Sunday, May 31, 2009

Random Acts Of Poetry

My intent was to post this on Friday, but I never made the time. Life has been full of fun; fun that required running around and not sitting here at my computer. Sadly, I am tardy with my first Random Acts of Poetry, but I will post it anyway.

The challenge, from L.L. Barkat at Seedlings in Stone was to collect words. I read the assignment on Thursday, while at work, and was only able to collect two words. (none of which I used in the poem that I wrote) When I went to create my poem on paper, I was distracted by the pain that I am experiencing because of a bulged disc in my neck and carpal tunnel syndrome. I am not complaining, but my condition has been quite distracting as of late. So, I decided to use it and this is what I came up with.

One day I was finished
I had all I could take
The pain in my neck
I could no longer shake

I picked up the phone
and selected a time
to meet with my doctor
so able and kind

Heeding my words ordered
conversations and tests
treating my ail with
pharmaceuticals and rest

Next week a new measure
includes needles and drugs
Epidurals and steroids
I"ll need lots of hugs

Prayers for my healing
Prayers for my fear
So that's been my life
Restoration is near!

Project 365 Week 3

My week in pictures


Sunday, May 24
Me, Rebecca, and our good friends, Ashley and Jayme, had a great day shopping!

Monday, May 25
Memorial Day
The pool officially opens!

Ending the day with a wonderful cook-out!

Tuesday, May 26
FMHS Spring Band Concert
Rebecca and Winky

Wednesday, May 27
I went to see my Pain Management doctor today and found out that the current treatment is not working. The best thing about this day was that I can see my son's apartment from the parking lot of this doctor's office! Sort of funny, because it is 30 minutes away from where I live.

Thursday, May 28
I attended my weekly Al-Anon meeting
I LOVE this group, but we are all anonymous...(except me)
so no photos of my dear friends.
However, this is what the table looks like.

Friday, May 29
This is a photo of my lunch date. (he is my husband)
We are eating at one of our very favorite Bar-b-Que spots
Red, Hot, And Blue.
Those are the BEST ribs ever!




After that wonderful lunch date, I took my daughter to have an ingrown toenail fixed!
This is when she was happy.
No photos later...it was a rough afternoon!


Saturday, May 30
GIRLS NIGHT OUT!
Me and my fabulous friend, Tricia

The gang of us!
Meesha, Marla, Allyson, Tricia, myself, and Amanda
(from left to right)
We closed the place down!
I love my friends!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Friday Fill-Ins


1. It's cold and I really don't like being cold. (That statement is only half true...it is NOT cold right now! ... Yay!)

2. One of my favorite things is home grown tomatoes. I used to eat them every day as a kid! Wonderful memories!

3. My favorite health and beauty product is Bare Minerals.

4. Every day I take a nice long ride to work.

5. Well, first of all, love God with all your heart, mind, strength and soul. After that, it is all good!

6. Me and my (former) best friend; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was warm and sweet because reconciliation had happened!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with my family and then off to a friend's house for a casual get-together, tomorrow my plans include hanging out at the pool with my daughter and some girl friends, going to church and then Girl's Night! (my husband will be out of town) and Sunday, I want to sleep in and then relax, reading, writing...and who knows, I might even pull out the unfinished scrap book I am working on!

For more fun
visit

Thursday, May 28, 2009

ABC's of the Word - P

Always be PREPARED to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
1 PETER 3:15

Prepared
Now that's a thought.
What do I do to be prepared?
And be prepared for what?
Exactly.
What?
To give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have!
Has anyone asked you that?
Has anyone asked me that?
Can anyone see our hope?
Or do we hide it?
Maybe you don't even have hope?
hmmmmm

Think about it.
Where is your hope, if you have it?

If you don't know...
I know where you can find hope, because I have hope.
Sometimes, my life is a mess.
My marriage takes a lot of work.
My kids require a lot of energy.
My work demands so much of my time.
I don't understand why some people are in the trials they are in.
I don't understand why I am sometimes in the trials I am in.
But I have hope.
The hope of knowing that the Almighty God is sovereign.
That means He is in control of everything.

And I am at PEACE with that.
He knows.
I trust.

PEACE I leave with you; my PEACE I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

I am PREPARED to talk about the PEACE I have.
Are you?

For more ABC's of the word,
visit
Grey Like Snuffie





Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Desire

Desire. For some reason, the word "desire" has been musing around in my mind for a few days. I have found myself contemplating my personal desires, the inner desires of my heart, and even the desires of those around me.

I looked up the word desire in the dictionary. Websters says this about desire :
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
de·sired; de·sir·ing
Etymology:
Middle English, from Anglo-French desirer, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body
Date:
13th century
transitive verb
1: to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for <desire success>
2 a: to express a wish for
b archaic : to express a wish to
intransitive verb: to have or feel desire
As I have been thinking about desires, I have noticed that my own desires have gone through many transitions as I have aged, or maybe as I have grown spiritually. ?
When I was younger, my desire was to get married, have children, have my own home.
As this desire was met, my desires changed - desires that my children would sleep well, stay healthy, obey. That my husband would give them a bath that night, that I could sleep in.
You know the story...and every season of my life, the desires went along.
As I approach middle age, I still have desires for my children (although grown) and my husband but the inner desires of my heart are different. I desire peace and health. I desire the ability to hear and discern God's guidance and wisdom. It is my desire to glorify God, to be involved in life in such a way that He is honored. My desire is that my behavior and attitude in my relationships...husband, children, family, and friends, all reflect His love. It is my desire that God's mercy, grace, and forgiveness be evident in my life.
My thoughts and prayers have centered around these thoughts for some time; prompted by a time in my life when my desires were different than the ones listed above. Sin can be sneaky sometimes, and good desires can be twisted slowly into wrong desires. Before we know it, our motives are way off, our desire is for ourselves and not for God to be glorified in us.
Today, I am grateful that I have a God who never gives up on me. He continues to draw me to Him. One of my all time favorite Bible verses has new meaning to me today.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
I fall short, yes. But I have a Redeemer. I sin, but I have a Savior. I am by nature, human. But I have the Holy Spirit. And NOTHING or NOBODY can take that away from me.
My desire is that I remember who gives me life, who gives me joy, and who gives me peace.
And He will give me the desires of my heart.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
(In Christ Alone by Keith Getty & Stuart Townsend)

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Project 365 Week 2

Sunday p.m. I realize that I haven't taken a picture all day! Oops! Since it was cool outside (for mid May in Texas), I made soup for dinner - broccoli and cheese. The recipe was given to me by my best friend, years ago, and I still love it. (love her too...even thought we are not currently in touch) Just when I was finishing up dinner, a blue jay in my yard started squawking something fierce. I looked outside and saw something in my tree.
A SNAKE!
So...TWO pictures for Sunday, May 17th!

On Monday, 5/18, I went to dinner at my friend, Tricia's house. It was such a treat to have someone cook for me. Colin is her little boy and he is a fun little guy. While I was there, he was acting sort of silly, sitting on the counter top and fell into the sink! I wish I had taken a picture of that. We laughed really hard, after he was finished being embarrassed!

I did take a picture of their dog, Lexy. She is a favorite of mine and I threaten to bring her home with me every time I get to see her!

Tuesday, May 19, I had my hair colored back to brown, from red! It was just time.
I loved the red, but I didn't really like it for summer, so back to my natural color for now.


Wednesday, May 20 was the Jammin' Jags ceremony at my daughter's High School.
Jammin' Jags is an awards ceremony for students who made a difference, were voted "Student of the Year" or were simply outstanding!
Rebecca received a Jammin' Jags award from her English teacher.
We were very proud (and she doesn't want to be the topic of the photo this day...LOL!)

Thursday, May 21.
My company provides training called "Empowerment Training"
On Thursday, I attended Level 3 workshop
"Productivity through Action"
I love these workshops because yes, I always leave them feeling empowered!
Good job, Medical Edge Healthcare and Suzan Oran!

Hip, hip, hooray!
It is Friday, May 22! I had a busy week and cannot wait to sit out on my back porch with a glass of wine and put my feet up!
My friend, Tricia, stopped by (I didn't make her pose for another photo this time)

We ordered pizza and eventually moved out poolside to enjoy the humming birds that visit our feeders.
As the night went on, my son Aaron joined me, as did our family pet, Rusty. We talked about it was one of those wonderful nights to simply relax, do nothing, "take time to stop and smell the roses" so to speak.

Even Rusty.

This is Aaron and Rusty, still enjoying the evening. Fred was outside with us too. Rebecca was out with friends, so she is not pictured with us. :(
(she is in Saturday's post below)

This is Rebecca and her really good friend, Winky. (one of the friends that Rebecca was with last night while the rest of the family was having a relaxing evening at home!)
This is the 4th year in a row that Rebecca has participated in the
Texas Flute Society Flute Festival.
It is the Flute Festival's 35th year and it is held an University North Texas.
Really cool.
There are workshops for flute players of all ages and all levels of expertise. There are concerts ranging from elementary school aged players to professionals who have been recording for years.
There are clinics.
and performances.
and flute music in every sound imaginable.
What fun.
I think I will include some bonus photos just so you can get a little taste of what the festival is like.
Enjoy!








Friday, May 22, 2009

Friday Fill-In's


Woo Hoo! Time again for the weekly fill-in-the-blank post!
For more Friday Fill-Ins
visit

1. Moving forward is the best way to move.

2. God's forgiveness makes me free.

3. My best quality is my outgoing-ness.

4. I am quite gifted at paying close attention to details.

5. In nearly 10 years, I hope to be finished paying for my kids' college educations.

6. A change is what I need right now! (there might be one coming around the corner....more later!)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilling with my family, tomorrow my plans include going to a Flute Festival and University North Texas and Sunday, I want to go to church and then go shopping with my daughter, my fantastic friend, Ashley and her daughter Jayme!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

My Gratitude List

There are a couple of blogs that I follow that regularly post about gratitude. My favorite one is a blog written by a man who is in AA. One of the big tools of the 12-step program is to keep an
attitude of gratitude...that is the name of his blog. Every day, this man posts the things that he is grateful for on that day. I love reading it and always feel grateful myself when I read his blog.

On those times that life is especially crummy, my sponsor (in Alanon) has given me the assignment to write down 5 things that I am grateful for. Sometimes she will tag on that I should also write down 5 things that I can not change. It always helps my attitude when I follow her advise.

Last night, I was at my Home Group meeting - part of my church - a Bible Study, Community Group of women. At the end of our meetings, we always share something good God has done in our lives or how He has answered a prayer. I realized, as I prepared to speak, that I have much to be grateful for. I couldn't shut up!

Today, I am grateful...
  • My son's new attitude about life and God
  • The fact that I am part of a church that I am PROUD to be part of. I am excited about my upcoming membership commitment.
  • My mom can walk...without a cane, without a crutch, without a walker, and she is not in a wheelchair! This has been nearly four years coming! Great report from the surgeon, her bone is rock solid per her scans!
  • I have a few friends that I can totally be myself with. I am one of many and feel totally at home there.
  • God has changed me and continues to change me...and it is a good thing! I really am not who I was!

Here are just a few of the things that I cannot change...

  • The people who choose to not like me, trust me, or talk to me.
  • The past.
  • My husband.
  • My kids.
  • My boss.

This is all okay. Life really is good and I know that God is in charge. Even though life is not perfect, I am exactly where He wants me to be right now.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Project 365 Week 1

I was doing a little blog browsing the other day and ran across this idea...
Project 365


I found it on Sara's blog and liked it so much that I thought I would join in.
So, beginning on Sunday, May 10, I will make my best attempt to take a picture a day.
Yep.
One photo per day for a year.
It will be fun to see what my life looks like in pictures.
Here is my very first week.

Sunday evening, May 10
Mother's Day
Jasmine growing on the gazebo in my backyard.
The fragrance in unbelievable.

Monday evening, May 11
My husband actually sitting down and watching television.
This has not been something that he has done for a very long time but doing so now since he just finished his Master's degree.



Tuesday mid-day, May 12
I was out on site visits in Ft. Worth. This church building's parking lot was right next to one of the clinics that I visited. I found it to be a beautiful building. I noticed that a conference that my church is promoting was being held there this coming weekend. (I just didn't know where the church was when I read the promotion...and then I ran into it on this day.)


Wednesday afternoon, May 13
My department hosted a baby shower for a co-worker.
We are all very excited. This baby is a surprise baby, but the family couldn't be happier.
She did have to start all the way over though; her youngest is 11 years old and all three of her children are girls. This one is a boy!



Thursday afternoon, May 14
My daughter and one of her best friends, Winky.
They are getting ready to leave for the band trip. It is Rebecca's first out of town and over night field trip. She is so excited.
#2 All the suitcases for the trip.

Friday evening, May 15
This is me and a couple of my really good friends, Jo Anne and Charrie.
We are in the same Home Group and we attended the Women's Retreat this weekend!
It was a great weekend!



Saturday late morning, May 16
My material as I spent the morning learning more about God.
That was the title of the retreat...
"More"
I am so glad that I went. We had a wonderful time and I am hungry for more of Him.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Friday Fill-In's


This week, Janet at Friday Fill-Ins chose quotes having to do with spring... She said,

"as always when I do this, feel free to fill-in whatever you'd like; it's more fun that way! Of course, if you know the quote, feel free to fill that in, too! The quotes will be on my blog, should anyone want to see what they are. "

Well, I have not read the actual quotes, so I will see what I come up with!

And...here we go!

1. If we had no winter there would be no spring.

2. My serenity is a perpetual astonishment.

3. If I had my life to live over I don't think I would change a thing.

4. There is usually not quite enough time for me to do all I want to do inside of four and twenty hours.

5. If you've never been thrilled I feel sorry for you.

6. To be interested in the changing seasons is to be amazed at the living God.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going on the Women's retreat with my church, tomorrow my plans include continued retreating and Sunday, I want to relax and pick my daughter up from her band trip happy and relaxed!

To find Friday Fill-Ins
click this link

Thursday, May 14, 2009

ABC's of the Word - N



either height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from
the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39

I am so, so grateful that this is true!

For more ABC's of the Word
visit
Grey Like Snuffie

Sunday, May 10, 2009

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.
She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never.
A mother is something absolutely new.
~Rajneesh



This is my mom and me!
She is wonderful!