I am celebrating today. No I have not found another job. Still praying for that. But today is my
birthday. And I have been is such a good mood. This is an almost forgotten memory because I have been down for months. But for now I party.
More later.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Prayer Request
I have had a bad week. Well maybe just a hard week. The girl I work with turned in her notice last week. This upset me, not because I would miss her. That is another story better left for another day. I will say that I tolerated her and her work habits. But her leaving means a major work load for me. There are no pobbible applicants to take the job. So for an undetermined about of time -- possibly months-- I will have to do everything in my office by myself. This means long late hours, Especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those days I have class and I intend on attending that class. If I am not finished by class time, I will have to leave and then come back to finish working untill 9 or 10 oclock at night. The other reason this move upset me was because I have tried for years to get a job away from the bank. Nothing but she gets one.
The prayer request is for a job that takes me away from the long hours, the type of work I do, annd the sins I witness daily at the bank. I have sacrificed my life for that job for years, with no hope of promotion or gratification, and now I need to live my life. God has been sending me signs to follow my dreams but the job I currently have will not allow me to do this. And at this point, I am not even sure I will be able to attend Wednesday services on a regular basis.
Please pray for me about this.
The prayer request is for a job that takes me away from the long hours, the type of work I do, annd the sins I witness daily at the bank. I have sacrificed my life for that job for years, with no hope of promotion or gratification, and now I need to live my life. God has been sending me signs to follow my dreams but the job I currently have will not allow me to do this. And at this point, I am not even sure I will be able to attend Wednesday services on a regular basis.
Please pray for me about this.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
You Might be a Redneck If . . . .
You Might be a Redneck If . . . .
You have ever cruised an old car up and down the main drag.
You might be a redneck if . . . you have ever set along side that main drag and watched as people drove their old cars up and down the street.
You are definiately a redneck if . . . you brought some kind of food and/or drink in a cooler to watch the cars go by.
Last weekend was the 18 Annual Summer's Last Blast in Vernon. This event is where classic cars cruise our main drag for several hours. It has become a grand event with a concert on Friday along with several car shows. This year one of the hardware stores had the 1St annual redneck car show. This was for the cars that were not good enough for the regular car show. One truck had flashlights tapes to the front bumper as headlights. Basically, Vernon becomes consumed with classic cars for three days. Then it is all over until the nest year.
This event got started because someone thought it would be a good idea to celebrate an ageless and timeless local activity. Kids in Vernon had been cruise the drag since the early 70's (ever since I have lived in Vernon --- maybe longer). Mom needs three things from the store and the child agrees to go get them, knowing they can make two passes on the street before and then again after the market. It has always been the cool thing to do at night. Now it has become an entire weekend party.
Yes. I went to watch the cars make the drag. But no I did not take my cooler of food. Others did. As I was sitting at the church to watch the event, I was reminded about the time we had a hostage situation at one of our local motels along the highway. People were sitting in lawnchairs along the grass beside the highway watching the stalemate, just waiting for something to happen. SO
You Might Be a Redneck if . . . you have ever . . . You fill inthe blank here._________.
One final note, while watching the cruise I did see a car like the one I drove in High School. That is what alot of people do is look for a memory of their past. it was fun and so what if I am a redneck.
You have ever cruised an old car up and down the main drag.
You might be a redneck if . . . you have ever set along side that main drag and watched as people drove their old cars up and down the street.
You are definiately a redneck if . . . you brought some kind of food and/or drink in a cooler to watch the cars go by.
Last weekend was the 18 Annual Summer's Last Blast in Vernon. This event is where classic cars cruise our main drag for several hours. It has become a grand event with a concert on Friday along with several car shows. This year one of the hardware stores had the 1St annual redneck car show. This was for the cars that were not good enough for the regular car show. One truck had flashlights tapes to the front bumper as headlights. Basically, Vernon becomes consumed with classic cars for three days. Then it is all over until the nest year.
This event got started because someone thought it would be a good idea to celebrate an ageless and timeless local activity. Kids in Vernon had been cruise the drag since the early 70's (ever since I have lived in Vernon --- maybe longer). Mom needs three things from the store and the child agrees to go get them, knowing they can make two passes on the street before and then again after the market. It has always been the cool thing to do at night. Now it has become an entire weekend party.
Yes. I went to watch the cars make the drag. But no I did not take my cooler of food. Others did. As I was sitting at the church to watch the event, I was reminded about the time we had a hostage situation at one of our local motels along the highway. People were sitting in lawnchairs along the grass beside the highway watching the stalemate, just waiting for something to happen. SO
You Might Be a Redneck if . . . you have ever . . . You fill inthe blank here._________.
One final note, while watching the cruise I did see a car like the one I drove in High School. That is what alot of people do is look for a memory of their past. it was fun and so what if I am a redneck.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Love Thy Neighbor . . .
Love Thy Neighbor . . . .
This week has been about loving thy neighbor. It is Mission Vernon. Now you might be thinking, “The Bible says go into all the world”. . . . But is not the second greatest command “love your neighbor as yourself”? This is what we are trying to accomplish with this mission. We want our young people to grow up to all be missionaries in whatever country, state, or city they live in. We want them to love mission work not just mission trips.
I work with the youth of our church. It has been a wonderful experience teaching, encouraging, and loving those children. I feel I have been called to work with that ministry. I enjoy being apart of their lives. It is very rewarding. (Rewards are not the goal but are nice when you see the results of the work you have put in.)
My reward came this week. The youth are taking care of yards around Vernon. They are mowing the grass, trimming hedges, and carrying off trees and limbs. I have been unable to be apart of the daily work crews. I arrived home yesterday afternoon and noticed that my grass had been mowed. This is no big deal because I have a guy that mows it and I often come home to freshly cut grass. It was not until I had pulled into my backyard and noticed a dead tree was missing. I then noticed other trees had been trimmed up and the hedges had been cut back. That was when I realized that the mission crew had been to my house.
I know I am blessed by God to have the association of those kids. And love by the WSCC youth group. I know that I have made an impact in their lives (and the lives of the adults with them) because the crew came to the house and did work for me when in reality they had others places they could have been working and other things they could have been doing. My heart has been touched by this.
This mission has not gone unnoticed by the community either. This mission crew made the difference to another woman yesterday. The crew went to mow the yard of a house that was abandoned. The house next door was grown up as well. The woman in that house came out and asked them to mow hers as well. It seems her husband died in April and she had just enough money to have the yard done that month and the month of May. But she has been unable to save enough money to pay to have it mowed again. She offered to pay the youths for their time. They mowed her grass for free. I was told she had tears in her eyes from their kindness.
Love is the universal language. God does not want it any other way. For me, their show of love for me was sweeter because 1) it came from their hearts but mostly because 2) they were blessed by God with this loving desire to serve.
. . . And I am sure they will never know just how much their work meant to me, because I don't think I can find the right words to describe how I felt when I saw that tree gone and those hedges trimmed.
This week has been about loving thy neighbor. It is Mission Vernon. Now you might be thinking, “The Bible says go into all the world”. . . . But is not the second greatest command “love your neighbor as yourself”? This is what we are trying to accomplish with this mission. We want our young people to grow up to all be missionaries in whatever country, state, or city they live in. We want them to love mission work not just mission trips.
I work with the youth of our church. It has been a wonderful experience teaching, encouraging, and loving those children. I feel I have been called to work with that ministry. I enjoy being apart of their lives. It is very rewarding. (Rewards are not the goal but are nice when you see the results of the work you have put in.)
My reward came this week. The youth are taking care of yards around Vernon. They are mowing the grass, trimming hedges, and carrying off trees and limbs. I have been unable to be apart of the daily work crews. I arrived home yesterday afternoon and noticed that my grass had been mowed. This is no big deal because I have a guy that mows it and I often come home to freshly cut grass. It was not until I had pulled into my backyard and noticed a dead tree was missing. I then noticed other trees had been trimmed up and the hedges had been cut back. That was when I realized that the mission crew had been to my house.
I know I am blessed by God to have the association of those kids. And love by the WSCC youth group. I know that I have made an impact in their lives (and the lives of the adults with them) because the crew came to the house and did work for me when in reality they had others places they could have been working and other things they could have been doing. My heart has been touched by this.
This mission has not gone unnoticed by the community either. This mission crew made the difference to another woman yesterday. The crew went to mow the yard of a house that was abandoned. The house next door was grown up as well. The woman in that house came out and asked them to mow hers as well. It seems her husband died in April and she had just enough money to have the yard done that month and the month of May. But she has been unable to save enough money to pay to have it mowed again. She offered to pay the youths for their time. They mowed her grass for free. I was told she had tears in her eyes from their kindness.
Love is the universal language. God does not want it any other way. For me, their show of love for me was sweeter because 1) it came from their hearts but mostly because 2) they were blessed by God with this loving desire to serve.
. . . And I am sure they will never know just how much their work meant to me, because I don't think I can find the right words to describe how I felt when I saw that tree gone and those hedges trimmed.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
It's raining . . .
It's raining but then again, it always seems to be raining. Today I woke to the rain. Not since I lived in East Texas, have I seen it rain like this. I must tell everyone that it has rained off and on for the better part of six to seven weeks. Vernon has always been considered slightly wetter than a desert, getting around 10-to 12 inches of rain a year. Today is July 13th and at this point (before this morning's rain) Vernon had gotten around 25 inches and there is still about five months left this year.
I am not complaining because I like to watch it rain. And the rain has kept the temperatures down and I am not having to run my ac. This morning it was 65 when I went to work as oppossed to 95+. Its great. But sometimes I think I might become a duck.
I hope it will still be raining when I get off. I would love to play in it for a few minutes. I might as well because I have to walk about a block to get to my car and I will already be wet.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
LIFE IS LIKE A RAINBOW. YOU NEED BOTH THE SUN AND THE RAIN TO MAKE ITS COLOR APPEAR.---UNKNOWN
AND
ANYONE WHOSYS SUNSHINE BRINGS HAPPINESS HAS NEVER DANCED IN THE RAIN. -UNKNOWN
It's raining . . .
I am not complaining because I like to watch it rain. And the rain has kept the temperatures down and I am not having to run my ac. This morning it was 65 when I went to work as oppossed to 95+. Its great. But sometimes I think I might become a duck.
I hope it will still be raining when I get off. I would love to play in it for a few minutes. I might as well because I have to walk about a block to get to my car and I will already be wet.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
LIFE IS LIKE A RAINBOW. YOU NEED BOTH THE SUN AND THE RAIN TO MAKE ITS COLOR APPEAR.---UNKNOWN
AND
ANYONE WHOSYS SUNSHINE BRINGS HAPPINESS HAS NEVER DANCED IN THE RAIN. -UNKNOWN
It's raining . . .
Friday, July 06, 2007
Mark Your Clanedars . . . .
This week we celebrated one of the country's greatest holidays. Everyone knows about this holiday and its importance. But so many holidays go unnoticed simply because we forget to mark our calendars for them.
Here are a few that really should be on everyone's calendar. Some are silly and some are sincere but all are real.
January 13 Penguin Awareness day
January 16 Appreciate a Dragon Day
Jan 21 National hugging day
Jan 29 Bubble wrap Appreciation day (this is way cool. I can hear the popping already.)
Feb 12-18 Random Acts of kindness week
Feb 11 national Shut-in Visitiation Day
Mar 2 World day of prayer
Mar 12 National workplace Napping day
May 15 National Chocolate chip Day (celebrate by making cookies. My address is . . .)
July 7 Father- Daughter take a walk together day
July 13 Embrace your geekness day
July 15 Gummi worm day
July 15 National ice cream day ( a personal favorite)
July 27 take your houseplant for a walk day(I am off the hook here. Mine do not like to be outside)
Aug 8 Sneak some zucchini onto your neighbor's porch night
Aug 10 s'mores day
Aug 22 be an angel day
Aug 28 race your mouse around the icon day
Sept 19 talk like a pirate day
Oct 26 Frankenstein Friday
Oct 30 Haunted refrigerator night ( I celebrate this at my house... there is some stuff in there that is very scary.)
Nov 30 Stay home because you're well day
Dec 15 Cat herders day (catch this somewhere. Its so funny.Hey Ever tried to herd cats.. . . . Get real)
These are just a tiny sample of the overlooked holidays. Check out http://www.brownielocks.com for hundreds more.
Hope your 4th was safe and blessed.
Here are a few that really should be on everyone's calendar. Some are silly and some are sincere but all are real.
January 13 Penguin Awareness day
January 16 Appreciate a Dragon Day
Jan 21 National hugging day
Jan 29 Bubble wrap Appreciation day (this is way cool. I can hear the popping already.)
Feb 12-18 Random Acts of kindness week
Feb 11 national Shut-in Visitiation Day
Mar 2 World day of prayer
Mar 12 National workplace Napping day
May 15 National Chocolate chip Day (celebrate by making cookies. My address is . . .)
July 7 Father- Daughter take a walk together day
July 13 Embrace your geekness day
July 15 Gummi worm day
July 15 National ice cream day ( a personal favorite)
July 27 take your houseplant for a walk day(I am off the hook here. Mine do not like to be outside)
Aug 8 Sneak some zucchini onto your neighbor's porch night
Aug 10 s'mores day
Aug 22 be an angel day
Aug 28 race your mouse around the icon day
Sept 19 talk like a pirate day
Oct 26 Frankenstein Friday
Oct 30 Haunted refrigerator night ( I celebrate this at my house... there is some stuff in there that is very scary.)
Nov 30 Stay home because you're well day
Dec 15 Cat herders day (catch this somewhere. Its so funny.Hey Ever tried to herd cats.. . . . Get real)
These are just a tiny sample of the overlooked holidays. Check out http://www.brownielocks.com for hundreds more.
Hope your 4th was safe and blessed.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
My comment to the "Hug"
I have been reading Niki's blogs "Touch Hunger" and "What's in a Hug?". I want to add my comment. Instead of posting it as a comment to her blog, I decided to tell my story here.
One of the worst things about being alone (divorced or single) is the loneliness. The lack of human contact. Yes, the conversation but more the touch. There is no one there to give comfort when you are having a bad day at work. There is no one to give a hug just because. After many years, I still struggle with this. I am a person that needs that touch. Most days I can keep the desire at bay. But every once in awhile, I am just not strong enough to controll that wanting and every thing comes crashing down.
Case in point: In late May, a friend's son was killed in action in Iraq. It has been a hard time of grieving. But her recovery has started. Last Wednesday night was her first time back at church since this happened. I had gone to where she was sitting to speak to her and church started. First, I felt it would be rude to move to another place, so I sit with her and her husband. He, through his grief was being her support. I kept noticing that he held her hand or laid his hand on her leg or put his arm around her all the way through the class. It did not take me long to notice my feelings about this. I kept sitting there thinking that (at this point in my life) if I suffered a loss of a loved one, I would not have that someone to provide that desired compassion. The unspoken love, comfort, compassion that comes from that touch. It sadden me for the rest of the evening. I have mentioned this to several people over the years by saying that I wished I had a husband who would give me that "touching" support. Their response usually is that their husband does not do that. This saddens me because we all need the chemisty that comes from human touch.
On the brighter side of this: The one good thing about the place where I work is that I work with a woman in her mid 60's. She is the "touchy-feelly" grandmother and she loves to give hugs and to rub your back (like a mini massage). She greeted me the other day by saying "I have not touched you today." I have gotten where I look forward to her hugs and I have found I miss them if she has not "greeted" me for a few days.
So----Here's my hug for you today. It will have to do until we are together for a real one.
One of the worst things about being alone (divorced or single) is the loneliness. The lack of human contact. Yes, the conversation but more the touch. There is no one there to give comfort when you are having a bad day at work. There is no one to give a hug just because. After many years, I still struggle with this. I am a person that needs that touch. Most days I can keep the desire at bay. But every once in awhile, I am just not strong enough to controll that wanting and every thing comes crashing down.
Case in point: In late May, a friend's son was killed in action in Iraq. It has been a hard time of grieving. But her recovery has started. Last Wednesday night was her first time back at church since this happened. I had gone to where she was sitting to speak to her and church started. First, I felt it would be rude to move to another place, so I sit with her and her husband. He, through his grief was being her support. I kept noticing that he held her hand or laid his hand on her leg or put his arm around her all the way through the class. It did not take me long to notice my feelings about this. I kept sitting there thinking that (at this point in my life) if I suffered a loss of a loved one, I would not have that someone to provide that desired compassion. The unspoken love, comfort, compassion that comes from that touch. It sadden me for the rest of the evening. I have mentioned this to several people over the years by saying that I wished I had a husband who would give me that "touching" support. Their response usually is that their husband does not do that. This saddens me because we all need the chemisty that comes from human touch.
On the brighter side of this: The one good thing about the place where I work is that I work with a woman in her mid 60's. She is the "touchy-feelly" grandmother and she loves to give hugs and to rub your back (like a mini massage). She greeted me the other day by saying "I have not touched you today." I have gotten where I look forward to her hugs and I have found I miss them if she has not "greeted" me for a few days.
So----Here's my hug for you today. It will have to do until we are together for a real one.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Time marches on
I have always heard the old saying:
Time flies when you are having fun.
But I realized on Saturday, that time has help in flying by too fast. I went into Hobby Lobby. As I entered the store, there was a big display of 4th of July stuff. No problem since the 4th is less than a month away. I must say I am used to Hobby Lobby putting out their Christmas merchandise early. Hey, it takes time to make those craft projects that are used to decorate with or those that are to be given. What did I see when I rounded the aisle? Rows and rows of fall leaves and pumpkins. All the summer stuff had been moved to a couple of aisles to make room for fall. I love fall but hey it was June 2nd and the first day of summer has not even happened yet.
Time is something that is passing quickly. And we need to enjoy it while we can. I try to live by my motto.
Life is short, Live it to the fullest. Laugh at it. Enjoy it. Value it.
I just feel that life and time go speeding by on its own time table, which is too qucikly. It seems like I just moved into my house in the last few months but it has been 14 years. It does not help that stores are making the march of time even quicker. I think I would like to enjoy summer for a short time before I move into fall (football, cool weather, and college). Ok I was dreaming about my favorite season. Lets focus on summer. Trips to the lake, vacations to fun places (disney world or Savannah, Ga), no school, staying up late, sleeping late, summer movies, picnics, homemake ice cream, baseball. I want to slow down a bit but will the marketing world let me?
I know that time marches on. I just want it to be a slower march. So what is the rest of the story? I looked at the fall leaves and decided to buy mine in September. If there are any left, then I was meant to have them. And by then all that stuff will be on clearance in order to get ready for Easter.
Time flies when you are having fun.
But I realized on Saturday, that time has help in flying by too fast. I went into Hobby Lobby. As I entered the store, there was a big display of 4th of July stuff. No problem since the 4th is less than a month away. I must say I am used to Hobby Lobby putting out their Christmas merchandise early. Hey, it takes time to make those craft projects that are used to decorate with or those that are to be given. What did I see when I rounded the aisle? Rows and rows of fall leaves and pumpkins. All the summer stuff had been moved to a couple of aisles to make room for fall. I love fall but hey it was June 2nd and the first day of summer has not even happened yet.
Time is something that is passing quickly. And we need to enjoy it while we can. I try to live by my motto.
Life is short, Live it to the fullest. Laugh at it. Enjoy it. Value it.
I just feel that life and time go speeding by on its own time table, which is too qucikly. It seems like I just moved into my house in the last few months but it has been 14 years. It does not help that stores are making the march of time even quicker. I think I would like to enjoy summer for a short time before I move into fall (football, cool weather, and college). Ok I was dreaming about my favorite season. Lets focus on summer. Trips to the lake, vacations to fun places (disney world or Savannah, Ga), no school, staying up late, sleeping late, summer movies, picnics, homemake ice cream, baseball. I want to slow down a bit but will the marketing world let me?
I know that time marches on. I just want it to be a slower march. So what is the rest of the story? I looked at the fall leaves and decided to buy mine in September. If there are any left, then I was meant to have them. And by then all that stuff will be on clearance in order to get ready for Easter.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Compassion
It's all about compassion.
On May 18,2007, Army Spec. Ryan Collins, a Vernon young man, was killed in action in Iraq. The full details of his death will be months in coming. What is known is that he delayed his leave for another soldier so that soldier could come home to be with his newborn son.That's compassion. Ryan had gone on a mission to search for missing troops and was engaged in a small arms battle. Ryan loved serving his country and his compassion was part of his life. On the home front, Ryan was the son of a friend of mine and a member of the Wilbarger Church of Christ. He had a great love for his family and especially his brother.
As I have moved through this past week (after hearing of his death), trying to handle this situation, my job began to play on my mind. Everyday, I was becoming more upset about the lack of compassion shown by my place of employment. Their lack of care, lack of concern and /or lack of compassion has been evident for years but not to this extent. I had planned to write this blog giving examples of their lack of compassion. (The truth is that no one needs to be brought down by their shortcomings -- especially me.) Today, I must admit that has changed. Last night, I prayed for the leaders of my place of employment that they find just the tiniest bit of compassion in their hearts. The bottom line is this they are afraid they might lose one dollar if they close even long enough for the funeral, which will be Tuesday May 29, 2007 at 2:00 pm. (please pray for the family of Ryan Collins--- brother Eric Collins, Mother Danita Logsdon and her husband David Logsdon.)
The mayor wanted those not attending to stand along the street with flags to show their love and support to Ryan's family. My place of employment had no plans to close and was not even going to let personnel line the streets with the others. I prayed for their compassion. This morning I came to work knowing that I cound not do anything to change the direction of their compassion. I decided not to let their lack of human emotion influence my own compassion. I have decided to show my support for my friend and her family. Compassion is what comes from the heart and is directed toward others. As a Christian, this compassion is what has helped me to heal from this tradegy and will be what will help my friend and her family to heal as well. An in her time of need, she does not need to know about the lack of compassion.
I am proud to show my love and support for Army Spec. Ryan Collins. He died doing what he loved. Fighting for his country and for the freedom this country has. He fought for what he believed in. Perhaps in my own little way, I, too, am fighting for what I believe in. Yes! It is all about the compassion. Compassion for God. Compassion for others. Compassion for me (and my believes.)
J Jesus First
O Others Second
Y yourself (myself) last
As a final note: I am planning on attending the funeral on Tuesday. The compassion in my heart guides me to be there for my friend. Thanks for the prayers on the behalf of Ryan and his family.
On May 18,2007, Army Spec. Ryan Collins, a Vernon young man, was killed in action in Iraq. The full details of his death will be months in coming. What is known is that he delayed his leave for another soldier so that soldier could come home to be with his newborn son.That's compassion. Ryan had gone on a mission to search for missing troops and was engaged in a small arms battle. Ryan loved serving his country and his compassion was part of his life. On the home front, Ryan was the son of a friend of mine and a member of the Wilbarger Church of Christ. He had a great love for his family and especially his brother.
As I have moved through this past week (after hearing of his death), trying to handle this situation, my job began to play on my mind. Everyday, I was becoming more upset about the lack of compassion shown by my place of employment. Their lack of care, lack of concern and /or lack of compassion has been evident for years but not to this extent. I had planned to write this blog giving examples of their lack of compassion. (The truth is that no one needs to be brought down by their shortcomings -- especially me.) Today, I must admit that has changed. Last night, I prayed for the leaders of my place of employment that they find just the tiniest bit of compassion in their hearts. The bottom line is this they are afraid they might lose one dollar if they close even long enough for the funeral, which will be Tuesday May 29, 2007 at 2:00 pm. (please pray for the family of Ryan Collins--- brother Eric Collins, Mother Danita Logsdon and her husband David Logsdon.)
The mayor wanted those not attending to stand along the street with flags to show their love and support to Ryan's family. My place of employment had no plans to close and was not even going to let personnel line the streets with the others. I prayed for their compassion. This morning I came to work knowing that I cound not do anything to change the direction of their compassion. I decided not to let their lack of human emotion influence my own compassion. I have decided to show my support for my friend and her family. Compassion is what comes from the heart and is directed toward others. As a Christian, this compassion is what has helped me to heal from this tradegy and will be what will help my friend and her family to heal as well. An in her time of need, she does not need to know about the lack of compassion.
I am proud to show my love and support for Army Spec. Ryan Collins. He died doing what he loved. Fighting for his country and for the freedom this country has. He fought for what he believed in. Perhaps in my own little way, I, too, am fighting for what I believe in. Yes! It is all about the compassion. Compassion for God. Compassion for others. Compassion for me (and my believes.)
J Jesus First
O Others Second
Y yourself (myself) last
As a final note: I am planning on attending the funeral on Tuesday. The compassion in my heart guides me to be there for my friend. Thanks for the prayers on the behalf of Ryan and his family.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Celebrating life . . .
Celebrating life is wonderful.
Let me tell you about a woman I work with. The last Friday (5-11) was her birthday. She turned 55. And DID she celebrate. A little information about her is needed for this story to make sense. She is alone in the world -- no husband, no kids. Just a bunch of friends that think alot about her. In the last year or so, she has battled several health problems. She has had open heart surgery and had a pace maker put in. (she also had to deal with problems and complications from the pace maker) She is diabetic. She still does not have her strength back to normal, yet. One would think that celebrating a birthday alone and in poor health would make a person depressed. Not her.
She told us that every year on her birthday, she stays up the night before so that at 12:01 am she can pray to God with thanksgiving for seeing her into another year. Then she toast herself with sparkling cider. Thus begins the celebrating. This year was no different for her. Her offered her thanksgiving and toast. But this year, her sparkling cider was a gift from a co-worker. When she arrived at work, her boss (a wonderful guy) jumped out of a decorated box. She had mentioned she always wanted to have a man jump out of a cake. We could not find a cake, but she loved it. She even was willing to recreate her reaction for the camera when it appeared. We laughed with her all day. Does the celebrating stop there? No. In the course of the day, she received a nice check from a bank customer. Someone paid for her to spend the night at the new Holiday Express. She went out and brought a new outfit and had room service deliver breakfast in bed Saturday morning. She was so up beat and happy all day on Friday. Her joy overflowed to the rest of us (with the exception of a couple of people who tried all day to dampen her spirit --- such sour and joyless people. We wont go there. Not today.I will mention that I pray for those people to discover some happiness.)
In a world (my world is my work) where there is no sunshine, no happiness, she was able to totally enjoy herself and bring a ray of sunshine to others. She gave without knowing she did especially on a day that was all about her.
I am trying to live my life with her outlook. I am looking for ways to add extra joy in my life as well as others. All I can say about this is "you rock, girl!!!!"
Let me tell you about a woman I work with. The last Friday (5-11) was her birthday. She turned 55. And DID she celebrate. A little information about her is needed for this story to make sense. She is alone in the world -- no husband, no kids. Just a bunch of friends that think alot about her. In the last year or so, she has battled several health problems. She has had open heart surgery and had a pace maker put in. (she also had to deal with problems and complications from the pace maker) She is diabetic. She still does not have her strength back to normal, yet. One would think that celebrating a birthday alone and in poor health would make a person depressed. Not her.
She told us that every year on her birthday, she stays up the night before so that at 12:01 am she can pray to God with thanksgiving for seeing her into another year. Then she toast herself with sparkling cider. Thus begins the celebrating. This year was no different for her. Her offered her thanksgiving and toast. But this year, her sparkling cider was a gift from a co-worker. When she arrived at work, her boss (a wonderful guy) jumped out of a decorated box. She had mentioned she always wanted to have a man jump out of a cake. We could not find a cake, but she loved it. She even was willing to recreate her reaction for the camera when it appeared. We laughed with her all day. Does the celebrating stop there? No. In the course of the day, she received a nice check from a bank customer. Someone paid for her to spend the night at the new Holiday Express. She went out and brought a new outfit and had room service deliver breakfast in bed Saturday morning. She was so up beat and happy all day on Friday. Her joy overflowed to the rest of us (with the exception of a couple of people who tried all day to dampen her spirit --- such sour and joyless people. We wont go there. Not today.I will mention that I pray for those people to discover some happiness.)
In a world (my world is my work) where there is no sunshine, no happiness, she was able to totally enjoy herself and bring a ray of sunshine to others. She gave without knowing she did especially on a day that was all about her.
I am trying to live my life with her outlook. I am looking for ways to add extra joy in my life as well as others. All I can say about this is "you rock, girl!!!!"
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Something New
I have started somethine new.
Let me start by saying that I have been in reflection for about three months (and in some areas for about three years.) This is mainly about things becoming old habit. My job, for instance, is something I totally deplore. Basically, I hate the job I do and the hours I do it. Try as I may, I have not been able to find another job, but I keep praying for something to come my way. I had a couple of days off in April where I did stuff around town, without even thinking about the job. Sunday night before I had to return to work on Monday, I cried myself through my prayers and then to sleep. For the entire next week, I was in a depressed state. Nothing seemed to be able to pull me out of the feelings I was having. I must also say that not all of it was from work. I had just closed a play production of The Elephant Man. I knew I would not see my theatre friends for several months and I was a little let down about that. Also, a real good friend of mine left to return to work in Australia for an undetermined stay. I had not gotten to see him the whole time he was back in Texas and now he was gone and there was an uncertainity about when I will ever get to see him again.
So a week pasted with me in this depressed state. This monday morning I had a few minutes before I had to be at work. I remebered several people saying they say their prayers in the morning as opposed to the evening, like I do. Why not, I thought. Monday was something different and new for me. I did not get another job but I was able to go through the day at the current job easier and without much grief. I felt God's arms around me giving me comfort and courage that day. Today is Wednesday and I have begun every day this week in prayer. Nothing major has occurred. Just a certain peace.
Let me start by saying that I have been in reflection for about three months (and in some areas for about three years.) This is mainly about things becoming old habit. My job, for instance, is something I totally deplore. Basically, I hate the job I do and the hours I do it. Try as I may, I have not been able to find another job, but I keep praying for something to come my way. I had a couple of days off in April where I did stuff around town, without even thinking about the job. Sunday night before I had to return to work on Monday, I cried myself through my prayers and then to sleep. For the entire next week, I was in a depressed state. Nothing seemed to be able to pull me out of the feelings I was having. I must also say that not all of it was from work. I had just closed a play production of The Elephant Man. I knew I would not see my theatre friends for several months and I was a little let down about that. Also, a real good friend of mine left to return to work in Australia for an undetermined stay. I had not gotten to see him the whole time he was back in Texas and now he was gone and there was an uncertainity about when I will ever get to see him again.
So a week pasted with me in this depressed state. This monday morning I had a few minutes before I had to be at work. I remebered several people saying they say their prayers in the morning as opposed to the evening, like I do. Why not, I thought. Monday was something different and new for me. I did not get another job but I was able to go through the day at the current job easier and without much grief. I felt God's arms around me giving me comfort and courage that day. Today is Wednesday and I have begun every day this week in prayer. Nothing major has occurred. Just a certain peace.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Todays' Realization
It occurred to me the other day that I named my blog Liz's World with the intent to tell about those things that happen in my world. Ok. I will admit that nothing much happens in my world. At least, there are times that I feel that nothing happens. Reality is that everyday that I wake up and spend time in a day that is created by God is news worthy.
Where does all this lead? What does all this mean? This means, I should blog a little more often then I do. (That and here lately Chris Robey has blogged more than I have and occassionally he lets me know this.) Now with that said -- what has been happening in Liz's World .
The local college has justed closed it's theatre production of THE ELEPHANT MAN. It was great. It involved a lot of late nights of hanging out with the cast. By the time the cast party was over, which is at my house because I cook for the cast the last night, sometime early Sunday AM, I was very tired. I always feel a little let down and tired when a show closes. I always make the statement to anyone who ask for something, "Give me a couple of weeks and I will do it." The interesing part is now it is Tuesday and three days since I last made that comment and the closing of the show. I am rested and missing the theatre and the friends I made there. I am ready to go to rehearsal again tonight, but we don't have it and won't until late August. What will I do to fill the void of not having theatre rehearsal for the summer months, of not being able to pursue my passion?
It seems something always fill that time. This year I am writing five plays for our VBS, which I will start in the next couple of days. And I have been asked to stage manage a show for a local branch of the Sweet Adelines which is scheduled for October. Thrown into this mix is the ever present and ever growing hunger to return to school. I am researching colleges in order to find a school where I can get the Masters degree I want (and need) to teach on the college level.
As I wake up to a new day, everyday, I know that God will fill that void. He will help me to fine the right college to attend. He will find ways to use my passion. Go great is our God. So even though nothing great happens in my world all the time, I can say that I have been blessed with God's greatness daily.
And who knows! Maybe the next post will be albe that greatness, that beauty. Return and see....
Where does all this lead? What does all this mean? This means, I should blog a little more often then I do. (That and here lately Chris Robey has blogged more than I have and occassionally he lets me know this.) Now with that said -- what has been happening in Liz's World .
The local college has justed closed it's theatre production of THE ELEPHANT MAN. It was great. It involved a lot of late nights of hanging out with the cast. By the time the cast party was over, which is at my house because I cook for the cast the last night, sometime early Sunday AM, I was very tired. I always feel a little let down and tired when a show closes. I always make the statement to anyone who ask for something, "Give me a couple of weeks and I will do it." The interesing part is now it is Tuesday and three days since I last made that comment and the closing of the show. I am rested and missing the theatre and the friends I made there. I am ready to go to rehearsal again tonight, but we don't have it and won't until late August. What will I do to fill the void of not having theatre rehearsal for the summer months, of not being able to pursue my passion?
It seems something always fill that time. This year I am writing five plays for our VBS, which I will start in the next couple of days. And I have been asked to stage manage a show for a local branch of the Sweet Adelines which is scheduled for October. Thrown into this mix is the ever present and ever growing hunger to return to school. I am researching colleges in order to find a school where I can get the Masters degree I want (and need) to teach on the college level.
As I wake up to a new day, everyday, I know that God will fill that void. He will help me to fine the right college to attend. He will find ways to use my passion. Go great is our God. So even though nothing great happens in my world all the time, I can say that I have been blessed with God's greatness daily.
And who knows! Maybe the next post will be albe that greatness, that beauty. Return and see....
Friday, March 16, 2007
10 Simple steps to more Fun
10 Simple steps to more Fun
I was flipping through a magazine and this list of things caught my attention. I think I am going try give them a try --and maybe come up with some of my own.
1. Go to a movie or play you wouldn't ordinarily see -- a Latin American import, say, or something with a sports theme. Your tastes may widen in ways you never predicted.
2. Schedule a meeting at breakfast rather than lunch to break up your day in a new way.
3. Sit down and write an old-fashion letter -not an email, not a hastily jotted note -- to someone you've been meaning to get in touch with for ages.
4. Ask a friend or colleague for a book recommendation and follow it -- even if you never read mysteries.
5. Take a different route to work and stop somewhat new for your coffee and bagel.
6. Keep a dairy for a week in which you jot down every surprising thought that comes into your head.
7. Take your child off his schedule and do something fun together. And don't fret about it, either -- the soccer team will survive without him at one practice.
8. Forget lunch at your desk. Go outside and try that cute new cafe near your office.
9. Switch around your weekly chores. Shop for groceries on Tuesday instead of Saturday or do laundry on Thursday instead of Monday. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover a better way of doing things.
10. Pretend you're a tourist in your own town and look with fresh eyes at a familiar landmark or scenic view.
This led me to come up with some of my own.
1. Take time to play in the rain, without worrying about getting sick or your hair.
2. Explore the world through the eyes of a dog. They see everything with curosity and wonder.
3. Watch an old "black and white" movie with the sound off (or a silent movie) and add your own words.
4. Go fly a kite.
5.Entertain a child as a child. In other words, play with a child on they level.
6. Fingerpaint.
7. Spend a rainy afternoon under the blanket tent in the living room.
As I was compiling this list, I realized a great deal of it was about being a child or interacting with a child. This brought to mind Matthew 18:3-5.
I was flipping through a magazine and this list of things caught my attention. I think I am going try give them a try --and maybe come up with some of my own.
1. Go to a movie or play you wouldn't ordinarily see -- a Latin American import, say, or something with a sports theme. Your tastes may widen in ways you never predicted.
2. Schedule a meeting at breakfast rather than lunch to break up your day in a new way.
3. Sit down and write an old-fashion letter -not an email, not a hastily jotted note -- to someone you've been meaning to get in touch with for ages.
4. Ask a friend or colleague for a book recommendation and follow it -- even if you never read mysteries.
5. Take a different route to work and stop somewhat new for your coffee and bagel.
6. Keep a dairy for a week in which you jot down every surprising thought that comes into your head.
7. Take your child off his schedule and do something fun together. And don't fret about it, either -- the soccer team will survive without him at one practice.
8. Forget lunch at your desk. Go outside and try that cute new cafe near your office.
9. Switch around your weekly chores. Shop for groceries on Tuesday instead of Saturday or do laundry on Thursday instead of Monday. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover a better way of doing things.
10. Pretend you're a tourist in your own town and look with fresh eyes at a familiar landmark or scenic view.
This led me to come up with some of my own.
1. Take time to play in the rain, without worrying about getting sick or your hair.
2. Explore the world through the eyes of a dog. They see everything with curosity and wonder.
3. Watch an old "black and white" movie with the sound off (or a silent movie) and add your own words.
4. Go fly a kite.
5.Entertain a child as a child. In other words, play with a child on they level.
6. Fingerpaint.
7. Spend a rainy afternoon under the blanket tent in the living room.
As I was compiling this list, I realized a great deal of it was about being a child or interacting with a child. This brought to mind Matthew 18:3-5.
And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little chlidren, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."
So. Be like a child and have fun. Also, remember
Life is short. Live it to the fullest. Laugh at it, vaule it, Enjoy it.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
I am finally a youth . . .
I am finally a youth. . . .
Well. let me explain.
Our youth group loves to worship the Lord. They love songs that they can clap to or make hand motions to. Having been a youth sponsor for the last several years, I have become accustomed to this action as well. Camp Zenith is an awesome place to experience the youthful love of the Lord. It is great to see about five hundred teens (and sponsors) showing their love for Christ. Yet when our youth group worships on Sunday morning during service, they want to clap but are discouraged by out older members.Now I know you are asking "where is the leading?" I will tell you. A couple of weeks ago, our church hosted an area wide singing. There are several groups that come in to perform for about an hour. This is followed up with congregational singing. One of the groups that come to sing is from the black church in Wichita Falls. Let me say that that is worship and praise from not only the heart but the soul. I love how they let the Spirit move them. Anyway, one of the gentlemen from their group led us in a couple of songs. When he did "Just a little talk with Jesus", a friend of mine and I were clapping along with the beat. One of our members turned around and glared at us as if to say "you should not be doing that in the house of the Lord." At first this made me feel like I had done something wrong. Then I thought of the youth group and decided I wanted to show my praise for the wonder God that watches over me, that encourages me, that LOVES me. What happened --- I clapped even louder. God had provided an evening of great singing. God had provided me with the ability to hear this music. God had made it possible for me to be there. I wanted to praise my God --- and I did.
Well. let me explain.
Our youth group loves to worship the Lord. They love songs that they can clap to or make hand motions to. Having been a youth sponsor for the last several years, I have become accustomed to this action as well. Camp Zenith is an awesome place to experience the youthful love of the Lord. It is great to see about five hundred teens (and sponsors) showing their love for Christ. Yet when our youth group worships on Sunday morning during service, they want to clap but are discouraged by out older members.Now I know you are asking "where is the leading?" I will tell you. A couple of weeks ago, our church hosted an area wide singing. There are several groups that come in to perform for about an hour. This is followed up with congregational singing. One of the groups that come to sing is from the black church in Wichita Falls. Let me say that that is worship and praise from not only the heart but the soul. I love how they let the Spirit move them. Anyway, one of the gentlemen from their group led us in a couple of songs. When he did "Just a little talk with Jesus", a friend of mine and I were clapping along with the beat. One of our members turned around and glared at us as if to say "you should not be doing that in the house of the Lord." At first this made me feel like I had done something wrong. Then I thought of the youth group and decided I wanted to show my praise for the wonder God that watches over me, that encourages me, that LOVES me. What happened --- I clapped even louder. God had provided an evening of great singing. God had provided me with the ability to hear this music. God had made it possible for me to be there. I wanted to praise my God --- and I did.
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