Take it to the bank

Today, I had to take my car in for it's 10k mile service check. We bought the car in Clanton, so I have about an hour drive. About 30 minutes into my drive, I stopped at a convenience store to get a drink and a bag of pretzels. To my surprise, when I got to the register, I did not have my wallet. I was in a panic mode! I run out to my car hoping that it had fell out, but there was no sign of it. I told the cashier that I would put the pretzels back, but there is no way I can put back a fountain drink. As I was scrambling around in my purse to find some change, the cashier told me to go home, find my wallet, and just stop back in and pay later. I explained that I lived 30 minutes away, but she had my word that I would come back and pay. She told me she trusted me, but luckily, I was able to find enough change to pay for my drink and pretzels. Thank goodness, when I got home, my wallet was on my couch.

I don't know why this cashier was taking a chance on trusting me. She didn't know me - so there is no way she could know if I would make good on my word. Maybe it was the panic that she saw in my eyes or my willingness to put back what I could and scrounge for change to pay for what I couldn't return. Maybe she felt like she could handle losing $2.68 if I didn't return. Maybe I have an honest face. I don't know, but she took me at my word.

What this woman didn't know is that when I tell someone that I am going to do something, you can take it to the bank. I don't say that boastfully, but unless I am providentially hindered, I do my very best to keep my word. Keeping your word is the easiest way to build creditability and also, the easiest way to lose it. We live in a time where there is a need for contracts because a lot of people's word is useless. There was a time where a handshake was just as good as a contract. In fact, the mention of a contract was probably an insult because a person's word was their bond.

Keeping your word is a sign of integrity. Integrity is a requirement for trust and if people can't trust your word, they won't trust you. Our word should be sacred to us and trustworthy to others. We need to honor our word even when it is difficult, expensive, or inconvenient. It may be costly sometimes, but in not doing so, it is more costly to your character.

Love Unconditional

Okay, so this post is going to make me sound like one of those crazy pet people...but I guess I am sorta am becoming that person.

I have been having a really stress full couple of days (weeks) at work. Between being off a couple days last week, having auditors (yes, again) in, and just the normal year end preparations, work has just about put me over the edge.

But then, I come home. Each and every single day that I pull up, I have my own welcoming committee just waiting on me. No matter how bad my mood is from work, I always smile at the sight of these two dogs. They can be dead asleep, but when they see my car coming down the driveway, they immediately jump up as though they don't want to miss the opportunity to let me know how much they have missed me while I have been gone. I can be gone for five minutes, five hours, or five days. They are just generally happy to see me. Their love for me is just so unconditional. Gosh, I wish I was a lot more like my sweet dogs. They love me no matter what. It doesn't matter what kind of day they have had. They are always happy and want to spread that happiness to you. They don't judge me and they sure don't care what I look like. They listen to me and never talk back....well, Fred sorta does. My singing doesn't bother them or even all my flaws. In fact, if anything about me bothers them, they sure never let it affect their love for me. They just love me for who I am with little expectations of anything but some hands on attention from me and the occasional table scraps.

Imagine if we acted and loved like that?

No Vacancy

Over 2,000 years ago, Joseph and his wife Mary made the long and tiring trip to Bethlehem. I can only image how uncomfortable the trip must have been on Mary. Being nine months pregnant is uncomfortable in the best of circumstances. I imagine all Mary wanted was a nice warm bath and a comfortable bed to rest in. What she got was the message that there was no room for them in the inn. I don't know, but I am sure Joseph probably frantically went from place to place trying to find somewhere where his wife could rest before delivering her baby. Maybe the innkeeper, seeing Mary's condition, had sympathy on them and offered up his stable for them to spend the night. In the lowliest of conditions, Jesus, King of Kings, was born that night.

That is just the way we are today. Nobody has room for the King of Kings. We stay so busy in the busyiness of life, that we just don't have the room for Him. We have just entered into one of the busiest holiday seasons. Everybody loves the Christmas season and goes all out in decorating their homes. We spend hours trying to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Oh sure, we know what the real meaning of Christmas is, but we don't take the time to really put the focus on Him. I know I don't. Outside of Christmas, most people give no thought to Jesus. Who He is and what He has done. For us. We don't find the time to read the Bible or to pray. By doing so, we might as well be putting a no vacancy sign across our hearts.

I wonder if had the innkeeper had known who was about to be born that night, would he have made some different arrangements for that night? I am sure he would have. We know who Jesus is, which is all the more reason for us to never put out a no vacancy sign across our hearts and lives.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

Unclaimed gifts

Christmas season is upon us! Moms everywhere are instructing their kids to make of a list of what they want for Christmas. I remember my girls giving me a list and as their mom, I tried my best to get most of the things they wanted. It never fails though, once Christmas comes, there is inevitably something they wanted that was left off the list. Maybe it was an oversight, but you can see the disappointment in their face.

I wonder just how many gifts we, as Christians leave up in heaven. Never to be received and unwrapped?

Yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

James 4:2b

The Bible tells us that God only knows how to give good gifts. How many blessings have we missed out on simply because we did not ask Him? How many good gifts did God want to pour out on us if all we would do is ask? I am not suggesting that when you pray, you recite your "give me" list, or even to ask for things that He could not approve of. I am talking about the desires of our hearts. There are so many verses that God instructs us to ask and it will be given. Just as I want to give my kids the desires of their hearts, God wants to do the same. God knows the things on your list, whether we ask Him or not. But by asking Him, you are showing your complete dependence on Him. I don't know about you, but I don't want to leave any of my gifts unclaimed or unwrapped. I am like a small child when it comes to the gifts of God, I want them all!

Ask, and it shall be given you.

Matthew 7:7

What is your impossible?

While reading through Luke, I came across this verse and it jumped off the page!

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

This was a response to Mary who had just been told that she was going to conceive a child. She was wondering how that was going to happen since she was a virgin. Mary, like us, questioned God based on what she could see. On her circumstances. On her own wisdom. On how much she could understand. To Mary, conceiving a child without knowing a man was impossible.

We all have impossibles in our lives. The circumstances in our lives that seem, well, impossible. The things that we view that has gone beyond any hope of repair. We look at these things with no hope and that can leave us in a state of despair. The problem with that is we don't understand when God tells us nothing means NOTHING. What we are doing is putting limits on what God can do - oh, we have intellect knowledge that He can do all things, but deep down in our hearts, we still doubt. We doubt because we don't understand how He can fix it. Some things humanly speaking are impossible. We all have limited wisdom and we just have to get to the point where we have to look to God to do the impossible. To have faith that He will do the impossible.

What is your impossible?

Following your heart

I have a friend that has recently gone through a break up after dating long term. While listening to her as she gave us all the details, I was shocked to all the other women giving this poor girl the same bad advice: "Follow your heart." This old cliche is by far some of the worst advice you can give to ANYONE! Oh, the words sound comforting and endearing, but they are far from harmless.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and is desperately wicked. Who can know it?

Jeremiah 17:9

Following your heart has led many a people (especially women) down the wrong paths in life. Our heart will have us basing our decisions off emotions rather than principles, values, or the word of God. This kind of thinking turns a blind eye to cheating, manipulation, lying, character flaws, or any other kind of red flag in the name of following your heart. It causes you to ignore the facts by claiming "but I love him." Problems will occur when we trust our feelings or emotions every single time. Most of the time our heart will lead us into choosing what we want instead of what is best for us or what God wants for us. Our natural instincts are to be selfish and getting our way. We basically weren't born with a desire to choose what is right for us. Our parents had to instill in us how to not be selfish. They had to instill in us how to make the right decisions based on morals, values, and the word of God. The advice of following your heart is pushed on us by the world as a valid way to approach most of life's decisions. I am a huge fan of chick flicks where all the female characters are lured into relationships/marriages based on their emotions and feelings. Just because I enjoy them doesn't mean I buy into that malarkey any more than I buy into believing there really is a Superman or Edward Cullen. Feelings of love and passion are great and are not to be dismissed. But they are just that: feelings. By following your heart, you let that feeling trump integrity, honor, selflessness, hardworking, and the list goes on. Most of the time, love should not be based on a feeling, but off a choice. My pastor gives the best advice to the unmarried: do not give your heart completely to anybody before you are married. He says that because once the heart gets involved, chances are you will follow your heart when it is best to really walk away.

In the case of my friend, she should really walk away. The red flags are there ( and there are a lot). The other women might as well be telling her to ignore ALL those facts and red flags and just do what feels good right now. What is easiest right now. They should insert "but you will pay for it later" at the end of it though. My advice would be: Run, don't walk. He has ruined your makeup, don't let him ruin your life. You are so much more deserving than what you are getting. You tried and you have tried, but it just isn't working. Of course, mine isn't going to be all warm and fuzzy, but she would thank me later.

The world says follow your heart, but God clearly says not to follow your heart. God said it, so that settles it.

An Empty Pew

I attend a small church and sit on the same pew each and every service. Most people that are regulars tend to do that. On "my" pew, it is just me and on the other end is a sweet older lady and her 4 year granddaughter. I am sorry to say that I didn't really know her that well. I spoke and shook her hand at fellowship time, but I can't say I really knew her. I just always knew who I would be sharing the pew with each service. So I say goodbye at the end of the service and tell her I will see her next Sunday, as I do all the older crowd that I sit around. Fast forward to next Sunday. Our pastor announces that this dear saint fell and died sometimes during the week. They don't know if the fall prompted a heart attack or the heart attack prompted the fall. Either way, she was gone.

Why did this older woman's death bother me so much? While I cared for as a church member and hated to hear of her accident, I didn't really know her well enough to get all emotional over it. I guess her death was just a ever constant reminder that our lives are as a vapor that appeareth for just a little while. We do not know what the next 24 hours will bring into our lives. We never know when it will be the last time we see our family, our friends, or even our fellow church member. Every day when we walk out the door, we never know if we or our loved ones will ever make it home. For whatever reason, we all tend to forget that. We will leave the house in a huff and forget to tell people we love them. We take for granted that we will make it right the next time we see them or apologize when we get home.

Take the time to let your family and friends know just how much they mean to you. You just might never get the chance again.

Boast not thyself of tomorrow: for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1

Loss

My husband is the type of friend anybody would love to have. He is always more than willing to lend a helping hand. So when a co-worker needed Rex's expertise to help work on his boat, my hubby was only too happy to help. He asked me If I wanted to tag along. I could drop him off and shop and when he was through, we could both go out to dinner. I am always willing to shop, so off to Prattville we went.

When we pulled up in this man's driveway, I noticed his co-worker's big truck had a memorial across the back windshield. He also had a memorial painted on the back of his tailgate. I looked at the name of the mailbox and it matched the name of the memorial. I dropped my hubby off and hit the stores. I just couldn't stop thinking about that memorial though.

When it was time to pick my husband up, I sat and waited for Rex to say his goodbyes...which can take upwards of 15 minutes. I studied that memorial and the picture of the young man on the windshield. One good look at the co-worker, and I knew it was a memorial for his son. The resemblance was uncanny. The age on the memorial put his son at the age of 18 at the time of his death. My heart was pricked as my eyes filled up with tears. As soon as Rex got in the car, I began asking questions about his son. He was a good kid, about to head to college when he died in a tragic motorcycle accident. In a split second, this father's life was forever changed. His son was gone. All the hopes and dreams he had for his son, just vanished that day. Three years had passed, but I can only imagine the pain has not. I bet a day does not go by where he is not missing his son and wondering what he would be doing now.

I left that day feeling sad for this man and his family who I didn't even know. I also left grateful for my two girls. I don't know why God allowed this family to go through this and so far, has spared me of this kind of pain. While we all know in our hearts that God does not make mistakes, it doesn't mean we always understand His ways. This man's loss made all my burdens and cares seem very, very small and trivial. I have nothing to complain about, yet I do.

Thank you Lord for all that you have given me - and forgive me when I don't always appreciate it!!

The Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Job 1:21b

The Golden Rule

Tonight me and my husband went out to eat. We sat by a party of five that was having a good time. They were a little loud, but I imagine if five of my best girlfriends went out, we might would get a little loud too, so I really didn't pay them much attention. When they left our waitress came to us and apologized for the rudeness. I honestly did not pick up on any of that, although my husband did. She said they were rude from the time they sat down to the time they left.

Most of us can recite the golden rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This seems to be a rule that has been pushed by the wayside. Society now tells us to do unto others before they do unto you. Basically to get them before they can get you. Has this rule become so outdated that it belongs to the prior generation? It surely seems so. It seems now, if someone does something to tick you off, it seems "okay" to put them in their place. But deep down, we know that is not the case. Their is no clause in this rule that allows rude behavior based on the situation we find ourselves in. I know when I am in the mall and one of the sales people that are pushing lotions tend to get on my last nerve. I always give them a look that basically says no thanks, but sometimes that is not enough to deter them from asking me to show me something. I always say no thank you and sometimes they will ask me why. I want to scream BECAUSE I don't want any!! Of course I don't, because well, they are just trying to do their job and make a living. I could only imagine in their job how much rejection and rudeness they encounter just to make a living.

What about the people that are really rude to us? Maybe a random stranger was rude to you. Or maybe the check out lady was short. While their behavior is not right, you never really know what is going on in their lives. Maybe it is a single mom who has been up all night caring for a sick child and had no choice but to come in to work on no sleep. Or maybe someone just buried a husband, mother, wife, or child and life is just a little tough right now. Maybe they are going through financial or marital problems and the stress in just below the surface. Or maybe it is just their personality - but we should always strive to still apply the golden rule to them as well. My motto to people with that kind of personality is to "kill them with kindness." Can you imagine the impact you might have one someone when they are rude to you and you just smile and showed them kindess?

Maybe our enemies. Maybe someone that has talked about you? Back stabbed you? Lied about you? Bullied you? God tells us to love our enemies. Wow - that is a tough one for anybody. It is hard to have a heart to love someone that has genuinely hurt you and then apply the golden rule to them. I think the only way we can truly show love is by praying for them. A lot of times when we pray for the ones that hurt us, God doesn't always change their heart, he changes yours. He allows you to see that person in a different light. This change allows you to love them and not be rude or retaliate in response to their rudeness. You start seeing that person as someone deserving of the love and kindness you bestow upon them, just as we are undeserving of what Jesus bestows up on us. In the end, you will give an account of YOUR actions, not theirs.

I have always made a point to overly thank my cashiers and waitresses or anybody that is "serving" me. One night I was in a store and it was just about closing time. I paid for my purchase and thanked her. She responded that I was the nicest customer she had all day. Seriously???? She told me that I thanked her several times over helping me and again several times when checking out. My point is not to pat myself on the back, but to point out that she noticed. Noticed that someone was thanking her for helping them. Yes, it is her job, but she is still serving me. How sad is it that a couple of "thank you's" set me apart from ALL the customers she waited on that day. I must admit I don't always live by the golden rule. I let my tiredness or emotions step in and take over.

Nobody like to be on the receiving end of rudeness, backstabbing, gossiping, lying, bullying, or any other type of bad behavior. Yet, we justify it when we are on the giving out side of it (and we all do.) We feel like our response was somehow provoked, but we ultimately decide for ourselves how we are going to respond to any kind of rude behavior. Believing anything else is nothing short of lying to yourself.

Society may see the golden rule as out of date, but I say kindness never goes out of style.

Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40

Just be....

Kind

Loving

Loyal

Honest

Committed

Compassionate

Content

Determined

Helpful

Happy

Friendly
Fair

Forgiving

Devoted

Humble
Flexible

Encouraging

Gentle

Hopeful

Respectful

Self Controlled

Trustworthy

Hard working

Soft spoken

Satisfied

Patient

Long Sufferening

Humble

Responsible

Obedient

Pure

Reasonable

Repentful

Tender hearted
Considerate
Loving

Thoughtful

Family oriented

Godly

On time

Appreciative

Prayerful
Hospitable

Strong

Faithful

Joyful

Authentic

Righeous

Thankful

Service minded

Submissive

Giving

Wonder how much pleasant we would be if we practiced most of these on a daily basis.

Mother vs Mama

I have a good friend that just returned to work after having her first baby. As it goes with new mothers, she told of all the things her sweet baby girl is doing. From her first smile, to the colic, to the sleepless nights. Trying to get her on a schedule so hopefully, work won't be as hard. Talking about how hard it was to leave her that first day to come back to work.

While I didn't tell her this, I was thinking - yep, you are earning your "mama" stripes. See, most anybody can become a mother in 9 months. That's the easy part. The minute you give birth, the term mother applies to you. The title of mama though is earned. Earned through the years as you give of yourself to your children. You earn it when you get up for those midnight feedings. When you get up all night long with a sick child and change the bedsheets yet again from either sickness or wetting the bed. When you get up and check to make sure there are no monsters under the bed or hiding in the closets. When you take the time to read the book again, even when you want to say enough already. When you stop what you are doing because they want to show you their latest new dance routine. And yet again when they have "improved up on it." When you put your book down because they want you to "watch them" just one more time in whatever new they have just learned. When you have to punish your children for wrongdoing because you know they need to learn right from wrong. When you have to say no, because it is in their best interest. When you say yes to going somewhere because their excitement over-rides your tiredness. The list goes on and on and on.

The title of mom does take many years to earn - it is not always easy, but it is always satisfying. Our children are bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. As moms, we fail, we falter, and we disappoint - but I think the one thing we do right is love unconditionally. I have alot of titles - wife, sister, friend...but one of my favorites is mama.

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain tht build it.

Psalms 127:1a

For crying out loud

I am a cryer. Always have been and always will be - but I must say, I cry for so many different reasons now than I did say 20 years ago. I can remember when I was a newlywed, the first real argument I had with my husband. I don't remember what it was about, but I do remember how hard I cried afterwards. And if he ever hurt my feelings, well, the make up was ruined for the day. Fast forward 20 years, and I would not even get misty eyed over Rex hurting my feelings. Mad maybe, but no tears. While I don't have full fledge crying spells very often now, I am more prone to get misty eyed. It doesn't take much - I can read a feel good story, hear a sad story, reminisce over things, listen to a song, or just be watching TV. It doesn't take very much to stir my tear glands into production. Even my kids will be like, "mom, are you crying?" For some reason, crying makes a lot of people uncomfortable. I have a friend tell me not too long ago that she had not cried in over five years and she worried about what that said about her. I did the research and it says that women cry an average of 47 times per year. I don't know if that was a full fledge crying spell or just getting teary eyed. I do know that after I have a good ole crying spell, I always feel 100% better. It helps you release some of whatever is bothering you. Sometimes when things get to be too much, I just can't help it. The emotions I feel turn my tear glands into a water faucet. Not too long ago, as I was having one of these episodes, I was talking to my besty about it. She told me something that I don't think I will ever forget. She reminded me that tears are prayers too.

God sees every tear that we shed. He knows the reason behind those tears. Just as a parent is moved to comfort a crying child, our Father wants to comfort us in our tears. The bible says He bottles some of our tears and records them. I have no idea why He records them, but it is comforting to know that He notices and takes the time to record the tears. See, most of the time when I have my good cry, I do it in private. Just another reminder that no matter who we think we are hiding stuff from, we can never hide anything from Him.

Put thou my tears into a bottle: are they not in thy book?

Psalms 56:8b

Oh patience, where art thou?

This has been a rough week at work. Scratch that - it has been a rough couple of weeks due to an ongoing tax audit. I am thinking (and hoping) that soon, I will see the light at the end of the tunnel. On top of that, I did not sleep good last night. Tonight, I am unusually tired and my house is extremely messy. As I was moving along making myself do a little light housework, I saw it. A pile of my husband's work clothes just piled up by his side of the bed. I have been super busy this week, so I did not take the time to pick them up every day. You see, I gave up that battle years ago. So most days, I just swing by and pick them up and put them in the hamper, which by the way is just a few feet away. No biggy. Tonight though, as I stooped to pick them up (and murmur under my breath), I Corinthians 13:4 popped into my head.

Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaulted not itself, is not puffed up.

Basically, this verse is saying love is patient and kind - it does not envy, it does not boast, and it is not proud.

Okay, patience is not what I am feeling when I am this exhausted. Kindness is not what I feel like showing as I take the time to pick up HIS dirty clothes. Here's the thing though, this was not a suggestion that God inspired Paul to write. It was not given based on your circumstances you may find yourself in. As I picked them up, instead of losing my patience, I remembered just how early my husband gets up to support his family. I think about the long hours and injustices that he has recently met on his job. I thought of how he has knee problems because of the constant getting up and down on a bread truck for over 25 years. So instead of losing my patience, I found myself thankful for my hard working husband. Just by changing my way of thinking, my nice quiet Friday night remained just that.

It only happens once in a lifetime...

I have a co-worker that just became a first time dad. After taking the week off with his baby mama, he came in to work today, noticeably tired. He was a proud papa though...he talked about how sweet his new little girl was and how much he couldn't stand it when she had to go back to the hospital and be put under a light for her jaundice. He said watching her cry tore him up and he was ready to go grab her and comfort her. Yep, he now gets it.

You only become a first time parent once. Most couples go into parenthood having read all the "how to" books and feel like they are prepared for the job that is about to be put on them for the next, well, for the rest of their lives. Parenthood is a job that you never retire from, take a vacation from, or quit. They have no idea how their world is about to be turned upside down. I remember when I had my first child - she was wanted, she was planned, and she was loved....but I had NO idea how much work was involved into tending to a baby. I was clueless! The first 30 days are probably the hardest as you ride the roller coaster of emotions mixed with fear, anxiety, and doubts about your abilities. Then add lack of sleep and the feelings of being overwhelmed.....but can I also add that you soon learn the true meaning of unconditional love. You are amazed at how much more you love your husband and you are in awe of how much you can love this little person in such a short time. You hear other moms say this, but you just don't "get it" until you have your first one. All of a sudden, you have this new found respect for your own mom and realize all the sacrifices she made for you.

As he was talking about wanting to protect his little girl from having to lie under the lights, I wanted to tell him that it will get much worse than this. Wait until she comes home the first time and she didn't get picked for a team. Or maybe she didn't make the cheerleader squad. Maybe she was snubbed from a birthday party. Or somebody hurts her feelings. Or gets her heart broke the first time. It even gets worse than that. What about when they are grown and you see them making a mistake and you just have to let them. Or watching your child go through a divorce. All that comes with the title and their is no pain medicine to take to take away this kind of pain.

Motherhood is the most wonderful, terrifying, fullfilling, excruciating thing life has to offer and everybody should experience it at least once. Lucky for me, I got to experience it twice.

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord.
Psalms 127:3a

Motivation

I have a very good male friend at work who I view as my little brother. We love to talk family, politics, religion, and the latest world events. He is seriously one of the most well read man I have ever met. We have the same views on most things and he has the keenest sense of humor. He always come up with a way to see something in a new light that I often overlook. The only thing we don't agree on is music. He also has the best memory ever - he can recall any theme song to any sitcom from the 70's until present time. He is a good person to have around when you are stumped with a question and the answer is on the tip of your tongue....99% of the time he can tell you the answer. We were talking the other day about different people's personalities and the conversation turned to one certain co-worker. One who misses the mark most of the time at work - basically a low performance employee who seems oblivious to the fact that he is causing problems with other people getting their job done. He asked the question "I wonder what motivates this guy?" Wow, I never thought of it like that. Most people are motivated to do a good job for self satisfaction (me), bosses approval (me),to support a family ( he has none), or maybe to move up the corporate ladder. (Ain't gonna happen.) He is not motivated by money or success or even a good review by his boss. I seriously don't think anything motivates him, but he will probably outlive us all with his "could care less" attitude. Well, unless somebody at work goes postal on him.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.

Colossians 3:23

The Trial - Part Deux

So Casey Anthony walked on Sunday. For the first time in over three years, she became a free woman. Over 1,000 people showed up to protest her release at 12:00 midnight. She was ushered into a black SUV heading to who knows where? Where does she have to go? Her defense team is probably going to put her up for awhile, but how long does anyone expect that to last? The best of company gets old after awhile, and a non working liar would get to stinking quicker than dead fish in the refrigerator. Then where? I am sure she will get one offer to tell her story and that will be it. Nobody wants to touch her with a ten foot pole due to the public out lash. Even the classy porn company, Vibe Entertainment, reneged their offer to make a movie. I guess porn watchers have standards too. She will be broke, no friends, no family, and no job. Seriously, what kind of job could she get?

My point to this blog though is the public out lash against the jurors. Having watched every aspect of this trial, I have no doubt she is guilty of something. Even the female defense attorney that never left her side during the trial and was often seen hugging her, stammered and evaded the question when asked would she trust Casey Anthony with her children. She talked about the Casey she knew from prison or the Casey she became close to, but not one time did she say yes, I would trust Casey with my children. Nobody would.....but, a jury of her peers found her not guilty. Sure, I was mad and thought justice was not served. Maybe it wasn't, but the jury spoke. I heard on the news that one of the jurors had to quit their job and go into hiding due to death threats. Some of them are being rejected from eating in certain restaurants. All they did was answer a call of duty and came to a decision. Sure, it sounded like they didn't listen to the same testimony that I did. Sure it seemed like a common sense no brainer slam dunk case for the prosecution - but at the end of the day, they voted on what their gut told them, or at least I hope they did. Most of them said they knew she was not innocent and it made them sick to give the verdict that they rendered. They felt like they needed more evidence. Our forefathers designed a judicial system for everybody to have their day in court. Innocent until proven guilty no matter how guilty one appears. Sometimes it will fail us, but more often than not, it works. Yes, I hate that Casey probably got away with murder, but I can't help but think if I were on trial ( totally innocent of course ), I would hope I could have 12 people that demanded to have enough evidence to convict me.

Vengeance is mine: I will repay sayeth the Lord.

Romans 12:19b

Happy birthday Daddy!!

Today is my daddy's birthday - he would have been 76. We lost him 4 years ago - just 11 days after his 72nd birthday. Our tradition after my mom died was to have my dad a birthday celebration. Most of the time we all went out to eat, but in the past couple of years, we usually had a cookout. I remember the last cookout very vividly. I took several good shots that day of my dad and of my dad and my girls. If only I had known that would have been our last celebration, I would have spent more time sitting by him or taking more pictures.. I remember sending the pics to a friend by e-mail and she remarked how great and healthy my dad looked. I guess looks can be deceiving. We never really know what the cause of death was. He went to bed one night and just never woke up. Even in death, God is good. My dad never wanted to go in some traumatic way, he always wanted to go peacefully and he did. The sad way about that kind of death, is that it is sudden and no time to prepare like when my mom died....although, I never really prepared for hers even though I knew it was coming. My dad had become our focal point after my mom died. He liked for the entire family to get together to go out and eat a couple of times a year. Even with our busy schedules, most of us always carved out the time to go. So while he is gone, I can look back with no regrets in spending time with him....although I wish I had called and checked in on him more often.

I remember when my dad died, I had the feeling of being an orphan. I know how that must sound because I was 45 at the time with a husband and two grown children. The thing is nobody ever loves you like your parents. No matter what happens in your life, you can always count on them. And when it is gone, it is gone forever.

Happy birthday daddy - you are gone, but never forgotten.

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:22

Strongholds

The dictionary defines the word stronghold as a place of security or refuge. In ancient times, a stronghold was built to protect from invasion of the enemy. They were usually thick walls built up around them for protection. They were highly guarded and hard to break through.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.

II Corinthians 10:4

Spiritual strongholds in our life often are built for the very same purpose. They start out as a lie from the devil as he softly whispers it into your ear. It is probably one of Satan's most used tactics. Once the seed has been planted, it gets lodged into our imaginations, our arguments, and our intellect. They begin to gain influence over a person and sets itself up against the knowledge of God. They are lies that within our intellect that we claim as truths. Sadly, they don't leave us once we get saved. They are usually formed over years from our parents, our teachers, society, fears, and life's experiences. Some of the strongholds we probably aren't even aware of. They can be born out of lack of understanding or knowledge of the scriptures.

One kind of stronghold is the way we view God. It is probably one of the most popular strongholds within our society. You can view God as this large tyrant ready to stike at a moments notice at the minute of wrongdoing. If this is your view, it would be hard to run to him or trust him. Our most natural reaction would be to see him as a cold, distant, and uncaring God - none which is true. How many times have you heard - "if God was a loving God, why does he send people to hell?" Or "if God loves everybody, why does he allow children to be hurt or killed?" The truth is that all that is because of the fall of man. We brought it on ourselves. So this stronghold once viewed against God's word doesn't hold up. It is a stronghold you have allowed in your mind. Another stronghold is thinking you are too bad of a person to be saved. God's Word clearly states he isn't willing that any should perish. Or how about the child that was brought up in a household where he was unloved who now has the "I'm useless" stronghold in his imaginations - but for God so loved the word debunks that. Maybe it's the couple that thinks they can not afford to tithe? The truth is you can't afford not to tithe. The Bible clearly states that you are robbing God. Or maybe the young couple that is madly in love geting involved in premarital relations? They build up a stronghold that God understands because we will one day be husband and wife. Maybe you have been wronged and you have the stronghold of unforgiveness. You can justify it, you can rationalize it, but you can't find God's blessings of it in His Word. I could go on and on but you get my point.

Spiritual strongholds are just as strong and hard to break through as the ancient strongholds. The problem with strongholds is that they cause you to compromise your sin and they keep you from repenting from them. Strongholds breeds hopelessness and paralyzes our faith. They cause us to go through situations in our lives without guidance from God. This leaves us on our own to draw our own conclusions without consulting the Word of God. We devise ways to handle life's problems that contradicts the Word of God. Strongholds also hinder our prayers and cause us to double minded. We pray for God's will all the while holding on to our Plan B in our mind not realizing or trusting God that His Plan A will be enough.

The truth is we all struggle with strongholds in our minds. It is part of our flesh and the only way to pull them down is to bring the stronghold and measure it against the truth. No vain imagination or stronghold can stand up to that.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

John 8:32

The trial

It's been awhile since I have posted anything. The reason is because of the Casey Anthony trial. I have taped the 6 hour court session faithfully every day since it began. On top of that, I have watched Nancy Grace and Dr. Drew listening to their opinions as well as the opinions of the professionals. I have followed this story since it broke back in June 2008. I was at the point that I was ready for it to be over, so I could get my evenings back. The state of my house has been has taken a toll since the trial has started. Maybe it's because I am a mom to two daughters, but this case captivated me like no other case with the exception of the Natalie Halloway case. It came in at a close second. Both involved missing daughters.


I listened to each expert present the facts for both the defense and the prosecution. While they didn't agree on a lot of things, they both had to agree to some of the facts, like the presence of human decomposition and chloroform in the car. The defense brought up things in their opening statements that they did not / could not prove, even though they promised they would. They changed their story about some things. I almost felt sorry for Jose Baez ( not really ), because honestly, he didn't have much to work with. He even called his own defendant a lying slut. Really???



The prosecution did an outstanding job with their closing arguments and their rebuttal. They nailed it. They presented Casey's web of lies leading up to the disappearance up until her being thrown in jail. I really thought it was going to be a slam dunk for the prosecution. They did not have to prove motive or cause of death. Seriously, the child was found triple bagged with duct tape over their skull....I really didn't need to know HOW she died, but knew enough facts to know it was a homicide. Nobody would make an accidental drowning look like a murder. That doesn't even make sense. They only had to believe it with reasonable doubt, not NO doubt. I think the state did prove that. After all the facts were presented, it really came down to me as a common sense trial. If you used your common sense, all the pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly. Sadly, common sense is not so common.


Twelve people saw it differently. It makes me livid. Mad as heck really! I suspect they will see things differently once they get out and hear all the facts they did not hear in court. They may soon realize they let someone get away with murder literally. But did she? Nah....she may have gotten away with it in this lifetime, but nobody gets away with wrong doing. One day, she ( and all of us ) will stand before the only Judge that really matters. Her lies won't hold up there. She won't have a defense team to defend her there. She won't get away with murder at that time. The punishment that will be given out then is far worse than what the state of Florida can do.

One thing that really bothers me is the celebration the defense put on afterwards. I understand, that they "won" their case and after three years of hard work, they deserve a time to relax - but to do it openly where all can see, is just down right disrespectful. They should have taken it privately where the world could not see. They may have won a case, but a precious little girl is gone forever and nobody is paying for her death. I see no reason to celebrate.

What's next for Casey Anthony? After falsely accusing her dad of sexually molesting her and hiding the body, it will he hard for her to go back home again. It will be hard for her to get a job - I doubt she even wants one. I have a feeling, that Miss Anthony is going to get her a nice little book deal and get paid to give interviews. Yeah, life may be good for a short while, but she will go through the money as quick as she comes into it and we will be hearing about her again in the news real soon. Probably sooner than later.

Again??

I almost feel sorry for Obama. Almost. This past week, he and Michelle attended some function in England with the Queen. He encouraged everybody to lift up their glass for a toast in honor of the Queen. Nobody, I mean nobody lifted up their glass. Not even the Queen. She kept looking at him and suddenly, it hit him. Nobody picks up their glass before the Queen lifts her. He proceeded to set his glass back down. Come on, we have all done something like that where our timing is just a wee bit off. I have stood up in church to sing and realize that I am the only one standing. Or how about when you start clapping and realize that they are not yet finished and yes, you are the ONLY one clapping. You know that feeling where you just want to crawl up under a rock and hide. Luckily, all my social blunders are not documented on tape and put on the nightly news. Okay, so that is where my feeling sorry for him ends.

It was just last year when Michelle put her arm around the queen...another no-no. Come on President Obama and First Lady, even Fergie knew better than that!! Don't get me wrong, I don't get all the royal protocol surrounding the Queen. You don't eat or drink until she does and when she is finished eating, then so are you whether you are still hungry or not. I just hope she is a slow eater. It doesn't matter if you agree with them, but you do have to respect them. To do otherwise, is well, just dis-respectful and looks bad on the USA. The President has a full time person on his staff whose sole job is to brief him on different cultures. So what is the problem? Are they really just social blunder's or are they both so egotistical and just do what they want to do? Of course, the media played it all down by blaming everybody other than Obama. Can you imagine if Bush had made this same blunder. He would have been ripped apart. I do have to admit though, the look on Obama's face at the exact moment when he realized his blunder is PRICELESS!!

Here's a tip to the President and First Lady - Please, please, please study up on royal protocol before you decide to drop back in for a visit to Buckingham Palace. It is simply just too embarrassing to watch.

It couldn't have been easy....

My mom has been on my mind a lot here lately. Truthfully, she is never really far from my thoughts. My dad either for that matter. I lost my mom when I was 32 - too young to lose your mother. Of course, if I was 62, I would probably feel the same way. I have always thought that I had the perfect mother. I know most people feel that way especially after they lose their mother or as they age, but I was one of those that thought she was perfect even when I was younger. My mom never had it easy. She lost her dad to a railroad accident when she was around 5 years old and was placed in an orphanage along with her sisters. I guess times were hard back then and her mother couldn't / wouldn't do the things needed to keep her babies with her. I don't mean to judge, because I really don't know the circumstances. Orphanage life was all my mom knew until she was 18 years old and I guess considered an adult by the orphanage to make it on her own. She met my dad while he was stationed in Charleston and the rest is history. It still couldn't have been easy on her though. She had to leave what little family she knew to move to wherever the Air Force decided they should be stationed. It couldn't have been easy to bring four "doorstep" children in this world with no family around to help you out. It couldn't have been easy to be a "single" mother while her husband was away defending his country. It couldn't have been easy to have little or no contact with your husband while he was away. It couldn't have been easy not knowing how to drive and still making sure we were all in church. For all that though, my mom was one that was easy to please. One thing my dad was most proud of my mom was that she never complained. Never complained when they had to pack up and move once again. Never complained when she was left at home to care for four children while he had to leave. Never complained about the condition of the house he could afford to rent for his family. It just didn't take much for my mom to be happy. What an example she set for her children! Her happiness was not based on her circumstances, it was based on her faith in God. My mom's early childhood would have given her every reason to take the broad path in life, but her faith in God kept her on the straight and narrow. I would not be where I am today without that seeing that in my mama! She was truly a virtuous woman in my eyes!

Her children arise up, and call her blessed.

Proverbs 31:28a

Say it isn't so....

There are certain milestones that you come across in life that are a stark reminder of just how fast time is flying by. They are also a reminder as to how old you are getting. I just experienced one this past week. It was a class reunion and it wasn't even mine. It was Kelly's 10th year class reunion. Seriously, when did that happen??? I remember all too well that it was only yesterday when I was writing check after check for all those senior expenses. Planning the senior cruise. Stressing over her moving out for college. I know it is very cliche, but time really did fly by.

To top it off, the very same day I received a high school graduation from a boy that used to be in my Sunday school class. Seriously, in my head he is only like 12 - surely not old enough to graduate!

I took a few pictures with my youngest daughter this weekend because of Mother's day...and the pictures told the same story. I am indeed getting older and looking my age. Since I am trying to find something to be thankful for in every situation, I guess I am thankful to be on this side of the dirt.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Justice has been served

May 1, 2011 will go down in the history books. Almost 10 years after 9/11, justice was served on Osama Bin Laden, one of the worst terrorists of all times. I will sleep a little better because of it. I am pretty sure that he was highly disappointed when he woke up in hell instead of paradise with 72 virgins. I am extremely proud of our troops and even prouder to be an American.

A lot of the headlines and comments were of people happy that he was "rotting in hell." I have to admit, that while I am happy that he is no longer a threat, I struggled with my feelings on that. I can't be happy that someone went to hell. God sure isn't. He states in Ezekiel 18:23 "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die: saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?" Bottom line, God wanted Osama to repent. Right up until his death, he had the opportunity to repent. That is the amazing thing about grace, it is sufficient even for the most hardened of criminals like Bin Laden.

So while I am rejoicing over our victory, it is just that justice was finally served and not because he is in hell. Bottom line, we ALL deserve hell.

When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

Proverbs 11:10

Royal Wedding

I couldn't sleep last night and no, it wasn't because of my husband's snoring. It was the anticipation of the royal wedding. I woke up at 12:00 a.m. and again at 2:00. Finally at 3:15, I decided to go ahead and get up. Why didn't I just set my DVR to record it?? I did...in fact, I set both of my DVR's to tape two different channels with coverage leading up to the wedding. I have always been a celebrity follower, so this was right up my alley. I remember doing the same thing almost 30 years ago with Charles and Diana's wedding. Sure, I could have watched the tape when I got home from work, but there is something about watching something live as history is being made. Plus, I was really excited about seeing Kate's dress.

I caught myself smiling at today's wedding because with all the pomp and circumstance surrounding this royal couple, you could see past that and see a couple that are genuinely in love and excited to be getting married. You could see it in Prince William's face when he saw his bride for the first time. You could see it in her eyes as she looked at her prince charming.

There is a fairytale element when watching a royal wedding. No expense is spared and it is very elaborate. Over the top really. What bride wouldn't love to leave her wedding in a horse drawn carriage to her new home which happens to be a palace? That is the stuff that fairy tales are made of. With that being said, that is about all I would want of this lifestyle. Just today, I heard the media report that she wore too much mascara today. Really?? I thought she looked flawless. I could not stand living in a fishbowl with every mistake I made being broadcast by the media. There will always be the paparazzi hounding her every move and hoping to catch her on a bad day. Unlike Diana, Kate seems to have found a doting and supporting husband that will help her with every step of the way. And that is what makes it a real fairytale.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave until his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Genesis 2:24

Holidays

I heard last week that some school up north was trying to ban the term "Easter Eggs" and was trying to come up with an alternative name. I mean, really? It seems like with every Christian holiday that we celebrate, we have to come up with an additional secular celebration to go along with it. Like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. I am not opposed to participating as long as it does not over shadow the true meaning of these holidays. Santa Claus and the Easter bunny have stopped by my house on numerous occasions as you can tell by the picture above. But, you don't see anybody trying to overshadow the true meaning of Thanksgiving or Memorial Day. What is it about Christian holidays that offends so many people? Why do we so easily change from saying Merry Christmas to Happy Holidays?? I can tell you in one word. Jesus.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
John 15:18

30 days to live....

What if you heard those four words today? How differently would you spend the next 30 days? I am sure I would get rid of the things in my life that do nothing but just waste my time. I doubt I would spend as much time working so much OT, and even less time on Facebook. I doubt I would spend one second of my 720 hours to worry over things that do not matter. Things like my weight, how clean my house is, or the latest style. I wouldn't waste one second of my time listening to gossip or backbiting. I would not keep score or waste time on past hurts. I wouldn't waste any time on petty arguments. I would spend more time with my husband and say "yes" the next time he asked me to tag along fishing or to chop wood. I would spend time with my girls and my loved ones. I doubt I would miss the opportunity to let people know what they mean to me. How much I appreciate having them in my life. I would imagine I would spend more time in God's word and in prayer. I would probably speak to the ones closest to me to make sure that they "know that they know" where they are going to be spending eternity. How much more fervently would I pray for my girls or for other's? I would probably have no problem staying away from the sins that so easily beset me. I would attempt to keep my life cleaner knowing the day is drawing near for me to meet my Creator. The thing is we never know when God will take us out of this world. None of us are promised tomorrow, much less 30 days.

Boast not thyself of tomorrow: for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1

Being a kid....

A co-worker was telling me how his young son had just learned to ride a bike. The only problem he said was that he wanted to ride it all the time and to do that, a parent needs to be outside to keep an eye on him. I can't even imagine how much fun riding a bike would be if you had to stay in sight of someone. Learning to ride a bike in my day granted you freedom to roam the neighborhood. Wheels at 6 was a close second to wheels at 16. My husband tells me of how he used to get up on Saturdays and get on his bike with a packed lunch and ride all over town. I am sure his mother worried about his safety, but probably more in the way of getting bit by a snake while in the woods rather than getting snatched by someone looking to cause harm. My how things have changed....I can remember when my parents would go grocery shopping, they would ( and could ) leave all four of us kids in the car. We would roll down the window and just wait for their return. Nobody every came close to snatching us. I can't even imagine being able to do that now. When Halloween rolled around, my parents would drop us off across the river and we would walk all over the neighborhood and meet up at a designated time. The only reason a parent would want to go through your candy would be to get a piece of the good stuff. The thought of somebody tampering with the candy was just unheard of. My girls went house to house by way of a car and usually to only houses of people we knew. It saddens me to see the things that my generation had the priviledge to enjoy is becoming so foreign to the younger generation. Things that a kid should be able to enjoy. I remember that my parents did warn us of "bad" people, but not like parents have to instill in kids today. A kid only gets to be a kid once and riding a bike outside of their parents vision should be an option!

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.

II Timothy 3:13a

II Timothy 3:13a

If I could turn back time

Notice anything funny about this pic? I can just see my mother in law rolling her eyes and telling Rex "just get in the picture - shirt or no shirt."

We look like the typical nerd family - around 1970 -1971.

Our first family portrait

Around 1993 - and yes, perms were all the rage.....

Our most current

I love pictures. One of my biggest regrets is that we didn't take more family portraits.

I

Things you didn't lose in the fire......

I received terrible news today. A good friend of our family house caught on fire today. Thankfully, no one was at home, so her family is safe. I really don't know the extent of the damage other than losing her kitchen, her bedroom, and her mom's bedroom. My house catching fire is one of my biggest fears. I can only imagine the grief in this young woman's mind as she wonders what she is going to do. I can only imagine how I would feel. Fear, disbelief, and even anger over the faulty wiring. Worrying about having to live somewhere else until things can get worked out. Worrying about the effects on her children. Anger over what you lost in the fire.

My only advice to her would be to focus on what you didn't lose in the fire. Her precious family. This young lady has one of the sweetest families I know. A wonderful husband and three beautiful ( literally ) children. The only things lost were things that could be replaced tomorrow. This sweet family could make a "home sweet home" while dwelling in a tent. While I do not diminish the horror of what she has lost or trivialize the hard days ahead, it really is a time to praise God. Praise Him for what wasn't lost in the fire. The very things that CAN NOT be replaced tomorrow or ever.

Lay not up treasures upon the earth.
Matthew 6:19a

Leave my clock alone....

I am not a huge fan of the time change. Not even when we roll it back which gives us an extra hour of sleep. It throws my entire body out of whack. The time change really shouldn't be more than an inconvenience really. You have to walk around the house and change all the clocks, your watches, and the microwave. I don't know how shifting 60 minutes one way or the other can cause so much distress, but it does. When I go to bed at 10:00, my body tells me it's only 9:00 and I can't go to sleep. I waste that hour rolling around and staring at the ceiling. When the alarm goes off at 5:30, my body is telling me it's only 4:30. I can remember when my kids were small, it was so much worse. Any mother can tell you that you have to keep kids on a schedule. The only worse thing than getting them off schedule is getting them off schedule on less sleep. Both of my kids required a good nights sleep, but it was hard to convince them it was time for bed when it was still light outside. The teenage years weren't much better. It took a stick of dynamite to get Kelly out of the bed on most days, so the time change wasn't my friend back then either. I know most teachers are counting their lucky stars that this year, the time changed on the weekend spring break started.

So to whoever decides the time change: take my hour or give me an extra hour - it really doesn't matter to me. Just leave it alone.

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep.

Psalms 4:8

Some things you really ought to know.....

If there is a plus side to aging, it has to be the wisdom you gain through marriage, raising kids, and just living life......


1. Letters are always better than getting an e-mail or a text. Sadly, they are becoming extinct.

2. No matter what road you are on, you can always make a U-turn and turn your entire life around.

3. Not everybody knows what they are talking about.

4. Most of the things that causes us anxiety is really just "small stuff" and not worth sweating over.

5. How richly you live is not determined by the amount of riches you own.

6. Family history is worth learning about. I wish I knew more about my mom's family.

7. Pictures are worth every penny you spend on them. You capture a moment in time forever on film.

8. Pets are a very big part of your family.

9. Love is not all you need - you need commitment. I know several relationships where there was love, but no commitment.

10. Along the way, you will feel stupid and that's okay. Everybody does at some point. Sorta keeps you humble.

11. There are always two sides to every story.

12. You can't go through life without making mistakes. You just need to learn from them. Not learning from your mistakes is worse than the mistake.

13. The best things to own are the ones you earned on your own.

14. Your parents were usually right.

15. Your kids may be grown, but they still need you. Just in a different way.

16. It is always in your best interest to say what you mean and mean what you say. Quit the games. Games are supposed to be fun, but game playing in relationships is exhausting.

17. Hurt people hurt people.

18. Yelling never helps any situation. Ever.

19. Nobody has it all figured out.

20. You can't change anybody. You may encourage people, but you can never change them.

21. It is far easier to refrain from eating the calories than it is to burn off the calories.

22. Anything worth having is worth waiting and working for.

23. Laziness is good for nobody.

24. Home really is Home, Sweet Home.

25. While blood is thicker than water, family goes beyond just blood.

26. Every now and then, you really need a day to just chill.

27. You can't go through life without a few heartbreaks - but it is those heartbreaks that strengthens us and gives us compassion for others.

28. Your kids need to be disappointed sometimes. No parent likes to see that, but it helps them later in life.

29. Sometimes to fix a problem temporarily, all you need is some chocolate.

30. Having the right attitude is half the battle.

31. Stop and look around - there really is a lot of wonder everywhere you look if you take to time to observe it.

32. Nothing ever happens the way you think it will.

33. There is no perfect marriage, no perfect man, no perfect woman, and no perfect child.

34. Every single mundane day is still a gift.

35. It is great to be an American.

36. You can really handle a lot more than you think.

37. Just because you can't sing doesn't mean you shouldn't sing. Remember God gave the crow the exact voice He wanted him to have.

38. Sometimes you either got it or you don't.

39. Spending time with a small child can do wonders for you. They see the wonder in the most simplest of things.

40. Just because someone has a different point of view doesn't mean you are right or they are wrong.

41. Being honest can fix just about any problem in any relationship.

42. Kindness really is important.

43. Everybody is flawed. It really does take more energy to point out flaws than it does to overlook them.

44. Saying that you can't forgive someone is really saying I won't forgive someone. Forgiveness is always a choice.

45. Don't believe everything you hear or everything you read.

46. Children will learn more from you when you aren't trying to teach them.

47. There is always someone that is smarter, prettier, or more talented than you. Get over it.

48. Life is not always fair. That's life.

49. You can either be right or you can be happy.

50. Never compare yourself, your spouse, your children, your job, or your ______ with anyone else. It is a waste of time, energy, and emotions.

51. Celebrate small every day special occasions.

52. Don't cross the bridge until you arrive at the bridge.

53. Nothing beats a good work ethic.

54. Siblings are important.

55. Character never goes out of style.

56. Your word should mean something.

57. Unrealistic expectations will ruin the best of relationships.

58. Just because everybody is doing something still doesn't make it right.

59. Some of the best things you can give others doesn't cost you a thing - compassion, sympathy, a listening ear, love, and time.

60. Everybody needs friends.

61. Your life really is a sum of your choices.

62. A good name can't be bought.


The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

Proverbs 14:8

Cheap vs Frugal

I ran into an old friend yesterday while shopping at Wally World. We stood around catching up on each others families when the subject turned to the high price of gasoline. After much discussion, my friend called me cheap. Cheap is defined as stingy and miserly. That is so not me. I prefer the term frugal which means economical, prudent, and not wasteful. Now, that is so me. I explained to him that the last time gas shot up so high, I did my best to consume less gas. I would basically go to work, go to church, and use my Saturday to go to Montgomery to shop and buy groceries. If I needed something mid-week, I would go on Wednesday night before church. Luckily, I work just a few miles from work, so most weeks, I could get by on a half of tank of gas.


Being frugal is in my blood - passed down by my parents. While they were frugal more out of necessity, mine is more out of habit and choice. That choice has served me well over the years. Being frugal means never having to keep up with the Jone's because well, that just cost too much. When my girls were in college, I used a prepaid phone from T-Mobile - which was the butt of a lot of jokes from coworkers. I only used it in an emergency situation or for a quick call home. It was basically a phone that was one up from the bag phone - no joke. This phone averaged me $10.00 per month. Could I have afforded a fancier more up to date phone? Sure. I just did not want to pay the hefty price tag plus the monthly contract cost associated with it. There are a lot of things that I could afford over the years that I chose not to spend our money on. I am proud to say that those kind of life long choices allowed my husband and myself to stay out of alot of debt. It allowed my girls to go through school with no student loans hanging over their heads after graduation. I must add that about a year after Jamie graduated, I had no problem throwing out my old phone and upgrading to the Droid. I basically went from a Chevette to a Porsche in the mobile phone world. I feel like I can justify the expense now that my girls are out of school.


I know my friend was not calling me cheap in the sense of cheap and stingy. He knows me to well for that. Cheap doesn't like to spend money - one look inside my closet would testify that is not the case. I just like to be frugal and look for bargains. I am proud to say that both my girls have that same frugal blood running through their veins and that makes this frugal mom proud!!

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
I Corinthians 4:2

Hacked and Ticked

I. HATE. THIEVES....well, hate is a very strong word. I highly dislike thieves. I don't know what I am doing wrong, but my family have been targeted more than the national average. Just this week, someone hacked my FB account. They began chatting with some of my friends telling them that I had been mugged at gunpoint. One friend in particular got really worried and tracked me down by phone to check on me (thanks Jennifer.) Just so happens I work for a UK based company and "I" told her I was in the UK...sounded feasible to her. They took it upon themselves to chat to at least 3 friends that I know of and told them I had been mugged. They took the liberty of changing my e-mail account and FB password. It never ceases to amaze me how low these scumbags will go to try and scam somebody.


I have worked and paid for everything I own. I have bought my own car, my clothes, my shoes, books, computer, cell phone, hair cuts...I mean I have paid for everything I own. When I see something I want and I can't afford it, I deal with it. I don't start trying to devise a plan on how I can steal it. My house has been broken into 1 time and attempted at least 3 more times. We have had checks stolen out of our mailbox and forged all over the tri-county area. My daughter was on every bad check list around and trying to get that straightened out would make a good person want to pull on gun and shoot the thief. Not to mention, my bills were strewn along the road...some of them were found as far as 50 miles away. Most companies worked with me, but some charged me late fees. So this honest person had to spend more money to have a PO Box instead of the luxury of walking out my door and fetching my mail. I've had to spend money to replace back doors where thieves have busted the windows out my door. I guess they really didn't believe all those stickers on the window stating we are secured by an alarm system that runs me a monthly bill. Someone has broken into my husband's very secure shed and stole his four wheeler and his week old trailer to haul it on. Do you know how hard it is to make a payment on something that you don't even own anymore? This event caused us to put up a thick heavy gate and electric gate opener ($1,500.00) to keep people out.


I have had the opportunity to get something for nothing. I once went to Walmart to buy two pair of pants that my father in law had asked for as a Christmas present. I wanted to pay for them separately as to make it easier on him if he needed to exchange them. After she finished ringing up my groceries, she forgot about the pants and I took them home without paying for them. When I took them back the next week and told them in customer service what I had done - she was shocked that I brought them back. She told me that I could have kept them and nobody would have ever known....yeah, they would have. I only hope that the day I decided to throw away my integrity, it will be for more than forty dollars. I pay for what I get - well, except for the few times that I have passed my kids off as younger in order to get the kiddie price off the menu. If I could go back, I wouldn't even do that. I thought it was not fair to charge an adult price for my kids who would eat three saltines and be through. But it was still wrong and my kids knew that. Bad, bad, bad example I set and believe you me, they NEVER let me forget.


It seems to me that if these lazy scumbags would put all this time and energy they put into planning and scheming and stealing , they could well, work. Until then, I will continue to work. Not only to pay for the things I want, but to pay to keep the things I buy.

Thou shalt not steal.
Exodus 20:15

Happy Birthday to me!

My cup is truly full. I celebrated my 49th birthday this past week. To be honest, I have never been one to celebrate my birthday. While my age doesn't really bother me, I sure didn't feel like celebrating turning 49. I remember last year, I tried to take my birthday off Facebook so no one would realize it. Don't ask me why because I don't know why. Maybe it makes me the center of attention, which makes me uncomfortable. Maybe it's because I don't like people to spend money on me for gifts - especially my girls. Funny thing is, I have always made a huge deal out of my girl's birthdays. My motto has always been that a person should feel special on their birthday. Somehow, I just didn't apply that to me - but this year was one of my best birthday's ever! I received so many sweet texts, e-mails, cards, and phone calls. I had lunch with my brother and sister, and dinner with my family. I received flowers, cakes, jewelry, and M&M's. I felt so blessed on my birthday for all my friends and family...I felt special. Yes, my cup runneth over!

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24

Dirty cups and dirty vessels....

When I go into Target, one of the first things I do is buy a fountain drink. I love that they carry Pepsi products instead of Coke. So today when the the cashier handed me my cup, she handed it to me when her hand over the top of my cup. I cringe. I take my cup and tell myself that it will be okay, since I will be drinking out of a straw. I grab a napkin and wipe around the rim of my cup. I proceed to fill my cup up and reach for a lid. There in only one lid in the entire lid holder and it is face down. Faced down in that nasty ( at least in my mind ) and germy holder. My first thought was how long had it been since that thing had been cleaned. I am forced with a decision to take it and clean it or go without a lid. I am a klutz, so I took the lid. I just tried really hard not to think about it. I have turned into such a germ phobe. Anybody that knows me knows I do not take the first lid or the first magazine or the first anything. How many germy hands have been on it? It got me to thinking......

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. II Timothy 2:21

As Christians, we want to be used by God. We want Him to fill us with His spirit without thought as to the cleanliness of our vessel. We rationalize and justify the dirt we let into our lives. We watch things we should not watch. We say things we should not say. We think things that we should not think. If you went into a restaurant that served your meal with caked on food on your utensils, you would refuse it and demand for another set that was clean. What if your ice tea was delivered with floaties in it? We would be irate and leave with the idea of never going back. We would be justified in that decision...but yet, we expect God to overlook the dirt in our own lives. We expect him to ignore the floaties in our vessel and expect Him to pour out His goodness in us.That would be like going into your kitchen and looking through your dirty dishes to find a glass to pour your tea into. A contaminated glass would contaminate anything you poured into it making it undrinkable.

I think a lot of our problem ( at least for me ) is that we think God understands. He understands that we try and he understands that we fail. We think that because 90% of our lives are clean, He will overlook the other 10%. That is nothing but a mind game we play with our self. God hates sin. He will not overlook sin and He will punish it. He hates it so much that He turned His back on His only son as he bore the sins of the world. While he can't tolerate sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us. Just as we can wash our dirty glasses and make them fit for use, so as it is with our vessels. We can become meet for the Master's use.

Be ye holy; For I am holy.

I Peter 1:16