talking of washing clothes without actually putting them in a washing machine or telling of the days with no television. I can't even imagine that, although I do remember just having a black and white TV. Now, with technology, I can watch TV on my phone just about anywhere. I remember when we said prayer in school before we went to lunch. Public school. I remember when the flag stood for freedom and was considered sacred. I remember when a boy dressed like a boy and a girl dressed like a girl. I remember when marriage was just between a man and a woman. For life. I remember when you could take your family to a sporting event and you didn't have to mortgage the house to be able to afford it. I remember people didn't use foul language in front of ladies or children. I remember when someones's word was as sure as a written contract. I remember when Sundays were for church and not just another Saturday.
I remember when people wanted to work to get things instead of someone just handing it to them. I remember when getting pregnant out of wedlock was an embarrassment to the family. I remember when criminals actually were sent to jail. I remember when you could let your children wander all over the neighborhood and not worry even though you hadn't laid eyes on them all day. I remember when you didn't have to monitor what was on TV for your kids to watch. I remember when kids actually got a paddling at school for wrongdoing - knowing that the one you get at home for the one you got at school was going to be much worse! I remember when the parents ruled the house instead of the kids. I remember when people were held accountable for their actions.
It makes me worried about the next generation to come. What changes will they see? Marriage between a man/woman and a ___________? Fill in the blank with whatever. Sounds ludicrous, but just remember that 50 years ago the idea of same sex marriages would have been just as ludicrous.
It is time for Christians to wake up !!! Take back America. I believe God has blessed us as a nation because we were founded on Christianity. While I still believe I live in the greatest nation, we are not what we once were. We do need to see some change, but we need to make changes back to the old paths. America, America - God shed his grace on thee.
God Bless America!
I remember when people wanted to work to get things instead of someone just handing it to them. I remember when getting pregnant out of wedlock was an embarrassment to the family. I remember when criminals actually were sent to jail. I remember when you could let your children wander all over the neighborhood and not worry even though you hadn't laid eyes on them all day. I remember when you didn't have to monitor what was on TV for your kids to watch. I remember when kids actually got a paddling at school for wrongdoing - knowing that the one you get at home for the one you got at school was going to be much worse! I remember when the parents ruled the house instead of the kids. I remember when people were held accountable for their actions.
It makes me worried about the next generation to come. What changes will they see? Marriage between a man/woman and a ___________? Fill in the blank with whatever. Sounds ludicrous, but just remember that 50 years ago the idea of same sex marriages would have been just as ludicrous.
It is time for Christians to wake up !!! Take back America. I believe God has blessed us as a nation because we were founded on Christianity. While I still believe I live in the greatest nation, we are not what we once were. We do need to see some change, but we need to make changes back to the old paths. America, America - God shed his grace on thee.
God Bless America!
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and wil forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14
Thankfulness - day 6
Today I am thankful for my church - Calvary Baptist Church!! I have been a member since the age of 10. This church is where my entire family came to accept Jesus as their savior. Kelly actually got saved at camp, but that is a ministry of the church. I know each and every Sunday that the gospel will be preached and it won't be watered down or compromised. A lot of people don't like the hard preaching that CBC usually has. It is good to hear about how great God is and how much He loves you, but you really need to hear about His wrath and His judgement too!
I also have the best preacher on earth! He is truly a man that walks the talk. His entire family is such a blessing to me and the entire church.
Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together.
Hebrews 10:25a
November 6, 2010
Thankfulness - day 6
Today I am thankful for my good health. I suffer from a few aches and pain, but that just comes with old age. I hope I never take it for granted, because your health can be gone at any time!
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as the soul prospereth.
III John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as the soul prospereth.
III John 1:2
November 5, 2010
Thankfulness - day 5
Today I am thankful for Melanie, my best friend for 26+ years. She has been such a blessing to me. I know I can say or tell her anything without fear judgement. I never have to worry that she will tell anyone else. This woman alone has probably saved me thousands and thousands of dollars in therapy alone! :) We are the kind of friends that can pick up the phone and pick right up where we left off even when time has come between us. I hope that I have been the kind of friend to her as she has been to me. God knew that I was going to need a "Melanie" in my life.
A friend loveth at all times.
Proverbs 17:17a
November 4, 2010
Thankfulness - day 4
Today I am thankful for my youngest daughter, Jamie. Jamie came to us in the fall of '85 and completed the Floyd family. I think she came into the world with a huge smile on her face. Never one to be shy or timid - no with Jamie, you had to worry about someone snatching her. She never knew a stranger. To nab her, all you had to do was offer her a kitty and she would follow you anywhere. Jamie was an easy child to parent - did what she was told and pushed herself. You never had to get her to push to do better, she put enough pressure on herself. With her, you had to explain that not always getting an A was okay. She only got one B her entire high school career - and shouldn't have got that, but that's another story. Jamie went into the field of math education and I had my doubts about that - but she has such a way with children, that she really needed to work with them in some capacity. She has turned into an wonderful math teacher! Jamie, being the baby, holds a special place in my heart!
November 3, 2010
Thankfulness - day 3
Today I am thankful for my oldest daughter, Kelly. She is one of the sweetest, most loyal, and level headed young ladies that I know. I know it sounds cliche, but this girl changed my entire world in the summer of '83. There is something about that first born child that holds a special place in your heart. Kelly was a very timid young girl - even at the age of 15, she would not go into a store by herself. I had to be right there with her. When she moved out for college, I really expected to get a phone call within the first month telling me that she couldn't do it and needed to come back home. I never received that phone call - instead she went on to get her Masters of Science by the age of 24. She struggled with what field to go into while in college, and found herself in nursing. What a nurse she has become. She has gone into the field of hospice. You can teach anybody to do IV's, catheters, or any other nursing skills - but you just can't teach someone to genuinely care and love their patients and their families. Simply put, she is nothing short of awesome and I am proud she calls me mama.
November 2, 2010
Thankful - day 2
Today I am thankful for my husband, Rex. We have been together since we were both 16. Not every day was easy, but we stuck it out. He has always worked hard to support his girls - and I am thankful for all he does for us!
Rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Proverbs 5:18b
November 1, 2010
Being Thankful
November is the month of Thanksgiving. I am going to dedicate the next 30 days to the things in my life that I am thankful for. Some of them will be big, but most will probably be very small. It is often those small ones that seem to fly off the radar, but would be greatly missed if taken away.
Today, I am thankful for my salvation. I am thankful that He paid the price that I owed and could not pay, thankful that I didn't have to do anything but trust to get it, nothing that I have to do to keep it, and thankful that there is nothing I can do to lose it. When He was on the cross, I was on His mind.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving.
Psalms 95:2a
Today, I am thankful for my salvation. I am thankful that He paid the price that I owed and could not pay, thankful that I didn't have to do anything but trust to get it, nothing that I have to do to keep it, and thankful that there is nothing I can do to lose it. When He was on the cross, I was on His mind.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving.
Psalms 95:2a
October 31, 2010
I was born in a small town
Well, I don't know if I was actually born in a small town. I was born in Blytheville, Arkansas, but since the age of ten, I have lived in a small town. Tallassee to be exact. When I was younger, I yearned to grow up and move to a bigger city. Not Atlanta big, but certainly not Tallassee small. Turns out, I married a Tallassee man and the rest is history. I have come to love the small town living way of life. I have a sister in law that has only lived in big cities - think Denver and Seattle. She came to live in Kent, Alabama for a while and hated it. Kent makes Tallassee look like a metropolis, so I guess it is all about what you are used to. I have a friend that moved to Atlanta and she always complained how long it took to commute to work. Now, we aren't talking a lot of distance, it just all depended on how many wrecks were on the road that day. Nope, I don't think I would handle that very well. I like knowing that I can run to Walmart and if I don't get behind any slow pokes ( no passing on small town roads ), I can usually go and get back within 30 minutes.
My kids benefited from going to school in a small town. Most of the time, parents knew the teachers before they became our children's teacher. Most of the classes are small, so everybody knew everybody in their graduating class. Jamie had one of the biggest graduating classes to come through THS in awhile - 123 students.
I like the sense of caring that comes from being in a small town. Not too long ago, our community was shocked when a beloved elderly couple was brutally attacked in their home. This doesn't happen very often, and it stopped us all in our tracks. For a small moment in time, we were all mad and worried at the same time. There is no way of knowing this side of heaven how many prayers went up for this family from our small town. Watch when someone dies - the community opens up their arms to help. Or just let someone have a tragedy in their life and you will see the community open up their pocketbooks with fundraisers to help the family out. Come to our Relay for Life and you will be astonished how much money our small town can raise. Come to one of our football games and you might find yourself standing due to a sell out crowd.
I like the sense of knowing people in a small town, even if just a little bit. I see people that I don't really know, but know them when I see them. Community spirit is alive and strong in small town living. No matter how hard you try, it just can't be duplicated in big town living. Maybe there are just too many people that you can't get to know them all. Maybe there is just too much going on to get to know people. Too much hustle and bustle of big city life. I just know it isn't for me. I like visiting the big city, but don't care to live in one.
Ahhh, small town living. Oh, that is probably where they'll bury me.
A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:14b
My kids benefited from going to school in a small town. Most of the time, parents knew the teachers before they became our children's teacher. Most of the classes are small, so everybody knew everybody in their graduating class. Jamie had one of the biggest graduating classes to come through THS in awhile - 123 students.
I like the sense of caring that comes from being in a small town. Not too long ago, our community was shocked when a beloved elderly couple was brutally attacked in their home. This doesn't happen very often, and it stopped us all in our tracks. For a small moment in time, we were all mad and worried at the same time. There is no way of knowing this side of heaven how many prayers went up for this family from our small town. Watch when someone dies - the community opens up their arms to help. Or just let someone have a tragedy in their life and you will see the community open up their pocketbooks with fundraisers to help the family out. Come to our Relay for Life and you will be astonished how much money our small town can raise. Come to one of our football games and you might find yourself standing due to a sell out crowd.
I like the sense of knowing people in a small town, even if just a little bit. I see people that I don't really know, but know them when I see them. Community spirit is alive and strong in small town living. No matter how hard you try, it just can't be duplicated in big town living. Maybe there are just too many people that you can't get to know them all. Maybe there is just too much going on to get to know people. Too much hustle and bustle of big city life. I just know it isn't for me. I like visiting the big city, but don't care to live in one.
Ahhh, small town living. Oh, that is probably where they'll bury me.
A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:14b
October 29, 2010
Unbelief
While doing my devotion, I came across a verse that made me stop and think. Matthew 21:22 says- And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. What a promise to cling to! How many times have I prayed for something with little thought as to whether God would answer it? It's like we make a wish list and do our part in reciting it to God with little belief that He would answer it. I can remember a certain situation that I have prayed over, but if someone was to ask me, I would always answer " I doubt that is ever going to happen." That is nothing but unbelief. Why do I have no problem believing that God created the heaven and earth in 6 days, but think He can't handle my problems? I have not one ounce of unbelief when it comes to believing that Jesus was born of a virgin. I don't doubt one bit that God parted the Red Sea or that God made a whale to swallow up Jonah for three days only to spit him back out. The stories that make some people scoff at, I have no problem believing in faith. Why then do I have unbelief in my own life? If God says it, we can claim it. The key word is that verse is believing. Now, I know we can't expect God to answer our prayers when we ask amiss, but if I am asking for something that I know is God's will, then I am sometimes my own hindrance. I lack in the believing part. I am the one that limits God. We seem to have this idea of who God is, but our perception and His reality are not the same.
It is one thing to believe in God. There is so much overwhelming evidence that proves God existence. Just look at all the beautiful wonders of the world to or the way our bodies are designed. Even demons believe in God - but believing in Him is the difference. I think if God can keep the earth rotating around the sun every single day, I can trust him with my little life.
Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.
Mark 9:24
It is one thing to believe in God. There is so much overwhelming evidence that proves God existence. Just look at all the beautiful wonders of the world to or the way our bodies are designed. Even demons believe in God - but believing in Him is the difference. I think if God can keep the earth rotating around the sun every single day, I can trust him with my little life.
Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.
Mark 9:24
October 27, 2010
Stupid Mistake
So tonight, I made a stupid mistake. I knew I made it about 30 seconds after I did it. I could feel the looming terror in my chest when I realized what I did. Yep, I locked my keys in my car.
I have such a fear of locking my keys in my car, that I actually checked my purse twice to make sure my keys were in it. They were. I keep my church Bible in my car at all times. So, I get to church and grab my fruit, grab my Bible ( in a Bible cover with straps ) and sling it over my shoulder thinking it was my purse I guess. Out of habit, I manually lock the doors and then as I close the door, I click my clicker to make sure it beeps. That is when I realized it.
Now, I understand that in the scheme of things, the problem is not that big. Yes, I have a spare key, but it is in my wallet. I never, ever (before tonight ) leave my purse. My purse is like my security blanket. I always have it. I may lock my keys, but never my purse. My preacher tried so hard ( thanks Bro. Jim ) to open it, but couldn't. I tried to call a locksmith, but I guess he had already gone to bed. I had to leave my car at church and try to resolve it tomorrow. I can hitch a ride to work. I have a hair appointment tomorrow in Auburn that throws a kink into it. It takes just about a month to get an appointment. I accept that I will have to pay to have someone to open it, but man, I HATE wasting money. I might as well roll down the window and throw $50.00 out the window. The worst thing though is not the missing Judgement House after church, it is not wasting $50.00, it is not even maybe having to miss my hair appointment. No, the worst part about this stupid mistake is calling my husband. I HATE it. No, he didn't fuss, no, he didn't judge, no, he didn't get upset - but I could still hear it in his voice.
There is a plus in all this. I was planning on going in to work at 6:00, but since I am at the mercy of a friend to pick me up, I will be lucky to get there by 7:00. So I can sleep in a little later in the morning. When my kids did something stupid growing up, I always asked them if they learned something from it. I guess I did. Make another spare key and give it to my husband.
If I have to walk to Auburn tomorrow, I am getting my hair did!
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18a
I have such a fear of locking my keys in my car, that I actually checked my purse twice to make sure my keys were in it. They were. I keep my church Bible in my car at all times. So, I get to church and grab my fruit, grab my Bible ( in a Bible cover with straps ) and sling it over my shoulder thinking it was my purse I guess. Out of habit, I manually lock the doors and then as I close the door, I click my clicker to make sure it beeps. That is when I realized it.
Now, I understand that in the scheme of things, the problem is not that big. Yes, I have a spare key, but it is in my wallet. I never, ever (before tonight ) leave my purse. My purse is like my security blanket. I always have it. I may lock my keys, but never my purse. My preacher tried so hard ( thanks Bro. Jim ) to open it, but couldn't. I tried to call a locksmith, but I guess he had already gone to bed. I had to leave my car at church and try to resolve it tomorrow. I can hitch a ride to work. I have a hair appointment tomorrow in Auburn that throws a kink into it. It takes just about a month to get an appointment. I accept that I will have to pay to have someone to open it, but man, I HATE wasting money. I might as well roll down the window and throw $50.00 out the window. The worst thing though is not the missing Judgement House after church, it is not wasting $50.00, it is not even maybe having to miss my hair appointment. No, the worst part about this stupid mistake is calling my husband. I HATE it. No, he didn't fuss, no, he didn't judge, no, he didn't get upset - but I could still hear it in his voice.
There is a plus in all this. I was planning on going in to work at 6:00, but since I am at the mercy of a friend to pick me up, I will be lucky to get there by 7:00. So I can sleep in a little later in the morning. When my kids did something stupid growing up, I always asked them if they learned something from it. I guess I did. Make another spare key and give it to my husband.
If I have to walk to Auburn tomorrow, I am getting my hair did!
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18a
October 22, 2010
My own worst enemy
Someone said something to me today - in fact, I have heard this phrase three times in the past couple of weeks. I don't think I could count the times I have heard it in my adult years. "You are too hard on yourself." And I am - very much so. Why? I could give you a hundred reasons. I am a pleaser, I have a touch of Type A personality (not to an extreme), high expectations of myself, and I guess just basic wiring. I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter in law, worker, sister in law, Sunday school teacher, and friend. For some reason, I feel I have to full fill every one of those roles to the best of my ability. No wonder I am so hard on myself. Did I mention I could also be my own worst enemy? I don't think I can let anybody down in any of those areas. I set a higher standards on myself, while sometimes holding others to a lesser standard. If for some reason, something didn't go as I thought it should, I will replay the situation over and over in my head trying to figure out where and why it went wrong. If that isn't enough, I second guess myself all the time. Did I say the right thing, did I handle it the right way? What I shoulda, woulda, coulda done to handle it better? While all this has some good points, it is hard to do everything right in every role in every situation. We live in a fast paced world that is ever changing and expecting to do everything right every time is setting yourself up for falling short of your goal. Sometimes, it just happens. There is a fine line in healthy discipline and being too hard on yourself. Sadly, women really can't have it all. Something suffers along the way - and for me, that isn't a good thing. Truth be told, some of the things I really push myself on really aren't that important, at least not in the big picture. Going forward, I am going to try to cut myself some slack. Some time ago, I saw a quote on my daughter's facebook page. It said "If I didn't make it so hard on myself, life would be easy." I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.
I Corithians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.
I Corithians 14:33
October 16, 2010
Here we go again...
Yesterday was the official first day of deer season if you hunt with a bow...which of course, Rex does. This means that I "deal" with deer season for 4 looooooong months. I can never make my husband understand that it is not actually his hunting that I mind, but rather the aftermath of his hunting. No, in fact, as much as I love my husband, I love those lazy Sunday afternoons where I have the house to myself. I love that he has something that he enjoys this much. I will never ever understand why someone would leave a warm cozy bed in the wee hours of the morning to go outside in the freezing cold with the hope of seeing and killing a deer. Some days it is all for naught. Nope, never will get it. To hear him describe it through his eyes though, I guess it just has to be in your blood. You either love it or hate it. My husband takes deer hunting very serious. We went last weekend to buy special clothes detergent, soap, and other products to completely wipe away the human scent. He will wash his stuff ( and dare me to touch it ) and put it in these HUGE ziplock bags so it doesn't touch anything that might put a scent on his hunting clothes. This man will not even clean a bathroom during the hunting season because the smell of Ajax lingers on your skins. See what I deal with???
All this can work in my favor though. When I have stuff that needs to get done around the house, the timetable is always defined as "when hunting season is over." This gives me four months to ponder what I need to get done. This year, I want to build a deck and re-do one of our bathrooms. Coming off his hiatus from house duties for the most part, this works to my favor. He is always up to doing the things that I want done after hunting. So, it makes it all worthwhile. I just have to make sure he gets it all done before the fishing season starts up......
All this can work in my favor though. When I have stuff that needs to get done around the house, the timetable is always defined as "when hunting season is over." This gives me four months to ponder what I need to get done. This year, I want to build a deck and re-do one of our bathrooms. Coming off his hiatus from house duties for the most part, this works to my favor. He is always up to doing the things that I want done after hunting. So, it makes it all worthwhile. I just have to make sure he gets it all done before the fishing season starts up......
October 13, 2010
Thankfulness - day 8
Today I am thankful for my two grandpups - Fred and Hazel. They are spoilt, but they add so much to our family, especially with the empty nest. What's not to love? They are always happy to see me, always want to be with me, always want to kiss me. I love them two dogs!
Are not the five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God.
Luke 12:6
Real Love
I looked up the word love in the dictionary and this is what I found:
1- a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person
2- a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection
3- sexual passion or desire
4- a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person
5- used in a direct address as in term of endearment, affection, or the like
6- a love affair
7- copulation
8- a personification of sexual affection
9- affectionate concern for the well being of others
10- strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking of anything
11- the object or thing so liked
12- the benevolent affection of God for His creatures
13- a score of nothing or zero as in tennis
Is it just me or is it odd for the real definition of love does not make the list until number 12??!!Jesus gave us the perfect example to follow in subject of real love. The ONLY way we can love is through Him.
Love. In the day in which we live, this word is thrown around and often used when the feeling that is felt is anything but real love. Most of the definitions above are Hollywood's definition of love. Real love is anything but what Hollywood portrays. It is putting the other one needs before your own. It is not always a romantic love, but it is always a giving love. The old saying "you can give without loving, but you can't love without giving" is so true. Sometimes real love is a choice. Some days you don't feel like you love, so you have to choose to love. True love always begins with a decision and maintained by decisions. We may start off with attraction, but attraction is not love. It may initiate a relationship, but it will not sustain. it. Just look at most Hollywood romances. They "love" when they really mean "until the next one comes along." I love to hear my husband tell me he loves me, but what means the most is when he shows me he loves me. When we truly love someone, it manifests itself in giving. Real love does not depend on feelings, moods, or emotions because these change can change from day to day or even hour to hour. It is deeply rooted in a decision to love, no matter what. No matter if it is reciprocated or not. Whether it is deserved or not. All loving relationships grow out of sacrifice. Putting the other one first- even if you don't feel like it. When you feel like it is not fair. When you feel like it is not appreciated. Selfishness is the greatest enemy to real love and will destroy a relationship. Selfish love can be destroyed when our expectations are not met or when things get tough. Selfless love on the other hand can not be destroyed. When you love this way, you give without any expectations. You love in spite of ever thing.
Real love does not always produce a bouquet of flowers or that perfect birthday gift. Sometimes it comes in the form of a spouse holding your hand as you bury a parent or when they pamper you when you are sick. It is when your spouse tells you to sleep in while he watches the kids. It is sometimes shown when they work the kind of hours that nobody would choose to work. The sad thing is most of these everyday occurrences are lost in the day to day rush of life with no thought as to what drives a person to do them. The romantic meals and nice gifts are really just the icing on the cake - that is not what real love is all about. Sadly, some think if they aren't receiving the kinds of gifts that show "love' then they don't feel loved. This is a selfish love. I have to admit, the few times my husband has had flowers delivered at work, I was happy and proud to show them off. Having the girls ooh and ahh over how sweet my husband was made me proud. I just don't want to measure how much my husband loves me by that.
I loved my husband when I said "I do" almost 29 years ago . I can honestly say I love my husband more today than I did back then. Or maybe I just understand real love better.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another.
I John 4:11
1- a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person
2- a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection
3- sexual passion or desire
4- a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person
5- used in a direct address as in term of endearment, affection, or the like
6- a love affair
7- copulation
8- a personification of sexual affection
9- affectionate concern for the well being of others
10- strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking of anything
11- the object or thing so liked
12- the benevolent affection of God for His creatures
13- a score of nothing or zero as in tennis
Is it just me or is it odd for the real definition of love does not make the list until number 12??!!Jesus gave us the perfect example to follow in subject of real love. The ONLY way we can love is through Him.
Love. In the day in which we live, this word is thrown around and often used when the feeling that is felt is anything but real love. Most of the definitions above are Hollywood's definition of love. Real love is anything but what Hollywood portrays. It is putting the other one needs before your own. It is not always a romantic love, but it is always a giving love. The old saying "you can give without loving, but you can't love without giving" is so true. Sometimes real love is a choice. Some days you don't feel like you love, so you have to choose to love. True love always begins with a decision and maintained by decisions. We may start off with attraction, but attraction is not love. It may initiate a relationship, but it will not sustain. it. Just look at most Hollywood romances. They "love" when they really mean "until the next one comes along." I love to hear my husband tell me he loves me, but what means the most is when he shows me he loves me. When we truly love someone, it manifests itself in giving. Real love does not depend on feelings, moods, or emotions because these change can change from day to day or even hour to hour. It is deeply rooted in a decision to love, no matter what. No matter if it is reciprocated or not. Whether it is deserved or not. All loving relationships grow out of sacrifice. Putting the other one first- even if you don't feel like it. When you feel like it is not fair. When you feel like it is not appreciated. Selfishness is the greatest enemy to real love and will destroy a relationship. Selfish love can be destroyed when our expectations are not met or when things get tough. Selfless love on the other hand can not be destroyed. When you love this way, you give without any expectations. You love in spite of ever thing.
Real love does not always produce a bouquet of flowers or that perfect birthday gift. Sometimes it comes in the form of a spouse holding your hand as you bury a parent or when they pamper you when you are sick. It is when your spouse tells you to sleep in while he watches the kids. It is sometimes shown when they work the kind of hours that nobody would choose to work. The sad thing is most of these everyday occurrences are lost in the day to day rush of life with no thought as to what drives a person to do them. The romantic meals and nice gifts are really just the icing on the cake - that is not what real love is all about. Sadly, some think if they aren't receiving the kinds of gifts that show "love' then they don't feel loved. This is a selfish love. I have to admit, the few times my husband has had flowers delivered at work, I was happy and proud to show them off. Having the girls ooh and ahh over how sweet my husband was made me proud. I just don't want to measure how much my husband loves me by that.
I loved my husband when I said "I do" almost 29 years ago . I can honestly say I love my husband more today than I did back then. Or maybe I just understand real love better.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another.
I John 4:11
Men
Even though I have been married over half my life, sometimes I still don't understand men. I work with a guy that is married and has no children. He has a lovely and understanding wife who cooks, cleans, and irons his clothes. She still does all those things that wives do lovingly for their husband until the babies come - and men are suddenly forced to start taking care of themselves in some areas. He has weekly "man dates" that allows him and his buddies to pursue manly things like riding their dirt bikes, skeet shooting, playing pool, etc. This week, his wife told him she needed him to attend a function with her and he really couldn't hide is aggravation...well, he hid it from her, but not his co-workers. Of course, we women gave him down the road. He thought it was selfish of her to ask when the time is about to change and he was about to lose his hour in the afternoon. The ladies all thought it was selfish of him to mind giving up one night just for her. Honestly, he could not grasp our train of thought - and this man is far from dumb. I don't mean to stereotype all men, but a lot of men struggle in this area. I mean, there are times that I just don't even ask my husband just so we don't have to have that fight..., I mean discussion. I gave that up long ago, just to make life easier. I look back now and realize I made it easy for my husband, but harder for me. I gave him an easy "opt out" option ( which he always took )and most of the time just dealt with it.
I am proud to say that my male co-worker gave in after much flak from his female co-workers, but honestly it really should not have been that big of a decision to make. When you are part of a relationship, you just have to suck it up and sometimes do things you don't want to do for the sole purpose of supporting your mate. And they say women are hard to understand....honestly, just tell us we're beautiful and give us chocolate. How hard it that?
Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
Proverbs 18:22
I am proud to say that my male co-worker gave in after much flak from his female co-workers, but honestly it really should not have been that big of a decision to make. When you are part of a relationship, you just have to suck it up and sometimes do things you don't want to do for the sole purpose of supporting your mate. And they say women are hard to understand....honestly, just tell us we're beautiful and give us chocolate. How hard it that?
Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
Proverbs 18:22
October 7, 2010
Thankfulness - day 4
Today I am thankful for my youngest daughter, Jamie. Jamie came into this world with a smile on her face. She had enough imagination for six kids. Jamie was never shy - in fact, you had to worry with her that she would take off with any stranger. All you had to do to nab her was offer her a kitty and she would follow you anywhere. Jamie was easy going and easy to parent. I never had to make sure Jamie studied or did her best, because she put enough pressure on herself to excel in school. There is something about the baby of the family that will always hold a special place in your heart. To this day, she will still plop in her mama's lap and I am thankful for that. Jamie is a math teacher - she loves her job and her kids. I had my doubts about her going in that field, but she has a way with kids, so she definitely needed to work with them in some capacity. Jamie came to us in the fall on '85 and completed the Floyd family. I am proud that she calls me mama too!
Thankfulness - day 3
Today I am thankful for my oldest daughter, Kelly. Kelly is one sweetest and most level headed young ladies that I know. I know it is cliche, but this baby girl changed my entire world back in the summer of 83! There is something about that first born child that holds a special place in your heart. Kelly was a very timid young child....I mean even at the age of 15, she would hardly go into a store without me right beside her. When she moved out to college, I honestly expected a phone call within the first month telling me she couldn't do it, - that she wanted to come home....but that phone call never came. Instead she went on to get her masters of nursing by the age of 24. She struggled with what to pursue in college, but decided to go into the field of nursing. What a nurse she turned into! Loving, caring, and compassionate are just a few of the words that describe her with her patients. Kelly is no longer that timid little girl, but a grown confindent young woman. I am proud that she calls me mama.
Thankfulness - day 2
Today I am thankful for my husband. We have been together since we were both 16...it hasn't always been easy, but we have both hung in there. He has worked hard to support his girls and I love him very much!
Thankfulness
November is the month in which we celebrate Thanksgiving. I am going to dedicate my blog for the next 30 days to the things in my life that I am thankful for. Some of them will be big ones, but probably most will be small. It is those small ones that we almost always overlook, but they would be missed if taken away!
First, and foremost, I am THANKFUL that Jesus died for ME! Not only that, but that I heard the gospel and I trusted Him for what He did for me. Jesus died for all, but not all accept his gift of salvation. I am glad that He paid the price I owed, but could not pay. Thankful that there is nothing I had to do (but trust) to earn it, thankful there is nothing I have to do to keep it, and thankful that there is nothing that I can do to lose it. When He was on the cross, I was on His mind.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalms 95:2
First, and foremost, I am THANKFUL that Jesus died for ME! Not only that, but that I heard the gospel and I trusted Him for what He did for me. Jesus died for all, but not all accept his gift of salvation. I am glad that He paid the price I owed, but could not pay. Thankful that there is nothing I had to do (but trust) to earn it, thankful there is nothing I have to do to keep it, and thankful that there is nothing that I can do to lose it. When He was on the cross, I was on His mind.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalms 95:2
Girls Night Out
I had a good friend turn 50 last week. She dreaded her birthday so much, that she took the day off so she didn't have to deal with it publicly at work I guess. We made her deal with it the next day and celebrated with a dozen of Gigi cupcakes. That in itself is worth turning 50. She decided that we need to have a girls night out this past weekend that turned into an all day and half the night outing. We had so much fun - we did a lot of shopping and eating. We ate at Applebees for lunch and celebrated at Bonefish that night. Just what was needed to help her coast into her 50's. She may have turned 50, but at heart she is still that 20 something girl to me. Only better.
October 6, 2010
Worrying
Mothers. We worry. A lot. I think for mothers, worrying starts when we see that little positive line on the pregnancy test. We immediately start worrying about their health, their development, miscarriages, and our abilities as a mom. Will we be a good mom? Will we know what to do?
Then we deliver our precious babies and another set of worries are born as well. For the first 3 months, we worry about Sudden Infant Death syndrome. We worry about their formula, new eating habits, are they developing on time?? Are we making a mistake by working out side the home?
Then we put these babies on a big yellow school bus and now we have a new set of worries. Will they get bullied, will they make friends, will they excel academically? No sooner than they start 1st grade, we start worry about college. Will they get accepted into a good one? Will they move hundreds of miles away?
As they grow, we worry about their friends, who they will bring home to date, outside influences, and grades. I will never forget that sinking feeling I felt when each one of my daughters drove off by themselves with that brand new drivers license that gave them the confidence that they could handle anything on the road. We worry when they move out for the first time for college. How will they make it without me reminding them to set the alarm or to remind them to do their homework? How will they survive all those temptations without me to set the guidelines and boundaries? How can they possibly stay fed without me buying groceries and cooking for them? If you had girls like mine, how are they going to keep the health department from shutting them down?
Then we start worrying about who they will marry. Thank goodness, when they get married, the worry stops....right? Sadly, I found this not to be the case. It actually multiplies your worries by adding another person to the equation to worry about. I can't even imagine when I get grand babies. I will have to get up earlier each day just to fit all that worrying in on any given day.
Worrying is almost a full time job for mothers. That is where faith comes in. I have to remind myself constantly that God loves my girls more than I do. He can be with them 24/7 even when I can't. He can see down the road and around the bend where as I can't. My girls lives is one of my motivations of living right before God. I want to live my life in such a way that when my girls call me to request prayers for themselves or someone else, I can. I don't want my life to be a hindrance to God from hearing and answering my prayers for the sake of my children. I wish I could say that I achieve this every single day. The sad truth is, I fail God each and every day in some way.
For this mother, my love for my children is a constant reminder of how much I need to rely on Him. How much I need Him. How much my girls need me to need Him.
If I hide regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
Psalms 66:18
Then we deliver our precious babies and another set of worries are born as well. For the first 3 months, we worry about Sudden Infant Death syndrome. We worry about their formula, new eating habits, are they developing on time?? Are we making a mistake by working out side the home?
Then we put these babies on a big yellow school bus and now we have a new set of worries. Will they get bullied, will they make friends, will they excel academically? No sooner than they start 1st grade, we start worry about college. Will they get accepted into a good one? Will they move hundreds of miles away?
As they grow, we worry about their friends, who they will bring home to date, outside influences, and grades. I will never forget that sinking feeling I felt when each one of my daughters drove off by themselves with that brand new drivers license that gave them the confidence that they could handle anything on the road. We worry when they move out for the first time for college. How will they make it without me reminding them to set the alarm or to remind them to do their homework? How will they survive all those temptations without me to set the guidelines and boundaries? How can they possibly stay fed without me buying groceries and cooking for them? If you had girls like mine, how are they going to keep the health department from shutting them down?
Then we start worrying about who they will marry. Thank goodness, when they get married, the worry stops....right? Sadly, I found this not to be the case. It actually multiplies your worries by adding another person to the equation to worry about. I can't even imagine when I get grand babies. I will have to get up earlier each day just to fit all that worrying in on any given day.
Worrying is almost a full time job for mothers. That is where faith comes in. I have to remind myself constantly that God loves my girls more than I do. He can be with them 24/7 even when I can't. He can see down the road and around the bend where as I can't. My girls lives is one of my motivations of living right before God. I want to live my life in such a way that when my girls call me to request prayers for themselves or someone else, I can. I don't want my life to be a hindrance to God from hearing and answering my prayers for the sake of my children. I wish I could say that I achieve this every single day. The sad truth is, I fail God each and every day in some way.
For this mother, my love for my children is a constant reminder of how much I need to rely on Him. How much I need Him. How much my girls need me to need Him.
If I hide regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
Psalms 66:18
October 2, 2010
I was born in a small town.....
Well, I don't know if I was really born in a small town. Being an Air Force brat, I was born in Blytheville, Arkansas - but since I was 10, I have lived in a small town. Tallassee to be exact. I don't know anything but small town living. During my younger years, I yearned to grow up and live in a bigger city. Not Atlanta big, but definitely not Tallassee small. Turns out, I fell for a small town guy in my own class and the rest is history. I have a sister in law that has lived in large cities all her life (think Denver and Seattle). For a small period, she and my brother moved to Kent, Alabama. Kent makes Tallassee look like the capital of Alabama. One red light and one store small. It liked to drove her crazy - so I guess it is a matter of what you get used to. I just don't think I could handle the big city. I have a friend that moved to Atlanta and she talked about how long the drive was to work. We are not talking alot of distance, it just depended on how many accidents were on the road that day. Nope, I don't think I would handle that too well. Anybody that knows me, knows I am a clock watcher. That would just be too much stress. I like knowing that I can run to Walmart and if I don't get behind somebody slow poking (not alot of passing on small town roads) I can go and get back in around 30 minutes. My girls also benefited from a small town. Everybody knew everybody. They went to school in classes that weren't too big. Jamie had one of the biggest graduating classes that had come through THS in awhile...123 students.
To me the best part of being from a small town is the sense of caring. Not too long ago, we had a brutal attack on a beloved elderly couple in our city. For a moment in time, that was what everybody had on their mind. You couldn't go anywhere without hearing about this couple. There is no way of ever knowing this side of heaven how many prayers went up from the small town of Tallassee on behalf of this family. Just watch when someone dies in our small town - the town's arms are opened up to the grieving family. Come to our Relay for Life and you will be astonished how much money our small town can raise. Come to a football game and you might find yourself standing due to not being able to find a seat. Tallassee does Homecoming right. It starts on Thursday nights and finishes up on a Saturday night. Most spouses of returning graduates are usually astonished how much goes into making Homecoming special for the current graduates and the returning graduates.
To me the best part of being from a small town is the sense of caring. Not too long ago, we had a brutal attack on a beloved elderly couple in our city. For a moment in time, that was what everybody had on their mind. You couldn't go anywhere without hearing about this couple. There is no way of ever knowing this side of heaven how many prayers went up from the small town of Tallassee on behalf of this family. Just watch when someone dies in our small town - the town's arms are opened up to the grieving family. Come to our Relay for Life and you will be astonished how much money our small town can raise. Come to a football game and you might find yourself standing due to not being able to find a seat. Tallassee does Homecoming right. It starts on Thursday nights and finishes up on a Saturday night. Most spouses of returning graduates are usually astonished how much goes into making Homecoming special for the current graduates and the returning graduates.
Small town spirit is alive and strong. No matter how hard you try, it just can't be duplicated in big cites. Maybe they are just too big to get to know people. In a small town, there is a sense of belonging and knowing people, even if it's just a little bit. I know some people, only by seeing them in and about my small town.
Ahhh, small town living. Oh, thats probably where they'll bury me.
A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:14b
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)