Good Morning ... it's a great winter day here in Central Texas. Good grief, the birds were really yakking up a storm this morning. I think they were upset because the wind blew over their birdbath and they were having to try swish their feathers in a puddle near their feeding station. I'd best get their comfort zones back in working order this morning!
I took my blanket outside with me yesterday and sat in the sunshine for awhile. I closed my eyes and drank in every bit of sunshine I could. It felt sooo good. I was thinking about the time when I could move my patio furniture from the house in North Texas down here. Since I spend so much time here, I miss being able to curl up on the settee and read. I'm not a cold weather person so I'm looking forward to some warmer days. I was considering heading out to Florida again just to get warm!
A couple days ago, I had a note from the real estate agent who showed me the little turn of the century house in Minnesota. The couple who was going to purchase the house couldn't get financing and their deal fell through. Oh, I would just love to purchase that little gem! I keep looking at it and drooling. I guess someone else would say, "Dottie, that's just an old house void of modern amenities and a screwed up floor plan." I see history ... I see warmth ... I see my roots ... I see possibilities ... I see being able to meet with friends there. I see a diamond on the rough waiting for my magic wand to make it an exciting place for my family to vacation and me to write more Hamilton Elf books. Speaking of houses, I mentioned that our home in North Texas had an offer presented. It wasn't a bad offer ... just not a good one for us ... one that needed some tweaking. Our real estate agent was in a meeting Thursday so communication has been, well, quite lacking. I am trying very hard to be understanding while realizing that this is a business deal and if we don't look out for ourselves, _____________. You go ahead and fill in the blank. The good news is that showings are coming fast and furious. Michael has been continuing his job search. The economy and availability of new jobs has been increasing which is good. I worked on my resume' and would like to find something that is totally fun to do part time. Problem is, what I love to do is write, teach, garden, cook, bake, read, do floral arrangements, read, and love on my family. Guess I was born one generation too late! Or, just call me a traditional lady with a touch of spunk and spice!! It will be nice though when Michael finds something he enjoys as we need some grass in the backyard this Spring!!
My Fibromyalgia has raised it's ugly head after my leg and toe incidents. Anytime my body needs some oomph to heal, I get the spasms of pain from head to toe -- this time my skin feels like I have a bad sunburn and it hurts to touch it or wear clothes. Yesterday, I cleaned up the little casa then had a total rest day. I filled the tub with lots of hot water and bubbles and soaked til I looked like a prune! I found some good smelling body lotion and kneaded it in to my wrinkled flesh. Ahhh, I just love the scent of Tuberose! I fixed myself some hot cocoa and noshed on popcorn while watching an oooollllddd movie. I read my Bible study for the day and settled in and read another chapter of 11/22/63. I changed the sheets on the bed ... I just love crawling into a bed with fresh, crisply ironed sheets! (I know, I know, I'm weird!) I fixed myself some chicken soup, poured it in a big cup and sipped away. When Fibromyalgia hits, it's time to stop (!) and fill my soul with warmth. It's not selfish to take good care of moi. I listened to my CD of Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. and drifted into a wonderful sleep refreshing my tired muscles and bones. I woke to a few wet Toby Mommy kisses letting me know that it was time to fill a couple of bowls with kibble! Toby is NOT shy about letting me know when his tummy is rumbling! I did crawl into bed last night feeling much much more relaxed with less pain. Did you notice all the "I's" in this paragraph ... I put them there on purpose, I had a totally selfish day from start to finish!! Beverly and I are headed to Burleson in a little while. I always feel better when I get out and move around rather than think about my aches and pains. Burleson has quite a few stores that Waco doesn't have which makes looking fun. Maybe we can find a few antique stores to check out!
Didn't forget my Bible reading this morning ... Joseph has now told his brothers who sold him that he is their brother. His father has been brought to Egypt and the family has been reconciled. What joy Jacob must have felt to have his lost son returned to him. What joy the brothers must have felt knowing that the brother they so shamefully treated showed mercy in a time when he could have put them in prison or worse, done away with them. Good stuff! I used to love Biblical stories told on flannel boards when I was in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. I wonder if teachers still use those?? They should if they don't... I am on to Exodus tomorrow!
It has been quite cold here in Central Texas this Winter. Toby and Sadie don't like laying on the cold wood floors so I have been laying folded blankets on the floor in each room for them. They follow me from room to room during the day so it gives them a place to nest while I am writing or working or just watching TV. I love watching them ... they give me such peace! I got a new toy for Toby and he is protecting it from Sadie (she kills his toys in a few seconds flat!).
My doorbell is ringing and I hear some tap, tap, taps... It's time to sign off, wish you love, and go out into the world and play! Oh ... a quick one before I head out ... Did you know that STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS???? Guess it's all in how you look at life that determines the quality of your day... Have a good one!!
Friday, January 13, 2012 I am sitting at my computer in the guest room at the little casa. The bright light is streaming through the sheers almost making my computer screen almost unrecognizable. The warmth feels good and makes me want to venture outdoors. The cold has chilled me to the bone the past few days which makes me want to stay indoors ... when I do that, I get houseitis. I am an outdoors person who dislikes being cooped up!!
It's Friday the 13th ... my lucky day! I am alive and kicking, my broken toe is mending nicely, and my companion, Sadie, has fully recovered from whatever was causing her limp. Yea! Usually, my cleaning day is Tuesday but I decided to wait until today to get the little casa ship shape and shinning. This place is so tiny that it takes rearranging every week just to get everything in it's place to keep it uncluttered. And, you know what happens when it's cluttered?? I trip over things and end up bruising my body!! I am learning what it is like to grow older for sure!
I haven't been able to get the movie, The Blind Side, out of my mind. I keep thinking of analogies in the grand scheme of life. What happens when we are in a relationship and one or both partners doesn't have the blind side covered? Broken trust, that's what happens. When you're moving forward, do you know that your partner or family is cheering you on and looking out for you? Or, are you being thrown under the bus ... talked about behind your back ... undermined ... in other words, are you making life harder or easier for those around you?
Trust is so very important ... transparency is so very important ... truth is so very important. In dysfunctional families, trust, transparency, and truth are blurred. As a child, I didn't trust anyone except myself and for reasons I still don't fully understand, I didn't lie, I just didn't say anything. I guess to be transparent meant getting blasted. I still have big blank spots there. When I reached high school age, I developed some REALLY close friendships and I could become transparent with them. Why, because I knew they cared about me ... the real me! I will always be forever grateful for those friends ... they are still in my life and I cherish them just as much as I did way back then.
All I've ever wanted in life is to be accepted for who I am. I've wanted to be cherished and honored ... to experience intimacy in knowing and being known. Problem is, I've wanted these things from humans who are as imperfect as I am. I've wanted someone to stand up for me and say, "Don't hurt her." As a teenager, I had that ... my friends and I stood up for each other. When one of us lost a boyfriend we cared about, the others stepped in to comfort and speak up if necessary. I don't know why that had to go away. Maybe because I stopped being honest, stopped being transparent, stopped walking in the light.
Adultery takes away trust and I wonder if we ever recover from that sting without serious soul mending. To not stand up for one's partner in the face of trial means erosion of self. I am a detail person ... I notice the little things that affect me and others. Why? Because of my childhood that's why. I care more than the average person. Why? Because of my childhood, that why. I work harder on relationships than most. Why? Because of my childhood that's why. I am who I am because of where I've been. What man meant for evil, God used for good.~~Genesis 50:20. Without my journey, I couldn't help a woman who is being abused (emotionally or physically). I couldn't teach and not understand where my students were coming from. I couldn't forgive without resentment. I couldn't walk in the light without having been in the darkness. I couldn't love my children and grandchildren with the deepness that I do without having suffered loneliness and the wasteland of being invisible.
I am at one of my favorite places in the Bible ... the story of Joseph, son of Jacob. If you are harboring resentments or hurt, read this story in Genesis. I've always wanted to be a Joseph ... a man thrown under the bus by his own brothers who rose to be one of the most powerful, caring men of all Egypt. I want to be like the men and women of faith who grace the pages of history. I don't want to be a miserable, lonely old crotchety woman who just sits and complains.
I've been thrown under the bus by my parents, my husbands, my children, my bosses in the workforce, my friends. I've been battered and bruised, thrown away like a used toy. My heart has been flattened to the point where I thought I couldn't breathe. Yet, somehow, someway I've gotten up and kept on going, learning how "not" to be. I ask the Lord ... "Lord, what are you teaching me in all this?" Oh, I get angry and stomp my feet and retreat into my own little world ... but, not for long. I keep my eye on the prize ... my eternal life where my hurts and bruises will be healed. I look forward to hugging my mom and dad and the rest of my family for as imperfect we are, we are family.
Are you being thrown under the bus? Are the people you care about the most, hurting your heart? (Realize this ... if you didn't care about them, it wouldn't matter. Without love, there cannot be hurt ... there would be apathy.) I was watching Modern Family the other night. When Gloria didn't show up as she was supposed to at an important presentation Phil was giving, she wanted Phil to get mad at her and tell her she did wrong. Why? She said then she would know that he cared and loved her. He was trying to make her feel better saying it was OK. With each OK, she felt worse. She WANTED to be held accountable. I thought about that, when people are talking there is always hope ... to just sweep something or someone under the bus? Done. Through. Ended. Over. With that being said and you're feeling like you've hit a wall , it's time to let go, pray, and be open to God's leading.
My blog today is just a collection of thoughts ... my mind attached itself to something and went a mile a minute wondering what I am supposed to learn. Maybe someone out there is being attacked from their blind side ... maybe someone is hurting like I have hurt when someone has given me the big heave ho under the bus. I don't know ... my fingers are but instruments on the keyboard.
Want to heal Miss Dottie style? Learn to walk in the light no matter what. Don't allow the bad guys to influence your life except to teach you what you don't want to be like. You do realize that if you retreat and stop and allow yourself to be depressed, the bad guys win don't you? Let your spirit rise ... be a Joseph ... keep on keepin' on. Learn and grow one day at a time and be a winner. Take those stakes out of your own eyes before you criticize others. Learn and grow some more. The best revenge for hurt is to be a good person ... to excel ... to top the charts!
Listen up, Readers! Pay attention to who is counting on you. Is someone you love being thrown under the bus? Do you stand up for them? Do you make their life harder or easier? If you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Clear your slates becoming humbled and leave the rest to the Lord. If you're always looking at someone to blame, you're never going to get any better in this life. That I know from experience.
With all this being said, I am going to go make myself ANOTHER mug of hot cocoa. I fixed hot cocoa last night and had it with my popcorn. It was so good that I am going to treat myself again today.
Have a wonderful day knowing you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!
PS I usually don't pay much attention to how many hits my blog is getting; however, I did decide to make the decision to pray for each person so I took a look ... my blog is reaching 49+ people a day now. Let's keep the light going!!!! We're in this life together!!!!!
This song sung in 1949 by Doris Day got me going this morning!
Don't have any Bluebirds but lots of beautiful Red Cardinals!
Good Morning, Readers! The sun is out, the air crisp and chilly, and it's a great day to be alive and tapping my toes to the music of life! Let's change our morning up a little and have a steaming hot cup of cocoa, some of my sweet blueberry bread I baked yesterday, and let's sit on the sofa and have a little gab session!
Yesterday, Sadie scared me to death. Late in the morning, she began to limp -- by evening, she wouldn't put any weight on her front right leg and was quite listless. I sat with her checking her paw for any signs of stickers -- the only thing I did find was one toe nail that needed some clipping but it wasn't bad enough to cause her to stay off her leg. I lifted her up on the bed for the night and we drifted off to sleep. Yea! This morning she is full of pep and vinegar! I always worry about snakes and fire ants as she is definitely a hunter. Who knows what happened but thank God she is back to her wiry self!
We got an offer on our house in North Texas yesterday afternoon. We'd had many showings last week so it wasn't totally unexpected. I don't know about you but when those offers come, negotiating skills have to be sharpened up. We are so blessed to have children with whom we can truly talk. Their input is invaluable to us. I had asked for prayer as we walked through the offer at hand. I think the good Lord expects us to do something ourselves as well and we did. Together as a family, we weighed options and put in a counter offer that we were at peace with.
I must say, my family has come a long way the past few years in learning to communicate in a healthy way. We all have differing opinions and slants on things and rarely totally agree. However, we all have opinions that are valued and taken into consideration. What is our secret? We truly love one another and want the best for our families as a whole. As with all decisions, there has to be a spokesman who gathers all the information and makes the final say so. That spokesman is the head of each family unit -- Michael, Tim, and Tommy. Interestingly enough, these men have three strong women who walk alongside them with definite views on the way things should be as well. Makes for some healthy logical and very illogical talks!!!
Have we always been this way? Well, when I was a single mom, it was my view that children should have a say so in the general day to day operations of our lives. We loved each other enough to be honest ... well, pretty honest. Most teenagers go through a rebellious streak thinking that mom doesn't know a whole lot and mine were no different. Yet, when hearts got broken, they were never too big to sit on mom's lap for a good cry saying, "Life's not fair." I love my children (and now my grandchildren) enough to let them go and experience life. I gave them a foundation in knowing Jesus Christ as their savior and loved them no matter what. Oh goodness, there were many times when I had to bite my lip and suffered a hurt heart. You know, though, I think that's pretty much normal with moms!
My family is special because we are truly joined by for better or worse. When we have joy, we share it. When our hearts hurt we make those calls to say, "I just need a listening ear." When faced with big decisions, we know we can count on good, sage advice. We accept one another as we are encouraging each other to stretch and grow. We also talk about the tough stuff ... the warnings of you're off track ... better think about what you're doing and saying ... We don't stick our heads in the sand just hoping things will go away.
When I taught classes for battered women, I used to have one woman stand in the middle of the room. I asked other women to push (gently) on her. What happened? Ultimately, she would fall down and (in real life) would get hurt. Then, I asked some women to gather around her closely telling the woman in the center to try fall down. She couldn't! The moral of the story? Surround yourself with good people ... people who love you enough to tell you the truth and support you. Want to know who your real friends are? They're the ones who love you in good times and the not so good times allowing you to make the decisions on how to live your own life.
I have some friends who I know surround me with wisdom and love. I also know that my family surrounds me with wisdom and love. I am blessed beyond blessed. And, to think it all started when I began to walk in the light ... as my daughter says, "the bright light." It's been quite a journey that continues as I type right now.
As you begin your day, I pray that you will gather your family together and let them know that you are one ... for better or worse. Allow each member to walk in the light and be real ... listen more than you talk and love more than you criticize. Set healthy boundaries and move forward. You won't regret it.
I always have my hand out for those who want to walk this path of life with me. I have takers as well as those who reject my peace offerings. As Scott Peck said, "Life's not fair." Once we accept that, we can get on with the pleasure of the day!!
Until we meet again, I am lifting my mug to you letting you know that you are love and prayed for ... YA YOU!!
August 19, 2003 Michael & Dottie A New Family Begins Where? At the little casa!! Yep, we were married here!!!
Good Morning, Readers! I have some blueberry sweet bread baking in the oven and some coffee almost ready. Why don't you come on over and sit and spell and we can chat. I've missed you over the past few days...
We've actually been experiencing Winter in Central Texas ... no snow, but cold and some windy sleety type rains. The weeds in my back gardens at the little casa are popping up all over. Aughhh...I need some grass! Maybe I should toss some seeds of winter grass over the weeds?? Hmmm, something to think about.
Come on Michael, you can do this!
My broken toe still pretty sore and I'm staying off of it as much as possible. I asked Michael if he would like to watch the movie, The Blind Side, with me. He agreed. I'm probably one of the last people to see the movie as it's been out for quite some time so by saying, it's a good one to see, I may be behind the times.
There was a lot of "meat" to the movie and it made me stop and think about a whole lot of issues. In the beginning of the movie, the main character Michael Oher (Big Mike) had such a blank stare. He seemed to be an empty shell of a boy just getting by, sleeping wherever, running away from foster homes, and being passed on in school rather than making sure he got an education and actually learned something.
Michael's luck changed when he was befriended by the Tuohy family. Can you imagine seeing a boy walking by the side of the road shivery from the cold, stopping your car and inviting him to spend the night at your house. That's just what Lee Anne Tuohy did. She put aside her fears of what Big Mike might do to them and instead thought about what they could do for him. Slowly, Michael became an important part of the family and was encouraged in his studies and ultimately his love of the game of football. To make a long story short, Michael makes the journey from being a throw away kid to excelling in school to playing football for Ole Miss. The final credits show the 2009 NFL drafting of Michael Ohr by the Baltimore Ravens.
So, what is the blind side? It is the area outside the quarterback's vision - usually the area of defense will target in an attempt to sack the quarterback. Michael played offensive tackle, a position this mild mannered boy could relate to because he thought of it as "protecting his family." We have our own blind sides ... those moments in time when we have our backs turned and we are focusing on our task in front of us.
Where am I going with all of this? We all need someone to protect our blind side ... the area where we can't see when we are in motion. This concept filters throughout our world ... we all need advisers (people we trust) to look out for us. If you are a husband you need your wife to have your back; a wife needs her husband to have her back; children need their parents... But, what if you are like Michael Ohr and have no one to protect you or look out for you? That's where God comes in.
When I was a little girl, I wandered the streets looking for adventure. I had the freedom to explore anywhere my little legs would take me and learned to be street smart at a very young age ... to take care of myself. Looking back, I can see that God had my blind side. It was He who gave me my curiosity about Him and I looked for Him... Was I ever angry with Him thinking He should have protected me from the blurred figure hurting me? Was I ever angry with Him saying that my relationships with my mother and father weren't nurturing? To be totally honest, I can't say that I was angry with God ... I WAS angry with me! I was angry because in my own little mind, I was bad to the core. I punished myself over and over...
When I started therapy in the mid 1980's, I was a study of contrasts. I puzzled the therapists because I was not your stereotypical case. I was high functioning, kind, and quite balanced in all areas of my life except one. The darkness in my mind was so well buried that it took many many years of cleansing to completely drain the puss and give my problems a diagnosis ... post traumatic shock disorder stemming from trauma as a child. You're probably asking why I thank God and am grateful...
First of all, God did have my back protecting me from the dangers of being on the move as a small child less than four years old. Secondly, He kept my mind intact and, like Michael Ohr, I held no bitterness towards my abusers. I shut my eyes and entered a world of my own where I was safe and secure. Thirdly, He was brought my past to the surface only as I could handle it. NOW, the past is but a fragment of who I am, and my heart, mind, and soul are filled with joy and wholeness. Forgiving others was the easiest part of my journey; forgiving myself was and still is the most difficult.
As I relax and settle into slumber land, I am thinking about who I can encourage and whose blank stare I can fracture with arms of love...
Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
Hello there, Readers! It's a beautiful "Son"day in Central Texas. The sun is shining brightly and the birds are chirping outside the dining room window. I've kept my camera beside me in hopes of getting a photo of the little rascals but as soon as I move the curtains, they fly away. For now, I need to be content to see and listen to them through the sheers! I am hoping that they will get brave enough that I can sit outside and try to capture their comings and goings! I am keeping their bowl filled with seed and the bird bath filled with clean water.
Michael decided to come down to the little casa to spend the weekend. I think he needed his stash of homemade goodies refilled! I've been in the kitchen making cookies and am going to try a new chicken recipe for dinner tonight. I feel so blessed to have my kitchen finished. Everything is so handy and it makes me want to spend more time cooking and baking. I light my candles, put on some peppy music and I am in heaven!
Earlier today, I tried one of those peel off masks that I got on one of my excursions to Walmart. I came out of the bathroom and Michael said, "What did you do to your face?" I laughed and told him that it was supposed to remove all the debris from my face and make it soft. It was kind of fun ... I peeled it off and, yep, it looked like it did the trick. Now I just need to work on my fingernails! When I was in Florida, my daughter treated me to a mani-pedi using gel polish. That polish lasted five (yes five!) weeks, stayed shiny, and didn't peel. How about that! I asked at the nail salon here if they used the gel polish and they looked at me like I was from Mars. On my next trip back to North Texas, I know I can find a salon that does that sort of thing. Even with my new eyes, I try do my nails and end up painting my fingers!
Don & Beverly
We have such wonderful neighbors here at the little casa. Don came over today and asked if he could mow our front yard. I told him no that I was going to rake up the leaves and use them for mulch in my gardens in the backyard. Then he asked about the weeds in the back yard and I gratefully accepted his offer. I did some work in the backyard yesterday but am at kind of a stand still until I scrape up enough moola to get my borders and walkways in. I was hoping that when the city tore down the old gymnasium they would have some bricks that I could recycle but when I drove over there, there were no bricks in sight. Maybe someone else got a whole lotta bricks just as the building was being torn down. Bummers. Would have been nice to have a piece of history in our own backyard!
Ouch ... it's broken!
You're not going to believe this ... not sure what's going on with my crazy accidents. First in the New Year I slipped on a pillow getting out of bed and hit the side of my eye on a picture frame (black eye) ... next, I painted the dining room and the clock slipped and crashed (black and blue leg) ... hopefully, with number three, my bad luck is DONE! I was going into the kitchen from the dining room and stubbed my third toe on the rug (broken toe). Michael said to me this morning that he thought he should postpone his trip back to North Texas and keep an eye on me. It hurts to put weight on my foot so I will take this day and do some reading.
I have a Facebook friend Heidi Haagenson (Heidi's father was my high school English teacher) who has written a book, THE TENNEY QUILT - Celebrating the Women of Minnesota's Tiniest Town. In a post today, she mentioned that the little town of Tenney, Minnesota was disbanding. How very sad ... yet, the stories of the women of that tiny town will live on. Isn't the printed word wonderful? Stories passed on from generation to generation! Her book is on my list of rereads for 2012. The women in Heidi's book were of my mother's generation which helped me understand her more. As I have said before, information comes from many sources.
My focus in 2012 for my blog will be walking in the light. I have printed out this passage from Ephesians 5:10-14. "Try to learn what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with worthless things that people do, things that belong to the darkness. Instead, bring them out to the light (It is really too shameful even to talk about the things they do in secret.) And when all things are brought out to the light then their true nature is clearly revealed; for anything that is clearly revealed becomes light. That is why it is said, Wake up, sleeper, and rise from death, and Christ will shine on you." (GNT)
I have reconnected with old friends and family and made new friends on the social media Facebook. The whole method of communication has been wonderful. I have a couple of friends who keep me on my toes regarding everything political (MORE than I want to know sometimes but need to know) ... some friends who are blessed with being creative and fashionable ... some friends who love to travel ... some friends who keep me abreast on all things family... I have a plethora of information at my feet each and every day. Love it!!
I have to tell you a story... The lights on my microwave went out. Michael had to take the whole bottom off to pull the lights out. He made a trip to Walmart to get bulbs ... they didn't fit ... he made a trip to Ace Hardware to get bulbs ... they didn't fit ... he made a trip to Tuckers for bulbs (they told him he had the right bulbs). In the meantime, I had the flashlight out and I was fiddling with the bulbs ... I looked into the receptacle and thought I had solved the problem ... it looked like something had broken off inside. I called Michael on his cell to report. He came home and quite patiently told me that there was another piece that fit into the receptacle which he had. He sat down at the dining room table with me and was trying his darnedest to get the bulbs in. I asked to try. Finally, he agreed. I fiddled with it and said, "Michael, you can push the bulbs all you want but they are not going to fit because the (they were clear) sides are wider than the receptacle. He shook his head, grabbed some nippers, clipped the side of the bulb at the base and ooh wah la, the bulb went in! The moral of the story? I don't know enough about fixing things to do it as they are supposed to be done (logic as Michael says). I know enough to try the illogical and make things work. Sometimes, you just have to think out of the box!!! My microwave is now back together and I have my under lights working perfectly. I told Michael we made a good team!!
On that note, I will say so long ... nap time on a lazy "Son"day afternoon! Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!
It's nap time for Toby, too! Be refreshed with a snooze and enjoy your day!!
And a rousing good afternoon, Readers! I hope that you are enjoying your day as much as I am. We're having one of those perfect winter days in central Texas ... not too hot, not too cold. I don't know why Fridays continue to be my favorite day because since I have retired (?) all the days should be Fridays... Habit, I guess.
Come on! I need my breakfast!!
As usual, the doggies got me up this morning ... I no longer need an alarm clock if I need to be up by 7 or 7:30am. I slipped my feet into my new Scottie slippers and we all scampered to the back door. My neighbor thinks I get my dogs too riled up by my "let's go outside and go pee pee!" but I'm a happy morning person and they are too. I think of that song ... If you're happy and you know it clap your hands... It doesn't say ... If you're happy and you know it shut your mouth. Oh well ... let's just call me a happy exuberant soul and leave it at that.
The fragrance of gardenia fills the air!
I made my daily trip to Walmart and got some great potpourri ... Gardenia. They were stocking the shelves with new bags so I knew it was fresh. Oh goodness, it smells so good. A big bag was $4 ... enough to fill my bowls throughout the little casa. Now, when I walk from room to room, it smells like a wonderful garden. Ahhhh ... the beauty of the simple things of life. I also got three new bushes for my garden at $3 each to replace those that died last summer. Looks like I will be working outside today digging in the dirt. Yea!! I was looking for some dried flowers to make a wreath for the bathroom (to replace the Christmas wreath) but I think that a trip to Michael's would better suit my purposes there. I just love having projects to do ... makes me feel like I am accomplishing something.
Family – For Better or Worse
Abraham & Isaac
My blog gives me purpose ... I guess it's my own form of a reality show in written form. What you read and see is what you get. I have been reading in Genesis about Abraham ... an imperfect, sinful, man of God. Despite his faults, Abraham left a legacy of faith and obedience for his son, Isaac, and future generations. God gives a realistic picture of Abraham and I like that. If God used Abraham, why can't He use me (and, you too!)? He can, you know. Forget about what was and move forward to what is and what can be. My blog allows me to be myself and share that self with you, my Readers.
Once upon a time, the tapes in my head, ran with faulty thinking. I have to be ever so careful or the tapes come back stronger than ever and I have to be on guard instantly recognizing that I need to stop the tape. One reason I write my blog is that it is an effective weapon against Satan. I want to tell other people what Christ has done for me. My life of secrets ended when I gave my testimony at a church in Plano to hundreds of listeners on a Sunday morning and, ever since then, I have inched my way forward. FREEDOM!! When you think about it, everyone who has received an answer to prayer has a testimony. The purpose of my blog is to glorify God, encourage people and lead people to faith in Christ. Amen! Simple or as complicated as that.
Some years ago, I taught a class to women who were struggling in their marriages. Who better to teach a class than someone who had "been there, done that." I told my ladies to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) that they would be able to stand firm in their battles of life. I do that verbally and visually each day (the sword, breastplate, belt of truth, shield of faith, shoes of the gospel of peace...). How can I not be filled with joy and confidence knowing that the Lord Jesus has my back??
My life is led by someone and something bigger and better than me. I speak through divine initiative using my fingers on the keyboard. My life is an open book ... some of the pages I look at with shame and sorrow, others are filled with new life in a new day. I am an instrument the Lord uses each day (if I give up my own control!).
I have been given the gift of discernment of spirits. When I walk into a room, I can sense the spirits that have resided there. God has used me as an intercessor and prayer warrior on the battlefield of life ... good vs evil. In the mid to late 1990's, I asked the Lord to put me on His front lines. Be careful what you pray for because, He did. He girded me with a faith that was supernaturally strong. I am just an ordinary lady living an ordinary life among ordinary people used by God to wrap my arms around my fellow man giving them hope. That's not crazy, is it?
As we go through this day, let us remember to walk tall! We all have choices ... we can either be defeated and sad OR we can be warriors claiming the victory of this day and those to come. I'm not afraid to step out in faith, are you?
Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!
And a brr cold winter evening to you, Readers! I've had a very busy week. I always think of January as being sort of a get ready month ... a planning month ... a catch up month! I like to go through the house, making a list of things that need to be fixed and get things in apple pie order. I put in a 16 hour work day Tuesday and have paid for it ever since. When am I ever going to learn that I can't do those long stints like I used to. I just get on a roll and hate to stop.
Mammoth Site -- Waco, TX
Beverly and I drove to Waco Wednesday. I needed dog food and a few other items that I can't get here. We had to check out Ross, TJMaxx, Hobby Lobby and a few other choice stores before having lunch at Panda Bowl. It was nice to get out in the sunshine and breathe in some fresh air. I took a wrong turn and we got lost; however, we did find the Mammoth Site, the zoo, and a few other places that we decided would be fun to visit. If I'm not in a big hurry, I enjoy getting off the beaten track and finding new places ... adventures are right up my alley!
Mom - Isn't she cute with her new haircut
I got some buttons to sew on Mom's black pajama top. We got her some new pink pj's for Christmas but she likes her old black ones ... does black go better with white hair than pink? She thinks so!! Anyway, I did get the buttons sewed on and took the top to her. She was excited and marveled that I knew how to sew on a button! I also cleaned out her closet at the nursing home and organized it. The laundry people just toss her clean clothes in there and it gets pretty messy. I piled all her clothes on her bed and went through them with her. She said, "Where did you get all those clothes? I thought I didn't have much." I chucked ... she just forgets what she has and wears the same thing over and over. Being a caregiver has it's challenges but we feel blessed each day she is with us.
All fresh & clean, ready for 2012!
The Christmas decorations have come down and I am doing a deep cleaning at the little casa. It's a good thing that we have a shed as well as the storm cellar for storage. Michael (and our grandsons) are going to paint the storm cellar as soon as the weather gets nicer. The walls are a foot thick and it is underground so the temperature stays pretty constant. The boys are thinking "fort" and I am thinking, finally, a place for my Christmas tubs! I rolled up the oriental rugs in the living room and dining room and scrubbed the wood floors ... they look so pretty and shiny! Don't you just love the smell of a freshly cleaned house? My sniffer is on heightened alert for signs of any dust and crud lurking in the corners. I know, I know ... I'm one of those crazy women who love cleaning house and making things cozy and comfy.
Benjamin Moore Lenox Tan - FLAT!!
As long as paint has been color matched, it is the same color. Right? Well, I found out the hard way that no, it isn't necessarily. The contractor took our Benjamin Moore flat paint color chip chosen for the walls to the hardware store and had it color matched with the store brand. I had gone to Benjamin Moore in McKinney to get a gallon of paint for the walls and a gallon of paint for the baseboards a couple months ago so I would have paint when I got ready to use it at the little casa. I started touching up in the dining room and when it dried ... oh goodness it was a hair darker and more flat than the original coat. I realized that Lupe had used an eggshell finish and ended up having to paint the entire room. I must admit, I like the Benjamin Moore brand better as well as the deepness of the flat paint and will probably end up painting the entire house with it. My little project is turning into a major one!! Good thing that I like to paint.
After I finished painting, I rehung the pictures and clock in the dining room. I was standing on my trusty stool and felt the clock slip, hit my knee and drop to the floor in a huge crash. The door hinge broke so I will need to wait for Michael to help me before I tackle that. Howard Miller sure makes a sturdy clock!! It took a fall and kept on a ticking once I got the pendulum hooked back on. (Remember those old Timex ads on TV?) My upper leg is black and blue ... I'm learning that when I work for hours on end, my muscles get weak. Maybe I need to start back doing weight training at the gym. What do you think?
I did some bill paying today ... I just love it that I can look up my accounts on the computer and pay them. Between that and my debit card, I rarely need a check book. My goodness, how things are a changin'. My mom and dad paid cash for most everything and I didn't use a credit card until in the 1990's... Technology is being developed at warp speed that's for sure. I got this gizmo for Christmas (I think it's called an XBox) that has games ... dance, golf, baseball ... anyway, to find a game you just wave your hand. My eight year old grandson had to show me how to get it to work! Wayyyy too smart these kids are now days! Good thing, I guess or I would be up a creek. Actually, I kind of enjoy learning from them... I just love it when they say, "Oh, Grandma!"
Human nature at it's best?
Do you dislike that word impossible as much as I do? I am always sure that somehow, someway everything is possible. Miracles occur today just like they did from the beginning of time. It's just my opinion but I think that when we step out in faith and do something, God honors that and meets us where we're headed. He does expect us to get up off our blessed assurances that's for sure. "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. "
~ Mark Twain
I'm not forgetting about my daily Bible reading. If I start my day with that and prayer, I do much better. I am continuing my reading in Genesis about Lot, Abraham, and Issac. Funny ... my son called and said, "Mom, do you know much about Sodom and Gomorrah?" I had just read about Lot choosing the land close to Sodom and then about how Lot, his two daughters and his wife were to leave Sodom and not look back when the town was destroyed ... Lot's wife did look back and was turned into a pillar of salt." It is so fun being able to talk about Biblical history with him. He has such a passion for learning about the Bible ... so cool as a parent to see my prayers being answered. Note to self and others: NEVER give up praying for those we love ... and, for those who, well, are our heavenly sandpaper!!
Guess I will go immerse my body in a hot bubble bath.
I just love lighting candles and relaxing before bed.
As I sign off, always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!
